- Stricter driving license rules for foreigners/Flood alert in 5 PKK districts/Phra Nakhon Khiri–Mueang Phet Festival/Dance by the Sea/TMD forecasts heavy train in south/Black panther seen again/Security agencies strengthen cyber defenses/Phuket demolition starts/Koh Lanta bridge
- ECONOMY: What’s Wrong With Economy?/Energy cost crisis mounts/Bangkok rally demands fuel cut/High-income goal at risk/Data center push brings promise and peril
- TOURISM: Budget for year-end foreign markets/Don Mueang drug checks/Thailand, China form tourist safety group/Israeli company flies employees to Thailand
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand’s November Events/Southeast Asia’s 10 best soups/4.3-meter Chao Phraya giant devil ray
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Overflowing Phuket landfill closed
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Thailand proposes stricter driving license rules for foreigners
Thailand’s Department of Land Transport is considering stricter requirements for foreigners seeking Thai driving licenses, including mandatory theory and practical tests regardless of whether applicants already hold a license overseas.
The proposals, published for public consultation on Nov. 4, could also require applicants for a temporary two-year Thai license to have at least two years remaining on their visa. Comments can be submitted until Dec. 4. Continued …
Flood alert in 5 PKK districts
A Prachuap Khiri Khan flood alert was sent to mobile phones in five districts on Saturday, 7 November, after prolonged heavy rain raised the risk of flash flooding.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) issued the alert for Kui Buri, Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thap Sakae, Bang Saphan and Bang Saphan Noi. It singled out Khao Lan, Thap Sakae and Huai Yang subdistricts in Thap Sakae district, along with nearby areas. Continued …
Phra Nakhon Khiri–Mueang Phet Festival set for March 5-14
The 40th Phra Nakhon Khiri–Mueang Phet Festival will take place in Phetchaburi from March 5-14, with events at the Phra Nakhon Khiri National Museum (Khao Wang), King Mongkut Memorial Park and the surrounding area.
The annual festival will have the theme “Phra Nakhon Khiri, a Palace in the Sky and a Jewel of Siam”. Provincial officials have appointed eight committees to oversee preparations. Continued …
Dance by the Sea draws more than 700 to Cha-am Beach
More than 700 people took part in Dance by the Sea at the Cha-am Beach viewpoint on Saturday, as part of a municipal campaign to encourage regular exercise.
Thai dance instructor Kru Tum Sai Dance led the session, which drew residents, tourists and village health volunteers from 27 communities. Cha-am Mayor Nukul Pornsombunsiri opened the event, and Cha-am District Chief Kaew Kongwong was among those attending. Continued …
TMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rain in south
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning today forecasting heavy to very heavy rain in parts of southern Thailand from today through Friday, alongside cooler weather and strong winds across upper Thailand.
On Friday, the TMD forecasts very heavy rain in Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Heavy rain is expected in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang and Satun. Continued …
Black panther seen again in Kaeng Krachan park
A black panther has again been spotted in Kaeng Krachan National Park, highlighting the rich biodiversity of Thailand’s largest national park and one of its most elusive predators.
The sighting came a day after a foreign tourist also reported seeing and photographing a black panther while traveling alone through the park. Park officials said the visitor, who speaks Thai, complied with park regulations, remained inside his vehicle and did not disturb the animal. Continued …
Thai security agencies strengthen cyber defenses after European attacks
Thailand has increased cybersecurity monitoring of critical infrastructure following attacks on digital and control systems in several European countries, although no severe cyberattack has been reported in Thailand.
General Chaipruak Doungprapat, secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC), announced the precautionary measures today, following instructions from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Continued …
Russian investor alleges 16-million-baht land fraud as Phuket demolition starts
A Russian investor identified as Andrei has appealed for a fair investigation and help recovering 16 million baht he says he lost in a land deal at Phuket’s Freedom Beach, as officials began demolishing unauthorized structures there yesterday.
Andrei alleges that Parinthorn, known as “Sia Lek of Freedom Beach”, deceived him into buying state land by falsely presenting it as privately owned. Parinthorn and other suspects initially denied charges of jointly defrauding the public and entering false information into a computer system. Continued …
Koh Lanta bridge work to begin Saturday
Construction of the long-awaited bridge linking Koh Lanta to the Krabi mainland is scheduled to begin on Saturday, the Department of Rural Roads has announced.
