Tag Archives: titanic

Friday’s News-June 23

  • Explosion engulfs Hua Hin hotel, 500,000 THB worth of damage/
  • Pa La U durian festival showcases Hua Hin’s finest fruit through Sunday/
  • Common mistakes to avoid while learning Thai/
  • Healthcare staffing shortage tackled by Thai government with new strategy/
  • Overloaded Thai public health system sees exhausted doctors quit in droves/
  • Thai healthcare costs skyrocket/
  • ‘No serious quake threat to Thailand’ from major Sagaing Fault in Myanmar/
  • Algerian Man, Dressed as a Woman Arrested for visa overstay/
  • Thailand International Dog Show in Bangkok, July 6-9/
  • Durian lovers rejoice as prices plunge on surplus/
  • Economy: Examining Thailand’s Economic Revival and Investment Opportunities/Insights of five EV customer segments in Thailand/Thai village profits from hot-season tokay gecko trade exports to China/Bangkok Airways triumphs at World Airline Awards for 7th consecutive year/
  • Tourism: Thailand ranks second in global travel, Bangkok tops city list/Thai tourism-linked businesses experience booming growth amid economic recovery/Chinese tourism deterred by tourist scams in Thailand, says ATTA/World Hindu Congress to be hosted by Bangkok this year, boosting Thai tourism/
  • International: Titanic sub destroyed in ‘catastrophic implosion,’ all five aboard dead/Diabetes cases to double to 1.3 billion by 2050/US county sues oil companies for $51 billion over ‘Heat Dome’ disaster/€60 billion pledged to help Ukraine rebuild/
  • 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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Explosion engulfs Hua Hin hotel, 500,000 THB worth of damage

Pigeons were said to have caused a sudden explosion that led to a fire engulfing a hotel room in Hua Hin, resulting in damages amounting to half a million baht.

On Thursday afternoon, Lt. Col.Pichcha Rangleuan, deputy superintendent of Hua Hin Police Station, received a report regarding a fire incident at room number 164/5-6 of Sunny House, which is located adjacent to the railway, just off Soi 70. Continued … Pigeons were said to have caused a sudden explosion that led to a fire engulfing a hotel room in Hua Hin, resulting in damages amounting to half a million baht. Continued …

Pa La U durian festival showcases Hua Hin’s finest fruit through Sunday

Hua Hin’s renowned durian cultivation hub, Pa La U, is currently hosting the highly anticipated Pa La U durian and fruit festival.

This Ban Pa La-U Fruit and Good Products Expo, which is now in its 10th year, aims to celebrate the delectable fruit and showcases a wide range of local agricultural products. Continued …

 

Common mistakes to avoid while learning Thai

Oh, the joys of learning a new language! Thai is a fascinating language, filled with unique sounds, tones, and expressions that promise to make your learning experience an exciting adventure.

But, like any language, Thai comes with its fair share of challenges and common Thai language mistakes that might catch you off guard. No worries, though! Along with our friends at ALA Language School, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common mistakes you should steer clear of when learning Thai. Continued …

Healthcare staffing shortage tackled by Thai government with new strategy

The Public Health Ministry has laid out strategies to address the ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals in the nation’s state-operated medical sector. Within the next three years, these measures aim to expand the country’s cadre of medical personnel according to current legal parameters.

Government spokesperson Anucha Buraphachaisri indicated the interventions may result in a 40% increase in doctors and over a 50% surge in nursing staff by 2026. Continued …

Overloaded Thai public health system sees exhausted doctors quit in droves

Every year, hundreds of doctors leave the government sector after struggling under huge workloads for relatively low pay and with little prospect of promotion.

The numbers exiting the public health service are significant, given that the Public Health Ministry employs just 24,469 doctors. Over the past decade, around 450 doctors have left each year, along with at least 150 who have retired from public service. Continued …

Thai healthcare costs skyrocket

We all want good health and decent public health welfare. When we fall ill, the cures are also much more effective thanks to modern medical advancements. But the soaring costs of healthcare have made it beyond most people’s grasp.

