- Beachfront demolitions to proceed/Swimming warning in Hua Hin/Melioidosis kills 45/Bangkok diner sued 1 million baht/Ministry plans China rail pact/PM: Don’t let unrest happen in Thailand
- ECONOMY: Bank CEOs express concern/Fuel tax cuts loom/Thai export growth to slow/Foreign Direct Investment down/Strong VAT revenue/10 Thai banks record 3.6% decline
- TOURISM: Thailand delays 1,000-baht exit tax/Thai outbound travel holds up/38th in WEF tourism index/Thai Airways cancels six Taiwan flights
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand’s traditional Thai crêpe/An Authentic Thailand Experience/Best Snorkeling in the World/18 of the best family hotels/Chiang Mai Southeast Asia’s safest city
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thai town became the world’s dump/570 million baht for Net Zero plan
- IRAN WAR:Seven vessels hit/Houthi attacks fuel supply fears
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Appeal denied, beachfront demolitions to proceed
Hua Hin beachfront demolitions are set to proceed under the existing timetable following a meeting yesterday, at which the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said it would not interfere with the court ruling.
Water and electricity supplies are scheduled to be disconnected on Oct. 29. Plans also include installing concrete barriers to prevent the area from being reoccupied. Continued …
Swimming warning at Hua Hin beach
People are being advised to avoid swimming at Hua Hin beach, as strong winds and waves bring marine debris ashore and may create swirling currents. Hua Hin municipality issued the advice as municipal staff and community volunteers carried out a beach clean-up on Wednesday.
The municipality said the accumulation of debris is associated with the monsoon season and the annual “kite wind” period, which occurs during October and November. Continued …
Melioidosis kills 45 across four northeastern provinces
Health authorities in lower northeastern Thailand have recorded 570 cases of melioidosis and 45 deaths in four provinces so far this year. The figures, covering Jan. 1 to Oct. 22, were released yesterday.
Melioidosis, sometimes called soil fever, is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which occurs naturally in soil and water. It can enter the body through cuts or other broken skin, by breathing in contaminated dust or droplets, or by consuming contaminated food or water. Serious infections can be fatal. Continued …
Bangkok diner sued 1 million baht over 260-baht basil rice review
A Bangkok food shop has reportedly sued a customer for 1 million baht after he posted a video questioning why chicken basil rice with a fried egg cost 260 baht at a hospital food court.
The case has prompted renewed discussion about food prices and the risks consumers can face when reviewing businesses online. The man later told Channel 3’s news program that his wife had also been accused in connection with the case. Continued …
Transport ministry plans China rail pact covering 7 areas
Thailand’s Transport Ministry plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with China’s National Railway Administration in the fourth quarter of 2026, establishing a framework for cooperation in seven areas of rail development.
Stronger railway connections between Thailand, China and Laos would be a priority under the proposed agreement, which aims to improve regional transport and logistics through exchanges of expertise, technology and operating standards. Continued …
PM: Don’t let unrest like France happen in Thailand
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the national police chief to monitor unrest in France and prepare measures to prevent similar incidents in Thailand, saying the two countries have different social contexts.
Anutin said Thailand did not have the same internal conflicts as France and described Thai society as living in peace and unity. He also cited differences in the countries’ social and cultural makeup. Continued …
Bank CEOs express concern over high economic risks, say volatility is not temporary
The outlook for the Thai economy for the remainder of 2026 remains uncertain, facing fragile household purchasing power, high debt burdens, uneven recovery, and the impact of the floods.
Furthermore, risks from global events that may affect energy prices, business costs, and financial markets mean that businesses must prioritize risk management and asset quality alongside revenue generation and maintaining consistent profitability. Continued …
Fuel tax cuts loom as a last resort for relief
The Thai government is considering fuel tax cuts and reducing contributions to the Energy Conservation Promotion Fund as a last resort to alleviate the financial burden caused by high fuel prices. These measures aim to provide direct relief to consumers and help stabilize retail prices amid global market volatility.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan noted that while the government has already intervened to reduce gross refining margins, further actions like oil tax reductions may be necessary if global oil prices continue to climb due to Middle East tensions. Such measures are particularly critical for Thailand’s transport, agricultural, and industrial sectors, which rely heavily on diesel. However, officials are balancing these relief efforts with the need to maintain sufficient funding for energy conservation and renewable energy projects. – Bangkok Post AI
Thai export growth set to slow significantly next year
Thai export growth is projected to slow to 7.4% in 2027 as a result of several economic headwinds, most notably risks associated with US tariff policies. These trade risks are expected to impact various sectors, potentially weakening export competitiveness and adding pressure to overall economic growth.
