Alcohol ban Friday, Saturday/Harvest Wine Run/Tiger and 3 cubs spotted/Tiger numbers bouncing back/Unsafe levels of smog/Bangkok braces for rising PM2.5/Heavy rain and strong monsoon/22 fraudulent websites/Man Killed by Elephant/Hamas Set to Release Five Thai Hostages/US aircraft carrier arrives/To tackle deep south conflict/Hospitals in Thai refugee camps shut/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: TikTok’s $3.76 billion Thai data center/High-speed rail link to China/Chinese firms invest Bt547.76B/Developers target condo market/TOURISM: Destination Visa loophole/Privilege Card concerned with DTV/Pattaya’s tourism takes a hit/TAT touts bright start for Chinese arrivals/Chiang Mai promoting welless tourism/Motorcycle crash leaves Russian tourist dead/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Temples, elephants, and tales of Siam/Best beaches in Koh Samui/Week in This Lesser-known Part of Thailand/’Gastrainable Tourism’/CLIMATE THAILAND: Plastic waste warehouse fireLINKS: 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
Experts break down the new tax on expats – HERE
Local elections cause alcohol ban Friday, Saturday
Harvest Wine Run at Monsoon Valley Feb 25
Tiger and 3 cubs spotted at Kaeng Krachan Park
Tiger numbers bouncing back in Thailand’s deep wild west
A footprint and a pile of animal scat is the spark that sets a group of rangers on a special trek through a vast forest complex in Thailand’s deep west. National park personnel and researchers have traversed undulating dirt trails through thick and dry evergreen forest, home to black bears, elephants, tapirs and pheasants.
While all animal activity is of interest, this is primarily a tiger hunt – one designed to save the big cat. The traps being laid out here – in Mae Wong national park some 360 kilometers northwest of Bangkok – are of the camera variety only. Continued …
Unsafe levels of smog in 67 provinces
Sixty-seven out of 77 provinces in Thailand were shrouded with unsafe levels of ultrafine dust pollution this morning, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
Sixty-four other provinces faced orange levels (starting to affect health) of PM2.5 ranging from 38.3 to 73.8. They included Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phuket, Samut Prakan and Songkhla. Continued …
Bangkok braces for rising PM2.5 levels over next 7 days
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is calling on residents and local agencies to intensify their efforts in controlling air pollution, as PM2.5 levels are projected to rise for seven days from today.
PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, posing health risks such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Continued …
Thailand braces for heavy rain and strong monsoon impact
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasts a weakening cold air mass and heavy rain over upper Thailand, though chilly conditions persist, while a strong monsoon affects the south. Yesterday, six provinces were expected to experience heavy rain.
The strong northeast monsoon affecting the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region is causing high waves, especially in the lower Gulf, where they reach 2 to 3 meters. Thunderstorms can increase wave heights beyond 3 meters. Continued …
Warning issued about 22 fraudulent websites
Thai cyber police have warned people not to fall victim to 22 dangerous websites by not clicking them or they might end up having their personal information stolen.
Scammers often create fake websites about investment schemes or job opportunities to earn extra income, and end up tricking people who click on them into giving personal information. Continued …
Rescuers Discover Body of Man Killed by Elephant in Rubber Plantation
In an incident highlighting the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in rural Thailand, the body of a 40-year-old man, who had been missing for six days, was discovered in a rubber plantation. The deceased is believed to have been trampled by a wild elephant.
The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was found in the rubber plantation in the Thung Maha Charoen subdistrict, Sa Kaeo Province. Relatives of the deceased had been searching for him since he went missing nearly a week ago. Continued …
Hamas Set to Release Five Thai Hostages Today
In the latest development regarding the ongoing hostage crisis, an Israeli official confirmed yesterday that Hamas is set to release five Thai nationals in a planned hostage exchange scheduled for today.
While the official did not disclose the names of the Thai nationals, it was confirmed that the release is part of a broader ceasefire agreement aimed at halting the conflict in Gaza. Continued …
US aircraft carrier arrives in Thailand
The USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), one of the world’s most powerful Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, has docked at Laem Chabang port on a scheduled visit.
