Emergency plan as smog chokes Thailand/Clean air, not hot air/Wildfires in Khao Yai National Park/Upper Thailand gets colder/Thailand’s forgotten youth/Myanmar’s human trafficking networks/Paying to avoid conscription/King Power family sues over accident/ECONOMY: Economy faces an uncertain 2025/To Prioritize Five Key Sectors/Wage hike unlikely to spur inflation/Forget American exceptionalism/Tougher rules for Chinese imports/Thai music industry in 2025/Action Against Illegal Foreign Workers/Japanese restaurants flourish/TOURISM: Plans to make Phuket a premium tourist destination/Pattaya Left Behind/Tourism stocks tumble/Chinese tourists recoil from Thai holidays/Thai soldiers save Chinese tourists/Visa waiver scheme questioned/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: 9 Surprising Places in Thailand/Thai Herbs Offer Relief/Most popular Thai dishes/Thai cities with terrible traffic congestion/CLIMATE THAILAND: Travel sustainably in southern Thailand/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
Minister launches emergency plan as deadly dust chokes Thailand
Thailand Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin issued an urgent response to soaring PM 2.5 air pollution levels, which have breached safety thresholds in 14 provinces, threatening public health.
Chairing an emergency meeting yesterday, Somsak revealed a series of measures to combat the crisis, which has affected 53 provinces since October last year and is expected to persist until Jan. 15. Continued …
Give us clean air, not hot air
The PM2.5 situation in the nation has become serious enough to warrant PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra holding a press conference earlier this week to clarify the government’s action plans for goals on the issue.
She told the assembled media she had demanded that this year’s pollution level must be lower than in 2024. She has also instructed the responsible ministries to prevent open burning on mass plantations and sugar farms. Continued …
Wildfires raging in Khao Yai National Park
Wildfires have been raging for about a week through the forests of the Dong Phaya Yen mountain range and adjoining Khao Yai National Park in Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima, and they are still not under control.
Multiple teams of firefighters have been trying to control the fires, but they are struggling against strong winds and difficult terrain. Continued …
Upper Thailand gets colder, more rain forecast in the south
Cool to cold weather has been forecast for today as a strong high-pressure system from China extends over upper Thailand and the South China Sea, the Thai Meteorological Department said.
Temperatures will drop by 3-5 degrees Celsius in the northeast, while the north, the central, including Bangkok metropolitan, the east and the upper south will see temperatures drop by 2-4 °C, the department said. Continued …
Thailand’s forgotten youth and why we should care
As Thailand celebrates National Children’s Day today, an occasion that promises joy and hope for many young hearts, a sobering reality lurks in the shadows.
Hundreds of thousands of children remain out of school and out of reach, left behind by a system that struggles to adapt to their needs. These children’s hardships reveal systemic cracks that demand urgent attention. Continued …
6,000+ reportedly held captive in Myanmar’s human trafficking networks
A report from the Civil Society Network for Victim Assistance in Human Trafficking, released on Tuesday, revealed that more than 6,000 people from 21 countries are being held captive in Myanmar. The victims, including 3,900 Chinese nationals, are reportedly subjected to severe physical and psychological abuse, with their families facing exorbitant ransom demands.
The report identifies Mae Sot in Tak province as a key transit hub for human trafficking. Chinese transnational criminal syndicates reportedly exploit this area with support from local armed groups, including Myanmar’s Karen Border Guard Force (BGF), previously known as the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA). Continued …
Military proposal on paying to avoid conscription sparks debate
The Thai military’s recent suggestion that citizens could be allowed to pay in order to avoid conscription has stirred a public debate.
Lt. Gen. Taweepool Rimsakorn, head of the Territorial Defense Command, proposed on Wednesday that those wishing to skip conscription could pay a fee, and the funds would be used to support voluntary recruits. Continued …
King Power family to launch biggest fatal accident action in English legal history
The family of former Thai tycoon Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha is ready to launch what will be the biggest fatal accident lawsuit in English legal history. Details of the £2.15 billion action have just emerged ahead of an inquest on Monday. Those legal proceedings will attempt to determine the cause of death of the chairman and owner of the Leicester City Football Club in 2018.
The Italian aerospace group Leonardo is facing the lawsuit over a 2018 helicopter crash. The crash claimed the life of Thai billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the former owner of the Leicester City Football Club, who was leaving the club on match day along with four others. After that, tragedy struck. Continued …
Economy faces an uncertain 2025 with all eggs placed in the foreign tourism industry basket
The chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and a top securities house on Thursday warned of tighter lending conditions in Thailand due to an uneven economic recovery. While both reported somewhere between 2.6%–2.8% GDP growth for the year, they highlighted concerns about the kingdom’s over-reliance on foreign tourism to power the economy.
