- Two Killed in Cha Am Crash/Fuel prices fall/Heavy rain and flood risk/First Lao Man Rescued/Taxi business crackdown on Koh Samui
- THE IRAN WAR: How the Iran Conflict Threatens Thailand
- ECONOMY: 26 million sign up for stimulus/House rejects land bridge study/Thailand’s transit trade rises/Myanmar-Thailand bridge reopens/Thailand’s rising demand for quality/Thailand’s concert boom
- TOURISM: Pivot to ‘Value Tourism’ Tested/Asian tourists keep travel plans
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Growing Up in the Heat/University’s rare book room
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Sustainable aquaculture in Thailand/5.26 MW Solar Rooftop Project/EVs, almost a third of global new-vehicle sales
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Doctor Among Two Killed in Cha Am Bypass Crash
Two people were killed and a 53-year-old woman seriously injured after a car crashed into a central reservation barrier on the Cha Am-Pran Buri bypass road in Phetchaburi province yesterday morning. The metal barrier pierced through the vehicle from the front windscreen to the rear, leaving the car severely damaged.
Cha Am Highway Rescue and Cha Am Hospital rushed to the scene on the inbound carriageway toward Bangkok near kilometer marker 18+100 in Sam Phraya subdistrict. Continued …
Fuel prices fall by up to 1 baht at Thai pumps
Fuel prices at major petrol stations across Thailand fell again today. The new pump prices cover major oil retailers, including PTT Station, Bangchak, PT, Shell, and Caltex. The update comes as retail fuel prices continue to move in line with market conditions.
Most petrol and gasohol products were reduced by 70 satang per liter, while selected premium diesel products dropped by 1 baht per liter. Some diesel categories remained unchanged, depending on the retailer and product type. Continued …
56 provinces warned of heavy rain and flood risk
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of heavy to very heavy rain across 56 provinces today, with people in risk areas urged to prepare for possible flash floods and forest run-off.
Thunderstorms are forecast in 60% of the southern east coast region. Heavy rain is expected in some areas. Provinces at risk include Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Continued …
First Lao Man Rescued From Flooded Gold Mine
A Lao worker trapped inside a gold mine cave in Laos has been rescued after a major international operation involving Thai and Finnish cave diving experts. Rescue teams successfully brought one of five survivors out of the flooded tunnel at 8:40 pm yesterday, according to the Thailand Rescue Diver Facebook page.
The worker was among seven Lao laborers trapped inside a gold mine cave in Long Chaeng, Xaysomboun province, Laos, since May 19. Heavy rain and flash flooding had swept through the mine, cutting off access and leaving the workers stranded underground. Continued …
Taxi business crackdown on Koh Samui after murder of taxi driver
A Koh Samui taxi mafia crackdown in Surat Thani began Thursday, as officials moved to dismantle taxi queue groups accused of occupying public areas and stopping other legal taxis from picking up passengers.
Koh Samui District Chief Amorn Chumchuay led the operation with Koh Samui district officials, transport officers, police, tourist police, and municipal officers. The operation targeted public hire vehicles violating the law and formed part of a wider campaign to regulate public transport across Koh Samui. Continued …
How the Iran Conflict Threatens Thailand’s Energy Security and Economy
The military conflict in the Middle East, involving Iran, the US, and Israel, poses a significant threat to the Thai economy primarily through surging global energy prices. As a major net importer of oil and gas, Thailand faces a downward revision of its GDP growth forecast to as low as 1.3% and heightened inflationary pressures.
The Thai government and central bank are currently implementing emergency measures, including energy price caps and interest rate adjustments, to mitigate the impact on domestic consumers, the stock market, and the safety of tens of thousands of Thai laborers working in the region. Continued …
26 million sign up for ‘Thais Help Thais’ stimulus
More than 26 million people and over one million businesses registered for Thailand’s “Thais Help Thais Plus 60/40” co-payment scheme ahead of yesterday’s registration deadline.
Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said yesterday the scheme, which opened for registration on May 25, had continued to attract widespread participation from both consumers and businesses nationwide. As of Thursday, more than 26.2 million people had registered, with 25.48 million successfully approved for benefits. Continued …
House rejects land bridge study panel
The House of Representatives rejected a proposal to establish a special committee to further study the land bridge megaproject, with government MPs arguing that multiple reviews had already been conducted and additional scrutiny would duplicate existing work.
MPs yesterday voted 266 to 174 against setting up the committee after hours of debate over the proposed transport corridor linking the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea under the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) scheme. Continued …
Thailand’s transit trade rises as durian exports to China surge
Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Commerce, said border and transit trade in April was worth a combined B211.146 billion, up 27.5%.
Exports totaled B121.521 billion, up 25.4%, and imports B89.625 billion, up 30.5%, leaving Thailand with a trade surplus of B31.896 billion for the month. Continued …
Myanmar-Thailand cargo bridge resumes border trade at Mae Sot
The Myawady-Mae Sot No. 2 Friendship Bridge, a key cargo route on the Myanmar-Thailand border, resumed trade on Thursday morning, local sources said. The bridge had been shut by the Myanmar side since the morning of August 18, 2025, because of continuing military conflict.
A Myawady border trader said the reopening was confirmed at the bridge, where Buddhist protective Parittas were being recited for safety and protection. Cargo movements from both Myanmar and Thailand remain limited, he said, adding that it could take around a week before operations return to normal. Continued …
Thailand’s rising demand for quality offers new opportunities for EU
Flavors in fine dining have increasingly evolved beyond the appreciation of familiar delicacies, as organic agriculture and sustainably sourced food redefine culinary experiences through a stronger emphasis on long-term wellbeing, environmental responsibility, and fair value for those throughout the food ecosystem.
From the grass-fed artisanal butter from France to the succulent langoustine from Denmark, the trademarks of quality have been delivered through the clean, mildly sweet, and natural aroma that reaffirm enduring milestones among European agriculture and food production. Continued …
Thailand’s concert boom tests venues, standards, and who really benefits
Thailand is entering a peak year for concerts and music festivals, with global acts such as Post Malone, The Weeknd, BTS, and Tomorrowland Thailand driving momentum, but industry insiders warn that limited venues, rising foreign capital, and weak domestic value capture could become major challenges.
The second half of 2026 is expected to be particularly active. Post Malone is scheduled to perform at Rajamangala National Stadium on Sept. 22, while The Weeknd has announced two concerts at the same venue on Oct. 11 and 12. Continued …
Thailand Pivot to ‘Value Tourism’ Tested by Global Economic Storms
The Thai government’s overhaul of its visa framework — approved by the Cabinet on May 19 — marks a decisive shift toward tightening immigration controls and safeguarding domestic security. However, the policy arrives just as the kingdom faces a severe barrage of external economic shocks.
An impact assessment by the Kasikorn Research Center suggests the immediate market disruption will be negligible. The restrictions directly affect a mere 0.7% of total foreign arrivals, based on data from the first four months of 2026. Crucially, Thailand’s economic lifelines — including mainland China, Macau, Hong Kong, and South Korea — remain unaffected due to prior bilateral agreements. Continued …
Asian tourists keep travel plans in place despite war
Thais and other Southeast Asian travelers are continuing to plan travel in the second half of the year, opting for regional destinations even though they might slash their budgets or number of trips, according to online travel agent AirAsia Move.
Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, head of country representative for Thailand at AirAsia Move, said the platform has not noticed a significant slowing of bookings from Thailand or Southeast Asia for the remainder of 2026. Continued …
Growing Up in the Heat: Children are among the most vulnerable
On a stretch of fine sand, facing south reveals the slow-moving Mekong River. Turn left at dawn or right at dusk, and the same sun slowly rises above — and later slips behind — the mountains and water. This is Ban Tamui, a small community in Khong Chiam district of Ubon Ratchathani province.
It is home to six-year-old Payuda “Maya” Panyasu, a lively girl who opens up easily around people she trusts. Maya is about to begin Grade 2. After her parents separated several years ago, she came to live with her 82-year-old grandfather and other family members in a modest single-story concrete house shared by five people. Continued …
Chulalongkorn University’s rare book room safeguards 25,000 historic volumes
Chulalongkorn University’s rare book room, anchored by the Prince Kitiyakara Voralaksana and Prince Dhani Nivat collections, preserves about 25,000 items, including early Thai press works from King Rama III’s era.
