Wednesday’s news-Nov 13 -

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Hua Hin’s crackdown on monkey mayhem/Take 5 Charity Golf Challenge/Loy Krathong Festival/Thai Electric Cables Mostly Fail Safety Standards/Thai baht hits lowest level/Elephant rampage kills woman/’London Model’ for Traffic Congestion Fees/Pilotless ‘air taxis’ in Bangkok/PM greeted with mix of cheers and boos/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: US tariffs prompt relocations/China’s Runergy Halts Solar Panel, Cell Production/Thai Exports Grow in September/Thai pet food exports jump/Thailand’s Agricultural Challenges/’Digital Durian’ project for farms/Coconut prices double/Café Amazon sustains robust growth/Tourism: Loy Krathong to draw 36% more flights/Early Check-In at Suvarnabhumi/Security Warning Related to Full Moon party/Thai Hotels Alarmed/Lost Chinese tourists veer off course/Thai travelers lead the way/Thailand Experience: The best resorts when luxury matters/Climate Thailand: Loy Krathong goes digital/Unsafe smog covers Bangkok/EGAT’s 14 solar farm projects/ASEAN Solar PV & Energy Storage Expo/Arresting environmental degradation/Agriculture and renewable energy/14,000-rai ‘Lung of EEC’/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’s creative crackdown on monkey mayhem

Innovative measures are underway to address issues of monkey disturbances in the Hua Hin area. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), in collaboration with the Hua Hin municipality, has launched a unique operation employing remote control traps to relocate monkeys from Khao Takiab and Khao Hin Lek Fai.

The operation aims to alleviate the nuisance caused by monkeys to local communities. This initiative is part of an urgent policy to manage the disruption caused by wildlife and to encourage more suitable behavioral adaptations in these animals. Continued …

Take 5 Charity Golf Challenge Dec 14-15

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Loy Krathong Festival – All You Need to Know

Loy Krathong is a festival celebrated by the Thai people on the full moon night of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar. In the modern calendrical system, this event usually occurs in the month of November, though the date varies from year to year. Regardless of the exact timing, Loy Krathong is always considered as an occasion for joy, gratitude, and new beginnings.

The term “Loy Krathong” is derived from word “loy” – meaning “to float” – and the word “krathong” – which refers to type of small, floating religious offering. True to its name, the highlight of the festival is the floating of krathongs across small and large bodies of water all over the country. Continued …

Thai Electric Cables Mostly Fail Global Safety Standards

TheiIndustry minister of Thailand, Akanat Promphan, has issued a concerning report stating that the majority of electric cable brands sold within the country fail to meet international safety standards.

Numerous complaints have drawn attention to the potential hazards posed by thin copper wires employed in many of these brands, which can result in overheating and pose serious risks of fires or short circuits. Continued …

Thai baht hits lowest level since August

Thailand’s baht suffered a significant drop, marking the largest decline among Asian currencies, amid growing concerns over the diminishing independence of the nation’s central bank. The baht depreciated by over 1% to 34.739 against the U.S. dollar, reaching its weakest level since Aug. 19.

This decline followed reports that Kittiratt Na-Ranong, a former finance minister known for his critical stance on the central bank’s stringent monetary policy, was selected as the new chairman of the Bank of Thailand (BoT). Continued …

Elephant rampage at charity event in Bueng Kan kills woman

An elephant at a charity event in Bueng Kan went on a rampage, causing the tragic death of one woman and leaving a man severely injured. The incident, which took place Monday, led to chaos as attendees fled in panic.

A report detailed the unfortunate sequence of events during the traditional Kathin festival procession. An elephant in the parade became aggressive and attacked participants. Two women sitting on the elephant’s howdah fell, suffering injuries. Continued …

Bangkok Adapts ‘London Model’ for Traffic Congestion Fees

The Thai Transport Ministry plans to implement the “London Model” to manage traffic congestion in Bangkok by introducing congestion fees in inner city areas. This move aims to reduce heavy traffic and fund public transport infrastructure.

Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, also the deputy prime minister, announced on Tuesday that the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) has been tasked with studying successful congestion fee systems from around the world. Continued …

Pilotless ‘air taxis’ take first flights above Bangkok: video

Chinese aviation tech company EHang made history by launching its EH216-S pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Thailand.

