- Two Killed in Cha Am Crash/Fuel prices fall/Heavy rain and flood risk/First Lao Man Rescued/Taxi business crackdown on Koh Samui
- THE IRAN WAR: How the Iran Conflict Threatens Thailand
- ECONOMY: 26 million sign up for stimulus/House rejects land bridge study/Thailand’s transit trade rises/Myanmar-Thailand bridge reopens/Thailand’s rising demand for quality/Thailand’s concert boom
- TOURISM: Pivot to ‘Value Tourism’ Tested/Asian tourists keep travel plans
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Growing Up in the Heat/University’s rare book room
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Sustainable aquaculture in Thailand/5.26 MW Solar Rooftop Project/EVs, almost a third of global new-vehicle sales
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Doctor Among Two Killed in Cha Am Bypass Crash
Two people were killed and a 53-year-old woman seriously injured after a car crashed into a central reservation barrier on the Cha Am-Pran Buri bypass road in Phetchaburi province yesterday morning. The metal barrier pierced through the vehicle from the front windscreen to the rear, leaving the car severely damaged.
Cha Am Highway Rescue and Cha Am Hospital rushed to the scene on the inbound carriageway toward Bangkok near kilometer marker 18+100 in Sam Phraya subdistrict. Continued …
Fuel prices fall by up to 1 baht at Thai pumps
Fuel prices at major petrol stations across Thailand fell again today. The new pump prices cover major oil retailers, including PTT Station, Bangchak, PT, Shell, and Caltex. The update comes as retail fuel prices continue to move in line with market conditions.
Most petrol and gasohol products were reduced by 70 satang per liter, while selected premium diesel products dropped by 1 baht per liter. Some diesel categories remained unchanged, depending on the retailer and product type. Continued …
56 provinces warned of heavy rain and flood risk
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of heavy to very heavy rain across 56 provinces today, with people in risk areas urged to prepare for possible flash floods and forest run-off.
Thunderstorms are forecast in 60% of the southern east coast region. Heavy rain is expected in some areas. Provinces at risk include Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Continued …
First Lao Man Rescued From Flooded Gold Mine
A Lao worker trapped inside a gold mine cave in Laos has been rescued after a major international operation involving Thai and Finnish cave diving experts. Rescue teams successfully brought one of five survivors out of the flooded tunnel at 8:40 pm yesterday, according to the Thailand Rescue Diver Facebook page.
The worker was among seven Lao laborers trapped inside a gold mine cave in Long Chaeng, Xaysomboun province, Laos, since May 19. Heavy rain and flash flooding had swept through the mine, cutting off access and leaving the workers stranded underground. Continued …
Taxi business crackdown on Koh Samui after murder of taxi driver
A Koh Samui taxi mafia crackdown in Surat Thani began Thursday, as officials moved to dismantle taxi queue groups accused of occupying public areas and stopping other legal taxis from picking up passengers.
Koh Samui District Chief Amorn Chumchuay led the operation with Koh Samui district officials, transport officers, police, tourist police, and municipal officers. The operation targeted public hire vehicles violating the law and formed part of a wider campaign to regulate public transport across Koh Samui. Continued …
How the Iran Conflict Threatens Thailand’s Energy Security and Economy
The military conflict in the Middle East, involving Iran, the US, and Israel, poses a significant threat to the Thai economy primarily through surging global energy prices. As a major net importer of oil and gas, Thailand faces a downward revision of its GDP growth forecast to as low as 1.3% and heightened inflationary pressures.
The Thai government and central bank are currently implementing emergency measures, including energy price caps and interest rate adjustments, to mitigate the impact on domestic consumers, the stock market, and the safety of tens of thousands of Thai laborers working in the region. Continued …
26 million sign up for ‘Thais Help Thais’ stimulus
More than 26 million people and over one million businesses registered for Thailand’s “Thais Help Thais Plus 60/40” co-payment scheme ahead of yesterday’s registration deadline.
Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said yesterday the scheme, which opened for registration on May 25, had continued to attract widespread participation from both consumers and businesses nationwide. As of Thursday, more than 26.2 million people had registered, with 25.48 million successfully approved for benefits. Continued …
House rejects land bridge study panel
The House of Representatives rejected a proposal to establish a special committee to further study the land bridge megaproject, with government MPs arguing that multiple reviews had already been conducted and additional scrutiny would duplicate existing work.