The room combines conservation techniques and digitization to protect and share Thailand’s historic publications worldwide via Chula Digiverse. Video …
Innovative technology powers more sustainable aquaculture in Thailand
Aquaculture is a key provider of food in Thailand, but the sector faces growing challenges from climate change, environmental pressures, and rising energy prices that threaten its long-term sustainability.
Many Thai farmers still depend on outdated and inefficient energy-intensive systems that consume electricity generated from burning fossil fuels, so authorities have started looking at alternatives. These include solar panels and smart technologies to optimize energy use and cut electricity costs by significant amounts without compromising yields, while shrinking the sector’s carbon footprint. Continued …
Constant Energy and Meyer Industries Inaugurate 5.26 MW Solar Rooftop Project
Constant Energy, a leading renewable energy developer in Southeast Asia, announced the successful inauguration of a 5.26 MW solar rooftop installation at the manufacturing facilities of Meyer Industries and Meyer Aluminium (Thailand) Co. in Laem Chabang.
Meyer Industries is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of high-quality cookware and Meyer Aluminium (Thailand) Co. is a leading aluminium rolling mill. The project enables Meyer to reduce approximately 3,200 tons of carbon emissions annually, while delivering an estimated B360 million in energy cost savings over the contract period. Continued …
EVs, PHEVs to reach almost a third of global new-vehicle sales in 2026
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates electric vehicle (EV) sales – including not only EVs but also plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and extended-range EVs (EREVs) – will hit 23 million this year, and account for around 28% of all new cars sold. In a report, the IEA used recent trends and sales data from the first quarter of this year, and forecast EV sales to rise from 20 million last year.
According to the IEA’s numbers, 3.9 million EVs were sold in the first three months of 2026 – down 8% from the same time last year. This is primarily due to falling sales in China, the world’s largest EV market, and the US. Continued …
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Chinese Fraud Suspects Arrested in Pattaya – Continued …
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Phuket Airport Seizes 38 Phones From Foreign Trio – Continued …
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Foreign Nationals Clash with Thais at Bali Hai Pier – Continued …
Japan passes bill to raise visa fees, introduce online pre-entry screening
Japan’s parliament yesterday passed an immigration control law revision to raise the maximum fee for residence status applications by foreigners and introduce an online pre-entry travel authorisation system for overseas arrivals. Once the fee changes are implemented later this fiscal year, the upper limit will be set at 100,000 yen (20,450 baht) for visa renewals and 300,000 yen for permanent residency applications. Continued … https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3262808/japan-passes-bill-to-raise-visa-fees-introduce-online-preentry-screening
Why great white sharks are vanishing from South Africa’s Cape coast
Once feared by surfers and prized by thrill-seeking cage divers, great white sharks have all but disappeared from parts of South Africa’s Cape coastline, leaving scientists and tour operators searching for answers. Video …
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 cinemas/Emergency numbers
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has introduced a new mobile application aimed at reducing arrival processing times for international visitors, while maintaining security checks at the country’s borders. The new system, known as the Thailand Immigration Management System (THIM), allows foreign travellers to complete arrival card information digitally before reaching Thailand.
Tourism leaders in Prachuap Khiri Khan are pushing for more Hua Hin flights to connect the city with Chiang Mai, Isaan, and southern Thailand, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen the role of Hua Hin Airport.
Thailand will enforce a nationwide alcohol ban on Sunday, as the country observes Visakha Bucha Day, one of the most important dates in the Buddhist calendar.
The Royal Gazette website yesterday published an announcement by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee on the revised prohibited hours for alcohol sales in 2026, updating the rules to reflect current conditions. Under the announcement, no person may sell alcoholic beverages outside the hours of 11am to midnight, except in several cases.
The Energy Policy Management Committee decided yesterday to maintain the ex-refinery price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at 20.9179 baht/kg for two more months, from June 1 to July 31, so that the retail price will be kept at 423 baht a 15Kg cylinder.
