- School Shooting Threat in PKK//Police identify person behind threat/Hard truths about youth violence in Thailand/Cha-am water cutoff Aug 21/Cha-am water supply projects/Road safety for PKK provincial court/Island mafia claims investigated/Suspected elephant attack in Kui Buri/Two Phuket Chabad sites under scrutiny/Bangkok rail fares to be capped
- THE IRAN WAR: Strait of Hormuz a US territory?/Carrier’s Iran deployment ‘not nearly long enough’/Huge oil spill off Oman
- ECONOMY: New investment to create up to 600,000 jobs/Thailand links AI and agriculture
- TOURISM: 450-baht air tourist fee/3,000-baht hotel subsidy/Year-end events lift Thailand tourism/Losing appeal among Chinese tourists
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Key to the Global Clean Energy Transition
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
School Shooting Threat in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
Police from Prachuap Khiri Khan City Police Station, along with local authorities, inspected Prachuap Witthayalai School to enhance security measures after threatening messages about violence were found circulating in an open chat group on the LINE application, causing concern among students and parents.
The school held a meeting to discuss measures to handle the situation, requesting cooperation from students, parents, and the public to follow information through official school channels and refrain from forwarding messages that may cause panic. Prachuap Witthayalai School announced a one-day online learning schedule yesterday for the safety of students and staff. Continued …
Police identify person behind Prachuap school shooting threat
Police have identified the person responsible for posting a shooting threat involving a well-known school in Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan, after the message prompted heightened security and one day of online learning.
The Prachuap school shooting threat was posted in a parents’ LINE group and stated that there would be a mass shooting the following day, causing concern among parents and school staff. Continued …
School shooting: Hard truths about youth violence in Thailand
The recent mass shooting in Nonthaburi has ignited a national debate over gun control, but experts warn that the deeper roots of youth violence must be tackled to prevent future tragedies.
On Aug. 7, a 14-year-old student shot his paternal grandparents dead before calmly heading to Debsirin Nonthaburi School, where he killed another six people before turning the gun on himself. The rampage claimed nine lives and injured 27 others – some suffering gunshot wounds and others hurt in the stampede to escape. Continued …
Cha-am residents warned of water cutoff Aug 21
Cha-am residents are being urged to store enough water for up to a week ahead of possible water supply disruption from Aug. 21, when water releases from Kaeng Krachan Dam are due to be temporarily suspended.
Cha-am Municipality issued the warning ahead of maintenance work at the Kaeng Krachan Dam Power Plant, where aging equipment, including the main inlet valve, is due to be replaced after more than 50 years of use. Continued …
Cha-am water supply projects being addressed
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered work to be accelerated on two Cha-am groundwater projects worth about 301 million baht, as authorities seek to address drought and water shortages affecting local communities.
Suchart visited Ban Bo Luang School in Huai Sai Nuea subdistrict on Thursday, accompanied by senior ministry officials, to review the water situation and discuss measures with provincial and local authorities. Continued …
New road safety efforts for PKK provincial court
Hua Hin Municipality is introducing new road safety measures outside Hua Hin Provincial Court following repeated accidents on a curved section of road leading toward Khao Chong Pradu.
Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul inspected the area on Thursday with municipal officials and representatives from the Prachuap Khiri Khan Highway District to assess the problem and discuss possible safety improvements. Continued …
Thai island mafia claims investigated
Thailand remains a major holiday destination for travelers, but claims of organized crime, intimidation and scams have prompted renewed warnings for tourists and foreign residents.
Thai authorities have announced another crackdown on “influential figures” after reports of safety incidents and assaults involving foreign tourists on the country’s holiday islands. Officials said any state employees found to have helped offenders, turned a blind eye or facilitated offenses would face legal action to the fullest extent. Continued …
Park volunteer dies in suspected elephant attack in Kui Buri National Park
A park volunteer is believed to have been killed by a wild elephant while he was fixing a damaged elephant alert system in the Kui Buri National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province on Wednesday.
The park’s chief said he was informed by the head of Ban Wang Sai village in Sam Roi Yot district that a small group of villagers went into the park to install an elephant alert system and to fix a damaged one on Wednesday, but one of them failed to return home and could not be contacted. Continued …
Phuket Governor: Two Chabad sites under scrutiny
Phuket Gov. Chotinrin Kerdsom says there are two Chabad sites in the province, both under close monitoring as authorities examine business structures linked to Israelis and other foreigners.
Chabad is a Jewish religious and community organization. The issue drew official attention after reports that the owner of premises used by Chabad Phuket held a Thai national ID card and was linked to more than 100 companies operating across several provinces. Continued …
Bangkok rail fares to be capped at 45 baht
Thailand’s Transport Ministry is working towards a Jan. 1 launch of its common-ticket policy for electric rail services in Bangkok and surrounding provinces, with fares capped at 45 baht per trip and an initial charge of no more than 17 baht.
Under the planned common fare structure, participating electric rail lines in Bangkok and neighboring provinces would charge an initial fare of no more than 17 baht and a maximum combined fare of 45 baht per journey. Continued …
Trump says he will soon declare Strait of Hormuz a US territory
U.S. President Donald Trump yesterday urged Americans to accept slightly higher gasoline prices as the cost of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and said he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S territory. Video …
Trump says carrier’s Iran deployment ‘not nearly long enough’
U.S. President Donald Trump yesterday said the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln had been “not nearly long enough,” dismissing concerns about poor conditions aboard the aircraft carrier after two military-focused outlets reported declining morale and suicide attempts among its crew. Video …
Huge oil spill off Oman threatens disaster
Two oilslicks have appeared in Iranian waters, satellite imagery and video show, as tit-for-tat attacks on oil tankers and other vessels by Iran and the United States spark concerns about environmental damage to the Gulf. John Amos, CEO of SkyTruth, which uses satellite imagery to detect oil spills, says it’s “much larger than anything seen previously.” Video …
Surging fuel costs dent airlines’ performance
This article is behind a Bangkok Post pay wall. Continued …
Thailand expects new investment to create up to 600,000 quality jobs
Ekniti Nitithanprapas, minister of Finance, said realized investment through the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) reached about B250 billion in the second quarter of this year, up 31% from the same period last year. This lifted the total for the first half of the year above B500 billion.
The figures reflected the use of an investment-led economic policy, or “investment growth”, to support the economy in the short term and strengthen competitiveness over the longer term. Continued …
Thailand links AI and agriculture in new industrial strategy
Thailand is seeking to combine artificial intelligence with agriculture innovation as part of a broader industrial strategy aimed at raising productivity, strengthening domestic businesses and spreading the benefits of technological growth more widely across the economy.
Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa outlined the approach at the Delta Future Industry Summit 2026 yesterday, describing artificial intelligence and agriculture as two engines that should work together to support Thailand’s next stage of development. Continued …
Thailand targets 450-baht air tourist fee in 2027
Thailand is preparing to increase its foreign tourist entry fee from the initially proposed 300 baht to 450 baht per person, with implementation now targeted for April 2027 rather than late 2026.
The proposed charge would initially apply to travelers arriving by air, Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said yesterday, and that the government is considering collecting it through airline tickets, a mobile app or airport kiosks. Continued …
Thailand plans 3,000-baht hotel subsidy from October
Thailand is preparing to offer 500,000 domestic travel subsidies under the proposed Thai Travel Thai Plus 2026 scheme, with the government paying half of accommodation costs up to 3,000 baht per entitlement.
The program, which remains subject to Cabinet budget approval, is proposed to begin on Oct. 1 through Krungthai Bank’s Paotang application. Entitlements would be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Continued …
Year-end events lift Thailand tourism outlook as arrivals fall less than forecast
Thailand’s tourism industry remains in a slowdown in 2026, but clearer signs of improvement are emerging toward the end of the year. The latest data from KResearch indicate that the foreign tourist market is contracting less sharply than previously estimated, reflecting a combination of short-term support and structural pressures across international source markets.
