- More Hua Hin videos/Video shows Buddhist procession accident/36 provinces warned of floods/Older phones look suddenly fashionable/Food deliveries surge
- ECONOMY: Isan poll rates government’s economic work/Shippers forecast 2026 exports to grow/Genuine foreign investment or nominees?/Prospects for Thai food exports
- TOURISM: In Thailand’s sex tourism hub/Thailand Tightens Airport Security/Thailand rides the longevity fitness trend/More security in south
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Kui Buri – Where the Wild still roams/Making Thai Milk Tea
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Land bridge project comes at environmental cost/Green manufacturing offers opportunity/ThaiBev bottles the sun/Thailand EV investment
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
More Hua Hin videos:
Is Hua Hin Actually Worth It?
There’s a city by the beach in Thailand that’s rarely mentioned in popular travel guides… but for some reason, many foreigners are moving there – Hua Hin city. Learn what life is like in Hua Hin, where you can rent an apartment (condo), how much it costs, where to eat (restaurants and street food night markets) and what delicious things there are, and what a typical day is like in a place where people come… and stay because the cost of living is quite affordable and life by the beach in Thailand is just a dream! Video …
Hua Hin Food Guide: 10 Best Restaurants To Try
Embark on a culinary journey through Hua Hin with this ultimate food guide featuring the 10 best restaurants in the area. From hidden gems to popular street food spots, explore the authentic and exotic flavors that make Hua Hin a foodie’s paradise. Taste test must-try dishes and sharid top food recommendations.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a unique dining experience, this video is sure to satisfy your cravings for Thai cuisine and local eats. Explore the diverse culinary delights of Hua Hin and discover why it’s a haven for food lovers everywhere. Video …
Video shows moment 11-year-old drives pickup truck into Buddhist procession
CCTV footage captured the moment a vehicle driven by an 11-year-old crashed into a group of monks and worshippers during a religious procession in Mukdahan on Thursday. At least 10 people were killed and 10 others were injured, according to local hospital officials. Two of the injured remain in critical condition.
A group of 35 monks and five lay followers were walking along a roadside in Mukdahan province during a pilgrimage when a truck ploughed into them. Police said it was driven by an 11-year-old who had taken his parents’ vehicle without permission. Continued and video …
TMD warns 36 provinces of floods
Thailand has been placed on alert for heavy rain, flash floods and rough seas as Tropical Storm Maysak intensifies monsoon conditions across the country, despite the storm not being expected to move directly into Thailand.
Along the south’s eastern coast, thunderstorms are forecast over 60% of the region, with heavy rain in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan. Temperatures are forecast at 24-25C at the lowest and 32-35C at the highest. Continued …
Rising memory costs make older phones look suddenly fashionable
With memory prices surging and new gadgets becoming more expensive, the smartest smartphone buy in Thailand in 2026 may not be the newest flagship but last year’s premium model — still fast and polished and far less likely to make your credit card need a lie-down.
The timing could hardly be better. As the global economy remains uneven and smartphone makers face higher component costs, many buyers are thinking more carefully before upgrading. Continued …
Food deliveries surge under co-pay scheme
The government’s “Thais Help Thais Plus” co-payment scheme has helped to revive the economy and stimulate spending in the food and beverage sector, according to two online food delivery operators.
GrabFood said orders from participating merchants exceeded 500 million baht within two weeks of the scheme being extended to food delivery services on June 15. Of the company’s total food delivery orders placed under the scheme from June 15-30, 55% were valued at 100-250 baht, while 25% were worth less than 100 baht. Continued …
Isan poll rates government’s economic work as dismal
Households in the northeast are still struggling, and confidence in the economy remains weak, according to a new poll that gave the government’s economic performance low marks.
The poll, conducted by the Faculty of Economics at Khon Kaen University, surveyed 1,058 people across 20 northeastern provinces on the household-level economy in the second quarter and their expectations for the third quarter of 2026. Continued …
Shippers forecast 2026 exports to grow by at least 8%-10% despite headwinds
Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC), said yesterday that Thailand’s exports in May were worth US$34.333 billion, up 10.6% and expanding for a 23rd consecutive month.
Imports were worth US$40.0445 billion, up 35.1%, resulting in a trade deficit of US$5.7114 billion. Excluding oil-related products, gold and strategic goods, exports grew by 8.6%. For the first five months of 2026, exports were worth US$162.0859 billion, up 17% from the same period of the previous year. Continued …
Genuine foreign investment or nominees?
