- Please welcome returning sponsor Anantasila Beach Restaurant/Bluport Hua Hin adjusts/Hua Hin videos/Thailand updates criminal record check rules/Thailand targets civil servants/Thailand Targets EV Dealers/Farang groom allegedly skips dowry/Two dead and 73 cats killed/Pathum Thani volunteers relocate 120 cats
- THE IRAN WAR: US and Iran intensify military exchanges/Brent oil surges
- ECONOMY: Business closures rise 12.5%/Thailand secures Chinese investment/Poll blames officials for illegal foreign businesses/Land bridge project can wait/Pet ownership creates new economic opportunity
- TOURISM: Visa Destinations in Hua Hin, nationwide/Swiss seasonal retirees face 30-day visa-free limit/Koh Samui cruise terminal project
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: How to Ride MRT/7 art-filled hotels
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Please welcome returning sponsor:
Anantasila Beach Restaurant Hua Hin
Our beach bar and restaurant veranda give access to beautiful, unobstructed views of the sea and Khao Takiab shoreline. The restaurant’s tree-canopied outdoor dining area offers a casual yet sophisticated dining experience.
Our restaurant offers a taste of local specialties, but also a wide choice of European dishes. Diners hoping for something a little more personalized can enjoy a fresh custom made pizza. Wine drinkers are invited to visit our wine pantry, which stocks a handpicked selection of Old World and New World wines. For those looking to enjoy a refreshing seaside cocktail or an evening aperitif, our bar serves a menu of classic and signature drinks.
Our restaurant is open seven days a week from 7.00-23.00 hrs. and we welcome all residents and non-residents. For reservation, Tel : +66 32 527 638; Email : fb@anantasila.com.
Bluport Hua Hin adjusts to emphasize family
Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall is repositioning itself to attract more families and local visitors by expanding its lifestyle, sports and entertainment offerings, aiming to raise occupancy to 97% next year from 80%.
Vajee Klomkliang, an executive committee member of Hua Hin Asset Co, the developer and operator of the complex, said the strategy reflects changing consumer behaviour. “Hua Hin’s retail sector can no longer rely solely on tourists, despite the steady recovery in the area,” she said. “Bluport once appeared too luxurious and difficult for many people to access. We are making it friendlier and more welcoming.” Continued …
Hua Hin’s Most Atmospheric Night Markets? Tamarind & Cicada Walking Tour
This walking tour in Hua Hin takes you through two of the town’s most atmospheric night markets — Tamarind Market and Cicada Market — on a lively tropical evening. The walk captures the colorful lights, delicious street food aromas and relaxed seaside vibe that make Hua Hin’s weekend markets so popular with locals and travelers.
Experience authentic ambient sounds, live music in the background and the natural buzz of people enjoying the evening. Food stalls serve a wide variety of Thai dishes, seafood and international snacks, while small bars and seating areas create a cozy open-air dining atmosphere. Video …
Thailand updates criminal record check rules for foreign applicants
Thailand’s Criminal Records Division has announced requirements that may affect foreign nationals undertaking official procedures in the country. Under the rules, criminal record checks for nine categories of applications must be conducted using fingerprints.
These categories include key Immigration Bureau procedures, such as applications for permanent residence and extensions of stay. They also cover applications for Thai nationality handled by the Department of Provincial Administration. Continued …
Thailand targets civil servants aged over 40 for retirement
Thailand’s government is considering a voluntary retirement scheme for civil servants as young as 40, in a bid to reduce personnel costs and modernize the bureaucracy. Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt said the proposed programm would initially cover officials in roles where technology could replace routine administrative tasks.
A detailed study is expected to be completed in time for the 2027 fiscal year. Officials aged 40 are being targeted because they have time to retrain, gain new skills and adapt to labor-market changes, Pakorn said. Those aged 50 and over may find career changes and reskilling more difficult. Continued …
Thailand Targets EV Dealers Over Warranties, Disclosures, and Defect Issues
Thailand’s government has ordered nationwide inspections of electric vehicle dealers and showrooms, tightening scrutiny of a market that has grown faster than the regulatory and after-sales infrastructure built to support it.
The directive, issued by the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), comes as complaints over defective vehicles, misleading range claims and collapsing service networks pile up across the country’s dominant EV segment. Continued …
Thai bride throws lavish 130-table wedding, farang groom allegedly skips dowry
A wedding catering business in Nakhon Ratchasima has filed a police complaint after being left with an unpaid bill of nearly 200,000 baht when a Thai bride allegedly failed to settle the cost of her lavish wedding reception, claiming her foreign groom never paid the promised dowry.
