Editor: Our report yesterday about Hua Hin Today starting a newsletter like this one was incorrect. Hua Hin Today was just marketing for the entity that did start the newsletter. We regret the misunderstanding, however, the article in question did not name an owner of the newsletter and read like it was a Hua Hin Today production, so we misunderstood.
- Feedback/Hua Hin 100K Ultra Marathon/Community dance event Saturday/60-day visa end submitted to Cabinet/Fuel costs climb/Thailand weighs skipping World Cup rights/Fatal rail crash exposes safety failures/Thailand braces for monsoon rain/Thai Gangs Recruit ‘Dumb’ Brits
- THE IRAN WAR: Trump calls off Iran strikes
- ECONOMY: Thai consumer confidence falls/Thailand eyes oil reserves/Thailand hits back at US trade allegations/Thailand Enlists Celebrity Influencers
- TOURISM: Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Proxy Networks/Hotels expect foreign numbers to decline/High season visitors expected to be strong/Suvarnabhumi fast track claim/Extended Schengen Visas for Thais
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Chiang Mai On A Budget
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand ASEAN’s Leading EV Market
- HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Vilhelm International Academy launched in March 2026 and has is campus at “The Hub” in Hin Lek Fai, less than 10 minutes from the center of town. They provide mentor-led academic supervision for students studying through accredited online school programs, whether independently enrolled or through integrated programs offered at Vilhelm. This means that students follow a fixed timetable, complete coursework under supervision, and receive ongoing progress monitoring. They can do this whist studying for their GCSE’s, A-Levels, NCAA approved US courses, or any other online school they choose to use.
Unlike more traditional options, at the academy children can learn at their own pace, not being forced forward before they are ready and also not being held back by the rest of the class. When they are ready to move on they do so. By coming to the academy each day, they are able to complement their studies with activities that develop leadership skills, community service (such as the recent helmet initiative), complemented by daily sports and physical activity to support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
You can visit the website for more details, or you can book an appointment to meet with the academy co-ordinator to discuss what you are looking for and explain what they can offer. There is a completely free five-day trial period that can be taken advantage of by anyone interested in seeing if the academy is the right fit for them.
Website; Email: info@vilhelminternationalacademy.com; Phone: +66 065 991 5500; Facebook; Map location.
Re: Bangkok train/bus collision
“Train collision was a terrible tragedy. Sadly, anyone who’s ever been at that junction/walked over the bridge from Makkasan to Phetchaburi MRT will have heard the train approaching alarm going off, seen vehicles ignoring it and continuing to cross the rail line, and observed the barriers unable to be lowered. A tragic accident was inevitable.” – AS
Hua Hin 100K Ultra Marathon set for Saturday
The Hua Hin 100K Ultra Marathon 2026 has been officially launched, with organizers aiming to strengthen the town’s reputation as a sports tourism destination while inviting runners to sign up for the endurance event.
Scheduled to take place on May 23 at Rajabhakti Park, the Hua Hin 100K Ultra Marathon will feature four race distances of 10, 25, 50, and 100 kilometers. Officials say the event is expected to attract Thai and international participants, along with supporters traveling to the area, helping to stimulate activity in Hua Hin and Cha Am’s tourism and service sectors. Continued …
Community dance event planned Saturday at Hua Hin railway station
The Beat on Track Zumba event will be held at Hua Hin Railway Station on Saturday, with Hua Hin City Municipality planning a large outdoor exercise activity. The event, officially titled “Beat on Track: Dance Fun on the Rails”, will take place at 5 pm.
The municipality said the event follows the growing popularity of aerobic dancing and other dance-based exercise activities across Thailand. The activity is intended to bring together exercise groups from across the city and encourage more people to take part in group fitness. Continued …
60-day visa end, other changes, submitted to Cabinet for approval
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the Foreign Ministry would today submit to the Cabinet a proposal to cancel the 60-day visa-free measure, known as P.60, and revise the 30-day visa-free measure, known as P.30.
