- Eight dead in school shooting/Shooter said to be well behaved/School security crackdown/Thailand’s gun culture/Youth violence grows more complex/Major shootings that shook Thailand/Nene Royal’s Callbacks performance
- THE IRAN WAR: Deal may require compromise
- ECONOMY: Egg prices hit 2-year high/Second phase of co-payment scheme/More free trade deals/Data center growth meets resource limits
- TOURISM: Regional airport upgrade plan/Massive flight cuts hit Thailand/China tops Thailand-linked flights
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Traveling as a tourist in Thailand
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Eight dead in Nonthaburi school shooting
Eight people were killed and at least 22 others injured after gunfire erupted at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Bang Kruai district, Nonthaburi province, yesterday morning. The suspected shooter, a Mathayom 2 (Grade 8) student, was later found dead inside the well-known secondary co-ed school.
Investigators subsequently searched the suspect’s house in Bang Bua Thong district and found the bodies of his grandfather, 73, and grandmother, 74, inside. Both had fatal gunshot wounds to the head. Continued …
Nonthaburi school shooter said to be well behaved as death toll rises
Relatives of the 14-year-old suspect in yesterday’s deadly shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School described him as a quiet, well-behaved teenager who spent much of his time playing computer games, while investigators examining his computer found evidence that he had viewed videos of school shootings in the United States in the days leading up to the attack.
The latest findings emerged as police continued trying to establish a motive for one of Thailand’s deadliest recent school shootings. Continued …
Nationwide school security crackdown ordered
Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong has ordered schools across Thailand to raise security to their highest level after a shooting at a school in Nonthaburi yesterday.
The minister also instructed education agencies to provide mental-health assistance to people affected by the attack, while calling on social-media users not to circulate material showing how it was carried out. Continued …
Thailand’s gun culture: why is civilian ownership so high
Thailand has an estimated 10 million firearms in civilian hands, the highest number in ASEAN, according to a small arms survey data cited after a shooting at the chool in Nonthaburi.
The estimate equates to roughly one gun for every seven people, or 15 firearms per 100 residents. Of the total, around 6.2 million guns were registered, while an estimated 4.1 million – nearly 40% – were outside the registration system. The figures have again put Thailand’s gun controls and the availability of illegal weapons under scrutiny. Continued …
Expert urges systemic action as youth violence grows more complex
Mental-health problems and violence involving children and young people in Thailand became more severe and complex in 2025 and 2026, with surveys showing that 29% of young people felt lonely or isolated and more than half experienced stress over family relationships.
Experts attribute the trend to increasingly pressured surroundings, social media and parents having less time for their children. A child and adolescent psychiatrist has stressed, however, that large-scale violent incidents do not arise from any single cause but from several overlapping factors. Continued …
Six major shootings that shook Thailand since 2020
The shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School yesterday has renewed attention on a series of major shooting incidents in Thailand since 2020, involving shopping centers, a childcare center, schools and a Bangkok market.
Seven people were reported killed in the Nonthaburi attack — three teachers, three students and the student suspect — while 15 others were injured, two seriously. The incident is the latest in a series of six major attacks, beginning with the Korat shooting in February 2020. Continued …
AGT gives Nene Royal’s Judges’ Callbacks performance early release
America’s Got Talent (AGT) has released Nene Royal’s performance from the Judges’ Callbacks round ahead of its scheduled television broadcast on Aug. 11. Nene had previously told fans that the Judges’ Callbacks stage of the competition would begin on Aug. 4, while her own performance was expected to air a week later.
(See her callback performance at the link below.)
However, AGT published her performance on today under the title “Early Release: Nene Royal CRUSHES ‘Hysteria’ by Muse | Judges’ Callbacks | AGT 2026”, signaling that the clip had been made available before the scheduled broadcast. Continued …
Deal with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz may require a compromise from Trump
To reach a deal with Iran that reopens the economically vital Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump may need to do something out of character — compromise.