The debut passenger flights, held at the Thailand Drone Exhibition & Symposium 2024, mark a major milestone, as Thailand becomes the 18th country to host EHang’s futuristic eVTOL flights. With the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) leading the way, this initiative could radically change how tourists and residents navigate Thailand’s busy cities and island destinations. Continued …

PM greeted with mix of cheers and boos in LA

Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra asked expat Thais in the United States, who have a good education, technical knowhow or professional expertise, to return to Thailand to help in national development, said government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub.

The prime minister visited a Thai temple in Los Angeles yesterday, to meet with some of the city’s Thai community, the largest outside Thailand. During the visit, she accepted a US$30,000 donation from the Thai people there on behalf of flood victims in Thailand. Continued …

Aggressive Foreign Vendors in Pattaya Threaten City Image – Continued …
British man arrested for selling drugs to foreign tourists in Chiang Mai – Continued …

US tariffs prompt relocations to Thailand

Thailand is poised to attract more investment in electric vehicles, smart electronics, home appliances and high-tech industries next year, with manufacturers relocating to avoid U.S. tariffs, according to Amata Corp.

Vikrom Kromadit, chairman and acting chief executive of the industrial estate developer, said global investors have concerns about Donald Trump’s anticipated trade war with China and other trading partners that have a trade surplus with the U.S. (Editor: Thailand has a trade surplus with the U.S.) Continued …

China’s Runergy Halts Solar Panel, Cell Production at Some of Its Thai Plants

China’s Runergy New Energy Technology has shut down the fourth phase of one of its solar panel factories in Thailand and has partially suspended operations at one of its photovoltaic cell plants, as the world’s fifth-largest solar cell supplier adjusts to changing global market conditions, particularly in the U.S., industry insiders said.

Phase one, two and three of the factory produced more than 100 megawatts of solar panels this month, which were sold to the U.S. market. The Yancheng-based company has 7 gigawatts of PV module capacity in Thailand. Continued …

Thai Exports Continued to Grow in September

In September, Thailand’s exports totaled USD25,983.2 million, reflecting a modest year-over-year growth of 1.1%. This growth slowed from the previous month’s 7% and fell short of analysts’ expectations of 2.9%.

Notably, the total export value for the first three quarters of the year reached USD223,176 million, indicating a 3.9% growth on a customs basis. The decline in growth can be attributed to factors such as a slowdown in computer exports and the first year-on-year decline in gold exports in five months. Continued …

Thai pet food exports jump 31% to over 80 billion baht

Thai pet food exports surged 31.8% year-on-year in the first nine months, reaching 80.61 billion baht, the Commerce Ministry’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) reported on Monday.

Dog and cat food accounted for the largest share, at 71.47 billion baht, increasing 39.1% YOY. Exports of other pet food were worth 9.14 billion baht, decreasing 8%. Continued …

Thailand’s Agricultural Challenges: Balancing Growth and Sustainability

Agriculture is one of the most important economic activities in Thailand’s economy, employing about one-third of the country’s workforce. Thailand is also the world’s largest exporter of tapioca products, rubber, canned tuna, and canned pineapple.

According to data from Statista, the gross production value of Thailand’s agricultural market is projected to reach $28.93 billion in 2024, with an expected annual growth rate of 0.21% (CAGR 2024-2029), leading to a gross production value of $29.24 billion by 2029. Continued …

Thailand launches ‘Digital Durian’ project for farms

The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) has kicked off the One Tambon, One Digital (OTOD) “Digital Durian” project to help 8.8 million durian farmers improve their productivity and set Thai durian standards using digital platforms and innovations.

The project is intended to help Thai durian farmers deal with many challenges by using applications for recording, storing and tracking crop data. Thailand has 1.02 million rai of durian plantation areas and produces 1.53 million tons. Continued …

Coconut prices crack open a fortune for farmers in Trang

Coconut farmers in Trang province are celebrating as prices soar, with coconuts now fetching as much as 20 baht each, doubling previous prices. This lucrative market shift promises earnings exceeding 30,000 baht, drawing significant interest from traders eager to purchase entire plantations.

