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Thursday’s news-Sept 25

September 25, 2025 Hua Hin Expat News

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Thailand 4th best country for expats/Canal dredging today in soi 94 area/Cha-am overpass opens/How to deal with noisy neighbors/Heavy rain and rough seas forecast/Anti-Corruption Agency Targets Koh Samui Villas/Koh Samui Property Investment Boom/Thailand’s looming retirement crisis/Further Collapse Risk on Bangkok Road/Responsibility for road collapse/Workers filling Bangkok sinkhole/Road collapse halts tap water/PM Anutin Plans Early April Election/Boy rides pet buffalo to school/ECONOMY: Thailand on ‘Negative’ Outlook/Thai exports grow 13.3% in 8 months/Thailand’s export growth slows/Foreign investment in EEC/TOURISM: Tourist Arrivals Fall/Chiang Mai tourism weathers the storm/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: 10 famous street markets/Family fun in northern Thailand/CLIMATE THAILAND: Solar and wind integration crucial/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS

Thailand ranked 4th best country for expats in 2025

Thailand has been ranked the fourth best country in the world for expats in 2025, according to the latest Expat Insider survey by InterNations. The findings underline the country’s ongoing appeal among those who choose to live and work abroad, even as other parts of the world struggle to balance affordability, quality of life, and economic pressures.

The annual Expat Insider survey is one of the largest of its kind, gathering insights from more than 10,000 expats representing 172 nationalities. This year’s results are based on feedback from respondents living in 46 destinations worldwide, with each country assessed across five categories: working abroad, personal finance, quality of life, expat essentials, and ease of settling in. Continued …

Canal dredging today in soi 94 area

Hua Hin Municipality will be dredging the Royal Initiative Canal operation area until 4 pm today. The work will take place near Soi Hua Hin 94, south side, from in front of 7-Eleven at the end of the canal to Dusit Land and House area 10. Due to the presence of large machinery on the road, it is necessary to temporarily close the road. Therefore, the public is asked to avoid this route for safety and convenience.

Chang Taeng Krachad overpass in Cha-am opens to ease travel

The Department of Highways has officially opened the new grade-separated interchange at the Chang Taeng Krachad intersection, where Highway No. 37 meets Rural Road Pob.1010 in Cha-am District. The project is now in use, providing faster and more convenient travel for motorists.

The overpass at the Huai Ta Paet intersection in Sampraya Subdistrict, also part of the scheme, was partially opened at the end of June. The route now allows smoother northbound travel toward Bangkok and southbound traffic toward Hua Hin and Pranburi. Continued …

How to deal with noisy neighbors

Living next to inconsiderate neighbors can test anyone’s patience. For expatriates, language barriers and unfamiliarity with local procedures can make the situation even harder. Here are practical steps, ranging from simple fixes to legal remedies, to manage persistent noise problems.

Earplugs may be the easiest solution. They not only reduce sounds from next door but also cushion traffic, aircraft, and other city disturbances. Other options include sound-absorbing materials such as heavy curtains, thick carpets, acoustic panels, or foam-backed wallpaper, which can help dampen noise. For doors, foam, rubber or silicone strips can be installed beneath the frame to block gaps between the door and the floor. Continued …

Heavy rain and rough seas forecast as monsoon strengthens

The Thai Meteorological Department reported today that the monsoon trough stretches across northern and northeastern Thailand, while a moderate to rather strong southwest monsoon prevails over the Andaman Sea, the south, Thailand’s Central region, the east, and the Gulf of Thailand.

Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in northern and northeastern areas, while scattered thundershowers may occur in the south. Residents in the upper regions are advised to take precautions, as accumulated rainfall could lead to flash floods and river overflows, particularly along foothills, waterways, and low-lying areas. Continued …

Anti-Corruption Agency Targets Luxury Villas in Koh Samui

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Region 8, launched legal action Tuesday against luxury villa projects in Koh Samui, Surat Thani, citing clear violations of the law. The move is part of a broader effort to address illegal land encroachment, environmental harm, and the use of nominee companies by foreign investors.

