- Hua Hin’s treatment center for cocaine addiction/King’s Cup Elephant Polo/Hua Hin videos/TrueMoney unveils digital payment service/Lessons from the Lat Phrao fire/Hospitals hard hit by nurse shortages/Weed not ‘freely available’
- THE IRAN WAR: U.S. And Iran Escalate Strikes/Severe impact on tourism/Thai oil fund faces fresh strain
- ECONOMY: Co-pay scheme helps/Vendors struggle despite aid plan/Thailand steps up US trade talks/Tariff could hit Thai exports/What’s on tap for the Thai shrimp industry?”Genuinely poor people behind’/ASEAN Consumer Boom
- TOURISM: Thailand seeks flights to Surat Thani/Hotels cut rates/Calls grow to halt entry fee
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Rescuers Save Mother Elephant and Baby/Aging blacksmith in Nonthaburi
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Backing for flood-control projects
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin’s treatment center for cocaine addiction one of nationwide programs
Cocaine addiction rehab in Thailand spans budget value centers to five-star clinics, and the right fit depends on price, location, and clinical need. Clinicians treat cocaine dependence through the mind, not a prescription pad, which raises the stakes on choosing well. The wrong center wastes money and momentum, while the right one separates a person from triggers and rebuilds the brain’s reward system.
Sahwan International offers a comprehensive addiction program in a Thai-style residential setting near Hua Hin. The center blends clinical treatment with spiritual awareness work and physical recovery, and runs both a main facility and a Bangkok office. It appeals to clients who want a structured program within easy reach of the capital. Continued …
10th annual King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament in Hua Hin Sept 5-11
Players held a practice session after the opening parade of the 10th annual King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament in Hua Hin, to be held Sept. 5-11. Twelve international teams will ride Thai street elephants during the week-long tournament, which will conclude on Sept. 11 with the final. – Reuters
Walking Naresdamri Road: The Heart of Hua Hin
The Naresdamri Road-soi 55 Chomsin Road-Poon Suk road area is one of the most neighborhoods in Hua Hin. Explore the unique blend of traditional fishing village charm and modern nightlife. Experience the famous stilt-house seafood restaurants, iconic hotels like the Hilton, and the lively bars that make this area so special and shows the atmosphere of old Hua Hin. Video …
Retiring to Hua Hin? Here’s What a Normal Day Actually Looks Like
Thinking of retiring to Hua Hin, and wondering what a normal day would look like as a Hua Hin expat? This video takes you through a typical day in the life of a retired individual living in Hua Hin, giving you a glimpse into the Hua Hin life and what it has to offer.
From the beautiful beaches to the bustling markets, Hua Hin has become a popular destination for retirees looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. As a Hua Hin retiree, you can expect a relaxed pace of life, with plenty of opportunities to get involved in local activities and meet like-minded people. Video …
TrueMoney unveils new digital payment service
TrueMoney, Southeast Asia’s leading fintech platform under Ascend Money, has rolled out Thailand’s first inclusive “tap-to-pay” digital financial service. “The move is part of a strategy designed to make contactless payments more accessible for consumers,” said Monsinee Nakapanant, co-president of Ascend Money.
Technology, artificial intelligence and deep customer understanding will be the key forces shaping the next era of payment technology, she said. Continued …
Lessons from the Lat Phrao fire
The deadly fire at a beer hall in Lat Phrao has left the public with a haunting image: a long jet of flame bursting through the upper part of the main entrance like a fire-breathing dragon, even as people at floor level were still trying to escape.
Preliminary inspection findings, witness accounts, photographs and video evidence support a working hypothesis I formed soon after the incident: the most dangerous phase of the fire may have begun and developed inside the concealed space above the suspended ceiling, particularly near the stage, where electrical wiring and other building services were located above the ceiling near the stage. Continued …
Thailand’s state-run hospitals hard hit by nurse shortages
Thailand, a country of 67 million inhabitants, has an elderly population of more than 12 million people, and growing, with medical needs that require highly trained staff. This is straining the capacity to meet the needs of this age group and is negatively impacting health services that provide increasingly sophisticated medical services.
