Tag Archives: thailand land bridge

hua hin, immigration, medical tourism, pattaya, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-Oct 30

Today’s news: Cool season delayed/Thai Cheese Tour/Man admits to murdering son in Hua Hin/Wild Boars captain killed himself/Sale of Firearms frozen/Pattaya Bikini Beach Race/Perception of the supernatural/Hamas Thai hostages/Man discovers three-carat natural pearl/Tracking Thai railway system/Thai medical spas/Digital wallet scheme will boost GDP/Overly reliant on China/Investment for land bridge/Hong Kong firms keen on Thailand/Chinese firm eyes Thai factory/Best tourist destination outside Europe/Growth opportunities for Thai medical tourism/Foreigners Banned from Thailand for Life/Three Deaths in Jet Ski Collision/Flights connecting with Vietnam/Isaan, Thailand: the good and the bad/Mythological figures that guard Thai temples/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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Cool season in Thailand delayed and warmer due to El Niño

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) announced that the onset of this year’s cool season is likely to be delayed by approximately two weeks, and will be warmer than usual. The shift has been attributed to unpredictable weather patterns and the influence of the El Niño phenomenon.

Typically, Thailand’s cool season commences around mid-October. However, this year the initial moderate cool spell is slated to hit the northern regions of Thailand tomorrow, marking the start of the climate shift. The spell is expected to persist until the following Monday, the TMD reported. Continued …

Thai Cheese Tour Coming to Hua Hin in January

The Thai Cheese Tour 2023-2024, a culinary odyssey of artisanal Thai cheeses presented by VIVIN Grocery and Friends, will make an appearance at the Dusit Thani on Jan. 27. In partnership with 5-star hotels and Michelin-star-rated restaurants, this tour will offer cheese enthusiasts an all-Thai cheese experience.

Known for its Thai cheese buffet, VIVIN Grocery has carved a niche for itself in Bangkok’s culinary scene. Sourced from local producers and complemented by homemade charcuterie, Thai cold cuts, organic salads, and flavorful condiments, the monthly buffet at the VIVIN Grocery Asok branch has been a haven for cheese aficionados. Continued …

Man admits to murdering 6-year-old son in Hua Hin

A man in Hua Hin has been arrested and confessed to the murder of his 6-year-old son in an act of revenge against his estranged wife.

The Hua Hin provincial police took Nutthapol, also known as Jo, 23, into custody after the discovery of his son’s lifeless body in a sugarcane plantation in Hin Lek Fai on Saturday evening. The child was found approximately 2 kilometers from home. Continued …

Dom, captain of Wild Boars football team, killed himself at school in UK

The captain of the Thai football team trapped in a cave for several days in 2018, took his own life while at school in the UK, a coroner has ruled.

Duangphet Phromthep was found unconscious at Brooke House College in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, on Feb. 12. He died two days later at Kettering General Hospital. Continued …

Biden Administration Freezes the Sale of Firearms to Thailand

The U.S. Commerce Department is temporarily halting exports of most U.S.-made firearms to Thailand and other major markets for 90 days and reviewing its support for the country’s largest gun trade show to ensure it “does not undermine U.S. policy interests” — steps that could slow two decades of growth in international gun sales.

Bloomberg has spent months investigating the U.S. gun industry’s effective strategy for increasing foreign sales of its products, in conjunction with sympathetic U.S. legislation. Continued …

4,000 People from 30 Countries Attend Pattaya Bikini Beach Race

The coastal city of Pattaya witnessed over 4,000 runners from 30 different countries gathered along the shores for the Pattaya International Bikini Beach Race. The event, held Saturday, marked the seventh consecutive year of this race, organized by Pattaya City, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Central Pattaya shopping center. The 5-kilometer race offered prizes worth over 300,000 baht in total. (Pattaya News)

Perception of the supernatural and what science says about it

Even though different scientific methods have been employed to prove the nonexistence of ghosts, when it comes to the supernatural, a strong belief often trumps over science.

Take a recent incident at a village in Lopburi province, where people wholeheartedly believe that “krasue” exists even though it was revealed later that what they thought was the ghost was actually a chicken thief wearing the mask of an old woman with long graying hair and fangs for teeth. Continued …

Hamas Thai hostages: Negotiations in progress for immediate release

Negotiations with Iran are in progress, with the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, indicating readiness to immediately release all Thai hostages, according to Saiyid Sulaiman Husaini, a prominent figure among Shia Muslims in Thailand.

The negotiating team, assembled by House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, initiated discussions with Hamas yesterday in Tehran. The team comprises former Narathiwat MP Areepen Uttarasin and Lerpong Syed, Husaini’s sibling. Continued …

Chiang Rai man discovers three-carat natural pearl worth thousands

A three-carat natural pearl discovered inside a clam has been confirmed as genuine. The owner, who hails from Buasali, Mae Lao, Chiang Rai, vowed to keep the valuable find for its auspicious significance rather than sell it.

Yesterday, in Chiang Rai, the news of 45-year-old Sethapong Sivavong’s unusual discovery, a 1-centimeter pearl inside a clam, made headlines. Sethapong, also known as Principal Deaw, who also holds the position of vice chairman of the Rajpracha Sports Club, later disclosed more about the rare find. Continued …

Tracking Thai railway system’s journey to transformation

 

In just a few years, Thailand’s railway system has undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding its once-outdated image to become a beacon of modernity and convenience.

Let’s take a step back in time to 2016 when a public relations campaign declared it the “Year of the Thai Railway Transformation”. Fast forward to today and you will be surprised by the advancements that have unfolded over the years. Continued …

What to look for when selecting a Thai medical spa

A medical spa is a combination of a traditional day spa and a medical clinic that offers non-invasive cosmetic treatments under the supervision of a licensed medical professional. The treatments offered vary from traditional spa treatments including massages, facials, and body treatments to advanced skin rejuvenation, laser hair removal, and Botox injections.

Medical spas offer a range of services specially designed to enhance your appearance and improve your overall well-being. Medical spas operate under stringent regulations and are required to maintain modern and state-of-the-art equipment. Continued …

Study shows digital wallet scheme will boost GDP with minimal impact on public debt

A recent study conducted by the Fiscal Policy Research Institute shows that the 10,000-baht digital handout scheme could significantly boost Thailand’s GDP, the PM’s office spokesman Chai Watcharong said.

The study shows that the handout will significantly boost Thailand’s GDP by 4.73%, 5.22%, 5.61% and 5.54% for the fiscal years 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027. It also shows minimal impact on the public debt-to-GDP ratio. Continued …

Thailand is at risk of becoming overly reliant on ‘big brother’ China

Since the beginning of his term as Thailand’s prime minister in August, Srettha Thavisin has actively worked to strengthen relations with China. One of his early key meetings was with the Chinese ambassador, establishing the groundwork for subsequent diplomatic engagements to bring the two nations closer.

An important and symbolic gesture in strengthening those ties was the introduction of visa-free entry for Chinese visitors to Thailand in September. Srettha personally welcomed the first batch of Chinese visitors, underlining the significance of this group of travelers to Thailand’s tourism-dependent economy. Continued …

Thailand seeks 1 trillion baht investment for southern land bridge

The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning is organizing a roadshow targeting foreign investors for the upcoming southern land bridge megaproject. Scheduled to kick off next month, the roadshow will span 10 countries, including notable names in the logistics and maritime shipping sectors, such as China, Japan, France, and Taiwan.

The intelligence gathered from this event will be crucial in enhancing the megaproject before its final plan is presented to the Cabinet for approval. Public hearings are also in the cards in Ranong and Chumphon provinces next month, leading up to an environmental health-impact assessment. Continued …

30 Hong Kong firms keen on using Thailand to enter ASEAN markets

Thailand’s Trade Representative Nalinee Taveesin recently met 30 Hong Kong-based business entities keen on establishing production and logistics ventures in Thailand.

This initiative aligns with Hong Kong’s aim to expand its presence in ASEAN. Nalinee also exchanged valuable trade-related insights with Ronald Ho, regional director of Southeast and South Asia at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Continued …

Chinese firm eyes Thai factory

Chinese construction machinery manufacturer LiuGong Machinery plans to build three new factories and three machine assembly facilities in Asia-Pacific, with Thailand among the potential countries to serve its business expansion.

