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Monday’s news-Oct 7

October 7, 2024 Hua Hin Expat News

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Hua Hin Heroes providing flood aid/Thailand flood news: At least 2 dead in Chiang Mai/Cleanup begins in Chiang Mai/Tourists stranded in Chiang Mai/Bangkok, 10 other provinces get warning/Heavy rains wash out Phuket/Elephants Deliver Supplies/Two elephants drown/Rescue of more than 100 jumbos/National Debate on Safety, School Trips/Road Accidents, Deaths in Thailand/5 Million Baht to Support Moo Deng/18-Hour Flight to see ‘Moo Deng’/Our fascination with Moo Deng/DDC warns against uncooked pork/Economy: Spending bonanza from stimulus/Impact on trade amid Middle East conflicts/Investments in battery storage sytsems/Pet Fair Southeast Asia/Tourism: Thailand Tourism in 2024/Readers’ Choice Awards/Thai Airways spicing up its menu/Thailand Experience: Get Back to Nature/Climate Thailand: Bangkok’s Sustainability Expo/To slash Thailand’s carbon emissions/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 Heroes providing flood aid in Chiang Rai

Continued …

At least 2 dead as flood victims await evacuation in Chiang Mai

Evacuations are underway to help people stranded at numerous locations in Muang and Saraphi districts of Chiang Mai province, which were heavily hit by the overflowing Ping River from late Saturday night.

The level of the Ping River at the Nawarat Bridge in Muang district reached a historic high of 5.30 meters on Saturday night. The level declined to 5.15 meters at 4am and 5 meters at 8am on Sunday. Continued …

Cleanup begins in Chiang Mai as flood recedes

Chiang Mai Municipality started a major cleanup on Monday as the huge flood that paralyzed the northern city began draining off.

Tractors and water trucks were deployed to help workers remove the thick alluvial sediment from areas around three bridges crossing the Ping River, Naowarat, Nakhon Ping and Rattanakosin. Other crews and volunteers continued to suppy food and drinking water to houses still cut off by floodwater. Continued …

Authorities working to rescue people stranded at famous Chiang Mai tourist destination

Authorities are rushing to clear roads to rescue people stranded in Muang Khong, a famous tourist destination in Chiang Mai province, after multiple landslides cut off access. Heavy rains in the province have caused widespread flooding, not only in the main city district but also in neighboring areas.

In Chiang Dao district, flash floods triggered landslides at several points along the Chiang Dao-Muang Khong Road, cutting off access to Muang Khong, a popular tourist spot, leaving several tourists stranded. Continued …

Bangkok and 10 other provinces get warning to be on flood alert

A flood warning has been issued to Bangkok and 10 provinces in the central region amid increased release of water from the Chao Phraya Dam.

Chaiyawat Junthirapong, director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said the warning had been issued to Uthai Thani, Chainat, Singburi, Ang Thong, Suphanburi, Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan provinces, as well as Bangkok. Continued …

Heavy rains wash out Phuket

Catastrophic downpours wreaked havoc across Phuket yesterday, submerging parts of the island and leaving traffic in complete disarray. Areas like Cherng Talay, Kamala, Thalang, and Kathu were battered by relentless rain starting just before midday, leading to dramatic flooding and a partial landslide that had locals reeling.

In a particularly hard-hit spot, Soi Hua Khuan Nuea near the iconic Phuket FantaSea complex, officials reported that 30-50 centimeters of water accumulated, causing streets to resemble rivers. Several homes in the Bang Wan area were left underwater, sparking urgent calls for help from residents. Continued …

Monk Leads Elephants to Deliver Supplies to Flood Victims

As the flood situation in Chiang Mai continues to pose challenges, despite the gradual decline in the Ping River’s water level, many families remain in need of food supplies. Certain areas have become inaccessible to larger relief vehicles, making it difficult to deliver essential aid.

In a resourceful response, Phra Kru Aod, a monk from Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai, has taken the initiative to use two elephants under his care, “Khun Saen” and “Saen Thap,” to deliver supplies to flood victims in these hard-to-reach areas. The elephants have been able to traverse areas where six-wheel trucks could not, ensuring that much-needed aid reaches stranded residents. Continued …

Two elephants drown at Chiang Mai’s Elephant Nature Park

A religious ceremony was held to bid farewell to “Fah Sai” and “Ploy Thong”, two female elephants from the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai province, who were washed away by a flash flood on Friday.

Their remains were buried at the site where they were found on Saturday. Fah Sai and Ploy Thong were swept away by the floodwaters, and their bodies were later found on the grounds of a resort by the Mae Taeng River on Saturday. Continued …

Rescue of more than 100 jumbos from flooded sanctuary in Chiang Mai accomplished

More than 100 elephants were safely evacuated over Friday and Saturday from the flooded Elephant and Environment Foundation, in Mae Taeng district of Chiang Mai province, according to the Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang province.

The center said that it received a call for help from the foundation on Friday morning and immediately sent a team to assist. All road access to the foundation was flooded by overflows from the Taeng River and the currents were strong. Communication by cellphone was cut off and only radios were working. Continued …

Horrific Bus Fire Sparks National Debate on Safety, School Trips

In the wake of a horrific bus fire that claimed the lives of 20 students and three teachers in Pathum Thani, the nation finds itself embroiled in a heated debate over the safety and viability of school field trips. This tragedy, which unfolded on a seemingly ordinary day, has shaken communities and brought to the forefront pressing questions about transport policies and safety measures for educational outings.

On the unfortunate day, a bus carrying students from Wat Khao Praya Sangkharam school in Uthai Thani was engulfed in flames whilst traveling on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. The excursion, aimed at enriching students’ knowledge through visits to historical and educational sites, ended in unspeakable loss. Continued …

Road Accidents and Deaths in Thailand: A Road to Nowhere

Almost a week after the tragedy, the nation is still mourning the loss of 23 people, 20 of them young students, in the school bus fire in Pathum Thani province on Oct. 1, and trying to understand what went wrong.

The driver, who fled after he briefly tried and failed to extinguish the fire, is now detained, the bus company that illegally installed half a dozen gas tanks into the bus are now being scrutinized, social media shared instructions on how-to break a glass window of a bus in case of an emergency, a deputy education minister made a half-baked order to forbid all school excursion trips only to be snubbed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who said the problem isn’t with excursion trips, and more. Continued …

Dubai Businessmen Donate 5 Million Baht to Support Moo Deng

Khao Kheow Open Zoo has become a viral sensation, as “Moo Deng,” the world-famous and adorable baby hippo, continues to captivate tourists who flock to see her cuteness.

Recently, a group of businessmen from Dubai traveled to Thailand to donate 5 million baht to support Moo Deng and Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Atthaphon Sriran, director of the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, revealed that this generous donation was made due to the growing global popularity of Moo Deng. Previously, the zoo had also received support from investors in the cryptocurrency industry, with a donation of 35,882 baht under the name “Moodeng on ETH,” a meme coin inspired by this pygmy hippo. Continued …

Thai Officer Shares Moment with American Tourist’s 18-Hour Flight for ‘Moo Deng’

Molly, an American woman who flew 18.5 hours from New York to Thailand specifically to see Moo Deng, the famous baby pygmy hippo of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, became known to Thai netizens when she posted many clips about her trip on TikTok.