The investigation follows actions by the Fourth Army Area Command under the “Samui Model,” targeting 24 sites in Koh Samui. The initiative addresses unauthorized construction on steep land and illegal foreign-operated businesses. Initial inspections revealed 93 violations of five laws, including the Building Control Act, the Hotel Act and the Foreign Business Act. Continued …

Koh Samui Property Investment Boom Drives $14M Villa Sales

Koh Samui has solidified its position as a world-class destination attracting both tourists and investors, with the luxury real estate market experiencing unprecedented growth as tourism rebounds, according to global real estate consultancy Colliers International (Thailand). The market for mid- to high-end condominiums and vacation homes has gained significant momentum, driven by tourism recovery and strong foreign investor demand.

Phattarachai Taweewong, director of research and communications at Colliers Thailand, reported that the luxury vacation home and real estate investment market recorded 52 projects with 597 units in the first half of 2025, representing a total investment value of 14.8 billion baht — a 63.6% increase compared to the second half of 2024. Continued …

Thailand’s looming retirement crisis

Thailand is facing a significant decline in its birthrate, which, if not reversed, could lead to a shrinking population, labor shortages, and increased healthcare expenses for the elderly. This demographic trend is driven by various factors, including changing societal norms, economic pressures, and a preference among younger generations for smaller families or delaying parenthood.

This demographic shift poses significant challenges for Thailand’s economy, healthcare system, and social structure. A shrinking workforce could hinder economic growth, while the increasing number of retirees places greater pressure on pension systems and healthcare services. Continued …

Police Warn of Further Collapse Risk on Bangkok Road

Bangkok authorities have warned of a potential second collapse on Samsen Road after a massive subsidence created a large cavity outside Vajira Hospital and the Samsen Police Station yesterday. Thermal imaging carried out by police investigators revealed high moisture levels beneath the ground, raising concerns of further instability. Officials said the soil volume missing beneath the road was extensive.

Video of road collapse

The incident, which occurred when the road surface caved in, forming a sinkhole measuring 30 by 30 meters and 50 meters deep. The collapse pulled down power poles, a Samsen Police Station tow truck and a private car. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Continued …

MRTA takes responsibility for road collapse

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has taken responsibility for the road subsidence that occurred yesterday in front of Vajira Hospital, Samsen Road, Dusit, Bangkok, near the construction site of Vajira Hospital Station (PP19) on the Purple Line of the metro.

The area of subsidence falls under Contract 1, which involves the design and construction of the tunnel and underground stations along the Taopoon-National Library section, covering a distance of 4.8 km and worth 19.43-billion baht. Continued …

Workers filling Bangkok sinkhole to prevent building collapse

Workers were rushing today to fill the huge sinkhole site on Samsen Road in Bangkok with sandbags and crushed stone to prevent more subsidence and possible collapse of at least one building.

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) said the immediate priority was to stop soil and groundwater from moving into the Vajira Hospital station in Dusit district. The station is under construction as part of the Purple Line extension route. Continued …

Bangkok road collapse leaves large parts of city without tap water

The major road collapse outside a Bangkok hospital damaged a water main, cutting tap water supplies to 31 streets, as local officials rushed to carry out repairs.

The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA) confirmed that a 1,200-millimeter-diameter pipe was badly damaged during the collapse near the hospital in the Dusit district. The rupture has left large parts of the city without water until further notice. Continued …

Thai PM Anutin Plans Early April Election After House Dissolution

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced his intention to dissolve the House within four months following the presentation of his government’s policy, with a general election anticipated in early April next year. This decision was disclosed during a news conference after the inaugural Cabinet meeting.

