- More rain expected locally/Blessing of the Fleet ceremony/Vascular health discussed/Thailand flood news/Thailand to tighten ride-hailing checks/Chateau de Loei ends wine production/LISA Leads MTV Video Music Awards/Nene Royal returns home
- THE IRAN WAR: Iran warns US/Gulf’s War Is Now Southeast Asia’s Problem/
- ECNOMY: Thailand-US tariff talks/Economy Forces Many to Cut Back on Food
- TOURISM: Thailand’s high season test begins/Five Phuket hotels ordered shut
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Government defends solar sector/Oversight of waste-to-energy plants
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
More rain expected locally, flood concerns aired
Authorities in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been ordered to closely monitor heavy rain and water conditions and prepare to assist residents if flooding or other disasters occur.
The government cited forecasts of rain-bearing systems moving westward through Wednesday, bringing heavy rain to many areas and potentially very heavy rain in some locations. Continued …
Hua Hin holds Blessing of the Fleet ceremony
Residents and visitors gathered at Hua Hin’s Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine on Saturday for the traditional Ship to Sea ceremony.
The Hua Hin Fishing Community Committee organised the Sea Misfortune-Casting Ceremony alongside merit-making for the shrine, beside the Hilton Hua Hin hotel. Continued …
Vascular health discussed at Hua Hin seminar
Recognizing the warning signs of blood clots, strokes and poor circulation was the focus of a Hua Hin seminar held by Be Well Medical Center and Bangpakok 9 International Hospital on Saturday.
The event, titled “Common Vascular Diseases & Disorders”, took place at iSanook Hotel in Khao Takiab. It covered prevention, symptoms and treatment, alongside advice on when patients should seek specialist or emergency care. Continued …
Thailand floods hit 174,000 families, eight dead
Flooding has affected more than 174,000 families across 25 provinces and all 50 Bangkok districts, with eight deaths reported, Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) said yesterday.
Flooding had reached 128 districts, 587 subdistricts and 2,500 villages. DDPM recorded 174,803 affected families, or 545,022 people, in the 25 provinces and Bangkok. Heavy rain, combined with water flowing south from northern Thailand into the central region, had caused the widespread flooding. Continued …
Thailand unlikely to see 2011-scale floods, experts say
Thailand is “virtually impossible” to face a repeat of the 2011 flood disaster this year, according to two disaster and environmental specialists, despite heavy rain and flooding in parts of the country.
Assoc. Prof. Seree Supratid of Rangsit University’s Climate Change and Disaster Center and Asst. Prof. Thon Thamrongnawasawat of Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Fisheries said current conditions differ sharply from 2011. However, they urged people to watch for run-off in western Thailand and intense local downpours known as “rain bombs”. Continued …
Commerce Ministry coordinates essential supplies in flood-hit areas
The Department of Internal Trade (DIT), under the Ministry of Commerce, is coordinating retailers, convenience stores, fresh markets, wholesale markets and local department stores to ensure essential consumer goods remain available as flooding disrupts travel and distribution in some areas.
The department’s director-general, Wittayakorn Maneenetr, explained that residents in some flood-affected areas had increased their purchases to build up reserves. Continued …
Bangkok shoppers stock up as flooding empties convenience-store shelves
Heavy rain and widespread flooding across Bangkok have prompted residents to stock up on food and essential goods, leaving shelves empty at some convenience stores and neighborhood shops amid concerns over travel disruption and possible shortages.
Shopping conditions in Bangkok were surveyed after continuous rain from the early hours of Friday lasted for more than 30 hours, causing flooding in several areas awaiting drainage. Continued …
Thailand warns retailers against price hikes amid floods
The Thai government has warned retailers against unjustified price hikes and hoarding essential goods as flooding affects Bangkok and other parts of the country. Businesses that raise prices without justification face up to seven years in prison.
Deputy government spokesperson Ploythalay Laksamisaengchan announced the warning yesterday, saying the government was closely monitoring flooding and had instructed agencies to coordinate relief efforts for affected residents. Continued …
Airlines offer free flight changes, credits amid Bangkok flooding
Airlines have introduced special measures for passengers affected by flooding and severe traffic congestion in Bangkok, including free flight changes and travel credits.
Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X are allowing passengers booked on flights to or from Bangkok from Sept 26-28 to change their flight once free of charge. The new travel date must be within seven days of the original date and will be subject to seat availability. Alternatively, passengers may retain the full ticket value as a credit against future travel. Continued …
Rayong flood alert widens as dam and reservoir raise concerns
Authorities in Rayong have ordered residents in at-risk areas to evacuate urgently after damage was reported at the spillway of Khlong Ra-ok Reservoir, also known as Khao Chuk Dam, while a separate warning has been issued over critically high water at Prasae Reservoir.
