- Hua Hin and Cha Am entertainment venues inspected/What It Costs To Stay At Hua Hin Wellness Retreat/Daddy Deli Group acquires Lawson Artisan Bakery/Hua Hin videos/Hua Hin videos/More breaks on power bills/In Thailand, phone brands are status symbols/Thai boy wins world coding titles
- THE IRAN WAR: Hormuz tensions threaten wider war/Trade war now the greatest risk
- ECONOMY: Thailand seeks more EU investment/Alliance Laundry Systems names Thailand key market
- TOURISM: Thailand foreign arrivals down 3.09%/Three tourism stimulus schemes/Phuket begins jet ski crackdown
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin and Cha Am entertainment venues inspected after Bangkok fire
What It Costs To Stay At Hua Hin Wellness Retreat
Daddy Deli Group acquires Lawson Artisan Bakery
Is Prachuap Khiri Khan The Most Underrated Thai Beach Town?
This sleepy, underrated Thai beach town stuns with its beauty! Come along with us for a mountain hike, new monkey friends, and the best Pad Thai. Video …
The Truth About Retiring in Hua Hin No One Talks About
Hua Hin doesn’t look like a typical retirement hotspot in Thailand. No loud nightlife, no hype, no constant tourist energy. On paper it looks almost too quiet… but that’s exactly why it works so well for long-term living.
If you’re considering retirement in Thailand, Hua Hin keeps appearing for a reason. It attracts long-term expats looking for stability, safety, and a slower coastal lifestyle. Compared to places like Pattaya, Chiang Mai, or Phuket, Hua Hin is different — it’s built for everyday living, not short-term excitement. Video …
Households get more breaks on power bills
In Thailand, phone brands are seen as status symbols
Nine-year-old Thai boy wins two world coding titles in Rome
US and Iran trade strikes as Hormuz tensions threaten wider war
CIMBT predicts trade war now the greatest risk
Thailand seeks more EU investment with infrastructure and FTA drive
Alliance Laundry Systems names Thailand key market for Southeast Asia expansion
Thailand foreign arrivals down 3.09% so far this year
Three tourism stimulus schemes await approval
Phuket begins jet ski crackdown, 23 offenders fined on first day
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Delhi Customs seize 6.37 kilograms of cannabis from Thailand flights – Continued …
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Seven Africans held in Bangkok immigration raid – Continued …
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Immigration Police Arrest 16 Chinese in Din Daeng – Continued …
About 500 feared dead after boats sink off Myanmar
Venezuela earthquake death toll nears 5,000 as families continue searching rubble
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
Baan Khun Por Food Court (Father’s House) on Soi 88, is one of the best places in Hua Hin for authentic local Thai food, international cuisine, great prices, live music and a really relaxed friendly local vibe. Open daily from 5 pm until midnight. If you’re visiting Hua Hin and want to try a variety of dishes all in one place, this is definitely a spot you shouldn’t miss. From sizzling stir-fries and fresh seafood to classic Thai favorites, there’s something here for everyone. 
Patio Old Town Market Hua Hin
A construction pile driving crane rig collapsed and fatally crushed a worker on Rama II Road, forcing authorities to completely close traffic in the affected area while emergency crews responded and began recovery operations.
The Yoovidhya family of Red Bull fame have retained the top spot as the richest in Thailand for the third consecutive year with a net worth of $47 billion, followed by the CP Group’s Chearavanont brothers with $36.6 billion, according to Forbes magazine.
Ayutthaya elephants win praise for waiting at red light
The Constitutional Court’s ruling yesterday that the emergency decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow 400 billion baht to tackle the impact of the energy crisis and support Thailand’s energy transition does not violate Section 172 of the Constitution has done more than unlock the government’s borrowing plan.
The June 2026 Retail Sentiment Index (RSI) survey pointed to a narrow-based recovery in Thailand’s economy after government measures provided short-term support to purchasing power.
Thailand and Malaysia have agreed to swiftly resolve a recent fisheries trade dispute that disrupted seafood exports between the two countries, with both governments aiming to reopen affected markets within a week.
