Thursday’s news-Aug 8 -

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Remake of Hua Hin government/Hua Hin-area events this weekend/Light show to showcase Hua Hin/International kite festival in PKK/Walkway planned for Nong Kae station/New delivery app in Hua Hin/Asia Cross Country Rally in Hua Hin/Severe monsoon warning/Move Forward Party dissolved/Dark Day for Thailand/US and EU express concern/Panipak wins historic flyweight gold/Thai weightlifters win Olympic medals/Solar Rooftop Project/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: The challenges Thailand faces/New tariffs on Chinese goods/HP eyes Thailand/Investment in Thai property development/Thai firms make Forbes list/Guidelines for green aviation fuel/Tourism: Khao Sok National Park to sue travel agency/Cebu Pacific resumes flights/Thailand Experience: Exciting rainy season adventures/Chiang Mai’s Elephant Nature Park/Growing interest in mountain and nature retreats/Koh Mak adventures/International/Links: Climate Thailand/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

Remake of Hua Hin government underway

Continued …

Hua Hin-area events this weekend

Team Mitsubishi To Compete in Asia Cross Country Rally in Hua Hin

Team Mitsubishi Ralliart will be taking on the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) 2024 scheduled for Aug. 11 to 17. In this competition, which will be held in southern and central Thailand, the team will be driving four Triton1 pickup trucks, aiming to reclaim the title after two years.

A total of 67 vehicles will compete in this year’s AXCR – 46 in the auto category, 19 in the moto category, and 2 in the sidecar category. The rally proper begins with Leg 1 on Aug. 12. Leg 2 is the longest section of the competition, traveling from Surat Thani to Hua Hin, and is expected to be challenging, with large ruts and rock debris on the road surface. Leg 3 is a fast course on flat dirt in and around Hua Hin. Continued …

Severe monsoon warning issued for Thailand with heavy rainfall

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for severe monsoon conditions across Thailand, particularly in the northeast and eastern regions, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected.

Residents are advised to be cautious of sudden flooding and flash floods, while the sea will experience waves up to 2 meters high, prompting advisories for sailors to avoid navigating the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Continued …

Move Forward Party dissolved, leaders banned for 10 years

The Constitutional Court of Thailand has announced a verdict to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP) over their efforts to reform the lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Law, and ban the managing executives of the party for 10 years.

In April, the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) requested that the Constitutional Court consider dissolving the MFP due to its promotion of the reformation of Section 112 during last year’s general election. The ECT argued that these reforms posed a threat to both the monarchy and the democratic form of government with the king as head of state. Continued …

New Day for Thailand After Court Dissolved Move Forward Party

In the end, the Constitutional Court today acted out of fear, citing eventual concerns that the monarchy institution will be eventually abolished if the main opposition Move Forward was allowed to continue to exist and charismatic former leader Pita Limjaroenrat allowed to hold political office. Thus, the party was dissolved and Pita along with about 10 others, including current party leader Chaithawat Tulathon, were banned from political office for 10 years.

This leads to the question as to whether Thailand can still call itself a democracy when disenfranchising 14 million voters, or the biggest winner in the May 2014 general election, means little or nothing as long as voters want to see the monarchy institution reformed instead of being treated like a semi-divine institution from the Middle Ages in Europe. Continued …

US and EU express concern over the demise of Thailand’s Move Forward party

The United States and the European Union voiced strong concerns on Wednesday following the Constitutional Court of Thailand’s decision to dissolve the opposition party, Move Forward. The verdict raises alarm about the country’s democratic trajectory, especially considering Move Forward’s significant electoral support.

In a statement, the U.S. State Department highlighted the potential threat to Thailand’s democratic progress. “This decision jeopardizes Thailand’s democratic progress and runs counter to the aspirations of the Thai people for a strong, democratic future,” said spokesperson Matthew Miller. The department emphasized that the ruling disenfranchises over 14 million voters who supported Move Forward in the May 2023 elections. Continued …

Paris Olympics: Thailand’s Panipak wins historic flyweight gold

Last night, Panipak Wongpattanakit defended her Tokyo Olympics title, winning the country’s first-ever back-to-back gold in taekwondo at the Paris Games. The 29-year-old became a national icon by overpowering China’s Guo Qing in a thrilling final match.

