- Waterfront demolition to start/Hua Hin’s mayor outlines priorities/Hua Hin beach cleanup/PKK has a new governor/Marriott plans new hotel in Cha-am/Police dog challenge event in Cha-am/Floods hit 4,635 businesses/Thai villages flooded to protect capital/160-billion-baht canal approved
- THE IRAN WAR: How is Thailand’s food industry affected?/Iran shifting tactics/Energy risks are far from over
- ECONOMY: Economic Slowdown Is a Wake-Up Call//IMF forecasts Thailand growth/Thai economy facing multiple challenges/12-point Bangkok Blueprint/Labor shortage leaves fruit rotting on trees/Netflix sees Thailand as global production hub/Bridge projects in Songkhla, Krabi
- TOURISM: Warning over losses from exit tax/TAT targets 33 million foreign arrivals/Tuk-tuk driver charges 4,000-baht Bangkok fare/Thai Airways and LOT in codeshare
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Clean Energy Cheaper But Faster Transition Needed
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Waterfront demolition to start tomorrow
Work to remove waterfront buildings along Hua Hin beach is set to begin on tomorrow, with the initial demolition expected to focus on buildings and plots that have already been vacated.
The operation covers the stretch between the Fishing Pier and the Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine. Contractors will begin with structures and sections that can be removed without affecting residents, including extensions projecting into the sea, non-residential sections and signs. Continued …
Hua Hin’s mayor outlines his priorities
Connecting Hua Hin by air to Thailand’s major tourist destinations and developing the railway bypass road are among the priorities Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul has outlined as the city prepares for continued growth.
In an interview, Nopporn set out his ambition for Hua Hin to become a domestic air hub, with direct connections to destinations including Phuket, Samui, Krabi and Udon Thani. He called for government support to help establish regional routes and shared his longer-term vision for a new international airport outside the city center. Continued …
Hua Hin beach cleanup continues
Yesterday, staff from Hua Hin municipality’s Public Health and Environment Division collected rubbish along the beach from Hua Hin Soi 77 through Soi 85 and south to Khao Takiab.
The seasonal “Kite Wind” affects the Gulf of Thailand coastline, including Hua Hin, during October and November. This year, the winds and waves have brought an unusually large amount of rubbish ashore. Continued …
PKK has a new governor
The Cabinet has approved the appointment of Police Lt. Col. Khetrat Chansilp as the next Prachuap Khiri Khan governor, subject to royal approval.
Khetrat will leave his position as security adviser at the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Interior to become the province’s 57th governor. He will succeed Sitthichai Sawatsaen, who is due to retire. Continued …
Marriott plans new hotel in Cha-am
Plans for a 215-room AC Hotel by Marriott in Cha-am have been detailed in official Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) documents, confirming approval for the project on Soi Ruam Chit, off Chao Lai Road, close to Cha-am South 5 Road.
The development, registered as AC Hotel by Marriott Hua-Hin Cha-Am, is owned by Fountain Tree Co.. The hotel will occupy a 16,516-square-meter site, equivalent to just over 10 rai. Plans include four accommodation buildings: a nine-story block standing 38.7 meters high and three three-story blocks. Continued …
Police dog challenge event set for Cha-am this weekend
Police dogs and their handlers will compete in the BPP K-9 Challenge 2026 in Cha-am starting tomorrow, with free admission throughout the three-day event.
Organized by the Border Patrol Police Bureau, the competition will be held at the Police Dog Training Center, Rama VI Camp, in Phetchaburi. Visitors can watch teams demonstrate the speed, accuracy, quick thinking and coordination required for police work. Continued …
Floods hit 4,635 businesses with losses at 18.2 billion baht
Flooding has affected 4,635 businesses across 59 provinces, causing preliminary damage estimated at 18.21 billion baht, with Chonburi accounting for the overwhelming majority of losses, according to the Industry Ministry.
