• Hua Hin-PKK double-track rail to open next year/
• Officials warn of 100,000-baht fine for smoking on Hua Hin beach/
• Thailand Privilege Card to hold free networking and golf event in Hua Hin/
• Your 20-baht note may be worth 3000 baht/
• Chinese nationals bought nearly half of condo units sold to foreigners in 2022/
• Thai industry group uneasy over banking crisis/
• NE Thai company producing floating homes/
• Prachinburi locals make 3 demands over radiation fears/
• KResearch says global banking crisis will pressure Thai exports/
• America’s Globalstar will provide satellite services in Thailand/
• 2023 technology trends for digital transformation in business/
• Thai SEA Games jerseys made with recycled plastic bottles unveiled/
• Bangkok halts Bt30-billion Chao Phraya riverfront project/
• SPCG expects solar panel revenue to reach Bt1 billion/
• Building businesses on the legalization of marijuana in Chiang Mai/
• Tourism: Thailand sees 6M foreign tourist arrivals in Q1/TIME Magazine Lists Phuket and Isan Among World’s Greatest Places/Bangkok ranks #5 on Airbnb’s list of top trending global travel spots/Tourist ‘damaged Thai tourism’ by reporting bungee mishap to foreign media/Adang Island in Satun Is Set to Be Developed as World-Class Tourism Destination/AOT Unveils Plan to Expand Don Mueang Airport Terminal for Tourism Boost/U-tapao expansion likely delayed/Thailand’s most beautiful beaches for the beach lover in you/
• International: Trade Between China, Mekong Countries Hits $416.7B in 2022/Russian support for Myanmar junta ‘destabilizing’ Southeast Asia: US envoy/How Vietnam is trying to stop rice warming the planet/US state to require parental consent for social media/
• 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

---

---

---

Hua Hin-PKK double-track rail to open next year

The double-track railway between Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan stations looks set to be opened next year, as most of the project’s civil engineering work has been completed, according to the State Railway of Thailand.

The tracks are currently undergoing testing to estimate travel times and ensure safe shunting, which has produced satisfactory results so far.

The 84-kilometer-long double-track railway is constructed parallel to the old, single track, which serves the main southern line. The new tracks will pass two bridges, 12 stations, one halt and two container yards, at Sam Roi Yot and Thung Mamao stations. – Bangkok Post

Officials warn of 100,000-baht fine for smoking on Hua Hin beach

Officials have brought their new campaign to discourage smoking to Hua Hin beach, in an effort to keep the area clean and protect public health.

On Thursday, officials visited the beach holding signs warning that anyone found smoking on the beach faces a hefty fine of up to 100,000 THB and/or 1 year in jail.

The “Smoke-free Beach” campaign is being led by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Region 3 (DMCR3), and aims to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking on the beach, both in terms of health and environmental impact. Continued …

Thailand Privilege Card to hold free networking and golf event in Hua Hin

Thailand is a country that attracts many foreigners who want to live, work or retire. However, for some people who want to stay for an extended period of time, the process of obtaining a visa can be complex and time-consuming.

Fortunately, the Thailand Privilege Card – Exclusive Residence Program offers a solution that is both convenient and cost-effective.

To promote this program, a free networking dinner party is being held for foreigners in Hua Hin on March 30 at the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, starting at 5pm. Continued …

Your 20-baht note may be worth 3,000 baht

A collector of coins and bank notes went on a Facebook page (By Gig) to advise people to check their 20-baht new plastic bills.

The ones without a strip as shown in the photograph could be worth up to 3,000 baht.

The poster said that since advertising this more than a month ago, no one had come forward but the notes were out there somewhere. Continued …

Chinese nationals bought nearly half of condo units sold to foreigners in 2022

Chinese citizens bought the most number of condominiums in Thailand among foreigners in 2022, the Government Housing Bank’s Real Estate Information Centre (REIC) reported on Thursday.

The ownership of 11,561 condominium units worth 59.26 billion baht were transferred to foreigners last year, the centre said.

Foreign nationals who bought the most number of condominiums last year were: Continued …

Thai industry group uneasy over banking crisis

Domestic car and motorcycle sales may bear the brunt if Thai financial institutions are affected by the risk of failed banks in the U.S. and Europe, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

The concern was raised after U.S. and European banking executives and regulators stepped in to save California-based Silicon Valley Bank, New York-based Signature Bank and 167-year-old Credit Suisse in Zurich, Switzerland, from potential crisis.

