- Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony/Prachuap Bay coastal defenses/Hua Hin Food Fest/Hiking, running and water-based events held/Youth Ministry delegates in Hua Hin/Thailand road deaths/Thailand finally reaches the Olympics/3,868 local officials fired
- THE IRAN WAR: Oil rises again after US-Iran attacks
- ECONOMY: Thailand Needs ‘Radical’ Overhaul/True Price of the Cloud/Rising business suspensions/Airbus to develop Thai digital aviation hub
- TOURISM: Thailand ends 60-day visa-free stays/Pattaya hopes for US carrier boost/Pattaya to bar US Navy personnel/Satun Riviera plan
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Legacy of Thai Elephants/Thailand’s Dinosaur Renaissance/Selling live cockroaches for fishing
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Fruits and vegetables risk heavy metal contamination
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony returns to Hua Hin
The Hua Hin Ship to Sea Ceremony will return on Saturday, Sept. 26, offering residents and visitors the chance to witness one of the town’s longstanding fishing community traditions.
The annual event, officially known as the Sea Misfortune-Casting Ceremony, is also sometimes referred to as the Blessing of the Fleet. It will be held at the Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine, next to the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. Continued …
Prachuap Bay coastal defenses reviewed
Officials, community leaders and residents have discussed plans to improve Prachuap Bay coastal defenses, including repairs to the aging seawall and upgrades to the surrounding public area.
Prachuap Khiri Khan Deputy Gov. Pratheep Boriboonrat chaired the third public consultation on the project at Prachuap Khiri Khan Municipality’s offices yesterday. The meeting formed part of the first phase of a project to design improvements to the coastal erosion protection system along Prachuap Bay. Continued …
Hua Hin Food Fest held at Khao Takiab
The Hua Hin Food Fest 2026 concluded at Hua Don Beach on Sunday after three days of food, entertainment and activities in Khao Takiab.
The festival opened on Friday with 500 free servings of “Hua Hin International Pad Thai” among the highlights, as large crowds attended the first evening. The signature dish combined Thai and Western cooking, using pasta to represent Western cuisine and local seafood to give it a Hua Hin identity. Continued …
Hiking, running and water-based events held
Three community events brought people together for hiking, running and water-based fun in Pranburi and Hua Hin over the weekend.
The weekend began on Saturday when hikers and runners set off from Racer Marina in Pranburi to explore the surrounding area. Continued …
Youth Ministry delegates gather in Hua Hin for regional meeting
The regional meeting of Youth Ministry delegates from the East Asia-Oceania region took place Aug. 24-27 at the retreat house of the Vitthayalai School in Hua Hin.
The four-day program brought together 21 participants, including 12 delegates, two representatives and a further nine team members, for formation, discussion and planning activities centered on youth ministry in the region. Continued …
Thailand road deaths stood at 220 last week
Thailand recorded 220 deaths and 19,316 injuries in road accidents during the latest week, according to figures from the ThaiRSC accident reporting centre released on Sunday.
Although both daily averages were lower than the previous week, the nationwide toll remains high. The figures add to a 2026 total of 8,722 deaths and 606,132 injuries as of Aug. 29. Continued …
From heartbreak to history as Thailand finally reaches the Olympics
Thailand’s women’s national volleyball team has completed a journey spanning decades of near misses by qualifying for the Olympic Games for the first time in the country’s history.
The breakthrough came on Sunday when Thailand defeated hosts China 3-2 in the final of the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Continental Championship in Tianjin. The victory secured Thailand’s fourth Asian title, defended the crown they won in 2023 and earned the team an automatic place at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028. Continued …
3,868 local officials fired for cheating in recruitment exam
The Department of Local Administration terminated the employment of 3,868 officials nationwide yesterday, suspecting them of rigging their recruitment examination results late last year.
Nirat Pongsitthaworn, deputy permanent secretary for interior and acting director-general of the department, said the dismissal of the officials was the decision of committees supervising local administrative officials in 76 provinces. Continued …
Oil rises again after US-Iran attacks renew supply fears
Oil prices settled more than 2.5% higher yesterday after renewed military action between the United States and Iran revived concerns about disruption to global supplies.
