- Explore Ban Kruk/New bank regulatory plan/Fire drill at Market Village/Koh Pha Ngan nominee crackdown/23,536 violent incidents, 7,790 deaths/Incidents in Narathiwat total 40/Two schools, child care center closed/Malaysians told to avoid southern Thailand/Australian’s ICU care costs $50,000 a week/Samui Palestinian flag row/AI and Robotics to Bridge Regional Healthcare Gaps.Tharina Botes wins Miss Universe Thailand/Nene Royal reaches Times Square
- THE IRAN WAR: New US sanctions, Iran stays defiant
- ECONOMY: Economic storms squeeze Thai SMEs/Thai businesses turn cautious/Growth path for Thai SMEs/Thai Retailers Demand Crackdown/Thailand must reinvent its growth model/Commerce heads to US for tariff talks/Carmakers won’t relocate instantly/Thailand is Transforming Its Beef Industry
- TOURISM: TAT unveils four moves/Thailand Modernizing Regional Airports/Phuket shop sign bars Israeli tourists
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Phuket waste crisis deepens
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Two hours south of Hua Hin, and almost nobody gets off
By Michael Lauritzen
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.
Ban Krut is a village in the south of our own province, roughly two hours down the southern railway line from Hua Hin. It has its own station. Three trains a day stop there. That single fact explains most of what the place is like: it is on the map, it is easy to reach, and almost nobody gets off.
What is there is 12 kilometers of beach. Not a resort strip with a beach behind it, but an actual working coastline with a road along it, coconut groves behind, fishing boats at one end and very little else. There is no beach club. There is no bar street. In the evening, the loudest thing is usually somebody’s motorbike. Continued …
New bank regulatory plan may affect foreigners’ dealings with tougher, intrusive actions
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.
Moreover, many customers initially face daily online transfer limits of 50,000 baht. However, overseas pensions, property purchases and cross-border business income could trigger automated controls. Foreign customers may then face blocked transfers, document demands and compulsory branch visits. Continued …
Fire drill held at Market Village
Around 700 people took part in a Hua Hin fire drill at Market Village last Thursday, testing emergency procedures for a major fire inside the shopping center.
The annual fire suppression and evacuation exercise was observed by Hua Hin District Chief Supachai Krutdam, representatives from Hua Hin Municipality, Hua Hin Police, Tourist Police and Market Village management. Continued …
Koh Pha Ngan land action targets 112 companies in nominee crackdown
Surat Thani authorities are moving to revoke land rights held by 112 companies on Koh Pha Ngan after finding their foreign shareholdings exceeded limits set by law. Gov. Jumpot Wannachatsiri has instructed officials to take action against the landholdings, as part of an ongoing scrutiny of corporate ownership of land on the island.
The cases involve 124 land plots with a combined area of about 87 rai. While the announcement concerns companies rather than individual property owners, it is a reminder for foreign investors and expats using Thai companies to hold land that authorities are examining ownership structures on Koh Pha Ngan. Continued …
23,536 violent incidents, 7,790 deaths and 14,794 injuries
Thailand allocated 340.71 billion baht under its principal programs for addressing unrest in the southern border provinces over 23 fiscal years from 2004 to 2026, while separate statistics recorded 23,536 violent incidents, 7,790 deaths and 14,794 injuries between January 2004 and December 2025.
The figures have come under renewed scrutiny following a preliminary count of 34 coordinated incidents across Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani on Saturday night. Continued …
Overnight incidents in Narathiwat total 40, three injured
At least 40 incidents were reported in Narathiwat province Saturday night, leaving three people injured and causing damage to government buildings, utility and telecommunications infrastructure, businesses, vehicles, and roads.
The Narathiwat Center for Assistance and Rehabilitation reported yesterday the incidents occurred across all 13 districts of the province on Saturday night. They mainly involved explosions, arson, the burning of vehicle tires and gunfire, according to the center. Continued …
Two schools, child care center closed after Pattani attack
Two primary schools and a child care center in Por Ming subdistrict, Panare district of Pattani province, were closed after suspected insurgents torched the Por Ming municipal office and three cars parked in the same compound last night.
Yusarun Yuso, vice mayor of Por Ming municipality, said he was alerted by officials that a group of men had restrained two security guards before setting fire to cars parked in the garage and breaking through a barricade into the office building, which they also set ablaze. Continued …
Avoid southern Thailand for now, police warn Malaysian travelers
Malaysians have been advised to defer non-essential travel to parts of southern Thailand following a series of bombings, arson attacks and sabotage incidents reported overnight.
Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Yusoff Mamat said the security situation in the affected areas had worsened after 51 incidents were recorded across three districts, prompting authorities to urge travelers to exercise greater caution. Continued …
Australian’s Bangkok ICU care costs $50,000 a week
An Australian man is in a coma in a Bangkok intensive care unit following an accident in Thailand, with his family saying his medical bills have already exceeded $135,000.
Sydney model and Copini Beauty co-founder Casey James said her father had undergone multiple emergency brain operations and had spent 10 days in the ICU as of Sunday. Continued …
Samui visa action sought over Palestinian flag row
Surat Thani security officials are seeking visa revocation and deportation for an Israeli restaurant owner and a French businessman after a Palestinian flag dispute on Koh Samui escalated into online threats and concerns for tourism.
Col Thitiphong Inwasa, deputy director of the Internal Security Operations Command in Surat Thani, said Saturday that officials were preparing information for a provincial committee to consider action against Israeli national Jacob and French national Kevin. Continued …
How Thailand is Deploying AI and Robotics to Bridge Regional Healthcare Gaps
For decades, the standard of healthcare a person received was often dictated by their postcode. Rural provinces worldwide routinely lag behind major cosmopolitan centers in accessing specialist doctors and advanced medical technologies.
However, Thailand is systematically rewriting this script. Through a policy shift orchestrated by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), the Southeast Asian kingdom is deploying an ecosystem of artificial intelligence (AI), medical robotics, and nationwide big data networks to build a fairer, healthier society. Continued …
Tharina Botes wins Miss Universe Thailand 2026 crown
Tharina Botes, representing Bangkok, was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2026 yesterday, earning the right to represent the country at the next Miss Universe pageant.
Botes secured the national title following her performance in the final question-and-answer round. She received the winner’s crown and sash and will enter an intensive training program before competing internationally. Continued and more photos …
Nene Royal campaign reaches Times Square before AGT performance
A video featuring messages and photographs from 100 Thai supporters has appeared on a giant billboard in New York’s Times Square as Phuket performer Nene Royal prepares for the live quarter-finals of America’s Got Talent Season 21.
Nene, also known as Praew Rattikarn Amloy, is scheduled to compete in the second live quarter-final tomorrow (August 25, US time), which falls on Wednesday in Thailand. Continued …
Oil falls ahead of new US sanctions as Iran stays defiant
Oil prices fell by more than US$1 a barrel in early Asian trading today as investors took profits before Washington was due to announce further sanctions against Iran that could intensify disruption to Middle Eastern supplies.
Brent crude futures declined by US$1.22, or 1.29%, to US$93.17 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude fell by US$1.20, or 1.38%, to US$85.86. Continued …
Three economic storms squeeze Thai SMEs and consumers
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.
The pressures come as economic growth loses momentum. The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reported that gross domestic product expanded by 1.9% year on year in the second quarter, slowing from 2.8% in the first. Continued …
Thai businesses turn cautious
The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), in its report on second-quarter economic conditions and the 2026 outlook, cited Department of Business Development (DBD) data on new business registrations and closures.
The data showed that 44,773 businesses were newly registered in the first half of 2026, up 2.1% from the same period a year earlier. The combined registered capital of new businesses stood at 111.2 billion baht, down 25.4% from 149.1 billion baht in the first half of 2025. Continued …
Minister sets out growth path for Thai SMEs amid global economic change
Suphajee Suthumpun, minister of Commerce, delivered a keynote address entitled “Opportunities and the Path Forward for Thailand’s Economy and SMEs” at the “SME Must Survive 2026” event at the Stock Exchange of Thailand on Saturday.
Suphajee said the world was changing on several fronts at once, including competition among major powers, geopolitical conflicts, trade barriers, climate change, an aging society, and rapid advances in digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Continued …
Thai Retailers Demand Crackdown on Influx of Cheap Foreign Imports
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).
Thailand’s 3.3 million SMEs employ roughly 13.6 million people, accounting for nearly 70% of total private sector employment. However, shifting consumer habits and aggressive foreign market expansion have placed unprecedented pressure on domestic traders. Continued …
From manufacturing to AI, Thailand must reinvent its growth model
As Thailand prepares to host the 2026 IMF-World Bank annual meetings, it finds itself at an economic inflection point. As the second-largest economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after Indonesia, it remains one of the region’s most sophisticated manufacturing and service economies, with an established automotive industry and growing electronics and digital services. Yet, these advantages have not translated into stronger growth.
