Tag Archives: Thailand mental health

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Thursday’s news-Aug 7

August 7, 2025 Hua Hin Expat News

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Dusit Ajara Hua Hin opens/‘Blessing of the Fleet’ ceremony/Huay Mongkol Temple robing ceremony/Monsoon Valley ‘Vineyard Fest’/Thailand, Cambodia agree on ceasefire terms/Growing threat of drones/Mental health problems increasing/Scottish expat loses legs/Wild elephants roam for Thai produce/ECONOMY: Thai Inflation Dips/Global Recession Concerns/Illegal cigarette trade in Songkhla/TOURISM: Tourism players warn of a bad year/Forward bookings dip/Tourism Sector Loses 3 Billion Baht Monthly/Tomorrowland to attract 1 million visitors/Koh Larn’s Vehicle Chaos/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: A First-Time Visit To Thailand/Exploring Chiang Mai Temples/CLIMATE THAILAND: Transforming tangled waste/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Dusit Ajara Hua Hin opens in Cha-am

Dusit Thani has announced Dusit Ajara Hua Hin, an ultra-luxury residential development featuring over 60% green space. This is the second project by Dusit Thani as a property developer, following Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside at Dusit Central Park.

Located at 1349 Petchkasem Road, Petchaburi, Cha-am, Dusit Ajara Hua Hin features leisure gardens, kids’ playgrounds, a wellness studio, and salt water pools. The project also embraces the multi-generational living concept, creating designed spaces and facilities for family members across all ages.

Standard services include 24-hour concierge service, housekeeping, bed linen laundry, private garden maintenance, emergency response service, property maintenance, and shuttle service within the development; cooking classes, art and craft workshops, yoga and tai chi classes; room service to personal chefs, catering, in-home party arrangements, hotel spa services, and hotel car services.

Hua Hin to host annual ‘Blessing of the Fleet’ ceremony

The annual ‘Blessing of the Fleet’ ceremony will return to Hua Hin on Sunday, Sept. 7, continuing a tradition that honors the town’s historic connection to the sea and its fishing community.

Held at the Chao Mae Tubtim Shrine, near the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, the ceremony is organized by members of the Hua Hin fishing and coastal communities. It serves as a moment to pay respect to ancestors, offer protection for local fishermen, and express gratitude for the ocean’s continued abundance. Continued …

Huay Mongkol Temple robing ceremony tomorrow, Saturday

Huay Mongkol Temple in Hua Hin will host the 12th “Robing of the Giant Luang Pu Thuat” ceremony on Aug. 8–9 to mark Mother’s Month and honor the 93rd birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.

The event, organized in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Central Region, will begin on the evening of Aug. 8 with a blessing ceremony at the plaza in front of the giant Luang Pu Thuat statue. Continued …

Monsoon Valley ‘Vineyard Fest’ set this weekend

Monsoon Valley Hua Hin will hold its annual Vineyard Fest, a four-day event celebrating the release of its new 2025 vintages, from Aug. 9-12. The event offers a mix of wine tastings, outdoor dining, and relaxed afternoon entertainment set against the scenic backdrop of the vineyard.

The festival begins on Aug. 9 with the launch of Monsoon Valley’s latest vintages. Visitors can sample a selection of five wines served by the glass. Continued …

Thailand, Cambodia agree in principle to ceasefire terms

Secretariat-level discussions between Thailand and Cambodia, which took place over three days starting Monday, have reached a consensus in principle on key issues relating to the implementation of the ceasefire along their shared border.

Chief of Defense Force Gen. Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar said this included agreement on the terms of reference (TOR) for monitoring efforts by the interim ASEAN defense attaché observer team. Continued …

The growing threat of drones in the Thai-Cambodian conflict

The Thai Cabinet has recently approved the purchase of four Gripen fighter jets, a decision made during the ongoing conflict with Cambodia. This move seems unlikely to face opposition, especially after the Gripen jets significantly changed the dynamics of aerial combat by repeatedly targeting Cambodian military bases.

However, military professionals, experts, and security scholars are expressing concerns. One military expert specializing in drone warfare noted that while the Cabinet has approved the Gripen purchase, it has not authorized the acquisition of drones — despite the current issue of Cambodian or foreign drones causing disruption. Continued …

Mental health problems increasing in Thailand

Some 13.4 million Thais claim to have experienced mental health problems, with people aged 45–59, known as the pre-senior group, reporting the lowest happiness levels, according to the Thai Health Report 2025.

