- Feedback Re: Beachfront demolition/Hua Hin-U-Tapao flights start October 23/OR, Bangchak raise fuel prices/Siam Music Yamaha sponsors Nene Royal/Six bodies found in fishing boat/60 million baht windfall to lottery seller/Flood impact on Thai economy/Floods Inundate Thai Factories/Disaster insurance cover rolls out/Bangkok floods were an avoidable disaster/More rain coming/Inundation reduces hotel bookings/Thailand’s flood defense plans face delays/Treating Every Flood as Exceptional Event
- THE IRAN WAR: Oil jumps over $4, US troops head to Middle East/How US-Israel-Iran attacks affect Thailand
- ECONOMY: Thai firms import Myanmar minerals/New law to replace Hotel Act/Economic shocks weakening country’s resilience/Thailand and Maersk explore port investment/Thai vehicle sales surge/Infineon anchors Thailand’s chip ecosystem
- TOURISM: Thai Airways to restore all flights/Suvarnabhumi clears stranded passengers/Biggest threats to travel and tourism
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand broadens solar scheme
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Re: Beachfront demolition
“Despite the ‘illegality’ and inevitability of demolition, it’s sad as the piers, wooden houses of Naresdamri, were one of the more charming aspects of HH. Now the area is increasingly tacky, semi-derelict and charmless, just Bintabaht, countless unprofessional massage places, etc. Perhaps something positive will come with the demolition?” – AB
Hua Hin-U-Tapao flights start October 23
EZY Airlines will begin scheduled flights between Hua Hin and U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport on Oct. 23, following an inaugural trial service on Sept. 30.
The new route will operate on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, using a Cessna Caravan C208B configured with 10 passenger seats. Promotional one-way fares will start at 2,900 baht, with tickets due to go on sale on Oct. 10. Continued …
OR, Bangchak raise fuel prices by 0.75 baht
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp. raised retail prices for petrol, gasohol and diesel by 0.75 baht per liter today. Following the adjustment, Gasohol 95 is priced at 40.69 baht per liter and regular diesel at 42.19 baht per liter.
The listed rates apply to retail sales in Bangkok and exclude local maintenance tax. Thailand’s Ministry of Energy also lists Gasohol 95 at 40.69 baht per liter and Diesel B7 at 42.19 baht for both PTT and Bangchak today. Continued …
Siam Music Yamaha sponsors Nene Royal and her ‘OZONE’ band
Siam Music Yamaha Co., a leading music business and pioneer music education institution in Thailand, announced major support for Nene Royal, or Praew-Rattikarn Aumloy, following her achievement in winning a world-class reality talent competition in the United States, along with the members of the youth music band “OZONE,” who have played a significant role in inspiring Thai youth to pursue music.
Both Nene Royal and the members of OZONE have cultivated their musical skills as students at Yamaha Music School. They have played a significant role in inspiring Thai youths to pursue music. As a result, Yamaha is donating musical instruments and audio equipment valued at over 700,000 baht to these talented young artists. Continued …
Six bodies found in Sattahip fishing boat salvage
Six bodies have been found inside the wreck of the S. Kanchanawari 888, a fishing vessel which sank around 50 nautical miles off Samae San in Sattahip, Chonburi. The recovery ends the search for six Myanmar crew members reported missing after the boat went down during a storm on Sept. 21.
All 22 crew were thrown into the sea when the vessel sank between Samae San Bay and Prachuap Khiri Khan Bay. Fifteen survived, while the Thai captain, 46-year-old Wichan Ma-iang, was confirmed dead. Continued …
10 unpurchased tickets deliver 60 million baht windfall to lottery seller
A lottery seller in Yasothon province won 60 million baht after retaining 10 unsold lottery tickets that won first prize in the draw yesterday. The tickets all carried the winning number 402701, giving him 6 million baht per ticket.
The 34-year-old seller made headlines after winning the first prize with all 10 tickets. A single first-prize ticket pays 6 million baht, equivalent to approximately US$180,000, while a set of 10 tickets with the same winning number pays a total of 60 million baht. Continued …
Flood impact on Thai economy greater than initially expected
Economists warn that the economic impact of the Bangkok floods could be more significant than initially anticipated due to forecasted additional rainfall and increased financial burdens on affected households. While the immediate impact on corporate earnings is expected to be limited unless disruptions become prolonged, the flooding poses risks to various sectors, including logistics, retail, and tourism.
