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Friday’s news-Jan 26

January 26, 2024 Hua Hin Expat News

Today’s news: Thailand anticipates scorching summer/Baht could depreciate further/La Felice Villa ‘Best Boutique Villa Development’/Two more ‘pet’ lions sighted/Three people to be charged/University students need English/Portable pesticide-detecting device/Electric Songthaew Pilot Project/Swiss man sacrifices arm/Wound healing abilities?/Economy: Land Bridge: A Project for No one/China’s Foreign Minister begins visit to Thailand/December exports rise 4.7%/Germany to expand EV investment/Tourism: High hopes for Thai tourism/Chinese tourist surge/Bangkok-Vientiane train to start/Tourist Speedboat Collides with Reef/Tourist fees worldwide/‘Monopoly: Bangkok Edition’/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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Thailand anticipates scorching summer, with temperatures up to 44.5°C

Thailand is bracing for an intense summer this year, with the Thai Meteorological Department forecasting that temperatures could soar to a sweltering 44.5 degrees Celsius (112 degrees Fahrenheit). The summer season, which is expected to commence toward the end of February and last until the end of May, is predicted to be unusually severe, with temperatures rising 1-1.5 degrees above the average.

Additionally, rainfall is anticipated to be 30% less than normal, which could exacerbate the already challenging conditions. Continued …

Thai baht could depreciate further against US dollar

The Thai baht, already experiencing a downward trend, could further depreciate against the U.S. dollar, potentially reaching 36 baht to a dollar, according to Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research). This forecast is contingent upon robust U.S. economic data, set to be released later this week, which could indicate a resilient U.S. economy.

Additionally, any delays in the Federal Reserve’s proposed trimming of interest rates could contribute to this scenario. Continued …

La Felice Villa Hua Hin named ‘Best Boutique Villa Development’

The Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards recognized 46 winners from across the region, with leading developers Asset Wise, Capitaland, and Asset World Corp. among those to be honored.

Winning in the “Best Boutique Villa Development” category was La Felice Villa Hua Hin, a PNP Real Estate Co. development. Celebrations took place at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chaophraya River as real estate industry leaders came together to commend the best of the best in what is the industry’s most anticipated awards event of the year. Continued …

Two more ‘pet’ lions sighted in Pattaya

Residents of a housing estate in Pattaya have been seeking help, after their foreign neighbor purchased two lions as pets, one of which gets loose and wanders around the neighborhood.

They have alerted the police to the presence of two big cats in Khaomakok Soi 3 in Banglamung district, but no action has been taken so far. The residents say that they believe this is because the owner of the lions is a foreigner. Continued …

Three people to be charged with owning a lion without a permit

The National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department will initiate legal action against two Thais, a Sri Lankan and a Ukrainian for being in possession of and moving a lion without a permit.

The department’s decision to charge them comes after a viral video clip showed a young lion recently enjoying a ride in a convertible in Pattaya, Chon Buri province. Continued …

University students need English to graduate

University students must have their English language skills tested and meet Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standards before they can graduate, said the government.

Each university can design its own tests, but the assessment must comply with CEFR standards, said government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. Continued …

Portable pesticide-detecting device for fruits, vegetables developed

In a bid to ensure the safety of food, the King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) has developed a portable device to detect pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. The device, called K-Veggie Screen, uses electrochemical sensors to measure the concentration of pesticides in food.

Developed by a team of researchers from KMITL’s College of Materials and Technology, led by Associate Prof. Dr. Darinee Promyothin, the search is now for commercial partners to bring it to market. Continued …

Chiang Mai University Introduces Electric Songthaew Pilot Project

On Wednesday, Chiang Mai University announced a pilot project for the development of a 100% electric songthaew or truck taxi.

Asst. Prof. Anucha Promwungkwa, the electric songthaew project manager, stated that after eight months of research, it was finally deployed. Anucha aimed to study the prototype and further expand the project from piloting two electric songthaews to red taxis in Chiang Mai. Continued …

Swiss man sacrifices arm in bear attack

A Swiss man cut off his right arm as a bear locked his teeth onto his arm and stubbornly refused to release its grip while he was volunteering at a wildlife foundation in the northern province of Chiang Mai.

The 32-year-old Swiss man is in a private hospital in Chiang Mai province after being attacked by the Asian black bear at the wildlife foundation in Chiang Dao district of the province yesterday. Continued …

Could this traditional Thai medicine have wound healing abilities?

Sea holly, or Acanthus species, is a prominent herb in traditional Thai medicine due to its ability to treat diseases and heal wounds. It is used in Asian recipes to improve the life quality of cancer patients and cure skin conditions such as wound healing.

