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Thursday’s news-May 7

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  • Hua Hin bus route changes/Hua Hin prepares for drought/Prachuap Khiri Khan faces severe drought/Hua Hin to inspect beach activities/100 snakes seized in Cha Am/Insurance premiums likely to rise/Thailand Gasps for Breath/AIS Launches 5G-Advanced Network/Elderly Driver’s Mistake/Elephant Kills Myanmar Worker
  • THE IRAN WAR: Airlines worldwide hit by Iran war/France sends carrier group to Red Sea/Iran reviews US peace plan/Fertilizer Costs Soaring
  • ECONOMY: April Brings 2.89% Inflation Increase/Thai Back-to-School Costs/TikTok to Invest $26 billion/Thailand among most resilient emerging markets
  • TOURISM: Hoteliers call for subsidies/Economic risk from departure tax/Thailand’s hidden informal economy/Technology helps police/Chinese tourist beaten to death/Phuket MP warns of assassination
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: French students describe their Thai internship
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Bangkok faces ASEAN’s hottest future
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

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Hua Hin bus route changes under consideration

Hua Hin City Municipality is moving ahead with discussions on public bus routes in Hua Hin, as officials consider ways to improve transport links for residents and visitors.

During the meeting, a proposed model for public bus routes in Hua Hin was presented, with Hua Hin Railway Station designated as the starting point. The proposed network would cover four main directions: north, south, east, and west. The routes are intended to connect key parts of the city, including educational institutions, tourist attractions, and communities. Continued … 

Hua Hin prepares for drought as reservoir level falls to 22%

Hua Hin City Municipality is preparing for possible drought-related problems after a dry spell caused water levels in Pran Buri Reservoir to fall to a low level. A meeting was called yesterday after the Pran Buri Water Transmission and Maintenance Project reported that low rainfall since the start of 2026 had affected water levels in Pran Buri Reservoir.

Officials said the reservoir had fallen to a low level (23% of capacity), prompting the project to adjust its water allocation plan for May and July 2026. The move is intended to help ensure there is enough water for household consumption and daily use. Continued … 

Prachuap Khiri Khan faces severe drought

Prachuap Khiri Khan province is facing severe drought conditions, with more than 512 million liters of water already distributed to households lacking water for daily use. Deputy Governor Prateep Boriboonrat chaired a meeting yesterday to monitor the drought situation.

Officials reported that drought disaster areas have been declared in three districts, covering seven subdistricts and 66 villages. A total of 44,407 people from 18,968 households have been affected. Continued … 

Hua Hin to inspect beach activities and rental firms

Hua Hin City Municipality is preparing to inspect tourist services, including beach activities and vehicle rental businesses, as officials look to strengthen safety and consumer protection measures. The issue was discussed at a meeting of the consumer protection subcommittee of Hua Hin City Municipality on Tuesday.

The meeting reviewed the work of the Hua Hin City Municipality Consumer Protection Center for the 2025 fiscal year, as well as complaint statistics for the 2026 fiscal year. Officials also discussed plans to inspect car and motorcycle rental businesses. Continued … 

100 snakes among trafficked wildlife seized in Cha Am

Thai and US authorities have seized more than 100 animals, most of them snakes, while they were being transported from southern Thailand for delivery to customers.

Authorities stopped a pickup truck at a highway police checkpoint on the Bangkok-bound section of Phetkasem Highway in Cha Am following a tip-off about a shipment of a large number of wild animals, said Nithas Nounsong, director of the Protected Areas Regional Office 3. Continued … 

Insurance premiums likely to rise on multiple fronts

Insurance premiums are expected to increase later this year, particularly for motor, property, and natural catastrophe insurance, reflecting growing domestic risks and a heightened risk profile for international trade due to the Middle East conflict, insurers say.

Guillaume Mirabaud, chief executive of AXA Insurance Thailand, said he expects higher insurance premiums for motor and property lines. “Following two significant natural catastrophes last year, the industry needs to restore profitability, particularly as reinsurance costs have risen considerably,” he said. Continued … 

Airpocalypse Forever: Thailand Gasps for Breath

It is a toxic veil that shows no sign of lifting. As of April, Thailand is navigating one of its most severe pollution crises to date. The scenario repeats with metronomic regularity, yet the current intensity is sounding alarms: PM2.5 microparticles are saturating the skies of more than 45 provinces.