Chinese-language delivery apps in Thailand are under scrutiny after a viral post raised questions about riders, ownership and legal compliance. Authorities are now checking whether platforms such as GOKOO, E-Gets and Feixiang fully comply with Thai laws on foreign investment. Video …
Dubai investment plan raises prospects for Thai food exports
Dubai’s image as a city of luxury, skyscrapers and world-class tourism is set to receive a major economic boost, with more than 22 billion baht earmarked to support tourism, retail and services in the second half of 2026, as the emirate seeks to maintain economic momentum and cushion the impact of developments in the Middle East.
Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), under the Commerce Ministry, expects Dubai’s push to stimulate tourism, retail and services to support demand for food imports, creating opportunities for Thai products such as rice, seafood, processed food and seasonings to expand further in the United Arab Emirates market. Continued …
In Thailand’s sex tourism hub, bright lights flash, loud music blares – and underage girls are exploited
Sky Kanyarat was playing pool in the early hours of the morning in one of Thailand’s most famous red light districts when a middle-aged foreigner with a heavy gait approached her. She had often seen him walking past the bar where she worked in Pattaya, a city about a two-hour drive from Bangkok. But this was the first time Kanyarat had seen him come in.
As he passed under the bunting of flags from around the world, it appeared “he was drunk from somewhere else because he walked wobbly,” says Kanyarat, who identifies as a ladyboy, a term commonly used in Thailand’s transgender community. Continued …
Thailand Tightens Airport Security Nationwide
Thailand will introduce tougher airport security measures based on a zero trust approach after a Thai airline cabin crew member was detained in Australia over alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The government said the case should not be viewed as an isolated incident but as a catalyst to strengthen aviation security across the entire air travel system.
Under the new policy, all flight crew, pilots, airline staff and other personnel will be subject to the same security screening standards as passengers, with no exceptions. Authorities will also increase the use of K9 detection dogs on both arriving and departing flights, particularly on higher-risk routes and at higher-risk times. Continued …
Thailand rides the longevity fitness trend to grow sportainment tourism
Thailand is moving to strengthen its role as a sportainment destination as interest in fitness travel grows alongside the longevity trend, which is reshaping exercise from a lifestyle choice into part of long-term health and travel planning.
One of the clearest examples is HYROX, the global fitness race that has helped turn gym-based training into a competitive, social and highly marketable event. The format combines a one-kilometer run with eight workout stations, using the same structure worldwide so participants can compare their performance with others across countries. Continued …
Tourism firms call for more security in south
Tourism operators in the south have urged the government to strengthen security measures after Malaysian tourists were injured in a roadside bomb attack in Tak Bai, although the incident has affected only a limited number of tour groups traveling to Hat Yai this weekend.
Sitthipong Sitthiphataraprabha, president of the Hat Yai Songkhla Hotels Assn., said cancellations included a group of four buses that planned trips from Kelantan to Pattani and Hat Yai through the Sungai Kolok checkpoint. Continued …
Kui Buri – Where the Wild still roams
As the afternoon heat eases across the grasslands of Kui Buri National Park, voices in the open-backed pickup truck soften to whispers. Binoculars lift. Cameras are made steady. All eyes turn toward the forest’s edge.
A gray shape emerges from the tree line, followed by another. Within seconds, a small herd of wild elephant steps into the open meadow. A baby elephant stays close to its mother, swinging its trunk clumsily as it follows the others toward the grasslands. Continued …
Making Thai Milk Tea in Bangkok
Land bridge project comes at environmental cost
Scientists and environmental groups warn the land bridge project could threaten fragile marine ecosystems and coastal communities in southern Thailand, while the government promises economic growth. Video …
Green manufacturing offers opportunity
Thailand is intensifying its efforts to combat global warming by steering investment toward green manufacturing. At the center of this strategy is the bio-, circular and green (BCG) economic model — a framework that aims to balance growth with sustainability.
Though it no longer commands the same spotlight it did when first introduced several years ago, BCG remains crucial to Thailand’s ambition of achieving a net-zero target by 2050, 15 years earlier than its original target. Continued …
ThaiBev bottles the sun in Thailand’s green industry push
Sustainability has moved beyond the language of annual reports. In Thailand, it is becoming something far more tangible: solar panels on factory roofs, biogas from production by-products, lighter packaging, smarter energy systems and industrial discipline that can be measured in tons of avoided carbon.
