- Thailand Pushing Back Against Foreigners/Kingdom goes on cyber alert/Flood defenses ‘may fail’/Thailand scam losses/Gender gaps persist/Attackers hit sites across Yala
- ECONOMY: New e-commerce duties approved/Thai-US trade talks/Stricter data center regulations/Thai Data Center Investment/IMD’s 2026 digital and AI rankings/Bang Na economic hub/ASEAN Thai rice exports
- TOURISM: Thailand tourism squeezed/Suvarnabhumi congestion threatens high season/Global Wellness Summit Opens/60,000 passenger records accessed/Rules on pets in terminals
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Michelin launches 2027 Thailand guide
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Air quality key to climate health
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Thailand Is Pushing Back Against Tourists and Foreigners
Thailand’s famous “Land of Smiles” welcome is being tested, as locals grow increasingly frustrated about competing with foreigners who buy up property and set up their own businesses. In this video, Bloomberg’s Patpicha Tanakasempipat reports about a sweeping government crackdown and a big question facing Thailand: how to keep money from the tourism industry circulating within its local economy? Video …
Kingdom goes on cyber alert
Thailand is escalating its cybersecurity measures in response to an increase in sophisticated, daily cyberattack attempts that target government agencies, banks, and critical infrastructure. These threats are being driven by a global rise in cyberattacks, particularly those utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to scan networks and identify vulnerabilities.
The escalation includes the government ordering telecom operators to strengthen defenses and seeking intelligence from major tech firms like Google and Apple. Authorities are also addressing specific risks in the financial sector, where hackers are attempting to penetrate banking systems via third-party service providers. Additionally, the National Security Council has instructed agencies to prepare contingency plans for potential national cyber crises, as attack methods continue to evolve. – Bangkok Post AI
Flood defenses ‘may fail’ in future disasters
Bangkok’s flood prevention system is designed to handle rainfall of up to 60 millimeters per hour, though experts warn that current defenses may face mounting pressure from extreme weather and rising sea levels. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has also developed emergency response plans for worst-case scenarios involving rainfall of up to 300 millimeters, which could potentially submerge all 50 districts.
While the city has improved its preparedness since the 2011 mega floods by raising dyke heights and implementing integrated measures to divert water, officials note that the lack of a dam at the river’s mouth leaves the capital vulnerable. The current infrastructure includes pumping stations, drainage tunnels, and existing retention areas, but some proposed projects, such as the Bung Khu Bon retention pond, have been sidelined due to financial and practical considerations. Experts emphasize that as climate change intensifies, the city may need to adopt more aggressive adaptation strategies, such as sponge city concepts or advanced underground tunnels, to manage increasing risks. – Bangkok Post AI
Thailand scam losses reach 65.8 billion baht
Thai citizens suffered estimated losses of approximately 1.85 billion US dollars, which is roughly 65.8 billion baht, from scams over a 12-month period.
According to a report by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), these scams averaged about 335 dollars per victim. Phone calls, Meta social media platforms, and Line were identified as the most frequent channels utilized by fraudsters. – Bangkok Post AI
Gender gaps persist across Thai society
A United Nations report highlights that while Thailand has made progress in healthcare and education, gender-based violence, unequal care responsibilities, and limited political representation continue to restrict opportunities for women.
The report specifically notes that women’s labor force participation stands at 9.85%, compared to 7.47% for men, and that among working-age women in the labor market, the participation rate is 37.8%, while for men it is 61.3%. Additionally, women remain underrepresented in political decision-making, holding just 8.9% of seats in the House of Representatives. – Bangkok Post AI
Attackers hit eight sites across Yala
Attacks involving bombs, arson and property damage hit eight sites across five districts of Yala yesterday, according to the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Forward Command.
Attackers restrained five security guards and tied their hands before bombing and setting fire to the Yala Subdistrict Administrative Organization office and several official vehicles in Mueang Yala district, ISOC reported. Continued …
New duties approved on goods imported via e-commerce
The cabinet has approved import duties of up to 30% for goods purchased via e-commerce platforms, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said yesterday. The taxes are expected to take effect early next year, said Phantong Loykulnanta, director-general of the Customs Department.
