- Oil tanker crew member rescued/Thai gasohol 91–95 phase-out/Microsoft outage eases/Gambling law overhaul/Schoolchildren toss live grenade
- ECONOMY: Thailand’s $46.5 Billion Wellness Economy/Thailand’s foreign condo market/28% growth in investment/Nvidia Leadership Shock Tests Thailand/Thailand’s ‘low-altitude economy/Oversight for digital platforms
- TOURISM: Chiang Mai and Yi Peng Festival/Tourists spend crypto in baht
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: My unforgettable Thailand adventure
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Norway court rules against oil producers/Household recycling ‘won’t fix crisis’/Toxic river contamination threatens local economies/Nuclear energy shift puts coal and gas at risk
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Sunk oil tanker crew member rescued, 5 still missing
A crewman from the fishing fuel tanker Venus 14 has been rescued by a fishing boat following the vessel’s sinking in the Gulf of Thailand off Prauchuap Khiri Khan. Five other crew members remain missing after the vessel went down on Wednesday, about 28 nautical miles off the coast.
The Royal Thai Navy and the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai-MECC) are continuing a sea and air search for those still unaccounted for. Continued …
Thai gasohol 91–95 phase-out raises 70-billion-baht annual tax question
Thailand would need to address vehicle compatibility and the future of an estimated 70.3 billion baht in annual tax receipts before withdrawing gasohol 91 and 95, according to an analysis by Krungthep Turakij. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul challenged reports of a phase-out on Wednesday, insisting that any proposal must be supported by detailed information.
The estimated 70.3 billion baht represents excise and municipal taxes collected from the two fuel grades at the consumption levels cited in the report. The figure does not establish the net revenue loss from a switch to other fuels, which would depend on replacement sales and the tax rates applicable when any transition takes place. Continued …
Microsoft outage eases after over 24 hours with no full recovery timeline
Microsoft was still working toward full recovery of Outlook, Teams and related services early today, Thai time, after more than 24 hours of worldwide disruption, with no confirmed timetable for complete restoration.
Microsoft’s incident update at 5 am Thai time reported sustained recovery but said engineers were monitoring delayed emails and remaining service problems before declaring the incident resolved. Continued …
Thailand seeks views on gambling law overhaul
Thailand’s government has opened a public consultation on a proposed overhaul of the Gambling Act, with comments accepted through the central legal system until Dec. 9. The Interior Ministry’s Department of Provincial Administration is revising the Gambling Act BE 2478 (1935), a law that has been in force for more than 90 years.
Deputy government spokeswoman Ploythale Laksmeesangchan said yesterday that the existing law needs updating to reflect social changes and increasingly varied, complex forms of online and electronic gambling. Continued …
Schoolchildren toss live grenade around before teachers intervene
Pupils at a school in Kalasin were caught throwing a grenade around after finding it Thursday. Teachers intervened before police bomb disposal officers were called in.
The incident was reported at at a school in Lam Nong Saen subdistrict, Nong Kung Si district. The pupils had found the object outside a teacher’s accommodation and apparently did not realize it was dangerous. Continued …
Wellness Institute Releases New Data on Thailand’s Fast-Growing $46.5 Billion Wellness Economy
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a leading research and educational resource for the global wellness industry, has released new data revealing that Thailand’s wellness economy reached $46.5 billion in 2025, continuing several years of strong growth. The new figures were released during the 20th anniversary Global Wellness Summit in Phuket.
According to GWI’s latest research, Thailand’s wellness economy grew by 8.8% in 2025, following increases of 11.6% in 2024, 16.9% in 2023 and 15.3% in 2022 (with these exceptionally high growth rates reflecting a period of economic recovery after the pandemic-driven decline in 2020 and 2021). Thailand now ranks as the world’s 26th largest wellness economy and ninth largest in the Asia-Pacific region. Continued …
Russian buyers rank second by value in Thailand’s foreign condo market
Foreign demand for condominiums in Thailand remains under pressure, with ownership transfers down 12.7% in the first nine months of 2026.