The plant is grown commercially and sold in traditional Thai stores due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The white flower cultivar, A. ebracteatus, is more often used than the purple variety, A. illicifolius. Continued …

Land Bridge: A Project for No one

The land bridge project, a flagship initiative under the leadership of Srettha Thavisin, has been touted as the catalyst for Thailand’s economic growth engine.

However, despite the government’s fervent promotion, the project has failed to attract concrete interest both internationally and domestically. This piece delves into the geopolitical intricacies surrounding the land bridge project, examining the lack of alignment with major players, particularly China, and its implications on Thailand’s foreign policy. Continued …

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi begins four-day visit to Thailand

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China will commence his four-day official visit to Thailand today, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release.

He will pay an official visit to Thailand as a guest of the Foreign Affairs ministry from Jan. 26-29. The primary objectives of his visit are to enhance cooperation between Thailand and China in areas such as trade, investment, security, culture, tourism, and to exchange views on regional and international issues of common interest. Continued …

December exports rise 4.7% year-on-year, less than forecast

Thailand’s customs-based exports rose for a fifth straight month in December, up 4.7% from a year earlier, the Commerce Ministry said today. The reading compared with a forecast for a 6.0% year-on-year increase for December in a Reuters poll, and followed November’s 4.9% rise. Continued …

Germany to expand EV investment

Germany has vowed to expand its investment in electric vehicles in Thailand so the kingdom can become an EV regional hub, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said.

He made the remarks on Thursday at a media briefing after holding talks with Frank-Walter Steinmeier, president of Germany, who is on a three-day state visit to Thailand, which ends today. Continued …

High hopes for Thai tourism in 2024

Tourism industry leaders are expressing optimism for 2024 even though Thailand’s tourism industry has not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels either in terms of foreign tourist arrivals or revenues.

Indications that support the positive forecast were recently revealed at the Thailand Tourism Forum 2024 (TTF 2024), the annual forum focusing on the tourism/hospitality industry. Continued …

Thai travel agents expect Chinese tourist surge during Lunar New Year

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) anticipates a surge in Chinese tourists during the Lunar New Year holiday, estimating daily arrivals of 20,000 to 25,000. ATTA President Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn attributes this boost to enhanced charter and scheduled flights, alongside the visa-free scheme designed to spur Chinese demand.

Chinese arrivals have shown a marked increase this year, averaging 15,000 to 19,000 visitors daily, a significant leap compared to the same period last year. The number is expected to spike to 25,000 per day during the Lunar New Year holiday next month, informed by strong tour bookings. Continued …

Bangkok-Vientiane train to start in April

The State Railway of Thailand plans to extend its Bangkok-Nong Khai train service to reach Vientiane in April.

Trains will start operating from the Thanaleng station just across the border in Laos to the new Khamsavath station in Vientiane next month in preparation for the extended service in April, said the Department of Rail Transport. Continued …

Tourist Speedboat Collides with Reef, 12 Tourists and 3 Crewmates Rescued

On Wednesday, the Trat Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Center (CARDC) received an emergency report of a speedboat colliding with a reef, causing a shipwreck 16 miles away from the Laem Thian area, Koh Kood, Trat.

After 30 minutes, Trat CARDC lost contact with 12 tourists and 3 crew mates at the speedboat. Three Trat marine rescue speedboats were dispatched to coordinates as reported by the victims. However, the marine rescue teams could not find the victims or the speedboat in the reported area, according to the rescue team. Continued …

What to know about the increasing tourist fees worldwide

Travelers to Venice will have to pay up to witness its historic canals and islands, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

To regulate heavy tourist traffic and “protect residents,” the City of Water announced tourist groups will be capped at 25 people – about half the capacity of a tourist bus – and ban loudspeakers, which create “disturbances,” according to the Italian city. Over the summer, crowds in St. Mark’s Square, the city’s main plaza, caused bridges to back up and tourists saw overflowing trash cans. Continued …

TAT unveils new ‘Monopoly: Bangkok Edition’

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that Bangkok will be the third destination in Thailand to get its own official Monopoly board game, the Monopoly: Bangkok Edition, following the success of the Phuket and Chiang Mai editions.