Maybank Securities predicted a higher non-performing loan rate and dampened profits in the banking sector. At the same time, Sanan Angubolkul of the Chamber expressed concern about the disastrous impact of persistent dumping from China on small Thai manufacturers. Continued …
Government to Prioritize Five Key Sectors in 2025 to Enhance GDP Growth
In a move to bolster the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025, the government has spotlighted five key sectors to spearhead economic growth. These sectors have been chosen based on their potential for rapid expansion, job creation, and export potential. By prioritizing these areas, the government aims to diversify the economy and enhance its resilience against global economic uncertainties, ensuring sustained economic progress.
The first sector on this agenda is technology and innovation, which is anticipated to drive productivity and efficiency across various industries. This is closely followed by renewable energy, aligned with global shifts toward sustainable development. Continued …
Wage hike unlikely to spur inflation
The recent minimum wage hike should have a mild impact on inflation, according to the Commerce Ministry. Citing analysis of the impact of the minimum wage increase on headline inflation, Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, said the recent hike would raise inflation by 0.15% to 0.30%, keeping the rate within a range of 0.3-1.3% for 2025.
The study classified goods and services influenced by the minimum wage change into six groups. The first group consists of goods and services regulated by the government, representing 22% of the weight in the inflation basket. Continued …
Forget American exceptionalism, it’s a tri polar world
In 2024, the watchword in financial markets was “American exceptionalism”, as the U.S. economy and markets left the rest of the world in the dust. But as the calendar turns, it may now be time to remove these geographic blinders to consider the larger regional competition likely to reshape the global economy in the coming years.
We may be in the midst of a long-term global growth cycle driven by intensifying competition in the critical areas of artificial intelligence, green technology, and security between the world’s three dominant regions: the Americas, Asia and Europe. (It’s what I refer to as the Tri Polar World.) Continued …
5 Reasons to Install Solar in Your Hua Hin Home Now
- Save on Energy Bills: Reduce your electricity costs with clean, renewable solar energy – it pays for itself over time!
- Perfect for Hua Hin’s Climate – With abundant sunshine year-round, Hua Hin is ideal for maximising solar power efficiency.
- Boost Your Property Value – Homes with solar panels are more attractive to buyers, making it a smart investment for the future.
- Environmentally Friendly – Make a positive impact by reducing your carbon footprint and embracing sustainable living.
- Government Incentives: – Take advantage of local schemes and savings by switching to solar today.
Call for tougher rules to address Chinese imports
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) is calling on the government to enforce legal measures against the influx of low-cost Chinese products into the Thai market, which is expected to intensify this year.
“The current measures are not strong enough to protect local manufacturers, as they still face a flood of these imports,” said Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, a member of the JSCCIB. Continued …
Thai music industry expects to grow by 7%-8% in 2025
The Thai music industry, valued 15 billion baht, is expected to expand by 7%-8% year on year in 2025 on consumer preference on streaming platforms.
Phawit Chitrakorn, CEO of Thai record label GMM Music, expects the music industry to grow further, especially on the digital channel, which grew by an average of 10% over the past three years. Continued …
Locals in Pai Demand Action Against Illegal Foreign Workers
A group of businessmen and residents of Pai district in Mae Hong Son province have had enough and have sent a formal letter to the superintendent of Pai Police Station and Mae Hong Son Tourist Police demanding action after discovering that some foreign tourists living and traveling in Pai have violated various laws.
A representative of the business community and residents of Pai district in Mae Hong Son province handed over the petition for justice to the superintendent of Pai Police Station, and to Mae Hong Son Tourist Police. The petition called for investigations and enforcement action against foreign nationals working illegally in Pai district without a permit. Continued …
Japanese restaurants flourish in Thailand, nearing 6,000 nationwide
The popularity of Japanese food in Thailand continues to soar, with the number of Japanese restaurants approaching 6,000 nationwide in 2024, according to a survey by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
The study revealed that the number of Japanese restaurants increased by 2.9% from 2023, reaching 5,916 establishments. Growth was particularly high in tourist hotspots like Chiang Mai (+23 restaurants) and Phuket (+11 restaurants). Continued …
Plans to make Phuket a premium tourist destination outlined
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has unveiled comprehensive plans to transform Phuket into a world-class premium tourism destination, emphasizing the need for significant infrastructure improvements and enhanced tourist experiences.
During a high-level meeting at Phuket International Airport, the prime minister chaired discussions with key officials, including Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Natthriya Thaweevong, and Phuket Gov. Sophon Suwannarat, to address crucial development challenges facing the province. Continued …
Pattaya Left Behind in Thailand’s ‘Premium’ Tourism Upgrade Strategy
In a move causing a stir among the tourism community, Thailand’s prime minister recently unveiled plans to elevate Phuket to “premium” tourist status, seemingly leaving Pattaya in the shadows. This decision positions Phuket as a primary international hub, celebrated for hosting significant tourist events and benefiting from substantial private sector investment.
