- Hua Hin to Khon Kaen flights/Nakhon Pathom to Pranburi roadway/Soi 102 flooding issues/World Cup matches in Thailand/Makro Expands QR Credit Card Payments/Swedish Church representatives visit Hua Hin//Floods hit Krabi, Phang Nga, and Trang/Situation ‘fragile’ at Cambodian border/Thai gold opens lower
- THE IRAN WAR: U.S. Strikes Iran Again/BOT affirms baht stability
- ECONOMY: Thai chamber proposes 10 urgent measures/Thai household income falls/Thailand GDP forecast to 1.6%-2.0%/Thailand’s misleading growth story/Greater focus on foreign investors/New shrimp markets/New data center investment/New Bangkok city plan
- TOURISM: TAT forecasts 33 million foreign tourists/Tourism levy in 3rd quarter/Three Phuket hotels raided
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Return to Khao Yai/Thailand’s best beaches/Thailand’s Highland Communities
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand’s Low-Carbon Economy
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
EZY Airlines Hua Hin to Khon Kaen flights under review
Private sector officials in Khon Kaen have proposed new Khon Kaen-Hua Hin flights as part of plans to improve air links between the northeast and key tourism and economic centers.
Natthiya Tantasuk, president of the Khon Kaen Tourism and MICE Assn. and chair of the Tourism Industry Council of Khon Kaen, said discussions were held on June 8 with Thani Tharaphak, chief executive officer of EZY Airlines. Continued …
Nakhon Pathom to Pranburi roadway discussed
The Department of Highways held a public consultation meeting yesterday in Hua Hin on the review study for Motorway No. 8, the proposed Nakhon Pathom–Pranburi route, covering the Cha Am–Pranburi section.
The project involves hiring consulting engineers to review the economic feasibility study, conduct surveys, prepare detailed designs, and assess environmental impacts for the Cha Am–Pranburi section of Intercity Motorway No. 8. Continued …
Soi 102 flooding issues addressed
Hua Hin Municipality has carried out work to address Hua Hin flooding on Soi 102 after problems with standing water and slow drainage affected local roads and nearby agricultural areas.
City officials visited the area yesterday to monitor the situation and oversee work to open drainage channels in areas where water had built up and was not draining properly. Continued …
Monomax to show all World Cup matches in Thailand
Jasmine International (JAS) has officially secured the broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Thailand, just hours before the first match kicks off, ensuring that all 104 matches will be available to football fans.
The announcement marks the end of prolonged uncertainty over whether fans in Thailand would have legal access to the tournament, which begins on June 11 and runs until July 19, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Continued …
Makro Expands QR Credit Card Payments Nationwide with Visa, Mastercard
Makro, a leading wholesale business under CP AXTRA, is making everyday shopping easier, faster, and more secure for millions of Thai customers with the nationwide launch of QR Credit Card Payment at Makro.
Developed in collaboration with Visa and Mastercard, and supported by leading Thai banks, the service has gone live across all Makro branches nationwide. The new payment solution allows customers to pay with their credit card directly through their mobile phone at checkout, without the need to present a physical card. In collaboration with Visa and Mastercard credit cards, and leading financial institutions across Thailand, the payment solution at Makro provides the full benefits of credit card usage and rewards options. Continued …
Swedish Church representatives visit Hua Hin
Representatives from the Swedish Church are visiting Hua Hin from June 12-16 for baptisms, home visits, hospital visits, and meetings with local businesses, the church announced.
The visit is part of the Swedish Church’s Mobile Priest in Asia program. During their stay, priest Olof Olsson and church representative Marie will be available to meet members of the local community. According to the announcement, the visit will include pastoral services and outreach activities in the Hua Hin area. Continued …
Floods hit Krabi, Phang Nga, and Trang
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has reported heavy rain and overflowing waterways in Krabi, Phang Nga, and Trang, with floodwater entering homes in several areas.
