Tuesday’s news-Sept 3 -

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While sharing the daily news with thousands of expats in Thailand is the main task of Hua Hin Expat News, what we like best are the stories about Thailand that are featured every day in our “Thailand Experience” section. These features provide useful and interesting information about Thailand’s places to visit, the country’s culture, its people and its food. Today’s section is no exception, with reports about Krabi, eastern Thailand, Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival (where they poke spears through their mouths), and train rides just for fun. Check it out!

Hua Hin Soi 80 shooting/Artist Village Contemporary Art Festival/’Old District, Telling Stories’ event/Crab Release Walk and Run/Driver Trapped Underneath Road Roller/Resort helps plant 500 new mangroves/Thailand braces for heavy rain/Flood damages/Big Buddha Temple in Phuket Closed/Tall building deaths need scrutiny/Thai man walks over 200km to hospital/Bangkok Methanol Poisoning/Koh Chang Bridge/New PM under fire/8 police officers fired/License plates bring in 61 million baht/Buriram burglar leaves apology/Phuket auto mechanic wins lottery/Economy: Baht weakens/Private investment falls sharply/Thai businesses pulling out of Myanmar/Thailand’s land bridge/IEAT sets new record/Thailand’s Most Powerful Brands/Tourism: What’s Gastro-Diplomacy/Illegal Foreign Tour Guides/Triples levy on international tourists/Thailand Experience: Hidden corners of Thailand by rail/Underrated Jewels of Eastern Thailand/Your Next Thai Escape/The Phuket Vegetarian Festival/Climate Thailand: Journey To Circular Economy/Win Process ordered to pay Bt1.7 billion/B.Grimm’s sustainable energy future/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

Driver Trapped Underneath Overturned Road Roller in Prachuap Khiri Khan

Rescue teams responded to a distress call regarding an accident involving a steamroller at Village No. 6, Baan Bo Phai, in Sai Thong subdistrict, Bang Saphan Noi District, Prachuap Khiri Khan. The incident prompted a swift response from emergency services, including rescue teams equipped with cutting tools, as well as an ambulance and medical personnel from Bang Saphan Noi Hospital.

Upon arriving at the scene, rescue workers discovered an overturned road roller with its driver trapped underneath. The driver was pinned by the vehicle’s steel frame, which had fallen across his hip and right leg. Continued …

Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort helps plant 500 new mangroves

Staff and executives from the Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas joined with local community members and the Office of Marine and Coastal Resources to plant 500 mangroves along the Pranburi River.

This initiative underscores the resort’s commitment to environmental conservation and promoting sustainable tourism practices. By planting mangroves, participants aim to enhance the local ecosystem, protect communities from river overflow or erosion, and support marine life habitats. Continued …

Thailand braces for heavy rain and high waves over next three days

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall in various regions of Thailand, which will occur through the next three days.

A moderate monsoon trough will traverse the lower northern, lower northeastern, central, eastern, and southern parts of the country, moving into a strong low-pressure system over the central South China Sea. Continued …

Thai chamber warns flood damages may exceed 10 billion baht

The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) raised alarms over the economic repercussions of the ongoing floods in northern Thailand. Should the flooding persist for another month, financial damage could surpass 10 billion baht, officials warn.

Estimates from the TCC and the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce reveal that if conditions improve within the next two weeks, the current flooding in the north would still result in damages amounting to approximately 8 billion baht, or 0.05% of GDP, said TCC Chairman Sanan Angubolkul yesterday. Continued …

Big Buddha Temple in Phuket Closed Amid Forest Encroachment Probe

The Big Buddha Temple in Phuket’s Karon district has come under scrutiny, halting all activities amid an investigation into its potential encroachment on national forest reserves. This follows a tragic mudslide on Aug. 23 that claimed 13 lives near the mountain’s base.