Brent crude futures rose US$2.39, or 2.71%, to settle at US$90.49 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained US$2.36, or 2.83%, to US$85.76. Brent reached an intraday high of US$91.52, its highest level since Aug. 25. Continued …
Thailand Needs ‘Radical’ Overhaul to Reach High-Income Goal, Says NESDC
Thailand must undertake a “radical overhaul” of its production structure if it is to meet its ambitious target of becoming a high-income nation within 12 years, the head of the country’s top economic planning agency has warned.
Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), outlined a critical road map for escaping the middle-income trap. He stressed that the kingdom must build upon its traditional strengths, embrace high-tech sectors, and leverage major international platforms to restore global investor confidence. Continued …
The True Price of the Cloud: Inside Thailand’s Battle for Water and Power
The headlines across Southeast Asia read like an economic renaissance: multibillion-dollar pledges, sprawling server farms, and a digital transformation drive reshaping the region’s economy.
Investment applications worth more than 728 billion baht ($20 billion), spanning 36 data center and cloud-service projects, piled into Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) before the agency halted new data-center investment-promotion applications altogether in April, as regulators moved to get ahead of a sector outpacing its own oversight. Continued …
BOT warns rising Section 75 business suspensions put Thai workers at risk
Thailand’s labor market is showing growing signs of vulnerability, as more businesses temporarily suspend operations under Section 75 of the Labor Protection Act, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) has warned.
Although lay-off indicators and employment within the social security system were broadly unchanged in July from the previous month, other labor indicators pointed to significant underlying weakness. Continued …
BOI, Airbus work to develop Thai digital aviation hub
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) has met with aerospace giant Airbus to bolster the nation’s role as a regional hub for digital technology and aviation engineering, leveraging Thailand as the sole global testing ground for the firm’s flight operations software.
Speaking after talks with Bert Porteman, president of Airbus Thailand, BOI Secretary General Narit Therdsteerasukdi stated that “Airbus regards Thailand as a core strategic base… The manufacturer has established its regional Flight Operations Center of Excellence in the country to support digital aviation systems and service markets across Asia.” Continued …
Thailand ends 60-day visa-free stays from September 15
Thailand has formally ended its 60-day visa-exemption scheme for 93 countries and territories, with a new 30-day visa-free entry rule taking effect on Sept. 15.
The Ministry of Interior announcements were published in the Royal Gazette, Volume 143, Special Issue 207, dated Aug. 31. As the notices take legal effect 15 days after publication, travelers arriving up to and including Sept. 14 will still receive the current 60-day stamp. Foreigners already in Thailand will retain the period of stay stamped into their passport on arrival. Continued …
Pattaya hopes for US carrier boost as police tighten checks
Businesses in Pattaya are hoping the arrival of the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln will provide a much-needed economic lift, while local authorities step up policing amid concerns over illegal prostitution, sexual exploitation and public health.
The carrier is due to arrive at Laem Chabang Port near Pattaya tomorrow, accompanied by two other US Navy vessels. Nearly 5,000 sailors and Marines will be given shore leave to rest and recuperate following more than 200 days at sea, according to Thai officials. Continued …
Pattaya to bar US Navy personnel from Soi 6, cannabis shops
Pattaya authorities have designated Soi 6, Soi 6/1 and Soi 7 as “off-limits” areas for US Navy personnel during the upcoming visit of the USS Abraham Lincoln and two accompanying vessels to Chon Buri.
As part of measures to prevent crime and ensure safety, authorities have designated several areas and activities as off-limits to US Navy personnel. US Navy personnel will still be allowed to visit entertainment areas such as Walking Street, but must follow designated time restrictions and leave the area by 2 am. Continued …
Satun Riviera plan goes to Thailand’s Cabinet
Thailand’s Cabinet is due to consider a plan to develop Satun into “The Riviera of Southeast Asia” at its traveling meeting in the southern province yesterday. The proposal includes longer opening hours at the Wang Prachan Thai-Malaysian border checkpoint, and a free flow zone for trade and tourism projects aimed at Muslim visitors.
Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit inspected progress on projects under the scheme during a visit to Satun on Saturday. The initiative is formally titled “World Class Southern Border, Thailand. The Riviera of Southeast Asia”. Continued …
The Legacy of Thai Elephants
From ancient battlefields to sacred royal traditions, elephants have been deeply tied to Thailand’s identity for over seven centuries.
Discover how these majestic animals served as symbols of royal authority, formidable war machinery in legendary duels, sacred icons in Buddhist and Hindu traditions, and the hardworking backbone of everyday life before modern machinery. Video …
Celebrating 50 Years of Thailand’s Dinosaur Renaissance
As Thailand marks a half-century of palaeontological wonder, the nation prepares for 2026: a grand celebration of the titanic giants that once roamed the Isan plateau, bridging ancient Mesozoic strata with a vibrant, high-value future of global geo-tourism.
The year 2026 represents far more than a chronological marker; it signifies a national coming-of-age for Thai science. This golden jubilee commemorates the 1976 discovery of the nation’s first dinosaur fossil in the Phu Wiang Valley of Khon Kaen. It is a moment to reflect on how a serendipitous search for energy transformed Thailand into a prestigious sanctuary of prehistoric heritage. Continued …
Woman builds thriving concern selling live cockroaches for fishing in nearby rivers
Live cockroaches are delivering a fast-growing income for a 29-year-old woman in northern Thailand, as anglers scramble for her unusual bait. Natliya Amhasime earns up to 5,200 baht weekly from her Phitsanulok farm, yet production cannot match orders.
Fed quality chicken feed, protected from ants and refrigerated alive, the insects command 130 baht per bottle. Fishermen say their scent, underwater flash and frantic wriggling attract fish better than grasshoppers or shrimp. Continued …
Fruits and vegetables grown in Kok River basin risk heavy metal contamination
Environmental forensic science will be employed to test samples of fruit and vegetables, taken from the Kok River basin in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces, to determine the origin of heavy metal contamination, whether it was caused by mining activities in Myanmar or overuse of pesticides.
A meeting held at the Tha Ton Subdistrict Administrative Organization on Sunday convened to discuss the problem of chemical contamination of plants grown in the Kok River basin in Mae Ai district of Chiang Mai. Continued …
Hundreds feared stuck in hydropower tunnels as flood deaths surpass 950 in Nepal and Tibet
Rescuers raced yesterday to free hundreds of workers believed to be trapped in tunnels at hydropower sites that were buried in mud by catastrophic flooding on the Nepal-China border, as the death toll climbed and increasingly desperate families searched for missing loved ones. Continued …
Another Ukrainian town lies in ruins as Russians creep closer
In the Ukrainian frontline town of Druzhkivka, the buzz of Russian drones and sound of artillery shelling have become daily life for the few residents who still remain there, sheltering in damaged apartment blocks and homes ripped by years of Russian attacks. Video …
Trump says US reviewing position on Falkland Islands
President Donald Trump said yesterday the United States is reviewing its position on the Falkland Islands, after reports that Washington threatened to oppose Britain’s sovereignty if it does not increase defense spending. Continued …
US Army Secretary Driscoll submits resignation
US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has submitted his resignation, the White House confirmed yesterday, following reports of tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. If accepted, Driscoll’s resignation would mark the latest departure of a senior military leader under President Donald Trump’s administration. 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
A Western man walks down Beach Road holding hands with a Thai girl and naturally assumes the local men are glaring at him with quiet jealousy. He thinks he is a predator who just entered the local ecosystem and stole the best women from the dating pool, leaving the native men with fewer options.
Police detained 25 woman during a late-night prostitution crackdown in Pattaya on Saturday, as authorities prepare for the arrival of about 5,000 US military personnel in Chon Buri next week.
InterContinental Residences Hua Hin Achieves Complete Sell-Out
Thai teenage rocker Nene Royal has advanced to the live semifinals of America’s Got Talent Season 21 after Mel B awarded her a Live Golden Buzzer for her performance of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun”.
Oil prices rose by more than 1% today after US forces struck an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran reported retaliatory attacks on US bases in Jordan. Brent crude futures climbed US$1.08, or 1.23%, to US$89.18 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 92 cents, or 1.10%, to US$84.32.