While Bangkok attempts to transform itself into a laboratory for clean air, the rest of the country remains trapped in a toxic cloud fueled by forest fires, illegal dumping, and massive agricultural burning. In the northern provinces, the situation has been described by local observers as the “worst ever seen.” Regions such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son have not experienced clear blue skies for nearly a month. Continued … 

AIS Launches Southeast Asia’s First 5G-Advanced Network

Advanced Info Service (AIS), Thailand’s dominant mobile and digital infrastructure operator, has launched what it describes as Southeast Asia’s first commercial 5G-Advanced network, elevating the country’s connectivity standards to a new tier aligned with the 3GPP Release 18 global specification.

By combining multiple frequency bands simultaneously, the technology is said to deliver download speeds up to 1.5 times faster and upload speeds up to twice as fast compared with standard 5G. Continued … 

Elderly Driver’s Mistake Sets Bangkok Petrol Station on Fire

An elderly driver collided with fuel pumps at a Bangchak petrol station in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district this morning, sparking a fire that destroyed his car and damaged the station’s equipment. Remarkably, there were no injuries.

Firefighters from Bang Bon Fire and Rescue Station used foam to manage the flames, while staff and patrons evacuated the premises quickly. The sedan involved was completely destroyed, and two fuel dispensers suffered damage. Continued … 

Elephant Kills Myanmar Worker in Chanthaburi

A wild elephant attacked and killed a 40-year-old Myanmar woman working in a durian orchard in Pong Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi, on Tuesday. Police from Pong Nam Ron station responded to reports of the fatal incident in a plantation in Moo 2, Thap Sai subdistrict, where the victim was found with severe injuries.

Initial investigations indicate the orchard lies on a forest boundary where wild elephants often forage, particularly during fruiting season. It is believed the elephant entered the plantation searching for food, encountered the victim, and attacked before retreating back into the sanctuary. Continued … 

Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students

Vilhelm International Academy launched in March 2026 and has is campus at “The Hub” in Hin Lek Fai, less than 10 minutes from the center of town. They provide mentor-led academic supervision for students studying through accredited online school programs, whether independently enrolled or through integrated programs offered at Vilhelm. This means that students follow a fixed timetable, complete coursework under supervision, and receive ongoing progress monitoring.  They can do this whist studying for their GCSE’s, A-Levels, NCAA approved US courses, or any other online school they choose to use.

Unlike more traditional options, at the academy children can learn at their own pace, not being forced forward before they are ready and also not being held back by the rest of the class. When they are ready to move on they do so. By coming to the academy each day, they are able to complement their studies with activities that develop leadership skills, community service (such as the recent helmet initiative), complemented by daily sports and physical activity to support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

You can visit the website for more details, or you can book an appointment to meet with the academy co-ordinator to discuss what you are looking for and explain what they can offer. There is a completely free five-day trial period that can be taken advantage of by anyone interested in seeing if the academy is the right fit for them.

Website; Email: info@vilhelminternationalacademy.com; Phone: +66 065 991 5500; Facebook; Map location.

Airlines worldwide hit by Iran war with fare rises, cuts, and closures

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz for 10 weeks, amid a fragile ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, has made global air travel one of the industries hit hard by soaring oil prices. Jet fuel prices, which are largely derived from crude oil, have risen by more than 80% since the US and Israel went to war with Iran in late February, forcing airlines to raise ticket prices, cut flights or do both.

The clearest example of an airline affected by the fallout is US-based Spirit Airlines, which announced last Saturday that it would permanently cease operations. The move was widely seen as a result of surging fuel costs. Continued … 

France sends carrier group to Red Sea as Hormuz mission takes shape

France said yesterday its carrier strike group had been sent to the Red Sea to support planning for a possible mission to protect passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as Paris urged both Washington and Tehran to consider a proposal aimed at limiting the global economic damage caused by their competing blockades.

The deployment followed renewed exchanges of fire on Monday that exposed the fragility of a four-week truce. The US and Iran are still seeking control over the narrow waterway, a critical route for global energy shipments and trade, while maintaining rival maritime blockades. Continued … 

Iran reviews US peace plan as Trump signals both hope and threat

Iran said yesterday it was reviewing a US peace proposal aimed at formally ending the war, though the key American demands that Tehran curb its nuclear program and reopen the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved. Tehran said it would deliver a formal response, while US President Donald Trump said he believed a deal was still possible.