Any concession would be tough for the Republican president, who has insisted there is no truth to his sagging poll numbers, the sluggish economy and the U.S. military’s dwindling stockpiles of key weapons following the Iran war he launched with Israel more than five months ago. Continued …
Egg prices hit 2-year high as farm costs rise
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.
A network of layer farmer cooperatives, which includes four egg producer cooperatives from Ang Thong, Chachoengsao, Chiang Mai and Chon Buri, announced a new recommended farm-gate price for mixed chicken eggs of 4 baht per egg, up from 3.80 baht, effective yesterday. Continued …
Second phase of co-payment scheme being considered
The government will review its fiscal position before deciding whether to proceed with the second phase of the “Thais Help Thais Plus” co-payment scheme or revise its conditions.
Speaking at Government House yesterday, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the government would consider measures that support economic growth, boost trade and improve livelihoods. He said details of the scheme had yet to be finalized, including whether the current 60:40 subsidy ratio would be adjusted to 50:50. Continued …
More free trade deals to boost Thai exports
The government has pledged to leverage free trade agreements (FTAs) to help Thai businesses integrate into global supply chains, expand export markets and attract investment.
Speaking at the Prime Minister’s Export Award 2026, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand’s competitiveness should no longer be measured solely by export volumes. Instead, he said, the focus should be on deepening the integration of Thai businesses into global supply chains, from raw materials and components to technology, goods and high-value services. Continued …
Data center growth meets resource limits
Entrepreneurs are warning the rapid expansion of data center investment could deepen water scarcity, even as they acknowledge its potential to drive business growth, according to the latest poll conducted by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Of the 160 FTI executives surveyed, 68.8% cited insufficient water supply as their top concern amid the rapid rise in data centers, said Montri Mahaplerkpong, deputy chairman of the FTI. Continued …
Regional airport upgrade plan takes off
The government is betting on regional airports to drive Thailand’s next wave of tourism and investment growth, with upgrades to facilities, flight routes and technology aimed at transforming them into economic gateways. Hua Hin Airport is among those being upgraded to international status, with the Hua Hin-Kuala Lumpur route restored and services to Singapore, Taipei and Shanghai under preparation.
Transport Ministry officials yesterday outlined progress on the Airport for Regional Development strategy, which includes expanding international services, improving aviation safety and attracting new commercial opportunities as part of Thailand’s goal of becoming a global aviation hub by 2029. Continued …
Massive flight cuts hit Thai regional status
Thailand’s regional ranking for airline seats fell to No.3 for the second consecutive month due to massive flight cuts, with Vietnam claiming No.2 as demand grows.
According to the August report conducted by OAG, an aviation intelligence and analytics company, Vietnam secured the fastest growth rate in Southeast Asia for flight capacity. Continued …
China tops Thailand-linked flights as total reaches 777,456
Thailand has recorded 777,456 flights, averaging 2,558 a day, with China accounting for the highest cumulative traffic among countries linked to flights to, from and over the country, according to Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI). The total comprised 385,991 international flights, 297,234 domestic flights and 94,231 overflights.
AEROTHAI said overall traffic was in line with its forecast despite growth being affected by conflict in the Middle East, which has influenced travel decisions. Continued …
9 things I learned while traveling as a tourist in Thailand
Thailand has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia with over 30 million visitors per year. Yet, political strife, pollution, petty theft, and road safety concerns tend to make tourists question whether they’ll be safe here.
As a tourist who has now spent seven weeks in Thailand, I can confidently say that I feel much safer here than at home in the United States. Yet, like any place, there are some real risks that come with unpreparedness. These are some key tips to keep in mind while you’re here. Continued …
‘It’s a safari’: viral video exposes Ukrainians’ drone terror
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. Video …
Hong Kong tourism: visitor spending 44% below 2018 level
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. 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
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.
The SMEs Competitiveness Index fell by 0.8 points to 45.1 in the second quarter of this year, as businesses urge the government to help reduce costs and improve liquidity, according to a survey by the Institute of Trade Strategies at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
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.
