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Tuesday’s news-Aug 15

  • More double-track railways to open this year/
  • Scholars of Sustenance: Rescuing food and nourishing Hua Hin communities/
  • Kayakers tackle Sam Roi Yod River challenge/
  • Why you should consider getting a Thailand Elite Visa/
  • Elderly face limits on who gets meager welfare assistance/
  • Thailand election: House speaker chooses to wait for court’s ruling before setting date for PM vote/Srettha Not Being Replaced As PM Candidate/Prayut’s Party To Decide Shortly Whether To Jump Onto Pheu Thai Bandwagon/Thaksin and Pheu Thai have burned their bridges/
  • Economy: Chinese buyers gradually cool on Thailand property purchases/Drought limits electricity imports from Laos/Excise Dept mulls carbon tax on oil refineries and EV batteries/Taiwanese target Thailand for overseas opportunities/
  • Tourism: Thailand tops Top 10 foreign tourism destinations for Chinese tourists in 2023/How to Choose Ethical Wildlife Experiences While Traveling/
  • Thailand Experience: The Two Types Of Rice You’ll Find In Nearly Every Thai Meal/Awakening Singburi with ‘Sang See Sing’/
  • International: Donald Trump indicted on 2020 election fraud charges in Georgia/Bikinis in downtown Seoul spark ‘indecent exposure’ row/At least 25 missing after Myanmar jade mine landslide/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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More double-track railways to open this year

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

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

Scholars of Sustenance: Rescuing food and nourishing Hua Hin communities

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

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

Kayakers tackle Sam Roi Yod River challenge

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

Why you should consider getting a Thailand Elite Visa

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

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

Elderly face limits on who gets meager welfare assistance

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

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

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

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

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

Srettha Not Being Replaced As PM Candidate

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

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

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

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

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

Thaksin and Pheu Thai have burned their bridges

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

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

Chinese buyers gradually cool on Thailand property purchases

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

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

Drought limits electricity imports from Laos

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

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

Excise Dept mulls carbon tax on oil refineries and EV batteries

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

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

Taiwanese target Thailand for overseas opportunities

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

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

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

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

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

This is a definite no

How to Choose Ethical Wildlife Experiences While Traveling

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

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

 

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

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

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

Awakening Singburi with ‘Sang See Sing’

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

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

Donald Trump indicted on 2020 election fraud charges in Georgia

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

Bikinis in downtown Seoul spark ‘indecent exposure’ row

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

At least 25 missing after Myanmar jade mine landslide

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

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
baht, bangkok, climate change, hospitality, hua hin, phuket, solar, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Friday’s news-Aug 4

  • Thai baht falls on political uncertainties, Asian FX declines/
  • Heavy rain forecast for 43 provinces/
  • EGAT against further power bill cut/
  • Dismembered Body Part Found At Koh Phangan Garbage Dump/
  • Corrupt police officers linked to firework warehouse explosion/
  • 8 killed and 3 injured after pickup collides with train near Bangkok/
  • Villagers in Tak Wait For a New Road and Electricity/
  • Thailand election: Vote For Prime Minister Put Off After Court Postpones Pita Hearing/Pheu Thai party hints at coalition to include former coup supporters/Opinion: Pheu Thai’s Faustian folly/
  • Economy: Thailand bids to become smart, eco-friendly logistics hub in ASEAN/Chinese investors top BOI investment applications/Global rice trade shook by El Nino, politics, and embargo in Thailand/Thailand to turn global food security crisis into opportunity/Thai oil company division launches solar panel project/Smaller hotels struggling to cope with increasing costs/
  • Tourism: Bangkok beats Paris as most-visited city in 2023/Russian Man Drowns at Phuket Beach After Allegedly Ignoring No Swimming Warnings/
  • Thailand Experience: ‘Feels unreal’: College graduate visits Thailand to care for animals/
  • International: Trump pleads not guilty to election conspiracy charges/11 women mop the lottery floor in India/
  • 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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Thai baht falls on political uncertainties, Asian FX declines

The Thai baht hit a one-week low on Thursday on lingering political uncertainties after the populist Pheu Thai party took the lead in efforts to form a government, while other emerging Asian currencies fell against a firm U.S. dollar. The baht weakened 0.6% and equities in Bangkok shed 0.5%, a day after the Bank of Thailand raised its key interest rate by 25 basis points.

Southeast Asia’s second largest economy has been in political limbo since the May 14 election, and the latest twist came as the Pheu Thai party abandoned support for the reformist Move Forward party that had won most seats but twice failed to get parliament’s approval for its prime ministerial candidate. Continued …

Heavy rain forecast for 43 provinces

The southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, most of the country, as well as the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a low-pressure system over the upper coast of Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin, will continue to bring heavy to very heavy rain to 43 provinces,mainly in the north, northeast and eastern regions.

This is likely to cause sudden floods and flash floods, especially in hilly and low-lying areas. Bangkok will also see downpours, with 60% of the area affected. Continued …

EGAT against further power bill cut

Debt-ridden Electricity Authority of Thailand (EGAT) cannot yield to any further requests for cheaper electricity bills in the next four-month cycle, as this would affect its future investment in the power infrastructure.

Its accumulated loss, which accrued after EGAT subsidized power bills from September 2021 to May 2023, is projected to decrease to 135 billion baht at the end of this month, according to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). Continued …

Dismembered Body Part Found At Koh Phangan Garbage Dump

In a grisly discovery at a Koh Phangan rubbish dump yesterday, a body part was found in a blue plastic bag, with police suspecting it belonged to a foreign man who had been killed and his body cut up and disposed not more than 48 hours previously.

Within the blue plastic bag was the hip of a human being dismembered from both thighs to the waist. It is presumed to belong to a foreign man by thick black body hair. Continued …

Corrupt police officers linked to firework warehouse explosion

Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) Surachate Hakparn, acknowledged the presence of corrupt police officers within the force. He ensured to investigate the public’s concern over corruption allegations linked to the firework warehouse explosion.

Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn stepped forward to expose the corruption within the RTP that may have played a role in the firework warehouse explosion at Muno Market in the Sungai Kolok district of the southern province of Narathiwat. Continued …

8 killed and 3 injured after pickup collides with train near Bangkok

A pickup truck collided with a train in the early hours of this morning, killing eight Thai people and injuring three others near Klong Udon Chonlajon in Chachoengsao province near Bangkok.

Mueang Chachoengsao Police Station officers and a rescue team promptly rushed to the scene at approximately 3am today. They found a train, laden with containers, positioned on the railway tracks. Around 50 meters away from the train’s front, lay a completely wrecked bronze Isuzu pickup. Continued … 

Villagers in Tak Wait For a New Road and Electricity

Many places in Thailand’s rural districts still lack roads and electricity, and children have to do their homework by candlelight.

Yesterday, villagers in Tak Province gathered and demanded support from government agencies, such as the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Ministry of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, to expedite the approval of electricity installation and road construction in their village. They have been waiting for eight years and are facing legal obstacles. Continued …

Vote For Prime Minister Put Off After Court Postpones Pita Hearing

Soon after the Constitutional Court postponed a hearing on accepting a petition on the constitutionality of a vote denying Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat a second chance to be named prime minister from yesterday to Aug. 16, tomorrow’s scheduled House/Senate vote for prime minister also was put off.

House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha said as the Constitutional Court has postponed considering whether or not to accept the Ombudsman’s Office’s petition to rule on constitutionality of this vote, the first agenda of tomorrow’s joint meeting has been put off, with the second agenda moved up. Continued …

Pheu Thai party hints at coalition to include former coup supporters

Thailand’s next coalition government should include representatives from a diverse political spectrum to ensure public acceptance, Pheu Thai Party deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai said on Thursday.