Nestlé has announced plans to invest 23 billion baht in a new Nescafé factory in Thailand after terminating its joint-venture agreement with Quality Coffee Products Co. (QCP), the company that previously manufactured Nescafé products in the country. The 50:50 joint venture between Nestlé and the Mahagitsiri family ended on Dec. 31, 2024, leaving QCP without the right to continue producing Nescafé products.
Sumed Prasongpongchai, director-general of the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand, or GIT, said exports of gems and jewelry excluding gold were worth US$860.73 million in May, up 1.8% and extending growth for a third consecutive month. Including gold, exports were worth US$2.27442 billion, up 29.7%.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) met Israeli diplomatic representatives in Bangkok this week to discuss attracting more high-spending Israeli tourists to Thailand under its “Value over Volume” tourism strategy ahead of the coming travel season.
Thailand’s concert industry is growing rapidly, but so are complaints about ticket scalpers, scams, and organized groups buying up tickets before genuine fans have a chance.
Chiang Mai Ranked Third-Best City Worldwide
Chiang Mai, northern Thailand’s largest city, presents enduring Lanna heritage across living temples, artisan quarters, and surrounding mountain landscapes, underscoring its cultural and historical significance.Viewers encounter Chiang Mai travel context through Lanna architecture, historic temples in the Old City, and daily practices such as alms rounds and evening chants.
Why forest preservation begins with rewarding communities
Line Man Wongnai is stepping up its electric vehicle push in Thailand’s ride-hailing market, using a rental model to bring more drivers onto its Line Man Ride platform and piloting a new “Comfort” service for passengers seeking larger electric cars.
What happens to a PET bottle after it leaves the consumer’s hand can determine whether it becomes accumulated waste or raw material for a new product. In Thailand, a program created by Indorama Ventures, in partnership with Amata Corp., uses this path to transform used plastic packaging into school backpacks intended for children from communities near industrial hubs.
Government agencies and the private sector have taken a major step toward bringing international flights to Hua Hin Airport, with Thai AirAsia identifying four potential overseas routes. A Market Insights and Customer Insights Workshop was held on Friday, bringing together more than 60 tourism, hotel and hospitality operators from Hua Hin and Cha Am.
Hua Hin’s long-running push for international flights is now being tied to a wider plan to reposition the city as a year-round destination, rather than one reliant mainly on weekend visitors and domestic tourism.
Go bar hopping across some of the town’s best nightlife spots, including Hard Rock Cafe, the Hilton Rooftop Bar, Soi Bintabaht, Soi 94, Soi 80, Khao Takiab and more! From rooftop sunset drinks and live music to DJ bars and hidden local spots, this vlog captures the atmosphere of Hua Hin after dark. Also check out drink prices along the way to see what a night out in Hua Hin actually costs in 2026. 
Individual customers and businesses in Thailand are set to benefit from lower service fees charged by commercial banks and other financial institutions under a new regulation issued by the Bank of Thailand (BOT).
Thailand’s Egg Farmers’ Co-operative Network has announced a 20-satang increase in the farm-gate price of mixed-size eggs to 3.80 baht each, raising the cost of a 30-egg tray by six baht from today. The rate will remain in force until further notice.
The Commerce Ministry has vowed to intensify its crackdown on the illegal use of Thai nominees by foreign investors as part of a broader effort to protect fair competition and the country’s economic interests.
As policymakers debate whether Thailand should follow countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom in restricting children’s access to social media, many parents say the real battle is already taking place inside their homes.
Thailand’s real estate sector faces mounting pressure, as a prolonged property downturn, weak purchasing power, tight credit and higher energy costs continue to weigh on production, investment and employment.
The European Union’s new €3 customs fee on low-value e-commerce parcels may deal a blow to Chinese online giants such as SHEIN, Temu and AliExpress, but for Thailand the bigger question is whether the measure will create a new export opportunity — or trigger a fresh influx of cheap Chinese goods into ASEAN.
Investment in data centers, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, remains economically viable and attractive, but it must be evaluated in the context of three fundamental constraints, says Gartner Inc., a business and technology insights company.
Thailand’s Finance Ministry expects the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok to give the country a rare global platform to showcase its economic readiness, crisis-management capacity and investment potential.