Foreign tourist arrivals fell 2.9% year on year between Jan. 1 and Aug. 8, amid the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. However, the outlook for the final quarter appears more positive, supported by three main factors. Continued …
Thailand is losing its appeal among Chinese tourists
Chinese travelers will take fewer overseas trips in the second half of 2026 than forecasters expected. A weak economy at home has made them far choosier about which trips are worth taking.
China Trading Desk, a travel data firm, now expects about 179 million outbound trips this year. It puts spending at destinations at around 258 billion US dollars. Both figures are almost 3% below its June estimate. Those numbers would still be a record and both sit above pre-pandemic levels. The recovery has not stopped. It has slowed. Continued …
Why ASEAN Holds the Key to the Global Clean Energy Transition
ASEAN’s commitment to net-zero is crucial for global environmental targets, despite its current fossil fuel dependency. The region faces an energy crisis but has strong decarbonization goals.
With abundant renewable resources and raw materials for clean energy, ASEAN can transition by reforming policies, dismantling fossil fuel subsidies, and attracting investment. International support is vital to ease the financial burden. Continued …
Magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes off Indonesia’s coast
A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia early today, collapsing buildings and homes, killing at least two people and causing panic in a region prone to deadly quakes.
Authorities issued a tsunami warning but later lifted it. 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 cinemas/Emergency numbers
Hua Hin Municipality officials met this week to discuss the installation of CCTV systems with 100 cameras and equipment in high-risk areas or areas with security needs. The project has already been reviewed and approved in principle.
Mayor visits Chat Chai market, hears concerns
Jaras Hua Hin at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has been awarded Thai Select 2 Stars for 2026, recognizing the restaurant’s Thai cuisine, quality ingredients, creative presentation, professional service and overall dining experience.
Chiva-Som Hua Hin has received a Prime Minister’s Export Award 2026 in the Best Services Enterprise – Wellness Services category, recognizing its contribution to Thailand’s wellness sector and international reputation.
Movie lovers in Hua Hin have a new place to come together with the launch of the Hua Hin Film Club, a new cultural initiative bringing selected films to local audiences alongside discussions, special events and opportunities to meet actors, filmmakers and others involved in the movies being screened.
Thailand’s firearm controls face three persistent gaps involving illegal and modified guns sold outside the registration system, insufficient oversight of legally owned weapons after licences are issued, and the transfer of firearms bought through government welfare schemes.
How much is your personal information worth? Apparently, only a few hundred baht was enough to access sensitive information from a Thai government database.
Thai consumers continued to visit shops at almost the same frequency in July but sharply reduced the amount they were prepared to spend on each trip, pointing to weakening household purchasing power as the nationwide Retail Sentiment Index (RSI) fell 4.9 points to 46.6.
Sorry, but you will have to pay to read this one. See article on Bangkok Post’s new subscription service above. 
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied reports that the United States plans to establish a production base for unmanned aerial vehicles in Thailand, saying he had received no such report.
Thailand has approved 42 data center projects since 2024, but is Thailand’s energy system prepared for the surge? Some question Thailand’s grid system is not smart yet, noting that the government should balance energy security with data center development. 
From fan-favorite drunken noodles to spicy papaya salads and creamy curries, Thailand’s cuisine entices visitors from around the world. While over 17,400 Thai restaurants can be found internationally, eating pad Thai, fragrant coconut soups, and other punchy dishes in the “Land of Smiles” is a bucket list topper for many travelers.
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) has received 1,397 applications for investment promotion under measures supporting the transition toward smart and sustainable industry, with combined investment worth more than 146 billion baht.