The owner of Krua Thong To Chin, a catering service in Pak Chong district, reported the incident to police after suffering losses of 195,000 baht. According to the complaint, the bride hired the company to organize a full-service wedding reception, including 130 banquet tables, a live band, lighting and sound systems, and other event equipment. Continued …
Two dead and 73 cats killed in Thonburi house fire
Two people were found dead and 73 cats were killed in a fire at a three-story house in Bangkok’s Thonburi district early on Saturday. During the firefighting operation, rescuers safely rescued and evacuated a two-month-old baby and a bedridden elderly woman who had been trapped inside the house.
Rescue workers searching a second-floor room found the bodies of a couple, a 62-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman. Officials found the remains of more than 73 cats inside cages in the house. A further 19 cats were rescued alive, with two being given oxygen by responders for smoke inhalation. Continued …
Pathum Thani volunteers relocate 120 cats before eviction
A total of 120 cats have been relocated from a rented home in Pathum Thani after the landlord required the animals to be removed. Volunteers, rescue workers and animal welfare supporters transported the cats to a newly built shelter in Khlong Luang district.
Their owner sought public help in June after being told to vacate the property. After the case received media attention, a donor contributed 100,000 baht toward the construction. The landlord also agreed to extend the deadline, giving the owner additional time to complete the new accommodation. Continued …
US and Iran intensify military exchanges amid regional escalation
Fresh Iranian attacks were reported in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan yesterday as the United States concluded an eighth consecutive night of military operations against Iran. The latest escalation came as an interim ceasefire signed a month earlier continued to unravel.
Growing confrontation over control of the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about one-fifth of global oil trade, has heightened the danger of full-scale hostilities resuming. The renewed US action followed an Iranian attack in Jordan on Friday that killed two American service personnel and left another missing. Continued …
Brent oil surges past $90 as US-Iran conflict hits Gulf shipping
Oil prices jumped today, with Brent crude rising above US$90 a barrel, as intensified attacks between the United States and Iran deepened concern over energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent crude futures rose US$2.69, or 3.05%, to US$90.79 a barrel, touching their highest level since June 11. The gain extended a sharp rally from last week, when Brent rose 15.9%, its largest weekly increase since April. Continued …
Business closures rise by 12.5% in first half
A total of 7,024 businesses ceased operations in the first half of this year, up 12.5% year-on-year, with total registered capital of 98.9 billion baht, an increase of 224%, according to the Department of Business Development (DBD).
The sectors with the highest upticks for closures were general construction with 671 closures and registered capital of 1.64 billion baht; real estate with 400 closures and registered capital of 4.21 billion baht; and electrical installation with 89 companies and registered capital of 124 million baht. Continued …
Thailand secures Chinese investment pledges worth B70 billion
Thailand expects more than B70 billion in investment from four leading Chinese electric vehicle and advanced-technology companies, following talks in Chengdu yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the commitments followed a Thailand investment roadshow led by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in the Chinese city.
The expected total comprises B50 billion in expansions of existing investments and more than B20 billion in new investment. Ekniti said geopolitical tensions were encouraging companies to shift manufacturing capacity from China to ASEAN, with Thailand among their preferred destinations. Continued …
NIDA poll blames officials for illegal foreign businesses
Corrupt government officials are seen as the leading reason foreigners can illegally run businesses in Thailand, according to a nationwide NIDA Poll. Some 67.1% of respondents blamed corruption or misconduct among state officials for businesses directly operated by foreigners or run through Thai nominees.
The findings were released yesterday after telephone interviews conducted from July 13-15 among Thai residents aged 18 and over. The issue has particular relevance for foreigners living, investing or working in Thailand. The poll reflects strong public concern about nominee businesses, restricted occupations and alleged gray-money operations. Continued …
PM says controversial land bridge project can wait
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said in China’s Chengdu that the controversial land bridge project can wait and the seaports in the southern provinces of Ranong and Chumphon should be upgraded as the first priority.
He added, however, that the land bridge remains a flagship policy of his government and further study will continue, but that an urgent infrastructure project must be implemented to connect the Ranong province on the western coast with Chumphon province on the eastern coast, and a land-based logistics infrastructure to connect with other countries in the region. Continued …
Pet ownership creates a new economic opportunity
Once regarded as household companions, pets are increasingly being treated as family members, and that emotional bond is transforming into a major economic force. From premium pet food and health supplements to insurance, luxury boarding services and even pet strollers, owners around the world are spending more than ever on their four-legged companions.
The trend, known as the pet economy, is creating new business opportunities globally while positioning Thailand to become one of the world’s leading producers of premium pet food. Continued …
Thailand launches Visa Destinations in Hua Hin and nationwide
Thailand has become the first country in the world to introduce Visa’s Destinations program nationwide, with the scheme intended to make payments easier for visitors and widen digital-payment acceptance among smaller businesses.
