- New deportation rules take effect/No Thai casualties in Nepal floods/Suvarnabhumi postpones elevated roadworks/100 million baht to Pattaya hospital/Nene Royal heads home/Thai 10-baht coin fetches 2.54 million baht/Can Thailand pay off its Myanmar problem?
- THE IRAN WAR: China’s help critical, but unlikely
- ECONOMY: Thailand exports beat forecasts/Housing market recovers/How will Thailand cope with U.S. debt?/56-story residential tower in Pattaya
- TOURISM: Koh Samui zoo dispute morphs into wider protest/Thailand turns to railways/Koh Larn speedboat crews fight/Thai AirAsia returns to Suvarnabhumi/Udon Thani Airport set for Kunming charter flights/Rise and fall of the superjumbo A380
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: The world’s third ‘Iron Castl/Betong, a small town with some good surprises
- CLIMATE THAILAND: El Niño brewing a new crisis for Thai economy/El Niño sparks drought fears in Chiang Mai
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
New deportation rules take effect today
Thailand has published new regulations setting out how foreign nationals can be deported for immigration, employment and other offenses, as well as conduct considered contrary to public order, morality or public wellbeing. The regulation was published in the Royal Gazette on yesterday and takes effect today.
Under the new rules, the Interior Ministry’s permanent secretary, or a delegated official, must report cases to the Interior Minister where a foreigner is deemed to have acted against public order, good morals or the wellbeing of the public. The minister can then order deportation. Continued …
Foreign Ministry reports no Thai casualties in Nepal floods
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said flash floods and landslides struck areas along Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River on Wednesday, with deaths reported and more than 600 Nepalis and foreign nationals missing. No Thai nationals have been reported injured or killed.
Areas along the Bhote Koshi River suffered extensive damage, particularly to public utilities and infrastructure, while local agencies continued efforts to locate and assist those affected. Continued …
Suvarnabhumi postpones elevated roadworks after backlash
Suvarnabhumi Airport has postponed planned repair and maintenance work on expansion joints along the elevated road serving the passenger terminal following widespread criticism over potential disruption during the tourism high season.
The airport announced on Wednesday that the work, originally scheduled to run from Aug. 31 to April 7, 2027, would be delayed while officials reviewed the timing. Continued …
Anonymous donor gives 100 million baht to Pattaya hospital
An anonymous donor has given 100 million baht to Pattaya Patamakun Hospital in Chon Buri, with the money earmarked for a new six-story premium outpatient and inpatient building.
The government hospital announced the donation yesterday. It said the planned building will provide about 4,350 square meters of usable space. Continued …
Nene Royal heads home to Thailand before AGT finale in September
Nene Royal, the young Thai performer who has captured hearts on America’s Got Talent (AGT), is heading back to Thailand with her family after receiving a warm send-off from fans in Los Angeles.
Among those there to see her off was “Pangpond” from Luv2Eat Thai Bistro, along with representatives of the Thai Association of Southern California, members of the Thai community in Los Angeles, and Thai and Filipino fans. Continued …
1990 Thai 10-baht coin fetches 2.54 million baht
A rare 10-baht Thai coin minted in 1990 has sold for 2.54 million baht at an online auction, despite its face value being just 10 baht. The coin was made for the 16th Mint Directors Conference, held in the United Kingdom in 1990. Only 100 examples were produced, making it one of Thailand’s rarest circulating coin issues.
Coin expert and collector Natthakorn Akkaramanee secured the commemorative coin after 52 bids in an auction lasting 10 minutes and 39 seconds. The sale was the inaugural auction held through the Treasury Coin Market, an electronic platform to sell collectable coins and promote Thai coins as real-world assets. Continued …
Can Thailand pay off its Myanmar problem?
Myanmar’s civil war is increasingly becoming Thailand’s problem. Violence has crossed the border, criminal networks are exploiting the instability, and Thailand continues to shelter tens of thousands of refugees.
Instead of continuing to keep Myanmar at arm’s length, Thailand is now pursuing what it calls “calibrated re-engagement.” The goal is to bring its neighbor in alignment with ASEAN again, while addressing problems that Thailand can no longer ignore. Continued …
China’s help critical, but unlikely, for US to choke off Iran
The United States has threatened the “economic asphyxiation” of Iran, but analysts say that a successful chokehold would require unlikely cooperation from China.