The company has yet to select the countries for its new facilities, which are expected to start next year, said Xiang Dongsheng, deputy general manager of LiuGong Machinery Asia Pacific. Continued …

Thailand voted best tourist destination outside Europe

Thailand has been recognized as the “Best Destination Outside Europe” at the Danish Travel Awards 2023, marking the first time the country has received this prestigious award.

The Danish Travel Awards, organized by Travelmedia Nordic, the leading digital travel media platform in the Nordic region, has been recognizing outstanding contributions to the travel industry for 26 years. The event, which was held in Copenhagen, was attended by over 500 professionals from the travel, tourism, and aviation sectors. Continued …

Bright growth opportunities for Thai medical tourism sector

In 2021, Thailand’s medical tourism industry ranked fifth globally, generating approximately 11.9 billion baht in revenue from foreign patients, a 47% increase over pre-Covid days.

There are several factors for the country’s success in this sector, namely: Continued …

Foreigners Banned from Thailand for Life after Attacking Phuket Immigration Officers

Multiple foreigners have been given a lifetime ban after an incident that saw several Immigration officers injured when the foreigners attempted to stop Immigration officers from serving a search warrant on a property to look for and arrest a wanted Indian national.

Phuket Immigration Chief Tanet Sukchai said that after the incident at the villa, they have taken legal action against multiple foreigners and withdrawn their permission to stay in Thailand, as well as blacklisted them (lifetime ban from entering the country). Continued …

Three Deaths after Jet Ski Collides With Boat in Samut Prakan

Three people have been pronounced dead at the scene after a jet ski crashed into a passenger long-tail boat in the Bang Phli district.

Emergency responders were notified of the accident on Saturday at the Nong Ngu Hao Canal in Soi Wat Sri Waree Noi, Srisa Chorakhe Noi subdistrict. Continued …

Thai Airways resumes flights connecting with Vietnam

Thai Airways marked the resumption of its flights to/from Vietnam with a flight landing at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and another from Hanoi to Bangkok yesterday.

With four round-trip flights per day linking Bangkok with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the national flag carrier of Thailand hopes to serve as a bridge for tourism, economic and cultural ties between the two countries. Continued …

Isaan, Thailand: the good and the bad

If you’ve been to Thailand, the chances are you’ve met people from Isaan without realizing it. The hotel receptionist in Phuket, the tuk-tuk driver in Chiang Mai, the bartender in Hua Hin or the masseuse in Koh Samui could all be from the region that borders Laos and the Mekong River to the north and east, and Cambodia to the south.

Isaan is mostly populated by ethnically Lao people and has much in common with its neighbor from historical, linguistic and cultural standpoints. But despite making up a third of Thailand’s land area, its 20 provinces are overlooked by most tourists. Continued …

The mythological figures that guard Thai temples and palaces

As visitors enter Bangkok’s Grand Palace, they pass supernatural security guards. Standing inside the main entrance of the royal complex in the Thai capital are two towering statues, each with sharp fangs protruding from their mouths and clubs in their grip.

They not only embody the colorful excess that makes the site so photogenic, but also depict a key figure from Thai mythology, the Yaksha, whose role is to protect palaces, temples and other sacred sites. Continued …

Thousands Break Into Aid Warehouses In Gaza As Deaths Top 8,000

Thousands of people broke into aid warehouses in Gaza to take flour and basic hygiene products, a UN agency said Sunday, in a mark of growing desperation three weeks into the war between Israel and Gaza’s militant Hamas rulers. Continued …

Mob storms Russian airport looking for Israelis

A mob looking for Israelis and Jews overran an airport in Russia’s Caucasus republic of Dagestan on Sunday, after rumors spread that a flight was arriving from Israel. Continued …

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.

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 

November Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flights reduced to two per week

Thai Air Asia will reduce direct flights from four to twice weekly between Chiang Mai, the gateway city to north Thailand and the beach resort town of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand.

From Chiang Mai, the new schedule switches to two weekly flights (Friday and Sunday), starting Oct. 30. The one-way is around USD78.40 (THB2,846), including fees and tax. Continued …

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

 

baht, bangkok, cha am, chiang mai, hospitality, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, phuket, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s news-Oct 17

Today’s news: PAT sterilizes and vaccinates over 1,500 street animals/Petrol prices to drop/Heavy rain warning/Land bridge to be expedited/Behind Bars in Thailand/Thailand’s wildlife trafficking battle/Vertical farming takes root/The story of VAT/Weak baht contributes to trade deficit/Thai Spa Industry poised for recognition/Thai ‘super app’ set to launch/Universal pension of 3,000 baht/Bullish on Chinese investments/Fallout from geopolitical shocks/90-day Visa Extension Approved for Russians/Visa extension sparks reactions/Wife leaves Brit stranded/Gun violence prompts Chinese cancellations/Music festivals for 2023-2024/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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Today’s Guest Sponsor – Siam Hearing

An invite from Jalapenos Mexican Grill

“We here at the Jalapenos Mexican Grill would like to invite everyone to our 2nd Grand Opening tonight at the new location. We still have the same hours from 11:30 am until 10 pm, closed on Monday. The new restaurant is located in Permsup Night Bazaar Market (Wonderland II) Behind Cheers Bar. Don’t worry about parking, we have lots of it. So come on over and check us out because we have the best Mexican food in Hua Hin.

PAT sterilizes and vaccinates over 1,500 street animals in Cha Am this year

People & Animals Thailand (PAT), an initiative under the umbrella of the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, is making strides in the battle against street animal overpopulation and the spread of rabies in the region.

Since the beginning of the year, PAT has treated over 1,500 animals at its state-of-the-art sterilization and vaccination clinic situated between Hua Hin and Cha Am. Continued …

Petrol prices to drop by 2.50 baht as new year gift

The deputy prime minister and minister of energy announced plans to reduce petrol prices by 2.50 baht per liter as a new year’s gift to the Thai people. The minister, Peeraphan Saleerathaviphak, also revealed the establishment of an official committee to investigate fuel pricing.

Peeraphan revealed that the Ministry of Energy is considering ways to reduce petrol prices to help the public with cost of living expenses, comparing this with previous reductions in diesel prices. He highlighted that the idea is to offer a new year’s gift to the people of Thailand. Continued …

Heavy rain warning in 32 Thailand provinces

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a heavy rain warning for 32 provinces today, with the southern region expected to receive heavy rainfall, covering 70% of the area.

Residents are urged to be cautious of the accumulated rainfall, which could lead to sudden flooding. Continued …

Land bridge to be expedited

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered acceleration of the southern land bridge connecting Chumphon on the eastern coast along the Gulf of Thailand to Ranong along the Andaman Sea. Continued … 

Behind Bars in Thailand: Interview with Dane in Pattaya Prison

As I step into the visiting room, I find myself lost among the sea of faces, trying to locate him. Even amidst the limited number of white men, or “farangs” as they are referred to in Thailand, it is difficult to spot him through the thick glass separating visitors from those serving time. After a swift scan, we lock eyes, and with a warm and inviting smile, he eagerly signals me over.

John Finn Ørsted Meyer Jensen doesn’t attempt to portray himself as a saint. He honestly and openly admits his mistakes, although he believes that they may not be as grave as they have been portrayed. Continued …

Thailand’s wildlife trafficking battle

The fight against wildlife trafficking in Thailand, a trade valued at approximately US$20 billion, is in full swing.

Police Col. Wanpichit Wattanasakmonta, an officer dedicated to the wildlife trafficking cause, stresses the importance of not only preserving wildlife but also protecting the environment and natural resources for a sustainable world. Thailand, a country that houses 10% of the world’s animal species, is a prominent hub for this unlawful trade. Continued …

Vertical farming takes root in Bangkok

“Our current farm’s capacity is maxed out, and there’s an increasing demand for our produce: we are able to sell more berries and other crops than we can produce. This expansion aims to cater to existing and potential partners,” says Geert Liezenga, founder of Varmers, a vertical farm in Thailand.

