Tag Archives: thailand welfare

Monday’s news-Sept 4

Today’s news: Heavy rain for all of Thailand/Herbal solutions to PM2.5 diseases/Droness Launched At Wing 3/Bangkok to Songkhla Bus CrashesDrought forcing elephants in search of food and water/Calls for LGBTQ retirement hub/The untouchable tax/Thailand’s smaller cities’ economic role/Expand welfare policies to boost economy/Thai family-run businesses thriving/Thai exporters warned to prepare/South Korean EV manufacturers eye Thailand/Chinese EV producer to set up Thai plant/Prachuap Khiri Khan tourism/Thai immigration policy/Small hotel operators cash in/Chonburi Sees 13 Million Tourists/Meet the mum with 10 dogs, 15 cats and 10 elephants/Candle Is Flavors Classic Thai Dishes/Sharing Experiences Or Traditions From AbroadChina’s food security is at risk/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


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Warnings of heavy rain for all of Thailand

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued warnings for heavy downpours in the northern, northeastern, and central regions, as well as extremely heavy rain in parts of the eastern and southern regions.

People in these areas should be cautious of the dangers associated with heavy rain, including the possibility of sudden flooding and forest runoff, especially in hilly areas and low-lying areas. Continued … 

Herbal solutions to PM2.5 dust-related chronic diseases sought

In promising scientific research, experts are exploring the potential of three herbal plants in combating chronic diseases connected to PM2.5 dust. The focal point of this collaborative project is to address the health challenges arising from prolonged exposure to harmful PM2.5 dust particles, a pressing concern in regions affected by air pollution.

The collaborative efforts have seen researchers from Chaophraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital in Prachin Buri joining forces with experts from Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine at Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute in Samut Prakan. Continued …

Three Israeli-Made UAVs Launched At Wing 3

Three Israeli-made unmanned aerial vehicles were launched Saturday for deployment by the Thai air force.

Air force chief ACM Alongkorn Wannarot ceremonially launched the three Dominator XP UAVs, manufactured by Israel’s Aeronautics Defense Systems Co., at Wing 3 air base in Nakhon Sawan. Continued …

Driver Dies, 14 Injured After Bangkok to Songkhla Bus Crashes in Chumphon

A bus driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while 14 people sustained injuries, after a passenger bus from Bangkok to Hat Yai (in Songkhla) crashed in Chumphon.

The Tha Sae Police were notified of the accident after midnight on Saturday on the main southern road, Petchkasem Road, in the Had Punkrai subdistrict in Mueang Chumphon. Continued …

Drought forcing elephants to venture further in search of food and water

Acute water shortages in Huai Kha Khaeng wildlife sanctuary in Uthai Thani province have led to several elephants venturing out of the sanctuary to forage for water and food on farmland, according to Tarasak Nipanan, chief of the Huai Kha Khaeng wildlife breeding station.

He said that the sanctuary has been experiencing a water shortage since late last year and the situation appears to be worsening as a result of the El Niño, as natural water sources in the sanctuary have dried up. Continued …

Calls for LGBTQ retirement hub

Thailand has the potential to boost the pink economy by attracting international LGBTQ+ seniors who are looking for a place to retire.

Speaking at a conference on “Thailand Gets Ready to Become A Key Destination for LGBT Retirement” organized in Bangkok, Dr. Chaiwat Songsiriphan, founder and medical director of the Safe Clinic, a private human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic, said Thailand could be a key retiree destination for LGBTQ, as people in the country have a high tolerance of gender diversity. Continued …

VAT: The untouchable tax

Since the introduction of value-added tax (VAT) in Thailand in 1992, no government has dared to increase the rate because of concerns regarding the economic impact, the greater burden in terms of living expenses, and most importantly how politically unpopular such a move would appear.