Authorities displayed “Stop” and “No Entry” signs at the temple entrance, per an order from the Phuket Sangha office. The temple’s abbot had already been instructed to cease all construction activities on Khao Nark Kerd Mountain, where the 45-meter-tall, white marble-covered Big Buddha statue stands. Continued …

Rising number of tall building deaths need scrutiny

The increasingly frequent deaths involving high buildings and falls are leading to such stories barely registering as news in Thailand anymore. Indeed, in recent years, the reporting of such incidents increasingly leaves out key details. For instance, the identities of victims and the progress of police inquiries.

In particular, regarding foreigners, consular officials at embassies are also less likely to offer explanations to the press. Undoubtedly, many cases involve misadventure and, increasingly, suicide. Nonetheless, some of the cases may also be crimes or accidents that require the spotlight of public scrutiny. Continued …

Thai man walks over 200km to hospital for daughter’s treatment

A Thai man walked over 200 kilometers to take his one-year-old daughter, who suffers from heart disease and a severe lung infection, to a hospital in Chiang Mai‘s city center. A rescue team came to his aid after observing him weeping by the roadside.

The rescuer from the Nopparat Rescue Foundation in Chiang Mai offered a free ride to the 24-year-old single father and his daughter on Friday, after witnessing the man sitting and crying because he could not afford a trip back home. Continued …

Eighth Fatality in Bangkok Methanol Poisoning

The methanol poisoning crisis in Bangkok has claimed its eighth victim, with five others still on ventilators. The situation continues to develop, with health officials and police working to trace the source and prevent more casualties. The latest death occurred at Kasemrad Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, with the patient already in critical condition upon arrival.

The Department of Medical Services and the Department of Disease Control have confirmed that a total of 44 people have been affected by the deadly methanol poisoning. Out of these, 30 have recovered, but eight have lost their lives. Continued …

Four routes under consideration for Koh Chang Bridge

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has initiated a series of public hearings regarding the proposed bridge connecting the mainland to Koh Chang Island, a popular destination in Trat province. The first hearing, held yesterday, in Mueang district, garnered widespread support from locals and business owners.

Participants expressed a strong preference for the bridge to guide travelers through the Mueang district, emphasizing the potential economic benefits of this business hub in eastern Thailand. Two of the proposed routes align with this request, which would facilitate increased commerce and tourism in the area. Continued …

New PM under fire, lawsuits challenge her election

Paetongtarn Shinawatra could lose her position as prime minister and leader of the Pheu Thai party following new lawsuits linked to the impeachment of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, last month. Paetongtarn, daughter of Pheu Thai’s de facto leader Thaksin Shinawatra, is under intense scrutiny. Fresh lawsuits have been filed with the Constitutional Court via the Election Commission, seeking her removal from office.

The lawsuits claim that Thaksin orchestrated her appointment and that she did not adhere to constitutional and political party laws. These legal actions also call for the dissolution of the Pheu Thai party, the main faction in the current coalition government. Continued …

8 police officers fired for alleged involvement with gambling website

National Police chief Torsak Sukvimol on Monday issued an order removing eight police officers from their duties for alleged involvement in online gambling websites linked to Suchanun “Minnie” Sucharitchinsri, an influential figure in Loei province.

The order alleged that the eight officers committed severe disciplinary violations through their involvement in criminal case no. 468/2566, which saw the perpetrators charged with money laundering offenses by the Thung Maha Mek Police Station. Continued …

‘Vanity’ license plates bring in 61 million baht at auction

The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has earned 61 million baht by auctioning off 49 special license plates that display auspicious words like “success” and “windfall”.

Jirut Wisaljit, DLT director-general, said the auction on Saturday drew interest from many motorists and the department successfully sold 49 license plates with Thai words believed to make the owners lucky or successful. Continued …

Buriram burglar leaves apology after shop break-ins

Police arrested an apologetic man who broke into several shops in Buriram to steal money and mobile phones, before leaving an apology note for his crimes. The suspect, 31-year-old Witawat, confessed he needed the money to support his family.

Yesterday, Police Col. Jamras Siriliang from Buriram City Police Station led Witawat to reenact his crimes after victims reported multiple break-ins in Buriram. He pointed out the locations where he had stolen tools from a construction supply shop. Continued …

Phuket auto mechanic wins 30 million in lottery

Phuket’s newest millionaire is none other than a chief mechanic, who struck gold in the government lottery’s latest draw.