“I’ve made it to Thailand! Today is the day I see moo deng! I am so freaking excited, the zoo just confirmed you can see her every day! I am on cloud nine!!!” was the first message with a clip she posted when she arrived in Thailand on Oct. 3. In another clip, she mentioned that customs agents in Thailand couldn’t believe it when she told them she came to Thailand for the first time to see Moo Deng. Continued …

Our fascination with Moo Deng the pygmy hippo

It is not lost on some that internet sensation Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo, already lives inside a zoo enclosure – the perfect pedestal from which onlookers so possessed by her cuteness can gawk, heckle, and harass her so much that they’ve confessed to wanting to ball her up and swallow her whole. After all, her name translates to “bouncy pork.”

Pygmy hippos are not native to Southeast Asia, so how did Moo Deng and her mom Jona, end up in Chon Buri, Thailand? There’s an overlooked narrative at play here, one in which Moo Deng is the central spectacle in a discussion between conservation and exploitation. Continued …

DDC warns against uncooked pork after 12 deaths in Thailand

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) issued a warning yesterday regarding the consumption of uncooked pork, following 12 fatalities linked to Streptococcus suis in four provinces in the lower northeastern region of Thailand.

Dr. Taweechai Wisanuyothin, head of DDC Office 9, reported that from Jan. 7 to Sept. 3 there were 149 cases of hearing loss caused by this bacterium in the surveillance areas of Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, and Chaiyaphum. Continued …

Hoping for a spending bonanza from cash stimulus

The initial phase of the government’s cash handout is expected to lift the Thai economy in the coming months, according to industrial leaders and brokerages, with some suggesting targeted assistance in the second phase for people with more purchasing power.

The government handed out 10,000 baht in cash per person to 14.5 million welfare cardholders and disabled people in the first phase. The distribution was initially intended to be via a smartphone app, with the money to be spent in communities. Continued …

Thai shippers council worried about impact on trade amid Middle East conflicts

The Thai National Shippers’ Council has expressed concern that the renewed violence in the Middle East will impact Thai exports to the region, which is considered a “strategic market” for Thailand.

The increasing hostilities between Israel and Iran have raised worries of a prolonged and escalating war in the region, which would inevitably affect global trade and the world economy. Currently, the Middle East accounts for 2.8% of total Thai exports and 10.7% of total imports. Continued …

Thailand banking on investments in battery storage sytsems

Many people know electric vehicles (EVs) are fueled by batteries, but houses, factories and power plants that use renewable power also require batteries for lighting, supporting daily work, and to serve as a back-up electricity source.

Buildings and renewable power-generation facilities need a battery energy storage system (BESS) to ensure they use or supply electricity without interruption. Continued …

Pet Fair South East Asia: A Global Hub for the Pet Industry

Pet Fair South East Asia has taken the pet industry by storm in recent years, establishing itself as an international meeting hub for pet industry stakeholders from Asia, Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East.

The 2024 edition will take place from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, featuring 400 exhibitors from 45 countries and an estimated 15,000 trade visitors from 75 countries. Free Visitor registration is now open on www.petfair-sea.com. Continued …

Thailand Tourism in 2024: A year of rebound and reflection

Thailand’s tourism industry is witnessing a robust rebound, with hotel bookings now exceeding pre-Covid levels. According to a recent report from Krungthai Compass, domestic travel has skyrocketed, with over 136 million trips made by Thai travelers in the first half of this year alone, that’s a 21% increase from pre-pandemic figures. The report does acknowledge that international tourist arrivals are on the up but lower than 2019 levels.

Hotel occupancy rates nationwide have jumped to 72.6%, with southern Thailand leading the charge, largely thanks to its luxurious resort offerings. The average daily rate for hotels has also seen an upward trend, with prices forecast to rise even further in the coming years. However, despite these promising indicators, foreign arrivals have yet to return to the levels seen in 2019. Continued …

Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 placed Thailand among Top 20 Countries

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that Thailand and 14 Thai tourism entities have performed well in Condé Nast Traveler’s 37th annual Readers’ Choice Awards, earning altogether 15 titles.

On the global level, Thailand was placed sixth on the list of the “Top 20 Countries in the World”, while Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa (on Ko Samui) was ranked 14th spot on the list of “Top Spas” and The Sukhothai Bangkok was placed 24th on the list of the “Top Hotels – World”. Continued …

Thai Airways spicing up its menu with signature street food dishes

Thai Airways International is planning to tap into Thailand’s rich cuisine heritage as a key strategy to grow its business. The airline is promoting “street food” to impress passengers, while also promoting Thai cuisine on a global scale, supporting the government’s policy to push food as a soft power.

Chai Eamsiri, chief executive officer of Thai Airways, revealed that the airline has traditionally offered a diverse range of inflight meals, mainly for first class and business class passengers. However, the airline’s future business strategy will focus on impressing passengers across all classes, encouraging repeat customers, with a particular emphasis on enhancing the food service experience. Continued …

3 Perfect Places to Get Back to Nature in Thailand

Whether you want wildlife, mountain hikes or castaway island experiences, there’s a perfect back-to-nature getaway waiting for you in Thailand.

Each corner of the country offers a unique adventure, from spotting birds and elephants in lush forests to swimming in azure waters teeming with marine life. Here are three great places, from north to south, where you can immerse yourself in Thailand’s beautiful tropical wilderness. Continued …

Bangkok’s Sustainability Expo ends with pledge to mirror UN’s Decade of Action

Bangkok’s Sustainability Expo will continue until 2030, serving as a platform to accelerate the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and create new sustainability models, delegates and speakers agreed on Sunday, as this year’s edition drew to a close.

The 10-day event, the brainchild of Thai Beverage Plc and partners, has been held for five consecutive years at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) to raise public awareness of living sustainably. Continued …

SCG promotes plan to slash Thailand’s carbon emissions

Siam Cement Group (SCG), a leading conglomerate in Southeast Asia, is asking the government to adopt four proposals to speed up Thailand’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The four proposals, raised during the ESG Symposium 2024, were presented to Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, who presided over the recent event in Bangkok. Continued …

Bus Tickets

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule Sept 21-Oct 26

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

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Thursday’s news-Oct 3

October 3, 2024 Hua Hin Expat News

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Feedback Re: Weather reports/Cooler weather forecast/Thailand about to be drenched/Jellyfish on Hua Hin beaches/Sansiri closes sale of Standard hotels stake/Stricter regulations for transportation/The teachers killed in the bus fire/School prepares to receive bodies/Inferno-bus driver charged/School field trips suspended/Child Road Deaths in Thailand/Why are Thailand’s roads so deadly?/Bangkok safe from floods/New Yorker flies to see Moo Deng/’Moo Deng’ zoo logo/Decriminalizing Sex Work/Best countries/TIME100 Next list/Vegetable prices surge/Thai rum makes a splash/Student documentary wins top prize/Surge in cross-border drug trade/Economy: The casino debate/2.68-Trillion-Baht Transport Overhaul/Foreign Investment $3 Billion/March toward cashless society/Lawmakers toast booze bill rejection/Data center investment revving up/Thai digital hub status/Central Group acquires Globus/No reverse of ganja policy/Tourism: Thailand Vegetarian Festival/Satun gears up for Vegetarian Festival/Thailand Welcomes 26M Tourists/Thailand Experience: Exploring Kui Buri/Locals’ guide to Chiang Mai/Oddest flower set for rare appearance/Climate Thailand: CPF Wins ASEAN Energy Project Award/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

Re: Weather reports

“I like and benefit from reading the news of weather events throughout Thailand. Please do not drop this part of your excellent service.” – Alastair

“I totally agree with your correspondent regarding Hua Hin weather forecasts. I think I am right in saying that Hua Hin has one of, if not, the lowest annual rainfall figures in Thailand. The editor comment about expats going to other regions has little validity when we want to know the accurate local forecast, if that is technically possible. After all the name is hhexpatnews! – TW

Editor: As we said previously, most of our readers are interested in what’s going on in Thailand, not just in Hua Hin. Thailand’s weather, when appropriate, will continue to be covered. And now we also have a weather report for Hua Hin only (see at left). We finally found an app that worked for this task.