The 60-day visa-free measure, or P.60, has applied to nationals of 93 countries since 2024. The revised 30-day visa-free measure, or P.30, would grant visa-free entry to nationals of 54 countries and territories. Continued …
Fuel costs climb — PTT and Bangchak raise prices again
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp. (BCP) have raised retail fuel prices in Bangkok, effective today.
Diesel B7 and diesel B20 prices were increased by 75 satang per liter, while benzine, gasohol 95, gasohol 91, E20 and E85 rose by 85 satang per liter. The latest retail prices in Bangkok, excluding local maintenance tax, are as follows: Continued …
Thailand weighs skipping B1.3-billion 2026 World Cup rights
Thailand has yet to decide whether to buy the broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the asking price of at least 1.3 billion baht is far above the 600-million-baht framework previously used by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, while unfavorable match times in Thailand may reduce viewership, advertising revenue, and wider economic benefits.
A source at the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, or NBTC Office, said there was still no official conclusion on whether Thailand would acquire the live broadcast rights for the tournament. Continued ….
Too late to stop — fatal rail crash exposes safety failures
The deadly collision between a freight train and a public bus at Bangkok’s busy Asok-Makkasan intersection has intensified scrutiny of Thailand’s rail safety system after investigators uncovered a series of alleged operational failures behind the disaster.
The crash, which occurred on May 16, left eight people dead and more than 30 injured after freight train No. 2126, traveling from Laem Chabang to Bang Sue, slammed into the bus before flames engulfed the vehicle. Continued …
Thailand braces for monsoon rain, flash floods and high waves
The Thai Meteorological Department forecast heavy rain in parts of upper Thailand over the next 24 hours, covering the north, northeast, central region, Bangkok, and surrounding provinces, today.
Thunderstorms are forecast in 60% of the southern east coast area, with isolated heavy rain. Heavy rain is expected in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla. Continued …
Thai Gangs Recruit ‘Dumb’ Brits to Smuggle Drugs
A UK Channel 4 documentary has revealed how criminal gangs in Thailand recruit young “dumb” Britons to smuggle cannabis into the UK, using free holidays, cash incentives, and violent threats to pressure them into carrying drugs through airports.
In a clip from “Untold: Inside Thailand’s British Drug Gangs”, a female recruiter known as “Zee” described how her network targets “young and dumb” people with little money. She told investigative journalist Tir Dhondy that recruits are often persuaded after hearing friends had successfully completed similar trips. Continued …
Trump calls off Iran strikes, cites pending deal
President Donald Trump yesterday called off a plan to begin attacking Iran again, citing a pending deal with the Middle Eastern country amid a wavering ceasefire.
The president said he told Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and other top defense officials that “we will not be doing the scheduled attack of Iran tomorrow, but have further instructed them to be prepared to go forward with a full, large-scale assault of Iran, on a moment’s notice, in the event that an acceptable deal is not reached.” Continued …
Thai consumer confidence falls to global low
Consumer confidence in April plunged into crisis territory, recording the sharpest monthly decline globally and across the Asia-Pacific region, as economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, rising living costs, and dissatisfaction with government efforts to address the economy eroded public sentiment, according to the Ipsos Global Consumer Confidence Index.
The findings suggest cautious consumer sentiment is likely to persist through to the end of the year. “For the first time, this survey shows that Thai consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level in the four years since the survey began,” said Pimtai Suwannasuk, senior client manager at Ipsos. Continued …
Thailand eyes foreign-backed oil reserves and data center power rules
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan has floated a plan to attract Middle Eastern oil producers to invest in a strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) in Thailand, positioning the country as a regional oil distribution hub while strengthening long-term energy security.
He also said the government was preparing conditions for data center investors, whose operations consume huge amounts of electricity, to take greater responsibility for the power system. One option would be to require them to buy electricity at a rate above actual cost, with the margin used to help reduce power bills for households and existing industries. Continued …
Thailand hits back at US trade allegations over forced labor and excess capacity
A high-level Thai delegation has robustly defended the kingdom’s trade practices during technical consultations with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), clarifying that Thai supply chains are completely free of forced labor.