The flooding is estimated to cause up to 11.8 billion baht in losses for Bangkok alone, representing approximately 57% of the total economic damage across 27 provinces. Experts note that supply chain disruptions in logistics, specifically in areas like the Lat Krabang inland container depot, could hinder import and export activities. Furthermore, the Bank of Thailand is monitoring the service sector, noting that while the impact remains limited, prolonged flooding could undermine public confidence and impact the economy through increased household debt and reduced consumer spending. – Bangkok Post AI
Floods Inundate Thai Factories, Causing Over $30 million in Direct Losses
Thai manufacturers face severe operational disruptions and mounting financial losses following widespread flooding across Bangkok and 14 provinces, with initial manufacturing damage estimated at $30.4 million (1.018 billion baht).
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported that preliminary loss estimates — based on an assumed 40% impact rate among members in affected zones — cover direct equipment damage, raw material losses, supply chain halts, and logistical disruptions. Continued …
Disaster insurance cover rolls out nationwide
Thailand’s nationwide disaster insurance program is set to cover approximately 30 million households. The program, which launched yesterday, provides protection against damage caused by floods, windstorms, and earthquakes.
Under the scheme, eligible households can receive an initial payment of up to 10,000 baht for flood damage, while those affected by windstorms or earthquakes may receive an initial 5,000 baht. Furthermore, following a detailed assessment, additional compensation can be granted up to a total of 90,000 baht for flood damage, or up to 1 million baht for residential homes. – Bangkok Post AI
The Bangkok floods were an avoidable disaster
Around 300 millimeters of rain fell on Bangkok in just 24 hours, while flooding affected communities across more than a third of Thailand. But as the floodwaters rose, so did anger over whether officials adequately warned and prepared the public.
So could more have been done before the rains came, or was the scale of this disaster simply beyond anyone’s control? Video …
More rain coming to Thailand, more flooding possible
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its second advisory today, warning that unsettled weather will bring thunderstorms, strong gusts and isolated heavy to very heavy rain to parts of Thailand from Oct. 4–7.
The conditions could trigger flash floods and run-off, particularly on foothill slopes near waterways and in low-lying areas, where accumulated rainfall could also cause flooding. Continued …
Inundation reduces hotel bookings
The central plains have been identified as the most heavily affected area by the ongoing floods, covering approximately 2,208 square kilometers. While specific breakdown of hotel cancellations by exact region is not provided, the Thai Hotels Assn. reported that severe flooding in Bangkok and the central and eastern regions caused over 5,400 room nights to be canceled or postponed.
In Bangkok, hotel cancellations were specifically noted in the capital itself, with 53 hotels reporting postponements or cancellations. In the eastern region, hotels reported a 50% drop in bookings due to the floods, with affected areas including Chon Buri, Rayong, and Chanthaburi. Additionally, the eastern provinces of Prachin Buri and Chachoengsao have seen significant impacts, with water levels peaking in Prachin Buri and moving toward Chachoengsao along the Bang Pakong River. – Bangkok Post AI
Thailand’s flood defense plans face delays as major projects await construction
The severe flooding seen from late September into early October 2026 has renewed concerns over Bangkok’s flood resilience, with comparisons drawn to the devastating 2011 floods.
Many water-management plans developed by successive governments after the 2011 disaster are still under development, awaiting budgets or only recently approved, with several major infrastructure projects yet to begin construction. Continued …
Bangkok Needs to Stop Treating Every Flood as an Exceptional Event
Bangkok should stop treating every major flood as an exceptional event. The recent heavy rainfall will likely be described as an unusually severe event. Authorities will report falling water levels, reopening roads, and resuming business operations. Emergency relief packages will be announced, financial aid distributed, and public attention will gradually shift toward other pressing national issues.
However, this short-term response strategy is becoming unsustainable. Bangkok is not facing an isolated disaster; it is confronting a recurring structural risk that is growing more expensive, increasingly disruptive, and deeply tied to the nation’s economic trajectory. Continued …
Oil jumps over $4 as China halts fuel exports, US troops head to Middle East
Oil prices jumped by more than $4 a barrel oyesterday, with Brent crude settling above $102 as China’s suspension of oil-product exports and reports of an expanded US military deployment to the Middle East intensified concerns over global fuel supplies.
Prices had fallen about 1% earlier in the session before reversing course as fresh developments in China and the Middle East added to uncertainty over fuel availability. Continued …
How US-Israel-Iran attacks affect Thailand
Thai firms import Myanmar minerals amid river pollution
More than 50 Thai-registered companies are importing critical minerals from Myanmar despite a widening cross-border water pollution crisis linked to mining operations upstream, according to an investigation.
The trade includes antimony, tungsten, copper, lead, manganese and tin, much of it passing through Thailand before being re-exported to China. For those living in or traveling around northern Thailand, the issue has direct practical implications for river use, irrigation areas and locally sourced food in affected border provinces. Continued …
Thailand proposes new law to replace Hotel Act
Thailand’s government has proposed replacing the Hotel Act with a new Accommodation Establishment Act intended to bring a wider range of lodging businesses into the formal regulatory system.