“Depending on the space allocated for each crop, we can optimize production costs. Generally, increased efficiency and space lead to reduced costs. However, our focus is quality and meeting demand rather than monopolizing the market. Continued …

Taxes made simple: the story of VAT

According to an announcement made in September covering additional amendments to reducing the value-added tax (VAT) rate as per Article 80 of the Revenue Code, Thailand’s VAT rate was reduced to 6.3% on the sale of goods, provision of services, or imports, effective Oct. 1, 2017, until Sept. 30, 2024.

The announcement appears to clearly state that VAT will be collected at 6.3%, reduced from 7%. But is this true or is there more to it than meets the eye? Continued …

Weak baht contributes to 350-billion-baht trade deficit

The private sector has expressed concern at the continued weakness of the baht, which has resulted in Thailand’s trade balance being in deficit for eight consecutive months to the tune of 350 billion baht.

According to the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC)’s Chairman Chaichan Chareonsuk, even though Thai exports have benefited from the weakened baht, reducing the prices of Thai products in line with the currency, it has also increased the costs of importing goods and raw materials needed for production. The higher cost of imports from the weak baht impacts the production costs and prices of Thai products, affecting the competitiveness of Thai exports. Continued … 

Thai Spa Industry: Niche market poised for global recognition

While mainstream tourism in Thailand has grown tremendously over the past 30 years, there’s a spa industry revolution that has quietly been developing for over three decades. In this episode of Health Matters Asia, the show’s host, David Barrett, delves deep into the world of Thai spa and wellness with Naphalai Areesorn, founding president of the Thai Spa Assn. and the visionary mind behind Thailand’s first destination spa, Chiva Som. Video 

Thai ‘super app’ set to launch with 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme

The completion of a multi-purpose mobile application, or “super app”, is on track for early next year, coinciding with the launch of the 10,000-baht digital wallet initiative, as announced by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat.

The mobile app is designed as a comprehensive solution, with developers assuring its readiness for the digital wallet scheme’s rollout, expected between February and March next year. Continued …

Universal pension of 3,000 baht would add 4% to Thai GDP: report

Introducing a state pension of 3,000 baht per month for all Thais aged 60 or over would boost GDP growth by 4.17% and inject 700 billion baht into the economy over five years, according to research presented at a recent seminar.

Thailand officially became an aging society last year, noted participants at last week’s seminar, with over 12.9 million people, or 20% of the population, aged over 60. Continued …

Thailand still bullish on Chinese investments

Chinese investment in Thailand has picked up pace this year despite an economic slowdown in the Asian giant, a welcome boost for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who flew into Beijing this week to bolster ties with its largest trading partner.

A stuttering recovery in the world’s second-biggest economy has spooked financial markets in 2023, as investors fretted about the impact on global growth, although Thailand has managed to retain its attraction as a vital investment hub, including for China’s growth-hungry firms. Continued …

Thailand, India, Indonesia risk biggest fallout from geopolitical shocks

A triumvirate of high oil prices, a surging dollar and geopolitical instability are set to weigh on Thailand, India and Indonesia among Asia’s emerging markets, while energy exporter Malaysia may prove a rare beneficiary.

Economists are fretting over the fallout on developing Asia from a widening of the Israel-Hamas war, with policymakers struggling to assess the consequences for oil supply and the scope of the potential impact on growth. Continued …

90-day Visa Extension Approved for Russian Tourists

The Thai Cabinet has given its approval for an extension of the visa-free stay for Russian tourists to 90 days in an effort to boost tourism in Thailand.

Following a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin and the Minister of Finance disclosed their plans to extend the duration of the visa-free period. Continued …

Thai visa extension for Russians sparks mixed industry reactions

The Thai Cabinet’s decision to extend the stay period for Russian tourists under the visa extension to 90 days, from the previous 30 days, has sparked mixed reactions. While some tourism operators fear an increase in illegal work activity, others in the south see potential for a boost in spending.

The new policy, announced on Monday, aims to stimulate the market during the high season. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has indicated plans to negotiate further cooperation areas with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Continued …

Wife leaves Brit stranded in Phuket

A British man, faced with the loss of his passport and funds after a family disagreement, found himself stranded in Phuket. Assistance from the Tourist Police was sought after his wife, following the dispute, left with his travel documents and a portion of their belongings.

The public became aware of the British man’s plight through a report by the Phuket Tourist Police, which was presented among other incidents of officers aiding foreign tourists in distressing circumstances. Continued …

Thai tourism hit as gun violence prompts Chinese visitor cancellations

The Thai government has been urged to tighten gun control measures by Chiang Mai hoteliers and tourism entrepreneurs in the aftermath of the Siam Paragon shopping mall shooting on Oct. 3.

The incident, which resulted in the death of three people, including a Chinese tourist, and injured four others, has shaken the confidence of Chinese travelers in Thailand. The fallout from the incident has seen approximately 60,000 Chinese tourists cancel their trips to the country. Continued …

Major Thailand music festivals announced for 2023-2024

Festival season is in high gear. A bevy of EDM and indie rock gigs are happening in the next few months. So Coconuts decided to compile a list of all the big events for eager festival goers looking to plan their weekends.

What about a list of solo concerts and gigs? In case you missed it, we’ve got that covered too. Continued …

244 more Thais in Israel arrive home on Monday night

The fifth batch of Thai citizens being evacuated from Israel touched down at Suvarnabhumi Airport at around 9pm on Monday on El Al flight LY085, which left Tel Aviv earlier that morning. There were 244 passengers on board the flight, most of them workers, along with 30 Thais studying in Israel. Continued …

Thai death toll in Israel rises to 29

The number of Thais killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict has risen to 29, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said. Srettha revealed the numbers before boarding a flight to Beijing on Monday. The premier is scheduled to attend the 3rd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on Tuesday and Wednesday. Continued …

Middle Eastern Turmoil: Economic Ripples in Asia-Pacific

In a world intricately interwoven by complex geopolitical ties and economic dependencies, the reverberations of conflict extend far beyond the immediate epicenter of turmoil. The ongoing Israel-Hamas war, escalating with a ferocity unseen in recent years, does not merely represent a regional crisis but poses a substantive economic concern for the distant shores of the Asia-Pacific. Continued …

Water scarcity in Asia-Pacific casts a dark cloud over World Food Day

Competing demands for access to fresh water in the Asia-Pacific region are intensifying, and this could have dire consequences for the region’s massive agriculture sector and, ultimately, could interrupt regular and affordable access to food, water-resource management experts have warned. Continued …

China BRI’s global transformation

As the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) reaches its 10th-anniversary milestone, China’s State Council Information Office has unveiled a white paper titled “The Belt and Road Initiative: A Key Pillar of the Global Community of Shared Future”. Continued …

Egypt unearths 3,400-year-old cemetery packed with ancient treasures

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery of a 3,400-year-old ancient cemetery from the New Kingdom era at the Tuna El-Gebel necropolis in the southern Minya governorate. Continued …

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.

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 

November Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flights reduced to two per week

Thai Air Asia will reduce direct flights from four to twice weekly between Chiang Mai, the gateway city to north Thailand and the beach resort town of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand.

From Chiang Mai, the new schedule switches to two weekly flights (Friday and Sunday), starting Oct. 30. The one-way is around USD78.40 (THB2,846), including fees and tax. Continued …

 

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
bangkok, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-Sept 25

Today’s news: Today’s Guest Sponsors/Essential tips for Thai visa/Foreign income tax changes/Man suspected of murdering five children/Suspected killer’s third wife arrested/’Big Joke’ homes raided/What are transfer fees in Thailand/Barclays Bank to close UK accountsThai businesses wary of proposed minimum wage/Tesla, Google, Microsoft to invest $5 billion?/Trade conflicts, worsening climate/Ministry to review Thai nominee deals/Thailand to go ahead with bridging Andaman-Gulf/Banpu sees profits in green energy/Pot to be criminalized/Visa-free initiative starts/Applications for visas in China soar/Rise in expatriate residence/Thaicom targets tourists/Thailand in talks with Germany/UNESCO listing sparks surge to Sri Thep/Tourist destinations overrun by travelers/Secrets of Si Thep/Mo Paeng Waterfall/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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Today’s Guest Sponsors

One of the goals of Expat News over the past almost eight years has been to help improve the fortunes of expat Hua Hin businesses. Below are three examples of local companies providing services/products of interest to our readers. Please mention that you saw their ad in Expat News if you contact them.