What happens to a simple plastic water bottle once it is empty? At Gulf Development Public Co. (GULF), it marks the beginning of a transformative journey. In its second year, GULF’s flagship green initiative, “Turning Bottles into Purpose” has expanded its horizon.
Solar panel recycling could generate $6 billion in recovered materials by 2040 and exceed $20 billion by 2050, as more than 400 gigawatts of photovoltaic (PV) capacity reaches end-of-life, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) said.
President Donald Trump announced yesterday tariffs of up to 100% on imports of unmanned drones and their components to reduce US reliance on imports in an industry dominated by China. Donald Trump Jr. and his brother Eric Trump are prominent investors in Powerus, an American drone manufacturing and defense technology company seeking Pentagon contracts. 
A Western content creator has warned foreigners against moving to Thailand without a clear financial plan, saying many end up “packing up and going home” after under estimating their costs.
A British man faces deportation from Thailand after allegedly threatening and verbally abusing staff at a Hua Hin currency exchange booth during a dispute over a Western Union payment. Hua Hin Police said the incident happened on Friday, Aug. 7, at the Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri) currency exchange booth on Naebkehardt Road.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) yesterday removed a street lighting charge from public electricity bills, leading to 6-satang reduction in the rate to 3.89 baht a unit from next month (September). The rate structure for residential electricity has also been adjusted, with the first 200 units capped at 3 baht per unit.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has called on mobile phone users to finish mandatory SIM identity verification and update their information by Aug. 30 as it seeks to combat mule accounts and technology crime.
Thailand is moving toward more targeted regulation of ride-hailing and on-demand delivery platforms, as each of the markets consolidates around two dominant players, with competition authorities preparing new guidelines to address structural barriers, algorithmic practices and potential abuses of market power.
Sixteen-year-old Thai musician Nene Royal has officially advanced to the Live Shows on America’s Got Talent (AGT) Season 21, following a series of powerhouse performances that have captivated international audiences and judges alike.
The government’s upcoming measures to screen data center investment projects in Thailand are designed to safeguard electricity security without derailing the country’s ambition to attract foreign capital into this fast-growing industry, says an energy official who requested anonymity.
At least 11 French nationals who were arrested in Thailand with cannabis in their luggage, claimed they were deceived into carrying “locked bags” in exchange for free holidays.
Chinese arrivals target set at 5.1 million this year
Thai authorities have resolved a major administrative backlog dating back to 2018 by issuing hotel licenses to 275 properties in Phuket as part of a broader government drive to regulate unlicensed hospitality businesses and crack down on illegal foreign nominee operations.
Thailand Outlines Plan to Commercialize 231 Forgotten Heritage Dishes
Long before modern advocacy, romantic and deeply intimate bonds between women existed behind the closed doors of the ancient Thai royal courts. Known traditionally as “Len Puean” (เล่นเพื่อน), these relationships were a recognized, if sometimes hushed, part of court culture.
From the Elephant Sanctuaries of Thailand
I was in Thailand this week visiting my wife’s family and I had to satisfy some professional curiosity and see what was going on in the country’s cannabis market for myself.
Hundreds of thousands of gig workers in Australia have been granted a huge pay rise from next week under a decision by the country’s workplace relations tribunal lauded as “world-leading”. The order from the Fair Work Commission, issued Tuesday, will see delivery drivers working for online platforms such as UberEats and HungryPanda earn Aus$31.30 (731.56 baht) an hour. 
Heavy rain is forecast across northern, northeastern, central and eastern Thailand today, with authorities warning of flash floods and forest run-off after a monsoon trough moved across the upper north.
The online debate over whether restaurants in Thailand should accept orders only in Thai highlights an underlying issue in the industry: a persistent labor shortage, as many Thais do not want to work in the sector.
Southeast Asia faces interconnected challenges from economic pressure, geopolitical rivalry, and technological disruption. The region’s diversity means these forces impact economies unevenly. Leaders must balance short-term stability with long-term autonomy amid trade shifts and global competition.
