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Saturday’s news-Aug 22

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  • Hua Hin Rotary sponsors forest restoration/Telepharmacy Enters the Market/21 provinces face heavy rain/Seven to nine more storms possible/Urgent rehabilitation of flood-affected districts/High flood risk in Sukhothai, Phitsanulok/Israeli couple blame Thai lawyer/Pattaya firms raided/Nene Royal named Best New International Artist
  • ECONOMY: Data Center Boom Tests the Grid/Thai electronics order books/Investments and fishing communities clash
  • TOURISM: Thailand losing appeal to Chinese tourists/Thai Airways Sets Auckland Relaunch
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Master of Bangkok’s Crab Glass Noodles/Thailand, done differently
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Carbon Footprint Becomes a Critical Factor/Green Rules Called an Opportunity
  • INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Hua Hin Rotary sponsors forest restoration project

In collaboration with the Forest Restoration Foundation, state agencies and local stakeholder groups, the Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin was the primary sponsor of the Participatory Forest Restoration Project at Kaeng Krachan National Park. At the heart of the project is a simple but powerful idea; “Restoring Forest, Building an Ecosystem” with community engagement and inclusion.

Over 350 volunteers participated in the planting of 4,000 tree seedlings of 12 indigenous species on 20 rai of vacant land in the wet season to ensure survivability. The selection of native species is intended to support natural ecosystem recovery, enhance biodiversity, and provide suitable habitats for wildlife. Reforesting the 20-rai plot of land is a pilot initiative to eventually increase to an area of 100 rai in the subsequent phases.

According to Suvat Singhaphun, president of the Forest Restoration Foundation, the success of the project cannot be measured simply by the number of trees planted. He explained, “A forest cannot be restored in a single day. Trees need continued care and forests need people who understand their value. Conservation requires long-term commitment and the foundation, therefore, places equal emphasis on building people who build forests. Building people who care for forests is what makes restoration last.”

President Napa Keawtem of the Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin highlighted the importance of environmental action and the organization’s commitment to creating meaningful, lasting impact. She praised the extensive planning, preparation, and dedication behind the project, particularly the cooperation between the Forest Restoration Foundation and Kaeng Krachan National Park.

Telepharmacy Enters the Thai Market

Telepharmacy in Thailand has moved from the development of the regulatory framework to its implementation phase. With the FDA’s telepharmacy framework now in place and telepharmacy platforms entering the market, the focus is increasingly turning to how businesses can participate in this emerging healthcare ecosystem.

As pharmacies, digital platforms, and delivery providers come together under a regulated model, telepharmacy is becoming an increasingly important component of Thailand’s digital health landscape. Continued … 

21 provinces face heavy rain as depression strengthens

Heavy rain is forecast in 21 provinces today, with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warning that accumulated rainfall could trigger flash floods, rapid run-off and overflowing rivers.

Video … 

Thunderstorms will affect large parts of Thailand during the 24-hour period from 6 am today to 6 am tomorrow. Heavy rain is most likely in western areas of the north and central regions, as well as parts of the east. Continued … 

Seven to nine more storms possible as northern floods ease

Flood conditions in Nan and Sukhothai have begun to improve, but another 7-9 storms could form before the end of the current storm season, climate and disaster specialist Seree Supratid has warned.

Seree, director of the Climate Change and Disaster Center at Rangsit University, said rainfall was expected to decline gradually through the end of August. Weather conditions would still require close monitoring on Aug. 25-26 and again around Aug. 29. Continued … 

Urgent rehabilitation of flood-affected districts in Nan province ordered

Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) Yodchanan Wongsawat ordered the rehabilitation and restoration of public utilities today in flood-ravaged Pua and Wiang Sa districts of Nan province, as floodwater is steadily receding.

The deputy prime minister, who has been in Nan province since Wednesday to assess and monitor flooding, held a meeting this morning with Nan Gov. Chainarong Wongyai and Nopparat Thawong, the mayor of the Nan Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO), at the flood command center in the PAO office to discuss urgent measures to restore power and clean water supplies, clean the roads of the thick layer of mud, and fix damaged properties. Continued … 

GISTDA warns of high flood risk in Sukhothai, Phitsanulok

More than 3,900 square kilometers across Sukhothai, Phitsanulok and neighboring provinces are at high risk of flooding, according to data released by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) yesterday.

In Sukhothai, high-risk areas cover large parts of the central and southern sections of the province. The risk extends across Sawankhalok, Si Samrong, Mueang Sukhothai and Kong Krailat districts, as well as parts of Si Satchanalai district in the north. Continued … 

Israeli couple blame Thai lawyer after Koh Samui arrest

An Israeli property developer and his wife, arrested in a Koh Samui investigation into alleged nominee-shareholder arrangements, say a Thai lawyer and accountant were responsible for guiding their business setup.

Gal Bieber, 45, and his wife Roni Bieber were arrested by police from Bo Phut Police Station and Surat Thani Immigration. The Samui Provincial Court had reportedly issued 20 arrest warrants for Israeli nationals linked to the wider investigation. Continued … 

Pattaya firms raided in foreign nominee probe

Thai authorities have searched three locations in Pattaya and Bang Lamung as part of an investigation into suspected Thai nominee arrangements used to hold land and run businesses for foreigners.

Search warrants were issued by the Criminal Court under the Foreign Business Act 1999. The investigation centers on suspected use of Thai nationals as proxy shareholders in companies said to be ultimately controlled by foreigners. Continued … 

Nene Royal named Best New International Artist in Ireland

Thai teenage singer-guitarist Nene Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, has been selected to receive the Best New International Artiste 2026 award at The Phil Lynott Convention in Ireland, marking another milestone in the 16-year-old Phuket musician’s growing international career.

The recognition follows her breakthrough appearances on America’s Got Talent Season 21, where her powerful vocals and guitar performances brought her international attention and secured her a place in the competition’s live shows. Continued … 

Thailand’s Data Center Boom Tests the Grid, the Rules and the Workforce

Thailand’s pitch to the world’s technology companies has, for the past two years, been built on numbers that keep climbing. The Board of Investment approved 26 data center projects worth almost 500 billion baht in 2025, and by the first quarter of 2026, fresh applications had already reached 1.01 trillion baht — roughly 2.4 times what they were a year earlier.

The country’s planned pipeline now stands near 2.87 gigawatts, concentrated overwhelmingly in the Eastern Economic Corridor provinces of Chonburi, Rayong and Chachoengsao. What was, until recently, a story about how much capital was arriving has become a harder question: whether the electricity grid, the water supply and the workforce can actually absorb it. Continued … 

AI demand extends Thai electronics order books beyond three years

Thailand’s electronics industry is entering a significant upcycle, as artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers accelerate global demand for components, with a clear impact on the country’s production base.

Export value rose steadily from B1.56 trillion in 2022 to B2.39 trillion in 2025, while exports in the first six months of 2026 had already reached B1.63 trillion, up 46%. Continued … 

Investments and fishing communities clash in Rayong

Fisherfolk in Thailand’s Rayong province are currently facing multiple impacts from industrial expansion in the region – in particular, the construction of a MapTaPhut Phase 3 port and the development of large-scale investment projects including liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, including LNG terminal and regasification facilities.

The expansion of LNG projects in the eastern provinces, part of Thailand’s plan to position itself as a regional LNG hub, has disturbed and now threatens to destroy the coastal fisheries resources that communities have long relied on. Continued … 

Thailand losing appeal to Chinese tourists as Vietnam rises

Thailand’s grip on China’s vast tourism market is slipping, as safety fears drive holidaymakers toward fast-rising Vietnam. The kingdom now expects only 5.1 million Chinese arrivals, less than half its 2019 total.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s foreign tourism market is surging 13.8%, while Thailand’s contracts despite retaining a narrow lead. The battle is intensifying as China’s weakening economy leaves travelers choosier about safety, prices and value. Continued … 

Thai Airways Sets March 2027 Target for Auckland Relaunch

Thai Airways is set to resume direct non-stop services between Bangkok and Auckland ahead of schedule, with launch plans brought forward by a year to March 2027.

Speaking during a visit to aircraft maker NZAero’s hangar at Auckland’s Ardmore Airport yesterday, Thailand Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas confirmed the accelerated timeline following bilateral talks between the Thai and New Zealand prime ministers. Continued … 

Somsak Pu Ob: The Master of Bangkok’s Crab Glass Noodles

There are few Thai eateries as nerve-racking as Somsak Pu Ob. From 5 pm onward, there is always a line, filled with would-be diners every bit as nervous as we are, watching with barely concealed envy as those who reached the steel tables on the sidewalk tuck into their glass noodles – the only dish available at this establishment.

That is, if Nai Somsak hasn’t arbitrarily decided to take a holiday, abandoning a posse of hungry and bewildered people to roam the streets in search of dinner. Continued … 

Thailand, done differently

Most travelers to Thailand take in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket in one order or another. Usually, however, each is ‘ticked off’ far too quickly, with only their staple, standard sights on the agenda. Far fewer holidaymakers think to float along Bangkok’s historic canals, weave with hill tribes on the fringes of Chiang Mai, or take time to admire Old Phuket Town’s vivid Sino-Portuguese architecture.

Whether you’re a first-timer keen on authenticity or a repeat visitor seeking extra immersion, here’s a riff on the classic itinerary with under-the-radar experiences. Continued … 

Can Thailand Adapt as Carbon Footprint Becomes a Critical Factor in Food Trade?

Thailand’s agriculture and food industry features a complex, multi-tiered supply chain, ranging from upstream inputs like seeds to downstream processing and exports. This intricate system complicates carbon management, as all elements are interconnected.

The primary challenge lies with smallholder farmers, who often question financial incentives when pressured to modify practices, such as banning burning or reducing chemical fertilizer use. Their inquiries emphasize a need for economic viability, indicating that traditional enforcement methods, like laws and penalties, are insufficient. To foster genuine compliance, there must be real economic benefits for environmentally friendly practices. Continued … 

Green Rules Called an Opportunity, Not a Burden

As pressure mounts on industries to treat climate action as systemic rather than a compliance exercise, Tetra Pak Thailand is pointing to a philosophy it says predates the current wave of ESG regulation by decades.

For Patinya Silsupadol, head of sustainability at Tetra Pak Thailand, the case for climate action was never abstract. It was written into the company’s founding purpose more than 70 years ago, when its founder identified an early form of inequality: uneven access to safe, quality food caused by weak production, storage and transport systems. Continued … 

Central African Republic gold mine landslide

The death toll from Aug.18’s gold mine collapse in Zamboye, Central African Republic, has surpassed 100. Several survivors were also critically injured. An investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the collapse, identify the victims and those responsible for operating the site, and establish any potential criminal liability. Video … 

World’s five busiest international airports revealed

Incheon International Airport became the world’s busiest airport for international passengers in the first half of 2026, moving ahead of London Heathrow and Singapore Changi, according to preliminary data compiled by Airports Council International (ACI). Continued … 

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Friday’s news-Aug 21

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  • Thailand Entering Its Second Lost Decade/Rules for ride-hailing and delivery apps/Country with gun problems/Phang Nga school shooting threat/Nan braces for more rain/Heavy flooding submerges Wiang Sa/Flash floods in Mae Sot/TikTok defense against online scams/American father reunited with son
  • ECONOMY: KResearch keeps growth forecast at 2% /Thai consumers taking charge/Anutin denies Japanese firms are leaving
  • TOURISM: Launch of ‘Thai Tiew Thai Plus’/Hotels expect Q3 revenue fall/Chao Phraya express boat fares to rise
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: A Guide to Phang Nga/Bangkok eighth in global attractive city index
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Bangkok’s EV bus transition/115 EVs for Grab’s ride-hailing fleet/Global EV Sales to Hit 27%
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/Court fines Israeli man over Koh Samui zoo threatHUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

A Preliminary Case for Thailand Entering Its Second Lost Decade

Here is why Thailand might be entering a second consecutive lost decade. The first lost decade, between May 2014 and August 2023 was largely brought about by coup leader Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, who ushered in a period of relative economic stagnation and uncertainty.

Fast-forward to the present: August 2026. Consider these news items. ​Thailand has just registered the lowest economic growth among major ASEAN economies. The economy grew by just 1.9% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026. Tourist arrivals have declined by nearly 3% so far this year, while tourism is growing in Vietnam and Japan. Continued … 

Thailand plans rules for ride-hailing and delivery apps

Thailand’s competition regulator is preparing new rules for ride-hailing and on-demand delivery platforms amid concerns over market concentration, unfair commission structures, opaque algorithms and unequal operating conditions.

The proposed requirements would regulate platform fees, commercial terms and safety standards before being developed into a formal code of practice for the industry. Continued … 

The U.S. isn’t the only country with gun problems

Nine people were gunned down after a 14-year-old took his grandfather’s gun and opened fire at a school just outside Bangkok. Within days, Thailand saw two more different but deadly shootings.

The tragedies have reignited the gun control debate in a country where people are estimated to collectively own more than 10 million firearms. In response, the government is proposing tighter regulation, but critics are questioning whether the approach even gets to the heart of the problem. Video … 

Panic at Phang Nga school after online shooting threat

A school in Phang Nga was terrified yesterday) after a man brandishing a gun threatened to mount an attack in an online post, with the motive apparently stemming from a family dispute.

The school is located in Takua Pa district of the southern coastal province with the suspect displaying a firearm as he specifically threatened this school in his social media post, causing significant concern among parents and the public over the safety of their children and teachers, as well as other staff. Continued … 

Nan braces for more heavy rain, with saturated soil increasing flood risk

The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) has warned Nan residents to prepare for another spell of heavy rain on Sunday, with saturated soil increasing the risk of further flash floods and rapid run-off even as river levels begin to stabilize and fall.

Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri chaired a meeting yesterday to review flooding across the Nan River basin, coordinate assistance for affected communities and develop measures to address the province’s recurring flood problems over the longer term. Continued … 

Heavy flooding submerges Wiang Sa, marooning over 1,000 Nan households

Floodwaters flowing down the Nan River inundated five subdistricts in Wiang Sa district of Nan province overnight, with water levels reaching between 1.5 and 3 meters and marooning over 1,000 households.

As the final bottleneck for mass runoffs originating from Pua, Tha Wang Pha and Muang districts before heading downstream into the Sirikit Dam reservoir, Wiang Sa remains under close watch. Continued … 

Heavy rain triggers flash floods in Mae Sot as Moei River overflows

Torrential rain throughout the night triggered sudden flash floods in Mae Sot, inundating the city’s major commercial areas and forcing residents and traders to scramble to move their belongings to higher ground.