He said the revised collection regime would apply to goods entering Thailand through express delivery services and international post. Duties on purchases made through e-commerce platforms would follow the applicable customs tariff classifications, with rates not exceeding 30%. Continued …
Anutin and Trump expected to confirm progress in Thai-US trade talks
Thailand’s Cabinet has authorized Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to announce or sign a joint statement with US President Donald Trump confirming that the two countries have reached a substantial conclusion in negotiations on an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART).
The announcement and possible signing are expected to take place during the ASEAN Summit in Manila, the Philippines, from Nove. 15-17. The statement will mark progress in the negotiations but will not constitute the signing of the final trade agreement. Continued …
Analysts welcome stricter data center regulations
Analysts welcomed the cabinet’s approval of stricter data center regulations because clearer rules are expected to reduce investor concerns regarding potential project delays. This regulatory clarity is anticipated to encourage fresh capital inflows, which would support both the stock market and the broader economy.
This is what a data center sounds like – Video …
The new framework includes a centralized approval system, noise and heat controls, and a one-stop service center to streamline operations. By establishing common standards and providing greater assurance to local communities, the regulations aim to prevent the speculative reservation of electricity and other vital resources. Additionally, assessments will consider factors beyond financial value, such as job creation, domestic supply chain integration, and the use of clean energy. – Bangkok Post AI
PwC Projects 5 Trillion Baht in Thai Data Center Investment by 2050
Thailand’s cumulative data center investment could reach approximately 5 trillion baht by 2050, driven by demand for artificial intelligence, cloud services and domestic data processing. PwC projects capital expenditure to rise from US$58.6 billion in 2027 to US$150 billion by 2050.
Living in the shadow of a data center – Video …
PwC said sustainable growth will depend on coordinated planning for electricity, clean energy, water, cybersecurity, environmental standards and community needs. The Eastern Economic Corridor was highlighted as an area requiring careful resource management. Continued …
Thailand ranks 43rd of 70 economies in IMD’s 2026 digital and AI ranking
Thailand ranked 43rd of 70 economies in the 2026 IMD World Digital and AI Ranking (WDAIR), according to results released by the Thailand Management Assn. (TMA) in Bangkok today.
TMA said Thailand’s strengths in technology investment and openness to artificial intelligence (AI) were being constrained by weaknesses in governance and trust. Improving competitiveness would require stronger rules, workforce capabilities and public confidence, alongside investment. Continued …
Bang Na set to become a key economic hub
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) is considered a major driver for growth in the Bang Na area because it makes the district a highly attractive destination for commercial and industrial investment. This proximity to the EEC helps revitalize the region through various large-scale developments and improved connectivity.
Major mixed-use projects like Bangkok Mall, which will provide approximately 1 million square meters of space, are key factors in transforming Bang Na into a prominent economic hub within the South Sukhumvit corridor. Additionally, land prices in the Bang Na area have seen significant increases, partly due to the district’s strategic position as a link between central Bangkok and the EEC. Infrastructure improvements, such as the expansion of the Purple Line and the proposed airport rail link, further strengthen this connection and support the area’s economic potential. – Bangkok Post AI
ASEAN emerges as key growth market for Thai rice exports
Neighboring members of ASEAN have become major markets for Thai rice exports, with shipments to the bloc surging 109% year-on-year during the first nine months of this year.
Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the Commerce Ministry’s Department of Foreign Trade, told the media this week that Thai rice exports to ASEAN reached 1.25 million tons during the January-September period, accounting for more than a quarter of Thailand’s total rice exports. Continued …
Thailand tourism squeezed by Europe and China slowdown
Thailand is heading into its key winter tourism season with demand from Europe weakening and Chinese arrivals falling, while instability around the Middle East continues to threaten major air connections. Pattaya operators say their European market is down 20%-30% on a year earlier, while daily Chinese arrivals have reportedly dropped from about 10,000 to 7,000.
