- Beach Life festival/Huahin50 Trail Run/Rethinking Private Health Insurance/Preparations for PM2.5 pollution/Diesel, petrol and gasohol prices rise/Soaring delivery app fees/Facebook accounts for 74% of online shopping scams/CP Axtra adds to Makro and Lotus/Flood victims to get 10.5 billion baht
- ECONOMY: High energy prices create multiple crises/Young Thai graduate unemployment/Plan to Become Regional Logistics Hub/Thailand luxury market
- TOURISM: Outbound tax faces axe/Culture and local gains first/Tourism groups play down Chinese scam alert/45 passengers abandoned at Bangkok airport
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Can Sato Become Thailand’s Answer To Sake?/Learning to walk and use their trunks
- CLIMATE THAILAND: 50,000 baht for solar panels/Energy measures being proposed/China-made EV taxis gain ground/Illegal waste factories/’Doomsday Glacier’ melting faster
- IRAN WAR: Iran says no talks until demands are met
- UKRAINE WAR: US intelligence sharing ‘works now’
- HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Beach Life festival coming December 18-20
Hua Hin Beach Life 2026 will take place at Hua Don Beach in Khao Takiab Dec. 18-20, featuring stand-up paddleboarding competitions, seaside concerts and local food, with free admission.
The three-day event is being organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) as part of its “Amazing Multi-racing Festival 2026” series, which brings sport, music and lifestyle activities to coastal destinations in three provinces. Continued …
Huahin50 Trail Run set for January 16-17
The Huahin50 Trail Run returns on Jan.16-17, with three trail races and a family event showcasing the hills and countryside surrounding Hua Hin.
Organised by Sports Republic Thailand as part of The Legendary Trail Series, the event is expected to attract 2,500 participants across the weekend. All races will start and finish at Thapthai Obotor Public Park. Continued …
The Medical Inflation Trap: Rethinking Private Health Insurance
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.
Premium adjustments may be needed when claims expenditure exceeds projected costs and threatens insurers’ financial stability. However, repricing alone does not address the underlying causes of expenditure growth. Repeated premium increases without improvements in healthcare management may weaken affordability for employers and households. The major challenge is therefore not simply to reduce healthcare expenditure but to obtain better value from it. Continued …
Thailand ramps up preparations for PM2.5 pollution
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.
Government spokesperson Dr. Ekkapob Pianpises said the prime minister had instructed deputy prime ministers and ministers overseeing various areas to prepare appropriate measures and ensure local authorities were ready to respond. Continued …
Regular diesel, petrol and gasohol 91 and 95 prices rise by 60 satang
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.
PTT Station and Bangchak have kept E20 gasohol, B20 diesel and their listed premium fuels unchanged. Bangchak’s E85 gasohol price is also unchanged. Continued …
Thailand questions soaring delivery app fees, platforms tight-lipped
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.
The Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) is scheduled to open a public consultation on the proposed rules today, with the regulations expected to take effect in December if approved. Continued …
Facebook accounts for 74% of online shopping scams in Thailand
Facebook accounted for nearly 74% of reported online shopping scams in Thailand last week.
The Anti-Cyber Scam Center reported that Facebook was the primary platform used by scammers, followed by LINE at 47.4% and TikTok at 16.5%. These scams frequently targeted specific categories such as clothing, vehicles, and travel services. – Bangkok Post AI
CP Axtra to roll out five food chains across Makro and Lotus
Thai retailer CP Axtra has partnered with Minor Food Group to introduce five global restaurant brands across select Makro and Lotus stores.
Under a corporate franchise model, the rollout will include Dairy Queen, Swensen’s, Gaga Cafe, Bonchon, and The Steak & More. Continued …
Flood victims to get 10.5 billion baht
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.
The government is seeking this additional funding to cover approximately 1,481,401 households. This follows a previous allocation of 5.28 billion baht from the 2026 central budget, of which nearly all funds have already been utilized to assist victims across 66 provinces and Bangkok. To expedite relief, authorities are working with the Government Savings Bank to process payments for verified claims once cabinet approval is secured. – Bangkok Post AI
High energy prices create multiple crises
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.
This phenomenon is further intensified as soaring energy costs can drive up the prices of other essential commodities, including fertilizers and food. In Thailand, the country’s status as a net energy importer makes it particularly vulnerable to these global price spikes, which can increase electricity generation costs and weaken consumer purchasing power. Additionally, central banks often respond to these supply-driven price increases by raising interest rates to maintain price stability, which can impact overall economic activity. – Bangkok Post AI
Young Thai graduate unemployment reaches 14% as AI reshapes jobs
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.
The issues were discussed during “The Lifelong Workforce Pivot” session by Korn Chatikavanij, a Democrat Party-list MP and deputy party leader; Jennifer Chavanovanich, associate dean of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Psychology; and Tanpong Sukhonpanich, chief enterprise officer at FutureSkill for Business. Continued …
Thailand Unveils Plan to Become Regional Logistics Hub
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.
