Entertainment this weekend/Bra offerings on PKK island/Grim Motorcycle Death Toll/Border spat with Cambodia/Cambodia Bolsters Troop Presence/Thai Fleet on High Alert/Bangkok tower contractor arraigned/Healthcare scheme ‘not in crisis’/ECONOMY: Thailand’s ‘second Bangkok’/Keys to entertainment complex success/Upbeat on EU trade talks/TOURISM: Bangkok and Koh Samui Shine/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Exploring Bang Lamphu/CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand’s Solar Rooftop Initiative/Data center boom with clean energy/Greener, Smarter Future on the Road/Can ASEAN Plastic Crisis/Ministry shuts down toxic waste site/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Entertainment this weekend in Hua Hin
Heaven is Hua Hin, a local Facebook page, has created a “community gig guide calendar” ito share and inform the community about various ongoing music events in Hua Hin. Continued …
Thais honor island goddess with bra offerings on PKK island
A group of Thai people fulfilled their vows to a goddess on Koh Nom Sao, the colloquial term roughly translating to Young Women’s Breasts Island, in the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, by offering bras.
Sumate Charoensuk, president of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee of Sam Roi Yot subdistrict, shared details of the unique offerings Wednesday. He explained that locals presented various types of bras to the goddess on Koh Nom Sao after their wishes were granted. Continued …
Thailand’s Grim Motorcycle Death Toll Sparks Helmet Campaign
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) has called on all motorcyclists to wear helmets, following a devastating year of road casualties. Over 14,000 people lost their lives in motorcycle accidents across the country in 2024 alone.
(Editor: While wearing helmets when riding a motorcycle is a good idea, the headgear typically used is not the answer to significantly reducing road deaths in Thailand. First, the types of helmets usually used are cheap and break easily, affording very little in the way of safety. The cost of helmets that can actually provide protection is probably more than most Thais can afford. And second, what is needed is driver education programs – required before getting a license. The problems on the roads are reckless and careless driving, not headgear.)
Statistics from three government agencies paint a worrying picture of road safety. From 2020 to 2024, an average of 17,428 people died annually in road traffic incidents, with motorcycles involved in 80% of these fatalities. The figures for 2024 were particularly dire, with 17,447 road deaths recorded, of which 14,144 were linked to motorcycle accidents. On average, this means three people died every two hours. Continued …
Thai PM snubs World Court in border spat with Cambodia
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has firmly declared the nation’s refusal to bow to the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) amid an ongoing border dispute with Cambodia.
Yesterday, she reiterated Thailand’s commitment to peaceful resolutions over the contested areas, which include three ancient temples. This stance follows Cambodian PM Hun Manet’s suggestion to elevate the row to the ICJ, excluding these from the upcoming Joint Border Committee talks. Continued …
Tensions Mount as Cambodia Bolsters Troop Presence at Border
The border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand sees no signs of easing, with a worrying escalation of military tension. The firefight erupted at Chong Bok pass in Ubon Ratchathani on May 28, when Cambodian troops reportedly fired upon Thai forces investigating a supposed Cambodian incursion. This incident has ignited a heightened military response, as confirmed by a Thai Army spokesman.
In light of the altercation, Winthai clarified that the Thai military’s actions were strictly in self-defense. He emphasized the ongoing commitment of the Thai military to engage diplomatically with Cambodian counterparts, despite the latter’s marked lack of cooperation in negotiating peace. Continued …
Royal Thai Fleet on High Alert Amid Border Tensions
In response to rising tensions along Thailand’s land border, the Royal Thai Navy’s principal combat force, the Royal Thai Fleet, has been placed on heightened alert. Naval officers and personnel have been instructed to prepare for potential deployment and to uphold their duty in defending the nation and its people.
Yesterday, Admiral Jiraphon Wongwit, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy, delegated Admiral Natthaphon Diewwanich, commander of the Royal Thai Fleet, to address naval forces aboard HTMS Chakri Naruebet at the Sattahip Naval Base. The speech was delivered in the presence of senior command officers from the army, navy and air force, who also oversaw a readiness inspection. Continued …
Collapsed Bangkok tower contractor arraigned
Public prosecutors yesterday arraigned China Railway No.10 (Thailand) Co., its Chinese director, and three Thais on charges of illegally operating a construction business in Thailand.
