Tag Archives: thailand food waste

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Friday’s news-Aug 7

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  • Hua Hin 300-baht guest fee/Thai Woman Done With the American Dream/Unlock food waste value/TrueVisions rallies support for Nene Royal
  • THE IRAN WAR: Again? Trump expects Iran war to end soon/32 times Trump suggested the war in Iran was almost over
  • ECONOMY: Weak baht for rest of 2026/SMEs struggle/Thailand seeks wider US tariff relief/Sustainable data center investment
  • TOURISM: Thailand to adopt checked baggage opening/Gulf visitor arrivals save Thai tourism/Creative cities drive/Resort begins demolition
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Eat your way across Thailand
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand plans rooftop solar grants
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Hua Hin tenant raises 300-baht guest fee issue, dorm cites safety rule

A dispute over a dormitory charging an additional 300 baht after a tenant brought a friend to stay overnight has been clarified after Hua Hin officials inspected the property and found that the condition was included in the rental agreement.

The issue gained attention after a female tenant posted on social media claiming she was charged an extra 300 baht on top of her monthly rent because she had allowed a friend to stay in her room for one night. The post included a rental bill showing the additional charge, prompting questions over whether the tenant had been treated unfairly. Continued … 

Thai Woman Who Moved to America Three Years Ago Is Done With the American Dream

A video of a Thai woman shared on Reddit shows her explaining why she no longer wants to live in the United States. As a result, Reddit users are weighing in on whether the “American dream” still exists and how life in the U.S. compares with Thailand.

In the video, a man introduces the topic by saying his wife moved to the U.S. three years ago but now wants to return to Thailand. The woman then says, “I came here three years ago because of the American dream. It’s not like what I thought at all. I feel like the American dream is dead. It’s not like 20 or 30 years ago anymore.” Continued … 

Laws must unlock food waste value

Thailand throws away food on a massive scale. Yet, much of what ends up in the bin could still feed people, animals, or even produce energy. The real problem is not simply waste but a system that makes reuse difficult.

Each person in Thailand generates about 154 kilograms of food waste a year. In 2024 alone, the country produced more than 10.1 million tons, almost one-third of all municipal waste nationwide. Continued … 

TrueVisions rallies support for Nene Royal on America’s Got Talent

TrueVisions is inviting viewers across Thailand to support NENE Royal as the talented Thai artist showcases her abilities on the global stage in America’s Got Talent Season 21.

Audiences can follow every important moment of her competition journey from on the TrueVisions NOW app and True X-ZYTE, channel 340, from 1pm. Continued … 

Again? Trump expects Iran war to end soon as Hormuz talks progress

US President Donald Trump said he expected the war with Iran to end soon as negotiations over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz moved closer to an agreement but remained complicated by Iranian proposals to restrict US and Israeli vessels.

“I think it’s going to end pretty soon. I don’t think they can go much longer,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday (August 6), referring to Iran. Continued … 

32 times Trump suggested the war in Iran was almost over

An NBC News review through July 10 found dozens of instances where Trump said the war was won or almost won — comments that were often followed by more threats of military action. Continued … 

Bank sees weak baht for rest of 2026

Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) expects the baht to remain weak for the rest of the year, despite its recent appreciation this week driven by external factors. The baht strengthened to around 33 per US dollar this week, primarily due to global developments.

According to Tim Leelahaphan, the bank’s senior economist, the appreciation was largely driven by a joint yen-buying intervention by the US and Japanese central banks, which began late last week and has continued this week. The intervention put downward pressure on the US dollar. Continued … 

SMEs struggle as business outlook remains subdued

The SMEs Competitiveness Index fell by 0.8 points to 45.1 in the second quarter of this year, as businesses urge the government to help reduce costs and improve liquidity, according to a survey by the Institute of Trade Strategies at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).

The index is based on the SMEs Situation Index, SMEs Competency Index and SMEs Sustainability Index, all of which were below 50, indicating a worse situation for operators than in the first quarter. Continued … 

Thailand seeks wider US tariff relief in August talks

Thailand will use private-sector investment and broader economic cooperation as bargaining tools in late-August trade talks with the United States, as it seeks exemptions for 13 additional export items and relief for the roughly 28% of Thai products that remain subject to US duties, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said.

