- Feedback Re: Hua Hin train station/New international school in Hua Hin/Hua Hin Jazz City Event/Thai Jet Ski Championship/Sam Roi Yot Run Fun Fest/’Super El Niño’ Threatens Historic Drought/PTT and Bangchak reduce prices/Government Defends Crime Crackdown/Thais embrace less-sweet drinks/Desperate Laos cave rescue
- ECONOMY: Surge in subsidy sign-ups/Labor market faces three shocks/GenAI’s impact on jobs/Long-term unemployment jumps/Thailand posts record trade deficit/Fears over Thai car exports/Chinese FDI’s Impact
- TOURISM: Overcharging hurts tourism/Middle East seat capacity plummets/Foreigners pose with sea turtle
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand’s Net-Zero Shift
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Re: Hua Hin train station
“Interesting event at the old station. Just sad that the building has been left to deteriorate since it closed. Badly in need of upkeep, maintenance.” – AB
New international school campus in Hua Hin to open August 2027
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.
Construction of the purpose-built international campus, located on Soi 112, began following a groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday. The new site is scheduled to welcome students from August 2027. Continued …
Hua Hin Jazz City Event to be held Friday-Monday
Hua Hin will be filled with the sound of jazz from May 29 to June 1, as the Hua Hin Jazz City Event returns with performances at venues across the city. But this event is a little different. There is no single main stage.
Instead, restaurants, bars, hotels and other venues across Hua Hin will become their own jazz stages, each offering a different atmosphere, sound, and style. Across the weekend, there will be more than 30 jazz performances. Continued …
Thai Jet Ski Championship in Hua Hin
The Thai Jet Ski Championship will return to Hua Hin May 28-31, with round two of the TOYOTA – WGP#1 Waterjet Pro Tour Thailand 2026 to be held at Suan Son Pradipat Beach.
The four-day event is part of Thailand’s main national jet ski championship, which is being staged across four rounds in different parts of the country. Hua Hin has been selected as the venue for the second round, following the opening round of the 2026 season, which took place in Nong Khai from in April. Continued …
Sam Roi Yot Run Fun Fest This Weekend
The Sam Roi Yot Run Fun Fest will take place at Sam Roi Yot Beach near Long Lay Market, offering distances of 21km (990 baht), 10km (850 baht) and 5km (750 baht). Organizers say the event will combine running with music, entertainment, and local seafood.
‘Super El Niño’ Threatens Historic Drought and Temperatures Above 45°C
Government agencies have placed Thailand under maximum environmental alert, warning that an intense “Super El Niño” phenomenon is set to trigger record-breaking heatwaves exceeding 45°C, alongside the most severe drought in the country’s recorded history.
Meteorological and water-management authorities issued critical joint declarations yesterday, confirming that the country is entering an unprecedented dry spell. The shifts are expected to disrupt agriculture, strain the national energy grid, and trigger severe public health hazards over the coming months. Continued …
PTT and Bangchak reduce petrol and diesel prices by up to 1 baht
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 new rates apply to retail fuel prices in Bangkok, excluding local maintenance tax. OR and Bangchak announced the reductions for benzine, gasohol 95, and gasohol 91, while diesel and premium diesel were lowered by 1 baht per liter. Continued …
Government Defends Crime Crackdown
The Thai government has defended its record on tackling transnational crime, Chinese criminal networks, and nominee business structures after criticism from the opposition People’s Party shadow cabinet. Deputy government spokeswoman Lallida Perdwivattana said the administration had already launched aggressive enforcement measures before the opposition’s public statements.
Lallida said the government under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had not ignored organized crime issues. She said authorities had intensified operations against Chinese criminal gangs, nominee businesses, proxy ownership schemes, and foreign influence networks in several key areas across Thailand. Continued …
Thais embrace less-sweet drinks as 30,000 branches cut sugar to 50%
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.
Data from several companies shows that consumers are clearly beginning to change how they order drinks, especially on menus where “normal sweetness” is set at 50% sweetness. Orders for “less sweet”, or 25% sweetness, and “no sugar” options have also increased. Continued …
Tham Luang divers describe desperate Laos cave rescue
Two cave diving specialists who yesterday attempted to survey a flooded cave in Laos’s Xaysomboun province, where seven Laotian gold miners have remained trapped since last Tuesday, described the interior passages as so narrow that they could not even crawl on their knees.