Jirasak “Ton” Saewun, who works at Anuphas Ford in Phuket, scooped 30 million baht after hitting the jackpot with five first-prize tickets. The winning numbers, announced by the Government Lottery Office, were 199606. Other lucky numbers included 173, 220, 094, 388, and the 2-digit number 94. Continued …

Baht weakens as China falters

The baht led Asian currencies that weakened against the dollar on Monday on a faltering Chinese economy, with analysts suggesting the baht could be on a depreciating trend for the remaining months of this year if the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) cuts rates by less than the 1% reduction anticipated by the market this year.

The baht slipped 0.5% to below 34.20 baht to the dollar on Monday, compared to the 13-month high of 33.85 last Friday, as emerging Asian currencies also weakened against the greenback. Continued …

Private investment falls sharply in Q2

Private investment contracted significantly in the second quarter, primarily due to a decline in investment in commercial vehicles as financial institutions tightened lending, according to the Finance Ministry.

A source from the Finance Ministry who requested anonymity said private investment, particularly in machinery and equipment, including land vehicles, dropped significantly in the second quarter. Continued …

Thai businesses pulling out of Myanmar amid sluggish economy

Thai business operators have been gradually moving their investments out of Myanmar as the sluggish economy in Thailand’s western neighbor, which has continued for almost four years, shows no sign of improving.

Myanmar’s economy has been on the downward trend since the Covid-19 outbreak, and was worsened by the military coup in 2021, as well as ongoing conflicts between the junta government and ethnic groups. Continued …

Bill to get southern Thailand’s land bridge going

The southern land bridge megaproject will move forward, as the government is currently drafting the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) bill, which is required for the project to continue, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said on Monday.

The one-trillion-baht project, which will see a shipping shortcut and various supporting infrastructure built to connect Ranong and Chumphon in the south, will carve out an alternative route for cargo ships heading from the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Thailand and vice versa. The government is hoping the new shipping lane will not only cut journey times but also stimulate the south’s economy. Continued …

IEAT sets new record in selling, leasing land in industrial estates

The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) said it has hit a new record in selling or leasing land in fiscal 2024. A total of 6,174 rai (987.84 hectares) of land in IEAT-managed industrial estates has been sold or leased between October 2023 and July 2024.

IEAT Gov. Veeris Ammarapala said on Monday that this marks the second consecutive year of record-breaking transactions, attributing the continued high demand to its efforts to enhance services for foreign investors. Continued …

University Honors Thailand’s Most Powerful Brands

The Department of Marketing at Chulalongkorn Business School hosted the “Most Powerful Brands of Thailand 2024” awards ceremony, recognizing excellence across 29 product categories.

This event represents the most extensive brand survey in Thailand. The brand strength ranking is part of ongoing research conducted by the department every two years. This year marks the 7th edition. Continued …

What’s Gastro-Diplomacy and What Does it Have to Do with Thai Food?

There’s no shortage of ways humans use culture to establish connections. The Olympics, for example, bring the world together through the shared pastime of athletics. Even popular fashion weeks and international film festivals could be studied through a lens of intercultural exchange.

But let’s focus on a tastier option, one that explores culture through something known as gastro-diplomacy, aka culinary diplomacy. Have you heard someone say that the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? It’s like that, except gastro-diplomacy also touches on political topics like foreign relations and recreational topics like travel. Continued …

Thai Guides Demand Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Tour Guides

The Professional Tourist Guide Association of Thailand, led by Paisan Suethanuwong, along with over 50 witnesses, including tour guides and tour operators, submitted a petition yesterday to the chairman of the Tour Business and Guide Committee at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

The petition calls for a crackdown on illegal guides and tour operations in all languages, as the guide profession is reserved exclusively for Thai nationals. Continued …

New Zealand nearly triples levy on international tourists

New Zealand will nearly triple entry fees for tourists, the government said today, spurring criticism from the key tourism sector the higher levy will deter visitors.

