- Primary International School to move/Thai Jet Ski Championship/PKK Kite and Art Festival/Community dance event in Hua Hin/Man killed by wild elephant/El Niño danger rises/New Rail Lines in Bangkok/Pattaya weapons cache/Crackdown on beach extortion in Phuket
- THE IRAN WAR: Trump rejects Iran’s response/Who Pays the Bill for a Blocked Strait?/Oil jumps as US and Iran disagree/Thai housing sector latest victim
- ECONOMY: ‘Single-Dish’ Prices Surge/’Thai Helps Thai’/Land bridge faces uphill battle/Why land bridge project is going nowhere/Thai poultry exports face crisis/AIS, True report healthy profits
- TOURISM: Tourists Monitor Declining Thai Baht/Hoteliers ask government to help/Indian Tourist Dies After Four Collapse/3,000 cases in Surat Thani crackdown/Inspect Resorts on Koh Phangan/Thailand Bets on Revamp of Hot Springs
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: How Thailand Revived the Tiger/Thailand’s Next Vacation Hotspot?/One of Thailand’s most beautiful island escapes
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand Fast-Tracks Green Energy/Thailand turns solar power to economic necessity/Solar financing push
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
BECC Primary International School to move to new campus on Soi 112
The BECC Primary International School has begun construction on a new purpose-built campus off Soi 112 in Hua Hin, with the school scheduled to open at the site in August 2027.
The school held a groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday, marking the official start of construction. The new campus will be located about eight minutes from BECC’s current site and is planned as an expanded 10-rai facility with 18 air-conditioned classrooms, a library, computer suite, Thai culture room, outdoor play areas, office facilities, and a dedicated car park. Continued …
Thai Jet Ski Championship in Hua Hin May 28-31
The Thai Jet Ski Championship will return to Hua Hin May 28-31, with round two of the TOYOTA – WGP#1 Waterjet Pro Tour Thailand 2026 to be held at Suan Son Pradipat Beach.
The four-day event is part of Thailand’s main national jet ski championship, which is being staged across four rounds in different parts of the country. Hua Hin has been selected as the venue for the second round, following the opening round of the 2026 season, which took place in Nong Khai from in April. Continued …
PKK Kite and Art Festival Set for May 15-16
The Kite and Art Festival Prachuap Khiri Khan will take place at Saran Withi Pier from May 15-16, bringing two evenings of kite displays, art and family-friendly activities to the seafront.
What to expect: Kite shows, LED kite shows, art, craft and handmade products, an exhibition on the history of Thai kites. The event will be held at Saran Withi Pier, one of Prachuap Khiri Khan’s most popular check-in spots. Continued …
Community dance event planned at Hua Hin railway station
Preparations are underway for the Beat on Track Zumba event at Hua Hin Railway Station, with Hua Hin City Municipality planning a large outdoor exercise activity later this month. The event, officially titled “Beat on Track: Dance Fun on the Rails”, will take place on Saturday, May 23, at 5 pm.
The municipality said the event follows the growing popularity of aerobic dancing and other dance-based exercise activities across Thailand. The activity is intended to bring together exercise groups from across the city and encourage more people to take part in group fitness. Continued …
Man killed by wild elephant near Pa La-U
A 56-year-old man was killed by a wild elephant near Pa La-U after entering the forest to collect vegetables and forest products. The man was an ethnic Karen Thai resident and the father of a Kaeng Krachan National Park official.
The Department of National Parks has been ordered to provide urgent assistance to the family and improve monitoring in areas used by local communities. Officials said the area is covered by permission under Section 65 of the National Parks Act B.E. 2562, which allows traditional communities to collect renewable seasonal natural resources in designated areas. Continued …
Thailand may face dual water risks as El Niño danger rises
Thailand could face a “dual water crisis” in 2026 after the Thai Meteorological Department forecast that El Niño could occur during May to July, putting many areas at risk of water shortages and prompting the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) to accelerate nationwide response plans and monitor 20 branches at risk of shortages.
Climate experts have warned that Thailand is facing its most severe and difficult-to-predict climate variability in several years, creating the possibility of heavy rain, flooding, and runoff at the same time. Continued …
MRTA Pushes Four New Rail Lines in Bangkok
Thailand’s Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) is pushing ahead with four new rail projects in Bangkok, while accelerating tram developments in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima, with all three provincial tram systems targeted to open by 2032.
MRTA Gov. Kajpajorn Udomthamphakdee said the agency remains committed to the 22.1-kilometer Brown Line between Khae Rai and Lam Sali (Bueng Kum). The project is currently undergoing construction redesigns at two locations, including an overlap with an Expressway Authority of Thailand project near Hua Mum Market and adjustments around Kaset intersection. Continued …
Police expand probe into Pattaya weapons cache
Police are expanding an investigation into a suspected illegal arms network linked to a Chinese national arrested in Pattaya, with three suspects – including a navy officer – now in custody for questioning.
