- New Sponsor: Aquatek/App could simplify 90-day reporting/Hua Hin domestic flights/No alcohol sales on Sunday/Afternoon alcohol sales confirmed/PKK e-work permit system/Biodiversity-based tourism plan for PKK/Price of LPG frozen/Thailand not yet buying World Cup broadcast/Sex Work Rights/Forever war between gig and taxi drivers/Koh Samui Taxi Driver Killing/Firms Face Koh Phangan Probe/Ill from Eating Insects/Laos cave rescue
- ECONOMY: US-Iran war winners and losers/Is 2026 the Year Economy Bounces Back?/Russians reshape Thai condo demand/Thai factory output remains weak/Thailand needs technology, investment/Banking System Remains Resilient/Continental Tire Plant Expansion
- TOURISM: More About Appearances Than Action?/Thai aviation recovery faces cost test/TAT, Vietnam Airlines to boost tourism
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: US Citizens Are Choosing Thailand/International arts festival returns
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Rooftop solar PV – a promising solution/Funds nudge motorists toward EVs/Southeast Asia’s electric vehicle race
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
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New immigration app could simplify 90-day reporting
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has introduced a new mobile application aimed at reducing arrival processing times for international visitors, while maintaining security checks at the country’s borders. The new system, known as the Thailand Immigration Management System (THIM), allows foreign travellers to complete arrival card information digitally before reaching Thailand.
Immigration authorities plan to expand the capabilities of the THIM platform beyond arrival registration. Future updates are expected to include online visa extension services and digital 90-day reporting for foreign residents. Continued …
Hua Hin campaigns for more domestic flights
Tourism leaders in Prachuap Khiri Khan are pushing for more Hua Hin flights to connect the city with Chiang Mai, Isaan, and southern Thailand, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen the role of Hua Hin Airport.
The Prachuap Khiri Khan Tourism Industry Council said cross-regional flights could help connect major tourist destinations, attract more visitors to the province, and support the development of Hua Hin as a tourism hub. Continued …
No alcohol sales on Sunday
Thailand will enforce a nationwide alcohol ban on Sunday, as the country observes Visakha Bucha Day, one of the most important dates in the Buddhist calendar.
The ban lasts for 24 hours, from midnight to midnight, and prohibits the sale of alcohol at convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, entertainment venues, nightlife businesses, events, and any activities involving the sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages. Continued …
Afternoon alcohol sales are officially OK
The Royal Gazette website yesterday published an announcement by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee on the revised prohibited hours for alcohol sales in 2026, updating the rules to reflect current conditions. Under the announcement, no person may sell alcoholic beverages outside the hours of 11am to midnight, except in several cases.
The change follows a wider effort to modernize Thailand’s alcohol-control rules after authorities earlier allowed a 180-day trial lifting the long-standing afternoon sales ban, which had dated back to 1972. The move was framed partly as support for tourism and retail activity. Continued …
PKK aims for improvement in e-work permit system
Senior labor officials have visited Prachuap Khiri Khan to follow up on the province’s e-work permit system, as the Ministry of Labor moves to improve the management of foreign workers through digital services.
Officials said the e-work permit system is intended to make foreign worker registration and work permit approvals faster, more transparent, and easier to check. They said the system would help raise employment standards and support economic and industrial growth in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Continued …
Biodiversity-based tourism plan moves ahead in PKK
Prachuap Khiri Khan is moving ahead with biodiversity-based tourism in three pilot districts as part of plans to support sustainable tourism and create new options for visitors. An action plan for 2025-2027 has been prepared for three pilot districts: Pranburi, Sam Roi Yot, and Kui Buri.
At a meeting Wednesay, officials reviewed the progress of the MBT-GEF 7 project, an integrated biodiversity-based tourism project for sustainable tourism development implemented by BEDO. The meeting also considered how to include the sustainable biodiversity-based tourism master plan in Prachuap Khiri Khan’s provincial development plan for 2028-2032. Continued …
Price of LPG frozen until end of July
The Energy Policy Management Committee decided yesterday to maintain the ex-refinery price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at 20.9179 baht/kg for two more months, from June 1 to July 31, so that the retail price will be kept at 423 baht a 15Kg cylinder.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan attributed the committee’s decision to the continuing conflict in the Middle East and global oil and gas price fluctuations. Continued …
Thailand among 4 ASEAN countries not yet buying World Cup broadcasting rights
Thailand is currently among four out of a total of 11 ASEAN countries where the broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 have not yet been bought, while Thais may be more or less anticipating to view the world football tournament live and free as usual anyway.
The FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled between June 12 and July 20 and jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is selling its broadcasting rights at undisclosed prices to countries around the globe, including Thailand, where the Bhumjaithai-led government is yet undecided as to whether to manage for the Thais to view it live via free TV as they did for previous World Cup games. Continued …
Foundation Bids for Sex Work Rights in Thailand
A foundation advocating for sex workers has put forward a draft bill in parliament to decriminalize sex work and extend labor protections to those in the industry. Submitted by the Empower Foundation yesterday, tthis move aims to replace the outdated 1996 Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act, which criminalizes voluntary sex workers.
The proposed Sex Service Provider Protection Act seeks to categorize sex work as legitimate labor, offering sex workers the same rights and protections as other professions. The current laws leave sex workers vulnerable to exploitation and discrimination, according to the foundation’s spokesperson. Continued …
The forever war between gig and taxi drivers
Thailand’s app-based drivers have become part of everyday life. But as ride-hailing and delivery platforms continue to grow, so does the conflict with traditional taxi operators.
What started as competition over passengers and territory is increasingly spilling into public confrontations, protests, and even violence. Video …
Family Seek Justice for Koh Samui Taxi Driver Killing
A 31-year-old taxi driver and former soldier was shot dead while at the wheel in Koh Samui, Surat Thani province, on May 24, after being attacked by a group of nearly 10 men.
The victim died at the scene after being ambushed following a passenger drop-off near a hotel. The vehicle subsequently crashed into a wall after the man was shot multiple times in the chest. Continued …
Israeli-Thai Firms Face Koh Phangan Probe
Thai authorities are preparing to investigate the business records of Israeli nationals who obtained Thai citizenship after concerns emerged over alleged nominee business activities on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui in Surat Thani province.
Officials are examining whether some companies used financial transactions to disguise investment figures in order to qualify for Thai citizenship under the Nationality Act 1965. The scrutiny follows an ongoing government crackdown on foreign nominee businesses operating in tourist areas. Continued …
Lampang Officials Fall Ill from Eating Local Insects
Several officials at Ban Huad subdistrict office in Lampang experienced stomach pain, diarrhea, and dizziness after consuming insects collected from a tree outside the office. The incident, which prompted a public warning, led to several individuals requiring hospital treatment.
The insects in question were identified as Pear Hoy Yak, or giant scale insects. Typically found on tree bark, these insects are notable for their white shell-like coating. Initially, one official consumed the insects with no ill effects, leading others to gather, deep-fry, and share them, mistakenly trusting their safety. Continued …
Chances said slim in finding two still-missing Laotians
Rescuers searching for two people still trapped inside a flooded gold mine in Laos say the chances of finding them are becoming increasingly slim after teams nearly completed a search of the entire underground tunnel network without success.
Finnish cave diver Mikko Paasi said rescue teams have searched about 95% of the mine but have found no trace of the two missing men. He said the five people found alive earlier did not even know that two others were also believed to be trapped. Continued …
US-Iran war creates market winners and losers as inflation fears rise
More than three months after the spark for the “US-Iran war” was ignited, global assets, including oil, stock markets, and currencies, have swung sharply, forcing central banks in many countries to grapple once again with inflation.
At the same time, this battlefield has produced both “winners” and “losers”. Crude oil has become the hottest asset, jumping 40% to stand above US$100 per barrel. In early April, oil prices had nearly doubled from pre-war levels. Continued …
Is 2026 the Year Thailand’s Economy Bounces Back?
In the first quarter of 2026, Thailand’s economy expanded by 2.8%, beating analyst expectations. But the economic outlook for the full year remains modest, with the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) forecasting between 1.5% and 2.5% growth. The World Bank is more cautious, forecasting 1.6% growth.
Thailand has been stuck in a low-growth equilibrium since the pandemic, as its heavily export-dependent economy has been battered by trade wars, geopolitical turmoil, and unstable domestic politics. Continued …
China retreats — Russians reshape Thai condo demand
Thailand’s foreign condominium market is entering a new phase, with Chinese buyers pulling back sharply while Russian demand rises and keeps the luxury segment in key tourism destinations alive.
