- Hua Hin clock tower to be replaced/Design plans for Phon Kingphet Park/PKK wellness tourism program/Prachuap Khiri Khan Night Run/PKK 5th in tourism numbers/Nominee Crackdown in Surat Thani/El Niño impact on water/Reservoirs above maximum storage levels/Driving E-Trike Through Traffic/High level shakeup in Phuket
- THE IRAN WAR: Lebanon fighting tests truce deal/Deal unlikely to revive Thai tourism
- ECONOMY: Thai Baht Under Pressure/Second-hand home listings rise/Thai industrial sentiment falls/Seafood stand-off nears an end/MR. D.I.Y. Eyes Double-Digit Growth
- TOURISM: TAT Looks to Rail Travel/Thai destinations gaining global interest/British Boxer Dies
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand’s Best Hotels
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Mining pollution from Myanmar
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin clock tower to be replaced
Hua Hin Municipality is moving ahead with plans to build a new Hua Hin clock tower after community leaders approved the proposal to replace the existing structure, which is more than 40 years old.
The project is intended to improve the surrounding townscape and create an updated landmark for residents and visitors. Construction is expected to begin in the 2027 fiscal year, subject to the required approvals and budget process. Continued …
Design plans reviewed for Phon Kingphet Public Park
Hua Hin Municipality is reviewing design plans for the City Activity Plaza upgrade at Phon Kingphet Public Park, as work continues on improving one of the town’s public activity areas.
The project is aimed at improving the plaza for community activities, public events, and everyday use by residents. Municipal officials met yesterday to inspect progress on the project and consider details of the next stage of work. Continued …
Prachuap Khiri Khan launches wellness tourism program
Prachuap Khiri Khan has launched Wellness Tourism 2026 as part of a plan to promote the province as an international health and wellness destination.
Officials said Wellness Tourism 2026 is intended to bring together tourism, sport, music, arts and culture, local knowledge, and health-related services, while supporting community businesses and the local economy. Continued …
Prachuap Khiri Khan Night Run July 3
Registration is opening for the Wellscape Prachuap Khiri Khan Night Run 2026, an evening health run taking runners through the “City of Three Bays”. The event, organized by Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and the Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports, will take place on Friday, July 3.
The run will start at 7 pm from Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Hall, which will also serve as the finish point. Participants can choose between 5km and 10km routes, with the course passing six key landmarks and check-in points around the city. Continued …
PKK 5th in tourism numbers, 4th in revenue
New electricity rates put off until review
Authorities have postponed a plan to impose higher electricity rates on large households with heavy consumption, citing the need to revise how power bills are calculated, says Energy Minister Akanat Promphan.
The new electricity prices were proposed by the Energy Regulatory Commission last month and slated for enforcement in July. They are based on progressive power tariff rates, which increase when people use more electricity. Continued …
Police Push Nominee Crackdown in Surat Thani
Thailand’s deputy national police chief has stepped up efforts to crack down on nominee business arrangements and transnational crime in Surat Thani, as part of an urgent government policy aimed at protecting investment, tourism, and national interests.
On Tuesday, Police Gen. Samran Nuanma, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police responsible for security affairs and director of the Center for Suppression of Transnational Criminals and Illegal Immigration, visited Surat Thani to monitor enforcement operations. The move follows instructions from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and National Police Chief Kitrat Phanphet to intensify action against nominee schemes in which Thai nationals hold shares on behalf of foreign investors. Continued …
Thailand prepares for El Niño impact on water
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has expressed concern about the economic impacts of the El Niño phenomenon, especially in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), and called for accelerated efforts to increase water reserves in the eastern region.
According to government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek, water demand in the EEC region — Chon Buri, Rayong, and Chachoengsao provinces — is projected to nearly double from current levels next year. Continued …
Five Thai reservoirs above maximum storage levels
The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) summarized the nationwide water situation yesterday, saying rainfall had been scattered across all regions. The highest rainfall was in Buri Ram province, at 74 millimetres.
It also issued an alert to monitor five large reservoirs where water volumes had exceeded their maximum storage levels, and forecast that Thailand would see more rain and heavy falls in some areas today and tomorrow. Continued …
Elderly Rider Fined After Driving E-Trike Through Traffic
A 75-year-old man has been fined by police after being filmed riding an electric three-wheeled trike through the busy Ha Yaek Lat Phrao intersection in Bangkok, prompting safety concerns.