Duangjai Kanteeranon, deputy executive director of Europe region, said, “We are so excited to announce the launch of the Monopoly: Bangkok Edition in collaboration with Winning Moves. The development of the Bangkok edition marks a significant milestone in our partnership.” Continued …

All eyes on flurry of global elections

The flurry of elections coming up this year could alter the geopolitical scene and may entail some drama and uncertainties, says OCBC Bank chief economist Selena Ling. “The political calendar year in 2024 will be busy, with more than 70 elections scheduled, including in Indonesia, India and the United States, just to name a few,” he said. Continued …

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Monday’s News-March 20

March 20, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

Food Carnival at Market Village March 25-April 16/
Thailand’s surging PM2.5 dust pollution shows little sign of abating/
Miss Thailand 2023 is Chonnikarn Supittayaporn of Chiang Mai/
Thailand’s ‘phanaeng’ tops list of best curries in the world/
Thailand’s e-commerce sector enters the next phase/
Immigration announces latest arrests of foreign criminals in Thailand/
Thailand to dissolve Parliament today ahead of election/
Rain and hail storms hit Chiang Mai, causing widespread property damage/
‘Golden year’ for Phuket property as condos and luxury villas sell out/
Teen pregnancy in Thailand decreasing, but the issue remains complicated/
Low reserves of Rh negative blood raise concerns for foreigners in Thailand/
Radioactive Cesium-137 found in smelting works – factories sealed off/
2 die, 5 hospitalized after eating poisonous horseshoe crab in Trat/
Tourism: Chinese arrivals predicted to top 300,000 in April/Red cards issued in Phuket, foreigners deported/Swiss man on the run after underage sex ring shut down in police raid/7 people rescued after their vessel capsizes in Andaman Sea/Thai Tour Guides Unite to Address Issue of Illegal Foreign Guides/Foreign Tourist Drowns in Strong Waves at Pattaya beach/Treehouses, tents and rafts can now be used for hotels/
Thailand Experience: The perfect fusion of what Thailand has to offer/
International: Swiss banking giant UBS to buy troubled rival Credit Suisse/Global warming driving more extreme droughts and floods/China’s Xi heads to Russia in visit for ‘peace’/
Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Food Carnival at Market Village March 25-April 16

Thailand’s surging PM2.5 dust pollution shows little sign of abating

Worries about Covid-19 may be gone, but PM2.5 is back, plunging Thailand into yet another crisis.

As the ultra-fine dust accumulates, blanketing many provinces, businesses and households are increasingly complaining about the health and economic impact.

The northern city of Chiang Mai, a top tourism destination, this month earned the unwanted title of worst air quality on the IQAir global index, reported by a Swiss technology company that monitors air quality in major cities worldwide. Continued …

Miss Thailand 2023 is Chonnikarn Supittayaporn of Chiang Mai

Miss Chiang Mai, Chonnikarn Supittayaporn, was crowned Miss Thailand 2023 on Sunday, at the Central Chaengwattana in Nonthaburi, Bangkok. The 24-year-old model and pharmacy graduate of Chiang Mai University succeeded last year’s winner Manita Farmer and will now prepare to represent Thailand at the 71st Miss World (Miss World 2023) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sakhon Nakhon’s Marisa Phonthirat was named the first runner-up, while Phatthalung’s Arabella Sitanan Gregory finished as the second runner-up. (pageantcircle.com)

Thailand’s ‘phanaeng’ tops list of best curries in the world

Thailand’s spicy “phanaeng curry” topped the latest TasteAtlas.com list of “100 Best Rated Stews in the World”, with 4.8 points out of 5.

Following it closely in the list published on Sunday were Japan’s karē, China’s Sichuan hot pot, Vietnam’s bò kho and India’s shahi paneer.

Apart from phanaeng, several other Thai dishes made it to the list, including green curry at 8th place, massaman at 9th, Thai curry 15th, yellow curry 32nd and red curry 34th. Continued …

Thailand’s e-commerce sector enters the next phase

Thailand’s e-commerce landscape is entering the next stage, where major e-marketplace players are introducing innovative features to woo customers instead of focusing on price wars, while social commerce is strengthening in a bid to capture buyers.

The growth of e-commerce will happen across diverse channels, ranging from social media to websites owned by product developers, said analysts.

Live-streaming as a method to sell products is gaining popularity because it encourages consumers to quickly make a purchasing decision, according to analysts. Continued …

Immigration announces latest arrests of foreign criminals in Thailand

Thailand’s immigration Bureau headed by Police Lt, Gen. Phakphoomphat Sajjaphan announced the latest arrests of foreigners who found safe haven in Thailand after committing multiple crimes abroad.

The roll-call on this occasion featured fraudsters, a drug dealer, a gun-toting gambler and a tax evader.

They were picked up on warrants and overstay in Phuket, Pattaya and in the Bangkok area where they were living without a care …. until immigration came calling. Continued …

Thailand to dissolve Parliament today ahead of election

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has submitted a decree to dissolve Thailand’s Parliament before the upcoming election, May 7 or May 14.

The dissolution will come into effect upon its publication in the Royal Gazette, which is expected today.

The decree requires approval from Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Continued …

Rain and hail storms hit Chiang Mai, causing widespread property damage

Several districts in Chiang Mai were hit by rain and hail storms on Saturday, causing widespread damage to houses, utility poles, trees and billboards. There were no fatalities, although one person was slightly injured.