Over the past decade, technocrats in the Finance Ministry and the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) have highlighted a growing need to raise the VAT rate from 7%, but senior officials at the ministry insist any VAT rate hike must take account of the country’s economic conditions. Continued …

Thailand’s smaller cities can help drive economic growth and reduce inequality

Thailand’s cities outside Bangkok can accelerate the country’s growth but will need to find ways to access private capital to improve urban infrastructure, a World Bank study produced with the Program Management Unit on Area-Based Development (PMU-A) and Khon Kaen University says.

Bangkok has long been the country’s hub of economic growth and productivity. But as that growth slows, cities such as Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Rayong could pick up the baton with investments in mass transit systems, renewable energy, and other urban infrastructure, which will be critical for Thailand’s competitiveness and ability to adapt to a changing climate, according to the study, “Thailand Urban Infrastructure Finance Assessment.” Continued …

Expand welfare policies to boost economy, experts say

The government should boost the country’s short-term economic growth by expanding state welfare policies to reduce inequalities in society, academics said at a seminar organized by the Thai Journalists’ Assn. yesterday.

Nonarit Bisonyabut, a senior academic with the Thailand Development Research Institute, said the Srettha Thavisin administration will face tough challenges as it attempts to reboot the economy following the Covid-19 pandemic. Continued …

Survey finds Thai family-run businesses thriving

A total of 451 companies were identified as family businesses on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), and they have a combined market capitalization of about 8 trillion baht (about US$ 226 billion), representing a 43% share of the market, a survey by the SET found.

Over the past seven years, 149 family businesses have raised over 3.08 trillion baht through initial public offerings, the survey found. Continued …

Thai exporters warned to prepare for worst as China’s economy heads downward

The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) is urging Thai businesses, especially exporters, to brace themselves for the effects of China’s economic slowdown.

The warning is in response to slower-than-expected growth in China, as its real-estate sector suffers severe debt and liquidity problems. NESDC Secretary-general Danucha Pichayanan said earlier this week that though it’s too early to tell how much China’s economy will affect Thailand, it is still worth being cautious. Continued …

South Korean EV manufacturers preparing to plug into Thailand

Manufacturers of electric vehicles (EV) from South Korea have expressed interest in investing in Thailand for the manufacturing of small EVs, motorcycle EVs, and EVs for agriculture, according to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).

About 20 South Korean businesses from the Korea Smart E-Mobility Assn. (KEMA) and Kang Jong-man, mayor of Yeonggwang-gun, recently met with BOI representatives to discuss EV investment in Thailand, BOI Secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi said. Continued …

Chinese EV producer to set up Thai plant

Omoda & Jaecoo International Co., a subsidiary of China’s state-owned automobile manufacturer Chery International, plans to apply for Board of Investment (BoI) privileges to set up an electric vehicle (EV) production base in Thailand.

The company will disclose investment and business plans in a couple of months, said Qi Jie, Thailand national director at Omoda & Jaecoo International. Continued …

Prachuap Khiri Khan sees over 6.5 million visitors

Prachuap Khiri Khan has witnessed growth in its tourism sector, according to data released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The recently released data shows revenue generation of over 23.8 billion baht from January to July 2023 – a 27.9% increase from the same period in 2022. Continued …

Thai immigration policy: shape of things to come

New Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has specified that immigration reform will be a priority in the new government. Although Thailand in 2023 has already attracted over 17 million foreign visitors, it will need many more if the aim to boost tourism revenue to US$100 billion by the end of 2024.

Entry policy in recent years has been set by the Cabinet and senior ministers, with the immigration police bureau playing an enforcer rather than a policy-maker role. Continued …

Small hotel operators cash in as tourism industry starts reviving

The first seven months of this year have seen more than 500 new entities emerge in Thailand’s hotel industry, mostly small companies with a registered capital of up to 5 million baht.

This surge in small operators indicates an economic recovery and revival of Thailand’s tourism industry, helped by supportive legislation for small enterprises. Continued …

Chonburi Sees 13 Million Tourists from January to August

Chonburi received more than 13 million tourists from January to August, and saw spending of over 119 billion baht, the Chonburi Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports reported on Friday.