Also, our name is Hua Hin Expat News, not Hua Hin News, meaning its news for expats in Hua Hin. We cover the limited amount of local news, but we believe our readers are interested in more than that. It’s a newspaper, folks, with a variety of news coverage for the variety of interests of our audience. If there’s something that doesn’t interest you, move on to the next story.

Cooler weather forecast for Thailand later this month

This year’s “cold” season is forecast to arrive in the third week of this month, with minimum temperatures expected to drop to 6-8oC in the northern and northeastern regions and a minimum of between 16-18oC in Bangkok, according to the Meteorological Department.

This year is forecast to be colder than last year, with average minimum temperatures around 20oC in the northern and northeastern regions. Minimum temperatures in Bangkok’s suburbs will be from 14-16oC, and the coldest period will be from the beginning of December until early January. Continued …

Thailand is about to be drenched as heavy rain hits 54 provinces

Thailand is bracing for a deluge today, with the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) sounding the alarm for 54 provinces. Heavy rain is set to drench Bangkok and its surrounding areas, while the central region is looking at a 80% chance of rainfall, and the north isn’t far behind with a 70% prediction.

The southern region’s eastern coast will witness thunderstorms in 60% of the area, with heavy rain in some parts. Provinces like Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat will be affected. Temperatures will range from 24 to 26°C at the lowest to 31 to 35°C at the highest. The sea will see waves about 1 meter high, rising to over 2 meters in areas with thunderstorms. Continued …

Rainy season brings jellyfish to Hua Hin beaches

Continued …

Sansiri closes sale of Standard hotels stake to Hyatt

Developer Sansiri Plc (SIRI) says it has successfully concluded the sale of its majority stake in the hotel group Standard International, which has now been acquired by Hyatt.

“This strategic exit marks a significant milestone for Sansiri, paving the way for a new era of collaboration with one of the world’s leading hospitality companies,” the company said in a statement on Wednesday. Continued …

PM calls for stricter regulations for transportation after deadly fire tragedy

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held a meeting with her deputy PMs, ministers and other officials to address the deadly fire incident involving a tour bus carrying teachers and students before her departure to attend the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit in Doha.

Acting National Police Commissioner Kitrat Phanphet reported that forensic teams were still inspecting the bus involved in the accident, and the findings would be used to establish safety standards and regulations. There will be stricter measures for vehicle inspections involving local authorities, transportation, private sectors, and other relevant bodies, he said. Continued …

The teachers killed in the bus fire

From left: Pimthong Sombat, Kanokwan Sriphong and Saranya Homkesorn (thaipbs.com)

Uthai Thani school prepares to receive bodies of bus fire victims

Wat Khao Phraya Sangkaram School in Uthai Thani is getting ready to receive the bodies of the 20 students and three teachers killed in the bus fire tragedy. The bodies are expected to arrive in the next couple of days.

The bus fire occurred on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road opposite the National Memorial in Pathum Thani on Tuesday afternoon. As of press time, the parents of the deceased and missing students were still waiting for answers, while officials from relevant agencies were at hand to help. Continued …

Inferno-bus driver charged on four counts

Police have pressed four charges against the driver of the bus that burst into flames, killing a least 20 students and three teachers in Pathum Thani on Tuesday. The driver, Samarn Chankut, 48, fled the scene of Tuesday’s tragedy.

He turned himself in to police in Ang Thong’s Wiset Chai Chan district on Tuesday night and was returned to Pathum Thani’s Khu Khut police station for further questioning. Continued …

Education Ministry suspends all school field trips

The Ministry of Education has ordered the immediate suspension of educational field trips organized by all schools under its supervision, following an accident on Vibhavadi Rangsit highway in Pathum Thani province yesterday, involving a double-decked coach that caught fire, killing 20 young students and three teachers.

Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob said, however, that an educational field trip is possible if it is deemed necessary, but those arranging it must ensure that the vehicles transporting students meet safety requirements, adding that, in the case of children, they must be accompanied by their parents, because there are insufficient teachers to take care of all the children. Continued …

Save The Children Urges Action on Child Road Deaths in Thailand

Save the Children Thailand has issued an urgent plea for action after revealing that one in three child deaths in Thailand are caused by road accidents. Over the past decade, more than 26,930 children have tragically died in road crashes, highlighting the severity of the problem.

Road traffic accidents are now recognized as a leading cause of death for individuals aged 5 to 29 globally, with Thailand being a particularly affected nation. This data is supported by the Global Alliance – Cities 4 Children 2023 report, which emphasizes the need for immediate intervention to address this growing crisis. Continued …

Why are Thailand’s roads so deadly?

Around 20,000 people are killed every year on Thailand’s roads – an average of more than 50 a day. This means Thailand has the second-deadliest roads in Asia after Nepal, and ranks 16th in the world for traffic mortality, alongside Chad and Guinea-Bissau, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

There were 25.7 deaths due to traffic injuries per 100,000 people in 2021 in Thailand, compared with a global average of 15. Road safety watchdog Thai RSC says that already this year there have been more than 10,000 fatalities and 600,000 injuries on the country’s roads. Continued …

Bangkok safe from floods, PM says

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has reassured the public that Bangkok will not be inundated by floods, as the current volume of rainwater is lower than it was in 2011, when a major flood occurred.

Paetongtarn inspected the water situation on Wednesday at the Royal Irrigation Department in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi. She said that in 2011 the country was hit by five storms, compared to this year, when only one storm has affected the country. Continued …

New Yorker flies over 18 hours just to see Moo Deng in Thailand

One Swiftie has gone the distance, traveling thousands of miles to reach eastern Thailand, the birthplace and home of Moo Deng, the baby hippopotamus that has stolen hearts worldwide.

Molly Swindall, a content creator known for her Taylor Swift devotion, decided “super last minute” to fly to Bangkok from New York to “see the legend that is the Diva Moo Deng!” she shared in a Tuesday video. “Cannot wait to show her off.” Continued …

Entries invited for ‘Moo Deng’ zoo logo

The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand is inviting people to help design a new logo featuring its bouncy new star, the young pygmy hippo Moo Deng, for use on official souvenirs.

