- Some beachfront buildings still locked/Nationwide border crackdown/More rain for PKK/Super El Niño effect could worsen PM2.5/Five exemptions to alcohol sales ban/Pattaya’s flood drainage plan
- ECONOMY: Inflation at 45-month high/Revised GDP/Seven-tier rules for data centers/86% of Thais are not ready for retirement/Mercedes-Benz Reaffirms Thailand Asian Hub
- TOURISM: Compare fares and extra fees/Bomb threats hamper European fliers/What we know about the bomb threats/Thai children must show birth certificates/E-gates leave many visitors waiting
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thai Spicy Salad/Foreign tourists flock to Koh Mak/Thailand tops Wanderlust’s list/Royal barges mark birthday
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Warmer ocean puts us all at risk
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Some beachfront buildings still locked, protected by lawsuits
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.
Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul inspected progress yesterday, as contractors used machinery to break up concrete surfaces and demolish structures near the Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine. Continued …
Thailand orders nationwide border crackdown on Monday
Thailand’s Department of Provincial Administration has ordered tougher security measures across all border districts, with new checkpoints and interception operations due to begin on Monday.
The campaign targets narcotics, illegal goods, unlawful border crossings and other offenses, following an urgent directive issued on Thursday by Naret Khosasihavilai, director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration. Continued …
More rain forecast for PKK
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.
On Monday, very heavy rain is projected for Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, and Narathiwat, with heavy rain forecast for Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Yala, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. – The Nation
Super El Niño effect could worsen PM2.5 next year
The Ministry of Public Health has warned that the “Super El Niño” phenomenon could worsen Thailand’s PM2.5 air pollution situation next year, especially in 40 high-risk provinces, including Bangkok.
(Editor: Readers can check PM2.5 levels daily with the link provided on this site.)
The ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, Dr. Sarawut Boonsuk, said yesterday the potential development of a Super El Niño, which would lead to prolonged drought conditions, suggests that PM2.5 pollution may become more severe than in previous years. Continued …
Thailand confirms five exemptions to alcohol sales ban on Buddhist holidays
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.
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The notification, issued by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee, was published in the Royal Gazette yesterday and takes effect today. Continued …
Pattaya sets 2.75-billion-baht flood drainage plan
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.
Mayor Poramet Ngampichet told Pattaya City Council on Thursday that the work is scheduled to run from 2027 to 2030. Once complete, the upgraded network is expected to handle rainfall of up to 130 millimeters an hour, compared with around 70mm currently. Continued …
Energy prices push inflation to 45-month high
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.
Higher vegetable prices, caused by flooding in key vegetable cultivation areas in October, also contributed to inflation. The impact was temporary, however, with fresh produce prices gradually returning to normal by the end of the month. Continued …
Bank of Thailand boss sees revised GDP data growth of up to 2.9%
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%.
However, US President Donald Trump’s crushing midterm election setback has thrown fresh uncertainty over US tariffs, Bangkok’s pending trade deal and possible renewed American-Israeli strikes against Iran. The Thai Chamber of Commerce sees opportunities for exporters as Democrats seize Congress. Yet, Washington’s next moves remain uncertain, with oil prices already falling 9% amid expectations of easing Middle East tensions. Continued …
Thailand plans seven-tier rules for data centers
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.
The proposal is intended to regulate the fast-growing sector more systematically, while balancing Thailand’s drive to attract artificial intelligence investment against the need to protect resources and social interests. Continued …
Economists warn that 86% of Thais are not ready for retirement
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.
With traditional family support systems becoming less reliable due in part to urbanization and changing social dynamics, the financial security of future retirees is more precarious than ever. Continued …
Mercedes-Benz Reaffirms Thailand as Core Southeast Asian Hub
German luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz has reaffirmed its long-term strategic commitment to using Thailand as a key regional production hub and pillar for its Southeast Asian business, using the domestic launch of its newest top-end luxury sedans to highlight the critical role local manufacturing plays in its global operations.
