Hua Hin wins drowning-prevention award/Muay Thai fight night/Hua Hin Food Festival/2,500 Cambodian Troops Killed/Thailand tops global infidelity list/Grab popular with expats/Thailand cuts electricity supply to Cambodia/Python Crashes Through Ceiling/Moo Deng raises 300k baht/ECONOMY: Economic experts warn of Trump’s tariffs/Tariff Threatens to Cut Thai Exports/Key Thai sectors still protected/Stimulus plan to address tariff/Brexit’s parallels with Trump’s tariffs/Thai Baht Surges/BOI Confident About Japanese, Korean Firms/Critics push to review land bridge port/Sansiri preps 29 projects in Phuket/TOURISM: 88 million foreign visitors by 2033?/Border conflict tarnishes tourists’ perceptions/CLIMATE THAILAND: False solutions for plastic pollution/US warming to floating solar/PureCycle to Expand Plastic Recycling/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/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 wins drowning-prevention award
Hua Hin has been recognized with the National Merit Marker Award for its efforts to prevent drowning, receiving top honors at a national seminar held to mark World Drowning Prevention Day.
The Department of Disease Control launched the Merit Maker strategy to prevent drowning through the creation of community-led networks. These groups work to raise awareness, implement water safety measures, and promote collaboration across sectors using existing local resources. Continued …
10,000 expected for Muay Thai fight night in Pak Nam Pran
More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the final round of “Thau Fight King of Muay Thai” event in Pak Nam Pran this November, as organizers gear up for one of the province’s major sporting events of the year.
Scheduled to take place on Sunday, Nov. 2, the final will be held at Maharaj Park in Pak Nam Pran, Pranburi District, Prachuap Khiri Khan. The event will run from 6pm to 9.40pm and will be broadcast live on Channel 8 and YouTube via the Thai Fight official channel, reaching a global audience of several million viewers. Continued …
Cha-am–Hua Hin Chefs’ Club prepares for Hua Hin Food Festival
The Cha-am–Hua Hin Chefs’ Club held its first official meeting ahead of the Hua Hin Food Festival 2025, with organizers outlining plans for the event set to take place from Aug. 22-24 at Baan Hua Don Beach in Khao Takiab.
The annual food festival is being held in collaboration between Hua Hin Municipality, the private sector, and the Cha-am–Hua Hin Chefs’ Club. This year’s event coincides with the 88th anniversary of Hua Hin’s founding as a municipality and will feature a range of culinary activities, entertainment, and a large-scale light and sound installation. Continued …
Thai Army says 2,500 Cambodian Troops Killed in Border Clashes
The Thai army reports that about 2,500 Cambodian soldiers have died in ongoing border clashes as they attempt to reclaim the Prasat Ta Khwai area in Panom Dongrak district, Surin, and the Pumakhua area in Kantharalak district, Sisaket. Maj. Gen. Wanchana Sawatdee shared this estimate during an interview, noting reports from four different sources, but concerns about accuracy persist, with estimates ranging from 700 to 6,000.
Cambodian forces have mainly suffered casualties in rear support divisions due to Thai airstrikes, rather than in direct frontline engagement. Thai troops have regained control over disputed territories by adhering to established boundaries, while Cambodian forces have retreated. The conflict reignited when both sides overstepped their previously agreed boundary lines. Continued …
Thailand tops global infidelity list with 51% rate
Research conducted in 2024 highlights Thailand as the leading country where spouses most frequently engage in infidelity. It is the only Asian nation to make the list of the top 20 countries with the highest rates of marital cheating.
In the global ranking of infidelity rates, Thailand leads with 51%, followed by Denmark at 46%, Germany and Italy each at 45%, and France at 43%. Other countries with significant rates include Norway at 41%, Belgium at 40%, Spain at 39%, and Finland, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Greece all at 36%. Continued …
Grab posts surge in orders among expats
Grab has reported a 50% surge in delivery orders from expatriates and digital nomads in Thailand over the past 12 months. Thai cuisine such as fried rice, chicken rice and Thai tea have become favorites, while GrabBike usage grew by 30%, said the company.
To better serve this segment, Grab introduced the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered “One Click Translation” feature, offering menu translations in up to nine languages, along with the launch of the Expat Pass, providing discounts of up to 2,000 baht across all Grab services. Continued …
Thailand cuts electricity supply to Cambodia amid policy shift
Electricity officials in Sa Kaeo province have disconnected power lines and removed equipment supplying electricity to Cambodia at Ban Khlong Luek’s permanent border checkpoint.