The 1.78-billion-baht project will create a 2.24-kilometer crossing and is expected to take around three years to build, with opening planned for 2029. Until then, residents, tourists and expats driving to Koh Lanta will still need to use the existing vehicle ferry. Continued …
What’s Wrong With Thailand’s Economy?
Thirty years ago, global economists were convinced Thailand would become Asia’s 5th economic superpower alongside Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea. Between 1987 and 1996, Thailand’s economy was expanding at a blistering 8% to 10% every year, earning it the title “Detroit of the East.”
Today, while regional peers like Vietnam and Indonesia clock 5% to 7% annual growth, Thailand is crawling at barely 1.5% to 2.5%. On the surface, Bangkok looks like a gleaming first-world metropolis but underneath, the economy is stuck in one of modern history’s most severe middle-income Traps. In this episode of The Blueprint, we break down how Thailand went from being Southeast Asia’s most promising powerhouse to one of its slowest-growing economies and why its story is an urgent warning for developing nations like India and Vietnam. Video …
Energy cost crisis mounts
Tax cuts on two selected fuels have failed to address the energy-cost crisis, as protests loom and pressure mounts on the government.
The cabinet approved three-month excise cuts of 5.60 baht per liter for E20 gasohol and 5.50 baht for B20 biodiesel, effective through Jan. 27. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the measure would lower fuel costs and support farmers by stimulating demand for biofuel crops. Continued …
Bangkok rally demands 10-baht-per-liter fuel cut
Protest leader Mano Khrueakaew demanded a 10-baht-per-liter reduction in all fuel prices outside Government House in Bangkok yesterday, threatening to escalate the demonstration if the government failed to act.
Mano, known as “Kamnan Mano”, is the headman of Krabi Noi subdistrict in Krabi province and a leader of the People’s Revolution Coalition to Protect the Land. Mano led supporters to Government House to press the government to address energy costs. Continued …
Thailand’s 2037 high-income goal at risk as productivity growth slows to 1.7%
Thailand is considering a national productivity council and reforms under its draft 14th development plan, as slowing productivity growth threatens its ambition to become a high-income country by 2037.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) puts Thailand’s annual productivity growth at 1.7% since 2020, down from 4.8% in the early 2000s. Previous policies to revive productivity have yet to address the problem comprehensively. Continued …
Data center push brings promise and peril
Thailand’s push to become a regional data center hub is attracting investment, but growing concerns over electricity demand, environmental impacts and public participation are raising questions about how the industry should be regulated.
The government has been pursuing data center development for several years, with momentum accelerating over the past two years. In September, it established the 21-member Data Center Business Policy Committee, tasked with proposing policies and standards for regulatory agencies, monitoring the industry’s impact, reporting to the cabinet and overseeing implementation. Continued …
TAT earmarks budget for year-end foreign markets
As the conflict in the Middle East continues, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is planning to allocate part of its emergency budget to stimulate foreign markets during the final two months of the year.
TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said many airlines are cutting flights to the Middle East, indicating the situation remains unresolved and could affect global travel sentiment. Continued …
Don Mueang drug checks target international flights
Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport carried out random drug searches on international passengers and luggage on Friday, using sniffer dogs on both arriving and departing flights. No illegal drugs were found during the operation, but random checks inside the airport will continue.
For anyone traveling through Don Mueang, the checks mean passengers or their bags may be selected without prior warning. Travelers should allow extra time, particularly during busy periods, and ensure they are not carrying prohibited items or substances. Continued …
Thailand, China form tourist safety group after arrivals dip
Thailand and China will set up a joint working group on tourist protection after Chinese visitor arrivals fell 13.57% year on year in October, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said. Chinese arrivals totalled 308,942 in October. Surasak said it was the first decline since February, halting a recovery following concerns over safety in Thailand.
