- Hua Hin beachfront land hits 160 million baht a rai/Hair Therapy for Hair Loss/Raids target Pattaya nominees /Aussie job scam hits Thais/One trip, no more than 45 baht?/Loan to upgrade five Thai public hospitals/Make Longer Lives Better Lives
- ECONOMY: Warning over $200 diesel price crisis/Measures to rescue Oil Fuel Fund/Google defends its data centers/Thailand in Chinese expansion plans/Thailand urged to focus on chipmaking/Nestlé breaks ground on coffee factory/Thai rice exports fall
- TOURISM: Forum highlights local Thai cuisine/Ministry advises against travel to Europe/Phuket visitors bring in nearly 400 billion baht
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Khao Sok: Living beneath an ancient landscape/Insider Guide for Thailand’s Best Meals/Why you should visit Thailand’s heritage-rich coastal towns
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Chiang Mai unveils Thailand’s first electric tram/World losing ground on climate
- IRAN WAR: US orders some diplomats out of Saudi Arabia/High oil prices permeate daily life
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Easier travel lifts Hua Hin property prospects as beachfront land hits 160 million baht a rai
Uthai Uthaisangsuk, president of Sansiri Public Co., sees improving travel from Bangkok supporting a recovery in Hua Hin’s property market, where he puts beachfront land prices at 160 million baht per rai. Uthai’s assessment follows a prolonged slowdown after the Covid-19 pandemic. Better transport connections and infrastructure development are beginning to restore confidence, although the recovery remains uneven.
Large beachfront plots of five to nine rai are increasingly difficult to find in Hua Hin, according to Uthai. Many remain in the hands of families that have owned them for generations and face no pressure to sell. Continued …
Hair Therapy for Hair Loss: What to Check Before You Commit to a Program
Most people notice thinning hair long before they do anything about it, and when they finally act, the first move is usually a trip to the pharmacy for a shampoo or serum that promises the fastest results.
The problem is that none of those products can tell you why your hair is thinning in the first place. Genetics is the usual suspect, but hormones, prolonged stress and scalp inflammation all play a part, and nothing off the shelf is built to work out which one is actually driving your case. Continued …
Chonburi raids target Pattaya nominee addresses
Chonburi police and land officials searched 12 properties in the Pattaya area yesterday as part of an investigation into suspected foreign nominee ownership of land and buildings worth more than 800 million baht.
The early-morning operation in Banglamung district identified 12 companies, 11 houses and 16 land plots covering around 50 rai. Authorities said 85 people from eight nationalities are under investigation. Continued …
Aussie job scam hits Thais
Victims of an alleged Australian job scam have filed a complaint with the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, seeking an urgent investigation into losses exceeding 10 million baht.
Tankhun Jitt-itsara, accompanied by the BSJ Law Firm legal team, brought the victims to the Central Investigation Bureau on Tuesday to submit evidence against a network accused of recruiting Thai workers via social media. Continued …
One trip, no more than 45 baht? Bangkok rail plan heads to Cabinet
The Transport Ministry will seek Cabinet approval on Oct. 26 for a unified fare scheme covering eight electric rail lines in Bangkok and surrounding areas, with fares capped at 45 baht per trip, a deputy transport minister said yesterday.
Siripong Angkasakulkiat, deputy transport minister said the proposal would eliminate duplicate entry fees when passengers transfer between lines, with an initial fare capped at 17 baht. The scheme is scheduled to begin on Jan. 1 and would be available to Thai nationals who register through the Paotang application and pay using EMV contactless cards. Continued …
ADB approves $212-million loan to upgrade five Thai public hospitals
The Asian Development Bank is providing $212 million to upgrade five public hospitals and improve access to specialist medical care for about 14 million people living outside Bangkok.
It marks the bank’s first health-sector loan to the Thai government, building on earlier support for the country’s COVID-19 response and regional health initiatives. Plans for the project include the expansion of cancer, cardiac, surgical, and trauma services across five health regions. Continued …
Thailand Sets Out Plan to Make Longer Lives Better Lives
Thailand is committing to build a sustainable longevity society in which people live not merely longer but better, a senior health official told a Bangkok forum on Tuesday.