What is more, the shortage in qualified nursing staff is not only affecting the country’s capacity to meet local needs, but also its medical tourism sector, which has seen major growth in recent years. Increasingly nurses are leaving the public sector to work in healthcare facilities that offer better paid, especially abroad, where the demand is high. Continued …
Weed not ‘freely available’ now
The government has insisted cannabis is “not freely available” in Thailand, reiterating that cannabis buds are strictly regulated and may only be bought or sold with a valid medical prescription.
It also warned that smuggling cannabis out of the country is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine equal to four times the value of the goods, including duties, or both. Continued …
U.S. And Iran Escalate Strikes Across Mideast
The United States and Iran exchanged strikes aimed at infrastructure and military targets today as their battle over the Strait of Hormuz intensified.
The region has endured days of back-and-forth attacks in a conflict increasingly focused on control of the strait. The collapse of an interim ceasefire leaves no clear end in sight for the war that the U.S. and Israel began more than four months ago. Continued …
Middle East War having more severe impact on tourism than previously feared
Thailand’s hotel industry is coming under mounting pressure as the Middle East conflict drives a sharper-than-expected collapse in guest numbers, forcing widespread room discounts, cost-cutting and emergency marketing campaigns while fresh industry data points to another weak quarter ahead.
With Phangnga forecasting occupancy of just 20%, billions of baht in tourism revenue at risk, and business leaders warning the low season could spill into the peak travel period, operators are urging faster government action on tourism promotion, infrastructure and new overseas markets before the slowdown deepens. Continued …
Thai oil fund faces fresh strain as global crude prices rise
Thailand’s policy of cutting retail fuel prices is coming under growing pressure, as renewed confrontation between the United States and Iran drives global oil prices higher and raises fresh concerns over supplies from the Middle East.
The Oil Fuel Fund, which is being used to cushion domestic consumers from energy costs, was already 58.43 billion baht in deficit as of July 12. Its position could deteriorate further if crude prices continue rising while the government keeps domestic pump prices below their full market cost. Continued …
Most Thais say ‘Thai Chuay Thai Plus’ scheme helps with cost of living
A majority of Thais surveyed credit the government’s “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” co-payment scheme with effectively easing their daily financial burden, though more than half use their monthly allowance within the first two weeks of the month, according to a recent poll by the King Prajadhipok’s Institute (KPI).
The KPI Poll, conducted between July 10 and 13 among 2,000 respondents aged 18 and older nationwide, revealed that 87.4% of participants felt the program alleviated their living costs to some degree; 51.4% stated it helped a lot or quite a lot, while 36.0% felt it helped somewhat, but not enough; 10.5% reported little to no benefit from the initiative. Continued …
Vendors struggle despite aid plan
The Commerce Ministry’s proposed 40-baht khao kaeng scheme was intended to ease living costs. Instead, it has exposed a simple reality in markets across Thailand: many vendors are already selling meals at that price without government support.
At a busy Lat Pla Khao market in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district, customers queue before dawn at Pee Pen’s Southern Food stall, where khao kaeng, or a dish of rice with one choice of kab khao (side dishes), has cost 40 baht for more than a decade. Continued …
Thailand steps up US trade talks as tariff pressure grows
Thailand has urged the United States to accelerate negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement, as Bangkok seeks a competitive tariff outcome and greater clarity over two US Section 301 investigations.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun held bilateral talks with three senior US officials in Washington, DC, on July 15 and 16. Suphajee said the main purpose of the visit was to secure as much progress as possible in negotiations on the Thailand-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, or ART. Continued …
US Section 301 tariff could hit Thai exports
Thailand could face a significant blow to exports if proposed US Section 301 tariffs take effect after July 24, according to Pachara Naripthaphan, a member of the Securities and Exchange Commission board.
Pachara said Thailand’s proposed 12.5% rate would exceed the 10% rates facing Indonesia and Malaysia. He urged the government to address structural weaknesses rather than relying solely on economic stimulus. Continued …
What’s on tap for the Thai shrimp industry?