At a length of 333 meters, the USS Carl Vinson is more than just a military vessel; it is a floating city. The ship supports a crew of over 5,000, including its embarked air wing. The carrier is equipped to carry more than 60 aircraft, including cutting-edge F-35C Lightning II fighter jets and F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. Continued …
New Thai team to tackle deep south conflict amid growing violence
A new government team dedicated to peace negotiations will be formed to address the ongoing conflict in the deep south, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
Phumtham stated that the leader of the new team has yet to be decided. The choice could involve reappointing the previous team or opting for a new one, contingent on a comprehensive evaluation of strategies designed to resolve the long-standing insurgency. Continued …
Hospitals in Thai refugee camps shut as US suspends aid
Seven hospitals serving refugees on the Thai-Myanmar border have halted medical services following the Trump administration’s 90-day suspension of foreign aid funding.
Saw Saw, a former NGO official, confirmed that hospitals in seven refugee camps – three in Tak province, two in Mae Hong Son, one in Ratchaburi, and one in Kanchanaburi – had suspended treatment after the U.S. ended over 40 years of funding and no other support was available. Medical staff, including doctors and nurses, have withdrawn and patients have been forced to seek treatment elsewhere, he added. Continued …
- Illegal Russian, Estonian building workers arrested on Koh Phangan – Continued …
- Pattaya police book illegal Russian guide – Continued …
- 2 Chinese and 4 Burmese nationals arrested in Bangkok salon raid – Continued …
- Drunk Foreign Driver Kills Bull in Chaiyaphum Crash – Continued …
TikTok’s $3.76 billion Thai data center investment approved
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) has approved a significant investment by TikTok, the popular video-sharing platform, of over 126 billion baht (US$3.76 billion) in establishing a data center in the country.
The investment will see TikTok, a subsidiary of ByteDance, establish server and related infrastructure in high-performance data centers located in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chachoengsao provinces. Continued …
Thailand expects high-speed rail link to China to operate from 2030
Thailand expects its 609-kilometer portion of a high-speed railway that will connect it with China through Laos to begin operations in 2030, nearly a decade later than originally planned.
More than a third of construction has been completed in the segment connecting the capital Bangkok to the city of Nakhon Ratchasima, about 220 kilometers away, and the line to Nong Khai at the border with Laos would be ready by 2030, said a Thai government spokesperson. Continued …
Over 500 Chinese firms have invested approximately 547.76B baht in Thailand
Amata City Rayong has become the most popular industrial estate for Chinese manufacturers, who have opened over 500 factories in Thailand, with investments worth over 547.76 billion baht in recent years, the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) announced.
The IEAT reported that, in the past few years, Chinese manufacturers have opened 585 factories and created 152,541 jobs across seven industries. The IEAT also noted that Chinese investments now account for 14% of all foreign direct investments in the country. Continued …
Thai property developers target condo market amid stagnation
Leading Thai property developers are rolling out ambitious strategies for 2025 as the real estate market faces continued headwinds, with experts forecasting flat growth compared to 2024.
The challenging environment has prompted major players to diversify their portfolios and adopt innovative approaches to capture existing demand. Continued …
Thailand’s Destination Visa loophole that could cost you
The much-hyped Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is proving to be more of a bureaucratic headache than a dream ticket. While Bangkok Immigration (Division 1) has published criteria for extending the visa by six months, these guidelines aren’t binding on provincial offices, leaving holders navigating a minefield of uncertainty.
The biggest revelation? It’s far easier to leave the country every 180 days than to fight through the paperwork jungle for a local extension. A review of the DTV Facebook group shows that 75% of holders say a simple border hop is the safest bet over the five-year validity of the visa. Continued …
Thailand Privilege Card concerned DTV visa will eat into its shares
Thailand Privilege Card yesterday urged the government to enhance privileges for its customers, warning that the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) could lure them away.
