Cha Am Crab Festival/Tourism Given Reprieve on Booze Ban/Mystery Behind Thailand’s Heavy Rainfall/What are Southeast Asia’s scam centers?/Nationwide inspection of land/Another illegal durian farm/Gold rises on trade war fears/Lawsuit over invasive fish/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Q1 GDP growth seen at 3.4%/24 million people in Thailand face risks/Looming trade war/‘Homes for Thais’ lottery/DHL backs nation’s hub ambition/Thai Restaurants Abroad to Expand Soft PowerThailand’s Smart Grid Transformation/CP Foods Profit Surges 467%/TOURISM: 5.9% rise in foreign tourist arrivals/Bt690-billion Boost from Wellness Economy/Unfazed by security warnings/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: 13 Manners You Need to Know/Thailand’s most popular tourist spots/Koh Yao Noi should be on your bucket list/CLIMATE THAILAND: Polluters to offset 15% of emissions/Plastics recycler multiplies capacity/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Cha Am Crab Festival starts Saturday
Tourism Given Reprieve on Booze Ban on Buddhist Holy Days
Thailand’s Alcoholic Beverage Board has decided to maintain the ban on alcohol sales during five major Buddhist holy days, but with some exceptions to support tourism. The new rules are expected to start before Visakha Bucha Day on May 11.
Chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Chantararuangthong, a meeting took place at the Government House on March 4. The ban will stay, but alcohol sales will be allowed in certain locations like international airports, designated tourist areas, hotels, and venues hosting major events. Continued …
The Meteorological Mystery Behind Thailand’s Heavy Rainfall
Thailand is a land of vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, and stunning landscapes. Yet, it is also a country steeped in climatic enigmas, particularly its intense and often unpredictable rainfall.
From picturesque downpours to torrential storms, Thailand’s weather is as varied as its terrain. While these rains are essential for the region’s agriculture and ecology, they sometimes cause flooding and disrupt daily life. But what underlies this complex meteorological phenomenon? Continued …
What are Southeast Asia’s scam centers, and why are they being dismantled?
Scam centers that operated along the Thai-Myanmar border for years have drawn fresh attention after the high-profile abduction and release of a Chinese actor in Thailand.
The incident sparked a multi-national effort among Thailand, China and Myanmar to dismantle the centers in a network of scam compounds across Southeast Asia. Continued …
Nationwide inspection of land allocated to farmers ordered
Chalermchai Sri-on, Natural Resources and Environment minister, has ordered all provincial governors to conduct urgent inspections of 7.2 million rai (2.846 million acres) of land distributed to farmers by the National Land Policy Committee (NLPC). Any land found to have been sold or transferred will be seized, with offending farmers losing all future rights.
The order comes on the heels of an incident in Chachoengsao Province, where Forestry Department officials reclaimed a durian orchard in Tha Takiap District. Continued …
Another illegal durian farm found in Chanthaburi
A durian and banana farm has been found on a 400-rai plot of land in a national reserved forest in Khlung district of Chanthaburi. Authorities are working to identify the owner.
The discovery follows others made recently in the eastern province, where authorities believe some Chinese investors have put down roots, holding land through Thai nominees. Continued …
Gold rises on weaker dollar, trade war fears
Gold prices rose yesterday, driven by a weaker dollar and heightened safe-haven demand amid escalating trade conflicts following U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of new tariffs.
Spot gold was up 0.6% at $2,911.88 an ounce as of 02:16 a.m. ET (1916 GMT). Bullion has gained nearly 11% so far this year and hit a record high of $2,956.15 on Feb. 24. Continued …
Lawsuit targets CP Foods over invasive fish impact
A Thai court yesterday accepted a class action lawsuit against food giant Charoen Pokphand Foods for causing environmental damage from the rapid spread of an invasive fish species.
CP Foods is part of agro-industrial conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group, which owns the country’s second-largest mobile network and largest convenience store operator. The case is being brought by 10 fishermen from Samut Songkhram, a province by the Gulf of Thailand, known for its fishing industry. Continued …
Phuket locals demand action against foreign beggars targeting tourists
Locals in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket demanded official action against foreign beggars asking for money from tourists, fearing a negative impact on the province’s reputation.