The Thung Khwai Kin Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) in Klaeng district warned on that part of the Khao Chuk Dam spillway structure had been damaged, raising fears of a possible breach and rapid downstream flooding. Residents in affected areas were told to evacuate within one hour. Continued …
Bangkok bears brunt of estimated 25.3-billion-baht Thai flood losses
Assoc. Prof. Aat Pisanwanich of Rangsit University’s Faculty of Economics estimates that flooding across 48 provinces, including Bangkok, during Sept. 24–27, could cause economic losses of 25.345 billion baht under a moderate-damage scenario.
Bangkok accounts for the largest share of that estimate, at 10.586 billion baht, as flooding disrupts commerce, services and travel. Business leaders have warned that many companies were unprepared for the intensity and duration of the inundation. Continued …
Bangkok floodwater eases after affecting 329,000 households
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said rainfall across the capital was beginning to ease on today, allowing the city to focus on lowering water levels in major canals and accelerating drainage from flooded roads and communities.
Chadchart said the low-pressure system responsible for the intense rain of the previous two to three days had moved away, reducing the likelihood of rainfall on the same scale. Bangkok had recorded accumulated rainfall of more than 300 millimeters in some areas during the prolonged downpour. Continued …
Bangkok’s 48-hour deluge exposes limits of city drainage system
More than 300 millimeters of accumulated rain over Bangkok during Sept. 25–26 has exposed the limits of the capital’s drainage infrastructure and prompted experts to call for a fundamental reassessment of how the city prepares for extreme rainfall.
The prolonged downpour lasted for more than two days and inundated major roads even though there was no significant influx of upstream water into Bangkok. Continued …
Flooding causes severe baggage problems at Suvranabhumi Airport
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul rushed to Suvarnabhumi Airport today as a crippling baggage crisis entered its third day. Passengers waited up to six hours while exhausted Thai Airways crews battled mountains of stranded luggage after flooding stopped replacement workers reaching the airport.
Broken baggage carts deepened the breakdown, forcing office staff and managers into ground operations as military personnel were deployed. Officials warned the backlog could take another two to three days to clear. Continued …
Khlong Chan residents plead for food and water amid floods – Continued …
Bangkok region gets flood holiday and free expressways – Continued …
Khao Yai park closure extended after bridge collapse – Continued …
Chinese driver pulled out of car swept into canal during Rayong flooding – Continued …
Chanthaburi floods reach one meter, villagers evacuate – Continued …
Bangkok rain drives commuters onto packed trains – Continued …
Taxi carrying foreigner swept off by floodwaters on Sa Kaeo road – Continued …
Four 2-meter crocodiles loose in flooded Sa Kaeo – Continued …
Two missing after pickup swept away when Kanchanaburi weir collapses – Continued …
Thailand to tighten ride-hailing checks from Thursday
Thailand will begin tougher enforcement of rules covering ride-hailing apps, drivers and vehicles on Thursday, the Ministry of Transport has announced.
Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat chaired a meeting on the measures with Department of Land Transport Director-general Sorapong Paitoonphong and representatives from eight platforms: Grab, Bolt, inDrive, TADA, MAXIM, LINE MAN, Lalamove and FINGOGO. Continued …
Chateau de Loei ends wine production in Loei
Thailand’s pioneering premium wine label Chateau de Loei has formally ended wine production and stopped growing grapes for winemaking at its site in Phu Ruea district, Loei province.
Excise officials destroyed remaining wine and spirits at the factory last week as part of the legal closure process. The estate is now moving its land and business toward alternative agriculture and processed produce. Continued …
LISA Leads Historic Night at 2026 MTV Video Music Awards
Thai global icon LISA, Lalisa Manoban, made history at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards yesterday, becoming the first K-pop solo artist to win the coveted Best Pop award.
The Blackpink star secured the major category with her cinematic music video “Dream”, featuring Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi. The landmark victory came amidst fierce competition from music industry heavyweights, including Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, Charli xcx, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tate McRae. Continued …
Nene Royal returns home to a grand Phuket welcome
The Phuket girl who recently busked at night markets in her native Thailand received a grand welcome from crowds of fans and local residents yesterday after winning America’s Got Talent and gaining fans around the world.
Nene Royal, 16, whose real name is Rattikan Amloy, made history by becoming the first Thai to win America’s Got Talent Season 21, taking home the US$1 million prize. Nene arrived in Phuket at about 10:50 am yesterday and was greeted at the airport by a large crowd, including her grandmother. Continued …
Iran warns US after Trump rejects seven-day Hormuz plan
Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said yesterday that Iran’s armed forces were fully prepared to confront any renewed US attack, according to Iranian state media.
Akraminia warned that the United States would suffer greater damage if it attacked Iran again. His remarks followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement that he had rejected Tehran’s seven-day proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the fighting. Continued …
Beijing Envoy: The Gulf’s War Is Now Southeast Asia’s Problem
Some 6,000 kilometers separate the anchorage off Hormuz from a petrol station forecourt in Nonthaburi. In 2026, that distance has counted for very little.
On Friday, Zhai Jun, special envoy of the Chinese government on Middle East issues, stood before delegates at the 17th FutureChina Global Forum and made the connection explicit. The conflict convulsing the Gulf, he argued, is no longer a regional security file. It is a Southeast Asian economic emergency arriving by sea, in the form of freight invoices, insurance premiums and pump prices. Continued …
Thailand’s K-Shaped Economy Forces Many to Cut Back on Food
Thailand is attracting billions of baht in investment into data centers, electronics and advanced industries, while household finances remain under pressure. A government survey found that 32.8% of respondents had reduced the number of meals they eat or were eating less. Almost two-thirds were buying cheaper food or waiting for discounts.
The figures come from the Department of Health’s Anamai Poll, which surveyed 941 people under the title “How to Live in Difficult Times”. The survey found that 64.8% were buying cheaper food or waiting for discounts, 37.5% were cooking at home more often, 33.6% were growing vegetables and 25.7% had reduced food-delivery orders. Another 18.5% were buying larger quantities for storage. Continued …
Costly efforts cushion against energy prices
Fuel subsidies in Thailand are being maintained or extended primarily to shield consumers and businesses from the volatility of global oil prices and the rising cost of living. Authorities are utilizing the Oil Fuel Fund to keep diesel and gasohol prices stable, which helps protect households and food vendors from the impact of high energy costs.
The government is employing a multi-pronged strategy to address energy instability, which includes maintaining diesel refinery price cuts and considering fuel excise tax reductions. These measures aim to mitigate the economic pressure caused by geopolitical conflicts, such as those in the Middle East, which have driven up global energy prices. Additionally, the government is focusing on long-term energy security by promoting biofuels like E20 and B20 to reduce dependence on imported crude oil.
Thailand-US tariff talks reach in-principle deal
Thailand and the United States have reached an agreement in principle on tariff negotiations, with the remaining work focused on reviewing technical details and the wording of the agreement, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun confirmed today.
Suphajee explained that officials were carefully reviewing the technical provisions and wording. Thailand aims to complete the process before Washington takes further action under Section 301. Continued …
Thailand’s high season test begins as tourism numbers rise
Thailand’s final quarter of 2026 is shaping up to be a closely watched high season, with the government adjusting tourism stimulus plans while airlines, hotels, restaurants, nightlife venues and other businesses prepare for more visitors.
One key question is whether rising visitor numbers will translate into stronger spending for businesses, particularly smaller operators and nightlife venues that continue to see significant differences in purchasing power across tourism markets. Continued …
Five Phuket hotels ordered shut over license failures
Five hotels in Phuket have been ordered to suspend operations after failing to secure licenses and complete required improvements, provincial authorities said.
The closures were imposed after operators did not make the necessary changes despite being given extra time. The action follows a provincial review of hotels operating without licenses or with structural issues. Authorities had allowed affected properties 30 days to correct physical deficiencies. Continued …
Government defends solar sector as China supplies 99.3% of imports
The Thai government has defended its domestic solar industry by emphasizing the need to maintain national safety and quality standards for electrical installations and components. This defense follows reports that China supplied 99.3% of solar panel imports to Thailand during the first seven months of 2026.
Officials stated that the high level of imports does not mean all solar panels used in Thailand are sourced from China, nor does it imply that the government is funding the domestic sector based solely on those import figures. Instead, the government aims to ensure that all solar power expansion meets specific technical and safety requirements, such as those set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), to protect consumers. Additionally, the government is promoting domestic manufacturing capabilities and exploring ways to ensure that clean energy expansion remains safe and cost-effective for the public.
Call for oversight of waste-to-energy plants
JustPow is calling for stronger environmental oversight of waste-to-energy plants because they believe the current regulatory framework is too weak to ensure the safety of local communities and the surrounding environment. The advocacy group argues that current regulations lack sufficient environmental impact assessments, particularly for smaller facilities that generate less than 10 megawatts of capacity.
The group also highlighted concerns regarding the lack of transparency and public participation in waste-to-energy projects. Residents in areas near these plants have reported issues including air pollution and health concerns linked to emissions, as well as problems stemming from waste storage and transport operations. JustPow has warned that the rapid expansion of the waste-to-energy sector could create problematic cross-border waste movements, potentially incentivizing the import of waste to fuel industrial projects.
