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Hua Hin Food Festival/PKK debuts emergency warning system/Typhoon Kajiki Hits Thailand/Indo-Pacific Defense Conference in Hua Hin/Hua Hin train station development/Cha-am motorway plans/Refusing Breathalyzer Test Equals Drunk Driving/Crabmeat supplier defends Jay Fai/Higher food prices’ improve taste perception/Miss Universe Thailand/One year of Paetongtarn/Corruption worries Thais/Insurgency erupts again in south/ECONOMY: Phuket’s Russian Residential Buyers/KBank offers early retirement/Exodus of Cambodian workers/Netflix eyes Thailand/TOURISM: 5 things Western tourists do in developing countries/Phi Phi Islands Longtail Boat Trip/Thailand to host gaming event/Roi Et’s New Zipline/Thai Airways Major Expansion Plan/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Next station Nana!/CLIMATE THAILAND: Barriers to rooftop solar growth/Thailand gets 4,200 electric trucks/Thais on course to buy 100,000 BEVs/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/NEW PAGE – Hua Hin 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 https://hhexpatnews.com/hua-hin-links/

Thousands attend Hua Hin Food Festival

The Hua Hin Food Festival 2025 drew thousands of visitors over the weekend, marking the town’s largest culinary event to date and coinciding with the 88th anniversary of Hua Hin Municipality.

Held at Hua Don Beach in Khao Takiab, the three-night festival featured over 100 food booths, live music, hot air balloon rides, and nightly fireworks. Visitors enjoyed dishes from local eateries alongside signature plates prepared by chefs from some of Hua Hin’s five-star hotels. Continued …

PKK debuts emergency warning system to warn of impeding storms

Residents across Prachuap Khiri Khan, including Hua Hin, were alerted yesterday to a storm warning, as tropical storm Kajiki strengthened, bringing the risk of flash floods, runoff, and landslides. The warning marked the first use of the province’s new emergency alert system.

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) said widespread heavy rain was expected as the southwest monsoon intensified over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, while a monsoon trough extended across the north and upper northeast into a low-pressure system over central Vietnam. Continued …

Typhoon Kajiki Prompts Thailand to Prepare for Impact

Typhoon Ka sifying, prompting Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to urge nationwide vigilance among governors. With the storm gaining strength, regional authorities are preparing for potential emergencies.

Wechayachai emphasised constant readiness to assist the public, while instructing the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to establish a war room for continuous coordination with all governors. This comes as Kajiki rapidly strengthens, threatening significant impact. Continued …

Indo-Pacific Defense Conference starts tomorrow in Hua Hin

The 2025 annual Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense (CHOD) Conference, is scheduled to take place from tomorrow through Thursday in Hua Hin.

Jointly organized by the Royal Thai Armed Forces and the United States Indo-Pacific Command, the conference brings together senior military leaders from across the Indo-Pacific region. – kathmandupost.com

Hua Hin train staion development plans discussed

Hua Hin City Municipality has outlined a series of proposals aimed at revitalizing the old train station area and improving rail-related infrastructure across the city.

The municipality has suggested multiple projects to make the area around the historic station more functional and appealing. These include: Developing a road alongside the railway complete with a drainage system; and creating a pavilion, exercise area, and public park in the Rung Ruang community using SRT land. Continued …

Cha-am motorway plans being expedited

The Transport Ministry is expediting plans for the Nakhon Pathom–Cha-am motorway in a bid to ease congestion along Rama II Road and improve connectivity between Bangkok and the southern provinces.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said the detailed study for Motorway No. 8 (M8) has been completed and the proposal will soon be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. The 109-kilometer route, which will pass through Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram, is designed to provide a faster and more efficient alternative for travel between Bangkok, Cha-am and Hua Hin. Continued …

Refusing Breathalyzer Test Now Equals Drunk Driving, Say Police

Thai authorities have declared that drivers who refuse a breathalyser test will be treated as if they were driving under the influence. This move comes after a high-profile incident involving actress Marie Braun, 33, and renowned businessman Atchamon Singsikornkul. Braun repeatedly refused to comply when stopped at an alcohol checkpoint, sparking discussions on the consequences set by this new regulation.

According to the Central Investigation Bureau’s official page, drivers who decline the breath test will be presumed guilty of drink-driving under the Traffic Act B.E. 2542, Section 142. This legal presumption means stiff penalties could be enforced. Continued …

Costly crabmeat supplier defends Jay Fai

The crabmeat supplier to Raan Jay Fai has defended the Michelin-starred chef embroiled in controversy over pricing, saying she recognizes top quality and pays a fair price for it.