The shrimp industry has become a hot topic for the government after Malaysia suspended imports of Thai shrimp on June 1. Although this trade dispute may soon be resolved following meetings in early July, Thailand’s shrimp industry continues to grapple with a longstanding and more significant challenge that has persisted for more than a decade.
Ekapoj Yodpinit, president of the Thai Shrimp Assn., said Thailand was once the world’s largest producer and exporter of shrimp. At its peak in 2010, the country produced 640,000 tons of shrimp annually, with exports valued at more than 110 billion baht. Continued …
Welfare card changes ‘left genuinely poor people behind’
People’s Party deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun has strongly criticized the stricter eligibility criteria for the state welfare card program, arguing that the tighter screening process has excluded many genuinely poor people from receiving assistance.
She made the comment yesterday as public anger mounted about the system that used data from state agencies — tax, property and vehicle registration, along with banking records — to reduce the number of people eligible for welfare benefits by nearly 30%. Continued …
ASEAN Consumer Boom: A $5 Trillion Growth Opportunity by 2035
As income rises and the middle class expands across the region, consumers are prioritizing convenience, trading up to better quality, and increasingly living and shopping online. These shifts are shaping companies across ASEAN markets that are best positioned to gain from the trend.
Yet, despite the momentum, many investors remain underexposed to the ASEAN consumer theme. Part of the reason is simple: there is no single ASEAN story, but six distinct markets with different levels of income, spending and digital adoption. Continued …
Thailand seeks China and Europe flights to Surat Thani
Thailand’s Transport Ministry is pursuing direct international flights from China and Europe to Surat Thani Airport, alongside a luggage-transfer system for passengers continuing to Koh Samui.
The proposals, discussed on Thursday are intended to relieve pressure on Bangkok’s main airports, improve access to the upper south and direct more tourism income toward Surat Thani and neighboring provinces. Continued …
Hotels cut rates amid low-season swoon
Nearly 40% of hotels report a sharper decline in guest numbers than expected last month due to the Middle East conflict, prompting them to offer deeper discounts while cutting costs to stay afloat.
According to the Thai Hotels Assn. and a recent Bank of Thailand survey, hotels projected a year-on-year decrease for both local and foreign guests in the third quarter, particularly in Phangnga, where hotel operators expect an average occupancy rate of only 20%, attributed to its heavy reliance on the European market. Continued …
Calls grow to halt entry fee
Tourism operators have called on the government to postpone plans to introduce a 300-baht tourist entry fee, warning it could discourage cross-border travel and duplicate existing insurance coverage for visitors. The proposal was raised at a tourism development meeting chaired by Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul in Hat Yai.
The meeting brought together government agencies, the private sector, the Songkhla Chamber of Commerce, tourism associations and hotel operators to discuss border-crossing facilitation and safety measures. Continued …
Rescuers Save Mother Elephant and Baby in Thailand
During a severe storm in Nakhon Nayok province, a tiny one-year-old elephant calf slipped and fell deep into a concrete drainage manhole. The devoted mother elephant refused to leave her baby’s side, standing guard in absolute distress.
To get close enough to retrieve the calf, wildlife rescue volunteers had to administer tranquillizers to the mother. Tragically, as she succumbed to the sedation, she fainted from intense stress and struck her head on the concrete, rendering her completely unconscious. Video …
Aging blacksmith in Nonthaburi preserves knife-making heritage
Surapol Booonrueng, a veteran blacksmith born in Ayutthaya and now based in Nonthaburi, has spent decades hand-forging knives using family-taught techniques. He says years of hammering and heat taught him patience and that hand-forged blades outlast machine-made ones. Video …
Thailand seeks Japan’s backing for flood-control projects as climate risks intensify
Thailand has asked Japan to support four new water-management projects aimed at improving flood prevention, including measures for the flood-prone Chao Phraya River basin, as the Southeast Asian nation seeks to strengthen resilience against increasingly frequent extreme weather.
Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri said after talks with Japanese Ambassador Masato Otaka that Bangkok had proposed four technical cooperation projects to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), covering flood forecasting, river management and public participation in water governance. Continued …
Massive Russian nominee property empire smashed by police in Chonburi
A Russian-run nominee network controling more than 775 homes worth over B5 billion, was dismantled in Chonburi, with four arrests, 41 raids and a nationwide investigation now under way into hundreds of companies and suspected foreign land ownership. Continued …
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Patong police detain Australian over road skateboarding – Continued …
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Chinese investor arrested over Chon Buri nominee shares – Continued …
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Chinese man held in Pattaya over pyramid scheme case – Continued …
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Indian fortune teller arrested over illegal work in Pattaya – 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 past week saw tensions mount among Thais who are becoming increasingly alarmed about China’s growing influence and role in Thailand. Four issues have emerged that patriotic Thais should, at the very least, be concerned about and contemplate within the larger context of Sino-Thai relations.
Leading Chinese companies have shifted their investment plans in Thailand to data centers, the manufacturing industry’s intelligent transformation, and new energy opportunities amid rising land and labor costs and stricter compliance requirements in the country, as well as global tariff shocks.
Suvarnabhumi arrivals face 2-3 hour immigration queues
Thailand is considering a B2.45-billion tourism stimulus package that could offer 500,000 travel co-payment entitlements, discounts on 400,000 domestic airline seats and support for international flights.
Gastronomy Tourism Tipped to Spread Wealth Beyond Bangkok
The Thai government is preparing to support Phuket singer-guitarist Nene Royal in the next stage of her America’s Got Talent journey and involve her in promoting the country’s tourism, international image and soft power.
Dubai carrier flydubai is pressing ahead with its expansion in Thailand, doubling its daily flights to Bangkok from tomorrow as travel demand between the UAE and Southeast Asia continues to climb despite recent geopolitical uncertainty.
Why Isan Cuisine Is Part of Thailand’s Wellness Food Conversation
Koh Samui named world’s best island
The Future of Krabi’s Quiet Luxury
What It Costs To Stay At Hua Hin Wellness Retreat
Is Prachuap Khiri Khan The Most Underrated Thai Beach Town?
Hua Hin doesn’t look like a typical retirement hotspot in Thailand. No loud nightlife, no hype, no constant tourist energy. On paper it looks almost too quiet… but that’s exactly why it works so well for long-term living.
Households get more breaks on power bills
In Thailand, phone brands are seen as status symbols
Thailand seeks more EU investment with infrastructure and FTA drive
Saphan Pla Night Market (fishing pier)
BOT Monitors Middle East Tension as Baht Drops 6% Year to Date
New Thai-Malaysian checkpoint a boon for tourism
Thailand buckles to India, restores visa-free scheme
What Americans Get Wrong About Life in Thailand
Re: Odd-even parking signs installed on soi 94
Gold tumbles below $4,000 as oil surge fuels rate fears
Thailand Approves $3.1 Billion Investment for Seven Data Centers
Local e-marketplace players enter fray
Largest local solar roof opens in Korat
Content fight shapes Thailand’s EV future
Thailand’s industrial green shift gains momentum with Seagate solar mega project
Interra Resources Firm to Install Rooftop Solar Power System at Thai School
EU plans tougher social media limits for children under 13
Baan Khun Por Food Court (Father’s House) on Soi 88, is one of the best places in Hua Hin for authentic local Thai food, international cuisine, great prices, live music and a really relaxed friendly local vibe. Open daily from 5 pm until midnight. If you’re visiting Hua Hin and want to try a variety of dishes all in one place, this is definitely a spot you shouldn’t miss. From sizzling stir-fries and fresh seafood to classic Thai favorites, there’s something here for everyone. 
If you are looking for great and tasty seafood where tourists don’t go to then this is the place to go. It is one of my favorites in Hua Hin. Bring your best translator along as there is no English script menu but that means that great Thai dishes are going to be served. 