Thailand-based divers Mikko Paasi and Norrased Palasing entered the cave to conduct a test dive as part of efforts to reach the workers trapped inside after landslides and flooding caused by heavy rain blocked their exit route. Continued …
New subsidy sparks surge in sign-ups
The government hailed the overwhelming first-day response to its new “Thais Help Thais Plus” co-payment subsidy scheme, with more than 23 million people registering within hours. Authorities said system traffic peaked at a record 700,000 users per second as the program opened for registration nationwide.
The program, officially known as “Thais Help Thais Plus 60/40”, opened for registration at 6 am yesterday through the government’s “Pao Tang” mobile application. Public enthusiasm exceeded expectations, with 10 million people registering within the first 30 minutes alone. Continued …
Thailand’s labor market faces three shocks of war, AI, and EV shift
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 NESDC, said while overall employment was likely to improve on the back of expansion in agriculture and services, the latest figures also showed warning signs, particularly a rise in unemployment in the previous quarter. Continued …
8.7 million Thai workers exposed to GenAI’s impact on jobs
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”.
He said the NESDC had analyzed data from the Labor Force Survey (LFS) for the fourth quarter of 2025 together with an assessment framework for occupations at risk of being affected by Generative AI (GenAI), based on the study by Gmyrek et al. Continued …
Labor market warning as long-term unemployment jumps 27%
Thailand’s labor market showed signs of improvement in the first quarter of 2026, supported by growth in the agricultural and service sectors, but rising unemployment and structural pressure from new technologies remain key concerns, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has warned.
Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the NESDC, said during a briefing on Thailand’s social situation in the first quarter that overall employment had continued to recover. However, the latest figures also pointed to warning signs, particularly the rise in unemployment during the quarter. Continued …
Thailand posts record trade deficit as oil and China imports surge
Thailand posted what was described as a record trade deficit in April, as surging imports of oil, capital goods, and Chinese products outweighed another strong month for exports. The Ministry of Commerce reported that exports in April were worth US$31.583 billion, up 23.1% from a year earlier, marking the 22nd consecutive month of expansion.
Excluding oil-related products, gold, and military goods, exports rose 25.7%. Imports, however, climbed 45% to US$41.604 billion, leaving Thailand with a trade deficit of US$10.021 billion. Continued …
Fears over Thai car exports as Mideast war hits trade
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).
Earlier this year, the FTI’s Automotive Industry Club set a target of 1.5 million vehicles for 2026, including 950,000 units for export and 550,000 for domestic sales. Continued …
Chinese FDI’s Impact on Thai Industries and Supply Chains
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.
By 2023, rising Vietnamese labor costs and tightening rules-of-origin scrutiny prompted another rethink. This time, the answer was Thailand — specifically, a plot in the Thai-Chinese Rayong Industrial Park in the Eastern Economic Corridor, where over 100 Chinese manufacturers had already set up before them. Continued …
Overcharging hurts tourism
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.
It indicates an inability – or an outright unwillingness – by stakeholders across the operational chain to intervene, driven either by institutional inertia or vested interests. The systematic failure in question is tourist overcharging, which continues to tarnish the country’s reputation. Continued …
Middle East seat capacity plummets
Monthly seat capacity on routes between the Middle East and Thailand has fallen by 33.7% compared with the period before the Gulf war, prompting the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to diversify its markets to remain resilient.
With 14 airlines operating flights to Thailand, total seat capacity stood at 199,595 in May, down 33.7% from 300,902 prior to the conflict. For instance, Emirates has reduced the number of seats from Dubai to Bangkok by 20%, while maintaining traffic to Phuket at the same level. Continued …
Foreigners pose with Phuket sea turtle, raising online debate
Authorities are investigating a viral video of foreign tourists handling a sea turtle near Cape Panwa, Phuket. This raised immediate concerns over the welfare of protected marine wildlife. The footage shows tourists holding the turtle, prompting online debate about potential harm and legal implications.