Over the past two decades, global healthcare spending has more than doubled, skyrocketing from $4.2 trillion (145.8 trillion baht) in 2000 to an astounding $8.5 trillion in 2019. Continued …

‘No serious quake threat to Thailand’ from major Sagaing Fault in Myanmar

A major active fault in Myanmar could still trigger a 7.5-magnitude earthquake in 5-10 years, but will cause no serious damage to Thailand, the Mineral Resources Department said on Thursday.

Oranuch Lorpensri, director-general of the department, said the Sagaing Fault in Myanmar is still active and it could unleash enough power to trigger an earthquake with up to 7.5 magnitude in about 5-10 years. Continued …

Algerian Man, Dressed as a Woman Arrested for visa overstay

An Algerian man was arrested in Bangkok for 251 days of overstaying his legal visa after he allegedly tried to dress as a woman in order to avoid Thai Immigration officers.

Relevant officials from the Bangkok Thai Immigration Office arrested a 38-year-old Algerian man at a housing estate in Bueng Kum. Officers found that the Algerian man was dressed as a woman before they arrested him. Continued … 

Thailand International Dog Show in Bangkok, July 6-9

Attention to dog lovers! Don’t miss this year’s “21st Thailand International Dog Show2023” at IMPACT in Bangkok. Exclusive this year is a Grooming contest, with a dressing up theme of “Dog Show Sahara” and with more than 250 vendors.

The fair will be held from July 6-9 at building 5-6 at IMPACT. Continued …

Durian lovers rejoice as prices plunge on surplus

Singaporeans love durians. And this year, the spiky and pungent fruit is in such abundance that it can be found in claw machines, giving enthusiasts a chance to catch one for just a dollar.

A surplus in major producer Malaysia has pushed prices in the city-state down to levels never seen before. Premium varieties like Musang King were selling for as cheap as S$3 ($2.24) a kilogram earlier this month. Continued …

Examining Thailand’s Economic Revival and Investment Opportunities

Thailand’s GDP outlook is expected to grow between 2.7%-3.6% in 2023, an increase from 2.6% in 2022. Economic growth will be boosted by a recovering tourism industry and improving private consumption.

Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy was in a severe recession in 2020 due to the pandemic. GDP fell by 6.1% in that year, which represented Thailand’s largest contraction since the Asian financial crisis. Continued …

Insights of five EV customer segments in Thailand

Krungsri Auto, a leader in automotive finance under Bank of Ayudhya PCL., unveiled insights into five electric vehicle (EV) customer segments based on the consolidated data of its current EV loan portfolio, forecasting EV market growth, with potentials for automotive financing providers in responding to EV users’ needs and taping into their lifestyle in all dimensions. Insights of five EV customer segments gathered from real EV finance user behaviors are:

Segment 1 – A stylish executive with a stable income

This group is the early adopter of EVs, making up the largest proportion of current EV owners. An EV is their second car. They purchase a car at medium to high prices with high down payment and short-term loans. They value design and car brands and look for comprehensive products and services with financial advisers who can help make arrangements easy and hassle-free. Continued …

Thai village profits from hot-season tokay gecko trade exports to China

A Thai village is gaining lucrative income from capturing and processing tokay geckoes, generating hundreds of thousands of baht (US$2,860) per month during the hot season. In the northeast province of Nakhon Phanom, villagers from Ban Tal in Nah Wah district are seizing the opportunity to capture the amphibians that thrive in the warm weather.

Ban Tal Thai village, known as the mysterious village of unique seasonal occupations, has been relying on this profitable tokay gecko trade for over 30 years. Each hot season, from March to July, villagers capture geckoes and sell them to processing groups. The tokay geckoes are then dried and exported to China, where they are believed to be an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. Continued …

Bangkok Airways triumphs at World Airline Awards for 7th consecutive year

The World Airline Awards 2023 ceremony saw Bangkok Airways Public Co. retaining its resplendent position under the spotlight. The prestigious accolades of “The World’s Best Regional Airline” and “The Best Regional Airline in Asia” were pinned on this airline, marking its seventh year of triumph.

The presentation took place at the Paris Air Show, where Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, the airline’s president, and other management personnel, received the honors. Continued …

Thailand ranks second in global travel, Bangkok tops city list

Thailand tourism continues to thrive, as online travel platform Agoda recently revealed that the country holds the title of the second most popular destination for travelers worldwide, with Bangkok topping the list of favorite cities for global travelers.