The Financial Times (FT), a British financial news outlet, published an analysis asking why Thailand has “one of the world’s lowest” interest rates. The analysis followed a vote by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) this week to keep the policy rate at 1%.
Thailand’s Excise Department is pressing ahead with plans to overhaul cigarette taxation by introducing a single tax rate in a move aimed at improving revenue collection and reducing price distortions created by the existing two-tier system.
Thailand is introducing new rules for visa applications, requiring applicants for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) to submit proof of permanent residence and a police clearance certificate. Applications under the new rules will have to be submitted from today.
Bangkok is set to host Ultra Thailand 2027, organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with London-based Private Luxury Events. Scheduled for June 20–24, 2027, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, this gathering marks Ultra’s first venture into Southeast Asia.
Thailand wants 2027 to transform its tourism industry, but what will actually change for visitors? Perhaps high-value tourism shouldn’t simply mean higher prices.
The Finance Ministry is considering lower excise taxes for manufacturers that invest in production bases in the country, use domestically produced raw materials or components, and have begun manufacturing for export.
Royal water project lifts farming and livelihoods in Chiang Mai
Thailand’s Energy Ministry plans to increase the quota for electricity purchased from household rooftop solar systems fivefold, from 100 megawatts to 500MW, as part of efforts to encourage more people to generate and sell clean power.
Thailand will accelerate its energy transition following parliamentary approval of a 400-billion-baht borrowing decree, with plans for household solar rooftops and a restructuring of vehicle taxes expected to become clearer in September, Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said.
Authorities in Nepal warned of possible fresh flooding yesterday and urged residents in flood-affected districts to remain on high alert after water levels rose in the Bhotekoshi River. Wednesday’s catastrophic floods killed at least 800 people and left more than 3,000 missing in Nepal and Tibet. 
Covid-19 cases are increasing in Thailand, with the total number of patients from Jan. 1 up to yesterday reaching 94,402, with 14 deaths, but it is the NB.1.8.1 variant that does not cause severe illness that is dominant, accounting for over 50.9% of cases.
The government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is moving ahead with a broad overhaul of Thailand’s bureaucracy, including organizational structures, staffing and regulations that have become obstacles for individuals and businesses dealing with state agencies.
Foreign condominium demand in Thailand weakened during the first half of 2026, but a sharp rise in purchases by Russian nationals suggests that the market is shifting rather than experiencing a uniform decline.
Phuket recorded a 52.5% year-on-year increase in Israeli visitors in July, with arrivals from Israel also up 1,205% on pre-Covid July 2019 levels, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phuket office.
Thailand is seeking a larger share of the global wellness economy, which is forecast to grow from US$6.8 trillion in 2024 to US$9.75 trillion by 2029, as consumers increasingly prioritize preventive physical and mental healthcare. The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) expects the 11-sector market to expand by nearly US$3 trillion over five years, with average annual growth of 7.6%.
From canals to city streets: The story of Thai boat noodles
Bangkok has been named the world’s best city for nightlife in 2026 by Time Out, climbing from 13th place last year to beat Berlin, New York City, Melbourne and Sao Paulo.
State energy agencies and policy experts have outlined a series of systemic reforms to modernize Thailand’s national power grid, refine the upcoming Power Development Plan (PDP 2026), and transition away from legacy utility structures.
US President Donald Trump said yesterday his administration has reached a huge oil deal with Venezuela that gives the United States majority control of 65 billion barrels of proven petroleum reserves. 
Haakon, who comes to the throne as two major scandals batter his family, struggled for years to accept his status. “Yes, I was a royal, but I did not want to talk about it … At school it made me anxious,” he wrote in his 2023 autobiography “Haakon”, recalling his days in a state primary in the 1980s. 
Thailand has published new regulations setting out how foreign nationals can be deported for immigration, employment and other offenses, as well as conduct considered contrary to public order, morality or public wellbeing. The regulation was published in the Royal Gazette on yesterday and takes effect today.
Suvarnabhumi Airport has postponed planned repair and maintenance work on expansion joints along the elevated road serving the passenger terminal following widespread criticism over potential disruption during the tourism high season.