Director-general Attapon Srihayrun said on Wednesday the organization will offer a prize for the successful entry. The logo must include the words “Moo Deng”. Continued …

Decriminalizing Sex Work Sparks National Debate

Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is causing a stir with a proposal to develop an entertainment complex that would bring underground businesses, including sex work, into the formal economy. This initiative aims to boost government revenue through taxation, funding crucial welfare programs in education, public health, and infrastructure.

Surang Janyam, director of SWING, an organization advocating for sex workers’ rights, underscores the importance of decriminalizing sex work. “During Covid, many sex workers were left without compensation or welfare. Over 50% of the 500 sex workers we spoke to expressed a desire to be part of the labor system and pay taxes.” Continued …

Thailand 28th in ‘best countries in the world’ ranking

Thailand has been ranked 28th among 89 “best countries in the world” for 2024, according to a listing prepared by the US News & World Report, moving up one place from the previous year.

The ranking has been prepared in collaboration with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in the U.S. and WPP, a global communication company. It surveyed the opinions of some 17,000 respondents in 89 countries from March to May this year. Continued …

Thai PM and LGBTQ+ rights activist named in TIME100 Next list

TIME magazine has named Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and gay rights activist Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd on the 2024 TIME100 Next list, which highlights emerging leaders who are shaping the future of the world.

According to TIME, Paetongtarn made history on Aug. 18, just days before her 38th birthday, by becoming the youngest premier of Thailand. TIME also reported that when gay rights activist and author Plaifah spoke in Thailand’s parliament the weight of a generation was on her shoulders. Continued …

Market shoppers face steep prices ahead of Pattaya Vegetarian Festival

The Rai Vanasin Market in East Pattaya was buzzing with anticipation yesterday as eager shoppers scrambled to stock up on fresh produce for the upcoming Pattaya Vegetarian Festival, which kicks off today and runs until Oct. 12. However, as the crowds grew, so did the prices – with many vegetables seeing surges just days before the festival begins.

Vegetable prices spiked by an average of 20% compared to the previous week, with staples such as cabbage, radishes, and Chinese cabbage bearing the brunt of the increase. Cabbage now costs 140 baht per kilogram, while radishes have skyrocketed to 300 baht, and Chinese cabbage has hit 350 baht per kilogram. Continued …

Thai rum makes a splash

Rum is a distilled spirit renowned worldwide as a premium liquor. Many countries, especially those in the Caribbean, produce rum, contributing to economic growth. The rum made in Thailand, especially by small producers, also supports community products and agricultural resources.

From Sept. 18-27, 2024, I was invited to serve as one of the five judges for the national OTOP (One Tambon One Product) alcoholic beverage competition dubbed “OTOP Product Champion”, with the rums in the contest having been preliminarily selected by their respective provinces. Continued …

Low-budget student documentary wins Thailand’s top prize

“The Last Breath of Sam Yan” won the prestigious Suphannahong National Film Award for best documentary in 2023, proving that even a low-budget student film can win high honors if it tells a story well.

Produced by Settanant Thanakitkoses and Netiwit Chotphatphaisal while they were students at Chulalongkorn University, the film took two years to make on a small budget of 200,000 baht they raised from working at the Sam Yan Press. Continued …

Myanmar civil war fuels surge in cross-border drug trade: Thailand official

Thailand has seen a surge in illegal drugs trafficked from neighboring Myanmar and a sharp increase in methamphetamines and heroin seizures, as a civil war adds fuel to the regional drug trade, a senior Thai counter-narcotics official said.

Apikit Ch. Rojprasert, deputy secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), said the northern region remains the main trafficking route into Thailand, with dealers going through the mountains or on the Mekong River to bring in methamphetamine tablets and crystal meth, also known as ice. Continued …

Thailand’s economic strategy: the casino debate

Thailand is on the cusp of a significant economic transformation with the government’s proposal to legalize casinos. This move is part of a broader strategy to boost the nation’s economy by tapping into the global gaming market, which could potentially reshape Thailand’s economic landscape.

The initiative has received substantial support from the House of Representatives, with a majority voting in favor of establishing a study panel to explore the feasibility of integrating casinos within large entertainment complexes. This reflects a shift in the nation’s stance on gambling, aiming to generate more jobs and increase state revenue. Continued …

Thailand Embarks on Mega 2.68-Trillion-Baht Transport Overhaul

Thailand’s Ministry of Transport has unveiled an ambitious 2.68-trillion-baht initiative aimed at radically transforming the nation’s transportation landscape.

The expansive project prioritizes enhancing rail networks, upgrading key airports, and encouraging environmentally friendly logistics practices, all with the goal of significantly reducing road congestion and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 45.6 million tons by the year 2030. Continued …

Foreign Investment in Thailand Hits $3 Billion in 8 Month

The Department of Business Development reported that foreign investment in Thailand amounted to 100.062 billion baht ($3 billion) in the first eight months of 2024, with Japan remaining the top investor with 136 companies and investment of 53.176 billion baht ($1.6 billion). Meanwhile, 163 companies were approved in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), accounting for 30% of foreign investors this year.

Oramon Subthaveetham, director-general of the Department of Economic Development and secretary of the Foreign Business Committee, announced that 535 foreign companies were allowed to operate in Thailand in the first eight months of 2024 (January to August). Continued …

Thailand leads march toward a cashless society

Thailand is expected to transition to a cashless society faster than its regional peers, driven by the country’s rapid digital adoption and transformation, according to a Visa survey.

Visa, a leading global digital payment service provider, recently conducted the Consumer Payment Attitude Study and found that Thailand could become a cashless society by 2028, ahead of the ASEAN region overall, which is expected to reach this milestone post-2028. Continued …

Thailand’s lawmakers toast booze bill rejection

The House of Representatives decisively rejected a bill aiming to liberalize Thailand’s alcohol industry, proposed by the opposition People’s Party. The bill, introduced by Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, was voted down with 237 votes against and 137 in favor.

The proposed legislation sought to permit individuals to own alcohol distillation equipment and produce booze for personal use without needing government approval. Government chief whip Wisut Chainarun from the coalition-core Pheu Thai Party labeled the bill impractical and potentially dangerous. Continued …

Analysts see data center investment revving up

New data center investments in Thailand could accelerate over the next 3-5 years, as global data usage is surging, with the electronics, industrial estate, contractor, and power plant sectors set to be the major beneficiaries, say analysts.

Google announced its plan earlier this week to invest USD1 billion (32.6 billion baht) in data centers and cloud services in Bangkok and Chon Buri. The investment is expected to create 14,000 jobs in the country and boost Thai GDP by 140 billion baht, or 0.9 percentage points in terms of annual GDP during the period 2025-2029. Continued …

BoI targets Thai digital hub status

Thailand has the potential to become a digital economic hub in Southeast Asia, driven by the growth of domestic data centers and cloud service businesses, including a recent investment from Google, says the Board of Investment (BoI).

Google’s plan to develop a data center and cloud region here under a US1billion investment reflects Thailand’s readiness for regional hub status in terms of digital infrastructure and market, said Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the BoI. Continued …

Central Group completes 100% acquisition of Swiss department store Globus

Thailand’s Central Group has finalized the complete acquisition of Globus, a luxury department store chain in Switzerland, the company said. As one of Thailand’s leading retail companies, Central Group has employed “shortcuts” through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to accelerate its business growth and expand its presence on the world stage.