Although Thailand’s economy has expanded by an annual average of 3.2% over the past 25 years — a little faster than the global average of 3% — growth is expected to slow sharply to around 1.5% in 2026 and 2.1% in 2027. This slowdown reflects Thailand’s heavy dependence on imported energy and urea from the Middle East, as well as its heavy reliance on trade with China, leaving it vulnerable to disruptions caused by the Iran war, intensifying US-China competition, and growing fragmentation in global trade and supply chains. Continued …
Commerce heads to US Aug 27-Sept 1 to conclude tariff talks
Thailand will send a trade delegation to the United States from Aug. 27 to Sept. 1 in an attempt to conclude negotiations on an agreement on reciprocal trade (ART), according to the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT).
DFT Director-General Arada Fuangtong said the negotiations were about 60% complete and that the Thai side had prepared detailed information to support its positions. Continued …
Carmakers won’t relocate instantly, but risks persist, expert says
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.
s Indonesia has urged Toyota to move its production base from Thailand to Indonesia with investment incentives, Archanun said it is too early to say whether Toyota would move, but Japanese automakers have voiced concerns over policy discrimination. Continued …
How Thailand is Transforming Its Beef Industry to Capture the Chinese Market
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.
By bridging domestic farming communities with multinational trade corridors, the public sector is turning agricultural tradition into a high-value commercial engine. Continued …
TAT unveils four moves to make Thailand Asia’s top high-value destination
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled four strategic moves aimed at increasing tourism revenue by at least 5% in 2027 and positioning Thailand as “Asia’s No. 1 High-Value & Meaningful Destination”.
TAT announced its 2027 marketing action plan under the theme “The Year of Transformation” at Rajadamnern Stadium today, turning the historic boxing venue into a stage for what it described as a major turning point for Thai tourism. Continued …
Thailand Modernizes Regional Airports to Boost Aviation Sector
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.
Despite ongoing geopolitical volatility, Thailand recorded 85.16 million air passengers between January and July, up 1.48% year-on-year. Domestic traffic reached 39.26 million passengers (up 1.64%), while international journeys rose to 45.91 million (up 1.34%). Continued …
Phuket shop sign bars Israeli tourists, sparks debate
A Phuket shopkeeper has put up a sign barring Israeli tourists from entering, prompting a strong reaction on Thai social media. According to a report, the shop owner said the move followed a previous confrontation outside the business. The report did not identify the shop or give its precise location on the island.
The shopkeeper said: “I was once verbally abused by Israelis in front of my shop. I cursed back that time, but my intention in putting up the sign is to prevent future problems arising from among #Israeli tourists.” Continued …
Phuket waste crisis deepens as landfill exceeds capacity
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. Continued …
Tourists Accused of Dine-and-Dash Over 8,000-Baht Patong Bill
Patong police are investigating a restaurant payment dispute involving four foreign tourists who allegedly refused to pay an 8,000-baht food and drinks bill before trying to leave. The group was said to include one male tourist from Saudi Arabia and three female tourists from Morocco. Both sides were taken to an investigating officer for formal proceedings under Thai law. Continued …
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Pattaya police arrest Chinese over ‘Pot K’ drug network – Continued …
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American held after Bangkok officer slashed in the neck – Continued …
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Udon Thani resort asks Russian guest to leave after disturbance – Continued …
Canada vows dollar-for-dollar tariffs on US after trade talks collapse
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. Continued …
The U.S. demands in Canada tariff talks
At China’s ‘robot Olympics’, humanoids spar, sprint and perform taichi
Humanoid robots on Sunday (August 23) took over the athletic arena at the World Robot Games, competing in sparring, sprinting, and taichi. Video …
Hua Hin Links and Transport
Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Telepharmacy in Thailand has moved from the development of the regulatory framework to its implementation phase. With the FDA’s telepharmacy framework now in place and telepharmacy platforms entering the market, the focus is increasingly turning to how businesses can participate in this emerging healthcare ecosystem.
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 pitch to the world’s technology companies has, for the past two years, been built on numbers that keep climbing. The Board of Investment approved 26 data center projects worth almost 500 billion baht in 2025, and by the first quarter of 2026, fresh applications had already reached 1.01 trillion baht — roughly 2.4 times what they were a year earlier.
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
As pressure mounts on industries to treat climate action as systemic rather than a compliance exercise, Tetra Pak Thailand is pointing to a philosophy it says predates the current wave of ESG regulation by decades.
Here is why Thailand might be entering a second consecutive lost decade. The first lost decade, between May 2014 and August 2023 was largely brought about by coup leader Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, who ushered in a period of relative economic stagnation and uncertainty.
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.
