Tuesday’s news-Sept 26 -

Today’s news: Best Places to Retire in Thailand/Storm to bring torrential rain/Flu spike prompts warning/Monarchy activist sentenced to 4 years/Struck by Speedboat/Snake-handling course for foreigners/Big Joke’s House Searched/Korat water supplies ‘alarmingly low’/Bangkok mulls its trash/Calls for clarification of new tax/Reassess import taxes on luxury goods/Digital Wallet Policy/Exports up 2.6%/Thailand’s future food industry/Revitalizing Thailand’s economy/5 million Chinese tourists likely/Thailand seeks visa-free access to EU/Top 15 Foods Every Foodie Must Try/Ranking the best Thai drinks/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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The 12 Best Places to Retire in Thailand

Thailand is becoming an increasingly popular destination for retirees due to its affordable cost of living and attractive quality of life. The country is also experiencing significant growth and investment, positioning itself as an attractive destination for businesses and expatriates.

In January, Thailand implemented a five-year investment promotion strategy designed to attract upstream industries and advanced technologies. This strategy has already seen major companies such as Foxconn Technology, BYD Co., and Amazon Web Services, a subsidiary of Amazon.com, pledge investments totaling $20 billion in the country. These investments aim to improve the quality of life and drive economic growth in Thailand. Continued …

Tropical storm to bring torrential rain

The Thai Meteorological Department warned today that a tropical storm, which originated off the coast of Vietnam, is moving toward Thailand and will bring heavy to very heavy rain across the country.

The depression has intensified into a low-pressure system over Danang, Vietnam and is expected to move along the monsoon trough passing through Thailand from today until Saturday. Continued …

Flu spike prompts warning

The Public Health Ministry is warning that many respiratory diseases are spreading during the rainy season, especially influenza, with a higher patient rate than last year, said Dr. Opas Kankawinpong, the ministry’s permanent secretary.

He said on Monday that the number of patients with respiratory diseases, specifically influenza, has risen significantly after the ministry scrapped mandatory mask-wearing in October last year. Continued …

Activist who called for monarchy reforms sentenced to 4 years

A prominent activist and lawyer made famous for his open calls for reform of Thailand’s powerful monarchy was today sentenced to four years in prison for royal insults, a judge and his lawyer said.

Human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa is widely known for his taboo-breaking speech during pro-democracy protests in 2020 during which he called for public debate on the role of Thailand’s powerful king. Arnon had denied wrongdoing. Continued …

Thai Woman Killed, Foreign Man Missing, After Apparently Being Struck by Speedboat

A young Thai woman was killed and an unidentified foreign man was missing after apparently being struck by a speedboat while swimming off of Koh Larn last night at sunset.

The tragic incident took place around 4pm off of Tian Beach on Koh Larn. Witnesses stated a young Thai woman and a foreign man went swimming together when a speedboat seemingly delivering tourists nearby allegedly went into the swimming area and struck at least the woman. The boat reportedly paused briefly after striking the couple and then sped away. Continued …

Snake-handling course for foreigners offered in Bangkok for ‘only’ USD350

The 3rd Intensive Course on Snake Handling Practice for Foreigners will be conducted on Dec. 14– 5 at Snake Farm, Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (QSMI), Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok.

This course includes the lecture and outdoor snake-handling practice with non-venomous and venomous snakes. The registration fee is US$350/person and the registration fee cannot be refunded. Continued …

Big Joke’s House Searched After Team Members Were Netted In Online Gambling Raids

Cyber police searched the house of Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn, nicknamed Big Joke, after seven officers in his team were rounded up on the charges of involvement in running online gambling websites but did not find incriminating evidence.

Yesterday’s search followed raids of 30 locations in six provinces – Phetchaburi, Samut Prakan, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Saraburi and Bangkok – where 11 online gambling suspects were arrested, among them seven police officers. Continued …

Even during rainy season, Korat water supplies ‘alarmingly low’

The amount of usable water across 27 medium-sized reservoirs across the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima has dropped to alarmingly low levels despite the rainy season, raising fears of an impending drought, according to a provincial irrigation office official.

As a result of the prolonged drought that preceded the arrival of this year’s monsoon rain, water levels across the province’s 27 medium-sized reservoirs have dropped to about 38%, or about 441 million cubic meters. Continued …

Bangkok mulls ways to save, earn from trash

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt is looking at ways to save money, or even make money, by improving the management of the city’s waste.