MPs yesterday voted 266 to 174 against setting up the committee after hours of debate over the proposed transport corridor linking the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea under the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) scheme. Continued …
Thailand’s transit trade rises as durian exports to China surge
Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Commerce, said border and transit trade in April was worth a combined B211.146 billion, up 27.5%.
Exports totaled B121.521 billion, up 25.4%, and imports B89.625 billion, up 30.5%, leaving Thailand with a trade surplus of B31.896 billion for the month. Continued …
Myanmar-Thailand cargo bridge resumes border trade at Mae Sot
The Myawady-Mae Sot No. 2 Friendship Bridge, a key cargo route on the Myanmar-Thailand border, resumed trade on Thursday morning, local sources said. The bridge had been shut by the Myanmar side since the morning of August 18, 2025, because of continuing military conflict.
A Myawady border trader said the reopening was confirmed at the bridge, where Buddhist protective Parittas were being recited for safety and protection. Cargo movements from both Myanmar and Thailand remain limited, he said, adding that it could take around a week before operations return to normal. Continued …
Thailand’s rising demand for quality offers new opportunities for EU
Flavors in fine dining have increasingly evolved beyond the appreciation of familiar delicacies, as organic agriculture and sustainably sourced food redefine culinary experiences through a stronger emphasis on long-term wellbeing, environmental responsibility, and fair value for those throughout the food ecosystem.
From the grass-fed artisanal butter from France to the succulent langoustine from Denmark, the trademarks of quality have been delivered through the clean, mildly sweet, and natural aroma that reaffirm enduring milestones among European agriculture and food production. Continued …
Thailand’s concert boom tests venues, standards, and who really benefits
Thailand is entering a peak year for concerts and music festivals, with global acts such as Post Malone, The Weeknd, BTS, and Tomorrowland Thailand driving momentum, but industry insiders warn that limited venues, rising foreign capital, and weak domestic value capture could become major challenges.
The second half of 2026 is expected to be particularly active. Post Malone is scheduled to perform at Rajamangala National Stadium on Sept. 22, while The Weeknd has announced two concerts at the same venue on Oct. 11 and 12. Continued …
Thailand Pivot to ‘Value Tourism’ Tested by Global Economic Storms
The Thai government’s overhaul of its visa framework — approved by the Cabinet on May 19 — marks a decisive shift toward tightening immigration controls and safeguarding domestic security. However, the policy arrives just as the kingdom faces a severe barrage of external economic shocks.
An impact assessment by the Kasikorn Research Center suggests the immediate market disruption will be negligible. The restrictions directly affect a mere 0.7% of total foreign arrivals, based on data from the first four months of 2026. Crucially, Thailand’s economic lifelines — including mainland China, Macau, Hong Kong, and South Korea — remain unaffected due to prior bilateral agreements. Continued …
Asian tourists keep travel plans in place despite war
Thais and other Southeast Asian travelers are continuing to plan travel in the second half of the year, opting for regional destinations even though they might slash their budgets or number of trips, according to online travel agent AirAsia Move.
Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, head of country representative for Thailand at AirAsia Move, said the platform has not noticed a significant slowing of bookings from Thailand or Southeast Asia for the remainder of 2026. Continued …
Growing Up in the Heat: Children are among the most vulnerable
On a stretch of fine sand, facing south reveals the slow-moving Mekong River. Turn left at dawn or right at dusk, and the same sun slowly rises above — and later slips behind — the mountains and water. This is Ban Tamui, a small community in Khong Chiam district of Ubon Ratchathani province.
It is home to six-year-old Payuda “Maya” Panyasu, a lively girl who opens up easily around people she trusts. Maya is about to begin Grade 2. After her parents separated several years ago, she came to live with her 82-year-old grandfather and other family members in a modest single-story concrete house shared by five people. Continued …
Chulalongkorn University’s rare book room safeguards 25,000 historic volumes
Chulalongkorn University’s rare book room, anchored by the Prince Kitiyakara Voralaksana and Prince Dhani Nivat collections, preserves about 25,000 items, including early Thai press works from King Rama III’s era.