Dr. Ekachai Piensriwatchara, deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, said the ministry would pursue an action plan over the next five years, built on integrated primary care, long-term care and a larger care workforce, to support a fast-aging society. Continued …
Warning over $200 diesel price crisis
Analysts predict diesel prices could surge to $200 per barrel due to worsening supply disruptions in the Middle East. This potential crisis is driven by a new wave of geopolitical conflicts that have thrown the global energy market into turmoil.
Specific factors contributing to this volatility include attacks by Yemen-based Houthis on Saudi energy infrastructure and disruptions in the Red Sea, which force tankers to take longer, more expensive routes around Africa. Additionally, ongoing conflicts between Iran and Israel, alongside the war in Ukraine, continue to threaten global supply chains and refinery capacities. Experts note that if these geopolitical tensions persist, they could drive prices to unprecedented levels, complicating global inflation outlooks and placing significant strain on national energy funds like Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund. – Bangkok Post AI
Five measures proposed to rescue Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan has been presented with five urgent proposals, including fuel excise tax cuts of 1–2 baht a liter, to shore up Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund before further borrowing is considered.
The Oil Fuel Fund’s deficit stood at 103.561 billion baht as of Oct. 18. This comprised a 62.359-billion-baht deficit in its oil account and a 41.202-billion-baht deficit in its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) account. Continued …
Google insists its data centers do not compete for water and electricity resources
Data centers are a new industry attracting significant investment in Thailand, but they are also under public scrutiny. It’s well known that data centers consume vast amounts of resources, including electricity and clean water, and also release heat and generate noise pollution, causing concern for communities located near them.
Brian Yu, senior vice president of global infrastructure at Google for the Asia Pacific region, was interviewed regarding efforts to understand and alleviate public concerns, as well as the use of resources at Google’s data center currently under construction in the WHA Industrial Estate, Nong Yai District, Chonburi Province. Continued …
Why more Chinese firms have Thailand in their expansion plans
With domestic profits narrowing and production capacity expanding, China’s firms are continuing to widen their overseas footprints in search of new, more lucrative markets. In this series, we examine China Inc’s next phase of “going global” and the complex, challenging international environment its companies have chosen to enter.
A subtle shift is taking place among Chinese businesses as they adopt a “China plus one” outlook and redirect domestic investments to neighboring economies – a strategy largely designed as a hedge against tariffs and geopolitical risks. Continued …
Thailand urged to focus on chipmaking
JPMorgan Chase executives suggest that Thailand should prioritize the production of advanced products such as chips and electronic components. This focus would allow the country to capitalize on the ongoing global supply chain shift and the emergence of power from artificial intelligence.
Executives emphasize that focusing on these high-tech areas could provide a longer manufacturing lifespan for Thailand compared to chasing cutting-edge chip production seen in Taiwan or South Korea. They also note that for these investments to have a significant long-term economic impact, the country needs to maintain government stability and ensure a consistent direction for investors. – Bangkok Post AI
Nestlé breaks ground on US$685 million coffee factory in Thailand
Nestlé has begun construction of a 23-billion-baht (US$685 million) coffee manufacturing facility in Samut Prakan, with the factory expected to begin operations in late 2028 and create more than 500 jobs.
The facility will produce soluble coffee, coffee mixes and ready-to-drink coffee beverages, using advanced production technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and automated systems. Continued …
Thai rice exports fall as India and Pakistan compete
Thailand exported 4.99 million tons of rice in the first nine months of 2026, down 19.3% year-on-year, as stronger competition from India and Pakistan and a sharp fall in Iraqi demand weighed on sales.
Export value between January and September fell 16.8% to US$2.962 billion, according to figures discussed by the Commerce Ministry and the Thai Rice Exporters Assn. Continued …
Forum highlights local Thai cuisine to boost tourism growth
Government representatives and leading figures in Thailand’s food industry discussed how to modernize local cuisine while preserving its original identity at Nation Forum: Thailand’s Agenda. “Gastronomy Tourism Boosts Creative Economy”, explored that balance through the concept of “Root to Rich”.
