• Cool temperatures in most of Thailand forecast for next week/
• Starting a Business in Thailand: Legalities, Financing, and Market Research/
• Thais warned against becoming foreigners’ nominees in businesses/
• All you need to know about Thailand’s Education Visa/
• Don’t Rush To Open A Legal Casino In Thailand: Academic/
• China’s reopening lifts Thai export sector, but recovery is fragile/
• Evaluating the China effect on Thailand’s economy/
• Infrastructure outlays to underpin growth/
• PTTEP commits to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050/
• Tourism: Suvarnabhumi Expects 140,000 Daily During Chinese New Year/First Cruise to Koh Samui in 2023 Expected to Generate 5 Million Baht/Bangkok’s most famous weekend market – Chatuchak – is bustling again/No Suspected Sex Workers Found During Pattaya Inspection, Say Police/Foreign tourist goes on rampage in Pattaya 7-Eleven/TAT introduces “The Michelin Experience@Isan/This year, eat your way through Thailand and Southeast Asia/
• Covid: China reports nearly 60,000 Covid-related deaths in a month/
• International: At least 68 dead in Nepal plane crash/NATO hints at more heavy weapons for Ukraine/Americans are flocking to Mexico/
• Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

Cool temperatures in most of Thailand forecast for next week

A high-pressure system from China and the South China Sea will bring cold, strong winds to upper Thailand, pulling the temperature down by several degrees for most of next week.

“The temperature will drop by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius in the Northeast,” the Thai Meteorological Department said on Sunday. Temperatures in the North, East and Central regions, including Greater Bangkok, will drop by 2-4 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, isolated heavy rain has been forecast for the South, as the northeast monsoon across the Gulf of Thailand and the South will strengthen. Flash floods and runoffs have also been predicted, while waves in the upper Gulf are expected to be about 2 meters high and higher in thundershowers. Continued … 

Starting a Business in Thailand: Legalities, Financing, and Market Research

Starting a business in a foreign country can be an exciting but daunting task. Thailand is no exception, with its unique laws and regulations that must be adhered to before any business can begin operations.

This article will provide an overview of the process for starting a business in Thailand, including researching the business environment, identifying your target market, securing financing, choosing a business structure, and obtaining necessary licenses and permits.

The first step in getting started is to do some research on the business environment in Thailand. This includes understanding the legal and regulatory framework that governs businesses in the country. It is important to understand the rules and regulations that apply to the type of business you plan to set up and make sure you are compliant. Additionally, it is helpful to identify opportunities for entrepreneurship in the Thai market, such as potential partnerships or investment opportunities. Continued …

Thais warned against becoming foreigners’ nominees in businesses

Thai people who allow their names to be used by foreigners as nominees to open businesses reserved for Thai nationals may face prison terms of three years and/or a fine of between 100,000 baht and a million baht, said Thosapone Dansuputra, director-general of the Business Development Department.

He said that foreigners are not allowed to open businesses selling food or drinks, as he responded to reports that Chinese businessmen had purchased a number of food shops in the Chinatown area.

He explained that foreigners who want to open a food shop must get a permission from the Business Development Department, adding that Thai people who co-invest with foreign partners in such business must show their bank accounts, to prove that they have the financial resources to invest and are not just acting as a nominee. Continued …

All you need to know about Thailand’s Education Visa

There are many ways to stay in Thailand legally for an extended period of time. One way is through the Education Visa or ED Visa. Video 

Don’t Rush To Open A Legal Casino In Thailand: Academic

A prominent academic warned that there are both pros and cons to the proposal to open a legal casino in the country but this project should not be rushed and only implemented after effective law enforcement and reforms are in place.

On Thursday, the House of Representatives approved a full report by a special committee on setting up a casino and entertainment complex in the country by a 310 to nine vote.