The room combines conservation techniques and digitization to protect and share Thailand’s historic publications worldwide via Chula Digiverse. Video …
Innovative technology powers more sustainable aquaculture in Thailand
Aquaculture is a key provider of food in Thailand, but the sector faces growing challenges from climate change, environmental pressures, and rising energy prices that threaten its long-term sustainability.
Many Thai farmers still depend on outdated and inefficient energy-intensive systems that consume electricity generated from burning fossil fuels, so authorities have started looking at alternatives. These include solar panels and smart technologies to optimize energy use and cut electricity costs by significant amounts without compromising yields, while shrinking the sector’s carbon footprint. Continued …
Constant Energy and Meyer Industries Inaugurate 5.26 MW Solar Rooftop Project
Constant Energy, a leading renewable energy developer in Southeast Asia, announced the successful inauguration of a 5.26 MW solar rooftop installation at the manufacturing facilities of Meyer Industries and Meyer Aluminium (Thailand) Co. in Laem Chabang.
Meyer Industries is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of high-quality cookware and Meyer Aluminium (Thailand) Co. is a leading aluminium rolling mill. The project enables Meyer to reduce approximately 3,200 tons of carbon emissions annually, while delivering an estimated B360 million in energy cost savings over the contract period. Continued …
EVs, PHEVs to reach almost a third of global new-vehicle sales in 2026
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates electric vehicle (EV) sales – including not only EVs but also plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and extended-range EVs (EREVs) – will hit 23 million this year, and account for around 28% of all new cars sold. In a report, the IEA used recent trends and sales data from the first quarter of this year, and forecast EV sales to rise from 20 million last year.
According to the IEA’s numbers, 3.9 million EVs were sold in the first three months of 2026 – down 8% from the same time last year. This is primarily due to falling sales in China, the world’s largest EV market, and the US. Continued …
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Chinese Fraud Suspects Arrested in Pattaya – Continued …
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Phuket Airport Seizes 38 Phones From Foreign Trio – Continued …
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Foreign Nationals Clash with Thais at Bali Hai Pier – Continued …
Japan passes bill to raise visa fees, introduce online pre-entry screening
Japan’s parliament yesterday passed an immigration control law revision to raise the maximum fee for residence status applications by foreigners and introduce an online pre-entry travel authorisation system for overseas arrivals. Once the fee changes are implemented later this fiscal year, the upper limit will be set at 100,000 yen (20,450 baht) for visa renewals and 300,000 yen for permanent residency applications. Continued … https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3262808/japan-passes-bill-to-raise-visa-fees-introduce-online-preentry-screening
Why great white sharks are vanishing from South Africa’s Cape coast
Once feared by surfers and prized by thrill-seeking cage divers, great white sharks have all but disappeared from parts of South Africa’s Cape coastline, leaving scientists and tour operators searching for answers. Video …
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
If you have spent any time researching weight loss camp in Thailand, you have probably noticed that the options range widely. Some are fitness retreats with Muay Thai and green smoothies. Others are medical programs with clinical staff and blood tests every week. A few are somewhere in between.
Thailand is set for more unsettled weather over the next 24 hours, with heavier rain expected in parts of the north, east, and south as the southwest monsoon strengthens over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand.
Rescuers say they are elated to have found survivors who have been trapped in a flooded cave in Laos for a week but caution that it will be difficult to extract them. Five people were found alive yesterday afternoon and rescuers are searching for two others who remain missing.
Three months into his “four to five week” war, US President Donald Trump appears no closer to solving his purported goal of forcing Iran to give up its highly enriched uranium, a problem he himself created when he withdrew from the nuclear agreement negotiated by predecessor Barack Obama.
Iranian state television reported that it had received an unofficial draft preliminary framework of understanding between Iran and the United States aimed at ending the continuing conflict, with one key element being the restoration of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within one month.
After President Trump’s weekend talk of an agreement with Iran, the past 36 hours have seen a flurry of military activity in the Middle East. On Monday, the United States launched a series of “self-defense” strikes on sites in southern Iran, sinking two boats that were laying mines. The move prompted Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to vow retaliation for what it called a “grave violation” of the ceasefire in a war now nearing its fourth month.
