- Our newest sponsor: Palapon Kitchen/Prachuap accountants in nominee probe/Hua Hin Food Festival/Hua Hin Rotary Club/Some premium fuel prices cut/Under-16 Social Media Ban /9 million IDs stolen/Healthcare Heading for a Reckoning/Common fare plan for Bangkok rail/Crayfish on the loose
- THE IRAN WAR: Hope and doubt shadow agreement/US Senate backs move to end Iran war/US trying to work out a fair deal/No confidence in Trump
- ECONOMY: Fragile Triggers Drag Down Growth/Price-control list expanded/Energy to pressure inflation/Finances worry Thai Gen Z, millennials/Bangkok riverside land values climb/Chinese investment drives EEC land prices
- TOURISM: Why travelers are saying ‘Thank you, Thailand’/Tourism revival plans take shape/Tourism co-payment subsidy/Bangkok in top five for flight bookings/Demolition of encroaching beach hotels
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Moo Kata makes Thailand’s table glow/7-Eleven a must-visit for travelers/Shophouses shape Bangkok’s dining scene/Cutting Thailand’s Giant Jackfruit/Thai Hospitality in Krabi and Koh Lanta/Ubon park UNESCO listing
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand Turns to Green Transition/’Waste not, want not’ /World’s richest causing environmental damage
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Please welcome our newest sponsor:
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We offer direct coordination between Camp Palapon and Palapon Kitchen. We want the local community to know that we offer a complete cycle for health and wellness. While Camp Palapon provides the intense physical training and martial arts instruction, Palapon Kitchen serves as the essential recovery fuel. We designed our “real food” delivery system to provide the exact, calorie-controlled nutrition that perfectly complements an active lifestyle. It is the ultimate combination of active life and eating clean.
Contact us today to reserve your meal prep slot for the upcoming week. Tel: 092 449 2560; Web; e-mail: palapon69@gmail.com.
Prachuap accountants caught up in nominee probe
Thailand’s nominee crackdown has widened to accounting firms in Prachuap Khiri Khan, as authorities investigate businesses suspected of using Thai nationals to hide foreign ownership.
The Department of Business Development, under the Ministry of Commerce, said on Monday it had expanded checks to accounting firms in eight tourism provinces, including Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Surat Thani, Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga. Continued …
Hua Hin Food Festival plans discussed
The Hua Hin Food Festival 2026 will include a “Hua Hin International Pad Thai” showcase as part of this year’s event, which will be held Aug. 28-30. Preparations for the festival were discussed on Monday during a meeting chaired by Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wuttikul at the Hua Hin municipal office.
The meeting brought together municipal officials, members of the Cha Am–Hua Hin Chefs Club and hotel business operators to discuss preparations for the event. Continued …
Hua Hin Rotary Club elects new president
The Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin held its 17th annual Club Officers’ Installation Night yesterday at Amari Hua Hin Resort, marking the start of the 2026-2027 Rotary year. Napa Kaewtem was installed as the club’s new president, taking over from Brian Anderson, the outgoing president from the United States.
Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wuttikul attended the ceremony with Deputy Mayor Busaba Choksuchat to congratulate the new president and recognize the club’s contribution to the local community. Continued …
Some premium fuel prices cut by up to 4.20 baht
OR has cut retail prices for selected premium fuels by B1.20-4.20 per liter, with the new prices taking effect from 5 am today.
The reduction applies only to premium fuel products sold by PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR), while prices for other OR petrol, gasohol and diesel products remain unchanged. Bangchak Corp. (BCP) has kept prices for all fuel types unchanged. Continued …
Thailand Studies Under-16 Social Media Ban
Thailand is again studying whether to introduce a law barring children under the age of 16 from using social media, in a move aimed at reducing excessive screen time among young users. The proposal could lead to tighter regulation of platform access for minors if implemented.
The idea was raised by Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri on Monday in his role as chairman of the board of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, known as ThaiHealth. He cited foundation data showing that more than 93% of Thai people use the internet, with an average daily online time of 7 hours and 54 minutes. ThaiHealth also reported that among children aged 0 to 2, about 72.6% have more than one hour of screen time per day, a level it warns may affect learning, communication, and age-appropriate development. Continued …
9 million IDs of doctors, retirees, and more stolen
Nine people were arrested on Monday for allegedly stealing the identities of about 9 million individuals, with the stolen data found categorized into “doctors”, “the rich”, “retirees” and “teachers”.
Deputy national Police Chief Suwat Saengnoom said the suspects were arrested in a series of raids spanning 22 locations in 16 provinces, including Prachuap Khiri Khan, Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Sawan, Khon Kaen, Sa Kaeo, Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Lop Buri, Amnat Charoen, Chanthaburi, and Ayutthaya. Continued …
Asia-Pacific Healthcare Heading for a Reckoning It Can No Longer Ignore
According to Bain & Company’s fourth biennial Front Line of Healthcare report, drawing on surveys of 600 doctors and 6,300 consumers across nine markets, the region’s healthcare systems are caught in a compounding crisis of their own making: demand is surging, supply is crumbling, and the people meant to hold it all together are walking out the door. This is not a cyclical blip. It is a structural reckoning, and the window for decisive action is narrowing.