At about 4 am today, heavy rain that had continued through the night caused a huge volume of runoff to surge from waterways in the Mae Sot area, flooding communities across Mae Sot Municipality. Many residents were asleep when emergency announcements warned them to wake up and move their belongings immediately. Continued … 

TikTok builds three-layer defense against online scams in Thailand

TikTok has expanded its ThaisAware campaign as it enters its third year, bringing together 13 public-sector and civil-society partners to strengthen online-scam awareness in Thailand.

First launched in 2024 with eight partners, the initiative expanded to 12 in its second year and now involves 13 organizations. The 2026 campaign comes as online fraud continues to cause substantial losses. Continued … 

American father reunited with son after nearly 2 years of searching

An American mother wanted in an alleged parental kidnapping case in the US was arrested in Bangkok after allegedly taking her eight-year-old son from his father and remaining in hiding for nearly two years.

The 45-year-old American woman, identified as Linda, was arrested at an accommodation in Prawet district of Bangkok on Wednesday 19 following a parental kidnapping warrant issued by an Oregon court in the United States. Immigration officials also found her son at the location and arranged for his protection and welfare. Continued … 

KResearch keeps Thailand’s 2026 growth forecast at 2% as US trade risks rise

Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch) has maintained its forecast for Thailand’s economy to grow by 2% in 2026, despite second-quarter GDP expanding by a stronger-than-expected 1.9%.

The research house warned that the economy’s underlying momentum was weakening because much of the better-than-expected growth came from inventory accumulation, while several other economic drivers slowed. Continued … 

Thai consumers taking charge of their wallets and spending despite low growth

Thai consumers are raiding savings, borrowing and turning to deferred payments as six years of economic weakness squeeze household finances. A new Milieu Thailand survey found 77% recently needed savings or borrowing to cover expenses, while 71% expect to become even more cautious. Yet, consumers are refusing to shut their wallets.

More than half are spending more, while 69% still make room for personal rewards. Price now dominates purchasing decisions as families protect groceries and utilities while cutting travel and fashion. Despite the squeeze, half expect their finances to improve by 2027. Continued … 

Anutin denies Japanese firms are leaving Thailand amid EV shift

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dismissed reports that Japanese investors are moving their production bases out of Thailand, saying the government will not abandon long-standing investors and will fully support the country’s traditional automotive industry.

Anutin said the government places importance on investors from all countries, particularly Japan, which has used Thailand as a major production base for decades and has become deeply integrated into the country’s industrial sector. The government is prepared to adjust business conditions and remove obstacles to ensure Japanese investors remain confident in Thailand, he said. Continued … 

Ministry prepares launch of ‘Thai Tiew Thai Plus’ tourism program in October

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is gearing up for the launch, tentatively on Oct. 1, of the first phase of the “Thai Tiew Thai Plus” program, aimed at boosting domestic tourism.

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said 1.75 billion baht will be used to fund the first phase of the program, adding that, if it is successful, a second phase would be considered. Continued …

Thai hotels expect Q3 revenue fall

Most Thai hotel operators expect their revenue to decline year on year during the third quarter of 2026, with lower-rated properties and hotels in the south likely to face the greatest pressure during the low season.

The industry is looking to the government’s proposed Thai Tiew Thai Plus domestic-tourism program to stimulate travel and support hotel revenue toward the end of the year. However, the proposed Oct. 1 launch and the scheme’s preliminary benefits remain subject to the Finance Ministry completing its registration and operating systems. Continued … 

Chao Phraya express boat fares to rise by 1 baht from today

Fares for all passengers on Chao Phraya express boat services will be raised by 1 baht from today due to an increase in diesel prices.

The company’s managing director, Charoenporn Charoentham, said that diesel prices had risen to 37.59 baht per liter as of Aug 12. The service provides boat services between Pak Kret and Wat Rajsingkorn piers. Continued … 

A Guide to Phang Nga: Beyond James Bond Island, Where Southern Thailand Slows Down

Phuket may already be on your travel radar, but drive just a little farther, and the crowds begin to fade. Welcome to Phang Nga, where towering limestone cliffs rise from emerald waters and jungle-covered landscapes invite you to slow down.

Best known as the home of James Bond Island, this southern Thai province has far more to offer than its silver-screen fame. Paddle through hidden lagoons, wander laid-back fishing villages, discover farms and fisheries championing sustainable local ingredients, and feast on some of southern Thailand’s boldest flavors. Continued … 

Bangkok eighth in global attractive city index

Bangkok has been ranked eighth worldwide in the 2026 Global Tourism City Attractiveness Index, placing the Thai capital ahead of Okinawa and Chicago but immediately behind Rome.

The study, published by Yanolja Research, assessed 261 cities and issued rankings for the top 200. Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest tourist destination, came 27th overall. The index is based on online traveler discussion and sentiment, not visitor arrival numbers, hotel prices or official safety assessments. Continued … 

Bangkok pushes ahead with 1,520 EV bus transition

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) is preparing for a major operational overhaul, as it transitions to electric buses, with a plan to lease 1,520 electric vehicles (EVs) over seven years under a 14.9-billion-baht contract with Nakhonchai Air Co.

Delivery of the air-conditioned electric fleet will take place in three batches between March and May 2027. The first 500 buses are scheduled for delivery in late March 2027, followed by another 500 in April and the remaining 520 in May. Continued … 

GAC supplies 115 EVs for Grab’s ride-hailing fleet in Thailand

GAC has delivered 115 Aion EVs for use on Grab’s ride-hailing platform in Thailand through two separate partnerships: 100 units under a tie-up with CLVG and ICBC (Thai) Leasing, and 15 units through a collaboration with Siam Taxi Cooperative.

CLVG, a local car rental and mobility solutions provider, has acquired the 100 EVs from GAC and leased them to Grab drivers. ICBC (Thai) Leasing, a subsidiary of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Thai) and part of the broader ICBC Group, is providing the drivers with financing support for the lease. Continued … 

Global EV Sales to Hit 27% of Market in 2026 Despite US Policy Headwinds

Despite US market turbulence from the discontinuation of federal tax credits and supply disruptions caused by on-again, off-again tariffs, electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, according to a new report from BloombergNEF.

BloombergNEF’s annual Electric Vehicle Outlook (EVO) predicts that more than a quarter (27%) of cars sold globally in 2026 will be electric. That is up from 9% five years ago, and more than half (52%) of all passenger vehicles sold worldwide will be electric by 2035. Continued … 

Court fines Israeli man over Koh Samui zoo threat

The Koh Samui Provincial Court has fined an Israeli man 5,000 baht for threatening the life of the owner of Samui Exotic Park, a zoo on the island in Surat Thani. Police had set up a safety checkpoint outside Samui Exotic Park from Aug.15 after learning of the alleged threat. They said they are still seeking another person accused of placing a 500,000-baht bounty on the zoo owner. Continued … 

  • Fire probe in France at Samui park manager mother’s home – Continued … 
  • Israeli restaurant in Phuket refuses to serve Thai customers – Continued … 
  • Koh Tao arrests: Six foreign dive instructors held – Continued … 
  • Foreign woman eventually admits Koh Pha Ngan shop theft – Continued … 

Hua Hin Links and Transport

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Thursday’s news-Aug 20

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  • Soi 102 burglaries/Charm of Su Suek event/Food Fest to feature nightly fireworks/Flash floods threaten upper Thailand/Nan floods kill 2/Nan Province flood videos/Thailand mobilizes flood aid/Thailand gun dealers squeezed/Thailand and Australia to boost strategic partnership
  • THE IRAN WAR: Trump is threatening to bomb Oman, but why?
  • ECONOMY: Exports and investment to support growth/Thai industrial sentiment rises/Profit and loss figures for 8 hotel and airline giants/Thailand rethinks data center incentives/Growing interest in Bangkok and Phuket condos/$2 Trillion Digital Economy Agreement
  • TOURISM: Thailand entry funds/Tourist arrivals dip/Suvarnabhumi immigration and baggage delays
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Lives along Bangkok’s floating market/Three religions living together/Thai Well-Being 2 Ways/Inside Wat Phra Kaew Wang Na
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Solar incentives can accelerate rooftop solar growth/Disasters know no borders
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/Thailand issues arrest warrants for 20 Israelis/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS

Soi 102 hit by string of burglaries

A CCTV image showing a suspected burglar inside a Hua Hin home while the residents slept has emerged amid reports of a spate of Hua Hin burglaries around the Soi 102 area.

There reportedly have been at least 10 reported break-ins in the area over the past month. The latest incident happened at around 4.20 am on Saturday. Continued … 

Charm of Su Suek event to be held in Prachuap Sept 3-7

Prachuap Khiri Khan will stage a five-day event on Su Suek Cultural Street Sept. 3-7, combining heritage activities, markets and performances as part of plans to develop the area into a nationally recognized cultural tourism destination.

The “Back in Time: The Charm of Su Suek” event will run from 5 pm to 10 pm each day in the Hua Ban community and is being organized by the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) and Prachuap Khiri Khan Municipality. Admission is free. Continued … 

Hua Hin Food Fest to feature nightly fireworks

The Hua Hin Food Fest on Aug 28-30 will feature a fireworks display at 9 pm on each of the festival’s three nights. Hua Hin City Municipality has confirmed the fireworks will take place on Aug. 28, 29 and 30 at Hua Don Beach in Khao Takiab, next to the ferry pier.

The fireworks will be one of the main evening attractions at Hua Hin Food Fest, which is one of the city’s biggest and most popular annual events. Continued … 

Heavy rain and flash floods threaten upper Thailand

Heavy to very heavy rain is forecast across parts of northern, northeastern, central and eastern Thailand today, raising the risk of flash floods, forest run-off and overflowing waterways.

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued the warning in its 24-hour forecast covering the period from 6 am today to 6 am tomorrow. The conditions are being driven by a monsoon trough extending across the upper north and upper northeast into a strong low-pressure cell over Hainan Island, China. Continued … 

Nan floods kill 2 and affect more than 16,000 people

Flooding and flash run-off in Nan province had killed two people and affected more than 16,000 residents across 8,000 households as of 4 pm yesterday. Pua district was among the worst-hit areas, with flooding reported across seven subdistricts and 60 villages.

The first fatality was a bedridden resident who could not evacuate without assistance and lived with their mother in Moo 8 of Sila Phet subdistrict, Pua district. The victim was swept from the house by fast-moving floodwater and later found dead. Continued … 

Videos of flooding in Nan Province

Thailand mobilizes flood aid for Nan, Phayao, Lamphun

Thailand’s Interior Ministry has ordered round-the-clock emergency assistance for residents of Nan, Phayao and Lamphun after the prime minister instructed agencies to accelerate flood aid yesterday.

The immediate operational focus is Nan, where flash floods have led authorities to step up rescue work. Officials have been told to continue moving people considered at risk from affected areas and to act swiftly on requests for help. Continued … 

Thailand gun dealers squeezed further by proposed new curbs

Bangkok gun dealers say Thailand’s long-running firearms import ban is forcing some businesses to seek other income, while proposed new restrictions could further reduce legal sales.

At Suchart and Friends Gun in Wang Burapha, Bangkok’s historic gun district, sourdough loaves have replaced pistols and rifles in the display window. Owner Warintorn Boonyachai began baking bread five months ago to help cover staff salaries. Continued … 

Thailand and Australia agree to boost strategic partnership in four areas

Thai and Australian Prime Ministers Anutin Charnvirakul and Anthony Albanese yesterday signed two joint statements on upgrading strategic partnership in four areas, across trade, law enforcement, defense and innovation, after their full-scale bilateral meeting at Parliament House in Canberra.

Albanese officially welcomed Anutin, noting that this is the first official visit by a Thai prime minister in 14 years, reflecting the importance Australia places on Thailand as a close ally, in preparation for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year. Continued … 

Trump is threatening to bomb Oman, but why?

The world knows that U.S. President Donald Trump is angry with Iran. But he’s not happy with the small country lying across the Strait of Hormuz from the Islamic Republic, either: Oman.

Oman has played a relatively low-profile role since the Iran war began, including as a mediator. But its geography has thrust the sultanate into the uncomfortable position of negotiating with Tehran over management of the strait while facing Trump’s threats. Continued … 

Exports and investment expected to support Thai growth

Thailand’s exports and private investment are expected to remain important drivers of economic growth after gross domestic product expanded by only 1.9% in the second quarter of 2026, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said yesterday.

Suphajee acknowledged that the latest GDP figure was unsatisfactory but said exports continued to make a significant contribution to the economy. She expects Thai exports to record double-digit growth for the full year and reach a total value of 12 trillion baht, provided there are no additional developments beyond the government’s control. Continued … 

Thai industrial sentiment rises for a second straight month

Thailand’s industrial sentiment index rose for a second straight month in July ‌due to strong electric vehicle (EV) sales and government support measures, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported yesterday. The federation’s industrial sentiment index rose to 90.0 in ⁠July from 88.2 in June.

The government in June rolled out a 176-billion-baht (US$5.3 billion) consumer ‌subsidy scheme to ease the cost of living, under a wider 400-billion-baht borrowing plan to address the impact of higher oil prices. Continued … 

Profit and loss figures for 8 hotel and airline giants in Q2 and H1 2026

Hotel, hospitality and airline businesses listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand have reported their results for the second quarter and first six months of 2026. The companies faced global geopolitical challenges and intense competition for tourists.

Although some suffered losses because of the energy crisis, several maintained their growth momentum from the first quarter. Continued … 

Thailand rethinks data center incentives over power and water

Thailand is preparing to overhaul the rules and investment incentives governing data centers, with the government seeking to ensure that future projects deliver measurable benefits to the Thai economy while managing their heavy demands on electricity and water.

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the policy review was intended to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology and ensure that investment in the sector creates genuine economic value for Thailand. Continued … 

Foreign investors show growing interest in Bangkok and Phuket condos

Data from CBRE Research showed that the downtown Bangkok condominium market recorded more new project launches in the first half of 2026 than in the same period a year earlier. Luxury and super-luxury developments were the main drivers, with both segments again attracting developers’ attention.

This trend contrasted with property market conditions in recent years, when economic pressure and weakening purchasing power weighed on the sector. The upper end of the market nevertheless demonstrated resilience, particularly projects in high-potential locations. Continued … 

ASEAN Moves Closer to Landmark $2 Trillion Digital Economy Agreement

Southeast Asian nations are close to finalizing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), a landmark regional pact designed to govern their digital economy, projected to reach $2 trillion by 2030.