An affordability crisis is approaching due to rising costs, says Vice Minister of Finance Santitarn Sathirathai, while urging all sectors to adapt to the challenges ahead.
The energy transition is a game-changer for the economy, says Amonthep Chawla, executive vice president and head of the research office at CIMB Thai Bank.
Thailand’s housing market showed signs of recovery inthe first quarter of 2026, the Government Housing Bank said on yesterday, with transaction volumes rising amid government stimulus even as gains in value lagged, underscoring weak purchasing power.
Thailand’s exports to the United States remain exposed to renewed tariff pressure despite a recent decline in effective US import duties, as Washington is likely to deploy other trade measures, including Section 301 investigations, the National Economic and Social Development Council has warned.
Thai pig farmers are facing mounting losses as farm-gate prices continue to fall below production costs despite a recovery in pork consumption, prompting the National Swine Raisers Assn. to warn of possible market distortion from aggressive pork-shop competition and suspected external supply.
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has set up screening checkpoints at Suvarnabhumi Airport to monitor passengers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, following the Ministry of Public Health’s classification of both nations as dangerous communicable disease zones for Ebola.
Authorities in Phuket have stepped up proactive disease-control measures to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus, while confirming no infections have been detected in the country so far. Eleven visitors from high-risk countries are being monitored.
Over recent years, the idea of being a “digital nomad”, or a worker able to work from anywhere in the world, has moved from a niche lifestyle into a widely popular way of life, especially after remote work became normal in many industries around the world. But 2026 has reflected a significant shift in digital nomad culture.
Phuket’s Banana Beach Breaks Into the World’s Top 10
At our recent annual summit on building resilience held in Bangkok, I sat across the table from smart people making familiar arguments. The cost is too high. The market is not ready. The supply chain cannot support it. There is no regulation forcing the issue.
Britain was thrown into meteorological confusion Tuesday after temperatures reached 35 degrees Celsius, a temperature Thai people traditionally describe as “the walk from 7-Eleven to the motorbike.” The reading, recorded at London’s Kew Gardens and Heathrow Airport, broke a century-old spring temperature record for the second time in 24 hours. 
BECC International School has officially broken ground on a major new campus in Hua Hin, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the school community.
PTT Station and Bangchak have reduced retail fuel prices from today, cutting petrol and gasohol prices by 60 satang per liter and diesel prices by 1 baht per liter.
The Department of Health says its “normal sweetness = 50% sweetness” campaign has received a positive response over the past three months, reflecting a shift in Thai consumers’ drinking habits. Eleven companies have joined the campaign, adjusting their formulas across more than 30,000 branches nationwide.
Thailand’s labor market is entering a more fragile phase, with the National Economic and Social Development Council warning that workers face three major pressures: the conflict in the Middle East, rapid advances in artificial intelligence, and the shift toward electric vehicles.
Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), reported yesterday regarding the first-quarter 2026 Thai social situation report, “Crisis and Opportunity: The Future of Thailand’s Labor Market Amid the Arrival of AI”.
Thailand’s automotive industry is bracing for a potential setback in 2026, with car production expected to miss its target for the first time in five years if the war in the Middle East drags on beyond three months and shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz remain disrupted, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
In 2019, a mid-sized electronics components manufacturer based in Shenzhen, China, was producing entirely for the US market. In 2020, US tariffs made that model borderline unviable. So the company moved part of its production to Vietnam.
A single mishap can be written off as an isolated incident. But when a problem repeatedly occurs across different locations, time and again, the failure is systematic.
Thailand has recently moved its net-zero target forward from 2065 to 2050 as part of efforts to reduce environmental impact, strengthen trade competitiveness, and attract green investment. Energy transition is one of the key pathways toward achieving that goal.
For the first time in records dating back to 1949, China is now home to more people aged 65 and above than children, the latest official data showed, underscoring the country’s deepening demographic pressure. By November last year, 15.9% of China’s roughly 1.4 billion-strong population was aged at least 65, compared with 15.3% aged between 0 to 14. 
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (No. 2) 2025 has been in force since Nov. 8, 2025. Several sections require subordinate legislation, including rules on places where alcoholic beverages may not be sold or consumed, and rules on advertising and publicity.
The head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that the global oil market could enter a “danger zone” in mid-year, after the Iran war disrupted more than 14 million barrels per day of Middle East supply.