Trump said the two sides had held “very good talks” over the previous 24 hours and that an agreement was “very possible”. Yet, only hours earlier he had struck a far tougher tone, warning online that the United States could restart its bombing campaign if Iran rejected the latest proposal. Continued … 

Middle East Conflict Sends Fertilizer Costs Soaring for Asia’s Rice Farmers

Rice farmers across South and Southeast Asia are facing a sharp deterioration in their finances as escalating conflict in the Middle East drives fertilizer prices to multi-year highs, forcing many to cut back on inputs at precisely the moment they need them most.

With the critical May-to-August planting season now under way, two separate analyses from leading regional institutions warn that the stakes for food supplies could scarcely be higher. Continued … 

April Brings 2.89% Inflation Increase for Thailand

Thailand’s inflation rate increased by 2.89% in April compared to last year, driven by rising oil and food prices, reported Nantapong Chiralerspong of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office. The increase is linked to Middle Eastern conflicts causing a blockage in the Strait of Hormuz, which has sharply escalated global oil prices. This surge has impacted public transport and, subsequently, the cost of food and services in the country.

Despite this rise, Chiralerspong noted Thailand’s inflation remains relatively low compared to neighboring ASEAN countries. March saw a slight decline of 0.08% in inflation, placing Thailand as the nation with the second lowest rate in the region and ninth among 140 global economies. Non-food inflation in April saw a significant rise of 4.14% due to higher public transport fares, housing rentals, and cleaning service fees. Continued … 

Thai Back-to-School Costs Hit 13-Year High Amid Household Squeeze

Thailand’s back-to-school season is expected to generate total consumer spending of 66 billion baht in 2026, a 6% increase on the previous year and the fastest rate of growth in 13 years, according to research released yesterday by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). The findings arrive as the broader Thai economy struggles for momentum, with GDP growth forecast at just 1.6% for the year.

Thanavath Phonvichai, president of UTCC and chairman of the university’s Economic and Business Forecasting Center, said the surge in education-related expenditure is occurring against a backdrop of 3% headline inflation and sustained fuel price volatility — a combination that is placing acute pressure on lower- and middle-income households. Continued … 

TikTok to Invest $26 billion in Thailand Data Expansion

Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) has approved six major investment projects worth a combined 29.9 billion dollars, led by a large-scale data infrastructure expansion by TikTok. The largest share comes from TikTok Systems (Thailand) Co., which plans to invest 26.3 billion dollars, across Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chachoengsao.

The project will expand server installations to meet rising regional demand for data services and strengthen Thailand’s strategic role in digital infrastructure. TikTok will also introduce digital literacy and e-commerce training programs aimed at supporting Thai entrepreneurs and improving workforce skills. Continued … 

Moody’s names Thailand among most resilient emerging markets

Moody’s Ratings has released its latest analytical article, saying several large emerging markets, including Thailand, have become better able to withstand global economic shocks over the past five years without suffering a sharp jump in risk premiums or losing market access, as seen in previous crises.

Thailand was cited as one of five large emerging-market economies — alongside Malaysia, India, Indonesia and Mexico — that have shown greater resilience to global shocks over the past five years, despite facing the Covid-19 crisis, the global interest-rate tightening cycle, banking-sector stress, and trade tensions. Continued … 

Hoteliers call for subsidies as Pattaya demand weakens sharply

Pattaya and Chon Buri tourism operators are suffering from the government’s work-from-home policies during the low season, expecting only 30%-40% occupancy rates this month, while they compete for markets with high potential such as Chinese and Indian tourists by offering discounts.

The mayor of Pattaya City, the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation (ACTF), and the Thai Hotels Association’s (THA) eastern chapter held a meeting with Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul last week. Continued … 

Travel agents flag economic risk from departure tax

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) is concerned about economic and social risks if the government introduces a 1,000-baht departure tax for local travelers, as the policy could trigger even higher airfares and hamper middle-class travelers, students, and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) segments.

Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of ATTA, said there were 32.9 million foreign arrivals last year, almost three times the outbound market of 11-12 million people. He said disrupting outbound flows with a 1,000-baht fee is expected to reduce reciprocal tourism. Continued … 

Low season tourism masks a hidden informal economy in Thailand’s major destinations

While Thailand’s major tourist hubs enter the low season, including Pattaya, Bangkok, and Phuket, visible visitor numbers have slowed, but underlying activity linked to long-stay foreign visitors continues to circulate quietly within the tourism ecosystem.