Speaking at the Nation Forum 2027 dinner talk, “Thailand’s Agenda”, under the theme “Infrastructure Blueprint for the Future”, Phiphat said the global turmoil was a chance for the country to act. Continued …
Thailand luxury market tipped for 5% annual growth
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.
Bangkok hosted the Financial Times’ Business of Luxury Summit – Asia Edition for the first time, bringing global industry figures to Capella Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River Oct. 19-20. Continued …
Outbound tax faces axe if economic woes linger
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.
The government is evaluating several factors to ensure fiscal stability and avoid placing an unnecessary burden on the public during periods of economic spending slowdowns. Decision-makers must consider the impact on businesses, public sectors, and general economic activities, as well as the potential for the tax to increase the cost of living. Additionally, officials aim to ensure that any new revenue collection is cost-effective and does not outweigh the expected benefits. – Bangkok Post AI
Thailand tourism leaders put culture and local gains first
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.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool and former Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat delivered separate opening talks during the “Sawasdee, Thai Rising” session. Executives from The Mall Group and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) also outlined how retail and international business events could extend tourism’s benefits. Continued …
Thai tourism groups play down Chinese scam alert
Thailand’s tourism authorities expect a renewed warning from the Chinese embassy over job scams to have only a limited effect on Chinese holidaymakers, with 5-5.5 million arrivals still forecast this year.
The alert was directed particularly at high-profile Chinese people and those working in entertainment, including influencers, artists and celebrities, who may be vulnerable to offers of highly paid work. It was not primarily aimed at ordinary tourists, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Continued …
Promised China trip, 45 passengers abandoned at Bangkok airport
An investigation has been launched after 45 Thai passengers were left abandoned at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport when they discovered that no flight tickets had been booked for a planned trip to China, despite them having paid for the tour program.
Parents of the student passengers filed complaints with airport police on Oct. 15, reporting losses of 1.795 million baht (US$53,414) after paying 39,900 baht per person for a short course scheduled for Oct. 15-26. Continued …
Can Sato Become Thailand’s Answer To Sake?
In Thailand’s northeastern Isan region, sato was once part of rural life. Rice was grown, harvested, eaten, and some of it fermented into sato, a low-alcohol drink shared at festivals and family gatherings.
Today, sato appears on drinks lists and tasting menus across Bangkok. Producers are experimenting with indigenous rice varieties and controlled fermentation, while chefs are exploring how its sweetness, acidity, and texture work with food. The evolution is unexpected for a drink long dismissed as a rustic, homemade brew. Continued …
Elephant calves: Learning to walk and use their trunks
Elephant calves might look like miniature giants, but they’re surprisingly unsteady on their feet, with legs, ears, and a trunk that they haven’t quite worked out how to use. Weighing over 100 kilograms at birth (the weight of an adult giant panda!) and standing almost a meter tall, elephant calves are the world’s largest mammal born on land.
In the first few months of life, a baby elephant calf flails at basic tasks more than functions. It takes time, and plenty of trial and error, for them to master drinking, feeding, and even walking, leading to adorable tumbles and awkward splashes at waterholes. Continued …
One million homes could get 50,000 baht for solar panels
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 scheme is expected to go before the Cabinet on Oct. 26, with registration potentially opening in mid-November. Thailand’s solar subsidy would help eligible households install solar panels on their roofs or on the ground, allowing them to generate electricity for domestic use and sell surplus power to the electricity distribution network. Continued …
What measures is Thailand’s Energy Regulatory Commission proposing?
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.
Additionally, the ERC is working on a new policy framework designed to attract investment in advanced technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), and to facilitate the participation of businesses in the renewable energy sector. To support corporate sustainability goals, the ERC is also coordinating with utilities to offer options like the Utility Green Tariff Type 2 (UGT2), a service specifically designed to meet RE100 technical criteria. These efforts aim to transform the electricity sector into a more flexible and decarbonized market, allowing both large corporations and households to better access and manage renewable power sources. – Bangkok Post AI
China-made EV taxis gain ground in Thailand
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.
Thai government figures show around 2,600 new EV taxis were registered between January and September this year, more than 20% higher than in the same period a year earlier. Continued …
Illegal waste factories face crackdown
The government is targeting illegal industrial waste operations to combat toxic pollution, prevent forest encroachment, and protect public health. Authorities are coordinating across multiple ministries to crack down on factories in Prachin Buri that have been accused of polluting water sources and operating on protected land without proper documentation.
Beyond environmental protection, the crackdown addresses suspected financial crimes and irregular business structures, such as the use of nominee companies to hide foreign ownership. Officials are also investigating potential links between industrial waste and suspicious land ownership through the Anti-Money Laundering Office. Furthermore, the government is seeking to tighten industrial regulations and increase penalties to ensure that recycling and waste-management facilities comply with environmental standards and do not become major dumpsites. – Bangkok Post AI
‘Doomsday Glacier’ melting faster than expected, pushing sea levels up by 3 meters
The Thwaites Glacier, also known as the ” Doomsday Glacier ,” is located on the Walgreens Coast in the Marybirdland region of West Antarctica. Covering approximately 192,000 square kilometers, it’s roughly the size of Senegal and is one of the largest and most important glaciers for stabilizing global sea levels. However, this glacier is currently melting rapidly, causing sea levels to rise by about 4%.