Thailand is currently among four out of a total of 11 ASEAN countries where the broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 have not yet been bought, while Thais may be more or less anticipating to view the world football tournament live and free as usual anyway.
A foundation advocating for sex workers has put forward a draft bill in parliament to decriminalize sex work and extend labor protections to those in the industry. Submitted by the Empower Foundation yesterday, tthis move aims to replace the outdated 1996 Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act, which criminalizes voluntary sex workers.
Thailand’s app-based drivers have become part of everyday life. But as ride-hailing and delivery platforms continue to grow, so does the conflict with traditional taxi operators.
Thai authorities are preparing to investigate the business records of Israeli nationals who obtained Thai citizenship after concerns emerged over alleged nominee business activities on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui in Surat Thani province.
Several officials at Ban Huad subdistrict office in Lampang experienced stomach pain, diarrhea, and dizziness after consuming insects collected from a tree outside the office. The incident, which prompted a public warning, led to several individuals requiring hospital treatment.
Thailand’s foreign condominium market is entering a new phase, with Chinese buyers pulling back sharply while Russian demand rises and keeps the luxury segment in key tourism destinations alive.
Factory output in Thailand remains weak, with the manufacturing production index in April falling 0.36% from a year earlier, the Ministry of Industry said yesterday.
Thailand’s banking sector maintained strong resilience in the first quarter of 2026, supported by robust capital buffers, ample liquidity, and high loan-loss provisions, according to the Bank of Thailand’s latest Banking Sector Quarterly Brief .
Continental has officially inaugurated the expansion of its tire plant in Rayong. The investment of more than 300 million euros, or 13 billion Thai baht, boosts the facility’s production capacity by an additional 3 million passenger car and light truck tires per year.
The Anutin Charnvirakul government’s decision last week to cancel the extended visa-free entry scheme, which allowed stays of up to 60 days instead of 30, was based on the belief that it would strengthen national security, combat transnational crime, and prevent foreigners from exploiting the policy to work illegally, engage in business without permits, or behave unruly.
Thailand’s aviation industry began 2026 with stronger passenger traffic, more flights, and renewed demand from key Asian markets, but the recovery is now facing a fresh test from Middle East disruption, volatile jet fuel prices, and rising operating costs.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) yesterday with Vietnam Airlines to jointly advance marketing and air connectivity, particularly the opening of new routes between Thailand and Vietnam.
Thailand has emerged as one of the most considered relocation destinations for Americans seeking safety, quality of life, and financial freedom. New data from cultural-intelligence platform Country Navigator ranks Thailand among the 10 most-searched relocation destinations for U.S. citizens, with roughly 30,560 annual searches recorded between March 2025 and February 2026 — clear evidence that Thailand is no longer just a holiday memory, but a credible long-term home.
It has been 87 days since the energy crisis began on Feb. 28, following the sudden escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Even though the US and Iran extended a tentative ceasefire on April 21, the shockwaves have already fundamentally destabilized global energy markets.
Part of the government’s spending plan for the transition to clean energy involves encouraging the public to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) on a wider scale, says finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit.
Back in 2022, spotting an electric vehicle on the streets of Jakarta or Bali was a relatively rare occurrence. Heavily subsidized fuel, under-developed charging infrastructure, and an existing industrial ecosystem anchored by the production of gasoline-powered cars (mostly Japanese brands) made Indonesia an unlikely candidate for an EV boom.
The World Health Organization on May 17 declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a “public health emergency of international concern”, and said there was a high risk it could spread to neighboring countries. The decision has prompted governments to step up travel-related containment measures. Here is a list of screening steps and travel restrictions announced by different countries. 
If you have spent any time researching weight loss camp in Thailand, you have probably noticed that the options range widely. Some are fitness retreats with Muay Thai and green smoothies. Others are medical programs with clinical staff and blood tests every week. A few are somewhere in between.
Thailand is set for more unsettled weather over the next 24 hours, with heavier rain expected in parts of the north, east, and south as the southwest monsoon strengthens over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand.