Despite fewer short-term arrivals, certain districts — particularly nightlife and entertainment zones — continue to see demand from long-stay tourists, retirees, and digital nomads who remain in Thailand for weeks or months at a time. Their spending patterns contribute to a parallel, less visible segment of the tourism economy that is not formally captured in official statistics. Continued … 

Technology helps police bust nominee firms on Thai islands

Surat Thani police are using a new analytical tool to speed up investigations into nominee businesses on Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, with 30 cases under review and expanded use targeting drug trafficking and money laundering involving 61 suspects.

A dedicated team has been set up to handle such cases across the three tourist islands. Courts have already delivered rulings in four cases involving nominee ownership of restaurants, car rental firms, and visa services, with combined damages of about 10 million baht. Continued … 

Chinese tourist beaten to death inside unlicensed Pattaya pub

A Chinese tourist died after being attacked inside an unlicensed entertainment venue in South Pattaya, following a fight that began during a snooker game late yesterday.

Staff told police the tourist appeared drunk before the incident. While playing snooker, he reportedly became upset after being unable to find hand powder used during the game. Continued … 

Phuket MP warns of assassination threat amid Freedom Beach mafia probe

A Phuket MP has called on Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and senior environmental officials to urgently tackle alleged mafia activity at Freedom Beach, warning that delays to act could lead to an assassination attempt against him.

Chalermpong Saengdee, a People’s Party MP for Phuket’s constituency 2, said yesterday tensions have escalated sharply following a crackdown on illegal encroachment in the Khao Nak Koet National Reserve Forest. Continued … 

French students describe their Mirror Foundation internship as valuable experience

Two French university students shared their experiences working with the Mirror Foundation internship program in Thailand, describing the placement as an opportunity to support underprivileged communities while learning about Thai culture and teamwork.

According to the French students, their university required them to participate in community work projects focused on empathy and social responsibility. They decided to complete the assignment in Thailand because they had never visited the country before and wanted to experience Thai culture. Continued … 

Heat warning — Bangkok faces ASEAN’s hottest future

Bangkok is set to become the hottest major city in Southeast Asia by 2050, with temperatures projected to rise above 38C as climate change and the urban heat island effect intensify across the region.

The warning comes from the report “Roadmap for Extreme Heat Protection through Passive Cooling in ASEAN Region” by the ASEAN Center for Energy (ACE), which says Thailand’s capital faces a far more severe heat crisis in the decades ahead. Continued … 

PM vows to rein in misbehaving tourists

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul vowed yesterday to tighten oversight of tourists’ behavior after a series of incidents, including foreigners having sex in public, warning they damage the country’s image. Anutin ordered strict enforcement of laws against tourists engaging in inappropriate behavior that violates Thai law. Continued … 

Global debt hits record US$353 trillion as investors begin diversifying away from US bonds

Global debt climbed to a record near US$353 trillion by the end of March, with the IIF saying investors are showing growing interest in Japanese and European bonds over US Treasuries. 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

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Friday’s news-Feb 21

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About bottled water/Rejects Plan to Lower Electricity Bills/Hot day and thundershowers/ECONOMY: Lifting Alcohol Restrictions/To Reject Casino Entry Rule/Swiss operator for Laem Chabang/SC Asset to move away from property/Headwinds for Thai rice industry/Insurance industry forecast/Free trade deal with Gulf nations/TOURISM: 5.5 Million Visitors/Biometric system overloaded/Pattaya Bars Empty/Rising Tensions Among Tourists/Pai Immigration Scrutiny/Chiang Mai’s Dusit D2 Hotel closes/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Phetchaburi’s Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair/Best Destination for Your Yoga Retreat/CLIMATE THAILAND: Unlocking Solar Potential/Floating Solar Builds Resilience/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

What you may not know about bottled water

Video … 

Council of State Rejects Plan to Lower Electricity Bills

The Council of State, Thailand’s primary legal advisory body, has dismissed a proposal from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) aimed at renegotiating contracts with renewable power firms to reduce electricity bills. The proposal sought to decrease electricity costs by 0.17 baht per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from the current 4.15 baht per unit.

Under pressure from the Pheu Thai-led government, efforts have been underway to lower power prices below 4 baht per unit to alleviate financial strain on consumers and businesses. Continued …

Hot day and thundershowers forecast for most of Thailand

The north, northeast, eastern and central regions, including Bangkok, will experience a hot day and isolated thunderstorms today, the Thai Meteorological Department said this morning.