Pheu Thai has taken up the responsibility of forming the government after the party with the most number of seats, Move Forward Party, failed in its efforts. Senior Pheu Thai figures on Wednesday announced the party’s “divorce” from Move Forward to stitch together a new coalition. Continued …

Pheu Thai’s Faustian folly

The political landscape of Thailand has always been tumultuous, but it has taken a tragic turn in the past 48 hours. The Pheu Thai Party, long touted by its supporters as politically savvy, finds itself caught in a tumultuous predicament, one of its own making.

A Faustian pact, sealed in the smoky backrooms of Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore, has led the Pheu Thai Party on a road to perdition. The strategy the Pheu Thai Party adopted was marred by poor calculations and a sense of impatience. Continued …

Thailand bids to become smart, eco-friendly logistics hub in ASEAN

In the realm of business and industry, a campaign is gaining traction in which the government is being urged to bolster the country’s standing as a prospective eco-friendly hub for logistics within the prominent Southeast East Asian alliance, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Moreover, there is a strong emphasis on preparing businesses to adapt to the dawn of smart, eco-friendly industries.

Suwit Ratanachinda, the individual at the helm of the Thai Logistics Service Provider Federation, has advocated for the impending government to adopt a firm policy stance to boost Thailand as a pivotal eco-friendly logistics center within ASEAN. He highlighted that Thailand’s geographical positioning and robust infrastructure, encompassing widespread roads and airports, create ideal connectivity to Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. Continued …

Chinese investors top BOI investment applications

Chinese investors are providing a welcome boost to the Thai economy by seeking opportunities to relocate their investments to Thailand.

The Board of Investment (BOI) reports receiving a steady influx of investment applications, particularly in the fields of electric vehicles (EV), electronics, and digital industries. Over the past six years, China has submitted more than 900 investment projects, with a value of more than 526 billion baht. Continued …

Global rice trade shook by El Nino, politics, and embargo in Thailand

In the face of mounting global food security concerns, the impact of El Niño weather patterns and international political disruptions are causing serious upheavals in the farming landscape, particularly in major global rice-producing countries.

Compounding the issue is Russia’s recent withdrawal from a vital agreement, which previously ensured the uninterrupted transport of Ukrainian grain goods through the Black Sea region. Continued …

Thailand to turn global food security crisis into opportunity

Covid-19, the Russo-Ukraine war, and climate change have brought the issue of food security into the spotlight, especially in countries where food prices are set to spike. There are currently about 200 million people who face food insecurity globally.

Chanthanon Wannakhajorn, secretary-general of the Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE), says that Thailand, a major global food producer, is ready to face the food security crisis. He is confident that Thailand produces enough food like rice, cassava, palm oil, pork, chicken, and eggs, he added. Continued …

Thai oil company division launches solar panel project

To promote clean energy usage, Global Power Synergy (GPSC), a member company of the PTT Group, recently launched a campaign to install solar panels for government agencies and non-profit organizations.

The campaign “Kon Mee Fai” (energizing people) will help reduce the energy costs of these agencies, boosting their efficiency in serving society and promoting a sustainable environment, Rosaya Teinwan, GPSC’s executive vice president of business development, said on Thursday. Continued …

Smaller hotels struggling to cope with increasing costs

Despite the upcoming lower power tariff, midscale and small hotels are still facing a surge in expenses due to high interest rates, while their rate of revenue growth lags behind those of five-star properties. Continued …

Bangkok beats Paris as most-visited city in 2023

The Thai capital has been ranked as top most-visited city in the world in 2023, according to a survey by Travelness.

According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek, caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was delighted to hear that Bangkok received the top ranking as the city with the most foreign visitors, totaling 22.78 million people, according to the travel website. Continued …

Russian Man Drowns at Phuket Beach After Allegedly Ignoring No Swimming Warnings

A Russian tourist drowned at a beach in Thalang, allegedly ignoring red flags and no swimming warnings.

The Phuket Tourist Police said they were notified of the incident on Thursday evening near dusk on Surin Beach. They arrived at the beach with red flags placed up by lifeguards, which meant no swimming was allowed along the beach. Continued …

‘Feels unreal’: College graduate visits Thailand to care for animals

How many bananas does an elephant eat in a day? Most people would have to hazard a guess when trying to answer that question, but Orangeville’s Laura DiCarlo can give a more educated answer based on real-life observations.

After completing her studies in animal care at Sheridan College in Ontario, Canada, DiCarlo spent two weeks in Thailand this past May working alongside experienced veterinarians to provide care to animals. Continued … 

Trump pleads not guilty to election conspiracy charges

Former U.S. president Donald Trump pleaded not guilty on Thursday to criminal charges that he conspired to overturn the results of the 2020 election and defraud the American people. Continued …

11 women mop the lottery floor in India

Life has taken a decidedly fortunate turn for 11 female sanitation workers in southern India, who are no longer in the shit after scooping 100 million Indian rupees (41 million baht) on a united lottery ticket. These women, who were previously struggling to make ends meet with meager daily wages of 250 Indian rupees (100 baht), can now look forward to a brighter future. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, chiang mai, covid, hua hin, medical tourism, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s news-Aug 2

  • No alcohol sales today for religious holiday/
  • Foreign ‘Mafia’ group holds gun to head of tourists in Pattaya/
  • Robbery at Hua Hin gold shop: Thief flees with necklaces worth 300,000 THB/
  • Boy, 9, missing off PKK beach/
  • Local radio station Surf FM re-brands to SURF Radio/
  • Major landslide warning for 45 provinces as Thailand braces for heavy rainfall/
  • Wondering how to keep strong and age well? Think muscle health/
  • Mega changes ahead for Thailand’s Elite visa/
  • Move Forward ready to sacrifice government position to ensure no coup makers/
  • Tragic Fireworks Warehouse Explosion Leaves Community Severely Affected/
  • Economy: Employment on the rise as Thai economy continues to recover/Thai inflation to remain relatively low in Q3/Thai govt mulls halting Central Plains rice farming amid anticipated drought/Global warming could inflict massive loss on Thai agriculture/Founder of Wind Energy Holdings awarded US$900M in compensation by UK court/
  • Tourism: Beach beating: 20 Thai transwomen assault foreigners in Pattaya/Two Indian Men Drown At Phuket Beach After Allegedly Ignoring No Swimming Warnings/Bangkok: Digital nomads’ No.1 destination/Tourism revival in Thailand risks airport slot overcrowding/Marine officials close Maya Bay for 2 months’ ‘rest’ from tourists/Full Moon Party faces Buddha Days, water shortages this month/
  • Thailand Experience: What footprints do we, as tourists, leave behind?/5 great ways retirees in Thailand spend their free time/Indulging in Meaningful Wellness experiences in Koh Samui/Surin marks Asanha Bucha with elephant parade/Things to See and Do in Northern Thailand/
  • International: Trump indicted for efforts to overturn 2020 election and block transfer of power/Food security at risk without global cooperation, authorities warn/Myanmar junta pardons ex-leader Suu Kyi for five offenses/Chinese EVs smash monthly sales records/
  • 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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No alcohol sales today for religious holiday

Foreign ‘Mafia’ group holds gun to head of tourists in Pattaya

A shocking incident took place at the Voice of Navy 5 Viewpoint in Pattaya, as a Thai witness captured a distressing video of a foreign mafia member threatening a group of Asian men at gunpoint.