This agreement, supported by the World Economic Forum, aims to harmonize digital trade rules, facilitate cross-border data flows, and establish coherent regulations for e-commerce and digital payments across the region. Continued … 

Thailand entry funds: what travelers may need to show

Foreigners arriving in Thailand may be asked by immigration to show they have enough money to support themselves during their stay. Depending on the entry route, the stated requirement is between 10,000 and 20,000 baht per person.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reiterated the rules in July, stressing that proof-of-funds checks are not new. They have formed part of immigration regulations since 1980, while the current thresholds were set in a Ministry of Interior announcement in 2000. Continued … 

Tourist arrivals dip by 2.9%

Thailand recorded 19.76 million foreign tourist arrivals between Jan. 1 and Aug. 15, down 2.9% year on year, and generating 957.6 billion baht in spending. Chinese visitors remained the largest group, with 3.33 million arrivals, followed by Malaysia with 2.49 million and India with 1.45 million.

For Aug 9-15, Thailand welcomed 612,643 foreign tourists, down 24,126, or 3.8%, from the previous week, averaging 87,520 arrivals a day. Short-haul visitors fell 1.8% to 413,815, while long-haul arrivals dropped 7.8% to 198,828. Continued … 

Suvarnabhumi targets immigration and baggage delays

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has ordered urgent measures to reduce delays for arriving passengers at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, focusing on immigration, baggage collection and public transport.

The plans, announced after a government visit to the airport on Tuesday, also cover tighter security and the use of real-time flight information to deploy staff and manage passenger areas more efficiently. Continued … 

Growing old, staying rooted: Lives along Bangkok’s floating market

At Wat Nimmanoradee’s 100-year-old market, in Bangkok’s Phasi Charoen district, memories of life along the canals remain vivid among longtime residents, even as the landscape around them has continued to change.

For 73-year-old Orawan Wanasabodeekul, who has lived opposite Wat Nimmanoradee all her life, the canal was once a place to watch sunsets, stars and boats passing by. “I used to sit on the bridge with my legs dangling and watch the sunset,” she said. “Now the view is blocked by condominiums. The natural beauty and atmosphere we used to have are gone.” Continued … 

Three religions living together in Thailand

This community in Bangkok features people of three different faiths – Islam, Buddhism and Christianity – living together peacefully and participating in each other’s events. Video … 

Thai Well-Being 2 Ways: What Restorative Travel Looks Like in Bangkok Vs Koh Samui

“Oh, we’re on the wrong side of the road,” I blurted out as I hopped into our van after landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. “It’s not the wrong side,” said Lisa, the journalist I was traveling with. “It’s a different side.”

I’d traveled from Los Angeles to Thailand to experience wellness in two places: Koh Samui and Bangkok. Thailand’s second-largest island, Koh Samui, is home to both luxury spa resorts and holistic retreats where therapists are trained in traditions that trace back to the island’s Buddhist temples. Bangkok, on the other hand, is a tangle of skyscrapers that feels like a dozen downtown LAs stacked together, where motorbikes, tuk-tuks, and trains cut through muggy air. Continued … 

Inside Wat Phra Kaew Wang Na, a rare window into Bangkok’s royal past

Hidden within the grounds of the former Front Palace, Wat Bowon Sathan Sutthawat, widely known as Wat Phra Kaew Wang Na, is welcoming visitors into its ordination hall through Sept. 20. The special opening offers a rare opportunity to step beyond its exterior and explore a site where royal court history, Buddhist devotion and early Rattanakosin art converge.

Unlike most temples, Wat Bowon Sathan Sutthawat has no resident monks. Its location within the former Bowon Sathan Mongkhon Palace, or Front Palace, gives it an unusual status comparable in some respects to Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, within the Grand Palace. Continued … 

Reforming solar incentives can accelerate rooftop solar growth in Thailand

A new report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) finds that Thailand can accelerate rooftop solar deployment by reforming its current solar policies. This would reduce dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), improve energy security, and limit future pressure on rising electricity costs.

Thailand’s power sector remains heavily reliant on natural gas, which accounts for 66% of electricity generation. As domestic gas production declines, the country has become increasingly dependent on LNG imports, increasing exposure to global fuel price volatility and supply disruptions. Continued … 

Disasters know no borders; climate change escalation requires shared ASEAN response

Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of natural disasters, and building resilience is no longer optional, said Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong. He added that such disasters also know no borders, making solidarity and collective action in ASEAN critical.

Tong was speaking at the ASEAN Strategic Policy Dialogue on Disaster Management 2026 held at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay yesterday. The event saw some 200 government officials, academics and practitioners present, including representatives from ASEAN countries, the European Union, Canada and New Zealand. Continued … 

Thailand issues arrest warrants for 20 Israelis in Koh Samui business crackdown

Thai police launched a sweeping operation against foreign business networks suspected of using Thai citizens as nominee shareholders to conceal foreign ownership of companies, land and restricted businesses, with arrest warrants issued for 20 Israelis on Koh Samui. Continued … 

  • Rayong police arrest 18 Chinese workers at data center – Continued … 
  • Four Chinese men held in Nong Khai scam probe – Continued … 
  • Phuket CCTV shows foreign woman urinating at Karon shop – Continued … 
  • Foreigner denies theft at Koh Pha Ngan shop, CCTV says otherwise – Continued … 

US national debt exceeds $40 trillion

The US gross national debt has surged past $40 trillion for the first time, government data showed yesterday, outstripping earlier forecasts at a pace fueled in part by President Donald Trump’s invalidated tariffs. Continued … 

Portugal bans full-face veils

Portugal’s president has enacted a law pushed by the far right banning the concealment of faces in public, a measure widely seen as targeting Muslim women wearing a full-face veil. Continued … 

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Wednesday’s news-Aug 19

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  • PKK included in foreign property ownership probe/Developer touts Hua Hin/Public broadcasts to be quieter/Hua Hin school conducts shooter drill/Former Hua Hin Crossfit coach dies/Petrol and diesel rise/Fire death toll rises to 41/Flash floods across Nan’s Pua/Thailand will not allow SpaceX full ownership/Thai actress named ‘most beautiful woman’/Nene Royal heads to US/Nene Royal videos/Times Square campaign rallies support for Nene/10 doctors a shift still cannot keep up
  • ECONOMY: New bad debts rise/Foreign business approvals rise
  • TOURISM: Video of Thailand tourists being swept away by flood waters
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thai farmers battle elephant raids
  • HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

PKK included in foreign property ownership probe looking at condos in 16 provinces

Thailand’s crackdown on foreign control of property is expanding, with 36,277 foreign-linked legal entities now under scrutiny over land ownership nationwide. The probe is concentrated in 16 major provinces and has already moved from nominee company abuses into land, villas and 30-year leases using surreptitious arrangements.

Condominium ownership is next, as the Department of Business Development (DBD) prepares to trace shareholders, bank funding and the real source of investment to facilitate condominium ownership, sometimes involving multiple units. Suspected nominee structure abuses face forced land sales, fines of up to B1 million and prison terms of up to three years. Continued … 

Developer touts Hua Hin as future wellness destination

Wisut Janwatanakul, senior assistant vice president of condominium project development at Sansiri Public Co, stated the real estate market in Hua Hin is expected to grow significantly in 2026, transitioning into a global wellness and medical tourism destination, which is a key driver for the luxury real estate market and long-stay accommodations.

This trend, he says, is transforming Hua Hin from a weekend getaway into the “Capital of Health and Longevity” in Southeast Asia, alongside the benefits of large-scale government transportation infrastructure development. Hua Hin is becoming a full-fledged wellness destination, collaborating with leading healthcare facilities and wellness resorts such as The Barai, Chiva-Som Hua Hin Wellness Resort, and the launch of the high-end CHEVALA Wellness Hua Hin center, and Hua Hin Health Park, which includes a comprehensive medical center.

Furthermore, Janwatanakul says, the Hua Hin real estate market is significantly supported by comprehensive transportation networks, including the opening of the M82 expressway (Bang Khun Thian – Ekachai – Ban Phaew) in August and the Rama 3 – Dao Khanong – Western Ring Road expressway, set to open in Q4, which will reduce travel time from Bangkok.

Additionally, the upgrade of Hua Hin Airport (HHQ) with expanded runways and security tunnels to accommodate international direct flights aims to establish it as a central aviation hub connecting Singapore, Taipei, Shanghai, and Kuala Lumpur.

The southern dual-track railway project, spanning 421 kilometers from Nakhon Pathom to Hua Hin and Chumphon, is now fully operational, he adds,reducing travel time to the south by 2-3 hours. The development of the high-speed rail station in Hua Hin or high-speed rail (Bok Fai) connects rail, land, and air transport, allowing train travel from Bangkok to Hua Hin in just 1.5 hours. – terrabkk.com

Hua Hin’s public broadcasts to be quieter

Hua Hin Municipality is reducing the volume of its public announcement system and changing its broadcasting schedule following concerns from residents about disruption.

After a meeting to review the municipality’s wireless public address network, officials agreed to reduce the volume at certain locations to what the municipality described as more appropriate levels, while also introducing a revised timetable for broadcasts. Continued … 

Sign of the times: Hua Hin school conducts active shooter drill

Hua Hin Municipality has held an active shooter drill at Khao Phithak Municipal School, training teachers, staff and students in how to respond to an armed attack on school grounds. The training took place yesterday.

Officers from Hua Hin Police Station provided instruction on active shooter incidents and the “Run, Hide, Fight” approach, which sets out steps people can take to protect themselves during an attack. Continued … 

Former Hua Hin Crossfit coach dies in Bangkok Hydrox event

Leroy Saunders, a well-known figure in Thailand’s CrossFit community and a former head coach in Hua Hin, has died after collapsing during the Hyrox Bangkok 2026 competition.

The 41-year-old South African lost consciousness during the event at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center last Thursday. He was resuscitated at the venue and taken to hospital, where he died. Continued … 

Petrol and diesel rise by 0.85 baht per liter

PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc (OR) and Bangchak Corporation Plc (BCP) raised retail prices for petrol, gasohol and diesel by 0.85 baht, or 85 satang, per litre from 5am on Wednesday (August 19, 2026).

The following retail prices apply in Bangkok and exclude local maintenance tax. Petrol: 46.68 baht per liter; Super Power Gasohol 95: 47.79 baht per liter (OR); SUPER POWER X petrol: 49.79 baht per liter; Gasohol 98+: 48.44 baht per liter, (Bangchak); Gasohol E85: 28.63 baht per liter (Bangchak); Gasohol 95: 37.69 baht per liter; Gasohol 91: 37.32 baht per liter; and Gasohol E20: 32.69 baht per liter. Continued … 

Bangkok pub fire death toll rises to 41

Two customers who had been receiving treatment for severe injuries after the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao fire in Bangkok have died, raising the confirmed death toll to 41.

Police working on the case at Metropolitan Police Division 2 said the latest victims were a male customer treated at Rajavithi Hospital and a female customer treated at Taksin Hospital. Both had been critically injured in the blaze on the night of July 12. Continued … 

Flash floods cut major roads and inundate homes across Nan’s Pua

Flash floods swept through Pua district in Nan province early today, inundating homes, damaging farmland and cutting major roads after more than 110 millimeters of rain fell overnight.

Reports received at around 6 am indicated that heavy rain had continued throughout the night in Phu Kha subdistrict, a forested headwater area. The Doi Phu Kha National Park office recorded more than 110 millimeters of rainfall, triggering rapid runoff and flooding across several parts of Pua. Continued … 

Why Thailand will not allow SpaceX full ownership of Starlink operations

Thailand’s refusal to allow SpaceX to wholly own a satellite telecommunications business has returned to the spotlight as the government moves to build the country’s space economy and update its laws to accommodate rapidly changing technology.

The government is seeking to create a framework that would allow foreign satellite operators, including Starlink, to provide services in Thailand. However, it remains firm that SpaceX cannot hold 100% ownership of a Thai telecommunications operation. Continued … 

Thai actress named ‘most beautiful woman’

Popular Thai actress Sirilak Kwong, also known as Lingling Kwong, has made waves internationally after The Netizens Choice Magazine officially announced its 2026 rankings. She secured a double crown by winning two titles in the same season, backed by a huge number of votes from fans worldwide through its website, app and social media platforms.

The highlight was Lingling’s first-place finish in the “Most Beautiful Woman Alive 2026” ranking after receiving more than 22 million votes. Lingling also took first place in the “Most Beautiful Thai Actresses 2026” ranking. Continued … 

Nene Royal heads to US with family for AGT live show

Thai teenage singer Nene Royal flew to the United States with her family today to compete in the Live Show round of America’s Got Talent on Aug. 25, asking Thais around the world to cheer her on and vote.

Nene Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amlai, 16, departed Phuket International Airport with her father Narong Amlai, mother Aom and younger brother. The family flew Bangkok Airways from Phuket to Suvarnabhumi Airport before continuing to the United States, where Nene will take the stage in the upcoming America’s Got Talent live show. Continued … 

Nene video link …

Nene video link 2 …

Nene video link  3 …

Early Nene …

(Editor: Yes, I am totalled enthralled with this Thai musical prodigy. Her talent is unmistakeable, even if you don’t care for some of the music she performs.)

Times Square campaign rallies Thai support for Nene Royal at AGT

Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) is taking messages of support for Thai musician Nene Royal to New York’s Times Square as the 16-year-old prepares for a crucial live appearance on America’s Got Talent (AGT) Season 21.

The campaign brings together photographs and messages from Thai supporters, which are set to appear on a giant LED display at one of New York’s best-known landmarks. CP invited fans to submit photographs and messages of encouragement on social media from Aug. 14–16, with 100 images selected for the Times Square display. Continued … 

ER doctor says 10 doctors a shift still cannot keep up

A doctor working in a Thai hospital emergency room says the department has been overwhelmed for the past two to three months. Even with more than 10 doctors rostered on the morning shift, the team cannot examine patients fast enough.

The doctor set out the daily staffing in an online post, alongside photographs of patients lying on trolleys. The post gives the roster as more than 10 doctors on the morning shift, eight on the afternoon shift and four overnight. Continued … 

New bad debts rise as high costs and weak demand strain Thai firms

Thailand’s commercial banking system is facing an increase in new non-performing loans, reflecting continued financial pressure on businesses despite a slight decline in the overall NPL ratio during the second quarter of 2026.