Thai Airways International (THAI) reported a net profit of 1.54 billion baht for the second quarter of 2026, down from 12.13 billion baht in the same period last year, as the Middle East conflict drove jet fuel prices sharply higher.
Six foreign tourists, including Russians, Indians and Israelis, were swept away from Nai Thon beach in Phuket yesterday morning after entering the sea despite red warning flags, according to local lifeguards.
Agoda has released data on travel interest among European travelers for summer 2026, showing that Thailand remained the Asian destination attracting the strongest interest for a second consecutive year. The result reflects the strength of Thailand’s tourism market among European travelers.
Asia Pacific commercial real estate investment reached a record USD $92.5 billion in the first half of 2026, a 35% year-on-year increase, according to JLL data. Japan led the region with USD $10.6 billion in the second quarter, while Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong all posted sharp volume gains driven by large portfolio and landmark transactions. 
Police have uncovered a suspected foreign nominee network using Thai nationals to establish companies and acquire property in Hua Hin before transferring full control to foreign owners, with authorities warning that online company registration has created a loophole for abuse.
Tourism of Si Khiri Khan Festival opens at Hua Hin train station
The Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin has announced that its 16th Amateur Charity Golf Classic will take place at Pineapple Valley Golf Club on Friday, Nov. 27. The annual tournament is one of the club’s main fundraising events, with proceeds supporting community projects, medical institutions and schools in Hua Hin and other areas.
Thailand’s sex trade remains illegal, but its presence is highly visible from Soi Cowboy in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area to Pattaya’s Walking Street, where nightlife businesses continue to draw visitors from around the world.
Thailand is recording between 8,000 and 9,000 new HIV infections a year, more than eight times the target of under 1,000 annual cases needed for the country to end AIDS as a public health problem by 2030.
Oil prices rose to their highest levels in nearly two weeks today after negotiations between the United States and Iran over a peace agreement and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz reached an impasse, while Asian stock markets traded cautiously ahead of key US inflation data.
The baht has weakened by about 5% since the beginning of the year, making it the third-biggest decliner among major Asian currencies. A broader measure of its value against Thailand’s trading partners, however, suggests the depreciation continues to support the competitiveness of Thai exports.
Thailand is pressing China for deeper use of local materials and suppliers, wider market access for Thai SMEs and investment in agricultural processing. It seeks to reduce a trade imbalance that could reach a cumulative 12.14 trillion baht over 2016-2026.
Thailand’s trade with its free trade agreement partners rose by 21.8% year on year to US$243.67 billion in the first half of 2026, accounting for more than half of the country’s total global trade.
Thailand’s unemployment rate remains relatively low, but the labor market is showing signs of weakening, says SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), the research arm of Siam Commercial Bank.
To qualify for the government subsidy for installing rooftop solar panels, households must have a minimum monthly electricity bill of around 3,000 baht, according to the Finance Ministry.
The contiguous United States sizzled to its hottest month ever last month, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. July averaged 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit (24.94 degrees Celsius) across the lower 48 states, eclipsing the Dust Bowl’s July 1936 by an eighth of a degree. Records go back to 1895. – USA Today
Torrential rain from Typhoon Dolphin flooded roads and commercial areas across Shanghai yesterday, forcing the city’s two airports to cancel 943 flights and reducing their combined capacity by nearly 40%. 
A majority of Americans across the political divide support stronger government oversight of social media companies, including age-verification requirements intended to prevent children under 16 from using their platforms. 
Father after father Agence France-Presse (AFP) spoke to in Afghanistan about the education ban that stops their daughters going beyond primary school choked up in despair. The pain and anguish it is causing behind closed doors is clear from interviews AFP conducted across the country, with even deeply religious fathers questioning the ruling. 
Electric vehicle drivers in Hua Hin now have access to 61 charging stations offering 162 charging points, according to figures published by the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Energy Office. Across the province, there are 109 EV charging stations with a total of 294 charging points, covering all eight districts.