The proposed 98-section bill would cover accommodation types that can fall outside the present framework, including homestays, tents, rafts, treehouses, hostels, boutique hotels, and short-term house and condominium rentals arranged through online platforms. Continued …
Bank of Thailand top official warns serial economic shocks weakening country’s resilience
Thailand’s flood crisis is punching into the wider economy as the Bank of Thailand warns of mounting pressure on indebted households and small businesses. Bangkok hotels are already losing bookings during China’s Golden Week, while supply-chain disruption has halted four Toyota plants.
Economists put nationwide losses as high as 33.8 billion baht. Yet, major hotels, airports and central Bangkok remain open, prompting industry fears that dramatic flood images could drive tourists elsewhere. With household finances already weakened by successive shocks, the flooding is rapidly becoming an economic crisis far beyond the streets underwater. Continued …
Thailand and Maersk explore port investment
Officials from the Thai Ministry of Transport met yesterday with executives with the Singapore arm of the logistics giant AP Moller-Maersk to discuss expanding investments at Laem Chabang Port and enhancing cooperation in regional logistics systems.
Maersk currently co-manages terminals B1 and A0 at Laem Chabang Port and operates the Lat Krabang Inland Container Depot in Bangkok, a key facility driving Thailand’s trade and exports. Continued …
Thai vehicle sales surge 26% in August, led by electrics
New vehicle sales in Thailand increased by almost 26% to 59,809 units in August, up from 47,622 units a year earlier, according to the latest data released by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
The market was driven higher by continued strong demand for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), sales of which surged by 113% year-on-year to 19,720 units last month, while sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger vehicles declined by 17% to 7,973 units. Continued …
Infineon anchors Thailand’s chip ecosystem with Samut Prakan hub
Infineon Technologies AG is using its new US$1.4 billion (48 billion baht) semiconductor manufacturing hub in Samut Prakan as a long-term platform to strengthen Thailand’s semiconductor ecosystem through advanced production, local talent development and closer links with universities and industry.
The new backend facility also expands Infineon’s manufacturing footprint in Southeast Asia. Module A is the first stage of a site that can ultimately grow to five modules, while the company has secured about 200,000 square meters, or around 120 rai, of land for future expansion. Continued …
Thai Airways to restore all flights tomorrow
Thai Airways International said it is ready to operate all scheduled flights from tomorrow, after reducing services for two days while mobilizing additional personnel and managing operations in response to a labor shortage. The airline reduced its schedule by 15 flights on Wednesday and a further nine flights today to bring operations into line with available capacity.
Thai Airways said it had accelerated flight management and mobilized personnel and resources from across its operations to prepare for the restoration of all scheduled services. Continued …
Suvarnabhumi clears stranded passengers, sets Saturday deadline for bags
Suvarnabhumi Airport has cleared thousands of stranded passengers affected by recent flooding, while efforts continue to return delayed baggage and clear a cargo backlog, Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said yesterday.
Phiphat said the stranded passenger problem was resolved by about 1 am yesterday, with no passengers stuck in the system.
Attention has now shifted to delayed baggage. Officials are aiming to return all remaining bags to passengers by no later than tomorrow night. Continued …
Netanyahu, Trump speeches at UN flag Israel, US as biggest threats to travel and tourism
Two bellicose, bombastic speeches by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the UN General Assembly last week have clearly flagged their countries as the biggest threats facing the beleaguered travel and tourism industry. The second quarter of the 21st century, which began this year, is now set to be even more turbulent than the first.
With geopolitics now widely recognized as the overarching challenge, and the Middle East conflict at the heart of it, the question facing travel and tourism is: What can, should and must be done about it? Continued …
Thailand broadens solar scheme with 75-billion-baht funding plan
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed a proposal seeking 75 billion baht in loan funding to expand Thailand’s “People’s Solar” program, which will provide subsidies of 50,000 baht per household and support up to 1.5 million homes.
The updated scheme will allow solar installations not only on rooftops but also on the ground and floating systems, while households will be able to sell excess electricity back to the grid at a maximum of 5 kilowatts for 2.20 baht per kilowatt-hour under 20-year contracts. Continued …
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Thai citizenship revoked by PM for Israeli man – Continued …
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Foreign man accused of attacking Phuket tuk tuk driver – Continued …
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South Korean Football Coach Arrested in Thailand on Fraud Case – Continued …
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Chinese man held in Kanchanaburi over Interpol Red Notice – Continued …
Hua Hin Links and Transport
Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport
A Khao Tao power outage is scheduled for tomorrow from 9 am to 5 pm, affecting residents and businesses in parts of the area.