Thai Beverage, or ThaiBev, offers a polished example of this shift. The regional beverage group is using Thailand’s abundant sunlight and agricultural-industrial base to reimagine how high-volume manufacturing can operate in a low-carbon age. Continued …
Thailand EV investment tops 137-billion baht
Thailand’s ambition to become a leading electric vehicle production hub in ASEAN has gained further momentum, with investment promotion approvals in the EV industry reaching 198 projects worth more than 137 billion baht as of May.
The approved projects cover the full EV ecosystem, from electric vehicle production, batteries and key components to charging stations and battery-swapping facilities, according to Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the Board of Investment (BOI) and secretary of the National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee, known as the EV Board. Continued …
Chonburi Raids Target Pattaya Villa Nominee Network
Chonburi authorities launched coordinated raids across six locations in Pattaya yesterday as part of an investigation into suspected foreign nominee businesses, uncovering an unlicensed luxury pool villa operation and seizing 20 cylinders of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. Continued …
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African-led transnational drug ring busted – Continued …
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Police Detain 4 Chinese Nationals on Bus in Chumphon – Continued …
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South Korean Scammers Arrested 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 cinemas/Emergency numbers
Direct flights between Hua Hin and Kuala Lumpur are expected to resume as transport officials move to restore an international route that carried more than 130,000 passengers before the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Thailand Riviera coastal road project is set to move forward again, with the Ministry of Transport seeking budget approval for fiscal year 2027 to study and design an extension from Chumphon to Songkhla.
Fuel prices in Bangkok were updated today after PTT Oil and Retail Business, or OR, and Bangchak Corp, or BCP, announced cuts to petrol and gasohol prices. The reductions ranged from 0.60 to 1.20 baht per liter, while diesel prices were left unchanged.
The government has welcomed Thailand being ranked the world’s eighth-best healthcare system in 2026 by the Numbeo website, saying the result reflects the country’s efficient healthcare management and broad access to medical services.
Nine monks were killed and 13 other people injured after a pickup truck driven by an 11-year-old boy plowed into a morning pilgrimage in Muang district of Mukdahan province yesterday.
Thailand’s economy is sending two completely different signals. Official figures point to a country recovering faster than expected, with GDP expanding by 2.8%, exports surging by more than 23% in April, and tourism continuing to drive growth, albeit at a falling rate.
The narrowing trade deficit and easing inflationary pressure should support the baht regaining strength against the US dollar late in the third quarter this year, reversing a short-term depreciation trend, says Siam Commercial Bank Financial Markets (SCB FM).
There are growing signs that small and medium-sized Chinese entrepreneurs in auto sectors are interested in investing in Thailand, according to the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
Thailand is on course for another record year in foreign film-production investment, as global streaming platforms and the fast-growing vertical-drama market continue to bring overseas crews and spending into the country.
The Department of Consular Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated its 2026 list of countries and territories offering visa-free entry to holders of ordinary Thai passports. The revised list includes 35 destinations where Thai travelers can enter without applying for a visa, subject to each country’s entry conditions.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has emphasized the development of rail tourism as an important step toward creating new experiential and economic value for Thailand’s tourism industry. TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that Thailand’s tourism sector has long drawn strength from its natural attractions, cultural heritage, and recognized hospitality.
Pattaya’s tourism is facing a particularly weak low season, with tourist numbers falling by around 20% to 30% in Pattaya and Chon Buri, while many hotels are reporting occupancy rates below break-even levels.
The Gulf of Thailand has always sold itself through color: turquoise water, coral gardens, fishing boats and island horizons. Now Thailand is adding another color to the seascape — the clean, clever green of technology.
Since China’s “National Sword” policy took effect in January 2018, banning imports of contaminated plastic and electronic waste, the recycling industry that was once concentrated inside China has scattered across the region. As a result, Thailand has absorbed a large share of it.
Honda Automobile (Thailand) is intensifying its strategy to challenge the Chinese-dominated electric vehicle (EV) market, announcing plans to make next-generation hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) the cornerstone of its lineup.
The first half of 2026 has been marked by a relentless rise in ocean temperatures, with global averages reaching a record 21 degrees Celsius, shattering previous highs recorded in 2023 and 2024.