Koh Tao arrivals set to top 800,000
Pattaya’s tourism sector is experiencing a particularly weak low season, with tourist numbers falling in Pattaya and Chon Buri, leaving many hotels unable to reach break-even occupancy levels. Many properties are reporting occupancy rates of just 15% to 20%, below the estimated break-even threshold of 40% to 50%.
A Thai man was arrested at Suvarnabhumi International Airport Saturday after police received complaints from 150 travelers who alleged they had paid for a pilgrimage tour to Saudi Arabia that never departed, with reported losses exceeding 4 million baht.
Ranong touted as premier destination for eco-tourism and wellness
It looked like a string bean at first. Wrapped around a branch behind a clutch of parked motorcycles, the snake’s chartreuse skin was just a few swatches brighter than the tall foliage it was trying to blend into. Thai-American snake expert Christopher Shannon caught it in the beam of his flashlight, quickly identifying it as an Asian long-nosed vine snake. Its pointy snout and slit-like pupils gave it, in his words, “binocular vision.”
Traveling in Thailand requires awareness of cultural etiquette, legal restrictions, and environmental factors. Key considerations include respecting local customs such as removing shoes, dressing modestly in temples, and avoiding gestures like touching heads or pointing feet.
Householders with solar rooftops can now apply to sell their excess power to electricity authorities. People in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan can file application to the Metropolitan Electricity Authority via the 
The Thai government says it is accelerating the restructuring of the country’s energy sector to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, expand renewable energy and strengthen energy security, while making Thailand more attractive to investors. The announcement comes as global demand for clean electricity continues to grow and governments compete to secure investment linked to low-carbon energy.
From dishes to furniture, electronics, toys, and even clothing, it feels like everything these days is made of plastic. Most plastics take decades, or even centuries, to break down. This means that even when properly disposed of, plastic items do not just go away.
Is Hua Hin Actually Worth It?
Embark on a culinary journey through Hua Hin with this ultimate food guide featuring the 10 best restaurants in the area. From hidden gems to popular street food spots, explore the authentic and exotic flavors that make Hua Hin a foodie’s paradise. Taste test must-try dishes and sharid top food recommendations.
Thailand has been placed on alert for heavy rain, flash floods and rough seas as Tropical Storm Maysak intensifies monsoon conditions across the country, despite the storm not being expected to move directly into Thailand.
With memory prices surging and new gadgets becoming more expensive, the smartest smartphone buy in Thailand in 2026 may not be the newest flagship but last year’s premium model — still fast and polished and far less likely to make your credit card need a lie-down.
The government’s “Thais Help Thais Plus” co-payment scheme has helped to revive the economy and stimulate spending in the food and beverage sector, according to two online food delivery operators.
Households in the northeast are still struggling, and confidence in the economy remains weak, according to a new poll that gave the government’s economic performance low marks.
Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC), said yesterday that Thailand’s exports in May were worth US$34.333 billion, up 10.6% and expanding for a 23rd consecutive month.
Sky Kanyarat was playing pool in the early hours of the morning in one of Thailand’s most famous red light districts when a middle-aged foreigner with a heavy gait approached her. She had often seen him walking past the bar where she worked in Pattaya, a city about a two-hour drive from Bangkok. But this was the first time Kanyarat had seen him come in.
Thailand will introduce tougher airport security measures based on a zero trust approach after a Thai airline cabin crew member was detained in Australia over alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The government said the case should not be viewed as an isolated incident but as a catalyst to strengthen aviation security across the entire air travel system.
Tourism operators in the south have urged the government to strengthen security measures after Malaysian tourists were injured in a roadside bomb attack in Tak Bai, although the incident has affected only a limited number of tour groups traveling to Hat Yai this weekend.
Kui Buri – Where the Wild still roams
Scientists and environmental groups warn the land bridge project could threaten fragile marine ecosystems and coastal communities in southern Thailand, while the government promises economic growth. 
Thailand is intensifying its efforts to combat global warming by steering investment toward green manufacturing. At the center of this strategy is the bio-, circular and green (BCG) economic model — a framework that aims to balance growth with sustainability.
Sustainability has moved beyond the language of annual reports. In Thailand, it is becoming something far more tangible: solar panels on factory roofs, biogas from production by-products, lighter packaging, smarter energy systems and industrial discipline that can be measured in tons of avoided carbon.
