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Today’s news: Electricity, fuel prices to increase/PM rejects electricity tariff hike/Thap Sakae School’s eco-friendly building material/Living in Thailand/How to boost your immune system/Red Cross clarifies blood donation charges/27 provinces brace for heavy rainfall/Increasing homelessness in Thailand/Top-earning Thai actresses/Another festival ride crash/Bread krathongs spark fish massacre/Renowned fortune-teller predicts/Six more Thai workers set to return/Economy: Pork prices sizzle down/Debtors flood mediation service/100% public electric vehicles/Gold prices soaring/Tourism: Child sex abuse in Pattaya/Plan to extend Songkran raises eyebrows/Govt rejigs plans for Songkran/Soft power charms/French Tourist Dies Koh Samui Waterfall/Thailand Experience: The ‘Queen of Thai Desserts’/Find authenticity in the big Isaan cities/Best Thailand Landmarks/Spotting a good restaurant 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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Electricity and fuel prices are expected to increase next year

Consumers are advised to brace for increases in the prices of electricity and fuel next year, even though the government will try its best to minimize the rises.

After the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) proposed an increase in the price of electricity, from 3.99 baht to 4.68 baht/unit for January-April, the Ministry of Energy is to hold consultations with the ERC on how to trim the fuel tariff (FT), averaging 89.55 satang/unit, to limit the proposed increase, which is considered by the government to be too large. Continued …

PM rejects electricity tariff hike proposal

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin rejected the electricity tariff hike approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Saturday, explaining that he was worried the increase would be too burdensome for consumers. Most of the general public are currently facing rising cost of living. Srettha added that the increase could hurt the government’s popularity in the next general election.

The ERC earlier approved a 12.5% increase in the electricity tariff for residential consumers, from 4.20 baht to 4.68 baht per unit. Continued …

Thap Sakae School transforms beverage cartons into eco-friendly building material

SIG has partnered with Thai retailer CP All to support the launch of the “Green Café” pilot project at Thap Sakae School in Thailand, in the southern part of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, which aims to educate and nurture environmental consciousness directly in the community.

The project is a collaboration between SIG, CP All and its partners to build a green café that is made of recycled materials. Continued …

Living in Thailand

Thailand is a beautiful and fun country, where you can have a fantastic lifestyle as an expat. There are some great options depending on the type of lifestyle you want to have, and all of them will definitely be budget friendly.

You will enter into a kingdom that has delicious foods, night markets, legendary beaches, and a nightlife that cannot be beat. It’s also home to a school of massage that will rebuild and repair your body, and never break your bank account. Continued …

How to boost your immune system and make it through cold season

You may be stocking up on cough sweets and tissues if the season is getting colder and you are concerned about respiratory infections.

There is more you can do to try and avoid getting sick, though it may not be possible to avoid all infections. These three strategies will help you get through the cold season feeling strong. Continued …

Thai Red Cross clarifies blood donation charges are for service not sale

The Thai Red Cross Society’s National Blood Center clarified that the blood donated and subsequently delivered across the nation’s hospitals is not up for sale. However, recipients are required to cover a service fee.

This clarification came to light via the National Blood Center’s website in response to a Facebook post claiming the Thai Red Cross Society was profiting from blood donations by having hospitals charge recipients 2,100 baht per bag of blood. Continued …

27 provinces, including Bangkok, to brace for heavy rainfall

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a heavy rainfall warning for 27 provinces, including Bangkok. The southern region is expected to receive significant rainfall, covering 80% of the area, which may lead to sudden flooding and runoff.

A high-pressure system from China is covering the northern region, the northeastern region, and the South China Sea. This system is bringing in moisture from the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, resulting in rainfall in the upper part of Thailand. Continued …

Survey reveals increasing homelessness in Thailand

The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and associated agencies took the stage on Nov. 30, to bring to light the findings of an extensive survey conducted on the state of homelessness in Thailand. The details were presented at the 2024 Protection of Homeless People Expo.

The survey, spearheaded by Phoranee Phuprasert, director of ThaiHealth’s Office of Vulnerable Group Support, discovered that Thailand is currently home to over 2,499 homeless individuals. The primary causes leading to this situation were identified as unemployment and familial disputes. Continued …

Thai entertainment royalty: Top-earning actresses and their impressive fees

In the glitzy world of Thai entertainment, a select few actresses reign supreme, not just for their talent but also for the staggering fees they command.

Topping the list are six superstars who demand huge sums to appear in dramas, advertisements, and events. These leading ladies, known for their confident styles and award-winning performances, also showcase the lucrative landscape of the Thai entertainment industry. Continued …

Another Octopus ride crash sparks fairground safety fears in Thailand

Another accident involving a “giant octopus” ride left at least three people injured in Khon Kaen province on Friday night. Similar accidents involving the same type of fairground ride have injured scores of people in Bangkok and across the country in recent years.