Saratsanun Unnopporn, secretary to the culture minister, described Thai food as tourism’s “star attraction”. Preserving its distinctive character, flavors and the stories behind local ingredients was essential to encouraging foreign visitors to travel to Thailand to experience those dishes. Continued …
Ministry advises against travel to Europe
The Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry has advised travelers to postpone non-essential trips to several European countries, specifically France, Italy, and Spain, due to ongoing unrest and rapidly changing conditions. The ministry recommends that those planning to travel to these regions closely monitor updates from the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Thai embassies to ensure safety amid the protests.
The travel advisory is prompted by widespread protests and civil unrest linked to rising living costs, employment, and education issues. In France, the situation involves mass demonstrations and instances of urban violence, including looting and clashes with police, which have created significant security concerns. Similar instability has been reported in Italy and Spain, where the ministry is tracking developments to provide guidance to Thai nationals in the area. – Bangkok Post AI
Phuket visitors bring in nearly 400 billion baht
Phuket generated nearly 400 billion baht in tourism revenue in the first nine months of 2026 despite a slight decline in visitor numbers, as four international airlines prepare to launch direct routes ahead of the high season.
The island welcomed 10.25 million visitors between January and September, down 1.6% year-on-year. Tourism revenue fell about 1% to 399.96 billion baht. Thai visitors increased 1% to 2.65 million, generating 30.5 billion baht, up 1.8%. Foreign arrivals declined 2.4% to 7.6 million, while revenue slipped 1.2% to 369.49 billion baht. Continued …
Khao Sok: Living beneath an ancient landscape
There are places where the landscape provides a backdrop to the journey, and there are places where the landscape is the journey. Khao Sok belongs firmly in the latter category.
From the moment we entered this extraordinary corner of Surat Thani, the great limestone mountains seemed to be everywhere. They rose beyond the road, appeared unexpectedly through breaks in the forest and towered above the river. Even from our accommodation, they formed a dramatic natural skyline. Continued …
Travel Expert Unveils Insider Guide for Thailand’s Best Meals
Travel content creator David Mondore, a New York-based entrepreneur, is publishing a guide to eating well and cheaply across Thailand, which he calls one of the best value destinations for adventurous eaters anywhere in the world.
Over two months in the country, Mondore ate his way through restaurants, markets, and street carts, often for an average meal that landed somewhere between roughly $1.20 and $1.60. The combination of quality and affordability, he says, is almost impossible to find elsewhere at the same level. Continued …
Here’s why you should visit Thailand’s heritage-rich coastal towns
Thailand is often imagined in neon nights and island escapes. Yet, step a little away from the usual routes and you’ll find towns where heritage lingers in facades painted in pastel shades, in flavors shaped by Thai kitchens, and in waterfronts that once welcomed travelers from across the seas. These coastal towns carry stories in their architecture, in the morning markets where languages mingle, and in the evening light that falls over lakes and shorelines.
Phuket, Trang and Songkhla show this side of Thailand in their own ways. In one place, the morning might begin with the scent of fresh noodles drifting through the old town, and in another with a boat ride into the Emerald Cave, while elsewhere the day winds down beside the lake. Each place is best savoured at an unhurried pace. Each place is best enjoyed without trying to pack too much into a day. Continued …
Chiang Mai unveils Thailand’s first electric tram
Chiang Mai has unveiled what is described at the launch as Thailand’s first electric sightseeing tram, intended to connect more than 40 major attractions across the city. The announcement followed the signing of a sustainable urban-development agreement on Tuesday.
Known as the Chiang Mai Tram By Lannatique, the electric vehicle is part of the Lannatique Destination project. It is powered entirely by clean energy and combines a contemporary design with Lanna cultural identity, according to the provincial authorities. Continued …
World losing ground on climate as US emissions rise, UN warns
The world is heading for more warming than scientists projected a year ago, and the United States is a big reason, the United Nations Environment Program said in its annual assessment.