According to reports, the summer rain and hail storms struck Mueang, Mae Rim, San Sai and Doi Saked districts. Hail covered several areas, turning the landscape white like snow.

Gov. Nirat Pongsitthithavorn has ordered the provincial public disaster prevention and mitigation office, district chiefs and local administrators to provide initial help to those affected and to survey the extent of the damage. Continued …

‘Golden year’ for Phuket property as condos and luxury villas sell out

Phuket’s property market has returned to pre-pandemic levels and all finished condo units and villas with pools have been sold, most of them to foreign nationals, according to the Phuket Real Estate Assn.

Phattanan Phisutvimol, its president, said the surge in sales of condominiums and luxury villas started after the Covid-19 pandemic receded last year.

Sales have surged to pre-pandemic levels and 823 real-estate projects, including hotels, were approved for construction last year, she said, adding: “This year will be the golden year for Phuket’s property market. The boom will continue.” Continued …

Teen pregnancy in Thailand decreasing, but the issue remains complicated

Maneerat got pregnant with her first child when she was only 17. As a result, she did not complete her education and was pushed into adulthood when she was not ready.

Her unplanned pregnancy has changed her life forever. Looking back, there was also mounting pressure that pushed her to this turning point.

“It was like when you’re squeezing something too hard, it trickles through your fingers. Can you imagine? I was just like that.” Continued …

Low reserves of Rh negative blood raise concerns for foreigners in Thailand

Low reserves of Rh negative blood are raising concerns for foreigners in Thailand.

While only 0.3% of the Thai population has Rh negative blood, around 15% of the UK and European population has the blood type. This shortage has resulted in concerning shortages of Rh negative blood in blood banks across Southeast Asia.

Visitors to the region who have had accidents or required surgery have found themselves in life-threatening situations because of the lack of available Rh negative blood supplies. In some cases, it has taken up to two weeks to find enough donors to supply the required amount of blood. Continued …

Radioactive Cesium-137 found in smelting works – factories sealed off

Missing radioactive material – Cesium-137 – has been found after checks at two smelting works in the Kabinburi industrial estate.

On Sunday, provincial Gov. Ranarojng Nakhonjinda and Permsuk Sajjaphiwat from the Office of Atoms for Peace were called in to examine a large amount of waste metal.

Hand-held Geiger counters found suspicious waste in a mountain of scrap metal that is brought in and processed at the factories. The factories were sealed off to protect the public. No further details were given about the origin of the waste. – Thai Rath

2 die, 5 hospitalized after eating poisonous horseshoe crab in Trat

Two people in the southeastern province of Trat have been confirmed dead, while five others were hospitalized after eating lethally poisonous mangrove horseshoe crabs.

Health officials in Trat repeated warnings this morning for people to be careful before consuming horseshoe crabs, which are a staple. The mangrove variety is poisonous, however, and is blamed for the deaths of two residents in the seaside province located next to the gulf.

There have been cases of people occasionally misidentifying mangrove horseshoe crabs, aka the round-tail horseshoe crab, which contains a toxin, for the Indo-pacific horseshoe crab, which has a tail covered by a sturdy carapace. The latter species is not poisonous and safe to eat. – Coconuts

Chinese arrivals predicted to top 300,000 in April

The Chinese government expects the number of Chinese tourist arrivals will rise to more than 300,000 in April, according to the Chinese ambassador to Thailand.

Han Zhiqiang, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Thailand, on Saturday paid a courtesy call to Phuket Gov. Narong Woonciew at the Provincial Hall.

After welcoming the ambassador, Narong gave an update on moves to set up sister cities with China, the Sino-Thai tourism outlook, and Thailand’s plans to chair the Specialized Expo 2028. Continued …

Red cards issued in Phuket, foreigners deported

Phuket’s new “red” and “yellow” card system has resulted in warnings and arrests for several foreigners. The system, launched earlier this month, has been implemented, without details, and is aimed at reducing crime and illegal activity committed by foreigners in Phuket.

The new system has been initiated in Phuket under the banner of the local immigration office, but has not, as yet, been introduced in other tourist zones around Thailand.

The system awards a yellow or red card warning for various offenses with no avenue for protest or appeal. Continued …

Swiss man on the run after underage sex ring shut down in police raid

The Royal Thai Police has, in recent years, prioritized the fight against underage prostitution linked with the human trafficking industry. On Saturday, Deputy National Police Chief Gen. Surachate Hakparn, or “Big Joke”, described it as a particularly egregious form of human trafficking.

However, there remains the blooming business of human traffickers importing young women into Thailand from poorer countries who are indentured, often for years, into a massive prostitution and wider sex industry with links across the kingdom’s borders.