Yet, the slowdown masks a shift in the buyer base: demand from China, long the dominant market, has fallen sharply, while Russian, Indian and Western buyers are expanding their presence, bringing Chon Buri and Phuket to prominence. Continued …
BoI reports 28% growth in investment in third quarter
The Board of Investment (BoI) has reported a 28% year-on-year increase in the value of actual investment by promoted projects in the third quarter of 2026, bringing the total for the first nine months to 796.5 billion baht.
The government has prioritized monitoring actual investment after projects receive approval, which provides a clearer picture of progress and investment activity in the economy, BoI Secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi said yesterday. Continued …
Nvidia Leadership Shock Tests Thailand’s $27-billion AI Infrastructure Ambitions
A governance crisis at artificial intelligence chipmaker Nvidia has triggered sharp volatility across global semiconductor equities and digital asset markets, raising critical questions for Thailand’s rapidly expanding digital infrastructure and semiconductor supply chains.
For Thailand, the upheaval arrives at a pivotal juncture for its domestic technology and manufacturing sectors. According to Board of Investment (BOI) and industry figures, Thailand approved 88 AI and data center projects valued at roughly $27 billion (900 billion baht) in the first half of 2026 alone, with nearly one gigawatt of compute capacity under active construction by major operators, including TikTok, Bridge Data Centers, and Gulf Energy. Because global hyperscalers rely heavily on Nvidia’s graphics processing units to outfit these facilities, prolonged strategic uncertainty or product roadmap delays under interim leadership could slow capital expenditure deployments across the Eastern Economic Corridor Continued …
Drones at heart of ‘low-altitude economy’
Growing drone use is creating opportunities in transport, healthcare and emergency services, as Thailand prepares to develop its low-altitude economy, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
Expanding the use of unmanned aircraft could make the low-altitude economy a driver of the aviation industry, CAAT Director-general ACM Manat Chavanaprayoon said yesterday. Continued …
TCCT focusing on price structure oversight for digital platforms?
The Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) is focusing on price structure oversight to ensure fair competition and prevent unfair trade practices within the digital economy. The regulator aims to prevent platforms with significant market power from implementing unjustified fee increases or discriminatory practices that could harm small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and consumers.
The proposed guidelines focus on the overall fee structure rather than setting fixed price ceilings, aiming to promote transparency in how platforms charge for services like sales commissions, advertising, and payment processing. By requiring platforms to justify their fees and provide clear, non-discriminatory disclosure, the TCCT seeks to address concerns regarding market dominance and the potential for platforms to restrict seller choice, such as by tying them to specific logistics providers. Furthermore, the oversight is intended to ensure that fee changes are communicated in advance, preventing sudden increases that could impact business stability or consumer pricing. – Bangkok Post AI
Chiang Mai Airport gears up for Yi Peng Festival, 35,000 passengers expected daily
Chiang Mai International Airport is preparing to welcome tourists for the 2026 Yi Peng Festival, with passenger numbers expected to reach 35,000 per day. The airport is arranging staff and resources to handle the expected increase in travelers.
Yi Peng is a traditional festival in northern Thailand. The festival features the release of sky lanterns into the night sky, fireworks displays, and colorful lanterns decorating temples and homes. These activities reflect Lanna culture, beliefs, and traditions. Visitors can also experience traditional activities and local celebrations that showcase the unique charm of
northern Thailand. Continued …
Thailand app lets tourists spend crypto in baht
Foreign visitors to Thailand can use the new WORPT app to convert cryptocurrency into baht and pay at shops and restaurants using the country’s widely used QR-code payment system.
The service does not require tourists to hold a Thai bank account. Instead, users convert their crypto holdings into baht before making purchases through barcode scans. Continued …
Holy Weed and Ant Bites: My unforgettable Thailand adventure
“Have you gone to take Holy Weed?” That became the running joke among my colleagues and me after we stumbled upon a cannabis shop bearing the intriguing sign, “Holy Weed”, on our first day in Bangkok. Coming from Nigeria, where cannabis is prohibited, we found the sight amusing. Little did we know that this seemingly ordinary discovery would become one of the most enduring jokes of our trip.
