Police Committee Probes Aircraft Crashes/Thai-Cambodian Border Unrest/Cambodia accused of targeting civilians/Deadly fireworks factory blast/Nan province hit by worst flood in 40 years/Pattaya Gridlock Sparks Transport Solutions/Ex-Abbot Vanishes Amid Embezzlement Scandal/ECONOMY: Thai businesses concerned over tariffs/List of Thai tariff concessions/Timeline of tariff negotiations/Core Strengths to Attract Foreign Investment/SMEs Urge Support Over Tariffs/TOURISM: Chinese arrivals may hit 9 million/Thailand launches Green Tourism Collections/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/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
Police Committee Probes Aircraft Crashes That Killed 9
The House of Representatives’ Police Commission convened yesterday to address two fatal aircraft crashes involving Royal Thai Police aircraft that occurred within a 30-day period, resulting in the deaths of nine officers. The incidents have raised concerns about inadequate maintenance budgets and insufficient pilot training.
The first crash occurred on April 25 in the gulf off Cha Am when a DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft used for parachute training crashed, killing all six onboard, including pilots and technicians. Less than a month later, on May 4, a Bell 212 police helicopter went down during an operational flight, resulting in the deaths of three experienced pilots. Continued …
Thai-Cambodian Border Unrest: A Five-Month Timeline of Escalation
Thailand has endured over five months of escalating aggression along its border with Cambodia, marked by severe breaches of sovereignty and humanitarian principles.
The ongoing cross-border conflict has seen instances of overlapping security fortifications, the deployment of deadly landmines, and a devastating BM-21 rocket attack on Thai civilians, ultimately leading to the displacement of approximately 300,000 people. Continued …
Cambodia used Chinese rocket systems to target civilians
Yesterday’s visit by foreign media and diplomats to Sisaket exposed a brutal truth: Cambodia’s three-day assault was a direct attack on innocent civilians. Despite a smaller military, Cambodia fired deadly Chinese-made rockets at unarmed Thai communities.
This was no border skirmish — it was a campaign of terror. Thailand’s Foreign Ministry and officials are warning the world: these were clear war crimes. Cambodia threatened to use its PHL-03 rocket launcher — a weapon that could have turned this into a full-scale war, slaughtering countless civilians and trampling international law. Continued …
Deadly fireworks factory blast linked to illegal activity
Officials have confirmed that a deadly explosion at a fireworks factory in Suphan Buri, which killed 10 people, stemmed from an unauthorized operation that violated safety regulations.
“The site did not have a license or equipment for such a hazardous activity. Workers were found to be manually packing explosive materials,” Piriya Chanthadilok, the provincial governor, said yesterday. Continued …
Thailand deluge: Nan province hit by worst flood in 40 years
A province in northern Thailand has been left reeling from catastrophic floods, but in the darkest hours, help came from unexpected places. Volunteers braved rising waters to save lives, leaving one woman grateful for the anonymous heroes who rescued her.
On July 23, Diane Francheska Ruiz, a Filipina English teacher in Nan province, noticed something was off. While she couldn’t understand the warnings being shouted in Thai, her instincts told her that something was wrong. Ruiz had lived in Thailand for seven years and had weathered many floods before, so she initially remained calm. The weather forecast had predicted less rain than the previous year, and she wasn’t overly concerned. Continued …
Pattaya Gridlock Sparks Urgent Transport Solutions
Pattaya finds itself in the grip of worsening traffic congestion, fueling frustration among locals and visitors alike. The city, a key tourist destination, is urgently seeking solutions as its outdated transport system buckles under the pressure.
“The traffic situation is unbearable. We need real solutions now, not more delays,” voiced one exasperated commuter. “It’s impacting daily life and tarnishing Pattaya’s image as a leading tourist hub.” Continued …
Ex-Abbot Vanishes Amid 28 Million Baht Embezzlement Scandal
The former abbot of a prominent Pathum Thani temple has mysteriously vanished overnight, following shocking allegations of embezzling 28 million baht from the temple’s coffers. Wat Prachumrat, nestled in Lam Luk Ka district, was eerily deserted yesterday morning. Only local vendors and curious onlookers roamed the grounds, seeking any sign of the ex-abbot, Phra Khru Pairojdhammakhun.