If all countries deliver on their promises to cut heat-trapping emissions, Earth will still warm by about 2.6 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times by 2100, yesterday’s report calculated – a tenth of a degree worse than last year’s projection. On its current path, the world is heading for 2.8 degrees. Continued …
Brent rises to US$110.11 a barrel as US orders some diplomats out of Saudi Arabia
Brent crude rose to US$110.11 a barrel today after fresh Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia prompted the United States to order some diplomats and family members to leave its missions in the kingdom.
Brent futures gained US$1.29, or 1.2%, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased by 97 US cents, or 1%, to US$98.12 a barrel. Continued …
From groceries to home loans, high oil prices permeate daily life
The shock of oil prices at a five-month high of $110 a barrel and gas prices in Asia and Europe hitting their highest levels since December 2022 is making its mark on household budgets. As well as raising the costs of transport and heating, it adds to pressure on food, clothing and packaging prices, and contributes to elevated levels of inflation and borrowing costs.
The Iran war has already pushed global diesel prices to record highs. Average British diesel pump prices hit £2.00 ($2.64) per liter for the first time this month and US prices hit a record of $6.53 a gallon in September. Continued …
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Chinese Red Notice suspect arrested in Pattaya – Continued …
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French man wanted by Belgium held in Phuket – Continued …
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Norwegian teen held in Samut Prakan over Norway stabbing – Continued …
‘Behemoth’ El Niño to upend global weather, UN warns
The warnings about El Niño continue to roll in. The United Nations’ weather agency weighed in yesterday, calling the potent climate pattern a “behemoth” and a “wrecking ball.” “It will tear through Latin America, eastern and southern Africa, Asia and the Pacific with extreme heat, droughts and flood,” the U.N.’s Tom Fletcher said, warning of profound humanitarian consequences. Continued …
US court orders Meta to pay $25bn in data-harvesting case
A New Mexico judge ruled yesterday that Meta must pay $25 billion to the state after a jury found last month that the social media giant had deceived users in a case related to the Cambridge Analytica scandal, according to media reports. Continued …
Hua Hin Links and Transport
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
Rising healthcare expenditure is placing increasing strain on private health insurance across Southeast Asia. Population aging, chronic disease, greater healthcare utilization, provider charges, and advances in medical treatment are contributing factors to this pressure.
Thailand is stepping up preparations to tackle potential PM2.5 fine particulate pollution, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul directing relevant agencies to put response measures in place amid reports of pollution in neighboring countries.
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR), which operates PTT Station, and Bangchak Corp. have raised selected retail fuel prices in Thailand by 0.60 baht per liter. The changes took effect today.
Thailand is preparing new rules requiring major ride-hailing and delivery apps to justify service fee increases, after regulators found that some platforms’ charges had risen by as much as 400% over five years.
Facebook accounted for nearly 74% of reported online shopping scams in Thailand last week.
Thai retailer CP Axtra has partnered with Minor Food Group to introduce five global restaurant brands across select Makro and Lotus stores.
The Thai cabinet has approved 10.5 billion baht in central budget funding for fiscal 2027 to provide compensation for flood victims. This allocation is intended to support affected households, farmers, and businesses through various financial, tax, and insurance measures.
Rising energy prices create inflationary pressures primarily by increasing the production and transport costs of goods, which then bleeds into the wider economy. As global energy supplies face shocks — such as those caused by the US-Israeli war with Iran — the increased cost of fuels like diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG) forces businesses and households to cope with higher living costs.
Thailand’s labor market is facing growing pressure as artificial intelligence transforms jobs and skills, while young people with university degrees are experiencing much higher unemployment than the national average, speakers at Nation Forum 2027 warned.
Thailand will knit its road, rail, water and air networks into a single economic system to become the region’s center of trade and logistics, Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said yesterday.
Thailand’s US$4.4-billion luxury retail market is expected to grow by around 5% a year through 2028, according to property consultancy CBRE, as the country gains influence beyond its role as a destination for international brands.
The introduction of a tax on outbound travel in Thailand could be postponed if economic conditions are deemed inappropriate. Specifically, the Fiscal Policy Office has indicated that the timing of the measure depends on the outcome of public consultations and the assessment of the prevailing economic situation.