Officials also rejected American allegations regarding industrial excess capacity, counter-arguing that Thailand operates a strictly free-market economy and remains an indispensable, long-standing commercial ally to the United States. Continued …
Thailand Enlists Celebrity Influencers to Champion Local Economies
The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has launched an influencer-led campaign alongside Thai celebrity couple “Cee” Siwat Chotchaicharin and “Amy” Amika Klinpratoom to showcase the economic and culinary value of the nation’s Geographical Indication (GI) products.
Through a series of engaging, educational home-cooking episodes broadcast on the Amika’s Kitchen YouTube program (AmyC channel), the partnership aims to introduce modern consumers to premium regional ingredients. Continued …
Thailand Launches Massive Tourist Resort Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Proxy Networks
The Department of Business Development (DBD) has joined forces with the Royal Thai Police and border control agencies to launch an aggressive, widespread crackdown on illegal corporate nominees operating within Thailand’s primary tourist destinations.
Authorities have uncovered a vast network connecting more than 50,000 corporate entities where Thai nationals are suspected of acting as proxy shareholders to mask illegal foreign ownership. Comprehensive, deep-level legal proceedings are now underway to systematically dismantle these illicit commercial syndicates. Continued …
Thai hotels expect foreign guest numbers to decline in Q2 2026
The April 2026 Hotel Business Operator Sentiment Index, jointly prepared by the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) and the Bank of Thailand (BOT), was based on a survey conducted from April 16 to 30, among respondents from 134 accommodation businesses.
Assessing the outlook for “foreign tourist” customers in the second quarter of 2026, it found that more than 62% of operators expected long-haul guests to decline by more than 10% from the same period last year. Continued …
High season visitors expected to be strong despite current downturn
Thai tourism operators are looking beyond the sluggish low season and expect healthy bookings, particularly from European tourists, when the high season returns in the third quarter.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said most tourism operators still expect healthy bookings during the year-end winter high season despite concerns over geopolitical issues. Continued …
Suvarnabhumi fast track claim denied by Immigration Bureau
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau posted a video on Sunday warning travelers not to trust claims that a paid fast track immigration service is available at Suvarnabhumi Airport through Trip.com.
The warning followed a post by a Chinese-Taiwanese tourist who claimed the service could be bought for 650 yuan. The post reportedly included an image from the app stating that travelers could clear immigration within one minute. Continued …
EU Approves Extended Schengen Visas for Thais
The European Union has approved the Visa Cascade scheme for Thai nationals, as announced by Thailand’s Foreign Ministry. This decision allows eligible travelers from Thailand to obtain longer-term, multiple-entry Schengen visas more easily.
The move aims to streamline the visa application process for Thai residents seeking short-stay Schengen visas. Thailand joins India, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Turkey, and Indonesia as countries with access to the scheme. Continued …
Chiang Mai On A Budget: Thailand’s Cosy Mountain Escape
Chiang Mai feels like Thailand exhaled slightly. Bangkok has the chaos, the islands have the beaches, but Chiang Mai has balance. Temples glow in the evening light, cafés hide behind jungle plants, night markets somehow smell amazing from three streets away, and the mountains sit quietly around the city like they know they’re part of the reason everyone stays longer than planned.
It’s affordable, endlessly walkable in parts, and dangerously good at making you comfortable very quickly. Continued …
Study Names Thailand as ASEAN’s Leading Electric Vehicle Market
Thailand is emerging as Southeast Asia’s most NEV-ready market, with 58% of consumers considering hybrid or electric vehicles — significantly above the regional average of 42.8%. Key purchase motivators include lower fuel costs, charging availability, and longer driving range.
However, a critical infrastructure gap remains: while 75% of prospective EV buyers expect home charging, only 36% currently have access. Thai consumers also prioritize affordable public charging, with 76% citing cost as a key factor, underscoring the urgent need for ecosystem-level solutions involving energy providers, developers, and urban planners. 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
The end of Bangkok Street food
Bangkok is known for its extensive and varied street food scene. Its presence comes up in virtually any discussion about tourism in Thailand. Techically, some might argue, you haven’t really “visited” Thailand if you have not experienced Bangkok’s street food. Quite simply, it’s a selling point for Thailand’s tourism industry.