Police are also expected to summon two additional suspects: an active-duty military officer and a former serviceman. Investigators believe both men were involved in procuring and selling assault rifles found at the Pattaya residence of Chinese suspect Sun Mingchen. Continued …
Anutin orders crackdown on beach extortion in Phuket
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul paid an unannounced visit to Phuket yesterday to meet local officials over vendors encroaching on public beaches by paying protection money to influential figures.
The prime minister and his delegation first visited Bang Tao Beach, where many vendors complained of being threatened by “heavies” demanding protection fees or else facing forced eviction. Continued …
Trump rejects Iran’s response to US peace proposal
President Donald Trump yesterday rejected Iran’s response to a U.S. proposal for peace talks to end the war, as two ships were allowed to pass through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. Video …
From Epic Fury to Project Freedom: Who Pays the Bill for a Blocked Strait?
Operation Epic Fury and Project Freedom may sound like chapters in a military campaign. For the global economy, they have become shorthand for a simpler question: what happens when the world’s most important energy chokepoint ceases to function normally?
The Strait of Hormuz is not merely a waterway. It is an economic artery. The International Energy Agency reports that an average of 20 million barrels per day of crude oil and oil products moved through it in 2025 — equivalent to roughly 25% of global seaborne oil trade, with 80% destined for Asia. Continued …
Oil jumps as US and Iran disagree on peace proposal
Oil prices jumped $3 a barrel today as the United States and Iran failed to agree to a peace proposal drafted by Washington, while the Strait of Hormuz remained largely closed, keeping global energy supplies tight.
Brent crude futures climbed $3.18 or 3.14% to $104.47 a barrel, extending a 1.23% gain on Friday. US West Texas Intermediate was at $98.51 a barrel, up $3.09, or 3.24%, after settling 0.64% higher in the previous session. Continued …
Thai housing sector latest victim of war
Given the sagging economy and conflict in the Middle East, the residential market is expected to contract for a fourth consecutive year in 2026, weighed down by persistent high household debt, rising living costs, and tight lending, according to Siam Commercial Bank Economic Intelligence Center (EIC).
Total nationwide housing transfers in 2026 are forecast to decline by 5% year-on-year to 824 billion baht. In a prolonged conflict scenario, the contraction could deepen to 10%-15%, reflecting fragile purchasing power and heightened uncertainty. Continued …
Thais Feel the Pinch as ‘Single-Dish’ Prices Surge Amid Fuel Price Crisis
Thai consumers are facing a sharp increase in the cost of living as popular “single-dish” meals — the backbone of the nation’s daily diet — see significant price hikes driven by a perfect storm of soaring fuel costs and extreme weather.
According to the latest data from the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), headline inflation in April surged to 2.89%, a dramatic leap from the 0.08% recorded in March. This represents the highest inflationary level in three years and two months, fueled primarily by a 30% spike in energy prices linked to ongoing instability in the Middle East. Continued …
‘Thai Helps Thai’ gets good reception
The government says the second round of its “Thai Helps Thai: Reducing Expenses and Cost of Living” campaign has attracted strong public participation, with more than 200,000 people joining the program and over 27 million baht circulating in local economies.
A total of 217,619 people took part in the event, which featured 9,721 participating shops, including modern retail and wholesale outlets, OTOP stores, and community-based SMEs. More than 153,856 essential consumer products were offered at discounted prices. Continued …
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Vilhelm International Academy launched in March 2026 and has is campus at “The Hub” in Hin Lek Fai, less than 10 minutes from the center of town. They provide mentor-led academic supervision for students studying through accredited online school programs, whether independently enrolled or through integrated programs offered at Vilhelm. This means that students follow a fixed timetable, complete coursework under supervision, and receive ongoing progress monitoring. They can do this whist studying for their GCSE’s, A-Levels, NCAA approved US courses, or any other online school they choose to use.
Unlike more traditional options, at the academy children can learn at their own pace, not being forced forward before they are ready and also not being held back by the rest of the class. When they are ready to move on they do so. By coming to the academy each day, they are able to complement their studies with activities that develop leadership skills, community service (such as the recent helmet initiative), complemented by daily sports and physical activity to support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
You can visit the website for more details, or you can book an appointment to meet with the academy co-ordinator to discuss what you are looking for and explain what they can offer. There is a completely free five-day trial period that can be taken advantage of by anyone interested in seeing if the academy is the right fit for them.
Website; Email: info@vilhelminternationalacademy.com; Phone: +66 065 991 5500; Facebook; Map location.
Land bridge faces uphill battle
The land bridge project was initially promoted under the Pheu Thai government led by former prime minister Srettha Thavisin as both a bold geopolitical vision and a new national economic strategy aimed at helping Thailand escape the middle-income trap.
The project was presented as a transformative shortcut linking the Indian and Pacific oceans, one that could reduce dependence on the Strait of Malacca, reposition Thailand at the center of global trade routes, and potentially reshape economic geography for decades to come. Continued …
Why Thailand’s land bridge project is going nowhere
Thai economists are expressing concern that the government’s much-touted-but-stalled land bridge project will neither be a success nor boost the economy as they hope. Some suggest that the Thai government should first revive existing economic projects left unfinished.