If the financial turbulence cannot be contained, the global financial system will be affected, which may eventually have a negative impact on Thai banks and non-banks that grant loans to car and motorcycle buyers, said Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice chairman of the FTI and spokesman for its Automotive Industry Club. Continued …

NE Thai company producing floating homes

Prachinburi locals make 3 demands over radiation fears

Locals living around the recycling plant in Prachinburi where a stolen cylinder of Cesium-137 is believed to have been melted down have raised white flags in a plea for government action.

Authorities have declined to name the facility where radiation was detected and insist there has been no contamination of the surrounding environment.

However, the location of the plant became obvious when officials from the Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP) cordoned off the KPP Steel Co. recycling facility in Moo 6, Tambon Haad Nang Kaew in Kabin Buri. Continued …

KResearch says global banking crisis will pressure Thai exports

Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch) maintains Thailand’s 2023 GDP growth projection at 3.7 %. However, its Thai export growth forecast has been downgraded to -1.2 % from the previous -0.5 %.

Meanwhile, tourism will see a brighter outlook, with a clear recovery of foreign tourist arrivals expected in 1Q23.

In KResearch’s view, the recent problems faced by some Western banks will have limited impact on Thailand. Continued …

America’s Globalstar will provide satellite services in Thailand

Low earth orbit satellite operator Globalstar of the U.S. has won approval from Thailand’s regulators to provide satellite services in the Kingdom in partnership with local satellite firm Thaicom, the company announced last week.

Aside from the low earth orbit (LEO) satellite services, Louisiana-based Globalstar will also be permitted to build and operate a ground tracking station at Thaicom’s Teleport Center in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok.

Thailand has had a presence in space since the early 1990s. At that time, the Kingdom started purchasing, deploying and operating satellites with private-sector companies such as Thaicom taking the lead. Continued … 

2023 technology trends for digital transformation in business

As 2023 gets into full swing, enterprise cloud solution providers are looking to expand their focus to business buyers, not just IT/development teams.

As Gartner notes in its Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2023 presentation, given by Gartner analysts at its 2022 IT symposia globally, “senior IT and business leaders need to prepare to optimize, scale, or pioneer:

• To optimize resilience, operations or trust
• To scale your vertical solutions, product delivery, or … everywhere Continued …

Thai SEA Games jerseys made with recycled plastic bottles unveiled

Thailand’s official SEA Games jersey maker Grand Sport has released the collection of kits that Thai athletes would wear when competing at the upcoming SEA Games 2023.

The company’s managing director, Thiti Pluckchaoom, said that the jerseys for the 2023 SEA Games were designed with a contemporary style, under the concept of “Beyond The Spirit, Beyond Sportswear”.

Thiti said the collar shirts in this set were made using recycled plastic bottles to mitigate waste and raise awareness about global warming. Continued …

Bangkok halts Bt30-billion Chao Phraya riverfront project

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt announced that he would stop the “Chao Phraya walkway riverfront” project proposed by the Prayut Chan-o-cha government. He added that the project was not worth it and did not meet the needs of the people.

After the Thai Administrative Court ruled on March 22, 2023, to stop the construction of the Chao Phraya walkway, adding that the panel of defendants should adjust four points, Bangkok Deputy Gov. Wisanu Subsompon said the Bangkok municipality, which is one of the defendants, will accept the ruling and will not appeal.

However, as this project is part of a government policy, the government policy must be taken into account if the project is to be continued or canceled. Continued …

SPCG expects solar panel revenue to reach Bt1 billion

Costly electricity bills are expected to cause more households and businesses to use renewable energy by installing rooftop solar panels, says SET-listed SPCG, a pioneer in solar farm development in Thailand.

The power tariff, which is used to calculate electricity bills for households, is likely to increase to 4.77 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit) between May and August, up from the previous record high of 4.72 baht per unit, according to the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Businesses will also pay 4.77 baht per unit, down from 5.33 baht per unit, applicable from January to April this year. Continued …

Building businesses on the legalization of marijuana in Chiang Mai

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, has had a long history in Thailand. Traditionally, the plant was used by locals in their food and medicine.

But in 1935, using marijuana — whether as a drug or otherwise — was criminalized. And until last year, anyone using or possessing marijuana could face five years in prison, and a fine of up to 100,000 Thai baht, or $2,900.

In the late 2010s, the Thai government appeared to soften its stance toward marijuana. It was approved for medicinal use in 2019. Just two years later, those with a license could use and grow the plant. Continued …

Thailand sees 6M foreign tourist arrivals in Q1

The government expects there to be about 6 million foreign tourist arrivals in the first quarter of the year, as the vital tourism sector gathered momentum, an official said today.