Essential tips for getting your Thai visa in Bangkok

It’s very easy to get a Thai visa. This is the case because Thailand as a country is dedicated to making it easy for foreigners to get a Thai visa. Most people figure out that visiting Bangkok for Thai visa service is a good option. Getting a local company to assist you in all your visa requirements will make the entire process easier. But it’s best if you’re prepared and ever aware of everything that you need to know even before going to Bangkok.

This is why we prepared this guide for you. To make your Thai visa application easier, you need to keep the following in mind: Continued …

What is the real deal with proposed foreign income tax changes?

Video 

PM’s push for water mega-projects triggers flood of concern

Concerned Thais and environmentalists have expressed alarm at Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s support for a 2.2-trillion-baht water-management project on the Mekong, Chi and Mun rivers.

“I hope the prime minister will not rush to give the project a green light. I really hope he will study the information carefully before making a decision,” said Asst. Prof. Sitang Pilailar, a water-management expert at Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Engineering. Continued …

Man with four wives suspected of murdering five of his 10 children

Police in the Bang Khen area of Bangkok this week were investigating another possible serial killer after it emerged that a 46-year-old man with four wives and a history of violent domestic abuse, but who claims mental illness, may have murdered five of his 10 children in the period from 2012 up to this month when he allegedly murdered his two-year-old daughter.

Songsak Songsaeng was committed to prison on Friday when he appeared in court on multiple charges linked with the death of his daughter, while police are still investigating the death of four of his sons from 2012 to 2017. Continued …

Suspected killer’s third wife arrested on murder charges relating to 4 infant boys

The third wife of the suspected serial killer, 46-year-old Songsak Songsaeng, was arrested by police on Friday on charges including murder. She appeared before the Criminal Court on Saturday in connection with the deaths of four infants between 2013 and 2018.

Jessada Meepian is the 33-year-old mother of a 12-year-old girl, Wiyada, the only surviving child out of five from the relationship between the pair who, it was revealed, on Friday, alerted authorities and activists to the murder of a two-year-old girl at the hands of Songsak and his fourth wife Sunan Nahuanin, the mother of the baby girl. Both parents were already committed by the Criminal Court on Friday on charges related to that murder. Continued …

‘Big Joke’ accused of being involved in online gambling operation

Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers raided the home of Royal Thai Police (RTP) Deputy Commissioner Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn this morning over allegations of his involvement in an online gambling operation. Big Joke denied the allegation and refused to allow officers to enter his home.

CCIB officers attempted to raid five houses owned by Big Joke in Soi Vibhawadee 60 near the Police Sports Club in Bangkok’s Lak Si district at 8am today. One of the houses is Big Joke’s home, while the other four provide accommodation for members of his team. Continued …

What are transfer fees in Thailand property purchase and who pays them?

Like any property market, purchasing property in Thailand will incur additional expenses and fees. Before buying a property, you might come across transfer fees, business tax, and stamp duty during your research, but what are they? And who’s responsible for paying them? Here’s what you need to know.

Transfer Fee

The Thailand Land Department charges 2% over the appraised value of the property. Continued …

Barclays Bank to close UK accounts for British expats

Barclays Bank has announced its decision to terminate the UK current and savings accounts for British expatriates living overseas, a move that comes after a review of the bank’s international offerings initiated in 2021.

This will affect numerous British citizens residing in countries like Thailand, among others. Continued …

Thai businesses wary of proposed 400-baht minimum wage

The business sector has expressed concerns over the possible negative effects of the proposed daily minimum wage increase to 400 baht.

The announcement, made by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, could lead to higher costs for consumers. Industries that rely heavily on labor, such as agriculture, food export, retail trade, and construction, would be most affected by the wage increase, according to Pisit Puapan, director of the Fiscal Policy Office’s Bureau of Macroeconomic Policy. Continued …

PM expects Tesla, Google, Microsoft to invest $5 billion in Thailand

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Sunday the country expected to receive investment of at least $5 billion from Tesla, Google and Microsoft.

“Tesla would be looking into an EV manufacturing facility, Microsoft and Google are looking at data centers,” he said, without detailing whether the $5 billion was expected to be a combined investment or made individually by each company. Continued …

Trade conflicts, worsening climate, spread of fake news will impact Thai economy

Global geopolitical conflicts, climate change and fake news are posing a threat to Thailand’s economy and worsening the social divide, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) warned recently.

Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the NESDC, said ongoing geopolitical conflicts between world superpowers have led to a rivalry not just over military and security matters, but also on economic issues. Continued …

Ministry implements rigorous review process for business to deter Thai nominee deals

The Commerce Ministry’s Department of Business Development has launched a more-thorough investigation into businesses set up under nominee arrangements. This practice has been found to be common in the property, tourism and resort industries.

Nominee arrangements see Thai partners holding shares on behalf of foreigners, often to bypass the requirement of foreign business licenses stipulated in the 1999 Foreign Business Act. Continued …

Thailand to go ahead with bridging Andaman-Gulf coasts to boost southern economy

Newly appointed Industry Minister Pimpattra Wichaikul reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC)’s Land Bridge Project, saying all steps will be taken to expedite the initiative. She was speaking to the press on Saturday after returning from a two-day trip to Chumphon.

Pimpattra explained that the project aims to connect the coasts of the Andaman Sea on the west and the Gulf of Thailand, particularly the provinces of Chumphon and Ranong. Continued …

Banpu sees profits in transition to green energy and net-zero emissions

Banpu’s first carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) system and facility is due to start operating in the fourth quarter of this year, a development its CEO, Somruedee Chaimongkol, described as a milestone.

The announcement was made during a panel discussion on Friday called “A Closer Look at Banpu Group’s Strategic Progress Towards 2025 Transition Goals”. It highlighted the company’s accomplishments, as well as the future direction of its four flagship businesses: mining, gas, power, and energy technology. Continued …

Pot to be criminalized despite widespread business activity

The future of thousands of small businesses in Thailand that have thrived in the kingdom’s post-deregulation cannabis market, which is now one of the world’s most open, is on the line as the Pheu Thai-led government readies its plan to tackle the issue.

The widespread use of marijuana, however, is not receiving the support it had hoped for from the recovering foreign tourism industry and is strongly opposed by the public. Continued …

Thailand’s visa-free initiative for Chinese, Kazakhstani starts

Chinese and Kazakhstani tourists will be welcomed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at Suvarnabhumi Airport tomorrow, signaling the start of the government’s new visa-free initiative.

Srettha will be accompanied by a delegation of ministers and officials at a reception organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to greet Chinese travelers aboard Thai AirAsia X flight XJ761, scheduled to arrive from Shanghai to Bangkok at 10.15am. Continued …

Applications for visas in China soar before holiday

Chinese travelers have shown ever-increasing enthusiasm for traveling abroad this year, and the trend is on track to become more prominent for the rest of the year, fueling a growing demand for visa applications.

The upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday, which land at the same time this year, form an eight-day period from Friday to Oct. 6, and more Chinese visitors are foreseen to venture overseas during the holidays. Continued …

Rise in expatriate residence in Thailand prompts tourism benefits plan

Thailand’s popularity as a residence of choice for expatriates and remote workers is on the rise. As per the data from the Employment Department and Colliers Thailand, the first quarter of this year saw an increase of 156,596 expatriates, with over half based in Bangkok.

The leading nationalities were Japanese, Chinese and Indian last year. In addition, recent reports show an increased interest among Chinese nationals in purchasing condominium units in Thailand. Continued …

Thaicom targets tourists with launch of tracking service

Satellite operator Thaicom plans to launch Spot Gen 4 as the country’s first tracking service via a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite in the fourth quarter of this year, targeting the tourism and maritime industries in Thailand and the region.