We had traveled to Thailand to cover the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. We expected economic debates, press briefings, interviews and long hours of reporting. But beyond the conference halls, Thailand offered a fascinating mix of unexpected discoveries, exciting adventures and important lessons about tourism. Continued …
Norway court rules oil producers must account for emissions from burning their oil
Norway’s Supreme Court yesterday ruled that three oil licenses granted by the government in the North Sea were invalid since their emissions impact had not adequately been accounted for.
The court agreed with climate campaigners, who challenged the validity of the licenses, arguing that the environmental impact assessments had not considered the emissions from burning the oil after it had been extracted. Continued …
Household recycling ‘won’t fix crisis’
Household recycling is considered insufficient to solve Thailand’s waste crisis because it fails to address the broader responsibility required for effective management. Experts suggest that the country needs to move toward a circular economy model that shifts responsibility beyond cash-strapped local authorities to include government, consumers, and manufacturers.
The scale of the problem is significant, with Thailand generating approximately 72.72 million tons of waste annually. While household efforts are a part of the solution, experts warn that a comprehensive transition to a circular economy is necessary to replace the traditional take-make-take model. Furthermore, issues such as the contamination of recyclables with wet waste and the limited capacity of local authorities to collect separated waste present major hurdles to effectiveness. – Bangkok Post AI
Toxic river contamination threatens local economies beyond fisheries
Toxic contamination in Thailand’s freshwater rivers is threatening the livelihoods of 44,731 fishing households across four provinces, with potential economic consequences extending to agriculture, tourism, public health and food security.
The Kasikorn Research Center has called for urgent action to stop pollution at its source and restore affected ecosystems, cautioning that prolonged contamination could cause economic and social damage that would be increasingly difficult to quantify. Continued …
Asia’s nuclear energy shift puts coal and gas at risk
Asia dominates the construction pipeline for both new nuclear power plants and renewable energy capacity, setting the stage for a potential erosion in fossil fuel use in power generation across the region.
Asian nations are home to 73% of all new reactors currently being built, according to data from Global Energy Monitor (GEM), accounting for 66 gigawatts (GW) of the global total of 91 GW moving through construction. Continued …
US airspace now ‘opened up’, no cyberattack
The United States yesterday lifted an hours-long ground stop at the nation’s airports, with top officials explaining that the disruption was due to old equipment and not a cyberattack or sweeping Microsoft outage. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told a late-night briefing at the White House that US airspace was now “opened up”, while warning it would take time for the travel chaos to clear. 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
The New England Aquarium’s Marine Conservation Action Fund supported project leader Laraswati Clarita Ola to attend the World Small-Scale Fisheries Congress in Hua Hin, Thailand. Here, she shares her experience.
Koh Samui flood warning as rain and high tides hit
Bangkok must move beyond reactive flood defenses and learn the art of “living with water” to safeguard its future against climate change and accelerating land subsidence, a senior United Nations official warned yesterday.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into Thailand have surged by 62% year-on-year, propelled by a diversified range of source markets and growing international confidence in the kingdom’s structural fundamentals.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is preparing to welcome Chinese Premier Li Qiang at Government House in Bangkok today, for talks and cooperation agreement signings. The official visit will be the first by a Chinese premier in seven years.
Thailand has moved to secure its digital investment future, unveiling sweeping new data center regulations after electricity requests topped 30,000 megawatts. Yet, officials say barely a quarter of applicants have genuine investment plans.
Thai Airways and Thai AirAsia faced mounting financial pressure in the third quarter of 2026, as higher aviation fuel costs, foreign-exchange losses and weaker passenger demand affected their earnings.
PTT reported a net profit of 40.55 billion baht in the third quarter of 2026, more than double the amount recorded a year earlier, supported by a recovery in refining margins, gains from oil inventories and stronger performance in its petroleum businesses.