The proposal followed talks between Surasak and Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Zhang Jianwei last week. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Chinese embassy plan to establish the group next week, with administrative authorities also expected to cooperate. Continued …
Israeli company flies employees to Thailand for luxury vacation featuring $4 million concert
Israeli cybersecurity company Wiz, which was acquired by Google for $32 billion, flew its employees to the luxury resort area of Khao Lak in Thailand last week for a five-day vacation. The trip included a surprise performance by international pop star Katy Perry. The cost of the vacation is estimated at tens of millions of shekels, while Perry’s private performance, including her fee and production expenses, is estimated to have cost approximately $3-4 million.
The vacation included stays at a high-end resort and a series of parties for employees. The highlight was a private concert by Perry, who performed several of her hits, including “I Kissed a Girl.” – calcalistech.com
Thailand’s November Events: Festivals, Fireworks and Fairs
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Thailand this November with an exciting lineup of events showcasing the country’s diverse culture and natural beauty. Among the highlights is the Nan Marathon, a scenic run that promises breathtaking views of lush landscapes. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this marathon is a must-see.
Adding to this cultural tapestry is the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo, where you can admire an array of flora and learn about horticultural practices from experts around the globe. Continued …
Southeast Asia’s 10 best soups, according to TasteAtlas
Experiential travel guide TasteAtlas has compiled a list of the best soups and broth-based dishes in Southeast Asia based on nearly 5,000 diner reviews.
TasteAtlas is an online culinary guide dedicated to preserving and celebrating traditional recipes, local ingredients, and authentic dining experiences from around the world. The rankings evaluate dishes on flavor, global recognition, and cultural symbolism to inspire food lovers to discover new culinary horizons. Continued …
Giant 4.3-meter Chao Phraya giant devil ray found dead in Chonburi
Overflowing Phuket landfill closed amid mounting crisis
Phuket City has halted the dumping of garbage at its primary landfill indefinitely, because it is already overfull and trucks are dumping rubbish on an access road, preventing other vehicles from entering the site.
Mayor Suppachoke Laongphet announced the suspension yesterday, describing the situation at the Phuket municipal waste disposal center as the province’s “seventh waste-management crisis”. Continued …
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German arrested in Bangkok over 15-year overstay – Continued …
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Swede held in Krabi over 643-day overstay – Continued …
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Foreign tenant arrested after Chiang Mai neighborhood complaints – Continued …
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Chinese pair held in Bangkok call-center scam probe – Continued …
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Songkhla police arrest blacklisted Syrian man – Continued …
Russia suffers 400,000 deaths in Ukraine war
Russia has recorded close to 400,000 deaths on its side of the war with Ukraine, according to previously undisclosed data from the country’s statistics agency, Rosstat.
The Kremlin’s closely-guarded numbers were obtained in a pair of cyber attacks by Belarusian a pro-opposition group Cyber Partisans and Ukrainian hackers. The hack included 392,700 death certificates explicitly linked to the war dated from Feb. 24, 2022, to late August 2026, almost certainly making the figures an underestimate that excludes unidentified bodies, those recorded missing and people who died of injuries off the battlefield. – Bloomberg
Production suspended at Iraq’s Khor Mor gas field after drone attack
Production was halted yesterday at Iraq’s Khor Mor gas field, one of the largest in the Kurdistan region, after a drone attack hit the field, sources said.
Two sources in the region’s electricity ministry said production at the field was suspended after a single drone strike hit the LPG storage tank, causing a fire that was still raging. Two security sources said smoke was seen rising from the field. Continued …
Iraq has reached understandings with US to allow oil exports through Hormuz
Iraq has reached understandings with the United States to allow Iraqi oil exports throughthe Strait ofHormuz via a shipping lane near Oman, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said. He said Iraq’s losses from the Iran war and disruptions to oil exports had reached $60 billion.
Iraq’s oil exports recovered in October after a sharp drop the previous month. Exports rose toabout 3.5 millionbarrelsp er day from 2.65 million bpd in September, according to Iraqi energy officials. Continued …
Trump vows comeback as bitter showdown with Congress looms
Donald Trump vowed a political comeback yesterday as the major parties clashed over Democrat threats to prosecute top administration officials after the president’s Republicans lost control of Congress in midterm elections. Continued …
Nvidia investigating CEO Huang amid reports Chinese lover spied on him
Chip giant Nvidia’s board announced yesterday it opened a probe into chief executive and co-founder Jensen Huang after he acknowledged an affair with a woman US officials say was working for Chinese intelligence. Continued …
Hua Hin Links and Transport
Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport
Hua Hin municipality is pressing ahead with beachfront demolitions where owners have consented to the work, while awaiting court rulings before proceeding at properties affected by legal disputes.