Almost six months into the Middle East war, Washington this week laid out plans to expand sanctions against the Islamic republic, warning that any nation that continued to enable Tehran would become a “global pariah”. Continued …
Thailand exports beat forecasts as imports surge
Thailand’s exports rose 21.6% in July from a year earlier, beating market expectations, while imports climbed even faster and pushed the country’s trade deficit to a record $34.35 billion over the first seven months of 2026.
The Ministry of Commerce reported yesterday that July exports exceeded the 17.7% increase forecast in a Reuters poll. The result followed export growth of 20.8% in the previous month. Imports rose 36.7% year-on-year in July, producing a monthly trade deficit of $3.61 billion. Continued …
Housing market recovers in H1 with transfers soaring 17.6%
The housing market shook off a downturn in the first half of this year with transfers reaching 167,000 units, a 17.6% increase, driven by government measures. Sales of second-hand homes soared, accounting for 63% of the total, reflecting a focus on value for money.
At the same time, purchases by foreign buyers, particularly Chinese, remained weak, except for Russian buyers who have aggressively entered Phuket and Chonburi markets, with their purchases growing by 75.9%. Continued …
How will Thailand cope with U.S. 40-trillion-dollar debt?
The United States’ national debt has surpassed $40 trillion, potentially having a significant impact on global financial markets, including Thailand’s economy.
While volatility in the Thai baht may occur, Pimnara Hirankasi, head of the Research Division and chief economist at Bank of Ayudhya PCL (Krungsri), said this would have the least significant impact on the Thai economy. Video …
Bouygues Construction to build 56-story residential tower in Thailand
Bouygues Construction, through its Thai subsidiary Bouygues-Thai, was selected in June by developer Honour Thailand to design and build the ONCE Wongamat. Standing 239 meters tall, this 56-story tower project in Pattaya will be one of the tallest buildings in Thailand.
The tower is located on Pattaya-Na Kluea Road in North Pattaya. With a total floor space of more than 60,000 m², the building will consist of 548 luxury apartments with high-end finishes. Designed by the Thai architectural firm D103i (Design 103 International), the building will prioritize living spaces and amenities for residents, including five retail areas. Continued …
Koh Samui zoo dispute morphs into wider protest at Israelis and foreigners misbehaving
A bitter dispute involving Israeli tourists at a Koh Samui animal park has exposed a deeper Thai nationalist movement with political connections and access to government. On Monday, Thai Mai Thon, or “Thais Won’t Tolerate It,” took its “Thailand First” campaign to the Israeli Embassy. Its letter cited reported threats, harassment and business disputes involving Israelis in Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Pai.
It demanded respect for Thai laws, customs, property rules and business restrictions. However, embassy staff refused the letter and ordered activists to leave it outside. Meanwhile, politically connected Siam Asa helped park owner Jindarat and her French husband, Kevin, seek police protection over reported threats and a 500,000-baht bounty. Continued …
Thailand turns to railways to boost the appeal of Thailand to foreign tourists
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing to embrace rail tourism as a new vehicle to revive Thailand’s fading appeal. Its plans span low-cost heritage excursions, packaged journeys, premium charters and possible luxury routes developed with Belmond.
The company currently operates premium railway experiences between Singapore and Malaysia. Meanwhile, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has shown that demand for rail adventures already exists. Its new Ayutthaya service, launched on Aug. 1, filled every seat on its first run. Continued …
Koh Larn speedboat crews fight over fares and customers
A group fight involving rival speedboat operators broke out on Tawaen Beach road on Koh Larn, off Pattaya, yesterday. Video shared online showed men who operate the Pattaya-Koh Larn tourist speedboats arguing before punches were thrown in front of beachgoers.
Reports said the dispute stemmed from competition for customers and fare-cutting among operators taking passengers back to Pattaya via Bali Hai Pier. One side was said to comprise speedboat operators based on Koh Larn who have worked in the trade for more than 30 years. The other group reportedly consisted of Pattaya-based speedboat operators who had crossed to Koh Larn to run the same business. Continued …
Thai AirAsia returns to Suvarnabhumi on October 1
Thai AirAsia will resume domestic operations from Suvarnabhumi Airport on Oct. 1, with direct flights to Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi as part of a major increase in fourth-quarter capacity ahead of the year-end high season.