A Swiss man was being tracked and his known associates in Phuket placed under surveillance this weekend after Thai police smashed an underage prostitution network with tentacles and customers throughout the island. A Swiss national is reportedly on the run through neighboring countries to Thailand after police smashed his sex trafficking ring specializing in prostituting young girls on the holiday island of Phuket. Continued …

7 people rescued after their vessel capsizes in Andaman Sea

Three tourists and four crew members from a speed boat were safely rescued after their vessel capsized near Ma Island in the Andaman Sea.

Responding to a distress call from the Andaman Adventure Co., operator of the speed boat service, after its vessel took on water as it was heading for Phuket from Lanta Island, marine police and other officials from the Hat Nopparat Thara National Park rushed to the rescue.

The rescue team managed to pluck all the seven crew members and passengers from the sea and took them to hospital on Phi Phi Island for first-aid treatment. Continued …

Thai Tour Guides Unite to Address Issue of Illegal Foreign Guides

A group of Chinese-speaking tour guides convened on Saturday to discuss the trouble caused by illegal guides who are stealing their jobs. The group complained they are being overlooked by the government, as their complaints, so far, have not been heard.

The complainers revealed at a meeting that some foreign guides are working illegally in Thailand and are stealing their jobs. These guides do not have a guide license, which is required by Thai laws, to operate as a guide. A guide is a protected occupation in Thailand that foreigners cannot work in.

They said they met on Saturday to petition the government to take action against the illegal guides, citing although their multiple complaints in the past about this issue have not been heard, they still want justice to be served. Continued …

Foreign Tourist Drowns in Strong Waves at Pattaya beach

Pattaya authorities have warned people of strong waves and winds after a foreign tourist drowned in the sea yesterday.

Sawang Boriboon rescuers rushed to Pattaya Beach near the Nipa Lodge intersection around 2pm after getting a report about a drowning tourist. When they arrived, they found multiple onlookers circling an unidentified foreigner who was lying unconscious on the beach.

The tourist of unknown nationality was about 55-65 years old. The rescuers tried to revive him by providing him with life-saving CPR but failed. There were no signs of a wallet or identification documents nearby. Continued …

Treehouses, tents and rafts can now be used for hotels

Owners of bungalows, container houses, treehouses, tents and houses on rafts can now turn them into hotels, as the Cabinet has approved an ministerial draft regulation related to buildings suitable for the hotel business, deputy government spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana said on Sunday.

The Cabinet approved the Interior Ministry’s draft regulation on Tuesday, she said, explaining that the goal is to “promote competition in the tourism industry”.

The draft ministerial regulation states that bungalows, container houses, houses on rafts, tree houses and tents are specialty buildings that people can live in or use. Continued …

The perfect fusion of what Thailand has to offer

If you’re anything like me, and your ultimate holiday is the perfect mix of discovering new cuisine, trying a variety of sports activities, and finding true relaxation, Thailand may very well be your perfect next travel destination. Whether you’re looking to visit vibrant Bangkok, or gorgeous and peaceful Khao Lak, both locations have it all on offer.

At The Athenee in Bangkok, located on the grounds of former royal residence Kandhavas Palace, the palace of Princess Malaya Alongkorn, food lovers can explore eight different restaurants, serving anything from local traditional to modern international cuisine.

At the Kintsugi Bangkok, by Japanese-American celebrity chef Jeff Ramsey, highlights include a cold walnut soba noodle dish and wonderfully fresh high-quality sashimi. Try to secure a seat at the counter, as seeing the dishes prepared and plated up close is quite the theater. Continued …

Swiss banking giant UBS to buy troubled rival Credit Suisse

Banking giant UBS is buying its smaller rival Credit Suisse for $3.2 billion in an effort to avoid further market-shaking turmoil in global banking, Swiss President Alain Berset announced on Sunday night. Continued …

Global warming driving more extreme droughts and floods

Twenty years of NASA’s global satellite data show just how much the extent, duration and severity of extreme droughts and floods have risen alongside warming global temperatures, a new study reveals. Continued …

China’s Xi heads to Russia in visit for ‘peace’

Chinese President Xi Jinping begins a state visit to Russia today, a trip Beijing has touted as a “visit for peace” as it seeks to play mediator in Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs 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-Chiang Mai flight schedules