Transfers of condominium ownership to foreign buyers fell steeply in the first quarter of 2026, even as the wider Thai housing market began to show signs of recovery. The Real Estate Information Center (REIC) said nationwide housing transfers rose 11.2% year on year to 72,583 units in the quarter, with total value up 3.1% to 187.18 billion baht. Foreign condo transfers, however, moved in the opposite direction. Continued …
Thai factory output remains weak
Factory output in Thailand remains weak, with the manufacturing production index in April falling 0.36% from a year earlier, the Ministry of Industry said yesterday.
The April reading compared with a year-on-year increase of 0.2% forecast in a Reuters poll, and followed a gain of 1.3% the previous month. Factory outputfor the full year is forecast to rise by between 1.0% and 2.0%, lower than the earlier predicted range of 1.5% to 2.5%. Continued …
Finance official says Thailand needs technology, investment, leap in productivity
A senior Thai finance official has warned the economy is facing simultaneous “economic waves” as falling industrial output, surging war-driven costs, and shifting high-tech investment converge. Speaking in Bangkok, Assistant Minister Santithar Sathienthai made the comments as Thailand reported a 0.36% drop in April manufacturing output.
He linked the decline to Middle East disruption, which has raised factory costs and weakened competitiveness. However, he also pointed to rising foreign investment in advanced industries as a key signal for Thailand’s policy direction. The mission, he declared, was higher productivity. Continued …
Thai Banking System Remains Resilient Despite Slower Loan Growth
Thailand’s banking sector maintained strong resilience in the first quarter of 2026, supported by robust capital buffers, ample liquidity, and high loan-loss provisions, according to the Bank of Thailand’s latest Banking Sector Quarterly Brief .
Overall loan growth was nearly flat at 0.2% year-on-year, reflecting subdued credit demand across the system . Lending to large corporates resumed expansion, driven by higher working-capital needs amid rising energy and raw-material costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Continued …
Continental Inaugurates Thailand Tire Plant Expansion
Continental has officially inaugurated the expansion of its tire plant in Rayong. The investment of more than 300 million euros, or 13 billion Thai baht, boosts the facility’s production capacity by an additional 3 million passenger car and light truck tires per year.
The expansion will enable Continental to meet growing demand for tires across Thailand and the wider Asia-Pacific region. The event also marks the start of local production of radial motorcycle tires at Rayong. Continued …
Is Shortening Thailand’s Visa-Free Stay More About Appearances Than Action?
The Anutin Charnvirakul government’s decision last week to cancel the extended visa-free entry scheme, which allowed stays of up to 60 days instead of 30, was based on the belief that it would strengthen national security, combat transnational crime, and prevent foreigners from exploiting the policy to work illegally, engage in business without permits, or behave unruly.
The government cited reports of foreign nationals and criminal syndicates posing as tourists in order to work illegally, engage in drug-related activity, use illegal business ownership structures, and commit other crimes. Continued …
Fuel shock — Thai aviation recovery faces cost test
Thailand’s aviation industry began 2026 with stronger passenger traffic, more flights, and renewed demand from key Asian markets, but the recovery is now facing a fresh test from Middle East disruption, volatile jet fuel prices, and rising operating costs.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) reported 42.07 million air passengers in the first quarter of 2026, up 6.8% from the previous quarter. The total comprised 19.22 million domestic passengers and 22.86 million international passengers, supported by New Year travel, Lunar New Year demand, and the recovery of Chinese and Indian tourists. Continued …
TAT, Vietnam Airlines sign MOU to boost tourism and air links
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) yesterday with Vietnam Airlines to jointly advance marketing and air connectivity, particularly the opening of new routes between Thailand and Vietnam.
The two sides will also conduct joint marketing in various forms, including shared booths at international sales promotion events, co-produced tourism publicity materials, and familiarization trips for tour operators, the media, and influencers. Continued …
Why More U.S. Citizens Are Choosing Thailand
Thailand has emerged as one of the most considered relocation destinations for Americans seeking safety, quality of life, and financial freedom. New data from cultural-intelligence platform Country Navigator ranks Thailand among the 10 most-searched relocation destinations for U.S. citizens, with roughly 30,560 annual searches recorded between March 2025 and February 2026 — clear evidence that Thailand is no longer just a holiday memory, but a credible long-term home.