A video yesterday showed one of two foreign women asking a foreign man for money. The incident reportedly took place in the Patong area of Phuket and received numerous complaints from residents. Continued …
- Foreign Scammer with EM Bracelet Targets Pattaya Women – Continued …
- Indian Tourists Climb Buddha Statue for Mangoes – Continued …
- Police Arrest Nigerian Duo Linked to Cocaine Smuggling – Continued …
Q1 GDP growth seen at 3.4%
Thailand’s economy is expected to grow 3.4% in the first quarter of 2025 from a year earlier, which would be the fastest pace in 10 quarters, helped by government stimulus measures, a deputy finance minister said today.
Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy is on an upward trend, Paopoom Rojanasakul said on a local television program. The government has prepared various measures to boost the economy throughout the year, including the next phase of a signature stimulus scheme and tax and loan measures, to maintain economic momentum at a high level, Paopoom said. Continued …
24 million people in Thailand face risks associated with multidimensional poverty
Thailand has made significant progress in reducing poverty, but still faces challenges, as around 24 million citizens remain vulnerable to multidimensional poverty, according to a report from the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).
While the country has halved its multidimensional poverty rate since 2015, a closer look at the data reveals a more complex situation. Of the 7.17 million Thais classified as poor in 2023, about 4.78 million face multidimensional poverty without financial hardship, 1.04 million experience financial poverty exclusively, and 1.35 million contend with both financial difficulties and quality of life challenges. Continued …
Looming trade war heaps pressure on Thai shipments
Thailand should shift its attention from celebrating rising export figures to prioritizing the trade balance, analyzing it country-by-country, says the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC).
Chaichan Charoensuk, chairman of TNSC, said the ongoing trade war is like a time bomb for exporters, with the true impact likely to become evident in the second quarter. Continued …
‘Homes for Thais’ lottery starts April
The lottery drawing for a chance to buy affordable houses and condos under the government’s “Homes for Thais” campaign will start in April, with the registration for phase 1 scheduled to end by mid-March, the Transport Ministry announced yesterday.
“Homes for Thais” offers quality housing with good transport links, affordable payment terms and no down payment required, built on land owned by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Continued …
DHL strategy backs nation’s hub ambition
DHL, a leading global logistics firm, has outlined its “strategy 2030” for Thailand by targeting electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and spare parts service bases, and cross-border e-commerce, with a focus on its global supply chain diversification.
The strategy aims to position Thailand as a key regional hub, as more businesses look to build supply chain resiliency in Asia-Pacific amid geographic tailwinds from pressures on global trade. Continued …
Thailand Looks to Thai Restaurants Abroad to Expand Soft Power
Thailand is tapping into its global network of Thai restaurants to drive an ambitious campaign aimed at amplifying the country’s creative soft power industries. A joint initiative between Thailand’s public and private sectors seeks to establish a new international platform for cultural promotion.
The “Taste of The Very Thai Fest” campaign is at the forefront of this effort, using the reach of Thai restaurants overseas to introduce international audiences to Thailand’s vibrant festival scene and creative industries. Continued …
Gorilla Technology Secures $1.8-Billion Agreement to Drive Thailand Smart Grid Transformation
Gorilla Technology Group has secured a $1.8-billion agreement to lead Thailand’s largest energy digitization initiative. The 15-year nationwide AI-driven program will transform the country’s electricity ecosystem through smart grid implementation and infrastructure modernization.
The project features an innovative long-term financing model, with groundwork beginning in 2025 and major revenue impact expected between 2026-2027. Key components include: Continued …
CP Foods Reports 2024 Profit Surges 467% to Over Bt19 Billion
Charoen Pokphand Foods (CP Foods) reported outstanding financial results for 2024, achieving a net profit of Bt19,558 million and total sales of Bt580,747 million, reflecting a 476% increase from a net loss in 2023.
This performance was driven by effective cost management, a balanced approach in the livestock sector, and improved operations, particularly overseas, which constituted 63% of total sales. Continued …
Thailand records 5.9% rise in foreign tourist arrivals
Thailand recorded a 5.9% increase in foreign tourist arrivals for the period from Jan. 1 to March 2 compared to the same period a year earlier, the Tourism and Sports Ministry said yesterday. There were 7 million foreign tourist arrivals in the period, including 1.1 million from China, the ministry said.
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) in February projected 38 million foreign tourists in 2025. In 2019, before the coronavirus (Covid) pandemic, visitor numbers reached a record of nearly 40 million. Continued …
Thailand Eyes Bt690-billion Boost from Wellness Economy
In a strategic move aimed at fortifying Thailand’s economy, the country’s wellness industry is projected to generate a substantial 690 billion baht this year. This ambitious target was announced by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, who elaborated on plans for a comprehensive collaboration between innovators and investors to elevate Thailand’s standing in the global health market.