The department has ordered provincial DDPM offices and regional disaster prevention and mitigation centers to closely monitor the situation, issue warnings, and provide swift assistance to affected residents. Continued …
Situation ‘fragile’ at Cambodian border as Chinese tanks arrive
The situation along the Thai-Cambodian border remains fragile, but is still under control, says National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-general Chatchai Bangchuad. His comments came amid reports that China had delivered T-59D tanks to Cambodia.
Chatchai said officials had agreed conditions remained sensitive. However, local authorities on both sides were still able to communicate and manage problems on the ground, he said. Continued …
Thai gold opens B1,150 lower as global prices slide
Thai gold prices fell sharply at the market open today, with bullion dropping by 1,150 baht per baht-weight as global gold prices came under renewed pressure.
The Gold Traders Assn. announced its first price adjustment of the day, cutting domestic gold prices in one move after a volatile session yesterday. The latest adjustment brought the selling price of gold bullion to 63,900 baht per baht-weight, down from the previous day’s final level of 65,050 baht. Continued …
U.S. Strikes Iran In Second Day Of Renewed Fire
The United States launched a second round of airstrikes on Iran into this morning after President Donald Trump warned that Tehran would “pay the price” for stalled negotiations.
The new assault across multiple cities comes as efforts to negotiate an end the war again appeared stuck, with Iran insisting it would maintain its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted global energy supplies and sent oil prices higher. Continued …
BOT affirms baht stability despite US-Iran market pressure
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has affirmed that the baht situation and Thailand’s external position remain strong, even as pressure from the conflict between the United States and Iran has caused the baht to weaken slightly.
The currency is still moving with stability, unlike Indonesia, which called an emergency meeting to raise interest rates to curb the depreciation of the rupiah. Continued …
Thai chamber proposes 10 urgent measures for Thai economic revival
Poj Aramwattananont, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, said yesterday, after talks with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the government’s economic agencies at Government House, that discussions with the government had covered strategies for reviving the Thai economy in 2026.
He said the business sector was facing severe challenges from geopolitical factors and economic volatility, affecting energy and logistics costs. A survey had found that business operators, especially SMEs, which form an important foundation of the country, had been hit hardest. Continued …
Thai household income falls for first time in six years
The SCB Economic Intelligence Center (SCB EIC) of Siam Commercial Bank has set out its view on Thai household vulnerability based on findings from the latest nationwide household survey. It found that incomes had shrunk, spending had been cut, and reliance on assistance and debt remained high despite some easing, putting pressure on consumption ahead.
Thai households are adjusting to a heavy debt burden and face six structural vulnerabilities that could become a drag on the Thai economy. It found that Thai households were facing structural vulnerabilities that could become a major drag on the Thai economy in the period ahead. Continued …
JSCCIB raises Thailand GDP forecast to 1.6-2.0%
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has raised its forecast for Thailand’s 2026 economic growth to 1.6%-2.0%, supported by the 170-billion-baht “Thais Help Thais Plus” stimulus scheme.
The committee also lifted its export growth forecast to 8%-10%, while warning that Thailand’s economy remains K-shaped, with the technology sector growing strongly but most businesses still facing high costs and weak purchasing power. Continued …
Thailand’s misleading growth story
Thailand’s quarterly GDP growth rate was 1.2% in the third quarter of 2025, rising to 2.5% in the fourth quarter, and further to 2.8% in the first quarter of 2026, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).
Judging from these figures, most people would conclude the economy is on the path to recovery, as higher growth rates are generally associated with stronger economic performance. The government even campaigned under the slogan “Cannot take being richer anymore”. Today, that slogan appears to be little more than a joke. Continued …
Call for greater focus on foreign investors
Amid rising global uncertainty, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has urged the government to step up efforts to attract foreign investors and encourage multinational companies to relocate their operations to Thailand.
Following a committee meeting yesterday, Payong Srivanich, chairman of the Thai Bankers’ Assn., said businesses worldwide face growing risks from the prolonged war in the Middle East. Continued …
Government scrambles for new shrimp markets
The government is seeking new markets for Thai shrimp after Malaysia announced an import suspension earlier this month, says Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun. Malaysia has suspended imports of five shrimp species from Thailand, starting June 1.