Asia-Pacific is home to 60% of the world’s population and carries a disproportionate share of the global disease burden. Yet, it accounts for just 22% of global healthcare spending. Emerging Asia-Pacific countries average roughly 1.6 doctors per 1,000 people, and excluding China, that number falls to approximately 0.9. The World Health Organization’s minimum threshold is 2.5. Continued …
Cabinet approves 17–45 baht common fare plan for Bangkok rail
Bangkok commuters may finally be getting closer to something they have wanted for years: multiple trains, one ticket, and cheaper transportaion. Thailand’s Cabinet yesterday approved a cost-of-living measure to introduce a common fare system across urban rail transit lines, allowing passengers to travel for between 17 and 45 baht under a single-ticket scheme.
Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said yesterday the policy would cover all rail lines and colors, with passengers paying the entry fare only once when transferring between different networks. Continued …
Crayfish on the loose in Phayao Lake
Officials are scrambling to contain the spread of crayfish in Phayao Lake in Thailand’s Phayao province, after local fisherfolk have been finding them in increasing numbers in their traps. Phayao Lake is the largest freshwater lake in northern Thailand and the fourth largest in the country.
(Editor: Crayfish are considered a delicacy in many southern American states, with people comparing them to freshwater lobster.)
Phutana Chompooming, deputy governor of Phayao, has launched a campaign encouraging locals to catch the crayfish to eat, to help suppress what is regarded locally as an invasive species. Continued …
Hope and doubt shadow new Iran agreement
If is a big and most consequential word in the English language. The word connotes wishes, conditionality, and often aspirations. If also is one of the shortest words holding a very long explanatory meaning that embodies hope but just as easily signals fatalism.
If, for example, the Islamic Republic of Iran were to adhere to and honor the current memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States, there may be a mutually beneficial peace settlement for the US, Israel, and its Arab Gulf allies. Continued …
US Senate backs move to end Iran war, piling pressure on Trump
The US Senate has passed a resolution directing President Donald Trump to halt American military operations against Iran, with support from several Republican senators in a rare rebuke of the president.
The Senate voted 50-48 yesterday in favor of the War Powers Resolution, which had already been approved by the House of Representatives earlier this month. The vote reflects growing concern in Congress, including among some Republicans, over the conflict with Iran, which began on Feb. 28. Continued …
Trump says US trying to work out a fair deal with Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday (June 23) said his administration was trying to work out a fair deal with Iran and that the U.S. and Iran were getting along well. Video …
Over 75% of adults in global survey have no confidence in Trump
An average of 76% of adults surveyed in 35 countries, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, have no confidence in US President Donald Trump’s leadership of global affairs, with ratings for the United States negative in many places in Europe and Asia, an established research institute said yesterday.
Pew Research Center, which did not ask people in the United States, found that a majority in only five countries surveyed – the Philippines, Israel, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana – rated Trump favorably. Continued …
Three Fragile Triggers Drag Down Growth as Baht Hits One-Year Low
The Thai economy is facing an uphill battle against a trio of deep-seated structural vulnerabilities, even as major economic research centers nudge short-term growth forecasts upward. In its latest economic outlook, the Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Center (SCB EIC) upgraded Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for this year to 2% from a previous estimate of 1.7%.
Economists warn, however, that the headline figure masks severe domestic friction. Economic growth is projected to slow further to 1.9% next year, reflecting a structural slowdown far below the country’s historical average growth rate of 2.5% to 3%. Continued …
Price-control list expanded to 66 items
The cabinet has approved the expansion of the list of price-controled goods and services to 66. The list now includes 61 essential goods and five services, for which providers must seek prior approval for price changes.
The new list consolidates previously approved controled goods and services, while adding five new categories: soybean meal, white sea bass, young coconuts and coconut products, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Continued …
Energy to pressure inflation in second half of year
The SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), a research center under Siam Commercial Bank, expects energy costs will continue to propel inflation in the second half of the year, even as the Middle East war shows signs of de-escalation.
Although tensions between the US and Iran have begun to subside, the Brent crude price is expected to remain elevated compared with the pre-war level. In the EIC’s view, Brent is expected to average US$85 per barrel throughout 2026, potentially falling to $80 in the second half, according to chief economist Yunyong Thaicharoen. Continued …
Finances worry Thai Gen Z and millennials
Thai Generation Z and millennials are experiencing greater concern about their financial future than their peers in many other countries, with housing affordability a particularly acute pressure point, a survey by Deloitte has found.
At the same time, the research shows, these two generational cohorts are prioritizing stability, work-life balance and purpose during times of financial pressures. Continued …
Bangkok riverside land values climb around heritage districts
Among Bangkok’s prime land locations with strong potential and the most public discussion, few rival the Charoen Nakhon, Charoen Krung, and Khlong San areas across the Phra Nakhon and Thon Buri sides. The Chao Phraya River runs through the middle, drawing the two banks together.