Businesses in industrial estates accounted for 17.84569 billion baht of the losses, while those outside industrial estates suffered an estimated 359.94 million baht in damage. Continued …
Deluge by design: Thai villages flooded to protect capital
Stilt houses in villages north of Bangkok are no longer high enough to stay dry as Thai authorities deliberately flood riverside communities to spare the capital.
Inside the home of Kamonchanok Sathaphonamonwut, raised more than three meters above the ground in Ayutthaya province, her family of three sleeps on makeshift platforms and cannot use the waterlogged toilet. Continued …
160-billion-baht Chao Phraya 2 canal approved to tackle flooding
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved the Chai Nat-Pa Sak-Gulf of Thailand flood-drainage canal, widely known as “Chao Phraya 2”, a national mega-project intended to provide a long-term response to flooding.
The project, approved yesterday, will create and expand a waterway of more than 270 kilometers across nine provinces. The Royal Irrigation Department is the project owner, with construction scheduled to take eight years, from 2027 to 2034. The overall investment has been put at about 160 billion baht, including land acquisition costs. Continued …
How is Thailand’s food industry affected by Iran war?
The Middle East conflict presents both risks and opportunities for Thailand’s food industry. Rising energy and raw material costs, particularly fertilizers and plastic packaging inputs, are increasing production expenses, while transportation disruptions threaten supply chains across agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors, potentially slowing consumption of discretionary food products.
However, the crisis may benefit Thai exporters of long-shelf-life foods like ready-to-eat meals and basic proteins, as countries stockpile for food security. Businesses are advised to manage logistics risks, diversify export markets, lock in costs through long-term contracts, and reduce plastic dependence through alternative packaging materials. Continued …
Iran shifting tactics to step up attacks on shipping before US vote, officials say
Iran is deploying new tactics to target ships sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, as it seeks to keep oil prices high and influence the US midterm elections, two senior Iranian officials told Reuters.
Tehran has tried to exert control over the Strait of Hormuz since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28. It has restricted passage through the waterway, which carried about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade before the war, in an effort to gain leverage over Washington, Reuters said. Continued …
IMF warns that energy risks are far from over
At the 2026 International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, senior IMF executives held a joint press briefing with the media titled “Asia and Pacific Department” to release the latest Regional Economic Outlook report.
Krishna Srinivasan, Ddirector of the Asia and Pacific Division at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), revealed that the economies of Asia and the Pacific continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience amid global uncertainty. Continued …
Thailand’s Economic Slowdown Is a Wake-Up Call
Thailand needs more long-term investment to revive economic growth, former commerce and energy minister Narongchai Akrasanee says.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2026 IMF-World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, Narongchai said a lack of long-term industrial investment and inefficient government infrastructure spending have weighed on the economy. Video …
IMF forecasts Thailand growth at 2.1% in 2026, among ASEAN’s slowest
Thailand’s economy is projected to grow by 2.1% in 2026, placing it among the slowest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, ahead of only Myanmar and Brunei, according to the International Monetary Fund’s latest forecasts.
The IMF’s October 2026 World Economic Outlook projects Vietnam to lead the region with 8.4% growth, four times Thailand’s forecast rate. Malaysia is projected to grow by 5.2%, followed by Indonesia at 5.1%, Singapore at 5%, Laos at 4.5%, Timor-Leste at 4%, Philippines at 3.4% and Cambodia at 3%. Myanmar’s economy is forecast to expand by 2%, while Brunei is projected to grow by 1.9%. Continued …
BofT chief economist says Thai economy growing better but facing multiple challenges
Helen Qiao, cheif economist of Bank of Thailand, said the Thai economy may grow faster, but the country is facing multiple challenges.
She added that the Bank of Thailand should not raise its policy rate following major central banks, as the BOT should have deep considerations before a rate hike. Video …
IMF, World Bank launch 12-point Bangkok Blueprint
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group, working with the Bank of Thailand, launched the Bangkok Blueprint in Bangkok yesterday, setting out 12 considerations under five pillars to help countries combat digital financial fraud.