Suphajee said at Government House yesterday she would lead Team Thailand to the United States at the end of the month for negotiations on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, or ART. Continued … 

CIMBT calls for sustainable data center investment

CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT) has urged policymakers to prioritize sustainable investment in data center projects to maximize the long-term benefits for the Thai economy.

Amid robust growth in foreign direct investment, particularly in data center projects, the Thai government should focus on the quality rather than the quantity of investment, said Amonthep Chawla, chief economist at CIMBT. Continued … 

Thailand to adopt checked baggage opening without owners present

Authorities in Thailand will be able to open air travelers’ checked baggage for security reasons without an owner’s consent starting on Oct. 16, but the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has affirmed that checks will follow strict guidelines.

According to the CAAT, officials will open only checked bags bound for an aircraft’s hold that have been x-rayed and suspected to contain illegal objects or items that could jeopardize aircraft safety. Continued … 

Gulf visitor arrivals save Thai tourism from low season disaster

A surge in visitors from the Gulf countries in July saved the beleaguered Thai tourism sector from what would have been an unmitigated disaster. A few weeks of relative calm in the Gulf allowed flights to operate more or less normally, leading to a spectacular surge in arrivals during the so-called low season, lifting hotel occupancies, supporting thousands of jobs and distributing income. Even arrivals from Iran and Israel rose.

This growth would not have materialized had the US and Israel launched another attack on Iran, as they did in February, and have repeatedly threatened to do again ever since. Continued … 

Thailand to ramp up creative cities drive

Thailand aims to secure UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) recognition for two new destinations every two years as part of a national strategy to have at least 35 Thai cities designated by 2037, according to the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA).

The agency said receiving recognition is expected to increase tourism revenue in those areas by 10%-30%. The strategy calls for Thailand to achieve international standards such as the UCCN or Top 100 Sustainable Destinations by Green Destinations for 35 cities or communities by 2037. Continued … 

Resort begins demolition of buildings in national park

Another tourism operator has agreed to demolish all buildings encroaching on Thap Lan National Park, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin said yesterday.

He said the operator of Starwell Home Garden Resort began demolition work in July last year and has so far removed more than 40% of the structures. Heavy machinery will be brought in to demolish the remaining buildings, with work expected to be completed by the end of this month, he said. Continued … 

Eat your way across Thailand with TAT’s new GI food map

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled a culinary map featuring five geographical indication (GI) products from across the country, encouraging travelers to discover regional specialties recognized for their unique origins and local production methods.

The featured products include Doi Chang Coffee from Chiang Rai, Phon Yang Kham premium beef from Sakon Nakhon, Sam Phran aromatic coconut from Nakhon Pathom, Chanthaburi durian from Chanthaburi, and Trang roast pork from Trang. Each product is certified as a GI item, identifying goods whose quality or reputation is closely linked to their place of origin. Continued … 

Thailand plans rooftop solar grants of 50,000 baht per household

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has outlined plans to provide grants of 50,000 baht per household for rooftop solar installations, alongside low-interest loans from state banks.

Ekniti said the Finance Ministry was working with the Interior Ministry, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to accelerate the rooftop solar program. Continued … 

  • Phuket police arrest 2 Canadians over alleged school nominees – Continued … 
  • Phuket CCTV shows foreigner taking spirit house offerings – Continued … 
  • Vietnamese call-center suspects held in Bangkok raid – Continued … 