What your go-to street food in Thailand says about you
Hua Hin Red Cross Fair on June 5-14
The Thai private sector’s damning report on the 10 most-corrupt state agencies has sent a shockwave through the government bureaucracy, prompting immediate reactions, from Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn to the director general of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), who has demanded to see evidence of the alleged bribe taking.
Four Thai police officers and a civilian have been arrested in Sa Kaeo province after allegedly detaining five Chinese nationals and demanding money in exchange for their release.
Thailand’s worsening corruption situation was raised as a key proposal at a joint meeting between the government and the private sector on ways to improve the country’s economic competitiveness, held at Government House on Friday.
Poll Urges End to Hidden School Fees and Equal Access
Is 60 truly the perfect endpoint of a working life? This question is becoming ever more pressing as Thailand and the broader ASEAN region rapidly transition into a “Super-Aged Society.” The economic and social structures that were once driven by a young workforce are facing mounting pressure.
Thailand has urged Iran to allow the safe passage of eight Thai-flagged ships stranded at either end of the near-closed Strait of Hormuz. The call was made by Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi last week.
Oil prices extended gains today as efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran appeared to have stalled, after a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates came under attack and as US President Donald Trump is expected to discuss military options on Iran.
The Anutin government is under immediate pressure to ease living costs and restore economic confidence, as most respondents to a new Suan Dusit Poll want urgent action on prices and debt, while nearly half expect the economy to worsen over the next three months.
Thailand’s economy grew by 2.8% in the first quarter of 2026 from a year earlier, official data showed today, higher than the median forecast of 2.2% in a Reuters poll of analysts
Nearly three months have passed since the US-Israeli air strikes on Iran began, with no resolution to the war in sight, while almost two months have elapsed since the Thai government took office.
Thailand Land Bridge Faces Investor Doubts
Chinese investment continues to make inroads into Thai retail, with “Chinese supermarkets” expanding into Huai Khwang, Rama 9, and tourist cities. The stores stock Chinese goods ranging from snacks, drinks, tea, soft drinks, mala sauces, and instant noodles to ready-to-eat food, responding to strong online trends.
Thailand’s influencer economy is no longer just about content creation but has become a fast-growing business sector worth 45 billion baht, prompting calls for clearer standards, stronger oversight, and support to help Thai influencers compete internationally.
Swedish defense company Saab plans to expand investment in Thailand following the Royal Thai Air Force’s decision to procure Gripen E/F fighter jets, with ambitions to develop the country into a regional defense technology and production hub.
On Feb. 28, when the US-Israeli war with Iran began, Thailand’s tourism industry was looking forward to reaping the benefits of the final month of the high season.
Elephant Nature Park: Inside Chiang Mai’s Ethical Elephant Haven
Thailand’s Largest Lake Is A Breathtaking Body Of Water With Islands, Bird Sanctuaries, And Fishing
In our latest travel title, Thailand: The Monocle Handbook, we showcase the very best of this sunny nation, including the multitude of excellent hospitality hotspots on offer.
Preparing for Climate-Related Losses
Global stocks slumped and oil prices rose yesterday with worries about sustained inflation driving up bond yields with no conclusion to the Iran war in sight. The international oil benchmark Brent crude contract rose more than 3% to $109.26 a barrel.
Hormuz crisis shows clean energy is key to reducing the economic cost of fossil fuel dependence
Thailand’s business travel and exhibition sector is facing a severe downturn as the protracted conflict in the Middle East sends shockwaves through global energy and aviation markets. Industry leaders warn that the escalating crisis could prove more damaging to the economy than the Covid-19 pandemic.
A noodle vendor in Ratchaburi has continued selling bowls for 10 baht despite rising ingredient and fuel costs, offering one of the cheapest meals still available as inflation continues to affect household spending in Thailand.