Officials to keep tabs on Hua Hin beachfront demolition
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Phetchaburi Province and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) have officially launched Hua Hin–Cha-am MICE City, presenting the neighboring destinations as one choice for meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions.
Water released from Pranburi Reservoir
Erik Brown, Tham Luang cave rescue diver, dies at 44
Canadian cave diver Erik Brown, who helped rescue the Wild Boars football team and their coach from Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai in 2018, has died aged 44. Brown’s family and friends announced his death, but did not give the precise date and cause of death, or any further details.
Thailand has sharply widened its foreign nominee crackdown, sending details of over 100,000 foreign-linked companies to 43 embassies covering 48 nationalities. The move comes as officials trace investment funds, property holdings and corporate structures nationwide. Separate screening covers 125,622 companies, while 36,277 foreign-invested firms hold over 305,000 land plots.
Chai Nat-Gulf canal plan faces Bangkok flood doubts
Flooding in Thailand has forced Toyota Motor to halt operations at four factories temporarily. A Toyota spokesperson said flooding had disrupted parts deliveries to the company’s factories in Thailand.
Farmers in the Bua Yai district of Nakhon Ratchasima are primarily struggling with severe drought conditions that are threatening their rice crops. This lack of sufficient water has left many rice fields unable to survive, forcing some farmers to release water into their fields to save crops or face losing their entire harvest.
Thailand’s long-awaited US trade deal has hit a serious hiatus as conflicting accounts emerge from Bangkok’s top negotiators. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun says an agreement has been reached in principle. Yet, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow says market access remains the key issue.
Thailand is preparing a new 14th National Economic and Social Development Plan for 2028–2032 that places digital technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced electronics and cleaner energy at the center of the country’s next development cycle. The government seeks to reposition Thailand as a higher-value investment and production base.
Phuket developers are promoting long-term residence visas and registered property-use rights to attract foreign residents and investors, as the island’s property market cools after several years of rapid growth.
Bangkok has recorded one of the strongest increases in luxury residential prices among major global cities over the past decade, with values rising by about 75%, according to Savills Research.
Russia has proposed bilateral cooperation with Thailand on small modular reactors (SMRs), Russian Ambassador Evgeny Tomikhin said yesterday. He added that Moscow wants to build on a run of high-level contacts to lift trade, which he described as far below its potential.
Southeast Asia’s digital economy was valued at $300 billion in 2025 and could reach $1 trillion by 2030. Structural shifts in ASEAN countries drive growth, with e-commerce dominating. Policy, platform evolution, and investment opportunities support this growth potential.
A World Economic Forum report on ASEAN’s digital economy highlights the gap between digital ambition and practical execution, positioning Thailand’s leadership as pivotal. Having chaired negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) across 14 rounds culminating in 2026, Thailand now faces the challenge of translating this agreement into functional cross-border systems for payments, digital identity, and data governance.
Suvarnabhumi Cargo Terminal Stays Open as Thai Airways Clears 8,000 Delayed Bags
When an expatriate dies in Thailand, relatives may have to deal with Thai authorities, the deceased’s embassy, funeral arrangements and an estate spread across several countries. The process is easier when each step is handled in the correct order.
Living in Thailand does not mean your estate exists only in Thailand. An expat may own a Thai condominium, maintain bank accounts offshore, hold US shares through an international platform and have pensions or property in their home country.
A retiree who ditched Australia for a “better life” in Thailand has revealed how he “lives like a king” for roughly $65 a day and is now helping other older Aussies do the same.
US President Donald Trump unveiled what he called a “damn good” AI chatbot, but it quickly drew attention for contradicting some of his contentious political claims. A day later, however, it stopped answering some political questions. 
Japan has toughened requirements for foreigners wanting to obtain permanent residency. Under new rules that will come into effect in stages, foreign residents wishing to stay in Japan permanently will have to prove their annual income is above average and they can carry casual conversations in Japanese. 
Switzerland’s glaciers, which are disproportionately impacted by climate change, have lost nearly 20% of their mass in five years, experts said today, with 2026 registering the second-biggest melt on record. 
According to the Industry Ministry, flooding across 40 provinces has affected 1,162 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These businesses are part of a larger group of 1,267 total factories and businesses impacted by the heavy rainfall and deluges.
The Netherlands protects low-lying communities in two complementary ways: holding back dangerous sea surges and giving swollen rivers more room. For Bangkok’s flood debate, the Dutch example extends beyond the height of a barrier to how water, land and infrastructure are managed together.
160-billion-baht mega-project canal could solve flooding problems
The intense rainfall over Bangkok and surrounding provinces — widely described in Thai media as a “rain bomb” — has begun to ease, but deep flooding remains in several communities and has renewed scrutiny of the government’s disaster-warning and water-management systems.