Ampai Sakdanukuljit Sliwinski, a Tourism and Sports official, provided an overview of tourism in Chonburi for the first seven months of the year, from Jan. 1 to Aug. 23. Continued …

Meet the mum-of-five who looks after 10 dogs, 15 cats and 10 elephants

Every day Katherine Connor is up at 5am getting breakfast ready… but not for her five children. They’re still fast asleep while she feeds her 10 rescue dogs, 15 cats and the family rabbit. Then she gets ready to tend to a few of her larger babies – a herd of 10 vulnerable elephants.

By the time mum has breakfast on the table for Hope, 15, Noah, 13, Aaron, 11, Ethan, nine, and Luke, eight, their chatter across the cereal and toast is punctuated by rumbles, snorts and the occasional trumpeting outside. Continued …

How A Humble Candle Is Utilized To Flavor Classic Thai Dishes

Whether you’re going with an ever-popular pad Thai recipe or fresh som tam salad, Thai food is bursting with flavor. So it’s no surprise to see Thai desserts have an equally powerful sense of taste.

The interesting twist is that some of the flavors don’t come from the ingredients inside the dish but are instead absorbed from the air. That’s right, we’re talking about the culinary incense known as tian op, otherwise known as the Thai dessert candle. Continued …

People Are Sharing Experiences Or Traditions From Abroad They Wish They Could Adopt Back Home

Whenever you visit a new place, there are likely to be aspects of daily life there that feel totally new. And personally, I love discovering international habits or customs I wish I could adopt back home. So we asked, “What did you experience in another country that you wish you could make a part of your regular life?” Here’s what people said. Continued …

China’s food security is at risk due to climate change

Over the past four decades, China has made significant achievements in maintaining food security through institutional reforms, technological progress and increased investment in public agricultural infrastructure. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

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 once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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

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

 

Friday’s news-Aug 18

  • Cha Am seafood festival returns Sept 9-16/
  • Sansiri partners with Huawei to launch ‘SOLAR to ZERO’ campaign/
  • Energy Ministry kicks off plan to transform Surat Thani with smart energy/
  • All 12 districts of Nakhon Phanom declared flood disaster zones/
  • Aging Thailand agonizes over welfare state as elderly subsidy cut/
  • Swedish man arrested for overstaying visa 3 years/
  • Elephant brutality: Wild Thai Park shooting sparks probe/
  • More than a ton of endangered pangolin scales seized in Thailand/
  • Thailand election: Coup-linked parties now part of new coalition/A long road ahead for Thailand/
  • Economy: Economy likely grew 3.1% in Q2 on higher tourist arrivals/Thailand preparing for a soft landing as ‘cracks’ open up in the Chinese economy/Foreign investments bolster Thai economy with 58.9-billion-baht boost/Thailand, India compete for semiconductor investments/Property developers bullish on 2nd half of year/
  • Tourism: Bookings down as China slumps/600-kilometer road in southern Thailand would aid tourism/Inside Thailand’s Child Sex Tourism Trade/
  • Thailand Experience: Thailand After Dark: Exploring the Kingdoms Enchanting Nightlife/Ten best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Bangkok/
  • 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

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Cha Am seafood festival returns Sept 9-16

The viewpoint at Cha Am Beach will play host to the 22nd “Shellfish & Squid Festival @ Cha Am” from Sept. 9-16. The event promises lots of delicious food, live music, and lots of fun activities.

One of the main highlights of the festival is the wide range of locally caught seafood that will be available for visitors to sample. From grilled prawns and squid to fried fish and crab, there will be something to please everyone’s taste buds. Continued …

Sansiri partners with Huawei to launch ‘SOLAR to ZERO’ campaign

Sansiri Public Co. plans to install 100% solar systems for 10,000 houses, reducing carbon emissions by up to 42,000 tons/carbon through revolving credit funds of over 2 billion baht in five years.