Bangkok and the Eastern Economic Corridor were cited in the final report as suitable sites for the casino and entertainment complex, but earlier Pattaya, Koh Samui and elsewhere in the provinces were also mentioned. Continued …

China’s reopening lifts Thai export sector, but recovery is fragile

The reopening of China will benefit Thailand’s key export sector but the recovery remains fragile, experts say.

China, Thailand’s second-largest export market after the U.S., lifted border restrictions on Jan. 8, spurring hopes of economic and trade recovery.

Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) Director Poonpong Naiyanapakorn expects the country’s reopening to boost Thailand’s export sector, led by shipments of fruit, food and beverages, and fashion items. Continued …

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Evaluating the China effect on Thailand’s economy

One-third of the world economy may slide into a recession this year, but the outlook for China remains murkier.

The gloomy economic forecast was made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), based on concerns over an economic slowdown in the U.S., the EU and China, but some analysts say 2023 will be a year of economic recovery for the world’s second-largest economy.

A mélange of factors, including a surge in Covid-19 infections in China and Beijing’s monetary policy and decision to reopen the country for cross-border travel, have analysts predicting Thailand will both gain benefits and face new challenges this year. Continued … 

Infrastructure outlays to underpin growth

The government aims to accelerate state investment this year to provide a tailwind to propel economic growth momentum.

Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said he expects the economy to expand 3%-4% in 2023, with growth driven by the government’s plan to speed up state investment in key infrastructure projects.

According to Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) Director-general Pornchai Thiraveja, state agencies set a combined investment budget of 664 billion baht in fiscal 2023, accounting for 20.9% of total state spending. Continued …

PTTEP commits to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050

PTTEP aims to reduce the intensity of GHG emissions by 30% in 2030 and 50% in 2040, with the ultimate target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 from 2020 base year.

In Q1/2022, PTTEP achieved the previous target of 25% GHG emissions intensity reduction from 2012 base year, equivalent to one-year CO2 sequestration of 3.15 MM Rais of medium-sized slow-growing native trees, which is eight years ahead of the set target. – Bangkok Post

Suvarnabhumi Expects 140,000 Daily During Chinese New Year

Suvarnabhumi Airport is preparing for higher passenger numbers ahead of the Chinese New Year holidays, projecting up to 140,000 daily arrivals.

Kittipong Kittikachorn, general manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport, said the airport anticipates around 1.8 million people to use its services during Chinese New Year celebrations from Jan. 16-28, or about 139,000 passengers per day. During that time, some 1.3 million people are expected to use the airport’s international terminal, along with 454,000 domestic passengers.

The general manager noted that the airport has integrated with related agencies in anticipation of the increase in travelers during this period in order to efficiently facilitate the influx. Officials will implement measures to accommodate the higher numbers, such as adding check-in stations to reduce airport congestion for departures. Continued …

First Cruise to Koh Samui in 2023 Expected to Generate 5 Million Baht

The luxury liner Mein Schiff 5 recently arrived in Koh Samui, becoming the first luxury cruise ship to the island this year. Over 3,000 tourists from Europe visited the island from the ship in a single day for sightseeing and shopping, generating an estimated 5 million baht for the island.

Koh SamuiMayor Chayapon Intarasupa said tourism businesses had the opportunity to welcome the passengers of the Mein Schiff 5, which sailed from Vietnam and docked at Koh Samui’s Nathon Pier on Jan. 14. The passengers visited local communities and tourist attractions on the island, as locals were celebrating Children’s Day, making for a lively atmosphere. Continued …

Bangkok’s most famous weekend market – Chatuchak – is bustling again

The number of shoppers at Bangkok’s Chatuchak weekend market is rising every weekend and vendors are stocking up in anticipation of a surge of Chinese shoppers next weekend.

Shoppers are still pouring in despite an expected drop following the New Year break, a clothing vendor said on Saturday.

The market will see more shoppers, including many Chinese tourists, next weekend, the vendor said, noting that it coincides with the Chinese New Year on Jan. 22. Continued …

No Suspected Sex Workers Found During Pattaya Inspection, Say Police

Pattaya Tourist Police were satisfied after finding no illegal prostitutes during yesterday’s tour around risky spots.