The airline will continue its dual-airport strategy in Bangkok, operating 22 direct routes from Don Mueang International Airport and three from Suvarnabhumi. Its network will also include nine cross-regional routes designed to improve domestic connectivity and support regional economies. Continued …
Udon Thani Airport set for Kunming charter flights from September
Phattrapong Phattraprasit, deputy transport minister, updated the public on the development of regional airports, saying the ministry continues to advance its “Airport for Regional Development” policy to bring safety and facilities up to international standards and support growth in international economic activity.
Alongside the higher standards, Udon Thani Airport is also preparing to welcome international tourists. Danai Ruangsorn, director-general of the Department of Airports (DOA), said Lucky Air was preparing to launch its inaugural charter flight from Kunming in China to Udon Thani. Continued …
The rise and fall of the world’s superjumbo A380
Australia’s Qantas Airways said yesterday itwould begin retiring its 10 Airbus A380 superjumbos from mid-2028, four years earlier than previously planned, as maintenance costs rise and newer, more-efficient aircraft join its fleet. Continued …
Bangkok’s Loha Prasat: The world’s third ‘Iron Castle’
Ratchanatdaram Worawihan is one of the capital’s most distinctive Buddhist landmarks, combining an ancient architectural concept with a striking golden appearance.
The name Loha Prasat translates roughly as “iron castle” or “iron monastery.” The approximately 36-meter-high structure was built during the reign of King Rama III within the grounds of Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan. Continued …
Betong, a small town in Thailand with some good surprises
The first thing that caught our attention in Betong wasn’t a temple, a market or a scenic viewpoint. It was two enormous yellow chicken statues keeping “watch” over a road junction.
My friend and I didn’t think much of it. We’d come across our fair share of unusual attractions while traveling, so we simply drove past them. It wasn’t until we noticed chicken sculptures perched on the nearby lamp posts that we decided it was worth looking into. Continued …
El Niño brewing a new crisis for Thai economy next year
Thailand is staring at the dire consequences of the El Niño phenomenon and below-average rainfall on the economy, as well as the wider impact on society, many experts have warned.
Water levels in dams across the country remain low despite the recent flash floods that inundated Nan province, and both local and international experts say an intensifying El Niño may drag into the first half of 2027. Continued …
Doi Tao Lake runs dry, impending El Niño sparks drought fears in Chiang Mai
The water level in Doi Tao Lake, located upstream of the Bhumibol Dam in Chiang Mai’s Doi Tao district, has dropped significantly, leaving local fishermen and floating restaurant operators high and dry and threatening a major blow to the area’s tourism industry.
The receding waters in Tha Deua subdistrict have left numerous floating restaurants aground. The vast dried-up lake bed has turned into an expansive field of weeds and grass, where local villagers now graze their cattle instead of navigating watercraft. Continued …
Nepal-Tibet floods: More than 1,300 missing as search for survivors continues
Rescue teams rushed yesterday to find more than 1,300 people missing on the Nepal-Tibet border in flash floods and landslides that killed at least 165 and swept away entire villages. Many of the missing are foreign tourists, officials said of the disaster, which the US Geological Survey believe was caused by a glacial collapse that sent a flow of debris engulfing homes along the way. Continued …
Two unstable lakes raise fresh flood fears in Nepal and China
Nepal and China issued fresh warnings yesterday over the risk of further flooding in the Himalayas, as two newly formed lakes on opposite sides of their border threatened to burst in an area already devastated by severe floods this week. Search-and-rescue operations continued across debris-filled valleys and mountain slopes after Wednesday’s flooding swept through border areas of Nepal and China’s Tibet region. Nearly 1,000 people remained missing, while at least 362 deaths have been reported. Continued …
Trump renames Lake Ontario ‘Lake America’ for US federal use
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America” for US federal purposes, escalating an increasingly hostile trade dispute with Canada. The order applies to references used by the US federal government and does not determine what Canada, international bodies, state authorities, private companies or map providers call the lake. 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
Telepharmacy in Thailand has moved from the development of the regulatory framework to its implementation phase. With the FDA’s telepharmacy framework now in place and telepharmacy platforms entering the market, the focus is increasingly turning to how businesses can participate in this emerging healthcare ecosystem.