The move follows a commercial partnership signed last year between Thaicom and Globalstar relating to the narrow-band LEO satellite business. Globalstar is a global LEO satellite operator and a leading provider of satellite internet of things (IoT) solutions and mobile satellite services. Continued …

Thailand in talks with Germany for visa-free entry to the EU

The Thai Foreign Ministry is seeking visa exemptions for Thais to enter the European Union (EU) and has asked Germany to support the idea by pointing to potential opportunities, including increased tourism to the EU.

The idea was discussed by Panpree Phahitthanukorn, who is also deputy prime minister for economic and foreign affairs, and German Deputy Foreign Minister Tobias Lindner, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry. Continued …

UNESCO listing sparks surge of tourists to unprepared Sri Thep

Tourists have been racing to Sri Thep since the ancient city in Phetchabun province was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but local residents have been caught off guard by the influx and services for visitors remain minimal.

“It’s truly unfortunate that the local community couldn’t catch up in time, resulting in no facilities or services to benefit from the significant influx of tourists,” Phetchabun Gov. Wison Kositanont wrote online. Continued …

10 most-visited tourist destinations overrun by travelers

Traveling the world has never been more accessible, and as a result, many countries are experiencing an influx of tourists. While this can provide economic benefits, it can also lead to crowded destinations and over-tourism. Here, is a list of the 10 most-visited countries globally, shedding light on their tourist footfalls and how it is affecting them, according to Moneytransfers.com.

No 1. City: Phuket, Thailand – Phuket tops the list with its stunning natural beauty, well-developed tourism infrastructure, and excellent value for money. Phuket, the largest Thai island, attracts a staggering 118.5 tourists for every resident in the city. While it’s known as an over-touristed city, most tourists use it as a steppingstone to explore the country’s beautiful beaches and islands. Continued …

The Secrets of Si Thep

Visiting the ancient town of Si Thep is now at the top of many travellers’ wish lists, thanks to UNESCO’s recent recognition of it as a World Cultural Heritage site. Located in Phetchabun Province, 450 kilometres north of Bangkok, the ancient town of Si Thep has likely sat quietly along the Lop Buri-Pasak River Basin since prehistoric times.

Known as the “Lost Hindu Town” in the archives of the Siamese Royal Court, Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, a visionary historian, rediscovered the ancient town of Si Thep in 1904. He was led to the town by locals in Phetchabun province and found the legendary city abandoned in the forested land. Continued …

Mo Paeng Waterfall: A refreshing oasis in the heart of Pai’s mountains

Nestled in the mountains of Pai, Mo Paeng Waterfall beckons travelers to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and indulge in the tranquility of natural surroundings.

This community-based eco-tourism gem, located in the lush northern province of Mae Hong Son, promises tourists a rejuvenating escape. Continued …

NASA’s First Asteroid Samples Land On Earth

NASA’s first asteroid samples fetched from deep space parachuted into the Utah desert Sunday to cap a seven-year journey. In a flyby of Earth, the Osiris-Rex spacecraft released the sample capsule from 63,000 miles (100,000 kilometers) out. The small capsule landed four hours later on a remote expanse of military land, as the mothership set off after another asteroid. Continued …

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.

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
baht, cha am, hua hin, marijuana, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-Sept 23

Today’s news: Baht expected to continue slide/Landscaping of beach road/Long-tail boat racing/Cha Am to boost tourism/Thai PM at the UN General Assembly/Torrential rains forecast/Intense plankton bloom threatens/Less than 2,803 baht per month/Thailand’s mega land bridge project/Keen On Investing In ThailandLotus launches EV brand in Thailand/Cannabis Network Gives Warning/Movie scares Chinese tourists/China-Laos Railway Adds Extra Train/Unique things to see in Thailand/Reviving indigo textile production/5 offbeat Thai destinations/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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Baht expected to continue its slide

Economists are warning the baht will weaken further throughout this month and next because of higher volatility in money and capital markets worldwide after the U.S. Federal Reserve’s hawkish comments about its benchmark interest rate.

Poon Panitchpibun, money market strategist at Krungthai Global Markets, a research center of Krungthai Bank, said the baht opened on Thursday at 36.25 to the U.S. dollar, depreciating from the previous day’s close of 36.07. Continued …

Landscaping of beach road a priority?

Hua Hin municipal officials plan to improve the landscaping of the road leading to City Beach. At a meeting yesterday, the Sanitation and Environment Division was told to improve the landscape down to the beach front.

Given that the road is lined almost in its entirety with businesses and vendor stalls, where landscaping would be installed is a question, as is whether the cost of such landscaping is even necessary. The only break in the vendor lineup are the two Centara entrances.

Previously, “beautification” of the road involved new asphalt, as well as building vendor buildings to replace the makeshift stalls that were present. The result has been a narrowing of the pathway that accommodates motorcycles as well as pedestrians. The vendor improvements were made after a fire near the beach destroyed several stalls.

Officials did recommend also that the road be kept clean and that more trash bins would be installed.

Hua Hin seeks approval to hold long-tail boat racing event Nov 17-19

The Hua Hin municipality has submitted a formal request to provincial officials for the green light to host its annual long-tail boat racing event at Khao Tao reservoir in November.

The heart of the discussion revolved around the municipality’s request for the continuation of the longboat racing event. This event traditionally occurs every November to December at the Khao Tao reservoir, a project that was initiated by royal directive. Continued … 

Cha Am aims to boost tourism to international standards

Yesterday, Phetchaburi Province took a significant step toward advancing its tourism industry to meet international standards. A meeting was held at the Phetchaburi Provincial Hall, Mueang district, chaired by Wanpen Mangsri, deputy governor of Phetchaburi.

The central focus of the discussion was to address the needs concerning products and services in the tourism sector of Phetchaburi and Cha Am. Continued …

Full statement delivered by Thai PM at the UN General Assembly

On behalf of the delegation of the Kingdom of Thailand, allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, upon your election to preside over the General Assembly at its seventy-eighth session.

Thailand has marked a new chapter in our democracy. I have only assumed office a few days ago, with the mandate of the people, to strengthen democratic institutions and values in Thailand, and to uplift the well-being of the Thai people, who have been through difficult times over the past several years. Continued …

Torrential rains forecast for the south as monsoon intensifies

Continuous thundershowers are forecast for most of the country today, with isolated heavy rains in the lower central region, including metropolitan Bangkok, and the east, according to the Meteorological Department.

The south could experience torrential rains, the department warned. The heavy rainfall is the result of a monsoon trough lying across the lower central, the east and the upper south, and the intensifying southwest monsoon across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf. Continued …

Intense plankton bloom threatens Chon Buri’s marine life and mussel farms

A severe plankton bloom, unusually dense in nature, has emerged off the eastern coast of Chon Buri province, leading to the formation of what marine scientists are referring to as an aquatic “dead zone.” This situation poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of local fishermen and the operations of mussel farms in the region.

(Editor note: Plankton blooms such as this one are generally caused by chemical runoffs from farm activities. With the Chao Phraya River emptying into the Gulf, and carrying runoff from Thailand’s farming heartland, such dead zones are likely to continue, and worsen.)

In specific areas of the Gulf of Thailand, marine scientists have recorded plankton levels that are over 10 times the normal amount. Continued …

More than 6% of all Thais still live on less than 2,803 baht per month

Although poverty has decreased in Thailand, incomes have risen and income inequality has decreased, disparities persist and require attention, the National Economic and Social Development Council said in a report.

The report put the poverty line at 2,686 baht per month per person in 2017 and at 2,803 baht per month per person in 2021. It focused on poverty under the government of former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2017-2021). Continued …

Thailand’s mega land bridge project: an economic boon or environmental bane?

The Industry Ministry of Thailand is currently assessing the environmental impact of a proposed land bridge megaproject in the southern part of the country, a venture that promises to significantly bolster the Thai economy in the future. This assessment is crucial to determining the project’s viability and addressing any potential negative effects on the environment.