The video, lasting 1.39 minutes, shows a foreign mafia man dressed in all-black attire brandishing a gun and intimidating approximately 10 foreigners, believed to be Kuwaiti nationals. The most alarming moment was when the gunman pointed his weapon directly at the head of one of the men. Continued …

Robbery at Hua Hin gold shop: Thief flees with necklaces worth 300,000 THB

A thief dressed as a FoodPanda delivery rider struck a well-known gold shop in Hua Hin on Tuesday, brazenly escaping with a haul of gold necklaces worth nearly 300,000 baht.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 PM when Deputy Superintendent of Police at Hua Hin Police Station Pichaya Rongleua received a report of a robbery at the Yaowarat Gold Shop on Chomsin Road. Continued …

Boy, 9, missing off PKK beach

A search used rubber boats and drones to inspect an area of approximately 3 kilometers in search of a 9-year-old boy who went missing after swimming in the sea at Suan Son Beach yesterday. There were strong winds and waves at the time.

The missing boy and his family were visiting Samut Sakhon Province. The rescue operation involved hundreds of officials who combed an 800-meter stretch along the coastline. Specialized rescue divers searched an additional 1-kilometer distance into the sea.

Local radio station Surf FM re-brands to SURF Radio

The radio station started life 20 years ago by Pongsawatch Charoennithithat with a vision to provide English radio for expat residents and visitors to the area.

While the radio station initially experienced some success, it soon faced challenges due to inadequate signal, and low advertising sales. Continued … 

Major landslide warning for 45 provinces as Thailand braces for heavy rainfall

Continual rainfall appears to be holding Thailand under its reign. The Thai Meteorology Department (TMD) warned of potential landslides in 45 provinces, including Bangkok.

The precipitation accumulation could lead to sudden flooding and running forest water in the northern, eastern, and western southern provinces. Residents in these locations are advised to be cautious, especially around mountainous areas, or near river paths. Continued … 

Wondering how to keep strong and age well? Think muscle health

Sometimes it’s not until later in life that a person starts to think about aging well.Healthy aging can mean many things, from keeping your memory intact to maintaining an active social life to staying in peak physical condition.

One component of aging well is supporting your muscle health. Muscle loss begins around age 40 and increases year after year, accelerating at around age 70. Continued …

Mega changes ahead for Thailand’s Elite visa

The Thai Elite visa, which offers multiple-entry stays between five and 20 years, will totally replace its current packages on Oct. 1, 2023. Founded by then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 2003, Thailand Privilege Card Co. is wholly owned by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. But a new senior management team at Elite has decided to introduce unprecedented changes.

All new applications for Elite must be made by Sept. 15 under the existing application rules: after that it will be too late. Current holders of the popular Elite Easy Access – a five-year visa available for a cash payment of 600,000 baht – have until Aug. 15 to transfer to a longer Elite visa, usually for 20 years: after that it will be too late. Continued …

Move Forward ready to sacrifice government position to ensure no coupmakers

The Move Forward is ready to move to the opposition to ensure that neither the Palang Pracharath Party or the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party are in the next government coalition, a MFP MP said today.

Despite taking the lead in forming the government, the Pheu Thai Party has experienced difficulties due to Move Forward Party’s electoral promise to amend the lese-majeste laws and the refusal of the senate and more conservative parties to side with them while MFP was in the coalition. Continued …

Tragic Fireworks Warehouse Explosion Leaves Community Severely Affected

The death toll from the massive explosion at a fireworks and firecracker warehouse in the southern Thai province of Narathiwat has risen to 12, with more than 120 people injured. About 100 residential buildings in the area were also damaged.

Of the injured, 10 people are still being treated in hospitals, while the rest have returned home but are still suffering from the psychological aftermath. Continued with video …

Employment on the rise as Thai economy continues to recover

The employment situation for Thais has consistently improved, reflecting the continued economic recovery following the pandemic, the National Statistical Office reported this week.

During thesecond quarter of 2023, 660,000 people found jobs, bringing the total number of employed individuals to 39.7 million. The increase in working hours also indicates a rise in job opportunities, with around 560,000 more people working full time (35-49 hours per week) compared to the same period in 2022. Continued …

Thai inflation to remain relatively low in Q3

The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) expects domestic inflation to remain relatively low in the third quarter following the 2.49% inflation in the first half of this year, while the Commerce Ministry estimates this year’s domestic inflation at 1%-2% with a median figure of 1.5%.

According to Wisit Limluecha, vice chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and chairman of the Processed Food and Future Food Committee (PFC) of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), the food industry is facing risks and challenges, such as economic stagnation, inflation, rising oil prices, and the effects of the El Nino phenomenon. Continued …

Thai govt mulls halting Central Plains rice farming amid anticipated drought

In a bid to counteract the effects of a potential drought, the central government of Thailand is contemplating the suspension of rice cultivation in the Central Plains region. This proposal comes alongside the potential establishment of a command center to combat reduced rainfall and water shortages.

The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) initiated this conversation, citing apprehensions about the forecasted decrease in this year’s nationwide rainfall. Surasri Kidtimonton, the secretary-general of the ONWR, expressed worry that the rainfall for the year has fallen below average, sparking prospects of a more arid rainy season. Continued …

Global warming could inflict massive loss on Thai agriculture

Global warming could break new records next year, severely affecting the agricultural sector and potentially causing losses of over 2.85 trillion baht by the year 2045, weather experts have warned.

During a panel discussion entitled “Cope and Adapt to Prevent the Global Warming Crisis”, Associate Professor Vishnu Atthavanich from the Faculty of Economics at Kasetsart University said that around 1.2 trillion trees would need to be planted just to absorb the carbon dioxide emitted in the past decade, adding that planting such a massive number of trees over a short period would be extremely challenging, if not impossible. Continued …

Founder of Wind Energy Holdings awarded US$900M in compensation by UK court

Founder and former CEO of Thai renewable energy firm Wind Energy Holdings (WEH) has been awarded US$900 million (about 30 billion baht) in compensation by a British court over a share sale swindle.

On July 31, the British court ordered the current chairman of Wind Energy Holdings (WEH) and 13 other co-defendants to compensate the founder of the company for fraudulently conspiring to lure the plaintiff into selling his shares in WEH at an undervalued price, according to a BBC Thai report. Continued …

Beach beating: 20 Thai transwomen assault foreigners in Pattaya

In the early hours of this morning, a gang of 20 Thai transwomen unleashed a physical assault on three foreigners along Beach Road in Pattaya, raising concerns due to their previous involvement in violent acts in the area.

The Pattaya Tourist Police swiftly responded to a distress call and arrived at the scene to aid the victims, comprising two Saudi Arabian men and one Palestinian man. Visibly shaken, the foreigners were taken to the police station for questioning. Continued …

Two Indian Men Drown At Phuket Beach After Allegedly Ignoring No Swimming Warnings

Two Indian tourists drowned at Karon Beach, Mueang Phuket, after allegedly ignoring red flags and no swimming warnings.

Emergency responders were notified of the incident at 6:45pm at Karon Beach on Tuesday. They arrived at the beach with red flags, which meant no swimming allowed, placed along the beach. Continued …

Bangkok: Digital nomads’ No.1 destination

Bangkok earned the prestigious title of top city for digital nomads worldwide, according to a recent survey conducted by CommercialSearch, a renowned platform specializing in working and co-working spaces. The bustling metropolis outshone all its competitors in this year’s rankings of the Best Cities for Digital Nomads.