The video sparked mixed reactions. Some criticized the tourists for interfering with marine life, while others noted the turtle appeared unharmed. Local fishermen indicated the turtle might have been a young one displaced by rough seas. They said these animals usually steer clear of people and boats. Continued …
EVs, Battery Swapping, and Solar Drive Thailand’s Net-Zero Shift
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.
The Cabinet has approved a draft executive decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow a total of 400 billion baht to address the energy crisis and support the country’s energy transition. Of this amount, 200 billion baht will be allocated to the “energy transition” program. Continued …
-
Foreign Woman Leaves Restaurant Bill Unpaid in Phuket – Continued …
-
Malaysian Caught Smuggling Live Animals at Bangkok Airport – Continued …
-
Chinese suspect vanishes after violent attack on transwoman in Pattaya – Continued …
US strikes Iran again as pressure mounts to resume peace talks
As President Donald Trump faced mounting pressure yesterday to finalize a peace deal with Iran, the U.S. military carried out strikes in the southern region of the Middle Eastern country. The renewed strikes came after Trump began lowering expectations that a deal was near. Continued …
China now home to more people over 65 than children
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. 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
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
Thai economists are expressing concern that the government’s much-touted-but-stalled land bridge project will neither be a success nor boost the economy as they hope. Some suggest that the Thai government should first revive existing economic projects left unfinished.
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.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth downplayed the U.S. military’s new effort to clear the Strait of Hormuz as a “temporary mission” that does not break the ceasefire with Iran, even after the Pentagon said it sank half a dozen small Iranian boats.
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.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said Thailand and the United States have agreed to move forward with talks on a reciprocal trade agreement after discussions with senior US trade officials. Suphajee made the remarks after meeting US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer on Monday.
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.
Thailand’s electric pickup market is shifting into high gear, fueled by a mix of global energy pressures and domestic policy support, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
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.
Thailand’s medical device industry is facing potential supply shortages by July due to rising costs influenced by global energy instability and restricted exports from China. Jarudech Kunadilok, chairman of MEDIC, highlighted that soaring logistics expenses and increased prices for essential materials like plastic resins threaten production.
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.
Thailand’s tourism sector is facing an unprecedented convergence of crises, as geopolitical tensions, soaring energy costs, and structural economic weaknesses collide to form what analysts are calling a “perfect storm.”
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.
Thailand’s renewable long-stay visa scheme for foreign condominium buyers is unlikely to be a decisive factor in attracting overseas investment, according to a property market expert, saying that decisions are driven more by lifestyle, education, and regulatory clarity. Laurent Richer, chief financial officer of an online property platform, Fazwaz, said the visa policy acts as an enabler rather than a core incentive.
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. 
Thailand is widely perceived as a relatively safe destination compared with many countries at similar income levels, yet risk profiles vary considerably between cities. For expats and digital nomads planning a medium to long-term stay, understanding which Thai cities offer the most predictable and manageable safety environment is critical.
The Ministry of Energy is pressing ahead with a major overhaul of the entire electricity tariff structure for the first time in more than 20 years. Its plan to introduce a new tiered tariff structure is creating ripples for households using more than 400 units a month and for the business sector.
The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has unveiled a nationwide contingency plan to mitigate the potential impact of a looming Super El Nino, warning that hotter temperatures and below-normal rainfall could threaten crops, water supplies, and rural incomes this year.
Thailand’s automotive industry showed fresh signs of recovery in March, as total vehicle production rose to 133,413 units and domestic sales were boosted by strong demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, according to the Federation of Thai Industries.
The information center of LWS Wisdom and Solutions Co. has pointed to a new picture of the property market in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), saying it is moving from growth driven by investment and infrastructure stimulus toward a housing market powered by “real demand” from the workforce and industrial sector. This has significantly changed the equation for project development and property investment in the area.
The battle for Thailand’s skincare market is intensifying as local and international beauty brands race to capture consumers who are spending more on science-based, skin-health-focused products.
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is advancing plans to integrate medical cannabis into the country’s health economy. This initiative aligns with recent changes in U.S. cannabis policy, as the U.S. eases restrictions on certain cannabis products.
Searches for short-haul travel destinations have risen sharply ahead of Thailand’s upcoming long weekend from April 30 to May 4, covering Labor Day and Coronation Day. The trend reflects growing demand for convenient, budget-conscious holidays, with Thai travelers showing stronger interest in both domestic destinations close to Bangkok and nearby international cities.