The Bangkok Blueprint provides an adaptable policy framework, covering legislation, identity verification, suspicious transaction detection, money tracing, victim support and international coordination. Countries can apply the guidance according to their laws, financial systems and capabilities, without being subject to a uniform global law. Continued …
Thailand labor shortage leaves fruit rotting on trees
Ripe mangosteen and rambutan are being left unpicked in eastern Thailand as a shortage of migrant workers forces growers to decide which crops are worth harvesting.
For durian farmer Jomsak Putirattana in Chanthaburi, the loss of his five Cambodian workers after the border dispute disrupted crossings has intensified competition for staff during the crucial fruit season. Daily pay for farm workers has more than doubled in some cases, rising from about 350-400 baht to as much as 800-1,000 baht, Jomsak said. At those rates, harvesting lower-value fruit is no longer viable for some growers. Continued …
Netflix sees Thailand as potential global production hub
Netflix says Thailand could develop into a global entertainment production center comparable to South Korea, but says stronger intellectual property protection and creative freedom will be needed for Thai content to compete internationally.
Andrew Ure, Netflix vice president of global affairs for Asia-Pacific, set out the streaming company’s view at the Creativity as Capital: Driving the Next Growth Frontier forum in Bangkok on Tuesday. The event was held in connection with the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group annual meetings. Continued …
Key bridge projects due to start in Songkhla, Krabi
Two major bridge projects in southern Thailand are being constructed to improve transport connectivity, support the tourism industry, and stimulate local economic activity. By linking key areas, these developments aim to enhance regional competitiveness and lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth. The total cost of the two major bridge projects is 6.38 billion baht.
The Songkhla Lake bridge is designed to connect parts of Songkhla and Phatthalung, potentially reducing a two-hour journey to just 10 minutes. The Koh Lanta bridge in Krabi will connect Koh Klang with Koh Lanta Noi, further improving accessibility in the region. These infrastructure improvements are intended to facilitate easier travel for tourists and improve the overall quality of life for local residents. – Bangkok Post AI
Warning over massive losses from exit tax
Thailand’s tourism industry could face annual revenue losses ranging from 50 billion to 150 billion baht due to a proposed departure tax. While the tax is expected to raise approximately 45.9 billion baht, industry experts warn that the levy could undermine the sector’s overall competitiveness.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents has expressed concerns that the tax might discourage travelers, with some projections suggesting a worst-case scenario loss of up to 150 billion baht. This potential decline is viewed as a significant risk, especially since the tax could influence the decisions of budget-conscious travelers and impact two-way tourism. – Bangkok Post AI
TAT targets 33 million foreign arrivals with year-end events
Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) will use a packed program of year-end festivals, concerts and international events in an effort to bring foreign arrivals to about 33 million in 2026. The campaign follows a 3.8% fall in international arrivals during the first nine months of the year, while a strengthening baht has made Thailand less price-competitive against rival destinations.
Thailand received 23.2 million overseas visitors between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Foreign tourism revenue dropped 2.26% year on year to 1,142.485 billion baht. Continued …
Tuk-tuk driver criticized over 4,000-baht Bangkok fare
A Bangkok tuk-tuk driver has drawn online criticizm after demanding 4,000 baht from two foreign tourists for a trip from Rajamangala National Stadium to a hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 4 following a concert.
The driver posted video of the dispute, which occurred after the pair arrived at their hotel. The tourists paid 400 baht but refused to hand over the remaining amount, saying the charge was excessive for a journey that took about 15 minutes. Continued …
Thai Airways and LOT to expand Europe-Asia links with codeshare
Thai Airways International and LOT Polish Airlines have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop a codeshare partnership aimed at expanding travel connections across Europe, Asia and Oceania.
Kittiphong Sansomboon, chief commercial officer of Thai Airways, said yesterday the planned codeshare is expected to begin at the start of the 2027 summer schedule, subject to approval from the relevant regulatory authorities. Continued …
Clean Energy Cheaper But Faster Transition Needed, Panel Warns
Energy demand is soaring, fuel prices have been rattled by conflict in the Middle East, and much of Asia still runs on coal. Can renewables step in fast enough?