Thailand has established itself as one of Southeast Asia’s leading destinations for luxury real estate, attracting buyers who appreciate high-quality homes, exceptional lifestyles, and a wide variety of residential options. From dynamic city centers to peaceful coastal communities, the country offers something for every type of buyer.
The Pa La-U Fruit Festival 2026 has opened in Hua Hin, with locally grown GI durians on sale for 200 baht per kilogram, as organisers look to attract visitors and support farmers in Huai Sat Yai.
Registration is now open for the AIA One Billion Trail 2026 by TMS, which will take place in Hua Hin on Nov. 21. The event will bring runners to one of Thailand’s best-loved seaside destinations, with routes combining sea views, natural landscapes and plenty of adventure.
Thailand is bracing for another day of widespread rain, with the Thai Meteorological Department warning of heavy downpours in several parts of the country on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are expected to see thunderstorms across 70% of the area, while the North and Northeast face rain over 80% of their areas.
The Dutch embassy will relocate from its historic Wireless Road premises to new offices on Rama IV Road in August, ending nearly 80 years at its current site.
A primary school in Kalasin province has sparked widespread criticism after advertising a temporary English teaching position with a monthly salary of just 5,500 baht. Ban Non Yang School in Kuchinarai district announced yesterday it is seeking one temporary employee for the position of assistant teacher/English teacher.
Survey shows economic fears persist
Confidence in the broader economy remains “subdued”, with concerns centering on corruption, inflation, and divided opinions about what direction the country should move in, market research firm Ipsos says.
Thailand’s economy is expected to grow by 1.6% to 2.0% this year, a leading business group said yesterday, maintaining its earlier forecast. The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) also maintained its forecast that exports, a key driver of Thai growth, would rise by 8% to 10% this year.
Total spending in the first month of the government’s “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” (Thais Help Thais) co-payment scheme reached 43.2 billion baht, with 1.2 billion remaining unspent, the Ministry of Finance said yesterday.
Three of Thailand’s most senior property executives have delivered a sober assessment of the sector’s prospects for the second half of 2026, warning that sluggish economic growth, tightening credit and a climate of global uncertainty will keep the residential market subdued despite modest bright spots in tourism, branded residences and the luxury segment.
Thai Agriculture & Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said after holding talks with Malaysia’s Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu that the neighboring country will likely lift its temporary ban on import of five Thai shrimp species within 30 says.
The renewed campaign against illegal resorts built on public beaches and protected forests is a welcome sign that authorities are taking conservation more seriously.
Travel And Tour World has released its Top 50 Medical Tourism Destinations for 2026, and Thailand has taken second place, bested only by Turkey and finishing ahead of a global field.
World’s top tourist destinations are done selling sunsets and are betting everything on dinner
Koh Samui shines in Asia-Pacific awards
Despite optimism around the US-Iran ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, it will take time for jet fuel prices to return to pre-crisis levels and airfares could remain high for longer than passengers expect, says the International Air Transport Assn. (IATA).
Thailand has been ranked the best country in Asia and ninth globally as a retirement destination in the Global Retirement Index 2026. Thailand was ranked ninth worldwide and first in Asia by International Living, a leading US media outlet specializing in overseas living and retirement.
Located in the heart of Thailand, Hua Hin offers a unique blend of traditional Thai culture and modern amenities, making it an attractive option for those looking to live in Thailand. From its stunning beaches to its vibrant nightlife, Hua Hin has something to offer for everyone.
Hua Hin has long been one of Thailand’s favorite beach getaways, known for its royal history, relaxed atmosphere, and easy access from the capital. But beyond the beach, the city has a lot more going on than you might expect.
The most useful AI gadget for expatriates in Thailand may not be a robot, a smart speaker or a laptop priced like a small motorbike. It may be the smartphone already sitting beside their morning iced coffee, quietly judging their screen time while helping them translate Thai messages, plan trips, manage work calls, read banking alerts and understand condominium notices that seem to have been written by a committee in a hurry.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of heavy rain in parts of Thailand, with very heavy downpours possible in some areas of the east and the western side of the south today.
Thais genuinely enjoy playing the lottery. Even though the chances of winning the grand prize are staggeringly low, only one in a million, they buy more and more tickets every day.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday that 10 out of 11 Thai-flagged vessels and vessels chartered by Thai operators stranded in the Strait of Hormuz area after the closure announcement on Feb. 28, had now safely left the area.