Very heavy rain is expected tomorrow in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, and Narathiwat, while heavy rain will affect Prachuap Khiri Khan, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Phatthalung, Pattani, Yala, Trang, and Satun.
Thailand has issued revised regulations allowing alcohol sales at five categories of venues on major Buddhist religious holidays, while maintaining the general prohibition at other establishments.
Pattaya City has secured a special budget of about 2.75 billion baht for a four-phase drainage program intended to reduce flooding across key parts of the resort city.
Thailand’s headline consumer price index (CPI) rose 3.9% in October from a year earlier, driven by higher fuel prices, which accounted for 56% of inflation.
Thailand’s economic growth could jump to 2.9% after sweeping revisions to factory output figures, Bank of Thailand Gov. Vitai Ratanakorn revealed on Thursday. Meanwhile, the central bank has raised its export growth forecast to 22%.
Thailand’s Cabinet is due to consider a proposed policy that would classify data centers into seven categories according to electricity use, imposing tougher conditions on the largest facilities.
A recent report by leading economists has raised significant alarms regarding the retirement preparedness of the Thai population, revealing that a staggering 86% are unprepared for their retirement years. This stark figure underscores the urgent need for financial education and planning, as the aging population faces increased longevity and healthcare costs.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has advised passengers to book early for the 2027 New Year holiday, after a survey of eight domestic routes found that lower-priced tickets remained available on some flights but were limited in number.
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has tightened checks on Thai children under 18 leaving the country, and adults traveling with them must now prove their relationship with a birth certificate and, in most cases, a consent letter.
Thailand has installed dozens of electronic immigration gates at Suvarnabhumi Airport to help travelers clear passport control faster. The automated e-gates look crisp, modern, and promising. Following recent expansions by the Thai Immigration Bureau to speed up queues, hopes were high that long airport waits would finally become a relic of the past.
Royal barges mark birthday
For over 30 years, Pacific island countries have issued the same warning at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference: the warming ocean threatens not just food and energy security, but global survival itself.
After decades of making bumper profits in China, Germany’s carmakers have run out of road and sales have slumped dramatically, forcing painful job losses at home. Volkswagen’s woes in China pushed Europe’s largest carmaker to a €5.8-billion (US$6.5 billion) loss for the three months to end-September. 
Hua Hin’s Cape Nidhra Hotel recognized by Conde Nast
Cape Nidhra Hotel, Hua Hin, a premier five-star beachfront property under the Cape & Kantary Hotels Group, has achieved a major international milestone by securing a spot among Thailand’s top nine resorts in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, earning a score of 97.63. Adding to this success, the property has also been selected for inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2026.
Dusit Thani Hua Hin Unveils Devarana Wellness Shop
For today and tomorrow, thundershowers are forecast across 60% of the Ssuth’s east coast, with isolated heavy rain in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pattani and Narathiwat. Minimum temperatures will be 22–25°C and maximum temperatures 32–34°C. – The Nation
Thailand’s national wage committee is preparing to review proposals for changes to the minimum wage in 2027 after receiving recommendations from every province, including Bangkok.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul heard investment plans and proposals from 33 US companies across seven business groups at Government House yesterday, as Thailand worked to attract further investment and complete a reciprocal trade agreement with Washington.
The Thai e-commerce market is undergoing a transition, as modern shoppers are no longer solely swayed by discount signs but instead utilize data and technology to inform their decisions. Competition is shifting from price wars to focusing on superior quality, value for money, enhanced shopping experience, and long-term trust.
Thailand’s trade deficit with China surged 53% year on year to 2.43 trillion baht in the first nine months of 2026, raising concerns over the growing influx of Chinese goods and mounting pressure on domestic manufacturers.