Mr Chadchart said during an online livestream yesterday that at least 9,000 tons of waste around the capital are sent to three waste-management centers in Nong Khaem, Sai Mai and On Nut for disposal every day. Continued …

Calls for clarification of new tax on expat foreign income sources

The announcement of a change to the tax code, with respect to taxation on the overseas income of foreigners who are resident in Thailand, is raising eyebrows and requires further clarification.

Comments last week by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin that the measure addressed chronic inequality will not assuage fears that a move is afoot to increase the tax liability of foreigners living in Thailand, raising questions about passive and possibly retirement income in the future. Continued …

Thai retailers urge government to reassess import taxes on luxury goods

The Thai government is being implored to reassess the import taxes imposed on luxury goods to mirror the tax rates in neighboring countries. This is a strategic move aimed at attracting foreign tourists and bolstering the competitiveness of Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) against established foreign brands in the country.

The call for this revision comes from Yol Phokasub, the president of the Thai Retailers Assn. (TRA) and the CEO of Central Retail Corp. (CRC). Yol voiced concerns that if the import taxes on luxury goods remain unchanged, it could hamper Thailand’s potential to maximize gains from the upturn in tourism. Continued …

Digital Wallet Policy Likely To Be Funded By Government Savings Bank

The Pheu Thai-led government’s digital wallet policy will likely not be funded by any financial sources other than the Government Savings Bank, said Move Forward MP Sirikanya Tansakul yesterday.

The opposition MP posted online to fuel hearsay that the electoral campaign-promised digital wallet policy, calculated to cost some 500 billion baht, will likely be funded by the Government Savings Bank and that such funding may be disconnected with an annual state budget for which no approval from lawmakers will be needed. Continued …

Exports up 2.6% in August, first increase in 11 months

Thai exports unexpectedly rose for the first time in 11 months in August, helped by higher shipments of agricultural and industrial goods, despite weak global demand, the commerce ministry said today.

Customs-based exports, a key driver of Thailand’s economy, rose 2.6% in August from a year earlier, compared with analysts’ median forecast for a 4% decline in a Reuters poll. Continued …

What’s cooking in Thailand’s future food industry?

Researchers have unboxed the latest “future foods” at a convention in Bangkok, hailing the trend as a sustainable solution to Thailand and the world’s nutrition crisis.

The annual “Future Food Workshop” at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) saw scientists and companies reveal new developments under three themes: Personalized food, alternative protein, and Asian wisdom. Continued …

Revitalizing Thailand’s economy through immigration policy reform

Thailand, under the new government of Srettha Thavisin, is at a pivotal moment in its economic history. After years of stability provided by traditional growth engines such as tourism and exports, the country is grappling with economic stagnation.

The challenges are multifold: non-competitive talent pools, rising labor costs, and an increasingly aging population. As the government marks a return to civilian rule, it must also confront this complex economic landscape. It’s crucial to think beyond the usual scope and consider innovative methods for driving economic growth, one of which could be a transformative immigration policy. Continued …

5 million Chinese tourists likely from visa-free policy

At least five million Chinese tourists are expected to visit Thailand by the end of the year after the government’s visa-free policy for China and Kazakhstan went into effect on Monday, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The visa exemption for holders of Chinese and Kazakh passports is part of the Quick Win proactive measure, which continues until Feb. 29 next year, as announced by the Interior Ministry on Sept. 18. Continued …

Thailand seeks visa-free access to Germany, EU

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara is calling for visa-free travel privileges for Thai tourists traveling to Germany and other European Union (EU) countries.

During his stay in the United States to attend the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78), the MP seized the opportunity to meet with German Foreign Minister Tobias Lindner to strengthen ties and discuss various cooperation between the two countries. Continued …

Top 15 Foods Every Foodie Must Try in Thailand

Thailand, a land of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, is also a paradise for food enthusiasts. Thai cuisine is renowned for its harmonious blend of flavors, fresh ingredients, and diverse culinary traditions.

From street stalls to high-end restaurants, Thailand offers a plethora of culinary delights that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we’ll explore the top 15 foods every foodie must try in Thailand. Continued …

Ranking the best Thai drinks, from Thai iced tea to roselle juice

It’s really true that you can find something to eat no matter the time of day in Thailand. The same also goes for drinks. Even if there are no drinks stalls and tea places open, there are drinks almost identical in taste offered in mini-marts and mom and pop shops down the soi.

Spoiled for choice on which Thai drink would work best for your craving? We’ve got you covered. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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