Hua Hin Links and Transport

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

chiang mai, climate change, hua hin, thai economy, thai food, thailand

Tuesday’s News-July 11

  • Pak Nam Pran to host Allianz Ayudhya World Run Nov 26/
  • Outgoing Thai PM found guilty of neglect of duty over PM2.5 pollution/
  • Expect heavy rain in 42 provinces including Bangkok/
  • El Nino will expose Thailand’s lack of defense against climate change/
  • Thailand braces for 150,000 dengue fever cases/
  • Missing German Businessman Hans Peter Mack Found Dismembered in Freezer/
  • Overpass Bridge in Bangkok Collapses, Multiple Fatalities and Injuries Reported/
  • Survey shows progress in adolescent births, worrying trends in education, child development/
  • University sets its sights on tackling Thailand’s food waste problem/
  • Economy: Thailand’s foreign direct investment skyrockets with focus on EV industry/Fitch affirms Thailand’s sovereign credit rating at BBB+/PTT puts renewable strategy into overdrive/How small businesses in Thailand can thrive with the rise of Web3 technologies/Thai rice exports poised to hit 9 million tons amid climate anxieties/
  • International: Myanmar crisis to dominate ASEAN meeting/Turkey gives green light to Swedish NATO membership bid/Germany sends troops to Australia as Berlin shifts focus to Indo-Pacific/
  • 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

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Pak Nam Pran to host Allianz Ayudhya World Run Thailand Series Nov 26

The Allianz Ayudhya World Run Thailand Series 2023 will be held near Hua Hin in November and registration is now open.

The event takes place over two days, with a mini-concert and bib collection taking place on Nov. 25 ahead of the actual race on Nov. 26. The run will see participants compete over distances of 10km or 21.1km. Continued …

Outgoing Thai PM found guilty of neglect of duty over PM2.5 pollution

The Chiang Mai Administrative Court ruled against the prime minister and the National Environmental Board yesterday for neglecting their duty to deal with the annual dense smog in Chiang Mai.

Both defendants were found to have ignored their duties as stipulated in the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act, B.E. 2535 (1992). Continued …

Expect heavy rain in 42 provinces including Bangkok

The Thai Department of Meteorology has alerted residents in 42 provinces to expect heavy rainfalls, including in the capital, Bangkok, with 70% of the southern region particularly affected. Citizens are cautioned to take necessary precautions to avoid potential hazards.

This 24-hour forecast, valid from 6am today to 6am tomorrow, is due to a southwest monsoon prevailing across the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Continued …

El Nino will expose Thailand’s lack of defense against climate change

Although the rainy season has begun in Thailand, the threat of prolonged drought and water shortages is hovering on the horizon because of El Nino.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which monitors sea temperatures at over 200 locations, forecasts that El Nino – a change in the weather system that increases global temperatures – will drag on from now until at least February next year. Continued …

Thailand braces for 150,000 dengue fever cases

Health authorities in Thailand issued a warning about a potentially significant outbreak of dengue fever in the country. Predicted figures from the Department of Disease Control (DDC) suggest that up to 150,000 instances of infection may occur by year-end.

Opas Karnkawinpong, the permanent secretary for public health, yesterday confirmed that this year has already seen a significant rise in dengue cases, with numbers exceeding 30,000 and resulting in 33 fatalities. Dr. Opas was speaking at a seminar titled “Dengue: Effective Action for Treatment and Prevention,” held at Rajavithi Hospital. Continued …

Missing German Businessman Hans Peter Mack Found Dismembered in Freezer

The body of missing German businessman Hans Peter Mack, 62, was found in a rental home in Pattaya last evening and was confirmed early this morning, around 12:30 AM by Banglamung officials.

Mack’s body was found in a large freezer in a rental home in the Chokchai Garden Home 1 Village in Pattaya, which police targeted following reviewing leads they had been investigating throughout the last 24 hours and CCTV that showed the freezer being transported in a black pickup truck by what appeared to be foreign nationals. Continued …

Overpass Bridge in Bangkok Collapses, Multiple Fatalities and Injuries Reported

An under-construction overpass bridge located at the On Nut-Lat Krabang Road in Bangkok collapsed near dusk yesterday evening, killing at least two people and injuring eight more.