They disconnected the power lines near the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge at the Immigration checkpoint, which had previously supplied electricity to Poipet in Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia. Continued …
Python Crashes Through Ceiling in Attempt to Eat Pet Cats
A 5-meter-long python fell through the ceiling of a cat room in an apparent attempt to prey on a group of pedigree Scottish Fold cats.
Upon arriving at the two-story house, officers discovered the massive python coiled on top of a cabinet inside a room used for housing cats. The room, located at the rear of the house, contained multiple Scottish Fold cats, two males, five females, and three kittens. Fortunately, none were harmed. Continued …
Hippo star Moo Deng raises 300k baht for border aid
Thailand’s favorite pygmy hippo is on a mission – and it’s not just stealing hearts. Moo Deng, the adorable social media star from Khao Kheow Open Zoo, has helped raise 300,000 baht for border soldiers and struggling families in Surin province.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo teamed up with Leila Toys to deliver essential supplies and smiles to communities along the Thai-Cambodian border. The aid package, valued at 300,000 baht, included rice, dried food, medicine, and personal items, plus dozens of Moo Deng plush toys handed out to children in temporary shelters. Continued …
Economic experts warn of Trump’s tariffs and Thailand’s political instability
At a seminar titled “How Will Thailand Survive Trump’s Tariffs?”, organized by the Economic Society of Thailand (EST), discussions focused on the impact of Trump’s tariffs on Thailand’s economy.
Economists, scholars, and business leaders raised concerns that while Thailand has secured a 19% reciprocal tariff, this is just the beginning, and the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s policies could bring further waves of economic challenges, much like a tsunami. Continued …
US Tariff Threatens to Cut Thai Exports by 275 Billion Baht, Study Finds
The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) has warned that a 19% US customs tariff could slash Thai exports by 275.069 billion baht in 2026, trimming the country’s GDP by 1.48% for the year.
According to Thanawat Polwichai, president and chief adviser for the UTCC’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, the immediate impact for the remaining five months of 2025 is estimated to be a 114.612 billion baht reduction in exports, which would lead to a 0.62% drop in GDP for the year. Continued …
Key Thai sectors still protected under US tariff pact
Thailand’s pledge of near-total market access for US goods includes key limits to protect some domestic industries, according to a government official, laying out the terms the country sought for its tariff deal with Washington.
The restrictions — specifically on pork and corn — will be hammered out in final negotiations with the US, said Pongsarun Assawachaisophon, who was involved in the talks and serves as deputy secretary-general to the prime minister. Continued …
Second phase of stimulus plan to address tariff impacts
The cabinet has approved the second phase of the government’s economic stimulus plan worth 18.4 billion baht, said Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. This is part of the restructured 157-billion-baht budget originally allocated for the 10,000-baht digital wallet project.
The cabinet previously rolled out 115 billion baht under the first phase of the plan. The remaining funds will now be directed toward boosting Thailand’s competitiveness in key industries and investing in human capital to cushion against an expected economic slowdown this year. Continued …
Brexit’s parallels with Trump’s tariffs tell a tale
In figuring out why the US tariff shock hasn’t sent the economy or financial world into a tailspin, Britain’s exit from the European Union trade bloc provides something of a playbook – and without a particularly happy ending.
Aside from vast differences in economic scale and global reach, the two episodes bear some comparison in how they upended years of deeply integrated free trade and possibly in how business, the economy at large, and financial markets reacted. Continued …
Thai Baht Surges as Dollar Weakens, Threatening Export Competitiveness
The Thai baht has returned to an appreciating trend against the US dollar, driven primarily by external factors, as weaker-than-expected American employment data fuels speculation of aggressive Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
The baht has strengthened from 32.80 to 32.46 per dollar recently, according to Sanguan Jungsakul, senior director of money and capital markets at Krung Thai Bank. The currency has appreciated approximately 5%-6% year-to-date against the dollar. Continued …
BOI Confident Japanese and Korean Firms Will Maintain Thai Bases
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) is confident that Japanese and South Korean companies will not relocate their production facilities from Thailand despite a US tariff rate that is 4% higher than what their home countries face.