Thailand Elite, the kingdom’s official long-stay residency program operated by Thailand Privilege Card — a state enterprise under the Tourism Authority of Thailand — sits at the center of that movement, offering Thailand long-stay visas designed for the entrepreneurs, retirees, families, and remote professionals now arriving in record numbers. Continued …
International arts festival returns to Bangkok with 12 major shows
Bangkok’s 28th International Festival of Dance & Music is set to return with a full program of world-class performances throughout September and October.
The line-up features 12 productions from nine countries, spanning opera, ballet, contemporary performance, and multimedia shows, as the performing arts sector seeks to restore momentum in Thailand’s cultural market and among audiences. This year’s festival will be held from Sept. 5 to Oct. 17, at the main hall of the Thailand Cultural Center. Continued …
Rooftop solar PV – a promising solution for the energy crisis in Thailand
It has been 87 days since the energy crisis began on Feb. 28, following the sudden escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Even though the US and Iran extended a tentative ceasefire on April 21, the shockwaves have already fundamentally destabilized global energy markets.
From the viewpoint of Thailand, this crisis has exposed a painful reality: the country’s current energy system is not resilient and is placing an unequal economic burden on vulnerable communities. Continued …
Transition funds nudge motorists toward EVs
Part of the government’s spending plan for the transition to clean energy involves encouraging the public to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) on a wider scale, says finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit.
Several ministries have begun discussions and are designing projects to request funds for the energy transition initiative, with a total budget framework of 200 billion baht from the 400-billion emergency loan decree, he said. Continued …
Southeast Asia’s electric vehicle race heats up
Back in 2022, spotting an electric vehicle on the streets of Jakarta or Bali was a relatively rare occurrence. Heavily subsidized fuel, under-developed charging infrastructure, and an existing industrial ecosystem anchored by the production of gasoline-powered cars (mostly Japanese brands) made Indonesia an unlikely candidate for an EV boom.
Yet, if you visit Jakarta today, electric vehicles are a common sight. Showrooms for big Chinese brands like BYD are spreading rapidly across the city as a wave of imported, as well as domestically assembled cars, overwhelmingly led by Chinese brands, are hitting the market. Continued …
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Chinese Scam Boss Arrested in Bangkok Probe – Continued …
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Chinese Workers Arrested in Chon Buri Raid – Continued …
Countries tighten travel rules as Ebola risk rises
The World Health Organization on May 17 declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a “public health emergency of international concern”, and said there was a high risk it could spread to neighboring countries. The decision has prompted governments to step up travel-related containment measures. Here is a list of screening steps and travel restrictions announced by different countries. 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 cinemas/Emergency numbers
If you have spent any time researching weight loss camp in Thailand, you have probably noticed that the options range widely. Some are fitness retreats with Muay Thai and green smoothies. Others are medical programs with clinical staff and blood tests every week. A few are somewhere in between.
Thailand is set for more unsettled weather over the next 24 hours, with heavier rain expected in parts of the north, east, and south as the southwest monsoon strengthens over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand.
Rescuers say they are elated to have found survivors who have been trapped in a flooded cave in Laos for a week but caution that it will be difficult to extract them. Five people were found alive yesterday afternoon and rescuers are searching for two others who remain missing.
Iranian state television reported that it had received an unofficial draft preliminary framework of understanding between Iran and the United States aimed at ending the continuing conflict, with one key element being the restoration of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within one month.
After President Trump’s weekend talk of an agreement with Iran, the past 36 hours have seen a flurry of military activity in the Middle East. On Monday, the United States launched a series of “self-defense” strikes on sites in southern Iran, sinking two boats that were laying mines. The move prompted Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to vow retaliation for what it called a “grave violation” of the ceasefire in a war now nearing its fourth month.
An affordability crisis is approaching due to rising costs, says Vice Minister of Finance Santitarn Sathirathai, while urging all sectors to adapt to the challenges ahead.
Analysts are highlighting retail and consumer stocks as the major beneficiaries of Thailand’s latest consumer stimulus program called “Thai Chuay Thai Plus”, which is expected to provide short-term support for domestic consumption to stabilize the economy.
The energy transition is a game-changer for the economy, says Amonthep Chawla, executive vice president and head of the research office at CIMB Thai Bank.
Thailand’s housing market showed signs of recovery inthe first quarter of 2026, the Government Housing Bank said on yesterday, with transaction volumes rising amid government stimulus even as gains in value lagged, underscoring weak purchasing power.