The proposed land bridge, which aims to establish a logistics network between Ranong on the Andaman Sea and Chumphon on the Gulf of Thailand, has been a topic of discussion for four decades. It is envisioned as an alternative maritime route to the existing Indian Ocean-Pacific Ocean pathway via the Strait of Malacca, which sees approximately 85,000 ships annually — a figure projected to rise to 128,000 within the next 10 years, according to the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT). Continued …

Goldman Sachs, Estee Lauder, Microsoft And Google Keen On Investing In Thailand: Srettha

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said after holding talks with executives of some top American companies that Goldman Sachs, Estee Lauder, Microsoft and Google are interested in investing in this country.

After a video call yesterday morning to address an Asian Business Council meeting in Thailand, with this being a gathering of more than 80 ASEAN businessmen, among them 10 Thai businessmen, and is the first meeting here in a decade, Srettha had a breakfast meeting with second-highest-ranking executive of Goldman Sachs, a leading global investment banking, securities and investment-management firm. Continued …

UK sports carmaker Lotus launches EV brand in Thailand

The manufacturer of the famous British brand Lotus Cars officially launched its first-ever electric car brand in Thailand on Friday, hoping to be a game changer in the EV industry and start a new chapter for Lotus, said Katya Zavialova, its head of Southeast Asia Pacific.

She said during the launch ceremony that “Lotus Eletre” represents a historic turning point for Lotus, evolving from a 75-year legacy of sports car excellence that combines high technology, dynamic performance, and practicality. Continued …

Cannabis Network Gives Health Minister A Warning

A cannabis network yesterday urged Public Health Minister Chonlanan Srikaew to clearly define what a planned draft bill on cannabis and hemp would mean in saying it is to be for medical and health purposes only, because if traditional medical practitioners are cut out it could lead to conflicts.

After the liberal marijuana policy became effective on June 9, 2022, possessing and using all parts of cannabis plants, including flowers and seeds, are now allowed. However, extracted content remains illegal if it contains more than 0.2% of the psychoactive ingredient that produces a “high” — tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Continued … 

Blockbuster movie scares Chinese tourists away from Thailand

For millions of Chinese tourists, Thailand used to be a happy land of water fights, lantern festivals and delicious food.

But thanks to social media rumors and a blockbuster movie, the kingdom’s image among many Chinese people is now one of dangerous illegality and seedy scam border compounds — leaving visitor numbers plummeting. Continued …

China-Laos Railway Adds Extra Train To Serve Growing Number of Passengers

The Laos-China Railway Co. (LCRC) has procured another electric multiple-unit (EMU) train, which arrived in the Lao capital Vientiane on Thursday, aiming to accommodate the growing number of passengers.

Anongdeth Phetkaysone, deputy director of the LCRC, said that the EMU train has been purchased to support passenger transportation both domestically and internationally, in order to support the increase in passengers and prepare for Laos’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Visit Laos Year 2024. Continued …

Unique things you can experience only in Thailand

Thailand’s tropical and coastal charms, historical monuments, and extensive cuisine, fashion and wellness offerings make it a tourist magnet. Apart from its cultural and geographical diversity, the country also houses certain endemic attractions that are incredibly one-of-a-kind.

Here are a few top picks of such experiences that need to be on your Thailand bucket list. Continued …

Northern Thailand town reviving indigo textile production for a new generation

“When I was small, it was all very traditional,” muses 69-year-old Prapapan Sritrai as she shows me around her workspace, where huge vats of bubbling, inky-blue liquid are being stirred by her husband. Auntie Ngeam, as she’s known locally, is one of a third generation of indigo artisans in a family descended from the Phuan, a people known for their handwoven fabrics.

A sizeable Phuan community, originally from Laos, settled in Phrae, in northern Thailand, after being displaced from their homeland when the borders of Siam were expanded in the late 19th century, bringing their indigo craftsmanship with them. Continued …

Koh Chang to Rai Leh: 5 offbeat destinations apart from Phuket and Pattaya

From stunning beaches and lush jungles to Thailand’s bustling cities and vibrant culture, it’s not hard to see why it’s one of Asia’s most popular travel destinations. But while many people flock to Phuket and Pattaya for their holidays, plenty of other places in Thailand deserve just as much attention.

Even recently, according to research conducted by MoneyTransfers.com, Phuket has been declared as the world’s most overcrowded tourist destination. However, from the remote islands of Koh Chang to the ancient ruins of Rai Leh, here are five offbeat destinations in Thailand that are not Phuket or Pattaya. Continued … 

More than 70% of farmers have already seen large impacts of climate change

Seventy-one percent of farmers say that climate change already has a large impact on their farm, and even more are worried about the impact this will have in the future; 73% have experienced increasing pest and disease pressure. On average farmers estimate that their incomes had reduced by 15.7% due to climate change in the past two years. Continued …

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.

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
baht, bangkok, hua hin, marijuana, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-Sept 22

Today’s news: Baht depreciation expected to deepen/Rain continues/Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey/Weakening baht not all bad/All in on Green Economy/PM talks up US trade ties/Land bridge project/EV, battery demand/Use of cannabis must be regulated/Small cannabis businesses in limbo/Tourism applauds vow to tackle cannabis/Suvarnabhumi’s SAT-1 terminal/10 Things To Buy In Bangkok/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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Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Baht depreciation expected to deepen amid global market volatility

Financial experts are predicting a further depreciation of the baht throughout this month and next, due to the increased volatility in the global money and capital markets. This follows the U.S. Federal Reserve’s recent suggestion of a potential increase in its benchmark interest rate.

Poon Panitchpibun, a strategist at Krungthai Global Market, a research center of Krungthai Bank, noted that the baht opened on Thursday at 36.25 against the U.S. dollar, a depreciation from the previous day’s close of 36.07. Continued …

Rain continues for most regions

Thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rain in the northeastern, eastern, lower central and the southern regions will continue throughout today, with Bangkok and the surrounding area having an 80% chance of downpours.

For the next 24 hours, eastern and northeastern regions of Thailand will experience strong easterly winds, while the southwestern part of the Gulf of Thailand and the western side of the country will experience light westerly winds. Continued …

Deloitte Thailand releases Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey

The survey highlights the cost of living as the top concern among both generations in Thailand. Thai Gen Z and millennial workforce are, on average, more satisfied with their current work/life balance in their job and their organization’s DEI efforts compared to the global average.

Deloitte Thailand reveals the results of the Global 2023 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, which also reflects on country-specific perspectives of Gen Z and millennials, including Thailand, toward the economy, society, and environment, compared to the global average across the same generation. Continued …

Thailand’s weakening baht not all bad for economy, prime minister says

Thailand’s central bank is monitoring the weak baht, which is not entirely bad for the economy and could help the key export and tourism sectors, the prime minister said in remarks aired on Thursday, as the baht hit multi-month lows.

Srettha Thavisin, speaking during a visit to the United States, said the government was not interfering in the central bank’s duty. The Thai currency’s depreciation was driven by capital outflows due to interest rate differentials, Srettha told reporters. Continued …

PM Srettha Goes All in on Green Economy

Srettha Thavisin, Thai prime minister and minister of finance, gave an interview while attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York and speaking on the topic of sustainable development (SDGs).

Thailand proposed its sustainable development goals (SDGs) and stressed the importance of addressing global warming in a sustainable manner amid geopolitical tensions. Continued …

PM talks up US trade ties

Thailand will further strengthen trade ties with the United States, as the two countries mark 190 years of diplomatic relations, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said.

He was speaking after a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at a gala dinner hosted by the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC) on Wednesday. Continued …

Land bridge project looks to attract investors

The Transport Ministry plans to host roadshows in China, Europe and the United States to attract investors in a land bridge megaproject connecting Chumphon on the eastern coast along the Gulf of Thailand to Ranong along the Andaman Sea.

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit on Thursday provided an update on the progress of the project after Wichai Sudsawat, United Thai Nation (UTN) Party MP for Chumphon, shared his concerns regarding the negative impact of the project on the livelihoods of people in his constituency during a House meeting on Wednesday. Continued …

EV, battery demand to spur Thai company’s revenue

Growing demand for commercial electric vehicles and batteries is expected to boost the total revenue of Energy Absolute (EA), a renewable energy and EV developer and operator, to reach a record high of more than 41 billion baht this year, up from 27.5 billion baht in 2022.

EA’s battery manufacturing facility in Chachoengsao.