Outperforming Thailand, Japan emerged as the leading destination for tourists during the same period. Early reopening of the country’s borders has undoubtedly contributed to Thailand’s tourism sector rebounding at a faster rate compared to other nations. Continued …

Thai tourism-linked businesses experience booming growth amid economic recovery

Amid escalating tourist arrivals and robust economic recovery, Thai tourism-associated enterprises have been reaping lucrative rewards, particularly in the fields of foreign exchange, travel agencies, tour guides, dining establishments, and the accommodation industry.

Such industries have experienced impressive growth within the initial five months of this year, as revealed by data garnered through the Business Development Department of the Commerce Ministry. Continued …

Chinese tourism deterred by tourist scams in Thailand, says ATTA

Fear of being conned by tourist scams poses a bigger concern to prospective Chinese tourists than Thailand’s political ambiguity, advises the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA). Given a sluggish economic recovery on the mainland, the Chinese tourism market could slightly be affected.

Calling for tougher safety measures, ATTA President, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn indicated that improving the country’s image and reassurances over touristic scams would encourage Chinese travelers. He also emphasized the necessity to uplift the quality of services provided in the tourism sector to boost Chinese tourism. Continued …

World Hindu Congress to be hosted by Bangkok this year, boosting Thai tourism

As a first, Bangkok is set to host the World Hindu Congress (WHC), set to take place from Nov. 24 to 26. Around 3,000 Hindus hailing from 60 different countries are anticipated to grace the event chaired by Susheel Kumar Saraff.

Themed “Jayasya Aayatnam Dharmah” or “Dharma,” the Abode of Victory,” the congress aims to celebrate the virtues of the religion and the triumphant strides of Hindus worldwide. Continued …

Titanic sub destroyed in ‘catastrophic implosion,’ all five aboard dead

A deep-sea submersible carrying five people on a voyage to the century-old wreck of the Titanic was found in pieces from a “catastrophic implosion” that killed everyone aboard, the U.S. Coast Guard said on Thursday, ending a multinational five-day search for the vessel. Continued …

Diabetes cases to double to 1.3 billion by 2050

The number of people suffering from diabetes worldwide will more than double to 1.3billion by 2050, driven by structural racism and gaping inequality between countries, new research predicted today. Continued …

US county sues oil companies for $51 billion over ‘Heat Dome’ disaster

A county in the northwestern state of Oregon on Thursday filed a lawsuit against major fossil fuel companies seeking more than $51 billion over the 2021 “Heat Dome,” one of the United States’ deadliest weather-related disasters. Continued …

€60 billion pledged to help Ukraine rebuild

Foreign donors have pledged €60 billion (US$66 billion) of new financial support for Ukraine, the United Kingdom said Thursday, as an international conference aimed at funding the war-ravaged country’s reconstruction closed. Continued …

Click on image above for more information, or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 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 twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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

Thursday’s News-June 22

  • Martin Wuethrich appointed GM of Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa/
  • Traffic lights installed at Khao Tao junction/
  • Formal opening of new Phetchaburi Immigration office in Cha Am/
  • New PM in July a turning point for the Thai economy/
  • Official who oversaw Wild Boars rescue dies of cancer/
  • Remembering the “Moo Pa” Governor – the hero of the cave rescue/
  • Cheesemaker Spreads Joy In Tropical Thailand/
  • Laughing chickens bring joy and profit to Thai farm with their quirky crowing
  • AI Used to Catch Illegal Riders on Bangkok Footpaths/
  • Pattaya to construct four monorail lines/
  • Leopard sightings now common in Thai forests/
  • Tiger warning issued after footprints found near communities in Yala/
  • Economy: Thai economy stimulus: Government plans 1.9-trillion-baht boost/Phuket renews focus on medical hub plans after failing to win Expo bid /Foreigners snap up condo units/
  • Tourism: TAT unveils Meaningful Wellness Travel programs/Muay Thai travel experience campaign launched by TAT/
  • International: Journey to the bottom of the sea: On a Titanic tour/ASEAN emerges as top investment hub for EVs’ manufacturing and fintech firms/India’s IndiGo places record order for 500 A320 aircraft/China’s economic woes deepen/
  • 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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Martin Wuethrich appointed GM of Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa

Martin Wuethrich has been appointed as the new general manager of Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa. Bringing with him 30 years of hospitality experience and expertise, the Swiss national was most recently the general manager at Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur. – ttgasia.com

Traffic lights installed at Khao Tao junction

In a move aimed at enhancing road safety and address the recurring accidents at the junction of Soi Hua Hin 101 at Khao Tao, Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul, has announced the installation of traffic lights at the problematic intersection.

