- Two Bryde’s whales found dead/Hua Hin’s Cape Nidhra Hotel recognized/Dusit Thani Hua Hin Unveils Wellness Shop/More rain forecast for PKK/Committee cuts petrol price/Thai brides third with South Korean men
- ECONOMY: To review minimum wage rates/33 US firms’ investment proposals/E-commerce overcoming the ‘price war’ trap/Thailand’s China trade deficit/Massive Losses from AI Rout/GULF reports profit
- TOURISM: Chinese arrivals to Thailand could fall 20%/Krabi welcomes more European air links/Panic in Pattaya
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: MotoGP 2027 tickets on sale/Tomorrowland Thailand debut nears/Traditional clothing throughout December
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Minister rules out solar panel deposits/Cleaner power-development plan/COP31 faces tough test
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Two Bryde’s whales found dead off Phetchaburi, Cha-am
Two Bryde’s whales have been found dead off Phetchaburi, including one off Cha-am, prompting an investigation into the causes of their deaths.
A group of photographers and tourists on a whale-watching trip discovered the first carcass yesterday. Measuring almost nine meters long, it was floating approximately 10 nautical miles off Bang Tabun in Ban Laem district, about two hours from shore by boat. Continued …
Hua Hin’s Cape Nidhra Hotel recognized by Conde Nast
Cape Nidhra Hotel, Hua Hin, a premier five-star beachfront property under the Cape & Kantary Hotels Group, has achieved a major international milestone by securing a spot among Thailand’s top nine resorts in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, earning a score of 97.63. Adding to this success, the property has also been selected for inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2026.
Tirawan Pangsrivongse, project development manager of the Cape & Kantary Hotels portfolio, spanning over 24 properties nationwide, guided the hotel’s concept and design from its inception. Continued …
Dusit Thani Hua Hin Unveils Devarana Wellness Shop
Dusit Thani Hua Hin has opened Devarana Wellness Shop, extending the Devarana experience beyond the spa with a collection of products for everyday self-care.
Located on the hotel’s lobby level, the shop brings together body care, essential oils and wellness essentials, inviting visitors to carry a little of their spa experience home. The collection offers a simple way to make time for personal well-being, whether through a daily body-care routine or a quiet moment at the end of the day. Continued …
More rain forecast for PKK
For today and tomorrow, thundershowers are forecast across 60% of the Ssuth’s east coast, with isolated heavy rain in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pattani and Narathiwat. Minimum temperatures will be 22–25°C and maximum temperatures 32–34°C. – The Nation
Oil Fuel Fund Committee cuts petrol by 1 baht/liter, B7 diesel by 0.75
Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund Committee has agreed to cut retail B7 diesel prices by 0.75 baht a liter and petrol and gasohol prices by 1 baht a liter from today, as falling international prices create room to lower motorists’ costs while reducing diesel subsidies.
The committee’s decision combines pump-price reductions with changes to the levies and subsidies applied to individual fuel grades. B20 diesel is the retail-price exception, remaining unchanged despite a reduction in its subsidy. Continued …
Thai brides rank third with South Korean men
Women from Thailand were ranked third among foreigners tying the knot with South Korean men in multicultural marriages last year, government statistics show.
Thai women accounted for 9.2% of the 15,300 female foreigners, or about 1,400, getting married to South Korean husbands in 2025, the Yonhap news agency reported yesterday, citing figures from the Data and Statistics Ministry. Vietnamese wives topped the table with 25.3% of the total, ahead of Chinese women at 15.1%. Continued …
Thailand prepares to review minimum wage rates for 2027
Thailand’s national wage committee is preparing to review proposals for changes to the minimum wage in 2027 after receiving recommendations from every province, including Bangkok.
Somchai Morakotsriwan, deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry of Labor, confirmed the progress yesterday, saying provincial wage subcommittees had completed their assessments and submitted their recommendations. Continued …
Thailand hears 33 US firms’ investment proposals
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul heard investment plans and proposals from 33 US companies across seven business groups at Government House yesterday, as Thailand worked to attract further investment and complete a reciprocal trade agreement with Washington.