The concern was raised by Manatase Annawat, president of Thailand Privilege Card, who pointed out that the DTV visa is significantly cheaper than even the entry-level privilege card, while offering similar benefits to foreigners. Continued …
Pattaya’s tourism takes a hit after Chinese abduction
Thailand’s tourism industry has been rocked by the recent abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, leaving popular hotspots like Pattaya eerily quiet. The star was allegedly lured to Thailand under false pretences before being trafficked across the border and held captive in Myawaddy, Myanmar.
While Thai police scrambled to rescue the actor, the fallout was swift. News of the terrifying ordeal spread like wildfire in China, sparking fears over safety in Thailand and sending shockwaves through the tourism sector. Once bustling with Chinese visitors, Pattaya is witnessing a drastic downturn in arrivals, with holidaymakers choosing to stay away. Continued …
TAT touts bright start for New Year arrivals from China
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is working toward increasing charter flights from secondary cities in China, while preparing to launch the first phase of the domestic “We Travel Together” subsidy, offering 1 million privileges in June.
Chuwit Sirivejkul, TAT regional director of marketing for East Asia, said Thailand had so far welcomed 22,000-24,000 Chinese tourists per day on average in January. Continued …
Chiang Mai promoting welless tourism despite air pollution
As tourism operators in Chiang Mai brace for the smog season over the coming months, they hope the pollution will be less severe this year than in previous years.
The industry is intensifying efforts to market the province as a wellness destination to counter the damaging reputation derived from the persistently high level of pollution it encouters at this time of year. Continued …
High-speed motorcycle crash leaves Russian tourist dead, 2 injured
A collision on Jomtien Second Road in Pattaya has left one Russian tourist dead and two others seriously injured after a high-speed motorcycle collision late night.
The crash occurred at approximately 11:30 pm in front of the Atlantis Condo Resort, when a foreign motorcyclist, riding a KTM big bike, struck a Russian couple crossing the road hand-in-hand. The force of the impact sent both pedestrians flying, leaving one dead and the other critically injured. Continued …
Temples, elephants, and tales of Siam
Thailand, now one of the world’s most-visited destinations, was once an enigma to the Europeans. In the late 19th century, Siam, as it was then known, began offering a glimpse into its unknown kingdom through the expedition of Norwegian ethnographer Carl Bock.
Bock’s journey, undertaken with the blessing of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), is now on display in an exhibition at the National Library in Bangkok. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and experience the kingdom through Bock’s eyes. Continued …
Best beaches in Koh Samui
At 25 kilometers long and 21 kilometers wide, it’s hardly surprising that Koh Samui – Thailand’s second biggest island – is a beach lover’s nirvana. Continued …
I Spent a Week in This Lesser-known Part of Thailand and It Was Paradise
In August, I traveled up Thailand’s western coast, from the island of Phuket to the laid-back province of Phang Nga. The region is famous for the dramatic limestone karst formations that rise from Phang Nga Bay, but traveling off-season — and off the beaten path — allowed me to see it from a new angle.
At a beachfront hotel near the town of Khao Lak, monsoon rain released a cascade of fragrance from the tropical flowers in the garden. Watching the sun rise over the Andaman Sea the next morning, I found it hard to believe this pristine shoreline was, in 2004, the site of a devastating tsunami. Continued …
‘Gastrainable Tourism’ – ASEAN’s golden opportunity
Gastronomy Tourism has gained widespread popularity worldwide, especially in ASEAN, which is rich in cultural heritage and diverse cuisines that attract tourists globally.
This form of tourism offers not only unique food flavors but also the opportunity to experience local lifestyles and the long-standing wisdom passed down through generations. Continued …
Operator of plastic waste warehouse that caught fire ‘violated industrial laws’
The operator of Teng Fa Plastic and Metal warehouse in Ban Paew district of Samut Sakhon province, which was engulfed in flames on Wednesday, was allegedly in violation of industrial laws, the Provincial Industry Office said.
A fire broke out at a large pile of recyclable plastic and rubber waste at the 13-rai (2.08 hectares) garbage warehouse compound, destroying two warehouses there. No injuries had been reported as of press time. Despite the efforts of 20 fire engines, the flames had yet to be brought under control due to inflammable waste and chemicals. Continued …
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm
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:
- 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