- Reader feedback/694 Hua Hin entities under the gun/Hua Hin, Pranburi under flood watch/Hua Hin properties earn real estate awards/August ‘hottest month ever recorded globally’/Samui zoo owner’s wife fights deportation/Pit bull kills 70-year-old owner/$1,999 iPhone Duo
- THE IRAN WAR: Oil tops $100 a barrel
- ECONOMY: US-Thai trade deal ready to be finalized/Don Mueang’s transport links draw luxury housing investment/August industrial sentiment drops/Probe into Israeli network in Pattaya/Nestlé invests $194 million in pet-food production
- TOURISM: Tourism stimulus scheme expected to start Nov 1/Two women detained with more than $1,000,000 in suitcases
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Top Family-Friendly Tourist Destinations
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Solar rooftop subsidy scheme/Thailand approves SMR rules/Saving trafficked wildlife in Thailand
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
“A clarifying question with respect to the new Hua Hin Hospital OPD operating hours, if I may – do the new hours, effective Oct. 1, refer to the Special Medical Clinic (SMC) OPD frequently used by expats and some Thais, and/or to the hospital’s main OPD, which is mainly used by Thais? Any clarification would be greatly appreciate.” – Jim
(Editor: Expat News has reached out to Hua Hin Hospital for an answer.)
694 Hua Hin entities under the gun in nominee crackdown
Authorities have identified 694 landholding entities in Hua Hin for in-depth investigation over possible nominee arrangements involving foreigners, accounting for almost nine in 10 entities flagged across Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
The findings were presented at a provincial meeting on Tuesday, where officials also reported that 71 legal entities across the province met the criteria requiring them to sell their land because of foreign shareholding levels. Continued …
Hua Hin, Pranburi under flood watch
Hua Hin and Pranburi are among six districts in Prachuap Khiri Khan placed on flood watch from Sept. 9-13, with residents urged to prepare for possible flash floods, runoff and landslides. The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) cited a monsoon trough and a strengthening southwest monsoon that are expected to bring increased rainfall across Thailand, including heavy to very heavy rain in some areas.
The warning identifies Hua Hin, Pranburi, Kui Buri, Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thap Sakae and Bang Saphan as areas at risk of localized flooding, flash floods, forest runoff and landslides. Continued …
Two Hua Hin properties earn real estate awards
Orchid Palm Homes was named Developer of the Year Hua Hin and BelVida Parque Hua Hin won Best Villa Development Hua Hin at the Thailand Real Estate Awards 2026 in Bangkok on Aug. 27.
The ceremony, held at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, marked the awards’ 10th anniversary under the theme “10 Years, New Era”. Developers and projects from across Thailand were recognized, with AP (Thailand) Public Co. receiving the evening’s highest honor, Developer of the Year Thailand 2026. Continued …
August ‘hottest month ever recorded globally’
August was the hottest single month ever recorded globally, with ocean temperatures also reaching unprecedented highs as western Europe capped its warmest summer, the EU’s climate monitor said today.
In response to the assessment by the Copernicus Climate Change Service, the United Nations warned that until humanity weaned off fossil fuels, the planet would only push deeper into uncharted territory. Continued …
Samui zoo owner’s wife fights deportation order
The French owner of Samui Exotic Park in Surat Thani has been ordered deported from Thailand, with his wife preparing to appeal the Interior Ministry’s decision tomorrow.
Kevin Dimino was formally informed of the order by Surat Thani Immigration on Tuesday, a day after the ministry issued the deportation decision. He has been held at Koh Samui Police Station while awaiting removal to his country of origin. Continued …
Pit bull kills 70-year-old owner in Bangkok home
A 70-year-old woman has died after being attacked by a male pit bull she cared for at a home in Bangkok’s Bueng Kum district yesterday.
Police said the woman was attempting to put a collar on the dog when it attacked her inside the property. She was found dead with bite wounds to her neck and hands. Continued …
Apple joins foldable phone race with $1,999 passport-shaped iPhone Duo
Apple unveiled its first foldable iPhone yesterday, introducing a US$1,999 passport-shaped handset as new chief executive John Ternus bets on design, productivity and privacy to win customers in a market established by Samsung and Chinese rivals.