Brian McFeeters, president and chief executive of the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), led the delegation, whose priorities included regulatory reform, trade agreements, energy costs and logistics capacity. Continued …
Thai e-commerce is overcoming the ‘price war’ trap
The Thai e-commerce market is undergoing a transition, as modern shoppers are no longer solely swayed by discount signs but instead utilize data and technology to inform their decisions. Competition is shifting from price wars to focusing on superior quality, value for money, enhanced shopping experience, and long-term trust.
Thanawat Malabuppha, CEO and co-founder of Priceza Co., shared his perspective that competition in the Thai e-commerce market is shifting from a price war to a battle for consumers based on product quality, speed, a satisfying shopping experience, and the increasing role of technology in the decision-making process. Continued …
Thailand’s China trade deficit hits 2.43 trillion baht, with 3 trillion possible
Thailand’s trade deficit with China surged 53% year on year to 2.43 trillion baht in the first nine months of 2026, raising concerns over the growing influx of Chinese goods and mounting pressure on domestic manufacturers.
The deficit for January–September widened from 1.59 trillion baht in the same period last year, highlighting an increasingly uneven trading relationship between the two countries. Continued …
Asian Tech and Equity Markets Suffer Massive Losses from AI Rout
The massive sell-off across Asian tech and equity markets today marks one of the most severe contractions for the region’s electronics and semiconductor supply chains in recent years. The regional rout follows a brutal overnight session on Wall Street, where the Nasdaq composite plunged 5.5%.
The primary driver is a dramatic shift in investor sentiment following a Democratic sweep in the US midterm elections. Markets are sharply repricing the AI infrastructure boom amid mounting fears that the new political landscape will bring tighter regulatory scrutiny and data-center development restrictions. This has exacerbated existing anxieties regarding whether the massive capital expenditure on artificial intelligence will yield near-term profitability. Continued …
GULF reports net profit of 9,289 million baht in Q3/2026, up 28% YoY
Gulf Development Public Co. reported total revenue of 52,809 million baht in Q3/2026, an increase of 75% from 30,177 million baht in Q3/2025. Core profit reached 9,045 million baht, increasing 24% from 7,280 million.
The group’s improved performance was primarily driven by growth in the energy business, both gas-fired and renewable energy businesses. For the gas-fired power business, Gulf Pluak Daeng (GPD), an IPP project under the IPD group, recorded higher core profit compared to the same period last year, supported by increased electricity sales to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). Continued …
Chinese arrivals to Thailand could fall 20% in final two months of 2026
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) has warned that Chinese tourist arrivals to Thailand could fall by 20% year-on-year in November and December unless the government takes stronger action to restore confidence following a safety advisory issued by the Chinese embassy.
The warning comes after Chinese visitor numbers fell by 13.57% in October to 308,942, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The decline occurred despite China’s National Day holiday on Oct. 1, traditionally an important period for outbound travel. Continued …
Krabi welcomes more European air links for the 2026 High Season
As Pattaya struggles with weak high-season bookings and soaring airfares, Krabi International Airport is staging a dramatic comeback. European airlines are returning with direct flights, Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350 jets after years of pandemic disruption.
Deputy Minister of Transport Phattrapong Phattraprasit confirmed the expansion yesterday. The winter program includes 97 charter flights from Europe and Russia, alongside returning services from Poland, Finland and Scandinavia. Yet Krabi’s recovery remains incomplete, with international flight schedules still below last year’s levels. Continued …
Panic in Pattaya as high season bookings slump from last year
Pattaya faces a high-season tourism crisis as hotel bookings fail to materialize, with airfares soaring 30%–40% amid the US-Iran war. Meanwhile, Chinese group bookings have slumped by over 30%, with warnings of a 50% fall during Lunar New Year. Chinese safety alerts have also sparked a diplomatic clash between Bangkok and Beijing.
Furthermore, cheaper holidays in Vietnam, a strong baht and fierce regional competition are squeezing demand. Chonburi tourism leaders warn of serious uncertainty as Thailand reports a 4.59% fall in foreign arrivals and declining tourism revenue. Continued …
Buriram MotoGP 2027 tickets on sale Monday
Tickets for the 2027 Grand Prix of Thailand at Buriram’s Chang International Circuit will go on sale worldwide at 2 pm Thai time on Monday. The March 5-7 race weekend will open the MotoGP World Championship for the third consecutive year. It will also be the first race held under MotoGP’s new technical rules.
Fans in Thailand can buy tickets at Counter Service All Ticket points in 7-Eleven branches nationwide. Overseas buyers and visitors planning a trip to Buriram can purchase through the AllTicket Thailand website. Continued …
Sold out Tomorrowland Thailand debut nears, Chonburi hotels all booked
Rachata Thunyavuthi, an executive board member of Wearone World (Thailand) Co. organizer of the international electronic dance music (EDM) festival Tomorrowland Thailand, said preparations were under way both inside and outside the festival site for its first Thai edition, scheduled for Dec.11-13, at Wisdom Valley in Khao Mai Kaeo subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi.
Economic activity was expected to exceed the projected 5 billion baht. Stage structures and other on-site installations were more than 40% complete, with work scheduled to finish within 60 days of its start on Oct. 15. Continued …
Thais worldwide invited to wear traditional clothing throughout December
The Thai Ministry of Culture invited Thai people around the world to wear traditional Thai clothing throughout December, ahead of an expected UNESCO decision on the country’s nomination for intangible cultural heritage status.
Thailand submitted the eight styles of Chut Thai Phra Ratcha Niyom to UNESCO in 2024. The nomination is expected to be considered from Dec. 1 to 3 during the 21st session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, in Xiamen, China, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 5. Continued …
Minister rules out solar panel deposits for households
Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee has assured that households participating in the government’s solar rooftop scheme won’t need to pay a deposit.
He defended the requirement for private installation firms to provide a 50,000-baht bank guarantee and purchase seven-year insurance, stressing that the measures were designed to protect consumers. Continued …
Analysts propose cleaner power-development plan
Energy and climate specialists have proposed an alternative version of Thailand’s power-development plan (PDP) dubbed the “Resilient PDP”, aimed at ensuring a smooth transition to a low-carbon economy without relying heavily on natural gas as a bridging fuel.
Under the Resilient PDP, Thailand would install up to 60 gigawatts of rooftop solar capacity, almost three times the 24.3GW target set out in the government’s latest PDP. The increased solar deployment would significantly reduce the country’s dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG). Continued …
COP31 faces tough test as climate threats mount
Nearly 200 nations gather for the COP31 summit in Turkey on Monday but tensions over geopolitics, finance and fossil fuels are tempering expectations of a major breakthrough in tackling the climate crisis.
Tougher action on fossil fuels, the main driver of climate change, appears unlikely and budget-strapped developed countries are reluctant to commit more money to help developing nations cope with climate impacts. Continued …
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Kazakh fraud suspect arrested in Phuket after overstay – Continued …
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Nigerian arrested over cocaine in Phuket’s Cherng Talay – Continued …
Iran reports three tankers damaged in Hormuz yesterday
Iran reported that three more tankers had been damaged in the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, as shipping remained under threat despite growing political pressure in Washington over the Gulf war.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reported that two tankers struck naval mines and another caught fire . The Guards generally do not acknowledge firing on merchant vessels, but maintain that passage through the strait is unsafe without Tehran’s permission. Continued …
Brent gains US$3.67 a barrel after tanker attacks
Renewed attacks on tankers pushed Brent crude futures US$3.67 a barrel higher yesterday, 2026, as concerns about secure oil deliveries tempered optimism over a possible diplomatic resolution to the US-Israeli war with Iran. Continued …
US midterms offer hope on Ukraine aid, Russia scrutiny
The Democratic sweep in US midterm elections opens doors to new aid for Ukraine as it battles Moscow’s invasion, and could bring scrutiny over President Donald Trump’s Russia policies, analysts said yesterday. Continued …
Hoax bomb threats disrupt at least 27 passenger flights across Europe
At least 27 passenger flights across Europe were affected by hoax bomb threats yesterday, forcing some aircraft to divert or make unscheduled landings while fighter jets were deployed to intercept or escort others. The disruption marked the second major wave of similar incidents this week. Continued …
Google to invest another $15 billion in Malaysia
Google has announced plans to invest $15 billion in Malaysia from 2027 to 2028, with the spending going toward data center campuses, clean energy, bolstering water security and upskilling workers. Continued …
Israel faces new era of sinking US support after election
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s brash campaign posters are still up on Israeli public buses — images of him, US President Donald Trump and soaring warjets that laud the two leaders attacking Iran together. Neither is now advertising the state of the two countries’ alliance. 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
Criminal warnings issued on beach demolitions
Proud Group and its partners have launched a tourism campaign worth more than 90 million baht, offering free sports sessions, water park admission and beachfront fitness activities to promote Hua Hin as a wellness lifestyle destination.
Four international tennis tournaments in Hua Hin will offer more than two million baht in prize money this November and December, with the first men’s main-draw matches starting on Monday.
Thailand’s Ministry of Energy has pledged to consider proposals to reduce fuel prices and reform the country’s oil-pricing structure following demands from transport and logistics operators. Officials received the demands at a protest outside the ministry in Bangkok yesterday.
The National Security Council (NSC) has urged the public not to panic or stockpile food, saying domestic supplies remain sufficient despite rising global tensions.
Thailand is preparing evidence that could lead to the revocation of Thai citizenship for another three foreign businessmen, Justice Minister Rutthaphol Naowarat said following a ten-agency meeting in Bangkok yesterday.
A Thai-French female streamer has drawn more than two million views after posting footage of a confrontation with a convenience store employee near Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya.
Gold bullion in Thailand closed at a selling price of 64,400 baht per baht-weight yesterday, according to the Gold Traders Assn. The quotation for 96.5%-purity gold was 1,900 baht, or 3.04%, above the Nov. 3 close.
Thai business leaders and market analysts say the Democratic sweep in the US midterm elections could improve conditions for Thailand, by placing greater checks on President Donald Trump’s policies and encouraging capital flows into emerging markets.
Thailand’s economy is expected togrow 2.4% to 2.6% this year, up from a previous forecast of 2.1% to 2.5%, a leading business group said yesterday.
The European Union has pitched itself as a “trusted and long-term partner” for Thailand’s economic transformation, with its ambassador saying a free trade agreement (FTA) now under negotiation could anchor deeper investment, technology transfer and a shift toward a greener, higher-value economy.
Thailand is accelerating petroleum exploration both onshore and in the Andaman Sea as it seeks to increase domestic energy supplies and reduce reliance on imports amid continued volatility in global fuel markets.
Thailand’s rice exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) more than doubled to approximately 1.25 million tons in the first nine months of 2026, as stronger purchases from the Philippines and Malaysia helped offset declining shipments to Iraq, according to the Department of Foreign Trade.
CP Axtra, the operator of Makro and Lotus’s wholesale and retail businesses, plans to develop 78 projects in 2027, including opening new locations and renovations of existing stores across 37 provinces.
Automatic passport control extended to 33 countries
Sky ICT plans Suvarnabhumi humanoid robot trial
Doctors and nurses in Thailand fear eating KFC on shift because of a long-standing medical superstition known as the “KFC Fried Chicken Curse” (or “เวรเยิน” / wen yern, meaning a disastrously busy shift).
Bangkok lists 16 Royal Barge Procession viewing points for tomorrow
Iran’s government savored the stinging rebuke delivered to Donald Trump in the midterm elections, declaring voters had rejected the war launched by the US president even as Tehran remained on high alert for the possibility of renewed strikes. 
The Bank of England is expected to raise its benchmark interest rate today for the first time in more than three years, as soaring energy costs push up global inflation. The BoE is forecast to tighten borrowing costs by a quarter point to 4.0%. 
Google has said it will switch off its AI tools for schoolchildren by default, after drawing criticism for pushing artificial intelligence features to students while schools are still debating how the technology should be used in classrooms. 
The Meteorological Department expects the cold season in Thailand to start later than usual this year due to the strong El Nino weather phenomenon. According to the department, El Nino this year is at least as severe as the one the region experienced in 2023.
Thailand recorded 470 mpox cases and three deaths between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31, prompting the Department of Disease Control (DDC) to urge people with suspicious symptoms to seek medical attention without delay.
The cabinet approved a Transport Ministry proposal yesterday to cap Bangkok’s electric train fares at 45 baht across all lines to ease the cost of living for commuters. The fare cap will be in effect for the 2027 calendar year.
The Bank of Thailand has raised concerns over growing fragility in the country’s labor market, as rising unemployment threatens to weigh on domestic consumption.
Phuket will host the Global Wellness Summit 2026 from Nov. 10-13, with Her Majesty Queen Suthida scheduled to officially open the event on Nov. 11.
Phuket’s housing market has properties worth 194.545 billion baht awaiting buyers in 2026, placing it second only to Bangkok and its surrounding provinces, as continued investment brings closer scrutiny of nominee ownership and encroachment on public land.
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a sharp rise in excise tax on imported battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs), setting a 35% rate from Jan. 1, 2027.
Familiar coastal destinations are proving that nostalgia and convenience are a winning combination, with new data revealing a strong resurgence in domestic travel interest along Thailand’s eastern seaboard.
Sky lantern festival poised for visitor surge
Thailand’s dinosaur kingdom moves closer to UNESCO designation
Setting the stage for the highly anticipated MICHELIN Star announcement on Nov. 10, the MICHELIN Guide Thailand unveils the 2027 MICHELIN Bib Gourmand selection in its milestone 10th edition, welcoming 26 first-time entries that bring the total to 151 dining venues.
Thailand’s joint committee reviewing the Clean Air Management Bill said it hopes to finish its work during the current parliamentary session, with the aim of bringing the law into force before the next PM2.5 season.
The booming data center segment is prompting Banpu Next, a clean and smart energy solution provider under energy conglomerate Banpu Plc, to scale up its solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) businesses to serve industrial estates and large-scale businesses, targeting more than 300 megawatts of clean power generation capacity in Thailand by 2030.
A new electric bus service linking Phuket International Airport with Rawai beach began operating on Sunday, offering travelers and commuters a lower-cost public transport option across the island.
Don Mueang airport transport guide covers buses, taxis and trains
Phuket was lashed by heavy rain again last night, leading to several parts of three districts, including Patong seaside town, getting flooded.
Trade Boom Pushes Thailand’s Biggest Port Past Capacity
The architecture of global finance is undergoing a profound transformation. As tokenized assets, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and stablecoins reshape traditional boundaries, regional hubs are seeking innovative ways to connect capital markets and streamline cross-border payments.
Thailand records 25.46 million arrivals, down 4.6%
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport could double its annual passenger capacity to 120 million within seven years under an Airports of Thailand (AOT) plan for a new terminal, a proposed fourth runway and expanded processing areas.
The Southeast Asia Medical Tourism Market reached USD 6.1 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 35.5 Billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 21.68% during 2026-2034. This growth rests on Thailand’s established leadership attracting over a million medical tourists annually, Malaysia’s dedicated medical tourism year in 2026, Indonesia’s push to retain patients currently traveling abroad, and Vietnam’s formal medical tourism development plan through 2030 .
Chiang Mai saw autumn flight bookings rise 84.3% year-on-year, the largest increase recorded by any city in the Asia-Pacific region, according to online travel company Trip.com Group.
Southeast Asia remains a growth pillar for luxury travel amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, as more travelers shift to the region, including Thailand, viewing it as a safe haven, according to global hospitality brand Accor.
Increased presence of elephants near communities causes concern
From chedi to the classroom: Making Thai architecture tangible
In Bangkok, heat is becoming harder to escape. Concrete roads, glass towers, and dense traffic absorb the sun through the day and release it long after dark, a phenomenon urban planners call the urban heat island effect.
The government’s rooftop solar subsidy scheme should not become a commercial contest that only the biggest installers can afford to enter. Such concerns follow complaints from small operators that the government’s requirements for rooftop solar installers put them at a disadvantage.
As artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers drive demand for reliable electricity, small modular reactors (SMRs) are emerging as a potential source of round-the-clock, low-carbon power.
Six destinations in Thailand have been recognized in the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2026 awards in Kranj, Slovenia, for locally led projects in sustainable tourism.
At least 26 people were killed after Russian bombs hit an aid distribution center, in an attack that Ukraine’s leader has called “utterly horrific”. Five people were injured and 27 initially reported missing after at least nine 3,000-kilogram aerial bombs hit the village of Komyshuvakha in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. 
Thai AirAsia’s Hua Hin–Chiang Mai flights are now operating daily, with the increased frequency scheduled to continue until March 27, 2027.
Hua Hin BluesFest 2026 will take place at The Kaset Hua Hin on Sunday, Dec. 6, bringing Thai and international musicians together for seven and a half hours of live music over Thailand’s Father’s Day long weekend.
Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas has received a certificate of recognition from the Biodiversity-Based Economy Development Office (BEDO) for its participation in projects promoting environmentally responsible tourism and the sustainable use of biodiversity.
Kaeng Krachan’s Khao Phanoen Thung reopens Nov 1
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Saturday that the Thai-Cambodian border will remain closed because there remain several conflicting issues between the two countries that are yet to be resolved.
Thailand’s political confidence index fell to 3.52 out of 10 in October, with ratings for the government and prime minister also declining, according to a nationwide Suan Dusit Poll released yesterday.
Robot used in new heart surgery
Thailand aims to become a high-income economy by 2037, with a new five-year science and innovation strategy targeting annual GDP growth of 5%.
Thailand eyes status as AI medical hub
Thailand is keen to leverage small artificial intelligence (AI) to create a big impact in many sectors. Small AI solutions are focused applications designed to solve specific, practical problems, often using less data, computing power and money than large, general purpose systems.
Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to cut the floor space given to duty-free shops in Suvarnabhumi International Airport, moving more sales to pick-up counters and handing part of the area to automated gates. The airport operator also expects to announce details of a new paid premium service for arriving and departing passengers this month.
The accusation of “favoring tycoons” continues to haunt the Bhumjaithai government after the Cabinet meeting on Oct. 27 approved the solar power project for the public, with the government incentivizing Thais to install “solar rooftops” with a subsidy of 50,000 baht per household.
As Thailand accelerates its transition to a low-carbon economy, energy policymakers are revising the country’s oil strategy to balance decarbonization goals with energy security.
Hua Hin is gearing up for four months of fun. A new campaign aims to make the seaside destination even more appealing to travelers. 
Hua Hin Municipality has launched an operation to demolish 15 structures encroaching on the beach, from the fishing pier to the Thap Tim Shrine. A large number of officials and machinery have been deployed, aiming to return the public area to citizens in November. 
The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts thundershowers across 60% of Bangkok and surrounding areas today, and isolated heavy rain on the south’s east coast. The forecast is valid from 6 am today until 6 am tomorrow.
Last week, a 67-year-old motorist drove her white sedan through the glass doors of a Big C outlet in Bangkok’s Onnut area after accidently pressing the accelerator instead of the brake. Six people were injured in the accident, including a six-year-old girl and an 81-year-old woman.
Thailand’s Department of Land Transport has denied reports that it plans to cancel or recall lifetime driving licenses, saying existing holders can continue using them legally as normal.
Gold prices in Thailand fell sharply by 1,550 baht at the opening of trading today, extending losses from the previous day as a sell-off in Wall Street technology stocks triggered a wider retreat in global precious metals markets.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects three flagship year-end campaigns to generate 630 million baht in domestic tourism revenue, contributing to a projected 206 million domestic trips worth 1.1 trillion baht for the year.
Koh Kood’s tourism association has urged the government and private-sector operators to manage visitor numbers, warning that rapid growth could overwhelm the Trat island during the high season.
Room rates, booking conditions and advertising promises would become part of binding contracts with guests under a proposed Thai law aimed at strengthening protections for travelers.
Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat discussed a proposal to set Thailand’s taxi fares according to four vehicle sizes during talks with three taxi associations yesterday. The approach is intended to align charges with operating costs.
Thailand’s ambitious drive toward a net-zero future and a major expansion of renewable energy capacity is prompting growing concerns among energy officials over the country’s ability to maintain a stable electricity supply.
Vietnam is poised to overtake Indonesia in nominal gross domestic product (GDP) per capita this year, as rapid economic expansion, foreign investment and rising exports strengthen its position among Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts that Vietnam’s nominal GDP per capita will increase by 8.9% in 2026 to US$5,259, almost doubling its level over the past decade. 
Hackers stole US$6.3 billion from Binance, the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange, in a record theft that analysts blamed on North Korea and said could be the largest financial heist of all time. 
Thai carrier Ezy Airlines has launched its second scheduled route, offering nonstop Surat Thani–Hua Hin flights. Cessna aircraft will serve this route twice daily, although service will not be offered from Tuesdays to Thursdays. The first flight is scheduled on Nov. 7. The airline also operates Surat Thani–U-Tapao Airport twice daily, except for Tuesdays trough Thursdays). – Aeroroutes
Charoen Pokphand Group Senior Chairman Dhanin Chearavanont has given young Thai guitarist Nene Royal a gold Buddha image and his blessings as her family prepares to move into a luxury condominium worth 35 million baht (US$1.2 million).
Thailand has warned farmers, people with diabetes and residents in flood-prone areas to take precautions against melioidosis, also known as soil fever, after recording 3,102 cases and 136 deaths nationwide this year.
Bangkok’s condominium market may take another two to three years to return to normal, with more than 65,300 unsold units in the capital worth a combined 370 billion baht.
Bangkok ultra-luxury condos could top 1 million baht per square meter
Inside a modern seafood processing plant: from boat to shelf
Food industry expansion slows amid surging costs and weak consumer spending
Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul visited the park on Damnoen Kasem Road with municipal executives, the director of the Engineering Department, construction supervisors and relevant officials to check progress. 
Khao Tao Reservoir renovations planned after complaints
A Prachuap Khiri Khan weather warning covering Oct. 28–31 has urged residents to remain alert for heavy rain, strong wind gusts, flash floods and landslides.
Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund Management Committee approved reductions in retail fuel prices yesterday, cutting the price of B7 diesel by 1 baht per liter and the prices of E10-95 and E10-91 gasohol by 50 satang per liter, effective from today.
Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has deployed rapid response units to track a hostile wild gaur and monitor elephant movements in Chanthaburi following two separate wildlife attacks yesterday that left one person dead and three others injured.
At a government wildlife rescue center in Thailand, dozens of lost and injured baby leopard cats are receiving a second chance at life in the wild. Annual admission of leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) at the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation rescue center in Khon Kaen, in northeastern Thailand, have surged from an average of about 10 cats per year before to 2023 to as many as 65 now.
Three Thai property associations are preparing to seek additional tax relief from Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, as the housing industry warns that mortgage rejection rates could reach 50% in 2026.
Pickups were long Thailand’s largest vehicle segment, at times accounting for around half the market, before contracting sharply in recent years. For the latest eight-month period, Tri Petch Isuzu Sales said the overall vehicle market grew by 18%, driven mainly by passenger cars and SUVs, while pickup sales were close to the level recorded in the same period last year.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said yesterday the ministry had worked with three major e-commerce platforms – Shopee, TikTok Shop and Lazada – to lower sales fees and ease costs for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which had been affected by repeated fee increases since the start of the year.
Thailand Targets Global Pet Hub Status as Pet Food Exports Reach $3.28 Billion
Small contractors risk being excluded from the government’s 50-billion-baht solar rooftop program due to excessively harsh regulatory frameworks and stringent technical requirements. Industry groups, such as the Thai Photovoltaic Industries Assn., have noted that these rules are particularly disproportionate for small and medium-sized operators.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has defended Thailand’s “public solar” program against criticism that it favors large businesses, saying it will lower household costs and encourage renewable energy use.
A Renfe high-speed train struck a stationary Iryo service in Castilla-La Mancha, south of Madrid, yesterday, killing at least 68 people in Spain’s second major high-speed rail disaster of the year. 
Lavaron Sangsnit, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Finance, said the Cabinet had formally approved a household solar program targeting one million homes nationwide. The program will support rooftop, ground-mounted and floating solar power systems, with a government subsidy of 50,000 baht per household toward a standard 140,000-baht package using equipment certified by the electricity utilities.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecast heavy rain in 17 central and southern provinces today. The department warned that persistent rain could cause flash floods and runoff in the south, while thunderstorms and strong gusts remain a threat across upper Thailand, particularly the central region.
Thai food study finds bacteria in raw enoki mushroom samples
Thailand’s consumer sentiment in October reveals a notable shift in the issues weighing on people’s minds. While financial and political corruption remains the country’s leading concern, poverty and social inequality has returned to second place, and climate change has emerged as one of the month’s fastest-rising worries.
Thailand’s Parliament has opened public consultation on a proposed overhaul of the country’s firearms law, including a requirement for personal gun possession licenses to be renewed every five years.
Car production in Thailand dropped 6.1% in September from a year earlier to 120,319 units, due partially to disruptions caused by flooding, the Federation of Thai Industries said yesterday. The reading followed a rise of 10.9% in August.
Thailand and Malaysia reaffirmed their commitment to achieving US$30 billion in bilateral trade by 2027 during ministerial talks in Bangkok yesterday, while backing faster progress on border transport projects and closer security cooperation.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) has warned that Chinese group-tour business in Thailand could fall by as much as 50% during the Lunar New Year holiday in 2027 unless the government moves quickly to address safety concerns raised by the Chinese embassy.
Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit is leading efforts to introduce seaplane services in the Andaman region to stimulate the local economy and boost tourism. This strategic plan involves coordinating with various authorities, including the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand and the Department of Airports, to manage landing sites, staff training, and environmental protection.
Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has warned that prolonged high oil prices could put pressure on inflation and the current account. Energy economist Praipol Koomsup has called for broader fuel tax cuts, while suggesting prices could ease within one to two months if conflicts subside. 
Hua Hin’s first-ever Halloween parade will take place on Saturday, Oct. 31, with residents and visitors invited to dress up and join the celebrations on Soi Bintabaht.
More than 1,700 Thai and international runners took part in Run with the Flow 2026 in Hua Hin on Sunday, supporting heart and brain health, and raising funds to help disadvantaged patients access medical treatment.
Video of the panther and leopard at Kaeng Krachan
I’ve been coming to Thailand for 30 years and have lived here since 2014. Over the years, the word has come to play an increasingly absurd role in my life. I’m an alien in Thailand, and I see little prospect of that changing.
Thailand’s hotel and accommodation sector recorded 148 business closures in the first nine months of 2026, a 42% increase on the same period last year, according to the Kasikorn Research Center.
Thailand’s agricultural and agro-industrial exports fell 1.9% in the first nine months of 2026 as high production costs and intense global competition weighed on key products, even as booming electronics shipments pushed the country’s overall exports to record levels.
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee approved in principle yesterday the designation of four new special economic promotion zones worth 25.66 billion baht, aiming to attract global technology enterprises and artificial intelligence investments.
Artificial intelligence has overtaken climate change as the top global risk, according to a 2026 report from French insurer Axa. This shift is driven by concerns that technological advancements are progressing faster than the ability of regulators to prepare for the potential consequences.
Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival set for March
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) are enhancing cooperation to modernize national park services, promote high-value nature tourism, and uphold environmental conservation standards.
Doi Luang Chiang Dao opens online bookings for 2026–27 treks
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has accelerated a study on nuclear energy adoption, setting a target to launch Thailand’s first commercial small modular reactor (SMR) by 2037.
US President Donald Trump attacked Norway during a campaign rally, calling it a “shit house country,” and said that Norwegian immigrants were not welcome in the United States because its Nobel Committee had not awarded him the Peace Prize. 
Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees, the company said yesterdayy, roughly a quarter of its workforce, as the tech giant seeks to cut costs while pouring money into artificial intelligence.