The “gold card” universal healthcare program is in need of revamp to improve the efficiency of spending in the wake of budgetary cuts, but the program will definitely not be scrapped, Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Somlerk Jeungsmarn said Tuesday.
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.
Asia and the Pacific is urbanizing faster than any other region. By 2050, its cities will be home to 3.4 billion people, up from 2.2 billion today – the equivalent of adding around two Delhi-sized cities every year. The region’s future will depend on how this urban expansion is managed – whether it delivers shared prosperity and well-being or deepens exclusions and vulnerability. 
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.
Siam Legal Phuket is noting that Phuket’s first-half 2026 tourism figures, which show the island attracted nearly 7 million visitors and generated 263 billion baht in revenue between January and June, reflect a structural shift in how foreign nationals are engaging with Thailand rather than simply a strong season for the hospitality sector.
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. 
The Faculty of Medicine at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has unveiled progress in using locally developed CAR-T Cell therapy to treat blood cancers and autoimmune diseases, reporting that nearly 90% of patients have achieved complete remission.
A 13-year-old schoolboy has died after being stung by jellyfish while swimming at Ban Fai Tha beach in Sichon district, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Three people who went to help him were also injured by the stings but are now safe and recovering.
Jiew Sai Yok, a lost wild elephant calf being cared for at Sai Yok National Park, died peacefully at around 2am yesterday, leaving veterinarians and park officials deeply saddened.
A Thai analysis published Sunday has challenged government claims of a strong GDP recovery, arguing that headline growth is failing to reach ordinary households and small businesses.
Thailand Post is repositioning itself as a key driver of Thailand’s digital economy, unveiling a new corporate strategy dubbed “RelationSHIFT” as it seeks to transform from a traditional postal operator into a lifestyle logistics brand that connects people, businesses, communities and government services through its nationwide network.
Thailand Retains Rank as World’s Second-Largest Pet Food Exporter
Thailand’s repeat visitors are showing stronger loyalty to Hua Hin and Pattaya than to Phuket, according to a new analysis by travel platform 12Go.
Thai travelers are increasingly choosing short restorative breaks, marathon-related holidays and more in-depth visits to secondary cities as travel patterns shift in 2026.
Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the launch of new direct air routes connecting key cities in Indonesia and Thailand, highlighting expanded aviation connectivity as a vital driver for strengthening people-to-people ties and boosting regional tourism.
Some history behind Thailand’s Naga serpent
How History Made Thais Obsessed with Sugar
North Korea’s state media has recommended dog meat soup as protection against summer heat, reviving Pyongyang’s long-running effort to promote the controversial dish as record high temperatures grip both sides of the Korean peninsula. 
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged authorities to step up support for people affected by a record heat wave in the country, saying the death toll had risen to 16 and warning that extreme weather was becoming more frequent. 
Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross yesterday, her son Kim Aris said, who has not heard from her directly in years. 
Searchlights sweep across the rivers of Malaysia’s Sarawak state as licensed hunters track crocodiles in the dark. Their work is part of a broader effort to manage a tension between wildlife and the communities that rely on the water every day. 
Immigration and police in Hua Hin have stepped up efforts to investigate suspected nominee business structures involving foreign nationals, as authorities intensify scrutiny of foreign-linked companies and land transactions.
Thailand’s Civil Court will hold its first case-management hearing today in a consumer lawsuit against 17 digital platform, application and financial service providers over alleged losses linked to fraudulent investment advertisements and other online scams.
Appetite grows for Talay Noi swamp buffalo meat
Thailand will not face a crude oil shortage in August despite the ongoing war in the Middle East, as supply remains sufficient for all six domestic refineries, according to the Department of Energy Business (DOEB).
The Thai baht is trading near its weakest level in over 15 months against the US Dollar, as a confluence of external pressures continues to erode its value. The currency’s decline has been driven by a renewed spike in oil prices, compounded by a firmer USD and rising US Treasury yields.