The land bridge project is Thailand’s proposed mega-infrastructure project, which will connect Chumphon province, on the Gulf coast, with Ranong province on the Andaman coast, with a road and rail system for the transport of goods between the two ports. Continued …
Thai poultry exports face crisis over China ban and conflicts
Kukrit Areepakorn, manager of the Thai Broiler Processing Exporters Assn., revealed that the export situation and prices of chicken are currently declining due to two main reasons: China suspending exports from 17 processing plants, and the Middle East war.
For China, Thailand previously exported from 22 processing plants, but currently can export from only five. This is because China has increased the strictness of its production standards and hygiene inspections for export plants. Continued …
AIS, True report healthy profits based on 5G growth
Advanced Info Service (AIS) and True Corp. posted strong net profits in the first quarter this year. AIS reported total revenue of 58.2 billion baht, up 3.4% year-on-year, in the first quarter, with net profit of 13.5 billion baht, a gain of 28%.
True Corp. posted a fifth consecutive quarter of profitability, with net profit after tax of 6.6 billion baht, a gain of 303% year-on-year. The profit was driven by sustained subscriber momentum, improving customer experience following network modernization, and disciplined cost management. Continued …
Thailand Tourists Monitor Declining Thai Baht Against US Dollar
Foreign tourists in Thailand are actively observing the Thai baht’s depreciation against the US dollar, a trend that directly impacts their vacation budgets. The currency opened at 31.77 per dollar, a slight weakening from 31.60, and analysts foresee continued fluctuation within the range of 31.55 to 31.95 as global economic conditions evolve.
This shift significantly benefits international visitors, enhancing their purchasing power for essential travel expenditures such as accommodation, dining, and entertainment. The current economic climate, marked by global uncertainties, makes this currency movement a key consideration for tourists planning their trips. Continued …
Hoteliers and leading foreign tourism entrepreneurs ask government to help
Thailand’s tourism industry is coming under severe pressure as foreign arrivals fall, visitor spending weakens, and operating costs surge across key destinations. In Pattaya, hotel occupancy has collapsed to as low as 30%, while bookings on Bangkok’s Khao San Road remain more than 20% below last year following Songkran.
Meanwhile, tourism operators say travelers are spending far less after arrival, as businesses battle rising fuel, food, and packaging costs linked to global instability and soaring energy prices. Industry leaders are now demanding urgent government intervention, including airfare subsidies, major event support, and free broadcasts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid growing fears Thailand’s tourism slowdown could sharply worsen during the rainy season and the second half of the year. Continued …
Indian Tourist Dies After Four Collapse at Phuket Cafe
One Indian tourist has died and three others were hospitalized after four men suddenly lost consciousness at a cafe near Kamala Beach in Phuket during the early hours Saturday. Emergency responders from Kamala transported three unconscious men to Patong Hospital and one to Thalang Hospital after they collapsed.
According to the cafe’s head security guard, the group arrived at the venue at about 11 pm on Friday. At around 2 am, four members of the group reportedly began losing consciousness one after another for unknown reasons. Continued …
3,000 cases so far in Surat Thani foreign crime crackdown
Surat Thani authorities say they are continuing a sustained crackdown on illegal foreign activity on the province’s tourist islands, with nearly 3,000 cases involving foreign nationals recorded in the past seven months. The renewed focus follows growing public concern over the presence of Israeli communities on Koh Phangan and allegations of illegal business operations, land ownership through nominees, and unlicensed activities.
Surat Thani officials have been addressing the issue continuously since October. A special task force was established under former governor Theerut Supawibulpol to investigate and suppress illegal business activities and operations involving foreign nationals, with particular attention given to Israeli groups. Continued …
Officials Inspect Resorts on Koh Phangan
Thai authorities have raided four resorts in Koh Phangan’s Sri Thanu area as part of a crackdown on illegal hotel operations and suspected foreign nominee business arrangements linked to Israeli groups staying on the island.
Officers from the Department of Provincial Administration, immigration police, and Koh Phangan police carried out coordinated inspections on Saturday, leading to charges against three businesses for allegedly operating hotels without licenses. Continued …
Thailand Bets on Revamp of Chaing Mai Hot Springs to Spearhead Wellness Drive
Thailand is officially planting its flag in the global wellness arena, earmarking a 400-million-baht budget to transform the historic Sankamphaeng Hot Springs into a premier national model for health tourism.
The initiative comes as the global “wellness economy” shows no signs of slowing down. Research from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) indicates that the sector is projected to reach $7.9 trillion. Continued …
How Thailand Revived the Tiger Against All Odds
Did you know Thailand is actually the first nation in Southeast Asia to successfully revive its tiger population? While most of the world is losing these incredible big cats, Thailand’s jungles are seeing a serious comeback. We’re talking about a massive conservation effort that’s bringing the king of the jungle back to the Western Forest Complex. It’s a huge win for wildlife and shows a side of Thai conservation history that most people completely miss. Video …
This Unknown City Wants To Become Thailand’s Next Vacation Hotspot
We all know the astonishment of Thailand with its world-wonder landscapes, vibrant array of wildlife, tangible cultures throughout massive cities and traditional villages, and of course, insanely cheap street food throughout its famous night markets.
