- Waterfront demolition to start/Hua Hin’s mayor outlines priorities/Hua Hin beach cleanup/PKK has a new governor/Marriott plans new hotel in Cha-am/Police dog challenge event in Cha-am/Floods hit 4,635 businesses/Thai villages flooded to protect capital/160-billion-baht canal approved
- THE IRAN WAR: How is Thailand’s food industry affected?/Iran shifting tactics/Energy risks are far from over
- ECONOMY: Economic Slowdown Is a Wake-Up Call//IMF forecasts Thailand growth/Thai economy facing multiple challenges/12-point Bangkok Blueprint/Labor shortage leaves fruit rotting on trees/Netflix sees Thailand as global production hub/Bridge projects in Songkhla, Krabi
- TOURISM: Warning over losses from exit tax/TAT targets 33 million foreign arrivals/Tuk-tuk driver charges 4,000-baht Bangkok fare/Thai Airways and LOT in codeshare
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Clean Energy Cheaper But Faster Transition Needed
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Waterfront demolition to start tomorrow
Work to remove waterfront buildings along Hua Hin beach is set to begin on tomorrow, with the initial demolition expected to focus on buildings and plots that have already been vacated.
The operation covers the stretch between the Fishing Pier and the Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine. Contractors will begin with structures and sections that can be removed without affecting residents, including extensions projecting into the sea, non-residential sections and signs. Continued …
Hua Hin’s mayor outlines his priorities
Connecting Hua Hin by air to Thailand’s major tourist destinations and developing the railway bypass road are among the priorities Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul has outlined as the city prepares for continued growth.
In an interview, Nopporn set out his ambition for Hua Hin to become a domestic air hub, with direct connections to destinations including Phuket, Samui, Krabi and Udon Thani. He called for government support to help establish regional routes and shared his longer-term vision for a new international airport outside the city center. Continued …
Hua Hin beach cleanup continues
Yesterday, staff from Hua Hin municipality’s Public Health and Environment Division collected rubbish along the beach from Hua Hin Soi 77 through Soi 85 and south to Khao Takiab.
The seasonal “Kite Wind” affects the Gulf of Thailand coastline, including Hua Hin, during October and November. This year, the winds and waves have brought an unusually large amount of rubbish ashore. Continued …
PKK has a new governor
The Cabinet has approved the appointment of Police Lt. Col. Khetrat Chansilp as the next Prachuap Khiri Khan governor, subject to royal approval.
Khetrat will leave his position as security adviser at the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Interior to become the province’s 57th governor. He will succeed Sitthichai Sawatsaen, who is due to retire. Continued …
Marriott plans new hotel in Cha-am
Plans for a 215-room AC Hotel by Marriott in Cha-am have been detailed in official Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) documents, confirming approval for the project on Soi Ruam Chit, off Chao Lai Road, close to Cha-am South 5 Road.
The development, registered as AC Hotel by Marriott Hua-Hin Cha-Am, is owned by Fountain Tree Co.. The hotel will occupy a 16,516-square-meter site, equivalent to just over 10 rai. Plans include four accommodation buildings: a nine-story block standing 38.7 meters high and three three-story blocks. Continued …
Police dog challenge event set for Cha-am this weekend
Police dogs and their handlers will compete in the BPP K-9 Challenge 2026 in Cha-am starting tomorrow, with free admission throughout the three-day event.
Organized by the Border Patrol Police Bureau, the competition will be held at the Police Dog Training Center, Rama VI Camp, in Phetchaburi. Visitors can watch teams demonstrate the speed, accuracy, quick thinking and coordination required for police work. Continued …
Floods hit 4,635 businesses with losses at 18.2 billion baht
Flooding has affected 4,635 businesses across 59 provinces, causing preliminary damage estimated at 18.21 billion baht, with Chonburi accounting for the overwhelming majority of losses, according to the Industry Ministry.
Businesses in industrial estates accounted for 17.84569 billion baht of the losses, while those outside industrial estates suffered an estimated 359.94 million baht in damage. Continued …
Deluge by design: Thai villages flooded to protect capital
Stilt houses in villages north of Bangkok are no longer high enough to stay dry as Thai authorities deliberately flood riverside communities to spare the capital.