EV and battery sales represented 25%, or 10.4 billion baht, of total revenue in the first half of this year. Continued …

Thai PM says use of cannabis must be regulated within six months

Speaking in New York, Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said that his government will amend the law on cannabis, to restrict its use to medical purposes and to control retail cannabis outlets, within six months. (There are a reported more than 12,000 cannabis-related businesses in Thailand.)

During his interview with Bloomberg, the prime minister said that, since cannabis was decriminalized in Thailand last year, by removing it from the Category 5 drugs list, it has become the first country in Asia where cannabis is available for medical, as well as recreational purposes, resulting in the rapid growth of retail outlets offering cannabis and its extracts over the counter. Continued …

Small businesses in limbo with new marijuana policy

 

Just over a year after Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize marijuana, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has announced a dramatic policy shift.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, the prime minister revealed that the government will now limit the use of marijuana to medical purposes only. This sudden turn has garnered the support of all parties in the Pheu Thai-led coalition government, leaving small dispensaries and entrepreneurs in a state of uncertainty. Continued … 

Tourism sector applauds PM’s vow to tackle cannabis

Tourism operators have applauded the prime minister’s pledge to eliminate recreational cannabis usage within six months. as they believe unregulated cannabis shops have done more harm than good to tourism over the past year.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin insisted this week during an interview with Bloomberg that the government would rectify the cannabis policy within six months to ensure it would be used only for medical purposes. Continued …

 

Suvarnabhumi’s SAT-1 terminal completes final trial run

SAT-1, a new satellite terminal at Suvarnabhumi airport, successfully underwent the third and final full-scale trial operation on Thursday night prior to the soft opening scheduled for Sept. 28.

Kittipong Kittikachorn, Suvarnabhumi airport director, said today that the third full-scale trial operation focused on the outbound passenger process during the night, running from 8pm until midnight. It aimed to ensure that the night-time operations, which require different support systems from the day-time operations, including lighting at all service points, were functioning smoothly. Continued …

10 Things To Buy In Bangkok If You’re Visiting For The First Time

A far cry from the many lesser-known, uncrowded islands in Thailand, Bangkok overwhelms first-time visitors with its bounty of markets, malls, and shops selling everything imaginable.

hile the options may seem endless, focusing shopping on finding authentic Thai items is key to an optimal experience. By looking for goods that represent true local craftsmanship and culture, visitors can be sure to take home meaningful souvenirs. Continued …

Singapore’s worst money-laundering case now worth over $1.7 billion

The police have taken control of more than $1.7 billion worth of assets in Singapore’s worst money-laundering case. In an update on Wednesday, the police said they conducted more operations after 10 foreign nationals were arrested in August for their alleged involvement in laundering the proceeds of their overseas organized crime activities. Continued …

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch steps down

Rupert Murdoch has stepped down as the chairman of Fox Corp. and News Corp., ending a more than seven-decade career during which he created a media empire spanning from Australia to the United States. Continued …

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.

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
bangkok, hua hin, immigration, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism

Saturday’s news-Sept 2

Today’s news: Weekend of downpours/New income requirements for Norwegians/Foreign Resident Quota Set/Is the ‘land bridge’ project worth the cost?/Digital handout scheme/Wage increase likely early next year/Motorcycle outlook rosy/Thapanee Kiatphaiboon begins as TAT governor/Thailand’s responsible tourism project/Thailand’s Visa-Free Travel plan/Free visa plan to add 700,000 Chinese/In Love with Thai Food/5 Thai delights/Bangkok restaurant serves modern Thai food/Typhoon Saola makes China landfall/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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Flash floods and rough seas post danger during weekend of downpours

Heavy to very heavy rains will hit 46 provinces, including metropolitan Bangkok, today and tomorrow, the Meteorological Department forecast.

The downpours will be brought by the strong monsoon trough lying across the north, northeast and central regions, and a strong southwest monsoon spanning the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, the department said. Continued …

New income documentation requirements for Norwegian expats

The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok and consulates in Pattaya and Phuket have changed the document requirement for confirmation of annual income on a short notice.

“Norwegian citizens in Thailand may need confirmation of their income/pension from Norway in connection with the extension of a one-year visa. In this connection, they ask the embassy to confirm annual income/pension. Continued …

Foreign Resident Quota Set at Maximum of 150 Individuals in Thailand for the Year

The allocation of the number of foreign nationals and stateless persons to be residents of the Kingdom of Thailand for the year 2023 was announced in the Royal Gazette on Aug. 31. This coincided with the day General Prayut Chan-o-cha resigned from his position as prime minister.

The terms of this allocation were specified by announcements from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Interior as follows: Continued …

Is the massive ‘land bridge’ project worth the trillion-baht investment?

One of the mega projects being inherited by the new government from the Prayut administration is the land bridge, intended to facilitate the movement of cargo containers and oil from the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Thailand and to destinations beyond Thailand, as an alternative to the busy Strait of Malacca.

The Prayut administration has painted a rosy picture of this mega project, a new alternative to the Kra Canal project, which has laid dormant for several decades. It hopes that construction of the project can commence in 2025 and be completed in four years. Continued …

Digital handout scheme could boost Thailand’s GDP by 3%

The Pheu Thai Party‘s proposed digital handout scheme, requiring around 500 billion baht, could potentially boost Thailand’s GDP growth by 3% in the next year, according to the Bank of Thailand. Sakkapop Panyanukul, the central bank‘s director of the economic and policy department, mentioned the digital handout contribution depends on the economic multiplier.

The 3% GDP projection uses a cash transfer model, but definitive forecasts await more digital handout scheme details. The program suggests a digital wallet with 10,000 baht for citizens aged 16 and above, spent locally within six months to stimulate the economy and aim for 5% GDP growth. Continued …

Wage increase likely early next year, PM Srettha says

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Friday that he expected the minimum daily wage to be increased early next year to help workers cope with the rising cost of living.

Increasing wages is a major policy platform of all the coalition parties, but his government will also consider concerns over possible higher costs for business operators, he said. Continued …

Motorcycle outlook rosy

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) expects total motorcycle production this year will exceed the target of 2.1 million units.

The rebound of the tourism industry has increased demand for motorcycles and the easing of the global semiconductor shortage means chip makers can supply a greater number to motorcycle producers, said Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice chairman and spokesman for the FTI’s Automotive Industry Club. Continued …

Thapanee Kiatphaiboon begins her role as new TAT governor

Thapanee Kiatphaiboon today began her role as the new governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Having been with the TAT since 1999 after earning a master’s degree in science from the University of Surrey in the UK, Thapanee has held various positions within the organization, including deputy governor for tourism products and business, and most recently deputy governor for domestic marketing. Continued …

Thailand launches second edition of responsible tourism project

With the success of the The One for Nature initiative in 2020, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled The 2nd The One for Nature project in its continuous efforts to promote responsible tourism in Thailand.

The 2020 project embodied the concept of “travel with responsibility” in Thailand, and aimed to spotlight Thailand’s sustainable tourism and safeguard the nation’s abundant natural resources. Continued …

Chinese Buzz with Enthusiasm for Thailand’s Visa-Free Travel

The introduction of visa-free travel, urged by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, is primarily intended for Chinese visitors. Currently, visitors from Mainland China are visiting Thailand less than expected, and this year’s target of 5 million is likely to be missed.

According to the Department of Economic, Tourism and Sports Statistics of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, a total of 17.6 million foreign tourists entered Thailand from Jan. 1 to Aug. 27. The top five nationalities are Malaysians (2,797,462), Chinese (2,182,038), South Koreans (1,046,200), Indians (1,006,629) and Russians (914,666). Continued …

Free visa plan expected to add 700,000 Chinese guests

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimates the government’s plan to issue free visas to visitors from China will add 700,000 arrivals during the high season.

TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said on Friday that 350,000 to 400,000 Chinese visit Thailand per month, with the tally for the first eight months this year at 2.1 million. Continued …

How the Thai Government Made the Whole World Fall in Love with Thai Food

Food may not always be an obvious source of power. But as the substance that not only keeps us alive but also in many ways brings us meaning — ritual, community, nourishment — it should go without saying that food is a powerful force, one that has the ability to shape what we eat, what we think, who we are.