For regular visitors, the immediate effect is likely to be felt most in air travel. European travelers using Gulf hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi may face higher fares, longer journeys or changed schedules if regional airspace disruption worsens, while those already holding tickets may find replacement flights costly. Continued …
Suvarnabhumi congestion threatens Thailand’s high season
Thailand’s tourism industry has raised concerns over cargo backlogs and congestion at Suvarnabhumi Airport, warning that management problems could affect traveler confidence and tourism revenue during the year-end high season.
Adith Chairattananon, secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), said yesterday that the private sector was deeply concerned about the airport’s readiness for the final two months of 2026. He said the problem went beyond overcrowding, pointing to weaknesses in the wider airport management system, including airlines, immigration checks, baggage handling and ground transport. Continued …
Global Wellness Summit Opens in Phuket
Thailand’s Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana presided over the opening of the Global Wellness Summit 2026 (GWS 2026) at Angsana Laguna Phuket today, as Thailand highlighted its ambitions to become a leading international health and wellness destination.
The gathering provides a platform for international leaders, specialists, investors and businesses in the health and wellness tourism sectors to exchange knowledge and explore opportunities for cooperation. Continued …
Thai Airways says 60,000 passenger records accessed
Thai Airways has reported unauthorized access to booking information affecting 60,529 passenger records, after its reservation-system provider Amadeus identified a breach. The airline said the access involved booking data held in Amadeus systems between Aug. 10, 2023, and Sept. 23, 2026.
Thai Airways issued its statement on Monday, with the matter reported on yesterday. The airline said the affected records included passengers’ names, booking reference numbers, travel dates, flight routes and cabin classes. Continued …
Suvarnabhumi Airport tightens rules on bringing pets into terminals
Suvarnabhumi Airport has tightened restrictions on bringing animals into designated airport areas, banning pets unless they are traveling by air or qualify for specific exemptions. Airports of Thailand (AOT) issued the rules to improve safety for passengers, visitors nad airport operations
The restrictions cover the main passenger terminal, concourses, restricted airside areas and other locations designated by the airport director. Continued …
Michelin launches 2027 Thailand guide with a record 507 restaurants
The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2027 has been unveiled with a record 507 restaurants, marking its 10th edition in the country and the centenary of the MICHELIN star.
Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the MICHELIN Guide, described the selection as a milestone in the development of Thailand’s culinary industry, reflecting the creativity, commitment and adaptability of its professionals. Continued …
COP31: Why air quality is key to climate health
As world leaders and activists meet in Antalya, Turkey, for COP31, one key environmental issue deserves the spotlight in the climate conversation: the air we breathe.
Air pollution is one of the world’s greatest environmental health threats, contributing to about 7 million premature deaths each year. It also shares many of the same sources as climate change, from fossil fuel combustion to waste and industrial emissions. Yet, the two problems are still too often addressed separately. Continued …
-
Slovak man accused of attacking masseuses in Suphan Buri – Continued …
-
Cocaine Seized From Brazil Arrivals at Suvarnabhumi – Continued …
Iran’s top security official says no talks underway with US
Iran’s top security official, Mohsen Rezaei, said there are currently no negotiations taking place between Tehran and Washington. Iran has insisted the US must meet seven conditions set out in a June interim agreement before the Strait of Hormuz can reopen and negotiations resume.
Rezaei said Iran had askedthe US for a “clear and explicit” response to its conditions, but had yet to receive one, adding that Washington could respond in the future. Continued …
Vanishing vessels and missing sailors: The Iran war’s human cost at sea
V. Pandiselvi, the mother of Indian sailor Naveen Kumar, has not heard from her son for more than six months, yet she still clings to hope he will return, crying as she replays old voice notes.
Kumar was one of six crew members assigned to work on two Iran-linked cargo vessels last seen in Iranian waters in May before disappearing. The vessels’ fate is still unclear. Continued …
First day of Ukraine peace talks constructive, Zelensky says
The first of two days of trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and the US aimed at ending the war in Ukraine has concluded in Abu Dhabi.
While senior officials from Kyiv and Moscow were tight-lipped after the four hour-long discussions, President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was not at the talks, said they had proved “constructive and quite substantive”. Continued …
Meet the Peaky Blinders, Ukraine’s drone unit protecting a devastated front-line city
Slovyansk is one of four cities that make up Ukraine’s “fortress belt” – a system of heavily reinforced defense lines in the parts of eastern region of Donetsk still under its control.