An anonymous donor has given 100 million baht to Pattaya Patamakun Hospital in Chon Buri, with the money earmarked for a new six-story premium outpatient and inpatient building.
Nene Royal, the young Thai performer who has captured hearts on America’s Got Talent (AGT), is heading back to Thailand with her family after receiving a warm send-off from fans in Los Angeles.
A rare 10-baht Thai coin minted in 1990 has sold for 2.54 million baht at an online auction, despite its face value being just 10 baht. The coin was made for the 16th Mint Directors Conference, held in the United Kingdom in 1990. Only 100 examples were produced, making it one of Thailand’s rarest circulating coin issues.
Myanmar’s civil war is increasingly becoming Thailand’s problem. Violence has crossed the border, criminal networks are exploiting the instability, and Thailand continues to shelter tens of thousands of refugees.
Thailand’s exports rose 21.6% in July from a year earlier, beating market expectations, while imports climbed even faster and pushed the country’s trade deficit to a record $34.35 billion over the first seven months of 2026.
The housing market shook off a downturn in the first half of this year with transfers reaching 167,000 units, a 17.6% increase, driven by government measures. Sales of second-hand homes soared, accounting for 63% of the total, reflecting a focus on value for money.
The United States’ national debt has surpassed $40 trillion, potentially having a significant impact on global financial markets, including Thailand’s economy.
Bouygues Construction, through its Thai subsidiary Bouygues-Thai, was selected in June by developer Honour Thailand to design and build the ONCE Wongamat. Standing 239 meters tall, this 56-story tower project in Pattaya will be one of the tallest buildings in Thailand.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing to embrace rail tourism as a new vehicle to revive Thailand’s fading appeal. Its plans span low-cost heritage excursions, packaged journeys, premium charters and possible luxury routes developed with Belmond.
Bangkok’s Loha Prasat: The world’s third ‘Iron Castle’
Betong, a small town in Thailand with some good surprises
Thailand is staring at the dire consequences of the El Niño phenomenon and below-average rainfall on the economy, as well as the wider impact on society, many experts have warned.
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America” for US federal purposes, escalating an increasingly hostile trade dispute with Canada. The order applies to references used by the US federal government and does not determine what Canada, international bodies, state authorities, private companies or map providers call the lake. 
Be Well Medical Center and BPK9 International Hospital are teaming up to host an interactive health seminar in Hua Hin focusing on common vascular diseases and circulation problems.
InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has been named The Most Favorite Pet-Friendly Hotel at the 16th AROUND AWARDS 2026. The annual awards, organized as part of AROUND Magazine’s 16th anniversary, recognize hotels, restaurants and lifestyle businesses across Thailand.
Thailand has recorded 21,620 dengue infections and 31 deaths so far this year, as the seasonal outbreak continues to gather pace, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) said yesterday.
Thai police say they arrested suspects in 7,261 firearms-related cases and seized 7,872 guns during a nationwide 15-day crackdown between Aug. 12-26.
Data centers have dominated the discourse in Thailand over the past year, becoming a symbol of technological advancement and innovation and evidence that Thailand is capturing a valuable component of the AI value chain.
New vehicle sales in Thailand increased by over 20% to 59,196 units in July, up from 49,102 units a year earlier, according to the latest data released by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Thailand’s passport has been ranked 99th worldwide by Passport Reports, with a mobility score of 93. The assessment places Thailand fifth among the 11 ASEAN countries and 21st among 50 Asian countries assessed.
A Glimpse of Solar Energy in Thailand
Since Aug. 12, any Thai exporter shipping packaged goods into the EU has technically fallen under the bloc’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) – whether they know it or not.
As the world shifts toward a greener future, Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) is stepping up to ensure Thai businesses don’t just survive, but thrive.
Thailand is facing a double crisis: an overwhelming volume of illegally dumped hazardous waste and a deadly climate of intimidation against activists trying to stop it.
The collapse of the lower section of a Himalayan glacier may have unleashed the ice, rock and sediment that caused catastrophic flooding near Nepal’s border with Tibet, although experts have not established why the glacier failed. Satellite images indicated that part of the glacier broke away at an altitude of about 5,200 meters before plunging approximately 1,200 meters onto the valley floor. 