Inside the home of Kamonchanok Sathaphonamonwut, raised more than three meters above the ground in Ayutthaya province, her family of three sleeps on makeshift platforms and cannot use the waterlogged toilet. Continued …
160-billion-baht Chao Phraya 2 canal approved to tackle flooding
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved the Chai Nat-Pa Sak-Gulf of Thailand flood-drainage canal, widely known as “Chao Phraya 2”, a national mega-project intended to provide a long-term response to flooding.
The project, approved yesterday, will create and expand a waterway of more than 270 kilometers across nine provinces. The Royal Irrigation Department is the project owner, with construction scheduled to take eight years, from 2027 to 2034. The overall investment has been put at about 160 billion baht, including land acquisition costs. Continued …
How is Thailand’s food industry affected by Iran war?
The Middle East conflict presents both risks and opportunities for Thailand’s food industry. Rising energy and raw material costs, particularly fertilizers and plastic packaging inputs, are increasing production expenses, while transportation disruptions threaten supply chains across agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors, potentially slowing consumption of discretionary food products.
However, the crisis may benefit Thai exporters of long-shelf-life foods like ready-to-eat meals and basic proteins, as countries stockpile for food security. Businesses are advised to manage logistics risks, diversify export markets, lock in costs through long-term contracts, and reduce plastic dependence through alternative packaging materials. Continued …
Iran shifting tactics to step up attacks on shipping before US vote, officials say
Iran is deploying new tactics to target ships sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, as it seeks to keep oil prices high and influence the US midterm elections, two senior Iranian officials told Reuters.
Tehran has tried to exert control over the Strait of Hormuz since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28. It has restricted passage through the waterway, which carried about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade before the war, in an effort to gain leverage over Washington, Reuters said. Continued …
IMF warns that energy risks are far from over
At the 2026 International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, senior IMF executives held a joint press briefing with the media titled “Asia and Pacific Department” to release the latest Regional Economic Outlook report.
Krishna Srinivasan, Ddirector of the Asia and Pacific Division at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), revealed that the economies of Asia and the Pacific continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience amid global uncertainty. Continued …
Thailand’s Economic Slowdown Is a Wake-Up Call
Thailand needs more long-term investment to revive economic growth, former commerce and energy minister Narongchai Akrasanee says.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2026 IMF-World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, Narongchai said a lack of long-term industrial investment and inefficient government infrastructure spending have weighed on the economy. Video …
IMF forecasts Thailand growth at 2.1% in 2026, among ASEAN’s slowest
Thailand’s economy is projected to grow by 2.1% in 2026, placing it among the slowest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, ahead of only Myanmar and Brunei, according to the International Monetary Fund’s latest forecasts.
The IMF’s October 2026 World Economic Outlook projects Vietnam to lead the region with 8.4% growth, four times Thailand’s forecast rate. Malaysia is projected to grow by 5.2%, followed by Indonesia at 5.1%, Singapore at 5%, Laos at 4.5%, Timor-Leste at 4%, Philippines at 3.4% and Cambodia at 3%. Myanmar’s economy is forecast to expand by 2%, while Brunei is projected to grow by 1.9%. Continued …
BofT chief economist says Thai economy growing better but facing multiple challenges
Helen Qiao, cheif economist of Bank of Thailand, said the Thai economy may grow faster, but the country is facing multiple challenges.
She added that the Bank of Thailand should not raise its policy rate following major central banks, as the BOT should have deep considerations before a rate hike. Video …
IMF, World Bank launch 12-point Bangkok Blueprint
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group, working with the Bank of Thailand, launched the Bangkok Blueprint in Bangkok yesterday, setting out 12 considerations under five pillars to help countries combat digital financial fraud.
The Bangkok Blueprint provides an adaptable policy framework, covering legislation, identity verification, suspicious transaction detection, money tracing, victim support and international coordination. Countries can apply the guidance according to their laws, financial systems and capabilities, without being subject to a uniform global law. Continued …
Thailand labor shortage leaves fruit rotting on trees
Ripe mangosteen and rambutan are being left unpicked in eastern Thailand as a shortage of migrant workers forces growers to decide which crops are worth harvesting.