Thailand and Canada aim to conclude negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) by the end of 2027, according to Thailand’s Department of Trade Negotiations. The first round took place in Toronto, Canada, on Oct. 26–30.
Airfares between Bangkok and Chiang Mai have surged to more than 33,000 baht ($977) during the Yi Peng lantern festival, prompting Thailand’s deputy transport minister to blame online travel agencies for inflated prices and advise passengers to book directly with airlines.
The government is proposing a pilot sandbox scheme for Bangkok’s Khao San and Rambuttri roads to curb bribery and improve law enforcement at entertainment venues. This initiative aims to close regulatory loopholes that allow officials to solicit bribes and to strengthen the enforcement of existing laws.
Toxic Sai River upends lives in Mae Sai
Thailand’s shortage of approximately 26,000 electric vehicle charging outlets is creating significant business opportunities, particularly for landowners who can transform their properties into EV destinations. This growing demand is being driven by a rapid increase in EV registrations, which saw a nearly 90% year-on-year jump in September alone.
The Thai government is expected to present new measures to the cabinet in December aimed at curbing illegal electronic waste imports, factory violations, and hazardous waste dumping.
Brent crude gained US$3.06 a barrel yesterday, as Houthi claims of attacks on Saudi energy facilities and disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz intensified concerns about global oil supplies.
Finland’s government yesterday announced it was restricting visas for Russian athletes, insisting that they had “no business” in the country as long as the Ukraine war goes on. Hours later, Norway announced that it would prevent professional Russian and Belarusian sportspeople from competing on its territory. 
Global AI-linked stocks tumbled yesterday as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigned following a deepening scandal around his affairs, upending the chipmaker’s leadership and posing fresh risks to a sector already reeling with funding and regulatory concerns. 
Struggling German carmaker Mercedes-Benz announced yesterday it will halt all investment in Germany and is mulling plant closures, underlining the woes facing the country’s automotive sector. Like its German peers, Mercedes has been battered by Chinese competition and high costs, and last month became the third big German carmaker to cut its outlook for the year. 
A British national and a French national were taken to Prachuap Khiri Khan Prison on Monday, after Hua Hin Court sentenced each to six months in prison without suspension in separate cases involving nominee shareholding.
The Standard and Sansiri unveil branded luxury residences in Hua Hin
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) has issued a winter health advisory covering seven infectious diseases and two potentially fatal hazards, urging particular care for young children, older people and those with underlying medical conditions.
The Thai government is considering a plan to phase out Gasohol 91 and 95 to promote the use of E20 gasohol and B20 biodiesel, though a fixed timeline for this transition has not been established. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the transition will take place gradually and will not happen immediately.
The Ministry of Interior has imposed a one-year suspension on the issuance of new firearms licenses nationwide, granting exceptions only for national security, sports, inheritance transfers, and previously purchased guns.
The president of the Watchdog Thailand Foundation (WDT), a non-profit animal welfare organization, has accused her predecessor of embezzling about 13 million baht in public donations for personal use.
Corruption has emerged as the leading obstacle to Thailand’s economic development in a survey of 80 business executives and policymakers, with 65% expecting the economy to grow by no more than 2% or contract in 2027.
The Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) fell to 89.9 points in October from 90.7 in the previous month due to rising manufacturing and operating costs. These increased costs were primarily driven by volatile global energy prices and escalating geopolitical conflicts.
The Consumer Confidence Index fell to 50.9 in October, marking its second decline in five months. This drop was attributed to consumer concerns regarding the ongoing effects of recent flooding and rising prices for fuel and agricultural products.
Yodchanan Wongsawat, minister of higher education, science, research and innovation, outlined plans yesterday to build artificial intelligence literacy among 20 million people in Thailand, linking education reform and scientific investment to new sources of economic growth.