21 provinces face heavy rain as depression strengthens
Flood conditions in Nan and Sukhothai have begun to improve, but another 7-9 storms could form before the end of the current storm season, climate and disaster specialist Seree Supratid has warned.
Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) Yodchanan Wongsawat ordered the rehabilitation and restoration of public utilities today in flood-ravaged Pua and Wiang Sa districts of Nan province, as floodwater is steadily receding.
An Israeli property developer and his wife, arrested in a Koh Samui investigation into alleged nominee-shareholder arrangements, say a Thai lawyer and accountant were responsible for guiding their business setup.
Thai authorities have searched three locations in Pattaya and Bang Lamung as part of an investigation into suspected Thai nominee arrangements used to hold land and run businesses for foreigners.
Thai teenage singer-guitarist Nene Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, has been selected to receive the Best New International Artiste 2026 award at The Phil Lynott Convention in Ireland, marking another milestone in the 16-year-old Phuket musician’s growing international career.
Thailand’s pitch to the world’s technology companies has, for the past two years, been built on numbers that keep climbing. The Board of Investment approved 26 data center projects worth almost 500 billion baht in 2025, and by the first quarter of 2026, fresh applications had already reached 1.01 trillion baht — roughly 2.4 times what they were a year earlier.
Thailand’s electronics industry is entering a significant upcycle, as artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers accelerate global demand for components, with a clear impact on the country’s production base.
Investments and fishing communities clash in Rayong
Thailand’s grip on China’s vast tourism market is slipping, as safety fears drive holidaymakers toward fast-rising Vietnam. The kingdom now expects only 5.1 million Chinese arrivals, less than half its 2019 total.
Thai Airways is set to resume direct non-stop services between Bangkok and Auckland ahead of schedule, with launch plans brought forward by a year to March 2027.
Somsak Pu Ob: The Master of Bangkok’s Crab Glass Noodles
Thailand, done differently
As pressure mounts on industries to treat climate action as systemic rather than a compliance exercise, Tetra Pak Thailand is pointing to a philosophy it says predates the current wave of ESG regulation by decades.
Here is why Thailand might be entering a second consecutive lost decade. The first lost decade, between May 2014 and August 2023 was largely brought about by coup leader Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, who ushered in a period of relative economic stagnation and uncertainty.
Thailand’s competition regulator is preparing new rules for ride-hailing and on-demand delivery platforms amid concerns over market concentration, unfair commission structures, opaque algorithms and unequal operating conditions.
Nine people were gunned down after a 14-year-old took his grandfather’s gun and opened fire at a school just outside Bangkok. Within days, Thailand saw two more different but deadly shootings.
TikTok has expanded its ThaisAware campaign as it enters its third year, bringing together 13 public-sector and civil-society partners to strengthen online-scam awareness in Thailand.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dismissed reports that Japanese investors are moving their production bases out of Thailand, saying the government will not abandon long-standing investors and will fully support the country’s traditional automotive industry.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is gearing up for the launch, tentatively on Oct. 1, of the first phase of the “Thai Tiew Thai Plus” program, aimed at boosting domestic tourism.
Most Thai hotel operators expect their revenue to decline year on year during the third quarter of 2026, with lower-rated properties and hotels in the south likely to face the greatest pressure during the low season.
Chao Phraya express boat fares to rise by 1 baht from today
A Guide to Phang Nga: Beyond James Bond Island, Where Southern Thailand Slows Down
Bangkok eighth in global attractive city index
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) is preparing for a major operational overhaul, as it transitions to electric buses, with a plan to lease 1,520 electric vehicles (EVs) over seven years under a 14.9-billion-baht contract with Nakhonchai Air Co.
GAC has delivered 115 Aion EVs for use on Grab’s ride-hailing platform in Thailand through two separate partnerships: 100 units under a tie-up with CLVG and ICBC (Thai) Leasing, and 15 units through a collaboration with Siam Taxi Cooperative.