Anutin emphasized a commitment to conducting a national referendum aimed at drafting a new constitution with public involvement. This referendum will coincide with the upcoming election, ensuring citizens have a say in the process. Anutin plans to dissolve the House in January, setting the stage for elections either in late March or early April. Continued …

8-year-old boy rides pet buffalo to school in central Thailand

An eight-year-old boy in Thailand has charmed locals by riding his pet buffalo to and from school each day, turning heads with his unique daily routine.

Thanwa “Fluke” Thong-iam makes his daily journey to school on the back of his pet buffalo, Kalamae. The pair have become a familiar sight in Khao Yoi district, Phetchaburi province, where they travel over 800 meters together each morning and afternoon. Continued …

Fitch Ratings Puts Thailand on ‘Negative’ Outlook, Citing Political and Fiscal Risks

Global credit rating agency Fitch Ratings has revised its outlook on Thailand’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating (IDR) to “negative” from “stable”, citing a combination of political instability, fiscal deterioration, and sluggish economic growth. The country’s overall credit rating remains at ‘BBB+’.

According to Fitch, Thailand’s public debt has risen steadily, now standing at 59.4% of GDP. This figure is close to the average for BBB-rated nations and marks a 25% increase since before the Covid-19 pandemic. Continued …

Thai exports grow 13.3% in 8 months, full-year growth to exceed target

Thailand’s exports expanded by 13.3% in the first eight months of 2025, with the Commerce Ministry forecasting full-year growth to exceed the initial target of 2%-3%.

Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) and spokesperson for the Commerce Ministry, announced that Thailand’s exports in August 2025 reached US$27.74 billion, growing by 5.8%. This marks the 14th consecutive month of export growth. Continued …

Thailand’s export growth slows as US tariffs bite

Thailand’s exports grew at the slowest pace in nearly a year in August due to the impact of US tariffs, which is expected to be more pronounced from September to December, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

In August, export value increased by 5.8% year-on-year to $27.7 billion, while imports surged by 15.8% to $29.7 billion. The last time monthly export growth was this slow was September 2024 when it was 1.1%. Continued …

Foreign investment in EEC exceeds 660 billion baht

Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the Board of Investment (BOI), has revealed that in the first half of 2025 foreign direct investment (FDI) and domestic investments led to 1,880 investment promotion projects, a 38% increase compared to the same period last year. The total investment value reached 1.05 trillion baht, a rise of 138%.

The eastern region led the way in investment applications, with 1,010 projects, accounting for 54% of all projects. Of these, the majority were in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), which covers Rayong, Chonburi, and Chachoengsao, attracting 660.63 billion baht, or 62% of the total investment. Continued …

Tourist Arrivals in Thailand Fall as Asian Markets Weaken

Thailand’s tourism industry is facing a significant downturn, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) forecasting 33.4 million foreign arrivals this year. This represents a 6% year-on-year decline, largely driven by sharp contractions in Southeast and East Asian markets. The decline threatens to undermine recovery momentum in a sector vital to the country’s economy.

The TAT projects 2.62 million visitors in October, 3.07 million in November, and 3.63 million in December. Arrivals from East Asia are expected to shrink by 25%, with China identified as the biggest contributor to the shortfall. Southeast Asian visitors are forecast to fall by 8%, notably from Malaysia. Continued …

Chiang Mai tourism weathers the storm

Typhoon Ragasa has yet to significantly affect tourism in Chiang Mai because it is still low season, with flash floods occurring only in certain areas for a short period, and operators in the area more concerned about the strong baht steering short-haul tourists toward Vietnam.

Punlop Saejew, vice-president of the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, said flooding this year was not as severe as last year’s low-season northern floods and should only have a short-term impact. Continued …

10 famous street markets you should visit in Thailand

If you want the real Thailand experience, forget the malls and follow your nose, ears, and empty stomach. From Bangkok’s chaotic city streets to sleepy island towns, the country’s street markets are where Thailand truly comes alive.