When Thailand’s Revenue Department released its latest personal income tax filing figures, the headline number was not the roughly 12 million people who submitted a return. It was the much smaller group behind it: an estimated 5 million filers, or around 40%of those who filed, who actually owed any tax at all.
Here he goes again. US President Donald Trump is increasing and decreasing tariffs willy-nilly, violating international agreements that he himself signed and almost surely violating federal law. The only difference this time is that he has a new pretext for abusing tariffs: stopping forced labor.
Trade deficit marks a sea change
Private consumption in Thailand increased by 1.1% month-on-month in June, accelerating from 0.6% in the previous month. It marked the second straight month of growth, driven mainly by stronger spending on non-durable goods amid higher consumer goods sales following government stimulus measures, as well as improved fuel consumption as retail fuel prices declined and sales returned closer to normal levels.
Inviting the fury of the Thai public on a matter that is admittedly done and dusted, I cannot help but feel compelled to at least voice my misgivings over the recent “noisy Italian students” incident, especially how it played out compared with another similar occurrence.
Bangkok’s Chao Phraya draws new hotels, attractions and megaprojects
Thailand launches 10 hiking schools for responsible forest tourism
Footage from a hotel in Krabi is leaving viewers unsettled after a couple reportedly discovered a large cobra lurking near their bed before sunrise.One of the guests initially treated the commotion as just being startled from a bad dream or some other misunderstanding. Only moments later did they realize why their partner had suddenly woken up and run from the room in a panic at about 5 am.
The History of Talad Noi
Thailand must accelerate its transition to advanced green manufacturing if it hopes to remain competitive in an increasingly sustainability-driven global economy, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).
Waste is often seen as the inevitable by-product of economic growth. In reality, it may become one of the most valuable resources economies possess.
Data center race faces power, water logjam
Stopping alcohol is often presented as a simple decision, but in reality, learning how to stop drinking alcohol isn’t the same for everyone. At one end, some people can reduce their drinking with structure and support. At the other, those dependent on alcohol may face withdrawal symptoms and serious risks without medical guidance.
Amid volatility of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices globally, the Energy Ministry confirmed that as of July 30 Thailand has sufficient oil reserves for 101 days, with several measures being implemented to mitigate the impact of higher oil prices and electricity costs on the public.
Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has unveiled a comprehensive draft bill aimed at reining in the country’s cannabis sector, establishing a strict regulatory framework focused purely on health and wellness.
Lost wild elephant calf rescued in Sai Yok National Park
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has unveiled an ambitious blueprint to reshape Thailand for what he calls a chaotic “New World Disorder,” arguing that only sweeping government reform, rapid AI adoption, stronger research investment, regional economic expansion and a smarter civil service can keep the country competitive.
Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of theDepartment of Business Development (DBD) under the Ministry of Commerce, disclosed yesterday that the department had issued Order No. 2/2026 of the Office of the Central Company and Partnership Registration. The order sets criteria and supporting-document requirements for applications to incorporate partnerships and limited companies or amend their registrations.
An Indian travel influencer’s video describing four aspects of life in Thailand that surprised her has drawn mixed reactions online, after being highlighted by the Hindustan Times.
From comforting Hainanese-style noodles and bold peppery goat soup to southern Thai family recipes, intimate home-style cooking, and regional specialties from Phetchaburi, these four Bib Gourmand restaurants from The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2026 showcase some of Bangkok’s best-value dining.
Thailand possesses substantial latent capability to become a major regional hub for green manufacturing, provided the country accelerates its transition toward advanced eco-friendly industries, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
Court upholds Thailand’s ban on toxic farm chemicals
Thailand’s Department of Land Transport is seeking public views on a proposal to ban petrol-powered tuk tuks in central Bangkok, particularly around major historic and tourist sites.
Electric vehicles are often viewed as a technology reserved for wealthy nations, but new analysis suggests this perception is rapidly becoming outdated. Research supported by the World Bank shows that EV adoption in developing countries is not only feasible — it is increasingly economically advantageous, especially for public transport systems and the millions who rely on two- and three-wheelers for daily mobility.
