Thailand’s 31st Prime Minister/Very much her father’s daughter/Is New PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Or Her Father/PM’s 8.4-billion-baht business ventures/Policies under microscope/Thai PBS, TJA Slam Prawit/Tough road ahead for new PM/Hua Hin condos, Holiday Inn, water park/Heavy rain to hit 49 provinces/Secondhand smoke ‘kills 9,400 per year’/Consume less salt/Homelessness Remains Concern for Pattaya/Bangkok hails food bank/Convoy with illegal Chinese imports/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: Likely scenarios for digital wallet/Investors await clarity/Manufacturing sector enjoying resurgence/Boost for elderly care industry/Tourism: Uncertainty looms over Thai tourism/Pattaya welcomes 12 miilion/Thai Lion Air expands fleet/Thailand Experience: Planet and people-friendly travel/How Social Media Threatens Wildlife//Visitors flock to Khamchanod/Where Tourists Travel Most/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
Thaksin’s daughter Elected as Thailand’s 31st Prime Minister
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, was elected as Thailand’s 31st prime minister on Friday, gaining majority support from the House of Representatives. She becomes the country’s youngest and second female leader.
The House approved Paetongtarn with 319 votes in favor, 145 against, 27 abstentions, and 2 non-votes. As the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, she brings a blend of political legacy and business expertise to the role. She holds degrees from Chulalongkorn University and the University of Surrey in the UK and has served as CEO of Rende Development, managing hotel and golf course enterprises. Continued …
Paetongtarn Shinawatra: very much her father’s daughter
Thaksin Shinawatra, who served as prime minister from 2001 to 2006 before being ousted in a bloodless coup, is leaving no doubt about his daughter’s Paetongtarn capacity to be prime minister, noting that she has inherited both his and her mother’s DNA. Acknowledging that his sister, Yingluck, was also removed from office in 2014, Thaksin says Paetongtarn is different.
Perhaps, but it’s all in the wording. During Yingluck’s 2011 election campaign, the slogan was “Thaksin thinks, Pheu Thai acts”, but when Paetongtarn led Pheu Thai in the 2023 election, Thaksin suggested the slogan should be: “Thaksin’s DNA thinks, Thaksin’s DNA acts.” Continued …
Is Thailand’s New PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Or Her Father, Thaksin Shinawatra?
Finally, Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been voted by members of parliament as Thailand’s 31st prime minister and became the youngest prime minister in Thai history at the age of 37.
Her chief qualification seems to be that she’s a daughter of arguably the most influential (former) politician in Thailand – ex-convict-cum-former-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who is still on parole. This is not to say she has no abilities whatsoever. Continued …
A peek into new PM’s 8.4-billion-baht business ventures
Businesswoman Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, was elected as Thailand’s 31st prime minister in a parliamentary voting on Friday. At 37, she became the country’s youngest prime minister and second woman premier after her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra, who served from 2011 to 2014.
The youngest daughter of billionaire business tycoon and former PM Thaksin Shinawatra (2001-2006), Paetongtarn has mirrored her father’s career path by investing in a diverse range of businesses before entering politics. Continued …
New PM’s policies under microscope
Business leaders are eager to know the direction of Thai economic policies after the Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra was elected prime minister, which could cause a dramatic shift in the country’s political landscape.
Amonthep Chawla, chief economist at CIMB Thai Bank, said, “I anticipate the new administration may cancel the digital wallet scheme, and is likely to introduce new stimulus measures aimed at supporting lower-income individuals and enhancing liquidity in vulnerable segments of the population.” Continued …
Thai PBS, TJA Slam General Prawit for Reporter Intimidation
The Thai PBS and the Thai Journalists’ Assn. (TJA) are urging Palang Pracharath party leader Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan to take responsibility for allegedly intimidating a Thai PBS reporter.
Prawit, known for his ambitions to become Thailand’s prime minister, showed visible agitation when approached by the Thai PBS reporter. She had questioned him about whether he had watched the MPs’ live broadcast voting to appoint Pheu Thai party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Thailand’s 31st prime minister. Continued …
International media predicts tough road ahead for Thailand’s new PM
International media reports have highlighted the challenges facing Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s youngest-ever prime minister, after being elected by parliament yesterday.
