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Water jousting event/Old Thai Coins/Impacts of flooding/Heavy rain warning/Current flood situation/Workers in tunnel still alive/Moonshine death toll rises/Baht set to rise/Officials ‘unusually rich’/Submerged in seven years/Stacking stuff on your fridge/Mentally ill Thai man dismembers wife/Economy: Big plans for entertainment complex/155,000 Myanmar workers arrested/Thai women’s business success/Strengthening Thailand-China relations/Bt23.5-billion investment/Royal Enfield to boost Thai presence/Pioneering Smart Farming/Tourism: War room to help tourism/Accor switches focus/VietJet Thailand special fare/Thailand Experience: Road trip from Chiang Mai/Hotspot for wellness/Backlash over elephant interaction/Climate Thailand: SE Asia poised to be global EV hub/International/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

Pranburi’s Racer Marina to host water jousting event Sept 14

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Old Thai Coins May Be Worth Millions

Collectors of old Thai coins are in for a potential windfall, as certain coins, including 1 baht, 5 baht, and 10 baht coins from specific years, could be worth significant amounts of money, sometimes even reaching millions of baht.

Yesterday, a TikTok user shared valuable information, highlighting the need for collectors and the general public to scrutinise their collections. In the video, the user revealed that a 1 baht coin from 1986 (2529 B.E.) can fetch between 200 and 500 baht. This revelation has set off a wave of excitement among collectors. Continued …

Authorities brace for impacts of 2024 flooding

Thai authorities are implementing measures and adjusting strategies in case the ongoing flood situation in different parts of Thailand worsens, although the Finance Minister believes it will not be as bad as the great flood of 2011.

Pichai Chunhavajira, acting deputy prime minister and finance minister, said on Monday that the floods this year should be less severe than those of 2011 in terms of economic impact. He expressed confidence that the authorities would be able to prevent the floodwaters from spreading into residential and economic zones. Continued …

Heavy rain warning, Sukhothai facing flood surge

Heavy rain is forecast for northern, northeastern, central and southern provinces this week, with Sukhothai in the north at risk of major flooding from the rain-swollen Yom River.

The Meteorological Department issued a warning on Monday morning. It said heavy rain was expected in the north, upper northeast and central regions, including Bangkok, and most parts of the southern region. It warned of possibly flash flooding from overflowing watercourses and runoff at least until Wednesday. Continued …

Current flood situation in Thailand – over 21,000 households in 6 provinces affected

As of Aug. 25, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has reported severe flooding across six provinces in Thailand, including Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Phetchabun, and Nakhon Si Thammarat.

The flooding has affected a total of 37 districts, 156 subdistricts, and 940 villages, impacting 21,824 households. Continued …

Trapped workers in tunnel still alive, rescuers say

The three workers trapped inside a tunnel under construction as part of the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway in Nakhon Ratchasima are still alive, Pak Chong district chief Kanatchon Sricharoen said on Monday.

The Chinese foreman and backhoe operator and a Myanmar dump truck driver became trapped inside the tunnel being constructed in Tambon Chan Thuek in Pak Chong district after a landslide on Saturday. Continued …

Bangkok moonshine death toll rises to 4, 28 in critical condition

The death toll from moonshine consumption in Bangkok has risen to four as of today, with 28 other victims remaining in serious condition. A further investigation into the sources of the moonshine led to the arrest of two Thai men yesterday.

The issue came to light after multiple residents in the Khlong Sam Wa, Min Buri, and Nong Chok districts of Bangkok were admitted to hospitals with high levels of acid in their blood. The symptoms they exhibited included dizziness, difficulty breathing, kidney failure, blurred vision, seizures, and unconsciousness. Continued …

Baht set to rise against the dollar

The baht is expected to strengthen against the greenback this week, potentially reaching 33.50-33.75 baht per dollar, following its rise to the highest level in 13 months. This appreciation is largely driven by the weakening dollar, which has been impacted by the U.S. Federal Reserve’s signal of a potential rate cut next month.

The baht has appreciated past 34 baht per dollar since Friday, fluctuating between 33.90-34.27 baht against the greenback. On Monday, the Thai currency opened at 33.98 per dollar, strengthening from last week’s closing rate of 34.25 against the greenback. Continued …

Local officials ‘unusually rich’

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has ruled there are grounds for the allegation two senior local officials in Suphan Buri and Samut Songkram are unusually rich, with some 46 million baht of unexplained wealth between them.

Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, the NACC secretary-general, said the first case concerns Raynu Phonlasen, a former mayor of tambon Plai Na in Sri Prachan district of Suphan Buri. Continued …

Bangkok could be submerged in seven years, warns economist

A Thai economist warned that Bangkok could be submerged by the sea within the next seven to eight years. The government has been urged to take immediate action to prevent significant economic and social damage.