Recently, the group announced the full acquisition of Globus after holding a stake since 2020. This acquisition includes all nine Globus department stores and reinforces Central Group’s ambition to build a multi-billion-baht empire in Europe. Continued …

PM: Businesses can rest assured govt will not reverse ganja policy again

After Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced her policy to continue allowing the use of marijuana and hemp for medical and business purposes, businesspeople who have invested in making products from the two plants can rest assured the policy would not be reversed.

The policy statement delivered by Paetongtarn to Parliament last month prompted even Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, who is seen as advocating the re-listing of marijuana and hemp as drugs, to tone down his stand, while the policy announcement drew strong support from the Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Department. Continued …

Thailand Vegetarian Festival 2024

Visitors to Thailand this October, especially from the 2nd to the 11th, are invited to experience one of the kingdom’s most unique and vibrant annual events — the Vegetarian Festival. This grand celebration offers insights into Thai culture and tradition.

The festival coincides with the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar when Thai people of Chinese origin observe a vegetarian diet for nine to 10 days. This practice is aimed at spiritual cleansing, merit-making, enhancing good luck, and ensuring long life and prosperity. The festival is also an opportunity to witness processions of Chinese deities and displays of spiritual beliefs.

Major Thai cities with large Chinese communities will host these events. Highlights include celebrations in Chon Buri, Bangkok, Chumphon, Songkhla, Narathiwat, Phuket, Nakhon Sawan, Phang-nga, Ranong, and Trang. Visitors can also delight in an array of vegetarian delicacies available throughout these locales. – thailand-business-news.com

Satun gears up for influx of tourists during Vegetarian Festival

With the Vegetarian Festival this year starting today and running until the following Friday, among the provinces getting ready for an influx of tourists is southernmost Satun.

Every year, large numbers of tourists, especially Malaysians, travel to join this traditional event, during which those observing it abstain from all types of meat, including vegetables with strong smells, and foods containing eggs and milk. Continued …

Thailand Welcomes 26M Tourists, Rakes In 1.214 Trillion Baht

Thailand’s tourism sector has made a robust comeback, welcoming over 26 million international tourists from Jan. 1 to Oct. 1, generating 1.214 trillion baht in revenue. Sorawong Thienthong, minister of Tourism and Sports, announced these figures, signaling a strong recovery for the nation as a premier travel destination.

China topped the list of contributing countries with 5,227,573 tourists, followed by Malaysia with 3,734,847, India with 1,530,712, South Korea with 1,378,474, and Russia with 1,156,753 visitors. Continued …

Exploring Kui Buri

Continued …

The locals’ guide to Chiang Mai

“We do all sorts of things: visit the lady boy cabaret show at Ram Bar or watch Thai boxing at Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium,” says Faii Suporn, an ethnic Akha who leads residents of the Family Home 2 hostel to sample the best nightlife Chiang Mai has to offer.

For visitors keen to have a go at Muay Thai, she recommends The Bear Fight Club, a gym in the old city that has “good coaches who work you hard. I go there to train when I have time,” says Faii, who sells locally made silverware by day. Continued …

‘Owl’s Eye’: Thailand’s oddest flower set for rare appearance

One of the rarest and strangest-looking plants in Thailand is about to poke its head above the soil for its annual appearance in a remote forest on the western border with Myanmar. The Thismia thaithongiana was discovered growing on the slopes of Doi Hua Mot, Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tak Province in 2018.

Tourists and botanists are now scouring the sanctuary’s forest floor to catch sight of this bizarre owl-shaped plant, which glows green and goes by the Thai name of Phisawong Thaithong or Phisawong Owl’s Eye. Continued …

CPF Wins ASEAN Energy Project Award for Waste-to-Energy Initiative

Charoen Pokphand Foods (CP Foods) has been awarded the ASEAN Renewable Energy Project Award 2024 by the ASEAN Center for Energy (ACE) for its innovative waste-to-energy project at the Wang Thong Layer Complex in Phitsanulok Province. The project, which converts chicken manure into renewable energy, showcases the company’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly egg production.

This marks the second time CP Foods’ egg business has received this prestigious award, following the recognition of the Chok Chai Farm Complex in Nakhon Ratchasima province in 2022 for renewable energy development. Continued …

Bus Tickets

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule Sept 21-Oct 26

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

bangkok, covid, hua hin, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-April 17

April 17, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

Cruise ship docks off Hua Hin/
Why Thailand golf courses are appealing to Aussies again/
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park officials spot rare, endangered serow/
Ten fishing boats sunk by storm, three crew drowned/
AUKUS countries don’t want Thailand to build Kra canal/
Songkran news: TAT estimates 18.5 billion baht spent during Songkran festival/Covid-19 cases will probably rise after Songkran festival/DDC to modify Covid jab policy to cope with rising cases/31 more people died from accidents on Thai roads Saturday/Songkran Road Rage: Driver rams vehicles at water splashing in market/Songkran tragedy: Pick-up plows into roadside tent where kids were splashing water/8 victims injured during Songkran party shooting in Bangkok/
Tourism: Ministry details soft power initiative/Airlines encouraged to add planes to push down fares/Thailand set to cruise into marine tourism boom with Koh Samui project/Koh Samui passenger ferry half sinks in heavy seas at Surat Thani port/Thailand’s Internet Key for Future Tourism/
Thailand Experience: If you’re bored of the over-rated attractions in Phuket, go to these instead/
International: Malaysia plans $8.5 billion port to keep up with regional rivals/Iranian court reaches verdict in Ukrainian plane crash investigation/
Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Cruise ship docks off Hua Hin

The luxury cruise ship MV Europa is docking today off Hua Hin near the Hua Hin fishing pier. Boats ferried passengers to the Hua Hin fishing pier for various different trips around Hua Hin. The ship carries 290 passengers, and after its one-day stay off Hua Hin will head to Laem Chabang. (HHT)

Why Thailand golf courses are appealing to Aussies again

After three years of government lockdowns, curfews and border closures, golf tourism in Southeast Asia has begun to recover. Thailand, in particular, is approaching pre-COVID levels of golf as international tourists return.

During a national three-month lockdown (March-May 2020), the seaside retreat of Hua Hin resembled a ghost town with a 9pm curfew. Hua Hin, three hours from the Thai capital, is now coming back to life as a golf destination. Thailand opened up in the second-half of 2022 and visitors are no longer required to be vaccinated or undergo a two-week quarantine. Continued …

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park officials spot rare, endangered serow

Wild animal enthusiasts will be delighted to hear that Thai National Park officials spotted a rare, endangered serow in the past week. Officials at Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, located in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, spotted a serow on April 11.

Video

Video footage shows the majestic creature carefully and gracefully climbing the very steep, jagged edges of a mountain, and feasting on leaves from trees. Continued …

Ten fishing boats sunk by storm, three crew drowned

A violent storm sank 10 of 60 fishing boats that left ports in five coastal districts of Nakhon Si Thammarat on Sunday morning, and three crewmen were confirmed drowned.