Somsak unveiled seven pivotal policies designed to invigorate the health and wellness sectors, underscoring the importance of high-quality health products and services. The agenda includes groundbreaking initiatives in pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, herbal products, and cosmetics. Continued …
Thai tourism trade unfazed by security warnings
Only a short-term impact is expected after several countries warned their citizens to exercise caution in Thailand following the deportation of 40 Uyghurs back to China, while tourism operators say cyber-scams are a greater concern.
The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) has already sent out surveys to members to gauge booking cancellations related to declining tourism confidence. Continued …
13 Manners You Need to Know When Traveling in Thailand
Thailand is one of the best places to travel, with its unique tourist destinations and many Michelin-recommended restaurants. Besides finding out areas to visit, tourists must also understand the country’s etiquette and manners. It is so that you can enjoy the trip and be welcomed by the locals.
Here are the etiquettes that tourists must follow when traveling in Thailand. Continued …
Google Maps reveals Thailand’s most popular tourist spots
Thailand’s diverse attractions have cemented its status as a premier global tourist destination, with Google Maps revealing the country’s most reviewed locations as the platform marks its 20th anniversary.
Thailand’s culinary scene has garnered the most attention. Food remains a key draw for international visitors, with restaurants and cafes boasting unique offerings. Google’s data reveal the following top-reviewed establishments: Continued …
Koh Yao Noi: The secret, lesser-known Thai island that should be on your bucket list
Hopping onto the sun-drenched dock at Koh Yao Noi’s Manoh Pier, I am not sure if the speedboat from Phuket has transported me 30 minutes across the Andaman Sea or two decades back in time.
Despite being halfway between Phuket and Ao Nang, with their neon lights, bucket drinks and puking backpackers (trust me, I used to be one), Koh Yao Noi (Little Long Island) and its sister Koh Yao Yai (Big Long Island), feel like another world – and a different decade. Continued …
Thailand plan would allow polluters to offset 15% of emissions
Thailand is considering proposals to allow businesses to offset as much as 15% of their greenhouse gas pollution with carbon credits in a planned emissions trading system.
The strategy is intended to help stimulate development of the country’s voluntary carbon market, said Suraphon Buphakosum, vice president and head of the sustainability service development at the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), which is involved in the market’s development. Continued …
Plastics recycler multiplies capacity in Thailand
Global plastic packaging recycler and producer Alpla continues to ramp up capacity in Southeast Asia. After a year of construction, the company has opened a modern plant in Thailand, its second facility in the country.
The new, 24 000 m2 building in Chachoengsao near Bangkok includes a technical center for product development and the first STUDIOa in the Asia-Pacific region for designing new packaging solutions with customers. Continued …
Europe’s Catch-22 Over Ukraine
The shocking shouting match at the White House between U.S. President Donald Trump and visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vividly illustrated what Trump is willing to do when he is upset and trying to please his home base. He belittled his guest and warned that without the support of the world’s most powerful country, Ukraine would be finished. Continued …
China and Canada Retaliate Against US Tariffs
Canada and China have responded to the latest U.S. tariffs by imposing their own retaliatory levies. Mexico is also set to announce its countermeasures in the ongoing trade disputes. This escalation among North American and Asian countries highlights the growing tensions in international trade relations as nations aim to protect their economies from perceived unfair practices. Continued …
Some small businesses fear ‘devastating effect’ from US tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump’s new 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada took effect yesterday, along with a doubling of duties on Chinese goods to 20%, sparking trade wars that could cause real issues for the automotive industry. Video …
How a key ingredient in Coca-Cola is smuggled out of Sudan
Gum arabic, a vital ingredient used in everything from Coca-Cola to M&M’s candy, is increasingly being trafficked from rebel-held areas of war-torn Sudan, traders and industry sources say, complicating Western companies’ efforts to insulate their supply chains from the conflict. Continued …
New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok
The new first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin will offer two round trips daily. The fare would be 200 baht each way and would take three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure will be from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.
- The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
- It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm
Hua Hin train schedule
Van/minibus service at Market Village
Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:
- Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
- Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
- Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
- Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
- Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)
The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.
Emergency hotline numbers:
- Emergency hotline – 191
- Emergency medical services – 1554
- Water accident – 1196
- Motorway hotline – 1586
- Emergency medical – 1669
- Highway police – 1193
- Tourist police – 1155
- Bus ticket – 1490
- Department of Highways – 1586
- State Railway – 1590
Thais Reject Casino Complex and Online Betting Plans, Poll Shows
New Thai law would target unregistered small hotels