But the truth is there’s far more to discover than Bangkok and Phuket — and you can throw in Koh Samui after its wildly successful White Lotus run. In the age of overtourism — which Koh Samui fits the bill — there’s actually one Thai city that wants to welcome more tourists after recovering from disastrous floods that ravaged the region. Continued …
Why Koh Kut remains one of Thailand’s most beautiful island escapes
Far from the crowds of Phuket and Samui, Koh Kut remains one of Thailand’s quietest and most beautiful island destinations — a place where jungle-covered hills meet crystal-clear seas and life still moves at a slower pace.
Located near the Cambodian border in eastern Thailand’s Trat province, Koh Kut — also spelled Koh Kood — is Thailand’s fourth-largest island, yet it has managed to avoid large-scale development and mass tourism. Continued …
Thailand Fast-Tracks Green Energy and Infrastructure to Lure Global Investors
The Thai government is significantly ramping up its national energy infrastructure and streamlining investment protocols to capitalize on a new wave of global digital and clean energy interest.
Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek stated that despite the current volatility in the global economy, Thailand remains a “highly resilient” emerging market. She attributed this sustained investor confidence to the nation’s stable policy framework and robust international reserves. Continued …
Thailand turns solar power from green option to economic necessity amid ongoing Mideast conflict
Thailand’s energy crisis, sparked by Middle East tensions, has rapidly turned solar power from a green option into an economic necessity. As electricity costs surge, homes and businesses are rushing to install rooftop panels, with demand outpacing supply and installers struggling to keep up.
Heavily reliant on imported energy, Thailand is vulnerable to global shocks. Despite abundant sunshine, renewables still make up only about 10% of its power mix. To accelerate adoption, the Thai government has recently introduced tax incentives for residential solar. Continued …
Banks tapped for solar financing push
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) is exploring ways to make loans more accessible for households joining the rooftop solar buyback scheme, aiming to encourage wider adoption of clean energy and help families generate their own electricity.
The scheme, approved by the National Energy Policy Council, allows the government to purchase electricity from homeowners who install on-grid solar panels at a rate of 2.20 baht per unit. Continued …
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Russian Tourists Arrested After Phuket Brawl – Continued …
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Tourist Police Bust Illegal Laos Tour Operator – Continued …
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Chinese Tourists Spearfish Protected Fish in Phuket – Continued …
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China Fugitive Arrested in Bangkok Condo – 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
The Bank of Thailand is scheduled to introduce standardized banking fees in July this year, seeking to reduce financial costs for individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
MOU 44 row deepens — Anutin says Koh Kood remains Thai
Southeast Asian nations hit by soaring fuel and food prices caused by the Middle East war are weighing solutions that include setting up a regional oil reserve, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said yesterday.
An online petition launched by environmental group EnLAW has gathered over 100,000 signatures in three days, signaling widespread opposition to the government’s proposed land bridge megaproject.
Senate pushes for turning Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi into single ASEAN hub
Luyuan Group Holding has joined a fledgling move by Chinese two-wheeler makers setting up factories abroad, with its Thursday announcement of plans for a new facility in Thailand. It joins peers like Yadea and TAILG, which have also recently set up similar new facilities in Southeast Asia to tap local markets for electric bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles.
WHAUP continues to strengthen its position as a renewable energy leader by securing a major deal with Yida New Material for the installation of a 16.64-megawatt solar rooftop project. The project is expected to help the customer reduce electricity costs by more than B1.22 billion over the 20-year contract period and cut carbon emissions by over 206,491 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Weeks after the Pacific Ocean engine that helps drive the world’s weather shifted into neutral, meteorologists and scientists are now laser-focused on the developing signals of its warm phase: El Niño. It’s what the global forecast models are making of the early signals that is drawing attention. 
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of widespread thunderstorms, gusty winds and heavy rain in some areas today, as another surge of high pressure (cool air mass) spreads over the upper northeast and the South China Sea.
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp. (BCP) reduced retail fuel prices across major diesel and petrol products today. The price cut covered diesel B7, diesel B20, premium diesel, benzine, Gasohol 95, Gasohol 91, E85 and E20, all of which were lowered by 85 satang per liter.
For anyone who has watched a loved one struggle with addiction, or for those who have faced it themselves, a single, frustrating question often hangs in the air: “Why can’t you just stop?”
Pawnshops and community initiatives are expanding support measures as families prepare for the new school term amid rising living costs.
Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) says airlines have been forced to scale back operations as jet fuel costs surge, with flight schedules now running at just over 60% of pre-crisis operating plans amid heightened geopolitical tensions — particularly in the Middle East.