Police used the case to remind the public that electric scooters, certain types of electric bicycles, electric three-wheeled bicycles, trikes, and electric suitcases are not permitted on public roads. Authorities said such vehicles may pose risks to both riders and other road users and do not comply with current traffic regulations. Continued …
High level shakeup in Phuket – Governor and deputies transferred
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dramatically shaken up Phuket’s administration, removing the governor and transferring two deputy governors amid escalating allegations of internal conflict, influential networks, disputed beachfront land, intimidation, and claims of political protection.
The intervention follows high-level inspections, public accusations, and mounting concern within Government House that infighting among senior officials was obstructing efforts to tackle beach encroachment, alleged mafia activity, and corruption claims in one of Thailand’s most important tourism and economic provinces. Continued …
Lebanon fighting tests fragile US-Iran truce deal
World leaders have welcomed a fragile US-Iran interim agreement aimed at extending a ceasefire and opening the way to a permanent truce, but warned that the diplomatic breakthrough must also halt fighting in Lebanon and address wider security concerns across the region.
The agreement, released by Washington and Tehran yesterday, was digitally signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to officials from both countries. Iran’s foreign ministry said the memorandum had already taken effect. Continued …
Peace deal unlikely to revive Thai tourism
Hotels and airlines remain cautious about the potential end of the Middle East conflict as the positive impact could be delayed due to a steep slowdown in purchasing power, particularly among domestic tourists, during this low season.
Nuntaporn Komonsittivate, head of commercial at Thai Lion Air, said the average load factor for June and July has fallen year-on-year, as travelers are exercising greater caution with their spending in the off-peak season after shelling out for holidays in April and early May. Continued …
Thai Baht Under Pressure as Energy Import Costs Drive Volatility
Commerzbank’s analysis highlights that global energy market volatility, particularly in early 2026, is exerting substantial downward pressure on the Thai baht. Thailand’s significant reliance on energy imports, primarily crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), means that rising global energy costs directly worsen its trade balance.
This amplified vulnerability is clearly reflected in the USD/THB exchange rate, which has become a key indicator for currency traders closely observing potential policy responses from the Bank of Thailand (BOT). The historical precedent of the 2022 energy crisis, which saw USD/THB surpass 37.00, underscores the baht’s sensitivity to such price shocks, influencing current market evaluations. Continued …
Second-hand home listings, value rise
Thailand’s property market is sending an interesting signal, as the number and value of “second-hand” homes listed for sale nationwide have risen significantly.
In Bangkok in particular, the listed value of properties jumped by more than twofold within a year. The question is whether this is simply normal turnover of properties or whether it reflects hidden pressure in the property market. Continued …
Thai industrial sentiment falls for the third straight month
Thailand’s industrial sentiment index dropped for a third straight month in May due to the impact of the war in the Middle East, slowing production, and a shortage of labor, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported yesterday.
The FTI said its industrial sentiment index fell to 84.7 in May from 85.3 in the previous month. A leading business group last week raised its 2026 economic growth forecast to 1.6%-2.0%, citing support from government stimulus measures. Last year’s growth was 2.4%. Continued …
Costly Malaysia-Thailand seafood stand-off nears an end
Malaysia and Thailand are edging closer to resolving a tit-for-tat seafood safety dispute, offering a lifeline to exporters after weeks of halted shipments and retaliatory restrictions on Thai shrimp and Malaysian sea bass.
Tentative signs of a way out emerged yesterday when Malaysian officials confirmed that their Thai counterparts had returned a completed food safety standards questionnaire for formal assessment. Continued …
MR. D.I.Y. Thailand Eyes Double-Digit Sales Growth
Arnupharp Kongmalai, vice president of marketing at MR. D.I.Y. Holding (Thailand) evealed that the company’s operational outlook for the second half of 2026 continues to be supported by ongoing branch expansion, a value-focused business model, and government economic stimulus measures, which may partially support consumer spending.