Thailand’s total dependence on imported fertilizer has left its 16 million farmers dangerously exposed to global geopolitical shocks, according to industry leaders, state officials, and academics who gathered for a roundtable yesterday.
Thailand’s Cabinet has extended ultra-low property transfer and mortgage registration fees for another year, keeping a key housing stimulus measure in place as the government seeks to ease costs for homebuyers and support a fragile real estate recovery.
Thailand’s property market may be moving cautiously, but at the very top end developers are racing in the opposite direction. A new wave of branded residences — backed by global hotel, fashion, design and automotive names — is turning Bangkok, Phuket and resort destinations into a regional test ground for luxury homes sold not merely as places to live, but as managed, long-term collectible assets.
Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) decreased by 0.8% year-on-year to 101.18 points in May, due mainly to a slowdown in the domestic automotive sector, said the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE). The index increased from 92.76 points in April, however, when global conflicts and domestic challenges weighed on industrial activity.
Prachuap Khiri Khan is moving ahead with its wellness tourism strategy, with model communities selected across all eight districts as part of plans to develop the province as a wellness city. At a meeting yesterday at the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Public Health Office, officials reviewed work being carried out in each district to strengthen health services and support sustainable wellness tourism.
Bangkok was named the world’s most visited city for 2025 by Euromonitor International, drawing an estimated 30.3 million international arrivals, ahead of Hong Kong, London, Macao, and Istanbul. Thailand expects that number to climb further in 2026, with 34.9 million foreign visitors forecast and tourism revenue projected at 1.63 trillion baht, an 8% increase year on year.
These 3 Small Thai Towns Could Stretch Your Budget Further
“The future is fully electric,” the president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (Thailand), Christian Schell, declared, expressing his confidence in the automobile’s future path. This was emphasized in the first half of 2026 by the oil crisis, when people turned to buying electric vehicles (EVs) in fear of fuel shortages.
Global investment in the energy sector continued to expand, with total investment reaching US$3.3 trillion in 2025, the highest level on record. Of this, US$2.3 trillion went into clean energy, helping lift the share of renewables and nuclear power in global electricity generation to 42%. 
Andrea Canonico focused on her breathing to stay calm as she lay trapped under a building that had crumbled during the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week. Just 23 years old, Canonico spent almost 48 hours in the same position before being pulled out – alive. 
Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin has offered a first look inside its new Zone B building ahead of its official opening in early July. The expansion will add 50 inpatient rooms and upgraded specialist departments, including the Heart Center, Gastrointestinal and Liver Department, Health Check-up Unit, Internal Medicine Department and Dermatology Department.
Construction of the first 1.3-kilometer section of Thailand’s border fence with Cambodia in Chanthaburi is 45% complete, a parliamentary delegation has been told.
For decades, Thailand’s economic engine was driven by manufacturing and export-led industries. Today, the kingdom is decoupling its growth from the factory floor and tethering it to the server rack.
Thailand’s vehicle production fell sharply in May 2026, as weaker exports, particularly to the Middle East, weighed on the automotive industry, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Live commerce is becoming a more powerful sales channel for Thailand’s farm produce, with a joint TikTok and Department of Internal Trade (DIT) campaign pushing durian sales on TikTok Shop up 10.6-fold.
America celebrates its 250th birthday this week. The US is now the world’s most powerful country, and every word and signature of President Donald Trump can shape events around the globe.
Last year, I moved to Chiang Mai, a city known for what Thais have termed “slow life”. I’m almost five years living in Thailand, and came to the country’s second city for a new teaching job.
The ghostly white creature curled up on a weighing scale is almost unrecognizable in the Facebook post offering it for sale. Only closer inspection reveals it to be a dead pangolin.
People in the Philippines are flocking to install solar power on rooftops and escape the burden of soaring electricity prices, making it the world’s biggest spender on solar panels since the war in Iran started. 
Volkswagen management has told employee representatives that the job cuts already agreed are not enough, according to a works council note. The note said any further reductions had not yet been quantified, at least not to the employee side. 
PM Anutin Presides Over Buddhist Consecration Ceremony in Hua Hin
The State Railway of Thailand is turning the rainy season into a new travel window, launching nine special rail-tourism programs across the country from July to September. The programs are designed to promote rail-based tourism while connecting travelers with nature, local culture, religious traditions, history, and lesser-known destinations in several provinces.