Philippe Meranger just finished his grocery shopping in Montreal. The 61-year-old held several products under his arm as he said: “Tariffs hurt our economy, but they force us to buy Canadian. And I’m all for that.” 
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s commercialhub, is proposing to gradually restrict gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles from its downtown area from mid-2027 as part of a planned low-emission zone (LEZ). Under the proposal, the city would pilot the LEZ from July 2027 in its core downtown area and the new Thu Thiem urban area, which covers roughly 930 hectares (3.59 square miles). 
A widening US campaign to isolate Iran economically could expose Thailand to higher energy costs and unstable capital flows, while Washington’s scrutiny of Beijing may create a difficult foreign-policy choice for Bangkok, a CIMB Thai Bank economist has warned.
The Labor Ministry will propose an expansion of social security coverage under Section 33 to include agricultural workers, street vendors and domestic workers. Labor Minister Julapun Amornvivat said before going into yesterday’s cabinet meeting he would submit two proposals for approval.
Car production in Thailand rose 6.1% in July from a year earlier to 117,383 units, the Federation of Thai Industries said yesterday. The reading follows a year-on-year fall of 7.5% in June. The FTI has previously forecast a 3.33% drop in car production for the whole of 2026.
Thailand generated 984.32 billion baht in tourism revenue from 20.32 million foreign arrivals between Jan. 1 1 and Aug.22, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said. However, the visitor total was 2.96% lower than during the corresponding period last year, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul.
Ezy Airlines has suspended a plan to fly in northern Thailand, reportedly due to high parking fees at Chiang Mai airport, prompting the governor of Mae Hong Son to seek a review of the fees to support tourism.
For generations, summer in Europe has been languid and dreamy, bringing fine weather and lengthy days on sunny beaches and terraces. But in 2026, the brutal reality of climate change forced its way into daily life. “I felt a sense of the apocalypse this summer,” said Cyril Chedeville, a 59-year-old from Bordeaux in southwestern France. He was not alone. 
A can of Fanta sold in London has 63 calories. Buy the same brand in India, and it contains three times as much sugar. It also includes artificial dye, whose presence in food products in Europe requires a prominent health warning. Reuters India Co. News Editor Aditya Kalra explains why Big Food in India has resisted efforts to mandate nutritional warnings on the front of packaged products. 
Krabi bridge to Koh Lanta set for 2029 opening
First phase of Thai-Cambodian border fence finished, Navy to start second
Southeast Asia’s budget airlines are hoping the worst of the fuel-price shock triggered by the Middle East conflict has passed, but pressure on margins and household finances threatens to prolong the sector’s difficult recovery.
Thailand’s Department of Business Development (DBD) has introduced new registration requirements aimed at closing loopholes that allow foreigners to control Thai companies through nominee shareholders. Order No. 2/2026 of the Office of the Central Company and Partnership Registration took effect on Aug. 1, and marks the latest step in a regulatory push that has been building steadily since the beginning of the year.
Northern Thailand could become a crucial pillar of global food security, as severe climate shocks, unpredictable weather and shifting trade patterns place unprecedented pressure on agricultural supplies worldwide.
A confidential US diplomatic memo, circulated to a handful of countries in late July, formally committed the United States to blocking binding limits on plastic production and chemical additives at United Nations treaty negotiations — a position that peer-reviewed lifecycle modeling published in January shows is the single most important intervention for reducing a global disease burden currently costing more than $1.5 trillion a year.
Most people who live in Hua Hin have made the drive south at some point. Pranburi, Sam Roi Yot, maybe as far as Prachuap for the day. Rather fewer keep going, and that is where it gets interesting.
Thailand’s biggest financial regulatory overhaul in 27 years threatens tougher, more intrusive banking for foreigners. The Bank of Thailandn is bringing digital payments and providers under tighter control. Banks must intensify checks on mule accounts, gray capital, foreign QR payments and unusual transfers.
23,536 violent incidents, 7,790 deaths and 14,794 injuries
Tharina Botes wins Miss Universe Thailand 2026 crown
Thailand’s economy is facing three overlapping economic storms: an energy-price shock and current-account deficit, a system-wide rise in production costs, and weakening domestic purchasing power, Vice Minister for Finance Santitarn Sathirathai said.