The real Thailand is chaotic, loud, and delicious, and among the stalls you’ll find sizzling woks, vintage trinkets, and the occasional grilled insect. Here are 10 of Thailand’s most famous markets, each one packed with character, color, and the occasional curry stain. Continued …

Family fun in northern Thailand

Five days in northern Thailand over Thanksgiving was the perfect amount of time to experience many of the highlights, including an overnight in Chiang Rai. November in northern Thailand typically has milder temperatures, which makes it the perfect time of year to visit.

We arrived late in the evening on the first day and took a shuttle van from the airport (they provided car seats) that our Airbnb host had arranged for us. Upon arrival at the Airbnb, we put the kids to bed (it was the best little farm stay) and then were served a welcome dinner that was one of our top meals of the week. They served yellow chicken curry packed with so much flavor we were blown away. The food was phenomenal and the best way to kick off our time in Chiang Mai. Continued …

Solar and wind integration crucial as Southeast Asia electricity demand grows

Most Southeast Asian countries can begin to integrate higher shares of solar and wind energy this decade without requiring major system overhauls, according to the latest report from the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Rapid urbanization, population growth, industrialization and rising living standards all contributed to electricity demand growth exceeding 7% in southeast Asia last year, one of the fastest rates globally and almost double the global average. Continued …

Foreigners Exploiting Kids for Sales in Pattaya – Continued …
Foreign couple filmed having sex on moving pickup in Phuket – Continued …
Russian Arrested for Illegal Bike Rentals on Koh Phangan – Continued …

Typhoon Ragasa weakens after hitting China, leaving widespread damage

Typhoon Ragasa, also known as Nando in the Philippines, made landfall in Yangjiang, Guangdong Province, China, and began weakening after causing significant damage in several countries across East and Southeast Asia. As the storm lost strength, the aftermath of destruction was still clearly visible, particularly in Hong Kong, where recovery efforts were underway. Continued …

Timor-Leste to become ASEAN’s 11th member in October

Timor-Leste is slated to become the 11th member of the ASEAN regional grouping next month, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday during a visit to the Southeast Asian nation. The accession will be formalized at a gathering of world leaders in Kuala Lumpur. Continued …

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bangkok, cha am, covid, exports, healthcare, hospitality, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s news-May 20

May 20, 2025 Hua Hin Expat News

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Foreign Earnings Taxed/Tax experts respond/Australians keep dying in Thailand/Rama II again!/Motorway M81 opens/Surge in COVID-19 Cases/Thailand and Indonesia strategic partners/Thailand’s obesity epidemic/Woman Trampled by Wild Elephant/Shooting in Pattani/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Growth Forecast Slashed/Measures to shield firms/Business leaders urge political stability/Thailand Defends Casino Plan/Talks on casinos/Anthrax Halts Thai Beef Exports/TOURISM: Growth beyond mass tourism/10-Point Tourism Plan/ONE Championship’s tourism boost/Stealing from drunk tourists/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Bargain Like a Pro/CLIMATE THAILAND: CPN to invest Bt10 billion/Toxic metals in northern rivers/Isuzu begins production of EV pickup/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

Foreign Earnings Taxed Under New Thai Rules – But With Exceptions

The Revenue Department of Thailand is gearing up to draft new legislation aimed at revising how foreign income remitted to the country is taxed. Deputy Director-General Panuwat Luengwilai stated that Thais who earn income abroad and bring it into Thailand must declare it in their personal income tax filing, irrespective of the tax year in which it was earned. The tax rates are designed to be progressive, ranging from 5% to 35%.

These evolved regulations regarding the taxation of foreign income remitted to Thailand came into effect on Jan. 1, 2024, following amendments by the previous government. However, for foreign income earned before this date but remitted after, older rules continue to apply, meaning if a Thai national earned international income before 2024 and brought it back after that year, it’s exempt from taxation. Continued …

Tax experts respond to tax rule changes

We’ve had a surge of calls this morning following an article in the Bangkok Post about potential changes to how Thailand taxes foreign income remitted into the country. The article outlines a possible shift in policy that, if enacted, would allow Thai citizens to avoid tax on foreign income if it’s remitted within the year it is earned or the following year. This would effectively reverse the significant changes introduced in 2023, which came into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

However, the article only refers to Thai nationals. There is no mention of expats, and no official announcement or clarification has yet been made by the Thai Revenue Department. This lack of clarity has caused widespread disquiet and confusion.