Travelers across Asia were left stranded after major airlines cancelled hundreds of flights and delayed thousands of others in a single day. Thousands of people were affected by the disruptions across Thailand, Singapore, India, China, South Korea and Malaysia yesterday. It has been reported that 194 flights were cancelled and 2,603 delayed.
Thailand’s household debt situation in 2026 is becoming one of the key warning signs for the Thai economy, after the Trade Policy and Strategy Office released the findings of its February 2026 survey on people’s debt burdens and future trends.
Bank of Thailand (BOT) Gov. Vitai Ratanakorn has dismissed concerns that Thailand is entering stagflation, saying the current inflation spike is temporary and that the government’s 400-billion-baht borrowing plan could help lift GDP growth this year to 2.1%.
The Ministry of Finance is scheduled to open registration for the “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” (Thais Help Thais Plus) scheme and the state welfare card program on May 25. Under the program, people who do not hold state welfare cards receive 1,000 baht per month in their e-wallets for four months.
Thailand’s Department of Airports plans to build six new airports worth a combined B26 billion, with Bueng Kan Airport in upper northeast Thailand expected to become the first project submitted to Cabinet after its environmental impact assessment (EIA) received approval. The plan forms part of a wider strategy to expand regional air travel capacity and improve support for tourism and infrastructure projects across the country.
Empyrion Digital, a Singapore-headquartered next-generation data center developer and operator, commenced groundbreaking for its first data center in Thailand. The milestone marks Empyrion Digital’s entry into the Thailand market and reinforces its continued expansion across Asia.
The Indian business community in Pattaya has urged the Thai government to restore confidence among tourists from the subcontinent, which has been affected by intense regional competition and fraudulent practices by foreign tour operators.
What is Thailand’s Royal Ploughing ceremony?
Thailand without the crowds: Where do you go when everywhere else is packed?
The Department of Climate Change and Environment (DDCE) is expediting the Climate Change Act to comply with directives from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.
A US trade court dealt another blow to President Donald Trump’s tariff strategy, ruling that his latest 10% temporary global duties are unjustified under a 1970s trade law, but blocked thelevies only for two private importers and the State of Washington. 
Hua Hin City Municipality is preparing for possible drought-related problems after a dry spell caused water levels in Pran Buri Reservoir to fall to a low level. A meeting was called yesterday after the Pran Buri Water Transmission and Maintenance Project reported that low rainfall since the start of 2026 had affected water levels in Pran Buri Reservoir.
Prachuap Khiri Khan province is facing severe drought conditions, with more than 512 million liters of water already distributed to households lacking water for daily use. Deputy Governor Prateep Boriboonrat chaired a meeting yesterday to monitor the drought situation.
Airpocalypse Forever: Thailand Gasps for Breath
Airlines worldwide hit by Iran war with fare rises, cuts, and closures
Middle East Conflict Sends Fertilizer Costs Soaring for Asia’s Rice Farmers
Thailand’s inflation rate increased by 2.89% in April compared to last year, driven by rising oil and food prices, reported Nantapong Chiralerspong of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office. The increase is linked to Middle Eastern conflicts causing a blockage in the Strait of Hormuz, which has sharply escalated global oil prices. This surge has impacted public transport and, subsequently, the cost of food and services in the country.
Thailand’s back-to-school season is expected to generate total consumer spending of 66 billion baht in 2026, a 6% increase on the previous year and the fastest rate of growth in 13 years, according to research released yesterday by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). The findings arrive as the broader Thai economy struggles for momentum, with GDP growth forecast at just 1.6% for the year.
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) has approved six major investment projects worth a combined 29.9 billion dollars, led by a large-scale data infrastructure expansion by TikTok. The largest share comes from TikTok Systems (Thailand) Co., which plans to invest 26.3 billion dollars, across Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chachoengsao.
Pattaya and Chon Buri tourism operators are suffering from the government’s work-from-home policies during the low season, expecting only 30%-40% occupancy rates this month, while they compete for markets with high potential such as Chinese and Indian tourists by offering discounts.
Bangkok is set to become the hottest major city in Southeast Asia by 2050, with temperatures projected to rise above 38C as climate change and the urban heat island effect intensify across the region.
Global debt climbed to a record near US$353 trillion by the end of March, with the IIF saying investors are showing growing interest in Japanese and European bonds over US Treasuries. 
Thailand’s Alcohol Control Committee has opened a public consultation on a draft regulation setting days when alcohol sales would be prohibited, with feedback accepted until May 30. The move signals a potential update to existing restrictions, while confirming that recent changes to daytime alcohol sales have not increased accident rates.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday confirmed that Thais will definitely view World Cup 2026 football games to be broadcast live from host countries in North America between next month and July.
Even if you don’t drink coffee, you will know that the coffee business has grown tremendously because coffee shops, either small or large, have been mushrooming. Due to the growth of this market, Thailand is set to host one of the world’s most influential coffee events – World Of Coffee Bangkok 2026.