The traffic signals are expected to be operational by August this year. Continued …

Formal opening of new Phetchaburi Immigration office in Cha Am

The formal opening ceremony of the new Phetchaburi Immigration office in Cha Am took place on June 16.

While the office has been operational since March, the ceremony served as an official inauguration of the building, showcasing its modern facilities and improved services. Continued …

New PM in July a turning point for the Thai economy

As news emerged on Wednesday that a new government could be in place in July and not August as previously envisaged, a senior economist at Siam Commercial Bank has singled out the formation of a new government with a new prime minister without a political accident or stalemate developing as critical to the country’s economy this year, which could grow by up to 4% driven by a rebounding foreign tourism industry and younger Asian travelers with stronger consumer confidence as a result.

On Wednesday, the caretaker government’s legal expert, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, outlined a schedule that will see parliament meet earlier than anticipated in July and a new government put in place within the month. Continued …

Official who oversaw Wild Boars rescue dies of cancer

Pathum Thani Gov. Narongsak Osottanakorn, who was hailed for his role in coordinating the “Wild Boars” rescue operation in Chiang Rai over four years ago, has died after unsuccessful treatment for cancer, according to a senior official of the Interior Ministry.

He said Narongsak, 58, passed away peacefully at Siriraj Hospital at around 6pm on Wednesday. Continued …

Remembering the “Moo Pa” Governor – the hero of the cave rescue

Narongsak Osatanakorn was appointed to oversee a supposedly sleepy province in the north but ended up having to supervise one of its most breathtaking events that will forever be recorded not just in local, but also in international history.

Narongsak passed away on June 21 at the age of 58. He will be remembered forever as the “Moo Pa” (Wild Boar) governor for his strong leadership throughout the search-and-rescue mission for the 12 young footballers and their coach. On June 23, 2018, Narongsak, then governor of Northern Thailand’s Chiang Rai province, was set to leave for his new post in Phayao, another quiet northern province, but extended his stay to head up an almost impossible mission. Continued …

Cheesemaker Spreads Joy In Tropical Thailand

Thailand is renowned for its vibrant street food and luscious tropical fruits, but Rachanikorn Srikong is on a mission to make a new addition to the menu – cheese.

Vivid green rice paddies and fruit orchards cover the kingdom’s countryside, but dairy accounts for a tiny proportion of agriculture and cheese has not traditionally been part of the Thai diet. Continued …

Laughing chickens bring joy and profit to Thai farm with their quirky crowing

Unique laughing chickens in Trang are gaining popularity among farmers who are speedily breeding the novel birds for sale, creating an extra source of income. With a sound that resembles human laughter, the amusing birds are brightening people’s days and attracting eager customers.

Kritiwit Eiadnun, also known as Goong Kuanhan, a 50-year-old hospital worker and owner of the Pa Saun Kwang farm in Muang district, decided to breed the so-called “laughing chickens.” Continued …

AI Used to Catch Illegal Riders on Bangkok Footpaths

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has introduced artificial intelligence (AI) software to detect motorcyclists illegally riding on footpaths, through CCTV cameras at five spots before expanding the system to cover 100 locations across the capital.

According to the BMA, road accidents occurred to 900 pedestrians every year and it received most complaints about riders traveling on footpaths. Continued …

Pattaya to construct four monorail lines

The Pattaya City Administration plans to introduce four monorail lines to ease traffic congestion. It will begin with a 9.9-kilometer “Green Line” route, which will connect the future high-speed train station to Bali Hai pier.

Pongtavee Lertpanyavit, a project study supervisor, on Wednesday told the media the long-awaited monorail project would help mitigate traffic congestion and improve the city’s transport system. Continued …

Leopard sightings now common in Thai forests

Once rarely seen by visitors, sightings of leopards or panthers have become relatively common among tourists in Kraeng Krachan National Park, proof positive that Thailand’s work to protect and conserve endangered big cat species are bearing fruit.