Rescuers say they are elated to have found survivors who have been trapped in a flooded cave in Laos for a week but caution that it will be difficult to extract them. Five people were found alive yesterday afternoon and rescuers are searching for two others who remain missing.
Iranian state television reported that it had received an unofficial draft preliminary framework of understanding between Iran and the United States aimed at ending the continuing conflict, with one key element being the restoration of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within one month.
After President Trump’s weekend talk of an agreement with Iran, the past 36 hours have seen a flurry of military activity in the Middle East. On Monday, the United States launched a series of “self-defense” strikes on sites in southern Iran, sinking two boats that were laying mines. The move prompted Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to vow retaliation for what it called a “grave violation” of the ceasefire in a war now nearing its fourth month.
An affordability crisis is approaching due to rising costs, says Vice Minister of Finance Santitarn Sathirathai, while urging all sectors to adapt to the challenges ahead.
The energy transition is a game-changer for the economy, says Amonthep Chawla, executive vice president and head of the research office at CIMB Thai Bank.
Thailand’s housing market showed signs of recovery inthe first quarter of 2026, the Government Housing Bank said on yesterday, with transaction volumes rising amid government stimulus even as gains in value lagged, underscoring weak purchasing power.
Thailand’s exports to the United States remain exposed to renewed tariff pressure despite a recent decline in effective US import duties, as Washington is likely to deploy other trade measures, including Section 301 investigations, the National Economic and Social Development Council has warned.
Thai pig farmers are facing mounting losses as farm-gate prices continue to fall below production costs despite a recovery in pork consumption, prompting the National Swine Raisers Assn. to warn of possible market distortion from aggressive pork-shop competition and suspected external supply.
Authorities in Phuket have stepped up proactive disease-control measures to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus, while confirming no infections have been detected in the country so far. Eleven visitors from high-risk countries are being monitored.
Over recent years, the idea of being a “digital nomad”, or a worker able to work from anywhere in the world, has moved from a niche lifestyle into a widely popular way of life, especially after remote work became normal in many industries around the world. But 2026 has reflected a significant shift in digital nomad culture.
Phuket’s Banana Beach Breaks Into the World’s Top 10
Britain was thrown into meteorological confusion Tuesday after temperatures reached 35 degrees Celsius, a temperature Thai people traditionally describe as “the walk from 7-Eleven to the motorbike.” The reading, recorded at London’s Kew Gardens and Heathrow Airport, broke a century-old spring temperature record for the second time in 24 hours. 
Thailand remains one of the most attractive destinations in Asia for foreign investors, retirees, entrepreneurs, and long-term residents. In 2025 alone, Thailand welcomed more than 32.9 million foreign visitors, while tourism continued to contribute enormously to the national economy.
Thailand’s Consumer Council (TCC) and the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) are pushing for a major overhaul of Bangkok’s traffic-management system after a deadly train–bus collision exposed critical weaknesses at railway crossings.
Sentient Animals Like Elephants Deserve More Respect
Thailand is accelerating efforts to become a top 10 global food exporter, leveraging its agricultural richness, manufacturing strength, and innovation in food technology. As part of this ambition, THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2026 is being held this week in Bangkok. The event is expected to generate over 130 billion baht in trade value, attracting 90,000 visitors from 130 countries.
The US and Thailand are in talks on new long-term supply of US-produced liquefied natural gas, two sources said yesterday, negotiations that have accelerated since the US-Israeli-led war on Iran led to LNG production damage in key exporter Qatar.
The global influencer economy is experiencing explosive growth, evolving from simple online content into a complex commercial ecosystem. This sector now encompasses advertising, e-commerce, brand promotion, digital services, and consumer engagement.
Thailand welcomed 13,428,857 foreign tourists from Jan. 1 to May 24, down 2.8%, generating an estimated B653.986 billion in tourism spending, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. China remained the largest source market, followed by Malaysia, and India.
Thailand has long captured the imagination of travelers seeking more than just a holiday — it calls to those yearning for transformation. From the mist-draped mountains of the north to the turquoise-fringed islands of the south, the country offers a rare alchemy of natural splendor, centuries-old healing wisdom, and world-class hospitality.