Launched with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Visa Destinations Thailand covers Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Udon Thani, Samui, Hua Hin and Hat Yai. It is open to all Visa cardholders. Continued …
Swiss seasonal retirees face Thailand’s 30-day visa-free limit
Thailand plans to halve visa-free entry from 60 to 30 days for citizens of 54 countries, including Switzerland, a move likely to affect those seasonal retirees who spend much of the European winter in the kingdom. The change has not yet appeared in the Royal Gazette. It will take effect 15 days after publication. Until then, Swiss visitors and other eligible nationals can still enter visa-free for 60 days.
The existing arrangement, introduced in July 2024, allows a 60-day stay followed by one 30-day extension at a local immigration office. This has enabled many visitors to remain for up to three months with relatively little paperwork. Continued …
Thailand advances B12-billion Koh Samui cruise terminal project
The Transport Ministry is advancing a 12.17-billion-baht cruise terminal project on Koh Samui that is expected to accommodate up to 400,000 tourists and 240 cruise calls annually.
The proposed terminal, capable of serving large cruise ships, is among the ministry’s 262 major transport projects planned for 2027, with a combined investment of 229.76 billion baht. Continued …
How to Ride MRT: Easy Thai Phrases for Asoke and Sukhumvit Transit
Traveling around Bangkok is great, but it becomes so much more fun and rewarding when you can speak the local language. In this episode of THE JOURNEY GO OUT, we are changing the way you commute by teaching you basic Thai phrases specifically for riding the city trains.
You do not need to rely only on English or automatic machines because speaking Thai with the station staff and locals adds a whole new layer of excitement to your adventure. We break down everything from buying tickets at the counter to finding the right platform, making your underground transit smooth and stress-free. Video …
7 art-filled hotels to explore across Thailand
It’s no secret that Thailand is home to some of the world’s most stunning stays. Beyond breezy beachfront resorts, Thailand is also home to stunning art-filled hotels where art takes center stage — whether through paintings, sculptures, bold design, traditional Thai craftsmanship, or contemporary installations.
For travelers who like their stays with a side of artistry, there are seven art-filled hotels across Thailand worth checking into. More than just a place to sleep, these properties turn the hotel experience into part of the destination itself. Continued …
Lax visa and enforcement encourages fugitives to Thailand
A former FBI agent who spent a decade based in Thailand says lax visitor entry and law enforcement, combined with the country’s appeal as a place to live, have made it attractive to international fugitives. Continued …
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Chinese man held over 15.68-million-baht Phitsanulok scam – Continued …
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Tourist fined after driving onto Phuket beach – Continued …
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Belgian Interpol suspect held at Patong condo – Continued …
Russia batters Kyiv in major ballistic missile attack
Russia battered Ukraine’s capital Kyiv overnight with one of its biggest ballistic missile barrages of the war, killing at least one person and wounding 16 others, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said yesterday. Video …
Over 500 Rohingya feared dead after boats capsize off Myanmar
More than 500 people, mostly Rohingya, are feared missing after two boats reportedly capsized off Myanmar, the UN refugee agency and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said. 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
Thai police and Chonburi provincial authorities launched coordinated searches at 41 locations on 17 July, targeting 33 companies suspected of using Thai nominees to hold land for foreign nationals.
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.
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
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 government has decided, like Japan and others, that the quality of the tourists it attracts is far more appealing than the quantity. After receiving just 33 million foreign arrivals to the Kingdom this year, far below the record 40 million it recorded in 2019, Thailand is betting that a smaller number of more wealthy tourists can generate the same amount of revenue.
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.
A new Sadao checkpoint compound and road linking southern Thailand and northern Malaysia has been slated to open for users today after the prime ministers of both nations officiated its launch yesterday.
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.
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.
Pattana Promphat, Public Health minister, pressed ahead with the draft Cannabis and Hemp Act yesterday, aiming to control cannabis for medical use only. He ordered tighter oversight from source to destination after problems were found involving illegal transport abroad and the use of fake licenses.
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%
Tickets for the inaugural Tomorrowland Thailand music festival have sold out, with all 150,000 tickets purchased shortly after sales opened, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul announced yesterday following the weekly Cabinet meeting.
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.
Government agencies and the private sector have taken a major step toward bringing international flights to Hua Hin Airport, with Thai AirAsia identifying four potential overseas routes. A Market Insights and Customer Insights Workshop was held on Friday, bringing together more than 60 tourism, hotel and hospitality operators from Hua Hin and Cha Am.
Hua Hin’s long-running push for international flights is now being tied to a wider plan to reposition the city as a year-round destination, rather than one reliant mainly on weekend visitors and domestic tourism.
Go bar hopping across some of the town’s best nightlife spots, including Hard Rock Cafe, the Hilton Rooftop Bar, Soi Bintabaht, Soi 94, Soi 80, Khao Takiab and more! From rooftop sunset drinks and live music to DJ bars and hidden local spots, this vlog captures the atmosphere of Hua Hin after dark. Also check out drink prices along the way to see what a night out in Hua Hin actually costs in 2026. 