Thailand must turn its cultural strengths into higher-value tourism while spreading economic opportunities beyond established destinations, speakers told Nation Forum 2027: Thailand’s Agenda in Bangkok yesterday.
Elephant calves: Learning to walk and use their trunks
Thailand is moving closer to introducing a 50,000-baht solar panel subsidy for up to one million households after a government screening committee approved a proposed 50-billion-baht funding package.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is focusing on several key initiatives to modernize Thailand’s energy market and facilitate a transition to clean energy. One primary measure involves the progress of a Direct Power Purchase Agreement framework through Third Party Access (TPA), which enables companies to buy renewable electricity directly from producers.
Chinese-made electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly common choice for taxi operators in Thailand, as imports rise and fleet owners look for lower-cost alternatives to ICE-powered cars.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its seventh heavy-rain warning today, alerting parts of Thailand to heavy to very heavy downpours through Sunday. The warning also forecasts waves above three meters in thunderstorm areas of the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand.
Scholars and experts advise Thailand to maintain strategic flexibility and avoid picking sides to preserve its ability to balance relations between the United States and China. This approach is intended to help the nation navigate the complexities of a new Cold War and avoid the risks associated with being caught in a direct geopolitical confrontation.
The Thai government is prioritizing investments in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure to transform the country into a regional leader and an intelligent nation. These investments are designed to strengthen national economic competitiveness, enhance digital sovereignty, and unlock new sources of economic growth through improved productivity.
Where will young people stand in a world where there might be more people than jobs?
Thanit Sorat , vice president of the Thai Employers’ Confederation of Trade and Industry, drew lessons and reflected on the perspectives of global financial leaders at the IMF – World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, pointing out that both the IMF and the World Bank share grave concerns about the impact of AI and advanced technologies, which will have an unprecedented and widespread effect on labor markets and employment.
Artificial intelligence is changing how people work across a wide range of professions, from researching information and writing content to preparing reports and conducting basic data analysis. Tasks that once took hours can now be completed much faster with AI tools. But for jobseekers, an important question remains: as AI becomes capable of doing more, what skills do employers still need from people?
Chiang Mai’s iconic elephant camp marks golden anniversary with major transformation
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a fresh warning today for heavy to very heavy rain across parts of Thailand during Oct. 18–25, with accumulated rainfall raising the risk of flash floods, rapid run-off and landslides.
Thailand has some of the most dangerous roads in Asia, with thousands of people killed every year and motorcycles involved in the vast majority of fatal crashes. But why is the problem so severe?
The Interior Ministry has ordered an investigation into possible involvement by government officials in a human trafficking network accused of forcing children from Myanmar to sell flowers and juice on Khaosan Road and at other locations in Bangkok.
Floods deepen Thai shrimp crisis amid disease and export setbacks
Thai electronics companies are projected to see varying levels of revenue growth in the third quarter of 2026, with some seeing significant increases driven by artificial intelligence demand. Specifically, Delta Electronics (Thailand) is expected to see revenue rise by 16% quarter-on-quarter and 24% year-on-year, reaching 7.57 trillion baht. KCE Electronics is forecast to grow its revenue by 150% year-on-year and 16% quarter-on-quarter, reaching 594 million baht.
Thailand and Germany have agreed to pursue closer trade, investment and financial links, with a focus on high-technology industries, workforce skills and Thailand’s bid to join the OECD.
13 Foods Under $1 In Bangkok
The massive floods and extreme storms currently devastating major cities around the world are undeniable evidence that humanity has fully entered the era of “climate extremes.”
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is preparing to deploy virtual power plant technologies after successfully testing a relevant project. According to a report, the country is moving toward a more flexible electricity supply system with digital management.
EZY Airlines Hua Hin flight timetable revealed
Thailand and Norway have signed a new convention to eliminate double taxation on income and prevent tax evasion and avoidance during the 2026 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group in Bangkok.
Energy prices contribute to inflation risks through several interconnected economic channels, most notably by driving up the cost of production and transportation for essential goods. Rising fuel costs act as an input cost for businesses, which then pass these expenses on to consumers, thereby increasing headline inflation. Furthermore, volatility in global energy markets, often triggered by geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, can lead to sudden price shocks that destabilize economic growth and put upward pressure on consumer prices globally.