A panel at CNN Global Perspectives in Bangkok yesterday, “Powering the Next Economy”, answered with a cautious yes. Clean power is now often the cheapest option, the speakers said, but the speed of the shift and who pays for it remain the problem. Continued …
Australia fights ‘unfettered’ access to children by big tech
Australia said today it refused to allow big tech to have “unfettered” access to its children, as it formally introduced new legislation that would give users choice over what they see on their feeds. Under the “Digital Duty of Care” bill, firms behind popular platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram will be required to give users the choice to opt out of the powerful algorithms that dictate what we see online. Continued …
Money laundering worldwide hits $6 trillion
Corruption can reduce real GDP per capita growth by 3% for up to two years, while money laundering amounts to as much as US$6 trillion annually worldwide, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Case studies of efforts to combat corruption and money laundering were presented at the 2026 annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group yesterday in Bangkok. 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
Thailand has eliminated rubella as a public health problem, an achievement the World Health Organization described as a “major milestone”.
Thailand has blocked 945,075 URLs linked to online gambling during the 2026 fiscal year, according to the government, as it steps up action against illegal online content and cybercrime.
AGT 2026 champion Nene Royal fulfilled a dream by performing alongside metal giants Avenged Sevenfold during their concert in Singapore last night, delivering a 13-minute set that had fans rocking out.
Thailand sets out AI plan for jobs and small firms
Advances in artificial intelligence are drawing a new wave of global capital into the economy, from data centers and servers to AI models and autonomous agents that can carry out tasks on our behalf. Together, these investments are turning AI into a new operating system for the global economy, reshaping how businesses work and how economic value is created.
Thailand records about 120 foreign tourist deaths on its roads each year, with 91 killed and 9,668 injured in crashes during the first nine months of 2026, according to insurance-sector figures highlighted by road safety campaigners.
Thailand’s Finance Ministry is facing a coordinated backlash over plans for a new 1,000-baht tax on international air departures, which would apply to Thai citizens and foreign nationals leaving the country.
Another jet-ski excursion involving foreign tourists was cut short last week after riders repeatedly ignored safety warnings and alarmed other participants with risky manoeuvers, Phuket Tourist Police have confirmed. 
Mu Koh Similan National Park reopens
Phetchabun authorities face calls to review adventure tourism safety rules and compliance after two foreigners were injured in a fall from a cliff while abseiling over the weekend.
Phuket Festival Devotees Pierce Cheeks With Swords and Guns
Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer during surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital yesterday, when doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican said. The operation on the 71-year-old pontiff lasted about 90 minutes and was successful, with no complications. 
Oil prices extended gains today, as the Middle East conflict escalated after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis stepped up strikes on Saudi Arabia, while two tankers were attacked over the weekend, raising concerns about oil supply from the region.
Southeast Asia’s property market is entering a phase in which growth is spreading beyond a handful of economic centers into economic corridors, industrial cities and tourism destinations, according to JLL’s latest research report, Planning for a Multipolar World: Real Estate Strategies Across Southeast Asia in 2026 and Beyond.
Thailand plans to use the 2026 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group to attract foreign investment in future industries and expand international economic cooperation, the government said today.
Thailand’s health economy, spanning medical care, preventive health and wellness, is emerging as a new engine of growth. Panelists warned, however, that regulatory delays and heavy reliance on imported products could limit the benefits.
Thong Pha Phum National Park in Kanchanaburi will reopen its Khao Chang Phueak long-distance nature trek from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31. Numbers will be capped at 60 visitors a day, with hikers aged 13 to 70 only.
The new power development plan is expected to unlock trillions of baht in renewable energy investment and create broader opportunities for private sector participation in the electricity market. This expansion includes several key areas for engagement, such as wind power, solar energy, battery energy storage systems, and the development of small modular reactors.