Suphajee said the ministry must urgently seek alternative markets to absorb the 300–400 tons of shrimp previously exported there each month. Continued …
Gulf prepares new data center investment
Gulf Development, Thailand’s largest energy company by market value and a major telecom operator, has announced plans to invest in new data centers with a combined capacity of 100 megawatts this year, underscoring its ambition to become a regional leader in digital infrastructure and cloud services.
Smith Banomyong, chief strategy officer at Gulf, said feasibility studies have begun for 1-2 additional projects, with final decisions expected before the end of the year. The expansion is part of Gulf’s broader target to reach roughly 2,000MW of service capacity within 3-5 years. Continued …
New Bangkok city plan set to boost high-rise projects in Thonburi
The drafting of Bangkok’s new comprehensive city plan, the fourth revision, is expected to take effect around late 2027 and bring major changes to land-use rules in several areas.
The changes are expected to benefit landowners and developers by increasing land values and allowing more intensive development in line with rising land prices. While northern and eastern Bangkok are seeing significant changes, Thonburi, or the capital’s western and southern zones, is also set to benefit from future development. Continued …
TAT forecasts 33 million foreign tourists
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said today that Thailand’s tourism situation had been affected by unrest in the Middle East, which had pushed up oil prices, increased the cost of goods, and affected the global economy.
As a result, TAT forecasts 33 million foreign tourists in 2026, generating B1.55 trillion in revenue, and 200.4 million domestic person-trips, generating B1.1 trillion. For the overseas market, in the first five months, foreign tourists traveling to Thailand totaled 14.03 million, close to the 14.36 million recorded in the same period of 2025, a slight decline of 2.3%, generating B679.274 billion in revenue. Continued …
Tourism levy now planned for the 3rd quarter, outbound fee suspended
Thailand is moving closer to introducing its long-delayed foreign tourism levy, with officials targeting a third-quarter launch and considering airline collection alongside visitor insurance coverage.
At the same time, the government has suspended a proposed B1,000 overseas departure charge on Thai travelers. The measure had been approved by the Cabinet but was later put on hold. The Ministry of Finance is now studying other ways to raise revenue. Continued …
Three Phuket hotels raided over alleged illegal operations
The Department of Provincial Administration’s special operations team has raided three major accommodation operators in Phuket accused of running hotel businesses without licenses.
The urgent operation targeted properties in the popular tourist areas of Karon and Rawai in Mueang Phuket district. Officials said the raids were part of the Interior Ministry’s social-order campaign and broader efforts to tackle corruption, influential figures, and unlawful business networks. Continued …
Return to Khao Yai Reveals Why Thailand’s Nature Escape Keeps Getting Better
Returning to Khao Yai after a previous visit, I was immediately reminded why this region remains one of Thailand’s most enduring travel destinations. Just a few hours from Bangkok, the landscape changes dramatically from urban congestion to rolling hills, forests and mountain views.
The contrast is particularly noticeable in the air itself. After spending weeks in the capital, the fresh countryside atmosphere felt like a welcome reset. Continued …
Thailand’s best beaches, and when to visit each one
Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world, and that is both the appeal and the problem. If you are looking for the perfect beach, Thailand offers options for every traveler, with hundreds of them spread across two coastlines, dozens of islands ranging from overdeveloped to barely touched, and more opinions online than anyone has time to read.
The best beaches in Thailand span two very different coastlines, and the Andaman side is where most of the dramatic scenery lives. Railay is a peninsula cut off from the mainland by limestone cliffs and reachable only by longtail boat from Ao Nang, about 15 minutes away. Railay West has the best swimming and some of the finest sunsets on the Andaman. Continued …
How Thailand’s Highland Communities Are Taking Local Wisdom Global
In the emerald hills of northern Thailand, a cultural renaissance is quietly unfolding. At the Highland People Discovery Museum in Chiang Mai’s Rama IX Lanna Park, the air recently buzzed with the sights, sounds, and scents of the 2026 Highland Ethnic Festival.