AI shopping assistants serve a wide range of functions designed to simplify the consumer experience, from hunting for bargains and scrutinizing product reviews to waiting for better deals to emerge. These digital agents can also manage complex tasks such as researching products, comparing specific specifications, and analyzing reviews to understand buyer preferences.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) opened bookings yesterday for three winter rail tours to Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima and Sisaket, with packages starting at 4,999 baht per person. The overnight trips include accommodation, meals, transport during the trip and guided sightseeing.
Electricity Generating Public Co has informed the Stock Exchange of Thailand that three companies within EGCO Group have successfully executed power purchase agreements (PPAs) for all 11 projects covering five strategic provinces: Ratchaburi, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Rayong and Songkhla.
Thailand is escalating its cybersecurity measures in response to an increase in sophisticated, daily cyberattack attempts that target government agencies, banks, and critical infrastructure. These threats are being driven by a global rise in cyberattacks, particularly those utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to scan networks and identify vulnerabilities.
Flood defenses ‘may fail’ in future disasters
Thai citizens suffered estimated losses of approximately 1.85 billion US dollars, which is roughly 65.8 billion baht, from scams over a 12-month period.
Attacks involving bombs, arson and property damage hit eight sites across five districts of Yala yesterday, according to the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Forward Command.
The cabinet has approved import duties of up to 30% for goods purchased via e-commerce platforms, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said yesterday. The taxes are expected to take effect early next year, said Phantong Loykulnanta, director-general of the Customs Department.
Thailand’s Cabinet has authorized Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to announce or sign a joint statement with US President Donald Trump confirming that the two countries have reached a substantial conclusion in negotiations on an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART).
Analysts welcomed the cabinet’s approval of stricter data center regulations because clearer rules are expected to reduce investor concerns regarding potential project delays. This regulatory clarity is anticipated to encourage fresh capital inflows, which would support both the stock market and the broader economy.
Thailand’s cumulative data center investment could reach approximately 5 trillion baht by 2050, driven by demand for artificial intelligence, cloud services and domestic data processing. PwC projects capital expenditure to rise from US$58.6 billion in 2027 to US$150 billion by 2050.
Neighboring members of ASEAN have become major markets for Thai rice exports, with shipments to the bloc surging 109% year-on-year during the first nine months of this year.
Thailand’s tourism industry has raised concerns over cargo backlogs and congestion at Suvarnabhumi Airport, warning that management problems could affect traveler confidence and tourism revenue during the year-end high season.
Thailand’s Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana presided over the opening of the Global Wellness Summit 2026 (GWS 2026) at Angsana Laguna Phuket today, as Thailand highlighted its ambitions to become a leading international health and wellness destination.
Thai Airways has reported unauthorized access to booking information affecting 60,529 passenger records, after its reservation-system provider Amadeus identified a breach. The airline said the access involved booking data held in Amadeus systems between Aug. 10, 2023, and Sept. 23, 2026.
The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2027 has been unveiled with a record 507 restaurants, marking its 10th edition in the country and the centenary of the MICHELIN star.
As world leaders and activists meet in Antalya, Turkey, for COP31, one key environmental issue deserves the spotlight in the climate conversation: the air we breathe.
V. Pandiselvi, the mother of Indian sailor Naveen Kumar, has not heard from her son for more than six months, yet she still clings to hope he will return, crying as she replays old voice notes.
Deepavali Hua Hin 2026 opened on Saturday on the third floor of Market Village Hua Hin, where residents and visitors gathered to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights. Deepavali is a Hindu religious and cultural festival that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Thailand officially entered its 2026-27 winter season yesterday, the Meteorological Department has announced, although much of the country should expect milder conditions than usual.
The Transport Ministry has outlined 14 major infrastructure projects worth about 362.6 billion baht in the south, including the 106.8-billion-baht second phase of the southern double-track railway.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has asked businesses to consider maintaining product prices despite rising production costs, as it strengthens cooperation with the Thai Chamber of Commerce on four economic strategies aimed at improving competitiveness, expanding opportunities for smaller businesses and supporting international trade.
Thailand is among ASEAN’s most frequently reported targets for cyberattacks, with financial institutions, energy suppliers and public utilities facing the greatest exposure, according to an analysis by a Rangsit University economist.