Additionally, the company has launched the “MR. D.I.Y. Lock Price” campaign, guaranteeing unchanged prices on all items throughout its stores nationwide and online for a three-month period, from May 1 to July 31. This initiative aims to help consumers better plan their expenses amid challenging living costs. Continued …
TAT Looks to Rail Travel for the Next Chapter of Thailand’s High-Value Tourism
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has emphasized the development of rail tourism as an important step toward creating new experiential and economic value for Thailand’s tourism industry.
TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that Thailand’s tourism sector has long drawn strength from its natural attractions, cultural heritage, and recognized hospitality. However, as travel behavior evolves, tourism success is measured not only by visitor numbers but also by the quality of experiences and sustainable income distribution to local economies and communities. Continued …
Traveloka reveals Thai destinations gaining global interest
The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s campaign, featuring BLACKPINK’s Lisa as the global tourism ambassador, is significantly influencing travel trends, according to Traveloka’s latest data. The campaign, “Amazing Thailand: Feel All The Feelings,” has sparked a surge in searches and bookings for featured Thai destinations, aligning with a broader trend of pop culture shaping travel decisions.
The initiative is expected to attract 5–10 million additional international visitors and generate $6.9–13.8 billion (B250–500 billion) in tourism revenue, contributing to Thailand’s 2026 target of $82.8 billion (B3 trillion). Continued …
British Boxer Dies After Phuket Tuk-Tuk Fall
Colin Cairney, an undefeated Scottish welterweight boxer, has died aged 22 after suffering catastrophic injuries in a road incident during a holiday in Thailand. Cairney had been left on life support following the incident, which occurred in the early hours of June 14 on the island of Phuket.
According to reports, Cairney was returning to his hotel after a night of partying in Phuket when the incident happened. It is understood he became involved in a dispute with the driver of a tuk-tuk over payment of the fare. Continued …
Thailand’s Best Hotels, Pools, Spas, and More
Thai hospitality is world renowned for a reason — a heartfelt service culture anchored in deep cultural roots perfectly complements the kingdom’s spectacular locales. Over the last few decades, luxury here has followed a skyward trajectory that all but erases the country’s “pancake trail” origins, placing destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai firmly on the luxury traveler’s must-visit map.
Hotels and resorts here give you the best of all worlds: local charm, cosmopolitan style, innovative cuisine, and the full gamut of wellness experiences. Here are the top hotels, spas, pools, and GMs for 2026. Continued …
Mining pollution from Myanmar may be hard to contain
A US expert in the rehabilitation of contaminated environments is currently in Chiang Rai province to advise and share his experience with Thai counterparts on how to cope with toxic substances being discharged into the Kok and Sai rivers by mining activities in Myanmar, which are flowing into Thailand.
The US expert, Professor Danny Reible of Texas Tech University, conducted a field trip to the Kok and Sai rivers in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces, accompanied by Dr. Thanaphol Penrat of the Thailand Science, Research and Innovation (TSRI) office, and Dr. Suebsakun Kidnukorn of Mae Fah Luang University. Continued …
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Chinese Fraud Suspect Arrested in Chiang Mai – Continued …
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Briton Held in Phang Nga Nominee Business Probe – Continued …
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Wanted South Korean fraud suspect caught after 9-month visa overstay – Continued …
Vietnam Police Rescue Hundreds of Cats From Slaughter
Police in Vietnam have rescued more than 500 cats after dismantling a suspected cat meat trafficking network in one of the country’s largest animal welfare operations in recent years. The raid, carried out in and around Ho Chi Minh City last week, followed an investigation into a series of pet thefts. Authorities detained nine suspects and uncovered hundreds of live cats allegedly destined for the meat trade. 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’re an expat living in Thailand and you’ve had the same health insurance policy for years, it’s easy to assume you’re set. You pay your renewal, you stay covered, and that’s that.
When did the first smartphone appear? The first mobile phone prototype came from Motorola in 1973. The first one approved, affectionately called The Brick, came out in 1983. In 1992 an IBM engineer created the Sweetspot but it didn’t hit the market until 1994, as the IBM Simon Personal Communicator.
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp. (BCP) have cut petrol and gasohol prices by 0.75 baht per liter, effective from 5 am today, while diesel prices remain unchanged. 
Thailand faces a 96%–98% probability of entering an El Niño phase between June and July, with conditions potentially persisting into early 2027, warned Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin.
Thais are expected to spend an average of 6.9 years living with illness or disability in later life, highlighting growing pressure on healthcare services and long-term care systems, according to the Thai Health Report 2026.
The family of a Thai farmer were stunned to discover 1.84 million baht in cash hidden inside a modified metal storage box used for tools after his death, revealing years of careful saving that even his wife did not know about.
The world’s oil and gas majors have high hopes for a quick reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but they have few illusions about a return to normal for the Gulf energy industry after more than three months of blockage.
Thailand has welcomed an agreement reached between the United States and Iran to end their conflict, expressing hope that the deal will bring lasting peace and stability to the Middle East and safeguard global economic interests.
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved the collection of a 15% global minimum corporate tax on large multinational companies under an agreement led by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), aiming to prevent profit shifting to tax havens and generate about 10 billion baht in additional state revenue each year.
Thailand needs to decide what role it wants to play in a world being reordered by artificial intelligence — or have that decision made for it. That was the stark warning from Burin Adulwattana, chief economist at KASIKORNbank, during a special segment of the KASIKORN Research Center’s half-year briefing.
Thailand’s investments in data centers are projected to reach US$4.31 billion by 2030, representing average annual growth of 18% from 2024 and achieving total capacity of 2.93 gigawatts, helped by strong government support and solid demand, says CGS International Securities.
Thailand is preparing to reform its electricity tariff structure in an effort to make power prices fairer and reduce electricity costs for households and local industries. Energy Minister Akanat Promphan announced that the government is reviewing the current pricing system to ensure that electricity charges better reflect actual costs.
DTAM pushes 5-point plan to boost kratom industry
The Transport Ministry expects Bangkok’s two main airports to handle around 120 million passengers annually by 2029 as it accelerates efforts to make the country a regional aviation hub.
Vana Nava Hua Hin is the ultimate all-ages fun escape
National park officials collected six large bags of plastic waste from Loh Samah Bay on Phi Phi Leh Island after large numbers of plastic water bottles were found floating across the sea near the boat access point to Maya Bay, one of Krabi’s best-known marine attractions.
As Thailand approaches the halfway mark of its national climate commitments, businesses are increasingly viewing sustainability not merely as protection against environmental and regulatory risks, but as a pathway to growth amid climate disruption, resource insecurity, and energy volatility.
The Phetchaburi Half Marathon on Sunday at Chao Samran Beach will feature a 21km half marathon (790 baht), 10km mini marathon (690 baht), and 5km race (590 baht). A VIP category priced at 1,500 baht will allow participants to compete across distances. Registration has now closed. 
The Danish Embassy in Thailand has announced that Danish Ambassador to Thailand Danny Annan will host an informal gathering for Danes in Hua Hin on Thursday. The event will take place from 2 pm to 4 pm at Ferior Interior in Hua Hin and is open to all Danes in the area. No registration is required.
Dear Doctors: I’m a 55-year-old man, and I have been active all my life. I know target heart rates are based on age and was surprised that my heart rate while running is often between 150 and 195. Should I slow down a bit?
Domestic oil prices in Thailand are expected to remain elevated until the final quarter of this year, even though global crude benchmarks have eased and the US is set to sign a peace deal with Iran this Friday to end nearly four months of conflict in the Middle East.
Thai FDA warns over 20 illegal meatball and Vietnamese pork loaf brands
Reflecting on data from Thai households, it is evident that a significant portion of individuals over 50 years old have low incomes, accounting for about 42% of Thai households. This indicates a lack of readiness for retirement in Thai society.
Thailand’s hotel industry is hoping the planned US-Iran peace agreement will help restore travel confidence, ease pressure on fuel prices, and support a recovery in foreign tourist arrivals during the fourth-quarter high season.
Thai financial institutions may face higher-than-average risks from AI-driven fraud as artificial intelligence reshapes financial crime and makes scams faster, more automated, and harder to detect, according to a new survey by BioCatch.
The Real Estate Information Center (REIC) of Government Housing Bank has released data on transfers of condominium ownership to foreign nationals nationwide in the first quarter of 2026, showing that the overall market continued to face pressure from economic conditions both in Thailand and overseas.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has unveiled a plan to position Thailand as ASEAN’s hub for advanced chip manufacturing, with the goal of producing “Made in Thailand” semiconductors by 2050.
Tisco Financial Group expects the global economy to face mounting challenges in the second half of 2026, warning that stagflation risks, elevated energy prices, and geopolitical tensions could create a more volatile environment for investors.
Krabi International Airport is attracting growing interest from international airlines, with new routes from Finland and Scandinavia expected to strengthen tourism and support local development, the Ministry of Transport says.
Tourism killed Thailand’s most famous bay. Here’s how it was brought back to life
This video catalogs signature Thai street foods and explains their ingredients and regional contexts, offering a concise culinary overview. Dishes include Pad Thai with rice noodles, egg, tamarind, fish sauce, and toppings, and Pad Kra Pao served over rice with a fried egg.
About 153,000 new electric vehicles (EVs) are predicted to appear on the roads of Thailand this year, prompted mainly by the ongoing energy crisis triggered by the prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
The World Bank Group is supporting Thailand’s use of natural capital accounting (NCA) as a tool to help policymakers balance economic growth with environmental protection. NCA measures the stocks and flows of natural assets and translates them into data that can be used alongside existing national accounting systems.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said yesterday he would ban social media sites for under-16s and impose restrictions on gaming and livestreaming platforms, in some of the world’s most far-reaching online restrictions to date. 
Roadworks on Hua Hin Soi 102 will begin near Laguna Village tomorrow. The project will involve the construction of a reinforced concrete road and drainage system in the Laguna Village area of Soi 102.
A new Thai health study has linked regular e-cigarette use to a sharply higher risk of erectile dysfunction, finding users face double the risk even without underlying medical conditions.
Thailand’s economy is currently facing a significant challenge, as its currency, the baht, weakens despite the presence of portfolio inflows. A record USD 10.0 billion trade deficit in April, primarily driven by robust import activity, is exerting considerable downward pressure on the baht.
Thai trade unions address reduction of safety and health risks in the workplace
The international real estate landscape in the Gulf of Thailand is undergoing a profound structural shift. Koh Phangan, long celebrated as a world-renowned holiday destination, has successfully transitioned into a mature international property market. Inflows into residential developments have soared past 7,940 million baht, propelled by robust purchasing power from Israel, Europe, and Australia.
Thailand is emerging as one of the world’s most promising markets for AI-driven investment, as artificial intelligence in global finance moves beyond experimentation and into serious real-world use.
AI layoff trap raises wider risks for workers, firms, and demand
For more than half a century, Thailand held a proud title: the “Detroit of the East.” This economic engine was built almost entirely on Japanese blueprints. Beginning in the 1960s, Japanese auto giants like Toyota, Honda, and Isuzu constructed vast industrial networks across the country, establishing a seemingly unshakeable dominance.
Thailand is being urged to close legal loopholes and revise its import strategies as the country seeks to secure a lower tariff rate under Section 301 in negotiations with the United States.
Foodie, mom and kids, lifestyle, and beauty influencers remain the four groups most sought after by businesses as Thailand’s influencer marketing industry enters a more performance-driven era, according to IdeasLabs.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has allocated airport slots to four new airlines for the winter 2026/2027 schedule, paving the way for additional international services during Thailand’s peak tourism season. The new routes will strengthen air connectivity between Thailand and key markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Krabi set for 126 winter flights as Nordic demand rises ahead of high season
The Thai Hotels Association – Southern Chapter and 12 private-sector tourism and economic organizations in the Andaman provinces of Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga, have submitted a letter to the minister of Tourism and Sports and the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), proposing that the government consider reviewing the measure to end visa-free entry for Indian tourists.
Thailand is increasingly using waste-to-energy projects as part of its drive to reduce landfill, generate electricity, cut pollution, and support the country’s clean-energy transition.
Thailand’s central plains are set to become the frontier for sustainable agriculture as the Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rice Research Center aggressively deploys the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economic Model to pioneer low-carbon rice production.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is concerned that the expiration of the government’s electric vehicle (EV) incentive program in 2027 could leave Thailand vulnerable to a surge of Chinese EV imports and weaken local automotive supply chains.
Japan fans left the stands spotless after their World Cup opener against the Netherlands in Texas yesterday, saying it was “Japanese culture” to tidy up after themselves. Spectators stayed behind after the 2-2 draw to make sure they left the stadium as they found it, meticulously picking up litter and stuffing it into blue plastic bags. 
Russia fired a barrage of missiles at several major Ukrainian cities, setting Kyiv’s historic Dormition Cathedral on fire and killing nine, while Ukraine strikes claimed three lives south of Moscow. 
Switzerland yesterday rejected a proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritized economic stability and ties with the European Union over worries immigration was straining public services and pushing up rents. 
Is Hua Hin really the perfect retirement destination in Thailand… or is there a side of life here that most YouTube videos never show? In this video, I take an honest look at what happens after the honeymoon period ends for many expats and retirees living in Hua Hin.
The real way to travel Thailand: Bangkok to Hua Hin by train
Thailand has secured a place among the world’s top 10 healthcare systems, ranking eighth globally and first in Southeast Asia with a score of 77.5, reflecting the strength of its medical personnel and healthcare services.
The Thai Meteorological Department has warned people in the north, northeast, east, and south to prepare for heavy rain in some areas over the next 24 hours, while Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are forecast to see thunderstorms across 70% of the area.
The Thai Retailers Assn. (TRA) wants to unlock the conditions for the “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” co-payment scheme by expanding eligibility to business of all sizes, supporting business continuity and employment.
Replacing visa-free entry with a visa-on-arrival scheme for Indian tourists will not affect this market as affordable prices remain the decisive factor for them, while the policy change can help curb visa abuse, according to an Indian travel agent.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is positioning Africa as a key growth market as it seeks to diversify visitor sources amid ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East.
India’s largest low-cost carrier, IndiGo, has announced that its direct service to Krabi will be suspended from July 1 to Sept. 30 as part of a restructuring of its international route network.
A British man who left the UK due to rising living costs says he now lives comfortably in Chiang Mai on just GBP800 a month, compared with more than GBP3,000 a month previously. Robert Hoadley, 45, from Portsmouth, relocated in 2025 and says the move has given him greater financial freedom, improved work-life balance, and a healthier lifestyle.
Skip Chiang Mai’s usual northern loop for this 3-day Lamphun-Lampang road trip
At first glance, it may appear to be a simple question. Yet, it exposes a potentially significant anomaly within Thailand’s fisheries data system. While government agencies have consistently maintained that Thailand legally imported blackchin tilapia only once — and solely for research purposes — official records indicate that the same species was subsequently exported in remarkably large quantities to foreign markets during roughly the same period.
Cybercriminals are using the FIFA World Cup to launch scams and steal credentials, warns FortiGuard Labs, the research arm of cybersecurity firm Fortinet.
Last Tuesday, US President Donald Trump told journalists that the United States and Iran are “in the final throes of what will be a very, very good deal”.
Global growth is forecast to slow to 2.5% in 2026, down from 2.9% in 2025. Forecasts for two-thirds of economies have been downgraded relative to January of this year. Global growth is expected to improve to 2.8% in 2027 but will remain 0.4 percentage point below the average during the 2010s.
Thailand’s labor market is facing growing pressure from demographic change, education mismatch, and the rise of artificial intelligence, with four major occupational groups at risk of disruption.
The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) fell to 49.5 in May, the lowest level since December 2022, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) said yesterday.
Water is no longer simply a basic factor for consumption or agriculture in the modern era. It has become a decisive factor in foreign investors’ decisions and part of the national security strategy.
Ahead of the Feb. 8 general election, politicians often came to court voters like 69-year-old rice farmer Chaon Taiupok in Ayutthaya, about 80 kilometers north of Bangkok.
A minister attached to the prime minister’s office, Supamas Isarabhakdi, has ordered increased inspections of amusement parks and water parks nationwide following concerns about consumer safety. The directive was announced during a safety inspection at Siam Amazing Park in Bangkok conducted with officials from the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) and other relevant agencies.
Communities across northern Thailand are raising the alarm after tests detected dangerous levels of arsenic and other heavy metals in major waterways.
Thongkham Inprom has been farming for more than six decades, growing jasmine rice and sticky rice in Chiang Rai. The 71-year-old harvests about 60 tons each year and keeps 1% for his family. The rest is sent to a rice mill and eventually sold in central Thailand.
British Defense Secretary John Healey quit yesterday, accusing beleaguered Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the finance ministry of failing to commit enough money to protect the country. His resignation weakens Starmer’s authority at a precarious moment for the Labor leader, a week before a by-election that could prompt a bid to replace him. 
Private sector officials in Khon Kaen have proposed new Khon Kaen-Hua Hin flights as part of plans to improve air links between the northeast and key tourism and economic centers.
Makro, a leading wholesale business under CP AXTRA, is making everyday shopping easier, faster, and more secure for millions of Thai customers with the nationwide launch of QR Credit Card Payment at Makro.
Representatives from the Swedish Church are visiting Hua Hin from June 12-16 for baptisms, home visits, hospital visits, and meetings with local businesses, the church announced.
The situation along the Thai-Cambodian border remains fragile, but is still under control, says National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-general Chatchai Bangchuad. His comments came amid reports that China had delivered T-59D tanks to Cambodia.
Thai gold prices fell sharply at the market open today, with bullion dropping by 1,150 baht per baht-weight as global gold prices came under renewed pressure.
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has affirmed that the baht situation and Thailand’s external position remain strong, even as pressure from the conflict between the United States and Iran has caused the baht to weaken slightly.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has raised its forecast for Thailand’s 2026 economic growth to 1.6%-2.0%, supported by the 170-billion-baht “Thais Help Thais Plus” stimulus scheme.
Thailand’s quarterly GDP growth rate was 1.2% in the third quarter of 2025, rising to 2.5% in the fourth quarter, and further to 2.8% in the first quarter of 2026, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).
Amid rising global uncertainty, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has urged the government to step up efforts to attract foreign investors and encourage multinational companies to relocate their operations to Thailand.
Return to Khao Yai Reveals Why Thailand’s Nature Escape Keeps Getting Better
Thailand’s best beaches, and when to visit each one
How Thailand’s Highland Communities Are Taking Local Wisdom Global
US President Donald Trump yesterday brushed off concerns about consumer inflation surging to a fresh three-year high in May, on the back of soaring energy prices caused by his war in Iran. “The numbers were great… I love the inflation,” Trump told reporters. 
SpaceX enters the final stretch today before its expected trading on Wall Street as part of the biggest initial public offering in history, which could propel co-founder Elon Musk to trillionaire status. 
Tony Mancuso, one of the golf and turf industry’s most respected experts, has joined the Bunker Solution team as director of sales for the Asia-Pacific region.
Thailand’s rapid growth in international schools is sharpening debate over whether the trend is deepening educational inequality or creating new opportunities to strengthen the wider school system.
Gold prices in Thailand fell sharply this morning, with the selling price of gold ornaments dropping to 66,150 baht per baht-weight, according to the latest update from the Gold Traders Assn.
Three police special operations officers were injured yesterday morning when suspected insurgents detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) in Raman district in Yala province while the officers were conducting a routine school security operation.
Over 100 days into the US-Israel war against Iran, Asia has emerged as the region most exposed to the global energy shock unleashed by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with countries facing soaring fuel bills, rising food prices, inflationary pressures, and growing fiscal burdens.
At the Thailand Rule of Law Leadership Forum 2026: Competitiveness and OECD Readiness, a major forum on Thailand’s future direction, two key representatives from the public and private sectors shared the stage to outline a common direction.
The Thais Help Thais Plus co-payment scheme will be available on four food delivery platforms from June 15, allowing participants to use government subsidies when ordering meals online, deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said yesterday.
The ongoing baht depreciation and rising US bond yields are pressuring the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and encouraging capital outflows after the benchmark index retreated from the key psychological level of 1,600 points, say analysts.
The dream of owning a home is slipping further away for many Thais, as weak income growth, high household debt, and tougher mortgage screening continue to weigh on the property market. A 2026 housing-demand survey by SCB EIC found that 56% of respondents had no plan to buy a home within the next five years, up from 47% a year earlier and the highest level in four years.
Industrial estate developer WHA Corp. is conducting a feasibility study for a new industrial estate dedicated to data centers, cloud services, and artificial intelligence (AI).
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is calling on the government to set stricter investment conditions for the rapidly growing data center sector, ensuring local communities and businesses benefit from the influx of foreign capital.
Thailand’s own ‘Eye’ emerges in Pathum Thani
5 Scenic Hiking Trails In Thailand
For environmental monitoring professionals, regulatory change often looks abstract at first. But on the ground, those changes quickly become practical questions: where will the instruments be installed, what pollutants must be measured, how will data be verified, who will maintain the systems, and what happens when the numbers are no longer just internal records but live regulatory evidence?
The United States is urging European governments to introduce Ebola-related travel restrictions ahead of the FIFA World Cup, as Washington seeks to prevent the outbreak from spreading during one of the world’s biggest sporting events. 
Egg prices in Thailand have risen by 20 satang per egg from yesterday, as poultry farmers come under growing pressure from higher feed and maize costs. The Central Region Small-Scale Egg-Layer Farmers Trade Assn. said the latest price movement reflects rising production expenses rather than an increase in the recommended farm-gate ceiling.
One in three Thai children cannot read properly by the age of ten. Youth unemployment is rising. And the workforce needed to power Thailand’s next decade of growth is simply not being trained. Against this backdrop of mounting urgency, a roundtable yesterday brought together some of the country’s foremost voices in education, policy, academia, and student leadership to confront what many are now calling a systemic crisis.
Thailand is being warned that its economic challenge is no longer only about whether growth will recover in the second half of the year, but whether the country can reform fast enough before today’s structural risks turn into a deeper crisis. The warning comes as economists and business leaders point to a shift in Thailand’s long-standing economic strengths.
The outlook for the restaurant industry in the third quarter remains pessimistic, with high costs, weak consumer spending power, and a potential drop in tourist numbers continuing to loom over the industry.
Luxury Golf Escapes: The Finest Courses in Hua Hin
Every year, Time Out publishes the results of its international survey ranking the world’s best cities. To get there, we surveyed thousands of city dwellers and asked them to rate their city’s food scene across 18 different criteria, including quality, affordability and diversity.
The plan to allocate 200 billion baht toward energy transition, focusing on rooftop solar systems and battery-powered vehicles, has raised concerns among economists and lawmakers over transparency and feasibility.
Oceans are in a “deepening crisis” that demands urgent global action, a major UN report warned yesterday, with seas warming and rising faster, ice cover shrinking, and marine ecosystems under mounting strain.
Hong Kong will soon open its first convenience store operated by a humanoid robot as part of the city’s push to integrate AI into everyday life and deepen residents’ understanding of the technology, the finance chief has said. 
A 42-year-old former factory worker died after being bitten by a centipede in Si Racha, Chon Buri, with her partner claiming they could not afford treatment after discovering her social security coverage had expired.
The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) today filed a lawsuit against Meta, the owner of Facebook, covering both its Thailand office and headquarters. The council accused the platform of allowing scam advertisements and online fraud to spread continuously, despite discussions and repeated calls for stronger preventive measures over more than a year.
More airlines could face insolvency or be taken over by stronger rivals as jet fuel prices rise because of the conflict in the Middle East, Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Assn. said on Saturday.
Commerzbank’s FX analysts note that the USD/THB exchange rate experienced a decline to 32.55, primarily attributed to portfolio inflows. This movement occurred despite Thailand’s April trade deficit widening significantly to a record USD10.0 billion.
Thai businesses are increasingly exploring opportunities in Russia despite concerns over sanctions, payment restrictions, and potential repercussions for companies with links to Western markets, as Thai delegates attended the St. Petersburg International Economic (SPIEF).
Dozens of dead cubs found at Thai tiger temple
Where street food shapes the region’s top culinary cities
Energy authorities are preparing to expand Thailand’s electricity generation capacity amid mounting concerns that rising demand from resource-intensive businesses, particularly data centers, could strain the national grid.
A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines this morning, killing at least one person, collapsing buildings, and sparking tsunami warnings across the region. Authorities in the Philippines and Indonesia urged residents in affected coastal regions to move to higher ground immediately. 
Residents of St. Petersburg were told not to leave their homes after a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack targeted Russia’s second-largest city Saturday morning, underscoring Kyiv’s growing ability to hit deep inside Russia. The attack came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin refused an offer to meet his Ukrainian counterpart. 
U.S. President Donald Trump stormed out of an interview with NBC airing yesterday after a heated exchange during “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker”. The interview ended abruptly when Trump – after repeating unsubstantiated claims that U.S. elections are “rigged”- walked out after calling Welker, her show, and other U.S. TV networks “crooked.”