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Monday’s News-Dec 26

December 26, 2022 Hua Hin Expat News

Hua Hin’s Banyan earns real estate award/Swedish group to play free concert at Black Mountain Jan 14/Foreign Tourist Finds Missing Sailor’s Backpack Off Koh Tao Beach/Royal Thai Navy confirms bodies of 3 more crew members recovered/Seawalls: A boon or bane for Thailand’s beautiful beaches?/The fitness and wellness trends to keep everyone fit in 2023/Why This Housing Downturn Isn’t Like the Last One/One of Thailand’s buzzwords of 2022 has been “‘BCG’/Foreign Investment Soars 74% During First 11 Months of 2022/Businesses upbeat about early 2023/Police to stop revealing nationality information of foreigners arrested/Foodies left fuming after world’s best cuisines ranked, Thailand 30th/Man Rescued off Phuket Claims to Have Been Floating in the Sea for 13 Days/Green Thoughts: Consider the Casuarina/
Tourism: New Year activities not canceled nationwide, but canceled hotel bookings rise/Queue-fixers help tourists stomach long lines at Bangkok’s Michelin-rated eateries/3 spas offering cannabis-infused treatments in Thailand to soothe your aching body/Trat, trade and tourism/Floating solar farm — green tourist attraction in Thailand/Another tourist falls from Thai waterfall/Awards Presented to 10 Model Tourism Communities/
Covid: 2022 was a battle to stay healthy/Thais in China face uphill battle to survive as Covid-19 rages/RT-PCR To Be Mandatory For Passengers to India From Thailand/Chinese city seeing half a million Covid cases a day/
International: Top UN, NGO officials to meet over Taliban ban on women staff/Putin says West aiming to ‘tear apart’ Russia/
Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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Hua Hin’s Banyan earns real estate award

Banyan Residences Villas Hua Hin has been named as the “Best Housing Development – Hua Hin” at the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards at a ceremony at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok.

The award is based upon the contemporary design of the villas, their livebility and encompassing facilities, including the 18-hole Banyan Golf Club and onsite Be Well Medical Center.

Swedish group to play free concert at Black Mountain Jan 14

Popular Swedish band Duo Jag will perform in a free concert at Black Mountain Golf Club on Saturday. Jan. 14.

The group will perform favorite hit songs from all genres of music from recent years.

Foreign Tourist Finds Missing Sailor’s Backpack Off Koh Tao Beach

A tourist from Norway found the backpack of one of the sailors missing after the HTMS 442 Sukhothai sank in the Gulf of Thailand last Sunday off Koh Tao beach.

The unidentified tourist handed over the backpack to Police Lt. Thanawat Sukkhata, deputy head for investigation at Koh Tao police station, and Koh Phangan Deputy District Chief Noppruek Chamnanrit.

Found within the backpack were Private Thaweesak Sae Siew’s ID card, Navy ID card number 21/64, plus Queen Sirikit Hospital and ATM cards. Also found were 46 baht in cash, a bronze-gold iPhone, clothes and toiletries. Continued …

Royal Thai Navy confirms bodies of 3 more crew members recovered

The Thai Navy has found the bodies of three more crew members who drowned when the HTMS Sukhothai sank in bad weather on Dec. 18. The bodies were recovered from near the wreckage of the ship yesterday afternoon.

The number of crewmen still missing is now 11, according to Vice Admiral Pichai Lorchusakul, who confirmed the bodies found yesterday are definitely from the ship, as they were wearing their sailors’ uniform.

The first body was spotted by the crew of the HTMS Naresuan and a fisherman found the second near Koh Phai, in the district of Pathiew, in Chumphon. HTMS Sukhothai sank off the coast of Bang Saphan district, in the western town of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Continued …

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You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
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The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

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Seawalls: A boon or bane for Thailand’s beautiful beaches?

Seawalls have sprouted at many of Thailand’s beautiful beaches, much to the dismay of locals and tourists alike. That feeling is shared by many experts, who say these coastal defenses are nothing short of a death sentence for sandy shores and their shoreline habitat.

“Academics across the world believe that seawalls spell the death of a beach. No matter where they are built, the beach will eventually be wiped away,” said Apisak Tassanee, founder and coordinator of the environmental activist group Beach for Life.

People are voicing concern about the construction of seawalls in several seaside provinces in Thailand, complaining that the structures do more harm than good. Continued …

The fitness and wellness trends to keep everyone fit in 2023

Despite significantly lower caseloads and high rates of vaccination, Covid-19 will continue to shape how we exercise and live our lives, pushing us to increase our focus on self-care and inspire a healthier lifestyle in order to make positive changes for the benefits of our health. And when it comes to working out, 2023 will bring a more personal and functional approach, says one health and fitness expert.

Chonlachai Arnamnart, deputy dean for Corporate Image and Communication at Mahidol University’s College of Sports Science and Technology, shared his predictions for the fitness and wellness trends that will take the center stage in the coming year to help us stay in shape and physically fit. He also offered some training tips to avoid injuries.