For durian farmer Jomsak Putirattana in Chanthaburi, the loss of his five Cambodian workers after the border dispute disrupted crossings has intensified competition for staff during the crucial fruit season. Daily pay for farm workers has more than doubled in some cases, rising from about 350-400 baht to as much as 800-1,000 baht, Jomsak said. At those rates, harvesting lower-value fruit is no longer viable for some growers. Continued …
Netflix sees Thailand as potential global production hub
Netflix says Thailand could develop into a global entertainment production center comparable to South Korea, but says stronger intellectual property protection and creative freedom will be needed for Thai content to compete internationally.
Andrew Ure, Netflix vice president of global affairs for Asia-Pacific, set out the streaming company’s view at the Creativity as Capital: Driving the Next Growth Frontier forum in Bangkok on Tuesday. The event was held in connection with the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group annual meetings. Continued …
Key bridge projects due to start in Songkhla, Krabi
Two major bridge projects in southern Thailand are being constructed to improve transport connectivity, support the tourism industry, and stimulate local economic activity. By linking key areas, these developments aim to enhance regional competitiveness and lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth. The total cost of the two major bridge projects is 6.38 billion baht.
The Songkhla Lake bridge is designed to connect parts of Songkhla and Phatthalung, potentially reducing a two-hour journey to just 10 minutes. The Koh Lanta bridge in Krabi will connect Koh Klang with Koh Lanta Noi, further improving accessibility in the region. These infrastructure improvements are intended to facilitate easier travel for tourists and improve the overall quality of life for local residents. – Bangkok Post AI
Warning over massive losses from exit tax
Thailand’s tourism industry could face annual revenue losses ranging from 50 billion to 150 billion baht due to a proposed departure tax. While the tax is expected to raise approximately 45.9 billion baht, industry experts warn that the levy could undermine the sector’s overall competitiveness.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents has expressed concerns that the tax might discourage travelers, with some projections suggesting a worst-case scenario loss of up to 150 billion baht. This potential decline is viewed as a significant risk, especially since the tax could influence the decisions of budget-conscious travelers and impact two-way tourism. – Bangkok Post AI
TAT targets 33 million foreign arrivals with year-end events
Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) will use a packed program of year-end festivals, concerts and international events in an effort to bring foreign arrivals to about 33 million in 2026. The campaign follows a 3.8% fall in international arrivals during the first nine months of the year, while a strengthening baht has made Thailand less price-competitive against rival destinations.
Thailand received 23.2 million overseas visitors between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Foreign tourism revenue dropped 2.26% year on year to 1,142.485 billion baht. Continued …
Tuk-tuk driver criticized over 4,000-baht Bangkok fare
A Bangkok tuk-tuk driver has drawn online criticizm after demanding 4,000 baht from two foreign tourists for a trip from Rajamangala National Stadium to a hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 4 following a concert.
The driver posted video of the dispute, which occurred after the pair arrived at their hotel. The tourists paid 400 baht but refused to hand over the remaining amount, saying the charge was excessive for a journey that took about 15 minutes. Continued …
Thai Airways and LOT to expand Europe-Asia links with codeshare
Thai Airways International and LOT Polish Airlines have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop a codeshare partnership aimed at expanding travel connections across Europe, Asia and Oceania.
Kittiphong Sansomboon, chief commercial officer of Thai Airways, said yesterday the planned codeshare is expected to begin at the start of the 2027 summer schedule, subject to approval from the relevant regulatory authorities. Continued …
Clean Energy Cheaper But Faster Transition Needed, Panel Warns
Energy demand is soaring, fuel prices have been rattled by conflict in the Middle East, and much of Asia still runs on coal. Can renewables step in fast enough?
A panel at CNN Global Perspectives in Bangkok yesterday, “Powering the Next Economy”, answered with a cautious yes. Clean power is now often the cheapest option, the speakers said, but the speed of the shift and who pays for it remain the problem. Continued …
Australia fights ‘unfettered’ access to children by big tech
Australia said today it refused to allow big tech to have “unfettered” access to its children, as it formally introduced new legislation that would give users choice over what they see on their feeds. Under the “Digital Duty of Care” bill, firms behind popular platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram will be required to give users the choice to opt out of the powerful algorithms that dictate what we see online. Continued …
Money laundering worldwide hits $6 trillion
Corruption can reduce real GDP per capita growth by 3% for up to two years, while money laundering amounts to as much as US$6 trillion annually worldwide, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Case studies of efforts to combat corruption and money laundering were presented at the 2026 annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group yesterday 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
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued Warning No. 5 today, forecasting isolated heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Thailand during Oct. 9–13. Thundershowers, gusty winds and hail are also expected during the five-day period.