The report, compiled by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and Mahidol University’s Institute for Population and Social Research, and released on Monday, comprises four sections, including mental health and major public health issues. Continued …

Scottish expat loses legs in Bangkok lorry crash

A Scottish man living in Thailand had both legs amputated after a motorbike crash with a lorry in Bangkok.

Willie Braid, a 54-year-old expat from Scotland, was hit while riding his motorbike in the capital on July 27. The driver of the lorry is alleged to have fled the scene in what appears to be a hit-and-run incident. Continued …

Wild elephants roam 30 kilometers for Thai produce

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has reported that wild elephants are straying beyond their forest habitats in eastern Thailand, traveling over 30 kilometers in search of food.

Atthapol Charoenchansa, the department’s director-general, stated that elephants are attracted to the taste of local produce such as durians, mangosteens, bananas, and sugarcane, which are more appealing than their usual forest diet. Continued …

Thai Inflation Dips for Fourth Consecutive Month, Deflation Fears Dismissed

T ailand’s headline inflation fell for the fourth consecutive month in July, reaching -0.70%, according to the Ministry of Commerce. The decline was primarily attributed to cheaper energy and fresh food prices, though officials were quick to dismiss concerns of the economy entering a deflationary period.

The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) revealed that lower global oil prices and a government-led reduction in electricity tariffs were key contributors to the drop. Continued …

Trump’s Tariff Strategy Sparks Global Recession Concerns

U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariff proposal is rattling global markets and intensifying fears of a broader economic slowdown in the second half of 2025.

The move, which targets key trade partners including the European Union, China, and ASEAN nations, is poised to stoke inflationary pressures at home while threatening already fragile recoveries abroad. Continued …

Illegal cigarette trade in Songkhla cripples local businesses

The Thai Tobacco Trade Assn. has raised alarms over the rampant distribution of illicit cigarettes in Songkhla province, which has impacted over 4,000 legal tobacco retailers and forced the closure of about 200 small shops.

Thanyasaran Sangthong, the association’s executive director, revealed that Songkhla ranks second in the country for illegal cigarette infiltration, severely affecting local tax revenue. Continued …

Thai foreign tourism players warn of a bad year

The Thai-Cambodian border clash in late July dealt a brutal blow to Thailand’s already crumbling foreign tourism industry in 2025, coming just months after a damaging earthquake shook Bangkok. These events, alongside a January scandal involving the abduction of Chinese nationals by scam gangs in Myanmar, have created relentless negative headlines that drive tourists away.

Latest figures show tourist arrivals have plunged 6.56% compared to last year, while vital cross-border trade with Cambodia — lifeblood for many struggling local traders — has ground to a halt, deepening economic strain. Tourism operators are now demanding one thing from the government: stability. Continued …

Forward bookings dip amid border row

Foreign forward bookings for Thailand have started to feel the pinch due to the Thai-Cambodian border tensions, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), while Chanthaburi tourism operators reported cancellations from foreign tourists for the remainder of the year.

Tourism operators urged the government to offer relief measures for affected businesses in the seven border provinces, such as tax reductions. Continued …

Thailand’s Tourism Sector Loses 3 Billion Baht Monthly

The fierce clashes at the Thai-Cambodian border have severely impacted Thailand’s booming tourism sector, resulting in a monthly loss of 3 billion baht (US $83M). Since hostilities flared last month, the once-bustling border provinces have turned eerily silent, with tourists cancelling over 5,000 hotel bookings.

Sorawong Thienthong, the minister of tourism and sports, revealed that the spiraling cancellations of hotel reservations by foreign visitors are largely responsible for the losses. The fallout is most severe in the seven provinces along the fracture line of the Thai-Cambodian border, where apprehension is rife and rooms lie empty. Continued …

Tomorrowland to attract 1 million visitors in 5 years, says TAT

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirms that organizing the ‘Tomorrowland’ electronic dance music (EDM) festival in Thailand will be worthwhile.

It is expected to generate a total economic impact of over 21 billion baht from tourists and attendees, with more than 1 million people participating in the first five years. Continued …

Pattaya Cracks Down on Koh Larn’s Vehicle Chaos

Koh Larn’s chaotic transport scene is about to be tamed with a fresh initiative from Pattaya officials employing bright stickers to control the island’s vehicle frenzy. Over 3,500 vehicles, including motorbikes, taxis, and golf carts, will be sorted, monitored, and regulated as part of a new system designed to enhance safety, transparency, and tourist satisfaction.