This three-day event, held in March, was more than just a celebration; it was a sophisticated bridge connecting centuries-old wisdom with the modern global marketplace. Continued …
Thailand: Building a Competitive Low-Carbon Economy
Thailand is accelerating its transition to a low-carbon economy, rolling out a series of policies, regulatory reforms, and investment incentives designed to align economic growth with environmental sustainability.
The multi-tiered reforms reflect a broader recognition among policymakers that long-term competitiveness will depend on how effectively the country can cut greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen climate resilience, and respond to rising global expectations on sustainability. Continued …
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Nigerian Drug Boss Suspect Arrested in Bangkok – Continued …
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Israeli Suspect Held at Samui Airport Over Phangan Land Case – Continued …
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Israeli Fugitive Held in Bangkok for Deportation – Continued …
‘I love the inflation’: Backlash greets latest Trump comment
US President Donald Trump yesterday brushed off concerns about consumer inflation surging to a fresh three-year high in May, on the back of soaring energy prices caused by his war in Iran. “The numbers were great… I love the inflation,” Trump told reporters. Continued …
Russian conscripts recount pressure to fight in Ukraine
After Russian police started using facial-recognition cameras to identify men wanted by military authorities, a young bank worker spent weeks avoiding the Moscow metro. But on a snowy Friday evening in late 2024, heavy traffic pushed him underground to visit his mother. At the next station, two officers entered the carriage and detained him for draft evasion. Continued …
SpaceX on cusp of record IPO that could make Musk a trillionaire
SpaceX enters the final stretch today before its expected trading on Wall Street as part of the biggest initial public offering in history, which could propel co-founder Elon Musk to trillionaire status. 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 government will cut electricity tariffs to no more than 3 baht per unit for the first 200 units, starting from the June billing cycle, in a cost-of-living relief measure expected to benefit more than 20 million households nationwide.
Egg prices in Thailand have risen by 20 satang per egg from yesterday, as poultry farmers come under growing pressure from higher feed and maize costs. The Central Region Small-Scale Egg-Layer Farmers Trade Assn. said the latest price movement reflects rising production expenses rather than an increase in the recommended farm-gate ceiling.
One in three Thai children cannot read properly by the age of ten. Youth unemployment is rising. And the workforce needed to power Thailand’s next decade of growth is simply not being trained. Against this backdrop of mounting urgency, a roundtable yesterday brought together some of the country’s foremost voices in education, policy, academia, and student leadership to confront what many are now calling a systemic crisis.
Thailand is being warned that its economic challenge is no longer only about whether growth will recover in the second half of the year, but whether the country can reform fast enough before today’s structural risks turn into a deeper crisis. The warning comes as economists and business leaders point to a shift in Thailand’s long-standing economic strengths.
Thaniwan Kulmongkol, president of the Thai Restaurant Assn., said the association submitted a letter directly to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, asking him to consider expanding eligibility or introducing additional measures for small restaurant operators with annual revenue above 1.8 million baht, who are currently unable to join the Thais Help Thais Plus scheme.
The outlook for the restaurant industry in the third quarter remains pessimistic, with high costs, weak consumer spending power, and a potential drop in tourist numbers continuing to loom over the industry.
Grab and Line Man Wongnai are competing strongly to become market leaders in a duopolistic market amid a challenging economy, with the latter slashing fees to attract merchants.
Pimjai Leeissaranukul, chairperson of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), revealed an overview of the Thai industrial sectors trend during the second quarter of 2026. S
Multiple Thai airlines have canceled approximately 3,800 flights due to skyrocketing jet fuel prices, spurred on by the prolonged crisis in the Middle East. The crisis has led to jet fuel becoming 2 to 3 times more expensive than normal, thereby pushing up the airlines’ fuel costs and other operating costs.
Luxury Golf Escapes: The Finest Courses in Hua Hin
Every year, Time Out publishes the results of its international survey ranking the world’s best cities. To get there, we surveyed thousands of city dwellers and asked them to rate their city’s food scene across 18 different criteria, including quality, affordability and diversity.