Panipak secured her place in history with a nail-biting 6-3, 2-3, 6-2 victory. Her decisive head kicks in the final round crushed her opponent’s hopes, showcasing the skill and poise that have made her a legend in her sport. This win makes her the first Thai athlete to win two Olympic gold medals. Continued …

Thai weightlifters win Olympic silver and bronze

Two Thai weightlifters, Theerapong Silachai and Surodchana Khambao, delivered worthy performances at the Paris Olympics, clinching silver and bronze medals, respectively, last night.

Theerapong Silachai, a 21-year-old athlete, earned the silver medal in the Men’s 61 kg weightlifting category, making history as the first Thai male to capture an Olympic silver in weightlifting. Silachai, despite being the sixth-ranked qualifier, was the only competitor to successfully complete all six of his attempts. Continued …

Trinasolar Supports Solar Rooftop Project for a Child Development Center

Trinasolar, a provider of smart photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage solutions, has acknowledged the energy cost crisis in the education sector in Thailand.

Schools across Thailand face a significant challenge in operating costs. While accessing electricity in schools positively impacts learning outcomes, the rising energy cost is one of the significant burdens on those schools. This crisis will directly affect children resulting in reduced educational quality, fewer opportunities, and a less supportive school environment. Continued …

Two Foreign Tourists Arrested for Selling Ecstasy on Koh Phangan – Continued …
Kuwaiti tourists again cause problems in Pattaya –Continued …

The challenges Thailand faces in becoming a high-income economy

Over a hundred countries, including China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Thailand, face significant challenges in their quest to become high-income economies in the coming decades, according to a new World Bank study released earlier this month.

Drawing on the past 50 years, the “World Development Report 2024: The Middle Income Trap” provides a comprehensive roadmap for developing countries to overcome the so-called “middle-income trap”. Continued …

Call for new tariffs on Chinese goods

The influx of Chinese industrial products into Southeast Asia is dealing a blow to Thailand’s trade, reducing its market share in the region and leading to a trade deficit with China worth nearly US$20 billion, says the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB).

The entry of Chinese online retailer Temu into Thailand is expected to worsen the situation, causing the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), a key member of JSCCIB, to call on the government to impose more tariffs on some imported products. Continued …

HP eyes Thailand in plans to shift production from China

U.S.-based IT giant Hewlett-Packard (HP) is looking to shift more than half of its PC (personal computer) production away from China to reduce potential geopolitical risks, Nikkei Asia reported on Wednesday.

Nikkei Asia cited multiple sources as saying that HP is in talks with suppliers about the move and aims to achieve its target in two to three years. The company has set an internal goal of eventually making up to 70% of its notebooks outside of China. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Foreign investment in Thai property development sought

Thai property developers are expected to seek more investment from foreign partners under joint venture contracts now that financial institutes have tightened loan criteria to curb non-performing loans (NPLs), consulting firm Property DNA said.

The move is not new to the Thai property market, with several major developers forming joint ventures with Japanese investors over the past decade for projects worth over 200 billion baht, Property DNA’s Managing Director Surachet Kongcheep said on Wednesday. Continued …

14 Thai firms make Forbes Asia Best Under A Billion 2024 list

Forbes Asia has included 14 companies in thailand to be included in its Asian “Best Under a Billion” in revenue list. They were selected from a pool of around 20,000 listed firms in the region in sectors such as finance, semiconductors, and food and beverage (F&B).

Forbes Asia noted that geopolitical and inflationary headwinds “sapped” momentum from some Asia-Pacific economies, but strong domestic demand supported by an uptick in infrastructure spending and global trade drove the region’s overall growth in 2023. Continued …

Thailand preparing guidelines for green aviation fuel

Thailand’s Energy Ministry is poised to unveil groundbreaking guidelines on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the final quarter of this year, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).