The town has become almost uninhabitable and has been under heavy bombardment from Russian drones, missiles and glide bombs. Members of a Ukrainian drone unit that call themselves Peaky Blinders, named after the cult BBC TV series, have taken on the task of intercepting Russian drones. 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
Deepavali Hua Hin 2026 opened on Saturday on the third floor of Market Village Hua Hin, where residents and visitors gathered to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights. Deepavali is a Hindu religious and cultural festival that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Thailand officially entered its 2026-27 winter season yesterday, the Meteorological Department has announced, although much of the country should expect milder conditions than usual.
The Transport Ministry has outlined 14 major infrastructure projects worth about 362.6 billion baht in the south, including the 106.8-billion-baht second phase of the southern double-track railway.
Thailand’s Labor Ministry is pushing a draft labor law that would give employees leave for menstrual pain and for caring for family members, more annual leave and protection from discrimination based on origin or race.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has asked businesses to consider maintaining product prices despite rising production costs, as it strengthens cooperation with the Thai Chamber of Commerce on four economic strategies aimed at improving competitiveness, expanding opportunities for smaller businesses and supporting international trade.
Thailand is among ASEAN’s most frequently reported targets for cyberattacks, with financial institutions, energy suppliers and public utilities facing the greatest exposure, according to an analysis by a Rangsit University economist.
Thailand’s economic growth is picking up momentum, driven by a surge in global demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure and a revised manufacturing index that better captures the country’s evolving industrial base.
Thailand’s lead over Vietnam in international tourist arrivals has narrowed sharply, from nearly 22 million visitors in 2019 to 5.9 million during the first 10 months of 2026. Vietnam’s growth has been supported by expanded direct flights and strong gains from Russian, Indian, and regional markets, while Thailand faces weaker arrivals and connectivity challenges.
Tomorrowland Thailand’s organizer expects a loss on its Dec. 11–13 debut despite sold-out tickets, after the inaugural budget rose from 1.6 billion to 2 billion baht. Rachata Thunyavuthi, an executive board member of Wearone.World (Thailand) Co., said the first event would be decisive for the Belgian partners’ plans to continue in Thailand for five years.
As climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss push the planet closer to potentially irreversible tipping points, Thailand faces an increasingly urgent question: how prepared is the country for a future in which environmental disasters become more frequent, unpredictable and severe?
The government is considering a 6-billion-baht scheme to subsidize the purchase of 400,000 locally produced battery electric vehicle (BEV) motorcycles, in an effort to curb fossil fuel consumption and accelerate the country’s energy transition.
France has accused a cyber unit linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of carrying out attacks on commercial refrigeration systems that disrupted hundreds of businesses, damaged equipment and caused substantial food losses. 
Nvidia chief Jensen Huang sits at the center of the artificial intelligence boom, and the spy scandal that erupted over the weekend threatens to shake the company at a time when confidence in the AI investment frenzy is already fragile. 
Artificial intelligence companies will have to abide by new “mandatory” safeguards when operating in Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said today. Global unease about the power of advanced AI is growing after a string of hacking incidents involving leading companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic. 
Thailand’s Department of Land Transport is considering stricter requirements for foreigners seeking Thai driving licenses, including mandatory theory and practical tests regardless of whether applicants already hold a license overseas.
A Prachuap Khiri Khan flood alert was sent to mobile phones in five districts on Saturday, 7 November, after prolonged heavy rain raised the risk of flash flooding.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning today forecasting heavy to very heavy rain in parts of southern Thailand from today through Friday, alongside cooler weather and strong winds across upper Thailand.
A black panther has again been spotted in Kaeng Krachan National Park, highlighting the rich biodiversity of Thailand’s largest national park and one of its most elusive predators.
Thirty years ago, global economists were convinced Thailand would become Asia’s 5th economic superpower alongside Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea. Between 1987 and 1996, Thailand’s economy was expanding at a blistering 8% to 10% every year, earning it the title “Detroit of the East.”