Thailand’s economic growth is picking up momentum, driven by a surge in global demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure and a revised manufacturing index that better captures the country’s evolving industrial base.
Thailand’s lead over Vietnam in international tourist arrivals has narrowed sharply, from nearly 22 million visitors in 2019 to 5.9 million during the first 10 months of 2026. Vietnam’s growth has been supported by expanded direct flights and strong gains from Russian, Indian, and regional markets, while Thailand faces weaker arrivals and connectivity challenges.
Tomorrowland Thailand’s organizer expects a loss on its Dec. 11–13 debut despite sold-out tickets, after the inaugural budget rose from 1.6 billion to 2 billion baht. Rachata Thunyavuthi, an executive board member of Wearone.World (Thailand) Co., said the first event would be decisive for the Belgian partners’ plans to continue in Thailand for five years.
As climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss push the planet closer to potentially irreversible tipping points, Thailand faces an increasingly urgent question: how prepared is the country for a future in which environmental disasters become more frequent, unpredictable and severe?
The government is considering a 6-billion-baht scheme to subsidize the purchase of 400,000 locally produced battery electric vehicle (BEV) motorcycles, in an effort to curb fossil fuel consumption and accelerate the country’s energy transition.
France has accused a cyber unit linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of carrying out attacks on commercial refrigeration systems that disrupted hundreds of businesses, damaged equipment and caused substantial food losses. 
Artificial intelligence companies will have to abide by new “mandatory” safeguards when operating in Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said today. Global unease about the power of advanced AI is growing after a string of hacking incidents involving leading companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic. 
Thailand’s Department of Land Transport is considering stricter requirements for foreigners seeking Thai driving licenses, including mandatory theory and practical tests regardless of whether applicants already hold a license overseas.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning today forecasting heavy to very heavy rain in parts of southern Thailand from today through Friday, alongside cooler weather and strong winds across upper Thailand.
A black panther has again been spotted in Kaeng Krachan National Park, highlighting the rich biodiversity of Thailand’s largest national park and one of its most elusive predators.
Thirty years ago, global economists were convinced Thailand would become Asia’s 5th economic superpower alongside Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea. Between 1987 and 1996, Thailand’s economy was expanding at a blistering 8% to 10% every year, earning it the title “Detroit of the East.”
Tax cuts on two selected fuels have failed to address the energy-cost crisis, as protests loom and pressure mounts on the government.
Protest leader Mano Khrueakaew demanded a 10-baht-per-liter reduction in all fuel prices outside Government House in Bangkok yesterday, threatening to escalate the demonstration if the government failed to act.
As the conflict in the Middle East continues, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is planning to allocate part of its emergency budget to stimulate foreign markets during the final two months of the year.
Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport carried out random drug searches on international passengers and luggage on Friday, using sniffer dogs on both arriving and departing flights. No illegal drugs were found during the operation, but random checks inside the airport will continue.
Southeast Asia’s 10 best soups, according to TasteAtlas
Phuket City has halted the dumping of garbage at its primary landfill indefinitely, because it is already overfull and trucks are dumping rubbish on an access road, preventing other vehicles from entering the site.
Donald Trump vowed a political comeback yesterday as the major parties clashed over Democrat threats to prosecute top administration officials after the president’s Republicans lost control of Congress in midterm elections. 
Chip giant Nvidia’s board announced yesterday it opened a probe into chief executive and co-founder Jensen Huang after he acknowledged an affair with a woman US officials say was working for Chinese intelligence. 
Hua Hin municipality is pressing ahead with beachfront demolitions where owners have consented to the work, while awaiting court rulings before proceeding at properties affected by legal disputes.
Very heavy rain is expected tomorrow in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, and Narathiwat, while heavy rain will affect Prachuap Khiri Khan, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Phatthalung, Pattani, Yala, Trang, and Satun.
Thailand has issued revised regulations allowing alcohol sales at five categories of venues on major Buddhist religious holidays, while maintaining the general prohibition at other establishments.