Thailand’s exports to the United States remain exposed to renewed tariff pressure despite a recent decline in effective US import duties, as Washington is likely to deploy other trade measures, including Section 301 investigations, the National Economic and Social Development Council has warned.
Thai pig farmers are facing mounting losses as farm-gate prices continue to fall below production costs despite a recovery in pork consumption, prompting the National Swine Raisers Assn. to warn of possible market distortion from aggressive pork-shop competition and suspected external supply.
Authorities in Phuket have stepped up proactive disease-control measures to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus, while confirming no infections have been detected in the country so far. Eleven visitors from high-risk countries are being monitored.
Over recent years, the idea of being a “digital nomad”, or a worker able to work from anywhere in the world, has moved from a niche lifestyle into a widely popular way of life, especially after remote work became normal in many industries around the world. But 2026 has reflected a significant shift in digital nomad culture.
Phuket’s Banana Beach Breaks Into the World’s Top 10
Britain was thrown into meteorological confusion Tuesday after temperatures reached 35 degrees Celsius, a temperature Thai people traditionally describe as “the walk from 7-Eleven to the motorbike.” The reading, recorded at London’s Kew Gardens and Heathrow Airport, broke a century-old spring temperature record for the second time in 24 hours. 
Thailand remains one of the most attractive destinations in Asia for foreign investors, retirees, entrepreneurs, and long-term residents. In 2025 alone, Thailand welcomed more than 32.9 million foreign visitors, while tourism continued to contribute enormously to the national economy.
Thailand’s Consumer Council (TCC) and the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) are pushing for a major overhaul of Bangkok’s traffic-management system after a deadly train–bus collision exposed critical weaknesses at railway crossings.
Sentient Animals Like Elephants Deserve More Respect
Thailand is accelerating efforts to become a top 10 global food exporter, leveraging its agricultural richness, manufacturing strength, and innovation in food technology. As part of this ambition, THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2026 is being held this week in Bangkok. The event is expected to generate over 130 billion baht in trade value, attracting 90,000 visitors from 130 countries.
The US and Thailand are in talks on new long-term supply of US-produced liquefied natural gas, two sources said yesterday, negotiations that have accelerated since the US-Israeli-led war on Iran led to LNG production damage in key exporter Qatar.
The global influencer economy is experiencing explosive growth, evolving from simple online content into a complex commercial ecosystem. This sector now encompasses advertising, e-commerce, brand promotion, digital services, and consumer engagement.
Thailand welcomed 13,428,857 foreign tourists from Jan. 1 to May 24, down 2.8%, generating an estimated B653.986 billion in tourism spending, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. China remained the largest source market, followed by Malaysia, and India.
Thailand has long captured the imagination of travelers seeking more than just a holiday — it calls to those yearning for transformation. From the mist-draped mountains of the north to the turquoise-fringed islands of the south, the country offers a rare alchemy of natural splendor, centuries-old healing wisdom, and world-class hospitality.
Thailand’s rainy season has a reputation it doesn’t entirely deserve. Yes, it rains, sometimes heavily, but the idea that monsoon months mean washed-out days and ruined plans is largely a myth.
Thai food manufacturer and exporter Thai Choice says resilience, product innovation, and easier-to-cook authentic meals are helping transform Thai cuisine from a niche export into an everyday global food category.
Thailand’s household debt reached 86.7% of GDP at the end of 2025, among the highest ratios in Asia. The Bank of Thailand’s own data shows that debt for consumption is rising; debt based on income-generating assets such as property or housing loans is contracting. The data reflects bread-and-butter issues and the rising cost of living.
Local residents have raised concerns that a proposed coastal highway could damage mangrove forests and threaten oyster-farming livelihoods, despite government claims the project would boost tourism and the local economy.
BECC International School has officially broken ground on a major new campus in Hua Hin, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the school community.
PTT Station and Bangchak have reduced retail fuel prices from today, cutting petrol and gasohol prices by 60 satang per liter and diesel prices by 1 baht per liter.
The Department of Health says its “normal sweetness = 50% sweetness” campaign has received a positive response over the past three months, reflecting a shift in Thai consumers’ drinking habits. Eleven companies have joined the campaign, adjusting their formulas across more than 30,000 branches nationwide.
Thailand’s labor market is entering a more fragile phase, with the National Economic and Social Development Council warning that workers face three major pressures: the conflict in the Middle East, rapid advances in artificial intelligence, and the shift toward electric vehicles.
Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), reported yesterday regarding the first-quarter 2026 Thai social situation report, “Crisis and Opportunity: The Future of Thailand’s Labor Market Amid the Arrival of AI”.
Thailand posted what was described as a record trade deficit in April, as surging imports of oil, capital goods, and Chinese products outweighed another strong month for exports. The Ministry of Commerce reported that exports in April were worth US$31.583 billion, up 23.1% from a year earlier, marking the 22nd consecutive month of expansion.
Thailand’s automotive industry is bracing for a potential setback in 2026, with car production expected to miss its target for the first time in five years if the war in the Middle East drags on beyond three months and shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz remain disrupted, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
In 2019, a mid-sized electronics components manufacturer based in Shenzhen, China, was producing entirely for the US market. In 2020, US tariffs made that model borderline unviable. So the company moved part of its production to Vietnam.
A single mishap can be written off as an isolated incident. But when a problem repeatedly occurs across different locations, time and again, the failure is systematic.
Thailand has recently moved its net-zero target forward from 2065 to 2050 as part of efforts to reduce environmental impact, strengthen trade competitiveness, and attract green investment. Energy transition is one of the key pathways toward achieving that goal.
For the first time in records dating back to 1949, China is now home to more people aged 65 and above than children, the latest official data showed, underscoring the country’s deepening demographic pressure. By November last year, 15.9% of China’s roughly 1.4 billion-strong population was aged at least 65, compared with 15.3% aged between 0 to 14. 
Phetchaburi, Cha Am and Hua Hin are being touted as increasingly attractive locations for buy-to-rent investment, as Thailand’s wider property market faces pressure from household debt, tighter lending rules, and weaker demand from domestic homebuyers.
Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental threats to human health. Every day, 99% of the global population breathes in invisible microparticles from dirty air, which enter our bloodstream and cause damage to our cells and organs.
Muay Thai Saturday Superfight returned to The Legend Arena at Bluport Hua Hin on Saturday, with organizers saying the monthly event is aimed at promoting Muay Thai and creating more opportunities for fighters in Hua Hin.
The Disease Control Department has reported a rise in COVID-19 infections over the past month, but the rate of increase is still far below the median level recorded five years ago.
The train-bus crash at the Makkasan railway crossing in Bangkok on May 16, which killed eight people and injured 32 others, continues to put Thailand’s rail safety standards into question, as level crossings pose a risk nationwide.
A Thai masseuse from Nakhon Si Thammarat has won a gold medal in the oil massage category at the Wellness World Championship 2026 in Bangkok. Soraya Thaoram secured the top prize during the international competition held at TK Palace & Convention Hotel on Chaeng Watthana Road.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has thrown its weight behind the government’s newly launched “Thais Help Thais Plus” initiative, estimating it could boost the country’s small and medium enterprise (SME) GDP by 35% to 40%, provided it is executed thoroughly.
Thailand’s latest effort to tighten cannabis controls has introduced stricter rules – but on Bangkok’s streets, particularly in tourist areas where cannabis shops thrive, little appears to have changed.
Thailand’s Transport Ministry is offering incentives to airlines to launch new domestic and international routes to airports in secondary cities in a bid to boost tourism and strengthen local economies. The measures include service fee reductions for new routes and a temporary 50% discount on aircraft parking charges at airports managed by the Department of Airports (DOA).
Chinese tourists are losing confidence in traveling in Thailand again as their bookings slow for the coming months, following a recent case involving police officers extorting Chinese nationals in Sa Kaeo, says the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA).
400-Year-Old Lanna Ruins Found in Mae Hong Son Forest
Thailand pushes UNESCO bid for Thai costume heritage status
Official: Solar power can lead energy transition
When “biodiversity” is no longer just about planting forests, but also about “economic capital” and a tool for tackling the global climate crisis, a new sustainability strategy is emerging — one that turns forests into a mechanism for the bioeconomy while pushing Thai community models toward international standards such as OECMs and biodiversity credits.
The Thai Meteorological Department forecast today that parts of northern Thailand, the upper northeast, the east and the south would continue to see heavy rain in some areas.
Large households and small businesses operating from residential properties are expected to face higher electricity bills from July, as the government prepares to roll out a new tariff system.
‘We used to spend around 200 baht for a pot of soup for the whole family, but now we spend at least 250 baht for the same amount,” says Nantiya Thongsuk, 13. Fifty baht may not sound like much, but for Namwan’s family, it’s the difference between eating or going hungry.