This strategic push is aimed at capitalizing on the thousands of tourists flocking directly to Phuket and bolstering its appeal through projects tackling urban challenges like traffic congestion, waste management, and organized crime, according to one source. Continued …
Tourism stocks tumble amid Chinese tourist fears
Thai tourism stocks took a hit as concerns mounted over a potential decline in Chinese tourist arrivals during the Chinese New Year. The drop follows revelations about a Chinese actor, Wang Xing, who was found in Myanmar and is suspected to have been a victim of human trafficking. This incident has cast a shadow over Thailand’s safety reputation.
Leading the decline was Minor International, which fell by 4.07%. Bangkok Airways dropped by 1.89%, while Asia Aviation and S Hotels and Resorts experienced declines of 1.63% and 1.89%, respectively. Continued …
Chinese tourists recoil from Thai holidays after actor’s disappearance
Chinese travelers planning to visit Thailand for the upcoming Lunar New Year are expressing growing concerns over safety, following the recent disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing, whose case has gone viral on social media.
According to the South China Morning Post, many prospective tourists have turned to online forums to ask blunt questions such as, “Is Chiang Mai safe?” and “How can I convince my travel agency to refund my expenses if I cancel my trip to Thailand?” Continued …
Thai soldiers save Chinese tourists from possible abduction in Tak
Members of the Naresuan Force thwarted a possible abduction of two Chinese tourists on Friday at the Thailand-Myanmar border in Tak’s Phop Phra district. The two were spotted by patroling officers of the regiment’s 421st Ratchamanu Task Force near the border in the early hours of Friday morning.
The tourists told officials they were waiting for someone to take them to Chiang Mai, but the individual had not shown up. Continued …
Visa waiver questioned with another China Crisis for foreign tourism driven by security fears
Thailand’s visa waiver scheme faces mounting scrutiny, as a series of crimes involving Chinese nationals, including abductions and scams, spark a crisis of confidence among tourists.
On Friday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra told reporters that she ordered the Digital Economy and Society Ministry to monitor media reports on Thailand circulating within the Chinese social media sphere. At length, the country is facing a crisis of confidence in the Chinese market. The situation is placing Thailand’s visa waiver scheme, initiated by the Pheu Thai-led government in early 2024, under the microscope. Continued …
9 Surprising Places in Thailand You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
When people think of Thailand, they often imagine the vibrant streets of Bangkok, the iconic beaches of Phuket, or the temples of Chiang Mai. But, this popular Asian destination has so much more to offer beyond the tourist traps.
Tucked away in less-visited corners of the country are hidden gems that showcase breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique experiences. If you’re looking to venture off the beaten path, here are nine surprising places in Thailand you’ve probably never heard of. Continued …
Traditional Thai Herbs Offer Relief from Winter Ailments
As winter approaches and temperatures drop, many individuals experience increased susceptibility to illnesses such as respiratory infections. Traditional Thai medicine offers a range of natural remedies to bolster health and alleviate common winter ailments.
Respiratory conditions like influenza and sore throats, as well as symptoms arising from air allergies, can often be alleviated through herbal remedies. Andrographis paniculata, for example, is known to effectively relieve cold symptoms, sore throats, and fevers. Continued …
Most popular Thai dishes of 2024
Six Thai dishes were included in the 100 Best Dishes in the World for 2024 list by TasteAtlas, a globally renowned food website. The rankings are based on 367,847 valid ratings for 11,258 dishes in the website’s extensive database.
The featured dishes are likely the Thai cuisine most favored by international audiences. However, it is noteworthy that some iconic Thai dishes, highly appreciated worldwide, did not make the list. These include Tom Yum Kung, which has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, and Pad Thai, a globally celebrated favorite. Continued …
Hat Yai tops 5 Thai cities with terrible traffic congestion in 2024
Tomtom (TOM2), the location technology specialist based in The Netherlands, released an annual report on global traffic trends and of five Thai cities ranked in The TomTom Traffic Index 2024 Hat Yai is highest up on the list, and while Bangkok placed fourth, it is the second most congested city in the world.
This year’s edition features 500 cities across 62 countries on six continents, making it the most robust and complete analysis ever made available. The index uses unified metrics to rank these cities based on their average travel time, as well as congestion level. It gives city-by-city information that can help urban planners and policymakers tackle traffic-related challenges and make informed decisions. Continued …
How to travel sustainably in southern Thailand
With its stunning beaches, vibrant jungles, and rich cultural heritage, southern Thailand has become a favorite destination for tourists. However, the growing number of visitors can harm the environment and local communities.
To combat this, Thailand is enhancing its efforts to promote sustainable tourism. The country is offering experiences that benefit both the environment and rural communities. There has been a rise in sustainable tour operators, eco-friendly initiatives, and responsible accommodation options. This encourages tourists to make more sustainable choices. 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