Large crowds gathered at Wat Huay Mongkol in Hua Hin yesterday for the 13th Luang Pu Thuat robe-draping ceremony, one of the region’s main faith-based tourism events.
Prachuap Khiri Khan officials are reviewing preparations for the possible reopening of the Singkhon border crossing, as authorities look to resume trade between Thailand and Myanmar.
People in Thailand lost nearly B9 billion to online scam networks during the first six months of 2026, when more than 170,000 online fraud cases were recorded. Average losses exceeded B52,000 per case.
Thailand is bracing for a worsening wave of corporate liquidations in the second half of the year, following fresh government data showing that major corporations are shutting down at an unprecedented rate alongside struggling small enterprises.
Thailand’s small and medium-sized enterprises have emerged as one of the most vulnerable parts of the economy, as financial and business indicators point to rising bad debt, prolonged credit contraction, weaker profitability and an increasing number of factory closures.
Thailand has captured more than $26.8 billion (approx. 900 billion baht) in investment applications for its semiconductor and advanced electronics sectors over the past three years, cementing its position as a primary beneficiary of global supply chain diversification away from traditional manufacturing hubs.
Thailand’s exports rose 17.6% year-on-year to US$196.74 billion in the first six months of 2026, with technology and electronics leading the increase, the government said yesterday.
Putting the spotlight on an open secret
The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok has urged Chinese citizens attending cultural performances, sporting events and fan meetings in Thailand to comply strictly with local laws and venue regulations, following several incidents involving Chinese tourists.
Pattaya Bay moves to cap tour boat operators
When Lynda Lazaridis gets dressed, she chooses her clothes carefully. The Melbourne grandmother’s breasts were virtually removed, and her nipples relocated up near her armpits.
12 mythical giants watch over Suvarnabhumi Airport
Bangkok ranks ninth on Time Out’s 2026 street food list
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has reaffirmed that the remaining 200 billion baht ($6.05 billion) from the government’s 400 billion baht ($12.1 billion) emergency loan decree will be strictly prioritized for Thailand’s clean energy transition.
When 35% of a year’s rainfall falls within a single week, as it did in parts of Thailand last year, the failure is not simply meteorological. It is a failure of design, of coordination, and — increasingly — of economics.
Western Europe experienced its hottest June-July on record as climate change fuels an historic summer of heat, drought and wildfires across the region, the EU’s global warming monitor said today. 
Chinese start-ups and researchers are racing to bring brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to market that can be implanted in just a few minutes, as Beijing pushes to nurture home-grown players in the sector to compete with Elon Musk’s Neuralink. 
AGT gives Nene Royal’s Judges’ Callbacks performance early release
Egg prices have climbed to a two-year high of 4 baht each, driven by reduced supplies due to hot weather and high animal feed prices. Prices are expected to ease in October as climate conditions improve.
Regional airport upgrade plan takes off
Ukrainians have adopted the term “safari” to describe drones “hunting down” civilians or vehicles in the street – something residents of Kherson, a smaller southern city on the front line, have long suffered from. The viral video of a vegetable seller being targeted by a bomb-laden drone has highlighted the threat faced by residents of the city. 
Hong Kong’s tourism industry has called for more experiential events, enhanced transport measures and closer cross-border cooperation to draw overnight visitors, after tourist spending fell to HK197.5 billion (830 billion baht) last year, 44% below its 2018 level. 
US President Donald Trump said he expected the war with Iran to end soon as negotiations over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz moved closer to an agreement but remained complicated by Iranian proposals to restrict US and Israeli vessels.
An NBC News review through July 10 found dozens of instances where Trump said the war was won or almost won — comments that were often followed by more threats of military action. 
Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) expects the baht to remain weak for the rest of the year, despite its recent appreciation this week driven by external factors. The baht strengthened to around 33 per US dollar this week, primarily due to global developments.