We have contacted our sources at the Revenue Department but have not yet received any confirmation of planned changes or details of how they might apply to expats. As things stand, the 2024 rules remain in place.

We are monitoring the situation closely and will update you as soon as more information becomes available. If you’re unsure how this affects your remittances or tax planning, we recommend holding off on major changes until there is clarity. Free consultation …

Australians keep dying in tourism paradise Thailand, more than any other country

Three Australians have tragically died in three separate incidents within just one week in Thailand — a beloved nation that consistently has the highest number of Australian deaths of all international destinations.

The latest publicly available data from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) shows 324 Aussies died in Thailand in 2023-24, which was 180 more deaths than the next country, the Philippines. (Thailand also has the most cases of illness and hospitalization). Continued …

Rama II again! Chunk of concrete falls on woman’s car

Another accident has occurred on Rama II road, with a woman saying that a chunk of concrete fell on her sedan, cracking the entire rear windshield but fortunately she was not injured.

The woman said this about the incident: “Finally, it happened to me … limestone fell from Rama II bridge while exiting the expressway (just before Niche ID Rama II). It was all caused by carelessness of the contractor, who just drilled but was not careful.” Continued …

Motorway M81 opens for safer travel to southern Thailand

The Department of Highways has announced the opening of motorway M81 to facilitate travel for those heading to the southern provinces, particularly on weekends. This motorway provides access to several provinces, including Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Cha Am and Hua Hin districts. It is open from Friday at 3pm to Monday at 9am with no toll fees.

Three checkpoints allow access: Kanchanaburi checkpoint, West Nakhon Pathom checkpoint, and Bang Yai checkpoint. The motorway is restricted to four-wheel vehicles only, with a maximum speed limit of 80 kilometers per hour. Continued …

Thailand Sees a Surge in COVID-19 Cases

Thailand is witnessing a steady rise in COVID-19 cases, with 31,688 new infections reported between May 11-17, marking an 11-week upward trend. Dr. Thira Woratanarat from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine disputes claims of declining cases, noting that official statistics omit many unreported cases, especially those of people who do not visit hospitals.

Dr. Thira highlighted potential underreporting, evidenced by discrepancies in earlier data: the initial report for the 19th week indicated near 16,000 cases with six deaths, but updated figures revealed over 30,919 cases and nine fatalities. Thus, he predicts that the reported 31,688 cases for the following week may increase significantly as data is revised. Continued …

Thailand and Indonesia set to become strategic partners

Thailand and Indonesia have agreed to raise their bilateral relations to a “strategic partnership”, strengthening cooperation in security, trade, investment, food security, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

The agreements are the outcomes of bilateral talks between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, who is visiting Bangkok at the invitation of the Thai leader. Continued …

Thailand’s obesity epidemic is worsening

Thailand is grappling with a growing obesity epidemic, raising concerns among health professionals about the surge in related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the increasing strain on the nation’s healthcare system.

Recent data from the Department of Health showed that 42.4% of adults, aged 15-59, in Thailand, or 16 million, are now classified as overweight — a figure that places the country among Asia’s heaviest. Continued …

Woman Trampled to Death by Wild Elephant While Foraging for Mushrooms

A 52-year-old woman was killed by a wild elephant in the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, marking the first fatal elephant attack in the area this year. The incident occurred as the victim was foraging for mushrooms with family members and fellow villagers in a forested area near Ban Phu Ngern, Baan Tong subdistrict, Seka district, Bueng Kan province.