The company is a part of the joint venture with Italian-Thai Development Plc that was contracted to build the State Audit Office that collapsed in late March, killing 89 people and leaving seven others missing. Continued …
Thailand’s gold card healthcare scheme ‘not in crisis’
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said yesterday that the 30-baht “gold card” Universal Healthcare Coverage scheme is not facing a financial crisis, emphasizing its stability, with reserve funds for hospitals totaling 46 billion baht after liabilities.
Somsak led the meeting of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) board on Wednesday to address recent concerns about hospital budget deficits allegedly caused by the universal healthcare system’s compensation mechanism. Some critics claim reimbursements under the scheme do not fully reflect actual treatment costs. Continued …
Thailand’s ‘second Bangkok’ takes shape in Chonburi
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) is set to transform 14,619 rai in Huai Yai subdistrict of Bang Lamung, Chonburi, into a massive new smart city project, in what is being dubbed as “Thailand’s second Bangkok”. The project will involve a proposed estimated investment of 1.34 trillion baht and is hoped to be completed by 2030.
At a recent seminar titled “Legal Frameworks for Foreign Investment in Thailand: Sales, Rentals, and Development”, Korthong Thongtham Na Ayutthaya, deputy director of the Office of Smart City and Urban Business Center under the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO), revealed plans for the new city, which will complement the development of U-Tapao Airport. Continued …
Public-private cooperation among keys to entertainment (casino) complex success
The establishment of an entertainment complex in Thailand requires public-private cooperation, transparency, and effective communication with the public, said the former president and CEO of Marina Bay Sands in Singapore yesterday.
Speaking at the Thai Entertainment Complex Roundtable (TECR) in Bangkok, George Tanasijevich emphasized that entertainment complexes can serve as a vital driving force for the Thai economy. He noted that casinos are among the facilities that generate revenue for such complexes. Continued …
Thailand’s commerce minister upbeat on EU trade talks
The commerce minister expects the sixth round of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between Thailand and the European Union (EU), scheduled for later this month in Bangkok, to make encouraging progress.
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said the negotiations are reaching a crucial stage, focusing on market access. The sixth round of negotiations are slated for June 23-27. Continued …
Bangkok and Koh Samui Shine as Europe’s Favorite Getaways
Bangkok and Koh Samui have nabbed the limelight, with Thailand reigning supreme as the top summer getaway for European travelers for a second consecutive year. According to an Agoda survey, travelers from Germany, France, the UK, the Netherlands, and Spain are leading the charge, keen on the country’s dynamic culture and idyllic beaches.
As temperatures in Europe rise, so, too, does interest in Thai destinations. The survey points out a notable upswing in hotel searches from countries like Greece, showing a 67% increase; the Czech Republic with a bump of 26%; and Poland up by 16%. Continued …
Exploring Bang Lamphu in a day: Temples, eats and nightlife
Looking for a perfect one-day getaway in Bangkok? Look no further than Bang Lamphu, one of the city’s charming Old Town areas.
Known for its blend of historic landmarks, vibrant street food and lively nightlife, this district is quickly becoming one of Bangkok’s most celebrated creative economy hubs. Continued …
Thailand’s Solar Rooftop Initiative Aims to Empower Local Communities
In a bid to revolutionize its energy landscape, Thailand is set to launch an ambitious solar rooftop program designed to increase renewable energy sources and empower local communities. Scheduled to roll out next month, the initiative aims to boost solar energy installations on residential and commercial buildings across the nation, contributing to Thailand’s goal of generating 30% of its energy from renewable resources by 2036.
The initiative comes as Thailand grapples with rising energy demands and a commitment to sustainability. Currently, nearly 20% of the country’s energy comes from renewable sources, but officials say the new program can significantly increase this number. The government plans to encourage households to invest in rooftop solar panels by providing financial incentives and streamlined installation processes. Continued …
Thailand powers up for data center boom with clean energy overhaul
Siemens, in collaboration with Krungthep Turakij, hosted the “Siemens Data Center Conference 2025: Redefining Data Center Infrastructure” yesterday to raise awareness and deepen understanding of future data center trends.