Isolated thundershowers are expected mostly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Songkhla; minimum 21-25°C, maximum 30-34°C; waves about 1-2 meters high and above 2 meters in thundershowers. Continued …

Lifting Alcohol Restrictions Could Boost Thai Economy by Billions

Easing Thailand’s existing restrictions on afternoon alcohol sales could inject an additional 50-100 billion baht into the economy, predominantly through increased spending by foreign tourists, experts in the industry suggest.

Recent findings hint that so-called “high-quality” tourists are prepared to pay an extra $250 (approximately 8,400 baht) daily for premium food and beverage experiences. Anchalee Poomsirkaew, director of the Asia-Pacific International Spirits and Wines Assn., said that relaxing four specific alcohol sale restrictions could maximize revenue impacts, potentially unlocking the full 100 billion baht. Continued …

Cabinet Set to Reject Casino Entry Rule for Thai Nationals

Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has indicated that a contentious proposal regulating casino entry for Thai citizens is unlikely to win cabinet approval. The policy, suggested by the Council of State (CoS), requires Thais to maintain a minimum of 50 million baht (approximately US$ 1.5 million) in fixed deposits for at least six months to gain entry to casino entertainment complexes.

Anutin, who also holds the position of deputy prime minister and leads the Bhumjaithai Party, expressed skepticism over the proposal’s feasibility. He reassured that as a coalition partner, Bhumjaithai remains committed to supporting government policies, provided they don’t negatively impact society. Continued …

Transport ministry looks to Swiss operator for Laem Chabang expansion

Thailand is courting Swiss port operator Terminal Investment Ltd. (TiL) for potential investment in the expansion of Laem Chabang Port, a key component of the country’s strategy to become a regional transportation hub.

Discussions between Thai officials and TiL are focused on the port’s Phase 3 development, including the new E1 and E2 terminals, as the country strives to boost container-handling capacity and solidify Thailand’s position in the region. Continued …

SC Asset to move away from property as market stagnates

Real estate developer SC Asset Corp. plans to rebrand and diversify into non-property businesses next year, as the housing development sector continues to slow down and may take a few more years to return to normal.

Chief Executive Nuttaphong Kunakornwong said the residential market will continue to face three key negative factors carried over from last year: high household debt, excess supply, and low consumer confidence. Continued …

Headwinds for Thai rice industry

Thai rice exports for the 2024-25 harvest season are expected to decrease after a positive 2023-24, due to the easing of Indian export restrictions on the grain, according to BMI, a Fitch Solutions company.

“While we forecast rice production in Thailand to increase by 0.5% year-on-year from 20 million tons in 2023-24 to 20.1 million in 2024-25, we also expect that exports will post a decrease in the coming season,” BMI said. Continued …

Insurance industry forecast to increase 2%-3% in 2025

Thailand’s insurance industry is projected to grow by 2%-3% this year, driven by increasing public awareness of rising medical inflation, an aging society and the extension of the health insurance coverage age to 80, says the Thai Life Assurance Assn. (TLAA).

Increases in medical treatment costs in Thailand have averaged 8%-10% per year, with some years reaching 15%, significantly higher than general consumer inflation. Continued …

Thailand pushes for free trade deal with Gulf nations

Thailand is advancing negotiations on a free trade agreement with Gulf countries to boost trade, tourism, and investment.

Nalinee Taveesin, the chair of Thai Trade Representatives, described the Gulf countries as Thailand’s most significant market in the Middle East, with trade between the two regions reaching approximately US$36 billion last year. Continued …

Thailand’s Tourism Boom: 5.5 Million Visitors and $8B Revenue

Thailand is enjoying a tourism resurgence with over 5.5 million international visitors arriving between Jan. 1 and Feb. 16, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. This boom has generated more than 270 billion baht (about $8 billion), boosting the nation’s economic recovery.

Long-distance travelers have increased by 1.3% in the last week, with Russia, France, and the United States leading the charge. Notably, Russian visitors grew by 7.5% week-on-week. Despite this growth, weekly international arrivals dipped slightly to 784,175, a 6.4% decline from the previous week. Continued …

Thailand’s biometric system overloaded with 50 million records

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has hit a critical roadblock, with its biometric system reaching its maximum capacity of 50 million records, preventing new foreign arrivals from being automatically recorded. The bureau is now forced to manually document arrivals and rely on an online database for security checks until a new system is developed.

Police Col. Neti Khanboon, commander of the database division at the bureau’s IT center, revealed the issue while testifying before the House Committee on National Security, Border Affairs, and National Strategies and Reforms. Continued …

Pattaya Bars Empty Amid Low Season and Shifting Tourism Trends

Pattaya’s tourism dynamics have shifted significantly, transforming the city that was once bustling with Western tourists into a hub primarily frequented by Asian visitors. This change has led to bars that were once thriving during the traditional high season now finding themselves empty.