Thailand is stepping up its fight against fake medicine, but recent cases show how lucrative and sophisticated the trade has become. With counterfeit products increasingly finding buyers online, stopping them before they reach consumers is becoming its own challenge. 
Nene Royal didn’t apply to America’s Got Talent. An American fan did it for her. His name is Sean, and like thousands of others, he first saw her playing on the street in Phuket. Unlike most of them, he didn’t just film it and walk away.
Thai singer Nene Royal, named as the winner of America’s Got Talent 2026, has said she will take the program’s prize money as a one-off payment rather than in instalments.
Always Lalisa, a documentary following Thai singer and actor Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal during a year away from Blackpink’s group activities, opens in Thai cinemas on Oct. 12. Screenings run until Oct. 18 in IMAX and standard formats, with standard tickets starting at 350 baht.
A night out in Thailand turned into a wildlife rescue story after an intoxicated man brought a wild python home. Even more amazingly, the man, who had no recollection of bringing the animal home, woke up to rescuers removing it from his house.
Thailand is facing a week of thunderstorms, strong winds, hail and lightning, with heavy to very heavy rain possible in some areas through Oct. 15. The Thai Meteorological Department warned that accumulated rain could bring flash floods and forest runoff, particularly in vulnerable areas.
Bangkok’s severe flash floods, exploring how extreme rainfall, sinking geography, and communication breakdowns are testing the city’s infrastructure limits.
Toyota Motor Thailand has extended production suspensions at its Samrong, Ban Pho and Gateway plants, with operations now expected to resume between Oct. 14 and 19 as flooding continues to disrupt parts deliveries.
Residents of Pak Nam subdistrict in Bang Khla district, Chachoengsao, have endured flooding for more than two weeks, with reports that the situation could continue for another 30 days, adding to their anxiety over how long they must live with the hardship.
Media has reported that oil tankers traveling through the Strait of Hormuz are being targeted almost daily, as Iran is escalating its attacks in an attempt to halt its recovering crude oil exports.
A US–Thailand trade deal is heading for a November signing after President Donald Trump wrote directly to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. However, critical terms remain unresolved despite agreement in principle. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun is targeting the ASEAN summit in the Philippines.
Thailand’s high-tech industries require a diverse array of specialized technical and soft skills to keep pace with rapid technological transitions. Key requirements include expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) development, coding, and robotics, as well as proficiency in digital technologies, data science, and automated systems.
Tourism operators oppose the 450-baht fee because they believe it is unfair to genuine travelers. They argue that the funds intended for travel insurance for all foreign visitors are more likely to cover unpaid medical bills incurred by foreign workers rather than tourists.
How CNH Equipment Is Helping Thai Rice Farmers End Stubble Burning
US President Donald Trump slammed the “disgraceful” Nobel Peace Prize choice yesterday as leaving an “indelible stain” on Norway, arguing that the award should have gone to him. South African judge and human rights champion Navi Pillay won the prestigious prize in recognition of her work against war crimes and crimes against humanity. 
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued Warning No. 5 today, forecasting isolated heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Thailand during Oct. 9–13. Thundershowers, gusty winds and hail are also expected during the five-day period.
Oil prices settled 4% higher yesterday in Houston as revived concerns over the ongoing Middle East war and growing supply disruptions from Hurricane Isaias approaching the US Gulf Coast drove intense market volatility.
Meta has banned advertisements from TikTok owner ByteDance on Facebook and Instagram in Thailand, the United States and five other markets, escalating competition between the two social-media groups.
Thailand stands at a pivotal junction where it must rapidly modernize its infrastructure, expand artificial intelligence adoption, and bridge a widening digital skills gap to avoid being left behind in the new global economy.
Thailand’s consumer confidence fell for the first time in four months in September, with the index dropping to 52.1 as widespread flooding and rising living costs weighed on households. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) released the findings yesterday, drawing on a nationwide survey of 2,241 respondents.