Forty-eight of the 60 boats, with 121 crewmen, were from Pak Phanang district. Ten of them sank during the storm. Continued …

AUKUS countries don’t want Thailand to build Kra canal

Members of the new trilateral security pact AUKUS (Australia, UK, United States) are concerned that the building of a ship canal on the Isthmus of Kra would give China easy access to the Indian Ocean, a source said today.

The AUKUS pact was created, according to analyst, in-part to counter growing Chinese assertiveness in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. The pact includes among its provisions technology sharing and joint security exercises. Continued …

TAT estimates 18.5 billion baht spent during Songkran festival

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has estimated that Songkran celebrations have seen about 18.5 billion baht in spending by revelers across the country.

For this year, the TAT estimates total revenues from tourism at about 2.38 trillion baht, including 1.5 trillion baht from as many as 30 million foreign arrivals and about 800 million baht from Thai tourists. Continued …

Covid-19 cases will probably rise after Songkran festival

Covid-19 infections are expected to increase two weeks after the Songkran festival, but the situation will remain under control, because hospitals have the capacity to take the extra patients, according to Associate Professor Dr. Nitipat Jiarakul, director of the Thoracic Society of Thailand.

He noted that during the pre-Songkran period the number of COVID-19 patients admitted for treatment at large hospitals had increased from March, but most of the patients had mild symptoms. Continued …

DDC to modify Covid jab policy to cope with rising cases

The Ministry of Public Health is modifying its Covid-19 vaccination strategy to handle the sudden increase in infections amplified by Songkran festivities.

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) announced the change on Sunday in response to a surge in new Covid-19 cases last week. DDC Director-general Tares Krassanairawiwong said a total of 435 new inpatient Covid-19 cases were recorded, or about 62 cases per day, from last Sunday until Sunday, a 2.5-fold increase compared to the infection rate of the previous week. Continued …

31 more people died from accidents on Thai roads Saturday

Road accident fatalities in the first five days of Songkran rose to 197 people. Almost 80% of those involved were on a motorbike.

Thirty-one people were killed and another 304 injured in 311 accidents on Thai roads on Saturday, raising the road-accident death toll for the first five days of Songkran to 197 people, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said. Continued …

Songkran Road Rage: Driver rams vehicles at water splashing in market

A road rage incident happened on the final day of the Songkran festival at Si Khio market in Nakhon Ratchasima, northeast Thailand.

A video showed a Toyota Vios smashing into another vehicle and then deliberately reversing to cause yet more damage. Continued …

Songkran tragedy: Pick-up plows into roadside tent where kids were splashing

An accident occurred on a road in Sa Kaeo province in the east of Thailand where children were splashing water near a Sawang Sa Kaeo rescue tent.

An Isuzu driven by Daeng, 47, lost control on the wet road and CCTV showed him driving into the tent. A 36-year-old woman from Klong Hat was killed and seven people were injured, two seriously, including an 11-year-old boy. Continued …

8 victims injured during Songkran party shooting in Bangkok

Police arrested a gunman in connection with a shooting at a Songkran party in front of Onyx bar at the popular entertainment venue Royal City Avenue (RCA) in Bangkok. Four victims were injured by gunfire, while four others were hurt while trying to flee the scene.

Officers from Makkasan Police Station were notified of the shooting incident. Upon investigation, officers discovered six bullet casings scattered at the event space near the entrance. Continued …

Ministry details soft power initiative

The Commerce Ministry has pledged to move ahead with measures to drive the government’s soft power development policy, with a focus on promoting Thai cultural products worldwide through a “5F” approach, referring to food, film, fashion, fighting and festivals.

According to Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, director-general of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the government recognizes these areas as potential vehicles for soft power, with the Commerce, Culture and Tourism and Sports ministries collaborating to push the soft power policy forward. Continued …

Airlines encouraged to add planes to push down fares

Aviation regulators will speed up approvals for airlines seeking to add planes to boost capacity and bring down airfares that have soared in recent months with a rapid recovery in tourism, a government spokesman says.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered the Ministry of Transport to ensure travelers were not overcharged, spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said in a statement on Saturday. Continued …

Thailand set to cruise into marine tourism boom with Koh Samui project

Thailand’s Marine Department is set to revive the Cruise Terminal Development Project on Koh Samui to cater for the growth in marine tourism.

In 2018, Thailand ranked third globally for most cruise ship stopovers, with 581 ships stopping per year and 14% growth year on year. Despite this growth, the country lacks a legitimate standard cruise terminal. Continued …

Koh Samui passenger ferry half sinks in heavy seas at Surat Thani port

One of the Raja ferry company’s passenger ferries listed and half sank in heavy seas at the Donsak port on the mainland in Surat Thani, southern Thailand.

The incident happened after passengers and crew had disembarked, so there were no deaths or injuries. Continued …

Thailand’s Internet Key for Future Tourism

Thailand’s place as a tourism hotspot was well-established before the digital age. In the era of the internet, however, investment in online infrastructure has driven the country to the forefront of travel destinations for many accomplished and would-be travelers.

Backed by some of the best internet speeds in the world, Thailand’s adoption of modern systems has made a significant difference in appealing to entertainment, education, navigation, work opportunities and safety. Continued …

If you’re bored of the over-rated attractions in Phuket, go to these instead

The largest island in Thailand is also one of its biggest tourist attractions. If you don’t want go where all the tourists go, try these Phuket attractions instead.

Ah yes, Phuket. With an abundance of scenic escapades and so much water sports almost anyone would be jealous, the province has been one of Thailand’s most beloved tourist destinations for as long as we can remember. Those visiting can expect clear skies, deep blue seas, and glistening beaches that are simply perfect for an island vacation. Plus, the shopping areas and activities available don’t hurt a bit, either. Continued …

Malaysia plans $8.5 billion port to keep up with regional rivals

The Malaysian government has confirmed it is going ahead with the plan to build a RM28 billion (S$8.5 billion) port to significantly boost the handling capacity for both container and conventional cargo at the main shipping hub of Port Klang. Continued …

Iranian court reaches verdict in Ukrainian plane crash investigation

An Iranian court on Sunday reached a final verdict in its investigation of the 2020 downing of a Ukrainian jetliner by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. The court found 10 people guilty, sentencing the main defendant to 10 years in prison, with others receiving prison terms of between one and three years, according to Iranian media. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

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 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

bangkok, cha am, chiang mai, climate change, covid, hua hin, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-Feb 17

February 17, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

And yet another happy customer renews sponsorship of Expat News – IC Curtains/
Hua Hin Old days Festival at Bluport March 3-5/
Crab festival set in Cha Am March 11-18/
German expat, daughter have lucky escape after fire destroys home in Cha Am/
Try these different varieties of pad krapow in Hua Hin/
Wild Boar football team pays tribute to captain ‘Dom’/
School head shocked by Wild Boars footballer’s death/
Property market outlook for this year improves/
Three-Month Burn Ban Put in Place to Curb Haze, Wildfire/
Over 500 fires in northern Thailand spark alarm/
Eight national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to be closed due to forest fires/
Consumer products likely to cost more despite cut in diesel price/
Online advance booking of train tickets now requires credit or debit card/
Thailand’s roads claim the lives of 75 foreigners so far this year/
BMA, US Embassy, Tesla promote electric vehicles in Bangkok/
BGRIM, Innopower team up for clean energy projects/
Foreign Motorbike Racers in Phuket Draw Police Attention/
Police arrest gang selling Thai monkeys abroad for medical research/
Winds destroy durian crops worth 5 million baht in east/
Thai ecologist sounds alarm on declining shark numbers/
Best Thai cannabis strains for sleep and insomnia relief/
Tourism: Calls for scrutiny of new tourism fee fund/Entry fees to include insurance/
Thailand Experience: First ‘cultural map’ of the country now online/There’s Never Been a More Exciting Time to Eat Thai in Bangkok/
Covid: Covid infection gives similar immunity to vaccination/
International: 10 deadliest quakes of the past 100 years/
Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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And yet another happy customer renews sponsorship of Expat News

IC Curtains

Established for 15 years in Phuket and now in Hua Hin, IC Curtains and its sister companies Just Sofas and Lucky Awnings provide many complementary and interrelated products in a “one-stop shop” experience, simplifying and minimising the time and stress involved with multiple suppliers.