The slowdown is anticipated due to a combination of factors, including US tariff risks, the electronics production cycle, and potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. While some sectors like electronics may remain partially protected or driven by AI demand, broader trade measures and uncertainties regarding transshipments through Thailand could pose significant challenges. Additionally, the potential for US trade measures to address trade surpluses could create further volatility for Thai exporters in the coming years. – Bangkok Post AI
Foreign Direct Investment for the first six months is down nearly 5%
Thailand is boasting of rising foreign investment as actual capital inflows plunge and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul launches a nationwide crackdown on foreign property ownership. Bank of Thailand figures expose a 24.6% second-quarter collapse in inward investment, dragging first-half FDI down 4.7%.
Meanwhile, foreign property owners and smaller investors face mounting uncertainty over assets acquired decades ago, with unlawful holdings facing forced sales. Japanese carmakers are also reportedly reviewing investment plans as Vietnam and Indonesia compete for their business. Yet, the government is promoting 271 billion baht in foreign investment commitments, up 7%, despite those figures representing business approvals rather than actual capital inflows. Continued …
Strong VAT revenue helps keep Thailand’s deficit below forecast
Thailand’s fiscal deficit for fiscal year 2026 stood at 3.4% of gross domestic product (GDP), below the earlier forecast of 4.4%, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, citing the latest Fiscal Policy Office figures.
Ekniti attributed the deficit coming in one percentage point below forecast to stronger-than-expected government revenue, saying the improvement had kept Thailand’s medium-term fiscal plan on track. Continued …
10 Thai banks record 3.6% decline in total profit
Ten listed banking companies recorded combined net profit of approximately 198.96812 billion baht in the first nine months of 2026, according to figures compiled by Thansettakij.
The total was down 7.42217 billion baht, or 3.6%, from 206.39029 billion baht a year earlier. The companies were BAY, BBL, CREDIT, KBANK, KKP, KTB, LHFG, SCB, TISCO and TTB. Continued …
Thailand delays 1,000-baht overseas exit tax
Thailand has put plans for a 1,000-baht charge on every overseas trip on hold, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said yesterday. The proposed tax had been under public consultation by the Revenue Department and would apply to people traveling out of Thailand.
The government has delayed it while assessing economic conditions and the impact of elevated energy prices linked to the war in the Middle East. Ekniti, who is also a deputy prime minister, said it would not be appropriate to add further costs at a time when energy expenses could affect both aviation and tourism. Continued …
Thai outbound travel holds up despite uncertainty
Thai consumers are continuing to travel overseas despite domestic flooding and international uncertainty, according to Krungsri Consumer. Rather than canceling trips, many are reducing spending in other areas, its executive says.
Atis Ruchirawat, head of unsecured lending at Bank of Ayudhya, or Krungsri, said outbound travel is expected to favor Asian destinations, particularly Japan, South Korea and China. The shift comes amid conflicts in the Middle East and protests in Europe. Continued …
Thailand rises to 38th in WEF tourism index
Thailand has climbed 10 places to 38th among 110 economies in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026, scoring 4.35 out of seven.
The score is 5.6% higher than in the 2024 edition, placing Thailand among the index’s 10 most improved economies. But the findings also identify weaknesses in infrastructure, environmental performance, local economic benefits and skilled staffing that could hinder its ambition to enter the global top 30. Continued …
Thai Airways cancels six Taiwan flights over Typhoon Champi
Thai Airways International has canceled six flights between Bangkok and Taiwan today, as Typhoon Champi disrupts aviation across the island. The cancellations affect services between Bangkok and both Taipei and Kaohsiung, the airline announced.
Typhoon Champi has brought strong winds and heavy rain to Taiwan, prompting widespread flight disruption. Taiwan canceled hundreds of domestic and international flights as the storm approached, despite forecasts indicating it would not make a direct landfall. Continued …
Khanom buang: The history of Thailand’s traditional Thai crêpe
Known in English as Thai crêpes or crispy pancakes, khanom buang is a traditional Thai snack believed to date back centuries. References to the delicacy appear in Thai literature and historical accounts, while different versions reflect how recipes have evolved over time.