Is 60 truly the perfect endpoint of a working life? This question is becoming ever more pressing as Thailand, and the broader Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, rapidly transform into a “super-aged society” – a definition for a country or society where 20% or more of the population is aged 65 or older.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth downplayed the U.S. military’s new effort to clear the Strait of Hormuz as a “temporary mission” that does not break the ceasefire with Iran, even after the Pentagon said it sank half a dozen small Iranian boats.
U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday he would briefly pause an operation to help ships escape the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran. 
Thailand’s rice exporters say the Iran war has dealt a major blow to shipments to the Middle East, wiping out more than 200,000 tons of exports over the past three months.
The Cabinet yesterday approved a draft emergency decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow up to 400 billion baht to address the impact of the energy crisis and support Thailand’s energy transition. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the decision was necessary because conflict in the Middle East had severely affected energy prices and economic activity worldwide.
Thailand’s condominium market in 2026 is facing pressure from all sides, including the domestic economy and external factors, particularly tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel that have pushed oil prices higher, significantly affecting the cost of goods and services, as well as the cost of living for Thai consumers.
More than 50% of farmer debtors are unlikely to fully repay their debts within their lifetime, largely because most of them are elderly, according to the Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research (PIER). The institute says a combination of debt relief measures is needed to address the issue.
Before we go too far down the road of new tourism taxes, it is worth pausing to ask a simple question. Are we really talking about something new, or are we revisiting an old idea that has already been tried, tested and, in many cases, quietly abandoned?
A tourist complaint has put photographers at Wat Arun back in the spotlight after visitors claimed they were told to move from public areas to make way for paying photo clients.
Bangkok food vendor curbs push city staple from the streets
Chinatown in Bangkok is one of the world’s most vibrant Chinese districts, famous for its atmosphere and energy. Visitors can explore Yaowarat Road, admire landmarks like China Gate and Wat Traimit, wander through Sampheng Lane, and enjoy a rich variety of street food after dark. 
In 2026, longevity tourism has shifted to focus on maximizing health span, with Thailand at the forefront. The country integrates medical innovation with cultural wisdom, addressing its aging society through proactive health management.
Starting times for the Hua Hin Marathon 2026 have been confirmed, with organizers expecting more than 3,500 runners to take part in the annual race on Sunday, May 10. The event will include four race distances and aims to raise funds for environmental conservation in the city.
Dear Doctors: I just read about people who are called super-agers and how they don’t have the memory problems that happen when you get older. Supposedly, they have more brain cells. Do you know if that’s true? The idea of super-agers is really interesting, and I want to know more.
Thailand is facing the risk of water shortages after its “source water” reserves, stored supplies used during the dry season, declined due to climate change and El Niño.
Thailand’s economy is being hit by what economists describe as a “cost tsunami”, as the Middle East conflict enters its third month following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, driving up energy prices and placing pressure on both businesses and households.
Thailand’s grassroots economy is facing a critical turning point as a “perfect storm” of soaring energy costs and stagnant consumer demand leaves a significant portion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on the verge of collapse.
Thailand’s medical device industry is facing potential supply shortages by July due to rising costs influenced by global energy instability and restricted exports from China. Jarudech Kunadilok, chairman of MEDIC, highlighted that soaring logistics expenses and increased prices for essential materials like plastic resins threaten production.
Thailand is attracting significant foreign investment from major tech companies, despite recent economic challenges. Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and ByteDance have committed billions to expand digital infrastructure, marking a notable shift in Thailand’s economic landscape.
By almost every traditional metric, Thailand is winning the digital race. From the neon-lit boardrooms of the Eastern Economic Corridor to the street-side stalls of Chiang Mai, the nation’s digital “plumbing” is among the most sophisticated in the world.
There is a phrase that has quietly become the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) defining axiom for our era: there is no AI without energy. It sounds simple enough. But the International Energy Agency’s newly published report, Key Questions on Energy and AI, shows just how staggeringly complex and urgent that relationship has become.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has been appointed to lead a government committee tasked with studying the proposed land bridge project within a 90-day timeframe, according to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
The housing market in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) continued to soften in 2025, with both demand and supply contracting year-on-year, according to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC).
Thailand is seeking to reposition its healthcare sector as a strategic investment engine, moving beyond a buyer-seller model toward long-term partnerships in clinical research, drug production, medical AI, and advanced healthcare technology.
Thai Union Group expects a positive outlook for the pet food business, although Thailand’s pet food export growth is expected to moderate this year.
Thailand’s tourism sector is facing an unprecedented convergence of crises, as geopolitical tensions, soaring energy costs, and structural economic weaknesses collide to form what analysts are calling a “perfect storm.”
The Koh Phi Phi islands in Thailand deliver some of the most breathtaking scenery you’re ever likely to see. Set in the Andaman Sea, they’re made up of dramatic limestone cliffs and white sand bays surrounded by turquoise waters filled with tropical fish.