As Thailand adopts artificial intelligence (AI), IT specialists warn some government agencies developing AI projects may repeat the mistakes of the app development era, when huge budgets were spent on digital projects that allegedly delivered little benefit to the public.
Thailand and India plan to expand trade, investment, and regional cooperation as both countries prepare to mark 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.
In Thailand, burned sugarcane plantations become traps for leopard cat cubs
Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), Ministry of Commerce, has issued a rallying cry to domestic firms of all sizes to aggressively secure intellectual property rights, as new data reveals a global surge in sustainability-driven technologies.
U.S. President Donald Trump left China oyesterday with no major breakthroughs on trade or tangible help from Beijing to end the Iran war, despite two days spent heaping praise on his host, Xi Jinping. 
The global technology industry has entered another round of mass layoffs in 2026, with more than 100,000 jobs cut worldwide in the first five months of the year as companies restructure operations, control costs, and shift more resources into artificial intelligence. 
The Kite and Art Festival Prachuap Khiri Khan will take place at Saran Withi Pier today and tomorrow, bringing two evenings of kite displays, art, and family-friendly activities to the seafront.
Ren Lexander, PhD, gave a timely talk, “Taking Stock in Uncertain Times: What Global Shifts Mean for Us in Thailand,” at a meeting of the Pattaya City Expats Club. He invited his audience to “take stock” of the rapidly changing global situation. Although the current Middle East conflict is less than two months old, its ripple effects are already being felt worldwide.
Thailand will officially enter the rainy season today, but with less rain than usual in the forecast, the Meteorological Department announced yesterday.
Thailand’s Transport Ministry has given ride-hailing platforms one month to improve passenger safety measures or risk license suspension, as new rules are prepared for app-based taxi services. The planned measures include requiring drivers to hold public driving licenxes, installing CCTV cameras in vehicles, and providing passenger insurance coverage.
The Thai baht is projected to depreciate further, potentially reaching 33.50 per US dollar this week. This forecast follows a recent testing of a nine-month low at 33.04 on Monday. The primary driver for this expected weakening is the heightened uncertainty stemming from the conflict in the Middle East, which is bolstering the US dollar as a safe-haven asset.
Geoeconomics of Thai ‘land bridge’
Flag carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) plans to add European flights, yet still maintain proactive fuel cost and route network management amid short-term concerns about spillover impacts from the war in the Middle East and geopolitical tensions.
Erawan-Wasserfall: Thailand’s Seven-Tiered River Escape
Just north of Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River, Nonthaburi has quietly become one of Thailand’s most practical destinations for short stays. Whether you are in town for business meetings, a family visit, a medical appointment, or a weekend away from the capital, choosing the right place to stay can shape your entire experience.
The government has ordered the Office of the Consumer Protection Board to urgently investigate unsafe solar rooftop installations linked to fire risks and consumer losses exceeding 500,000 baht, following complaints about substandard equipment and improper electrical work.
Russian forces launched waves of missiles and drones at Kyiv and several other Ukrainian regions for a third consecutive day yesterday, killing at least nine people, including a 12-year-old girl, according to Ukrainian officials. 
Thailand is currently undergoing one of its most aggressive and coordinated crackdowns on nominee companies to date. As of May, the Department of Business Development (DBD) has partnered with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to actively investigate and dismantle these structures.
The director of Thailand’s Land Department stated that foreign nationals own only 6% of land on Koh Phangan, following growing concerns among residents about increasing foreign influence on the island.
Hua Hin turns into a city of jazz from May 29–June 1. Experience the Hua Hin Jazz City Event 2026 across 40+ locations, featuring Thai and international artists, smooth jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, live improvisation, local culture, cafés, shops, and community vibes. 
Prachuap Khiri Khan authorities have issued a weather warning, as heavy rain, possible flash floods, and strong waves are expected across the province from May 14–18. The warning covers all areas of Prachuap Khiri Khan, including Hua Hin, where thunderstorms are forecast for much of the week.