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) said the banking system remained stable, with strong capital buffers and high liquidity, even as Thailand’s uneven, K-shaped economic recovery continued to affect some SMEs and households through weaker incomes, higher costs and subdued purchasing power. Continued … 

Foreign business approvals in Thailand rise 26%, with investment up 37%

The Department of Business Development (DBD) reported a total investment of B219 billion by foreign businesses approved to operate in Thailand during the first seven months of 2026, up 37% from the same period in 2025. Singapore recorded the highest investment value at B61.1 billion, followed by Japan at B45 billion and China at B38.6 billion.

Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the DBD under the Ministry of Commerce and secretary to the Foreign Business Commission, said 736 foreign investors had been granted permission to invest in and operate businesses in Thailand under the Foreign Business Act 1999 during the first seven months of 2026. Continued … 

Thailand tourists swept away by raging flood waters

Video captured the moment flash floods swept away tourists near the Mae Sa Waterfall. Park officials say they alerted visitors to the rising water, but the flood came too quickly for some to escape. Video … 

Thai farmers battle elephant raids to protect crops, livelihoods

Agriculture looks very different as you travel around the world, but uncertainty is something every farmer deals with. In Minnesota, farmers prepare for drought, storms, volatile markets and wildlife ravaging their crops.

A group of American college students recently learned that farmers and villagers in Thailand must also contend with local wildlife but on a much grander scale. Continued … 

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Tuesday’s news-Aug 18

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  • New padel community in Hua Hin/Thailand or Vietnam: Retirement choices/DBD scrutinizes 36,277 firms/Frenchman’s Koh Samui business empire/Nene’s sendoff to America/Thai visa firm raided/Thailand warns dentists over cannabis/Thai soldier loses leg
  • THE IRAN WAR: Trump threatens to bomb Oman/Hormuz traffic plunges
  • ECONOMY: GDP growth flounders/Thailand Q2 growth of 1.9%/Thailand’s Next Manufacturing Shift/Thailand’s EEC tops ranking
  • TOURISM: Redefining Wellness Travel/Suvarnabhumi Airport Upgrades/Phuket’s Freedom Beach closed/SAS expands flights to Thailand
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Giant Buddha at Bangkok’s Wat Paknam
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand Renewable Energy Pipeline/High-Quality Resins From Recycled Plastic/Thailand Solar Hospital Scheme
  • INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Three danes bring a new padel community to Hua Hin

Only a month after opening its doors, Padel Sozial is becoming a place for both playing and community in Hua Hin. The center was founded by three Danish men, who set out to create a padel venue that could bring together both newcomers and experienced players.

Hidden inside a massive warehouse on a quiet residential back street on the outskirts of Hua Hin, the reflecting glass of the padel courts can be seen through the bottom of a large garage door. Continued … 

Thailand or Vietnam: Retirement choices

Thailand offers foreign retirees a clearer legal route to long-term residence than Vietnam, but Vietnam can cost considerably less for those able to manage more complicated visa arrangements. For people deciding where to spend retirement in Southeast Asia, the choice often comes down to predictable paperwork and healthcare versus lower rent and daily spending.

Thailand has developed visa options specifically for retirement. The Non-Immigrant O visa allows foreigners aged 50 and above to stay for one or more years, when renewed, for retirement purposes. Continued … 

DBD scrutinizes 36,277 foreign-linked landholding firms

The Department of Business Development (DBD) is preparing to examine 36,277 foreign-linked legal entities found to hold land title deeds nationwide, with particular attention on possible nominee shareholding arrangements.

The designation does not mean that every entity has broken the law. Some are legally entitled to own land under industrial-estate legislation or investment privileges granted by the Board of Investment. Continued … 

Frenchman’s Koh Samui business empire enmeshed in knotty police probe of nominee firms and pot farm

A sweeping immigration crackdown on Koh Samui has closed in on French businessman Stephane Thierry Bastok, 74, over suspected nominee companies, land holdings and an unlicensed 12-room hotel. Police have traced more than B9.2 million in corporate transfers to Bastok and his son, while five Thai shareholders face nominee charges.

Investigators are also probing possible money laundering and a reported B300-million property sale. Meanwhile, Bastok faces separate proceedings after eight French nationals invested more than B26.4 million in a cannabis farm that police say was never established. Continued … 

Nene’s sendoff to America

This is the crowd to hear Nene Royal’s last performance at the Phuket Naka Market before she heads to US for the America’s Got Talent live competition. Video … 

 

Thai visa firm raided over alleged fake bank statements

Thai immigration police have raided a visa consultancy in Bangkok’s Sai Mai district after a European embassy alerted authorities to suspected forged financial documents submitted with visa applications. Investigators say more than 400 Thai clients may have been affected, with the firm allegedly charging 40,000 baht per person – a total potential loss exceeding 16 million baht.

The case concerns Thai nationals applying for visas to travel to an unnamed European country. It does not concern Thai visa extensions or immigration procedures for foreign residents, tourists or other visitors in Thailand. Continued … 

Thailand warns dentists over pre-signed cannabis forms

Thailand has warned dentists that pre-signing cannabis prescription forms without personally examining, diagnosing or treating a patient could lead to legal action and professional disciplinary consequences.

Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan, the deputy government spokesperson, said dental practitioners must take particular care when prescribing cannabis as a controlled herb using Form Phor Thor 33. The warning is part of continued efforts to tighten control and monitoring of cannabis use under the Ministry of Public Health’s 2025 notification on controlled herbs. Continued … 

Thai soldier loses leg in Ubon border mine blast

A Thai army explosives disposal specialist lost a leg after stepping on a landmine while clearing explosives near Chong An Ma in Ubon Ratchathani yesterday. The accident happened in an area near the border under the responsibility of the 2nd Army Region.

The soldier was working with an explosive ordnance disposal team from the National Mine Action Centre, under the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters. The team was conducting an operation to remove explosive devices in the Chong An Ma area when he stepped on a mine. He suffered severe injuries, including the loss of a leg. Continued … 

Trump threatens to bomb Oman if it ‘gets in the way’ of US-Iran talks

US President Donald Trump threatened military action against Oman, an ally of the United States, if its negotiations with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz interfere with U.S. efforts to reach a peace deal with Tehran.

“If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the s— out of them,” Trump told Fox News in a phone interview yesterday , according to the network’s chief foreign correspondent who talked to the president. Continued … 

US-Iran impasse sends Brent above US$90 while Hormuz traffic plunges

Oil prices gained more than US$2 yesterday as faltering US-Iran diplomacy and a sharp slowdown in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz renewed concerns about global energy supplies.

The market ended the session with both major benchmarks up more than 2%: Brent crude futures rose US$2.35, or 2.65%, to settle at US$90.87 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude gained US$2.10, or 2.55%, to US$84.50 a barrel. Continued … 

GDP growth flounders. Deeply disturbing underlying data. Real economy in retreat. 1.1 trillion deficit

Thailand’s economy is flashing disturbing warning signs beneath headline GDP growth of 1.9% in the second quarter. Output actually fell 0.2% from the previous quarter, while industrial capacity sank to a 24-quarter low.

Automotive activity contracted 7.2%, factory construction fell and almost 50,000 more insured workers became unemployed. Meanwhile, private investment surged 13.4%, driven heavily by imported equipment for booming data centers. Thailand’s trade deficit has already exceeded ฿1.1 trillion in six months. Continued … 

Thailand Q2 growth of 1.9% trails ASEAN peers

Thailand’s economy grew by 1.9% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, making it the slowest-growing of six major ASEAN economies tracked by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).

NESDC Secretary-General Danucha Pichayanan yesterday said growth had slowed markedly from 2.8% in the first quarter. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the economy contracted 0.2% from the previous quarter. Vietnam recorded the fastest expansion at 8.4%, followed by Malaysia at 6%, Singapore at 5.9%, Indonesia at 5.29% and the Philippines at 2.3%. Continued … 

Industrial AI Powers Thailand’s Next Manufacturing Shift

Thailand’s next industrial upgrade may not be defined only by new roads, railways, factories and smart cities, but by how intelligently they can be designed, operated and maintained.

As the country accelerates investment in infrastructure, manufacturing and smart-city development, industrial systems are becoming more complex. At the same time, artificial intelligence is beginning to move beyond data processing and general office tasks into engineering decisions, operational planning and real-world industrial environments. Continued … 

Thailand’s EEC tops Southeast Asian manufacturing hub ranking

Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) ranked first in SEAsia Stats Research’s Top Manufacturing Hubs in Southeast Asia by Integrated Industrial Area, with more than 13,000 megawatts (MW) of power capacity in the Chon Buri–Rayong area.

Vietnam’s VSIP Industrial System took second place. Spread across several locations nationwide, it has more than 10,000 MW of power capacity. Malaysia’s Bintulu Industrial Area followed in third place with 8,000 MW. Continued … 

How Thailand Is Redefining the Future of Wellness Travel

There is a particular kind of traveler who is no longer satisfied with simply visiting a beautiful place. They want to feel it in their body. They want to leave measurably better than they arrived. For this traveler, Thailand is not just a destination. It is beginning to look like a blueprint for how life should be lived.

The Global Wellness Institute’s 2024 Wellness Real Estate report identifies Thailand as one of the most advanced markets in Asia for wellness-integrated living and hospitality. The concept, which defines spaces designed intentionally to support physical, mental, social, and environmental health, has found in Thailand a natural home. Continued … 

Thailand Accelerates Suvarnabhumi Airport Upgrades Ahead of Peak Season

The Thai government has launched a coordinated push to streamline international passenger processing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, pledging to expand automated passport gates to 31 additional nationalities by the end of August 2026.

The initiative follows a high-level site inspection at the capital’s primary international hub yesterday led by Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul, and senior transport officials. Continued … 

Phuket’s Freedom Beach closed after drowning deaths

Phuket has shut Freedom Beach after German tourist Jannik Jürgen Knobel, 30, was swept away in fierce monsoon seas despite red flags. His companion survived, but rescuers found his body near rocks the next day. Two other foreign tourists died at the secluded beach in 2025.

Meanwhile, Phuket recorded 56 beach drownings during 2024-2026, including 20 at Karon. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered tighter safety measures as Andaman waves reach three meters or higher. Continued … 

SAS expands flights to Thailand for winter 2026

SAS will expand its flight services to Thailand during the 2026–27 winter season, adding new routes to Phuket and Krabi, while increasing capacity on its existing Copenhagen–Bangkok route.

The Scandinavian airline will launch direct flights from Copenhagen to Phuket on Dec. 9, operating two to three times a week. A new Copenhagen–Krabi route will follow on Dec. 8, with two weekly flights. Continued … 

Discover the giant Buddha at Bangkok’s Wat Paknam

Rising 69 meters above Bangkok, the Phra Buddha Dhammakaya Thep Mongkol is the largest Buddha statue in Bangkok and the third-tallest statue in Thailand. The monumental Buddha statue stands at Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen in Bangkok and has become one of the temple’s most prominent landmarks.

The idea to build the statue was initiated in 2016 by Somdet Phra Maha Ratchamangkalachan, the ninth abbot of Wat Paknam, as an offering to the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha, as well as a royal merit-making dedication to members of the Thai royal family. Continued … 

Thailand Renewable Energy Pipeline Draws Up to US$2.61 billion in Investment

Thailand’s renewable power pipeline is gathering pace, with 449 projects licensed by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and investment expected to reach up to US$2.61 billion.

The expansion comes as businesses and industries respond to the global energy transition and evolving international trade and sustainability standards. Renewable power is increasingly being used to strengthen energy security, reduce electricity costs and support long-term competitiveness. Continued … 

Dow Creates High-Quality Resins From Recycled Plastic

Dow Thailand Group is producing high-quality post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins from plastic waste collected in Thailand, advancing a local recycling pathway that transforms used plastics into valuable materials for packaging and industrial applications.

By creating new value from plastic waste and enabling resources to re-enter the production cycle, the initiative supports Thailand’s transition toward a more circular economy while expanding recycled materials options for manufacturers. Continued … 

Thailand Solar Hospital Scheme Targets US$1.63 million in Power Savings

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has partnered with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to install solar rooftop systems at 25 pilot hospitals, aiming to reduce annual electricity costs by US$1.63 million and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 7,211 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) a year.

The savings are expected to be redirected towards improving medical services for the public, while the project will later be expanded to hospitals under the ministry across the country. Continued … 

Trump’s approval tanks to lowest of his presidency

US President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to the lowest level of his presidency, ‌with an overwhelming majority of Americans concerned the U.S. war with Iran will last a long time, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that concluded yesterday. Video … 

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Monday’s news-Aug 17

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Bangkok Post, as expected, has increased the number of articles you must pay to read. They will soon be only for paid subscribers. Our policy is to not link to paid content, or even to content requiring you to register, so articles from Bangkok Post will be disappearing from this newsletter, as they have from the Thailand Examiner, which closed its site to paid-only a year ago. Since Expat News gathers content from many sources, this latest paid subscriber effort will not affect our coverage. It just means other sources will gain the benefit of our reader traffic.

  • Hua Hin, Cha-am defy tourism slump/Thailand ranks 3rd for expat life/Exclusions you probably haven’t read/Nominee drive on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan/35 Chinese nominee companies found/39th Bangkok pub fire death/Market packed for Nene Royal’s farewell
  • ECONOMY: Ekniti’s high-income status goal/Suphajee heads to US tariff talks//US transshipment crackdown/White House Targets Thailand/Property developers turn to foreign buyers/Thailand plans auto tax overhaul
  • TOURISM: AOT studies return of duty-free shops/Tourists swept away at waterfall/Family stranded at sea for 16 hours/Longtail boat capsizes off Krabi/Four Spanish tourists injured/British woman complains about hotel wedding/Thai surgeon says doctor dsputes TV report
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Health Riders in Thailand/Fighting to Save Thailand’s dying dugongs/Bangkok’s floating markets/Bangkok’s New Zoo
  • INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Hua Hin, Cha-am defy tourism slump with foreign visitors spending more

Tourism in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi continues to show resilience, with stronger foreign visitor revenue and higher per-person spending helping offset softer domestic demand and wider economic pressures.

Sittichai Tanthasit, Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial tourism and sports officer, said the province generated 26.996 billion baht in tourism revenue during the first six months of 2026. Thai visitors accounted for 23.131 billion baht, while international visitors generated 3.866 billion baht. Continued … 

Thailand ranks 3rd for expat life in global 2026 survey

Thailand ranks third of 31 destinations for expats on the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, behind Panama and Mexico. The survey ran from Feb. 1 to March 31 this year, drawing about 7,786 respondents of 162 nationalities across 31 countries.