Video of Railay Beach, Krabi
Bangkok’s Street Food Scene Is Disappearing
Stronger promotion of solar power by Thai authorities amid an energy crisis holds promise, but still faces challenges, say industry analysts. Clean energy is in the spotlight after global conflicts continue to push electricity prices higher, leaving households and businesses vulnerable to volatility.
Chief government whip Korrawee Prissananantakul yesterday expressed confidence that the Clean Air Bill, which lapsed with the previous House, will be approved by the cabinet within the set timeframe.
As wildfires swept through forests across Thailand, animals fled through smoke and flames. Experts urged the government to act more proactively to tackle the wildfires, particularly by adopting modern technology.
TotalEnergies ENEOS has entered into a long-term agreement with Jintana Intertrade, a garment manufacturer in Thailand, to supply solar power to its production facility. The two companies have signed a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) that will support the installation and operation of a 1.2 MWp solar photovoltaic system at the factory.
Hua Hin Hospital has reported positive feedback from amputees who have used the Thai-developed “dynamic prosthetic foot”, which enables them to walk and even run with a level of ease much closer to that of a natural foot.
A Hua Hin youth football tournament brought together 180 young players from schools in Hua Hin and Pran Buri yesterday. The inaugural Hua Hin Youth Football Championship for Literacy 2026 was held at Khao Takiab Stadium in Hua Hin.
Strict disciplinary action will be taken against officials implicated in the granting of preferential treatment for Chinese inmates at Bangkok Remand Prison late last year, the Department of Corrections (DoC) says.
Thailand pushes land bridge as energy hub to guard against Hormuz risk
While a majority of people in southern Thailand support the proposed land bridge megaproject, more than half say they have only a limited understanding of it, according to a Nida poll survey released yesterday.
Thailand’s renewable long-stay visa scheme for foreign condominium buyers is unlikely to be a decisive factor in attracting overseas investment, according to a property market expert, saying that decisions are driven more by lifestyle, education, and regulatory clarity. Laurent Richer, chief financial officer of an online property platform, Fazwaz, said the visa policy acts as an enabler rather than a core incentive.
According to the latest residential market survey by the Thai Real Estate Research and Valuation Information Center at the Agency for Real Estate Affairs Co., Phuket property has expanded sharply. Phuket is the second-largest real estate market, behind only Greater Bangkok.
Thailand’s smart devices industry is showing strong export momentum, with “mart home” exports soaring 86.5% in 2025 to US$19.17 billion, underlining the country’s growing role as a key production and export base for technology products, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) under the Commerce Ministry.
Bangkok’s beloved street food culture at risk as vendor crackdown widens
Deputy Transport Minister Sanphet Bunyamanee says he is pushing for a 5-billion-baht cruise terminal on Koh Samui in the southern province of Surat Thani, with a targeted completion date in 2032.
In Thailand, local wisdom and medical experts alike warn that pairing durian with certain substances can be physically taxing or even life-threatening. If you are planning to indulge, here are the three critical combinations you must avoid to stay safe.
Thailand has launched the “Amazing Green Journey” campaign to help move the country’s tourism industry toward sustainability, while encouraging consumers to adopt more environmentally responsible lifestyles and travel habits.
In the Nong Khaem Waste Management Center, western Bangkok, garbage trucks enter a waste-to-energy plant, where waste is converted into electricity. In the plant, no smoke can be seen from the towering chimney and there is no smell of garbage in the air.
The European Union (EU) will enforce new rules from 2027 requiring smartphones and other battery-powered devices to allow easier battery replacement, though the law does not necessarily mean handsets must return to removable back covers as many consumers assume. 
Does your morning coffee make you feel invincible? There may be some truth to that, as new research explains how coffee helps protect against aging and chronic disease.
Thailand’s minimum wage has risen by an average of just 1.7% per year over the past decade, with limited improvement in real incomes as rising living costs offset gains, according to analysis by Bnomics, the research unit of Bangkok Bank.
Thailand is accelerating plans to upgrade its southern rail network and revive cross-border links with Malaysia, as part of a broader push to position the country as a regional logistics hub.
Fruit export push — Commerce targets B179 billion in 2026
On health insurance for foreign populations, including both workers and tourists, Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said yesterday said that foreigners entering Thailand — whether for tourism, work or short cross-border visits — could become a major economic burden if they were unable to pay for medical treatment. He said the health insurance system could help fill that gap and offset the cost.
Why Thais can’t get enough of moo kratha — and why some can’t stand it
Eat your hearts out Pablo Escobar, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, and Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes. The richest cartel by far is still the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and its leaders also get to die in bed. But one of its oldest members, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has just quit. No notice, no explanations — just quit.
US President Donald Trump said yesterday he would raise tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union to 25% next week, accusing the bloc of failing to carry out its trade commitments with Washington. The planned increase would replace the previously agreed 15% tariff level under a US-EU trade arrangement reached last year. 
The United States is withdrawing 5,000 troops from NATO ally Germany, the Pentagon announced yesterday, as a rift over the Iran war widens between President Donald Trump and Europe. 