This collaboration in the “SOLAR to ZERO” campaign is in line with Sansiri’s mission as Thailand’s first real estate company to set a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (Net-Zero) by the year 2050, to create a sustainable turning point for the environment. Sansiri has several projects in the Hua Hin area. Continued …

Energy Ministry kicks off plan to transform Surat Thani with smart energy

The Energy Ministry on Thursday began a two-day seminar in Surat Thani to mark the official start of its effort to transform the southern tourism province into the first “smart province in terms of energy management” in Thailand.

Pethai said Surat Thani is the pilot province for smart energy management and other provinces will follow. The smart energy province project is part of Thailand’s plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and net zero emissions by 2065. Continued …

All 12 districts of Nakhon Phanom declared flood disaster zones

Nakhon Phanom Gov. Wanchai Chanporn on Thursday declared all 12 districts in the northeastern province as flood disaster zones to speed up aid efforts for the affected people.

The governor said that as per the initial estimates, some 40,000 rai (6,400 hectares) of paddy fields were under floodwater following several days of heavy rains. Continued …

Aging Thailand agonizes over welfare state as elderly subsidy cut

Thailand’s universal welfare has taken a backward step with the caretaker government’s recent decision to limit monthly subsidies of 600 to 1,000 baht per head to just poor, elderly Thais.

Previously, all elderly Thais were eligible. But those who register themselves as elderly from now on will not receive monthly state subsidies unless they can prove that they do not have enough income or resources to live on. Continued …

Swedish man arrested for overstaying visa 3 years

The Immigration Police arrested a Swedish man for overstaying his visa by over three years in the Isaan province of Sakon Nakhon.

Following an ongoing effort to thwart foreign criminals seeking refuge in Thailand, officers from the Sakon Nakhoh Immigration Office discovered a 49-year-old Swedish man, Toerner John Alexander, overstaying his visa. Continued …

Elephant brutality: Wild Thai Park shooting sparks probe

In Loei, law enforcement services are currently being solicited by park authorities to uncover the culprit behind a recent act of elephant brutality in Phu Luang wildlife sanctuary in this northeastern region. A wild bull elephant was confirmed to be the victim of the cruel act.

This elephant brutality discovery was made near a forest creek located within the Sri Song Rak sector of the Dan Sai district yesterday morning. Speculation from officials at Phu Luang suggests that the deceased appears to have been part of a roaming trio of elephants, who had been sighted near local farmland in the preceding two months. Continued …

More than a ton of endangered pangolin scales seized in Thailand

Thai authorities said Thursday they have seized more than a ton of pangolin scales worth over 50 million baht ($1.4 million) that are believed to have been headed out of the country through a land border.

The scales that cover a type of anteater were found Wednesday night in the northeastern province of Kalasin, and apparently were meant to be transported out through Mukdahan province, which shares a border with Laos, Thai police said at a news conference in Bangkok on Thursday. Continued …

Coup-linked parties now part of new coalition

The Pheu Tha-led coalition government now has mustered a combined force of 314 Mps, including those of the “uncles’ camps” on their side, confirmed Pheu Thai wheeler-dealer Bhumtham Wechayachai yesterday.

The 314-MPs-strong coalition partners include the Pheu Thai under de facto party boss Thaksin Shinawatra with 141 MPs, the Bhumjaithai under de facto party boss Newin Chidchob with 71 MPs, the Palang Pracharath led by Prawit “Uncle Pom” Wongsuwan with 40 MPs, the Ruam Thai Sang Chart under de facto party boss/caretaker prime minister Prayut “Uncle Tu” Chan-o-cha with 36 MPs, the Chart Thai Pattana led by Varawut Silpa-archa with 10 Mps, and the Prachachart led by House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha with nine Mps, plus those of six splinter parties with only one MP or two each. Continued …

A long road ahead for Thailand

We all should have been celebrating. The celebration should have started the night of the election when the Democratic Alliance, led by the Move Forward Party, claimed victory.