Thailand’s rainy season has a reputation it doesn’t entirely deserve. Yes, it rains, sometimes heavily, but the idea that monsoon months mean washed-out days and ruined plans is largely a myth.
Thai food manufacturer and exporter Thai Choice says resilience, product innovation, and easier-to-cook authentic meals are helping transform Thai cuisine from a niche export into an everyday global food category.
Thailand’s household debt reached 86.7% of GDP at the end of 2025, among the highest ratios in Asia. The Bank of Thailand’s own data shows that debt for consumption is rising; debt based on income-generating assets such as property or housing loans is contracting. The data reflects bread-and-butter issues and the rising cost of living.
Local residents have raised concerns that a proposed coastal highway could damage mangrove forests and threaten oyster-farming livelihoods, despite government claims the project would boost tourism and the local economy.
BECC International School has officially broken ground on a major new campus in Hua Hin, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the school community.
PTT Station and Bangchak have reduced retail fuel prices from today, cutting petrol and gasohol prices by 60 satang per liter and diesel prices by 1 baht per liter.
The Department of Health says its “normal sweetness = 50% sweetness” campaign has received a positive response over the past three months, reflecting a shift in Thai consumers’ drinking habits. Eleven companies have joined the campaign, adjusting their formulas across more than 30,000 branches nationwide.
Thailand’s labor market is entering a more fragile phase, with the National Economic and Social Development Council warning that workers face three major pressures: the conflict in the Middle East, rapid advances in artificial intelligence, and the shift toward electric vehicles.
Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), reported yesterday regarding the first-quarter 2026 Thai social situation report, “Crisis and Opportunity: The Future of Thailand’s Labor Market Amid the Arrival of AI”.
Thailand’s automotive industry is bracing for a potential setback in 2026, with car production expected to miss its target for the first time in five years if the war in the Middle East drags on beyond three months and shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz remain disrupted, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
In 2019, a mid-sized electronics components manufacturer based in Shenzhen, China, was producing entirely for the US market. In 2020, US tariffs made that model borderline unviable. So the company moved part of its production to Vietnam.
A single mishap can be written off as an isolated incident. But when a problem repeatedly occurs across different locations, time and again, the failure is systematic.
Thailand has recently moved its net-zero target forward from 2065 to 2050 as part of efforts to reduce environmental impact, strengthen trade competitiveness, and attract green investment. Energy transition is one of the key pathways toward achieving that goal.
For the first time in records dating back to 1949, China is now home to more people aged 65 and above than children, the latest official data showed, underscoring the country’s deepening demographic pressure. By November last year, 15.9% of China’s roughly 1.4 billion-strong population was aged at least 65, compared with 15.3% aged between 0 to 14. 
Phetchaburi, Cha Am and Hua Hin are being touted as increasingly attractive locations for buy-to-rent investment, as Thailand’s wider property market faces pressure from household debt, tighter lending rules, and weaker demand from domestic homebuyers.
Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental threats to human health. Every day, 99% of the global population breathes in invisible microparticles from dirty air, which enter our bloodstream and cause damage to our cells and organs.
Muay Thai Saturday Superfight returned to The Legend Arena at Bluport Hua Hin on Saturday, with organizers saying the monthly event is aimed at promoting Muay Thai and creating more opportunities for fighters in Hua Hin.
The Disease Control Department has reported a rise in COVID-19 infections over the past month, but the rate of increase is still far below the median level recorded five years ago.
The train-bus crash at the Makkasan railway crossing in Bangkok on May 16, which killed eight people and injured 32 others, continues to put Thailand’s rail safety standards into question, as level crossings pose a risk nationwide.
A Thai masseuse from Nakhon Si Thammarat has won a gold medal in the oil massage category at the Wellness World Championship 2026 in Bangkok. Soraya Thaoram secured the top prize during the international competition held at TK Palace & Convention Hotel on Chaeng Watthana Road.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has thrown its weight behind the government’s newly launched “Thais Help Thais Plus” initiative, estimating it could boost the country’s small and medium enterprise (SME) GDP by 35% to 40%, provided it is executed thoroughly.