As a family-run business, you can be assured that our customers always come first, and we pride ourselves in giving friendly, honest service with no high-pressure selling.

We absolutely guarantee our work, and offer a free 12-month after-sales service on our workmanship and products for normal wear and tear.

We stock only the very best quality products, such as VC FABRICS, PASAYA Fabrics, ACACIA Fabrics, SUNBRELLA Umbrellas, NITAS Textiles, and SOMFY Motorised Solutions, as we can depend on both the products and their guarantees to us.

The company founder and owner “Lucky” is from Australia and has over 45 years curtain and fabrics industry experience, and over 60 years in service and retail industries, and so he really understands the level of customer service needed to keep clients happy.

Customer satisfaction is where IC Curtains really shines.

We focus on taking the time to understand your own personal style and vision, and offer advice on how to bring together the aesthetics, purpose, budget and functionality of your environment. Our goal is to help you to create the mood, tone and ambiance that you envision for your space, with the best quality products within your budget.

We simplify the process by enabling design, color and style choices for both indoor and outdoor soft furnishings and products in one place.

Our Showroom is conveniently located on Soi 112, directly opposite the well-known Maha Samutr Country Club. We are open Monday to Saturday, 8:30am to 530:pm.

We have a good range of products on display, and a full set of sample books for every product available from our suppliers.

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Call Lucky direct on 093-6294400 to make an appointment to drop-in and tell us about your unique requirements.

70/171 Soi 112 Huana Tuptai Road, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, 77110 Thailand; email: scholtesjochen3@gmail.com; tel: 093-6294400; Web; Facebook.

Crab festival set in Cha Am March 11-18

Cha Am municipality has announced its crab festival – “Gin Pu Chak@Cha-am festival” will take place March 11-18 at Cha-am viewpoint. Expect lots of fresh seafood and local cuisine, live music, entertainment, shopping and much more.

German expat, daughter have lucky escape after fire destroys home in Cha Am

A German man and his young daughter had a lucky escape after fire quickly spread through their home in Cha Am this morning.

Officials said a cigarette butt that wasn’t properly disposed of caused the fire at the three-story property located close to Phanthurat Forest Park in Khao Yai District.

The fire broke out in a bedroom on the second floor before spreading to an adjacent wardrobe and bathroom, officials said. Continued …

Try these different varieties of pad krapow in Hua Hin

There are many dishes that are ubiquitous with Thai cuisine: som tam, pad Thai and green curry just to name a few.

But there is one dish that could perhaps be considered a part of daily life in Thailand, more so than any other.

And while dishes such as pad Thai may be more well-known internationally, it is pad krapow which is the true staple of Thai food. Continued …

Wild Boar football team pays tribute to captain ‘Dom’

Duangpetch “Dom” Promthep, one of the 13 ‘Wild Boars” rescued from Tham Luang Cave in Chiang Rai province back in 2018, has died in England, said Supatpong Methigo, a monk who taught him in Chiang Rai on Wednesday.

“Note” Prachak Sutham, member of “13 Wild Boars” paid tribute to “Dom”, the captain of Wild Boars soccer team.

“R.I.P., My Dear Friend, We, 13 people, have been through a lot together, both suffering and happiness. We have risked life and death and gone through all the hardships together. You said to wait and see when you join the national team. I always believed that you could do it. Continued …

School head shocked by Wild Boars footballer’s death

The director of a school in Chiang Mai has expressed surprise about the sudden death of young “Wild Boars” footballer Duangphet “Dom” Phromthep in England, saying the school was awaiting the autopsy results to learn the exact cause.

Duangphet was a Mathayom Suksa 5 (Grade 11) student at Vachiralai School in Saraphi district when he received a scholarship from the Zico Foundation to a football academy in in England, said Khanong Tonlek, the school director.

The boy continued to take online courses and exams at Vachiralai School to qualify to enter Mathayom Suksa 6 in the next academic year. Continued …

Property market outlook for this year improves

The total residential property index projection for 2023 has been upgraded, as reduced transfer and mortgage fees continue to offer benefits to buyers of mid-scale properties.

Vichai Viratkapan, acting director-general of the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), said the total residential property index last year rose 21% to 91.7, from 75.7 in 2021. The 2022 figure is the highest since 2019.

“The key driver was the loan-to-value (LTV) limits that started in 2019 and eased in 2021, ending last year,” Vichai said. Continued …

Three-Month Burn Ban Put in Place to Curb Haze, Wildfire

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha ordered the implementation of any possible measures to keep wildfire under control and seek cooperation from all concerned localities to observe no-burning rule from Feb. 1 to April 30.

Those who violate the rule will be penalized, said deputy secretary-general to the prime minister and acting government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri.

Concerned agencies are also urged to work proactively to create public awareness. If the situation is not better, plan adjustment will be necessary to beef up related measures. Continued …

Over 500 fires in northern Thailand spark alarm

More than half of the 1,005 fires recorded in Thailand on Wednesday were in the North, causing dangerous levels of pollution, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency.

The three provinces with the highest number of fires were Chiang Mai (205), Tak (156), and Mae Hong Son (146).

Of the total number of fires in Thailand, 501 were in protected forests, 361 in reserved forests, 55 in areas under the Agricultural Land Reform Office, 45 on farms, 42 in local communities, and one along a highway, the agency said. Continued …

Eight national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to be closed due to forest fires

Thailand’s Center for Air Pollution Mitigation has asked the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to close eight national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in 17 northern provinces, in a bid to control the increasing number of forest fires.

Pollution Control Department Director-General Pinsak Suraswadi said that the closures will allow officials to work with greater flexibility and efficiency to control the hotspots, which are mostly being detected in forest reserves.

The closures affect Nam Pai, Om Koi and Pa Mae Tuen wildlife sanctuaries, and Pha Daeng, Tham Pha Thai, Ob Luang, Mae Ping and Si Nan national parks. Continued …

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Consumer products likely to cost more despite cut in diesel price

The move by the Oil Fuel Fund Office to approve a reduction in the retail price of diesel by 50 satang per liter from Wednesday is unlikely to deter consumer goods makers from hiking prices.