This initiative introduces nine vehicle categories to address long-standing issues like overcrowding and unregulated operators disrupting the island’s narrow paths. Continued …

A First-Time Visit To Tantalizing Thailand

It was only my second day in Thailand, but I knew then I’d want to return someday for more of its vibrant street life — a multisensory medley of hole-in the-wall shops, markets brimming with exotic fruits, and outdoor cooking stalls tucked under canopies of plastic tarps, oversized umbrellas, and corrugated metal roofs.

From morning to night, the roads are abuzz with motorcycles, motor scooters and Thailand’s iconic tuk-tuks, those three-wheeled vehicles with a bench in back for passengers or a side cart for hauling things. Continued …

Exploring Chiang Mai Temples

Thailand ranks at the top of many people’s dream destination lists, and rightly so. Of the more than 100 countries I’ve traveled to, Thailand is the one that offers something to everyone who visits. However, many travelers visit Bangkok and the southern islands and tend to miss out on the northern part of the country, which I consider one of its best parts.

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second biggest city behind Bangkok, is the central hub for exploring northern Thailand. The city features hundreds of ancient temples, a fantastic and unique food scene, and an incredible natural scene, as it is surrounded by mountains. Continued …

Transforming tangled waste into tangible rewards

Thailand’s retail giant Central Group has launched a forward-looking sustainability initiative, “Love the Earth: Zero Waste,” in response to the escalating triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, as highlighted by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

The campaign has been rolled out in key tourism-dependent provinces such as Samui, Chanthaburi, and Surat Thani – destinations known for their economic vitality but increasingly strained by mounting volumes of food and plastic waste. Continued …

British Man Busted After iPhone Theft, 2-Year Overstay – Continued …
2 Nigerian Men Caught Crossing into Thailand from Cambodia – Continued …

Foreign man arrested for running illegal motorcycle rental in Phuket – Continued …

Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer two round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.

For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at 9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.

Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

(We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

- - - - Emergency hotline – 191
        
        Emergency medical services – 1554
        
        Water accident – 1196
        
        Motorway hotline – 1586
        
        Emergency medical – 1669
        
        Highway police – 1193
        
        Tourist police – 1155
        
        Bus ticket – 1490
        
        Department of Highways – 1586
        
        State Railway – 1590

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Monday’s news-May 12

May 12, 2025 Hua Hin Expat News

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Hua Hin Marathon/Summer storms, heavy rain/Dangerous Massage Spots/Bangkok building collapse/Brits tapping GoFundMe/Cow heads piled on roadside/Thailand faces mental health crisis/Teachers call for protection/Peace in Pattani?/Jeeno wins 5th LPGA title/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Concerned about economic crisis/Event industry in crisis/Ice cream exports surge/TOURISM: Tourism in the doldrums/Thailand’s Tourism Crossroads/An elitist destination/Expats lose faith in tourism direction/Illegal Tour Operators and Guides/Are Israeli tourists ‘Building Thailand’?/CLIMATE THAILAND: Sustainable housing the new trend/Behavior shift key to ending plastic use/INTERNATIONAL/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

Hua Hin Marathon draws 3,500 runners

Continued …

Thailand set for summer storms, heavy rain

The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for summer storms in upper Thailand and heavy rain in the south, posing a risk of short-term flooding.

In the south, increased rainfall and heavy rain are expected in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, and Trang due to stronger southwest winds covering the Andaman Sea and the south. Continued …

Thai Health Chiefs Warn Against Dangerous Massage Spots After Fatal Incident

Thailand’s Public Health Ministry has issued a stark warning about the dangers of massaging certain areas of the body, following a tragic incident where a neck massage reportedly led to the recipient’s death.

Health officials and experts in Thai traditional medicine have highlighted specific “danger zones that should be strictly avoided during massage, including along bones, major blood vessels, and nerve centers. Continued …

Bangkok building collapse rescue ends; probe into malpractice begins

Efforts to retrieve bodies following the collapse of the 2.1-billion-baht State Audit Office building in Bangkok, instigated by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, have been concluded, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s announcement Saturday.

Suriyachai Rawiwon, director of the BMA’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, reported that the final areas, including a lift shaft beneath the basement, had been accessed, revealing no bodies or victims after all six shafts were inspected. Continued …

Brits increasingly tapping GoFundMe rather than medical insurance

An increasing number of Brits in Thailand face medical bills they cannot pay. So their distraught families are focusing on the biggest crowdfunding platform – GoFundMe. The profit-making fund raiser , in total, raised over US$40 billion from 150 million donors worldwide for a variety of worthy causes. A third of all the cases involve raising cash for ongoing hospital treatment or, occasionally, for hygienic disposal of the deceased.