Thailand will use private-sector investment and broader economic cooperation as bargaining tools in late-August trade talks with the United States, as it seeks exemptions for 13 additional export items and relief for the roughly 28% of Thai products that remain subject to US duties, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said.
CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT) has urged policymakers to prioritize sustainable investment in data center projects to maximize the long-term benefits for the Thai economy.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has outlined plans to provide grants of 50,000 baht per household for rooftop solar installations, alongside low-interest loans from state banks.
Thailand has been named the world’s fourth best retirement destination in a new index comparing all 192 UN member states. Malaysia, Panama and Portugal took the top three places in RUMAVI’s inaugural Global Relocation Index, published in July.
A weather warning has been issued for Prachual Khiri Khan Province for today through Sunday, with heavy rain, flash flooding, landslides and rough sea conditions possible across the province.
Huay Mongkol robe ceremony to be held this weekend
PKK takes on human-elephant conflict problems
A new initiative connecting wellness with community and environmental sustainability, “Friends of Chiva-Som 2026” brings together industry advocates, including Global Wellness Day Founder Belgin Aksoy, to support healthcare outreach and conservation efforts.
Petrol and gasohol prices at major filling stations across Thailand fell by 0.70 baht per liter from today, while diesel prices remained unchanged.
Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani has temporarily closed to tourists after a staff member died while on duty in what officials believe was a tiger attack.
Prepared food prices expected to increase
Thailand’s headline consumer price index rose 1.95% in July from a year earlier, slowing from 2.42% in June and coming in below market expectations, the Ministry of Commerce said yesterday.
Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, reported that Thailand exported 3.28 million tons of rice in the first six months of 2026, from January to June, down 18.8% from the same period a year earlier. Shipments were worth more than US$1.911 billion.
Thailand bets big on AI despite talent shortage
The 60-day visa exemption is still on the books, but the shortcuts around it are closing. Land border crossings are now capped at two visa-exempt entries per calendar year, and immigration officers are actively enforcing proof of onward travel, confirmed accommodation, and a 20,000 baht cash reserve at the border. If your plan for staying in Thailand long-term was another border run, that plan no longer works.
Thailand has opened registration for businesses installing rooftop solar power systems and for approved equipment from Aug. 3 to Sept. 30, as it seeks to strengthen safety standards and prepare for wider household adoption nationwide under its clean-energy transition policy.
Thailand is preparing for a historic step in space exploration, with a Thai-designed and developed scientific payload set to travel to the Moon as part of China’s Chang’e 7 mission on Aug. 24.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has intensified enforcement against cannabis businesses, inspecting 1,326 shops since October 2025 and seizing products worth more than 109 million baht.
Thailand’s crackdown on nominee structures used to hold property on behalf of foreign interests is creating new pressure on the luxury housing and condominium markets, as authorities intensify checks on ownership arrangements in the real estate sector.
Phantong Loykulnanta, director-general of the Customs Department, reported that Thailand’s international trade reached B21.4 trillion in the first 10 months of fiscal 2026. The figure was close to the full-year total of B22 trillion recorded the previous year.
Robot Supply Chain Comes to Thailand: Inside China’s Humanoid Push into the EEC
As the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to introduce a 3% hotel tax to increase revenue, the Thai Hotels Association (THA) has urged the authority to begin with a lower rate of 0.5%-1% and provide additional support to help tourism operators affected by the Middle East conflict.
Twelve people were injured after an Air India Airbus A320 flying from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence yesterday, forcing some passengers who were not wearing seatbelts into the cabin ceiling.
Thailand is strengthening its tourism links with Indonesia through agreements with TransNusa Airlines and Traveloka, as it seeks to attract 890,000 Indonesian visitors in 2026.
Edwin Salas watched as the first of 20 solar panels was installed on the roof of his home, joining a Philippine solar energy boom sent into overdrive by the Middle East war. The country’s eye-watering electric bills – the highest in the region – were the primary driver of his decision, he said. Regular brownouts were a factor, too.