I still vividly remember that night’s energy — people thronging the streets, social media posts celebrating progress’s triumph over fear and intimidation, and even my friends marveling at how the Move Forward Party had achieved the impossible. Continued …

Economy likely grew 3.1% in Q2 on higher tourist arrivals

Thailand’s economy likely grew 3.1% in the April-June quarter from a year ago, up from 2.7% in the previous quarter, driven by increased foreign tourist arrivals, according to the median forecast of 21 economists polled.

On a quarterly basis, gross domestic product (GDP) was forecast to have grown by a seasonally adjusted 1.2%, a slowdown from the 1.9% growth in the preceding quarter, according to a smaller sample of forecasts in the Aug. 14-17 poll conducted by Reuters. Continued … 

Thailand preparing for a soft landing as ‘cracks’ open up in the Chinese economy

The Thai baht has fallen in value against the U.S. dollar by 8.4% since Jan. 30, as the kingdom finds itself being buffeted by the country’s political instability and a growing crisis linked with the Chinese economy, as well as elevated interest rates in the United States.

This week, at a conference in southern Thailand, Bank of Thailand Gov. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput suggested that while the economic recovery was still intact, the bank was now focused on achieving a “soft landing” as he referred to “cracks” in China’s economy. Continued …

Foreign investments bolster Thai economy with 58.9-billion-baht boost

From January through July of this year, Thailand saw 377 foreign business people invest 58.95 billion baht in the kingdom, an increase of 17% in the number of investors but a drop of 20% in the value of foreign direct investment (FDI), a senior official said.

Estimates suggest that the Japanese investors led the pack with a total outlay of 19.9 billion baht. They were closely tailed by Singaporean enterprises who injected 12.9 billion baht into the Thai business sector. Additionally, Chinese and U.S. firms put in 11.7 billion and 3.04 billion, respectively, catalyzing foreign investments within the nation. Continued …

Thailand, India compete for semiconductor investments

Thailand and India are competing to attract semiconductor investments, aiming to reduce dependency on the supply chain from China.

The trade dispute between the U.S. and China regarding the transfer and export of advanced semiconductor technology has led both countries to see an opportunity to become a production base and benefit from major technology players seeking new options in the supply chain system. Continued …

Property developers bullish on 2nd half of year

SET-listed developers are hoping an economic recovery in the second half will help them achieve their performance goals this year after modest first-half results.

Wongsakorn Prasitvipat, managing director of Property Perfect Plc., said the company plans to launch nine new residential projects worth a combined 13.3 billion baht in the second half after introducing just one 1-billion-baht project in the first half. Continued … 

Bookings down as China slumps

China’s economic woes are pressuring inbound tourism during the Golden Week holiday in October, leading to sluggish forward bookings, according to tourism operators.

Surawat Akaraworamat, vice president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said travel agents reported slower booking than usual for China National Day, one of the longest holidays in that country. Continued …

600-kilometer road in southern Thailand would aid tourism

The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) in Thailand recently announced a forthcoming impact study concerning a proposed coastal road project linking the provinces of Ranong and Satun to boost Andaman tourism.

The proposed two-lane highway, covering a distance of 600 kilometers, is designed to notably enhance the ease of access for tourists to key attractions spread across six different provinces – these being Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun, relayed Punya Chupanit, who is at the helm of OTP. Continued …

Inside Thailand’s Child Sex Tourism Trade

Thailand’s multibillion-dollar sex tourism trade is thriving again after its shutdown during the COVID-19 lockdowns. With the country’s borders open again, tourists are flocking from around the world.

Despite prostitution being illegal, bar girls in the coastal city of Pattaya can earn triple the average wage, drawing workers from the country’s poor rural provinces. But police say children are increasingly targeted in the city’s red-light district. Video 

Thailand After Dark: Exploring the Kingdoms Enchanting Nightlife

A completely new universe comes to life when the sun sets over Thailand’s beautiful surroundings. Thailand’s nightlife is a vivid tapestry of colors, noises, and sensations that captivates both locals and tourists alike, from bustling cities to peaceful seaside towns.