Wisanu Subsompol, deputy governor of Bangkok, said the under-construction bridge appeared to have flipped over while significant traffic was in the area under the bridge construction. Continued …

Survey shows progress in adolescent births, worrying trends in education, child development

The largest national survey on the situation of children and women in Thailand, released on Monday by the National Statistical Office (NSO) and UNICEF, shows improvement in many areas, such as breastfeeding, adolescent birth rates and less violent discipline used against children at home.

However, it also reveals worrying trends in early childhood development, education, nutrition, and child marriage. Continued …

University sets its sights on tackling Thailand’s food waste problem

With food waste in Thailand continuing to increase due to excessive sales and over-purchasing, Thammasat University has stepped in with a plan to counter the climate-damaging methane gases polluting the atmosphere from decomposing organic matter in landfills.

According to Dr. Racha Thepsorn, lecturer at the university’s Department of Science and Technology, the food waste situation is becoming more severe, with Thailand generating 17 million tons of food waste in 2022 alone. Continued …

Thailand’s foreign direct investment skyrockets with focus on EV industry

Investment attraction to Thailand has seen a remarkable surge in the first half of this year. The nation registered a 70% year-on-year increase to an impressive 364 billion baht, according to the Board of Investment (BoI).

This boost, particularly contributed by an astonishing 141% soar in foreign direct investment, serves as a testament to Thailand’s status as a preferred manufacturing hub for international firms. Continued … 

Fitch affirms Thailand’s sovereign credit rating at BBB+

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Thailand’s sovereign credit rating at BBB+ with a stable outlook, citing external strengths, GDP growth and recovery of the tourism sector as the key rating factors, while also pointing out structural constraints.

Thailand’s ratings balance its strong external finances and sound macroeconomic policy framework against weaker structural features, such as lower per capita income and World Bank governance scores, compared with its BBB category peers, the report noted. While ongoing political uncertainty weighs on Thailand’s credit profile, this may be partially alleviated in the near term after the Thai parliament agrees on a new prime minister. Continued …

PTT puts renewable strategy into overdrive

National oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc is stepping up efforts to use more renewable power and further develop its hydrogen fuel business, part of a move to grow the company in a sustainable manner.

PTT’s current plan is to produce 12 gigawatts of electricity from renewable sources and limit power generation from fossil fuels to 8GW by 2030, but this target will be upgraded to better reflect the company’s clean energy campaign, said Cherdchai Boonchoochauy, senior executive vice-president for innovation and new ventures. Continued …

How small businesses in Thailand can thrive with the rise of Web3 technologies

The Internet has radically changed over the past 30 years, becoming increasingly visual and massive. As we approach the next generation of the Internet, known as Web3, iStock a leading ecommerce platform, revealed new research to help SMBs and SMEs in Thailand navigate the impact new technologies are having on people across the globe, especially as consumers continue to prioritize their personal well-being.

According to iStock’s visual research platform, VisualGPS, over the past year, people in Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia are placing greater focus on regaining more balance and control in their lives, with 64% (versus 54% globally) expressing that a successful life is one which my physical, mental and emotional needs are being met. Continued …

Thai rice exports poised to hit 9 million tons amid climate anxieties

Thailand stands on the cusp of a hugely promising year in terms of rice exportation, which, forecasts suggest, could reach up to 9 million tons. Making the most of a climate-induced market fervor, the Thai industry anticipates shipping masses of what is an integral commodity to many.

The increase in demand is believed to be rooted in anxieties about the potential fallout of the El Niño weather phenomenon. Continued … 

Myanmar crisis to dominate ASEAN meeting

Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in Indonesia today, with Myanmar’s deadlocked political crisis expected to dominate discussions. Continued …

Turkey gives green light to Swedish NATO membership bid

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Monday agreed to forward to parliament Sweden’s bid to join the NATO military alliance, appearing to end months of drama over an issue that had strained the bloc as war has raged in Ukraine. Continued …

Germany sends troops to Australia as Berlin shifts focus to Indo-Pacific

Germany will, for the first time, send troops to Australia for joint drills with some 30,000 service members from 12 other nations, underlining Berlin’s increased focus on the Indo-Pacific amid rising tensions with China in the region. Continued …

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

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 Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590