Thailand identifies 10 emerging technologies for future growth
Bangkok voted world’s best city for tourists
ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), finalized on May 30, represents a landmark achievement as the world’s first regional digital economy agreement. It establishes common rules for cross-border data transfers, e-commerce, cybersecurity, AI, and talent mobility, targeting a projected $1 trillion digital economy by 2030.
Hua Hin municipality is seeking to speed up construction of the Hua Hin railway road by resolving design issues and relocating electricity poles, with the aim of opening the new route to residents as soon as possible.
Thailand closes 132 risky railway crossings
Central region hardest hit by floods
Three property associations have identified five major challenges in reviving the market through action by the government and banks. These range from unlocking home loans for a new generation of borrowers, promoting energy-efficient homes and developing urban infrastructure to withstand natural disasters, to regulating foreign property transactions and building stronger communities.
Thailand has attracted more than $11.72 billion (approx. 396.5 billion baht) in investment applications from Japanese enterprises across 1,380 projects between 2021 and mid-2026, according to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).
Thailand’s Cabinet has acknowledged a proposal to overhaul vehicle excise taxes, under which certain imported cars would face the highest proposed rates, while domestically manufactured vehicles could qualify for lower rates linked to investment and locally produced components.
The 10th round of Thailand-EU free trade agreement negotiations has seen significant progress, with most negotiating texts now concluded. The commerce minister reported that major issues resolved include trade in goods, services, investment, and market access, as well as provisions regarding sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, energy, war materials, and rules of origin.
Marriott Internationalhas signed an agreement with FICO Corp. to bring seven hotels to Thailand, which are projected to add a further 1,262 keys to Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.
Earlier this year, Bangkok’s food and beverage scene pulled off a coup. At Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards in Macau, eight venues from Asia’s “City of Angels” crowded the list – rankings historically dominated by Hong Kong and Singapore – with four more in the 51-100 tier. The city’s restaurant honors tell a similar story – Sühring recently joined Sorn in holding three Michelin stars, and Bangkok claims nine spots on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, more than any other city.
Thailand is preparing to replace the Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004). In July 2026, the House of Representatives accepted in principle proposed amendments to the Hotel Act and referred them to an extraordinary committee. On Sept. 29, the government set out its draft Accommodation Establishment Act. The draft moves away from a single hotel licensing regime and toward a tiered system based on the size of the property.
Fifteen minutes with a pair of clippers, a mirror check, and out the door for the price of a sandwich. Or: lying back on a reclined chair, eyes covered, a hot towel over the face, a straight razor worked slowly along the jaw, warm oil worked into the beard, a shoulder press at the end, someone offering you a coffee while you wait for the chair — 45 minutes, and a bill that can run to three or four times the first one.
From one mother to nine cubs: the tiger helping tell Thailand’s recovery story
Preparing Thailand’s rescued leopard cats for life in the wild
Authorities in Phuket are seeking a land plot to build a second incinerator to handle a growing amount of garbage. Phuket is facing increasing challenges in dealing with as much as 1.3 million tons of waste that has accumulated at landfills supervised by the Phuket municipal office.
Hua Hin Profile: Humanitarianism in action
Nene Royal to sing for over 400 guests at IMF–World Bank reception
British banker and whistleblower Simon Andriesz, 57, was found dead in Khlong Luang, just outside Bangkok, on the morning of September 23. The local municipality recorded his cause of death as “asphyxiation from hanging”.
Thailand has not implemented any additional measures regarding the suspected plague in Russia, as Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat stated there are currently no plans for further action unless new developments emerge.
As the planet warms, cities like Bangkok could be increasingly inundated by deadly floods
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has drawn up a five-to-seven-year flood-management program expected to require at least 100 billion baht, combining drainage maintenance with major canal, tunnel and water-retention projects to protect the capital’s role as Thailand’s economic center.
Thailand’s headline consumer price index rose 2.82% in September from a year earlier, the Commerce Ministry said yesterday, as food and fuel prices increased.