The inspection, which aimed to stifle illegal prostitution and came after complaints from concerned citizens claiming prostitutes were operating in Pattaya, took place at midnight on Jan. 14 and was led by Lt. Col. Pichaya Kheawpluang.

The police patrolled around risky spots such as Beach Road and Walking Street to look for suspects and put flyers on venues’ front gates to warn tourists to “Be aware of their belongings and don’t trust strangers.” Continued …

Foreign tourist goes on rampage in Pattaya 7-Eleven

A foreign national was arrested after he went on a convenience store rampage early this morning in the beachside city Pattaya and has so far refused to cooperate with police.

At 4am, Pattaya police were alerted to a tourist who entered a 7-Eleven on Walking Street, where he proceeded to destroy merchandise and ran into the glass door, shattering it with his body.

The man also injured store cashier Kanya Inpanon, who was cut with the broken glass. When a motorbike taxi named Naranon tried to stop him, the tourist head-butted him. Continued … 

TAT introduces “The Michelin Experience@Isan

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is introducing “The Michelin Experience@Isan” activity to promote Thai-Isan food culture and congratulate 33 entries from four representative cities of the Northeast or “Isan” region included in the Bib Gourmand list in the new MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023 edition.

Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT governor, said, “Thailand’s fantastic culinary scene indeed helps strengthen the kingdom’s status as a world-class dining destination. Food also forms part of the kingdom’s soft-power foundations that continue to be highlighted in the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2023 Amazing New Chapters’ campaign.”

With Northeast Thailand featured for the first time, The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023 now features 441 dining venues in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phuket and Phang-nga, and four in the Isan provinces of Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani. Continued … 

This year, eat your way through Thailand and Southeast Asia

Southeast Asian countries have always had vibrant gastronomic scenes. This is evident in the never-ending stream of tourists who visit Southeast Asian countries, particularly for the food.

In 2023, gastronomy tourism is said to be one of the big trends in travel. Let’s check out what’s in store for tourists who come to Thailand, as well as some of our neighboring countries, to feast on our delicious fare.

Thai food has been a top destination choice for foodies for many years now. There’s a wide variety of cheap, fresh and delicious food available throughout the country – you can never go hungry in Thailand! The vibrant and dynamic street markets offer curious foodies a chance to feast on many delicacies, including deep-fried insects (if you’re into these kinds of things, that is). Continued …

China reports nearly 60,000 Covid-related deaths in a month

China’s health authorities on Saturday reported almost 60,000 Covid-related deaths in just over a month, the first major death toll released by the government since the loosening of its virus restrictions in early December.

China recorded 59,938 Covid-related deaths between Dec. 8, 2022, and Jan. 12 this year, Jiao Yahui, head of the Bureau of Medical Administration under the National Health Commission, told a press conference.

The figure refers only to deaths recorded at medical facilities, with the total toll likely to be higher. Continued … 

At least 68 dead in Nepal plane crash

Sixty-eight deaths were confirmed and four people were missing after a plane crashed Sunday in a Nepal ravine, the wreckage burning so hot that rescue workers were unable to aid at least one screaming victim. Continued … 

NATO hints at more heavy weapons for Ukraine

Kyiv can expect more deliveries of heavy weapons from Western countries soon, NATO said Sunday, as President Vladimir Putin praised his forces after their claimed capture of a Ukraine town. Continued … 

Americans are flocking to Mexico

For more than a decade, Marcos Del Rosario Santiago has lived in la Roma — at the time an up and coming neighborhood in the west side of Mexico City. But Del Rosario has seen a shift in his neighborhood. More Airbnbs are popping up after those living in apartments, some who have had to already have three or four roommates, could no longer afford to live there. At his local panadería, where he often orders a coffee and pan dulce, he used to only hear people order in Spanish, even if they were not Mexican. Now, he said he’s seeing and hearing more foreigners order in English. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

• Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
• Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets