- Hua Hin waterfront public space under consideration/Hua Hin Film Club/Nene Royal set for America’s Got Talent final/China’s robot dancers to compete with Nene//Seniors urged to use traditional Chinese medicine/Young leopard in Kaeng Krachan forest/Households face rising health costs/Bangkok warns over rising water/Objectives of Thailand’s new postal law
- THE IRAN WAR: Thailand braces for LNG supply squeeze/Fuel tax cut mulled/Supply issues driving diesel prices upward/Saudi attack dents Mideast market
- ECONOMY: Thailand weighs cost-of-living aid/Thai PM Targets Global Investors/Thailand and US agree trade deal/Data centers to shift beyond Bangkok
- TOURISM: Vietnam is taking Thailand’s quality tourists/Malaysia and Japan lead tourist arrivals/Phuket Old Town’s Revival
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Driver nearly hits Khao Yai elephants/Thailand named Asia’s top beach destination/Life of a Thai undertaker
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand solar panel imports surge/Dirty air is costing Thailand
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/Rising tensions lead to deportation order
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin waterfront public space under consideration, after demolition
Hua Hin municipality is considering recreation and exercise areas, parking and a wider road for the Hua Hin waterfront, where demolition is scheduled to begin on Friday.
Future development plans have not been confirmed. Public consultation and input from stakeholders would be required to determine how the area should be developed. The proposals concern the stretch of waterfront between the fishing pier and Thap Thim Shrine, where buildings currently include restaurants, cafés, accommodation and homes.Continued …
Hua Hin Film Club to screen The Imitation Game
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.
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as British mathematician and codebreaker Alan Turing, alongside Keira Knightley, The Imitation Game follows Turing and his colleagues at Bletchley Park as they work to decipher Germany’s Enigma code during the Second World War. Continued …
Nene Royal set for America’s Got Talent final
Thai teenage performer Rattikan Amloy, better known as Nene Royal or Nong Praew, is due to compete in the final of America’s Got Talent 2026 in the United States. The 16-year-old artist from Phuket, will take to the stage at 7 am Thailand time tomorrow. The winner of this year’s competition is expected to be decided shortly afterwards.
Nene’s run on America’s Got Talent has already won the attention of judges and viewers. She made an impression with her performance of Zombie, then received a Golden Buzzer in the quarterfinal for Black Hole Sun, taking her through to the final. Continued …
China’s robot dancers limber up for America’s Got Talent final
Chinese street dancer Wu Yufei has spent most of his 13-year career performing solo, but this year, he found some new partners – a crew of robots with sleek moves.
The 27-year-old Sichuan native, together with his fellow robot performers, has made it to the final of “America’s Got Talent” (AGT), a stage he had been hoping to reach for years. Continued …
Seniors urged to use traditional Chinese medicine to slow cognitive decline
Older adults are being encouraged to adopt traditional Chinese medicine practices to help maintain brain health and slow the progression of cognitive decline. These recommendations include daily activities such as eating foods like black sesame seeds, goji berries, and walnuts, as well as engaging in regular exercise and social interaction.
The underlying logic for these practices is rooted in the connection between the brain and the kidneys, as traditional Chinese medicine views these organs as being closely linked. Experts suggest that managing energy flow and blood within the kidneys can help mitigate the emotional and memory changes associated with aging. In addition to dietary and physical habits, other suggested activities to stimulate the brain include learning new skills, listening to music, and practicing relaxation techniques.
Young leopard makes rare daytime appearance in Kaeng Krachan forest
A young leopard has been photographed walking along a road in Kaeng Krachan National Park, providing encouraging evidence of a healthy forest ecosystem and abundant food sources for large predators. Park officials examined the animal’s appearance, behavior and size and identified it as a young leopard that had not previously been recorded in the park’s photographic database.
The daytime appearance, particularly the animal’s apparent lack of fear around people, has drawn attention from conservation officials. They said the sighting indicates that the Kaeng Krachan forest has suitable hunting grounds and sufficient food to support the growth and reproduction of large wildlife. Continued …
Households face rising health costs
Thailand’s healthcare spending is projected to grow by 4%-7% annually through 2030, primarily driven by an aging population, rising medical costs, and advancements in medical technology. This growth is further influenced by the increasing need for preventive healthcare and the expansion of the wellness and medical tourism sectors.
The demographic shift toward a super-aged society is a significant driver, as the proportion of people aged 60 and over is expected to reach 20% by 2030. Additionally, rising costs for pharmaceutical essentials and medical equipment, alongside the integration of high-tech medical innovations, are contributing to higher expenditures. While the government currently manages various schemes like the Universal Coverage Scheme, analysts suggest that households may eventually bear a larger share of these rising costs as state capacity faces pressure.
Bangkok warns Chao Phraya residents over rising water
Bangkok authorities have warned people living and working along both banks of the Chao Phraya River to prepare for higher water levels as releases from Chao Phraya Dam are increased.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said the river could rise by 0.61 to 1.50 meters from its present level, with low-lying areas outside flood embankments, riverside communities and other vulnerable locations at risk of inundation. Continued …
What are the primary objectives of Thailand’s new postal law?
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 proposed legislation also seeks to establish a central regulatory body to function as an independent authority, fostering fair treatment among market participants and creating a more natural regulatory framework. By addressing previous imbalances in the regulatory structure, the law intends to stabilize the industry and prevent price distortions that can occur through aggressive competition. Additionally, the reform aims to align Thai standards with international practices, such as those found in Europe and Asia, to support the growth of the industry without stifling it.
Thailand braces for LNG supply squeeze as prices near Russia–Ukraine war levels
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.
Poonpat Leesombatpiboon, secretary-general of the Office of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), said geopolitical instability was accelerating a global reassessment of energy policy. The definition of energy security needed to expand beyond ensuring adequate supplies to include adaptability and flexibility. Continued …
Fuel tax cut mulled amid energy crisis
The Thai government is considering reducing fuel excise taxes to alleviate the cost-of-living pressures currently facing the public due to the ongoing energy crisis. This measure is being discussed as a way to provide relief to citizens while managing the broader energy situation.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas noted that any reduction in fuel excise tax must be implemented carefully to avoid creating a cycle of energy crises. Beyond immediate relief, officials are also looking at ways to stabilize the country and ensure public benefits are maximized. The government is currently assessing fiscal space for the next year to determine the most effective timing and scale for such measures.
Supply issues, attacks on refineries driving diesel prices upward
Prices at the pump for diesel and other fuels are hitting fresh highs in many countries as the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine have not only choked off crude supplies, but also damaged refineries, with the resulting capacity constraints increasingly being felt, according to analysis out of France.
French officials recently estimated that the global market is missing about 10 million barrels of crude oil per day. It is a considerable amount given the global economy had been consuming on the order of 105 million barrels per day before the Middle East conflict broke out. Continued …
Saudi attack dents Mideast market
The recent attack near Riyadh Airport has the potential to further hamper the Middle East travel market, which is already struggling to recover from the Gulf conflict that began earlier this year. According to the Association of Thai Travel Agents, the situation is being closely monitored, as it could lead to further disruptions in flight operations.
Travel experts suggest that while the impact on the broader Middle East market may be limited, the ongoing conflict and regional instability pose significant risks. Specifically, the Houthis have targeted oil infrastructure and declared a maritime blockade, which has already impacted Saudi oil exports and maritime traffic in the Red Sea. The U.S. State Department has even advised travelers to seriously reconsider traveling to or through the region due to the potential for rapid escalation.
Thailand weighs cost-of-living aid as oil prices rise
Thailand’s government says it is assessing rising energy costs and their wider effect on household spending, transport and consumer prices before deciding on further cost-of-living measures.
Lalida Periswiwatthana, deputy government spokesperson, said yesterday that officials were closely monitoring energy prices and their impact on the public. Any response, she said, must consider energy costs, freight charges, retail prices, purchasing power and the country’s fiscal position together. Continued …
Thai PM Targets Global Investors in US Growth Push
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).
Leading a high-level delegation alongside Thai financial leaders, the prime minister aims to place Thailand firmly on the global investment radar, driving bilateral talks with top US financial institutions and multinational technology firms. Continued …
What key elements did Thailand and the US agree on in their trade deal?
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.
The framework covers digital trade, services, investment, and market access, with Thailand specifically seeking to secure tariff-rate conditions comparable to those of its regional competitors. Recent discussions have focused on addressing US concerns regarding structural excess production capacity and labor practices, while Thailand aims to establish a more durable market position for its exporters. Additionally, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has sought to finalize remaining issues, including specific tariff rates, through high-level discussions with US officials.
Larger data centers set to shift beyond Bangkok
Larger data center projects are shifting away from Bangkok primarily due to infrastructure constraints and increasingly strict regulatory requirements. Companies are seeking locations outside the capital that can offer more reliable access to land and water, as well as sufficient electricity capacity to support massive operations.
Beyond resource availability, the relocation is driven by a need for greater certainty regarding urban planning and environmental safety. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has recently halted approvals for new large-scale projects while it works to revise regulations, as existing laws often fail to adequately define data centers or subject them to necessary city-planning and factory rules. Furthermore, developers are facing heightened scrutiny and potential restrictions in urban areas due to concerns over high electricity demand, water consumption, and the environmental impact of fuel storage for emergency generators.
Vietnam is taking Thailand’s quality tourists in huge numbers
Vietnam is mounting its biggest challenge yet to Thailand’s tourism crown, as a once-massive 22-million visitor gap collapses. Vietnam is surging beyond pre-Covid records while Thailand remains millions below its 2019 peak.
Crucially, Vietnam is beating Thailand on the value that once powered its tourism machine: price. It is also easing visas, expanding airports and attracting soaring Western arrivals. Thailand, meanwhile, is tightening immigration, ramping up security and struggling to recover its huge Chinese market. Almost 30,000 foreigners were refused entry during this year’s first five months. Through August, Vietnam’s arrivals surged 14.4% while Thailand’s fell 3.1%. Continued …
Malaysia and Japan drive rise in Thailand’s foreign tourist arrivals
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul reported the latest tourism figures yesterday. Thailand welcomed 22,183,678 foreign tourists from Jan. 1 to Sept. 19, down 3.7% from the same period a year earlier, with foreign tourism revenue reaching 1.082821 trillion baht.
The five largest source markets were: China: 3,728,585 tourists; Malaysia: 2,831,654 tourists; India: 1,640,441 tourists; Russia: 1,230,256 tourists; and South Korea: 811,246 tourists. Continued …
A Look at Phuket Old Town’s Revival and Rising Challenges
The revival of Phuket Old Town has brought its colorful heritage back into the spotlight, but success comes with its own challenges. As tourism, rising rents and commercialization reshape the historic district, its long-standing community is grappling with what should be preserved – and what can change.
Phuket Old Town, the island’s historic heart, is known for its pastel-colored Sino-Portuguese shophouses and a distinctive blend of cultures that reflects Phuket’s trading history. While the area’s early development dates back centuries, it was the 19th- century tin-mining boom that transformed Phuket into a prosperous regional trading hub, attracting Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European merchants and workers seeking opportunities. Continued …
Breakfast at the Anantasila Beach Restaurant
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 Anantasila Beach Reataurant in Khao Takiab. Hendrik van den Heuvel is the executive food and beverage manager.
Expat News had the opportunity recently to sample the restaurant’s morning buffet, and was not disappointed. So much delicious food to choose from – made-to-order eggs (we tried the salmon omelette), breads and Danish made fresh on site, fruits of all kinds, and a variety of Thai dishes.
And don’t forget the coffee, made fresh from beans in a variety of styles. We tried the Americano and Caffe Latte, among the many options offered.
The menu is changed regularly, but on our visit waiting for hungry diners was fish rice soup (a Thai breakfast staple), Jasmine and white rice, egg Thai fried rice, stir-fried noodles with chicken, bell pepper with beef, pork red curry, baked beans, grilled tomato, hash browns, sausages, cold cuts, cheese, juices, and waffles with real maple syrup.
The beach bar and restaurant veranda give access to beautiful, unobstructed views of the sea and Khao Takiab shoreline. The restaurant’s tree-canopied outdoor dining area offers a casual yet sophisticated dining experience.
The restaurant is open seven days a week from 7 am-11 pm. and welcomes all residents and non-residents. For reservation, Tel : +66 32 527 638; Email : fb@anantasila.com; Web.
Warning issued after driver nearly hits Khao Yai elephants
The Thai Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TSPCA) has warned of severe penalties for people who harm or threaten wildlife following an incident in which a retired government official allegedly drove at high speed and nearly hit two wild elephants in Khao Yai National Park.
The case involves “Ngathong,” a bull elephant, and his calf “Ton Kla.” According to the TSPCA, the retired official drove into close proximity to the elephants as they were crossing a road inside Khao Yai National Park. The incident startled the calf, causing it to run away, while the vehicle nearly collided with Ngathong. Tourists in the area were also forced to jump out of the way. Continued …
Thailand named Asia’s top beach destination for 2026
Thailand has been ranked Asia’s leading beach travel destination for 2026 and fifth in the world by Travel And Tour World (TTW). The country placed above the Philippines, Maldives, Indonesia and India in TTW’s Asian rankings, while Greece took the top global position. Australia, Mexico and Spain filled second to fourth places, respectively.
TTW said leading beach destinations were not defined solely by attractive coastlines. Its assessment also reflected the overall travel experience, combining natural scenery, vibrant local culture, marine biodiversity, welcoming hospitality and responsible tourism. Continued …
Life of a Thai undertaker
Meet 39-year-old undertaker Aphichat Sukain, who oversees cremations and performs traditional rituals for the dead at a Buddhist temple in Bangkok. He discusses the practical responsibilities, spiritual beliefs and ceremonies that guide each person’s final journey. Video …
Thailand solar panel imports surge ahead of household scheme
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.
The increase comes as the government prepares a major household solar program and amid concerns over higher electricity costs. Energy-price pressures linked to the conflict in the Middle East have also encouraged households and businesses to consider rooftop systems as a way to reduce longer-term power bills. Continued …
Dirty air is costing Thailand almost 4% of GDP a year
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.
That figure is not a forecast or a worst case. It is roughly what dirty air is already taking out of the Thai economy every single year, largely unremarked, while a law designed to bring it down sits stalled in Parliament. Continued …
Rising tensions lead to deportation order for unruly tourists
This video investigates the rising tensions between local Thai communities and foreign visitors, exploring how cultural friction, property disputes, and regulatory crackdowns are testing Thailand’s limits. Video …
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Hong Kong drug-packer arrested with 350 kilograms of ‘ice’ in Bangkok – Continued …
Major TV networks suspend White House pool coverage after Trump ban
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. 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 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.
Thailand is developing a driver payment framework to establish a fair minimum payment standard and serve as a common reference for the delivery industry. The initiative aims to create a structure that reflects actual costs, such as vehicle types, distance, and working time, while providing a foundation for future regulations to protect platform workers.
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.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced that Thailand has secured its desired tariff rate from the United States, though one final condition from Washington still needs to be finalized.
The cumulative spending under the government’s Thais Help Thais Plus 60/40 co-payment scheme has surpassed 161 billion baht. The Finance Ministry is expected to request a cabinet consideration to extend the program, which was designed to support the grassroots economy by easing household expenses and boosting purchasing power amidst rising living costs.
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.
The United Nations has issued a top-level warning: the world is facing a “Super El Niño,” shattering all previous heat records. This is closer than you think. Why do vulnerable areas like northern Thailand need to prepare now? Find out in this report. 
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. 
The leaders of France and Canada yesterday pledged closer ties to grapple with rising geopolitical tensions, climate change and the erosion of democratic values, after they met in the French territory of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon off Canada’s Atlantic coast. 
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.
The government is continuing its crackdown on nominee arrangements, gray capital and identity-card fraud networks under instructions from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
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. 
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is implementing a comprehensive strategy to enhance healthcare accessibility and attract international patients. The initiative includes establishing a health marketplace that centralizes public and private healthcare services, alongside a data and access initiative linking national health databases to improve service delivery and inform policy decisions.
Covid-19 infections in Thailand are on an upward trend, with an average of 15,000 new cases reported each week over the past four weeks, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC).
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).
Thailand is aiming to be more than a destination for global events, it wants to become a trusted MICE gateway connecting the world with Asia.
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.
Israel’s ambassador to Thailand, Alona Fisher-Kamm, has again urged Israeli visitors to respect Thai laws and culture after protests and a series of disputes involving tourists. Fisher-Kamm said both countries needed to ensure the Middle East conflict was not brought into Thailand. She nevertheless pushed back against describing recent protests as antisemitic.
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.
Koh Lanta truly is a magical place. It feels like stepping back in time, allowing you to experience the essence of what Thailand is all about. Located on the Andaman Sea, it’s a collection of rugged islands in the Krabi province. The biggest and most inhabited is Koh Lanta Yai, which is highlighted by nine golden sand beaches and lush, palm tree jungles.
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. 
Highway police arrested a 23-year-old man and seized approximately 464 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine after the van he was driving crashed into a resident’s fence during a pursuit in Prachuap Khiri Khan last week.
‘Hands off Koh Kut’: Thailand stands firm at UN maritime talks
European buyers pushed some physical oil cargo prices above US$130 a barrel yesterday, while Brent and US crude futures reached their highest settlements since May 19 as disruptions to Saudi exports intensified.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan said yesterday that Gastech 2026 in Bangkok had generated more than US$17 billion in energy business agreements. Thailand also handed over hosting duties for the 2027 event to Houston in the United States.
Thailand has signed an international tax information exchange agreement as part of the Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) rules to support the collection of top-up taxes.
Cargill is expanding its food production in Thailand by investing 2 billion baht (US$60 million) to enhance its feed business and processing facilities. This strategic move aims to increase production efficiency and reliability in the production process, while also providing better control over raw materials.
A media review of Pattaya has highlighted the resort city’s enduring association with sex tourism, despite efforts by local authorities to promote beaches, sport, conventions and family holidays.
TAT’s Amazing Thailand Ambassador Campaign Generates Over 448 Million Impressions
Thailand is shifting the way it measures tourism success, moving beyond visitor numbers toward a model focused on value, distribution and sustainability.
Thailand has shortened the standard visa-free stay for tourists from 60 days to 30, and this change may have a bigger effect on tourism spending than on the number of foreign visitors entering the country.
Thailand’s revised Destination Thailand Visa rules, effective from Aug. 31, have created uncertainty for applicants applying outside their home country as Thai embassies and consulates publish differing residence requirements.
Thai industrial estate developer Amata Corp. and energy producer B.Grimm Power will invest 1.2 billion baht (USD36.1 million/EUR33.9 million) in a 42.5-MWp floating solar project at an industrial site in eastern Thailand’s Chon Buri province.
Bangkok is transitioning to electric vehicles to significantly reduce energy costs and mitigate air pollution. The plan to replace diesel rubbish trucks with electric vehicles is estimated to cut energy costs by approximately 4.75 billion baht, or 54%, over a five-year period.
Energy leaders urge balanced path for Asia’s energy transition
A former Google DeepMind researcher warned on Monday that artificial intelligence (AI) could potentially “kill all humans”, saying the world may be running out of time to prevent such an outcome. 
The United States has confirmed for the first time that it has deployed weapons in space, a remarkable revelation after previous warnings about countries such as Russia possibly weaponizing a global frontier long agreed in treaties to be used for only peaceful purposes. 
Thailand will raise retail prices for petrol, gasohol and diesel by 0.85 baht per liter from today, as mounting subsidy costs place increasing pressure on the Oil Fuel Fund.
Brent and US crude futures settled about 1% higher yesterday, with fresh strikes on Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure and attacks on Middle Eastern shipping intensifying concerns over global supplies.
Questions are growing about whether artificial intelligence is outpacing safety measures for the technology. What’s driving the sudden push to “slow down” AI development, and is slowing the race even possible. 
Yesterday, Nestlé (Thailand) took a stand on its Southeast Asian growth strategy, signaling to global investors that even a multi-billion-dollar legal breakdown with its long-standing local partner will not derail its operational roadmap.
Thailand ends its 60-day visa exemption today, replacing it with 30-day and 15-day schemes, a shorter visa on arrival list and tighter limits at land borders. Thailand’s revised tourist entry rules change how long millions of foreign visitors can stay without arranging a visa before departure.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched Nihao Month 2026 to encourage Chinese visitors to travel to Thailand during the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Golden Week holiday marking China’s National Day on Oct. 1.
Chiang Mai Airport handled more than 6.53 million passengers in the first eight months of 2026, with international travel rising 14% year-on-year. The airport expects passenger numbers to reach about 9.97 million for the full year as the winter flight schedule begins in late October.
Marine researchers recorded a peak of 278 adult blacktip reef sharks gathering near the shore of Maya Bay early this month, setting a record high for the 2026 fiscal year and providing strong evidence of ecological recovery during the bay’s annual closure, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).
The concept of a luxury home in Thailand has moved well beyond the postcard image of a beachfront villa with an infinity pool. Industry estimates value the country’s luxury residential segment at roughly USD73.7 billion in 2025, with continued growth projected through the next decade as rising regional wealth, tourism recovery, and international demand for premium living converge.
Central Pattaya, a global beachfront landmark in the heart of Pattaya, has invited runners and travelers from around the world to join the Pattaya International Bikini Beach Race 2026: Run the wave. Own the night on Oct. 31. Celebrating its 10th anniversary under the theme “The Sunset to Moonlight Beach Race,” the 5K race will bring thousands of runners to the sands of Pattaya Beach for a one-of-a-kind night combining sunset running, music, entertainment and Pattaya’s vibrant beach lifestyle.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand has signed an agreement with a US government agency to study American small modular reactor technology as the country considers its first nuclear power plant.
The US Supreme Court dealt a major blow yesterday to President Donald Trump’s attempts to restrict mail-in voting before the November midterm elections, denying his request to lift an order halting the divisive plan. Only two of the six conservative justices on the nine-member panel offered a dissent. 
The number of people aged 100 or older in Japan reached a record high of 107,677 in September, climbing for the 56th consecutive year, health ministry data showed today. The total number of centenarians grew by 7,914 from the previous year, surpassing the 100,000 threshold for the first time. Women made up 87.6% of the cohort. 
After nine days trapped in a hydropower tunnel and a week of hospital care following his dramatic rescue, Sanjay Sah, a rare survivor of last month’s devastating glacier collapse in Nepal, finally returned to his village and family on Sunday. It was a homecoming marked by relief and joy, but also grief. 
Thailand has long appealed to retirees seeking sunshine, affordability, reliable healthcare, and a slower pace of life.
Thailand has ranked third in the world for digital nomads and fourth for retirees in the Rumavi Global Relocation Index 2026, which assessed 192 countries and territories.
A new concrete road and drainage system for Hua Hin Soi 10 have been completed under a municipal project, with a construction budget of 5.42 million baht. Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul and municipal officials inspected the work last week as part of the formal acceptance process.
Camera traps have recorded tigers in Prachuap Khiri Khan alongside Fea’s muntjac and other rare wildlife during a five-month survey, conservation officials announced yesterday.
A new NIDA Poll has found that many Thai respondents who had heard reports of, or experienced, alleged inappropriate or illegal behavior by Israelis in Thailand said their main concern was a lack of respect for the law.
Thailand still has 2,574 subdistricts without adequate standard emergency medical units, while a Senate working group is pushing for expanded local coverage and plans to increase the number of paramedics to 7,500 within five years.
Thailand’s Energy Ministry hopes to launch its 26th petroleum bidding round in the Andaman Sea by late 2026, with five major energy companies identified as potential participants, but Cabinet approval of key fiscal terms remains pending, according to media reports.
This week, the global energy industry gathers in Bangkok for Gastech, the world’s premier gas conference. Thailand is a fitting host, both for its own industrial ambitions and because it sits at the heart of the region that is reshaping global energy demand.
Phuket’s property market has reached a total value of more than 705 billion baht, the highest among Thailand’s regional provinces, with resort condominiums and villas accounting for more than half of residential supply and foreign buyers remaining a major source of demand.
Chiang Mai farmers move to preserve local herb as ‘Makwean’ earns GI registration
What began as a defensive response to a global energy supply shock is rapidly turning into Thailand’s most ambitious economic transformation in decades.
Indonesian rescuers continued searching today for 129 people missing after the Virgo Transport 8 capsized in the Java Sea. Six people have died and 108 have been rescued. The vessel carried 243 people and was sailing from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan when it encountered bad weather early yesterday. 
Rescuers retrieved more remains from a passenger ferry in the Philippine that was gutted by fire, bringing the death toll on Saturday to 76, with 13 missing. Forty-three people survived the fire on Wednesday night among the 132 on board. 
Prime Minister Mark Carney calls Canada “the most European of non-European countries,” and while formal EU membership may be tricky, he is pursuing unprecedented closeness with the bloc to reduce dependence on a hostile United States. 
Growing Nan landslide threatens village school
Rescuers save wild elephant trapped in abandoned septic tank in Rayong
Iran, Houthis block 2 key global shipping routes, straining the global economy
High oil prices and US diesel prices at record levels kept inflation fears at the fore yesterday, ratcheting up expectations that more central banks will have to hike interest rates despite the risk of weighing on economic growth.
Food prices in Thailand push 32.8% of poll respondents to eat less
The Real Estate Information Center (REIC) of Government Housing Bank reported that foreign buyers took ownership of 3,292 condominium units in Thailand in the second quarter of 2026, up 1.4% from a year earlier. The value of those transfers increased 20.2% to 14.803 billion baht.
Concerns over foreign nationals using Thai nominees to run businesses and hold property in Pattaya have prompted Chonburi officials to promise tougher enforcement against unlawful investors of any nationality.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said the Chinese travel market was showing clearer signs of improvement ahead of China’s National Day holiday, or Golden Week, in 2026. TAT is focusing on the period from Sept. 25 to Oct. 7, covering both the Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day holiday over a total of 13 days.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched “Amazing Locations: From Scene to Scenic,” a campaign built to convert the country’s rising profile as a filming destination into lasting tourism, as productions ranging from “The White Lotus” to “The Challenge” Season 42 continue to draw international attention to Thai locations.
Americans commemorated the 25th anniversary of 9/11 yesterday, remembering the shock, the dead and the sweeping consequences of the al-Qaida attacks on symbols of U.S. might and prosperity. Friday’s milestone anniversary brought memorial rituals — wreath-laying, flag-flying, moments of silence, vigils and readings of victims’ names — and volunteer projects in tribute to a day that about half of U.S. adults remember as the most historic event of their lifetime. 
Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reassured consumers that PET water bottles are not made using BPA, after social media posts claimed bottles left in hot cars or direct sunlight could release dangerous chemicals and cause cancer.
Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat has outlined six projects under the second phase of Thailand’s double-track railway program, describing them as essential infrastructure that must extend across every region of the country.