Western men and indeed families are moving to Thailand in growing numbers, turning holiday romances into marriages, businesses and permanent new lives as high living costs, remote work, COVID-19 controls, and anger over Western dating culture drive a quieter migration east.
Thailand’s immigration system holds detailed records of foreign arrivals and overstayers but continues to struggle to consistently act on that information, meaning some long-term overstayers are only detected during raids, at departure points, or after unrelated criminal investigations.
The Faculty of Medicine at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has developed CAR-T cell therapy, a highly effective and affordable treatment for patients diagnosed with lymphoma, leukemia, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has declared victory in the Bangkok governor election after unofficial results showed the independent incumbent heading for a landslide second term.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has launched a strict crackdown on the use of forged cannabis prescription forms after uncovering evidence of identity fraud and the online sale of fake documents used to obtain cannabis for recreational purposes.
The Transport Ministry will extend measures to support airlines affected by unrest in the Middle East, including a 30% reduction in air navigation service charges for domestic flights during July and August, Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit said.
One of the key raw materials for the production of plastic products is ethylene, which is produced from naphtha – a byproduct of oil refining. Approximately 60% of Asia’s current naphtha imports come from the Gulf region.
Thailand is experiencing a continuous deterioration in household credit quality amid expanding household debt, which has risen to 86.7%of national gross domestic product.
Thailand is eyeing growth in the “global pink economy” as speakers at a forum highlight rising market value, changing consumer behavior and new investment opportunities. Speaking on the topic of “Pink Economy: From Visibility to Economic Value”, Tanachai Kulsomboonsin, chief executive and co-founder of Canvas Ventures International, said awareness of the pink economy has expanded in Thailand over the past two years.
Thailand has officially opened its state-owned railway network to private operators for the first time, allowing companies to apply for track access to run passenger, tourism, and freight train services.
The global beauty industry is no longer being shaped only by Western markets. Southeast Asia, once seen largely as a follower of K-Beauty, J-Beauty, and European brands, is now positioning itself as a beauty economy hub with growing influence over the direction of the global industry.
Thai cocoa and chocolate products are expected to benefit from a growing but niche global market, particularly for high-value, environmentally friendly, and health-focused products.
The government is moving ahead with its “Thailand 365 Days” policy to position the country as a year-round, high-value tourism destination, using rising interest in natural attractions and local experiences to spread income beyond major tourist cities and support sustainable growth.
Thailand’s hotel industry is seeing resilient mid-year demand from international travelers, who now account for 96.6% of forward bookings and are reserving rooms earlier than last year, giving operators more room to manage pricing, promotions, and guest experiences.
Having lived and worked in Thailand’s hospitality and tourism industry for more than 35 years, I have learned one simple truth: tourism rarely moves in a straight line.
Pattaya‘s nightlife strip is leaning hard on discounts and happy hour deals this June, as bar operators describe a slow season where every customer counts. As the sun sets, colored lights flick on and staff step outside with familiar routines: smiles, greetings, and quiet invitations to passing tourists and hotel guests. Behind the lively atmosphere, though, June has become what many in the trade call a “survival month”.
Short breaks are becoming one of the defining travel trends of summer 2026, as travelers look for quicker, more flexible escapes without giving up the sense of a rewarding holiday, according to Trip.com Group.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has launched a solar rooftop power purchase program for the public sector. Applications to sell electricity from solar rooftops can begin on July 1.
Europe faced temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F) yesterday as storms swept other areas, with France reporting 1,000 excess deaths in a record-breaking heatwave. Its public health agency said most heat-related fatalities involved older people and warned the toll was expected to rise as more details emerged from residential care and private homes. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the country was suffering from “a certain shortage” of fuel in an interview published by the Kremlin yesterday, after repeated Ukrainian strikes in their four-year war. 
Thai herbs targeted for pharma use
Thailand seeks solution to human-elephant conflict
Commercial viability key to land bridge, panel says
Tourism operators expect the domestic market will be flat or contract from last year unless the government launches an effective stimulus scheme to increase low-season trips, as Thai household income generation weakened last year.
The Transport Ministry is speeding up infrastructure development to support economic and tourism growth, with the government now positioning Udon Thani as a key mechanism linking the northeast with international markets.