Oil prices settled 4% higher yesterday in Houston as revived concerns over the ongoing Middle East war and growing supply disruptions from Hurricane Isaias approaching the US Gulf Coast drove intense market volatility.
Meta has banned advertisements from TikTok owner ByteDance on Facebook and Instagram in Thailand, the United States and five other markets, escalating competition between the two social-media groups.
Thailand stands at a pivotal junction where it must rapidly modernize its infrastructure, expand artificial intelligence adoption, and bridge a widening digital skills gap to avoid being left behind in the new global economy.
Thailand’s consumer confidence fell for the first time in four months in September, with the index dropping to 52.1 as widespread flooding and rising living costs weighed on households. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) released the findings yesterday, drawing on a nationwide survey of 2,241 respondents.
Thailand identifies 10 emerging technologies for future growth
Bangkok voted world’s best city for tourists
ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), finalized on May 30, represents a landmark achievement as the world’s first regional digital economy agreement. It establishes common rules for cross-border data transfers, e-commerce, cybersecurity, AI, and talent mobility, targeting a projected $1 trillion digital economy by 2030.
A Khao Tao power outage is scheduled for tomorrow from 9 am to 5 pm, affecting residents and businesses in parts of the area.
Officials to keep tabs on Hua Hin beachfront demolition
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Phetchaburi Province and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) have officially launched Hua Hin–Cha-am MICE City, presenting the neighboring destinations as one choice for meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions.
Water released from Pranburi Reservoir
Erik Brown, Tham Luang cave rescue diver, dies at 44
Canadian cave diver Erik Brown, who helped rescue the Wild Boars football team and their coach from Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai in 2018, has died aged 44. Brown’s family and friends announced his death, but did not give the precise date and cause of death, or any further details.
Thailand has sharply widened its foreign nominee crackdown, sending details of over 100,000 foreign-linked companies to 43 embassies covering 48 nationalities. The move comes as officials trace investment funds, property holdings and corporate structures nationwide. Separate screening covers 125,622 companies, while 36,277 foreign-invested firms hold over 305,000 land plots.
Flooding in Thailand has forced Toyota Motor to halt operations at four factories temporarily. A Toyota spokesperson said flooding had disrupted parts deliveries to the company’s factories in Thailand.
Farmers in the Bua Yai district of Nakhon Ratchasima are primarily struggling with severe drought conditions that are threatening their rice crops. This lack of sufficient water has left many rice fields unable to survive, forcing some farmers to release water into their fields to save crops or face losing their entire harvest.
Thailand’s long-awaited US trade deal has hit a serious hiatus as conflicting accounts emerge from Bangkok’s top negotiators. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun says an agreement has been reached in principle. Yet, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow says market access remains the key issue.
Thailand is preparing a new 14th National Economic and Social Development Plan for 2028–2032 that places digital technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced electronics and cleaner energy at the center of the country’s next development cycle. The government seeks to reposition Thailand as a higher-value investment and production base.
Phuket developers are promoting long-term residence visas and registered property-use rights to attract foreign residents and investors, as the island’s property market cools after several years of rapid growth.
Bangkok has recorded one of the strongest increases in luxury residential prices among major global cities over the past decade, with values rising by about 75%, according to Savills Research.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) raised its 2026 GDP growth projection for Thailand from 1.8% to 2.0%, primarily citing a robust performance in the export sector. This growth is particularly driven by strong performance in the technology and electronics industries.
Russia has proposed bilateral cooperation with Thailand on small modular reactors (SMRs), Russian Ambassador Evgeny Tomikhin said yesterday. He added that Moscow wants to build on a run of high-level contacts to lift trade, which he described as far below its potential.
Southeast Asia’s digital economy was valued at $300 billion in 2025 and could reach $1 trillion by 2030. Structural shifts in ASEAN countries drive growth, with e-commerce dominating. Policy, platform evolution, and investment opportunities support this growth potential.
