- Thailand Open underway at True Arena/
- Wet, windy weekend forecast for south of Thailand/
- U-Tapao Airport upgrade to start/
- Finance Ministry raises 2023 growth forecast to 3.8%/
- Prachin Buri plantations raided by 80 wild elephants looking for food/
- Bangkok police arrest ‘Deaf Gang’ for string of nighttime thefts/
- Volvo targets 100% electric vehicle sales by 2025/
- Tourism: Taiwanese actress hits back at RTP – Thailand’s great but your ‘unclean’ police are not/Thai police hit back over ‘drunk’ Taiwanese actress’s extortion claim/Nothing happened to back Taiwanese actress’s extortion claim, says cabbie/CCTV ‘contradicts’ Taiwan actress’ extortion claims/Russian Tourists Spearhead Foreign Arrivals in Phuket/Pattaya operating at near full capacity/
- Thailand Experience: The best wellness retreats in Thailand, two in Hua Hin/Scenic train routes in Thailand/20 best beaches in Thailand/Head inland to Surat Thani to enjoy Thailand/
- International: UN: Myanmar situation ‘catastrophic’/Ukrainian MP expelled over trip to Thailand/France to probe microplastic pollution on beaches/
- Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Thailand Open underway at True Arena
For the first time in three years, the WTA Thailand Open in Hua Hin will return to the calendar. The WTA 250 event will run between Jan. 30 and Feb. 5. Less than a few days after the completion of the Australian Open, the stars of women’s tennis head to Asia for a frantic February.
Let us take an in-depth look at the entry list, ticketing options, live streaming details, and our betting predictions for the Thailand Open.
The 2023 WTA Thailand Open will be played in Hua Hin district at the True Arena Sports Complex. It is the largest multipurpose sports hub in the seaside resort town of Hua Hin. Continued …
Wet, windy weekend forecast for south of Thailand
Heavy rain and surging tides are forecast for the weekend in the south of Thailand, with strong winds hitting the Gulf, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) said.
In a weather warning on Saturday, the department said a strong northeast monsoon is prevailing over the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. This condition will bring heavy rain to the lower south on today and tomorrow.
Affected areas include Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Trang and Satun. Strong winds will create 2 to 4-meter-high waves in the Gulf, which will become higher during thundershowers, while the Andaman Sea will also see 2-meter or higher waves. – The Nation
U-Tapao Airport upgrade to start
The upgrade of U-Tapao Airport and construction of the Eastern Aviation City in Rayong province will start early this year.
The projects are expected to deliver returns of over 300 billion baht in the first five years of operation, a senior government official said on Friday.
Deputy government spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana said on Friday that during the first five years, about 62 billion baht was expected in tax revenue, in addition to creating about 15,600 new jobs per year. Continued …
Finance Ministry raises 2023 growth forecast to 3.8%
The Finance Ministry on Friday raised the growth forecast for Thailand this year from 3% to 3.8%, citing a near 150% year-on-year rise in tourist arrivals, as well as higher than expected domestic consumption as the main factors.
Declining fuel prices and weakening demand in key export markets, however, will help offset inflationary pressure, said Pornchai Thiraveja, the ministry’s spokesperson and director of its Fiscal Policy Committee.
He said the surge in tourists will primarily be from other Asian countries. Continued …
Prachin Buri plantations raided by 80 wild elephants looking for food
Local officials closed a road in Chachoengsao province on Friday in an attempt to prevent over 80 wild elephants from feeding on cash crops.
A section of Ban Na Yao Road was closed to traffic, as a large group of administrative officials and military officers attempted to chase the elephants back to the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, from where the animals had escaped.
Sapthawee Kulsaree, chief executive of the Tha Kradan Tambon Administrative Organization in Chachoengsao, said that failure to push the elephants back would result in damage to plantations. Continued …
Bangkok police arrest ‘Deaf Gang’ for string of nighttime thefts
Sutthisan police in downtown Bangkok arrested a gang of four deaf people for burglaries. They all had police records and had stolen motorcycles.
The police had received a report of trespass from a caretaker of a property in Samsen Nork, Huay Khwang.
The four men were caught red-handed rifling through property at the house. Continued …
Volvo targets 100% electric vehicle sales by 2025
Volvo Car (Thailand) has set itself the ambitious target of selling only electric vehicles by 2025, five years ahead of the company’s global target of 2030.
Chris Wailes, managing director of Volvo Car (Thailand), told a media briefing on Friday that he sees strong demand for electric vehicles (EV) in Thailand, and the trend would continue to grow significantly.
He cited the rapid improvement of EV-related infrastructure, such as charging stations, and people’s environmental awareness, as well as the high price of fossil fuel. He believes these factors would encourage more Thais to switch to EVs. Continued …
Taiwanese actress hits back at RTP – Thailand great but ‘unclean’ police are not
The Taiwanese actress at the center of claims that she and her friends were extorted out of 27,000 baht in a nighttime shakedown at the hands of the Thai police in Huay Khwang, Bangkok, has hit back at suggestions that she was somehow in the wrong.
In a feisty post on Instagram in which she indicated she had already spoken to “Interpol”, the celebrity known as Charlene An in English told the RTP to “stop talking trash”.
She claimed they are having a go at her in order to appear innocent and hide their wrong-doing. Continued …
Thai police hit back over ‘drunk’ Taiwanese actress’s extortion claim
Thai police on Thursday denied a Taiwanese actress’s claims of extortion, retorting that she was detained because she could not produce a passport.
