Tuesday’s news-July 29


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Hua Hin–Cha Am Golf Festival/Cambodia and Thailand agree to ceasefire/Thai-Cambodia Border Erupts/Thai Armed Forces Condemn Cambodia/Nine Thai army troops killed/Gunman Kills Five at Bangkok Market/Sai River overflows/Thailand’s pet lion problem/ECONOMY: Trump eyes ‘world tariff’ of 15%-20%/Bangkok residential market slumps/TOURISM: More tourism stimulus possible/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Where to travel in Thailand in August/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

Hua Hin–Cha Am Golf Festival 2025 starts Friday

The Hua Hin–Cha-Am Golf Festival 2025 begins Friday, and running to Sept. 30. The festival is a long-standing annual event aimed at promoting golf tourism in Hua Hin and Cha Am.

Organized by the Prachuap Khiri Khan–Phetchaburi Golf Sports Assn., the festival is designed to reinforce the region’s reputation as a leading golf destination in Thailand, while encouraging domestic and international visitors to explore the area’s courses. Continued … 

Cambodia and Thailand agree to immediate and unconditional ceasefire

In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an unconditional ceasefire to end days of intense border clashes, following a high-level meeting in the Malaysian capital. The ceasefire was set to take effect last night at midnight.

The talks, held at the official residence of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya, were convened under his leadership as ASEAN chair ,and brought together Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, along with their respective delegations. Continued …

Thai-Cambodia Border Erupts Hours After Ceasefire Agreement

Just hours after a ceasefire was formally agreed between Thailand and Cambodia, fresh hostilities erupted on their shared border, with fighting and explosions continuing until dawn today. The Royal Thai Army has accused Cambodian forces of initiating attacks at multiple locations.

Col. Richa Suksuwanon, deputy spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, revealed that despite the midnight (24:00) Monday deadline for the ceasefire – an agreement reached between Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet – reports from the Suranaree Force indicated renewed clashes. Continued …

Thai Armed Forces Condemn Cambodia, Vow Self-Defense After Ceasefire Breach

The Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) has condemned Cambodia for allegedly violating a newly agreed ceasefire, reaffirming its right to self-defense under international law to protect national sovereignty and the Thai people.

Maj. Gen. Vithai Laithomya, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, stated today that Thailand had strictly adhered to the ceasefire agreement. Continued … 

Nine Thai army troops killed until ceasefire

Nine Thai Army soldiers have been killed during five days of clashes with Cambodian troops in several disputed border areas of northeastern Thai provinces until a mutual ceasefire was declared yesterday. The ninth and latest Thai army troop was reportedly killed yesterday in a clash with the Cambodian intruders in Tamuenthom area of Panom Dongrak district of Surin.

The fatalities and injuries of Cambodian army troops largely outnumbered those on the Thai side, mostly with sorties of air strikes conducted by the Thai Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcon and JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets bombarding the Cambodian forces over the disputed areas of Buriram, Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, and Surin. Continued …

Gunman Kills Five at Bangkok Market Before Taking Own Life

A Thai man opened fire at Bangkok’s Or Tor Kor Market just after midday yesterday, killing five people, including four security guards and a market vendor, before turning the gun on himself. The incident occurred at a donation area associated with social activist “Kan Jompalang”.

The assailant, from Khong District, Nakhon Ratchasima, was a former security guard who had previously worked at the same company as the victims. Dressed in a black shirt, cream-colored shorts and carrying a camouflage-patterned backpack, he reportedly entered the market and began shooting without warning. Continued …

Sai River overflows in Mae Sai after heavy downpours trigger flash flooding

Residents in several communities in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district began evacuating to higher ground early yesterday after hours of heavy rainfall caused the Sai River to swell and overflow. The Tambon Mae Sai Municipality announced at 8:21am that the situation had become critical, with rainfall recorded at 118.8 millimeters.

According to the municipality, the Sai River’s water level reached 398.31 meters at the Mae Sai Friendship Bridge, leading to overflow and flash flooding. Officials said the water level was expected to rise sharply later in the day due to continued heavy rain upstream, which would increase the river’s flow. Continued …

‘Absolute madness’: Thailand’s pet lion problem

Behind a car repair business on a nondescript Thai street are the cherished pets of a rising TikTok animal influencer: two lions and a 200-kilogram lion-tiger hybrid called “Big George.”

Lion ownership is legal in Thailand, and Tharnuwarht Plengkemratch is an enthusiastic advocate, posting updates on his feline companions to nearly three million followers. Continued …

Trump eyes ‘world tariff’ of 15%-20% for most countries

US President Donald Trump said yesterday most trading partners that do not negotiate separate trade deals would soon face tariffs of 15% to 20% on their exports to the United States, well above the broad 10% tariff he imposed in April.

Trump told reporters his administration will notify some 200 countries soon of their new “world tariff” rate. Continued …

Bangkok residential market slumps to 20-year nadir

Competition for land purchases in Greater Bangkok has slowed as housing inventory rises, sales decline, and developers pivot to clearing unsold stock to generate cash amid the worst market conditions in two decades.

Tritecha Tangmatitham, managing director of residential developer Supalai, said it was the first time in his 16 years in the business that there were no competitors bidding for land plots. Continued …

More tourism stimulus possible

The Finance Ministry may consider implementing tax measures to stimulate tourism during the low season, says Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat.

He said the Finance Ministry held discussions with the Tourism and Sports Ministry on whether additional tourism stimulus measures are required, with the latter expressing interest in implementing further measures beyond the current “Tiew Thai Khon La Khrueng” (half-half) co-payment scheme. Continued …

Where to travel in Thailand in August

There’s no better way to experience Thailand than through its cuisine. In the rainy season, flavors bloom alongside the landscape, steam rises from market pots, the snap of chilli echoes through alleyways, and rain makes every bite more vivid.

When you travel around Thailand in August, follow the rain and follow the flavor. This is the month for slow markets, noodle stalls under tin awnings, and dishes that stay with you longer than the weather. Continued …

Trump slashes Russia ultimatum to ’10 or 12 days’

US President Donald Trump yesterday issued Moscow with a dramatic new deadline to end the war in Ukraine or face tough new sanctions, as he met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland. Saying he was not very interested in talking to Russian President Vladimir Putin anymore, the US leader also shifted his tone on Gaza, acknowledging there were signs of “real starvation” in the conflict-ravaged Palestinian territory. Continued …

US weighs force withdrawals from Europe

After keeping Donald Trump happy with a pledge to up defense spending at NATO’s summit, Europe is now bracing for a key decision from the US president on the future of American forces on the continent. Washington is currently conducting a review of its military deployments worldwide – set to be unveiled in coming months – and the expectation is it will lead to drawdowns in Europe. Continued …

Philippines–US Trade Deal: Zero Tariffs for the US, 19% for the Philippines

The Philippines and the United States finalized a bilateral trade deal. The agreement eliminates tariffs on U.S. exports to the Philippines but maintains a 19% tariff on Philippine goods entering the U.S., marking a significant shift in trade relations. Continued …

Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in BangkokThe first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer two round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.

For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at  9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.

Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

(We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

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.

 

90-day online reporting

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