Il dolce far niente — the sweetness of doing nothing. The Italian saying celebrates the simple pleasure of slowing down, something Thailand has long mastered. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes stretching from north to south, the Land of Smiles is renowned for its warm hospitality and deep-rooted wellness traditions, making it a world-class destination for anyone seeking to recharge, both physically and mentally.
A Japanese travel content creator has gone viral after posting a video of an unexpected mishap at Hua Hin Railway Station, where a chair suddenly broke beneath him as he leaned back while waiting for a train.
Apple has officially increased prices across its Mac product line in Thailand, with adjustments now visible on the Apple Store Online and Apple Store app.
A reported attack on a cargo ship near Oman has renewed concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, just as shipping and oil flows through the vital waterway had begun returning toward pre-war levels.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has officially kicked off the Thailand FastPass program at Government House, unlocking over USD 21 billion (around 700 billion baht) in high-tech investments. Bringing together eight government agencies, the initiative aims to slash regulatory approval times by up to half, speeding up the journey from securing a license to running a fully operational factory.
Kirida Bhaopichitr, assistant Commerce minister, said the world has entered an era of a “new global order” in which international trade rules are becoming increasingly unstable and less anchored to the traditional framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Thailand’s exports expanded by 10.6% year-on-year in May, reaching a value of US$34,333.1 million (approximately 1.095 trillion baht), according to the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (TPSO).
Chinese investors’ growing appetite for factory sites in Thailand is reshaping the industrial land market in the Eastern Economic Corridor, with one planned industrial park in Chonburi now attracting close scrutiny over zoning, infrastructure demand, and possible gaps in state oversight.
Airports of Thailand Public Co. (AOT) has issued a long-term commitment to aggressively scale up the nation’s aviation ecosystem, pledging to expand its total airport capacity to handle over 160 million passengers annually within the next decade.
The Chinese Ambassador to Thailand is apparently not happy about Thais using the term “gray Chinese” to refer to Chinese nationals who engage in criminal activities in Thailand, and has made it known. Ambassador Zhang Jianwei feels the term made Thais appear “unfriendly” to Chinese visitors.
In 2026, Thailand is no longer defined solely by its beaches, temples, and tourism appeal. It has evolved into a global headquarters for a new kind of workforce — the digital nomad generation — earning a reputation as one of the world’s most attractive bases for remote professionals seeking both productivity and lifestyle.
Thailand’s soft power shines through food, fun, and 5F charm
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan said at the “Energy Transition: Transitioning Thai Energy to a Low-Carbon Economy” seminar, under the topic “Thai Energy Direction and PDP 2026 Progress”, that discussions on energy transition often focus solely on electricity.
How electric tuk-tuks are powering Bangkok’s quiet mobility revolution
Rescue crews and residents are searching for hundreds of people trapped under the rubble of buildings yesterday, after back-to-back major earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern coast and caused devastation across the region. At least 188 people had been confirmed dead and 200 were trapped under rubble. 
Minor Hotels has appointed Kanruethai Roongruang as general manager of Avani+ Hua Hin Resort. Originally from Phuket, Kanruethai brings more than 25 years of hospitality experience across Thailand and international markets, with expertise in resort operations, wellness, commercial strategy, business development, and luxury hospitality management.
Thailand’s Department of Business Development (DBD) is tightening enforcement against “nominee” businesses by requiring Thai shareholders in foreign co-investment firms to submit three months of financial evidence, including bank statements, to prove genuine investment capacity. The move is part of a broader crackdown on concealed foreign ownership structures and is already affecting thousands of companies across high-risk sectors.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast today that Thailand would continue to see thundershowers over the next 24 hours, with isolated heavy rain in the east and along the south’s west coast.
Lisa’s Instagram Posts Reach 58-million-baht Value Worldwide
Oil prices retreated yesterday to their lowest levels since the start of the United States-Iran war, while tech shares continued to show weakness on a mixed day for global stocks.
The Thai baht is currently facing short-term pressure, with market strategists indicating it could test the 33.00–33.20 resistance band. This weakness is influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the Federal Reserve’s rate-hike expectations.
The Bank of Thailand has upgraded its GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 2.3% from 1.5%, attributed to strong exports, government stimulus, and easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The Bank of Thailand yesterday left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1.00% as widely expected, saying it would continue to monitor inflation trends and expectations.