Despite US market turbulence from the discontinuation of federal tax credits and supply disruptions caused by on-again, off-again tariffs, electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, according to a new report from BloombergNEF.
Heavy rain and flash floods threaten upper Thailand
Bangkok gun dealers say Thailand’s long-running firearms import ban is forcing some businesses to seek other income, while proposed new restrictions could further reduce legal sales.
Thai and Australian Prime Ministers Anutin Charnvirakul and Anthony Albanese yesterday signed two joint statements on upgrading strategic partnership in four areas, across trade, law enforcement, defense and innovation, after their full-scale bilateral meeting at Parliament House in Canberra.
Thailand’s exports and private investment are expected to remain important drivers of economic growth after gross domestic product expanded by only 1.9% in the second quarter of 2026, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said yesterday.
Thailand’s industrial sentiment index rose for a second straight month in July due to strong electric vehicle (EV) sales and government support measures, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported yesterday. The federation’s industrial sentiment index rose to 90.0 in July from 88.2 in June.
Data from CBRE Research showed that the downtown Bangkok condominium market recorded more new project launches in the first half of 2026 than in the same period a year earlier. Luxury and super-luxury developments were the main drivers, with both segments again attracting developers’ attention.
Southeast Asian nations are close to finalizing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), a landmark regional pact designed to govern their digital economy, projected to reach $2 trillion by 2030.
Foreigners arriving in Thailand may be asked by immigration to show they have enough money to support themselves during their stay. Depending on the entry route, the stated requirement is between 10,000 and 20,000 baht per person.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has ordered urgent measures to reduce delays for arriving passengers at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, focusing on immigration, baggage collection and public transport.
“Oh, we’re on the wrong side of the road,” I blurted out as I hopped into our van after landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. “It’s not the wrong side,” said Lisa, the journalist I was traveling with. “It’s a different side.”
Inside Wat Phra Kaew Wang Na, a rare window into Bangkok’s royal past
A new report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) finds that Thailand can accelerate rooftop solar deployment by reforming its current solar policies. This would reduce dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), improve energy security, and limit future pressure on rising electricity costs.
Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of natural disasters, and building resilience is no longer optional, said Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong. He added that such disasters also know no borders, making solidarity and collective action in ASEAN critical.
Portugal’s president has enacted a law pushed by the far right banning the concealment of faces in public, a measure widely seen as targeting Muslim women wearing a full-face veil. 
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.
U.S. President Donald Trump yesterday urged Americans to accept slightly higher gasoline prices as the cost of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and said he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S territory. 
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.
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.
Hua Hin Municipality officials met this week to discuss the installation of CCTV systems with 100 cameras and equipment in high-risk areas or areas with security needs. The project has already been reviewed and approved in principle.
Mayor visits Chat Chai market, hears concerns
Jaras Hua Hin at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has been awarded Thai Select 2 Stars for 2026, recognizing the restaurant’s Thai cuisine, quality ingredients, creative presentation, professional service and overall dining experience.
Movie lovers in Hua Hin have a new place to come together with the launch of the Hua Hin Film Club, a new cultural initiative bringing selected films to local audiences alongside discussions, special events and opportunities to meet actors, filmmakers and others involved in the movies being screened.
Thailand’s firearm controls face three persistent gaps involving illegal and modified guns sold outside the registration system, insufficient oversight of legally owned weapons after licences are issued, and the transfer of firearms bought through government welfare schemes.
How much is your personal information worth? Apparently, only a few hundred baht was enough to access sensitive information from a Thai government database.
Thai consumers continued to visit shops at almost the same frequency in July but sharply reduced the amount they were prepared to spend on each trip, pointing to weakening household purchasing power as the nationwide Retail Sentiment Index (RSI) fell 4.9 points to 46.6.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied reports that the United States plans to establish a production base for unmanned aerial vehicles in Thailand, saying he had received no such report.
From fan-favorite drunken noodles to spicy papaya salads and creamy curries, Thailand’s cuisine entices visitors from around the world. While over 17,400 Thai restaurants can be found internationally, eating pad Thai, fragrant coconut soups, and other punchy dishes in the “Land of Smiles” is a bucket list topper for many travelers.