Thailand’s urban workforce is facing an escalating squeeze on disposable income as the price of popular ready-to-eat meals climbs across the country, driven by stubborn energy costs and transport inflation.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded Thailand’s GDP growth forecast to 1.9% from 1.5%, supported by the government’s stimulus measures.
Thailand generated just over 4.025 billion baht from foreign film productions during the first half of this year, with 302 overseas projects filmed across the country. The figures reinforce its position as a leading production hub in Asia and put it on course to set another annual revenue record.
Thailand’s tourism sector continues to feel the impact of a sharp decline in Chinese visitors, despite China regaining its position as the country’s largest source market in 2026. Between Jan. 1 and July 4, Thailand welcomed 16,210,890 foreign visitors, down 3.1% year on year, generating 782.57 billion baht in tourism revenue, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Thailand’s automatic rice transplanter can plant rice seedlings with incredible speed and precision. This smart farming technology helps farmers save time, reduce labor, and increase efficiency. 
For centuries, the identity of Thai textiles and handicrafts has been explicitly clear: vibrant, multi-colored regional weaves, intricate gold ornamentation, and complex motifs. These are not merely everyday materials but historic cultural artefacts reflecting local wisdom passed down through generations. Yet, a hard truth has loomed over the loom.
Patio Old Town Market Hua Hin
A construction pile driving crane rig collapsed and fatally crushed a worker on Rama II Road, forcing authorities to completely close traffic in the affected area while emergency crews responded and began recovery operations.
The Yoovidhya family of Red Bull fame have retained the top spot as the richest in Thailand for the third consecutive year with a net worth of $47 billion, followed by the CP Group’s Chearavanont brothers with $36.6 billion, according to Forbes magazine.
Ayutthaya elephants win praise for waiting at red light
The June 2026 Retail Sentiment Index (RSI) survey pointed to a narrow-based recovery in Thailand’s economy after government measures provided short-term support to purchasing power.
Thailand and Malaysia have agreed to swiftly resolve a recent fisheries trade dispute that disrupted seafood exports between the two countries, with both governments aiming to reopen affected markets within a week.
Nestlé has announced plans to invest 23 billion baht in a new Nescafé factory in Thailand after terminating its joint-venture agreement with Quality Coffee Products Co. (QCP), the company that previously manufactured Nescafé products in the country. The 50:50 joint venture between Nestlé and the Mahagitsiri family ended on Dec. 31, 2024, leaving QCP without the right to continue producing Nescafé products.
Sumed Prasongpongchai, director-general of the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand, or GIT, said exports of gems and jewelry excluding gold were worth US$860.73 million in May, up 1.8% and extending growth for a third consecutive month. Including gold, exports were worth US$2.27442 billion, up 29.7%.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) met Israeli diplomatic representatives in Bangkok this week to discuss attracting more high-spending Israeli tourists to Thailand under its “Value over Volume” tourism strategy ahead of the coming travel season.
Thailand’s concert industry is growing rapidly, but so are complaints about ticket scalpers, scams, and organized groups buying up tickets before genuine fans have a chance.
Chiang Mai Ranked Third-Best City Worldwide
Chiang Mai, northern Thailand’s largest city, presents enduring Lanna heritage across living temples, artisan quarters, and surrounding mountain landscapes, underscoring its cultural and historical significance.Viewers encounter Chiang Mai travel context through Lanna architecture, historic temples in the Old City, and daily practices such as alms rounds and evening chants.
Why forest preservation begins with rewarding communities
Line Man Wongnai is stepping up its electric vehicle push in Thailand’s ride-hailing market, using a rental model to bring more drivers onto its Line Man Ride platform and piloting a new “Comfort” service for passengers seeking larger electric cars.
What happens to a PET bottle after it leaves the consumer’s hand can determine whether it becomes accumulated waste or raw material for a new product. In Thailand, a program created by Indorama Ventures, in partnership with Amata Corp., uses this path to transform used plastic packaging into school backpacks intended for children from communities near industrial hubs.