As British tourist and expat numbers to Thailand have fallen over the past 20 years – from 800,000 annually to maybe 500,000, though detailed statistics are not available – GoFundMe paradoxically has become more popular. A review of Google, with the help of artificial intelligence, indicates that there was a total of 9 British appeals for help with medical bills in 2018 and at least 36 in 2024. Continued …

Cow heads piled on roadside spark health concerns

Health concerns have mounted after the discovery of two large piles of severed cow heads along the roadside in Pathum Thani province. A video posted online Saturday showed dozens of discarded cow heads, accompanied by a message asking, “So many animal parts, who brought them here?”

Local officials found one large pile of both decayed and freshly severed cow heads, with another pile nearby on reclaimed private land. The piles attracted many flies and emitted a strong stench. Cowhides and innards were also scattered along the roadside. Continued …

Thailand faces mental health crisis with 15 suicide deaths daily

Thailand is grappling with a deepening mental health crisis, with an average of 15 people dying by suicide each day, and seven suicide attempts occurring every two hours.

According to the Department of Mental Health, between Jan. 1, 2020, and Feb. 20, 2025, among 6 million surveyed Thais, 9.1% (approximately 560,000 people) were at risk of depression, 5.9% (300,000 people) were at risk of suicide, and 7.9% (480,000 people) were experiencing high stress levels. Continued …

Teachers call for protection as southern violence escalates

The Federation of Teachers Association of Thailand (FTT) is calling on the government to boost safety as violence escalates in the deep south, demanding enhanced security protocols, especially for educators and students in high-risk areas.

Prathum Ruangrit, president of the Southern Teachers’ Federation, said the FTT wants the government to expedite efforts to safeguard schools, teachers, and students in the three southern border provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, and four districts of Songkhla. Continued …

Why We Can’t Be Optimistic About Peace in Pattani

The issue of the three southern border provinces (Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala) is a complex issue and involves deeply challenging core issues. In light of the recent deadly attacks on civilians, predominantly non-Malay and non-Muslim, the public’s attention was drawn to the protracted conflict in the deep south anew. First, what is the truth?

Earlier this week, the BRN (Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu Patani) has denied responsibility for the killing of civilians, including a disabled person and a Buddhist novice. If their claim is true, the question then becomes: who did it? Continued …

Thailand’s Jeeno wins 5th LPGA title

Thailand’s Atthaya “Jeeno” Thitikul etched her name in the history books once again yesterday, capturing her fifth career LPGA Tour title at the 2025 Mizuho Americas Open in dominant fashion.

Jeeno surged past the field to finish at 17-under-par 271, breaking both the 54-hole (202) and 72-hole scoring records previously held by world No. 1 Nelly Korda. It was a week of milestones and mastery for the 22-year-old, who also set the 36-hole record (135) en route to becoming the first Thai player to win the Mizuho Americas Open. Continued …

Ukrainian Arrested at Phuket Airport Over Condominium Vandalism – Continued …
Lao woman caught smuggling 137,000 ecstasy pills across Thai border – Continued …
Noisy Indian Tourists’ Pool Party Raided in Pattaya – Continued …

Most Thais concerned about economic crisis amid limited savings

A majority of Thais are worried about the country’s economic situation, with many saying their emergency savings would not last a month without income, according to a recent opinion survey.

The survey, conducted by Suan Dusit University (Suan Dusit Poll), was carried out among 1,229 people nationwide through both online and field methods between May 6-9. The results were released yesterday. Continued …

Thai event industry in crisis

Upathum Nisitsukcharoen, president of the Event Management Assn. (EMA), stated that 2025 has been one of the toughest years in recent memory for the event industry. Both government and private sector events have declined significantly, with companies across the board — small, medium, and large — struggling with severe liquidity issues.

He attributed the downturn to a combination of global and domestic factors, including economic uncertainty fueled by Trump-era policies, the World Bank’s downgrade of Thailand’s GDP forecast from 2.9% to 1.6%, and a tight financial climate across the broader economy. “It’s a total collapse,” he said. Continued …

Thai ice cream exports surge, leading Asia

Thai ice cream is booming — No.1 in Asia, No. 4 globally. Exports averaged $106 million annually over five years, up 11%, driven largely by free trade agrrment benefits boosting market access.

Anukool Pruksanusak, deputy spokesperson for the office of the orime minister, announced that Thai ice cream has emerged as a standout product on the global stage, gaining popularity among consumers of all ages, especially during the summer months. Continued …

Tourism in the doldrums

The tourism industry posted underwhelming results for the first four months this year, as the international market contracted by 0.2% year-on-year. In response, last week the cabinet approved a series of measures aimed at reassuring the industry of the government’s commitment to rescuing it from a downturn.