Today, the area is filled with condominium projects, luxury hotels, and premium shopping centers. Land prices have risen from below 25,000 baht per square meter to no less than 125,000 baht and as high as 250,000 baht per square meter, with further increases likely. Continued …
Chinese investment drives EEC land prices higher in Thailand
Chinese investors are becoming a more powerful force in Thailand’s industrial-property market, with growing demand for factory land in the Eastern Economic Corridor pushing Chonburi and Rayong further into the spotlight.
The shift is reflected in data from the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), which shows the share of Chinese investors in Thai industrial estates rising steadily over the past six years. In 2019, Chinese investors accounted for just 6% of investors in industrial estates. By the end of the first quarter of 2026, that share had climbed to 17.06%, behind only Japan at 22.75%. Continued …
Why travelers are saying “Thank you, Thailand” before they fly home
In the old language of travel, the final souvenir was something tucked into a suitcase: silk, spices, ceramics, perhaps a fridge magnet from Bangkok or Phuket. In 2026, Thailand’s most elegant keepsake may be something lighter, cheaper and far more powerful: a palms-pressed wai, a smile, and a sincere “kob khun”.
The viral #ThankYouThailand movement has turned the end-of-trip video into a small act of post-trip diplomacy. Thai media reported earlier this year that foreign visitors were posting “Thank you Thailand” clips as they wrapped up their holidays, often bowing in gratitude and sharing detailed recaps of their journeys — from food and massages to tuk-tuk rides, temples and the warmth of local people. Continued …
Tourism revival plans take shape
The government is considering a 15-day visa exemption for Indian travelers and a 30-day exemption for all European Union (EU) countries, while assessing that easing geopolitical tensions could lift tourism revenue this year back to 2025 levels.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said yesterday that revisions to visa rules for certain countries would be proposed at the next meeting of the visa policy committee. Continued …
Thailand seeks 3 billion baht to revive tourism co-payment subsidy and boost domestic travel
Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry is preparing to revive a state-backed tourism co-payment scheme as part of a wider push to stimulate travel in the second half of 2026.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the ministry expects to seek at least B3 billion baht from the 2027 central budget to support the program, which would subsidize hotel stays and tourism services for domestic travelers. Continued …
Bangkok ranks in global top five for first-half flight bookings
As summer 2026 gets underway, the global tourism industry is regaining strong momentum, and one metropolis drawing attention from travelers from around the world is “Bangkok”.
The latest data from Trip.com Group shows Bangkok has surged into the top five major cities worldwide for flight bookings in the first half of the year, alongside Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Taipei. Continued …
Demolition of encroaching beach hotels in Phuket to start next month
Authorities will start to demolish hotels that encroach on beaches and reserved forest land in Phuket next month, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin said yesterday.
Officials have surveyed buildings that encroached on Nui beach on the island’s southwest coast and already rejected petitions from the owners. Demolition notices have been posted on the encroaching properties, with owners given a deadline of July 9 to comply. Continued …
The sizzle of socialization: How Moo Kata makes Thailand’s table glow
In Thailand, dinner does not always arrive perfectly composed on porcelain. Sometimes it comes hissing on a dome-shaped grill, surrounded by broth, chopsticks, laughter, and the quiet diplomacy of passing the tongs.
That is the charm of Moo Kata, the cook-it-yourself Thai barbecue that has grown from an everyday craving into one of the country’s most expressive dining rituals. Continued …
Why Thailand’s 7-Eleven has become a must-visit for travelers
In Thailand, the most talked-about travel ritual of 2026 may not begin at a temple, rooftop bar, or Michelin-listed restaurant. It starts under fluorescent lights, beside a refrigerated aisle, with a plastic-wrapped sandwich waiting to be toasted.
For a new generation of travelers, Thailand’s 7-Eleven has become a 24-hour oasis: part snack stop, part cultural playground, part budget-friendly eatery. CP All says 7-Eleven had more than 15,000 branches nationwide in 2024, making it almost impossible for visitors not to stumble into one during a late-night walk, island transfer, or early-morning caffeine hunt. Continued …
Thailand’s shophouses shape Bangkok’s Michelin dining scene
In Bangkok, the dining room of the moment does not always arrive polished in marble and glass. It may sit behind a narrow frontage, up a steep old staircase, beside the roar of a wok, or inside a building that still carries the memory of trade, family, and neighborhood life.
The Thai shophouse, once regarded as everyday urban architecture, is becoming one of the country’s most valuable culinary stages. Its appeal lies in a delicious contradiction: food can be precise without becoming sterile, and refined without losing the heat, smoke, and instinct that made Bangkok one of the world’s great eating cities. Continued …
Cutting Thailand’s Giant Jackfruit
The jackfruit is the largest tree fruit, reaching as much as 55 kilograms (120 pounds) in weight, 90 centimeters (35 inches) in length, and 50 centimeters (20 inches) in diameter. A mature jackfruit tree produces some 200 fruits per year, with older trees bearing up to 500 fruits in a year. The jackfruit is a multiple fruit composed of hundreds to thousands of individual flowers; the fleshy petals of the unripe fruit are eaten in addition to the ripened fruit. Video …
Journey Through Wellness, Sustainability, and Authentic Thai Hospitality in Krabi and Koh Lanta
Some destinations captivate with their beauty, others leave a lasting impact through the experiences they offer. A recent journey through Krabi and Koh Lanta in southern Thailand revealed a destination where sustainability, wellness, and community-based tourism come together to create travel experiences that nourish both the planet and the traveler.