According to Reuters, despite Paetongtarn’s relatively easy victory in the vote, her lack of political experience means she faces a “baptism of fire” as she takes over from former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who was ousted by the Constitutional Court just two days earlier. Continued …
Hua Hin condos, Holiday Inn, water park in partnership
Heavy rain to hit 49 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall across 49 provinces, affecting the northern, northeastern, eastern, southern regions, as well as Bangkok, with 70% of the area expected to experience storms this afternoon and evening.
The southern region (east coast) will see thunderstorms and heavy rain in 60% of the area, particularly in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Temperatures will range from 23 to 26°C, with highs of 35 to 36°C. Southwesterly winds are expected at speeds of 15 to 30 kilometers per hour. Sea waves are expected to reach heights of approximately 1 meter, with waves over 2 meters in stormy areas. Continued …
Secondhand smoke ‘kills 9,400 per year’ in Thailand
More than 9,000 people die as a result of secondhand smoke in Thailand each year, a rate higher than that of the United States, says a recent report.
The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reported on the country’s social situation for the first quarter of 2024 to the cabinet recently, a source said. Continued …
Experts call on Thais to consume less salt
Experts are urging the public to consume less salt to reduce the risk of preventable diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, after a report found that the average Thai consumes almost twice the recommended daily intake.
In an effort to raise public awareness of the dangers of consuming too much sodium, Less Salt – a network of health advocacy groups that is pushing for clearer guidelines on sodium consumption – has been cataloging the average sodium content of food typically consumed by Thais. Continued …
Homelessness Remains Pressing Concern for Pattaya
Pattaya municipal officers have been intensifying their daily efforts to address the issue of homelessness in the city, yet the problem persists. Municipal officers conducted a recent operation to manage and relocate homeless individuals around the city.
During their patrol, they found two homeless individuals, a man and a woman, lying across the entrance of a residence near the TIP shop on Thepprasit Road, blocking the doorway just before the Thappraya intersection. Continued …
Bangkok hails food bank scheme for the poor
Bangkok City Hall said its food bank initiative has turned over 315 tons of surplus food that would have otherwise been discarded as waste into over 1.3 million meals for the city’s poor and vulnerable residents.
Since BKK Food Bank launched on Aug. 8, individuals and businesses across the city have donated 315,741.42 kilograms of surplus food, which have been redistributed to 67,449 residents in need, said Pornphrom Vikitsreth, adviser to Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt on sustainability. Continued …
Police intercept convoy with illegal Chinese imports in Kalasin
Highway police intercepted three 10-wheel trucks loaded with illegal Chinese imports Thursday. The operation took place on Highway 299, kilometres 19-20, in Phai subdistrict, Mueang district, Kalasin province.
The convoy, consisting of Hino trucks, was traveling from Somdet district toward Kalasin province when officers flagged them down for inspection due to suspicions about the contents. Continued …
- Hong Kong Nationals Arrested for Smuggling 14kg of Heroin – Continued …
- Vietnamese man held in robbery of cryptocurrency from Chinese businessman – Continued …
Four likely scenarios for the digital wallet scheme under new PM
Political analysts have been pondering about the future of the government’s digital wallet scheme after Srettha Thavisin was removed as prime minister on Wednesday by the Constitutional Court due to lack of integrity.
The scheme is the flagship election promise of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Under the scheme, Thai citizens aged 16 years and above, whose annual income is less than 840,000 per annum and do not have 500,000 baht in bank deposits, will receive 10,000 baht per person as a digital handout to spend at local businesses. The move is estimated to boost domestic spending and improve the country’s sluggish economy. Continued …
Investors await clarity on cabinet, digital wallet
The SET index plunged at midweek after the Constitutional Court ruled against Srettha Thavisin in an ethics case, removing him as prime minister.
However, shares rallied as Paetongtarn Shinawatra was quickly confirmed as his replacement, and investors looked forward to the formation of a new cabinet. Continued …
Thai manufacturing sector enjoying a resurgence within ASEAN
Thailand’s manufacturing sector is experiencing a resurgence, positioning itself as a key player in the ASEAN region, according to Board of Investment (BOI) Deputy Secretary-general Narucha Ruchuphan.