The Commerce Ministry said yesterday the ongoing US-Iran war has led to the construction materials price index rising 112.4 points in April, a jump of 5.9%, which is the highest in 44 months.
Tourism operators in Phuket and Pattaya have backed the government’s decision to restore 30-day visa-free stays, saying the move would help curb illegal businesses and low-spending long-stay visitors.
Thailand’s major listed hotel and aviation businesses managed to stay profitable in the first quarter of 2026, despite pressure from the Middle East conflict and growing uncertainty over energy and travel costs.
Despite increased airfares, airlines have been unable to absorb rising jet fuel costs during the summer period, with this expense increasing from 30%-35% of operational costs to 60% in May.
Concerns have surfaced regarding passenger privacy at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport after a video showing a popular actor at an immigration checkpoint was shared online. Social media users questioned the legality and privacy implications of making CCTV footage publicly accessible, sparking a broader discussion about airport security practices.
Visakha Bucha Day 2026: Buddhism’s global holy day
Footage of tourists interacting with elephants in Thailand’s tourism industry has frequently drawn criticism over animal welfare concerns.
The head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that the global oil market could enter a “danger zone” in mid-year, after the Iran war disrupted more than 14 million barrels per day of Middle East supply.
Thailand’s national police chief has announced a nationwide crackdown on foreign nominee networks accused of illegally controling businesses and property through Thai proxies. The operation will focus on tracing financial transactions and dismantling networks linked to unlawful foreign ownership schemes across the country.
Escalating inflation poses a significant risk to the Thai economy, especially if the US-Iran war drags on until the second half of the year, as domestic consumption remains fragile and small businesses in provincial markets face a liquidity crunch, say economists.
Transport Ministry Accelerates Bangkok Port Overhaul
For years, when people spoke of “Chinese people” and Thailand, the image many had in mind may still have been tour groups, buses, and famous tourist districts. But a closer look shows that the relationship between “Chinese capital” and “Thailand” is now changing significantly.
Thailand fruit exports rebound 17.9% in April as durian surges 109%
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is enhancing tourism on both domestic and international fronts by promoting weekday travel through special offers on tourism products and services. The project, titled Workation Paradise Throughout Thailand Season 4, is part of TAT’s Workation Thailand campaign.
Every year produces a new set of travel trend reports, and most of them say roughly the same thing. The 2026 edition from Hilton, built on a survey of over 14,000 travelers across 14 countries conducted by Ipsos, is different in one important respect: its findings align almost point for point with what Thailand already does well.
Leopard sighting ‘sign of thriving habitat’
Thai island community rallies to protect beloved dugongs, revive declining seagrass
Hua Hin drought zone areas have been officially declared as Prachuap Khiri Khan continues to face widespread water shortages following months of low rainfall and falling reservoir levels.
Scientists at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have shown that active chemicals in sunscreens can readily soak into the bloodstream, confirming the need for more testing on whether these products are safe, the researchers said.
If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen this trend everywhere: people waking up at 5 am, putting on their running gear, heading out before sunrise… or even meeting strangers just to go for a run.
The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reported on the industrial situation in the first quarter of 2026, pointing to worrying economic warning signs as the number of factory closures rose above the number of new factory openings for the first time in two-and-a-half years, or 10 quarters.
Thailand’s industrial sentiment index dropped?for ?a second straight month in April, hurt by high oil prices, a manufacturing slowdown, and the ?war in the Middle East, the Federation of Thai Industries said yesterday. The federation said its industrial sentiment?index fell to 85.3 in April from ?88.6 in the previous month.
Thailand is aggressively positioning its wellness industry to become a top-five global hub, leveraging a current market value of approximately US$40 billion and a robust annual growth rate of 28%.
Pattaya’s tourism business association has backed the government’s decision to reduce Thailand’s visa-free stay periods from 60 days to around 30 days, saying the move could help address scammer concerns, illegal business activity, and support tourism revenue.
Thailand is considering raising its proposed tourist entry fee for foreign visitors above 300 baht, as officials review rising insurance and healthcare costs linked to the tourism sector.
In 2018, Thailand stood at the peak of its medical tourism boom. Millions of international patients traveled to the country each year, drawn by internationally trained doctors, modern hospitals, and treatment costs often significantly lower than in Western markets. Then the pandemic paused global travel.