Thailand’s ambition to become a leading electric vehicle production hub in ASEAN has gained further momentum, with investment promotion approvals in the EV industry reaching 198 projects worth more than 137 billion baht as of May.
Thailand has been ranked the best country in Asia and ninth globally as a retirement destination in the Global Retirement Index 2026. Thailand was ranked ninth worldwide and first in Asia by International Living, a leading US media outlet specializing in overseas living and retirement.
Located in the heart of Thailand, Hua Hin offers a unique blend of traditional Thai culture and modern amenities, making it an attractive option for those looking to live in Thailand. From its stunning beaches to its vibrant nightlife, Hua Hin has something to offer for everyone.
Hua Hin has long been one of Thailand’s favorite beach getaways, known for its royal history, relaxed atmosphere, and easy access from the capital. But beyond the beach, the city has a lot more going on than you might expect.
A private pool villa in Hua Hin costs far less than the same home would on Phuket or Samui, and for many buyers it delivers more: quiet, space, a real community, and Bangkok two and a half hours up the road.
Bangchak Corp. (BCP) reduced the retail prices of two premium fuel products by 5 baht per liter from 5 am today. The price cut applies to:
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of heavy rain in parts of Thailand, with very heavy downpours possible in some areas of the east and the western side of the south today.
Thais genuinely enjoy playing the lottery. Even though the chances of winning the grand prize are staggeringly low, only one in a million, they buy more and more tickets every day.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday that 10 out of 11 Thai-flagged vessels and vessels chartered by Thai operators stranded in the Strait of Hormuz area after the closure announcement on Feb. 28, had now safely left the area.
Thailand’s total dependence on imported fertilizer has left its 16 million farmers dangerously exposed to global geopolitical shocks, according to industry leaders, state officials, and academics who gathered for a roundtable yesterday.
Thailand’s Cabinet has extended ultra-low property transfer and mortgage registration fees for another year, keeping a key housing stimulus measure in place as the government seeks to ease costs for homebuyers and support a fragile real estate recovery.
Thailand’s property market may be moving cautiously, but at the very top end developers are racing in the opposite direction. A new wave of branded residences — backed by global hotel, fashion, design and automotive names — is turning Bangkok, Phuket and resort destinations into a regional test ground for luxury homes sold not merely as places to live, but as managed, long-term collectible assets.
Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) decreased by 0.8% year-on-year to 101.18 points in May, due mainly to a slowdown in the domestic automotive sector, said the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE). The index increased from 92.76 points in April, however, when global conflicts and domestic challenges weighed on industrial activity.
Prachuap Khiri Khan is moving ahead with its wellness tourism strategy, with model communities selected across all eight districts as part of plans to develop the province as a wellness city. At a meeting yesterday at the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Public Health Office, officials reviewed work being carried out in each district to strengthen health services and support sustainable wellness tourism.
Bangkok was named the world’s most visited city for 2025 by Euromonitor International, drawing an estimated 30.3 million international arrivals, ahead of Hong Kong, London, Macao, and Istanbul. Thailand expects that number to climb further in 2026, with 34.9 million foreign visitors forecast and tourism revenue projected at 1.63 trillion baht, an 8% increase year on year.
These 3 Small Thai Towns Could Stretch Your Budget Further
“The future is fully electric,” the president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (Thailand), Christian Schell, declared, expressing his confidence in the automobile’s future path. This was emphasized in the first half of 2026 by the oil crisis, when people turned to buying electric vehicles (EVs) in fear of fuel shortages.
Global investment in the energy sector continued to expand, with total investment reaching US$3.3 trillion in 2025, the highest level on record. Of this, US$2.3 trillion went into clean energy, helping lift the share of renewables and nuclear power in global electricity generation to 42%. 
Andrea Canonico focused on her breathing to stay calm as she lay trapped under a building that had crumbled during the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week. Just 23 years old, Canonico spent almost 48 hours in the same position before being pulled out – alive. 
Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin has offered a first look inside its new Zone B building ahead of its official opening in early July. The expansion will add 50 inpatient rooms and upgraded specialist departments, including the Heart Center, Gastrointestinal and Liver Department, Health Check-up Unit, Internal Medicine Department and Dermatology Department.