A World Economic Forum report on ASEAN’s digital economy highlights the gap between digital ambition and practical execution, positioning Thailand’s leadership as pivotal. Having chaired negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) across 14 rounds culminating in 2026, Thailand now faces the challenge of translating this agreement into functional cross-border systems for payments, digital identity, and data governance.
Suvarnabhumi Cargo Terminal Stays Open as Thai Airways Clears 8,000 Delayed Bags
When an expatriate dies in Thailand, relatives may have to deal with Thai authorities, the deceased’s embassy, funeral arrangements and an estate spread across several countries. The process is easier when each step is handled in the correct order.
Living in Thailand does not mean your estate exists only in Thailand. An expat may own a Thai condominium, maintain bank accounts offshore, hold US shares through an international platform and have pensions or property in their home country.
A retiree who ditched Australia for a “better life” in Thailand has revealed how he “lives like a king” for roughly $65 a day and is now helping other older Aussies do the same.
US President Donald Trump unveiled what he called a “damn good” AI chatbot, but it quickly drew attention for contradicting some of his contentious political claims. A day later, however, it stopped answering some political questions. 
Japan has toughened requirements for foreigners wanting to obtain permanent residency. Under new rules that will come into effect in stages, foreign residents wishing to stay in Japan permanently will have to prove their annual income is above average and they can carry casual conversations in Japanese. 
Switzerland’s glaciers, which are disproportionately impacted by climate change, have lost nearly 20% of their mass in five years, experts said today, with 2026 registering the second-biggest melt on record. 
Hua Hin-Cha-am among six new MICE Cities
AGT winner Nene Royal gifted Bangkok home
Diesel prices at pumps across the European Union (EU) have hit a new high of €2.23 per liter, up from €2.16 the previous week, an Agence France-Presse (AFP) analysis of European Commission data published yesterday showed.
Thailand’s Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has not approved reported 5%–10% increases in consumer goods prices scheduled for Oct. 1, 2026, Director-general Wittayakorn Maneenetr said yesterday. Some manufacturers had submitted applications, but the department had not authorized the increases.
Thailand is positioning itself as a strategic gateway to the ASEAN regional market, which consists of approximately 700 million people, to provide US businesses with access to broader Southeast Asian trade and investment opportunities.
Thailand has suffered from sluggish economic growth, with only 2% GDP growth, while regional peers have reached higher growth.
Thailand’s six hospitals are expected to post an 11% year-on-year (YoY) increase in aggregate net profit to $243.9 million (8.16 billion baht) in the third quarter (Q3), according to CGS International. CGS International attributed the growth to the recovery of foreign patient traffic and rising demand during influenza and COVID-19 outbreaks.
The appeal of the Thai DTV is obvious – you get up to five years of multiple entry access to Thailand so you can do more without relying on short tourist stays. However, before you apply, you’ll need to check the financial eligibility requirements, what remote work does and does not cover, and the documents and application process that applies.
Thailand aims to welcome 1.5 million Americans in 2026 as it shifts its tourism strategy to draw higher-spending visitors to boost international tourism. Last year, 1.08 million Americans visited Thailand, with 716,983 Americans arriving between January and September of this year.
The Family-Run Restaurants Preserving Southern Thailand’s Culinary Heritage
The Best Places to Eat During Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival
Thai Basil Vs. Italian Basil: What’s The Difference?
Toey Wattana Mongkhonnam began thinking about outfitting his family home in Thailand’s northeastern province of Yasothon with solar panels during the Covid-19 pandemic. In his household of five, electricity use rises with the day’s heat, and the monthly bill could range from 1,000 baht to 1,500 baht (US$30 to US$45).
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has held talks with Google executives in New York on developing environmentally friendly data-center standards in Thailand, alongside plans for an open data institute to improve Thai digital skills.
Thailand’s nuclear power ambitions have been repeatedly delayed by concerns over safety and radioactive waste management following major international accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima. Additionally, the country faces significant challenges in developing the necessary infrastructure, technical expertise, and regulatory frameworks required to manage nuclear technology safely.
Nepal’s catastrophic flooding last month “was a warning to the world” about the rising dangers of climate change, Prime Minister Balendra Shah told the United Nations yesterday, urging countries to step up to help his country adapt.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing a difficult reelection campaign at home, delivered a fiery UN speech yesterday assailing enemies and allies alike – and sparking uproar in the chamber. Netanyahu used the global platform at the UN General Assembly to attack everyone from the leaders of Iran to New York’s first Muslim mayor and partners Britain, France and Turkey. 