According to an account given by the victim’s daughter, who witnessed the incident, the attack occurred around 6 am. She described walking just 4–5 meters behind her mother when a wild elephant suddenly emerged from the trees and charged directly at her. The elephant reportedly trampled her mother while emitting a single loud cry. Continued …

Shooting in Pattani claims lives of two volunteers

Two members of a volunteer protection unit died, and two others were injured in a shooting in Pattani province yesterday. The attack targeted five local volunteers running for exercise in Mueang Mai Kaen district.

The assailants, dressed in hijabs to disguise themselves as Muslim women, arrived on motorcycles. Upon reaching the village’s main road, the attackers opened fire with unidentified long firearms, striking four members of the volunteer team. Continued …

Aussie Nabbed with 22kg of ‘Ice’ at Suvarnabhumi Airport – Continued …
Fake goods seized from warehouse, Chinese arrested – Continued …
Brawl on Pattaya Beach Between Foreign Tourists & Transgender Group – Continued …
Foreign Workers Arrested in Nonthaburi Karaoke Bar Raid – Continued …

Growth Forecast Slashed Amid US Tariffs

Thailand’s economic outlook for 2025 has taken another hit, with the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) adjusting growth predictions downward. This comes in response to looming fears over trade tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The NESDC now anticipates a growth rate of just 1.3% to 2.3%, a notable drop from the earlier forecast of 2.3% to 3.3%. Danucha Pichayanan, secretary general of the NESDC, pointed out that the Thai economy managed a 3.1% growth from January to March compared to the previous year. Continued …

Thailand unveils measures to shield firms from trade war fallout

Thailand will offer bigger tax incentives to small and medium businesses at risk of being squeezed by U.S. tariff threats, as the Southeast Asian nation unveiled a raft of measures to minimize the blow to its economy from the trade war.

Small and medium enterprises backed by Thailand’s Board of Investment will now be eligible for a corporate income tax waiver equal to as much as 100% of their investment in capability enhancement for a five-year period. That’s up from a three-year exemption capped at 50% of investment previously, the board said yesterday. Continued …

Thai business leaders urge political stability and strategic investments

The Thai business sector is increasingly concerned about the nation’s political instability, fearing it could erode investor confidence and further weaken the already fragile economy.

Business leaders are calling on the government to avoid implementing socially sensitive policies and instead focus on short- and long-term measures to stimulate purchasing power and invest in infrastructure, rather than relying on ineffective cash handouts. Continued …

Thailand Defends Casino Plan, Eyes Las Vegas-Style Resorts

Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister Julapan Amornvivat has robustly defended the government’s ambitious plan to establish integrated entertainment complexes, pushing back against concerns that the move could tarnish the country’s reputation by associating it with a “gray” economy.

Julapan questioned the logic of such claims, asking if nations with legalized casinos, such as the United States, Singapore, Japan, and Dubai, would similarly be labeled. Continued …

Top firms lined up for talks on casinos

More than four major foreign investors interested in investing in the government’s entertainment complex project have scheduled meetings to discuss potential investments, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat revealed yesterday.

Following its previous discussion with Wynn Resorts, a global leader in integrated resort development, the government yesterday had a similar meeting with MGM Resorts, a global casino and entertainment business, he said. Continued …

Anthrax Outbreak Halts Thai Beef Exports to Vietnam, Border Trade Suffers

An outbreak of anthrax in livestock has caused a major disruption to Thailand’s border trade, with beef exports to Vietnam suspended indefinitely. The halt has triggered an estimated monthly loss of nearly 500 million baht.

Reports indicate that Vietnam has been importing around 10,000 head of cattle per month from Thailand, generating a monthly trade value of between 300 and 500 million baht. Each animal is valued between 50,000 and 80,000 baht, making the trade a vital source of income for Thai cattle farmers. In the past two months alone, exports peaked at 15,000 cattle per month. Continued …

Thailand hotels eye growth beyond mass tourism

Thailand’s hotel sector is facing a period of uncertainty, as the country’s tourism industry contends with declining international arrivals, particularly from the crucial Chinese market, rising regional competition, and ongoing global disruptions. These factors have contributed to falling occupancy rates and growing concerns about the future outlook for hospitality businesses across the country.