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a draft exchange of letters between the Thai and Dutch governments allowing the Netherlands to purchase land and buildings on Soi Ruam Rudi in Bangkok for use as the new residence of the Dutch ambassador to Thailand.
Will debt sink Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market?
The Bank of Thailand expects business operators to raise prices for goods and services by no more than 20%, with more frequent price adjustments in response to higher energy costs.
Thailand is increasingly being viewed as a safe-haven destination for wealthy foreign buyers seeking investment security, quality of life, and greater flexibility in where they live, as global economic volatility, geopolitical tensions, and wars in several regions continue to reshape capital flows.
Thai Airways International Public Co. (THAI) announced its operating results for the first quarter of 2026 today, showing strength and a continued recovery. Thai Airways recorded a net profit of B10.107 billion, up B268 million (+2.7%) from the same period last year.
Royal Ploughing ceremony predicts low water, stronger trade
Retired Californian finds fulfilment as Lumphini cat caretaker
Prolonged contact with wildfire smoke would increase the risk of developing different types of cancer, according to a study presented at a recent meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.
The government’s push for solar rooftop installations must not burden citizens with debt but instead serve as a tool to reduce living costs and expand energy choices, says Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee.
Thailand plans to expand biomass energy as part of its net-zero strategy, but disputes between communities and biomass operators are intensifying over allegations of air pollution and health impacts.
From her home in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, Anna Sloutskin yearns to expand her country’s borders and one day move to southern Lebanon. And she is not alone. With fighting between Israel and Hezbollah displacing more than a million Lebanese, a far-right fringe of Israel’s settler movement is turning its gaze northward. 
In less than two years, Britain’s governing Labor Party has gonefrom a landslide election victory to a historic rout at last week’s local and regional votes that has put Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s job on the line. While incumbents across Europe face similar difficulties, Britain’s politics have become ever more febrile in the decade since it voted to leave the European Union. 
Fuel prices across Thailand rose across all major categories today, with diesel increasing by 0.80 baht per liter and petrol and gasohol products rising by 0.90 baht per liter.
Solar energy in Hua Hin is becoming an increasingly practical option for homeowners and businesses looking to reduce electricity costs and improve energy efficiency. Solar energy systems have moved from being a niche technology to a mainstream solution for residential and commercial use.
Thailand has introduced eight new regulations governing the sale and consumption of alcohol, with the measures taking effect immediately following their publication in the Royal Gazette yesterday. The updated rules expand restrictions across transport hubs, public spaces, and government-controlled areas as authorities seek to modernize legislation first introduced in 2008.
While Thailand’s general economy grapples with near-zero inflation, its healthcare sector is battling a severe fever. “Medical inflation” — the rising cost of healthcare services — has surged to 10.8%, a rate that far outstrips the general cost of living and is now significantly higher than the global average of 10.3%.
A sum of 1.3 billion baht in initial budget was yesterday approved by the Bhumjaithai-led government for Thailand to buy broadcasting rights for World Cup 2026 football games from North America during a five-and-a-half-weeks period.
Asia is in the grip of a deepening plastics emergency, as the Iran oil shock chokes off supplies of a critical petrochemical feedstock, sending packaging prices soaring and raising alarm across food, medical, and consumer goods industries from Indonesia to Japan.
President Donald Trump has accused parts of the US news media of committing “virtual treason” by suggesting that Iran is performing well in the ongoing war, saying such reports provide encouragement to an enemy of the United States.
The Thai-Cambodian border conflict and border-closure measures over the past year have had wide-ranging effects on border economies, trade, investment, and businesses in both countries, amid concerns that the prolonged situation has created more room for rival countries to replace Thai goods and businesses in Cambodia.
A coalition of 10 automotive associations representing more than 1,500 operators will urge the government to raise the excise tax on fully imported electric vehicles to at least 32%, in a bid to protect Thai vehicle production and auto-parts suppliers from cheaper Chinese imports.