Senior global and regional executives yesterday outlined how local production capabilities shield the brand from shifting tax landscapes while serving as an engine for electrified transformation across the region. Continued …
Compare fares and extra fees before booking New Year domestic flights
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.
The survey used prices recorded on Nov. 2 covering flights from Bangkok to Phuket, Hat Yai, Trang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Nakhon Phanom. Continued …
Bomb threats hamper waning European fliers
Bomb threats targeting several European flights on Thursday are likely to further disrupt long-haul tourism during the high season, following a 20%-30% market contraction due to soaring travel costs.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) is urging the government to incentivize 300 flights from China and Russia, targeting 2.25 billion baht in revenue from 45,000 tourists, while restoring confidence in the Chinese market amid a travel alert issued by the Chinese embassy. Continued …
What we know about the bomb threats to European flights
This is, in the long term, going to lead to higher costs for passengers. It’s very disruptive, of course, for operations because a sweep of the plane after a bomb threat means unloading passengers and baggage, thoroughly searching the aircraft, and reloading, and that can, in turn, push crews past their duty limits, leading to more missed connections and cancellations. Video …
Thai children under 18 must show birth certificates to leave Thailand
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.
Immigration Bureau Commissioner Nopsin Poonsawat said the screening focuses on whether the adult has a genuine link to the child, and its aim is to prevent human trafficking, cross-border child abduction and children being taken out of Thailand unlawfully. Continued …
Thailand’s e-gates leave many visitors waiting
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.
The idea is simple. Scan an e-passport, look into a camera for a biometric facial check, and walk through without waiting to see an immigration officer. It is a familiar system for travelers who have used e-gates in many other parts of the world. Ideally, a person using one of these gates could breeze through immigration in under a minute. Continued …
Street food: Authentic Thai Spicy Salad
Watch how they prepare this authentic Thai spicy salad. This dish is known as “Yum Moo Sab” (spicy Thai minced pork salad), a local favorite in Thailand. The star of the dish is savory minced pork, which is mixed with fresh herbs, onions, and chili, then tossed in a vibrant, spicy, and sour lime dressing. It is super convenient to buy from street stalls, as the vendor quickly mixes it up and packs it neatly in a bag to easily take home. A perfect street food experience! Video …
Foreign tourists flock to Koh Mak in Trat for longer island holidays
Koh Mak in Trat province is attracting more foreign tourists for extended holidays as the island enters its peak travel season, with improved ferry connections making it easier for visitors to travel between nearby islands.
Nol Suwajnanon, president of the Koh Mak Subdistrict Administrative Organization, said foreign visitors account for approximately 70% to 80% of tourists on the island, with many choosing to stay for more than two weeks. Continued …
Thailand tops Wanderlust’s 2026 food destinations
Thailand has been named the world’s most desirable country for gastronomy at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2026, taking the Gold Award after rising from eighth place last year.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool collected the award on Wednesday at Maritime Greenwich in London, during the 25th anniversary Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. The result places Thailand ahead of Italy and France in the food tourism category. Continued …
Royal barges mark birthday
People gathered along the banks of the Chao Phraya River yesterday to watch the Royal Barge Procession and the royal kathin presentation ceremony, held to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s 48th birthday.
The procession traveled from Wasukri Pier to Wat Arun, where the royal kathin robes were presented. Kathin is a Buddhist tradition in which laypeople present robes to monks during the month following the end of Buddhist Lent. Continued …
A warmer ocean puts us all at risk
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.