Thailand is facing a rapidly escalating medical inflation crisis, raising concerns among insurers and regulators about its long-term implications for the healthcare and insurance sectors.
TikTok Shop flexes muscle in 3-way Thailand tussle
High-net-worth parents across Asia, the Middle East, and Russia are fundamentally rewriting the equation for elite schooling. Facing a volatile matrix of escalating geopolitical friction, erratic financial markets, and skyrocketing living costs in traditional Western markets, affluent families are increasingly asking whether a premium education requires sending children across the globe.
Constant Energy, a leading renewable energy developer in Southeast Asia, has announced the successful inauguration of a 5.26 MW solar rooftop installation at the manufacturing facilities of Meyer Industries and Meyer Aluminium (Thailand) Co. in Laem Chabang, Thailand.
Once a lush field of green, the seagrass meadows surrounding Thailand’s Koh Libong are now largely barren stretches of sand, devastating the island’s iconic dugong population.
Europe braced yesterday for another day of an unprecedented heatwave that has smashed records in many countries and sent air conditioner sales zooming in a continent unused to and ill-equipped to handle searing heat. 
Bangkok commuters may finally be getting closer to something they have wanted for years: multiple trains, one ticket, and cheaper transportaion. Thailand’s Cabinet yesterday approved a cost-of-living measure to introduce a common fare system across urban rail transit lines, allowing passengers to travel for between 17 and 45 baht under a single-ticket scheme.
Crayfish on the loose in Phayao Lake
The Thai economy is facing an uphill battle against a trio of deep-seated structural vulnerabilities, even as major economic research centers nudge short-term growth forecasts upward. In its latest economic outlook, the Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Center (SCB EIC) upgraded Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for this year to 2% from a previous estimate of 1.7%.
The cabinet has approved the expansion of the list of price-controled goods and services to 66. The list now includes 61 essential goods and five services, for which providers must seek prior approval for price changes.
The SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), a research center under Siam Commercial Bank, expects energy costs will continue to propel inflation in the second half of the year, even as the Middle East war shows signs of de-escalation.
Thai Generation Z and millennials are experiencing greater concern about their financial future than their peers in many other countries, with housing affordability a particularly acute pressure point, a survey by Deloitte has found.
Why travelers are saying “Thank you, Thailand” before they fly home
Tourism revival plans take shape
As summer 2026 gets underway, the global tourism industry is regaining strong momentum, and one metropolis drawing attention from travelers from around the world is “Bangkok”.
The sizzle of socialization: How Moo Kata makes Thailand’s table glow
In Thailand, the most talked-about travel ritual of 2026 may not begin at a temple, rooftop bar, or Michelin-listed restaurant. It starts under fluorescent lights, beside a refrigerated aisle, with a plastic-wrapped sandwich waiting to be toasted.
In Bangkok, the dining room of the moment does not always arrive polished in marble and glass. It may sit behind a narrow frontage, up a steep old staircase, beside the roar of a wok, or inside a building that still carries the memory of trade, family, and neighborhood life.
Cutting Thailand’s Giant Jackfruit
Journey Through Wellness, Sustainability, and Authentic Thai Hospitality in Krabi and Koh Lanta
Ubon park put forward for UNESCO listing
Thailand must accelerate its shift away from fossil fuels or risk falling permanently behind its regional peers, the chief economist of SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC) warned this week, as the kingdom’s heavy dependence on imported energy leaves it acutely vulnerable to global volatility.
Waste management is one of the most essential public services a city can and must provide. When it breaks down – even briefly – thousands of tons of rubbish pile up fast. Foul odors spread across neighborhoods.
The top 10% of global consumers cause $5.7 trillion in annual environmental damage, as they drive global challenges evolving into systemic economic and financial risks requiring immediate collective action, according to a Leiden University study.
In the next few weeks, Britain’s ruling Labor Party will select a new leader to replace Keir Starmer. But this prospect has not inspired hope of a political or economic renewal. Among British media and, more importantly, global financial markets, the consensus is that any revisions to the failing Starmer government’s policies will only make things worse. 
As Australia moves to scrap key property investment tax breaks, some investors are taking a wait-and-see approach as the new policy takes shape. The shift, the biggest in decades, is seen by some as ending Australia’s long love affair with property investment.