CommercialSearch’s evaluation process involved assessing cities globally with populations exceeding 400,000 residents and completing data in all their metrics. From this comprehensive list, 57 cities emerged as the top contenders, with only one city selected from each country, ensuring a diverse set of large, well-connected urban centers that present outstanding choices for those embracing the digital nomad lifestyle. Affordability, Internet speed, coworking costs, fun factor, and safety were the key factors considered for the rankings. Continued …

Tourism revival in Thailand risks airport slot overcrowding

In anticipation of the upcoming high season, Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) has expressed concerns over the slot capacity at international airports. As more flights are set to resume, it is predicted that the country will receive around 8 million tourists this year, primarily derived from long-haul markets anticipating a significant tourism revival.

The TAT’s expectations for overall foreign visitors this year include at least six million individuals from Europe, one million from the Americas, and an estimated half a million from the Middle East. Continued …

Marine officials close Maya Bay for 2 months’ ‘rest’ from tourists

Krabi’s Maya Bay, on Koh Phi Phi Leh, has been closed for two months to give the ecosystem time to recover before the return of the tourist high season. The closure has been confirmed by Ratchanok Phaenoi, chief of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park.

The picturesque bay, arguably the most famous in Thailand thanks to the 2000 Leonard di Caprio movie, The Beach, will re-open on Sept. 30. Continued …

Full Moon Party faces Buddha Days, water shortages this month

Local party and event organizers have scrambled to host the infamous Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach in Koh Pha Ngan this week while facing a number of setbacks. The country is seeing a surge in tourism due to the super-extended six-day holiday weekend, but that brings a downside for the partygoers on the island.

Normally, the week of Full Moon is full of all-night parties for at least five days, with popular shindigs like Waterfall Party and OXA Beach two nights before Full Moon, the legendary Jungle Experience the night before, Maya the day after and another Waterfall Party two days after, along with many other weekly and monthly events around the island. Continued …

What footprints do we, as tourists, leave behind?

When COVID broke out, I was an expat living in northern Thailand. In 2020, and most of 2021, the country had no access to COVID vaccines. The Thai government shut its borders to prevent the spread of disease. Most foreigners were locked out of Thailand. I was locked in.

Thailand’s shutdown of international tourism reduced the spread of COVID and was good for the natural environment. Local media reported that endangered animals were returning to coastal areas. Unfortunately, the Thai economy is heavily dependent upon international tourism. For the Thai people, the shutdown was a financial disaster. Continued …

5 great ways retirees in Thailand spend their free time

If you’re a retired expat settling down in Thailand, we bet you are keen to find your golden years with more than just basking in the sun (not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course). When the days feel a bit long, and you find yourself browsing “things to do when retired and bored” on your search engine, it’s a clear sign that you need to shake things up a bit.

But don’t worry. Thailand has a wealth of entertainment and activities that are perfect for retirees. Here are some of the most exciting ways to make your retirement in Thailand feel vibrant and thrilling. Continued …

Indulging in Meaningful Wellness experiences in Koh Samui

Koh Samui, Thailand’s second largest island, is not only well-known for turquoise waters, white sand, and tropical rain forests but also for being one of the top wellness destinations in Thailand. What makes the tropical paradise a wellness destination? Well, it’s not merely due to its sandy beaches.

The amicable and rich culture, healthy and authentic southern Thai delicacies, diverse flora, well-protected fauna and the island’s unrivaled serenity all enrich one’s body, mind and soul. So, what is an ideal “well-cation” in Samui? Read on to find out what a perfectly curated wellness experience in Koh Samui looks like. Continued …

Surin marks Asanha Bucha with elephant parade

Thirty-seven elephants carried 71 monks in a merit-making ceremony marking Asanha Puja Day in the northeastern province of Surin on Tuesday morning.

Hundreds of Thai Buddhists attended the ceremony to offer food and refreshments to the monks, while visitors took close-up shots of the elephant parade. According to the local report, this is the world’s only merit-making ceremony held on the elephant back. Continued … 

Things to See and Do in Northern Thailand

Earlier this year, I was planning a trip to Thailand, as I’d not been to this popular destination in a long while. Initially, I had wanted to book a trip to Bangkok or Phuket, as I was familiar with those locations and missed traveling there.

But after thinking it over, I decided to try something new for once. After looking up potential destinations to visit in Thailand, I made up my mind to book a trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s beloved “Rose in the North”. Continued … 

Trump indicted for efforts to overturn 2020 election and block transfer of power

Donald Trump was indicted on felony charges Tuesday for working to overturn the results of the 2020 election in the run-up to the violent riot by his supporters at the U.S. Capitol, with the Justice Department moving to hold him accountable for an effort to block the transfer of presidential power.

The four-count indictment, the third criminal case against Trump, provided deeper insight into a dark chapter in American history that has already been the subject of exhaustive federal investigations and captivating public hearings. It chronicles a months-long campaign of lies about the election results and says that, even when those falsehoods culminated in a chaotic insurrection at the Capitol, Trump sought to exploit that violence by trying to delay further the counting of votes that sealed his defeat. Continued …

Food security at risk without global cooperation, authorities warn

Amidst the global food crisis, caused by soaring prices worldwide due to the Russian war in Ukraine and volatile weather conditions, India’s ban on rice exports has raised concerns about food security. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has proposed that several countries review their food export policies to address the increasing food security concerns. Continued … 

Myanmar junta pardons ex-leader Suu Kyi for five offenses

Myanmar’s military-led government has reduced the prison sentences of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi in clemency connected to a religious holiday in the Buddhist-majority country, state media said Tuesday. Continued …

Chinese EVs smash monthly sales records

Three of China’s top electric vehicle (EV) start-ups reported record monthly sales in July, as a release of pent-up demand in the world’s largest market for battery-powered cars continues. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
hua hin, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s news-June 14

  • So where are the aliens hiding in Hua Hin?
  • Hua Hin Beach Life 2023 festival in Khao Takiab, July 21-23/
  • Beer Truck Overturns in Nakhon Pathom: Over 2,500 Cases Lost/
  • Pita Is Confident In ITV Case; Anutin, Prawit Deny Being Involved/
  • Egg Price Hike Hits Low-Income People; Food Vendors Try to Cope/
  • Pattaya Finally Removing Unsightly Electrical Wires off Walking Street/
  • Nearly 6,400 people laid low in Phuket by digestive disease outbreak/
  • Thailand’s National Animal Is Pushing Back against Habitat Loss/
  • Narathiwat locals go gold hunting in canals for additional income/
  • Economy: Parsing the economic impact of the parched season/Plan to relocate factories to industrial estates on track/
  • Thailand Experience: Ten waterfalls worth visiting during the rainy season/Surin’s connection to the ancient Khmer Empire/
  • International: Asia’s gamblers cheer wave of legalization/Ukraine advances in counteroffensive, NATO pledges support/Influencers overtaking journalists as news source/Trump pleads not guilty/
  • 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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So where are the aliens hiding in Hua Hin?

It was a balmy summer evening’s dusk in Hua Hin, the seaside resort town south of Bangkok. I was sipping a vodka and tonic on the sea-facing porch of a quiet local hotel, swatting mosquitoes and looking out into the gloom. The air-quality index was good, as was visibility, and I recognized many constellations. Then the stars began to move.

First, one slid to the left and veered right, gaining speed and distance until it was far out to sea. Meanwhile, three more flew in from left field, moving in a tight V formation. A sharp laser-like beam of light emanated from the foremost light. More flew in, some projecting lights, others with blinking signals of different colors. Continued …

Beer Truck Overturns in Nakhon Pathom: Over 2,500 Cases Lost

Traffic in Nakhon Pathom came to a halt yesterday when a beer-laden tractor-trailer overturned on the Malai Maen road near Nong Ngu Lueam village, causing widespread congestion and scattering its cargo across the carriageway.