GAC has delivered 115 Aion EVs for use on Grab’s ride-hailing platform in Thailand through two separate partnerships: 100 units under a tie-up with CLVG and ICBC (Thai) Leasing, and 15 units through a collaboration with Siam Taxi Cooperative.
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.
Heavy rain and flash floods threaten upper Thailand
Bangkok gun dealers say Thailand’s long-running firearms import ban is forcing some businesses to seek other income, while proposed new restrictions could further reduce legal sales.
Thai and Australian Prime Ministers Anutin Charnvirakul and Anthony Albanese yesterday signed two joint statements on upgrading strategic partnership in four areas, across trade, law enforcement, defense and innovation, after their full-scale bilateral meeting at Parliament House in Canberra.
The world knows that U.S. President Donald Trump is angry with Iran. But he’s not happy with the small country lying across the Strait of Hormuz from the Islamic Republic, either: Oman.
Thailand’s exports and private investment are expected to remain important drivers of economic growth after gross domestic product expanded by only 1.9% in the second quarter of 2026, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said yesterday.
Thailand’s industrial sentiment index rose for a second straight month in July due to strong electric vehicle (EV) sales and government support measures, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported yesterday. The federation’s industrial sentiment index rose to 90.0 in July from 88.2 in June.
Data from CBRE Research showed that the downtown Bangkok condominium market recorded more new project launches in the first half of 2026 than in the same period a year earlier. Luxury and super-luxury developments were the main drivers, with both segments again attracting developers’ attention.
Southeast Asian nations are close to finalizing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), a landmark regional pact designed to govern their digital economy, projected to reach $2 trillion by 2030.
Foreigners arriving in Thailand may be asked by immigration to show they have enough money to support themselves during their stay. Depending on the entry route, the stated requirement is between 10,000 and 20,000 baht per person.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has ordered urgent measures to reduce delays for arriving passengers at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, focusing on immigration, baggage collection and public transport.
“Oh, we’re on the wrong side of the road,” I blurted out as I hopped into our van after landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. “It’s not the wrong side,” said Lisa, the journalist I was traveling with. “It’s a different side.”
Inside Wat Phra Kaew Wang Na, a rare window into Bangkok’s royal past
A new report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) finds that Thailand can accelerate rooftop solar deployment by reforming its current solar policies. This would reduce dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), improve energy security, and limit future pressure on rising electricity costs.
Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of natural disasters, and building resilience is no longer optional, said Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong. He added that such disasters also know no borders, making solidarity and collective action in ASEAN critical.
The US gross national debt has surged past $40 trillion for the first time, government data showed yesterday, outstripping earlier forecasts at a pace fueled in part by President Donald Trump’s invalidated tariffs. 
Portugal’s president has enacted a law pushed by the far right banning the concealment of faces in public, a measure widely seen as targeting Muslim women wearing a full-face veil. 
Wisut Janwatanakul, senior assistant vice president of condominium project development at Sansiri Public Co, stated the real estate market in Hua Hin is expected to grow significantly in 2026, transitioning into a global wellness and medical tourism destination, which is a key driver for the luxury real estate market and long-stay accommodations.
PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc (OR) and Bangchak Corporation Plc (BCP) raised retail prices for petrol, gasohol and diesel by 0.85 baht, or 85 satang, per litre from 5am on Wednesday (August 19, 2026).
The Department of Business Development (DBD) reported a total investment of B219 billion by foreign businesses approved to operate in Thailand during the first seven months of 2026, up 37% from the same period in 2025. Singapore recorded the highest investment value at B61.1 billion, followed by Japan at B45 billion and China at B38.6 billion.
Video captured the moment flash floods swept away tourists near the Mae Sa Waterfall. Park officials say they alerted visitors to the rising water, but the flood came too quickly for some to escape. 
Thai farmers battle elephant raids to protect crops, livelihoods
Thailand offers foreign retirees a clearer legal route to long-term residence than Vietnam, but Vietnam can cost considerably less for those able to manage more complicated visa arrangements. For people deciding where to spend retirement in Southeast Asia, the choice often comes down to predictable paperwork and healthcare versus lower rent and daily spending.
Thailand has warned dentists that pre-signing cannabis prescription forms without personally examining, diagnosing or treating a patient could lead to legal action and professional disciplinary consequences.
A Thai army explosives disposal specialist lost a leg after stepping on a landmine while clearing explosives near Chong An Ma in Ubon Ratchathani yesterday. The accident happened in an area near the border under the responsibility of the 2nd Army Region.
Oil prices gained more than US$2 yesterday as faltering US-Iran diplomacy and a sharp slowdown in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz renewed concerns about global energy supplies.
Thailand’s economy is flashing disturbing warning signs beneath headline GDP growth of 1.9% in the second quarter. Output actually fell 0.2% from the previous quarter, while industrial capacity sank to a 24-quarter low.
Thailand’s economy grew by 1.9% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, making it the slowest-growing of six major ASEAN economies tracked by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).
Thailand’s next industrial upgrade may not be defined only by new roads, railways, factories and smart cities, but by how intelligently they can be designed, operated and maintained.
Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) ranked first in SEAsia Stats Research’s Top Manufacturing Hubs in Southeast Asia by Integrated Industrial Area, with more than 13,000 megawatts (MW) of power capacity in the Chon Buri–Rayong area.
Phuket has shut Freedom Beach after German tourist Jannik Jürgen Knobel, 30, was swept away in fierce monsoon seas despite red flags. His companion survived, but rescuers found his body near rocks the next day. Two other foreign tourists died at the secluded beach in 2025.
Discover the giant Buddha at Bangkok’s Wat Paknam
Thailand’s renewable power pipeline is gathering pace, with 449 projects licensed by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and investment expected to reach up to US$2.61 billion.
Dow Thailand Group is producing high-quality post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins from plastic waste collected in Thailand, advancing a local recycling pathway that transforms used plastics into valuable materials for packaging and industrial applications.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has partnered with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to install solar rooftop systems at 25 pilot hospitals, aiming to reduce annual electricity costs by US$1.63 million and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 7,211 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) a year.
US President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to the lowest level of his presidency, with an overwhelming majority of Americans concerned the U.S. war with Iran will last a long time, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that concluded yesterday. 
Tourism in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi continues to show resilience, with stronger foreign visitor revenue and higher per-person spending helping offset softer domestic demand and wider economic pressures.
Thailand ranks third of 31 destinations for expats on the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, behind Panama and Mexico. The survey ran from Feb. 1 to March 31 this year, drawing about 7,786 respondents of 162 nationalities across 31 countries.
A single night in a private room at Bangkok Hospital can run past 25,000 baht before any treatment is added to the bill. Most expats assume their health insurance handles that kind of cost without a second thought. But the truth is, the exclusions section of the policy, the part almost nobody reads past the first page, is often where that assumption falls apart.
Thailand will send a technical team to the United States from Aug. 27 to 29 for further negotiations on an agreement on reciprocal trade, or ART, before policy-level talks led by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun.
Eight Thai industrial groups responsible for US$52.23 billion in exports to the United States in 2025 could face more intensive checks on product origin and manufacturing processes as Washington steps up enforcement against illegal transshipment.
The White House has accused more than 40 countries, including Thialnd, Canada, Mexico, Japan and EU member states, of helping China evade US tariffs by rerouting exports through lower-tariff jurisdictions — a practice it labels “The Great Transshipment Scam”.
Thailand’s property market is increasingly looking to foreign buyers, as slowing economic growth, high household debt and tighter lending conditions put pressure on domestic purchasing power.
Thailand plans to restructure automotive excise taxes by offering lower rates for vehicles produced domestically and charging more on fully built imports from companies without manufacturing investment in the country.
AOT studies fast-track services, return of arrival duty-free shops
Chiang Mai Waterfall closed after tourists swept away
Four Spanish tourists injured by falling tree at Ayutthaya temple
A prominent Thai plastic surgeon has publicly urged people not to take everything in the Australian 60 Minutes investigation into Thai cosmetic surgery at face value, saying he has been contacted by a surgeon connected to one of the featured cases who told him the reality was not as the program presented it.
Theerasak “Pop” Saksritawee spends up to eight hours every day swimming, hiking and filming dugongs near Phuket. Now, he’s warning the animals may soon disappear from one of the few places outside Australia that they gather. 
Bangkok’s floating markets: Where trade still floats
Australia’s New South Wales state will begin a major gun buyback on November 2, offering owners up to A$1,000, or about US$700, for each eligible rifle or handgun surrendered. The federal government passed legislation in January establishing a gun buyback, strengthening checks on firearm license applicants and introducing measures against hate-related conduct. 
Alma Ronen has been fighting in the Israeli military nearly constantly for more than two years. Spending her Saturday not in uniform but in a T-shirt and jeans, she would like to enjoy a coffee outside – and resents that her more religious compatriots think otherwise. 
US President Donald Trump said he was “not happy” about US participation in joint military exercises with close ally South Korea and is scaling back the drills aimed at deterring rival North Korea that start today. 
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.
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.
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.
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. 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.