The plan to allocate 200 billion baht toward energy transition, focusing on rooftop solar systems and battery-powered vehicles, has raised concerns among economists and lawmakers over transparency and feasibility.
Oceans are in a “deepening crisis” that demands urgent global action, a major UN report warned yesterday, with seas warming and rising faster, ice cover shrinking, and marine ecosystems under mounting strain.
Hong Kong will soon open its first convenience store operated by a humanoid robot as part of the city’s push to integrate AI into everyday life and deepen residents’ understanding of the technology, the finance chief has said. 
Registration has opened for the Hua Hin International Half Marathon 2026, with runners invited to sign up for the event, which will take place on Sunday. July 19.
A 42-year-old former factory worker died after being bitten by a centipede in Si Racha, Chon Buri, with her partner claiming they could not afford treatment after discovering her social security coverage had expired.
The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) today filed a lawsuit against Meta, the owner of Facebook, covering both its Thailand office and headquarters. The council accused the platform of allowing scam advertisements and online fraud to spread continuously, despite discussions and repeated calls for stronger preventive measures over more than a year.
More airlines could face insolvency or be taken over by stronger rivals as jet fuel prices rise because of the conflict in the Middle East, Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Assn. said on Saturday.
Commerzbank’s FX analysts note that the USD/THB exchange rate experienced a decline to 32.55, primarily attributed to portfolio inflows. This movement occurred despite Thailand’s April trade deficit widening significantly to a record USD10.0 billion.
Thailand’s industrial estate market showed strong signs of recovery in the first quarter of 2026 despite global economic volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, according to the latest report from Colliers Thailand.
Thai businesses are increasingly exploring opportunities in Russia despite concerns over sanctions, payment restrictions, and potential repercussions for companies with links to Western markets, as Thai delegates attended the St. Petersburg International Economic (SPIEF).
Dozens of dead cubs found at Thai tiger temple
Where street food shapes the region’s top culinary cities
Energy authorities are preparing to expand Thailand’s electricity generation capacity amid mounting concerns that rising demand from resource-intensive businesses, particularly data centers, could strain the national grid.
A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines this morning, killing at least one person, collapsing buildings, and sparking tsunami warnings across the region. Authorities in the Philippines and Indonesia urged residents in affected coastal regions to move to higher ground immediately. 
Residents of St. Petersburg were told not to leave their homes after a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack targeted Russia’s second-largest city Saturday morning, underscoring Kyiv’s growing ability to hit deep inside Russia. The attack came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin refused an offer to meet his Ukrainian counterpart. 
U.S. President Donald Trump stormed out of an interview with NBC airing yesterday after a heated exchange during “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker”. The interview ended abruptly when Trump – after repeating unsubstantiated claims that U.S. elections are “rigged”- walked out after calling Welker, her show, and other U.S. TV networks “crooked.” 
UK Pensions Minister Torsten Bell has updated MPs on the impact of the frozen state pension policy on British retirees living overseas, including thousands based in Thailand. The policy affects nearly half a million UK pensioners who live in countries where annual state pension increases under the triple lock do not apply.
Fuel prices fell across major petrol, gasohol, and diesel products today, after PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp. announced a fresh round of retail price cuts.
Thailand is facing widespread rain and possible flash floods, as a relatively strong southwest monsoon continues to cover the Andaman Sea, the country, and the Gulf of Thailand, while a low-pressure cell remains over upper Myanmar.
The recent crackdown on alleged nominee structures linked to foreign land ownership on Koh Phangan has reignited debate over long-standing concerns in Thailand’s property sector, particularly in resort destinations popular with overseas buyers.
Thailand’s export engine is running hot — powered by electronics, AI-related demand, and a rebound in agriculture. But imports are running even hotter, especially in energy and electronic components, pushing the trade deficit to unprecedented levels.
Thailand’s flagship land bridge project has suffered a significant setback after an expert review committee ordered fresh Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (EHIA) studies for planned deep-sea ports in Ranong and Chumphon. The ports are key components of the proposed transport corridor linking the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
The Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has reported the success of Thailand’s film incentive measures for foreign productions. Since 2017, a total of 100 foreign film productions from 12 countries and special administrative regions around the world have joined Thailand’s cash rebate scheme.