WFFT celebrates 25 years
Kui Buri National Park safari vehicle fee rises to 1,200 baht
A 21-year-old man survived a serious facial injury after doctors at Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital worked with rescue workers to remove a metal spear more than one meter long embedded in his face.
Thailand’s economy is beginning to feel the full force of prolonged conflict in the Middle East, with rising energy costs, weakening demand, and global uncertainty combining to pressure businesses across multiple sectors.
Amid stagflation fears, fledgling Anutin government juggles economic tools
PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Co. (OR) and Bangchak Corp. announced a 60 satang-per-liter increase for diesel B7 and diesel B20. Premium diesel prices were unchanged.
Rice supply is expected to fall this year as farmers cut planting acreage across Asia because of fertilizer shortages and soaring fuel costs from the Iran war, with an emerging El Nino also set to squeeze output of the world’s most consumed staple.
When the tankers stop, the tractors stop
Thailand is marking Labor Day today, a date that underscores the importance of workers’ rights while also highlighting a long-standing distinction between private-sector employees and civil servants.
The baht is expected to weaken further, possibly testing 33.5 to the US dollar in the near term after the US Federal Reserve caused the dollar to rise by signaling that policy easing is unlikely this year, says Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research).
Fitch Ratings expects the sector outlook for Thai banks to deteriorate this year, despite solid earnings in the first quarter at the six domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs).
Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) edged up 0.75% year-on-year to 108.69 points in March amid tensions in the Middle East affecting some industries and discouraging purchases of oil-powered cars, according to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said pressure from rising energy prices and living costs had made Thais more cautious about spending and led them to adjust their travel behavior, with a greater focus on budgets, especially after the travel and spending during the Songkran festival.
Thailand’s meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions industry is facing a sharp slowdown in new bookings as airfares surge by around 20% amid the prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
Thailand has evolved into one of Asia’s most established hubs for expats and remote workers, supported by extensive fiber broadband, near-universal mobile coverage, and a growing ecosystem of coworking spaces.
Thai iced tea has been named one of the world’s top 10 non-alcoholic beverages, with TasteAtlas ranking the Thai favorite ninth in its latest global list.
Exploring Koh Yao Noi, a relaxing alternative in Thailand
Three Thai shores make the World’s 50 Best Beaches
Amata B.Grimm Power 5 has signed an 11.98 megawatt-peak (MWp) floating solar project contract with Siam Toyota Manufacturing Co. (STM).
Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi is to be moved to house arrest, state media reported yesterday, more than five years after the military ousted the civilian government she led and jailed the Nobel laureate. 
Plans for a Hua Hin Smart City development are moving forward, with proposals including free public WiFi, a pet registration platform, and smart drinking water dispensers currently under consideration by local authorities.
A mangrove restoration plan has been approved for the Sirinart Rajini Mangrove Forest, with officials proposing a 4.9-million-baht budget to address water system issues and support long-term ecological recovery.
Two decades after declaring an official war on air pollution, Thailand is losing the battle. Despite a flurry of committees and high-profile promises, crucial indicators show that the sources of the smog and its deadly health impacts are rising once again. What began as a seasonal nuisance in the northern highlands has metastasized into a year-round national health crisis that threatens the very fabric of Thai society.
As the global order fractures and major powers like China, Russia, and the United States drift toward the precipice of open conflict, the very definition of “wealth” is undergoing a radical transformation.
The Thai Food Processors’ Assn. is calling on the government to reduce energy costs, pursue negotiations on free-trade agreements (FTAs), and explore new market opportunities. The association said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is pressuring logistics, raw materials, and packaging costs.
Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), said that against the backdrop of global volatility and shifts in production bases, Thailand had continued to attract investor interest.
Known for its pungent aroma and rich, custard-like texture, the durian has recently become a focal point of Thai national discourse. However, the current debate centers not on its flavor, but on its role as a litmus test for the government’s ability to engineer sustainable solutions for the nation’s agricultural sector.
Traveling the Road to Ordination on an Elephant
Chef Pam is putting Thai cuisine back into the global conversation
The National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) has approved a new electricity tariff structure that will help millions of Thai households save money, along with sweeping measures to unlock residential rooftop solar development.
Senior officials from Laos and Thailand met in Vientiane yesterday for consultations on cross-border smog, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to cleaner air and stronger pollution-control cooperation.
Viral posts of an Australian street dubbed the country’s “most beautiful” have enticed coachloads of visitors to a picturesque seaside town — and locals have had enough of it. Just a two-hour drive south of Sydney, Gerringong is much like many other photogenic hamlets along Australia’s east coast, with multi-million-dollar properties set against stunning views of the azure blue sea. 
Buckets of blooms adorn Yuvita Anggi Prinanda’s sidewalk flower stall in Bali, but their perfume can’t mask the stench of accumulating trash bespoiling parts of the resort island famed for its natural beauty. Bali’s largest landfill was declared off-limits for organic waste from the beginning of April, as the government moves to enforce a longstanding ban on open pits.