Even though gyms and fitness centers are now permitted to be fully operational now that the coronavirus crisis has started to subside, albeit with several safety measures in place, some fitness enthusiasts have been reluctant to return because the gym can be a hotspot in the spread of Covid-19. Continued …

Why This Housing Downturn Isn’t Like the Last One

The pandemic housing boom is over. The bust will look nothing like the last one.

Before the financial crisis of 2008, lenders barely bothered to verify mortgage applicants’ income. Today, they demand reams of evidence that borrowers can afford their loans.

Banks once held big pools of shoddy mortgages with little consequence. Now, such exotic debt securities hardly exist, and banks would find them too costly to hold anyway. Continued …

One of Thailand’s buzzwords of 2022 has been ‘BCG’

BCG has become one of the guiding principles of Thailand’s national development, with roots leading back to the Thailand 4.0 policy conceptualized by the governments of Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha.
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Foreign Investment Soars 74% During First 11 Months of 2022

Foreign investment surged by 74% for the first 11 months of this year, reflecting confidence among international investors in the Thai economy.

According to acting government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha received an overview report on foreign direct investment in Thailand over the first 11 months of 2022. The report stated that foreign investments totaled 112,466 million baht, a 74% increase over the same period in 2021, with over 5,000 new jobs generated as a result.

From January to November 2022, the Ministry of Commerce approved 530 requests by foreign investors to conduct business under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542, with Japan, Singapore and the United States topping foreign investor nations, respectively. Businesses that have been approved by the Ministry of Commerce are largely related to the Government’s policies on national infrastructure development, public sector investment promotion and s-curve industries. Continued …

Businesses upbeat about early 2023

Festive sentiment during the last week before New Year celebrations is considered the best opportunity for the business sector to increase sales, as economic uncertainties may cast a shadow on consumer confidence in 2023.

With normal shopping sentiment returning as pandemic curbs were eliminated, plus a string of stimulus measures announced last week, business operators anticipate brighter prospects to continue until early 2023.

However, some operators say the government should put more effort into promoting key sectors like tourism amid the recovery. Continued …

Police to stop revealing nationality information of foreigners arrested

According to Royal Thai Police spokesman Gen. Roi Ingkhapairoj, Thai police are being ordered to no longer give nationality information of foreigners arrested for alleged crimes in Thailand to the media.

The order was issued Dec. 24th to all provincial police bureaus in Thailand.

According to Roi, the order is after “requests” made by unidentified countries’ ambassadors who felt reports of their citizens allegedly committing crimes hurt what they called the positive image of their respective countries. Continued …

Foodies left fuming after world’s best cuisines ranked, Thailand 30th

USA – land of hope, glory… and a better cuisine than France?

If you’re also baffled at that statement, then join the tons of social media users who’ve stumbled upon the Taste Atlas Awards 2022 list of “Best Cuisines in the World.”

Originally tweeted by NoContextBrits, the controversial list has racked up more than 1.8 millions views, 14,000 likes and many, many opinions.

The results left a bitter taste in many mouths, with the UK and the USA both beating Thailand, which came 30th on the list. Continued …

Man Rescued off Phuket Claims to Have Been Floating in the Sea for 13 Days

A foreign man has been rescued near Racha Island in Phuket. He claimed he was holding onto an oil tank and floating in the sea for 13 days.

Emergency responders were notified by a tour boat operator that an unidentified man had been found alive floating in the sea 300 meters from Racha Island.

The man was taken onto the tour boat before arriving at the Chalong Pier, south of Phuket. The man was exhausted and weak and was taken to a hospital. Continued …

Green Thoughts: Consider the Casuarina

When it comes to tropical trees, the mangrove is top of the pops for environmentalists. Rightly so. It not only protects all our silt-laden and sandy coastlines from erosion, it is a nursery for an array of marine life. Continued …

New Year activities not canceled nationwide, but canceled hotel bookings rise

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has confirmed they have not canceled New Year activities. More than 3.14 million tourists are expected to join in events that will generate at least 11.2 billion baht.

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said, “There is no cancellation order or any change on activities for the ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023’, which will be held by the TAT together with private operators. Any order would be issued by the Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.

“We are expecting 3.14 million tourists on this New Year Festival, which will generate at least 11.2 billion baht.” Continued …

Queue-fixers help tourists stomach long lines at Bangkok’s Michelin-rated eateries

Snagging a seat at Bangkok’s famous street food stalls is not for the faint of heart.

The long queues from pre-pandemic days have returned – and with a vengeance, with the arrival of millions of tourists since Thailand eased Covid-19 entry rules earlier this year.

Snaking queues and hours-long waits have become the norm at some of these joints. Continued …

3 spas offering cannabis-infused treatments in Thailand to soothe your aching body

Those who want to try, or revisit, CBD massages can indulge next time they are in Thailand, where cannabis is now legal for medical use.