TAT launches ‘Wild Awake Journey’ to promote green-season conservation travel
Thai Airways International (THAI) has confirmed it will resume direct Bangkok-Amsterdam flights from July 1, expanding its international network as the carrier works to strengthen links between Thailand and Europe.
Shining beacon or failed city? Next four years could reveal Bangkok’s fate
Thailand pushes climate action at World Environment Day
As the war in the Strait of Hormuz continues to create havoc, Asia remains the worst hit by the global energy crisis. Whether it’s a large economy like Japan or China, or a struggling economy like Sri Lanka or Pakistan, the same fate holds.
CP ALL is inviting consumers across Thailand to take part in its environmental campaign, “Heal the World, Heal the Heart 24 Hours at 7-Eleven,” running from now until the end of 2026. The initiative encourages customers to adopt simple eco-friendly habits, such as reducing plastic consumption, in exchange for special rewards and loyalty points at 7-Eleven stores nationwide.
Authorities launched a multi-agency operation in Pai, Mae Hong Son province, targeting suspected foreign nominee business networks accused of concealing ownership structures and depriving local residents of business opportunities. The operation resulted in the arrest of three foreign nationals and searches at five locations linked to suspected illegal business activities. 
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a US$518-million emergency action plan to control the Ebola outbreak in Africa over the next six months, amid concerns that the outbreak is spreading rapidly and has become the fourth-largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded. 
Fuel prices in Thailand rose today after PTT Oil and Retail Business, or OR, and Bangchak Corp. adjusted retail prices across petrol, gasohol and diesel products. The increases apply to Bangkok retail prices, excluding local maintenance tax.
We often think of cancer as just bad luck or purely genetic, something inevitable. But what if the way we live is actually the biggest factor?
A national park in Thailand has not one but three reasons to celebrate after confirming a rare Bengal tiger is raising a trio of cubs in the protected area. Park rangers first spotted a single cub with its mother on a camera trap last year in Kaeng Krachan National Park, around 130 kilometers (80 miles) southwest of Bangkok.
The Gulf crisis deepened yesterday after attacks linked to Iran damaged Kuwait International Airport and injured dozens, while the United States launched fresh strikes near the Strait of Hormuz amid stalled efforts to end the war.
Thailand could face an additional 12.5% tariff on exports to the United States under a new proposal from the administration of US President Donald Trump, which targets imports from 60 countries over concerns about forced labor in global supply chains.
When people debate China’s role in Thailand, they tend to argue about trade deficits, foreign investment approvals, or which brand of electric vehicle is outselling which. What gets far less attention is the layer underneath all of those debates: the physical and digital infrastructure that Chinese companies have been quietly installing across the country for the past several years — the 5G backbone, the data centers, the e-commerce platforms, the payment rails, the industrial parks, and the EV supply chain being assembled in the Eastern Economic Corridor.
Industry analysts say while the asset sales by Electricity Generating (EGCO), Banpu Power and BCPG, the power-generation arm of Bangchak Corp., may superficially resemble a withdrawal of Thai capital from Western markets, each transaction is underpinned by distinct strategic, corporate, and legal motivations aimed at optimizing portfolios for a low-carbon future or higher renewable exposure.
The Finance Ministry has backed away from the old-car trade-in plan after running into problems over the management of end-of-life vehicles and old batteries, amid concerns that the scheme may not work in practice.
A Thai massage training program has opened in Hua Hin as part of Prachuap Khiri Khan’s push to develop wellness-related services, including alternative medicine, spa treatments, and Thai massage.
The first week of June is off to a somewhat unproductive start. Unless you are a self-motivating powerhouse with productivity bursting out at the seams, starting the week on Monday, June 1, with a public holiday (a substitute for Visakha Bucha), makes it a bit harder to assess your Google calendar and plan for deep work. It’s even harder when today is also a public holiday to celebrate Queen Suthida’s birthday.