The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) expects Bangkok hotel occupancy in September–October to fall by less than 10% from a year earlier, as flooding raises concerns about Chinese travel ahead of the Golden Week holiday.
Severe urban flooding across central Bangkok has plunged the capital’s restaurant industry into a critical liquidity crisis, with operators reporting revenue losses of up to 80% as commuting chaos deters diners and crippling supply-chain bottlenecks push up produce prices.
Thailand moves carefully with AI regulation, as US tech warns over hindering investment
Severe flooding in Bangkok and surrounding provinces is projected to reduce Thailand’s 2026 economic growth by 0.3 percentage points, lowering estimates to 2.1%. Immediate losses are estimated at 11 billion baht nationwide, with some assessments ranging up to 33.8 billion baht, and Bangkok bearing the largest share of damage.
Thai farmer groups and civil society organizations have expressed several key concerns regarding the potential adoption of the UPOV 1991 convention. Their primary worries center on the legal restrictions the treaty could impose on traditional farming practices, specifically the ability of farmers to save, exchange, and use seeds.
Cargill plans to invest USD 60 million in Thailand to expand its poultry business and upgrade production facilities in Saraburi. The investment will increase production capacity while introducing automation and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to improve efficiency, food safety, and innovation.
Maya Bay reopens tomorrow after its annual closure
A 51-year-old tenant found a 1.5-meter cobra inside his toilet at a rented room in Pathum Thani on Monday, with floodwater standing around the property.
Thailand’s draft power development plan (PDP) for the next 25 years has sparked a fierce backlash from environmental advocates and civic groups, who warn that the proposed blueprint locks the country into fossil fuels for decades to come.
Housework in the morning followed by several hours of firefighting: women in Indonesian Borneo risk life and limb to battle blazes making their communities sick, all while shouldering a sexist backlash. 
After more than a decade, the US-led coalition is ending its mission in Iraq, having helped save the country from jihadists while causing persistent friction. Coalition troops deployed to Iraq and Syria in 2014 to fight the Islamic State (IS) group, which had seized large swathes of both countries and committed massacres and atrocities. 
As part of the Nihao Month 2026 campaign, Amazing Thailand Mid-Autumn Celebration 2026 is being organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Bangkok. This festival will help Thailand and China strengthen their ties in culture, wellness and experiential travels. A total of 31 Chinese travel bloggers will take part in the program, themed “Healing is the New Luxury”, and visit various places in Thailand.
Flooding has disrupted logistics operations by making roads impassable and forcing companies to adjust delivery routes and service timing. Major parcel operators have warned of delays because local road accessibility and water levels directly dictate when and how safely deliveries can be made.
Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport handled 59,626,075 passengers from October 2025 to August 2026, up 2.43% from the same period a year earlier, according to airport director Kittipong Kittikachorn. The airport is upgrading passport checks and passenger facilities to accommodate growing traffic.
Even on a slow news day, a recent incident in Thailand hardly merited mention, let alone sustained media coverage. But because Israelis were involved, it became headline news for days. Anything negative about Israelis now does so, going instantly viral in the Buddhist nation with no history of antisemitism.
Thailand’s best street food is not confined to any one city. It can be found across the country, from Ayutthaya’s richly flavored noodles and Khon Kaen’s fiery lab to Chiang Mai’s aromatic khao soi and a standout plate of phad thai in the heart of Bangkok.
This week, we’re spending a few days exploring Bangkok, cafe-hopping, wandering through vintage and ceramic shops, visiting beautiful temples, and trying all the amazing Thai food.
Authorities in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been ordered to closely monitor heavy rain and water conditions and prepare to assist residents if flooding or other disasters occur.
Residents and visitors gathered at Hua Hin’s Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine on Saturday for the traditional Ship to Sea ceremony.
Recognizing the warning signs of blood clots, strokes and poor circulation was the focus of a Hua Hin seminar held by Be Well Medical Center and Bangpakok 9 International Hospital on Saturday.
Bangkok bears brunt of estimated 25.3-billion-baht Thai flood losses
Thailand will begin tougher enforcement of rules covering ride-hailing apps, drivers and vehicles on Thursday, the Ministry of Transport has announced.
Thai global icon LISA, Lalisa Manoban, made history at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards yesterday, becoming the first K-pop solo artist to win the coveted Best Pop award.
Nene Royal returns home to a grand Phuket welcome
Some 6,000 kilometers separate the anchorage off Hormuz from a petrol station forecourt in Nonthaburi. In 2026, that distance has counted for very little.
Thailand is attracting billions of baht in investment into data centers, electronics and advanced industries, while household finances remain under pressure. A government survey found that 32.8% of respondents had reduced the number of meals they eat or were eating less. Almost two-thirds were buying cheaper food or waiting for discounts.