The trailer, registered in Prachuap Khiri Khan, was carrying a full load of beer when it tipped over, spilling approximately 2,520 cases of beer — worth at least 1 million baht — across the inbound lane to Nakhon Pathom city. Continued … 

Pita Is Confident In ITV Case; Anutin, Prawit Deny Being Involved

Move Forward Party PM candidate Pita Limjaroenrat expressed confidence on Tuesday that he will survive the ITV share ownership scrutiny because he and his party have more information to fight against the allegation.

Pita was also asked about another possible move where 50 MPs could force the voting for the new PM to be deferred, citing Pita’s alleged lacking of qualifications. He said he’ll have to look into the legal details on the matter first. Continued … 

Egg Price Hike Hits Low-Income People; Food Vendors Try to Cope

Thai low-income people face rising costs of living as the price of eggs increases, which has a significant impact on their lives, as an egg is a basic protein for low-income people.

Chicken farms in several provinces have already increased their retail prices from 3.60 baht per egg, on May 15, to 3.80 baht per egg. The price is also expected to rise to 4 baht per egg soon. Continued … 

Pattaya Finally Removing Unsightly Electrical Wires off Walking Street

The unsightly mess of electrical wires above Pattaya Walking Street are finally being dismantled in response to completion of an underground cable installation project.

The underground cable project, which is part of the city’s plan to improve the street’s scenery, has been carried out off and on over the past few years and caused a lot of inconvenience to tourists and residents alike. Continued …

Nearly 6,400 people laid low in Phuket by digestive disease outbreak

A viral outbreak targeting the digestive system has left near 6,400 people fighting diarrhea in Phuket province in the last week.

Dr. Kusak Kukiattikul from Phuket’s public health said on Tuesday that the number of patients were the highest on June 8, adding that both Thai and foreigners had developed symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Continued …

Thailand’s National Animal Is Pushing Back against Habitat Loss

From her yard, she can see the place where it happened. The spot out back by the eucalyptus trees that she ran to, and immediately understood what had happened – the stillness, the odd calm that hung over the site of the calamity.

Piyawan Daonan is standing in her driveway in Tha Thakiap, a district in the Thai province of Chachoengsao. The 42-year-old, slender mother of two can only fall asleep these days with the help of medication – a restless slumber punctuated by nightmares – ever since she became a widow. Without looking herself, she points to the place, just a couple hundred meters away, where her husband was trampled to death by an elephant. Continued …

Narathiwat locals go gold hunting in canals for additional income

Apart from rubber and fruit farming, the residents of Phukhao Thong community in Sukhirin district of Narathiwat province also pan for gold in the canals to generate income.

A 66-year-old Phukhao Thong community resident, Saengarun Chanhom, said on Tuesday that locals can pan for gold throughout the year as they were not allowed to use machines for the activity. Continued …

Parsing the economic impact of the parched season

The effects of the El Niño weather pattern are becoming increasingly evident with the persistence of hot, dry weather and high temperatures despite the official start of the rainy season on May 22, as announced by the Meteorological Department.

The department said the total rainfall throughout the country during the rainy season will be lower this year than in 2022, roughly 5% below the annual average. This anticipated decrease in rainfall may result in prolonged dry spells across numerous regions, leading to potential water shortages. Continued …

Plan to relocate factories to industrial estates on track

The Industry Ministry is planning to push domestic manufacturers to relocate their factories to industrial estates to enhance business operations and minimize the environmental impact caused by factories.

“We want to see entrepreneurs move their manufacturing bases to industrial zones, be they the industrial estates under the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) or the industrial parks under the Department of Industrial Works,” Nattapol Rangsitpol, the Industry Ministry’s permanent secretary, said on Monday. Continued …

Ten waterfalls worth visiting during the rainy season

The rainy season is an ideal time to visit Thailand’s waterfalls, because they are at their most beautiful.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has recommended 10 such waterfalls located in national parks across the country. These include: Continued …

Surin’s connection to the ancient Khmer Empire

Surin is a province located in northeastern Thailand, known as Isaan. It is situated about 450 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. Surin is famous for its rich cultural heritage, traditional festivals, and unique attractions.

One of the most prominent features of Surin is its connection to the ancient Khmer Empire. The province is home to several Khmer historical sites and ruins, such as the Prasat Sikhoraphum and Prasat Ta Muen temples. These structures showcase the architectural brilliance and influence of the Khmer civilization that once thrived in the region. Continued …

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Asia’s gamblers cheer wave of legalization

In a sea change for the traditionally conservative region, some of the biggest tourism spots in Asia and the Middle East are moving toward building or allowing their first casinos, raising competitive pressure on existing hubs like Macau. Continued …

Ukraine advances in counteroffensive, NATO pledges support

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised the progress of his troops as they advance near the city of Bakhmut in the east and on the southern front. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has also acknowledged Ukraine’s progress in its counteroffensive against Russia, promising increased support from NATO leaders in their upcoming meeting. Continued …

Influencers overtaking journalists as news source

TikTok influencers and celebrities are increasingly taking over from journalists as the main source of news for young people, according to a report published Wednesday by the Britain-based Reuters Institute. Continued …

Trump pleads not guilty

The indictment of Donald Trump unfolded in two distinct arenas on Tuesday afternoon – a federal courtroom in Florida and the realm of public opinion. Within the Miami courthouse, Trump and his legal representatives maintained a composed demeanor. A lawyer for the former president informed the judge that Trump was pleading not guilty to all charges. Continued …

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.

UPDATED: 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

 

climate change, hua hin, marijuana, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-June 10

  • Prospective PM Pita clears a hurdle… next the parliamentary vote/
  • New Thai government still not assured/
  • Top 10 countries Brits want to spend their retirement/
  • Dengue outbreak hits Thai village with over 100 cases/
  • Thai elephant to be repatriated from Sri Lanka with 19-million-baht budget/
  • Thai Cannabis Day Promotes New Government Negotiations/
  • Economy: Thai households’ monthly bills high despite falling fuel prices/El Niño fails to affect Thai food prices/12.5 million more skilled staff eyed by 2027/
  • Tourism: Thai hotels and serviced apartments turning to Airbnb to drive international bookings/
  • Thailand Experience: Sakhon Nakhon is known for its unique local culture/
  • International: Commentary: Russian invaders blew up hydroelectric power plant dam/Vietnam to have 33 international and domestic airports by 2030/Children lost for 40 days in Colombian Amazon found alive/Indonesia’s Anak Krakatoa volcano erupts/Donald Trump indictment details charges against former president/Boris Johnson resigns as MP after tumultuous political career/
  • 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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Prospective PM Pita clears a hurdle… next the parliamentary vote

Thailand’s Election Commission has unanimously dismissed three official complaints against Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, who was accused of holding 42,000 shares in iTV, a media company. The complaints were filed by various individuals, including serial litigant Ruangkrai Leekitwattana.

But the EC says that the complaints were submitted after the prescribed time limits and therefore could not be considered. Continued …

New Thai government still not assured

The Move Foward Party (MFP)-led alliance is conjuring up the impression that it has already assumed control of the country’s administration, according to a political source.

The surreality being created, which critics decried as counting chickens before they hatch, has given supporters a sense that a new dawn awaits the country. Continued …

Top 10 countries Brits want to spend their retirement

New research has revealed the top 10 countries Brits want to spend their retirement in, with Spain placing first.