Panama held the top place for the third year running. Mexico placed second overall and first for ease of settling in. After Thailand came the UAE, Brazil, Spain, Singapore, Portugal, Malaysia and Luxembourg. Continued … 

The exclusions you probably haven’t read will cost you in Thailand

A single night in a private room at Bangkok Hospital can run past 25,000 baht before any treatment is added to the bill. Most expats assume their health insurance handles that kind of cost without a second thought. But the truth is, the exclusions section of the policy, the part almost nobody reads past the first page, is often where that assumption falls apart.

Health insurance for expats in Thailand is written to be technically complete, not easy to read. The difference between what a policy sounds like it covers and what it actually excludes is where expats lose the most money, usually at the exact moment they can least afford a surprise. Continued … 

Drive against foreign owned property and business on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan now targets leases

Thailand’s crackdown on foreign business and property control is now moving onto long-term land leases and the wider issue of foreign-controled businesses. Investigators are probing 30-year leases used to secure effective property control, alongside nominee companies, land holdings and overseas rental payments.

On Koh Samui, around 8,000 companies are under scrutiny, while 138 face urgent land action and another 2,579 are suspected nominee operations. Police are pursuing 101 warrants as the campaign widens across Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, reaching villas, hotels, advisers and business networks in Phuket and Bangkok. Continued … 

35 Chinese nominee companies found in Sakhon Nakhon

The Commerce Ministry recently discovered that there have been irregularities in the registration of 35 companies in four districts of northeastern Sakon Nakhon province, with unwitting Thai villagers used to set up these 100% Chinese-owned nominee firms while 14 were totally Thai owned but none were conducting any business at all at their registered addresses.

Investigation revealed that a woman based in Khok Si Suphan district of this northeastern province acted as a broker, procuring copies of household registration and national ID cards from villagers at 500 to 1,000 baht each. She then handed the 35 sets of documents to Chinese investors, receiving 1,500 baht per person. Continued … 

Police commando becomes 39th Bangkok pub fire death

Police Lance Corp. Thanakorn Phetthong, 23, has become the 39th person to die following the fire at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao venue in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district.

Thanakorn, a squad leader with Division 1 of the Special Operations Division, died Saturday in the trauma intensive care unit at Police Hospital. He had been receiving continuous treatment for severe injuries since the blaze on July 12. Thanakorn, a police commando, was working as a security guard at the venue at the time of the fire. Continued … 

Market packed for Nene Royal’s farewell concert before America’s Got Talent live shows

The Naka Market in Phuket was packed with fans as “Nene Royal” held a farewell concert ahead of her trip to the United States to compete in the live shows round of America’s Got Talent Season 21.
Yesterday, Nene, whose real name is Rattikarn Amlam, or 16-year-old Praew, performed at Naka Market in Wichit subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district.

Praew is an international scholarship student at a leading international school in Phuket. She rose to global attention after competing on America’s Got Talent and successfully secured a place among the final 44 contestants from around the world advancing to the live shows. Continued … 

Ekniti’s high-income status goal for Thailand is a giant leap of faith

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas recently unveiled a new economic plan aimed at steering Thailand toward a high-income nation, but experts have flagged obstacles that need immediate attention.

The plan aims to push GDP growth beyond 3% — up from the current 2% — and increase investment to 30% of GDP to ride the next industrial wave. Continued … 

Suphajee heads to US with three trade red lines intact

Thailand will send a technical team to the United States from Aug. 27 to 29 for further negotiations on an agreement on reciprocal trade, or ART, before policy-level talks led by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun.

Suphajee will travel to the US from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, seeking to conclude the negotiations while retaining Thailand’s positions on three issues the government considers non-negotiable. Continued … 

US transshipment crackdown puts eight Thai sectors on alert

Eight Thai industrial groups responsible for US$52.23 billion in exports to the United States in 2025 could face more intensive checks on product origin and manufacturing processes as Washington steps up enforcement against illegal transshipment.

Under assumptions that 10%–20% of exports in the identified sectors could be selected for stricter examination, the analysis estimated that goods worth US$5.2 billion to US$10.4 billion, or about 172.359 billion to 344.718 billion baht, could be exposed to additional scrutiny. Continued … 

White House Targets Thailand, 40+ Countries Over China Tariff Evasion Scam

The White House has accused more than 40 countries, including Thialnd, Canada, Mexico, Japan and EU member states, of helping China evade US tariffs by rerouting exports through lower-tariff jurisdictions — a practice it labels “The Great Transshipment Scam”.

The report estimates that such transshipment covers about $60 billion in trade, with other US and private analyses placing the range between $40-$303 billion. Continued … 

Thai property developers turn to foreign buyers for high rental yields

Thailand’s property market is increasingly looking to foreign buyers, as slowing economic growth, high household debt and tighter lending conditions put pressure on domestic purchasing power.

Developers and property agents are consequently seeking opportunities beyond the local market, with overseas buyers continuing to show strong demand for Thai property for residential use, investment and rental income. Continued … 

Thailand plans auto tax overhaul after Indonesia’s Toyota bid

Thailand plans to restructure automotive excise taxes by offering lower rates for vehicles produced domestically and charging more on fully built imports from companies without manufacturing investment in the country.

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas described the reform as urgent and instructed senior officials to complete the new structure by September. Continued … 

AOT studies fast-track services, return of arrival duty-free shops

Airports of Thailand (AOT) is studying whether to restore duty-free shopping for arriving passengers, alongside possible premium fast-track services at its six airports.

The review follows a 14.812 billion baht net profit for the first nine months of fiscal 2026, up 549.96 million baht, or 3.9%, from a year earlier. The period ran from October 2025 to June 2026. Continued … 

Chiang Mai Waterfall closed after tourists swept away

Mae Sa Waterfall in Chiang Mai has been closed after a sudden rush of forest runoff swept several tourists downstream on Saturday. All visitors were rescued, with one person taken to hospital after suffering dizziness.

The incident happened at about 3 pm at the waterfall in Mae Rim district, within Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. Visitors had been swimming and enjoying the falls when the water level and current suddenly intensified. Most of those involved were foreign tourists, according to park officials. Continued … 

Family stranded at sea for 16 hours after jet ski capsized off Koh Samui

A French family was left stranded at sea for more than 16 hours overnight after their rented jet ski capsized off the coast of Koh Samui.

A 50-year-old father and his sons, five and seven, were left “pale” and “exhausted after swallowing a lot of seawater” before being rescued, local government official Amorn Chomchoey said. Continued … 

All on board safe after longtail boat capsizes off Krabi

Ten tourists, a guide and a boat skipper were all safely rescued after a longtail boat capsized off Laem Hang Nak in Krabi province on Saturday. Officials at Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park were alerted about the accident at about 11.15 am on Saturday.

Upon arrival, they found a longtail boat overturned in the water. Crew from the speedboat Sayang Tour managed to pull all 12 people from the water — 10 tourists, one guide and the skipper. Continued … 

Four Spanish tourists injured by falling tree at Ayutthaya temple

Four Spanish tourists were injured after a large tree suddenly snapped and fell on them at Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya province yesterday. The incident occurred inside the historic temple complex in Pratu Chai subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district.

The four injured tourists were one man and three women. Rescue workers and local volunteers rushed to the scene and provided first aid before transferring them to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital. Continued … 

British woman complains about hotel wedding disruption to her vacation

A British woman has described how a three-day wedding at a five-star hotel in Thailand disrupted what she had expected to be a peaceful break after a long flight.

Angela Epstein, from Manchester, said she and her husband arrived to blue skies, spacious rooms and sea views, but soon discovered that a large destination wedding was under way. The celebration included lawn games, an MC using a loudspeaker, and, later, drunk guests and a DJ set. Continued … 

Thai surgeon says doctor in the 60 Minutes exposé told him a different story

A prominent Thai plastic surgeon has publicly urged people not to take everything in the Australian 60 Minutes investigation into Thai cosmetic surgery at face value, saying he has been contacted by a surgeon connected to one of the featured cases who told him the reality was not as the program presented it.

Dr. Surawej Namhawm, a plastic surgeon, posted his response after the Aug. 9 broadcast of the program, in an episode titled “Destination Disaster”. Reporter Amelia Adams spent six months investigating one of Bangkok’s largest medical tourism operators, featuring Australian women who said their procedures left them disfigured, including misplaced nipples and severe scarring. Continued … 

How Health Riders in Thailand are Expanding Healthcare Access

Where one lives in Thailand strongly determines how easily one can see a doctor. The agricultural sector suffers the most, with farmers making up 45.5% of all poor households. This is largely because gross farm incomes fluctuate wildly with weather and market prices.

The way people spend their money also reveals deep inequality. The poorest 20% of households use half of their income just to buy food, while the richest 10% spend more on things like vehicles, electronics, travel and medical care. Continued … 

Meet the man fighting to Save Thailand’s dying dugongs

Theerasak “Pop” Saksritawee spends up to eight hours every day swimming, hiking and filming dugongs near Phuket. Now, he’s warning the animals may soon disappear from one of the few places outside Australia that they gather. Video … 

Bangkok’s floating markets: Where trade still floats

Long before they became one of Thailand’s most recognizable tourist attractions, floating markets were the lifeblood of riverside communities. Built around the country’s vast network of canals, they served as bustling trading hubs where merchants bought and sold everything from fresh produce to household goods, shaping daily life for generations.

Today, while their purpose has evolved, they continue to preserve a centuries-old way of life, while offering visitors a glimpse of Thailand’s rich trading heritage. Continued … 

Bangkok’s New Zoo Set for 2027 Opening

Bangkok’s long-awaited replacement for Dusit Zoo is 92.5% complete, with the first public access planned as a free opening in April 2027. The full 300-rai Biodiversity Park at Khlong 6 in Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani, is scheduled to fully open in early 2029.

The new site stands on former Rangsit wetland, about an hour north of central Bangkok, depending on traffic. It will be three times the size of the former Dusit Zoo, which closed in September 2018 after 80 years in operation. Continued … 

Australia sets November 2 start for major gun buyback

Australia’s New South Wales state will begin a major gun buyback on November 2, offering owners up to A$1,000, or about US$700, for each eligible rifle or handgun surrendered. The federal government passed legislation in January establishing a gun buyback, strengthening checks on firearm license applicants and introducing measures against hate-related conduct. Continued … 

Cafe clash highlights Israel’s religious differences

Alma Ronen has been fighting in the Israeli military nearly constantly for more than two years. Spending her Saturday not in uniform but in a T-shirt and jeans, she would like to enjoy a coffee outside – and resents that her more religious compatriots think otherwise. Continued … 

Trump says US scaling back military drills with South Korea

US President Donald Trump said he was “not happy” about US participation in joint military exercises with close ally South Korea and is scaling back the drills aimed at deterring rival North Korea that start today. Continued … 

Hua Hin Links and Transport

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Saturday’s news-Aug 15

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  • School Shooting Threat in PKK//Police identify person behind threat/Hard truths about youth violence in Thailand/Cha-am water cutoff Aug 21/Cha-am water supply projects/Road safety for PKK provincial court/Island mafia claims investigated/Suspected elephant attack in Kui Buri/Two Phuket Chabad sites under scrutiny/Bangkok rail fares to be capped
  • THE IRAN WAR: Strait of Hormuz a US territory?/Carrier’s Iran deployment ‘not nearly long enough’/Huge oil spill off Oman
  • ECONOMY: New investment to create up to 600,000 jobs/Thailand links AI and agriculture
  • TOURISM: 450-baht air tourist fee/3,000-baht hotel subsidy/Year-end events lift Thailand tourism/Losing appeal among Chinese tourists
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Key to the Global Clean Energy Transition
  • INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

School Shooting Threat in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

Police from Prachuap Khiri Khan City Police Station, along with local authorities, inspected Prachuap Witthayalai School to enhance security measures after threatening messages about violence were found circulating in an open chat group on the LINE application, causing concern among students and parents.

The school held a meeting to discuss measures to handle the situation, requesting cooperation from students, parents, and the public to follow information through official school channels and refrain from forwarding messages that may cause panic. Prachuap Witthayalai School announced a one-day online learning schedule yesterday for the safety of students and staff. Continued … 

Police identify person behind Prachuap school shooting threat

Police have identified the person responsible for posting a shooting threat involving a well-known school in Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan, after the message prompted heightened security and one day of online learning.

The Prachuap school shooting threat was posted in a parents’ LINE group and stated that there would be a mass shooting the following day, causing concern among parents and school staff. Continued … 

School shooting: Hard truths about youth violence in Thailand

The recent mass shooting in Nonthaburi has ignited a national debate over gun control, but experts warn that the deeper roots of youth violence must be tackled to prevent future tragedies.

On Aug. 7, a 14-year-old student shot his paternal grandparents dead before calmly heading to Debsirin Nonthaburi School, where he killed another six people before turning the gun on himself. The rampage claimed nine lives and injured 27 others – some suffering gunshot wounds and others hurt in the stampede to escape. Continued … 

Cha-am residents warned of water cutoff Aug 21

Cha-am residents are being urged to store enough water for up to a week ahead of possible water supply disruption from Aug. 21, when water releases from Kaeng Krachan Dam are due to be temporarily suspended.

Cha-am Municipality issued the warning ahead of maintenance work at the Kaeng Krachan Dam Power Plant, where aging equipment, including the main inlet valve, is due to be replaced after more than 50 years of use. Continued … 

Cha-am water supply projects being addressed

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered work to be accelerated on two Cha-am groundwater projects worth about 301 million baht, as authorities seek to address drought and water shortages affecting local communities.

Suchart visited Ban Bo Luang School in Huai Sai Nuea subdistrict on Thursday, accompanied by senior ministry officials, to review the water situation and discuss measures with provincial and local authorities. Continued … 

New road safety efforts for PKK provincial court

Hua Hin Municipality is introducing new road safety measures outside Hua Hin Provincial Court following repeated accidents on a curved section of road leading toward Khao Chong Pradu.

Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul inspected the area on Thursday with municipal officials and representatives from the Prachuap Khiri Khan Highway District to assess the problem and discuss possible safety improvements. Continued … 

Thai island mafia claims investigated

Thailand remains a major holiday destination for travelers, but claims of organized crime, intimidation and scams have prompted renewed warnings for tourists and foreign residents.