Thai Airways International marked a historic milestone yesterday when a female pilot operated a commercial flight for the national carrier for the first time in its 66-year history.
The property markets on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are entering a major turning point, shifting from tourism destinations into Thailand’s new “investment hub” after receiving continuous support from foreign investment and rising purchasing power among international investors.
The Thai real estate sector is facing a quiet but catastrophic crisis, described by industry experts as a “slow-motion tsunami” driven by chronic economic stagnation and an aging population.
The Ministry of Commerce has been ordered to accelerate negotiations with the United States on trade and tariff issues, aiming to reach a conclusion swiftly to safeguard Thailand’s export sector.
In economics, few indicators of food security are as simple – and as powerful – as the price of eggs. Affordable, accessible, and nutritious, eggs should be the most democratic source of protein in any society. Yet in Thailand, a single egg tells a far more complex story – one of market power, distorted incentives, and a system that may no longer serve the public interest.
Pride celebrations have evolved from simple parades to major economic drivers through tourism. For example, the NYC Pride March attracts millions, boosting local tourism, though as an open-access event, spending per attendee is limited.
The Industry Ministry plans to announce an industrial standard for solar rooftop panels and related equipment within three months. Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said at Government House yesterday he would accelerate the introduction of an industrial standard to ensure the safety of the increasing number of households switching to home solar power.
Thailand has set a target for electric vehicles (EVs) to account for 50% of total car production by 2035, as officials warn that more than 110,000 workers could face disruption from the industry transition.
As the world pursues decarbonization, the concept of a “just transition” has become ubiquitous, particularly when describing the shift away from fossil fuels in emerging and developing economies.
The World Meteorological Organization has warned that El Niño conditions are likely to develop in the coming months, raising concerns that global weather patterns could become more extreme at a time when the planet is already under pressure from human-driven climate change. 
Smoking is linked to at least 15 types of cancer, while e-cigarettes are no safe alternative, a Chiang Mai cancer specialist warned on World No Tobacco Day yesterday. Dr. Thanika Ketpueak of Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Medicine said many people still mistakenly associate smoking primarily with lung cancer.
Thailand is considering a Nicotine-free generation law that would prevent children and young people born after a specified year, or within a specified age group when the law takes effect, from ever legally buying cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or nicotine products, as the government seeks to cut off new smokers at the source.
Thailand’s restaurant industry is facing a difficult year, as rising costs, weaker consumer purchasing power, and fierce price competition put pressure on both major chains and smaller operators. Several large restaurant groups reported weaker first-quarter earnings, with net profits falling sharply despite their strong brand positions.
Taste alone no longer sells food in Asia. That is the central takeaway from the Top F&B Trends in Asia 2026 report by Netherlands-based research firm Innova Market Insights, unveiled at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026, the continent’s premier food and beverage trade forum.
Australia, Belgium, and Norway are using THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2026, one of Asia’s largest food trade shows, as a key platform to promote their premium and quality food and beverage exports in Bangkok, strategically positioning Thailand as one of Southeast Asia’s competitive markets.
Phuket Airport denied rumors of money being extorted from passengers to quickly get them through Immigration when the arrival terminal is packed with tourists waiting to enter the popular resort island.
Every country has its landmarks. Thailand, according to some travelers on social media, has one that is a little less glamorous than most: the “Depresscalator.” The nickname refers to the long moving staircase that carries departing passengers from the international check-in area toward security screening at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.
50-Year-Old Bangkok Stall Perfectly Preps the Most Iconic Thai Comfort Food
Chiang Mai has earned a place among the world’s top eight destinations for digital nomads and creators, after Forbes magazine included the northern Thai city in its 2026 ranking. The city joins Medellín, Cape Town, Lisbon, Bali, Mexico City, Tokyo, and Berlin on the list.
Thailand is accelerating its transition toward cleaner transport, with commercial electric vehicles (EVs) emerging as a centerpiece of the country’s sustainability drive.
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.
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.
House rejects land bridge study panel
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.
Innovative technology powers more sustainable aquaculture in Thailand
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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).
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.