Towering limestone cliffs emerge dramatically from turquoise waters, while lush mangrove forests and pristine beaches reflect the region’s deep commitment to preserving its natural treasures. Yet, beyond the breathtaking scenery, it was the destination’s dedication to responsible tourism and holistic well-being that truly defined the experience. Continued …
Ubon park put forward for UNESCO listing
A proposal is going ahead to nominate Ubon Ratchathani Geopark for recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark, highlighting its unique geological formations, fossil heritage, and rich local culture.
The move, put forward by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and approved by the cabinet yesterday, aims to elevate Thailand’s natural and cultural assets to international prominence, while fostering sustainable tourism, education, and community-based economic development. Continued …
Thailand Turns to Green Transition as Energy Insecurity Threatens Growth
Thailand must accelerate its shift away from fossil fuels or risk falling permanently behind its regional peers, the chief economist of SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC) warned this week, as the kingdom’s heavy dependence on imported energy leaves it acutely vulnerable to global volatility.
Speaking at a press conference on Thailand’s economic outlook for 2026–2027, Yunyong Thaicharoen said energy security had become one of the defining structural challenges for the country, particularly in the wake of continued instability in the Middle East. Continued …
‘Waste not, want not’ a winning mantra
Waste management is one of the most essential public services a city can and must provide. When it breaks down – even briefly – thousands of tons of rubbish pile up fast. Foul odors spread across neighborhoods.
Worse still, disease can follow, turning a local nuisance into a public health disaster. Yet, despite affecting daily life, waste rarely gets the attention it deserves. Continued …
World’s richest 10% causing environmental damage worth $5.7 trillion annually
The top 10% of global consumers cause $5.7 trillion in annual environmental damage, as they drive global challenges evolving into systemic economic and financial risks requiring immediate collective action, according to a Leiden University study.
Concentrated heavily in the global north, including over half of the US population and up to 45% of the EU, the wealthy group drives a stark disparity, with an individual American making up to $63,000 in yearly damage compared to India’s top 10% causing just $1,400 in per capita damage. Continued …
Chinese Envoy Challenges ‘Gray Chinese’ Label in Thailand
China’s ambassador to Thailand has expressed concern over the use of the term “gray Chinese”, saying it unfairly stereotypes Chinese people and has led some in China to view Thailand as unfriendly. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul revealed the discussion before a Cabinet meeting at Government House in Bangkok yesterday. Continued …
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Chinese Food Delivery Apps in Bangkok and Pattaya being investigated – Continued …
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Phuket Authorities Detain 19 Chinese Workers at Site – Continued …
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Thai Marine Police Seize Chinese Tour Boat in Phuket – Continued …
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Immigration Probes Chinese Agent Claims at Suvarnabhumi – Continued …
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British Man Assaults Municipal Officers in Chiang Mai – Continued …
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Foreign Man Throws Acid at Apartment Worker in Pattaya – Continued …
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Phuket Police Charge Icelandic Tourist Over Taxi Theft – Continued …
Reversing Brexit is the UK Labor Party’s best hope
In the next few weeks, Britain’s ruling Labor Party will select a new leader to replace Keir Starmer. But this prospect has not inspired hope of a political or economic renewal. Among British media and, more importantly, global financial markets, the consensus is that any revisions to the failing Starmer government’s policies will only make things worse. Continued …
Australia’s tax revamp chills its long love affair with property
As Australia moves to scrap key property investment tax breaks, some investors are taking a wait-and-see approach as the new policy takes shape. The shift, the biggest in decades, is seen by some as ending Australia’s long love affair with property investment. 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
Sam Roi Yot Run Ep.7 will offer distances of 2.7km, 5km and 10km along scenic coastal routes through local communities. Entry fees vary depending on registration period, with general registration open until May 31. 
The Commerce Ministry is preparing action against 140 “grey accountants” as part of a nationwide crackdown on the use of Thai nominees to conceal foreign ownership in restricted businesses.
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has issued new penalty guidelines that include license suspensions or revocations for cannabis businesses found to breach the department’s requirements.
The price of fertilizers is trending downward, with shipments from the Middle East currently en route to Thailand, says the Commerce Minister.
The Thai baht opened the week at 32.94 per US dollar yesterday, drifting toward the psychologically significant 33 threshold as a confluence of external headwinds and domestic vulnerabilities battered sentiment.
Thailand’s exports posted double-digit growth in May but at a slower pace than April, a Commerce Ministry official said yesterday. Customs-cleared exports rose by 23.1% in April from a year earlier. May data is due later this week.
Thailand’s property market is seeing a major shift as developers move beyond simply delaying new launches and begin selling land and ready-to-develop projects to preserve liquidity.
Thailand’s luxury hotel sector is emerging as one of the country’s most attractive investment assets, as global economic uncertainty pushes investors toward properties seen as resilient, scarce, and capable of generating long-term returns.
Thailand’s world heritage-level performing arts have taken center stage in Europe and South Korea, as Khon, Nora, Songkran traditions, and Thai classical dance were showcased in Frankfurt and Seoul as part of a wider push to promote Thai cultural soft power overseas.
Tha Phra Chan clings to Thai herbal traditions
Thailand’s government is advancing its green hospital policy by promoting clean and renewable energy in public health facilities to reduce operating costs, improve energy efficiency, and support the country’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Hua Hin land titles and property ownership can be confusing, especially for foreign buyers trying to understand leases, title deeds, and what is legally safe. Many people have seen the recent crackdowns on nominee company ownership (see below), with more than 46,900 companies reportedly under investigation across Thailand.
Thailand is facing renewed calls to tighten regulations governing foreign condominium ownership as the government considers raising the foreign ownership quota in condominium projects to attract overseas investment and support a property market still struggling with a slowdown.
Elephants can certainly shift. African elephants can reach top speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour, albeit over short distances only. This is more than twice as fast as the average human runner, so it seems like an open and shut case.
Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) says it has intensified oversight of medical cannabis businesses nationwide, carrying out more than 1,200 inspections in recent weeks as authorities seek to ensure cannabis is used strictly for medical purposes.
During the past week, global attention focused on the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, bringing months of protracted conflict to a halt.
Thailand is entering the second half of 2026 with a mixed economic signal: S&P Global Ratings has maintained the country’s sovereign rating at BBB+ with a stable outlook, but economists warn that pressure from oil prices, rising imports, fiscal deficits, and global uncertainty could keep the current account and the baht under strain.
Foreign investment in Thailand exceeded 153.56 billion baht in the first five months of 2026, surging 73% from the same period last year.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is set to launch the Thailand FastPass program at Government House tomorrow, aiming to accelerate major investment projects by removing regulatory barriers and streamlining approvals.
Can Thailand’s Land Bridge Challenge Malacca and Redefine Asian Trade Routes?
Thailand’s exporters are heading into a more uncertain second half of 2026, with growth expected to slow as global trade risks pile up across energy, logistics, and major export markets.
Vietnam is moving aggressively to expand its global trade reach through a new generation of free trade agreements (FTAs) targeting the Middle East and South Asia, a strategy that could increase competitive pressure on Thai exporters in markets where both countries sell similar goods.
China’s growing pet-friendly culture is creating a new export opening for Thailand, as demand for premium and health-focused pet food rises among Chinese consumers who increasingly treat pets as family members.
A toxic mix of record household debt, strict lending criteria, and a severe demographic slowdown leaves Bangkok’s property market heavily oversupplied. The accumulated inventory of unsold residential properties in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces is projected to surge to an unprecedented 213,000 units by the end of 2026, triggering warnings that Thailand is on the brink of a chronic, Japan-style vacant housing crisis.
Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) has announced plans for WellEra, a wellness-integrated development in the city’s Lumphini district that will redefine the relationship between healthcare, residential living, hospitality, and lifestyle.
Italy has offered to employ 20,000-30,000 Thai workers a year to remedy labor shortages in three sectors, deputy government spokeswoman Patdarat Thongsaluaykorn said yesterday.
The government has reiterated that investments in data centers must not adversely affect local communities or the agricultural sector. According to government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek, the data center investment boom reflects the country’s potential to become a regional digital infrastructure hub, supporting the growth of cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce, fintech, and other digital services.
Thailand is redefining its annual green season, promoting the rainy months as a prime opportunity for wellness, nature-based experiences, and meaningful travel. Through its “Healing is the New Luxury” campaign, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is encouraging travelers to view the season not as an off-peak period, but as a time for restoration, reflection, and deeper connections with nature and local communities.
Authorities in Phuket are considering a proposal to raise the provincial tax on hotels from 1% to 3% of room rates to generate additional revenue for local development and tourism promotion.
The recent proposal to merge the Ministry of Culture with the Ministry of Tourism should be treated with great caution. This idea may appear to be just a bureaucratic restructuring. But the two ministries have distinct missions, functions and skill sets that should not be combined.
Master the Art of Ordering Som Tum Like a Thai Local
Phangnga: Southern springboard to growth
The Great Hornbill forages in the treetops, usually living in pairs. Outside the breeding season, they can sometimes gather in flocks of up to 150, roosting in trees in valleys. However, they occasionally descend to the ground to forage. Their loud call, “Kok Kok Kok, Kahang Kahang Kahang” or “Kawa Kawa Kawa,” is the origin of their name. Great Hornbills are found in moist evergreen forests, dry evergreen forests, or mixed deciduous forests. 
Thailand needs to accelerate its transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) and expand the use of renewable energy to strengthen long-term energy security, according to Areeporn Asawinpongphan, a researcher at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
Analyst urges shift away from fossil fuels
Thailand’s consideration of an expanded foreign ownership quota for condominium units is being viewed as a possible measure to attract overseas investment, support the property sector, and improve liquidity in a market still facing a slowdown.
Warning signs of a “Super El Niño” are becoming clearer, and Thailand may not have much time left to prepare before the situation escalates from dry spells to drought, extreme heat, and a water-shortage crisis that could last until the middle of next year.
The Thai army is closely monitoring reports of Cambodian tank and military hardware movements along the border, Second Army Area commander Weerayuth Raksilp has confirmed, warning that readiness, speed, and equipment would be decisive if a third round of clashes broke out.
Thailand’s cannabis policy is facing fresh scrutiny after the House Public Health Committee convened a tense meeting to examine whether cannabis should be returned to the narcotics list, as concerns grow over widespread sales, legal loopholes, and public health risks.
Residents have raised alarm over what they describe as a growing army of stray dogs roaming the grounds of Chiang Mai City Hall, saying the animals are intimidating visitors, chasing pedestrians, and creating safety concerns at the government complex.
Thailand’s residential property market is showing clearer signs of a supply slowdown, with developers holding back new projects despite an improvement in home transfers and housing loans at the start of 2026.
Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA), revealed that a joint survey with the Bank of Thailand on hotel operator confidence in May found that over 50% of businesses are facing tighter liquidity.
Bypassing Malacca is a bridge too far for Thailand’s ports project
The Finance Ministry is expediting its review of welfare reforms to ensure the benefits target those most in need, minimize duplication across programs, and promote greater participation in the labor force. This approach is based on the concept of a negative income tax (NIT) system.
Is Thailand becoming a welfare state? The answer remains to be seen, given the government’s fiscal constraints. Public debt has risen recently, nearing the statutory ceiling of 70% of GDP.
True Internet Data Center Co., or True IDC, the largest data center and cloud service provider in Thailand under the Charoen Pokphand Group, announced a continuous investment of over 6 billion baht and held a groundbreaking ceremony for its seventh data center in northern Bangkok.
Chiang Mai’s bid to become UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in jeopardy
For decades, Thailand built its economy on the assumption that energy would remain cheap, stable, and someone else’s responsibility. That assumption is beginning to break. Many see this as a threat. It may also be an opportunity.
Thailand’s rapid solar energy expansion has grown from 2.5 megawatts to nearly 5,000 megawatts, supported by government policy and falling costs. End-of-life panel management remains largely unaddressed, however, with projections estimating between 431,000 and 728,000 tons of solar waste by 2050.
Dr. Areeporn Asawinpongphan of the Thailand Development Research Institute warns that Thailand should not be overly optimistic about the peace deal between the U.S. and Iran, as any renewed conflict could pose risks to the Thai economy. 
Thailand has welcomed the ceasefire framework between the United States and Iran but warned that global energy markets could remain under pressure despite an easing of tensions in the Middle East.
Oil tankers have begun crossing the Strait of Hormuz again following a newly signed US–Iran agreement aimed at easing a war that has disrupted global energy flows.
Parliament has approved five major international trade agreements, paving the way for Thailand to expand market access in Europe and South Asia.
Quick meals, noodles, and coffee or tea are among the top orders via food delivery platforms under the “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” state co-payment scheme. As of June 17, spending via food delivery platforms tallied 272 million baht.
Meta has positioned Instagram as a driver of Thai digital economic growth, highlighting the platform’s growing influence in commerce, creator monetization, and cultural engagement as businesses increasingly seek new avenues for expansion.
Vietnam is no longer being viewed only as Asia’s “manufacturing base”. It is becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most closely watched tourism destinations, especially after foreign visitor numbers rebounded rapidly following COVID-19 and began moving closer to leading tourism markets such as Thailand.
Thailand welcomes 33 to 35 million international tourists annually. In 2024, Thailand changed its visa policy, allowing visitors from 93 countries to stay for 60 days without needing to apply for a visa in advance.
As global oil volatility continues to push transportation costs higher, more Thai consumers are turning to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as a practical hedge against unpredictable long-term running costs. The shift is already visible across the market.
Ukraine yesterday launched its largest drone attack on Moscow in years, sparking fires, hitting a major oil refinery, and forcing evacuations at the country’s largest airport. At least 17 people were wounded in the strikes, which also set a shopping center and apartment building ablaze, authorities said. 
The Digital News Report 2026, which surveyed news consumers in 48 countries, found that 54% of respondents used social media and video platforms for news, compared with 51% who accessed news through the websites and apps of news organisations. This marks the first time that external platforms have become more popular than digital channels directly owned by news outlets. 
Design plans reviewed for Phon Kingphet Public Park
Prachuap Khiri Khan has launched Wellness Tourism 2026 as part of a plan to promote the province as an international health and wellness destination.
Registration is opening for the Wellscape Prachuap Khiri Khan Night Run 2026, an evening health run taking runners through the “City of Three Bays”. The event, organized by Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and the Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports, will take place on Friday, July 3.