Thailand and the United States have reached an agreement in principle on tariff negotiations, with the remaining work focused on reviewing technical details and the wording of the agreement, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun confirmed today.
Thailand’s high season test begins as tourism numbers rise
The Thai government has defended its domestic solar industry by emphasizing the need to maintain national safety and quality standards for electrical installations and components. This defense follows reports that China supplied 99.3% of solar panel imports to Thailand during the first seven months of 2026.
JustPow is calling for stronger environmental oversight of waste-to-energy plants because they believe the current regulatory framework is too weak to ensure the safety of local communities and the surrounding environment. The advocacy group argues that current regulations lack sufficient environmental impact assessments, particularly for smaller facilities that generate less than 10 megawatts of capacity.
Hua Hin ready to clear beach after decades-long dispute
Thai teenage rock musician Nene Royal is extending her breakthrough on America’s Got Talent into US television appearances and major concert opportunities, days after becoming the first Thai contestant to win the competition.
Iran offered a plan to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Tehran said yesterday, but within hours reports indicated that US President Donald Trump rejected the proposal.
With the Iran war causing energy prices to spike across most of Southeast Asia, governments in this region are accelerating the roll-out of renewable energy policies, according to report by Zero Carbon Analytics, a research group focused on energy transition.
Thailand’s customs-cleared exports rose 24.3% in August from a year earlier, driven by strong shipments to the United States and continuing demand for electronics, the Commerce Ministry said yesterday.
Speaking at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a statement under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All,” marking 80 years of Thai membership in the organization.
For most of the past two decades, the Thailand-China relationship was defined by trade volume and Chinese manufacturing relocation. Increasingly, it is defined by something else: the transfer of Chinese technology, standards, and industrial know-how directly into the operating base of the Thai economy.
Thailand is preparing to open its 26th petroleum exploration and production bidding round in the Andaman Sea as part of efforts to increase domestic gas supplies, reduce dependence on costly liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and strengthen long-term energy security.
Thailand is developing a risk-based legal framework for artificial intelligence that focuses on enhancing digital accountability, consumer protection, and ethics. These regulations aim to establish safeguards for AI adoption and development while addressing potential risks such as bias, security, and privacy.
Phuket has been voted the leading wellness destination by Canadian travelers in Air Canada Vacations’ 2026 Travelers’ Top Picks Awards. The result was announced at the company’s Toronto Product Launch at Universal Event Space in Toronto, Canada.
Those darn elephants! Being the smallest means you’re never walking alone
How the ‘Three-Water City’ is rewriting the rules of travel
Phuket expects this year’s Vegetarian Festival to generate at least 1.4 billion baht in economic activity. Visitors from Thailand, China, Malaysia, and Singapore are expected to be the primary groups attending the festival.
Thailand recorded the highest electrified vehicle (xEV) sales among ASEAN-6 markets in the first half of 2026, with volumes rising 47% year on year to 206,000 units, according to PwC. Sales outpaced Vietnam at 127,000 units and Indonesia at 114,000 units, reinforcing Thailand’s position as a leading regional hub for electric mobility.
US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday for a lavish summit that was heavy on symbolism but light on substance, with no sign of breakthroughs on thorny issues such as AI, trade, Taiwan and the war with Iran. 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a combative speech at the 81st United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, defending Israel’s actions in the region as dozens of delegates walked out of the chamber in protest. 
Hua Hin-Cha-am among six new MICE Cities
Oil prices settled about 3% higher yesterday, as a Houthi missile attack on Saudi Arabia revived fears of supply disruptions. Reports of US-Iran talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz subsequently tempered the gains.
Diesel prices at pumps across the European Union (EU) have hit a new high of €2.23 per liter, up from €2.16 the previous week, an Agence France-Presse (AFP) analysis of European Commission data published yesterday showed.
Thailand’s Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has not approved reported 5%–10% increases in consumer goods prices scheduled for Oct. 1, 2026, Director-general Wittayakorn Maneenetr said yesterday. Some manufacturers had submitted applications, but the department had not authorized the increases.
Thailand is positioning itself as a strategic gateway to the ASEAN regional market, which consists of approximately 700 million people, to provide US businesses with access to broader Southeast Asian trade and investment opportunities.
Thailand has suffered from sluggish economic growth, with only 2% GDP growth, while regional peers have reached higher growth.
Thailand’s six hospitals are expected to post an 11% year-on-year (YoY) increase in aggregate net profit to $243.9 million (8.16 billion baht) in the third quarter (Q3), according to CGS International. CGS International attributed the growth to the recovery of foreign patient traffic and rising demand during influenza and COVID-19 outbreaks.