Tax cuts on two selected fuels have failed to address the energy-cost crisis, as protests loom and pressure mounts on the government.
Protest leader Mano Khrueakaew demanded a 10-baht-per-liter reduction in all fuel prices outside Government House in Bangkok yesterday, threatening to escalate the demonstration if the government failed to act.
As the conflict in the Middle East continues, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is planning to allocate part of its emergency budget to stimulate foreign markets during the final two months of the year.
Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport carried out random drug searches on international passengers and luggage on Friday, using sniffer dogs on both arriving and departing flights. No illegal drugs were found during the operation, but random checks inside the airport will continue.
Southeast Asia’s 10 best soups, according to TasteAtlas
Phuket City has halted the dumping of garbage at its primary landfill indefinitely, because it is already overfull and trucks are dumping rubbish on an access road, preventing other vehicles from entering the site.
Donald Trump vowed a political comeback yesterday as the major parties clashed over Democrat threats to prosecute top administration officials after the president’s Republicans lost control of Congress in midterm elections. 
Chip giant Nvidia’s board announced yesterday it opened a probe into chief executive and co-founder Jensen Huang after he acknowledged an affair with a woman US officials say was working for Chinese intelligence. 
Hua Hin municipality is pressing ahead with beachfront demolitions where owners have consented to the work, while awaiting court rulings before proceeding at properties affected by legal disputes.
Very heavy rain is expected tomorrow in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, and Narathiwat, while heavy rain will affect Prachuap Khiri Khan, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Phatthalung, Pattani, Yala, Trang, and Satun.
Thailand has issued revised regulations allowing alcohol sales at five categories of venues on major Buddhist religious holidays, while maintaining the general prohibition at other establishments.
Pattaya City has secured a special budget of about 2.75 billion baht for a four-phase drainage program intended to reduce flooding across key parts of the resort city.
Thailand’s headline consumer price index (CPI) rose 3.9% in October from a year earlier, driven by higher fuel prices, which accounted for 56% of inflation.
Thailand’s economic growth could jump to 2.9% after sweeping revisions to factory output figures, Bank of Thailand Gov. Vitai Ratanakorn revealed on Thursday. Meanwhile, the central bank has raised its export growth forecast to 22%.
A recent report by leading economists has raised significant alarms regarding the retirement preparedness of the Thai population, revealing that a staggering 86% are unprepared for their retirement years. This stark figure underscores the urgent need for financial education and planning, as the aging population faces increased longevity and healthcare costs.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has advised passengers to book early for the 2027 New Year holiday, after a survey of eight domestic routes found that lower-priced tickets remained available on some flights but were limited in number.
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has tightened checks on Thai children under 18 leaving the country, and adults traveling with them must now prove their relationship with a birth certificate and, in most cases, a consent letter.
Thailand has installed dozens of electronic immigration gates at Suvarnabhumi Airport to help travelers clear passport control faster. The automated e-gates look crisp, modern, and promising. Following recent expansions by the Thai Immigration Bureau to speed up queues, hopes were high that long airport waits would finally become a relic of the past.
Royal barges mark birthday
For over 30 years, Pacific island countries have issued the same warning at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference: the warming ocean threatens not just food and energy security, but global survival itself.
After decades of making bumper profits in China, Germany’s carmakers have run out of road and sales have slumped dramatically, forcing painful job losses at home. Volkswagen’s woes in China pushed Europe’s largest carmaker to a €5.8-billion (US$6.5 billion) loss for the three months to end-September. 
Hua Hin’s Cape Nidhra Hotel recognized by Conde Nast
Cape Nidhra Hotel, Hua Hin, a premier five-star beachfront property under the Cape & Kantary Hotels Group, has achieved a major international milestone by securing a spot among Thailand’s top nine resorts in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, earning a score of 97.63. Adding to this success, the property has also been selected for inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2026.