The founder of Bangkok-based seafood supplier Bird Market praised Jay Fai as a benefactor to his team and fishing communities in Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat, where the crabs are caught under the strictest environment-friendly conditions. Continued …

Research shows ‘higher food prices’ improve taste perception

Have you ever tried wine or tea for the first time and thought the taste wasn’t quite to your liking, but once you found out how expensive it was, your perception started to change, making it seem much more enjoyable?

This phenomenon is similar to the case of the “Jay Fai” restaurant, where dishes such as the 4,000 baht crab omelette and 600 baht stir-fried vegetables are significantly more expensive than those found in the market. Despite the simple setup, with no air conditioning, customers still queue up and wait for hours just to taste the food. Continued …

Thai-Indian named Miss Universe Thailand

Praveenar “Veena” Singh, 29, was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2025, marking a triumphant fourth attempt at the title. The first Thai-Indian beauty queen to earn this prestigious honor, Veena, will represent Thailand at Miss Universe 2025 in Bangkok this November.

Veena, a graduate of Thammasat University, had previously been a formidable contender in the national pageant, securing second runner-up in 2018, first runner-up in 2020, and second runner-up once more in 2023, before finally clinching the crown this year. Continued …

One year of Paetongtarn: government at risk, policies at breaking point

After one year in office, Paetongtarn’s government faces a “legal war,” with the Constitutional Court set to rule on August 29 in the audio clip case, a verdict that could mark both the government’s risk point and the end of its policies, with wide political and economic repercussions.

On Aug. 16, 2024, the House of Representatives voted 319 to 145 to endorse Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Thailand’s 31st prime minister, succeeding Srettha Thavisin, who was disqualified by the Constitutional Court over the appointment of Pichit Chuenban as a minister attached to the prime minister’s office. Continued …

Corruption worries Thais more and more

From police and politicians to monks, you name it. Thailand’s graft is bad, but we just don’t know how bad. The latest Dusit poll has confirmed the fact that corruption is one of the country’s biggest problems, and the issue has topped the list of national emergencies in public eyes.

Of more than 1,100 Thais surveyed nationwide over the past few days, more than 93% say corruption is very critical now. To add to the worries of those surveyed, a big majority or 78.5% do not trust the justice system to handle wrongdoings. Continued …

Insurgency erupts again in south with bold attacks on security forces

Violence is surging in Thailand’s insurgency-hit southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala, as militants have launched a relentless wave of attacks. Security forces are on high alert after a blitz aimed at sowing fear and chaos.

In response, authorities have ramped up patrols, set up roadblocks and tightened control along the Thai-Malaysian border. Officials warn insurgents are exploiting the border to shield themselves and coordinate increasingly daring attacks deep inside the southern provinces. Continued …

Phuket Becomes Premier Residential Destination for Russian Buyers

Phuket, Thailand’s largest and most popular island, is now a top choice destination for Russian property investors looking for a budget luxury lifestyle. Famous for its beautiful beaches, balmy tropical climate, and international-standard amenities, Phuket provides a unique blend of luxury living and contemporary convenience — making it a desirable place to invest in luxury property or just relax on a luxurious holiday.

Phuket has seen a growing number of Russian nationals investing in property, attracted by the island’s affordable luxury, proximity to major international markets, and safe environment. It’s no surprise that the island is quickly becoming a top choice for Russian buyers in search of peaceful, high-quality living away from the hustle and bustle of cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg. Continued …

AI prompts KBank to offer unusual early retirement scheme

Driven by the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) disruption, Kasikornbank (KBank) has introduced a special early retirement (ER) program for employees aged 45 and older, with several other banks reportedly offering similar initiatives.

According to an internal announcement, KBank, the country’s third-largest lender by total assets, launched a one-time ER scheme allowing employees 45 and older to participate on a voluntary basis. Continued …

Economist urges action on exodus of Cambodian workers

A leading Thammasat University economist has urged the Ministry of Labor and the Immigration Bureau to survey the number of Cambodian migrant workers returning home, warning the labor shortage is already disrupting key industries.

Assoc. Prof. Kiriya Kulkolkarn, a lecturer at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Economics, said the outflow of Cambodian workers has created acute pressure in sectors heavily reliant on them. Continued … 

Netflix eyes Thailand as new content hub in Asia

Netflix has taken a significant strategic step, channeling more than 200 million USD into Thailand over the past four years with the goal of establishing the country as its new content hub in Asia.

The success of Thai content has already demonstrated the country’s creative potential, with flagship titles like Master of the House becoming a global phenomenon. Continued …

5 things Western tourists do in developing countries without realizing how entitled they come across

I was staying in Thailand a few years back, and I watched a fellow Westerner at a local market haggling aggressively over what amounted to about 15 cents. The vendor, clearly uncomfortable, eventually gave in. The tourist walked away triumphant, completely oblivious to the fact that everyone around him was staring.