Pattaya City has secured a special budget of about 2.75 billion baht for a four-phase drainage program intended to reduce flooding across key parts of the resort city.
Thailand’s headline consumer price index (CPI) rose 3.9% in October from a year earlier, driven by higher fuel prices, which accounted for 56% of inflation.
Thailand’s economic growth could jump to 2.9% after sweeping revisions to factory output figures, Bank of Thailand Gov. Vitai Ratanakorn revealed on Thursday. Meanwhile, the central bank has raised its export growth forecast to 22%.
A recent report by leading economists has raised significant alarms regarding the retirement preparedness of the Thai population, revealing that a staggering 86% are unprepared for their retirement years. This stark figure underscores the urgent need for financial education and planning, as the aging population faces increased longevity and healthcare costs.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has advised passengers to book early for the 2027 New Year holiday, after a survey of eight domestic routes found that lower-priced tickets remained available on some flights but were limited in number.
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has tightened checks on Thai children under 18 leaving the country, and adults traveling with them must now prove their relationship with a birth certificate and, in most cases, a consent letter.
Thailand has installed dozens of electronic immigration gates at Suvarnabhumi Airport to help travelers clear passport control faster. The automated e-gates look crisp, modern, and promising. Following recent expansions by the Thai Immigration Bureau to speed up queues, hopes were high that long airport waits would finally become a relic of the past.
Royal barges mark birthday
For over 30 years, Pacific island countries have issued the same warning at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference: the warming ocean threatens not just food and energy security, but global survival itself.
Hua Hin’s Cape Nidhra Hotel recognized by Conde Nast
Cape Nidhra Hotel, Hua Hin, a premier five-star beachfront property under the Cape & Kantary Hotels Group, has achieved a major international milestone by securing a spot among Thailand’s top nine resorts in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, earning a score of 97.63. Adding to this success, the property has also been selected for inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2026.
Dusit Thani Hua Hin Unveils Devarana Wellness Shop
For today and tomorrow, thundershowers are forecast across 60% of the Ssuth’s east coast, with isolated heavy rain in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pattani and Narathiwat. Minimum temperatures will be 22–25°C and maximum temperatures 32–34°C. – The Nation
Thailand’s national wage committee is preparing to review proposals for changes to the minimum wage in 2027 after receiving recommendations from every province, including Bangkok.
The Thai e-commerce market is undergoing a transition, as modern shoppers are no longer solely swayed by discount signs but instead utilize data and technology to inform their decisions. Competition is shifting from price wars to focusing on superior quality, value for money, enhanced shopping experience, and long-term trust.
The massive sell-off across Asian tech and equity markets today marks one of the most severe contractions for the region’s electronics and semiconductor supply chains in recent years. The regional rout follows a brutal overnight session on Wall Street, where the Nasdaq composite plunged 5.5%.
Krabi welcomes more European air links for the 2026 High Season
Pattaya faces a high-season tourism crisis as hotel bookings fail to materialize, with airfares soaring 30%–40% amid the US-Iran war. Meanwhile, Chinese group bookings have slumped by over 30%, with warnings of a 50% fall during Lunar New Year. Chinese safety alerts have also sparked a diplomatic clash between Bangkok and Beijing.
Buriram MotoGP 2027 tickets on sale Monday
Thais worldwide invited to wear traditional clothing throughout December
Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee has assured that households participating in the government’s solar rooftop scheme won’t need to pay a deposit.
Energy and climate specialists have proposed an alternative version of Thailand’s power-development plan (PDP) dubbed the “Resilient PDP”, aimed at ensuring a smooth transition to a low-carbon economy without relying heavily on natural gas as a bridging fuel.
Nearly 200 nations gather for the COP31 summit in Turkey on Monday but tensions over geopolitics, finance and fossil fuels are tempering expectations of a major breakthrough in tackling the climate crisis.