The iPhone Duo opens into a 7.6-inch display and will be available from Oct. 23. Its launch marks the most substantial redesign of Apple’s flagship product since the iPhone X in 2017. Continued …
Oil tops $100 a barrel as Mideast conflict escalates
Benchmark Brent crude oil futures rose past $100 a barrel yesterday, breaching the symbolic barrier for the first time since July 24 as intensifying conflict in the Middle East fueled growing concern about supplies.
Brent crude futures were up $2.15, or 2.2%, to $100.07 a barrel as of mid-afternoon in Asia, while US West Texas Intermediate crude was up $1.70, or 1.8%, at $94.73. Continued …
US-Thai trade deal ready to be finalized by a call between Anutin and Trump, says Minister
Thailand and the United States are days from a sweeping trade deal reaching far beyond tariffs. Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun says every substantive issue is settled, with only legal drafting left. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is then expected to speak directly with US President Donald Trump to close the pact.
The deal would secure access to Thailand’s largest export market after a threatened 36% tariff. In return, Bangkok has discussed billions in US agriculture, energy and aircraft purchases. However, the most far-reaching terms cover electronic payments, cross-border data and telecommunications. Continued …
Don Mueang’s transport links draw luxury housing investment
Don Mueang is attracting more high-end housing development as transport links, international schools and demand from affluent families broaden its appeal beyond the airport, according to Cushman & Wakefield Thailand.
Surachet Kongcheep, the firm’s head of research and consultancy, described the district as an emerging “major infrastructure hub” in northern Bangkok. He cited an average annual increase of about 11% in appraised land values. Continued …
August industrial sentiment drops on heavy rain and high costs
Thailand’s industrial sentiment index slipped to 89.7 in August, from 90.0 in July, weighed down by heavy rainfall that disrupted economic hubs, high energy costs and weak domestic purchasing power, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
FTI Chair Pimjai Leeissaranukul stated the decline was further exacerbated by a prolonged contraction in the automotive sector, due to sluggish sales and tighter credit access. Vehicle sales fell 17.4% year-on-year over the first seven months of this year, while small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continue to struggle with high production costs, limited access to capital and stiff competition from imported goods. Continued …
Criminal charges considered by DSI in probe into substantial Israeli network in Pattaya
Thailand’s DSI is moving toward its first summons in a widening Israeli-linked business probe centered on Pattaya. Israeli businessman Maimon David Marsiano and several Thai shareholders are expected to face questioning over suspected nominee structures, company control and investment funding.
The inquiry follows August raids on a law office, condominium company and hotel business tied to assets worth hundreds of millions of baht. However, the investigation has now spread far beyond Chon Buri. The DSI says Israeli-linked real estate and other assets under wider examination nationwide are worth tens of billions of baht, with business interests also being examined in Bangkok, Phuket, Pai, Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan. Continued …
Nestlé invests $194 million in Purina pet-food production in Thailand
Nestlé is spending more than $194.1 million on “strengthening” Purina pet-food production in Thailand. The Swiss giant said the investment is in response to rising pet-food demand in Thailand and the rest of Asia.
It will be funneled into its manufacturing site in Rayong, which produces pet food and treats under the Felix, Friskies, Pro Plan, and Purina One brands. Continued …
Tourism stimulus scheme expected to start Nov 1
A new “Thai Tiew Thai Plus” tourism stimulus scheme, offering one million entitlements with a budget of 3.5 billion baht, is awaiting cabinet approval for a planned Nov. 1 start.
The scheme is expected to be submitted to the cabinet for approval on Sept. 22, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said on Tuesday after a meeting with Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas. Continued …
Two women detained at Bangkok Airport with more than $1,000,000 in their suitcases
During the search at Suvarnabhumi Airport, two Thai women were found carrying 32.5 million baht in cash and €186,000 hidden in their suitcases. They had failed to declare the currency as required by Thai law for amounts exceeding US$20,000 (approximately 700,000 baht) when leaving the country.