The massive sell-off across Asian tech and equity markets today marks one of the most severe contractions for the region’s electronics and semiconductor supply chains in recent years. The regional rout follows a brutal overnight session on Wall Street, where the Nasdaq composite plunged 5.5%.
Krabi welcomes more European air links for the 2026 High Season
Pattaya faces a high-season tourism crisis as hotel bookings fail to materialize, with airfares soaring 30%–40% amid the US-Iran war. Meanwhile, Chinese group bookings have slumped by over 30%, with warnings of a 50% fall during Lunar New Year. Chinese safety alerts have also sparked a diplomatic clash between Bangkok and Beijing.
Buriram MotoGP 2027 tickets on sale Monday
Thais worldwide invited to wear traditional clothing throughout December
Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee has assured that households participating in the government’s solar rooftop scheme won’t need to pay a deposit.
Energy and climate specialists have proposed an alternative version of Thailand’s power-development plan (PDP) dubbed the “Resilient PDP”, aimed at ensuring a smooth transition to a low-carbon economy without relying heavily on natural gas as a bridging fuel.
Nearly 200 nations gather for the COP31 summit in Turkey on Monday but tensions over geopolitics, finance and fossil fuels are tempering expectations of a major breakthrough in tackling the climate crisis.
Renewed attacks on tankers pushed Brent crude futures US$3.67 a barrel higher yesterday, 2026, as concerns about secure oil deliveries tempered optimism over a possible diplomatic resolution to the US-Israeli war with Iran. 
The Democratic sweep in US midterm elections opens doors to new aid for Ukraine as it battles Moscow’s invasion, and could bring scrutiny over President Donald Trump’s Russia policies, analysts said yesterday. 
Google has announced plans to invest $15 billion in Malaysia from 2027 to 2028, with the spending going toward data center campuses, clean energy, bolstering water security and upskilling workers. 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s brash campaign posters are still up on Israeli public buses — images of him, US President Donald Trump and soaring warjets that laud the two leaders attacking Iran together. Neither is now advertising the state of the two countries’ alliance. 
Criminal warnings issued on beach demolitions
Proud Group and its partners have launched a tourism campaign worth more than 90 million baht, offering free sports sessions, water park admission and beachfront fitness activities to promote Hua Hin as a wellness lifestyle destination.
Four international tennis tournaments in Hua Hin will offer more than two million baht in prize money this November and December, with the first men’s main-draw matches starting on Monday.
Thailand’s Ministry of Energy has pledged to consider proposals to reduce fuel prices and reform the country’s oil-pricing structure following demands from transport and logistics operators. Officials received the demands at a protest outside the ministry in Bangkok yesterday.
The National Security Council (NSC) has urged the public not to panic or stockpile food, saying domestic supplies remain sufficient despite rising global tensions.
Thailand is preparing evidence that could lead to the revocation of Thai citizenship for another three foreign businessmen, Justice Minister Rutthaphol Naowarat said following a ten-agency meeting in Bangkok yesterday.
A Thai-French female streamer has drawn more than two million views after posting footage of a confrontation with a convenience store employee near Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya.
Gold bullion in Thailand closed at a selling price of 64,400 baht per baht-weight yesterday, according to the Gold Traders Assn. The quotation for 96.5%-purity gold was 1,900 baht, or 3.04%, above the Nov. 3 close.
Thai business leaders and market analysts say the Democratic sweep in the US midterm elections could improve conditions for Thailand, by placing greater checks on President Donald Trump’s policies and encouraging capital flows into emerging markets.
Thailand’s economy is expected togrow 2.4% to 2.6% this year, up from a previous forecast of 2.1% to 2.5%, a leading business group said yesterday.
The European Union has pitched itself as a “trusted and long-term partner” for Thailand’s economic transformation, with its ambassador saying a free trade agreement (FTA) now under negotiation could anchor deeper investment, technology transfer and a shift toward a greener, higher-value economy.
Thailand is accelerating petroleum exploration both onshore and in the Andaman Sea as it seeks to increase domestic energy supplies and reduce reliance on imports amid continued volatility in global fuel markets.