The appeal of the Thai DTV is obvious – you get up to five years of multiple entry access to Thailand so you can do more without relying on short tourist stays. However, before you apply, you’ll need to check the financial eligibility requirements, what remote work does and does not cover, and the documents and application process that applies.
Thailand aims to welcome 1.5 million Americans in 2026 as it shifts its tourism strategy to draw higher-spending visitors to boost international tourism. Last year, 1.08 million Americans visited Thailand, with 716,983 Americans arriving between January and September of this year.
The Family-Run Restaurants Preserving Southern Thailand’s Culinary Heritage
The Best Places to Eat During Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival
Thai Basil Vs. Italian Basil: What’s The Difference?
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has held talks with Google executives in New York on developing environmentally friendly data-center standards in Thailand, alongside plans for an open data institute to improve Thai digital skills.
Thailand’s nuclear power ambitions have been repeatedly delayed by concerns over safety and radioactive waste management following major international accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima. Additionally, the country faces significant challenges in developing the necessary infrastructure, technical expertise, and regulatory frameworks required to manage nuclear technology safely.
Nepal’s catastrophic flooding last month “was a warning to the world” about the rising dangers of climate change, Prime Minister Balendra Shah told the United Nations yesterday, urging countries to step up to help his country adapt.
Canada is answering US President Donald Trump’s obsession with renaming things by unveiling a name change of its own – Trump Avenue in Ottawa will soon be history. The city is hitting back at the US leader, who among other things insists Canada should cease to exist as a country and instead become the 51st US state. 
Thai teen Nene Royal wins AGT 2026 title
Isolated heavy to very heavy rain is forecast over Thailand until Sunday, according to the Meteorological Department, which has urged people to follow weather updates from official sources after an online panic over a “great flood”.
A survey reveals that Thais are sparking thought-provoking discussions on “flexible retirement,” disregarding the traditional 60-year retirement age, but warning of the risk of financial insufficiency.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised its forecast for Thailand’s economic growth in 2026 to 2.0% from the 1.8% projected in July, supported by technology and electronics exports and a strong global investment cycle in artificial intelligence (AI). Growth is forecast at 1.9% in 2027.
ASEAN must remain united while strengthening its resilience and ability to create value within the region, as geopolitical rivalry, tariffs and technological competition reshape global trade, two senior Thai policy figures told the Southeast Asia Trade and Development Forum 2026.
Mars is expanding its presence in Asia by establishing Thailand as a strategic production and export hub for its Pringles brand. The company recently opened a new factory in Chon Buri, located within the Eastern Economic Corridor, to serve markets in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.
AirAsia and other budget airlines serving Thailand are facing renewed pressure on costs and cash flow after the global average jet fuel price rose 7.4% to US$194.90 a barrel in the week ending Sept. 18. The increase is particularly difficult for carriers that sold tickets before fuel costs surged.
Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X will resume temporarily suspended international services and increase flight frequencies in the fourth quarter of 2026, offering direct flights to as many as 46 cities across 53 routes to meet year-end travel demand.
Millions of Americans travel worldwide every year for medical care. These aren’t just aesthetic procedures; they’re also essential healthcare and life-saving treatments. Many destinations are known for high-quality, relatively affordable healthcare systems, which motivates Americans struggling to pay for similar procedures in the U.S.
Where to Stay in Chiang Rai: 3 Best Areas & Hotels
A draft bill on the operation of digital infrastructure services would regulate data centers, cloud services and digital platforms. Operators would need a license from the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, while the rules for applying for, issuing, suspending and revoking licenses for each type of business would be set out in ministerial regulations.
Extreme heat caused by this year’s “super-El Niño” could result in as many as 451,000 excess deaths across the globe from June this year to February 2027, researchers with the University of Chicago’s Climate Impact Lab said yesterday. The number of extremely hot days is likely to rise by 44% compared to normal years, Climate Impact Lab said.
The tsunami-like flood that cut a swathe of destruction through Nepal on Aug. 26 has left the Himalayan nation grappling with heavy losses and mounting reconstruction needs. On Aug. 26 at 8.37 am, a mass of ice and rock broke away from the north face of Nepal’s Langtang Lirung mountain, sending a huge mass of debris racing down the valley. 
Happiness may be subjective, but living on lush tropical islands and eating delicious food is probably a good formula for the emotion when living abroad. And foreigners in Thailand appear to be the happiest of all.
Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony returns to Hua Hin Saturday
Grab is expanding its airport services to prepare for the fourth-quarter travel peak, a period when its airport ride bookings typically increase by 35% to 40% compared to non-peak times. To manage this anticipated surge, the company has expanded its pick-up area at Suvarnabhumi airport from three lanes to 12 lanes and introduced new booking tools, including a feature called NIP.