The country is forecasting between 25 million to 30 million foreign tourists this year, with spending of 1.5 trillion baht, government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said in a statement. – Bangkok Post

TIME Magazine Lists Phuket and Isan Among World’s Greatest Places

Phuket and the Nnortheastern provinces of Thailand have been included on the TIME magazine’s list of “The World’s Greatest Places of 2023”.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the list, which showcases 50 extraordinary destinations to explore, describes Phuket as one of Thailand’s most visited places and is known for its famed beaches. Phuket has increased its family appeal with the grand opening of Carnival Magic, a culturally focused theme park last September. The island province is also drawing more visitors to its uncrowded countryside with an impressive landscape of modern luxury lodges.

The TIME list mentions Isan for the region’s diverse and delicious culinary options. It also mentions that those who venture to this off-the-beaten-path region of Thailand teeming with rice fields are rewarded with national parks, temple ruins, and Michelin-recommended restaurants. Last year marked the 60th anniversary of Thailand’s first national park, Khao Yai, which sits largely in Nakhon Ratchasima province and is home to elephants, gibbons, and Asian black bears. Continued …

Bangkok ranks #5 on Airbnb’s list of top trending global travel spots

Latest data from Airbnb reveals that as travel continues to recover post-pandemic, nights booked in Thailand on Airbnb more than doubled last year from 2020, with international travel leading the way and Bangkok emerging as a top destination of choice for global travelers on Airbnb.

The popular capital city emerged as the #1 trending destination globally for Airbnb guests in Q3 last year and #5 on Airbnb’s list of top trending global travel spots in 2023.

This comes as Thailand recently forecast that 25-30 million travelers will visit this year – a strong indication of tourism recovery in the country, and up from 11 million international visitors last year. Continued …

Tourist ‘damaged Thai tourism’ by reporting bungee mishap to foreign media

The Hong Kong tourist who went to the media in his homeland after a bungee cord broke in Pattaya has been accused of damaging Thai tourism.

The accident occurred on Feb. 24 but has only just come to light.

Yesterday, representatives from the Chonburi tourism office, civil engineers and the Pattaya tourist police finally went to investigate. Continued …

Adang Island in Satun Is Set to Be Developed as World-Class Tourism Destination

Ko Adang, or Adang Island, in the southern border province of Satun, is set to be developed as a world-class tourism destination, like Langkawi in Malaysia, according to the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC).

The SBPAC held a meeting recently to discuss ways to upgrade and develop tourism in Satun, which is famous for its pristine nature spreading over jungles, mountains, and beaches.

SBPAC Deputy Secretary-General Chanathan Saengphum stated that all relevant agencies would work together in pushing for the development of Adang Island into a major tourism destination in this part of the world within the next five years. Continued …

AOT Unveils Plan to Expand Don Mueang Airport Terminal for Tourism Boost

Following cabinet approval last year, Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) has unveiled its plans to expand Don Mueang International Airport’s low-cost terminal, aiming to increase passenger capacity and boost tourism income for the country.

According to AOT, a budget of 36.8 billion baht has been allocated for the project, which is set to begin this year and be completed by 2029.

The expansion, which includes the construction of 12 aircraft parking stands and 11 jet bridges, will increase the airport’s handling capacity from 30 million to 40 million passengers per year. Continued …

U-tapao expansion likely delayed

U-tapao airport expects a delay to the first phase of its expansion plans, as some conditions have not been approved by authorities, with the carrying capacity reduced to less than 12 million passengers in the initial stages, says U-Tapao International Aviation Co. (UTA).

Anawat Leelawatwatana, senior vice president for finance and accounting at Bangkok Airways and a representative for UTA, said the date for area delivery of construction was supposed to be January 2023, but three major criterion upon issuance of the notice to proceed letter have not been finalized by the government. Continued …

Thailand’s most beautiful beaches for the beach lover in you

View …

Trade Between China, Mekong Countries Hits $416.7B in 2022

Trade between China and countries along the Mekong River posted steady growth last year despite COVID-19 and the sluggish global economy. Thanks to deepened mutual trust and cooperation, China’s trade volume with Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam totaled 416.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2022, up 5% year on year. Continued …

Russian support for Myanmar junta ‘destabilizing’ Southeast Asia: US envoy

Russia’s backing for Myanmar’s military rulers is unacceptable and destabilizing, with its supply of weapons helping to fuel a conflict that has become a catastrophe for the country, a top U.S. official said on Thursday. Continued …

How Vietnam is trying to stop rice warming the planet

As a child, Dong Van Canh watched while the rice fields of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta were set alight to make way for the next crop, blackening the sky and flooding the air with potent greenhouse gases. Continued …

US state to require parental consent for social media

Utah on Thursday became the first U.S. state to require social media sites to get parental consent for accounts used by under-18s, placing the burden on platforms like Instagram and TikTok to verify the age of their users. 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