Thailand’s latest effort to tighten cannabis controls has introduced stricter rules – but on Bangkok’s streets, particularly in tourist areas where cannabis shops thrive, little appears to have changed.
Thailand’s Transport Ministry is offering incentives to airlines to launch new domestic and international routes to airports in secondary cities in a bid to boost tourism and strengthen local economies. The measures include service fee reductions for new routes and a temporary 50% discount on aircraft parking charges at airports managed by the Department of Airports (DOA).
Chinese tourists are losing confidence in traveling in Thailand again as their bookings slow for the coming months, following a recent case involving police officers extorting Chinese nationals in Sa Kaeo, says the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA).
400-Year-Old Lanna Ruins Found in Mae Hong Son Forest
Thailand pushes UNESCO bid for Thai costume heritage status
Official: Solar power can lead energy transition
When “biodiversity” is no longer just about planting forests, but also about “economic capital” and a tool for tackling the global climate crisis, a new sustainability strategy is emerging — one that turns forests into a mechanism for the bioeconomy while pushing Thai community models toward international standards such as OECMs and biodiversity credits.
The Thai Meteorological Department forecast today that parts of northern Thailand, the upper northeast, the east and the south would continue to see heavy rain in some areas.
Large households and small businesses operating from residential properties are expected to face higher electricity bills from July, as the government prepares to roll out a new tariff system.
‘We used to spend around 200 baht for a pot of soup for the whole family, but now we spend at least 250 baht for the same amount,” says Nantiya Thongsuk, 13. Fifty baht may not sound like much, but for Namwan’s family, it’s the difference between eating or going hungry.
The Commerce Ministry said yesterday the ongoing US-Iran war has led to the construction materials price index rising 112.4 points in April, a jump of 5.9%, which is the highest in 44 months.
Tourism operators in Phuket and Pattaya have backed the government’s decision to restore 30-day visa-free stays, saying the move would help curb illegal businesses and low-spending long-stay visitors.
Thailand’s major listed hotel and aviation businesses managed to stay profitable in the first quarter of 2026, despite pressure from the Middle East conflict and growing uncertainty over energy and travel costs.
Despite increased airfares, airlines have been unable to absorb rising jet fuel costs during the summer period, with this expense increasing from 30%-35% of operational costs to 60% in May.
Concerns have surfaced regarding passenger privacy at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport after a video showing a popular actor at an immigration checkpoint was shared online. Social media users questioned the legality and privacy implications of making CCTV footage publicly accessible, sparking a broader discussion about airport security practices.
Visakha Bucha Day 2026: Buddhism’s global holy day
Footage of tourists interacting with elephants in Thailand’s tourism industry has frequently drawn criticism over animal welfare concerns.
The head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that the global oil market could enter a “danger zone” in mid-year, after the Iran war disrupted more than 14 million barrels per day of Middle East supply.
Thailand’s national police chief has announced a nationwide crackdown on foreign nominee networks accused of illegally controling businesses and property through Thai proxies. The operation will focus on tracing financial transactions and dismantling networks linked to unlawful foreign ownership schemes across the country.
Escalating inflation poses a significant risk to the Thai economy, especially if the US-Iran war drags on until the second half of the year, as domestic consumption remains fragile and small businesses in provincial markets face a liquidity crunch, say economists.
Transport Ministry Accelerates Bangkok Port Overhaul
For years, when people spoke of “Chinese people” and Thailand, the image many had in mind may still have been tour groups, buses, and famous tourist districts. But a closer look shows that the relationship between “Chinese capital” and “Thailand” is now changing significantly.
Thailand fruit exports rebound 17.9% in April as durian surges 109%
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is enhancing tourism on both domestic and international fronts by promoting weekday travel through special offers on tourism products and services. The project, titled Workation Paradise Throughout Thailand Season 4, is part of TAT’s Workation Thailand campaign.
Every year produces a new set of travel trend reports, and most of them say roughly the same thing. The 2026 edition from Hilton, built on a survey of over 14,000 travelers across 14 countries conducted by Ipsos, is different in one important respect: its findings align almost point for point with what Thailand already does well.