Thailand’s national police chief has announced a nationwide crackdown on foreign nominee networks accused of illegally controling businesses and property through Thai proxies. The operation will focus on tracing financial transactions and dismantling networks linked to unlawful foreign ownership schemes across the country.
The Department of Business Development (DBD) is collaborating with the Thai Bankers Assn. and various banks to link their databases to the department’s AI system. This initiative aims to monitor the financial status of Thai nationals co-investing with foreign partners in local companies.
Escalating inflation poses a significant risk to the Thai economy, especially if the US-Iran war drags on until the second half of the year, as domestic consumption remains fragile and small businesses in provincial markets face a liquidity crunch, say economists.
Transport Ministry Accelerates Bangkok Port Overhaul
For years, when people spoke of “Chinese people” and Thailand, the image many had in mind may still have been tour groups, buses, and famous tourist districts. But a closer look shows that the relationship between “Chinese capital” and “Thailand” is now changing significantly.
Thailand fruit exports rebound 17.9% in April as durian surges 109%
Thailand has updated its visa-free entry and visa privilege rules for 2026 after the Cabinet approved the cancellation of the 60-day visa-free scheme for 93 countries and territories.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) says surging global fuel prices have led to the cancellation of more than 200 Chinese charter flights to Thailand, prompting the agency to consider extending its Thailand Summer Blast campaign until September.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is enhancing tourism on both domestic and international fronts by promoting weekday travel through special offers on tourism products and services. The project, titled Workation Paradise Throughout Thailand Season 4, is part of TAT’s Workation Thailand campaign.
Every year produces a new set of travel trend reports, and most of them say roughly the same thing. The 2026 edition from Hilton, built on a survey of over 14,000 travelers across 14 countries conducted by Ipsos, is different in one important respect: its findings align almost point for point with what Thailand already does well.
Leopard sighting ‘sign of thriving habitat’
Thai island community rallies to protect beloved dugongs, revive declining seagrass
Thailand’s military is pressing ahead with the construction of a new border fence along the Thai-Cambodian frontier in Chanthaburi province, covering the area between boundary markers 52 and 54 in Pong Nam Ron district. The project stretches approximately 1,310 meters and is intended to strengthen border security and improve safety for residents living near the frontier.
The global gold market has reached a critical crossroads. Following a record-breaking rally in early 2026, prices have entered a significant consolidation phase, caught between the opposing forces of aggressive monetary policy and heightening systemic fragility.
Lisa joins FIFA World Cup 2026 opening show in LA
Six stray dogs were found dead after being poisoned in Pathum Thani, with some also showing gunshot wounds to the head, according to local residents and animal carers.
The war in the Middle East, which began on Feb. 28, is entering its third month and has inflicted damage on several countries, surged energy prices, affected crude oil and natural gas prices, and affected goods prices and inflation.
Provincial restaurant associations are calling on the government to provide support for small and medium-sized enterprises during this tough period, as they are seeing a decline in consumer spending power and a drop in traveler numbers in their areas.
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said Thailand is accelerating negotiations on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States in a bid to reduce tariff risks ahead of a Section 301 review.
Thai rice exporters are forecasting a significant recovery in the latter half of the year, driven by the intensifying Super El Niño phenomenon. As weather patterns threaten global harvests, major importing nations have begun aggressive stockpiling to ensure domestic food security, providing a much-needed boost to Thai export volumes.
Bangkok’s street food stalls threatened by citywide crackdown
Thai tea emerged as one of the most sought-after items at the Thai Festival in Tokyo over the weekend, with visitors reportedly waiting up to 30-40 minutes for a single cup. Japanese social media users posted photos and comments about long queues at the ChaTraMue booth during the 26th Thai Festival, held at Yoyogi Park.
The government has ordered urgent action to address mounting problems with electric vehicles (EVs), including defects, service center closures, and steep post-purchase price cuts.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to discuss Iran, Taiwan, artificial intelligence, and nuclear weapons as they weigh extending a critical minerals deal, according to U.S. officials previewing Trump’s two-day visit to China this week. 
Myanmar claimed yesterday that “discriminatory measures” are shutting it out of the ASEAN bloc after a summit last week saw the organization continue to blacklist the country’s post-coup leadership. 