And almost every year, our warning has been treated as a regional problem, a challenge confined to remote small islands and thus not warranting more than lip service from international leaders. Continued …
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Chinese suspects held in Pattaya 100-million-baht scam raid – Continued …
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Russian Arrested for Illegal Tour Guiding in Phuket – Continued …
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Myanmar couple held in Phatthalung over 629-day overstay – Continued …
Protests spread across Europe over AI data center expansion, environmental concerns
More than 100 activists entered a Microsoft AI data center construction site in Amsterdam yesterday, climbing cranes and hanging balloons. The action opened two days of protests planned in 16 countries by the Stop Dirty Data Centers coalition, which wants construction paused until governments set clearer rules. Continued …
German carmakers hit a dead end as China drives past
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. Continued …
Singapore Airlines to splash $1.6 billion on luxury long-haul cabins
Singapore Airlines, long a benchmark for premium travel, is spending more than $1.6 billion to upgrade long-haul seats and provide larger double-bed suites to compete with rivals that are pouring money into high-end cabins. 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’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 Oil Fuel Fund Committee has agreed to cut retail B7 diesel prices by 0.75 baht a liter and petrol and gasohol prices by 1 baht a liter from today, as falling international prices create room to lower motorists’ costs while reducing diesel subsidies.
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.
Iran reported that three more tankers had been damaged in the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, as shipping remained under threat despite growing political pressure in Washington over the Gulf war.
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
Phuket was lashed by heavy rain again last night, leading to several parts of three districts, including Patong seaside town, getting flooded.
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.
Hua Hin BluesFest 2026 will take place at The Kaset Hua Hin on Sunday, Dec. 6, bringing Thai and international musicians together for seven and a half hours of live music over Thailand’s Father’s Day long weekend.
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. 
The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts thundershowers across 60% of Bangkok and surrounding areas today, and isolated heavy rain on the south’s east coast. The forecast is valid from 6 am today until 6 am tomorrow.
Last week, a 67-year-old motorist drove her white sedan through the glass doors of a Big C outlet in Bangkok’s Onnut area after accidently pressing the accelerator instead of the brake. Six people were injured in the accident, including a six-year-old girl and an 81-year-old woman.
Thailand’s Department of Land Transport has denied reports that it plans to cancel or recall lifetime driving licenses, saying existing holders can continue using them legally as normal.
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. 
Lavaron Sangsnit, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Finance, said the Cabinet had formally approved a household solar program targeting one million homes nationwide. The program will support rooftop, ground-mounted and floating solar power systems, with a government subsidy of 50,000 baht per household toward a standard 140,000-baht package using equipment certified by the electricity utilities.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecast heavy rain in 17 central and southern provinces today. The department warned that persistent rain could cause flash floods and runoff in the south, while thunderstorms and strong gusts remain a threat across upper Thailand, particularly the central region.
Thai food study finds bacteria in raw enoki mushroom samples
Thailand’s consumer sentiment in October reveals a notable shift in the issues weighing on people’s minds. While financial and political corruption remains the country’s leading concern, poverty and social inequality has returned to second place, and climate change has emerged as one of the month’s fastest-rising worries.
Thailand’s Parliament has opened public consultation on a proposed overhaul of the country’s firearms law, including a requirement for personal gun possession licenses to be renewed every five years.
Car production in Thailand dropped 6.1% in September from a year earlier to 120,319 units, due partially to disruptions caused by flooding, the Federation of Thai Industries said yesterday. The reading followed a rise of 10.9% in August.
Thailand and Malaysia reaffirmed their commitment to achieving US$30 billion in bilateral trade by 2027 during ministerial talks in Bangkok yesterday, while backing faster progress on border transport projects and closer security cooperation.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) has warned that Chinese group-tour business in Thailand could fall by as much as 50% during the Lunar New Year holiday in 2027 unless the government moves quickly to address safety concerns raised by the Chinese embassy.
Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit is leading efforts to introduce seaplane services in the Andaman region to stimulate the local economy and boost tourism. This strategic plan involves coordinating with various authorities, including the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand and the Department of Airports, to manage landing sites, staff training, and environmental protection.
Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has warned that prolonged high oil prices could put pressure on inflation and the current account. Energy economist Praipol Koomsup has called for broader fuel tax cuts, while suggesting prices could ease within one to two months if conflicts subside.