At the integrated agricultural garden owned by 64-year-old Suthep Wattanavatchara, located in the village of Khao Kob, Huai Yot district, Trang province, the impact of these price changes is keenly felt. Continued …

Thailand’s Café Amazon sustains robust outlet growth in third quarter

Thailand’s Café Amazon looks set to achieve its goal of opening 300 new stores in 2024 after a third successive quarter of strong outlet growth. The PTT Oil and Retail Business (PTT OR)-owned coffee chain opened 69 net new stores in the three months ended Sept. 30 to reach 4,749 outlets across 12 markets.

Café Amazon has opened 289 net new stores in the first nine months of 2024, mostly in Thailand. Bangkok-based Café Amazon currently operates 4,339 outlets in Thailand – 54% of which are in PTT OR-owned petrol stations. The operator is the largest branded coffee chain in the East Asian country by outlets. Continued …

Loy Krathong expected to draw 36% more flights than last year

Flight bookings to Thailand are expected to surge by 36% during the Loy Krathong festival, which falls on Friday, government deputy spokesman Karom Polpornklang said on Monday.

According to an Aeronautical Radio of Thailand forecast, 73,500 flights, or 2,450 flights a day, are expected in November, up 36% year on year. Suvarnabhumi Airport is expected to see the highest flight numbers during the period at 6,170, followed by Don Mueang Airport with 3,760 flights. Continued …

Early Check-In Coming to Suvarnabhumi Airport by February

Suvarnabhumi International Airport will begin offering an early check-in service by February. This new service allows passengers to check in up to 24 hours before their flight. The Transport Ministry explained that the goal is to make travel easier and to cut down on congestion at Thailand’s main international airport.

Kerati Kijmanawat, president of Airports of Thailand (AoT), confirmed that they expect to start this service by February. Additionally, they plan to build a children’s playground, also by February, and increase the non-commercial space in the terminal by the end of next year. Continued …

Israelis in Thailand on Alert After Security Warning Related to Full Moon party

Israeli authorities have cautioned their citizens in Thailand to be extra careful due to reports of a potential threat targeting them. This warning comes ahead of the famous full moon party on Koh Phangan this Friday; the alert stems from a possible terror attack during the event.

The Mossad and the National Security Council in Israel issued this advice after Thai police leaked internal documents suggesting that there might be a plot against Israelis in Thailand. Koh Phangan’s full moon party is a significant attraction for young Israeli travelers. Continued …

Thai Hotels Alarmed by Foreign Business Practices

The Thai hospitality industry is raising alarms about the infiltration of foreign businesses leveraging local nominees, a practice perceived as damaging to Thailand’s tourism image. The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) has sounded the alarm, as concerns mount that these activities could trigger detrimental price wars, particularly among lower-tier hotels.

Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the THA, said that approximately 50% of Thai hotels are uneasy about these illegal enterprises, notably Chinese-run establishments, as revealed by the association’s business sentiment index for October. Continued …

Lost Chinese tourists veer off course, end up at Myanmar border instead of Pattaya

Five Chinese tourists were intercepted by Thai immigration officers in Tak after they were mistakenly driven to the Thai-Myanmar border instead of their intended destination of Pattaya.

With the help of a Chinese translator, immigration officers verified the tourists’ documents, confirming they were legitimate travelers. However, further investigation revealed a troubling mistake: the group had booked a trip to Pattaya but had somehow ended up near the Myanmar border instead. Continued …

Thai travelers lead the way in AI integration, remote work

Thai travel ers are setting global standards for the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and working remotely, with a significant majority already planning their holidays for the upcoming year.

According to SiteMinder’s “Changing Traveler Report 2025”, released on Tuesday, 83% of Thai travelers have mapped out their travel plans for 2025. The report, which surveyed over 12,000 respondents across 14 major tourism markets, highlights the rise of the “everything traveler” – a new breed of tourists who seamlessly blend traditional and modern travel behaviors. Continued …

The best resorts in Thailand when luxury matters

When it comes to tropical luxury, the geography and topography of Thailand’s 1,430 islands do a ton of heavy lifting all on their own. The sugar-white sands of Koh Samui, the jade green water of Phuket, all of it fringed by swaying palm trees that seem to bow toward the beauty of lesser-known islands.