Thai authorities have announced another crackdown on “influential figures” after reports of safety incidents and assaults involving foreign tourists on the country’s holiday islands. Officials said any state employees found to have helped offenders, turned a blind eye or facilitated offenses would face legal action to the fullest extent. Continued … 

Park volunteer dies in suspected elephant attack in Kui Buri National Park

A park volunteer is believed to have been killed by a wild elephant while he was fixing a damaged elephant alert system in the Kui Buri National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province on Wednesday.

The park’s chief said he was informed by the head of Ban Wang Sai village in Sam Roi Yot district that a small group of villagers went into the park to install an elephant alert system and to fix a damaged one on Wednesday, but one of them failed to return home and could not be contacted. Continued … 

Phuket Governor: Two Chabad sites under scrutiny

Phuket Gov. Chotinrin Kerdsom says there are two Chabad sites in the province, both under close monitoring as authorities examine business structures linked to Israelis and other foreigners.

Chabad is a Jewish religious and community organization. The issue drew official attention after reports that the owner of premises used by Chabad Phuket held a Thai national ID card and was linked to more than 100 companies operating across several provinces. Continued … 

Bangkok rail fares to be capped at 45 baht

Thailand’s Transport Ministry is working towards a Jan. 1 launch of its common-ticket policy for electric rail services in Bangkok and surrounding provinces, with fares capped at 45 baht per trip and an initial charge of no more than 17 baht.

Under the planned common fare structure, participating electric rail lines in Bangkok and neighboring provinces would charge an initial fare of no more than 17 baht and a maximum combined fare of 45 baht per journey. Continued … 

Trump says he will soon declare Strait of Hormuz a US territory

U.S. President Donald Trump yesterday urged Americans to accept slightly higher gasoline prices as the cost of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and said he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S territory. Video … 

Trump says carrier’s Iran deployment ‘not nearly long enough’

U.S. President Donald Trump yesterday said the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln had been “not nearly long enough,” dismissing concerns about poor conditions aboard the aircraft carrier after two military-focused outlets reported declining morale and suicide attempts among its crew. Video … 

Huge oil spill off Oman threatens disaster

Two oilslicks have appeared in Iranian waters, satellite imagery and video show, as tit-for-tat attacks on oil tankers and other vessels by Iran and the United States spark concerns about environmental damage to the Gulf. John Amos, CEO of SkyTruth, which uses satellite imagery to detect oil spills, says it’s “much larger than anything seen previously.” Video … 

Surging fuel costs dent airlines’ performance

This article is behind a Bangkok Post pay wall. Continued … 

Thailand expects new investment to create up to 600,000 quality jobs

Ekniti Nitithanprapas, minister of Finance, said realized investment through the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) reached about B250 billion in the second quarter of this year, up 31% from the same period last year. This lifted the total for the first half of the year above B500 billion.

The figures reflected the use of an investment-led economic policy, or “investment growth”, to support the economy in the short term and strengthen competitiveness over the longer term. Continued … 

Thailand links AI and agriculture in new industrial strategy

Thailand is seeking to combine artificial intelligence with agriculture innovation as part of a broader industrial strategy aimed at raising productivity, strengthening domestic businesses and spreading the benefits of technological growth more widely across the economy.

Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa outlined the approach at the Delta Future Industry Summit 2026 yesterday, describing artificial intelligence and agriculture as two engines that should work together to support Thailand’s next stage of development. Continued … 

Thailand targets 450-baht air tourist fee in 2027

Thailand is preparing to increase its foreign tourist entry fee from the initially proposed 300 baht to 450 baht per person, with implementation now targeted for April 2027 rather than late 2026.

The proposed charge would initially apply to travelers arriving by air, Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said yesterday, and that the government is considering collecting it through airline tickets, a mobile app or airport kiosks. Continued … 

Thailand plans 3,000-baht hotel subsidy from October

Thailand is preparing to offer 500,000 domestic travel subsidies under the proposed Thai Travel Thai Plus 2026 scheme, with the government paying half of accommodation costs up to 3,000 baht per entitlement.

The program, which remains subject to Cabinet budget approval, is proposed to begin on Oct. 1 through Krungthai Bank’s Paotang application. Entitlements would be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Continued … 

Year-end events lift Thailand tourism outlook as arrivals fall less than forecast

Thailand’s tourism industry remains in a slowdown in 2026, but clearer signs of improvement are emerging toward the end of the year. The latest data from KResearch indicate that the foreign tourist market is contracting less sharply than previously estimated, reflecting a combination of short-term support and structural pressures across international source markets.

Foreign tourist arrivals fell 2.9% year on year between Jan. 1 and Aug. 8, amid the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. However, the outlook for the final quarter appears more positive, supported by three main factors. Continued … 

Thailand is losing its appeal among Chinese tourists

Chinese travelers will take fewer overseas trips in the second half of 2026 than forecasters expected. A weak economy at home has made them far choosier about which trips are worth taking.

China Trading Desk, a travel data firm, now expects about 179 million outbound trips this year. It puts spending at destinations at around 258 billion US dollars. Both figures are almost 3% below its June estimate. Those numbers would still be a record and both sit above pre-pandemic levels. The recovery has not stopped. It has slowed. Continued … 

Why ASEAN Holds the Key to the Global Clean Energy Transition

ASEAN’s commitment to net-zero is crucial for global environmental targets, despite its current fossil fuel dependency. The region faces an energy crisis but has strong decarbonization goals.

With abundant renewable resources and raw materials for clean energy, ASEAN can transition by reforming policies, dismantling fossil fuel subsidies, and attracting investment. International support is vital to ease the financial burden. Continued … 

Magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes off Indonesia’s coast

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia early today, collapsing buildings and homes, killing at least two people and causing panic in a region prone to deadly quakes.
Authorities issued a tsunami warning but later lifted it. Continued … 

Hua Hin Links and Transport

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Friday’s news-Aug 14

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  • Hua Hin CCTV installation/Mayor visits Chat Chai market/Intercontinental’s restaurant awarded/Chiva-Som Hua Hin wins Award/Hua Hin film club/Gun controls face loopholes/‘Gun prize’ giveaway/Nakhon Ratchasima shooting/Government announces downsizing plans/No one’s data is safe/Bangkok Post to hide some content
  • THE IRAN WAR: US signals indefinite Iran blockade/ance says low oil prices are top US goal
  • ECONOMY: Retail confidence, consumer spending fall/Business confidence plunges/AI boom drives digital economy/PM denies US drone production base/Ready for data center surge?/Pluak Daeng becomes ‘Little Guangzhou’
  • TOURISM: Israeli mother and daughter attacked/Assault on Japanese tourist/Foreigners flee traffic checkpoint/Israeli family denied entry to zoo/Hotels seek earlier stimulus launch/32,540 baht Pattaya bar bill
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thai Restaurant Rules Tourists Break
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Floods devastate Mekong communities/Smart and green applications top 146 billion baht/’Turning Bottles into Purpose’/Solar panel recycling
  • INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Hua Hin CCTV installation details discussed

Hua Hin Municipality officials met this week to discuss the installation of CCTV systems with 100 cameras and equipment in high-risk areas or areas with security needs. The project has already been reviewed and approved in principle.

The committee met together to review the details and scope of the project to ensure that the characteristics of the system, equipment, installation points, and technical details are appropriate, consistent with the area’s conditions, and can be used efficiently.

The project aims to install CCTV cameras within the Hua Hin Municipality to enhance the efficiency of monitoring and situational awareness in the area, as well as to support the prevention and reduction of risks to incidents that may affect the lives and property of the public and tourists.

Installing CCTV systems in high-risk areas will help relevant agencies use camera data as part of monitoring, investigating, and supporting operations in case of various incidents, which will help enhance the efficiency of security and peace in the Hua Hin city area.

The committee decided to proceed according to the relevant procedures, prioritizing the setting of project details that are appropriate, transparent, cost-effective, and practical to use.

Mayor visits Chat Chai market, hears concerns

Hua Hin MayorNopporn Wutthikul and members of his administration visited the Chat Chai market in the town center to listen to the problems within the market. Upon visiting the site, they found problems such as clogged drains, slippery tile floors, requests for rainwater prevention roofs, bird droppings entering the market, and requests to fix roof leaks. The mayor assigned relevant officials to resolve them.

Intercontinental’s restaurant awarded Thai Select 2 Stars

Jaras Hua Hin at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has been awarded Thai Select 2 Stars for 2026, recognizing the restaurant’s Thai cuisine, quality ingredients, creative presentation, professional service and overall dining experience.

Sabrina Hofstetter, general manager of InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, received the recognition on behalf of Jaras Hua Hin and the resort team at the official award ceremony. Continued … 

Chiva-Som Hua Hin wins Award for Best Wellness Services

Chiva-Som Hua Hin has received a Prime Minister’s Export Award 2026 in the Best Services Enterprise – Wellness Services category, recognizing its contribution to Thailand’s wellness sector and international reputation.

Organized by Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, the awards recognize Thai businesses and organizations that demonstrate excellence in exports and services, while helping strengthen the country’s international standing. Continued … 

Hua Hin has a new film club

Movie lovers in Hua Hin have a new place to come together with the launch of the Hua Hin Film Club, a new cultural initiative bringing selected films to local audiences alongside discussions, special events and opportunities to meet actors, filmmakers and others involved in the movies being screened.

The club’s initial program will feature a curated selection of films, member gatherings, post-screening discussions and special events designed to connect residents, visitors, filmmakers and film enthusiasts. Continued … 

Thailand’s gun controls face three persistent loopholes

Thailand’s firearm controls face three persistent gaps involving illegal and modified guns sold outside the registration system, insufficient oversight of legally owned weapons after licences are issued, and the transfer of firearms bought through government welfare schemes.

(Editor: Government officials giving out free shotguns: In yesterday’s news: 5 shotguns offered as prizes at official’s celebration)

The weaknesses have returned to attention following the shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School on Aug. 7, and the shooting of the chairman of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization three days later. Continued … 

‘Gun prize’ giveaway prompts policy change

An event in which shotguns were billed as draw prizes for public officials on Koh Phangan will be the last of its kind, a senior Interior Ministry official said yesterday.

Narucha Khosasivilai, director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration, was responding to widespread public criticism of the event, which was held just three days after a mass shooting in Nonthaburi left nine people dead. Continued … 

Nakhon Ratchasima shooting follows motorcycle theft accusation

A shooting and knife attack at a “Chim Shop Chai” community fair near a monument in Dan Khun Thot, Nakhon Ratchasima, left six people injured Wednesday. Vendors were closing their stalls for the night when the attack began, and at least one victim was left in critical condition and required surgery.

The accused reportedly admitted to police that he fired a homemade gun loaded with pellet-dispersing rounds, and that a companion also used a knife during the attack. Continued … 

Government announces downsizing plans

Thailand’s Cabinet has frozen the creation of new central-government field offices in the provinces and ordered ministries to review existing regional structures, with 3,708 units singled out for scrutiny.

The decision does not automatically close all 3,708 units. Ministries have three months to justify their continued operation and propose closures, mergers, transfers of responsibilities, greater use of digital services or conversion into the provincial administrative structure. Continued … 

No one’s data is safe in Thailand

How much is your personal information worth? Apparently, only a few hundred baht was enough to access sensitive information from a Thai government database.

The latest leak exposed information belonging to prominent figures, including Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Despite years of breaches affecting millions of people, Thailand is still pushing ahead with a massive digital transformation of its economy and public services. Video … 

Bangkok Post begins hiding content behind pay wall

The Bangkok Post is introducing its premium digital subscription today, signaling the next phase of its digital strategy as it scales reader revenue alongside print, Epaper and advertising operations.

The subscription delivers unlimited access to the Post’s digital journalism in an ad-light environment and introduces a membership model that includes invitations to curated community events and exclusive experiences. Continued … 

US signals indefinite Iran blockade, Hormuz tensions rise

The United States could maintain its naval blockade of Iran indefinitely by rotating warships through the region, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, signaling that Washington is prepared to keep economic pressure on Tehran while efforts to restore a peace agreement remain stalled.

“Our Navy can keep that kind of blockade indefinitely because we rotate ships in and out, as we do and will continue to do,” Hegseth told reporters yesterday while traveling to Panama. Continued … 

Huh? Vance says low oil prices are top US goal in Iran conflict

US Vice President JD Vance said yesterday the top US priority in the Iran war was keeping oil and gasoline prices low for Americans, with preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon ranking second.

The remarks constrasted with President Donald Trump’s repeated framing of the fight: that entering the war had the sole objective of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, even if that meant short-term economic sacrifices for Americans. Continued … 

Retail confidence, consumer spending fall

Thai consumers continued to visit shops at almost the same frequency in July but sharply reduced the amount they were prepared to spend on each trip, pointing to weakening household purchasing power as the nationwide Retail Sentiment Index (RSI) fell 4.9 points to 46.6.

The spending-per-bill component recorded the steepest decline among the index’s main measures, falling by 8.1 points from 55.1 in June to 47.0 in July. By comparison, shopping frequency edged down by only 0.4 points, from 48.1 to 47.7. Confidence in month-on-month same-store sales growth dropped by 6.4 points, from 52.6 to 46.2. Continued … 

Business confidence plunges to 35-year low

Thailand’s business confidence has plunged to a 35-month low, as weak incomes, high household debt and rising costs squeeze firms nationwide. The Thai Chamber of Commerce warns conditions may deteriorate across almost every sector through year-end, despite surging exports and improving consumer sentiment.

Businesses face persistent liquidity shortages, while Middle East tensions and the Thai-Cambodian border conflict add further risks. The Chamber is pressing for low-interest loans and debt restructuring. It has also sounded the alarm over foreign capital entering retail and restaurant sectors where foreign participation is restricted, adding further pressure on Thai operators. Continued … 

AI boom drives Thailand’s digital economy as exports surge

Sorry, but you will have to pay to read this one. See article on Bangkok Post’s new subscription service above. Continued … 

PM denies US drone production base plan

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied reports that the United States plans to establish a production base for unmanned aerial vehicles in Thailand, saying he had received no such report.

Anutin was asked about reports that the US might use military issues as leverage in negotiations over trade tariffs. The prime minister rejected the suggestion, saying there had been no such discussion. He said US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby met with him on Thursday, but the two did not discuss the issue. Continued … 

Is Thailand’s energy system ready for data center surge?