The recent decision by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to allocate 800 million baht to foreign-based online travel agencies (OTAs) has drawn criticism from the Thai Hotels Assn., which argues that such funding does not adequately support local hotel operators. Continued …

10-Point Plan to Help Build-Back-Better Tourism in Thailand

Thailand’s once-thriving tourism sector is now navigating turbulent waters. Foreign arrivals are falling short of expectations, with a sharp dip in Chinese travelers, growing regional competition, and a stubborn hangover from global shocks and conflicts. Meanwhile, hotel occupancies are dwindling, and trust in the government’s response is wavering.

A controversial decision to spend 800 million baht on foreign-based OTAs has drawn fire from the Thai Hotels Assn., and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is quietly adjusting its lofty 2025 target of 40 million arrivals down to a more sobering 35.5 million — matching last year’s numbers. Continued …

ONE Championship CEO touts US$470M tourism boost

ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong says his martial arts promotion is doing more than just putting on fights in Bangkok — it’s now a key engine for Thailand’s tourism economy.

According to a new report commissioned by Nielsen and shared this month, ONE generates an estimated US$470 million annually in economic value for Thailand through its slate of combat sports events, including its prime time cards at Lumpinee Stadium. Continued …

Renovations duo caught stealing from drunk tourists at pool villas

Two renovation workers have been arrested in Pattaya for sneaking into pool villas and stealing from intoxicated tourists while they slept. Police have seized more than 100 stolen items, including luxury goods, electronics and foreign currency, with damage estimated in the hundreds of thousands of baht.

Police announced the arrest of a Thai and a Cambodian national. The suspects had previously worked as contractors at the villas, giving them knowledge of the properties’ layouts and access points. Continued …

How to Bargain Like a Pro in Thai Street Markets

Walking through a Thai street market can feel overwhelming. But if you know its ways, you can leave with more than just souvenirs — you’ll walk away with the skill of bargaining like a real local.

Many believe that it’s simply asking “Lod dai mai krub/ka?” or “May I have a discount?” But real bargaining in a Thai market is an art that requires more than just words. “Bargaining is like cooking a good dish — you need to have patience and add the right ingredients at the right time,” says Khun Somchai, a local fruit vendor. Continued …

CPN to invest Bt10 billion in green initiatives

Central Pattana (CPN) is planning to invest 10 billion baht from 2025 to 2029 in sustainability programs, with 600 million baht allocated to green initiatives this year through Central Pattana Green Growth, its newly established subsidiary.

Naparat Sriwanvit, chief finance officer and president of hotel and office at CPN, said the five-year investment represents a significant increase compared to the 5 billion baht the company spent on social development over the past decade. Continued …

Toxic metals found in northern rivers spark health concerns

High levels of arsenic and lead have been detected in the Sai River and parts of the Kok River in Chiang Rai province, raising concerns over water safety and potential health risks for local communities, according to a recent government report.

The Office of Environmental and Pollution Control Region 1 in Chiang Mai released findings from surface water quality tests conducted this month at eight locations across tributaries feeding into the Kok, Mekong, and Sai rivers. While water samples from the Korn, Lao, and Sruay rivers met national safety standards, several sites near the Mekong and Sai rivers showed alarming levels of heavy metal contamination. Continued …

Isuzu begins production of EV pickup in Thailand

Isuzu Motors has begun mass production of its new battery-powered D-Max pickup truck in Thailand, with shipments of left-hand-drive models to Europe scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2025. The model was first unveiled at the 45th Bangkok International Motor Show just over a year ago.

The Japanese automaker confirmed that production of right-hand-drive models will not begin until the end of the year, meaning that deliveries to domestic customers and to key markets in Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK will not begin until 2026. Continued …

New Schedule: 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 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.

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.

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