The sightings have prompted the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to announce that it will cooperate with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to survey the population of leopards and panthers in Thailand to determine their numbers and locations. Initially, they will focus on the western forest complex, of which Kraeng Krachan is a part, as well as the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai and Phu Khieo-Nam Nao forest complexes. Continued …

Tiger warning issued after footprints found near communities in Yala

Villagers living near the edge of Bang Lang National Park in Tarnto district of Thailand’s southern province of Yala have been advised by park officials not to venture out on their farms after recent footprints of a tiger were found.

Padet Laithong, director of the Wildlife Conservation Office of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said a team of veterinarians and officials from the national park have been sent to investigate and assess the situation. Continued …

Thai economy stimulus: Government plans 1.9-trillion-baht boost

Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) unveiled plans to inject 1.9 trillion baht into the Thai economy to bridge the gap before the new government can budget for the year 2024, emphasizing fiscal reforms and monitoring household debt.

Secretary-General Danucha Pichayanan highlighted the need for industry restructuring and government action in response to shrinking exports, which is affecting the whole region, including Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. With an expected increase in foreign tourists and strong private consumption, the Thai economy is expected to remain healthy. Continued …

Phuket renews focus on medical hub plans after failing to win Expo bid

Phuket is turning its attention back to its international medical hub plans after losing out to Belgrade in its bid to host the next Specialized Expo. According to a report, government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri says the island will now market itself as a world-class health and wellness destination, in addition to its reputation as a favorite tropical island with lots of beaches and world-class entertainment.

While Phuket passed in the first round of voting to determine the Expo host yesterday, it was eliminated in the second round. In addition to Belgrade, the island was competing against Minnesota in the U.S., Malaga in Spain, and Bariloche in Argentina. Continued …

Foreigners snap up condo units

Foreigners spent more than 17 billion baht on condominiums in Thailand during the first quarter of 2023, an increase of 67% year on year and the highest in five years, the Government Housing Bank’s Real Estate Information Center (REIC) reported on Wednesday.

A total of 3,775 condominium units worth 17.12 billion baht were transferred to foreigners from January to March, the center said. This number is 79.2% higher than the same period last year. Continued …

TAT unveils Meaningful Wellness Travel programs

Embarking on a wellness journey in the 21st century has taken a significant turn, as people across the globe seek deeper meaning in their lives. Meaningful Wellness Travel has emerged in the realm of wellness tourism, reflecting the aspirations of post-Covid wellness travelers who yearn for more than just a spa retreat.

Travelers are seeking a transformative voyage that nurtures their physical and mental well-being, encompassing profound discovery, authentic connections, personal growth, and genuine fulfillment. In other words, a journey that fosters a beautiful harmony between people, culture, and nature. Continued …

Muay Thai travel experience campaign launched by TAT

The “Amazing Muay Thai Travel Experience” campaign has been launched in an attempt to expand Thailand’s tourism industry. This unique initiative aims to showcase the diverse ancient Thai martial arts across the four regions of the country.

Apichai Chatchalermkit, TAT’s deputy governor for tourism products and business, emphasized the use of the fighting art as a soft power asset to attract more visitors. Continued …

Journey to the bottom of the sea: On a Titanic tour

The journey to the ocean floor to reach the wreck of the Titanic is one that gets relentlessly colder and darker, says one of the handful of people who have ever visited the luxury liner’s watery grave. Continued …

ASEAN emerges as top investment hub for EVs’ manufacturing and fintech firms

Southeast Asia has emerged as a global investment hub, with the region serving as a “bright spot “despite global challenges, including geopolitical conflicts, inflationary pressures and economic slowdown, a forum heard on Tuesday. Continued …

India’s IndiGo places record order for 500 A320 aircraft

IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has placed a firm order for 500 A320 Family aircraft, setting the record for the biggest single purchase agreement in the history of commercial aviation. Continued …

China’s economic woes deepen

The Chinese economy, which was once a beacon of hope as the world’s second-largest economy, is now faltering. Domestic consumption, imports, exports, and high debt levels are all contributing to the crisis. The hope of becoming a global engine may not materialize, as young people losing their jobs becomes a common occurrence. Continued …

Click on image above for more information, or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 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 twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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