Thailand’s rice exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) more than doubled to approximately 1.25 million tons in the first nine months of 2026, as stronger purchases from the Philippines and Malaysia helped offset declining shipments to Iraq, according to the Department of Foreign Trade.
CP Axtra, the operator of Makro and Lotus’s wholesale and retail businesses, plans to develop 78 projects in 2027, including opening new locations and renovations of existing stores across 37 provinces.
Automatic passport control extended to 33 countries
Sky ICT plans Suvarnabhumi humanoid robot trial
Doctors and nurses in Thailand fear eating KFC on shift because of a long-standing medical superstition known as the “KFC Fried Chicken Curse” (or “เวรเยิน” / wen yern, meaning a disastrously busy shift).
Bangkok lists 16 Royal Barge Procession viewing points for tomorrow
Iran’s government savored the stinging rebuke delivered to Donald Trump in the midterm elections, declaring voters had rejected the war launched by the US president even as Tehran remained on high alert for the possibility of renewed strikes. 
The Bank of England is expected to raise its benchmark interest rate today for the first time in more than three years, as soaring energy costs push up global inflation. The BoE is forecast to tighten borrowing costs by a quarter point to 4.0%. 
Google has said it will switch off its AI tools for schoolchildren by default, after drawing criticism for pushing artificial intelligence features to students while schools are still debating how the technology should be used in classrooms. 
The Meteorological Department expects the cold season in Thailand to start later than usual this year due to the strong El Nino weather phenomenon. According to the department, El Nino this year is at least as severe as the one the region experienced in 2023.
Thailand recorded 470 mpox cases and three deaths between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31, prompting the Department of Disease Control (DDC) to urge people with suspicious symptoms to seek medical attention without delay.
The cabinet approved a Transport Ministry proposal yesterday to cap Bangkok’s electric train fares at 45 baht across all lines to ease the cost of living for commuters. The fare cap will be in effect for the 2027 calendar year.
The Bank of Thailand has raised concerns over growing fragility in the country’s labor market, as rising unemployment threatens to weigh on domestic consumption.
Phuket will host the Global Wellness Summit 2026 from Nov. 10-13, with Her Majesty Queen Suthida scheduled to officially open the event on Nov. 11.
Phuket’s housing market has properties worth 194.545 billion baht awaiting buyers in 2026, placing it second only to Bangkok and its surrounding provinces, as continued investment brings closer scrutiny of nominee ownership and encroachment on public land.
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a sharp rise in excise tax on imported battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs), setting a 35% rate from Jan. 1, 2027.
Familiar coastal destinations are proving that nostalgia and convenience are a winning combination, with new data revealing a strong resurgence in domestic travel interest along Thailand’s eastern seaboard.
Sky lantern festival poised for visitor surge
Thailand’s dinosaur kingdom moves closer to UNESCO designation
Setting the stage for the highly anticipated MICHELIN Star announcement on Nov. 10, the MICHELIN Guide Thailand unveils the 2027 MICHELIN Bib Gourmand selection in its milestone 10th edition, welcoming 26 first-time entries that bring the total to 151 dining venues.
Thailand’s joint committee reviewing the Clean Air Management Bill said it hopes to finish its work during the current parliamentary session, with the aim of bringing the law into force before the next PM2.5 season.
The booming data center segment is prompting Banpu Next, a clean and smart energy solution provider under energy conglomerate Banpu Plc, to scale up its solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) businesses to serve industrial estates and large-scale businesses, targeting more than 300 megawatts of clean power generation capacity in Thailand by 2030.
A new electric bus service linking Phuket International Airport with Rawai beach began operating on Sunday, offering travelers and commuters a lower-cost public transport option across the island.
Don Mueang airport transport guide covers buses, taxis and trains
Trade Boom Pushes Thailand’s Biggest Port Past Capacity
The architecture of global finance is undergoing a profound transformation. As tokenized assets, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and stablecoins reshape traditional boundaries, regional hubs are seeking innovative ways to connect capital markets and streamline cross-border payments.
Thailand records 25.46 million arrivals, down 4.6%
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport could double its annual passenger capacity to 120 million within seven years under an Airports of Thailand (AOT) plan for a new terminal, a proposed fourth runway and expanded processing areas.