Taiwanese actress Charlene An (An Yu-Qing) said she and her friends were victims of a police shakedown early this month while on holiday in Bangkok. Her claim has made national headlines in Taiwan, to the dismay of Thai tourism operators.
The actress said police stopped their taxi at a checkpoint close to the Chinese Embassy on Ratchadaphisek Road on the night of Jan. 4 and detained the group for two hours. She said the police eventually released her and her friends in return for a payment of 27,000 baht. Continued …
Nothing happened to back Taiwanese actress’s extortion claim, says cabbie
The Grab taxi driver who picked up a group of Taiwanese tourists and delivered them to their hotel in Bangkok’s Ratchadaphisek area provided testimony to police on Friday.
“I can remember the woman (Charlene An) on the news,” he said, adding that the woman appeared drunk as she argued with her friends in the taxi.
He said all the passengers were talking to each other in Chinese, except the man in the front seat next to him, who was able to speak a little Thai. Continued …
CCTV ‘contradicts’ Taiwan actress’ extortion claims
Footage from three security cameras in the area where a Taiwanese actress claimed Thai police extorted 27,000 baht from her contradicts her account of the incident, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) said on Friday.
The footage was from a camera installed outside the Chinese embassy on Ratchadaphisek Road and the other two cameras were on a pedestrian bridge that capture the corner of the alley where the actress claimed she paid money to the police, RTP spokesman, Maj. Gen. Archayon Kraithong said. Continued …
Russian Tourists Spearhead Foreign Arrivals in Phuket
Phuket is seeing more activities from tourists, as tourism is now at 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand office in Phuket.
Nantasiri Ronsiri Thursday said that the number of visitors to Phuket from January to December totaled 9.26 million, with 53.6% being domestic tourists and 46.4% being international tourists, pumping into Phuket 233.38 billion baht in tourism revenue throughout the year.
“Before the pandemic, Phuket had a tourism revenue of 400 billion baht,” said Nantasiri, “And now we are at 200 billion baht, so that means a 50% recovery.” Continued …
Pattaya operating at near full capacity
Pattaya is now close to pre-COVID levels of tourism, according to the Pattaya Tourism Assn.
The association stated that many hotels, restaurants and other businesses in the area are now operating at near full capacity.
The association attributed the increase in tourism to the Thai government’s efforts to control the spread of COVID-19, including the implementation of strict health protocols and the vaccination of key workers in the tourism industry. Continued …
The best wellness retreats in Thailand, two in Hua Hin
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and embark on a journey of rejuvenation and self-discovery at some of the best wellness retreats in Thailand.
These idyllic destinations offer the perfect blend of relaxation and rejuvenation, whether you’re looking for a yoga retreat to reconnect with your inner self or a detox program to cleanse your body and mind.
The Southeast Asian country is known for its traditional medicine and healing practices, such as traditional Thai massage and Ayurvedic treatments. The country’s rich culture and natural beauty also provide the perfect backdrop for a wellness getaway. Add to that its warm and welcoming people, and you’ll definitely feel right at home. Continued …
Scenic train routes in Thailand
Trains allow you a slower pace of life, time to look out the windows and enjoy the journey you’re on, a front-row seat to different sceneries.
Whether you’re a train buff or just looking for a new way to explore Thailand, here’s a list of the most scenic railway routes and stations, most being destinations in their own right. Of course, they work as pit stops for photogenic content along the way.
Hua Hin Railway Station, Prachuap Khiri Khan
Hua Hin, a popular seaside destination, is known for its scenic beaches and laid-back atmosphere. But what many may not know is that the town’s prosperity is deeply tied to the train. Of all the many Hua Hin attractions, the most original and iconic is the Hua Hin railway station. Continued …
20 best beaches in Thailand
There is no denying that Thailand has the most beautiful islands in the world, and on those islands you’ll find breathtaking beaches. With endless miles of white sand lining the coast of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, it can be difficult to choose which are the best beaches in Thailand to suit your needs, but we are here to help.
Thailand kicked off our travels 23 years ago and we continue to put The Land of Smiles at the top of our favorite places on earth. After revisiting it this past November, we were reminded once again of its beauty and want to help you plan your next trip to the beautiful beaches of Thailand.
With soft white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, surrounded by limestone sea cliffs, nothing can compare to a Thai beach holiday. These are the best Thailand beaches to add to your bucket list now! Continued …
Head inland to Surat Thani to enjoy Thailand
What comes to mind if you are planning to visit Thailand? Beautiful sea views, island hopping, or tom yum soup? Why not leave those ideas behind and try something fresh,such as an inland tour to discover a different Thailand?
In the south Thailand province of Surat Thani, you will experience another side of Thailand. Granted the name from King Rama IV, Surat Thani means “city of the good people”. Most Chinese tourists are fascinated by the province’s islands, such as Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
But few have explored its amazing inland,which includes one of the oldest evergreen rainforests in the world — Khao Sok National Park — or the magnificent Buddhist temples in the Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park, and boat trips along the rivers. Continued …
UN: Myanmar situation ‘catastrophic’
Nearly two years after Myanmar’s military coup, the country has plunged into catastrophe, the UN rights chief says, calling for the military to be brought under civilian oversight. Continued …
Ukrainian MP expelled over trip to Thailand
Ukraine’s ruling party has kicked out a lawmaker from its parliamentary faction after reports that he had traveled to Thailand during the grinding war with Russia sparked a public outcry. Continued …
France to probe microplastic pollution on beaches
French prosecutors said on Friday they would investigate the appearance of vast quantities of tiny toxic plastic pellets along the Atlantic coast that endanger marine life and the human food chain. Continued …
Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule
The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added 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
The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets
