- Please welcome returning sponsor Anantasila Beach Restaurant/Bluport Hua Hin adjusts/Hua Hin videos/Thailand updates criminal record check rules/Thailand targets civil servants/Thailand Targets EV Dealers/Farang groom allegedly skips dowry/Two dead and 73 cats killed/Pathum Thani volunteers relocate 120 cats
- THE IRAN WAR: US and Iran intensify military exchanges/Brent oil surges
- ECONOMY: Business closures rise 12.5%/Thailand secures Chinese investment/Poll blames officials for illegal foreign businesses/Land bridge project can wait/Pet ownership creates new economic opportunity
- TOURISM: Visa Destinations in Hua Hin, nationwide/Swiss seasonal retirees face 30-day visa-free limit/Koh Samui cruise terminal project
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: How to Ride MRT/7 art-filled hotels
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Please welcome returning sponsor:
Anantasila Beach Restaurant Hua Hin
Our beach bar and restaurant veranda give access to beautiful, unobstructed views of the sea and Khao Takiab shoreline. The restaurant’s tree-canopied outdoor dining area offers a casual yet sophisticated dining experience.
Our restaurant offers a taste of local specialties, but also a wide choice of European dishes. Diners hoping for something a little more personalized can enjoy a fresh custom made pizza. Wine drinkers are invited to visit our wine pantry, which stocks a handpicked selection of Old World and New World wines. For those looking to enjoy a refreshing seaside cocktail or an evening aperitif, our bar serves a menu of classic and signature drinks.
Our restaurant is open seven days a week from 7.00-23.00 hrs. and we welcome all residents and non-residents. For reservation, Tel : +66 32 527 638; Email : fb@anantasila.com.
Bluport Hua Hin adjusts to emphasize family
Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall is repositioning itself to attract more families and local visitors by expanding its lifestyle, sports and entertainment offerings, aiming to raise occupancy to 97% next year from 80%.
Vajee Klomkliang, an executive committee member of Hua Hin Asset Co, the developer and operator of the complex, said the strategy reflects changing consumer behaviour. “Hua Hin’s retail sector can no longer rely solely on tourists, despite the steady recovery in the area,” she said. “Bluport once appeared too luxurious and difficult for many people to access. We are making it friendlier and more welcoming.” Continued …
Hua Hin’s Most Atmospheric Night Markets? Tamarind & Cicada Walking Tour
This walking tour in Hua Hin takes you through two of the town’s most atmospheric night markets — Tamarind Market and Cicada Market — on a lively tropical evening. The walk captures the colorful lights, delicious street food aromas and relaxed seaside vibe that make Hua Hin’s weekend markets so popular with locals and travelers.
Experience authentic ambient sounds, live music in the background and the natural buzz of people enjoying the evening. Food stalls serve a wide variety of Thai dishes, seafood and international snacks, while small bars and seating areas create a cozy open-air dining atmosphere. Video …
Thailand updates criminal record check rules for foreign applicants
Thailand’s Criminal Records Division has announced requirements that may affect foreign nationals undertaking official procedures in the country. Under the rules, criminal record checks for nine categories of applications must be conducted using fingerprints.
These categories include key Immigration Bureau procedures, such as applications for permanent residence and extensions of stay. They also cover applications for Thai nationality handled by the Department of Provincial Administration. Continued …
Thailand targets civil servants aged over 40 for retirement
Thailand’s government is considering a voluntary retirement scheme for civil servants as young as 40, in a bid to reduce personnel costs and modernize the bureaucracy. Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt said the proposed programm would initially cover officials in roles where technology could replace routine administrative tasks.
A detailed study is expected to be completed in time for the 2027 fiscal year. Officials aged 40 are being targeted because they have time to retrain, gain new skills and adapt to labor-market changes, Pakorn said. Those aged 50 and over may find career changes and reskilling more difficult. Continued …
Thailand Targets EV Dealers Over Warranties, Disclosures, and Defect Issues
Thailand’s government has ordered nationwide inspections of electric vehicle dealers and showrooms, tightening scrutiny of a market that has grown faster than the regulatory and after-sales infrastructure built to support it.
The directive, issued by the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), comes as complaints over defective vehicles, misleading range claims and collapsing service networks pile up across the country’s dominant EV segment. Continued …
Thai bride throws lavish 130-table wedding, farang groom allegedly skips dowry
A wedding catering business in Nakhon Ratchasima has filed a police complaint after being left with an unpaid bill of nearly 200,000 baht when a Thai bride allegedly failed to settle the cost of her lavish wedding reception, claiming her foreign groom never paid the promised dowry.
The owner of Krua Thong To Chin, a catering service in Pak Chong district, reported the incident to police after suffering losses of 195,000 baht. According to the complaint, the bride hired the company to organize a full-service wedding reception, including 130 banquet tables, a live band, lighting and sound systems, and other event equipment. Continued …
Two dead and 73 cats killed in Thonburi house fire
Two people were found dead and 73 cats were killed in a fire at a three-story house in Bangkok’s Thonburi district early on Saturday. During the firefighting operation, rescuers safely rescued and evacuated a two-month-old baby and a bedridden elderly woman who had been trapped inside the house.
Rescue workers searching a second-floor room found the bodies of a couple, a 62-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman. Officials found the remains of more than 73 cats inside cages in the house. A further 19 cats were rescued alive, with two being given oxygen by responders for smoke inhalation. Continued …
Pathum Thani volunteers relocate 120 cats before eviction
A total of 120 cats have been relocated from a rented home in Pathum Thani after the landlord required the animals to be removed. Volunteers, rescue workers and animal welfare supporters transported the cats to a newly built shelter in Khlong Luang district.
Their owner sought public help in June after being told to vacate the property. After the case received media attention, a donor contributed 100,000 baht toward the construction. The landlord also agreed to extend the deadline, giving the owner additional time to complete the new accommodation. Continued …
US and Iran intensify military exchanges amid regional escalation
Fresh Iranian attacks were reported in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan yesterday as the United States concluded an eighth consecutive night of military operations against Iran. The latest escalation came as an interim ceasefire signed a month earlier continued to unravel.
Growing confrontation over control of the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about one-fifth of global oil trade, has heightened the danger of full-scale hostilities resuming. The renewed US action followed an Iranian attack in Jordan on Friday that killed two American service personnel and left another missing. Continued …
Brent oil surges past $90 as US-Iran conflict hits Gulf shipping
Oil prices jumped today, with Brent crude rising above US$90 a barrel, as intensified attacks between the United States and Iran deepened concern over energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent crude futures rose US$2.69, or 3.05%, to US$90.79 a barrel, touching their highest level since June 11. The gain extended a sharp rally from last week, when Brent rose 15.9%, its largest weekly increase since April. Continued …
Business closures rise by 12.5% in first half
A total of 7,024 businesses ceased operations in the first half of this year, up 12.5% year-on-year, with total registered capital of 98.9 billion baht, an increase of 224%, according to the Department of Business Development (DBD).
The sectors with the highest upticks for closures were general construction with 671 closures and registered capital of 1.64 billion baht; real estate with 400 closures and registered capital of 4.21 billion baht; and electrical installation with 89 companies and registered capital of 124 million baht. Continued …
Thailand secures Chinese investment pledges worth B70 billion
Thailand expects more than B70 billion in investment from four leading Chinese electric vehicle and advanced-technology companies, following talks in Chengdu yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the commitments followed a Thailand investment roadshow led by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in the Chinese city.
The expected total comprises B50 billion in expansions of existing investments and more than B20 billion in new investment. Ekniti said geopolitical tensions were encouraging companies to shift manufacturing capacity from China to ASEAN, with Thailand among their preferred destinations. Continued …
NIDA poll blames officials for illegal foreign businesses
Corrupt government officials are seen as the leading reason foreigners can illegally run businesses in Thailand, according to a nationwide NIDA Poll. Some 67.1% of respondents blamed corruption or misconduct among state officials for businesses directly operated by foreigners or run through Thai nominees.
The findings were released yesterday after telephone interviews conducted from July 13-15 among Thai residents aged 18 and over. The issue has particular relevance for foreigners living, investing or working in Thailand. The poll reflects strong public concern about nominee businesses, restricted occupations and alleged gray-money operations. Continued …
PM says controversial land bridge project can wait
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said in China’s Chengdu that the controversial land bridge project can wait and the seaports in the southern provinces of Ranong and Chumphon should be upgraded as the first priority.
He added, however, that the land bridge remains a flagship policy of his government and further study will continue, but that an urgent infrastructure project must be implemented to connect the Ranong province on the western coast with Chumphon province on the eastern coast, and a land-based logistics infrastructure to connect with other countries in the region. Continued …
Pet ownership creates a new economic opportunity
Once regarded as household companions, pets are increasingly being treated as family members, and that emotional bond is transforming into a major economic force. From premium pet food and health supplements to insurance, luxury boarding services and even pet strollers, owners around the world are spending more than ever on their four-legged companions.
The trend, known as the pet economy, is creating new business opportunities globally while positioning Thailand to become one of the world’s leading producers of premium pet food. Continued …
Thailand launches Visa Destinations in Hua Hin and nationwide
Thailand has become the first country in the world to introduce Visa’s Destinations program nationwide, with the scheme intended to make payments easier for visitors and widen digital-payment acceptance among smaller businesses.
Launched with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Visa Destinations Thailand covers Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Udon Thani, Samui, Hua Hin and Hat Yai. It is open to all Visa cardholders. Continued …
Swiss seasonal retirees face Thailand’s 30-day visa-free limit
Thailand plans to halve visa-free entry from 60 to 30 days for citizens of 54 countries, including Switzerland, a move likely to affect those seasonal retirees who spend much of the European winter in the kingdom. The change has not yet appeared in the Royal Gazette. It will take effect 15 days after publication. Until then, Swiss visitors and other eligible nationals can still enter visa-free for 60 days.
The existing arrangement, introduced in July 2024, allows a 60-day stay followed by one 30-day extension at a local immigration office. This has enabled many visitors to remain for up to three months with relatively little paperwork. Continued …
Thailand advances B12-billion Koh Samui cruise terminal project
The Transport Ministry is advancing a 12.17-billion-baht cruise terminal project on Koh Samui that is expected to accommodate up to 400,000 tourists and 240 cruise calls annually.
The proposed terminal, capable of serving large cruise ships, is among the ministry’s 262 major transport projects planned for 2027, with a combined investment of 229.76 billion baht. Continued …
How to Ride MRT: Easy Thai Phrases for Asoke and Sukhumvit Transit
Traveling around Bangkok is great, but it becomes so much more fun and rewarding when you can speak the local language. In this episode of THE JOURNEY GO OUT, we are changing the way you commute by teaching you basic Thai phrases specifically for riding the city trains.
You do not need to rely only on English or automatic machines because speaking Thai with the station staff and locals adds a whole new layer of excitement to your adventure. We break down everything from buying tickets at the counter to finding the right platform, making your underground transit smooth and stress-free. Video …
7 art-filled hotels to explore across Thailand
It’s no secret that Thailand is home to some of the world’s most stunning stays. Beyond breezy beachfront resorts, Thailand is also home to stunning art-filled hotels where art takes center stage — whether through paintings, sculptures, bold design, traditional Thai craftsmanship, or contemporary installations.
For travelers who like their stays with a side of artistry, there are seven art-filled hotels across Thailand worth checking into. More than just a place to sleep, these properties turn the hotel experience into part of the destination itself. Continued …
Lax visa and enforcement encourages fugitives to Thailand
A former FBI agent who spent a decade based in Thailand says lax visitor entry and law enforcement, combined with the country’s appeal as a place to live, have made it attractive to international fugitives. Continued …
-
Chinese man held over 15.68-million-baht Phitsanulok scam – Continued …
-
Tourist fined after driving onto Phuket beach – Continued …
-
Belgian Interpol suspect held at Patong condo – Continued …
Russia batters Kyiv in major ballistic missile attack
Russia battered Ukraine’s capital Kyiv overnight with one of its biggest ballistic missile barrages of the war, killing at least one person and wounding 16 others, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said yesterday. Video …
Over 500 Rohingya feared dead after boats capsize off Myanmar
More than 500 people, mostly Rohingya, are feared missing after two boats reportedly capsized off Myanmar, the UN refugee agency and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said. 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
Cocaine addiction rehab in Thailand spans budget value centers to five-star clinics, and the right fit depends on price, location, and clinical need. Clinicians treat cocaine dependence through the mind, not a prescription pad, which raises the stakes on choosing well. The wrong center wastes money and momentum, while the right one separates a person from triggers and rebuilds the brain’s reward system.
Walking Naresdamri Road: The Heart of Hua Hin
TrueMoney, Southeast Asia’s leading fintech platform under Ascend Money, has rolled out Thailand’s first inclusive “tap-to-pay” digital financial service. “The move is part of a strategy designed to make contactless payments more accessible for consumers,” said Monsinee Nakapanant, co-president of Ascend Money.
The deadly fire at a beer hall in Lat Phrao has left the public with a haunting image: a long jet of flame bursting through the upper part of the main entrance like a fire-breathing dragon, even as people at floor level were still trying to escape.
Thailand, a country of 67 million inhabitants, has an elderly population of more than 12 million people, and growing, with medical needs that require highly trained staff. This is straining the capacity to meet the needs of this age group and is negatively impacting health services that provide increasingly sophisticated medical services.
The government has insisted cannabis is “not freely available” in Thailand, reiterating that cannabis buds are strictly regulated and may only be bought or sold with a valid medical prescription.
U.S. And Iran Escalate Strikes Across Mideast
Thailand’s policy of cutting retail fuel prices is coming under growing pressure, as renewed confrontation between the United States and Iran drives global oil prices higher and raises fresh concerns over supplies from the Middle East.
Vendors struggle despite aid plan
Thailand has urged the United States to accelerate negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement, as Bangkok seeks a competitive tariff outcome and greater clarity over two US Section 301 investigations.
Thailand could face a significant blow to exports if proposed US Section 301 tariffs take effect after July 24, according to Pachara Naripthaphan, a member of the Securities and Exchange Commission board.
People’s Party deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun has strongly criticized the stricter eligibility criteria for the state welfare card program, arguing that the tighter screening process has excluded many genuinely poor people from receiving assistance.
Thailand has asked Japan to support four new water-management projects aimed at improving flood prevention, including measures for the flood-prone Chao Phraya River basin, as the Southeast Asian nation seeks to strengthen resilience against increasingly frequent extreme weather.
A Russian-run nominee network controling more than 775 homes worth over B5 billion, was dismantled in Chonburi, with four arrests, 41 raids and a nationwide investigation now under way into hundreds of companies and suspected foreign land ownership. 
The past week saw tensions mount among Thais who are becoming increasingly alarmed about China’s growing influence and role in Thailand. Four issues have emerged that patriotic Thais should, at the very least, be concerned about and contemplate within the larger context of Sino-Thai relations.
Suvarnabhumi arrivals face 2-3 hour immigration queues
Thailand is considering a B2.45-billion tourism stimulus package that could offer 500,000 travel co-payment entitlements, discounts on 400,000 domestic airline seats and support for international flights.
Gastronomy Tourism Tipped to Spread Wealth Beyond Bangkok
The Thai government is preparing to support Phuket singer-guitarist Nene Royal in the next stage of her America’s Got Talent journey and involve her in promoting the country’s tourism, international image and soft power.
Dubai carrier flydubai is pressing ahead with its expansion in Thailand, doubling its daily flights to Bangkok from tomorrow as travel demand between the UAE and Southeast Asia continues to climb despite recent geopolitical uncertainty.
Why Isan Cuisine Is Part of Thailand’s Wellness Food Conversation
Koh Samui named world’s best island
The Future of Krabi’s Quiet Luxury
What It Costs To Stay At Hua Hin Wellness Retreat
Is Prachuap Khiri Khan The Most Underrated Thai Beach Town?
Hua Hin doesn’t look like a typical retirement hotspot in Thailand. No loud nightlife, no hype, no constant tourist energy. On paper it looks almost too quiet… but that’s exactly why it works so well for long-term living.
Households get more breaks on power bills
In Thailand, phone brands are seen as status symbols
Thailand seeks more EU investment with infrastructure and FTA drive
Saphan Pla Night Market (fishing pier)
BOT Monitors Middle East Tension as Baht Drops 6% Year to Date
New Thai-Malaysian checkpoint a boon for tourism
Thailand buckles to India, restores visa-free scheme
What Americans Get Wrong About Life in Thailand
Re: Odd-even parking signs installed on soi 94
Thailand Approves $3.1 Billion Investment for Seven Data Centers
Local e-marketplace players enter fray
Largest local solar roof opens in Korat
Thailand’s industrial green shift gains momentum with Seagate solar mega project
Interra Resources Firm to Install Rooftop Solar Power System at Thai School
EU plans tougher social media limits for children under 13
Baan Khun Por Food Court (Father’s House) on Soi 88, is one of the best places in Hua Hin for authentic local Thai food, international cuisine, great prices, live music and a really relaxed friendly local vibe. Open daily from 5 pm until midnight. If you’re visiting Hua Hin and want to try a variety of dishes all in one place, this is definitely a spot you shouldn’t miss. From sizzling stir-fries and fresh seafood to classic Thai favorites, there’s something here for everyone. 
If you are looking for great and tasty seafood where tourists don’t go to then this is the place to go. It is one of my favorites in Hua Hin. Bring your best translator along as there is no English script menu but that means that great Thai dishes are going to be served. 
Thailand’s urban workforce is facing an escalating squeeze on disposable income as the price of popular ready-to-eat meals climbs across the country, driven by stubborn energy costs and transport inflation.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded Thailand’s GDP growth forecast to 1.9% from 1.5%, supported by the government’s stimulus measures.
Thailand generated just over 4.025 billion baht from foreign film productions during the first half of this year, with 302 overseas projects filmed across the country. The figures reinforce its position as a leading production hub in Asia and put it on course to set another annual revenue record.
Thailand’s tourism sector continues to feel the impact of a sharp decline in Chinese visitors, despite China regaining its position as the country’s largest source market in 2026. Between Jan. 1 and July 4, Thailand welcomed 16,210,890 foreign visitors, down 3.1% year on year, generating 782.57 billion baht in tourism revenue, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Thailand’s automatic rice transplanter can plant rice seedlings with incredible speed and precision. This smart farming technology helps farmers save time, reduce labor, and increase efficiency. 
For centuries, the identity of Thai textiles and handicrafts has been explicitly clear: vibrant, multi-colored regional weaves, intricate gold ornamentation, and complex motifs. These are not merely everyday materials but historic cultural artefacts reflecting local wisdom passed down through generations. Yet, a hard truth has loomed over the loom.
Patio Old Town Market Hua Hin
A construction pile driving crane rig collapsed and fatally crushed a worker on Rama II Road, forcing authorities to completely close traffic in the affected area while emergency crews responded and began recovery operations.
The Yoovidhya family of Red Bull fame have retained the top spot as the richest in Thailand for the third consecutive year with a net worth of $47 billion, followed by the CP Group’s Chearavanont brothers with $36.6 billion, according to Forbes magazine.
Ayutthaya elephants win praise for waiting at red light
The June 2026 Retail Sentiment Index (RSI) survey pointed to a narrow-based recovery in Thailand’s economy after government measures provided short-term support to purchasing power.
Thailand and Malaysia have agreed to swiftly resolve a recent fisheries trade dispute that disrupted seafood exports between the two countries, with both governments aiming to reopen affected markets within a week.