The former spiritual leader stands accused of misappropriating an estimated 28 million baht of funds earmarked for the revered temple. Continued …
Thai businesses concerned over 19% US tariffs
Despite great relief following the announcement of a 19% US tariff rate on Thai exports on yesterday, the business sector remains fraught with concerns, particularly over the plight of Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the agricultural sector.
Piti Tantakasem, chief executive of TMBThanachart Bank, posted yesterday that the tariff agreements the US is pursuing globally are reshaping the trade landscape from one based on free trade to a model of conditional trade, with a clear effort to exclude China from international supply chains. Continued …
Adding up the list of Thai tariff concessions
Negotiations with the US that concluded with a 19% tariff on Thai exports were broadly focused on trade concessions. What did Thailand offer to secure the 19% rate?
Thailand proposed eliminating import duties for more than 10,000 items imported from the US (out of roughly 11,000 items in total), mostly consisting of goods that are not produced domestically or are insufficiently produced, such as medical instruments, advanced auto parts, and specialized food products. Continued …
| Thai Concessions to US | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tariff Exemption | Zero tariffs on over 10,000 US goods not made or scarce in Thailand |
| 2 | Non-Tariff Barrier Reduction | Streamlined customs, certification, and adoption of post-clearance audits |
| 3 | US Investment Incentives | Fast-track and BOI perks in clean energy, ICT, and logistics sectors |
| 4 | Procurement Commitments | Thai purchase of US LNG and Boeing aircraft |
| 5 | Trade Surplus Reduction | 70% reduction goal over five years, rebalancing imports and investment |
| 6 | Rules of Origin Enforcement | Stricter verification to stop third-country tariff evasion |
| 7 | Digital Service Tax Relief | 5% tax exemption for US cloud services for two years |
| 8 | Agricultural Import Expansion | Increased quotas for US corn, barley, and soybeans |
| 9 | Strategic Goods Protection | Tariffs retained on Thai rice, sugar, and processed fruits |
Timeline of Team Thailand’s 7-month tariff negotiations
Thailand has successfully reached a reciprocal tariff agreement with the United States, marking a significant breakthrough after months of trade uncertainty triggered by US President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping new tariffs.
The move had sent shockwaves through global trade, causing deep concern among Thai exporters and investors, who anxiously awaited the outcome of trade negotiations. Continued …
Thailand Leverages Five Core Strengths to Attract Foreign Investment Despite US Tariffs
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) is promoting five core competitive advantages to attract foreign capital, expressing confidence that the country remains an attractive destination despite newly announced 19% US reciprocal tariffs.
The investment promotion agency is focusing on building high-tech industrial supply chains and transforming Thailand’s economic structure toward future industries as it navigates the evolving global trade landscape. Continued …
Thai SMEs Council Urges Support from Commerce Ministry Over US Tariffs
Thailand’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Council has called for immediate measures from the Ministry of Commerce to support businesses preparing for the impact of the new 19% US import tariffs.
The call came during a meeting between the ministry and SME representatives held yesterday, where concerns were raised about the direct consequences for many businesses. Continued …
Chinese arrivals may hit 9 million in 2026
Chinese tourist arrivals should rebound to 9 million in 2026, driven by large groups, positive momentum from chartered flights, and global business events that reinforce Thailand’s image as a safe destination, according to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA).
ATTA President Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn said Chinese arrivals could climb to 9 million next year, approaching the 2019 peak of 10.9 million, mainly driven by three factors. Continued …
Thailand launches Green Tourism Collections
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a new project, “Thailand Green Tourism Collections,” featuring 20 eco-friendly travel routes across 10 cities. The initiative aims at meeting the European Union’s (EU) sustainability regulations and national agenda for the future. Video …
Chiang Mai police raid nets 18 Chinese call center fraudsters – Continued …
Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in BangkokThe first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.
(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)
Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer two round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.
For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at 9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.
Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.
New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
(We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am
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:
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- 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
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