Our newest sponsor – Hua Hin Visa Services/Dusit Thani’s Hua Hin branded residence/Expressway inbound lane to reopen/Steps to curb accidents on Rama II/Alcohol Advertising Legalized/Mountain B pub owner sentenced/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Waiting to hit an iceberg/Economy faces stormy skies/Digital economy GDP to rise/Entertainment complex a game changer/Inflation still within target/Foreign investors rises by 68%/Chinese Investment in Thailand/Rail ties with Laos, China/New business registrations dip/TOURISM: Bangkok’s Water Festival/Chiang Mai for Songkran 2025/Thai Airways offers 30% Songkran discounts/Tourist boat evacuates 35/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: World leader in edible insects/Motorcycle routes in Thailand/10 best restaurants in Bangkok/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
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Hua Hin Visa Services
Dusit Thani to develop Bt2-billion Hua Hin branded residence
Hospitality firm Dusit Thani is leveraging 114 rai of land in Hua Hin, home to Dusit Thani Hua Hin hotel, to develop a branded residence with 96 units worth 2 billion baht, offered under a 60-year leasehold agreement.
Suphajee Suthumpun, group chief executive, said the plot spans both beachfront and Phetkasem Road, with development of the branded residence on 20 rai facing the road. Continued …
Inbound expressway toll plaza near collapse site reopens
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) reopened the inbound Dao Khanong toll plaza for the Chalerm Maha Nakhon expressway this morning after nearby debris from last Saturday’s expressway bridge collapse was removed.
All debris blocking road access to the toll plaza in Chom Thong district of Bangkok was removed, the tarmac surface repaired and lane markings painted in time for the 6am opening. Continued …
Engineers suggest steps to curb accidents on Rama II
The Thailand Structural Engineers Assn. (TSEA) has proposed measures to address repeated accidents occurring on Rama II Road and other large-scale projects.
The suggested steps include urgent reviews of ongoing projects, particularly those near public roads, as well as legal measures to enhance safety and oversight. Continued …
Thailand Legalizes Alcohol Advertising
Thailand’s House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly in favor of a new Alcohol Control Act, which paves the way for the advertising of alcoholic beverages such as beer and spirits.
At the parliamentary session, chaired by the eputy Speaker of the House, Pichet Chuamuangphan, members reviewed the draft legislation, which includes 38 articles. This was achieved during the second and third readings after extensive debate. Continued …
Mountain B pub owner sentenced to 5 years for deadly fire
The owner of the renowned Mountain B nightclub faces five years’ imprisonment following the fire in 2022 that claimed 26 lives and injured multiple partygoers and workers.
The Mountain B fire took place on Aug. 5 of that year. The blaze reportedly began on the ceiling above the stage during a live music performance and spread rapidly due to the presence of flammable acoustic foam. Continued …
Massive Pot smuggling racket – Foreign tourists paid and sent to Thailand on holidays
Thailand has become a global center for cannabis smuggling to Europe and Britain. Policeyesterday revealed another series of arrests concerning foreigners smuggling cannabis through Chiang Mai International Airport.
The five suspects — three British men and two American women — were apprehended on Monday. In short, the couriers, who were hired by drug cartels, were smuggling cannabis bought in Thailand for Bt1.2 million but which was worth a minimum of £1.2 million on the streets of the United Kingdom. Continued …
- British Cannabis Smuggler Caught in Major Thai Airport Bust – Continued …
- Belgian MMA Fighter Battles Group of Indians in Pattaya Brawl – Continued …
- Chinese National Arrested for Illegal Luxury Car Rentals – Continued …
- Chinese Man Arrested at Chiang Mai Airport for Stealing from Tourists – Continued …
- Two Vietnamese Men Arrested in Chiang Rai for Fake Visa Stamps – Continued …
The economy is waiting to hit an iceberg
On the evening of April 14 1912, a small Canadian fishing boat, skippered by a French-Canadian captain called “Jacques-Chai”, approached the Titanic wanting to convey a very important message to Captain Edward Smith. The message was that there was a sea of icebergs, one was particularly big, about 200 miles ahead.
The big one was big enough to sink the Titanic. He strongly advised the captain to change course to avoid a potential disaster. Captain Smith ignored the warning from the strangely named French-Canadian and kept the Titanic on course. Continued …
Thai economy faces stormy skies
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is sounding the alarm over slipping asset quality among wealthier borrowers, echoing a worrying trend seen in middle- and low-income groups as the Thai economy slows to a crawl.
Minutes from the recent Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting reveal mounting concerns about loan quality deteriorating across the board. This could lead banks to become even more cautious, particularly with mortgages and hire-purchase loans. Continued …
Digital economy GDP to rise 7.3% to Bt4.85 trillion
The GDP of Thailand’s digital economy this year is expected to increase 7.3% year-on-year to reach 4.85 trillion baht, according to the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry.
The digital economy’s GDP growth rate is 2.6 times higher than the country’s overall GDP growth rate, which is projected to reach 2.8% this year, generating 19.2 trillion baht. Digital investment this year is expected to expand by 9.9%, or 2.7 times higher than the anticipated growth rate of total investment in the country. Continued …
Entertainment complex (casino) a game changer for Thailand: Finance Ministry
The proposed entertainment complex (aka, casino) will positively impact Thai tourism and the economy, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said yesterday.
In a roundtable session hosted by Krungthep Turakij, he explained that the Council of State had made significant improvements to the entertainment complex bill, particularly regarding venue locations and accessibility. He expects the bill to be presented to the Cabinet and the House of Representatives soon. Continued …
Thai inflation still within target despite February price hikes: Ministry
The Commerce Ministry expects inflation to remain at 1.1%-1.2% in the first quarter, after rising food, fuel and electricity costs drove Thailand’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) up 1.08% in February compared to the same period last year. The ministry has maintained its inflation target for the whole year at 0.3%-1.3%.