What happens to a simple plastic water bottle once it is empty? At Gulf Development Public Co. (GULF), it marks the beginning of a transformative journey. In its second year, GULF’s flagship green initiative, “Turning Bottles into Purpose” has expanded its horizon.
Solar panel recycling could generate $6 billion in recovered materials by 2040 and exceed $20 billion by 2050, as more than 400 gigawatts of photovoltaic (PV) capacity reaches end-of-life, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) said.
President Donald Trump announced yesterday tariffs of up to 100% on imports of unmanned drones and their components to reduce US reliance on imports in an industry dominated by China. Donald Trump Jr. and his brother Eric Trump are prominent investors in Powerus, an American drone manufacturing and defense technology company seeking Pentagon contracts. 
Heavy rain is forecast across northern, northeastern, central and eastern Thailand today, with authorities warning of flash floods and forest run-off after a monsoon trough moved across the upper north.
The online debate over whether restaurants in Thailand should accept orders only in Thai highlights an underlying issue in the industry: a persistent labor shortage, as many Thais do not want to work in the sector.
Southeast Asia faces interconnected challenges from economic pressure, geopolitical rivalry, and technological disruption. The region’s diversity means these forces impact economies unevenly. Leaders must balance short-term stability with long-term autonomy amid trade shifts and global competition.
Thai Airways International (THAI) reported a net profit of 1.54 billion baht for the second quarter of 2026, down from 12.13 billion baht in the same period last year, as the Middle East conflict drove jet fuel prices sharply higher.
Six foreign tourists, including Russians, Indians and Israelis, were swept away from Nai Thon beach in Phuket yesterday morning after entering the sea despite red warning flags, according to local lifeguards.
Agoda has released data on travel interest among European travelers for summer 2026, showing that Thailand remained the Asian destination attracting the strongest interest for a second consecutive year. The result reflects the strength of Thailand’s tourism market among European travelers.
Electric vehicle drivers in Hua Hin now have access to 61 charging stations offering 162 charging points, according to figures published by the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Energy Office. Across the province, there are 109 EV charging stations with a total of 294 charging points, covering all eight districts.
Large crowds gathered at Wat Huay Mongkol in Hua Hin yesterday for the 13th Luang Pu Thuat robe-draping ceremony, one of the region’s main faith-based tourism events.
Prachuap Khiri Khan officials are reviewing preparations for the possible reopening of the Singkhon border crossing, as authorities look to resume trade between Thailand and Myanmar.
People in Thailand lost nearly B9 billion to online scam networks during the first six months of 2026, when more than 170,000 online fraud cases were recorded. Average losses exceeded B52,000 per case.
Thailand is bracing for a worsening wave of corporate liquidations in the second half of the year, following fresh government data showing that major corporations are shutting down at an unprecedented rate alongside struggling small enterprises.
Thailand’s small and medium-sized enterprises have emerged as one of the most vulnerable parts of the economy, as financial and business indicators point to rising bad debt, prolonged credit contraction, weaker profitability and an increasing number of factory closures.
Thailand has captured more than $26.8 billion (approx. 900 billion baht) in investment applications for its semiconductor and advanced electronics sectors over the past three years, cementing its position as a primary beneficiary of global supply chain diversification away from traditional manufacturing hubs.
Putting the spotlight on an open secret
The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok has urged Chinese citizens attending cultural performances, sporting events and fan meetings in Thailand to comply strictly with local laws and venue regulations, following several incidents involving Chinese tourists.
Pattaya Bay moves to cap tour boat operators
When Lynda Lazaridis gets dressed, she chooses her clothes carefully. The Melbourne grandmother’s breasts were virtually removed, and her nipples relocated up near her armpits.
12 mythical giants watch over Suvarnabhumi Airport
Bangkok ranks ninth on Time Out’s 2026 street food list
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has reaffirmed that the remaining 200 billion baht ($6.05 billion) from the government’s 400 billion baht ($12.1 billion) emergency loan decree will be strictly prioritized for Thailand’s clean energy transition.