The National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) will meet tomorrow to consider a plan to buy more solar power from households and businesses, with the intention of encouraging people to generate their own electricity.
The industrial sector in Bangkok is seeing a noticeable shift as factories and warehouses begin turning their rooftops into productive financial assets through solar power installations. This change is being driven by rising electricity costs and supportive government policies, making solar energy an increasingly attractive option for businesses in Thailand’s capital and nearby areas.
Representatives of about 50 governments meet in Colombia today for the first international talks on phasing out planet-heating fossil fuels, against a backdrop of the Iran war and a global energy crunch.
Police have arrested two Chinese tourists accused of carrying out a gold shop robbery in Nakhon Ratchasima, stealing rings worth about 300,000 baht before fleeing. The suspects were detained later the same day in Bangkok after investigators traced their getaway vehicle. The stolen items were recovered and authorities are preparing legal proceedings. 
The man who authorities say tried to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner with guns and knives was charged yesterday with the attempted assassination of US President Donald Trump, as federal authorities suggested an attack that disrupted one of Washington’s glitziest events had been planned for at least several weeks. 
Australia unveiled draft laws today that would tax tech giants Meta, Google, and TikTok unless they voluntarily strike deals to pay local outlets for news. Traditional media companies around the world are in a battle for survival as readers increasingly consume their news on social media. Australia wants big tech companies to compensate local publishers for sharing articles that drive traffic on their platforms. 
The death toll from a train collision near the Indonesian capital Jakarta has risen to 14, with another 84 injured, the train operator said today, as rescuers worked to extract survivors still trapped in the wreckage. The collision between a commuter train and a long-distance train happened late yesterday in Bekasi, just outside Jakarta. 
Hua Hin is exploring the use of CCTV with AI-enabled facial recognition systems as part of plans to strengthen public safety and modernize urban management. The proposal was discussed during a meeting chaired by Nopporn Wutthikul on Friday at Hua Hin City Municipality.
Five stray dogs were found dead after suspected poisoning in a residential area of Cha Am municipality, Phetchaburi, on Friday, prompting concern among local residents and calls for authorities to investigate. The animals were discovered lying on the road and nearby grass, showing signs of severe distress, including foaming at the mouth, bleeding, and loss of bodily control.
A senior doctor has warned that eating raw shrimp can lead to serious parasitic infection, after a case highlighted the risks beyond common food poisoning. Yesterday, Dr. Jessada Bunyawongviroj, deputy director of Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, shared details of a patient who developed gnathostomiasis after consuming raw seafood. The condition caused swelling that moved across the body, as parasites migrated under the skin.
Thailand’s Ministry of Energy is preparing to propose a new electricity pricing scheme to the cabinet, aimed at reducing costs for households that use no more than 200 units per month. Under the plan, these users would pay less than 3 baht per unit, with lower consumption leading to progressively cheaper rates, potentially benefiting around 14 million people.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties with the United States following talks with US Ambassador to Thailand Sean O’Neill on Friday.
Thailand’s famed massage industry is getting a reset. Last month, the government rolled out sweeping reforms to raise standards, improve training, and reshape its global image. In 2024, Thailand’s wellness tourism spending hit US$14 billion, up 36% from the previous year. This video looks at whether the changes will lift the sector or price it out of reach. 
The water has dried, the streets have cleared, and the music has faded, but for many long-term visitors in Pattaya, the aftermath of this year’s Songkran has left behind more frustration than fond memories.
The sights, sounds, and smells of Bangkok hit me immediately and simultaneously. The spiced aromas wafting from street food vendors mixed with the heavy traffic’s gasoline fumes. My head was constantly on a swivel, captured by the neon lights in Chinatown contrasting against the gold facades of the centuries-old wats (temples).
10 high-sodium Thai dishes that may quietly harm your kidneys
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with strategic partners, successfully concluded the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC) 2026 in Phuket last week.
Phuket has been selected as the pilot province for a new nationwide push to transform Thailand’s hotel sector into a model of sustainable tourism, with the Bank of Thailand launching a major green financing initiative aimed at reshaping the industry.