Nearly 1,000 doctors a year are leaving Thailand’s public healthcare system, according to the head of a young doctors’ network, who says heavy workloads, burnout and structural problems are pushing many out despite continued demand.
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a draft Cannabis Control Act that would place tighter controls on cultivation, sales and medical prescribing. The proposal must now go before the House of Representatives.
Thailand is confronting a renewed energy-security challenge as the crisis around the Strait of Hormuz pushes global LNG prices to about US$28 per million British thermal units, close to levels seen during the Russia-Ukraine energy shock. Thailand is responding by accelerating domestic gas exploration, reviewing LNG procurement strategy and seeking to diversify away from spot-market exposure.
Assoc Prof. Aat Pisanwanich of Rangsit University’s Faculty of Economics said yesterday the university had prepared an economic and international trade policy analysis of the Thai Household Cost of Living Index (CLI) for the third quarter of 2026 and the fourth-quarter outlook, titled “The impact of oil prices on Thai living costs”.
Thailand’s Cabinet approved a 43-billion-baht relief package yesterday, extending Thais Help Thais Plus through November and raising welfare-card support for October. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the measures would ease energy-related living costs and help keep Thailand’s 2026 growth on track for 2.5%.
The cabinet has endorsed a strategic plan for the Oil Fuel Fund and a fuel crisis response plan covering 2026-29 with wider use of biofuels made from domestic raw materials to help deal with volatility in global energy markets.
Thailand’s Greater Bangkok housing market is showing an increasingly sharp divide, with condominium sales rebounding while low-rise housing remains weighed down by weak purchasing power, tight lending conditions and a prolonged inventory overhang.
Healthcare in Thailand is expanding its medical tourism services, which include hospital healthcare, preventive health services, wellness programs, and tourism services, for international tourists in both Bangkok and Phuket.
It’s the holiday hotspot that draws in billions of dollars with the promise of sun, sand and sex. Police promise Pattaya is one of the safest cities in Thailand. But the shocking killing of a teenage girl earlier this year exposed the dark underbelly of the city’s sex industry.
Trips to Thailand booked by Russian tourists through the end of the year could face disruptions amid a rise in reported COVID-19 cases. Some Russian travelers who have already paid for holidays at Thai resorts between October and December have reportedly been warned about possible problems with their trips as infections increase.
The Hua Hin Film Club will screen The Imitation Game at Sundance Beach Club on Sunday, Oct. 18, with actor David Charkham joining the evening as a special guest. The event begins at 6.30 pm and will include a conversation with Charkham, who appeared in the film. 
Nene Royal set for America’s Got Talent final
China’s robot dancers limber up for America’s Got Talent final
Seniors urged to use traditional Chinese medicine to slow cognitive decline
Young leopard makes rare daytime appearance in Kaeng Krachan forest
The new postal law in Thailand aims to address regulatory gaps and market distortions within the country’s growing delivery and logistics sector. A primary objective is to ensure equal access to basic postal services for all citizens, preventing these essential services from falling under the control of purely commercial delivery and logistics providers.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis has driven LNG prices to US$28 per million British thermal units, putting pressure on Thailand’s public and private sectors to undertake a major review of their energy strategies. The response ranges from adding “flexibility” to the energy-security framework to accelerating domestic gas exploration, advancing small modular reactor technology and restructuring major energy companies.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has embarked on a high-stakes investment mission to New York, positioning Thailand as an emerging hub for next-generation technology and global capital as he attends the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81).
A Look at Phuket Old Town’s Revival and Rising Challenges
What a way to start a day! Watching the sun rise over the Gulf of Thailand, cool ocean breezes, with a gentle sea lapping at the white sand beach. And behind you is breakfast, served by the attentive staff of the 
Warning issued after driver nearly hits Khao Yai elephants
Thailand named Asia’s top beach destination for 2026
Thailand’s solar panel imports jumped 88.7% year-on-year to US$426.7 million, around 14.93 billion baht, during the first seven months of 2026, with China accounting for almost the entire market. According to figures from the Ministry of Commerce and Customs Department, the January to July increase marked a sharp recovery after import values contracted during both 2024 and 2025.
Ask an economist to put a price on Bangkok’s haze, and the number is startling: US$45.3 billion a year, or 3.9% of Thailand’s GDP, according to a World Bank assessment that ranks the country 20th worst out of 180 for the health costs of PM2.5 pollution — the second-heaviest burden in Southeast Asia after Indonesia.
Major television networks suspended their White House pool coverage and will no longer send camera crews to cover President Donald Trump’s pool events, standing in solidarity with CNN after Trump denied White House access to reporters for three outlets. The move from the five networks that make up the television pool ‒ ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox News, in addition to CNN ‒ means a broadcast television feed that is distributed widely for media won’t be carried for most of Trump’s events.