Thailand’s domestic travel scene is experiencing a notable shift, with Khao Yai and Koh Chang emerging as the country’s fastest-rising destinations, according to Traveloka’s Q3 2026 SEA Index. Searches for Koh Chang have surged by over 40% year on year, while Khao Yai tops the list of domestic destinations gaining momentum.
Thai Airways has admitted its September baggage crisis was five times worse than first reported, with 25,000 bags stranded and over 200 flights cancelled. Now, the board has seized control, ordering worldwide luggage deliveries and automatic passenger compensation.
Thailand is turning to MICE tourism – meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions – to revive its tourism industry amid declining visitor arrivals, safety concerns and a stronger currency. With Bangkok rising in global rankings, the country is betting on international business events to attract more visitors and boost economic growth. 
Call for use of farm land for wind energy projects
Wind farms could lower electricity prices in Thailand by reducing the country’s dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is subject to costly spikes in global market prices. Additionally, wind energy can serve as a complementary power source by generating electricity at night, which helps improve the overall reliability of the national power system.
Waterfront demolition to start tomorrow
Connecting Hua Hin by air to Thailand’s major tourist destinations and developing the railway bypass road are among the priorities Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul has outlined as the city prepares for continued growth.
Yesterday, staff from Hua Hin municipality’s Public Health and Environment Division collected rubbish along the beach from Hua Hin Soi 77 through Soi 85 and south to Khao Takiab.
Stilt houses in villages north of Bangkok are no longer high enough to stay dry as Thai authorities deliberately flood riverside communities to spare the capital.
160-billion-baht Chao Phraya 2 canal approved to tackle flooding
Thailand needs more long-term investment to revive economic growth, former commerce and energy minister Narongchai Akrasanee says.
Thailand’s economy is projected to grow by 2.1% in 2026, placing it among the slowest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, ahead of only Myanmar and Brunei, according to the International Monetary Fund’s latest forecasts.
Ripe mangosteen and rambutan are being left unpicked in eastern Thailand as a shortage of migrant workers forces growers to decide which crops are worth harvesting.
Netflix says Thailand could develop into a global entertainment production center comparable to South Korea, but says stronger intellectual property protection and creative freedom will be needed for Thai content to compete internationally.
Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) will use a packed program of year-end festivals, concerts and international events in an effort to bring foreign arrivals to about 33 million in 2026. The campaign follows a 3.8% fall in international arrivals during the first nine months of the year, while a strengthening baht has made Thailand less price-competitive against rival destinations.
Energy demand is soaring, fuel prices have been rattled by conflict in the Middle East, and much of Asia still runs on coal. Can renewables step in fast enough?
Australia said today it refused to allow big tech to have “unfettered” access to its children, as it formally introduced new legislation that would give users choice over what they see on their feeds. Under the “Digital Duty of Care” bill, firms behind popular platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram will be required to give users the choice to opt out of the powerful algorithms that dictate what we see online. 
Corruption can reduce real GDP per capita growth by 3% for up to two years, while money laundering amounts to as much as US$6 trillion annually worldwide, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Case studies of efforts to combat corruption and money laundering were presented at the 2026 annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group yesterday in Bangkok. 
Thailand has eliminated rubella as a public health problem, an achievement the World Health Organization described as a “major milestone”.
Thailand has blocked 945,075 URLs linked to online gambling during the 2026 fiscal year, according to the government, as it steps up action against illegal online content and cybercrime.
AGT 2026 champion Nene Royal fulfilled a dream by performing alongside metal giants Avenged Sevenfold during their concert in Singapore last night, delivering a 13-minute set that had fans rocking out.
Another jet-ski excursion involving foreign tourists was cut short last week after riders repeatedly ignored safety warnings and alarmed other participants with risky manoeuvers, Phuket Tourist Police have confirmed. 
Mu Koh Similan National Park reopens
Phetchabun authorities face calls to review adventure tourism safety rules and compliance after two foreigners were injured in a fall from a cliff while abseiling over the weekend.