BOI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi Therdsthirasak addressed concerns over the US imposing a 19% tariff on Thailand, compared to 15% on Japan and South Korea. He stated that investment decisions are long-term plans influenced by numerous factors, with tariff rates being just one. Continued …
Critics push to review land bridge port reports
Academics and activists have urged a review of the Environmental Health Impact Assessment (EHIA) reports for the Ranong and Chumphon deep-sea port plans, part of the government’s flagship land bridge megaproject.
Seventy-four academics and activists signed a petition calling for the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) to halt its public hearings, when the EHIA reports are set to be reviewed by the locals. Continued …
Sansiri preps 29 projects in Phuket under 5-year plan
Develope siri plans to launch 29 residential projects worth 33 billion baht in Phuket under a five-year plan, driven by new demand from both locals and foreigners.
Poomchai Mattayompoppinyo, managing director of southern project development at Sansiri, said the company remains consistent in launching new developments and balancing its portfolio across various segments and locations. Continued …
Hospitality firm predicts 88 million foreign visitors by 2033
More real estate business and other business owners are diversifying their portfolio to hospitality investment, hoping to generate recurring income from the growing tourism industry, says PCL Hospitality, a hospitality consultancy and management company.
PCL is aiming for 100% revenue growth from hotel consultancy and management this year. It also projected that Thailand has the opportunity of securing 88 million foreign arrivals by 2033. Continued …
Border conflict tarnishes tourists’ perceptions of Thailand
The Thai-Cambodian border conflict has damaged the image of Thai tourism, though the economic impact remains limited, with estimated losses of around 3 billion baht, mostly in the affected border provinces.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said the seven provinces along the border were severely affected by the clashes between the two countries, while others nationwide reported some cancellations. Continued …
False solutions for plastic pollution fail to stem the tide of waste
As the Global Plastics Treaty talks begin in Geneva, a new report and film from the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) reveal that efforts to tackle plastic pollution by focusing on waste management are entirely failing in Thailand. These ”false solutions” have drawn focus from the root cause: overproduction and overconsumption.
Thailand is the world’s eighth-largest producer of plastic, and 49% of this production is exported. Plastic production in Rayong Province, where all Thailand’s fossil-based virgin plastics originate, has meant ill health, environmental destruction, and collapsing fish populations, finds the report. Continued …
US warming to floating solar technology already in use in Thailand
America is ready for the largest project ever in keeping up with its carbon-free initiative. This time, however, America is focused not on rooftop solar panels but on floating solar power.
According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), all of the reservoirs throughout the country will be able to host solar panels capable of providing power to over 100 million homes per year. With more than 1,476 terawatt-hours of energy possibly generated on water, the idea of floating photovoltaics, commonly known as “floatovoltaics”, is a possibility. Continued …
PureCycle Raises $300M to Expand Plastic Recycling Capacity
PureCycle Technologies has secured a $300 million capital raise to expand globally and reach one billion pounds of installed capacity by 2030, with a projected EBITDA of $600 million annually. The company plans to build a 130-million-pound facility in Thailand with IRPC, expected to be operational by mid-2027.
By leveraging IRPC’s existing infrastructure in Thailand’s eco-industrial zone, PureCycle can reduce construction costs and accelerate time-to-market. Continued …
- 4 Chinese Nationals Held for Burglary of Canadian’s Home – Continued …
- Swedish Drug Trafficking Fugitive Arrested in Chonburi – Continued …
- 2 Foreign Nationals Face Prison Over Altered Visa Stamps – Continued …
- Malaysian Woman Arrested for Stealing from Shop in Betong – Continued …
Trump signals tariffs on pharma, chips as trade war widens
US President Donald Trump signaled yesterday that fresh tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals and semiconductors could be unveiled as soon as the coming week, as he presses on in efforts to reshape global trade. Continued …
How Trump’s love for TV is shaping US diplomacy
Donald Trump’s sudden concern about starving Palestinians was a major shift for the US president, who had previously ignored the endless cries for help from aid groups. So what changed? In his words, it was images of emaciated children in Gaza that Trump saw on television – his main window into the world that has long shaped his political and diplomatic decision-making. Continued …
Denmark zoo asks people to donate their small pets as food for captive predators
A zoo in Denmark is asking for donations of small pets as food for its predators. The Aalborg Zoo said it is trying to mimic the natural food chain of the animals housed there “for the sake of both animal welfare and professional integrity” and offers assurances the pets will be “gently euthanized” by trained staff. 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.
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
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:
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- 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
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