Anusorn Thammajai, dean of the Faculty of Economics at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and former member of the National Research Council of Thailand, highlighted in a recent discussion the escalating impact of natural disasters on the quality of life and the economy. He pointed out that issues such as flash floods, global warming, and severe climate fluctuations are becoming increasingly problematic. Continued …

Stacking stuff on your fridge could be a real power trip

Placing certain items on top of a refrigerator can lead to increased electricity consumption and reduced appliance lifespan, as warned by electricians. The top of a fridge is often seen as a convenient spot for storage or decoration but not everything is suitable for this space.

A refrigerator is an essential appliance in every household, used extensively for storing various items. However, some people also utilize the top of the fridge for additional storage or to place decorative items. According to a report from the website SOHA, electricians caution against placing specific items on top of a refrigerator. They highlight three things that, if placed on top, can lead to higher energy usage and shorten the appliance’s lifespan. Continued …

Mentally ill Thai man dismembers wife, scatters body parts on road

In a shocking scene more suited to a horror movie, a mentally ill Thai man murdered his wife before dismembering her and scattering her body parts on a road in the Doi Luang district of the northern province of Chiang Rai in the early hours of yesterday.

Officers from the Doi Luang Police Station were called to investigate the human remains found on Soi 9, Mae Riab community, in the Doi Luang district of Chiang Rai. Police discovered a head, leg, and torso belonging to a Thai woman on the road. Continued …

Big plans for ‘Royal Siam Haven’ entertainment complex

The Royal Turf Club of Thailand (RTCT) has announced plans to invest 200 billion baht in building an expansive entertainment complex called “The Royal Siam Haven”.

RTCT executive Patvee Surin said a memorandum of understanding has already been signed with investment partners. While the exact location of the complex remains undisclosed, Patvee confirmed it will cover a vast area. Continued …

Thailand arrests over 155,000 Myanmar workers in crackdown on illegal labor

In Thailand, under the 120-day crackdown plan on illegal workers, the Ministry of Labor and Thai authorities have been conducting nationwide arrests, resulting in the apprehension of 155,669 Myanmar workers between June 5 and Aug. 22.

The Ministry of Labor and relevant authorities in Thailand have collaborated on this 120-day crackdown plan on illegal workers. Over 78 days, a total of 208,035 illegal migrant workers had been arrested. Continued …

Thai women’s business success belies broader gender inequality

Women in Thailand are active in the business sphere. Thai businesses have one of the highest ratios of women CEOs in the world, with 32% of senior leadership positions in Thailand held by women, compared to the global average of 27%. Almost 90% of businesses in Thailand have at least one woman in senior management.

But this does not mean that gender equality in Thailand has been achieved. Thailand ranks around 74th in the world on the Gender Inequality Index, which is only the fourth highest in Southeast Asia, after Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei. Continued …

Thai PM says committed to further strengthening Thailand-China relations

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s new prime minister, stated on Monday that Thailand and China share a “close friendship” and she is committed to further strengthening bilateral ties.

Paetongtarn wrote on a social media platform that Thailand’s friendship with China is based on “mutual trust and respect, a common vision towards prosperity and progress, as well as familial ties between our two countries’ peoples.” Continued …

BOI approves privileges for Western Digital’s Bt23.5-billion investment expansion

The Board of Investment has approved investment privileges for Western Digital Storage Technology (Thailand) Co.’s plan to expand its investment in Thailand by 23.516 billion baht, the BOI chief said on Monday.

BOI Secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi said an authorized subcommittee of the BOI approved the request of Western Digital for privileges for its further investment in hard disk drives and peripherals manufacturing in Bang Pa-in Industrial Estate in Ayutthaya and 304 Industrial Park in Prachin Buri. Continued …

Royal Enfield to boost Thai presence with big investment

Royal Enfield’s iconic mid-size motorcycle models has announced plans for significant investment in Thailand, expressing confidence in sales growth that will outpace the market this year, said its head of business and Asia Pacific Anuj Dua. Despite ongoing economic turbulence, he expressed unwavering confidence in the Thai market.

He projected the Thai mid-size motorcycle market (250-750 cc) to remain stable at approximately 25,000-27,000 units this year. This forecast comes amid ongoing economic and political uncertainty in the country. Continued …

Pioneering Smart Farming for a New Economy

Red oak, green oak, kale, cos, frisée iceberg, and a variety of fresh vegetables are flourishing in the plots of the Mae Moh Agricultural Community in Lampang Province, awaiting harvest. This represents the transformation of the community’s agriculture toward a modern farming model that could soon evolve into “smart farming”.