Canada is answering US President Donald Trump’s obsession with renaming things by unveiling a name change of its own – Trump Avenue in Ottawa will soon be history. The city is hitting back at the US leader, who among other things insists Canada should cease to exist as a country and instead become the 51st US state. 
Thailand will raise retail prices for petrol, gasohol and diesel by 0.85 baht per liter from today, as mounting subsidy costs place increasing pressure on the Oil Fuel Fund.
Brent and US crude futures settled about 1% higher yesterday, with fresh strikes on Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure and attacks on Middle Eastern shipping intensifying concerns over global supplies.
Gastech 2026 panellists in Bangkok warned yesterday that reopening the Strait of Hormuz would not immediately restore normal gas supplies, with damaged facilities and disrupted shipping requiring time to recover.
Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), said today that officials aimed to clarify a regulatory framework and minimum standards for data centers in about one month.
Questions are growing about whether artificial intelligence is outpacing safety measures for the technology. What’s driving the sudden push to “slow down” AI development, and is slowing the race even possible. 
Yesterday, Nestlé (Thailand) took a stand on its Southeast Asian growth strategy, signaling to global investors that even a multi-billion-dollar legal breakdown with its long-standing local partner will not derail its operational roadmap.
Thailand ends its 60-day visa exemption today, replacing it with 30-day and 15-day schemes, a shorter visa on arrival list and tighter limits at land borders. Thailand’s revised tourist entry rules change how long millions of foreign visitors can stay without arranging a visa before departure.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched Nihao Month 2026 to encourage Chinese visitors to travel to Thailand during the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Golden Week holiday marking China’s National Day on Oct. 1.
Chiang Mai Airport handled more than 6.53 million passengers in the first eight months of 2026, with international travel rising 14% year-on-year. The airport expects passenger numbers to reach about 9.97 million for the full year as the winter flight schedule begins in late October.
Marine researchers recorded a peak of 278 adult blacktip reef sharks gathering near the shore of Maya Bay early this month, setting a record high for the 2026 fiscal year and providing strong evidence of ecological recovery during the bay’s annual closure, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).
The concept of a luxury home in Thailand has moved well beyond the postcard image of a beachfront villa with an infinity pool. Industry estimates value the country’s luxury residential segment at roughly USD73.7 billion in 2025, with continued growth projected through the next decade as rising regional wealth, tourism recovery, and international demand for premium living converge.
Living abroad was never really on my radar until I got married. My wife had always wanted to travel and live outside the US, and as I looked into it more, it started to feel like an experience we should try together.
Central Pattaya, a global beachfront landmark in the heart of Pattaya, has invited runners and travelers from around the world to join the Pattaya International Bikini Beach Race 2026: Run the wave. Own the night on Oct. 31. Celebrating its 10th anniversary under the theme “The Sunset to Moonlight Beach Race,” the 5K race will bring thousands of runners to the sands of Pattaya Beach for a one-of-a-kind night combining sunset running, music, entertainment and Pattaya’s vibrant beach lifestyle.
The US Supreme Court dealt a major blow yesterday to President Donald Trump’s attempts to restrict mail-in voting before the November midterm elections, denying his request to lift an order halting the divisive plan. Only two of the six conservative justices on the nine-member panel offered a dissent. 
After nine days trapped in a hydropower tunnel and a week of hospital care following his dramatic rescue, Sanjay Sah, a rare survivor of last month’s devastating glacier collapse in Nepal, finally returned to his village and family on Sunday. It was a homecoming marked by relief and joy, but also grief. 
US President Donald Trump yesterday suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz as “Trump Strait,” asserting US control of the vital waterway even as fighting raged there with Iran.
Thailand recorded a trade deficit of US$35.3545 billion in the first seven months of 2026, according to the Commerce Ministry. However, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said more than 70% of imports were materials and capital goods used in production.
Narongsak Putthapornmongkol, president of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, released the findings of the chamber’s confidence index survey for the fourth quarter of 2026. Conducted from Aug. 18-20, the survey covered 503 respondents and found that 46.2% expected Thailand’s economy to grow by 1.5%-2% this year, while 37.8% forecast growth of 2%-2.5%. The results pointed to an outlook below the government’s midpoint forecast of 2.2%.