Nestlé has announced plans to invest 23 billion baht in a new Nescafé factory in Thailand after terminating its joint-venture agreement with Quality Coffee Products Co. (QCP), the company that previously manufactured Nescafé products in the country. The 50:50 joint venture between Nestlé and the Mahagitsiri family ended on Dec. 31, 2024, leaving QCP without the right to continue producing Nescafé products.
Sumed Prasongpongchai, director-general of the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand, or GIT, said exports of gems and jewelry excluding gold were worth US$860.73 million in May, up 1.8% and extending growth for a third consecutive month. Including gold, exports were worth US$2.27442 billion, up 29.7%.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) met Israeli diplomatic representatives in Bangkok this week to discuss attracting more high-spending Israeli tourists to Thailand under its “Value over Volume” tourism strategy ahead of the coming travel season.
Thailand’s concert industry is growing rapidly, but so are complaints about ticket scalpers, scams, and organized groups buying up tickets before genuine fans have a chance.
Chiang Mai Ranked Third-Best City Worldwide
Chiang Mai, northern Thailand’s largest city, presents enduring Lanna heritage across living temples, artisan quarters, and surrounding mountain landscapes, underscoring its cultural and historical significance.Viewers encounter Chiang Mai travel context through Lanna architecture, historic temples in the Old City, and daily practices such as alms rounds and evening chants.
Why forest preservation begins with rewarding communities
Line Man Wongnai is stepping up its electric vehicle push in Thailand’s ride-hailing market, using a rental model to bring more drivers onto its Line Man Ride platform and piloting a new “Comfort” service for passengers seeking larger electric cars.
What happens to a PET bottle after it leaves the consumer’s hand can determine whether it becomes accumulated waste or raw material for a new product. In Thailand, a program created by Indorama Ventures, in partnership with Amata Corp., uses this path to transform used plastic packaging into school backpacks intended for children from communities near industrial hubs.
Phetchaburi’s tourism sector is looking to Hua Hin Airport as a potential driver of growth as officials move to position Cha Am and Hua Hin as higher-value wedding destinations, particularly for the Indian market.
The English We Like project opened at Prachuap Wittayalai School yesterday, with Prachuap Khiri Khan Gov. Sittichai Sawatsan presiding over the ceremony for the program, which aims to improve students’ English skills and support university entrance exam preparation.
This walking tour in Hua Hin begins along Soi 80 at night before heading to the famous night market, capturing the vibrant evening atmosphere of this seaside town. As you explore Soi 80 first, you’ll experience real ambient sounds, conversations from open bars, clinking glasses and the natural rhythm of the nightlife crowd. The street feels energetic but welcoming, with restaurants and small venues lighting up the night. From there, the walk continues toward the Hua Hin Night Market, where the focus shifts to street food, seafood grills and rows of illuminated market stalls. 
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) resolved that there are sufficient grounds to pursue criminal and disciplinary action against six people, including five police officers, over the extortion of 6 million baht from a British drug kingpin, Ritesh Patel.
Thailand’s cannabis experiment is facing its strongest international reckoning yet after Thai and British authorities revealed that thousands of cannabis smuggling cases have been intercepted, with the United Kingdom accounting for nearly two-thirds of all seizures and organized crime gangs recruiting British couriers through social media.
The government continues to grapple with the challenge of lowering retail oil prices, which remain stubbornly above 30 baht per liter despite recent declines in global crude markets.
Lower domestic fuel prices are expected to lift consumer confidence, but are unlikely to immediately reduce prepared food prices, according to the Thai Restaurant Assn.
The Thai economy is demonstrating far greater structural resilience than initially projected, prompting the central bank to upgrade its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the year to 2.3% — the most bullish estimate currently available in the market.
Thailand postpones land bridge and SEC bill for wider consultation
Thailand’s growing dependence on foreign digital platforms is raising fresh concern over whether the country is slowly surrendering economic value to businesses based overseas.
Thailand Draws Visitors from Every Corner of Asia, Malaysia, South Korea, and China Lead the Way
Thailand names new long-necked dinosaur from Kalasin