The BECC Primary International School has begun construction on a new purpose-built campus off Soi 112 in Hua Hin, with the school scheduled to open at the site in August 2027.
The Kite and Art Festival Prachuap Khiri Khan will take place at Saran Withi Pier from May 15-16, bringing two evenings of kite displays, art and family-friendly activities to the seafront.
Thailand could face a “dual water crisis” in 2026 after the Thai Meteorological Department forecast that El Niño could occur during May to July, putting many areas at risk of water shortages and prompting the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) to accelerate nationwide response plans and monitor 20 branches at risk of shortages.
Thailand’s Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) is pushing ahead with four new rail projects in Bangkok, while accelerating tram developments in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima, with all three provincial tram systems targeted to open by 2032.
From Epic Fury to Project Freedom: Who Pays the Bill for a Blocked Strait?
Oil prices jumped $3 a barrel today as the United States and Iran failed to agree to a peace proposal drafted by Washington, while the Strait of Hormuz remained largely closed, keeping global energy supplies tight.
Given the sagging economy and conflict in the Middle East, the residential market is expected to contract for a fourth consecutive year in 2026, weighed down by persistent high household debt, rising living costs, and tight lending, according to Siam Commercial Bank Economic Intelligence Center (EIC).
Thais Feel the Pinch as ‘Single-Dish’ Prices Surge Amid Fuel Price Crisis
Land bridge faces uphill battle
Kukrit Areepakorn, manager of the Thai Broiler Processing Exporters Assn., revealed that the export situation and prices of chicken are currently declining due to two main reasons: China suspending exports from 17 processing plants, and the Middle East war.
Foreign tourists in Thailand are actively observing the Thai baht’s depreciation against the US dollar, a trend that directly impacts their vacation budgets. The currency opened at 31.77 per dollar, a slight weakening from 31.60, and analysts foresee continued fluctuation within the range of 31.55 to 31.95 as global economic conditions evolve.
Thailand’s tourism industry is coming under severe pressure as foreign arrivals fall, visitor spending weakens, and operating costs surge across key destinations. In Pattaya, hotel occupancy has collapsed to as low as 30%, while bookings on Bangkok’s Khao San Road remain more than 20% below last year following Songkran.
Thailand Bets on Revamp of Chaing Mai Hot Springs to Spearhead Wellness Drive
Did you know Thailand is actually the first nation in Southeast Asia to successfully revive its tiger population? While most of the world is losing these incredible big cats, Thailand’s jungles are seeing a serious comeback. We’re talking about a massive conservation effort that’s bringing the king of the jungle back to the Western Forest Complex. It’s a huge win for wildlife and shows a side of Thai conservation history that most people completely miss. 
This Unknown City Wants To Become Thailand’s Next Vacation Hotspot
Why Koh Kut remains one of Thailand’s most beautiful island escapes
The Thai government is significantly ramping up its national energy infrastructure and streamlining investment protocols to capitalize on a new wave of global digital and clean energy interest.
Thailand’s energy crisis, sparked by Middle East tensions, has rapidly turned solar power from a green option into an economic necessity. As electricity costs surge, homes and businesses are rushing to install rooftop panels, with demand outpacing supply and installers struggling to keep up.
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) is exploring ways to make loans more accessible for households joining the rooftop solar buyback scheme, aiming to encourage wider adoption of clean energy and help families generate their own electricity.
Thailand’s Alcohol Control Committee has opened a public consultation on a draft regulation setting days when alcohol sales would be prohibited, with feedback accepted until May 30. The move signals a potential update to existing restrictions, while confirming that recent changes to daytime alcohol sales have not increased accident rates.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday confirmed that Thais will definitely view World Cup 2026 football games to be broadcast live from host countries in North America between next month and July.
Thailand is being urged to promote “active citizens” to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs) after new findings show they account for 70% of all deaths and impose an economic burden of B1.6 trillion.
Even if you don’t drink coffee, you will know that the coffee business has grown tremendously because coffee shops, either small or large, have been mushrooming. Due to the growth of this market, Thailand is set to host one of the world’s most influential coffee events – World Of Coffee Bangkok 2026.