Thailand’s retail sector is calling for stronger economic stimulus, including the revival of the Easy e-Receipt scheme, with an eligible spending ceiling of 100,000 baht, as household debt and accumulated living costs continue to squeeze consumers’ purchasing power.
The government is moving to address a regulatory gap in the data center sector, with the Data Center Business Policy Committee preparing an urgent meeting to develop a coordinated oversight framework.
U.S. Shrimp Coalition seeks zero tariffs for Thai shrimp
Indian tourist arrivals to Thailand fell 11.6% year-on-year between Aug. 1-22, making India the only one of the country’s four main overseas markets to record a decline during the period.
Thai Airways International (THAI) will operate 66 domestic and international routes during its winter 2026/27 timetable, covering destinations across Europe, Australia and Asia. The schedule will run from Oct. 25 to March 27, 2027), coinciding with Thailand’s peak tourism season.
AirAsia has signed its first-ever codeshare agreement, teaming up with Turkey’s largest low-cost carrier, Pegasus Airlines, to open seamless connections between Southeast Asia and Europe through Istanbul, the two airlines announced at AirAsia’s headquarters in Sepang, Malaysia, yesterday.
EGAT explores SMRs to bolster Thailand’s energy security
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) is preparing 1,520 electric buses to replace aging vehicles, with deliveries expected to begin in March 2027. Kittikan Chomdoung Charuworapolkul, BMTA director, said the transition would improve passenger convenience, safety and environmental performance while reducing the organization’s fuel and maintenance costs by an estimated 4.1 billion baht annually.
US energy firms yesterday signed a raft of multibillion-dollar deals with Venezuela, days after the South American country agreed to grant the United States control of a huge chunk of its vast oil reserves. Energy Secretary Chris Wright traveled to Caracas to oversee the signing of deals worth “tens of billions of dollars of investment,” seen as a quid pro quo for Washington winning majority control of 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves. 
The Dutch central bank said yesterday it had moved 86 tons of its gold reserves out of the United States and Canada to London, citing “increasing geopolitical unrest”. De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) said gold reserves held in London could be traded more easily than those held in New York and Ottawa. 
Tourism in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi continues to show resilience, with stronger foreign visitor revenue and higher per-person spending helping offset softer domestic demand and wider economic pressures.
Thailand ranks third of 31 destinations for expats on the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, behind Panama and Mexico. The survey ran from Feb. 1 to March 31 this year, drawing about 7,786 respondents of 162 nationalities across 31 countries.
A single night in a private room at Bangkok Hospital can run past 25,000 baht before any treatment is added to the bill. Most expats assume their health insurance handles that kind of cost without a second thought. But the truth is, the exclusions section of the policy, the part almost nobody reads past the first page, is often where that assumption falls apart.
The Commerce Ministry recently discovered that there have been irregularities in the registration of 35 companies in four districts of northeastern Sakon Nakhon province, with unwitting Thai villagers used to set up these 100% Chinese-owned nominee firms while 14 were totally Thai owned but none were conducting any business at all at their registered addresses.
The Naka Market in Phuket was packed with fans as “Nene Royal” held a farewell concert ahead of her trip to the United States to compete in the live shows round of America’s Got Talent Season 21.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas recently unveiled a new economic plan aimed at steering Thailand toward a high-income nation, but experts have flagged obstacles that need immediate attention.
Thailand will send a technical team to the United States from Aug. 27 to 29 for further negotiations on an agreement on reciprocal trade, or ART, before policy-level talks led by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun.
The White House has accused more than 40 countries, including Thialnd, Canada, Mexico, Japan and EU member states, of helping China evade US tariffs by rerouting exports through lower-tariff jurisdictions — a practice it labels “The Great Transshipment Scam”.
Thailand plans to restructure automotive excise taxes by offering lower rates for vehicles produced domestically and charging more on fully built imports from companies without manufacturing investment in the country.
AOT studies fast-track services, return of arrival duty-free shops
Chiang Mai Waterfall closed after tourists swept away
Four Spanish tourists injured by falling tree at Ayutthaya temple
A prominent Thai plastic surgeon has publicly urged people not to take everything in the Australian 60 Minutes investigation into Thai cosmetic surgery at face value, saying he has been contacted by a surgeon connected to one of the featured cases who told him the reality was not as the program presented it.