Leopard sighting ‘sign of thriving habitat’
Thai island community rallies to protect beloved dugongs, revive declining seagrass
Hua Hin drought zone areas have been officially declared as Prachuap Khiri Khan continues to face widespread water shortages following months of low rainfall and falling reservoir levels.
Scientists at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have shown that active chemicals in sunscreens can readily soak into the bloodstream, confirming the need for more testing on whether these products are safe, the researchers said.
If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen this trend everywhere: people waking up at 5 am, putting on their running gear, heading out before sunrise… or even meeting strangers just to go for a run.
The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reported on the industrial situation in the first quarter of 2026, pointing to worrying economic warning signs as the number of factory closures rose above the number of new factory openings for the first time in two-and-a-half years, or 10 quarters.
Thailand’s industrial sentiment index dropped?for ?a second straight month in April, hurt by high oil prices, a manufacturing slowdown, and the ?war in the Middle East, the Federation of Thai Industries said yesterday. The federation said its industrial sentiment?index fell to 85.3 in April from ?88.6 in the previous month.
Thailand is aggressively positioning its wellness industry to become a top-five global hub, leveraging a current market value of approximately US$40 billion and a robust annual growth rate of 28%.
Pattaya’s tourism business association has backed the government’s decision to reduce Thailand’s visa-free stay periods from 60 days to around 30 days, saying the move could help address scammer concerns, illegal business activity, and support tourism revenue.
Thailand is considering raising its proposed tourist entry fee for foreign visitors above 300 baht, as officials review rising insurance and healthcare costs linked to the tourism sector.
In 2018, Thailand stood at the peak of its medical tourism boom. Millions of international patients traveled to the country each year, drawn by internationally trained doctors, modern hospitals, and treatment costs often significantly lower than in Western markets. Then the pandemic paused global travel.
Bangkok is among the world’s fastest-sinking cities, with scientists warning that land subsidence is accelerating the impact of rising sea levels and increasing flood risks for millions of residents.
The world built and commissioned more coal power in 2025, but used the polluting fuel less, with the United States the only major economy to substantially increase generation, a new analysis shows.
Cabinet Cuts Visa-Free Stay Back to 30 Days
Thailand’s cybersecurity authority has warned that weak and reused passwords remain one of the biggest gateways to modern cyber-attacks, with leaked login credentials increasingly being exploited to gain access to mobile banking accounts, corporate systems, and users’ broader digital identities.
Prime Minister’s Office Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi said yesterday the government might have to find potential private sponsors for the World Cup tournament to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada during June 12 and July 20 since, she commented, the FIFA broadcasting rights were considered “unfairly costly” for Thailand.
Thai teenager “Mind Sakol” Panchaya Channoi made snooker history yesterday by defeating 12-time world champion, Reanne Evans, to capture her maiden World Women’s Snooker Championship title and become Thailand’s 3rd world snooker champion.
Foreign capital, particularly Chinese investment, is significantly reshaping Thailand’s industrial estate market. Although investment decisions briefly slowed in early March due to travel-related factors and economic uncertainty, most investors resumed negotiations and continued expanding their investments once the situation eased.
The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry has assigned state telecom enterprise National Telecom (NT) to steer six projects that aim to strengthen Thailand’s digital infrastructure.
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Thailand’s mega project land bridge comes at environmental cost
A new set of trade rules is sweeping through the business world. This time, it is not about price or quality. It is about carbon reduction. The big question is whether companies can keep up with this particular “green” goal.
Save mangroves, save the global water cycle
Power demand growth for green industrial parks, data centers and electric vehicles in Southeast Asia is forecast to grow by more than 100 terawatts per hour (TWh) in the next three to four years, according toa report published by Bain & Co. and Standard Chartered.
Standard Chartered plans to cut more than 7,000 jobs over the next four years as it boosts adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) while targeting growth. The London-headquartered lender is one of the first major global banks to lay out official plans to cut thousands of jobs, citing AI as a driver to make its operations slimmer as it seeks to increase its profitability and tackle competition.