Thailand changes into a land of lit streets, bustling marketplaces, and exciting entertainment as the day gives way to night. Everyone may find something to enjoy in the country’s diversified nightlife culture, which spans the vibrant metropolis of Bangkok to the calm beaches of Phuket. Continued …

Ten best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Bangkok

For decades, vegetarian dining in Bangkok was synonymous with rice and curry dishes crafted from tofu, soy protein, and additives. However, a rapid transformation occurred almost overnight. Chefs embraced creativity, menus underwent a renaissance, and a wave of trendy specialized restaurants emerged.

New culinary terms entered the lexicon: legumes, quinoa charcoal burger, chia seed pad Thai, tempeh. And just like that Bangkok became a vegan- and vegetarian-friendly city. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

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 once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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

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

Tuesday’s news-Aug 15

  • More double-track railways to open this year/
  • Scholars of Sustenance: Rescuing food and nourishing Hua Hin communities/
  • Kayakers tackle Sam Roi Yod River challenge/
  • Why you should consider getting a Thailand Elite Visa/
  • Elderly face limits on who gets meager welfare assistance/
  • Thailand election: House speaker chooses to wait for court’s ruling before setting date for PM vote/Srettha Not Being Replaced As PM Candidate/Prayut’s Party To Decide Shortly Whether To Jump Onto Pheu Thai Bandwagon/Thaksin and Pheu Thai have burned their bridges/
  • Economy: Chinese buyers gradually cool on Thailand property purchases/Drought limits electricity imports from Laos/Excise Dept mulls carbon tax on oil refineries and EV batteries/Taiwanese target Thailand for overseas opportunities/
  • Tourism: Thailand tops Top 10 foreign tourism destinations for Chinese tourists in 2023/How to Choose Ethical Wildlife Experiences While Traveling/
  • Thailand Experience: The Two Types Of Rice You’ll Find In Nearly Every Thai Meal/Awakening Singburi with ‘Sang See Sing’/
  • International: Donald Trump indicted on 2020 election fraud charges in Georgia/Bikinis in downtown Seoul spark ‘indecent exposure’ row/At least 25 missing after Myanmar jade mine landslide/
  • 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

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More double-track railways to open this year

More double-track sections in the national railway network are set to open this year. These new facilities are expected to greatly shorten travel times for commuters, as well as reduce costs for logistics operators. Included is the Bang Saphan Noi-Chumphon section on the Nakhon Pathom-Chumphon route passing through Hua Hin.

The caretaker government has announced its roadmap to open more sections of double-track railroads on the northern, northeastern, and southern lines operated by the State Railway of Thailand. Continued …

Scholars of Sustenance: Rescuing food and nourishing Hua Hin communities

Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) is leading the charge against food waste and hunger, while raising awareness about the importance of sustainability and community engagement.

SOS, a non-partisan and integrity-driven environmental organization, has been working to prevent food going to waste and reducing the number of people going hungry in the area. Continued … 

Kayakers tackle Sam Roi Yod River challenge

The inaugural Sam Roi Yod River Audax — Thailand’s first unsupported 60-kilometer kayaking challenge – was held Sunday with 32 kayakers taking on a 60-kilometer route that meandered close to five of Sam Roi Yod’s idyllic islands: Koh Kroram, Koh Nomsao, Koh Rawing, Koh Rawang, and Koh Satkut. Out of the 32 participants who embarked on the journey, only six managed to complete the challenge. (HHT)

Why you should consider getting a Thailand Elite Visa

The Thailand Elite Visa is possibly one of the most underrated visas in Thailand because people tend to lose interest once they hear about the application fee. However, the special visa program actually offers lots of convenience and benefits.