The resettlement area in Ban Dong subdistrict, Mae Moh District, Lampang Province, is situated near mountains, making it less suitable for traditional agriculture. However, modern technology has been introduced to enhance crop production, leading to the development of chemical-free vegetables through indoor vertical farming and organic farming techniques. Continued …

War room set up to help tourism operators affected by floods

The Tourism and Sports Ministry will set up an emergency coordination center, also known as a “war room”, to survey the impact of flooding in several provinces and provide appropriate assistance to affected tourism operators.

The center will coordinate with provincial tourism and sports offices, the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Tourist Police, Minister Sermsak Pongpanich said on Monday. Continued …

Accor switches its focus to franchise in Thailand

Global hospitality giant Accor is ramping up its franchise model in Thailand and across the Asia-Pacific region, aiming to capitalize on the burgeoning tourism industry, particularly in China and India, while adapting to changing consumer preferences.

Highlighting the resurgence of Chinese middle-class travelers and the expanding Indian middle class in Asia, Jens Reichert, Accor’s vice president of development for Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam, stated that demand for diverse accommodation options will undoubtedly rise, bolstering the growth of mid-scale hotel businesses not only in major cities but also in second- and third-tier cities across Asia, particularly Thailand. Continued …

VietJet Thailand offers flights starting at 100 baht

VietJet Thailand has launched a travel promotion titled “Fly for Just 100 Baht”, allowing passengers to book air tickets between Aug. 26 and Aug. 30 for travel from Sept. 10 to March 31 next year. This deal excludes public holidays and offers fares as low as 100 baht, excluding taxes and fees.

Passengers can enjoy this promotional fare on domestic and international routes operated by VietJet Thailand. The domestic network includes flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi International Airport) to popular destinations such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Ubon Ratchathani. Additionally, there are inter-regional flights from Phuket to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Continued …

Road trip from Chiang Mai reveals fascinating sights, with few tourists

With a spear lodged in his chest, the soldier topples into a fiery pit as his comrades scale a wooden fort. Amid the carnage, two giant elephants ridden by sword-wielding warriors collide head-on.

These scenes tower above me, painted across an entire wall inside a monumental complex in Mae Rim, a district on the northern outskirts of the city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Continued …

Reasons Thailand is a hotspot for wellness destination

Thailand has long been recognized as a top destination for tourists seeking adventure, culture, and relaxation. However, in recent years, the country has emerged as a leading global wellness destination.

From its world-class aesthetic clinics to its burgeoning reputation in global tea production, Thailand offers a holistic experience for those looking to rejuvenate mind, body, and soul. Whether you’re considering botox treatments or seeking a tranquil retreat, here’s why Thailand should be at the top of your wellness travel list. Continued …

Danish celebrity faces backlash over elephant interaction in Thailand

Danish celebrity Dennis Knudsen is in the spotlight after posting a video on Instagram showing himself, his partner Jeppe, and his three children interacting closely with elephants during their vacation in Thailand. The video, which includes scenes of the family washing and bathing the elephants, has attracted significant criticism from animal welfare groups.

(Editor: As someone who has “interacted” closely with elephants at one of Elephant Nature Park’s satellite locations outside Chiang Mai, we strongly disagree with this being detrimental to the elephants – depending on the sanctuary. The elephants we visited had free roam of the jungle and grasslands in their particular location. They were not penned up and, importantly, they were not ridden. If the older elephants had been mistreated years before, they weren’t now, and the young elephant we met was just a rowdy 3-year-old, with seemingly no cares in the world. Elephant Nature Park is the ideal model, and there are “sanctuaries” where elephants are not treated well. Do your homework!)

World Animal Protection Denmark criticized the post, alleging that such interactions often indicate behind-the-scenes mistreatment of the animals. The organization argues that if tourists can touch, ride, or bathe wild animals, it usually reflects a broader issue of exploitation and cruelty, despite claims of being animal-friendly sanctuaries. Continued …

SE Asia poised to be global EV industry hub, report says

Southeast Asia will become the world’s next hub for the electric-vehicle (EV) industry, according to BloombergNEF’s annual Southeast Asia Electric Vehicle Outlook (EVO) 2024, which was released on Monday.

The study reveals a burgeoning EV market in six Southeast Asian nations. The comprehensive study, which covered Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Philippines, found a significant increase in both EV adoption and local manufacturing efforts. Continued …

Gunmen kill dozens in one of Pakistan’s deadliest provincial attacks

Gunmen in southwestern Pakistan killed 38 in three attacks, while security forces killed 21 insurgents. This marks one of the deadliest days in Baluchistan province, with additional reports of shootings and destruction in the area, officials said Monday. Continued …

Myanmar junta to lose restive state to armed group

Myanmar’s junta is on the verge of being expelled from a western-most state bordering Bangladesh, according to a new report, marking it one of the biggest military losses since a 2021 coup led to renewed civilian conflict across the country. Continued …