Equity release specialists at Retirement Solutions analyzed the average monthly Google search volume for different terms relating to retiring abroad. They wanted to determine the countries that Brits are most seeking to move to, upon retirement. Continued …

Dengue outbreak hits Thai village with over 100 cases

A severe dengue outbreak has hit Thailand’s northern Nan province, with over 100 cases reported in a single village. Ranking second in Thailand for the highest number of dengue patients, health officials are stepping up efforts to control the spread of the disease.

Dr. Warin Teppitaksak, the provincial public health officer, revealed that the dengue outbreak situation in Nan province is concerning, with Chiang Klang district having the highest number of dengue patients. The outbreak began in the village of Huay Kaeo, with over 100 patients coming from the same area. Continued …

Thai elephant to be repatriated from Sri Lanka with 19-million-baht budget

Animal lovers will be happy to know that Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has allocated a budget of 19 million baht for the return of Sak Surin, an ailing Thai elephant, from Sri Lanka next month, as announced by Minister Varawut Silpa-archa.

Sak Surin was one of three elephants sent to Sri Lanka as goodwill ambassadors from Thailand in 2001. Rally for Animal Rights & Environment, an animal rights group, has filed a complaint stating that the elephant has suffered mistreatment for several years. Continued …

Thai Cannabis Day Promotes New Government Negotiations

Cannabis advocates in Thailand organized a political movement on Thailand Cannabis Day, June 9, to advocate for the declassification of cannabis as a Class 5 narcotic and to allow home cultivation without a license for medicinal purposes, as decided by the Food and Drug Administration on June 9, 2022.

The status of cannabis takes a turn after the general election when the eight political parties forming a coalition government, led by the Move Forward party, sign an MOU expressing their mutual agreement to reintroduce cannabis as a controlled narcotic. Continued …

Thai households’ monthly bills high despite falling fuel prices

The average monthly household expenditure for Thai families came in at 18,023 baht in May, down by 130 baht from the previous month. However, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) said this was still high.

The average household expenditure dropped in line with the country’s headline inflation in May. Inflation dropped sharply to 0.53% in May, the lowest in 21 months, from 2.67% in the previous month. Continued …

El Niño fails to affect Thai food prices

The Internal Trade Department says the droughts caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon have yet to affect the prices of local goods. The prices of fresh vegetables, limes and coriander are declining, as are fertilizer prices, said the department.

Chakra Yodmani, the department’s deputy director-general, said the droughts have not yet had a significant effect in terms of price adjustments. Continued …

12.5 million more skilled staff eyed by 2027

Thailand aims to produce around 800,000 skilled workers next year in targeted industries, including intelligent electronics, next-generation automobiles and healthcare.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon chaired a meeting of the national workers’ skill development committee at the Five Provinces Bordering Forest Preservation Foundation on Friday to discuss incentives to develop more skilled workers. Continued …

Thai hotels and serviced apartments turning to Airbnb to drive international bookings

As global travel recovery continues at pace, Thailand remains top of mind among international travelers. Thailand was the #1 most-visited country on Airbnb in Southeast Asia in 2022, while Bangkok ranks #5 on Airbnb’s list of top trending global travel spots in 2023.

As travelers flock to the country for business, leisure and remote work, they are searching for more affordable stays. They are also exploring a wider variety of accommodation offerings that meet their varying needs – ranging from entire homes, to shared homes and rooms. Notably, nights booked in private room listings on Airbnb in Thailand grew by over 500% year-on-year last year, up from 2021. Continued …

Sakhon Nakhon is known for its unique local culture

Sakhon Nakhon is a province located in the northeastern region of Thailand, commonly known as Isaan. It is situated approximately 651 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand.

Sakhon Nakhon province covers an area of around 9,605 square kilometers and is bordered by six other provinces: Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Kalasin, and Udon Thani. Continued …

Russian invaders blew up hydroelectric power plant dam

Since the beginning of the war of aggression waged by Russia against Ukraine, there have been so many crimes and atrocities committed by the aggressor-state forces, causing suffering and pain to the Ukrainian people. Continued …

Vietnam to have 33 international and domestic airports by 2030

Vietnam is set to have 33 airports by 2030, including 14 serving international flights and 19 serving domestic flights. The investment is estimated at about VND420 trillion (US$18 billion), mobilized from the state budget, non-budget capital and other legal capital sources. Continued …

Children lost for 40 days in Colombian Amazon found alive

The four Indigenous children who had been missing for more than a month in the Colombian Amazon rainforest after a small plane crash have been found alive, President Gustavo Petro announced Friday. Continued …

Indonesia’s Anak Krakatoa volcano erupts

Indonesia’s Anak Krakatoa volcano erupted on Friday, belching a column of ash more than three kilometers into the sky, officials said. The volcanic island emerged from the sea at the beginning of the last century from the crater formed after the 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa — one of the deadliest and most destructive in history. This is the second volcano eruption in the past week in Indonesia.(thaipbs.com)

Donald Trump indictment details charges against former president

Donald Trump and one of his Mar-a-Lago staffers, personal valet Walt Nauta, were charged with dozens of counts of allegedly violating eight federal statutes related to the handling of classified documents after the former president left the White House, according to the 44-page indictment unsealed Friday. Continued …

Boris Johnson resigns as MP after tumultuous political career

Boris Johnson’s fall from power in the UK was as dramatic and controversial as his rise. The former prime minister, whose career was defined by surviving scandal, stepped down as an MP after a series of controversies. Despite this, Johnson left the possibility of a return to politics open for his allies. Continued …

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.

UPDATED: 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

hua hin, marijuana, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Friday’s news-June 9

  • Hua Hin’s Feast Thailand GM nominated for travel award/
  • Dangerous political flux in the aftermath of the general election is growing/
  • The state of food security in Thailand and 4 key challenges/
  • With 3.9 billion monthly views, Voom is booming in Thailand/
  • 40 police officers to be transferred over overloaded truck bribe scandal/
  • DLT combats illegal driving license sales/
  • Economy: Competition fierce as Thailand sets out to be EV hub/FTI seeks Chinese investment boost in Thai EV, food, and healthcare sectors/90% of Thai employees seek new jobs despite bleak economy/Japan’s Isuzu says no plans to relocate factory from Thailand to Indonesia/‘It’s like Starbucks’: Inside Thailand’s legal weed scene/
  • Tourism: Thailand boosts tourism budget to 5-billion baht, targets off-peak travelers/Diarrhea outbreak spreading in Phuket/
  • Thailand Experience: Wildlife Of The Isaan Region/
  • International: Trump faces US criminal charges for mishandling documents, obstruction/Bali seeks new kind of tourist after kicking out 136 unruly visitors this year/How much plastic is in our oceans?/
  • 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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Hua Hin’s Feast Thailand GM nominated for travel award

It has been seven years since Expat News attended the first “test’ tour offered by Hua Hin’s Feast Thailand. Australians Leigh Higgins and her husband Shane were “hands on” with our small group, helping to explain (along with their English-speaking Thai host) what we were eating.

Feast Thailand has come a long way since then, including surviving the Covid pandemic while several other foreign-run enterprises folded. Expat News doubts you will find another foreigner in Hua Hin, perhaps in Thailand, who has a better understanding of Thai food and its culture than Leigh Higgins.

And now, Feast Thailand GM Leigh Higgins has been shortlisted for the Inspiring Women in Travel (Asia) Awards. The award honors women for their contribution to the travel industry in Asia. Congratulations!