It said the new U.S. trade policy, to be announced on April 1, is not expected to impact Thailand’s inflation rate, but it would continue to monitor the situation closely. Continued …
Number of foreign investors in first two months rises by 68%
In the first two months of 2025, 181 foreign investors were approved to invest in Thailand, marking a 68% increase, the Business Development Department (BDD) announced yesterday.
The 181 foreign firms made a combined investment of 35.277 billion baht, an increase of 8.738 billion baht, or 33%, compared to the first two months of the previous year. Continued …
Detailed Analysis of Chinese Investment in Thailand
In 2023, Chinese firms committed over 90 billion baht (about $2.5 billion USD) to projects in Thailand between January and August, nearly tripling the previous year’s figures for that period, with the full year reaching 159.3 billion baht.
By 2024, Chinese investment surged, accounting for more than 42% of the total 981.65 billion baht in foreign investment, highlighting its growing dominance. Continued …
Government eyes improved rail ties with Laos, China
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plans to enhance the efficiency of its freight transport with Laos and China to stimulate trade and strengthen the kingdom’s position as a regional rail hub.
SRT Gov. Veeris Ammarapala recently held talks with the Lao National Railway Enterprise and Lao-China Railway Co. The goal of the discussions was to develop a seamless and more efficient rail freight network connecting Thailand, Laos and China, as well as to enhance logistical efficiency with Malaysia, he said. Continued …
New business registrations dip 5% in first 2 months
The registration of new businesses dropped by 5% year-on-year during the first two months as operators took a cautious approach amid uncertainties, according to the Department of Business Development (DBD).
Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the DBD, said during the period 16,391 new businesses registered, down 5.1% year-on-year. Registered capital totaled 41.3 billion baht, down by 9.85% year-on-year. Continued …
Bangkok’s Water Festival to Dazzle in April with 12 Venues
Come April, Bangkok is set to immerse itself in a wave of cultural festivity with the grand Water Festival 2025. From April 12-15, the city will transform into a vibrant hub of traditional Thai celebrations, drawing local and international visitors alike. This year, the festival will unfold across 12 distinct locations, each promising a unique slice of Thailand’s rich heritage under the evocative theme “Great Songkran, Great Fun.”
At the heart of the festival lies an array of activities designed to captivate and entertain. A spectacular water procession will showcase revered Buddha statues from five royal temples. Festival attendees will have the chance to pass through a consecrated holy water tunnel and partake in the cherished tradition of pouring water on Buddha images — a gesture symbolizing purification and blessings for the New Year. Continued …
Chiang Mai to host water splashing and events for Songkran 2025
Water splashing and various activities are set to take place at multiple venues in Chiang Mai province this April to celebrate this year’s Songkran festival.
The traditional Songkran celebration in Chiang Mai will feature religious activities, such as pouring water to pay respects to the elderly and building sand chedis at temples. Here’s a preview of the Songkran celebrations planned for April. Continued …
Thai Airways offers 30% Songkran discounts on selected flights
Thai Airways International is offering 30% discounts on fares for selected domestic routes to accommodate travel demand during next month’s Songkran holiday, with more than 1,500 seats available.
The discounts are being offered on the following routes: Bangkok-Chiang Mai, Bangkok-Phuket, Bangkok-Khon Kaen, Bangkok-Udon Thani and Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani. Continued …
Pattaya tourist boat evacuates 35 passengers
A tourist boat carrying 35 Russian passengers Tuesday narrowly avoided disaster after a massive cloud of black smoke engulfed the vessel near Sak Island. Fortunately, quick-thinking by the captain and emergency services ensured a safe outcome for everyone on board.
The Marine Disaster Prevention Radio Center (Marine Rescue) in Pattaya received an urgent report at 10am Tuesday, of a fire on the two-story Pattaya Bay Cruise boat, which was around 500 meters from Sak Island, near Koh Larn. Continued …
How Thailand became a world leader in edible insects
Growing up in Thailand’s northeastern Isan region, Suwimon Chantajohn learned from her grandfather which insects were best to eat. Captivated by his stories of surviving on bugs during his military service in World War II, she spent her childhood scouring the dry fields for crickets, bamboo worms, and scarab beetles hiding in the grass, under bark, or beneath cow dung.
As an adult, she wanted to start her own business and traveled the world. While visiting a game lodge in Tanzania, a German guest screamed when Chantajohn brushed a bug off her arm. The moment sparked an idea. Back in Thailand, she launched Siam Bugs, a cricket farming business. Continued …
5 stunning motorcycle routes in Thailand to take
Thailand is a paradise for motorcyclists, offering some of the most stunning and diverse routes in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or someone looking for a new adventure, these are some suggested routes that any rider should take once in their lives.
For anyone new to riding a motorcycle cross country, there are no set times and ways to get past these routes and it is entirely up to you on how you want to travel (or how certain groups of people suggest you should go about it). Continued …
Eat your way through the 10 best restaurants in Bangkok
Not yet acquainted with the effervescent city that is Bangkok? The Thai capital is a hive of activity at all hours, and delightfully devoted to all things food.
From fine-dining destinations to old-school stalls tucked into dark alleys, we’ve scoped out the standouts – these are the 10 best places to eat in Bangkok. Continued …
New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok
The new first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin will offer two round trips daily. The fare would be 200 baht each way and would take three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure will be from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.
- The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
- It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
- Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm
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
- State Railway – 1590