Authorities have postponed a plan to impose higher electricity rates on large households with heavy consumption, citing the need to revise how power bills are calculated, says Energy Minister Akanat Promphan.
Five Thai reservoirs above maximum storage levels
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dramatically shaken up Phuket’s administration, removing the governor and transferring two deputy governors amid escalating allegations of internal conflict, influential networks, disputed beachfront land, intimidation, and claims of political protection.
Commerzbank’s analysis highlights that global energy market volatility, particularly in early 2026, is exerting substantial downward pressure on the Thai baht. Thailand’s significant reliance on energy imports, primarily crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), means that rising global energy costs directly worsen its trade balance.
Thailand’s property market is sending an interesting signal, as the number and value of “second-hand” homes listed for sale nationwide have risen significantly.
Malaysia and Thailand are edging closer to resolving a tit-for-tat seafood safety dispute, offering a lifeline to exporters after weeks of halted shipments and retaliatory restrictions on Thai shrimp and Malaysian sea bass.
Arnupharp Kongmalai, vice president of marketing at MR. D.I.Y. Holding (Thailand) evealed that the company’s operational outlook for the second half of 2026 continues to be supported by ongoing branch expansion, a value-focused business model, and government economic stimulus measures, which may partially support consumer spending.
TAT Looks to Rail Travel for the Next Chapter of Thailand’s High-Value Tourism
Traveloka reveals Thai destinations gaining global interest
Police in Vietnam have rescued more than 500 cats after dismantling a suspected cat meat trafficking network in one of the country’s largest animal welfare operations in recent years. The raid, carried out in and around Ho Chi Minh City last week, followed an investigation into a series of pet thefts. Authorities detained nine suspects and uncovered hundreds of live cats allegedly destined for the meat trade. 
If you’re an expat living in Thailand and you’ve had the same health insurance policy for years, it’s easy to assume you’re set. You pay your renewal, you stay covered, and that’s that.
When did the first smartphone appear? The first mobile phone prototype came from Motorola in 1973. The first one approved, affectionately called The Brick, came out in 1983. In 1992 an IBM engineer created the Sweetspot but it didn’t hit the market until 1994, as the IBM Simon Personal Communicator.
Thais are expected to spend an average of 6.9 years living with illness or disability in later life, highlighting growing pressure on healthcare services and long-term care systems, according to the Thai Health Report 2026.
The world’s oil and gas majors have high hopes for a quick reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but they have few illusions about a return to normal for the Gulf energy industry after more than three months of blockage.
Thailand has welcomed an agreement reached between the United States and Iran to end their conflict, expressing hope that the deal will bring lasting peace and stability to the Middle East and safeguard global economic interests.
Thailand is preparing to reform its electricity tariff structure in an effort to make power prices fairer and reduce electricity costs for households and local industries. Energy Minister Akanat Promphan announced that the government is reviewing the current pricing system to ensure that electricity charges better reflect actual costs.
DTAM pushes 5-point plan to boost kratom industry
The Transport Ministry expects Bangkok’s two main airports to handle around 120 million passengers annually by 2029 as it accelerates efforts to make the country a regional aviation hub.
Vana Nava Hua Hin is the ultimate all-ages fun escape
National park officials collected six large bags of plastic waste from Loh Samah Bay on Phi Phi Leh Island after large numbers of plastic water bottles were found floating across the sea near the boat access point to Maya Bay, one of Krabi’s best-known marine attractions.
The Danish Embassy in Thailand has announced that Danish Ambassador to Thailand Danny Annan will host an informal gathering for Danes in Hua Hin on Thursday. The event will take place from 2 pm to 4 pm at Ferior Interior in Hua Hin and is open to all Danes in the area. No registration is required.
Dear Doctors: I’m a 55-year-old man, and I have been active all my life. I know target heart rates are based on age and was surprised that my heart rate while running is often between 150 and 195. Should I slow down a bit?
Domestic oil prices in Thailand are expected to remain elevated until the final quarter of this year, even though global crude benchmarks have eased and the US is set to sign a peace deal with Iran this Friday to end nearly four months of conflict in the Middle East.
Thai FDA warns over 20 illegal meatball and Vietnamese pork loaf brands
Reflecting on data from Thai households, it is evident that a significant portion of individuals over 50 years old have low incomes, accounting for about 42% of Thai households. This indicates a lack of readiness for retirement in Thai society.
Thai financial institutions may face higher-than-average risks from AI-driven fraud as artificial intelligence reshapes financial crime and makes scams faster, more automated, and harder to detect, according to a new survey by BioCatch.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has unveiled a plan to position Thailand as ASEAN’s hub for advanced chip manufacturing, with the goal of producing “Made in Thailand” semiconductors by 2050.
Krabi International Airport is attracting growing interest from international airlines, with new routes from Finland and Scandinavia expected to strengthen tourism and support local development, the Ministry of Transport says.
Tourism killed Thailand’s most famous bay. Here’s how it was brought back to life
This video catalogs signature Thai street foods and explains their ingredients and regional contexts, offering a concise culinary overview. Dishes include Pad Thai with rice noodles, egg, tamarind, fish sauce, and toppings, and Pad Kra Pao served over rice with a fried egg.