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Chinese CEO held in Pattaya over sugar fraud claim – Continued …
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US man held after Pattaya drug lab raid – 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
Hua Hin ready to clear beach after decades-long dispute
Thai teenage rock musician Nene Royal is extending her breakthrough on America’s Got Talent into US television appearances and major concert opportunities, days after becoming the first Thai contestant to win the competition.
Iran offered a plan to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Tehran said yesterday, but within hours reports indicated that US President Donald Trump rejected the proposal.
With the Iran war causing energy prices to spike across most of Southeast Asia, governments in this region are accelerating the roll-out of renewable energy policies, according to report by Zero Carbon Analytics, a research group focused on energy transition.
Thailand’s customs-cleared exports rose 24.3% in August from a year earlier, driven by strong shipments to the United States and continuing demand for electronics, the Commerce Ministry said yesterday.
Speaking at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a statement under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All,” marking 80 years of Thai membership in the organization.
For most of the past two decades, the Thailand-China relationship was defined by trade volume and Chinese manufacturing relocation. Increasingly, it is defined by something else: the transfer of Chinese technology, standards, and industrial know-how directly into the operating base of the Thai economy.
Thailand is preparing to open its 26th petroleum exploration and production bidding round in the Andaman Sea as part of efforts to increase domestic gas supplies, reduce dependence on costly liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and strengthen long-term energy security.
Thailand is developing a risk-based legal framework for artificial intelligence that focuses on enhancing digital accountability, consumer protection, and ethics. These regulations aim to establish safeguards for AI adoption and development while addressing potential risks such as bias, security, and privacy.
Phuket has been voted the leading wellness destination by Canadian travelers in Air Canada Vacations’ 2026 Travelers’ Top Picks Awards. The result was announced at the company’s Toronto Product Launch at Universal Event Space in Toronto, Canada.
Those darn elephants! Being the smallest means you’re never walking alone
How the ‘Three-Water City’ is rewriting the rules of travel
Australian expat Jay Houston says he has cut his rent to a quarter of what he paid in Australia after moving to Thailand, and is now running an online business to help other Australians make the move.
Phuket expects this year’s Vegetarian Festival to generate at least 1.4 billion baht in economic activity. Visitors from Thailand, China, Malaysia, and Singapore are expected to be the primary groups attending the festival.
Thailand recorded the highest electrified vehicle (xEV) sales among ASEAN-6 markets in the first half of 2026, with volumes rising 47% year on year to 206,000 units, according to PwC. Sales outpaced Vietnam at 127,000 units and Indonesia at 114,000 units, reinforcing Thailand’s position as a leading regional hub for electric mobility.
US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday for a lavish summit that was heavy on symbolism but light on substance, with no sign of breakthroughs on thorny issues such as AI, trade, Taiwan and the war with Iran. 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a combative speech at the 81st United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, defending Israel’s actions in the region as dozens of delegates walked out of the chamber in protest. 
Hua Hin-Cha-am among six new MICE Cities
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau ((TCEB), has certified six new destinations across the country as official “MICE Cities”, a network that is now expanded to 16 destinations. It is a network that gives event organizers and international clients a wide choice of destinations, while enabling more cities across Thailand to leverage MICE as a driver of local economic development.
AGT winner Nene Royal gifted Bangkok home
Oil prices settled about 3% higher yesterday, as a Houthi missile attack on Saudi Arabia revived fears of supply disruptions. Reports of US-Iran talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz subsequently tempered the gains.
Diesel prices at pumps across the European Union (EU) have hit a new high of €2.23 per liter, up from €2.16 the previous week, an Agence France-Presse (AFP) analysis of European Commission data published yesterday showed.
Thailand’s Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has not approved reported 5%–10% increases in consumer goods prices scheduled for Oct. 1, 2026, Director-general Wittayakorn Maneenetr said yesterday. Some manufacturers had submitted applications, but the department had not authorized the increases.
Thailand is positioning itself as a strategic gateway to the ASEAN regional market, which consists of approximately 700 million people, to provide US businesses with access to broader Southeast Asian trade and investment opportunities.
Thailand has suffered from sluggish economic growth, with only 2% GDP growth, while regional peers have reached higher growth.
Thailand’s six hospitals are expected to post an 11% year-on-year (YoY) increase in aggregate net profit to $243.9 million (8.16 billion baht) in the third quarter (Q3), according to CGS International. CGS International attributed the growth to the recovery of foreign patient traffic and rising demand during influenza and COVID-19 outbreaks.
Bangkok is approaching a major turning point in urban development, as its expanding rail network pushes growth beyond the city center and into suburban areas. Location is therefore becoming less about distance from central Bangkok and more about connectivity, access to services and the quality of life an area can offer.
The appeal of the Thai DTV is obvious – you get up to five years of multiple entry access to Thailand so you can do more without relying on short tourist stays. However, before you apply, you’ll need to check the financial eligibility requirements, what remote work does and does not cover, and the documents and application process that applies.
Thailand aims to welcome 1.5 million Americans in 2026 as it shifts its tourism strategy to draw higher-spending visitors to boost international tourism. Last year, 1.08 million Americans visited Thailand, with 716,983 Americans arriving between January and September of this year.
The Family-Run Restaurants Preserving Southern Thailand’s Culinary Heritage
The Best Places to Eat During Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival
Thai Basil Vs. Italian Basil: What’s The Difference?
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has held talks with Google executives in New York on developing environmentally friendly data-center standards in Thailand, alongside plans for an open data institute to improve Thai digital skills.
Thailand’s nuclear power ambitions have been repeatedly delayed by concerns over safety and radioactive waste management following major international accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima. Additionally, the country faces significant challenges in developing the necessary infrastructure, technical expertise, and regulatory frameworks required to manage nuclear technology safely.
Nepal’s catastrophic flooding last month “was a warning to the world” about the rising dangers of climate change, Prime Minister Balendra Shah told the United Nations yesterday, urging countries to step up to help his country adapt.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing a difficult reelection campaign at home, delivered a fiery UN speech yesterday assailing enemies and allies alike – and sparking uproar in the chamber. Netanyahu used the global platform at the UN General Assembly to attack everyone from the leaders of Iran to New York’s first Muslim mayor and partners Britain, France and Turkey. 
Canada is answering US President Donald Trump’s obsession with renaming things by unveiling a name change of its own – Trump Avenue in Ottawa will soon be history. The city is hitting back at the US leader, who among other things insists Canada should cease to exist as a country and instead become the 51st US state. 
Thai teen Nene Royal wins AGT 2026 title
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR), which operates PTT Station, and Bangchak Corp. raised standard diesel and B20 prices in Thailand by 0.75 baht a liter from today. PTT Station and Bangchak kept petrol and gasohol prices unchanged.
Isolated heavy to very heavy rain is forecast over Thailand until Sunday, according to the Meteorological Department, which has urged people to follow weather updates from official sources after an online panic over a “great flood”.
A survey reveals that Thais are sparking thought-provoking discussions on “flexible retirement,” disregarding the traditional 60-year retirement age, but warning of the risk of financial insufficiency.
The World Bank urged Thailand to strengthen secondary cities alongside Bangkok to help achieve high-income status by 2037. Its modeling shows that directing 80% of a US$20 billion urban investment envelope to secondary cities could lift national gross domestic product (GDP) per capita 12.4% above a no-investment baseline by 2050.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised its forecast for Thailand’s economic growth in 2026 to 2.0% from the 1.8% projected in July, supported by technology and electronics exports and a strong global investment cycle in artificial intelligence (AI). Growth is forecast at 1.9% in 2027.
ASEAN must remain united while strengthening its resilience and ability to create value within the region, as geopolitical rivalry, tariffs and technological competition reshape global trade, two senior Thai policy figures told the Southeast Asia Trade and Development Forum 2026.
Mars is expanding its presence in Asia by establishing Thailand as a strategic production and export hub for its Pringles brand. The company recently opened a new factory in Chon Buri, located within the Eastern Economic Corridor, to serve markets in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.
AirAsia and other budget airlines serving Thailand are facing renewed pressure on costs and cash flow after the global average jet fuel price rose 7.4% to US$194.90 a barrel in the week ending Sept. 18. The increase is particularly difficult for carriers that sold tickets before fuel costs surged.
Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X will resume temporarily suspended international services and increase flight frequencies in the fourth quarter of 2026, offering direct flights to as many as 46 cities across 53 routes to meet year-end travel demand.
Millions of Americans travel worldwide every year for medical care. These aren’t just aesthetic procedures; they’re also essential healthcare and life-saving treatments. Many destinations are known for high-quality, relatively affordable healthcare systems, which motivates Americans struggling to pay for similar procedures in the U.S.
Where to Stay in Chiang Rai: 3 Best Areas & Hotels
Planning a trip to Chiang Rai and wondering which part of the city is best to stay in? We’ve got you covered! We loved how laid-back Chiang Rai felt compared to some of Thailand’s bigger cities, but there’s still plenty to see here, from colorful temples and night markets to mountain scenery. Although the city itself is fairly compact, where you stay can make a big difference to how easy it is to get around.
A draft bill on the operation of digital infrastructure services would regulate data centers, cloud services and digital platforms. Operators would need a license from the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, while the rules for applying for, issuing, suspending and revoking licenses for each type of business would be set out in ministerial regulations.
Extreme heat caused by this year’s “super-El Niño” could result in as many as 451,000 excess deaths across the globe from June this year to February 2027, researchers with the University of Chicago’s Climate Impact Lab said yesterday. The number of extremely hot days is likely to rise by 44% compared to normal years, Climate Impact Lab said.
The tsunami-like flood that cut a swathe of destruction through Nepal on Aug. 26 has left the Himalayan nation grappling with heavy losses and mounting reconstruction needs. On Aug. 26 at 8.37 am, a mass of ice and rock broke away from the north face of Nepal’s Langtang Lirung mountain, sending a huge mass of debris racing down the valley. 
Happiness may be subjective, but living on lush tropical islands and eating delicious food is probably a good formula for the emotion when living abroad. And foreigners in Thailand appear to be the happiest of all.
Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony returns to Hua Hin Saturday
Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwanchawee says he will personally investigate reports of Israeli-linked companies buying land worth nearly 100 million baht in Thailand’s three southern border provinces.
Grab is expanding its airport services to prepare for the fourth-quarter travel peak, a period when its airport ride bookings typically increase by 35% to 40% compared to non-peak times. To manage this anticipated surge, the company has expanded its pick-up area at Suvarnabhumi airport from three lanes to 12 lanes and introduced new booking tools, including a feature called NIP.
Nearly 1,000 doctors a year are leaving Thailand’s public healthcare system, according to the head of a young doctors’ network, who says heavy workloads, burnout and structural problems are pushing many out despite continued demand.
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a draft Cannabis Control Act that would place tighter controls on cultivation, sales and medical prescribing. The proposal must now go before the House of Representatives.
Thailand is confronting a renewed energy-security challenge as the crisis around the Strait of Hormuz pushes global LNG prices to about US$28 per million British thermal units, close to levels seen during the Russia-Ukraine energy shock. Thailand is responding by accelerating domestic gas exploration, reviewing LNG procurement strategy and seeking to diversify away from spot-market exposure.
Assoc Prof. Aat Pisanwanich of Rangsit University’s Faculty of Economics said yesterday the university had prepared an economic and international trade policy analysis of the Thai Household Cost of Living Index (CLI) for the third quarter of 2026 and the fourth-quarter outlook, titled “The impact of oil prices on Thai living costs”.
Thailand’s Cabinet approved a 43-billion-baht relief package yesterday, extending Thais Help Thais Plus through November and raising welfare-card support for October. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the measures would ease energy-related living costs and help keep Thailand’s 2026 growth on track for 2.5%.
The cabinet has endorsed a strategic plan for the Oil Fuel Fund and a fuel crisis response plan covering 2026-29 with wider use of biofuels made from domestic raw materials to help deal with volatility in global energy markets.
Thailand’s Greater Bangkok housing market is showing an increasingly sharp divide, with condominium sales rebounding while low-rise housing remains weighed down by weak purchasing power, tight lending conditions and a prolonged inventory overhang.
Healthcare in Thailand is expanding its medical tourism services, which include hospital healthcare, preventive health services, wellness programs, and tourism services, for international tourists in both Bangkok and Phuket.
It’s the holiday hotspot that draws in billions of dollars with the promise of sun, sand and sex. Police promise Pattaya is one of the safest cities in Thailand. But the shocking killing of a teenage girl earlier this year exposed the dark underbelly of the city’s sex industry.
Trips to Thailand booked by Russian tourists through the end of the year could face disruptions amid a rise in reported COVID-19 cases. Some Russian travelers who have already paid for holidays at Thai resorts between October and December have reportedly been warned about possible problems with their trips as infections increase.
The Hua Hin Film Club will screen The Imitation Game at Sundance Beach Club on Sunday, Oct. 18, with actor David Charkham joining the evening as a special guest. The event begins at 6.30 pm and will include a conversation with Charkham, who appeared in the film. 
Nene Royal set for America’s Got Talent final
China’s robot dancers limber up for America’s Got Talent final
Seniors urged to use traditional Chinese medicine to slow cognitive decline
Young leopard makes rare daytime appearance in Kaeng Krachan forest
The new postal law in Thailand aims to address regulatory gaps and market distortions within the country’s growing delivery and logistics sector. A primary objective is to ensure equal access to basic postal services for all citizens, preventing these essential services from falling under the control of purely commercial delivery and logistics providers.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis has driven LNG prices to US$28 per million British thermal units, putting pressure on Thailand’s public and private sectors to undertake a major review of their energy strategies. The response ranges from adding “flexibility” to the energy-security framework to accelerating domestic gas exploration, advancing small modular reactor technology and restructuring major energy companies.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has embarked on a high-stakes investment mission to New York, positioning Thailand as an emerging hub for next-generation technology and global capital as he attends the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81).
Thailand and the United States have reached a substantive agreement on the primary elements of their Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. While the core framework is established, negotiations continue regarding technical details and specific tariff treatments for Thai exports.
A Look at Phuket Old Town’s Revival and Rising Challenges
What a way to start a day! Watching the sun rise over the Gulf of Thailand, cool ocean breezes, with a gentle sea lapping at the white sand beach. And behind you is breakfast, served by the attentive staff of the 
Warning issued after driver nearly hits Khao Yai elephants
Thailand named Asia’s top beach destination for 2026
Thailand’s solar panel imports jumped 88.7% year-on-year to US$426.7 million, around 14.93 billion baht, during the first seven months of 2026, with China accounting for almost the entire market. According to figures from the Ministry of Commerce and Customs Department, the January to July increase marked a sharp recovery after import values contracted during both 2024 and 2025.
Ask an economist to put a price on Bangkok’s haze, and the number is startling: US$45.3 billion a year, or 3.9% of Thailand’s GDP, according to a World Bank assessment that ranks the country 20th worst out of 180 for the health costs of PM2.5 pollution — the second-heaviest burden in Southeast Asia after Indonesia.
Major television networks suspended their White House pool coverage and will no longer send camera crews to cover President Donald Trump’s pool events, standing in solidarity with CNN after Trump denied White House access to reporters for three outlets. The move from the five networks that make up the television pool ‒ ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox News, in addition to CNN ‒ means a broadcast television feed that is distributed widely for media won’t be carried for most of Trump’s events. 
Hua Hin beacfront building owners request demolition delay
Sivana Hills held an open house on Saturday showcasing its new pool villa development on Soi 126 in Hua Hin’s Khao Tao area.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warned of heavy rain across Thailand today, naming 55 provinces in its regional forecasts and also warning Bangkok and surrounding areas.
A deadly night of violence hit Yala’s Bannang Sata district before security forces moved in yesterday. Assistant village headman Hamdee Jehsoh, 42, was shot dead in a roadside ambush. Hours later, attackers struck Highway 410, burning tires, scattering road spikes and leaving a suspicious wired object.
Hong Kong customs has made its largest-ever drug seizure from a sea shipment, finding cannabis worth HK$125 million, or about 530 million baht, in a 40-foot container declared as arriving from Thailand.
Disruption to Gulf shipping routes could raise transport costs and lengthen delivery times for Thai businesses, the Dubai office of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) warned in a report.
Following increased immigration traffic at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand has now made the immigration eGates widely accessible. The immigration department at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is now allowing citizens of 33 foreign countries to utilize the electronic gates in order to enter the country.
For many Thai people, 7-Eleven is much more than a place to grab a quick snack. It has become part of everyday life, offering everything from morning coffee and ready-to-eat meals to drinks, beauty products, accessories and household essentials.
A three-meter python was captured after a homeowner in Udon Thani discovered it attacking chickens, solving the mystery of 25 fighting cocks that had disappeared over nearly two weeks.
Protected Areas Regional Office 9 (Ubon Ratchathani) officially opened Kaeng I Khiao as a new natural attraction at Buntharik-Yot Mon Wildlife Sanctuary in Kho Laen subdistrict, Buntharik district, Ubon Ratchathani province, on Friday.
Thailand data-center boom raises wider clean-power challenge
Thailand’s 65- billion-baht coffee market is moving beyond the beverage business, as consumers increasingly prioritize quality, experience and sustainability.
Ukrainian forces fired more than 1,000 drones at Russia overnight Saturday, including hundreds that were launched toward Moscow, officials said yesterday, as the Kremlin was wrapping up the third and last day of its parliamentary elections. 
Bangkok authorities are preparing a shared rail fare system that would limit the maximum charge to 45 baht per trip across the capital and surrounding areas from Jan. 1.The plan would remove duplicate entry fees for passengers changing between rail lines.
A minimart worker in Lopburi won 12 million baht in the Thai government lottery, but decided to keep working at his regular job, saying he would use some of the winnings to build a new home.
At Gastech 2026, we go behind the scenes of Thailand’s energy crossfire as the nation navigates an unprecedented surge in electricity demand driven by AI data centers and green industrial transitions.
Government moving to fully relocate Bangkok port to Laem Chabang
There is no currently established gold transaction tax rate in Thailand. While the Finance Ministry and the Bank of Thailand have been studying the possibility of imposing taxes on gold imports and domestic trading to curb money laundering and gray capital, no such tax has been implemented..
The Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) is targeting Shopee following allegations that the platform unfairly used its market power to dominate the e-commerce industry. Specifically, the regulator is investigating claims that Shopee allegedly coerced vendors into participating in promotions without their consent, such as the CashBack Coins and free shipping schemes.
Prominent AI researchers and industry leaders have proposed several measures to slow the pace of artificial intelligence development to allow society and regulatory frameworks to catch up. These proposals include calling for a coordinated slowdown in the development of advanced models, implementing licensing regimes similar to those used in aviation or medicine, and establishing global coordination to prevent a competitive race between companies..
The Rise (and Rise and Rise) of the Suddenly Ubiquitous Jellyfish
Increasing concern among farmers about Kok River contamination
US President Donald Trump said yesterday e had struck a deal with Denmark to give Washington “permanent control” over Greenland’s security that would bar Russia and China from setting up bases in the Arctic territory. 
US President Donald Trump said yesterday he was banning news outlets CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing them without specifics of reporting “fiction and lies.” Trump added that “other Fake News Media Outlets” would face a similar fate, but did not say which ones. 
Thai star Lisa hits big time in US
LISA brings Thai food and drinking culture to Jimmy Fallon show
Shipping costs are being driven by a combination of geopolitical tensions, severe weather events, and capacity constraints in critical maritime corridors. Conflicts in the Middle East, specifically involving Iran, have caused shipping standstills in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing vessels to seek alternative and often more expensive routes.
Average household debt in Thailand has risen to nearly 800,000 baht, reaching its highest level in 17 years, according to a 2026 survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
Thai Airways will operate the new Bangkok-Da Nang service with 41 flights per week. The service is scheduled to begin on Dec. 1.
Thailand Ecotourism Is Now Third in ASEAN
Tiger Conservation in Thailand Shows Results
Government plans to liberalize forest use have sparked fears that Thailand’s pristine natural landscapes will be opened to industrial activities, including waste disposal. The Cabinet this month approved in principle a draft regulation allowing the commercial and industrial use of larger forest zones – including national reserves. If enacted, the scope of permitted activities will be expanded from the current 10 categories to 16.
Thailand has built much of the machinery of sustainable finance — a taxonomy, disclosure rules, transition loans and a coming climate fund. What it has not yet solved is who can afford to use it.
Officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan have reviewed efforts to address wild elephant problems in Hua Hin and Kui Buri, including assistance and compensation for affected residents.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has warned all provinces nationwide, including Bangkok, to prepare for very heavy rain during Sept. 16-20, with risks of flash floods, forest run-off, landslides, waterlogging and rough seas.
Thailand is piloting a system that replaces the name, address and phone number on a parcel with a six-digit code and QR code, in an attempt to stop personal data leaking to scam gangs.
Nene Royal vows to give her all to win AGT final
Professor Watcharapong Kasaree, a political scientist from Chulalongkorn University, warns that Thailand’s fiscal system could face a severe crisis within a decade if urgent reforms are not undertaken. He expresses concern that the current trajectory of increasing public debt, which could reach 80%-90% of GDP within 5-10 years if revenue is not significantly increased, could lead to a loss of economic stability.
The new Employee Welfare Fund is expected to increase operating costs for restaurants due to mandatory monthly contributions from both employers and employees. These contributions are set at a rate of 5% of employee wages, beginning on Oct. 1.
The cabinet has granted oil and gas exploration concessions to two companies following the Round 25 onshore petroleum auction. The winning companies are PETTP International and Pan Orion Energy (Siam) Co., which were awarded concessions for areas in the central and northeastern regions.
Thailand could impose an excise tax of around 30% on fully imported electric vehicles, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, revealing for the first time the potential rate of a levy designed to steer automakers toward local production.
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry has rejected claims that foreigners can now operate hotels, restaurants or tour businesses without a license under a new Foreign Business Act regulation.
A police lieutenant colonel and three other men were arrested Tuesday after they allegedly extorted 200,000 baht from a Chinese national in San Kamphaeng district, Chiang Mai province.
Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province has announced that its 2026-27 season for mountaintop visits and overnight stays will run from Oct. 1 to May 31, 2027.
The US Federal Reserve yesterday raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, defying President Donald Trump’s demand for cuts, as central bank chief Kevin Warsh stressed the need to combat inflation that has been “too high” for “too long.” The Federal Open Market Committee voted unanimously to raise rates by 25 basis points to between 3.75% and 4.00%. 
Asia-Pacific will account for 45% of global demand for new passenger aircraft between 2026 and 2045, requiring 19,120 aircraft as passenger traffic grows faster than the worldwide average, Airbus forecasts. Airbus’s Global Market Forecast (GMF) for 2026–2045 puts worldwide demand at 42,060 new aircraft.