Thailand has expanded a crackdown on suspected foreign nominee businesses from Koh Phangan into seven provinces, according to a media report, as concern grows over overseas investors, land deals and long-stay visitors on the country’s resort islands.
Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund has begun scaling back diesel support as its deficit has passed 100 billion baht, an Energy Ministry source said. The ministry is preparing a gradual withdrawal of subsidies to slow cash outflows while awaiting policy direction on further measures.
The Thai cabinet has approved tax measures for the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) sector that allow businesses to claim a double tax deduction for expenses related to space rental and services for trade fairs and exhibitions. These incentives are intended to stimulate economic activity by attracting international events and increasing spending in related industries such as tourism, transport, and hospitality.
An increase in the value-added tax (VAT) of 3% was discussed during a session where senators also called for a broader tax base to address a reported net deficit of 760 billion baht for fiscal 2025.
Singapore-listed DFI Retail plans to open 250 new Starbucks outlets over the next three years, mainly in Thailand and Vietnam, after taking full control of the licensed business operating more than 1,100 coffeehouses across seven Asian markets.
The Middle East conflict and oil price volatility have highlighted Thailand’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, prompting calls to accelerate its clean energy transition. A seminar involving energy experts, policymakers, and industry representatives concluded that reducing fossil fuel dependence is now an economic and security necessity, not just an environmental goal, with ASEAN neighbors facing similar pressures.
Southeast Asia could save approximately US$45.4 billion by installing enough solar photovoltaic capacity to generate the same amount of electricity as planned gas power projects across five major economies, according to research group Zero Carbon Analytics (ZCA).
Clean Kinetics, a Singapore-based solar energy developer, has started construction of a $2-million solar photovoltaic project at Sats Thailand’s central kitchen facility in Pathum Thani province, around 40 kilometers north of Bangkok.
Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program has approved 12,010 foreign nationals in its first four years, the Board of Investment (BOI) says.
Thailand’s government has denied claims that proposed legal changes would end taxes on alcohol and tobacco or dismantle four public bodies funded through levies linked to those products.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul prioritized urgent payments to ensure that affected households receive relief funds as quickly as possible. He stated that it is important for people to receive their money as soon as possible, ordering authorities to distribute the first batch of payments this week based on verified claims without waiting for the entire nationwide processing to conclude.
Southeast Asian energy ministers meeting in Manila this week face the prospect of a prolonged Middle East war that has exposed the region’s vulnerabilities to imported energy.
The World Bank has cautioned that damage from a severe El Niño, including flooding of the kind seen across the region a decade ago, could prove larger than current forecasts assume. The warning came as Thailand’s economy was singled out for both its gains from the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom and its slow adoption of the technology at home.
Thailand is struggling to reach its 7 million ton rice export goal because several key trading partners have reduced their import volumes. The shortfall is driven largely by decreased demand from Malaysia and the Philippines, with the latter citing concerns over relatively high prices for Thai rice.
Thailand is seeking to turn its food, entertainment, wellness sector and recognizable cultural symbols into longer-lasting economic influence, as competition for visitors across Southeast Asia intensifies.
Thailand is advancing a 10-year strategy for 2025–2034 to become an international center for medical and wellness industries through five areas of development, extending its ambitions beyond hospital treatment to health products, research, training and international events.
Siam Legal International, a Thailand-based law firm, has published a step-by-step arrival checklist for first-time visitors to Thailand, covering the entry process from passport condition and pre-arrival paperwork to the documents immigration officers may request at the counter. The guide reflects entry procedures as of October 2026 and sets out each stage in the order travelers generally encounter it.
Bangkok’s Yaowarat is preparing for the 2026 Vegetarian Festival, with the traditional nine-day vegetarian observance running from Oct. 10–18, while the main Yaowarat festival runs from Oct. 9–18.
Laos, Myanmar and Thailand have launched a joint action plan to tackle seasonal haze and forest fires that cause serious air pollution across the Mekong sub-region. The trilateral initiative was launched by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs alongside the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the governments of Lao PDR and Myanmar.