Friday’s accident in the northeast occurred shortly before midnight when an axle snapped, causing one of the ride’s “tentacles” to collapse, said witnesses and local officials. Continued …

Eco-friendly bread krathongs spark fish massacre at Bangkok Loy Krathong

While promoted as an eco-friendly alternative, krathongs made of bread killed off large numbers of fish during this Loy Krathong festival, says a Bangkok official.

Pornphrom Vikitsreth, adviser to the Bangkok governor, on Friday posted photos of piles of dead fish on Facebook, saying that they died as a result of salted bread krathongs floated on a pond in Bangkok’s Santiphap Park. Continued …

Renowned fortune-teller predicts potential misfortunes before new year 2024

A recent prediction by the renowned fortune-teller Mor Plai Prai Krasib hints at potential misfortunes in the three days before the new year of 2024. The seer further points to significant changes post-January, with a focus on health issues linked to flying creatures.

In an interview, Mor Plai unveiled his predictions for the eve of the new year and beyond. He particularly emphasized the need for caution on Dec. 28, 29, and 30. Continued …

Six more Thai workers set to return as nine still held as hostages

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is pressing ahead with negotiations to help the remaining nine Thai hostages captured by Hamas, as six more Thai workers recently released from captivity are due to arrive back in Thailand on Monday.

Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said on Sunday that the government is concerned by the end of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which could hold up further releases of Thai hostages. Continued …

Pork prices sizzle down, fueling October’s inflation cool-off

A decline in pork prices significantly contributed to a reduction in the inflation rate in October, an anonymous figure within the Finance Ministry has revealed. The inflation experienced a year-on-year decrease of 0.31% in October, largely due to a 0.2% drop in energy prices, attributed to lower oil costs and employed subsidies to keep energy prices in check.

Moreover, food prices saw a decrease of 0.5% in October, with pork prices being a significant contributor. Despite a 0.2% price increase in ready-to-eat meals, there was a general decline in inflation during October. Continued …

Informal debtors owing Bt1.5 billion flood govt mediation service

Over 37,000 people owing a combined 1.5 billion baht applied for the government’s informal-debt resolution program in its first two days, the Interior Ministry said on Sunday.

Permanent Secretary Suttipong Juljarern revealed that 37,579 people had registered for debt mediation as of Saturday at 4pm. Of these, 36,338 registered online, while 1,241 visited Debt Relief Assistance Centers set up around the country. The registrants logged combined debt of 1.53 billion baht owed to 19,061 informal lenders. Continued …

Thailand’s transport ministry commits to 100% public electric vehicles

A bold step toward a greener future was taken by Thailand’s Transport Ministry as it committed to transforming its entire fleet of public transport vehicles into 100% electric. The initiative, as announced by Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, begins with the electric conversion of the limousine service of the Airports of Thailand (AoT).

This development was shared during Suriya’s visit to the 40th Motor Expo held at Impact Challenger Hall in Muang Thong Thani. The expo played host to various electric vehicle (EV) operators, who reported an increasing trend in reservations and sales during the event. Continued …

Gold prices soaring to new heights

The Gold Traders Assn. (GTA) today announced a strong surge in today’s gold prices. Compared to yesterday’s closing price, gold ornaments are selling at 34,800 baht per baht, up by 200 baht.

Gold bars of 96.5% purity are currently being bought at 34,200 baht per baht and sold at 34,300 baht per baht, according to the first announcement. Gold ornaments of the same purity are being bought at 33,579.40 baht per baht and sold at 34,800 baht per baht. Meanwhile, the global gold price stands at US$2,084.50 per ounce. Continued …

Police track American and German who bought their way out of child sex abuse in Pattaya

Police in Pattaya on Sunday announced an urgent investigation into claims that two Western tourists, one an American and another German, were able to bribe their way out of trouble in Pattaya after being arrested in a 2022 case involving the sexual abuse of a minor, a girl under 15 years of age, at a hotel in the city. Pattaya itself is also back in the crosshairs after a scathing documentary on its red-light sex-for-sale culture broadcast by respected German DW-TV network in November.

In the heart of Thailand’s coastal paradise of Pattaya, now rocking again after becoming a ghost town during the pandemic era from 2020 to 2023, the neon glow of its famed go-go bars, seedy massage parlors, and open-air beer stalls conceals a grim reality — the resurgence of international sex tourism. Continued …

Thailand’s plan to extend Songkran raises eyebrows

Thailand‘s iconic Songkran Festival might be turning into a month-long water extravaganza in a bid to boost the country’s soft power, or a potential disaster waiting to happen.