Tourism operators say plans to introduce or raise taxes on travel services in Thailand remain unjustified and inappropriate at this time, given the lack of clarity on how the revenue would be allocated for development.
A British tourist has warned travelers heading to Thailand not to pack vapes in their luggage after her partner was fined 40,000 Thai baht during a family holiday. She and her partner were stopped twice by Thai police within three days for using electronic cigarettes on a beach.
The deadliest animals are not lions, spiders, or snakes, but the tiny mosquitoes that suck our blood, make us itchy, and infect us with disease.
The Transport Ministry will ask the Finance Ministry to allocate 10-20 billion baht from the government’s 400-billion-baht borrowing decree to help public transport and freight operators replace aging vehicles with electric vehicles.
The global gold market has reached a critical crossroads. Following a record-breaking rally in early 2026, prices have entered a significant consolidation phase, caught between the opposing forces of aggressive monetary policy and heightening systemic fragility.
Lisa joins FIFA World Cup 2026 opening show in LA
Six stray dogs were found dead after being poisoned in Pathum Thani, with some also showing gunshot wounds to the head, according to local residents and animal carers.
The war in the Middle East, which began on Feb. 28, is entering its third month and has inflicted damage on several countries, surged energy prices, affected crude oil and natural gas prices, and affected goods prices and inflation.
Provincial restaurant associations are calling on the government to provide support for small and medium-sized enterprises during this tough period, as they are seeing a decline in consumer spending power and a drop in traveler numbers in their areas.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said Thailand is accelerating negotiations on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States in a bid to reduce tariff risks ahead of a Section 301 review.
Thai rice exporters are forecasting a significant recovery in the latter half of the year, driven by the intensifying Super El Niño phenomenon. As weather patterns threaten global harvests, major importing nations have begun aggressive stockpiling to ensure domestic food security, providing a much-needed boost to Thai export volumes.
Bangkok’s street food stalls threatened by citywide crackdown
Thai tea emerged as one of the most sought-after items at the Thai Festival in Tokyo over the weekend, with visitors reportedly waiting up to 30-40 minutes for a single cup. Japanese social media users posted photos and comments about long queues at the ChaTraMue booth during the 26th Thai Festival, held at Yoyogi Park.
The government has ordered urgent action to address mounting problems with electric vehicles (EVs), including defects, service center closures, and steep post-purchase price cuts.
Myanmar claimed yesterday that “discriminatory measures” are shutting it out of the ASEAN bloc after a summit last week saw the organization continue to blacklist the country’s post-coup leadership. 
The BECC Primary International School has begun construction on a new purpose-built campus off Soi 112 in Hua Hin, with the school scheduled to open at the site in August 2027.
The Kite and Art Festival Prachuap Khiri Khan will take place at Saran Withi Pier from May 15-16, bringing two evenings of kite displays, art and family-friendly activities to the seafront.
Thailand could face a “dual water crisis” in 2026 after the Thai Meteorological Department forecast that El Niño could occur during May to July, putting many areas at risk of water shortages and prompting the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) to accelerate nationwide response plans and monitor 20 branches at risk of shortages.
Thailand’s Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) is pushing ahead with four new rail projects in Bangkok, while accelerating tram developments in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima, with all three provincial tram systems targeted to open by 2032.
From Epic Fury to Project Freedom: Who Pays the Bill for a Blocked Strait?
Given the sagging economy and conflict in the Middle East, the residential market is expected to contract for a fourth consecutive year in 2026, weighed down by persistent high household debt, rising living costs, and tight lending, according to Siam Commercial Bank Economic Intelligence Center (EIC).
Thais Feel the Pinch as ‘Single-Dish’ Prices Surge Amid Fuel Price Crisis
Land bridge faces uphill battle
Thai economists are expressing concern that the government’s much-touted-but-stalled land bridge project will neither be a success nor boost the economy as they hope. Some suggest that the Thai government should first revive existing economic projects left unfinished.
Kukrit Areepakorn, manager of the Thai Broiler Processing Exporters Assn., revealed that the export situation and prices of chicken are currently declining due to two main reasons: China suspending exports from 17 processing plants, and the Middle East war.