Renewed attacks on tankers pushed Brent crude futures US$3.67 a barrel higher yesterday, 2026, as concerns about secure oil deliveries tempered optimism over a possible diplomatic resolution to the US-Israeli war with Iran. 
The Democratic sweep in US midterm elections opens doors to new aid for Ukraine as it battles Moscow’s invasion, and could bring scrutiny over President Donald Trump’s Russia policies, analysts said yesterday. 
Google has announced plans to invest $15 billion in Malaysia from 2027 to 2028, with the spending going toward data center campuses, clean energy, bolstering water security and upskilling workers. 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s brash campaign posters are still up on Israeli public buses — images of him, US President Donald Trump and soaring warjets that laud the two leaders attacking Iran together. Neither is now advertising the state of the two countries’ alliance. 
Criminal warnings issued on beach demolitions
Four international tennis tournaments in Hua Hin will offer more than two million baht in prize money this November and December, with the first men’s main-draw matches starting on Monday.
The National Security Council (NSC) has urged the public not to panic or stockpile food, saying domestic supplies remain sufficient despite rising global tensions.
Gold bullion in Thailand closed at a selling price of 64,400 baht per baht-weight yesterday, according to the Gold Traders Assn. The quotation for 96.5%-purity gold was 1,900 baht, or 3.04%, above the Nov. 3 close.
Thai business leaders and market analysts say the Democratic sweep in the US midterm elections could improve conditions for Thailand, by placing greater checks on President Donald Trump’s policies and encouraging capital flows into emerging markets.
The European Union has pitched itself as a “trusted and long-term partner” for Thailand’s economic transformation, with its ambassador saying a free trade agreement (FTA) now under negotiation could anchor deeper investment, technology transfer and a shift toward a greener, higher-value economy.
Thailand’s rice exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) more than doubled to approximately 1.25 million tons in the first nine months of 2026, as stronger purchases from the Philippines and Malaysia helped offset declining shipments to Iraq, according to the Department of Foreign Trade.
CP Axtra, the operator of Makro and Lotus’s wholesale and retail businesses, plans to develop 78 projects in 2027, including opening new locations and renovations of existing stores across 37 provinces.
Automatic passport control extended to 33 countries
Sky ICT plans Suvarnabhumi humanoid robot trial
Doctors and nurses in Thailand fear eating KFC on shift because of a long-standing medical superstition known as the “KFC Fried Chicken Curse” (or “เวรเยิน” / wen yern, meaning a disastrously busy shift).
Bangkok lists 16 Royal Barge Procession viewing points for tomorrow
Iran’s government savored the stinging rebuke delivered to Donald Trump in the midterm elections, declaring voters had rejected the war launched by the US president even as Tehran remained on high alert for the possibility of renewed strikes. 
The Bank of England is expected to raise its benchmark interest rate today for the first time in more than three years, as soaring energy costs push up global inflation. The BoE is forecast to tighten borrowing costs by a quarter point to 4.0%. 
Thailand recorded 470 mpox cases and three deaths between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31, prompting the Department of Disease Control (DDC) to urge people with suspicious symptoms to seek medical attention without delay.
The cabinet approved a Transport Ministry proposal yesterday to cap Bangkok’s electric train fares at 45 baht across all lines to ease the cost of living for commuters. The fare cap will be in effect for the 2027 calendar year.
The Bank of Thailand has raised concerns over growing fragility in the country’s labor market, as rising unemployment threatens to weigh on domestic consumption.
Phuket’s housing market has properties worth 194.545 billion baht awaiting buyers in 2026, placing it second only to Bangkok and its surrounding provinces, as continued investment brings closer scrutiny of nominee ownership and encroachment on public land.
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a sharp rise in excise tax on imported battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs), setting a 35% rate from Jan. 1, 2027.
Familiar coastal destinations are proving that nostalgia and convenience are a winning combination, with new data revealing a strong resurgence in domestic travel interest along Thailand’s eastern seaboard.
Sky lantern festival poised for visitor surge
Thailand’s dinosaur kingdom moves closer to UNESCO designation