Bangkok is among the world’s fastest-sinking cities, with scientists warning that land subsidence is accelerating the impact of rising sea levels and increasing flood risks for millions of residents.
The world built and commissioned more coal power in 2025, but used the polluting fuel less, with the United States the only major economy to substantially increase generation, a new analysis shows.
Cabinet Cuts Visa-Free Stay Back to 30 Days
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today forecast continued rain across Thailand over the next 24 hours, with heavy to very heavy rain in some areas of the south’s west coast, the northeast, and the east.
Thailand’s cybersecurity authority has warned that weak and reused passwords remain one of the biggest gateways to modern cyber-attacks, with leaked login credentials increasingly being exploited to gain access to mobile banking accounts, corporate systems, and users’ broader digital identities.
Prime Minister’s Office Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi said yesterday the government might have to find potential private sponsors for the World Cup tournament to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada during June 12 and July 20 since, she commented, the FIFA broadcasting rights were considered “unfairly costly” for Thailand.
Thai teenager “Mind Sakol” Panchaya Channoi made snooker history yesterday by defeating 12-time world champion, Reanne Evans, to capture her maiden World Women’s Snooker Championship title and become Thailand’s 3rd world snooker champion.
Foreign capital, particularly Chinese investment, is significantly reshaping Thailand’s industrial estate market. Although investment decisions briefly slowed in early March due to travel-related factors and economic uncertainty, most investors resumed negotiations and continued expanding their investments once the situation eased.
The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry has assigned state telecom enterprise National Telecom (NT) to steer six projects that aim to strengthen Thailand’s digital infrastructure.
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Thailand’s mega project land bridge comes at environmental cost
A new set of trade rules is sweeping through the business world. This time, it is not about price or quality. It is about carbon reduction. The big question is whether companies can keep up with this particular “green” goal.
Save mangroves, save the global water cycle
Power demand growth for green industrial parks, data centers and electric vehicles in Southeast Asia is forecast to grow by more than 100 terawatts per hour (TWh) in the next three to four years, according toa report published by Bain & Co. and Standard Chartered.
Standard Chartered plans to cut more than 7,000 jobs over the next four years as it boosts adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) while targeting growth. The London-headquartered lender is one of the first major global banks to lay out official plans to cut thousands of jobs, citing AI as a driver to make its operations slimmer as it seeks to increase its profitability and tackle competition. 
The Hua Hin 100K Ultra Marathon 2026 has been officially launched, with organizers aiming to strengthen the town’s reputation as a sports tourism destination while inviting runners to sign up for the endurance event.
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp. (BCP) have raised retail fuel prices in Bangkok, effective today.
Thailand has yet to decide whether to buy the broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the asking price of at least 1.3 billion baht is far above the 600-million-baht framework previously used by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, while unfavorable match times in Thailand may reduce viewership, advertising revenue, and wider economic benefits.
The Thai Meteorological Department forecast heavy rain in parts of upper Thailand over the next 24 hours, covering the north, northeast, central region, Bangkok, and surrounding provinces, today.
Consumer confidence in April plunged into crisis territory, recording the sharpest monthly decline globally and across the Asia-Pacific region, as economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, rising living costs, and dissatisfaction with government efforts to address the economy eroded public sentiment, according to the Ipsos Global Consumer Confidence Index.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan has floated a plan to attract Middle Eastern oil producers to invest in a strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) in Thailand, positioning the country as a regional oil distribution hub while strengthening long-term energy security.
The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has launched an influencer-led campaign alongside Thai celebrity couple “Cee” Siwat Chotchaicharin and “Amy” Amika Klinpratoom to showcase the economic and culinary value of the nation’s Geographical Indication (GI) products.
The April 2026 Hotel Business Operator Sentiment Index, jointly prepared by the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) and the Bank of Thailand (BOT), was based on a survey conducted from April 16 to 30, among respondents from 134 accommodation businesses.
Thai tourism operators are looking beyond the sluggish low season and expect healthy bookings, particularly from European tourists, when the high season returns in the third quarter.
Chiang Mai On A Budget: Thailand’s Cosy Mountain Escape
Thailand is emerging as Southeast Asia’s most NEV-ready market, with 58% of consumers considering hybrid or electric vehicles — significantly above the regional average of 42.8%. Key purchase motivators include lower fuel costs, charging availability, and longer driving range.