The Southeast Asia Medical Tourism Market reached USD 6.1 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 35.5 Billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 21.68% during 2026-2034. This growth rests on Thailand’s established leadership attracting over a million medical tourists annually, Malaysia’s dedicated medical tourism year in 2026, Indonesia’s push to retain patients currently traveling abroad, and Vietnam’s formal medical tourism development plan through 2030 .
Chiang Mai saw autumn flight bookings rise 84.3% year-on-year, the largest increase recorded by any city in the Asia-Pacific region, according to online travel company Trip.com Group.
Southeast Asia remains a growth pillar for luxury travel amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, as more travelers shift to the region, including Thailand, viewing it as a safe haven, according to global hospitality brand Accor.
Increased presence of elephants near communities causes concern
From chedi to the classroom: Making Thai architecture tangible
In Bangkok, heat is becoming harder to escape. Concrete roads, glass towers, and dense traffic absorb the sun through the day and release it long after dark, a phenomenon urban planners call the urban heat island effect.
As artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers drive demand for reliable electricity, small modular reactors (SMRs) are emerging as a potential source of round-the-clock, low-carbon power.
Six destinations in Thailand have been recognized in the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2026 awards in Kranj, Slovenia, for locally led projects in sustainable tourism.
At least 26 people were killed after Russian bombs hit an aid distribution center, in an attack that Ukraine’s leader has called “utterly horrific”. Five people were injured and 27 initially reported missing after at least nine 3,000-kilogram aerial bombs hit the village of Komyshuvakha in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. 
Thai AirAsia’s Hua Hin–Chiang Mai flights are now operating daily, with the increased frequency scheduled to continue until March 27, 2027.
Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas has received a certificate of recognition from the Biodiversity-Based Economy Development Office (BEDO) for its participation in projects promoting environmentally responsible tourism and the sustainable use of biodiversity.
Kaeng Krachan’s Khao Phanoen Thung reopens Nov 1
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Saturday that the Thai-Cambodian border will remain closed because there remain several conflicting issues between the two countries that are yet to be resolved.
Thailand’s political confidence index fell to 3.52 out of 10 in October, with ratings for the government and prime minister also declining, according to a nationwide Suan Dusit Poll released yesterday.
Robot used in new heart surgery
Thailand aims to become a high-income economy by 2037, with a new five-year science and innovation strategy targeting annual GDP growth of 5%.
Thailand eyes status as AI medical hub
Thailand is keen to leverage small artificial intelligence (AI) to create a big impact in many sectors. Small AI solutions are focused applications designed to solve specific, practical problems, often using less data, computing power and money than large, general purpose systems.
Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to cut the floor space given to duty-free shops in Suvarnabhumi International Airport, moving more sales to pick-up counters and handing part of the area to automated gates. The airport operator also expects to announce details of a new paid premium service for arriving and departing passengers this month.
The accusation of “favoring tycoons” continues to haunt the Bhumjaithai government after the Cabinet meeting on Oct. 27 approved the solar power project for the public, with the government incentivizing Thais to install “solar rooftops” with a subsidy of 50,000 baht per household.
As Thailand accelerates its transition to a low-carbon economy, energy policymakers are revising the country’s oil strategy to balance decarbonization goals with energy security.
Hua Hin is gearing up for four months of fun. A new campaign aims to make the seaside destination even more appealing to travelers. 
Hua Hin Municipality has launched an operation to demolish 15 structures encroaching on the beach, from the fishing pier to the Thap Tim Shrine. A large number of officials and machinery have been deployed, aiming to return the public area to citizens in November. 
Gold prices in Thailand fell sharply by 1,550 baht at the opening of trading today, extending losses from the previous day as a sell-off in Wall Street technology stocks triggered a wider retreat in global precious metals markets.
Koh Kood’s tourism association has urged the government and private-sector operators to manage visitor numbers, warning that rapid growth could overwhelm the Trat island during the high season.
Room rates, booking conditions and advertising promises would become part of binding contracts with guests under a proposed Thai law aimed at strengthening protections for travelers.
Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat discussed a proposal to set Thailand’s taxi fares according to four vehicle sizes during talks with three taxi associations yesterday. The approach is intended to align charges with operating costs.