Dusit Thani Hua Hin Unveils Devarana Wellness Shop
For today and tomorrow, thundershowers are forecast across 60% of the Ssuth’s east coast, with isolated heavy rain in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pattani and Narathiwat. Minimum temperatures will be 22–25°C and maximum temperatures 32–34°C. – The Nation
Thailand’s national wage committee is preparing to review proposals for changes to the minimum wage in 2027 after receiving recommendations from every province, including Bangkok.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul heard investment plans and proposals from 33 US companies across seven business groups at Government House yesterday, as Thailand worked to attract further investment and complete a reciprocal trade agreement with Washington.
The Thai e-commerce market is undergoing a transition, as modern shoppers are no longer solely swayed by discount signs but instead utilize data and technology to inform their decisions. Competition is shifting from price wars to focusing on superior quality, value for money, enhanced shopping experience, and long-term trust.
Thailand’s trade deficit with China surged 53% year on year to 2.43 trillion baht in the first nine months of 2026, raising concerns over the growing influx of Chinese goods and mounting pressure on domestic manufacturers.
The massive sell-off across Asian tech and equity markets today marks one of the most severe contractions for the region’s electronics and semiconductor supply chains in recent years. The regional rout follows a brutal overnight session on Wall Street, where the Nasdaq composite plunged 5.5%.
Krabi welcomes more European air links for the 2026 High Season
Pattaya faces a high-season tourism crisis as hotel bookings fail to materialize, with airfares soaring 30%–40% amid the US-Iran war. Meanwhile, Chinese group bookings have slumped by over 30%, with warnings of a 50% fall during Lunar New Year. Chinese safety alerts have also sparked a diplomatic clash between Bangkok and Beijing.
Buriram MotoGP 2027 tickets on sale Monday
Thais worldwide invited to wear traditional clothing throughout December
Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee has assured that households participating in the government’s solar rooftop scheme won’t need to pay a deposit.
Energy and climate specialists have proposed an alternative version of Thailand’s power-development plan (PDP) dubbed the “Resilient PDP”, aimed at ensuring a smooth transition to a low-carbon economy without relying heavily on natural gas as a bridging fuel.
Nearly 200 nations gather for the COP31 summit in Turkey on Monday but tensions over geopolitics, finance and fossil fuels are tempering expectations of a major breakthrough in tackling the climate crisis.
Renewed attacks on tankers pushed Brent crude futures US$3.67 a barrel higher yesterday, 2026, as concerns about secure oil deliveries tempered optimism over a possible diplomatic resolution to the US-Israeli war with Iran. 
The Democratic sweep in US midterm elections opens doors to new aid for Ukraine as it battles Moscow’s invasion, and could bring scrutiny over President Donald Trump’s Russia policies, analysts said yesterday. 
Google has announced plans to invest $15 billion in Malaysia from 2027 to 2028, with the spending going toward data center campuses, clean energy, bolstering water security and upskilling workers. 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s brash campaign posters are still up on Israeli public buses — images of him, US President Donald Trump and soaring warjets that laud the two leaders attacking Iran together. Neither is now advertising the state of the two countries’ alliance. 
Criminal warnings issued on beach demolitions
Proud Group and its partners have launched a tourism campaign worth more than 90 million baht, offering free sports sessions, water park admission and beachfront fitness activities to promote Hua Hin as a wellness lifestyle destination.
Four international tennis tournaments in Hua Hin will offer more than two million baht in prize money this November and December, with the first men’s main-draw matches starting on Monday.
Thailand’s Ministry of Energy has pledged to consider proposals to reduce fuel prices and reform the country’s oil-pricing structure following demands from transport and logistics operators. Officials received the demands at a protest outside the ministry in Bangkok yesterday.
The National Security Council (NSC) has urged the public not to panic or stockpile food, saying domestic supplies remain sufficient despite rising global tensions.
Thailand is preparing evidence that could lead to the revocation of Thai citizenship for another three foreign businessmen, Justice Minister Rutthaphol Naowarat said following a ten-agency meeting in Bangkok yesterday.
A Thai-French female streamer has drawn more than two million views after posting footage of a confrontation with a convenience store employee near Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya.