Historically, Pattaya attracted a surge of European and North American tourists during the winter months, who filled bars, hotels, and nightlife venues. However, the city now predominantly hosts tourists from Japan, Korea, India, China, and the Middle East. These groups travel year-round, unlike their seasonal Western counterparts. Continued …

Pattaya Beach Altercation: Rising Tensions Among Tourists

A street fight erupted Wednesday night near Pattaya Beach, leaving four people injured. The fight involved two Thai women and two Indian men, with a Thai man who attempted to intervene also getting hurt.

The incident began when the Indian men approached the women, reportedly trying to flirt and filming them. Feeling uneasy, one woman demanded the video be deleted, but the man refused, triggering a heated argument that quickly turned violent. Continued … 

Israeli Community in Pai Faces Immigration Scrutiny

The Immigration Bureau of Thailand has turned its attention to the activities of Israelis residing in Pai, a picturesque tourist hub in northern Thailand. Prompted by a series of local complaints, authorities aim to verify the visa and work permit status of Israeli nationals in Mae Hong Son province, following concerns over possible legal violations.

Immigration officers have been directed to collaborate with local police to investigate these issues. This move seeks to ascertain whether any Israelis have overstayed their visas, undertaken unpermitted work, or breached other legal frameworks. Continued … 

Chiang Mai’s Dusit D2 Hotel ceases operations after 18 years

The Dusit D2 Chiang Mai, a landmark hotel in the city, has announced its closure. The hotel officially closed its doors yesterday.

Formerly known as the Chiang Inn Hotel, the Dusit D2 was a prominent fixture on Night Bazaar Road. Designed by National Artist Chulathat Kitibutr in 2004, the hotel’s striking architecture made it a well-known landmark. Continued …

Phetchaburi’s Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair returns for 2025 edition

Phetchaburi’s Phra Nakhon Khiri historical park will come alive again today as the annual fair swings into action for 10 days and nights of unforgettable experiences.

Running until March 2 on the theme “Viman Fha Phra Nakhon Khiri, the Jewel of Siam”, the event promises an even grander spectacle than in previous years. Visitors can expect breathtaking light installations illuminating the iconic mountaintop palace, alongside a rich program of cultural performances showcasing the region’s diverse heritage. Continued …

Koh Phangan: The Best Destination for Your Yoga Retreat in Thailand

When it comes to finding the perfect yoga retreat in Thailand, Koh Phangan stands out as a paradise for wellness seekers. Famous for its pristine beaches, lush jungles, and thriving spiritual community, the island has become a global hotspot for yoga, meditation, and holistic healing.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your practice, detox your body, or simply escape the stresses of modern life, Koh Phangan offers the ideal environment for transformation.
At the heart of this wellness haven is Orion Healing Center, one of the island’s most renowned retreat centers. Continued …

Unlocking Solar Potential: Thailand’s Regulatory Shift on Rooftop Solar Systems

Thailand is taking a step forward in accelerating its renewable energy transition. A recent amendment by the Ministry of Industry to the Factory Act eliminated the requirement for a factory license for rooftop solar installations with capacities exceeding 1 MW. This regulatory change presents new opportunities for businesses, industry and the solar sector, while supporting the nation’s sustainability goals.

Under the previous regulation, rooftop solar systems exceeding 1 MW required a factory license. This process was often time-consuming, bureaucratically complex and financially burdensome. By removing this requirement, the Ministry of Industry has effectively lowered the barriers for businesses to adopt large-scale rooftop solar systems. Continued …

Amid Climate Uncertainty, Floating Solar Builds Resilience

Southeast Asia is responsible for nearly a quarter of global energy demand growth through 2035, but it is currently heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels and hydropower. Given recent volatility in both fossil fuel prices and increasing severity and regularity of heatwaves and droughts, which make hydropower less reliable, diversification into domestically located renewable energy sources like solar will have energy security benefits.

This is particularly true for countries like Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, which have significant existing hydropower in their power supply and also significant untapped solar potential. Floating solar (FPV) is a low-cost way to quickly diversify the power mix in ways that complement existing hydropower, support water conservation efforts at existing dams, and reduce the need for expensive new dams, which have negative social and environmental impacts. 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

Bus Tickets 

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

To book online

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.

 

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 Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590