Sarat Prakobchat, deputy director of the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO), presented on the topic “Empowering Sustainable Data Center Growth through Thailand’s Clean Energy Policy.” He emphasized that data centers’ energy demands are highly significant. In 2024, global data centers consumed 415 TWh of electricity — about 1.5% of global power usage. By 2030, consumption is projected to more than double to 945 TWh, or 3% of global use, reflecting robust and sustained demand growth that operators must plan for. Continued …
Powering a Greener, Smarter Future on the Road
Electric vehicles are gaining traction across Thailand, but clearer information, better infrastructure, and broader choices are key to accelerating adoption.
As the world transitions toward more sustainable living, Southeast Asia is beginning to feel the electric pulse of a future with cleaner transportation. In particular, electric vehicles (EVs) are fast emerging as a cornerstone of the region’s push to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and combat urban congestion. Continued …
Can ASEAN Innovate Its Way Out of the Plastic Crisis?
Plastic waste has infiltrated every corner of the planet: it leaches into our water, contaminates our food, and even enters our bodies. Yet, while the scale of the problem is vast, plastic pollution remains one of today’s most solvable environmental challenges – especially with the right mix of technical solutions and financial innovation.
For decades, plastic has symbolized modern convenience – lightweight, versatile and cheap. But this convenience has become an environmental curse. The ASEAN region, while economically dynamic, is amongst the world’s largest contributors to marine plastic pollution. Indonesia alone generates over 3 million metric tons of mismanaged plastic waste annually, a large share of which ends up in the ocean. The Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia are not far behind. Collectively, the ten ASEAN Member States account for nearly half of global plastic leakage into oceans. Continued …
Industry ministry shuts down toxic waste site in Chachoengsao
The Ministry of Industry is preparing to shut down Kumpan Thong Industry Co., a site linked to toxic waste in Phanom Sarakham district, Chachoengsao province.
The company allegedly distributed contaminated soil to locals for landfills and operated a factory without proper authorization since late May. The ministry’s task force, dubbed Team Sudsoi, in collaboration with the Department of Industrial Works and the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, expanded their investigation to uncover these activities. Continued …
- Taiwanese Scam Syndicate Foiled at Airport Checkpoint – Continued …
- British National Among Foreigners Arrested in Koh Phangan Crackdown – Continued …
- British man flees after crashing sedan into house in Udon Thani – Continued …
Norway adopts tourist tax to combat overtourism
Norwegian lawmakers approved yesterday a tourist tax to help finance infrastructure improvements, as a boom in visitors has led to worries about overtourism. The law introduces a 3% tax on lodgings, and may also be applied to cruise ships making stops, in areas particularly affected by tourism. Continued …
Airlines on edge
Despite improving financially this year, the aviation industry is still bracing for uncertainties from tariff policies, geopolitical conflicts and supply chain disruption, according to the International Air Transport Assn. (IATA). Continued …
Trump-Musk row slams Tesla shares, $150 billion in market value wiped out
Tesla shares went into free-fall yesterday as U.S. President Donald Trump publicly feuded with the electric vehicle maker’s billionaire CEO, Elon Musk, his self-proclaimed “First Buddy.” Continued …
US slaps sanctions on four ICC judges over Israel, US cases
The United States yesterday imposed sanctions on four judges at the International Criminal Court, including over an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as it ramped up pressure to neuter the court of last resort. The four judges in The Hague, all women, will be barred entry to the United States, and any property or other interests in the world’s largest economy will be blocked. Continued …
Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in BangkokThe 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.
New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
(We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am
Hua Hin train schedule
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.
Emergency hotline numbers:
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- Emergency hotline – 191
- Emergency medical services – 1554
- Water accident – 1196
- Motorway hotline – 1586
- Emergency medical – 1669
- Highway police – 1193
- Tourist police – 1155
- Bus ticket – 1490
- Department of Highways – 1586
- State Railway – 1590
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Experts break down the new tax on expats – 
Alarm sounds over hazardous air pollution