Higgins was nominated in the Women Entrepreneurs in Travel Asia category and the Women Foodpreneur sub-category.

The awards will be announced on Saturday, June 24, at the Montien Surawong in Bangkok, where a number of senior executives and distinguished professionals from the travel industry will come together to celebrate, appreciate and recognize the stories, journeys and contributions of women in the Asia travel industry. Feast Thailand Facebook.

Dangerous political flux in the aftermath of the General Election is growing

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, whose candidacy for the position of PM has the support of an eight-party coalition representing over 75% of the electorate and 62% of the provisionally announced seats in the House of Representatives, sounded less confident this week about the issue of his alleged shares in a defunct media company even as he tried to put it behind him.

It came alongside a growing campaign from conservative forces in Thailand questioning the essence of the May 14 general election and warning of the dangers of a Move Forward Party-led government taking power, while political uncertainty is beginning to erode business confidence. Continued …

The state of food security in Thailand and 4 key challenges

The state of food security in Thailand is currently grappling with various challenges in the wake of global food shortages. To ensure sustainable food security, the Kingdom must address four key issues identified by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The availability of food is a critical factor for human survival. Food scarcity can have a profound impact on health and productivity, leading to potential conflicts, and having sufficient food is considered a vital aspect of stability. Continued …

With 3.9 billion monthly views, Voom is booming in Thailand

LINE’s short-video content service, Voom, has signed up more than 35 million monthly users in Thailand and they are so enthusiastic about the service it is getting 3.9 billion views a month, according to the head of LINE Voom, Philip Kim.

He put the service’s popularity in Thailand down to its real-time content and diverse user base. The service allows users to create both static images and short videos. “It provides user-friendly tools for creating informative and entertaining content (that is) easy to share,” Kim said. Continued …

40 police officers to be transferred over overloaded truck bribe scandal

About 40 highway police officers are expected to be transferred to “inactive posts” at the operations center of the Highways Police Division, pending the outcome of an investigation into their alleged involvement in the overloaded truck bribe sticker controversy.

Police Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankeaw, commander of the Police Counter Corruption Division, in his capacity as acting commander of Highways Police Division, told the media that Police Lt. Gen. Jirabhop Bhuridej, commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, is expected to sign an order today, to transfer the commissioned and non-commissioned officers out of the division. Continued …

DLT combats illegal driving license sales

Thailand‘s Department of Land Transport (DLT) is taking action against individuals selling driver’s licenses illegally, following a Move Forward Party MP’s exposé on the matter.

MP-elect Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn discovered several people advertising online services to provide driver’s licenses without requiring the driving test and posted screenshots of customers who had received valid DLT-certified licenses despite not taking the test. Continued …

Competition fierce as Thailand sets out to be EV hub

Investment in Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) industry in the first quarter of this year rose 77% year on year to 185.73 billion baht, putting the country on track to become the regional hub for EV manufacturing, the Board of Investment (BOI) said on Thursday.

A total of 397 manufacturers applied for investment promotion with the BOI in the first three months of 2023, a (% increase year on year, BOI Secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi said. Continued …

FTI seeks Chinese investment boost in Thai EV, food, and healthcare sectors

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is seeking to boost Chinese investment in Thailand, focusing on the electric vehicle (EV), food, and healthcare sectors, through increased business collaboration with Beijing.

Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the FTI, recently met with the Chinese ambassador to Thailand, Han Zhiqiang, to discuss potential investment opportunities. Kriengkrai envisions Thailand as a production base for Chinese companies, acting as a gateway to the ASEAN region. Continued …

90% of Thai employees seek new jobs despite bleak economy

A significant majority of Thai workers are open to exploring new job opportunities despite an uncertain global economic climate, a recent study by recruitment firm Michael Page has found.

The Talent Trends report, which surveyed 942 individuals in Thailand, revealed that over half of the respondents are actively seeking or planning to find new employment within the next six months. Continued …

Japan’s Isuzu says no plans to relocate factory from Thailand to Indonesia

Japanese truck maker Isuzu Motors said on Thursday it was not planning to move a factory to Indonesia from Thailand, a day after the Indonesian industry minister signaled it would.

“While our company continues to focus on Indonesia as a major market, there are no plans to relocate a Thai factory to Indonesia,” an Isuzu spokesperson said. Continued …

‘It’s like Starbucks’: Inside Thailand’s legal weed scene

Tucked away from city traffic in an alley full of massage parlors, office buildings and hotels, the place looks like it could be a cocktail bar. Customers can sit in leather armchairs or claim a high stool at the wooden, L-shaped bar.

The shelves, though, are absent of alcohol. In lieu of the typical bottles and glassware, there are bongs, rolling papers, grinders and dramatically lit jars of cannabis flowers like Critical Purple Cush and Amnesia Haze, the most popular strain in the shop. All The Smoke Lounge is one of the classier places to get high in Bangkok. Continued …

Thailand boosts tourism budget to 5-billion baht, targets off-peak travelers

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced its plans for the fiscal year 2024, with a focus on growing off-peak customers, increasing spending per trip by 7%, and distributing income to a wider range of destinations. The budget for these initiatives is set at 5 billion baht, a significant increase from the 3.25 billion baht allocated for fiscal 2023.

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn explained that the key strategies for the upcoming fiscal year, beginning in October, will be promoting fairness in revenue distribution through a “sharing economy” and making Thailand a “Tourism for All” destination. The aim is to achieve better distribution of tourists to secondary provinces and improve the dispersal of visitors throughout the year, rather than just during the high season. Continued …

Diarrhea outbreak spreading in Phuket

Diarrhea is spreading in Phuket, with an average of about 150 cases being treated at state and private hospitals per day, and the outbreak is expected to persist for 1-2 months, according to Dr. Kusak Kukiattikoon, the provincial health chief.

He said that the condition is spreading in all age groups, but mostly among students. Patients are complaining of abdominal pain, watery stools and vomiting, with some also having a fever. Continued …

Wildlife Of The Isaan Region

The Isaan Region, also known as northeastern Thailand, is a vast and diverse area that is home to a rich variety of wildlife. The region encompasses 20 provinces and occupies about one-third of the country’s total land area.

Its diverse ecosystems range from fertile plains and plateaus to forested hills and mountains, providing habitats for numerous plant and animal species. Here are some of the notable wildlife species found in the Isaan Region of Thailand: Continued …

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

Trump faces US criminal charges for mishandling documents, obstruction

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has been indicted by the Justice Department over his handling of classified documents at his residence at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Trump, who is reportedly facing seven charges, said he’d been summoned to appear in court in Miami on Tuesday. Continued …

Bali seeks new kind of tourist after kicking out 136 unruly visitors this year

Indonesia’s paradise island teeming with beaches and lush rice fields wants to refocus its tourism away from guests who tend to misbehave and instead lure talented nomads, retirees and health buffs. Continued … 

How much plastic is in our oceans?

Every year, about 400 million tons of plastic products are produced around the world. About half are used to make single-use items such as shopping bags, cups and packaging material. Continued …

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.