As the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) prepares to downgrade its target for foreign arrivals this year, while retaining the goal for higher revenue growth, significant challenges remain. Continued …

Thailand’s Tourism Crossroads – Chasing high spenders or embracing mass tourism again?

As Thailand basks in the glow of a renewed tourism surge, a deeper question is stirring both within government circles and among long-term foreign residents: Should the country chase the numbers once more, or shift gears and focus on attracting peace-loving, high-spending European tourists?

After years of promoting mass tourism, the Thai government is now signaling a pivot. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently laid out a strategy that centers on “high-value and sustainable tourism.” This isn’t just a slogan. Authorities are promoting long-stay, big-spending visitors over the pre-pandemic model of sheer volume. In a bid to lift per-visitor revenue and reduce the burden on popular destinations like Pattaya and Phuket, the strategy is shifting toward smaller tourist volumes but with higher spending potential. Continued …

White Lotus effect may make it an elitist destination and turn off mass market

The premiere of The White Lotus Series Three in February didn’t give Thailand a major boost in foreign tourism numbers. However, booking and room rates on Ko Samui, where it was filmed, are significantly up.

This particular series was all about spiritualism, meaning, and wellness. The show, which tried to bridge the gap between Western sensibilities and Thai spiritualism, may have ended up confusing at least some potential tourists. Indeed, the kingdom may appear as an elitist destination to mass-market punters who are still its mainstay. Continued …

Strong Baht, Shaky Strategy – Expats lose faith in Thailand’s tourism direction

As Thailand reports a surge in tourist arrivals amid a strong Thai baht, many long-term foreign residents are expressing growing skepticism about the government’s tourism policies, questioning whether the current momentum will last through the upcoming winter season.

Online expat communities have been vocal, with some calling Thailand’s tourism strategy inconsistent and unreliable. After months of concerns over a supposed tourism downturn, the country is once again experiencing an influx of visitors — but not everyone sees this as a sign of long-term recovery. Continued …

Thailand Launches Major Blitz on Illegal Tour Operators and Guides

The Thai government is stepping up its efforts to clamp down on illegal tour operators and unlicensed guides across the country. A new “Joint Operations Center” has been established by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, working alongside five key agencies, to tackle the persistent issues of nominee-run tour businesses and rogue guides.

Deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan announced on Saturday that this concerted effort will involve rigorous inspections of tour companies and guides at prominent tourist hotspots nationwide. Continued …

Are Israeli tourists ‘Building Thailand’?

A video showing an Israeli tourist arguing with a restaurant staffer on Koh Phangan – and exclaiming that “my money is building Thailand” – has stirred heated debate across Thai social media. Many netizens criticized the comment as arrogant or disrespectful, while others questioned whether the claim holds any truth. As emotions flare, it’s worth asking: how much do Israeli tourists really contribute to Thailand’s tourism economy?

The video shows an Israeli woman arguing over food and service, ending with the now-notorious claim that Israeli tourist spending is propping up the Thai economy. The phrase sparked anger and mockery, but also opened a broader conversation: Is Israeli tourism a significant force in Thailand’s travel sector? Continued …

Sustainable housing the new trend

Sustainability has become a defining factor in the housing market, with younger generations demanding homes reflecting their environmental values – pushing developers to move beyond green labels and deliver truly responsible, future-proof residential solutions.

Rising environmental awareness is transforming buyer expectations, prompting developers to adopt authentic, forward-looking sustainability practices that span the entire development process – not just surface-level features or end-stage certifications. Continued …

Behavior shift key to ending plastic use

Southeast Asia is no stranger to the plastic crisis. Despite growing awareness and countless “reduce, reuse, recycle” campaigns, single-use plastic consumption remains stubbornly high. The big question is, why?

Plastic pollution is not just a waste-management problem – it is also a behavioral issue. At its core, plastic use is a human-driven problem. Habits, convenience, and social norms often override good intentions, even when consumers understand the harm plastic poses to the environment. Without addressing these behavioral drivers, policies and technologies will always fall short. Continued …

Vietnam, Russia agree to nuclear power plant deal

Vietnam and Russia have agreed to quickly negotiate and sign agreements on building nuclear power plants in Vietnam. The Southeast Asian nation has restarted plans to develop nuclear power plants that were suspended nearly a decade ago, as part of its efforts to ramp up its power-generation capacity to support its fast-growing economy. Continued …

New Schedule: Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer four round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.

Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets