- Hua Hin Couple Jump From Hotel/Government cuts power tariff/Egg prices rise/Laos acquires World Cup telecasts/Thailand’s Children Are Falling Behind/Phangan Host Denies Foreigner Stopped Temple Event
- ECONOMY: Thailand’s shrinking surplus raises fears/Thais Help Thais Plus/Eateries to face gloomy third quarter/Food delivery market heats up/Thai Industry Opportunities and Risks
- TOURISM: Thai Airlines Cancel Thousands Of Flights
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Finest Golf Courses in Hua Hin/Bangkok dining ranked second
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Energy scheme raises concerns/Thai exporters on notice/Thailand’s data center cost risk/’Deepening crisis’ in oceans
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin Couple Jump From Hotel Building, Die Together
Two Thai residents of Hua Hin died after jumping from the 16th floor of a hotel building in Hua Hin in the early hours Sunday. The man, aged 43, and the woman, aged 29, were found dead near each other on the ground below the building, having sustained severe head injuries.
Investigators found a handwritten suicide note inside the couple’s hotel room. According to police, the note contained apologies to family members, references to exhaustion from life problems, and a message asking the man’s mother to take care of herself. Continued …
Government cuts power tariff to 3 baht for first 200 units
The government will cut electricity tariffs to no more than 3 baht per unit for the first 200 units, starting from the June billing cycle, in a cost-of-living relief measure expected to benefit more than 20 million households nationwide.
Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the prime minister’s office, said the measure is part of the government’s broader effort to ease living costs under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Continued …
Egg prices rise 20 satang as feed costs squeeze Thai farmers
Egg prices in Thailand have risen by 20 satang per egg from yesterday, as poultry farmers come under growing pressure from higher feed and maize costs. The Central Region Small-Scale Egg-Layer Farmers Trade Assn. said the latest price movement reflects rising production expenses rather than an increase in the recommended farm-gate ceiling.
Payao Arikul, president of the association, said actual market prices had moved from 3.30 baht to 3.50 baht per egg, while the recommended farm-gate price for mixed-size eggs remains unchanged at 3.60 baht per egg. Continued …
Laos acquires World Cup telecasts, Thailand still dark
Laos has secured the broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing viewers across the country to watch all 104 matches free of charge, while negotiations over television rights in Thailand remain unresolved.
Telecommunications company Star Telecom, commonly known as Unitel, has reached an agreement with the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to secure the official broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. Continued …
Thailand’s Children Are Falling Behind — And the Nation’s Future Depends on What Happens Next
One in three Thai children cannot read properly by the age of ten. Youth unemployment is rising. And the workforce needed to power Thailand’s next decade of growth is simply not being trained. Against this backdrop of mounting urgency, a roundtable yesterday brought together some of the country’s foremost voices in education, policy, academia, and student leadership to confront what many are now calling a systemic crisis.
The event, titled Beyond the Classroom: Thai Education Beyond Borders, was held in Bangkok with the singular objective of imagining a fairer, more modern, and genuinely inclusive education system — one capable of reaching every province and every child, regardless of postcode or income. Continued …
Phangan Host Denies Foreigner Stopped Temple Event
A host of a Buddhist ordination celebration on Koh Phangan has denied claims that a foreign resident attempted to shut down the event, saying the matter was resolved peacefully after a simple conversation. The clarification follows widespread criticism on social media after reports suggested a foreigner had objected to a traditional community ceremony at a temple in Surat Thani province.
The controversy emerged after online posts claimed a foreign resident had tried to stop activities linked to an ordination ceremony at a temple on Koh Phangan. The story was widely shared and interpreted by some as an attempt to interfere with local traditions and cultural practices. Continued …
Thailand’s shrinking surplus raises baht stability fears
Thailand is being warned that its economic challenge is no longer only about whether growth will recover in the second half of the year, but whether the country can reform fast enough before today’s structural risks turn into a deeper crisis. The warning comes as economists and business leaders point to a shift in Thailand’s long-standing economic strengths.
For years, the country benefited from large current account surpluses, supported by exports and tourism. That position is now weakening as energy costs remain high, imports rise, competitiveness declines, and the country struggles to build new sources of income from future industries. Continued …
Thais Help Thais Plus hits non-participating restaurant sales by 50%
Thaniwan Kulmongkol, president of the Thai Restaurant Assn., said the association submitted a letter directly to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, asking him to consider expanding eligibility or introducing additional measures for small restaurant operators with annual revenue above 1.8 million baht, who are currently unable to join the Thais Help Thais Plus scheme.
The association said the measure was beneficial to the grassroots economy and helped stimulate domestic purchasing power. However, many small restaurants that operate legally, are registered in the value-added tax system, employ workers, and make social security contributions, but have average annual revenue of 2 million to 5 million baht, are unable to participate because the criteria are limited to operators with revenue of no more than 1.8 million baht per year. Continued …
Eateries expected to face gloomy third quarter
The outlook for the restaurant industry in the third quarter remains pessimistic, with high costs, weak consumer spending power, and a potential drop in tourist numbers continuing to loom over the industry.
Thitid Tassanakajohn, a chef and restaurateur, said the industry saw a brief rebound in the first quarter, supported by a recovery in tourism. However, in the second quarter, the industry declined due to geopolitical conflict, high energy costs and their ripple effects, making conditions worse than in the second quarter of 2025. Continued …
Food delivery market heats up
Grab and Line Man Wongnai are competing strongly to become market leaders in a duopolistic market amid a challenging economy, with the latter slashing fees to attract merchants.
According to the Department of Business Development, Line Man Thailand, which operates Line Man Wongnai, recorded a net profit for the first time of 542 million baht in 2025, compared with a net loss of 356 million baht in 2024. Continued …
Thai Industry Leader Highlights Opportunities and Risks
Pimjai Leeissaranukul, chairperson of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), revealed an overview of the Thai industrial sectors trend during the second quarter of 2026. S
he observed that many industries continue to expand, supported by export markets, strong domestic demand, and government policentives. However, some industries are still facing challenges such as rising production costs, shortages of raw materials, competition from imported products, and a slowdown in purchasing power. Continued …
Thai Airlines Cancel Thousands Of Flights Amid Ongoing Fuel Crisis
Multiple Thai airlines have canceled approximately 3,800 flights due to skyrocketing jet fuel prices, spurred on by the prolonged crisis in the Middle East. The crisis has led to jet fuel becoming 2 to 3 times more expensive than normal, thereby pushing up the airlines’ fuel costs and other operating costs.
According to a report, the Middle East crisis is not the only reason behind the reduced service. The low season across the region is another contributing factor. Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), said, “The aviation industry in the first half of the year had been affected by the Middle East war, with around 3,840 flights lost, affecting more than 1.2 million accumulated seats.” Continued …
Luxury Golf Escapes: The Finest Courses in Hua Hin
Imagine stepping onto a perfectly manicured green just as the morning sun rises over the Gulf of Thailand. A gentle breeze rustles the nearby palm trees, and the dramatic outlines of dark mountain peaks frame your view.
This is golf in Hua Hin. Once a quiet fishing village, this beautiful coastal town has grown into a world-class playground for golfers. It is the perfect place for people who want to combine a relaxing tropical vacation with some of the most exciting, high-end rounds of golf in all of Asia. Continued …
Bangkok ranked second among the world’s 20 best food cities
Every year, Time Out publishes the results of its international survey ranking the world’s best cities. To get there, we surveyed thousands of city dwellers and asked them to rate their city’s food scene across 18 different criteria, including quality, affordability and diversity.
Then we tapped our global network of chefs, editors and food critics to provide local insight into what makes their particular cities such wonderful places to eat. Continued …
B200-billion energy scheme raises concerns
The plan to allocate 200 billion baht toward energy transition, focusing on rooftop solar systems and battery-powered vehicles, has raised concerns among economists and lawmakers over transparency and feasibility.
The funding, which represents half of the controversial 400-billion-baht emergency loan approved by the cabinet, is being criticized for lacking clear details and oversight. Continued …
China’s green code puts Thai exporters on notice
China’s landmark environmental code is set to raise the green compliance bar for Thai exporters and manufacturers, turning carbon footprints and environmental performance from optional CSR into conditions for staying in Chinese supply chains and securing green finance at home.
The shift comes as China prepares to enforce its Ecological and Environmental Code on Aug. 15. The code is China’s second national legal code after the Civil Code and consolidates its previously fragmented environmental laws into a unified framework. Continued …
World Bank flags Thailand data center cost risk
Kwanpadh Suddhi-Dhamakit, senior country officer for World Bank Thailand, said the issue of water resources and data center investment in Thailand was a major global challenge, as data centers require large amounts of both water and electricity, a challenge almost every country is facing.
From a water-management perspective, he said, the question was how to deal with periods when large volumes of water arrive, or how to secure enough water when supply is insufficient. Continued …
UN warns of ‘deepening crisis’ in oceans
Oceans are in a “deepening crisis” that demands urgent global action, a major UN report warned yesterday, with seas warming and rising faster, ice cover shrinking, and marine ecosystems under mounting strain.
The culmination of five years of work by 600 international scientists, the 1,352-page tome details the growing toll of climate change, pollution, and overfishing in our oceans, which cover more than 70% of the planet. Continued ….
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Brit in doctor’s death case also faces nominee business charges – Continued …
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2 foreign women fined 10,000 baht for assault on Phuket bar guards – Continued …
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Chinese Scam Gang Busted at Chiang Mai Homes – Continued …
Hong Kong to open first convenience store operated by humanoid robot
Hong Kong will soon open its first convenience store operated by a humanoid robot as part of the city’s push to integrate AI into everyday life and deepen residents’ understanding of the technology, the finance chief has said. 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
Registration has opened for the Hua Hin International Half Marathon 2026, with runners invited to sign up for the event, which will take place on Sunday. July 19.
A 42-year-old former factory worker died after being bitten by a centipede in Si Racha, Chon Buri, with her partner claiming they could not afford treatment after discovering her social security coverage had expired.
The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) today filed a lawsuit against Meta, the owner of Facebook, covering both its Thailand office and headquarters. The council accused the platform of allowing scam advertisements and online fraud to spread continuously, despite discussions and repeated calls for stronger preventive measures over more than a year.
More airlines could face insolvency or be taken over by stronger rivals as jet fuel prices rise because of the conflict in the Middle East, Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Assn. said on Saturday.
Commerzbank’s FX analysts note that the USD/THB exchange rate experienced a decline to 32.55, primarily attributed to portfolio inflows. This movement occurred despite Thailand’s April trade deficit widening significantly to a record USD10.0 billion.
Thailand’s industrial estate market showed strong signs of recovery in the first quarter of 2026 despite global economic volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, according to the latest report from Colliers Thailand.
Thai businesses are increasingly exploring opportunities in Russia despite concerns over sanctions, payment restrictions, and potential repercussions for companies with links to Western markets, as Thai delegates attended the St. Petersburg International Economic (SPIEF).
Dozens of dead cubs found at Thai tiger temple
Where street food shapes the region’s top culinary cities
Energy authorities are preparing to expand Thailand’s electricity generation capacity amid mounting concerns that rising demand from resource-intensive businesses, particularly data centers, could strain the national grid.
A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines this morning, killing at least one person, collapsing buildings, and sparking tsunami warnings across the region. Authorities in the Philippines and Indonesia urged residents in affected coastal regions to move to higher ground immediately. 
Residents of St. Petersburg were told not to leave their homes after a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack targeted Russia’s second-largest city Saturday morning, underscoring Kyiv’s growing ability to hit deep inside Russia. The attack came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin refused an offer to meet his Ukrainian counterpart. 
U.S. President Donald Trump stormed out of an interview with NBC airing yesterday after a heated exchange during “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker”. The interview ended abruptly when Trump – after repeating unsubstantiated claims that U.S. elections are “rigged”- walked out after calling Welker, her show, and other U.S. TV networks “crooked.” 
UK Pensions Minister Torsten Bell has updated MPs on the impact of the frozen state pension policy on British retirees living overseas, including thousands based in Thailand. The policy affects nearly half a million UK pensioners who live in countries where annual state pension increases under the triple lock do not apply.
Fuel prices fell across major petrol, gasohol, and diesel products today, after PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp. announced a fresh round of retail price cuts.
Thailand is facing widespread rain and possible flash floods, as a relatively strong southwest monsoon continues to cover the Andaman Sea, the country, and the Gulf of Thailand, while a low-pressure cell remains over upper Myanmar.
The recent crackdown on alleged nominee structures linked to foreign land ownership on Koh Phangan has reignited debate over long-standing concerns in Thailand’s property sector, particularly in resort destinations popular with overseas buyers.
Thailand’s inflation rose again in May, as high domestic fuel prices, transport fares, and prepared food costs continued to feed into household expenses, while the Commerce Ministry said the government’s “Thais Help Thais Plus” measure had not created significant price pressure.
Thailand’s export engine is running hot — powered by electronics, AI-related demand, and a rebound in agriculture. But imports are running even hotter, especially in energy and electronic components, pushing the trade deficit to unprecedented levels.
Thailand’s flagship land bridge project has suffered a significant setback after an expert review committee ordered fresh Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (EHIA) studies for planned deep-sea ports in Ranong and Chumphon. The ports are key components of the proposed transport corridor linking the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
The Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has reported the success of Thailand’s film incentive measures for foreign productions. Since 2017, a total of 100 foreign film productions from 12 countries and special administrative regions around the world have joined Thailand’s cash rebate scheme.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with François Corbin, vice president of the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF) International and chairman of the France–Thailand Business Forum (FTBF), along with French Ambassador to Thailand HE Jean-Claude Poimboeuf and representatives from 16 French companies on Thursday.
TAT launches ‘Wild Awake Journey’ to promote green-season conservation travel
Thai Airways International (THAI) has confirmed it will resume direct Bangkok-Amsterdam flights from July 1, expanding its international network as the carrier works to strengthen links between Thailand and Europe.
Shining beacon or failed city? Next four years could reveal Bangkok’s fate
Thailand pushes climate action at World Environment Day
As the war in the Strait of Hormuz continues to create havoc, Asia remains the worst hit by the global energy crisis. Whether it’s a large economy like Japan or China, or a struggling economy like Sri Lanka or Pakistan, the same fate holds.
CP ALL is inviting consumers across Thailand to take part in its environmental campaign, “Heal the World, Heal the Heart 24 Hours at 7-Eleven,” running from now until the end of 2026. The initiative encourages customers to adopt simple eco-friendly habits, such as reducing plastic consumption, in exchange for special rewards and loyalty points at 7-Eleven stores nationwide.
Authorities launched a multi-agency operation in Pai, Mae Hong Son province, targeting suspected foreign nominee business networks accused of concealing ownership structures and depriving local residents of business opportunities. The operation resulted in the arrest of three foreign nationals and searches at five locations linked to suspected illegal business activities. 
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a US$518-million emergency action plan to control the Ebola outbreak in Africa over the next six months, amid concerns that the outbreak is spreading rapidly and has become the fourth-largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded. 
This year’s fair will help raise money for disaster relief, support for low-income residents, people with disabilities, disadvantaged groups, and other public charity activities. Funds raised will be used to provide assistance, including consumer goods, survival bags, kitchen equipment, bedding, mosquito nets, medicine, home repairs for low-income residents, support for bedridden patients, and wheelchair donations. 
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast today that upper Thailand would see more rain over the next 24 hours, with heavy rain in some areas. Very heavy rain is expected in parts of the north, the western side of the central region, the east, and the west coast of the south, as a fairly strong south-westerly monsoon prevails over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand.
A new US tariff could pose a severe threat to Thai exports in the latter half of this year, causing fresh trade uncertainties, say economists and businesses.
Global businesses are moving away from the old model of anchoring headquarters, factories, or innovation centers in a single major city, as rising geopolitical, economic, and climate risks force companies to rethink how they manage location strategy.
Second-hand homes have become more popular among Thai homebuyers since the pandemic, with their share of both transaction volume and value increasing as new home transfers declined, reflecting weaker purchasing power amid a slowing economy.
Thailand’s tourism industry faces a fresh setback after the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) cut its 2026 forecast for Chinese visitor arrivals from 9 million to 7 million. The downgrade reflects growing safety concerns among Chinese travelers, alongside rising travel costs linked to higher oil prices caused by conflict in the Middle East.
IndiGo, India’s largest airline, yesterday said it would suspend operations to six international destinations, including Krabi, citing higher operating costs and broader pressure from continued airspace restrictions. The move comes a week after IndiGo reported a fourth-quarter loss, largely due to higher jet fuel costs.
Fuel prices in Thailand rose today after PTT Oil and Retail Business, or OR, and Bangchak Corp. adjusted retail prices across petrol, gasohol and diesel products. The increases apply to Bangkok retail prices, excluding local maintenance tax.
We often think of cancer as just bad luck or purely genetic, something inevitable. But what if the way we live is actually the biggest factor?
A national park in Thailand has not one but three reasons to celebrate after confirming a rare Bengal tiger is raising a trio of cubs in the protected area. Park rangers first spotted a single cub with its mother on a camera trap last year in Kaeng Krachan National Park, around 130 kilometers (80 miles) southwest of Bangkok.
The Gulf crisis deepened yesterday after attacks linked to Iran damaged Kuwait International Airport and injured dozens, while the United States launched fresh strikes near the Strait of Hormuz amid stalled efforts to end the war.
Thailand could face an additional 12.5% tariff on exports to the United States under a new proposal from the administration of US President Donald Trump, which targets imports from 60 countries over concerns about forced labor in global supply chains.
Industry analysts say while the asset sales by Electricity Generating (EGCO), Banpu Power and BCPG, the power-generation arm of Bangchak Corp., may superficially resemble a withdrawal of Thai capital from Western markets, each transaction is underpinned by distinct strategic, corporate, and legal motivations aimed at optimizing portfolios for a low-carbon future or higher renewable exposure.
The Finance Ministry has backed away from the old-car trade-in plan after running into problems over the management of end-of-life vehicles and old batteries, amid concerns that the scheme may not work in practice.
A Thai massage training program has opened in Hua Hin as part of Prachuap Khiri Khan’s push to develop wellness-related services, including alternative medicine, spa treatments, and Thai massage.
The first week of June is off to a somewhat unproductive start. Unless you are a self-motivating powerhouse with productivity bursting out at the seams, starting the week on Monday, June 1, with a public holiday (a substitute for Visakha Bucha), makes it a bit harder to assess your Google calendar and plan for deep work. It’s even harder when today is also a public holiday to celebrate Queen Suthida’s birthday.
Thai Airways International marked a historic milestone yesterday when a female pilot operated a commercial flight for the national carrier for the first time in its 66-year history.
The property markets on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are entering a major turning point, shifting from tourism destinations into Thailand’s new “investment hub” after receiving continuous support from foreign investment and rising purchasing power among international investors.
The Thai real estate sector is facing a quiet but catastrophic crisis, described by industry experts as a “slow-motion tsunami” driven by chronic economic stagnation and an aging population.
The Ministry of Commerce has been ordered to accelerate negotiations with the United States on trade and tariff issues, aiming to reach a conclusion swiftly to safeguard Thailand’s export sector.
In economics, few indicators of food security are as simple – and as powerful – as the price of eggs. Affordable, accessible, and nutritious, eggs should be the most democratic source of protein in any society. Yet in Thailand, a single egg tells a far more complex story – one of market power, distorted incentives, and a system that may no longer serve the public interest.
Pride celebrations have evolved from simple parades to major economic drivers through tourism. For example, the NYC Pride March attracts millions, boosting local tourism, though as an open-access event, spending per attendee is limited.
The Industry Ministry plans to announce an industrial standard for solar rooftop panels and related equipment within three months. Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said at Government House yesterday he would accelerate the introduction of an industrial standard to ensure the safety of the increasing number of households switching to home solar power.
Thailand has set a target for electric vehicles (EVs) to account for 50% of total car production by 2035, as officials warn that more than 110,000 workers could face disruption from the industry transition.
As the world pursues decarbonization, the concept of a “just transition” has become ubiquitous, particularly when describing the shift away from fossil fuels in emerging and developing economies.
Russian drones and missiles pounded Ukrainian cities such as Kyiv and Dnipro early yesterday, killing at least 10 people and wounding about 100, authorities said, following days of warnings about Moscow’s plans for a major assault. 
The World Meteorological Organization has warned that El Niño conditions are likely to develop in the coming months, raising concerns that global weather patterns could become more extreme at a time when the planet is already under pressure from human-driven climate change. 
Hua Hin Airport Upgrade Targets International Flights
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has recommended restructuring the alcoholic beverage tax system to help reduce consumption.
The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of continued rain across Thailand today, with heavy downpours in several areas and isolated very heavy rain expected along the south’s west coast.
Thai police have blocked 717,425 gambling-related URLs and social media channels across Thailand as part of an intensified crackdown on online betting, particularly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Factories across Southeast Asia are beginning to close and cut jobs as war-driven increases in raw-material, energy, and shipping costs squeeze manufacturers, exposing a widening divide between booming electronics exporters and struggling industries such as furniture, footwear, plastics, and local manufacturing.
Thailand’s economy may be growing faster than expected, but Commerce Minister Supajee Suthamphan has warned that the recovery is increasingly turning its back on small business concerns. Behind soaring exports, rising investment and stronger GDP growth lies a widening divide, with large corporations capturing up to 90% of export growth while many SMEs struggle for finance, technology and market access.
The government should accelerate infrastructure development to strengthen Thailand’s position as a leading destination for foreign investment in advanced industries, particularly those involving artificial intelligence (AI), says WHA Corp., which operates industrial estates, logistics, utilities, and power businesses.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is now growing rapidly, forcing the accelerated construction of enormous data centers, large-scale facilities for processing and storing vast volumes of data, around the world.
Malaysia has begun enforcing new social media rules banning children under 16 from having accounts on major online platforms, as the government steps up efforts to protect young users from digital risks. The measure, which took effect yesterday, covers millions of children and teenagers across the country. 
The pavements of Hanoi’s wide boulevards and narrow lanes have long been clogged with bustling food stalls, weaving scooters, and crowds of coffee and beer drinkers sitting on low plastic stools. But the spontaneity that charmed tourists and supported street vendors in Vietnam’s capital has subsided in recent months as authorities clamp down on illegal use of footpaths. 
The head of the World Health Organization has ended his visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo after briefing President Felix Tshisekedi on the response to the Ebola outbreak, as an aid agency warned that the true scale of the crisis is likely far larger than official figures suggest. The outbreak, already the third-largest on record, went undetected for several weeks, according to health officials. 
Smoking is linked to at least 15 types of cancer, while e-cigarettes are no safe alternative, a Chiang Mai cancer specialist warned on World No Tobacco Day yesterday. Dr. Thanika Ketpueak of Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Medicine said many people still mistakenly associate smoking primarily with lung cancer.
Thailand is considering a Nicotine-free generation law that would prevent children and young people born after a specified year, or within a specified age group when the law takes effect, from ever legally buying cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or nicotine products, as the government seeks to cut off new smokers at the source.
Thailand’s restaurant industry is facing a difficult year, as rising costs, weaker consumer purchasing power, and fierce price competition put pressure on both major chains and smaller operators. Several large restaurant groups reported weaker first-quarter earnings, with net profits falling sharply despite their strong brand positions.
Taste alone no longer sells food in Asia. That is the central takeaway from the Top F&B Trends in Asia 2026 report by Netherlands-based research firm Innova Market Insights, unveiled at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026, the continent’s premier food and beverage trade forum.
Thailand’s seafood export market has been shaken after Malaysia announced strict new measures from today, affecting Thai sea bass and five shrimp species and raising the risk of domestic oversupply.
Australia, Belgium, and Norway are using THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2026, one of Asia’s largest food trade shows, as a key platform to promote their premium and quality food and beverage exports in Bangkok, strategically positioning Thailand as one of Southeast Asia’s competitive markets.
Phuket Airport denied rumors of money being extorted from passengers to quickly get them through Immigration when the arrival terminal is packed with tourists waiting to enter the popular resort island.
Every country has its landmarks. Thailand, according to some travelers on social media, has one that is a little less glamorous than most: the “Depresscalator.” The nickname refers to the long moving staircase that carries departing passengers from the international check-in area toward security screening at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.
50-Year-Old Bangkok Stall Perfectly Preps the Most Iconic Thai Comfort Food
Chiang Mai has earned a place among the world’s top eight destinations for digital nomads and creators, after Forbes magazine included the northern Thai city in its 2026 ranking. The city joins Medellín, Cape Town, Lisbon, Bali, Mexico City, Tokyo, and Berlin on the list.
Thailand is accelerating its transition toward cleaner transport, with commercial electric vehicles (EVs) emerging as a centerpiece of the country’s sustainability drive.
A Lao worker trapped inside a gold mine cave in Laos has been rescued after a major international operation involving Thai and Finnish cave diving experts. Rescue teams successfully brought one of five survivors out of the flooded tunnel at 8:40 pm yesterday, according to the Thailand Rescue Diver Facebook page.
A Koh Samui taxi mafia crackdown in Surat Thani began Thursday, as officials moved to dismantle taxi queue groups accused of occupying public areas and stopping other legal taxis from picking up passengers.
House rejects land bridge study panel
On a stretch of fine sand, facing south reveals the slow-moving Mekong River. Turn left at dawn or right at dusk, and the same sun slowly rises above — and later slips behind — the mountains and water. This is Ban Tamui, a small community in Khong Chiam district of Ubon Ratchathani province.
Innovative technology powers more sustainable aquaculture in Thailand
Constant Energy, a leading renewable energy developer in Southeast Asia, announced the successful inauguration of a 5.26 MW solar rooftop installation at the manufacturing facilities of Meyer Industries and Meyer Aluminium (Thailand) Co. in Laem Chabang.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates electric vehicle (EV) sales – including not only EVs but also plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and extended-range EVs (EREVs) – will hit 23 million this year, and account for around 28% of all new cars sold. In a report, the IEA used recent trends and sales data from the first quarter of this year, and forecast EV sales to rise from 20 million last year.
Japan’s parliament yesterday passed an immigration control law revision to raise the maximum fee for residence status applications by foreigners and introduce an online pre-entry travel authorisation system for overseas arrivals. Once the fee changes are implemented later this fiscal year, the upper limit will be set at 100,000 yen (20,450 baht) for visa renewals and 300,000 yen for permanent residency applications. Continued … https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3262808/japan-passes-bill-to-raise-visa-fees-introduce-online-preentry-screening
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has introduced a new mobile application aimed at reducing arrival processing times for international visitors, while maintaining security checks at the country’s borders. The new system, known as the Thailand Immigration Management System (THIM), allows foreign travellers to complete arrival card information digitally before reaching Thailand.
Tourism leaders in Prachuap Khiri Khan are pushing for more Hua Hin flights to connect the city with Chiang Mai, Isaan, and southern Thailand, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen the role of Hua Hin Airport.
Thailand will enforce a nationwide alcohol ban on Sunday, as the country observes Visakha Bucha Day, one of the most important dates in the Buddhist calendar.
The Energy Policy Management Committee decided yesterday to maintain the ex-refinery price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at 20.9179 baht/kg for two more months, from June 1 to July 31, so that the retail price will be kept at 423 baht a 15Kg cylinder.
A foundation advocating for sex workers has put forward a draft bill in parliament to decriminalize sex work and extend labor protections to those in the industry. Submitted by the Empower Foundation yesterday, tthis move aims to replace the outdated 1996 Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act, which criminalizes voluntary sex workers.
Thailand’s app-based drivers have become part of everyday life. But as ride-hailing and delivery platforms continue to grow, so does the conflict with traditional taxi operators.
Several officials at Ban Huad subdistrict office in Lampang experienced stomach pain, diarrhea, and dizziness after consuming insects collected from a tree outside the office. The incident, which prompted a public warning, led to several individuals requiring hospital treatment.
Thailand’s foreign condominium market is entering a new phase, with Chinese buyers pulling back sharply while Russian demand rises and keeps the luxury segment in key tourism destinations alive.
Factory output in Thailand remains weak, with the manufacturing production index in April falling 0.36% from a year earlier, the Ministry of Industry said yesterday.
Thailand’s banking sector maintained strong resilience in the first quarter of 2026, supported by robust capital buffers, ample liquidity, and high loan-loss provisions, according to the Bank of Thailand’s latest Banking Sector Quarterly Brief .
The Anutin Charnvirakul government’s decision last week to cancel the extended visa-free entry scheme, which allowed stays of up to 60 days instead of 30, was based on the belief that it would strengthen national security, combat transnational crime, and prevent foreigners from exploiting the policy to work illegally, engage in business without permits, or behave unruly.
Thailand has emerged as one of the most considered relocation destinations for Americans seeking safety, quality of life, and financial freedom. New data from cultural-intelligence platform Country Navigator ranks Thailand among the 10 most-searched relocation destinations for U.S. citizens, with roughly 30,560 annual searches recorded between March 2025 and February 2026 — clear evidence that Thailand is no longer just a holiday memory, but a credible long-term home.
It has been 87 days since the energy crisis began on Feb. 28, following the sudden escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Even though the US and Iran extended a tentative ceasefire on April 21, the shockwaves have already fundamentally destabilized global energy markets.
Back in 2022, spotting an electric vehicle on the streets of Jakarta or Bali was a relatively rare occurrence. Heavily subsidized fuel, under-developed charging infrastructure, and an existing industrial ecosystem anchored by the production of gasoline-powered cars (mostly Japanese brands) made Indonesia an unlikely candidate for an EV boom.