The total value of the undeclared cash exceeded the equivalent of 40 million baht (over US$1.1 million). After questioning, the suspects admitted that the money had been withdrawn from their accounts after profiting on the “BlueQubit” platform. Continued …
Top Family-Friendly Tourist Destinations in Thailand
Thailand is one of the Asian destinations that has maintained its popularity among families thanks to its diverse range of experiences in a single geographical area. From beaches and tropical islands to water parks, amusement parks, and cultural landmarks, families can choose programs that fit their ages and interests.
The appeal of the trip increases when families combine more than one city. Starting an adventure in Bangkok offers cultural and recreational landmarks, then moving to Phuket or Hua Hin for serene days at the beach. Nature and animal lovers can head north to Chiang Mai, while Pattaya offers a mix of water parks, family activities, and boat trips. Continued …
Solar rooftop subsidy scheme to open in mid-October
Registration will open in mid-October for a solar rooftop scheme offering subsidies of up to 50,000 baht per installation, initially targeting one million households.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said yesterday the 50 billion baht for the program would come from the 200 billion baht earmarked for energy transition projects. Continued …
Thailand approves SMR rules for possible nuclear power
Thailand has approved a regulatory policy framework for small modular reactors (SMRs), beginning work on the laws, specialist skills and safety arrangements needed if it eventually adopts nuclear power.
Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat chaired the Nuclear Energy for Peace Commission’s second meeting of 2026 at Government House on Tuesday. Officials stressed that no decision has been made to build a nuclear plant, select a location or choose reactor technology. Continued …
Online and undercover: saving trafficked wildlife in Thailand
Nawee Changpirom has spent years working to rescue trafficked wildlife in Thailand, but even he can sometimes hardly believe the creatures he has found: leopards, hornbills, and once an anteater. “We even found living corals hidden in a ceiling,” he said.
Nawee heads a raid unit in the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) that tries to stop the sale of everything from African elephant ivory to monkeys wanted as pets or for laboratory testing. Continued …
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Chinese man held in Pattaya over 162-million-baht crypto theft – Continued …
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Thai police arrest 13 foreigners in Bang Phli call-center raid – Continued …
Trump offers $5,000 bribe to voters
US President Donald Trump promised every adult U.S. citizen would receive a $5,000 check if Republicans retain their majorities in Congress during the party’s first-ever midterm convention yesterday. The president capped off the event by attacking Democrats while rallying supporters in Texas in a bid to boost GOP enthusiasm across the country. Continued …
How hot can the US-Canada trade war get?
The US-Canada trade war has escalated rapidly, rupturing what was once one of the world’s closest economic partnerships. But the conflict is a mismatch, with the $31 trillion US economy roughly 13 times larger than Canada’s, raising questions about the limits of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s defiance. 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
Most fuel prices at PTT Station and Bangchak rose yesterday, while premium grades remained unchanged. PTT Station increased petrol and non-premium gasohol prices by 0.80 baht a liter and non-premium diesel by 0.70 baht.
Thailand’s proposed secondary alcohol rules could severely limit how breweries, bars and restaurants display beer products, according to the Craft Beer Business Assn. The draft measures will be discussed at a public consultation today and are not yet in force.
10 popular lunch dishes in Thailand loaded with sodium that could wreck your kidneys
The Thai baht weakened against the US dollar from 33.90 to 32.70, supported by dollar softness and Middle East risks. Thailand’s central bank kept rates unchanged at 1.00%, maintaining accommodative stance through H1 2027. Commerzbank expects near-term consolidation around 32.50-33.00 range.
Thailand’s tariff negotiations with the United States are down to the final wording, which should be completed within a week, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said yesterday.
Thailand’s consumer confidence strengthened for a third consecutive month in August, reaching its highest level in six months, as purchasing power and economic activity showed early signs of improvement, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
Thailand had 26 companies licensed to operate data centers by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) as of July 27, with their declared electricity demand exceeding 1,059MW.
Bangkok ranked second among Asia’s most revisited destinations in Agoda’s latest repeat visitor ranking, behind Tokyo and ahead of Bali, based on accommodation bookings made during the first half of 2026.
Royal Thai Navy opens free ticket bookings for Royal Barge Procession
What do people want most in life? For many residents of Ban Khok Lam and Ban Saeng Aram in Kud Mak Fai subdistrict, Nong Wua So District, Udon Thani Province, the answer is not wealth or material possessions.
Ysterday, the Hua Hin Municipality Ordinance Review Working Group met to consider the appropriateness of improving, drafting, and amending local laws enforced in the area to make them more effective and aligned with the city’s development.
The Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Statistical Office has requested the public’s cooperation in providing information for the September 2026 survey project. The survey will collect important statistical data useful for national economic and social development planning. The survey projects are as follows: The 2026 Labor Force Survey Project; project on surveying the use of information and communication technology in households; informal labor survey project; the household socio-economic survey project; projects to improve the country’s common framework of establishment database; and the construction site data-processing project.
Where is Nene’s financial support coming from?
The World Health Organization (WHO) verified Thailand’s elimination of rubella as a public health problem on Sept. 5, making the country the seventh in the WHO Southeast Asia region to achieve the milestone.
Oil climbed to its highest levels in six weeks yesterday, after Iran threatened to attack energy infrastructure across the Middle East if Washington launched further strikes on Iranian assets.
Global oil benchmark Brent crude has rallied this month but stayed below $100 a barrel despite recent escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict that has disrupted Gulf exports from the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
Thailand’s headline inflation rose to 2.53% year on year in August 2026, its highest level for three months, as fuel costs and food prices increased across much of the country. The Consumer Price Index stood at 102.67 in August, up from annual inflation of 1.95% in July, according to Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) at the Commerce Ministry.
Review the risks and regulatory loopholes behind Thailand’s data center rush, and ask whether Thailand has the resources to pay the price.The Hazards: Massive fuel storage tanks, 80dB low-frequency noise pollution, and urban heat traps baking local alleyways.
EEC’s Hospitality and Retail Bet on Lifestyle
U-Tapao and High-Speed Rail: EEC’s Make-or-Break Infrastructure Bet
Thailand plans to provide government-funded disaster insurance to around 30 million households in high-risk areas against floods, storms and earthquakes under a scheme approved on Sept. 1.
The five-day visit by US sailors from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln group has helped promote a “new image” of Pattaya as a diverse tourist destination, rather than mainly about “nightlife and beer bars”, according to Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet.
Cambodia Airways will begin flying between Siem Reap and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sept. 15, adding a direct link between Cambodia’s main Angkor tourism gateway and Thailand.
Hua Hin hotels, resorts and holiday homes were the focus of a municipal training program on Friday aimed at improving disease prevention and public health standards.
More than 60 people attended Hua Hin Film Club’s first screening yesterday, joining actor Vithaya Pansringarm for an evening of cinema at Amara Resort Hua Hin.
Koh Phangan beach dispute spotlights nominee fears
A restricted zone will be announced outside the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days, Mohsen Rezaei, the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said yesterday according to state media. He added that the zone would include areas in the Gulf. 
Businesses in Thailand’s automotive parts, garment, rubber products and plastics industries are increasingly suspending operations temporarily, as falling orders, accumulated losses and higher production costs put pressure on employment.
Thai bank chiefs are warning that small businesses remain vulnerable to fresh defaults and a return to bad debt after restructuring, despite a decline in the commercial banking system’s overall non-performing loan ratio.
When discussing the economy in Southeast Asia, we often hear about semiconductor production, electric vehicles, combustion cars, and tourism. However, one of Thailand’s key economic pillars tends to receive less attention. Beyond being a global tourism destination, Thailand is recognized as the “Kitchen of the World”, playing a crucial role in producing and exporting food to over 350 million consumers worldwide each day.
Foreign arrivals to Thailand decline 3% in first eight months
Thailand’s new 30-day visa-exemption rule is opening a sharp fault line across its tourism industry before the crucial fourth-quarter peak. The Association of Thai Travel Agents says most genuine tourists need only seven to 10 days. It also wants tougher action against foreigners abusing tourist status.
Thai Airways International canceled flights to Jakarta today as eight Indonesian airports, including two serving the Indonesian capital, remained closed because of ash from erupting Krakatau volcano.
Riyadh Air has launched direct flights between Riyadh and Bangkok, initially operating three times a week before increasing to daily services in October. The inaugural aircraft arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport last Thursday.
How a debt-ridden mother of 6 built world-famous Bangkok noodle shop
Australians could be given the option of opting out of powerful social media algorithms under new legislation cracking down on big tech. The draft law requiring a “digital duty of care” is expected to be introduced to Australia’s parliament this week. It would require firms like Meta to give users the option of turning off algorithms that tailor recommendations to their personal taste. 
Thai superstar Lisa, Lalisa Manobal, released the music video for her latest single, “SaWaDiKa”, yesterday, showcasing Thai identity through Muay Thai, tuk-tuks, Chula kites and energetic choreography.
Thailand is forecast to become wetter from September 8–10, with isolated very heavy rain expected in Bangkok and surrounding provinces, the lower North, lower Northeast, Central region, East and the South’s west coast, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD).
Thailand has ordered a temporary pause on 166 data center projects while government agencies draw up nationwide standards governing resource use, locations, safety and economic benefits. It covers 49 projects under construction and 117 awaiting permission from various agencies.
Thailand’s trade deficit with China has surged to US$55.13 billion, alarming even the Thai-Chinese business community. Imports from China jumped 38.5%, while the bilateral deficit widened 59.3% in seven months.
China’s global influence campaign has been particularly evident in Southeast Asia, including Thailand. Historically, the Thai public and many elites have had relatively warm views of China. However, Beijing has launched a multitude of efforts to expand its influence within Thailand’s society and politics.
Phuket’s foreign arrivals by air rebounded in July, with more than 379,000 travelers recorded as the impact of the Middle East conflict eased, according to Travel Link data.
Electricity tariffs in Thailand could reach 4.11–4.58 baht per unit in 2050 under four scenarios in the draft Power Development Plan, as planners weigh the cost of integrating renewable energy and capturing carbon emissions.
Former Twitter employees have launched a new social media platform called Twitter.now, featuring an automated artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to detect misinformation and fake news, alongside the revival of the iconic blue bird logo and signature blue-and-white theme amid an ongoing trademark dispute with X Corp. 
The day after Volkswagen management, shareholders and unions agreed to cut a total of 100,000 jobs over the coming years, automotive workers said yesterday they were feeling a mix of fury and disappointment. The 10-brand group, which apart from its namesake also includes the likes of Skoda, Audi, Seat and Porsche, said late Thursday it would cut an additional 50,000 jobs, bringing total planned reductions to 100,000. 
Personnel from the USS Abraham Lincoln have reportedly been prohibited from entering Pattaya Soi 6 and Soi 7 after sunset as part of safety rules imposed during the aircraft carrier’s port call in Chonburi.
Hordes of US sailors were up early yesterday as they set out to explore this tourist city on their second day of shore leave. They began their explorations on Wednesday night, with many making a beeline for the famous Walking Street to soak up the atmosphere.
Thailand’s use of trade preferences under free trade agreements reached US$48.069 billion, or approximately 1.57 trillion baht, during the first six months of 2026, rising 7.3% from the same period last year. The Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) reported that preferential treatment was claimed on 80.8% of the value of eligible exports between January and June.
Thailand has formally removed the foreign business license requirement for seven specified service activities, under a new ministerial regulation published by the Royal Gazette yesterday.
Asia still accounts for roughly half of global GDP on a purchasing-power-parity basis, and multilateral forecasters expect that share to keep inching up even as headline growth rates cool. The World Trade Organization sees Asia-Pacific trade growth slipping to 3.8% in 2026 from 4.1%, and the Asian Development Bank’s most recent outlook points to a similar moderation across the region.
Thailand’s ambition to become a global hub for wellness tourism and preventive healthcare is being held back not by a shortage of talent or infrastructure, but by regulation that has failed to keep pace with a rapidly evolving industry, according to senior executives and experts who spoke at the Bangkok Business Summit 2026 yesterday.
Thai Navy schedules four September royal barge rehearsals
Thailand’s ‘Jurassic Park’ shines light on dinosaur evolution
Gallothai: Three Decades of Chocolate Craftsmanship
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has raised its 2026 economic growth forecast for Thailand to 2.1%-2.5%, from 1.6%-2.0%, but warned that stronger exports and private investment are producing increasingly uneven benefits across the economy.
Narongsak Putthapornmongkol, president of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, released the findings of the chamber’s confidence index survey for the fourth quarter of 2026. Conducted from Aug. 18-20, the survey covered 503 respondents and found that 46.2% expected Thailand’s economy to grow by 1.5%-2% this year, while 37.8% forecast growth of 2%-2.5%. The results pointed to an outlook below the government’s midpoint forecast of 2.2%.
Thailand’s retail sector is calling for stronger economic stimulus, including the revival of the Easy e-Receipt scheme, with an eligible spending ceiling of 100,000 baht, as household debt and accumulated living costs continue to squeeze consumers’ purchasing power.
The government is moving to address a regulatory gap in the data center sector, with the Data Center Business Policy Committee preparing an urgent meeting to develop a coordinated oversight framework.
U.S. Shrimp Coalition seeks zero tariffs for Thai shrimp
Indian tourist arrivals to Thailand fell 11.6% year-on-year between Aug. 1-22, making India the only one of the country’s four main overseas markets to record a decline during the period.
Thai Airways International (THAI) will operate 66 domestic and international routes during its winter 2026/27 timetable, covering destinations across Europe, Australia and Asia. The schedule will run from Oct. 25 to March 27, 2027), coinciding with Thailand’s peak tourism season.
AirAsia has signed its first-ever codeshare agreement, teaming up with Turkey’s largest low-cost carrier, Pegasus Airlines, to open seamless connections between Southeast Asia and Europe through Istanbul, the two airlines announced at AirAsia’s headquarters in Sepang, Malaysia, yesterday.
Thailand currently ranks as the world’s 20th-largest coffee producer, down from the top 15 a decade ago. The country grows mainly robusta, although arabica production is growing, highlighting a sharper focus on quality.
EGAT explores SMRs to bolster Thailand’s energy security
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) is preparing 1,520 electric buses to replace aging vehicles, with deliveries expected to begin in March 2027. Kittikan Chomdoung Charuworapolkul, BMTA director, said the transition would improve passenger convenience, safety and environmental performance while reducing the organization’s fuel and maintenance costs by an estimated 4.1 billion baht annually.
The world has failed in its goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times, the United Nations (UN) said yesterday, in a sober assessment that laid out a new goal for fighting climate change that would set the world on an uncertain path.
US energy firms yesterday signed a raft of multibillion-dollar deals with Venezuela, days after the South American country agreed to grant the United States control of a huge chunk of its vast oil reserves. Energy Secretary Chris Wright traveled to Caracas to oversee the signing of deals worth “tens of billions of dollars of investment,” seen as a quid pro quo for Washington winning majority control of 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves. 
The Dutch central bank said yesterday it had moved 86 tons of its gold reserves out of the United States and Canada to London, citing “increasing geopolitical unrest”. De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) said gold reserves held in London could be traded more easily than those held in New York and Ottawa. 
Fuel prices at PTT Station and Bangchak outlets rose today, with most petrol and gasohol products increasing by 0.60 baht per liter. PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Co. (OR) and Bangchak Corp. (BCP) announced the new retail rates.
The 2026 Siam PGA Pairs Classic brought 104 golfers to Hua Hin for two days of competition at Black Mountain Golf Club and Pineapple Valley Golf Club. Held on Aug, 15-16, the tournament marked its ninth staging since launching in 2017.
Civil society groups have come out against proposed changes to the universal healthcare law, warning the amendments could erode rights to public health coverage.
‘Lisa Effect’ Turns Thailand’s Travel Dreams into Real Search Demand
A sell-off of bonds from key countries worldwide deepened yesterday, sending government borrowing costs soaring and equities lower as investors fretted that energy-driven inflation would force central bankers to hike interest rates. The latest bout of fighting between the United States and Iran has pushed oil prices higher, stoking the fears of tighter monetary policy that could weigh on economic growth. 
China has seen an explosive growth in its renewable installation, with coal’s share in its energy mix edging down in recent years. Now, China’s solar energy capacity has surpassed that of coal-fired power for the first time ever. 
The Hua Hin Ship to Sea Ceremony will return on Saturday, Sept. 26, offering residents and visitors the chance to witness one of the town’s longstanding fishing community traditions.
Prachuap Bay coastal defenses reviewed
Thailand recorded 220 deaths and 19,316 injuries in road accidents during the latest week, according to figures from the ThaiRSC accident reporting centre released on Sunday.
From heartbreak to history as Thailand finally reaches the Olympics
The Department of Local Administration terminated the employment of 3,868 officials nationwide yesterday, suspecting them of rigging their recruitment examination results late last year.
The Legacy of Thai Elephants
Celebrating 50 Years of Thailand’s Dinosaur Renaissance
In the Ukrainian frontline town of Druzhkivka, the buzz of Russian drones and sound of artillery shelling have become daily life for the few residents who still remain there, sheltering in damaged apartment blocks and homes ripped by years of Russian attacks. 
A Western man walks down Beach Road holding hands with a Thai girl and naturally assumes the local men are glaring at him with quiet jealousy. He thinks he is a predator who just entered the local ecosystem and stole the best women from the dating pool, leaving the native men with fewer options.
Police detained 25 woman during a late-night prostitution crackdown in Pattaya on Saturday, as authorities prepare for the arrival of about 5,000 US military personnel in Chon Buri next week.
InterContinental Residences Hua Hin Achieves Complete Sell-Out
Thai teenage rocker Nene Royal has advanced to the live semifinals of America’s Got Talent Season 21 after Mel B awarded her a Live Golden Buzzer for her performance of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun”.
Thailand’s Excise Department is pressing ahead with plans to overhaul cigarette taxation by introducing a single tax rate in a move aimed at improving revenue collection and reducing price distortions created by the existing two-tier system.
Thailand is introducing new rules for visa applications, requiring applicants for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) to submit proof of permanent residence and a police clearance certificate. Applications under the new rules will have to be submitted from today.
Bangkok is set to host Ultra Thailand 2027, organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with London-based Private Luxury Events. Scheduled for June 20–24, 2027, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, this gathering marks Ultra’s first venture into Southeast Asia.
Thailand wants 2027 to transform its tourism industry, but what will actually change for visitors? Perhaps high-value tourism shouldn’t simply mean higher prices.
The Finance Ministry is considering lower excise taxes for manufacturers that invest in production bases in the country, use domestically produced raw materials or components, and have begun manufacturing for export.
Royal water project lifts farming and livelihoods in Chiang Mai
Thailand’s Energy Ministry plans to increase the quota for electricity purchased from household rooftop solar systems fivefold, from 100 megawatts to 500MW, as part of efforts to encourage more people to generate and sell clean power.
Thailand will accelerate its energy transition following parliamentary approval of a 400-billion-baht borrowing decree, with plans for household solar rooftops and a restructuring of vehicle taxes expected to become clearer in September, Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said.
Authorities in Nepal warned of possible fresh flooding yesterday and urged residents in flood-affected districts to remain on high alert after water levels rose in the Bhotekoshi River. Wednesday’s catastrophic floods killed at least 800 people and left more than 3,000 missing in Nepal and Tibet.