The government said in a statement it would increase the international visitor and conservation and tourism fees starting on Oct. 1 to NZ$100 (US$62.20) from NZ$35 to “ensure visitors contribute to public services and high-quality experiences while visiting New Zealand.” Continued …

Escape Bangkok and explore these hidden corners of Thailand by rail

Thailand’s improvements to its train lines are rolling out year on year, with international links opening and national lines getting swifter. Whether you live in Bangkok or are traveling around the kingdom on a holiday or sabbatical, making the most of the trains here is something we don’t do in Thailand as often as we should, with domestic flights and long haul buses being so cheap.

But there’s a lot to be said for the stress-free, scenic routes of the Thai railways, which are low cost and extremely reliable. Here are four train trips to take from Bangkok, including to Hua Hin, starting at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station. Continued …

The Underrated Jewels of Eastern Thailand

Stunning beaches, tropical fruit orchards, charming old town streets, national parks and even gem fields – eastern Thailand seems to have it all. Yet, with the exception of Pattaya, the whole region is often overlooked by travelers despite being easily accessible from Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Throughout history, the east has held significance for its flourishing trade routes, which led to places like Chanthaburi and Rayong seeing Vietnamese and Chinese descendants migrating and settling in as early as the Rattanakosin era. These developments, along with an influx of foreign traders, resulted in multicultural influences that can be seen in the locals’ way of life, from architecture to gastronomy. Continued …

This Cheap Tropical Paradise Should Be Your Next Thai Escape

There’s one Thai province that’s super cheap and far too often overlooked as a premiere destination. Better yet, it’s a gateway to some of the country’s most pristine islands, where you can experience endless blissful beach days sprawled out like a starfish without the fear of being stepped on.

Krabi is on southern Thailand’s west coast. Its broad natural diversity, with its eye-popping colors, otherworldly landscapes, and limestone formations, instantly captures visitors. From lush forestry and mysterious caves to vivid blue waters, even Stevie Wonder could see this slice of Heaven on Earth. Continued …

Everything You Need To Know About The Phuket Vegetarian Festival

Thailand’s largest island Phuket is an idyllic tourist hotspot. People come to relax on its world-class white-gold beaches, to see the Big Buddha statue, to stroll through the Sino-Portuguese architectural style of the Old Town and to visit the nearby Phi Phi Islands, to name a few attractions.

The culinary heritage of the island is also a big draw, reflecting a time when European, Chinese, Indian, Singaporean, Malaysian and Muslim traders did a brisk trade with the region and left their mark on the cuisine. In this UNESCO City of Gastronomy, pork rules and soy sauce is prized over fish sauce, likely the result of Hokkien and Cantonese Chinese people putting down roots from Malaysia. Continued …

Thailand’s Journey Toward a Circular Economy

Thailand is making significant strides toward a sustainable future with its commitment to a circular economy. This innovative approach emphasizes the importance of reusing resources to minimize waste and maximize value, moving away from the traditional take-make-dispose model.

The circular economy model is based on the pillars of production and consumption through leasing, reusing, repairing, renewing, and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible. Continued …

Win Process ordered to pay Bt1.7 billion for environmental rehabilitation

The Rayong Provincial Court ordered the Win Process Co. to pay 1.7 billion baht in compensation for the rehabilitation of the environment damaged by industrial waste leaked from the company’s storage facility since 2011.

The civil lawsuit was brought against Win Process by the Pollution Control Department (PCD) after it discovered that the company had breached the law by not recycling hazardous waste, but had discharged the waste into the environment instead, damaging farmland and contaminating natural watercourses. Continued …

B.Grimm Power drives Thailand’s sustainable energy future

As a leading corporation in the energy sector, B.Grimm Power leverages advanced technology, promotes renewable energy, and implements ESG (environmental, social, and governance) practices to drive green transformation. At the heart of this strategy is a commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable future for Thailand and the region.

In recent times, the company has dedicated significant effort and resources to developing its business in tandem with sustainability, environmental preservation, and community care. B.Grimm Power has implemented various projects to promote and drive its green and sustainable strategies forward. Continued …