Cannabis oil has anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties.

Here are three Bangkok spas offering cannabis-infused treatments to help you relax or soothe aching muscles. Continued …

Trat, trade and tourism

After facing a slump for almost three years, economic activity in several border provinces is getting back on track, especially in Trat – which is a major tourist destination and a gateway to Cambodia.

The Koh Kong bridge connecting Trat with Cambodia

Travelers use the Ban Hat Lek border checkpoint in Trat’s Khlong Yai district to reach Cambodia’s Koh Kong province, which is also famous for natural and cultural attractions, as well as outdoor activities. Continued …

Sirindhorn Dam solar farm in Ubon Ratchatani

Floating solar farm — green tourist attraction in Thailand

The hydro-floating solar project, located in the Sirindhorn Dam in northeastern Thailand, has now become a popular tourist spot, with an exhibition center and a 400-meter-long “Nature Walkway”, where visitors can enjoy the dam scenery and view of the floating panels.

After a year of commercial operation, the project has shown its potential to serve not only as a pilot for energy transformation, but also as a platform to benefit sustainable livelihoods. Continued …

Another tourist falls from Thai waterfall

A Thai rescue crew helped to pull a British tourist, who had fallen from the top of a steep waterfall on Samui Island, to safety.

The victim was among a group of eight foreign tourists who had trekked to the top of the Na Muang Waterfall, a steep cliff that was made slippery by recent rainfall.

Luckily, the man did not fall to the bottom of the cliff, only to a spot not far from the top. He did, however, sustain some injuries and was unable to move, promoting his teammates to call for help. Continued …

Awards Presented to 10 Model Tourism Communities

Thailand has made strides in leveraging its cultural soft power to promote its national image in support of tourism and generating income for communities.

The “Model Community” campaign was launched in 2016 for this purpose, with this year seeing 10 communities selected as models for others to reference.

Representatives from the 10 communities recently received commemorative plaques on the occasion of their communities being chosen as models for community tourism. Continued …

2022 was a battle to stay healthy

Many health issues occurred in 2022, ranging from the easing of Covid-19 control measures, the discovery of the first monkeypox patient and liberalizing the cannabis law.

The National Communicable Disease Committee (NCDC) downgraded Covid-19 from a “dangerous communicable disease” to a “communicable disease under surveillance” in October as part of the country’s plan to enter a normal endemic period. Continued …

Thais in China face uphill battle to survive as Covid-19 rages

“Freedom as one wanted, but at the cost of discarding hygiene” is a message posted by one Thai national on a WeChat group chat in China.

This single statement sums up the current situation of the Covid-19 outbreak in China, where some estimates put as many as 40 million citizens are being infected by the virus on a daily basis.

Although the official numbers are close to 4,000 daily infections per day in a country of 1.4 billion people, the extent of the outbreak and the deaths can be seen from the overrunning of hospitalizations and the nearly a week one must wait to get cremated because the crematoriums are running 24/7 but cannot cope with the number of people who are dying. Continued …

RT-PCR To Be Mandatory For Passengers to India From Thailand

Inidan Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday said RT-PCR test for the detection of Covid-19 would be made mandatory for international passengers arriving from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand.

Any passenger from these countries found symptomatic or testing positive for coronavirus would be quarantined, Mandaviya said.

He also said filling up of the “Air Suvidha” form to declare the health status will be made mandatory for passengers coming from these countries. Continued …

Chinese city seeing half a million Covid cases a day

Half a million people in a single Chinese city are being infected with Covid-19 every day, a senior health official has said, in a rare and quickly censored acknowledgment that the country’s wave of infections is not being reflected in official statistics.

China this month has rapidly dismantled key pillars of its zero-Covid strategy, doing away with snap lockdowns, lengthy quarantines and travel curbs in a jarring reversal of its hallmark containment strategy.

Cities across the country have struggled to cope as surging infections have emptied pharmacy shelves, filled hospital wards and appeared to cause backlogs at crematoriums and funeral homes. Continued …

Top UN, NGO officials to meet over Taliban ban on women staff

Top officials from the United Nations and dozens of NGOs operating in Afghanistan are meeting in Kabul Sunday to discuss the way ahead after the Taliban authorities ordered all NGOs to stop women employees from working, aid officials said. Continued …

Putin says West aiming to ‘tear apart’ Russia

President Vladimir Putin blasted the West for trying to “tear apart” Russia and said his offensive in Ukraine aimed to “unite the Russian people”. Meanwhile, in Kyiv, a day after deadly shelling in southern Ukraine, residents held Christmas services on Sunday, defying Russian spiritual leaders who celebrate it on Jan. 7. Continued …

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