Gold bullion in Thailand closed at a selling price of 64,400 baht per baht-weight yesterday, according to the Gold Traders Assn. The quotation for 96.5%-purity gold was 1,900 baht, or 3.04%, above the Nov. 3 close.
Thai business leaders and market analysts say the Democratic sweep in the US midterm elections could improve conditions for Thailand, by placing greater checks on President Donald Trump’s policies and encouraging capital flows into emerging markets.
The European Union has pitched itself as a “trusted and long-term partner” for Thailand’s economic transformation, with its ambassador saying a free trade agreement (FTA) now under negotiation could anchor deeper investment, technology transfer and a shift toward a greener, higher-value economy.
Thailand is accelerating petroleum exploration both onshore and in the Andaman Sea as it seeks to increase domestic energy supplies and reduce reliance on imports amid continued volatility in global fuel markets.
Thailand’s rice exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) more than doubled to approximately 1.25 million tons in the first nine months of 2026, as stronger purchases from the Philippines and Malaysia helped offset declining shipments to Iraq, according to the Department of Foreign Trade.
CP Axtra, the operator of Makro and Lotus’s wholesale and retail businesses, plans to develop 78 projects in 2027, including opening new locations and renovations of existing stores across 37 provinces.
Automatic passport control extended to 33 countries
Sky ICT plans Suvarnabhumi humanoid robot trial
Doctors and nurses in Thailand fear eating KFC on shift because of a long-standing medical superstition known as the “KFC Fried Chicken Curse” (or “เวรเยิน” / wen yern, meaning a disastrously busy shift).
Bangkok lists 16 Royal Barge Procession viewing points for tomorrow
Iran’s government savored the stinging rebuke delivered to Donald Trump in the midterm elections, declaring voters had rejected the war launched by the US president even as Tehran remained on high alert for the possibility of renewed strikes. 
The Bank of England is expected to raise its benchmark interest rate today for the first time in more than three years, as soaring energy costs push up global inflation. The BoE is forecast to tighten borrowing costs by a quarter point to 4.0%. 
Google has said it will switch off its AI tools for schoolchildren by default, after drawing criticism for pushing artificial intelligence features to students while schools are still debating how the technology should be used in classrooms. 
Thailand recorded 470 mpox cases and three deaths between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31, prompting the Department of Disease Control (DDC) to urge people with suspicious symptoms to seek medical attention without delay.
The cabinet approved a Transport Ministry proposal yesterday to cap Bangkok’s electric train fares at 45 baht across all lines to ease the cost of living for commuters. The fare cap will be in effect for the 2027 calendar year.
The Bank of Thailand has raised concerns over growing fragility in the country’s labor market, as rising unemployment threatens to weigh on domestic consumption.
Phuket’s housing market has properties worth 194.545 billion baht awaiting buyers in 2026, placing it second only to Bangkok and its surrounding provinces, as continued investment brings closer scrutiny of nominee ownership and encroachment on public land.
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a sharp rise in excise tax on imported battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs), setting a 35% rate from Jan. 1, 2027.
Familiar coastal destinations are proving that nostalgia and convenience are a winning combination, with new data revealing a strong resurgence in domestic travel interest along Thailand’s eastern seaboard.
Sky lantern festival poised for visitor surge
Thailand’s dinosaur kingdom moves closer to UNESCO designation
The booming data center segment is prompting Banpu Next, a clean and smart energy solution provider under energy conglomerate Banpu Plc, to scale up its solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) businesses to serve industrial estates and large-scale businesses, targeting more than 300 megawatts of clean power generation capacity in Thailand by 2030.
Don Mueang airport transport guide covers buses, taxis and trains
Trade Boom Pushes Thailand’s Biggest Port Past Capacity
Thailand records 25.46 million arrivals, down 4.6%
The Southeast Asia Medical Tourism Market reached USD 6.1 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 35.5 Billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 21.68% during 2026-2034. This growth rests on Thailand’s established leadership attracting over a million medical tourists annually, Malaysia’s dedicated medical tourism year in 2026, Indonesia’s push to retain patients currently traveling abroad, and Vietnam’s formal medical tourism development plan through 2030 .