When 35% of a year’s rainfall falls within a single week, as it did in parts of Thailand last year, the failure is not simply meteorological. It is a failure of design, of coordination, and — increasingly — of economics.
Western Europe experienced its hottest June-July on record as climate change fuels an historic summer of heat, drought and wildfires across the region, the EU’s global warming monitor said today. 
Chinese start-ups and researchers are racing to bring brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to market that can be implanted in just a few minutes, as Beijing pushes to nurture home-grown players in the sector to compete with Elon Musk’s Neuralink. 
Thailand is preparing for a historic step in space exploration, with a Thai-designed and developed scientific payload set to travel to the Moon as part of China’s Chang’e 7 mission on Aug. 24.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has intensified enforcement against cannabis businesses, inspecting 1,326 shops since October 2025 and seizing products worth more than 109 million baht.
Thailand’s crackdown on nominee structures used to hold property on behalf of foreign interests is creating new pressure on the luxury housing and condominium markets, as authorities intensify checks on ownership arrangements in the real estate sector.
Phantong Loykulnanta, director-general of the Customs Department, reported that Thailand’s international trade reached B21.4 trillion in the first 10 months of fiscal 2026. The figure was close to the full-year total of B22 trillion recorded the previous year.
Robot Supply Chain Comes to Thailand: Inside China’s Humanoid Push into the EEC
As the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to introduce a 3% hotel tax to increase revenue, the Thai Hotels Association (THA) has urged the authority to begin with a lower rate of 0.5%-1% and provide additional support to help tourism operators affected by the Middle East conflict.
Twelve people were injured after an Air India Airbus A320 flying from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence yesterday, forcing some passengers who were not wearing seatbelts into the cabin ceiling.
Thailand is strengthening its tourism links with Indonesia through agreements with TransNusa Airlines and Traveloka, as it seeks to attract 890,000 Indonesian visitors in 2026.
Edwin Salas watched as the first of 20 solar panels was installed on the roof of his home, joining a Philippine solar energy boom sent into overdrive by the Middle East war. The country’s eye-watering electric bills – the highest in the region – were the primary driver of his decision, he said. Regular brownouts were a factor, too. 
A 13-year-old schoolboy has died after being stung by jellyfish while swimming at Ban Fai Tha beach in Sichon district, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Three people who went to help him were also injured by the stings but are now safe and recovering.
Jiew Sai Yok, a lost wild elephant calf being cared for at Sai Yok National Park, died peacefully at around 2am yesterday, leaving veterinarians and park officials deeply saddened.
A Thai analysis published Sunday has challenged government claims of a strong GDP recovery, arguing that headline growth is failing to reach ordinary households and small businesses.
Thailand Post is repositioning itself as a key driver of Thailand’s digital economy, unveiling a new corporate strategy dubbed “RelationSHIFT” as it seeks to transform from a traditional postal operator into a lifestyle logistics brand that connects people, businesses, communities and government services through its nationwide network.
Thailand Retains Rank as World’s Second-Largest Pet Food Exporter
Thailand’s repeat visitors are showing stronger loyalty to Hua Hin and Pattaya than to Phuket, according to a new analysis by travel platform 12Go.
Thai travelers are increasingly choosing short restorative breaks, marathon-related holidays and more in-depth visits to secondary cities as travel patterns shift in 2026.
Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the launch of new direct air routes connecting key cities in Indonesia and Thailand, highlighting expanded aviation connectivity as a vital driver for strengthening people-to-people ties and boosting regional tourism.
Some history behind Thailand’s Naga serpent
How History Made Thais Obsessed with Sugar
North Korea’s state media has recommended dog meat soup as protection against summer heat, reviving Pyongyang’s long-running effort to promote the controversial dish as record high temperatures grip both sides of the Korean peninsula. 
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged authorities to step up support for people affected by a record heat wave in the country, saying the death toll had risen to 16 and warning that extreme weather was becoming more frequent. 
Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross yesterday, her son Kim Aris said, who has not heard from her directly in years. 
Searchlights sweep across the rivers of Malaysia’s Sarawak state as licensed hunters track crocodiles in the dark. Their work is part of a broader effort to manage a tension between wildlife and the communities that rely on the water every day.