Phetchaburi’s tourism sector is looking to Hua Hin Airport as a potential driver of growth as officials move to position Cha Am and Hua Hin as higher-value wedding destinations, particularly for the Indian market.
The English We Like project opened at Prachuap Wittayalai School yesterday, with Prachuap Khiri Khan Gov. Sittichai Sawatsan presiding over the ceremony for the program, which aims to improve students’ English skills and support university entrance exam preparation.
This walking tour in Hua Hin begins along Soi 80 at night before heading to the famous night market, capturing the vibrant evening atmosphere of this seaside town. As you explore Soi 80 first, you’ll experience real ambient sounds, conversations from open bars, clinking glasses and the natural rhythm of the nightlife crowd. The street feels energetic but welcoming, with restaurants and small venues lighting up the night. From there, the walk continues toward the Hua Hin Night Market, where the focus shifts to street food, seafood grills and rows of illuminated market stalls. 
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) resolved that there are sufficient grounds to pursue criminal and disciplinary action against six people, including five police officers, over the extortion of 6 million baht from a British drug kingpin, Ritesh Patel.
Thailand’s cannabis experiment is facing its strongest international reckoning yet after Thai and British authorities revealed that thousands of cannabis smuggling cases have been intercepted, with the United Kingdom accounting for nearly two-thirds of all seizures and organized crime gangs recruiting British couriers through social media.
The government continues to grapple with the challenge of lowering retail oil prices, which remain stubbornly above 30 baht per liter despite recent declines in global crude markets.
Lower domestic fuel prices are expected to lift consumer confidence, but are unlikely to immediately reduce prepared food prices, according to the Thai Restaurant Assn.
The Thai economy is demonstrating far greater structural resilience than initially projected, prompting the central bank to upgrade its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the year to 2.3% — the most bullish estimate currently available in the market.
Thailand postpones land bridge and SEC bill for wider consultation
Thailand’s growing dependence on foreign digital platforms is raising fresh concern over whether the country is slowly surrendering economic value to businesses based overseas.
Thailand Draws Visitors from Every Corner of Asia, Malaysia, South Korea, and China Lead the Way
Thailand names new long-necked dinosaur from Kalasin
Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin held the official opening ceremony for its new building, marking another important milestone in the hospital’s development as it celebrates 15 years of service.
Dive into everything that makes Hua Hin amazing — stunning beaches, royal history, next-level seafood, hidden gems, and some wild activities (like kite surfing, releasing rescued marine creatures, and hiking to an epic hidden temple cave!). 
Expat health insurance costs in Thailand are one of those numbers everyone searches for and nobody quite trusts, because the real answer ranges from under US$100 a month to well over US$900. Almost none of that gap comes down to luck. It comes down to two things: how old you are, and how much cover you actually want.
Thaimart, a home-grown Thai e-commerce platform, was officially introduced at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok yesterday, positioning itself as a new home for Thai business owners.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the Energy Ministry to find ways to reduce retail oil prices, saying domestic fuel prices should fall now that global oil prices have declined and stabilized.
Thailand will cut retail fuel prices from today, with diesel falling by 2.56 baht per liter and all petrol and gasohol grades dropping by 2.51 baht per liter.
Asking prices for land in Greater Bangkok have stagnated this year, with some sites facing discounts of up to 40% as buyers negotiate aggressively amid a sharp contraction in the condo market caused by economic weakness.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has warned that the country’s cannabis industry could be shut down if authorities conclude it is causing more harm than benefit, following a series of major international cannabis smuggling cases linked to Thailand.
Bangkok has emerged as one of the world’s 10 most expensive cities for high-net-worth individuals, according to the Julius Baer Global Wealth & Lifestyle Report 2026, released yesterday.
Thailand welcomes 16.21 million foreign tourists, down 3.1%
The Anutin government’s decision to allow householders to sell their excess rooftop solar energy to the electricity authorities marks a major milestone in the country’s clean energy transition. It is also a rare and welcome instance of a government fulfilling its promises to the public.