The best Hua Hin resort – The Standard

The first thing to love about Hua Hin is location. It’s just a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), with no flight schedule or tides to contend with; just an air-conditioned transfer and you are at the beach under a striped umbrella and sipping a pink Margarita. The Standard super fans won’t be surprised to hear the vibe here is more about buzz than quietude. Palm Springs mid-century cool permeates the 196 rooms, suites and villas. and the five eating and drinking venues. Continued …

Loy Krathong goes digital in Bangkok to protect the environment

Digital Loy Krathong festivals are to be held in four venues across Bangkok to meet the demand of those who want to preserve Thai culture without causing an impact on the environment.

According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the event at the Pathum Wan skywalk will be held from Thursday to Friday. The event, which runs from 6pm to 11pm, will highlight projection mapping technology that allows participants to float their krathongs digitally. Continued …

Unsafe smog covers Greater Bangkok

Unsafe levels of fine dust blanketed most parts of Greater Bangkok this morning, trapped by stagnant air, and expected to continue until Nov. 20.

The Pollution Control Department reported at 8am that the levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter (PM2.5) exceeded its safe level in most parts of Greater Bangkok. The safe threshold is set at 35 micrograms per cubic meter of air over 24 hours. Continued …

EGAT keen to expedite 14 solar farm projects

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) wants to accelerate the development of 14 planned floating solar farm projects with a total capacity of 2,656 megawatts on the reservoirs of its seven hydroelectric dams under the new national power development plan (PDP) of 2024.

Egat has nine dams with 16 solar floating farm projects, tallying a combined capacity of 2,725 MW, according to the PDP. Of the 16 projects, two have been completely developed at two dams. Continued …

ASEAN Solar PV & Energy Storage Expo 2025, Bangkok, March 5 – 7

The ASEAN Solar PV & Energy Storage Expo 2025 will be held in Bangkok, the vibrant capital city of Thailand, which serves as a gateway to the booming renewable energy market of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

This expo aims to bring together industry professionals, policymakers, and investors from around the world to explore the latest trends and opportunities in the solar PV and energy storage sector. With a focus on sustainable development and green energy, this event will showcase cutting-edge products, technologies, and services that are shaping the future of clean energy in the region. Continued …

Arresting environmental degradation to build wealth in Thailand

Thailand aims to achieve high-income status by 2037 through the strategies developed in its 20-year National Strategy Preparation Act. Considerable friction is being generated through climate change and unsustainable natural resources management, which are eroding Thailand’s natural capital base, resilience and ability to generate wealth and progress toward its target.

In this paper, we examine the impacts of ongoing environmental degradation, including continued deforestation and climate change-induced impacts on flooding, productivity and sea-level rise. Continued …

Bridging agriculture and renewable energy

Agriculture is a key sector in Thailand, however, it contributes to a significant number of environmental issues, particularly greenhouse gas emissions. As the world’s population grows, the need for both food and clean energy increases. Thus, the challenges of sustainable agriculture revolve around balancing food production with environmental conservation.

The global push for net-zero emissions across industries is driven by the urgency of climate change and the increasing demand for sustainable solutions. Among the emerging innovations, agrivoltaics is one of the rising sustainable farming solutions, involving the simultaneous use of land for both solar power generation and agriculture. Continued …

14,000-rai ‘Lung of EEC’ to help Thailand meet net zero goal by 2050

Thailand is planning to build a new smart city called “EEC Capital City” on 14,619 rai (2,339 hectares) of land in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) area, in a bid to help the country achieve its net-zero-emissions goal in 2050.

With green areas covering 30% of the space, the EEC Capital City will serve as the “Lung of EEC” and support future investments in a smart, green and sustainable economy, Chula Sukmanop, secretary-general of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO), said on Tuesday. Continued …

35 Dead As Driver Rams Car Into People Exercising In Southern China

A driver killed 35 people and severely injured another 43 when he deliberately rammed his car into people exercising at a sports center in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai, police said Tuesday. Continued …

Indonesia to build 75 GW of renewable energy in next 15 years

Indonesia plans to offer to international investors opportunities to build 75 gigawatts (GW) of renewable power in the country in the next 15 years, its climate envoy said on the sidelines of the COP29 summit. Continued …