Chiang Mai saw autumn flight bookings rise 84.3% year-on-year, the largest increase recorded by any city in the Asia-Pacific region, according to online travel company Trip.com Group.
Southeast Asia remains a growth pillar for luxury travel amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, as more travelers shift to the region, including Thailand, viewing it as a safe haven, according to global hospitality brand Accor.
Increased presence of elephants near communities causes concern
From chedi to the classroom: Making Thai architecture tangible
In Bangkok, heat is becoming harder to escape. Concrete roads, glass towers, and dense traffic absorb the sun through the day and release it long after dark, a phenomenon urban planners call the urban heat island effect.
As artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers drive demand for reliable electricity, small modular reactors (SMRs) are emerging as a potential source of round-the-clock, low-carbon power.
Six destinations in Thailand have been recognized in the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2026 awards in Kranj, Slovenia, for locally led projects in sustainable tourism.
At least 26 people were killed after Russian bombs hit an aid distribution center, in an attack that Ukraine’s leader has called “utterly horrific”. Five people were injured and 27 initially reported missing after at least nine 3,000-kilogram aerial bombs hit the village of Komyshuvakha in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. 
Thai AirAsia’s Hua Hin–Chiang Mai flights are now operating daily, with the increased frequency scheduled to continue until March 27, 2027.
Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas has received a certificate of recognition from the Biodiversity-Based Economy Development Office (BEDO) for its participation in projects promoting environmentally responsible tourism and the sustainable use of biodiversity.
Kaeng Krachan’s Khao Phanoen Thung reopens Nov 1
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Saturday that the Thai-Cambodian border will remain closed because there remain several conflicting issues between the two countries that are yet to be resolved.
Thailand’s political confidence index fell to 3.52 out of 10 in October, with ratings for the government and prime minister also declining, according to a nationwide Suan Dusit Poll released yesterday.
Robot used in new heart surgery
Thailand aims to become a high-income economy by 2037, with a new five-year science and innovation strategy targeting annual GDP growth of 5%.
Thailand eyes status as AI medical hub
Thailand is keen to leverage small artificial intelligence (AI) to create a big impact in many sectors. Small AI solutions are focused applications designed to solve specific, practical problems, often using less data, computing power and money than large, general purpose systems.
Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to cut the floor space given to duty-free shops in Suvarnabhumi International Airport, moving more sales to pick-up counters and handing part of the area to automated gates. The airport operator also expects to announce details of a new paid premium service for arriving and departing passengers this month.
The accusation of “favoring tycoons” continues to haunt the Bhumjaithai government after the Cabinet meeting on Oct. 27 approved the solar power project for the public, with the government incentivizing Thais to install “solar rooftops” with a subsidy of 50,000 baht per household.
As Thailand accelerates its transition to a low-carbon economy, energy policymakers are revising the country’s oil strategy to balance decarbonization goals with energy security.
Hua Hin is gearing up for four months of fun. A new campaign aims to make the seaside destination even more appealing to travelers. 
Hua Hin Municipality has launched an operation to demolish 15 structures encroaching on the beach, from the fishing pier to the Thap Tim Shrine. A large number of officials and machinery have been deployed, aiming to return the public area to citizens in November. 
Gold prices in Thailand fell sharply by 1,550 baht at the opening of trading today, extending losses from the previous day as a sell-off in Wall Street technology stocks triggered a wider retreat in global precious metals markets.
Koh Kood’s tourism association has urged the government and private-sector operators to manage visitor numbers, warning that rapid growth could overwhelm the Trat island during the high season.
Room rates, booking conditions and advertising promises would become part of binding contracts with guests under a proposed Thai law aimed at strengthening protections for travelers.
Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat discussed a proposal to set Thailand’s taxi fares according to four vehicle sizes during talks with three taxi associations yesterday. The approach is intended to align charges with operating costs.
Thailand’s ambitious drive toward a net-zero future and a major expansion of renewable energy capacity is prompting growing concerns among energy officials over the country’s ability to maintain a stable electricity supply.
Hackers stole US$6.3 billion from Binance, the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange, in a record theft that analysts blamed on North Korea and said could be the largest financial heist of all time.