Vietnamese police have arrested 12 men accused of stealing nearly 2,700 cats during night raids into residential neighborhoods, taking the pets to be slaughtered for food, police and state media said yesterday. Consumption of dogs and cats is legal in Vietnam, where many restaurants openly advertise the meat, but vendors are required to obtain certificates showing the origin of the animals. 
Rare serow makes unusual appearance on Prachuap beach
Nene Royal: Global Stardom Won’t Change Me, Says AGT Winner at Bangkok Homecoming
Thai singer and guitarist Nene Royal has attracted partnerships with at least 10 brands in Thailand within 10 days of winning America’s Got Talent (AGT) Season 21 on Sept. 24.
Disaster risks are considered structural challenges because they are becoming normalized and represent a long-term weight on Thailand’s economic growth. The increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, driven by climate change, require fundamental changes to infrastructure and economic resilience rather than just short-term fixes.
Nine dead as floods submerge seven Prachin Buri districts
Flooding in Thailand has significantly impacted the food industry by disrupting transport routes, hindering the movement of essential goods, and forcing manufacturers to adjust their business continuity plans. These disruptions have led to delivery delays for parcel services and the temporary suspension of cargo operations for major carriers.
While the flooding has eased in Chanthaburi, around 4,000 fruit farmers are in deep distress as stagnant floodwaters led to durian trees grown on over 20,000 rai of orchards having died.
Sinking city, rising rage: Bangkok’s floods fuel fury over government inaction
Insurance regulator sets 5 flood-damage levels for vehicles
The Ministry of Commerce’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) reported uneven conditions in Thailand’s regional economies in its August 2026 review. Rising living costs remained a key source of pressure and consumer confidence stayed weak, although business formation and tourism continued to grow well in some areas.
Thailand is stepping up a crackdown on foreigners accused of using nominee companies and other arrangements to control businesses and property illegally, as growing local resentment over foreign investment threatens to reshape the country’s lucrative tourism industry.
Thailand and Laos have set an ambitious goal of boosting bilateral trade to US$11 billion by 2027 during high-level talks in Luang Prabang on Friday. The two countries’ economic push is part of a broader strategy to transform border transport networks into major international trade corridors.
As Thailand cracks down on foreigners, a tourist paradise reconsiders its welcome
In early 2020, international and national health authorities alike in Laos watched with disbelief as hospitals in New York City, a city in one of the world’s richest countries, were overwhelmed with patients. During the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 203,000 cases of laboratory-confirmed COVID were reported in New York and a third of people hospitalized died. 
EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic will head to Beijing on Thursday for two days of make-or-break meetings with Chinese officials to try to stave off a trade war. The European Union has toughened its stance toward Beijing to defend businesses against what it believes is unfair competition in critical sectors, including cars. 
Major US automakers have watched their domestic market share shrink even more thanks to their Asian competitors — a situation that may worsen if Chinese firms are able to enter the US market, an idea floated by President Donald Trump. 
A new air service linking Hua Hin with U-Tapao has opened, creating another travel option between two important resort destinations and improving air connections between Thailand’s central and eastern regions.
Flooding raises vegetable and egg prices
The flood crisis is not over just because floodwaters have receded, as around 1.64 million small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face major challenges regarding capital and employment, raising the risk of liquidity crunches – or even business closures.
Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport has set out plans to become an aviation and logistics hub for Thailand’s upper north, including cargo links to China and the Middle East.
A Real Estate Information Center (REIC) survey of five major northeastern provinces in the first half of 2026 points to a shared finding that “purchasing power remains”.
Thailand’s soft power play: Culture as global currency
Thai Airways International’s board has suspended and removed chief executive Chai Eamsiri from his post, effective yesterday, following disruption to baggage, flights and ground services at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The board appointed Samrit Samniang, a company director and executive director, as acting chief executive.
How Coffee Is Helping Thailand Reduce Human-Elephant Conflict