Thailand’s political arena is buzzing with controversy as the Pheu Thai Party, led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, unveils an audacious plan to extend the beloved Songkran Festival. The goal? To solidify the nation’s soft power on the global stage. Continued …

Govt rejigs plans for Songkran

The National Soft Power Development Committee has clarified its idea of staging the Songkran festival for the whole month of April, saying the water-splashing festivities will still be held on April 13-15 as per tradition, while other cultural events will be organized nationwide during the entire month.

The move follows heavy criticism that the idea is impractical and a month-long water splashing event would be a huge waste of water and increase road accidents. Continued …

Soft power charms, with a Thai ripple

The term “soft power” has seeped into international relations and it is now a catchphrase with its own global momentum. Yet, it should be recalled that in the 1980s, it was used to describe the nature of a weaker state confronted by the “hard power” embodied by a stronger state.

The 1990s saw the end of the Cold War, which opened the door to more civic, political and artistic space in many countries. “Soft power” began to mutate – to project the power of stakeholders beyond the state itself, in particular individuals and groups personifying creativity. Continued …

Young French Tourist Dead After Falling From Koh Samui Waterfall

At 3:30pm on Dec. 2, Koh Samui police officers received a missing person report of a French tourist accidentally falling from the Namuang Waterfall 2, Koh Samui, Surat Thani.

The Koh Samui police officers, rescue teams, and relevant agencies rushed to find the missing person who was later publicly identified as Ryan Meghan, a 20-year-old Frenchman. Continued …

The Tragic and Inspiring Story of the ‘Queen of Thai Desserts’

“It’s just crazy- it’s a crazy story,” says Thai cookbook writer and journalist Chawadee Nualkhair. “And apparently it’s true! Or, that’s what we all believe.” She’s referring to the tumultuous life of Maria Guyomar de Pinha (1664–1728), known in Thailand as Thao Thong Kip Ma and sometimes called “the Queen of Thai Desserts.”

In the Siamese court of the late 17th century, Guyomar experienced a meteoric rise followed by an equally dramatic fall, and Thai cuisine would never be the same. Continued …

Find authenticity and adventure in the big Isaan cities

Have you ever looked beyond Thailand’s popular tourist haunts for something far more authentic? Hidden from the typical hustle and bustle of the more central cities, Thailand’s northeastern region is a treasure trove of culture, history, and delectable cuisine.

Here lies the raw, unfiltered charm of the country rarely experienced by the average tourist, as the Isaan city offers great diversity of experience. Continued …

15 of the Best Thailand Landmarks to Visit

Now that Thailand is open to visitors again, many people are rushing back to this beautiful Southeast Asian country, where white-sand beaches, incredibly delicious food, and historic temples abound.

Bangkok, which I always recommend for solo travelers, is where the majority of tourists arrive. There you can find many of the best Thailand landmarks, from the opulent Grand Palace and the quirky Fertility Shrine, to the numerous shopping opportunities all over the city. Continued …

5 signs to keep an eye for to spot a good restaurant in Bangkok

If, like us, you love hunting for simply good food around Bangkok, you may start to notice that places serving the most authentically delicious dishes often have something in common.

It’s almost formulaic: the vibes, the decor, the menus, and even the methods. A purely personal take, here’s our guide to spotting a good restaurant in Bangkok. Continued …

Southeast Asian cities face existential crisis as they sink while sea levels rise

Just 30 miles from Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, sits a temple on a small spit of land. The only way in is to walk or hitch a ride with a motorcyclist along a narrow concrete footbridge. Over my shoulder here are about 2.5 square miles of what is today the Gulf of Thailand. As recently as the mid-1990s, this was the village of Samut Chin. Continued …

11 bodies found after Indonesia volcano eruption; 22 climbers still missing

The bodies of 11 climbers were recovered today after a furious eruption of the Mount Marapi volcano, as Indonesian rescuers searched for at least 22 others reportedly missing. Continued …

Malaysia records 26 million tourist arrivals from Jan 1 to Nov 15

Singaporeans topped the list of 26 million tourist arrivals to Malaysia, according to the Immigration Department’s latest statistics recorded from Jan. 1 to Nov. 15. According to statistics released, the most number of tourists were from Singapore at 12,645,364 tourists, followed by Indonesia (3,166,295), Thailand (2,073,162), China (1,407,471), Brunei (904,841), and India (780,532). Continued …

Another big quake rattles southern Philippines

sA magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the coast of the southern Philippines early Monday, the United States Geological Survey said, the latest in a slew of strong quakes all concentrated in the same area. Continued …

China’s bamboo could replace high-emitting plastics

It feeds one of the Earth’s rarest species. It was the writing surface for some of the earliest books. It could prove essential in reducing vast amounts of carbon emissions – and China has more of it than anywhere else. Continued …