Thailand has approved 42 data center projects since 2024, but is Thailand’s energy system prepared for the surge? Some question Thailand’s grid system is not smart yet, noting that the government should balance energy security with data center development. Video … 

Pluak Daeng becomes ‘Little Guangzhou’ as Rayong weighs tighter controls

Pluak Daeng district in Rayong has emerged as one of the fastest-growing industrial centers in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor, with a surge in Chinese investment transforming the area into what has been dubbed “Little Guangzhou”.

The district has expanded rapidly alongside neighboring Si Racha in Chonburi, sometimes referred to as “Little Osaka”, as their adjoining industrial areas attract foreign manufacturers and generate demand for housing, retail and other services. Continued … 

Israeli mother and daughter attacked on Koh Pha Ngan

An Israeli mother, 62, and her 23-year-old daughter were seriously injured in an alleged assault on Koh Pha Ngan after a man asked where they were from and was told they were Israeli.

The suspect, who holds a French passport, was later arrested after allegedly becoming involved in another violent incident. The women said they believe the attack was connected to a discussion about the war in Gaza. Continued … 

Seven youths arrested over assault on Japanese tourist in Bangkok

Seven Thai youths have been arrested in connection with the physical assault of a Japanese tourist in a deserted area near the Makkasan Airport rail link station in Bangkok, police reported last night.

Din Daeng police investigators transferred the seven suspects to Makkasan Police Station for questioning and to face charges of physical assault. The group had been apprehended at a room within the Din Daeng flats complex earlier in the day. Continued … 

Foreigners flee traffic checkpoint, kick officer before arrest

Two Emirati men were arrested in Phuket after allegedly riding a motorcycle through a traffic checkpoint, kicking a pursuing traffic officer and fleeing before eventually being cornered in a dead-end road.

The incident occurred when officers from Kathu Police Station were operating a traffic checkpoint at the Si Kor checkpoint on Phra Barami Road in Kathu district, Phuket. During the operation, a traffic officer spotted a black Honda ADV 160 motorcycle travelling along Phra Barami Road from Patong toward the Si Kor intersection. Continued … 

Israeli family denied entry to exotic zoo on Koh Samui

An Israeli family says it was denied entry to a Koh Samui animal park because of its nationality before a confrontation with a man representing the zoo. Videos later posted on the park’s official account supported its exclusion of Israeli visitors.

The family, accompanied by two young daughters, went to Samui Exotic Park in Mae Nam. Footage recorded by the mother and widely shared online begins with her asking staff behind a counter: “Because we’re from Israel? What have we done to you? We haven’t done anything.” The video then cuts to a man representing the zoo telling the family to leave. Continued … 

Hotels seek earlier Thai Tiew Thai Plus launch for low season

The Thai Hotels Association (THA) has urged the government to bring forward the launch of Thai Tiew Thai Plus to Sept. 1, so the co-payment campaign can stimulate domestic tourism during the low season.

The Tourism and Sports Ministry is preparing to submit the campaign to the Cabinet for consideration in August and currently expects bookings to open on Oct. 1. The association wanted the government to accelerate the process and allow people to begin using the campaign for trips in September and October. Continued … 

Australian disputes 32,540 baht Pattaya bar bill

An Australian tourist was taken to Pattaya City Police Station after refusing to pay a 32,540 baht drinks bill at a beer bar in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya.

The dispute followed a drinking session, which, staff said, began at about 8 am on Aug. 12 and continued for more than 13 hours until around 9 pm. Police have recorded the matter and are checking the bar’s orders and bill before deciding on further legal steps. Continued … 

5 Thai Restaurant Rules Tourists Break Without Even Realizing It

From fan-favorite drunken noodles to spicy papaya salads and creamy curries, Thailand’s cuisine entices visitors from around the world. While over 17,400 Thai restaurants can be found internationally, eating pad Thai, fragrant coconut soups, and other punchy dishes in the “Land of Smiles” is a bucket list topper for many travelers.

However, dining in a Thai restaurant in Thailand comes with a variety of rules and expectations that many foreigners break without ever being the wiser. Continued … 

As floods devastate Mekong communities, economic strain, conflict compound crisis

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by surging waters across Myanmar and Laos, with Thai farming communities along the Mekong River bracing themselves for difficult days ahead as authorities warn persistent heavy rains may bring flash floods.

Each year monsoon rains bring extensive flooding across the region. Environmental campaigners say the damage is exacerbated by changing weather patterns and deforestation, as well as the string of dams across arterial rivers – like the Mekong – and smaller tributaries that alter the natural water flow and drainage. Continued … 

Thailand sees smart and green applications top 146 billion baht

Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) has received 1,397 applications for investment promotion under measures supporting the transition toward smart and sustainable industry, with combined investment worth more than 146 billion baht.

Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the BOI, explained that the agency is prioritizing support for the industrial sector to accelerate its shift toward smart and green operations in line with global trends. Continued … 

‘Turning Bottles into Purpose’ Upcycling Project to Give Plastic Bottles a Second Life

What happens to a simple plastic water bottle once it is empty? At Gulf Development Public Co. (GULF), it marks the beginning of a transformative journey. In its second year, GULF’s flagship green initiative, “Turning Bottles into Purpose” has expanded its horizon.

Moving beyond its Bangkok headquarters, the project has successfully taken root across seven GULF offices in Thailand’s eastern region, engaging employees in a collective mission to sort and recycle right from the source. Between January and July, GULF employees rallied together to rescue 1,183 kilograms of PET bottles from ending up in landfills. Continued … 

Solar panel recycling could yield $20 billion by 2050

Solar panel recycling could generate $6 billion in recovered materials by 2040 and exceed $20 billion by 2050, as more than 400 gigawatts of photovoltaic (PV) capacity reaches end-of-life, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) said.

Solar PV, which is among the most widely deployed renewable energy technologies, is expected to play a major role in the energy transition, accounting for half of global installed renewable capacity, IRENA said in its report. Continued … 

Trump announces tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones to protect his sons’ company

President Donald Trump announced yesterday tariffs of up to 100% on imports of unmanned drones and their components to reduce US reliance on imports in an industry dominated by China. Donald Trump Jr. and his brother Eric Trump are prominent investors in Powerus, an American drone manufacturing and defense technology company seeking Pentagon contracts. Continued … 

Hua Hin Links and Transport

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Thursday’s news-Aug 13

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  • Foreigners under-estimate financial needs/Hua Hin nominee probe/PKK’s long-term development/British man faces deportation in Hua Hin/Electricity rate reduced/Major gun-law overhaul/5 shotguns offered in drawing/Six injured in shotgun attack/Factory worker shot in forehead/Register SIM cards soon/Regulators home in on ride-hailing/Nene Royal Sails Into AGT Live Shows
  • ECONOMY: Thailand rejects US military-for-trade claims/Thailand Targets Top 20 Global Ranking/New data center rules
  • TOURISM: French tourists and cannabis smuggling/Chinese arrivals target at 5.1 million/275 Illegal Phuket Hotel Licenses/231 Forgotten Heritage Dishes
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Female-Female Relationships in Thai Royal History/Elephant Sanctuaries of Thailand/I Bought Four Joints Without Prescription
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/‘You’re trash’: Israeli family’s heated argument with tuk-tuk driver
  • INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Foreigners under-estimate long-term financial needs in Thailand

A Western content creator has warned foreigners against moving to Thailand without a clear financial plan, saying many end up “packing up and going home” after under estimating their costs.

The creator said the biggest problem for foreigners who struggle in Thailand is money. His video, which has resonated with expats and tourists online, argues that social media can create an unrealistic picture of how far savings will stretch. Continued … 

More scrutiny planned in Hua Hin nominee probe

Prachuap Khiri Khan Province officials met Monday to discuss the Hua Hin nominee crackdown that has seen 13 foreigners arrested, and to strengthen checks on businesses suspected of using Thai nominees on behalf of foreigners.

Sectors likely to face particular scrutiny include:

• Real estate and property, including land purchases
• Tourism and hospitality, including hotels, resorts, tour operators and travel agencies
• Food and beverage businesses such as restaurants and bars
• Retail and e-commerce businesses
• Accounting, legal and other professional service firms involved in setting up company structures. Continued … 

PKK’s long-term development vision outlined

Prachuap Khiri Khan has set out a long-term development vision focused on tourism, health, investment and quality of life, as officials review the Prachuap development plan through to 2042. A meeting at Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Hall on Tuesday provided views on the province’s 20-year development goals and its next five-year plan.

The province’s 20-year strategy covers six areas: tourism; agriculture and industry; trade and investment; society and quality of life; natural resources and the environment; and water resources. Continued … 

British man faces deportation after threatening staff at Hua Hin currency exchange

A British man faces deportation from Thailand after allegedly threatening and verbally abusing staff at a Hua Hin currency exchange booth during a dispute over a Western Union payment. Hua Hin Police said the incident happened on Friday, Aug. 7, at the Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri) currency exchange booth on Naebkehardt Road.

Two bank employees told investigators that a British national had arrived at the booth to collect money sent through Western Union. Police said the transaction could not be completed because he had provided an incorrect money transfer reference number. Continued … 

Electricity rate reduced after street lighting charge lifted

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) yesterday removed a street lighting charge from public electricity bills, leading to 6-satang reduction in the rate to 3.89 baht a unit from next month (September). The rate structure for residential electricity has also been adjusted, with the first 200 units capped at 3 baht per unit.

The commission decided to remove the street lighting charge from public electricity bills at yesterday’s meeting, as this has been a burden on citizens for over 30 years, amounting to approximately 18 billion baht per year. Continued … 

Thailand weighs major gun-law overhaul amid extortion concerns

The government faces a major challenge not only in steering Thailand through its economic difficulties, but also in tightening public-safety measures and modernizing state agencies to maintain social order.

Its latest initiative is another amendment to the Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks and Imitation Firearms Act. A key element of the overhaul would be the creation of a real-time firearm tracking system covering every stage, from importation and sale to ownership, licencing and transfer. Continued … 

5 shotguns offered in drawing at Koh Phangan celebration

A Facebook post has sparked widespread criticism online after posting details and images of a lavish 134th anniversary celebration of village headmen and subdistrict chiefs at Koh Phangan and Koh Tao islands, where there was a lucky draw for five shotguns.

The event was a large-scale collaboration between the local administrations of the two popular tourist islands, held at a government center. The district chief presided over the function with high-ranking police officers, local government officials, local politicians, and women’s groups attending it. Continued … 

Six injured in shotgun attack at Korat fair

Six people were injured after a group of assailants allegedly used knives and a homemade shotgun at a local fair in Dan Khun Thot district late last night. The group attacked people with knives before firing a Thai-made shotgun loaded with “luk roi” ammunition, which disperses pellets widely when fired.

The injured included a man with knife wounds to his back and finger; another man shot in the back and injured in the right arm; a seriously injured man struck by 13 pellets across his body and arm; a woman shot twice in the leg and hit in the back by pellet fragments; another woman shot in the left arm; and a man with nine shotgun wounds in the back. Continued … 

Factory worker shot in forehead in Ayutthaya

A 33-year-old factory worker was critically injured after being shot in the forehead beside Rojana Road in Bang Pa-in district of Ayutthaya shortly after midnight.

Police said the man from Suphan Buri province was found unconscious on a pavement outside a used-car garage in Sam Ruean subdistrict. Rescue workers gave first aid and performed CPR before he was taken to Ratchathani Hospital. Continued … 

Thais urged to register SIM cards soon

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has called on mobile phone users to finish mandatory SIM identity verification and update their information by Aug. 30 as it seeks to combat mule accounts and technology crime.

Mobile operators and users have to verify their identities as authorities target mule SIMs and registrations that do not match the actual user. Continued … 

Regulators home in on ride-hailing, digital delivery players

Thailand is moving toward more targeted regulation of ride-hailing and on-demand delivery platforms, as each of the markets consolidates around two dominant players, with competition authorities preparing new guidelines to address structural barriers, algorithmic practices and potential abuses of market power.

The Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) has established a subcommittee tasked with setting guidelines and an action plan for competition in ride-hailing platforms. Continued … 

Phuket Rocker Nene Royal Sails Into AGT Live Shows

Sixteen-year-old Thai musician Nene Royal has officially advanced to the Live Shows on America’s Got Talent (AGT) Season 21, following a series of powerhouse performances that have captivated international audiences and judges alike.

Hailing from Phuket, Thailand, the teenage artist cemented her place in the live quarter-finals after a fiery appearance in the Judges’ Callbacks round. Performing a blistering cover of Muse’s classic track “Hysteria,” Nene mesmerised the auditorium with a complex guitar solo and sharp vocal delivery, leaving the judges’ panel—including executive producer Simon Cowell—visibly impressed. Continued … 

Thailand rejects US military-for-trade claims

Thailand has denied foreign media reports that it intends to use security and military cooperation with the United States as leverage in trade negotiations.

Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said yesterday the claim was untrue and did not represent government policy. She said talks with Washington were being conducted on the basis of Thailand’s economic interests, fairness and balanced trade. Continued … 

Thailand Targets Top 20 Global Ranking in 12-Year High-Income Push

Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas has set out a strategic roadmap to propel Thailand into high-income status within 12 to 15 years, pivoting the economy away from legacy manufacturing toward high-tech growth industries.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Fiscal Policy office’s annual Academic Symposium 2026 (FPO Symposium 2026) under the theme “New Horizons: Data in Depth, Reshape Fiscal Policy”, Ekniti outlined the government’s medium-to-long-term economic priorities. Continued … 

New data center rules seek to ease investment fears

The government’s upcoming measures to screen data center investment projects in Thailand are designed to safeguard electricity security without derailing the country’s ambition to attract foreign capital into this fast-growing industry, says an energy official who requested anonymity.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which is drafting the rules, has declined to comment on whether the new requirements could dampen investment prospects in resource-intensive data centers. Continued … 

French tourists claim cannabis smuggling gang use free holidays in Thailand to trick them

At least 11 French nationals who were arrested in Thailand with cannabis in their luggage, claimed they were deceived into carrying “locked bags” in exchange for free holidays.

France’s National Police said 11 French nationals had been arrested in Thailand after cannabis was discovered in their luggage. The suspects were charged with attempting to smuggle drugs out of the country, with some remaining in police custody under stricter rules now being applied. Continued … 

Chinese arrivals target set at 5.1 million this year

Improving Thailand’s image among Chinese travelers and recovering airline seat capacity should help the market reach 5.1 million arrivals this year, up by 14% from a low benchmark in 2025, likely driven by younger visitors, says the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Siriges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol, executive director for East Asia at TAT, said Chinese arrivals are recovering due to several factors, especially an improving reputation since the visits of Their Majesties the King and Queen, as well as Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Continued … 

Thailand Clears Backlog of 275 Illegal Phuket Hotel Licenses

Thai authorities have resolved a major administrative backlog dating back to 2018 by issuing hotel licenses to 275 properties in Phuket as part of a broader government drive to regulate unlicensed hospitality businesses and crack down on illegal foreign nominee operations.