Speaking at a press conference earlier this week, he said Thailand was strategically positioned to become a manufacturing powerhouse in Southeast Asia, citing government support, skilled workforce, and robust infrastructure as key factors. Continued …
Aging society a boost for elderly care industry
The country’s aging society is helping the elderly care industry to thrive, says the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO). Director-general Poonpong Naiyanapakorn said Thailand is now an aging society, as the number of elderly continues to rise while the birth rate declines.
According to United Nations (UN) data, 13.06 million people in Thailand were aged over 60 last year, accounting for 20% of the total population. This represented a 4.3% increase on the previous year. Continued …
Uncertainty looms over Thai tourism policies after PM reshuffle
Thailand’s tourism policies face uncertainty following the forced resignation of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Aug. 14. The new government, led by new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, must now decide whether to continue the tourism policies of the previous administration.
According to Thai law, ongoing policies with approved budgets will continue to be implemented, regardless of the change in leadership. However, proposed initiatives whose budgets have not yet been approved will depend on the new administration’s priorities. Continued …
Pattaya welcomes 12 miilion-plus visitors
Pattaya welcomed more than 12 million tourists in the first six months of this year, a million more than in 2023, according to the local Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office.
TAT Pattaya office director Urai Mukpradabtong said tourism in Chon Buri province saw a 9.3% increase in visitors, rising from 11.61 million reported during the same period last year. Continued …
Thai Lion Air expands fleet, aims for 7 million passengers
Thai Lion Air is expanding its fleet and reinstating routes in response to rising tourism demand, aiming for 6-7 million passengers and achieving its first post-pandemic profit.
Thai Lion Air chief Nuntaporn Komonsittivate made known that domestic and international routes have recovered by 60%, supported by an increase in operational jets to 20 from 11 in recent years. Continued …
Discover planet and people-friendly travel in Thailand
Thailand is known for its picture-perfect beaches, beautiful temples, culinary delights and friendly locals, but the country is also becoming a leader in sustainable and responsible travel.
The Southeast Asian paradise is encouraging visitors to make ethical choices when visiting wildlife centers and animal sanctuaries, to book with local businesses when it comes to accommodation and tourism services, and also suggesting to venture further afield to the unspoiled parts of the country, meaning you can immerse yourself in its natural wonders and fascinating culture safe in the knowledge that they will be respected, preserved and supported for years to come. Continued …
How Social Media Threatens Wildlife
Social media’s ability to make remote locations instantly famous has become a major threat to sensitive habitats. When stunning photos of “undiscovered” natural wonders go viral on TikTok or Instagram, they can spark an influx of visitors that overwhelms delicate ecosystems.
This phenomenon has impacted species across the globe. In China, the critically endangered blue-crowned laughingthrush has been forced to alter its nesting habits due to an onslaught of photographers seeking rare shots. Fragile orchid populations have been decimated after location data was shared online, with one newly discovered species in Vietnam driven to extinction in just six months. Continued …
Visitors flock to Khamchanod for sacred water bowl ritual
Visitors flocked to Khamchanod Island yesterday to catch a glimpse of the sacred water bowl ritual and seek lucky numbers. The ceremony, led by Chawakan Khamwansa, drew a large crowd hoping for good fortune and blessings from Father Pu Sri Sutho and Mother Ya Sri Pratumma.
Tourists from across Thailand journeyed to the island, navigating the bridge to pay their respects at the main shrine. Guided by Chawakan, the visitors offered prayers before moving to the giant fig tree and the holy well, both significant spots on the island. Continued …
Where in Thailand Do Tourists Travel Most
Consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 most visited travel destinations, it’s no surprise Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, welcomed over 25 million tourists in 2023. Continued …
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31
FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35
FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15
Hua Hin train schedule
Van/minibus service at Market Village
Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:
- Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
- Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
- Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
- Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
- Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)
The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.
Emergency hotline numbers:
- Emergency hotline – 191
- Emergency medical services – 1554
- Water accident – 1196
- Motorway hotline – 1586
- Emergency medical – 1669
- Highway police – 1193
- Tourist police – 1155
- Bus ticket – 1490
- Department of Highways – 1586
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