It’s understandable, then, that some would seek to harness this force. One example is gastrodiplomacy, when food is leveraged to essentially build a nation’s brand and strengthen ties with other countries. Continued …

5 Thai curry delights spice up top rankings in TasteAtlas List

Thai curry dishes stole the spotlight in this year’s “43 Curry Varieties Ranked from the Worst to the Best,” launched by the food guide website TasteAtlas. Five curry dishes from Thailand are listed in the top 10.

Last year, TasteAtlas declared the northern Thai curry dish Khao Soi as the world’s best soup in the “50 Best Soups in the World.” The foodie platform also ranked Khao Soi and other four Thai curry dishes in its list again this year. The curry dishes included in the top 10 are: Continued …

Bangkok restaurant serves modern Thai food worth its Michelin-star status

Seeking to change the perception that Thailand’s cuisine is dominated only by cheap street outlets, the Michelin-starred Le Du serves Thai food with a modern approach.

When I sit down to dinner with him on a recent visit to Bangkok, chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn says he applies international techniques to Thai ingredients, in the process whipping up dishes that “look modern, but taste authentic”. Continued …

Typhoon Saola makes landfall in Guangdong after slamming Hong Kong, Macau

Typhoon Saola made landfall in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong early today as violent winds lashed nearby Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macau, leaving at least one dead and a trail of destruction and flooding in many areas. Continued …

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.

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

 

hua hin, phuket, solar, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism

Tuesday’s news-June 13

  • Rainy season? No rain forecast for most of Thailand in July/
  • Pita inches closer to PM post/
  • PM pushes ambitious land bridge project in South/
  • British expat’s 1,050km charity walk aims to raise 1M baht for abused children/
  • Top Thai military brass visits Beijing/
  • Economy: AIS faces hurdles in bid to buy 3BB/Biomass power giant turns its sights to solar energy/Kraft Heinz’s Journey into Thailand’s Culinary Wonderland/Thai Durian on the Upswing: Export Prices to China at Record/
  • Tourism: End of travel subsidy scheme takes a toll on Thai hotel occupancy/Thailand records 11.4M foreign tourists/
  • Thailand Experience: Buffets In Thailand Look So Different From The Ones In America/Phuket’s Old Town is a must-visit on Thailand’s largest island/
  • International: Ukraine says seven villages retaken in ‘tough’ offensive/
  • 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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Rainy season? No rain forecast for most of Thailand in July

Despite the fact that it is now the rainy season in Thailand, no rain is forecast for most of July, returning in August. The Royal Irrigation Department has instructed its officials to adjust their water-management plans to ensure optimum use of water and to maintain as much as possible in the reservoirs.

According to Thaweesak Thanadachopol, deputy director-general of the Royal Irrigation Department, the total volume of water in Thailand’s four main reservoirs, namely behind the Bhumibol, Pasak Jolasid, Sirikit and Kwae Noi Bumrung Dan dams, is at 45% of full capacity, or 11.301 billion cubic meters, with only 15% at Pasak Jolasid. Continued …

Pita inches closer to PM post

Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s bid to become prime minister moved a step closer to reality on Monday after the chairman of a recent meeting of iTV shareholders said the media company is currently not operating pending a legal case.

As a result, Pita could be spared from legal wrangles that could lead to him being disqualified as an MP if it is proven that the media company has shut down. Continued …

PM pushes ambitious land bridge project in South

Caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha wants to expand transportation infrastructure to enhance the economic development of the southern region, government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said on Sunday. This includes connecting transportation between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, he added.

This project is intended to further enhance the advantages of Thailand’s geographic location in Southeast Asia, which is conducive to transportation and trade. Relevant agencies have been instructed to study and develop the southern land bridge project as part of the basic infrastructure development efforts to integrate seamless transportation service between the two seaports in Ranong and Chumphon provinces. Continued …

British expat’s 1,050km charity walk aims to raise 1M baht for abused children

James Lee Valentine, a 59-year-old British expat, has demonstrated the power of determination and charity by completing a 1,050km walk from Pattaya to Phuket in Thailand.

The walk aimed to raise 1 million baht for Take Care Kids, a children’s foundation based in Pattaya that supports underprivileged children who have suffered abuse. Continued …

Top Thai military brass visits Beijing

Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief General Narongpan Jitkaewthae is in China this week at the invitation of China’s Defense Ministry to discuss military cooperation between the two countries, with the aim of enhancing peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

This is the first visit to China by the Thai army chief, who left Bangkok on June 8 and will return on June 16. Continued …

AIS faces hurdles in bid to buy 3BB

The ongoing takeover of fixed broadband service 3BB by Advanced Info Service (AIS) may face tough consumer remedies from the telecom regulator because of the dominant position of their combined market share.

Rival True Corp. reported to the Stock Exchange of Thailand that in the first quarter this year it had 3.84 million household subscribers. That figure accounts for 31.5% of the fixed broadband market share, said Pisut Ngamvijitvong, senior equity research analyst at Kasikorn Securities (KS). Continued …

Biomass power giant turns its sights to solar energy

After seeing a big jump in revenue this year, biomass power producer National Power Supply (NPS) is all set to establish the country’s largest private floating solar farm with a capacity of 150 megawatts capacity.

The company enjoyed a 24.4% jump in revenue to 5.64 billion baht in the first quarter of 2023 over the same period last year, NPS Executive Director Yothin Dumnernchanvanit said on Monday. Continued …

Kraft Heinz’s Journey into Thailand’s Culinary Wonderland

Here’s a look at how Kraft Heinz caters to Thailand’s unique tastes by adapting its product portfolio and embracing local ingredients. We also discover their commitment to sustainability, food safety, and quality control, as they drive culinary innovation in the evolving food service landscape of Thailand. Video

Thai Durian on the Upswing: Export Prices to China at Record

Despite the impact of the climate on Thai durian production this year, sales of durian produced in the east reached a record high, which could serve as a model for farmers and exporters in the south of Thailand when the annual harvest begins on June 10 and continues through October.

Nuttakrit Oranhirunrak, vice president of the Thai-Chinese Agribusiness Assn. in Chanthaburi Province, said Thailand is expected to export more durian to China than in other years. From the start of the harvest season until June 10, a total of 33,000 containers of durian were shipped to China. The current figure is already much higher than that of three years ago, which was 15,000 containers. Continued …

End of travel subsidy scheme takes a toll on Thai hotel occupancy

Hotel occupancy rates in Thailand plunged to below 50% during the period May to June, an immediate fallout of the termination of the government’s ”Let Us Travel Together” phase 5 campaign in April.

The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) predicted that the overall hotel occupancy rate in Thailand for the month of June would be less than 50% after experiencing a full-scale slowdown in both the domestic and international markets. Continued …

Thailand records 11.4M foreign tourists

Thailand received 11.4 million foreign tourist arrivals from January to June 11, and saw spending of 472 billion baht (US$13.67 billion), the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said in a statement today.

The tourist numbers surpassed the 11.15 million in the whole of 2022. Continued …

Buffets In Thailand Look So Different From The Ones In America

Navigating your way around an unfamiliar country can be pretty daunting for some world travelers. Yet, for others, it’s an exciting opportunity to experience an unfamiliar culture.

Video

For TikTok user Tom from Texas, adventuring his way through Thailand’s buffet scene was a bit of both. He quickly discovered that he had a lot to learn upon visiting a hot pot-style buffet during his trip. Buffets in Thailand are quite different than those in America. Continued …

A visit to Phuket’s Old Town

Phuket’s Old Town is a must-visit on Thailand’s largest island. A beautiful small town lined with colorful old shophouses, it has stunning architecture and street art, plus great restaurants, bars and cafes.

Phuket’s Old Town is toward the south. Many visitors to the island like to stay close to the beaches and, unfortunately, miss out on this stunning area. Continued …

Ukraine says seven villages retaken in ‘tough’ offensive

Ukraine on Monday said it had retaken seven villages and made small gains in a “tough” counter-offensive against Russian forces that France said could last months. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 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 twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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