Announcing the milestone yesterday, deputy government spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesaengjan stated that 275 out of 392 pending hotel applications have been approved over the past two months. The remaining 117 applications are scheduled for complete review and clearance by September. Continued … 

Thailand Outlines Plan to Commercialize 231 Forgotten Heritage Dishes

The Thai government has unveiled a policy framework aimed at adding economic value to regional gastronomy by reviving and commercializing 231 endangered local recipes across the country.

The administration is moving to convert cultural heritage into a structured economic driver for regional tourism and local business development. Continued … 

Whispers of the Palace: Female-Female Relationships in Thai Royal History

Long before modern advocacy, romantic and deeply intimate bonds between women existed behind the closed doors of the ancient Thai royal courts. Known traditionally as “Len Puean” (เล่นเพื่อน), these relationships were a recognized, if sometimes hushed, part of court culture.

A prime example is the famous historical account of “Mom Ped” and “Khun Mong”, two royal women whose exceptionally close bond captured the imagination of the palace, surviving court gossip to become celebrated and beloved figures of their time. Continued … 

From the Elephant Sanctuaries of Thailand

After one canceled and rebooked flight, three connections totaling seven hours and nearly 25 hours in the air, I finally arrived in Chiang Mai to begin one of my fourth-year clinical rotations: an international externship with Loop Abroad, a veterinary study abroad program.

Over the course of the experience, I worked at two elephant sanctuaries, learning about elephant medicine, behavior, welfare and management. I expected to gain hands-on experience caring for elephants, but I left with something even more valuable: a deeper understanding of just how complicated and important elephant conservation truly is. Continued … 

Thailand Says Weed Is Medical-Only Now; I Bought Four Joints Without a Prescription

I was in Thailand this week visiting my wife’s family and I had to satisfy some professional curiosity and see what was going on in the country’s cannabis market for myself.

I’ve been coming to Thailand regularly for over a decade, and no matter where you are in the country — the beautiful tropical islands down south, the tropical foests of Chiang Mai, or the urban jungle of Bangkok — cannabis is always widely available.

Thailand first legalized medical cannabis in 2018 and decriminalized broader cannabis use in 2022. Licensed and unlicensed shops flourished across the country similar to the early days of New York’s legalization, where illicit sales went mostly un-enforced. In tourist and expat-dominated areas, you practically come across a new shop every block. Continued … 

‘You’re trash’: Thai social media erupts over Israeli family’s heated argument with tuk-tuk driver

A heated confrontation between an Israeli family and a tuk-tuk driver in Phuket has sparked controversy on Thai social media and in local media, after the driver posted a video showing an argument in which one of the Israelis repeatedly curses him in English and tells him in Hebrew, “You’re trash.”

According to media reports, the incident began when members of the family approached the driver and asked about the price of a ride. The two sides failed to agree, and the driver remained at the location waiting for other passengers. Continued … 

Australian delivery drivers win ‘world-leading’ pay rise

Hundreds of thousands of gig workers in Australia have been granted a huge pay rise from next week under a decision by the country’s workplace relations tribunal lauded as “world-leading”. The order from the Fair Work Commission, issued Tuesday, will see delivery drivers working for online platforms such as UberEats and HungryPanda earn Aus$31.30 (731.56 baht) an hour. Continued … 

Hua Hin Links and Transport

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climate change, hua hin, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s news-Aug 12

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  • Nationwide illegal gun crackdown/Seven gun-control measures/7-point school safety plan/Heavy rain and flood risk/Nene Royal Advances
  • THE IRAN WAR: Shipping attacks deepen Iran war impasse
  • ECONOMY: Focus on rail, port projects/Thailand’s Digital GDP/Migrant workers fill restaurant gap/’Work from home’ tops most-searched terms/Southeast Asia’s Risks/THAI Q2 profit falls
  • TOURISM: SME Federation seeks B10 billion/Six tourists swept out in Phuket/German tourist missing off Freedom Beach/Tuk-tuk fare dispute with Israeli tourists
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Where to start your Thailand trip/Thai destinations rank in Asia’s top five
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Climateflation drives up living costs/What an extreme El Nino means
  • INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Thai police order nationwide illegal gun crackdown

Thailand’s national police chief has ordered a nationwide drive against illegal firearms, ammunition and explosives, alongside increased security at schools, shopping centers, parks and other public spaces.

The operation splits responsibility between two deputy national police chiefs. Investigation teams will pursue illegal weapons offenses, while crime-prevention officers will step up patrols and prepare for emergencies in public areas. Continued … 

PM orders seven urgent gun-control measures

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered seven urgent measures to tighten firearms control and tackle illegal gun possession, including suspending new welfare-gun schemes and the issuance of P.3 licences to purchase firearms.

Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said Anutin issued the instructions during a Cabinet meeting, directing relevant agencies to close gaps in existing controls and prevent firearms from reaching people who should not possess them. Continued … 

Cabinet approves 7-point school safety plan

The cabinet yesterday approved seven urgent measures to strengthen safety at schools nationwide following last week’s shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, including screening for weapons, illegal items and drugs before anyone enters school premises.

Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong said the measures, based on a ministry announcement issued on Monday, would be adopted by all government agencies overseeing educational institutions to establish a common safety standard. Continued … 

Nine northern provinces face heavy rain and flood risk

Heavy rain is forecast across northern, northeastern, central and eastern Thailand today, with authorities warning of flash floods and forest run-off after a monsoon trough moved across the upper north.

The Thai Meteorological Department said the trough extends across upper northern Thailand, upper Laos and the upper northeast, while a fairly strong southwest monsoon is prevailing over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand. Continued … 

Nene Royal Advances in America’s Got Talent bid

Thai singer Nene Royal is heading to the Live Shows of America’s Got Talent Season 21 after winning yes votes from all four judges in the Judges’ Callbacks round. The official AGT auditions page confirmed her advance, posting “NENE ROYAL is heading to the live shows!”

(There is a video of her performance at the end of the article.)

Nene, from Phuket, first appeared on the show during the audition round, where she sang and played lead guitar on The Cranberries’ “Zombie.” The performance drew wide attention online and set up her callback appearance. Continued … 

Shipping attacks deepen Iran war impasse; Hormuz remains closed

Fresh attacks on commercial shipping near two of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints have further weakened hopes of a swift end to the Iran war, with Tehran insisting that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Washington accepts its conditions.

The United States and Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement reported separate operations against vessels yesterday — one in the Gulf of Oman, which leads to the Strait of Hormuz, and another in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the entrance to the Red Sea. Both routes are critical to global oil supplies and international trade. Continued … 

Government focuses on rail, port projects

The Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) and land bridge projects have been shelved, while the government is pursuing the “issing link” rail network and a fresh study of Ranong port, Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed yesterday.

Phiphat said the government’s first mobile cabinet meeting will be held in Hat Yai district, Songkhla, from Aug. 31-Sept. 1, with proposals from the five southernmost provinces – Songkhla, Satun, Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat – focusing on livelihoods and urban planning. Continued … 

Thailand’s Digital GDP to Hit 5.7 trillion Baht as AI Exports Surge

Thailand’s digital economy is projected to expand by 5.6% in 2026, reaching a valuation of 5.7 trillion baht ($171.8 billion). According to forecasts released by the National Board of Digital Economy and Society Office (BDE), the sector is set to grow 2.2 times faster than the country’s overall gross domestic product (GDP), establishing itself as a vital engine for national growth.

In the first half of 2026, Thailand’s digital exports surged by 45%. The figure aligns with findings from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which ranks Thailand among the world’s top four major exporters of AI hardware, alongside Taiwan, South Korea, and Malaysia. Continued … 

Migrant workers fill restaurant gap

The online debate over whether restaurants in Thailand should accept orders only in Thai highlights an underlying issue in the industry: a persistent labor shortage, as many Thais do not want to work in the sector.

Well-known tech creator Pongsuk Hiranprueck recently shared on Facebook his experience at a restaurant in Bangkok, where he was served by a foreign waitress who could speak Thai, but discovered that most other staff members could not. Continued … 

‘Work from home’ tops jobseekers’ most-searched terms

‘Work from home” was the top keyword search term used by Thai jobseekers in the first half of 2026, reflecting the continued importance of workplace flexibility, according to a survey by the recruitment platform Jobsdb by SEEK.

“New graduate” ranked second, highlighting the readiness of fresh graduates preparing to enter the workforce, followed (in order) by “marketing”, “HR” and “data analyst”. Continued … 

Southeast Asia’s Risks Are Hitting Each Economy Differently

Southeast Asia faces interconnected challenges from economic pressure, geopolitical rivalry, and technological disruption. The region’s diversity means these forces impact economies unevenly. Leaders must balance short-term stability with long-term autonomy amid trade shifts and global competition.

While AI investment grows, uneven adoption and energy constraints risk widening inequality. Concerns about economic downturn, job loss, and inflation are paramount, reflecting growth that doesn’t always benefit everyone. Continued … 

THAI Q2 profit falls as fuel costs surge; Bangkok Airways H1 profit rises

Thai Airways International (THAI) reported a net profit of 1.54 billion baht for the second quarter of 2026, down from 12.13 billion baht in the same period last year, as the Middle East conflict drove jet fuel prices sharply higher.

Bangkok Airways, meanwhile, reported a first-half net profit of 2.43 billion baht, an increase of 16.3% year on year, despite continued economic volatility and the impact of the conflict on the aviation industry. Continued … 

Thai SME Federation seeks B10 billion to develop tourism in 50 provinces

The Thai SME Federation has proposed a 10-billion-baht program to develop tourism attractions in 50 secondary-tourism provinces, allocating 200 million baht to each province in an effort to generate local economic activity and opportunities for small businesses.

The federation also wants the role of provincial Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committees to be revived so that government agencies, private businesses and entrepreneurs can work together more closely on local economic development. Continued … 

Six tourists swept out in Phuket as red flags fly

Six foreign tourists, including Russians, Indians and Israelis, were swept away from Nai Thon beach in Phuket yesterday morning after entering the sea despite red warning flags, according to local lifeguards.

The incident happened at about 9 am at Nai Thon beach in Sakhu, Thalang district. Strong waves and currents carried the six visitors away from shore, requiring lifeguards and volunteers to respond in seas with waves estimated at over two meters and strong winds, to rescue them. Continued … 

German tourist missing after being swept off Freedom Beach

A German tourist remains missing after strong waves swept two people into the sea at Freedom Beach in Phuket’s Kathu district on Monday. Lifeguards rescued the woman safely, but searches for the man have been restricted by rough seas and strong winds.

The pair had entered the water at Freedom Beach, despite red warning flags, when heavy waves struck, pulling them away from shore and into deeper water. Lifeguards on duty responded urgently and brought the woman ashore safely. The man, however, was swept further out to sea and disappeared. Continued … 

Tuk-tuk fare dispute with Israeli tourists in Phuket goes viral

A furious tuk-tuk dispute in Patong has gone viral after a Phuket driver accused an Israeli tourist of threatening him, swearing, spitting and trying to lift a heavy concrete barrier during a confrontation over Australian passengers. Dashcam footage captured key exchanges after the Israeli family allegedly tried to make the couple leave the vehicle.

The August 9 clash ended without injuries, arrests or reported police action. However, it emerged the same day as a separate Bangkok hotel dispute involving Israeli tourists, adding further attention to complaints about tourist behavior in Thailand. Continued … 

Where to start your Thailand trip, by region and season

Most guides treat Thailand like it has one climate and one obvious itinerary, but we both know it has neither. The country splits into six regions running on different seasonal calendars, and getting that wrong is the difference between a trip that flows and one spent waiting out rain on an island that was never going to be dry in October anyway.

The short version: pick fewer regions and stay longer in each, but this leaves way too much for interpretation. The Andaman coast and the Gulf coast run on opposite monsoon cycles, so “rainy season” depends entirely on where you are standing. Continued … 

Thai destinations rank in Asia’s top five among European travelers

Agoda has released data on travel interest among European travelers for summer 2026, showing that Thailand remained the Asian destination attracting the strongest interest for a second consecutive year. The result reflects the strength of Thailand’s tourism market among European travelers.

The findings were based on Agoda accommodation searches from April 1 to June 30 for stays between July 1 and Aug. 31, compared with the same periods a year earlier. In its ranking of individual destinations, Thailand had three entries in Asia’s top five among European travelers. Continued … 

Climateflation drives up food prices and living costs

Climate change is becoming a direct inflationary force in the global economy, with extreme heat damaging crops, lifting food prices and feeding through to insurance, energy and healthcare costs. Known as “climateflation”, the phenomenon occurs when climate change and extreme weather push up prices and living costs by reducing agricultural output, disrupting supply chains and increasing production expenses.

Food is the most immediate transmission channel, but the pressure is spreading across household budgets and into central-bank decisions. What was once treated largely as a long-term sustainability risk is increasingly affecting current inflation, consumer spending and economic growth. Continued … 

What an extreme El Nino means for Southeast Asia

Surachai Parunram knows something big and foreboding is coming. The veteran rice and sugarcane farmer from Thailand’s northeast has experienced unpredictable weather and extreme events disrupting his planting seasons for many years.

What lies in store over the next year – a so-called “Super El Nino” bringing expected severe heat and drought right across Southeast Asia – has him more worried than ever. Continued … 

Asia Pacific Real Estate Investment Hits Record $92.5 Billion in H1 2026

Asia Pacific commercial real estate investment reached a record USD $92.5 billion in the first half of 2026, a 35% year-on-year increase, according to JLL data. Japan led the region with USD $10.6 billion in the second quarter, while Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong all posted sharp volume gains driven by large portfolio and landmark transactions. Continued …

Pereira, the ‘zombie city’ devastated by Colombia’s earthquake

Jorge Gonzalez searches with his bare hands for his aunt under the ruins of a four-story building in Pereira, one of the cities hardest hit by the powerful earthquake in Colombia that has left at least 240 dead. Like hundreds of volunteers and rescuers, he has spent hours clinging to the faintest hope there may be survivors in the rubble, despite the 7.4 magnitude quake that struck this coffee capital on Monday morning. Continued … 

A look at some of the damage done by the earthquake in Colombia – Video … 

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