Whether you are an investor, a retiree, or a digital nomad, the Thailand Elite Visa is available for anyone who lives or regularly comes to Thailand but doesn’t want to deal with the complex immigration bureaucracy. Besides, there are many other things you can enjoy by being an Elite Visa member. Let’s take a closer look at the main benefits. Continued …

Elderly face limits on who gets meager welfare assistance

Critics have slammed the outgoing government for issuing a new regulation imposing income limits on the elderly receiving monthly allowances.

They say it should be left to the incoming government to decide on the matter, while accusing the outgoing government of inefficiently categorizing income groups. Continued …

House speaker chooses to wait for court’s ruling before setting date for PM vote

Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has said he will wait for the Constitutional Court’s decision on the ombudsmen’s petition before scheduling the next round of PM voting.

Wan Noor, also the House speaker, was on Monday referring to a comment made by Sen. Wanchai Sornsiri that the next round of voting should be held on Friday, as it is an astrologically auspicious date for the country to have a new PM and end the political impasse. Continued …

Srettha Not Being Replaced As PM Candidate

Pheu Thai candidate for prime minister Srettha Thavisin will not be replaced with anyone else as pressed by the Bhumjaithai, according to Pheu Thai Secretary-general Prasert Chanthararuangthong.

Prasert confirmed only the real estate mogul-turned-prime ministerial candidate will be named and voted in a joint House/Senate meeting later this month and that he will certainly not be replaced with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, one of a trio of Pheu Thai candidates for prime minister. Continued …

Prayut’s Party To Decide Shortly Whether To Jump Onto Pheu Thai Bandwagon

The Ruam Thai Sang Chart will be invited for informal talks with the Pheu Thai and decide for themselves whether they may join a Pheu Thai-led coalition government, confirmed Pheu Thai wheeler-dealer Bhumtham Wechayachai yesterday.

Known as a right-hand man for de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, the partisan wheeler-dealer confirmed Pheu Thai leader Chonlanan Srikaew and Pheu Thai Secretary-general Prasert Chanthararuangthong and himself will shortly discuss with their Ruam Thai Sang Chart counterparts whether the pro-military camp will jump onto the bandwagon and help strengthen the Pheu Thai coalition government. Continued …

Thaksin and Pheu Thai have burned their bridges

Thailand’s political crisis has already obliterated the unity and support behind the Pheu Thai Party’s “family”, following the decisions taken by the party’s executive in Bangkok in recent weeks, first in withdrawing from a coalition with the Move Forward Party and now for cementing a deal with the Bhumjaithai Party, while preparing to accept the participation of two parties associated with the military junta in a “cross polar” government.

The moves have outraged Pheu Thai and Redshirt supporters nationwide, who up to recent days could scarcely believe the conflicting media reports. Now, they are burning their shirts in spontaneous and numerous displays of anger just as the country’s second-largest party and the Shinawatra family appear to be on the verge of burning its bridges with its support base and power on the ground as a political movement. Continued …

Chinese buyers gradually cool on Thailand property purchases

Thailand dipped to fifth among destinations for Chinese property buyers, down one spot from last year and the top ranking in 2021, attributed to a sluggish recovery of travel and pricey flights.

Kashif Ansari, co-founder and group chief executive of Juwai IQI Group, a real estate marketing firm targeting the Chinese market, said Chinese buyers with smaller budgets who previously were the key market for Thailand now make up a reduced share of all travelers. Continued …

Drought limits electricity imports from Laos

The renewable power supply in Thailand could be affected by drought, as the country imports electricity generated by hydropower from Laos, which has reduced water volume in its rivers, says the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT).

If the drought becomes more severe, hydropower plants in Laos will generate less electricity, resulting in reduced imports, said Boonyanit Wongrukmit, governor of EGAT. Continued … 

Excise Dept mulls carbon tax on oil refineries and EV batteries

The Excise Department aims to promote ESG (environmental, social, and governance) goals through the implementation of a carbon tax facility, along with the establishment of a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) team, to develop a globally standardized tax structure.