Is 60 truly the perfect endpoint of a working life? This question is becoming ever more pressing as Thailand, and the broader Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, rapidly transform into a “super-aged society” – a definition for a country or society where 20% or more of the population is aged 65 or older.
U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday he would briefly pause an operation to help ships escape the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran. 
The Cabinet yesterday approved a draft emergency decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow up to 400 billion baht to address the impact of the energy crisis and support Thailand’s energy transition. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the decision was necessary because conflict in the Middle East had severely affected energy prices and economic activity worldwide.
Thailand’s condominium market in 2026 is facing pressure from all sides, including the domestic economy and external factors, particularly tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel that have pushed oil prices higher, significantly affecting the cost of goods and services, as well as the cost of living for Thai consumers.
An environmental advocacy organization, the Environmental Law Foundation (EnLAW), yesterday launched a nationwide campaign titled “Stop SEC Act & Land Bridge”, calling on the public to oppose the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC), or land bridge project, through an online petition.
More than 50% of farmer debtors are unlikely to fully repay their debts within their lifetime, largely because most of them are elderly, according to the Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research (PIER). The institute says a combination of debt relief measures is needed to address the issue.
Before we go too far down the road of new tourism taxes, it is worth pausing to ask a simple question. Are we really talking about something new, or are we revisiting an old idea that has already been tried, tested and, in many cases, quietly abandoned?
A tourist complaint has put photographers at Wat Arun back in the spotlight after visitors claimed they were told to move from public areas to make way for paying photo clients.
Bangkok food vendor curbs push city staple from the streets
Chinatown in Bangkok is one of the world’s most vibrant Chinese districts, famous for its atmosphere and energy. Visitors can explore Yaowarat Road, admire landmarks like China Gate and Wat Traimit, wander through Sampheng Lane, and enjoy a rich variety of street food after dark. 
In 2026, longevity tourism has shifted to focus on maximizing health span, with Thailand at the forefront. The country integrates medical innovation with cultural wisdom, addressing its aging society through proactive health management.
Starting times for the Hua Hin Marathon 2026 have been confirmed, with organizers expecting more than 3,500 runners to take part in the annual race on Sunday, May 10. The event will include four race distances and aims to raise funds for environmental conservation in the city.
Dear Doctors: I just read about people who are called super-agers and how they don’t have the memory problems that happen when you get older. Supposedly, they have more brain cells. Do you know if that’s true? The idea of super-agers is really interesting, and I want to know more.
Thailand is facing the risk of water shortages after its “source water” reserves, stored supplies used during the dry season, declined due to climate change and El Niño.
Thailand’s grassroots economy is facing a critical turning point as a “perfect storm” of soaring energy costs and stagnant consumer demand leaves a significant portion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on the verge of collapse.
By almost every traditional metric, Thailand is winning the digital race. From the neon-lit boardrooms of the Eastern Economic Corridor to the street-side stalls of Chiang Mai, the nation’s digital “plumbing” is among the most sophisticated in the world.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has been appointed to lead a government committee tasked with studying the proposed land bridge project within a 90-day timeframe, according to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
The housing market in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) continued to soften in 2025, with both demand and supply contracting year-on-year, according to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC).
Thailand is seeking to reposition its healthcare sector as a strategic investment engine, moving beyond a buyer-seller model toward long-term partnerships in clinical research, drug production, medical AI, and advanced healthcare technology.
Thai Union Group expects a positive outlook for the pet food business, although Thailand’s pet food export growth is expected to moderate this year.
The Koh Phi Phi islands in Thailand deliver some of the most breathtaking scenery you’re ever likely to see. Set in the Andaman Sea, they’re made up of dramatic limestone cliffs and white sand bays surrounded by turquoise waters filled with tropical fish.
Video of Railay Beach, Krabi
Bangkok’s Street Food Scene Is Disappearing
Stronger promotion of solar power by Thai authorities amid an energy crisis holds promise, but still faces challenges, say industry analysts. Clean energy is in the spotlight after global conflicts continue to push electricity prices higher, leaving households and businesses vulnerable to volatility.
Chief government whip Korrawee Prissananantakul yesterday expressed confidence that the Clean Air Bill, which lapsed with the previous House, will be approved by the cabinet within the set timeframe.