Its origins are often traced to the Sukhothai period, based on what is believed to be evidence in temple paintings in the ancient city. The snack continued into the Ayutthaya period, appearing in Khun Chang Khun Phaen, one of Thailand’s best-known literary works, and was associated with royal ceremonies held throughout the year. Continued …
An Authentic Thailand Experience Only an Hour Away From Bangkok
This town offers an authentic experience of Thailand without all the tourist crowds. In this video, we visited the charming riverside town of Chachoengsao that’s only a day trip away from Bangkok. You can see the town’s iconic pink Ganesha statue, visit colorful shrines, or enjoy a peaceful afternoon enjoying tea and cake at a local cafe. Video …
This Stunning Island Has Some of the Best Snorkeling in the World
Wading into the pale blue water off Koh Tao’s southern coast, you might spot the unmistakable silhouette that gives Shark Bay its name — a blacktip reef shark cruising the shallows. Juveniles are a fixture off the shore of this Thai island, though the species tends to be timid and disappear almost as quickly as you can register them.
If you still prefer to give them a wide berth, you can instead seek out the green sea turtles that love to graze on seagrass or rise languidly toward the surface for air. Look even closer, and you’re likely to spot smaller denizens like needlefish hovering just below the surface or pink skunk clownfish darting among the tentacles of sea anemone. Continued …
18 of the best family hotels in Thailand
Memorable moments with the family come easy in Thailand — searching for pink dolphins, white-water river rafting, plunging into waterfalls, learning to snorkel. Thai culture embraces children, so there’s no need to worry about anyone turning their noses up either.
This extends to the hotel scene, too — many welcome families, with spacious rooms (often with private pools), easy mealtimes and stimulating kids’ clubs. With somewhere for every type of family — from jungle hideaways to urban resorts — we’ve put together our pick of the best places for a proper family holiday in Thailand. All you need to decide is where to go next. Continued …
Chiang Mai named Southeast Asia’s safest city
Chiang Mai has been named Southeast Asia’s safest city in Numbeo’s 2026 Safety Index, narrowly overtaking Singapore in a public-perception survey of urban safety.
The northern Thai city scored 77.9 and ranked 19th worldwide, compared with Singapore’s 77.5. Qingdao in China topped the global table on 89.2, while Abu Dhabi and Doha were also among the highest-rated cities. Continued …
This Thai town became the world’s dump
Flooding was bad enough for Prachin Buri. Then came the suspected industrial waste contamination. Now, with factories under investigation and a district chief known for scrutinizing industrial sites controversially transferred, the question is: how was this allowed to happen? Video …
Germany grants Thailand 570 million baht for Net Zero plan
Thailand has secured 15 million euros in German grant funding for climate and biodiversity work linked to its Net Zero 2050 target. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin said the Department of Climate Change and Environment – known as the “Department of Global Warming Reduction” – had won support through two major projects.
The grants come from Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI), under the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN). Continued …
Iran’s Navy says seven vessels hit, warns US of wider response
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said yesterday that four vessels involved n illegal oiltransfers in the northern Persian Gulf were simultaneously hit and caught fire after being tracked by its forces on Wednesday.
The IRGC added that three more vessels collided with mines west of the Strait of Hormuz, and warned the US militarythat continued provocations could lead to a wider response against its regional bases. Continued …
Brent rises 4% as Houthi attacks fuel supply fears
Brent crude reached its highest closing price since May 4 yesterday, rising 4% as Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia intensified concerns about further disruption to Middle East energy supplies.
Brent futures settled US$4.35 higher at US$113.17 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude gained US$2.32, or 2.4%, to finish at US$99.47 a barrel. Brent also remained in technically overbought territory for the third session in a week. US stocks fell sharply yesterday. Continued …
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Thai police arrest 11 Chinese in Bangkok scam and gambling raids – Continued …
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Chinese Gray Capital Linked to Bitcoin Mining Raid – Continued …
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Chinese suspects in Dubai triple murder held in Bangkok – 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Forum highlights local Thai cuisine to boost tourism growth
Khao Sok: Living beneath an ancient landscape
Travel Expert Unveils Insider Guide for Thailand’s Best Meals
Chiang Mai unveils Thailand’s first electric tram
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.
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.
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 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. 
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. 
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.
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.
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
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.
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.