The Sam Roi Yot Run 2026 drew more than 500 Thai and international runners to Sam Roi Yot Beach on Sunday for the seventh edition of the community race. The event was held under the theme “Through the villages, along the sea”.
Construction of the first 1.3-kilometer section of Thailand’s border fence with Cambodia in Chanthaburi is 45% complete, a parliamentary delegation has been told.
For decades, Thailand’s economic engine was driven by manufacturing and export-led industries. Today, the kingdom is decoupling its growth from the factory floor and tethering it to the server rack.
Thailand’s vehicle production fell sharply in May 2026, as weaker exports, particularly to the Middle East, weighed on the automotive industry, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Live commerce is becoming a more powerful sales channel for Thailand’s farm produce, with a joint TikTok and Department of Internal Trade (DIT) campaign pushing durian sales on TikTok Shop up 10.6-fold.
America celebrates its 250th birthday this week. The US is now the world’s most powerful country, and every word and signature of President Donald Trump can shape events around the globe.
Last year, I moved to Chiang Mai, a city known for what Thais have termed “slow life”. I’m almost five years living in Thailand, and came to the country’s second city for a new teaching job.
The ghostly white creature curled up on a weighing scale is almost unrecognizable in the Facebook post offering it for sale. Only closer inspection reveals it to be a dead pangolin.
People in the Philippines are flocking to install solar power on rooftops and escape the burden of soaring electricity prices, making it the world’s biggest spender on solar panels since the war in Iran started. 
Volkswagen management has told employee representatives that the job cuts already agreed are not enough, according to a works council note. The note said any further reductions had not yet been quantified, at least not to the employee side. 
Despite stricter laws, tougher penalties, and repeated safety campaigns, the country continues to rank among the most dangerous places in the world for road traffic deaths.
A Japanese travel content creator has gone viral after posting a video of an unexpected mishap at Hua Hin Railway Station, where a chair suddenly broke beneath him as he leaned back while waiting for a train.
Apple has officially increased prices across its Mac product line in Thailand, with adjustments now visible on the Apple Store Online and Apple Store app.
A reported attack on a cargo ship near Oman has renewed concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, just as shipping and oil flows through the vital waterway had begun returning toward pre-war levels.
Kirida Bhaopichitr, assistant Commerce minister, said the world has entered an era of a “new global order” in which international trade rules are becoming increasingly unstable and less anchored to the traditional framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Thailand’s exports expanded by 10.6% year-on-year in May, reaching a value of US$34,333.1 million (approximately 1.095 trillion baht), according to the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (TPSO).
Chinese investors’ growing appetite for factory sites in Thailand is reshaping the industrial land market in the Eastern Economic Corridor, with one planned industrial park in Chonburi now attracting close scrutiny over zoning, infrastructure demand, and possible gaps in state oversight.
Airports of Thailand Public Co. (AOT) has issued a long-term commitment to aggressively scale up the nation’s aviation ecosystem, pledging to expand its total airport capacity to handle over 160 million passengers annually within the next decade.
The Chinese Ambassador to Thailand is apparently not happy about Thais using the term “gray Chinese” to refer to Chinese nationals who engage in criminal activities in Thailand, and has made it known. Ambassador Zhang Jianwei feels the term made Thais appear “unfriendly” to Chinese visitors.
In 2026, Thailand is no longer defined solely by its beaches, temples, and tourism appeal. It has evolved into a global headquarters for a new kind of workforce — the digital nomad generation — earning a reputation as one of the world’s most attractive bases for remote professionals seeking both productivity and lifestyle.
Samui Tops Asia-Pacific Island Rankings
Thailand’s soft power shines through food, fun, and 5F charm
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan said at the “Energy Transition: Transitioning Thai Energy to a Low-Carbon Economy” seminar, under the topic “Thai Energy Direction and PDP 2026 Progress”, that discussions on energy transition often focus solely on electricity.
How electric tuk-tuks are powering Bangkok’s quiet mobility revolution
Rescue crews and residents are searching for hundreds of people trapped under the rubble of buildings yesterday, after back-to-back major earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern coast and caused devastation across the region. At least 188 people had been confirmed dead and 200 were trapped under rubble. 