Thailand’s ambitious drive toward a net-zero future and a major expansion of renewable energy capacity is prompting growing concerns among energy officials over the country’s ability to maintain a stable electricity supply.
Vietnam is poised to overtake Indonesia in nominal gross domestic product (GDP) per capita this year, as rapid economic expansion, foreign investment and rising exports strengthen its position among Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts that Vietnam’s nominal GDP per capita will increase by 8.9% in 2026 to US$5,259, almost doubling its level over the past decade. 
Hackers stole US$6.3 billion from Binance, the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange, in a record theft that analysts blamed on North Korea and said could be the largest financial heist of all time. 
Thai carrier Ezy Airlines has launched its second scheduled route, offering nonstop Surat Thani–Hua Hin flights. Cessna aircraft will serve this route twice daily, although service will not be offered from Tuesdays to Thursdays. The first flight is scheduled on Nov. 7. The airline also operates Surat Thani–U-Tapao Airport twice daily, except for Tuesdays trough Thursdays). – Aeroroutes
Charoen Pokphand Group Senior Chairman Dhanin Chearavanont has given young Thai guitarist Nene Royal a gold Buddha image and his blessings as her family prepares to move into a luxury condominium worth 35 million baht (US$1.2 million).
Thailand has warned farmers, people with diabetes and residents in flood-prone areas to take precautions against melioidosis, also known as soil fever, after recording 3,102 cases and 136 deaths nationwide this year.
Bangkok’s condominium market may take another two to three years to return to normal, with more than 65,300 unsold units in the capital worth a combined 370 billion baht.
Bangkok ultra-luxury condos could top 1 million baht per square meter
Inside a modern seafood processing plant: from boat to shelf
Food industry expansion slows amid surging costs and weak consumer spending
Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul visited the park on Damnoen Kasem Road with municipal executives, the director of the Engineering Department, construction supervisors and relevant officials to check progress. 
Khao Tao Reservoir renovations planned after complaints
A Prachuap Khiri Khan weather warning covering Oct. 28–31 has urged residents to remain alert for heavy rain, strong wind gusts, flash floods and landslides.
Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund Management Committee approved reductions in retail fuel prices yesterday, cutting the price of B7 diesel by 1 baht per liter and the prices of E10-95 and E10-91 gasohol by 50 satang per liter, effective from today.
Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has deployed rapid response units to track a hostile wild gaur and monitor elephant movements in Chanthaburi following two separate wildlife attacks yesterday that left one person dead and three others injured.
At a government wildlife rescue center in Thailand, dozens of lost and injured baby leopard cats are receiving a second chance at life in the wild. Annual admission of leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) at the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation rescue center in Khon Kaen, in northeastern Thailand, have surged from an average of about 10 cats per year before to 2023 to as many as 65 now.
Three Thai property associations are preparing to seek additional tax relief from Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, as the housing industry warns that mortgage rejection rates could reach 50% in 2026.
Pickups were long Thailand’s largest vehicle segment, at times accounting for around half the market, before contracting sharply in recent years. For the latest eight-month period, Tri Petch Isuzu Sales said the overall vehicle market grew by 18%, driven mainly by passenger cars and SUVs, while pickup sales were close to the level recorded in the same period last year.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said yesterday the ministry had worked with three major e-commerce platforms – Shopee, TikTok Shop and Lazada – to lower sales fees and ease costs for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which had been affected by repeated fee increases since the start of the year.
Thailand Targets Global Pet Hub Status as Pet Food Exports Reach $3.28 Billion
Small contractors risk being excluded from the government’s 50-billion-baht solar rooftop program due to excessively harsh regulatory frameworks and stringent technical requirements. Industry groups, such as the Thai Photovoltaic Industries Assn., have noted that these rules are particularly disproportionate for small and medium-sized operators.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has defended Thailand’s “public solar” program against criticism that it favors large businesses, saying it will lower household costs and encourage renewable energy use.
A Renfe high-speed train struck a stationary Iryo service in Castilla-La Mancha, south of Madrid, yesterday, killing at least 68 people in Spain’s second major high-speed rail disaster of the year.