This glacier has lost more than one trillion tons of ice since 2000 and continues to lose an average of 50 billion tons per year. If this glacier were to collapse completely, it would directly cause global sea levels to rise by about 65 centimeters. Continued …
Iran tells Pakistan army chief no talks with Washington until demands are met
Iran told Pakistan’s army chief yesterday there would be no talks with Washington until Tehran’s demands were met, Iranian media reported, underscoring its hardening stance despite mediation efforts by key interlocutor Pakistan. President Masoud Pezeshkian discussed mediation efforts and regional developments with Field Marshal Asim Munir in Tehran.
Munir also met Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who said Washington could not regain Tehran’s trust until it fulfilled seven conditions Iran set last month for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to an Iranian readout of the meeting. Continued …
Zelensky says US intelligence sharing ‘works now’ after talks with Trump envoy
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said US intelligence sharing on deadly Russian missile attacks “works now” after talks with President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff.
The meeting in Oslo came after accusations by Kyiv that Washington was withholding key intelligence – a claim rejected as “scandalous” by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. 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
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.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered officials to complete investigations into suspected nominee arrangements used by foreigners to hold Thai land by December.
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.
France’s latest wave of unrest is drawing attention to the financial pressure on one of Europe’s largest welfare states, prompting Thai economists to warn that persistent budget deficits and weak fiscal discipline can eventually constrain public services and leave governments with fewer options during a crisis.
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. 
Oil prices extended gains today, as the Middle East conflict escalated after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis stepped up strikes on Saudi Arabia, while two tankers were attacked over the weekend, raising concerns about oil supply from the region.
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 plans to use the 2026 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group to attract foreign investment in future industries and expand international economic cooperation, the government said today.
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.
Thailand is stepping up its fight against fake medicine, but recent cases show how lucrative and sophisticated the trade has become. With counterfeit products increasingly finding buyers online, stopping them before they reach consumers is becoming its own challenge. 
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. 
Oil prices settled 4% higher yesterday in Houston as revived concerns over the ongoing Middle East war and growing supply disruptions from Hurricane Isaias approaching the US Gulf Coast drove intense market volatility.
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.
Hua Hin municipality is seeking to speed up construction of the Hua Hin railway road by resolving design issues and relocating electricity poles, with the aim of opening the new route to residents as soon as possible.
Thailand closes 132 risky railway crossings
Central region hardest hit by floods
Three property associations have identified five major challenges in reviving the market through action by the government and banks. These range from unlocking home loans for a new generation of borrowers, promoting energy-efficient homes and developing urban infrastructure to withstand natural disasters, to regulating foreign property transactions and building stronger communities.
Thailand has attracted more than $11.72 billion (approx. 396.5 billion baht) in investment applications from Japanese enterprises across 1,380 projects between 2021 and mid-2026, according to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).
The 10th round of Thailand-EU free trade agreement negotiations has seen significant progress, with most negotiating texts now concluded. The commerce minister reported that major issues resolved include trade in goods, services, investment, and market access, as well as provisions regarding sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, energy, war materials, and rules of origin.
Marriott Internationalhas signed an agreement with FICO Corp. to bring seven hotels to Thailand, which are projected to add a further 1,262 keys to Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.
Earlier this year, Bangkok’s food and beverage scene pulled off a coup. At Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards in Macau, eight venues from Asia’s “City of Angels” crowded the list – rankings historically dominated by Hong Kong and Singapore – with four more in the 51-100 tier. The city’s restaurant honors tell a similar story – Sühring recently joined Sorn in holding three Michelin stars, and Bangkok claims nine spots on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, more than any other city.
Thailand is preparing to replace the Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004). In July 2026, the House of Representatives accepted in principle proposed amendments to the Hotel Act and referred them to an extraordinary committee. On Sept. 29, the government set out its draft Accommodation Establishment Act. The draft moves away from a single hotel licensing regime and toward a tiered system based on the size of the property.
Fifteen minutes with a pair of clippers, a mirror check, and out the door for the price of a sandwich. Or: lying back on a reclined chair, eyes covered, a hot towel over the face, a straight razor worked slowly along the jaw, warm oil worked into the beard, a shoulder press at the end, someone offering you a coffee while you wait for the chair — 45 minutes, and a bill that can run to three or four times the first one.
From one mother to nine cubs: the tiger helping tell Thailand’s recovery story
Preparing Thailand’s rescued leopard cats for life in the wild
Authorities in Phuket are seeking a land plot to build a second incinerator to handle a growing amount of garbage. Phuket is facing increasing challenges in dealing with as much as 1.3 million tons of waste that has accumulated at landfills supervised by the Phuket municipal office.