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Hua Hin mango plantation on state land/Melioidosis Claims 72 Lives/Heavy rain and strong winds/US Next Ambassador to Thailand/Wild elephants wreak havoc/ECONOMY: Bank of Thailand dismisses deflation fears/3 Key Points for Tariff Negotiations/Thailnd exports threatened/Auto parts makers brace for worst/EEC land prices soar/Home lottery bonanza/TOURISM: Thais Snub Half-Price Holidays/Lifeguard Rescues French Children/American Tourist Assaulted/Fake Cops in Pattaya/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Why Thai people say “Eat Mama”/Digital nomading in Chiang Mai/CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand’s E-Waste CrisisINTERNATIONAL/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

Hua Hin mango plantation ‘encroaching on state land’

Authorities say they have found evidence that a large commercial mango plantation in Hua Hin district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province encroaches on nearly 4,000 rai of state land.

They said the plantation, known as Rai Hub Phueng, covers parts of Kaeng Krachan National Park and adjacent state-owned property. In addition to mango trees, the site features a number of buildings and other infrastructure. Continued … 

Deadly Disease Alert: Melioidosis Claims 72 Lives in Thailand

The Thai Ministry of Public Health has sounded an alarm over melioidosis, a dangerous disease that has claimed 72 lives and infected 1,676 people.

The disease, also known as Whitmore’s disease, thrives in waterlogged areas and is spread through contact with contaminated soil or water. The public is urged to avoid walking through muddy waters, inhale dust with caution, and prioritize cooked food. Continued …

Heavy rain and strong winds expected as monsoon intensifies

Thailand is set to experience widespread thundershowers and severe weather conditions today as the monsoon trough moves across the upper north, Laos, and upper Vietnam, with a low-pressure cell covering the upper northeast. Simultaneously, the southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf is strengthening.

As a result, scattered thunderstorms are forecast across the country, the Thai Meteorological Department said. Isolated heavy rainfall is expected in the central, eastern, and southern regions, while very heavy downpours are possible in the north and northeast. Continued … 

US Chooses Asia Expert as Next Ambassador to Thailand

The United States has appointed Sean Kotaro O’Neill as the next U.S. ambassador to Thailand, pending Senate approval. This decision aims to bolster American ties in Southeast Asia amid rising geopolitical tensions.

O’Neill is well-acquainted with Asia. He currently holds a senior position in the State Department’s Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, showcasing his extensive experience across the region. His career began post-9/11 in the Foreign Service, where he accumulated over two decades of experience with assignments in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Hong Kong, and notably as the U.S. Consul General in Chiang Mai. Continued …

Wild elephants forage for food, wreak havoc in Prachin Buri

A group of five wild elephants, including a mother and calf, from Thap Lan National Park, invaded a worker’s home late at night, causing significant damage as they searched for food. The incident, which marks the sixth consecutive day the elephants have roamed outside the park, occurred Thursday in Prachin Buri province.

The elephants, part of a herd that has been leaving the Thap Lan forest, targeted the worker’s accommodation in the middle of an eucalyptus plantation. The wooden house, built for workers, suffered extensive damage, with two walls destroyed. Continued …

Bank of Thailand dismisses deflation fears despite low inflation

Economists are increasingly concerned about potential deflationary trends, but the Bank of Thailand (BoT) asserts there are no definitive signs of deflation despite ongoing low inflation.

At a monetary policy forum on Wednesday, Surach Tanboon, senior director of the central bank’s monetary policy department, stated that the bank has not identified any signals of deflation, although inflation remains subdued. Continued …

Thailand Sets 3 Key Points for Trump’s Tariff Negotiations

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira outlined three core conditions for Thailand’s negotiations with the United States regarding President Donald Trump’s proposed 36% import tariffs, following a nearly three-hour meeting at Ban Phitsanulok yesterday that included former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an advisor.

The Thai negotiating team established three fundamental conditions for discussions with the U.S.:
First, domestic manufacturers must be protected from adverse impacts, particularly in agriculture and small-scale industries. Continued … 

Thailnd exports threatened by US tariffs

Thailand faces a significant challenge in its export sector, as the U.S. has imposed 36% tariffs on Thai goods under its reciprocal tariff program. This rate is higher than the tariffs agreed by competitors like Vietnam (20%) and Malaysia (25%), and will take effect from Aug. 1.

In response, Thailand presented its second-round proposal to the United States on July 6, aiming to expedite the trade balance adjustment. Thailand seeks to reduce its trade surplus with the U.S. in 7-8 years, aiming to achieve a 70% reduction by 2030 and to balance trade by 2031-2032. Continued …

Auto parts makers brace for the worst

Thai auto parts makers are preparing for the impact of Washington’s steep tariff policy, coupled with concerns over global steel price fluctuations that may affect the automotive industry.

They recently discussed the issues with the Federation of Thai Industries’ (FTI) Auto Parts Industry Club, highlighting how the tariffs and steel prices are two factors dealing a heavy blow to their businesses. Continued …

EEC land prices soar as 3 foreign investors drive Q1 2025 sales to 47B baht

The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) has become a vital economic hub and investment center for Thailand. Officially launched in 2018, the EEC focuses on large-scale infrastructure investments, including the high-speed rail linking three airports (Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao) and U-Tapao airport acting as major investment attractors.

The Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EECPC) is now pushing to amend the high-speed rail project contract to connect the three airports. The revised agreement is expected to be approved by the committee and Cabinet in August, with construction slated to take 3-4 years, including the installation of signaling systems. The project is projected to be operational by 2029. Continued …

Home lottery bonanza: 5,000 cheap Thai homes up for grabs

The Ministry of Transport has announced plans to launch a lottery system to allocate the first phase of 5,000 affordable housing units under the “Home for Thais” scheme. If approved, the project will see residents moving into their new homes by late 2026.

Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote revealed that following the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding between SRT Asset (SRTA) and the Government Lottery Office (GLO), preparations are underway to finalize the rules for the draw. Continued …

Travel Subsidy Drama: Thais Snub Half-Price Holidays

Local tourism incentives are falling flat as few take advantage of the half-price vacation offer, says Minister Sorawong Thienthong. Despite 1.58 million Thais registering for the scheme, only 91,008 have actually redeemed their discounts since the 1.75 billion baht initiative began on July 1. This leaves 408,992 slots still up for grabs.

The plan offers up to 50% off vacations but hasn’t captivated the locals as anticipated. Economic conditions, a sluggish economy, and limited accommodation options are cited as potential barriers. The list of approved hotels and other services stands at just 5,254 compared to the over 40,000 applicants, suggesting a tight squeeze on choices for travelers. Continued … 

Lifeguard Rescues French Children Swept Away by Strong Currents at Kata Beach

A sea rescue unfolded at Kata Beach when a vigilant lifeguard saved two 12-year-old French children who had become trapped in powerful ocean currents while swimming.

The incident, which occurred in the Karon subdistrict of Muang Phuket, was captured on video and later shared widely on social media. The footage shows the response of the on-duty lifeguard, who paddled out on a surfboard to reach the boy and girl. Continued … 

American Tourist Assaulted by Bar Owner for Filming Venue

An American tourist was left bloodied and bruised after allegedly being punched by a foreign bar owner in Pattaya’s Soi Buakhao area, reportedly for filming the venue. The victim, 38, presented himself at Pattaya City Police Station in the early yesterday morning with a bloodied face, a gash over his left eyebrow, and severe swelling around his eye. He also submitted a video clip as evidence of the incident.

According to his statement to police, the man, who is a frequent visitor to Pattaya, had been enjoying drinks at a unnamed beer bar on Soi Buakhao. After spending more than 700 baht, he began filming the venue’s surroundings as a memento before returning to the United States. Continued …

Fake Cops in Pattaya rob 230,000 Baht from Chinese Tourist

A Chinese tourist was abducted and robbed of over 230,000 baht by men disguising themselves as police officers. The incident happened early last Thursday morning. CCTV footage shows two men, dressed in dark clothing, forcing 52-year-old Lin Yifan into a car near a North Pattaya Road food stall. Lin was waiting for a ride he had ordered via an app.

Witnesses, at first, thought it was a routine police arrest and did not intervene. The perpetrators, driving a white SUV, wore black hoodies and swiftly pushed Lin into their vehicle. Despite his efforts to resist, Lin was dragged away as the SUV accelerated from the scene. Continued … 

Why Thai people say “Eat Mama” (but don’t mean their mom!)

If you’ve ever been in Thailand and heard someone say, “Let’s eat Mama,” you might have found yourself confused. After all, what kind of person invites someone to eat their mother? But in reality, Thai people don’t mean their mom at all when they say this!

Instead, it’s a quirky part of the Thai language and culture that’s all about brand names. Let’s dive into why saying “Eat Mama” is just another fun expression in everyday Thai life. Continued …

Digital nomading in Chiang Mai? What US$1,000 a month really gets you

Chiang Mai has become a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low living costs, rich culture, and active remote work community. The city offers affordable housing, tasty food, reliable internet, and many co-working spaces, making it a great place for a comfortable yet budget-friendly lifestyle.

For around US$1,000 a month, digital nomads can rent a furnished apartment, use local transport, enjoy meals out, and connect with others in the remote work community. This makes Chiang Mai an excellent choice for anyone looking to live and work remotely on a budget. Continued …

Thailand’s E-Waste Crisis: A Hazardous Trade Endangering Lives and the Environment

Each year, millions of tons of discarded electronics — including smartphones, laptops, and TVs — are cast aside from affluent homes and offices, often disappearing from view and accountability.

These gadgets don’t simply vanish; instead, they increasingly find their way to countries like Thailand, where illegal processing inflicts significant harm on both the environment and public health. The absence of strict regulations in such regions creates a haven for unregulated recycling practices, often involving hazardous chemicals and unsafe methods. Consequently, toxic substances seep into the soil and waterways, jeopardizing ecosystems and endangering the lives of local communities. Continued …

Trump puts 35% tariff on Canada, eyes 15%-20% tariffs for others

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States would impose a 35% tariff on imports from Canada next month and planned to impose blanket tariffs of 15%-20% on most other trade partners. Continued …

Fuel to Air India jet engines cut off moments before crash

Fuel control switches to the engines of an Air India flight that crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 260 people, were moved from the “run” to the “cutoff” position moments before impact, a preliminary investigation report said early today. Continued …

• Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in BangkokThe first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

  (We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

  Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer two round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.

  For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at  9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.

  Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

  Bus Tickets 

  

  New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

  Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

  (We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

  Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm

  Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am

  

  Hua Hin train schedule

  

  To book online

  

  Van/minibus service at Market Village

  Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

  The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

  

  

   

  

  

  Emergency hotline numbers:

  • • • • • • • • Emergency hotline – 191
                • Emergency medical services – 1554
                • Water accident – 1196
                • Motorway hotline – 1586
                • Emergency medical – 1669
                • Highway police – 1193
                • Tourist police – 1155
                • Bus ticket – 1490
                • Department of Highways – 1586
                • State Railway – 1590