Plastic Bank has recovered 200 000 tons of plastic since launching in 2013, marking a new collection milestone of 10 billion plastic bottles. The Vancouver-based social enterprise announced that more than 68, 500 collectors have contributed to the effort across six countries.
Out of the blue, the Anutin government has made an abrupt policy U-turn by announcing it will abandon the 1-trillion-baht land bridge project. The reversal follows an official review that found the original project carried significant financial risks and uncertain economic returns.
Thailand must stop measuring tourism success simply by visitor numbers and build a system that protects destinations, local communities and infrastructure, according to two researchers at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
A severe drought and the peak travel season have left Koh Samui facing a water shortage that is affecting businesses, prompting tourism operators to call for greater investment in water infrastructure to keep pace with rising visitor numbers.
Thailand’s largest island records decline in hotel guests in first half
Wild tiger population in Thailand’s protected reserves reaches 210
Hua Hin City’s Waterworks Division has launched a citywide survey to update customer water meter records and improve the efficiency of meter-reading routes.
Avani+ Hua Hin appoints new general manager
A collection of camera-trap images documenting Kaeng Krachan tigers over eight years has been released as evidence of the continued health of the forest ecosystem. The images were shared yesterday to mark Global Tiger Day.
Global Tiger Day: How we’re helping wild tigers
Thailand’s premier resort islands of Phuket and Koh Samui are rapidly transitioning from traditional holiday destinations into major global real estate investment hubs, driven by evolving international buyer demographics and expanding private investment networks.
Why Men Are Drawn to Thailand for Sex Tourism
The US Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest-rate target unchanged at 3.50–3.75% yesterday, extending its pause for a fifth consecutive meeting as inflation remained above the central bank’s 2% target. The Federal Open Market Committee voted nine to three to maintain the target range, a decision that was broadly expected by financial markets. 
Up to 23 people were feared dead today after a major earthquake in Japan, with four bodies now pulled out from the tangled wreckage of a shopping mall ripped apart by a suspected massive gas explosion. The Kumamoto disaster-management office’s latest tally put fatalities at 17 and those without vital signs at six, with five more in critical condition two days after the 7.1-magnitude tremor. 
Thailand will enforce a ban on alcohol sales for two consecutive days this week to mark the Buddhist holidays of Asalha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent Day, with many shops, convenience stores and restaurants prohibited from selling alcoholic drinks, unless in areas falling under current exemptions.
Samui water rationing begins Monday after drought
Thailand Schools Struggle to Break Children’s Phone Addiction
Bangkok authorities have ordered 79 entertainment venues and similar establishments to halt operations after inspecting 865 premises across the capital in a week-long safety and licensing campaign.
The Thai baht has slid to 33.640 per US dollar, its 2026 high, marking an 8.% decline since February. This weakness stems primarily from the 250–275 basis point policy rate gap between the Fed (3.5%–3.75%) and the Bank of Thailand (1.00%), which sustains a strong carry advantage for dollar assets.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun says Thailand is two-thirds of the way through concluding a free trade agreement with the European Union and is pressing Beijing on three fronts to correct an increasingly lopsided trade relationship — all part of a wider strategy to reduce Thailand’s reliance on any single major power.
More tourists are good news for Thailand. But not if the country cannot cope with the pressures they bring. Tourism is one of Thailand’s biggest sources of income. For decades, success was measured by the number of visitors. That yardstick no longer tells the whole story.
Phuket generated 263 billion baht in tourism revenue during the first six months of this year, attracting nearly seven million visitors, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Thailand’s Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) has issued a warning that an impending El Niño phenomenon could prove more severe than the country’s 2015 drought crisis, with prolonged dry spells potentially stretching well into 2027.
The era in which global order rested on a US monopoly over military and economic power and values has finally come to an end, taking Europe’s long period of stability with it. The world has become significantly more turbulent and uncertain, and the near future will bring even more instability.