President of the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Assn., Somchai Pornratanacharoen, said manufacturers were forced to hike product prices, as skyrocketing energy costs had affected their overall cost of production.

“The high energy prices last year pushed up the prices of items, such as noodles, soaps, and snacks,” he said. Continued …

Online advance booking of train tickets now requires credit or debit card

From yesterday, passengers who make online advance bookings for train tickets, through the D-Ticket website of the State Railway of Thailand or through its application, must pay for the tickets with their credit or debit cards.

Passengers can, however, still make advance bookings at all train stations with cash, if they do not have or do not want to use their cards.

The SRT explained that it decided to require passengers to pay for tickets when they book online because many do not show up to claim their tickets they booked within 30 days, resulting in other passengers losing the opportunity to travel. Continued …

Thailand’s roads claim the lives of 75 foreigners so far this year

Thailand’s deadly roads have claimed the lives of 75 foreigners so far this year. A further 2,886 foreigners were injured, according to data from Thai RSC, an accident information center.

Foreigners getting into road accidents in Thailand regularly make headlines but much more go unrecorded by the media.

Data recorded from Jan. 1 – Feb. 15 reveals that 2,099 people in total died in road accidents in Thailand so far this year. Of those, 75 were foreigners. Statistics show that 106,133 were injured in road accidents so far this year, 2,886 of which were foreigners. Continued …

BMA, US Embassy, Tesla promote electric vehicles in Bangkok

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt on Thursday participated in an activity to promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) at City Hall in Phra Nakhon district.

Co-hosted by Embassy of the United States in Bangkok and private partners, EV-promotion events were also organized simultaneously at four other locations: Continued …

BGRIM, Innopower team up for clean energy projects

B.Grimm Power (BGRIM), an energy developer with the largest capacity in the small power-producer segment, has forged a venture with energy innovation firm Innopower Co. to promote clean energy projects, including electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure development.

The two companies did not elaborate on the EV-related project, saying only they will work together to develop an “ecosystem” for battery EVs, part of efforts to help the government reduce carbon dioxide emissions and avoid the severe impact of climate change. Continued …

Foreign Motorbike Racers in Phuket Draw Police Attention

A group of foreign motorbike racers were reportedly warned of being a public nuisance before a fight with locals broke out on Bangla Road in Patong.

A viral video clip of people fighting on Bangla Road went viral in social media last Wednesday.

TPN media has decided not to air the clip due to material that may disturb sensitive viewers. Continued …

Police arrest gang selling Thai monkeys abroad for medical research

Police have busted a gang that was catching and selling Thai monkeys abroad to be “lab rats” in medical research and for “energy” food.

Some were believed to be worth as much as 100,000 baht each.

The case happened in Nakhon Sawan at a tourist area called Khao Nor, where Nan, 55, sells monkey treats. Continued …

Winds destroy durian crops worth 5 million baht in east

Like them or hate them, there is huge money in growing what are often referred to as the King of Fruits – the famously smelly and, for some, delicious Durian.

But like all crops, they can be subject to the vagaries of the weather, and disaster struck yesterday for 6-7 orchards by a reservoir in Trat, eastern Thailand.

High winds caused nearly 10,000 of the fruit weighing 1.5 – 2.5 kilos and worth 500 baht each to fall. Continued …

Thai ecologist sounds alarm on declining shark numbers

A Thai ecologist is sounding the alarm on the decline in the number of sharks in the country’s waters.

The marine ecologist, Assistant Professor Thon Thamrongnawasawat, the deputy dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University, presented some worrying facts about the situation.

Thon said that around 75 of the 87 shark species in Thai waters are endangered. Endangered sharks include the whale shark, leopard shark, hammerhead and bull shark. Most of the shark species in the country’s territorial waters are listed as endangered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Continued …

Best Thai cannabis strains for sleep and insomnia relief

Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and one of its most common applications is to help with sleep and insomnia. With the growing popularity of cannabis as a sleep aid, it can be challenging to know which strains are the best for promoting a restful night’s sleep.

In this article, we will explore some of the best cannabis strains for sleep and insomnia, with a focus on strains that have their origins in Thailand.

Thai Stick

Thai Stick is a classic cannabis strain in Thailand that is known for its sedative effects. It is a pure Sativa strain that has been cultivated for generations in Thailand. This strain is known for its sweet and spicy flavor, and it has a high THC content, making it an effective sleep aid. Thai Stick is also known for its ability to reduce anxiety, which can be helpful for people who struggle with anxiety-related sleep disorders. Continued …

Calls for scrutiny of new tourism fee fund

Tourism operators are concerned about the transparency of the Tourism Promotion Fund, which is estimated to have a budget of more than 13 billion baht from the 300-baht tourism fee collected from international visitors.

The cabinet this week approved collection of the fee, expected to start in June.

The Tourism and Sports Ministry is projected to collect 3.9 billion baht this year and more than 10 billion from 40 million visitors estimated for next year. Continued …

Entry fees to include insurance

Thailand will provide insurance for foreign tourists when tourism fees for international arrivals are imposed in June, deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Thursday. Continued …

First ‘cultural map’ of the country now online

The first online cultural map of Thailand is now available with more than 2,000 cultural sites across the country, ready to be upgraded for metaverse technologies.

The virtual map is part of a database developed by the Program Management Unit for Area-based Development (PMU-A) under the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council.

The PMU-A said recently the database is a joint project of the university network for area-based development comprising 41 universities from 33 provinces. Continued …

There’s Never Been a More Exciting Time to Eat Thai in Bangkok

For a long time, Thai fine dining in Bangkok was synonymous with lavish multicourse menus drawing on recipes from the royal court. Long regarded as the pinnacle of the country’s cuisine, these meals featured intricately carved vegetables and the choicest cuts of deboned fish and meat.

The meticulously balanced flavors were neither too spicy nor overly heavy on funky inflections such as pla ra (fermented fish paste). Restaurants specializing in oryal Thai cooking mostly catered to tourists; locals splurged on fine French or Japanese cuisine.

Around the mid-2010s, something changed. Inspired by the locavore movement sweeping through restaurants worldwide, a new crop of ambitious young Thais shifted focus to recipes and little-known ingredients from beyond the regal kitchens. Chef Napol Jantraget championed seasonal produce when he opened his casual fine diner 80/20 in 2015, and Chalee Kader highlighted northeastern Thai nose-to-tail cooking at 100 Mahaseth, which launched in Bangkok’s old town in 2017. They introduced Bangkok’s cash-flush diners to locally raised meat, tribal food-preservation techniques and herbs from the country’s rural corners that even most Thais had never heard of. Continued …

Covid infection gives similar immunity to vaccination

The protection against Covid-19 from being previously infected lasts at least as long as that offered by vaccination, one of the largest studies conducted on the subject said today.

Ten months after getting Covid, people still had an 88% lower risk of reinfection, hospitalization and death, according to the study published in the Lancet journal.

That makes this natural immunity “at least as durable, if not more so” than two doses of Pfizer or Moderna’s vaccines, the study said. Continued …

10 deadliest quakes of the past 100 years

With the estimated death toll still mounting, the massive earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Feb. 6 is among the 10 deadliest of the past 100 years, with over 41,000 dead as of Friday. Continued …

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Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs 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

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