UPDATED: 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

chiang mai, hua hin, immigration, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-March 31

  • Thailand’s extreme air pollution: ‘I feel sorry for my daughter’/
  • Chiang Mai’s Air Ranks Worst Globally Several Days This Week/
  • Mountain blaze nears residential area, threatens Khao Yai/
  • ASEAN to tackle haze crisis/
  • Thai Spirits Businesses Set to Produce One Billion Baht Monthly/
  • From vision to reality: Making the Port Authority of Thailand world-class/
  • 4,500 trips arranged from Bangkok to transport 60,000 people every day during Songkran/
  • World Bank maintains Thailand’s 2023 growth outlook at 3.6%/
  • Thai exports expected to recover in second half of year/
  • Food and beverage industries turning to recycled plastic for packaging/
  • Elderly British man overstays visa in Thailand by 11 years/
  • Thai cop gets 256 years+ for stealing and selling guns from police station/
  • Tourism: Elephant rides are cruel, advocates say. So why are people still doing them?/Tourists flee gang warfare on Chon Buri’s Bang Saen beach/Hong Kong Airlines to launch direct flights to Phuket/
  • International: Former US president Trump indicted/UK claims post-Brexit win with trans-Pacific trade pact membership/
  • 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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Thailand’s extreme air pollution: ‘I feel sorry for my daughter’

For the past few weeks, Thommamoon Khowasat has painstakingly explained to his four-year-old daughter that the yellow cloud they see outside their window – which has tickled her imagination – is actually a danger to her health.

It’s a scare that has gripped northern Thailand, where millions of people are currently finding it harder to breathe. Continued …

Chiang Mai’s Air Ranks Worst Globally Several Days This Week

The levels of carcinogenic particulate matter 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) in Thailand’s Chiang Mai province has been deemed the worst in the world as of Wednesday morning.

The Command Center for preventing and resolving forest fire problems, smog and PM2.5 fine dust of Chiang Mai reported that 334 hot spots have been discovered in 25 districts across the province. The most effected areas are Chiang Dao district with 65 hot spots, Chai Prakan with 35, Mae Ai with 32, Samoeng with 30, and Fang with 27. Continued …

Mountain blaze nears residential area, threatens Khao Yai

A wildfire that was reportedly caused by a lightning strike on Khao Chaphlu in Nakhon Nayok’s Muang district on Tuesday evening was inching closer to residential areas yesterday after having burned 700 rai of forest across three mountains.

Authorities fear strong winds in the area may cause the fire to spread toward Khao Yai National Park, which is now just three kilometers away from the blaze, said an informed source. The park is a part of the 6,152-square-kilometers of reserved areas that form Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, which became UNESCO’s 184th Natural World Heritage site in 2005. Continued …

ASEAN to tackle haze crisis

The secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has pledged to support efforts to combat transboundary haze pollution in the region.

Kao Kim Hourn yesterday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at Government House during an official visit to Thailand. Continued …

Thai Spirits Businesses Set to Produce One Billion Baht Monthly

The overall spirits business in Thailand has expanded by 20% since the start of 2023 and is set to pump in one billion baht into the economy every month in the second quarter, said Thanakorn Kuptachit, adviser to the Thai Alcohol Business Assn.

All types of alcoholic beverages have witnessed an uptick in sales volume, such as beer and spirits, which are driven by many factors, including the lifting of all COVID-related restrictions, the reopening of the country for travel and tourism, the upcoming Songkran Festival, or even the general elections. Continued …

From vision to reality: Making the Port Authority of Thailand world-class

Kriengkrai Chaisiriwongsuk, director general of the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT), explains how PAT and partnerships, “work like a charm” to drive PAT to the global stage.

Kriengkrai has completed his first year as the PAT director general. He says he strongly believes in his next step to transform the organization into a world-class port with excellent logistics services. Continued …

4,500 trips arranged from Bangkok to transport 60,000 people every day during Songkran

State-owned and private buses and vans have been arranged to make 4,500 trips every day to carry an estimated 60,000 people back home to the provinces from Bangkok for the long Songkran holidays, the Transport Company announced on Thursday.

Sanyalak Panwattanalikhit, managing director of the state-run Transport Company, said some 60,000 people would leave Bangkok by buses or vans each day from April 10-12. Continued …

World Bank maintains Thailand’s 2023 growth outlook at 3.6%

The Thai economy is expected to grow by 3.6% this year, up from 2.6% last year, supported by stronger private consumption, a recovery in the tourism sector and strong pent-up demand following China’s reopening, the World Bank said on Friday.

The 2023 outlook was unchanged from a forecast in December, and compared with 4.1% growth predicted in September. Continued …

Thai exports expected to recover in second half of year

The Commerce Ministry projects the country’s export sector to gradually recover in the latter part of the year, as inflationary pressures and global supply chain issues align with energy price trends.

The rebound of the service and tourism sectors should also boost demand from trading partners, the ministry said. Continued …

Food and beverage industries turning to recycled plastic for packaging

The world is becoming more aware of the importance of using recycled packaging to protect the environment, in line with the principles of a circular economy where post-consumer recycled PET (PCR PET) plastic resins are used in packaging in the food and beverage industry.

Today, PTT Global Chemical (GC) and ALPLA Group have joined hands with customers and partners to innovate better for consumers, and better for the world, by creating packaging for food and beverages using 100% post consumer recycled PET (PCR PET) plastic resins under the InnoEco brand, in Thailand. This initiative aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions to zero, or “Net Zero”. Continued …

Elderly British man overstays visa in Thailand by 11 years

Immigration Police arrested a 76-year-old British man in Bangkok who overstayed his visa in Thailand by a total of 4,142 days (11.3 years).

Thailand’s immigration authorities are taking their latest crackdown on foreign overstayers in the kingdom seriously – catching a British national who managed to slip through their net for more than a decade. He might be the longest overstayer to hit the headlines yet. Continued …

Thai cop gets 256 years+ for stealing and selling guns from police station

The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct cases, Region 1, has sentenced a policeman from the Pak Kret, Nonthaburi police station northwest of the Thai capital Bangkok to more than 200 years for stealing and selling guns from the station’s armory.

The case came to light last October in a report featuring the arrest of Police Senior Sgt. Maj. Chaowalit Pumkajorn. He admitted to stealing a few at a time over five years. Continued …

Elephant rides are cruel, advocates say. So why are people still doing them?

Earlier this month, a photo of Pai Lin made the viral rounds. The image of the septuagenarian female illustrated the dark and painful underbelly of elephant tourism in Thailand. The Asian elephant’s back sloped down like a ramp, the weight of countless visitors crushing her spine.

Pai Lin spent a quarter of a century entertaining tourists. She is now retired, living her remaining years at the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand in Tha Mai Ruak, the sanctuary that released the photo. However, around the world, many elephants and beasts of burden are not so fortunate. New generations of animals have joined their elders in a trade that is still prevalent but has been gaining more vocal opponents over the years. Continued …

Tourists flee gang warfare on Chon Buri’s Bang Saen beach

Gangs of around 20 young motorcyclists fought pitched battles at Bang Saen beach in Saensuk subdistrict of Chonburi on Thailand’s eastern seaboard last night.

Tourists – and they would have been mostly Thai at the resort famous for local tourism – scattered, fearing they might get caught up in the violence. Continued …

Hong Kong Airlines to launch direct flights to Phuket

Low-cost carrier Hong Kong Airlines will launch a direct flight to Phuket in southern Thailand starting June 16.

An Airbus A320 will service the direct Hong Kong–Phuket route four times per week to meet rising demand as tourists return to Thailand in full force. Continued …

Former US president Trump indicted

Former U.S. president Donald Trump was indicted by a Manhattan (New York) grand jury Thursday for his role in a $130,000 hush money payment to Stormy Daniels in the days before the 2016 election. Continued …

UK claims post-Brexit win with trans-Pacific trade pact membership

The UK will join 11 other countries in a major Asia-Pacific trade partnership, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced Friday, in the country’s biggest post-Brexit trade deal following nearly two years of talks. 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

Book a flight

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

 

90-day online reporting