About 153,000 new electric vehicles (EVs) are predicted to appear on the roads of Thailand this year, prompted mainly by the ongoing energy crisis triggered by the prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
The World Bank Group is supporting Thailand’s use of natural capital accounting (NCA) as a tool to help policymakers balance economic growth with environmental protection. NCA measures the stocks and flows of natural assets and translates them into data that can be used alongside existing national accounting systems.
Roadworks on Hua Hin Soi 102 will begin near Laguna Village tomorrow. The project will involve the construction of a reinforced concrete road and drainage system in the Laguna Village area of Soi 102.
A new Thai health study has linked regular e-cigarette use to a sharply higher risk of erectile dysfunction, finding users face double the risk even without underlying medical conditions.
Thai trade unions address reduction of safety and health risks in the workplace
Thailand is emerging as one of the world’s most promising markets for AI-driven investment, as artificial intelligence in global finance moves beyond experimentation and into serious real-world use.
AI layoff trap raises wider risks for workers, firms, and demand
For more than half a century, Thailand held a proud title: the “Detroit of the East.” This economic engine was built almost entirely on Japanese blueprints. Beginning in the 1960s, Japanese auto giants like Toyota, Honda, and Isuzu constructed vast industrial networks across the country, establishing a seemingly unshakeable dominance.
Thailand is being urged to close legal loopholes and revise its import strategies as the country seeks to secure a lower tariff rate under Section 301 in negotiations with the United States.
Foodie, mom and kids, lifestyle, and beauty influencers remain the four groups most sought after by businesses as Thailand’s influencer marketing industry enters a more performance-driven era, according to IdeasLabs.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has allocated airport slots to four new airlines for the winter 2026/2027 schedule, paving the way for additional international services during Thailand’s peak tourism season. The new routes will strengthen air connectivity between Thailand and key markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Krabi set for 126 winter flights as Nordic demand rises ahead of high season
The Thai Hotels Association – Southern Chapter and 12 private-sector tourism and economic organizations in the Andaman provinces of Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga, have submitted a letter to the minister of Tourism and Sports and the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), proposing that the government consider reviewing the measure to end visa-free entry for Indian tourists.
Thailand’s central plains are set to become the frontier for sustainable agriculture as the Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rice Research Center aggressively deploys the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economic Model to pioneer low-carbon rice production.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is concerned that the expiration of the government’s electric vehicle (EV) incentive program in 2027 could leave Thailand vulnerable to a surge of Chinese EV imports and weaken local automotive supply chains.
Japan fans left the stands spotless after their World Cup opener against the Netherlands in Texas yesterday, saying it was “Japanese culture” to tidy up after themselves. Spectators stayed behind after the 2-2 draw to make sure they left the stadium as they found it, meticulously picking up litter and stuffing it into blue plastic bags. 
Russia fired a barrage of missiles at several major Ukrainian cities, setting Kyiv’s historic Dormition Cathedral on fire and killing nine, while Ukraine strikes claimed three lives south of Moscow. 
Switzerland yesterday rejected a proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritized economic stability and ties with the European Union over worries immigration was straining public services and pushing up rents. 
Is Hua Hin really the perfect retirement destination in Thailand… or is there a side of life here that most YouTube videos never show? In this video, I take an honest look at what happens after the honeymoon period ends for many expats and retirees living in Hua Hin.
The real way to travel Thailand: Bangkok to Hua Hin by train
The Thai Meteorological Department has warned people in the north, northeast, east, and south to prepare for heavy rain in some areas over the next 24 hours, while Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are forecast to see thunderstorms across 70% of the area.
The Thai Retailers Assn. (TRA) wants to unlock the conditions for the “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” co-payment scheme by expanding eligibility to business of all sizes, supporting business continuity and employment.
Replacing visa-free entry with a visa-on-arrival scheme for Indian tourists will not affect this market as affordable prices remain the decisive factor for them, while the policy change can help curb visa abuse, according to an Indian travel agent.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is positioning Africa as a key growth market as it seeks to diversify visitor sources amid ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East.
India’s largest low-cost carrier, IndiGo, has announced that its direct service to Krabi will be suspended from July 1 to Sept. 30 as part of a restructuring of its international route network.
A British man who left the UK due to rising living costs says he now lives comfortably in Chiang Mai on just GBP800 a month, compared with more than GBP3,000 a month previously. Robert Hoadley, 45, from Portsmouth, relocated in 2025 and says the move has given him greater financial freedom, improved work-life balance, and a healthier lifestyle.
Skip Chiang Mai’s usual northern loop for this 3-day Lamphun-Lampang road trip
At first glance, it may appear to be a simple question. Yet, it exposes a potentially significant anomaly within Thailand’s fisheries data system. While government agencies have consistently maintained that Thailand legally imported blackchin tilapia only once — and solely for research purposes — official records indicate that the same species was subsequently exported in remarkably large quantities to foreign markets during roughly the same period.