This initiative tackles the colossal carbon footprint of the energy sector, the top offender in global warming. With the energy sector spewing out a staggering 69% of total emissions — 40% from fuel combustion, 29% from transport, and 20% from manufacturing and construction — the need for a solution has never been more urgent. Continued …

Khao Sok National Park to sue travel agency after fatal cave death

Khao Sok National Park in the southern province of Surat Thani plans to sue a travel agency after two Thai tour guides violated safety rules and took 22 foreign tourists to Nam Talu Cave during its closure, resulting in the death of one guide in the flash flood on Tuesday.

National park rangers and rescuers saved the other Thai tour guide and the 22 foreigners from a flash flood at the popular tourist destination on Tuesday. The deceased guide, 37-year-old Pongyot, was found in the cave early on Aug. 7. Continued …

Cebu Pacific resumes flights from southern Philippines to Bangkok

Starting Oct. 28, Cebu Pacific will operate direct flights thrice weekly between Davao in Philippines and Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport.

Additionally, beginning Oct. 27, Cebu Pacific will offer daily flights from Davao to the destinations of Caticlan and Puerto Princesa, as well as thrice weekly flights to Tacloban on Oct. 29. Continued …

Exciting rainy season adventures await

To provide inspiration to those searching for heart-pounding experiences or weekend escapes during the rainy season, online travel platform Agoda offers carefully curated sports activities to satisfy your wanderlust on a serene beach or in verdant mountains.

Kitesurfing in Hua Hin

The coastal town of Hua Hin is a great spot for kitesurfing thanks to its stunning beaches and winds. It’s home to a large number of kitesurfing schools and clubs where both beginners and professionals can gather and share their passions. Continued …

Inspiring ecotourism experiences at Chiang Mai’s Elephant Nature Park

Thailand, a land of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, is a haven for nature lovers and offbeat travelers seeking authentic experiences. Amid its lush greenery and pristine wilderness, Elephant Nature Park stands as a shining example of the country’s rich ecotourism offerings.

Just 60 kilometers from the bustling city of Chiang Mai, Elephant Nature Park was established in the 1990s as a sanctuary for distressed elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Since its inception, the park has rescued over 200 elephants, creating a thriving herd within its natural and beautiful environment. Here, the focus is on the well-being of the animals, ensuring that they are always treated with respect and dignity. Continued …

Data reveals growing interest in Thailand’s stunning mountain and nature retreats

Many international travelers are heading to lesser-known areas, increasingly interested in Thailand’s hidden gems, according to recent Airbnb statistics. Regions like the northeast and deep south, as well as quiet nature retreats, mountain hideaways and secluded beach locations, are gaining popularity.

Topping the list is Mae Hong Son in Thailand’s north, which has seen an approximately 150% year-on-year increase in searches by Airbnb guests, comparing figures for the first three months of this year to the same time period in 2023. Driven in part by the popularity of Pai district, Mae Hong Song’s combination of nature, culture and fun is striking a chord with Airbnb guests around the world. Continued …

Koh Mak adventures

After a two-hour drive from Songkhla to the peaceful Koh Mak community, I found myself lounging on a waterfront deck savoring gentle winds and breathtaking views of the Songkhla Lake around me.

Located in tambon Pak Phayun, Phatthalung, this island provides a relaxing weekend refuge where visitors can enjoy living away from the bustle of big cities. Even though the Koh Mak-Pak Phayun Bridge was built in 1993 to connect the island with the mainland and make transportation more convenient, locals remain dedicated to their fishing traditions. Continued …

Britain’s far-right violent riots fade, anti-racists prevail

After days of violent rioting set off by disinformation around a deadly stabbing rampage, authorities in Britain had been bracing for more unrest Wednesday. But by nightfall, large-scale anti-immigration demonstrations had not materialized, and only a few arrests had been made nationwide. Continued …

Overtourism Poses Challenges to Japan’s Efforts to Boost Tourist Arrivals

Overtourism will pose a downside risk to the Japan National Tourism Organization’s (JNTO) drive to expand arrivals to the market over the medium-to-long term (2024-2030). Continued …