Phuket Festival Devotees Pierce Cheeks With Swords and Guns
Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer during surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital yesterday, when doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican said. The operation on the 71-year-old pontiff lasted about 90 minutes and was successful, with no complications. 
Southeast Asia’s property market is entering a phase in which growth is spreading beyond a handful of economic centers into economic corridors, industrial cities and tourism destinations, according to JLL’s latest research report, Planning for a Multipolar World: Real Estate Strategies Across Southeast Asia in 2026 and Beyond.
Thailand’s health economy, spanning medical care, preventive health and wellness, is emerging as a new engine of growth. Panelists warned, however, that regulatory delays and heavy reliance on imported products could limit the benefits.
Thong Pha Phum National Park in Kanchanaburi will reopen its Khao Chang Phueak long-distance nature trek from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31. Numbers will be capped at 60 visitors a day, with hikers aged 13 to 70 only.
Nene Royal didn’t apply to America’s Got Talent. An American fan did it for her. His name is Sean, and like thousands of others, he first saw her playing on the street in Phuket. Unlike most of them, he didn’t just film it and walk away.
Thai singer Nene Royal, named as the winner of America’s Got Talent 2026, has said she will take the program’s prize money as a one-off payment rather than in instalments.
Always Lalisa, a documentary following Thai singer and actor Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal during a year away from Blackpink’s group activities, opens in Thai cinemas on Oct. 12. Screenings run until Oct. 18 in IMAX and standard formats, with standard tickets starting at 350 baht.
A night out in Thailand turned into a wildlife rescue story after an intoxicated man brought a wild python home. Even more amazingly, the man, who had no recollection of bringing the animal home, woke up to rescuers removing it from his house.
Bangkok’s severe flash floods, exploring how extreme rainfall, sinking geography, and communication breakdowns are testing the city’s infrastructure limits.
Toyota Motor Thailand has extended production suspensions at its Samrong, Ban Pho and Gateway plants, with operations now expected to resume between Oct. 14 and 19 as flooding continues to disrupt parts deliveries.
Residents of Pak Nam subdistrict in Bang Khla district, Chachoengsao, have endured flooding for more than two weeks, with reports that the situation could continue for another 30 days, adding to their anxiety over how long they must live with the hardship.
Media has reported that oil tankers traveling through the Strait of Hormuz are being targeted almost daily, as Iran is escalating its attacks in an attempt to halt its recovering crude oil exports.
A US–Thailand trade deal is heading for a November signing after President Donald Trump wrote directly to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. However, critical terms remain unresolved despite agreement in principle. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun is targeting the ASEAN summit in the Philippines.
Thailand’s high-tech industries require a diverse array of specialized technical and soft skills to keep pace with rapid technological transitions. Key requirements include expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) development, coding, and robotics, as well as proficiency in digital technologies, data science, and automated systems.
How CNH Equipment Is Helping Thai Rice Farmers End Stubble Burning
US President Donald Trump slammed the “disgraceful” Nobel Peace Prize choice yesterday as leaving an “indelible stain” on Norway, arguing that the award should have gone to him. South African judge and human rights champion Navi Pillay won the prestigious prize in recognition of her work against war crimes and crimes against humanity. 
Meta has banned advertisements from TikTok owner ByteDance on Facebook and Instagram in Thailand, the United States and five other markets, escalating competition between the two social-media groups.
Thailand stands at a pivotal junction where it must rapidly modernize its infrastructure, expand artificial intelligence adoption, and bridge a widening digital skills gap to avoid being left behind in the new global economy.
Thailand’s consumer confidence fell for the first time in four months in September, with the index dropping to 52.1 as widespread flooding and rising living costs weighed on households. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) released the findings yesterday, drawing on a nationwide survey of 2,241 respondents.
Thailand identifies 10 emerging technologies for future growth
Bangkok voted world’s best city for tourists
ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), finalized on May 30, represents a landmark achievement as the world’s first regional digital economy agreement. It establishes common rules for cross-border data transfers, e-commerce, cybersecurity, AI, and talent mobility, targeting a projected $1 trillion digital economy by 2030.