Theerasak “Pop” Saksritawee spends up to eight hours every day swimming, hiking and filming dugongs near Phuket. Now, he’s warning the animals may soon disappear from one of the few places outside Australia that they gather. 
Bangkok’s floating markets: Where trade still floats
Australia’s New South Wales state will begin a major gun buyback on November 2, offering owners up to A$1,000, or about US$700, for each eligible rifle or handgun surrendered. The federal government passed legislation in January establishing a gun buyback, strengthening checks on firearm license applicants and introducing measures against hate-related conduct. 
US President Donald Trump said he was “not happy” about US participation in joint military exercises with close ally South Korea and is scaling back the drills aimed at deterring rival North Korea that start today. 
Cha-am residents are being urged to store enough water for up to a week ahead of possible water supply disruption from Aug. 21, when water releases from Kaeng Krachan Dam are due to be temporarily suspended.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered work to be accelerated on two Cha-am groundwater projects worth about 301 million baht, as authorities seek to address drought and water shortages affecting local communities.
Thailand’s Transport Ministry is working towards a Jan. 1 launch of its common-ticket policy for electric rail services in Bangkok and surrounding provinces, with fares capped at 45 baht per trip and an initial charge of no more than 17 baht.
Thailand is seeking to combine artificial intelligence with agriculture innovation as part of a broader industrial strategy aimed at raising productivity, strengthening domestic businesses and spreading the benefits of technological growth more widely across the economy.
Thailand is preparing to offer 500,000 domestic travel subsidies under the proposed Thai Travel Thai Plus 2026 scheme, with the government paying half of accommodation costs up to 3,000 baht per entitlement.
ASEAN’s commitment to net-zero is crucial for global environmental targets, despite its current fossil fuel dependency. The region faces an energy crisis but has strong decarbonization goals.
A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia early today, collapsing buildings and homes, killing at least two people and causing panic in a region prone to deadly quakes.
Thailand has been named the world’s fourth best retirement destination in a new index comparing all 192 UN member states. Malaysia, Panama and Portugal took the top three places in RUMAVI’s inaugural Global Relocation Index, published in July.
A weather warning has been issued for Prachual Khiri Khan Province for today through Sunday, with heavy rain, flash flooding, landslides and rough sea conditions possible across the province.
Huay Mongkol robe ceremony to be held this weekend
PKK takes on human-elephant conflict problems
A new initiative connecting wellness with community and environmental sustainability, “Friends of Chiva-Som 2026” brings together industry advocates, including Global Wellness Day Founder Belgin Aksoy, to support healthcare outreach and conservation efforts.
The “gold card” universal healthcare program is in need of revamp to improve the efficiency of spending in the wake of budgetary cuts, but the program will definitely not be scrapped, Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Somlerk Jeungsmarn said Tuesday.
Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani has temporarily closed to tourists after a staff member died while on duty in what officials believe was a tiger attack.
Prepared food prices expected to increase
Thailand’s headline consumer price index rose 1.95% in July from a year earlier, slowing from 2.42% in June and coming in below market expectations, the Ministry of Commerce said yesterday.
Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, reported that Thailand exported 3.28 million tons of rice in the first six months of 2026, from January to June, down 18.8% from the same period a year earlier. Shipments were worth more than US$1.911 billion.
Thailand bets big on AI despite talent shortage
Thailand has opened registration for businesses installing rooftop solar power systems and for approved equipment from Aug. 3 to Sept. 30, as it seeks to strengthen safety standards and prepare for wider household adoption nationwide under its clean-energy transition policy.
Asia and the Pacific is urbanizing faster than any other region. By 2050, its cities will be home to 3.4 billion people, up from 2.2 billion today – the equivalent of adding around two Delhi-sized cities every year. The region’s future will depend on how this urban expansion is managed – whether it delivers shared prosperity and well-being or deepens exclusions and vulnerability. 
Avani+ Hua Hin appoints new general manager
A collection of camera-trap images documenting Kaeng Krachan tigers over eight years has been released as evidence of the continued health of the forest ecosystem. The images were shared yesterday to mark Global Tiger Day.
Global Tiger Day: How we’re helping wild tigers
Why Men Are Drawn to Thailand for Sex Tourism