Individual customers and businesses in Thailand are set to benefit from lower service fees charged by commercial banks and other financial institutions under a new regulation issued by the Bank of Thailand (BOT).
Thailand’s Egg Farmers’ Co-operative Network has announced a 20-satang increase in the farm-gate price of mixed-size eggs to 3.80 baht each, raising the cost of a 30-egg tray by six baht from today. The rate will remain in force until further notice.
As policymakers debate whether Thailand should follow countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom in restricting children’s access to social media, many parents say the real battle is already taking place inside their homes.
Thailand’s real estate sector faces mounting pressure, as a prolonged property downturn, weak purchasing power, tight credit and higher energy costs continue to weigh on production, investment and employment.
Thailand is positioning itself as a resilient, neutral hub in a fracturing global economy, leveraging its geography and gold’s growing strategic value to navigate the deepening rivalry between the United States and China.
The European Union’s new €3 customs fee on low-value e-commerce parcels may deal a blow to Chinese online giants such as SHEIN, Temu and AliExpress, but for Thailand the bigger question is whether the measure will create a new export opportunity — or trigger a fresh influx of cheap Chinese goods into ASEAN.
Investment in data centers, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, remains economically viable and attractive, but it must be evaluated in the context of three fundamental constraints, says Gartner Inc., a business and technology insights company.
Koh Tao arrivals set to top 800,000
A Thai man was arrested at Suvarnabhumi International Airport Saturday after police received complaints from 150 travelers who alleged they had paid for a pilgrimage tour to Saudi Arabia that never departed, with reported losses exceeding 4 million baht.
Ranong touted as premier destination for eco-tourism and wellness
It looked like a string bean at first. Wrapped around a branch behind a clutch of parked motorcycles, the snake’s chartreuse skin was just a few swatches brighter than the tall foliage it was trying to blend into. Thai-American snake expert Christopher Shannon caught it in the beam of his flashlight, quickly identifying it as an Asian long-nosed vine snake. Its pointy snout and slit-like pupils gave it, in his words, “binocular vision.”
Householders with solar rooftops can now apply to sell their excess power to electricity authorities. People in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan can file application to the Metropolitan Electricity Authority via the 
The Thai government says it is accelerating the restructuring of the country’s energy sector to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, expand renewable energy and strengthen energy security, while making Thailand more attractive to investors. The announcement comes as global demand for clean electricity continues to grow and governments compete to secure investment linked to low-carbon energy.
From dishes to furniture, electronics, toys, and even clothing, it feels like everything these days is made of plastic. Most plastics take decades, or even centuries, to break down. This means that even when properly disposed of, plastic items do not just go away.
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.
Two PT service stations in Pattani province and another in Yala province were set on fire by what appeared to be coordinated bombings last night. One man was injured.
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.
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.
Rescue teams raced yesterday to find more survivors of the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week, with signs of life bringing occasional relief to a grim quest to whittle down a list of tens of thousands missing. The death toll from Wednesday’s twin earthquakes rose to at least 1,450 as of Saturday. 
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. 
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.
As Thailand advances its “life economy” strategy, Polakit Teekakirikul, CEO of VitalLife, discusses the growing role of science-backed wellness, longevity programs, and partnerships in shaping the country’s tourism offering.
Wellness is a fast-growing industry in Thailand and Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), the country’s largest private healthcare group, has set its sights on becoming a global leader. Thailand’s flagbearer for preventative medicine, BDMS has a flagship address in central Bangkok and a portfolio to match, including 60 hospitals, drug-making laboratories, and a nationwide pharmacy with more than 140 stores.
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.
Despite stricter laws, tougher penalties, and repeated safety campaigns, the country continues to rank among the most dangerous places in the world for road traffic deaths.
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.
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.
Samui Tops Asia-Pacific Island Rankings
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. 
According to Bain & Company’s fourth biennial Front Line of Healthcare report, drawing on surveys of 600 doctors and 6,300 consumers across nine markets, the region’s healthcare systems are caught in a compounding crisis of their own making: demand is surging, supply is crumbling, and the people meant to hold it all together are walking out the door. This is not a cyclical blip. It is a structural reckoning, and the window for decisive action is narrowing.
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
An average of 76% of adults surveyed in 35 countries, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, have no confidence in US President Donald Trump’s leadership of global affairs, with ratings for the United States negative in many places in Europe and Asia, an established research institute said yesterday.
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.
Among Bangkok’s prime land locations with strong potential and the most public discussion, few rival the Charoen Nakhon, Charoen Krung, and Khlong San areas across the Phra Nakhon and Thon Buri sides. The Chao Phraya River runs through the middle, drawing the two banks together.
Why travelers are saying “Thank you, Thailand” before they fly home
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.
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.