As wildfires swept through forests across Thailand, animals fled through smoke and flames. Experts urged the government to act more proactively to tackle the wildfires, particularly by adopting modern technology.
TotalEnergies ENEOS has entered into a long-term agreement with Jintana Intertrade, a garment manufacturer in Thailand, to supply solar power to its production facility. The two companies have signed a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) that will support the installation and operation of a 1.2 MWp solar photovoltaic system at the factory.
Hua Hin Hospital has reported positive feedback from amputees who have used the Thai-developed “dynamic prosthetic foot”, which enables them to walk and even run with a level of ease much closer to that of a natural foot.
A Hua Hin youth football tournament brought together 180 young players from schools in Hua Hin and Pran Buri yesterday. The inaugural Hua Hin Youth Football Championship for Literacy 2026 was held at Khao Takiab Stadium in Hua Hin.
Strict disciplinary action will be taken against officials implicated in the granting of preferential treatment for Chinese inmates at Bangkok Remand Prison late last year, the Department of Corrections (DoC) says.
Thailand pushes land bridge as energy hub to guard against Hormuz risk
While a majority of people in southern Thailand support the proposed land bridge megaproject, more than half say they have only a limited understanding of it, according to a Nida poll survey released yesterday.
According to the latest residential market survey by the Thai Real Estate Research and Valuation Information Center at the Agency for Real Estate Affairs Co., Phuket property has expanded sharply. Phuket is the second-largest real estate market, behind only Greater Bangkok.
Thailand’s smart devices industry is showing strong export momentum, with “mart home” exports soaring 86.5% in 2025 to US$19.17 billion, underlining the country’s growing role as a key production and export base for technology products, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) under the Commerce Ministry.
Deputy Transport Minister Sanphet Bunyamanee says he is pushing for a 5-billion-baht cruise terminal on Koh Samui in the southern province of Surat Thani, with a targeted completion date in 2032.
In Thailand, local wisdom and medical experts alike warn that pairing durian with certain substances can be physically taxing or even life-threatening. If you are planning to indulge, here are the three critical combinations you must avoid to stay safe.
Thailand has launched the “Amazing Green Journey” campaign to help move the country’s tourism industry toward sustainability, while encouraging consumers to adopt more environmentally responsible lifestyles and travel habits.
In the Nong Khaem Waste Management Center, western Bangkok, garbage trucks enter a waste-to-energy plant, where waste is converted into electricity. In the plant, no smoke can be seen from the towering chimney and there is no smell of garbage in the air.
The European Union (EU) will enforce new rules from 2027 requiring smartphones and other battery-powered devices to allow easier battery replacement, though the law does not necessarily mean handsets must return to removable back covers as many consumers assume. 
Does your morning coffee make you feel invincible? There may be some truth to that, as new research explains how coffee helps protect against aging and chronic disease.
Thailand has enough oil reserves to meet domestic demand for about 108 days, the Energy Ministry said yesterday, as global energy markets remained volatile amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Thailand’s minimum wage has risen by an average of just 1.7% per year over the past decade, with limited improvement in real incomes as rising living costs offset gains, according to analysis by Bnomics, the research unit of Bangkok Bank.
Thailand is accelerating plans to upgrade its southern rail network and revive cross-border links with Malaysia, as part of a broader push to position the country as a regional logistics hub.
Fruit export push — Commerce targets B179 billion in 2026
On health insurance for foreign populations, including both workers and tourists, Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said yesterday said that foreigners entering Thailand — whether for tourism, work or short cross-border visits — could become a major economic burden if they were unable to pay for medical treatment. He said the health insurance system could help fill that gap and offset the cost.
Why Thais can’t get enough of moo kratha — and why some can’t stand it
Eat your hearts out Pablo Escobar, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, and Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes. The richest cartel by far is still the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and its leaders also get to die in bed. But one of its oldest members, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has just quit. No notice, no explanations — just quit.
US President Donald Trump said yesterday he would raise tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union to 25% next week, accusing the bloc of failing to carry out its trade commitments with Washington. The planned increase would replace the previously agreed 15% tariff level under a US-EU trade arrangement reached last year. 
The United States is withdrawing 5,000 troops from NATO ally Germany, the Pentagon announced yesterday, as a rift over the Iran war widens between President Donald Trump and Europe.