The Commerce Ministry is preparing action against 140 “grey accountants” as part of a nationwide crackdown on the use of Thai nominees to conceal foreign ownership in restricted businesses.
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has issued new penalty guidelines that include license suspensions or revocations for cannabis businesses found to breach the department’s requirements.
The Thai baht opened the week at 32.94 per US dollar yesterday, drifting toward the psychologically significant 33 threshold as a confluence of external headwinds and domestic vulnerabilities battered sentiment.
Thailand’s exports posted double-digit growth in May but at a slower pace than April, a Commerce Ministry official said yesterday. Customs-cleared exports rose by 23.1% in April from a year earlier. May data is due later this week.
Thailand’s property market is seeing a major shift as developers move beyond simply delaying new launches and begin selling land and ready-to-develop projects to preserve liquidity.
Thailand’s luxury hotel sector is emerging as one of the country’s most attractive investment assets, as global economic uncertainty pushes investors toward properties seen as resilient, scarce, and capable of generating long-term returns.
Thailand’s world heritage-level performing arts have taken center stage in Europe and South Korea, as Khon, Nora, Songkran traditions, and Thai classical dance were showcased in Frankfurt and Seoul as part of a wider push to promote Thai cultural soft power overseas.
Tha Phra Chan clings to Thai herbal traditions
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced yesterday that he was resigning, paving the way for what is expected to be an orderly transfer of power to frontrunner Andy Burnham. 
Thailand is pursuing two major policy directions that appear to conflict with one another: opening its economy to foreign business while intensifying enforcement against foreign-linked property ownership structures.
Thailand is facing renewed calls to tighten regulations governing foreign condominium ownership as the government considers raising the foreign ownership quota in condominium projects to attract overseas investment and support a property market still struggling with a slowdown.
Elephants can certainly shift. African elephants can reach top speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour, albeit over short distances only. This is more than twice as fast as the average human runner, so it seems like an open and shut case.
Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) says it has intensified oversight of medical cannabis businesses nationwide, carrying out more than 1,200 inspections in recent weeks as authorities seek to ensure cannabis is used strictly for medical purposes.
Thailand is entering the second half of 2026 with a mixed economic signal: S&P Global Ratings has maintained the country’s sovereign rating at BBB+ with a stable outlook, but economists warn that pressure from oil prices, rising imports, fiscal deficits, and global uncertainty could keep the current account and the baht under strain.
Can Thailand’s Land Bridge Challenge Malacca and Redefine Asian Trade Routes?
Thailand’s exporters are heading into a more uncertain second half of 2026, with growth expected to slow as global trade risks pile up across energy, logistics, and major export markets.
China’s growing pet-friendly culture is creating a new export opening for Thailand, as demand for premium and health-focused pet food rises among Chinese consumers who increasingly treat pets as family members.
Italy has offered to employ 20,000-30,000 Thai workers a year to remedy labor shortages in three sectors, deputy government spokeswoman Patdarat Thongsaluaykorn said yesterday.
The government has reiterated that investments in data centers must not adversely affect local communities or the agricultural sector. According to government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek, the data center investment boom reflects the country’s potential to become a regional digital infrastructure hub, supporting the growth of cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce, fintech, and other digital services.
Thailand is redefining its annual green season, promoting the rainy months as a prime opportunity for wellness, nature-based experiences, and meaningful travel. Through its “Healing is the New Luxury” campaign, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is encouraging travelers to view the season not as an off-peak period, but as a time for restoration, reflection, and deeper connections with nature and local communities.
Authorities in Phuket are considering a proposal to raise the provincial tax on hotels from 1% to 3% of room rates to generate additional revenue for local development and tourism promotion.
Master the Art of Ordering Som Tum Like a Thai Local
Phangnga: Southern springboard to growth
The Great Hornbill forages in the treetops, usually living in pairs. Outside the breeding season, they can sometimes gather in flocks of up to 150, roosting in trees in valleys. However, they occasionally descend to the ground to forage. Their loud call, “Kok Kok Kok, Kahang Kahang Kahang” or “Kawa Kawa Kawa,” is the origin of their name. Great Hornbills are found in moist evergreen forests, dry evergreen forests, or mixed deciduous forests. 
Analyst urges shift away from fossil fuels