Thai retailers have called on the government to crack down on the massive influx of cheap foreign goods entering the country through cross-border e-commerce platforms, warning that unfair price competition is threatening the survival of millions of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Japanese carmakers will not relocate manufacturing hubs instantly, but the current flood of Chinese electric vehicles is catalyzing price wars in the Thai market, according to Archanun Kohpaiboon.
For thousands of Thai smallholders, cattle rearing has long been a traditional cornerstone of rural livelihood, insulated from international supply chains. However, under a sweeping economic modernization drive led by the Royal Thai government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, this grassroots industry is being systematically propelled onto the global stage.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has unveiled a comprehensive drive to upgrade provincial airport infrastructure and airspace management, aiming to turn regional hubs into growth engines for trade, tourism, and investment.
Phuket’s waste disposal system is under growing pressure, with 1,200-1,300 tons of rubbish being sent for disposal each day and the province’s landfill already exceeding its capacity, Phuket City Mayor Suppachoke Laongphet has said. 
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada will impose retaliatory tariffs on a range of US goods after President Donald Trump introduced 50% tariffs on Canadian products, following the collapse of trade negotiations between the two neighboring countries. 
Humanoid robots on Sunday (August 23) took over the athletic arena at the World Robot Games, competing in sparring, sprinting, and taichi. 
21 provinces face heavy rain as depression strengthens
Flood conditions in Nan and Sukhothai have begun to improve, but another 7-9 storms could form before the end of the current storm season, climate and disaster specialist Seree Supratid has warned.
Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) Yodchanan Wongsawat ordered the rehabilitation and restoration of public utilities today in flood-ravaged Pua and Wiang Sa districts of Nan province, as floodwater is steadily receding.
Thai authorities have searched three locations in Pattaya and Bang Lamung as part of an investigation into suspected Thai nominee arrangements used to hold land and run businesses for foreigners.
Thailand’s electronics industry is entering a significant upcycle, as artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers accelerate global demand for components, with a clear impact on the country’s production base.
Investments and fishing communities clash in Rayong
Thailand’s grip on China’s vast tourism market is slipping, as safety fears drive holidaymakers toward fast-rising Vietnam. The kingdom now expects only 5.1 million Chinese arrivals, less than half its 2019 total.
Thai Airways is set to resume direct non-stop services between Bangkok and Auckland ahead of schedule, with launch plans brought forward by a year to March 2027.
Somsak Pu Ob: The Master of Bangkok’s Crab Glass Noodles
Thailand, done differently
Thailand’s competition regulator is preparing new rules for ride-hailing and on-demand delivery platforms amid concerns over market concentration, unfair commission structures, opaque algorithms and unequal operating conditions.
Nine people were gunned down after a 14-year-old took his grandfather’s gun and opened fire at a school just outside Bangkok. Within days, Thailand saw two more different but deadly shootings.
TikTok has expanded its ThaisAware campaign as it enters its third year, bringing together 13 public-sector and civil-society partners to strengthen online-scam awareness in Thailand.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dismissed reports that Japanese investors are moving their production bases out of Thailand, saying the government will not abandon long-standing investors and will fully support the country’s traditional automotive industry.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is gearing up for the launch, tentatively on Oct. 1, of the first phase of the “Thai Tiew Thai Plus” program, aimed at boosting domestic tourism.
Most Thai hotel operators expect their revenue to decline year on year during the third quarter of 2026, with lower-rated properties and hotels in the south likely to face the greatest pressure during the low season.
Chao Phraya express boat fares to rise by 1 baht from today
A Guide to Phang Nga: Beyond James Bond Island, Where Southern Thailand Slows Down
Bangkok eighth in global attractive city index
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) is preparing for a major operational overhaul, as it transitions to electric buses, with a plan to lease 1,520 electric vehicles (EVs) over seven years under a 14.9-billion-baht contract with Nakhonchai Air Co.
Despite US market turbulence from the discontinuation of federal tax credits and supply disruptions caused by on-again, off-again tariffs, electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, according to a new report from BloombergNEF.