That’s when it hit me — how often do we travel to developing countries without realizing the impact of our behavior? During my time in Southeast Asia, I witnessed countless moments like this. Well-meaning tourists who would never dream of acting entitled at home somehow transformed the moment they stepped off the plane. Continued …

Phi Phi Islands Private Longtail Boat Trip

Experience the Phi Phi Islands in comfort on a private longtail boat. Visit Maya Bay, relax at Pileh Lagoon, snorkel in pristine waters, and customize your day to your preferences. Video …

Thailand to host Asia’s largest gaming event in October

For the first time, Thailand will host Asia’s largest gaming exhibition, “Gamescom Asia × Thailand Game Show 2025”, from Oct. 16–19 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. Covering over 30,000 square meters, the event is expected to attract more than 200,000 visitors.

The exhibition will feature both B2C (entertainment area) and B2B (business area) zones, alongside a wide range of activities, including high-energy e-sports tournaments, an indie game showcase, cosplay events, and other entertainment, welcoming participants from across Asia and beyond. Continued … 

Thailand’s Roi Et Tower Unveils New Zipline to Attract Young Travelers

Roi Et Tower, a prominent landmark in Thailand’s northeast region, has just added a new zipline to its array of attractions. The move aims to diversify the visitor experience and encourage adventure tourism in the area.

The launch of the zipline attraction at Roi Et Tower on Saturday is designed to attract younger travelers, who are seeking more dynamic and interactive experiences. The zipline provides an adventure component to the already well-established site, which blends cultural, educational, and recreational experiences. Continued …

Thai Airways Major Expansion Plan Unveiled

Thai Airways International (THAI) is expanding its network and boosting flight frequencies, aiming to fortify its regional presence and mitigate market dependencies.

Chai Eamsiri, THAI’s CEO, emphasized that these changes aim to bolster the airline’s regional hub status, linking Asia and beyond. These growth strategies aim to boost passenger volumes during off-peak hours, optimize slot utilization, and lessen reliance on specific markets. Continued …

Next station Nana! Why do tourists chuckle?

Anyone who has travelled on Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain system has probably heard the announcement for “Nana Station.” But if you’ve ever observed international tourists when the station name is called, you might have noticed a few chuckles.

Video 

There’s a funny little story behind why the name “Nana” elicits such reactions, and it’s all about cultural differences and a dash of lighthearted humor. Nana BTS Station, located in the heart of Bangkok, is named after Lek Nana, a Thai-Indian mogul whose contributions helped transform the surrounding area into one of Bangkok’s most famous entertainment districts. Continued …

4 Barriers holding back Thailand’s rooftop solar growth

Thailand’s residential solar energy market continues to grow below its full potential, despite the Ministry of Energy’s estimation that the country could generate over 121,000 MW from rooftop solar installations.

However, data from 2022 revealed that only 1,893 MW had been installed, representing just 1.6% of the total potential capacity. This indicates that consumers still face significant barriers when deciding to invest in solar panel installations. Continued …

Thailand gets 4,200 battery-swappable electric trucks

China’s U Power, SAIC Hongyan, and Dutch EV firm UNEX EV have signed an MoU to deploy 4,200 battery-swapping compatible electric heavy trucks in Thailand. The trio will explore extending the cooperation to other markets across Asia and beyond.

The tripartite collaboration will support Thailand’s push to decarbonize commercial transport, particularly highly polluting heavy-duty truck operations. The companies will focus on reducing emissions on major highway routes and at container ports. Continued …

Thais on course to buy 100,000 BEVs in 2025

Domestic sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) should reach 100,000 units this year, with Japanese automakers likely to produce BEVs to compete with Chinese rivals, says MG Sales (Thailand). BEVs have become a key car segment for the sluggish Thai auto market, as sales plunge for internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered vehicles.

For the first six months of 2025, passenger BEV sales in Thailand soared by 61% year-on-year to 54,084 vehicles, compared with a 12% drop for oil-fueled passenger cars to 72,512 units. Continued … 

• Two Lebanese Men Arrested on Koh Samui for Drugs – Continued …
• South Korean Arrested for Laundering Cryptocurrency into Gold – Continued …
• Foreign Nationals Arrested for Selling ‘Laughing Gas’ – Continued …

Amid tourism surge, 92 Japan municipalities mull accommodation tax

Ninety-two municipal governments across Japan have considered introducing lodging taxes at hotels and traditional Japanese ryokan inns, results from a recent Kyodo News survey showed. A total of 42 municipalities have either already introduced or plan to introduce lodging taxes, with the figure likely to rise as many aim to utilize the levies to develop tourism infrastructure amid surging inbound arrivals. Continued …

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