Foreign tourists in Thailand are actively observing the Thai baht’s depreciation against the US dollar, a trend that directly impacts their vacation budgets. The currency opened at 31.77 per dollar, a slight weakening from 31.60, and analysts foresee continued fluctuation within the range of 31.55 to 31.95 as global economic conditions evolve.
Thailand’s tourism industry is coming under severe pressure as foreign arrivals fall, visitor spending weakens, and operating costs surge across key destinations. In Pattaya, hotel occupancy has collapsed to as low as 30%, while bookings on Bangkok’s Khao San Road remain more than 20% below last year following Songkran.
Thailand Bets on Revamp of Chaing Mai Hot Springs to Spearhead Wellness Drive
Did you know Thailand is actually the first nation in Southeast Asia to successfully revive its tiger population? While most of the world is losing these incredible big cats, Thailand’s jungles are seeing a serious comeback. We’re talking about a massive conservation effort that’s bringing the king of the jungle back to the Western Forest Complex. It’s a huge win for wildlife and shows a side of Thai conservation history that most people completely miss. 
This Unknown City Wants To Become Thailand’s Next Vacation Hotspot
Why Koh Kut remains one of Thailand’s most beautiful island escapes
Thailand’s energy crisis, sparked by Middle East tensions, has rapidly turned solar power from a green option into an economic necessity. As electricity costs surge, homes and businesses are rushing to install rooftop panels, with demand outpacing supply and installers struggling to keep up.
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) is exploring ways to make loans more accessible for households joining the rooftop solar buyback scheme, aiming to encourage wider adoption of clean energy and help families generate their own electricity.
The Bank of Thailand is scheduled to introduce standardized banking fees in July this year, seeking to reduce financial costs for individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
MOU 44 row deepens — Anutin says Koh Kood remains Thai
Southeast Asian nations hit by soaring fuel and food prices caused by the Middle East war are weighing solutions that include setting up a regional oil reserve, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said yesterday.
An online petition launched by environmental group EnLAW has gathered over 100,000 signatures in three days, signaling widespread opposition to the government’s proposed land bridge megaproject.
Senate pushes for turning Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi into single ASEAN hub
WHAUP continues to strengthen its position as a renewable energy leader by securing a major deal with Yida New Material for the installation of a 16.64-megawatt solar rooftop project. The project is expected to help the customer reduce electricity costs by more than B1.22 billion over the 20-year contract period and cut carbon emissions by over 206,491 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Weeks after the Pacific Ocean engine that helps drive the world’s weather shifted into neutral, meteorologists and scientists are now laser-focused on the developing signals of its warm phase: El Niño. It’s what the global forecast models are making of the early signals that is drawing attention. 
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of widespread thunderstorms, gusty winds and heavy rain in some areas today, as another surge of high pressure (cool air mass) spreads over the upper northeast and the South China Sea.
Pawnshops and community initiatives are expanding support measures as families prepare for the new school term amid rising living costs.
Travelers across Asia were left stranded after major airlines cancelled hundreds of flights and delayed thousands of others in a single day. Thousands of people were affected by the disruptions across Thailand, Singapore, India, China, South Korea and Malaysia yesterday. It has been reported that 194 flights were cancelled and 2,603 delayed.
The Ministry of Finance is scheduled to open registration for the “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” (Thais Help Thais Plus) scheme and the state welfare card program on May 25. Under the program, people who do not hold state welfare cards receive 1,000 baht per month in their e-wallets for four months.
Empyrion Digital, a Singapore-headquartered next-generation data center developer and operator, commenced groundbreaking for its first data center in Thailand. The milestone marks Empyrion Digital’s entry into the Thailand market and reinforces its continued expansion across Asia.
What is Thailand’s Royal Ploughing ceremony?
Thailand without the crowds: Where do you go when everywhere else is packed?
The Department of Climate Change and Environment (DDCE) is expediting the Climate Change Act to comply with directives from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.