This initiative targets taxing carbon emissions released by oil refineries and proposing a carbon tax on EV batteries to address EV waste disposal issues in the future. Continued …

Taiwanese target Thailand for overseas opportunities

More than 20 Taiwanese companies, particularly in the skincare, food and drink, hair care and lifestyle product sectors, are exploring new business opportunities in Thailand.

Among the notable firms are Beauty Essentials Ltd., the marketer of Naruko skincare and beauty products; K2-Medical (Thailand) Co., the distributor of the NHH skincare brand; and Shaan Honq International Cosmetics Corp., the manufacturer and exporter of HH-RD hair care and styling products. These firms took part in the recent 2023 Taiwan Expo Thailand, aimed at identifying product distributors. Continued …

Thailand tops Top 10 foreign tourism destinations for Chinese tourists in 2023

Thailand and Japan were the most popular foreign tourism destinations in the first half of this year, according to the China Tourism Academy. Among these places, more than 60% of tourists visited the Asia-Pacific region.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 foreign tourism destinations for the first half of this year. Continued …

This is a definite no

How to Choose Ethical Wildlife Experiences While Traveling

One of the most cherished aspects of travel is encountering wildlife in its natural habitat, whether it’s from a Jeep on safari in Africa or on a beach in Thailand. However, as responsible travelers, it is our duty to ensure that our interactions with wildlife are doing more good than harm by knowing how to choose ethical wildlife experiences.

There’s no doubt that the rise in the popularity of wildlife tourism has led to concerns about the welfare of animals and the preservation of their habitats. Ten years ago, our Instagram feeds were filled with people riding on the backs of elephants, something you don’t often see today and, thankfully, something that is not idolized anymore. Instead, the only elephant photos we want to see are the ones where they’re in open fields, bathing in watering holes, and enjoying life without bars or cruelty. Continued …

 

The Two Types Of Rice You’ll Find In Nearly Every Thai Meal

Thailand is a major rice exporter worldwide, so it shouldn’t be surprising that rice is at the heart of its culture and food. Aside from noodle plates, rice is an integral element in most Thai cuisine, from curries and stir fry to larb salad and soups such as Kao Tom Goong (a breakfast rice soup).

But none of these recipes call for plain old rice. Rather, there are two specific types — Thai jasmine rice and sticky rice — that are found in nearly every Thai meal, lending a distinct and essential quality to whatever dish they enhance. Continued …

Awakening Singburi with ‘Sang See Sing’

Amidst the constant hustle and bustle of daily life, there are often hidden treasures that escape our notice. Singburi, a small province with a population of around 200,000, has long been a place most of us pass by without a backward glance, rather than a destination in its own right.

And that’s a shame, as Singburi harbors a multitude of stories from the past to the present just waiting for visitors to explore. Now, the province is inviting the public to uncover the charm that has gone unnoticed for too long. Continued …

Donald Trump indicted on 2020 election fraud charges in Georgia

A Georgia grand jury indicted 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump and several allies Monday on conspiracy charges of trying to steal Georgia’s electoral votes from President Joe Biden after the 2020 election. Continued …

Bikinis in downtown Seoul spark ‘indecent exposure’ row

Incidents of women dressed in bikinis in central Seoul areas have sparked criticism online, with the authorities considering charging them with indecent exposure. On Friday, a woman riding an electric scooter dressed in a bikini was spotted in Hongdae district. Photos taken by citizens quickly spread across online communities and social media. Continued …

At least 25 missing after Myanmar jade mine landslide

At least 25 people are missing after a landslide at an unregulated jade mine in a remote region of Myanmar, rescue workers said Monday. The incident on Sunday outside northern Kachin’s Hpakant township — near where hundreds of miners were entombed in a landslide in 2020 — comes days after much of the country was swamped by torrential rain and floods. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

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 once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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

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