- Hyatt opens The Barai Hua Hin/Petrol and gasohol prices cut/Some of Bangkok’s highway system/630,000 treated for cancer
- THE IRAN WAR: Thailand assesses economic impacts/What are risks to Thailand?/Business sector welcomes Iran pact/Minister warns of energy risks/First tankers cross Strait of Hormuz
- ECONOMY: v declined/Parliament passes new trade deals/Financial hub scheme/Thailand 26th in competitiveness/Thailand credit rating at BBB+/Branded residences take off/Co-pay scheme fuels food delivery/Instagram seen as new force/Swedish Plastics Producer in Thailand
- TOURISM: Travel is reorganizing/Levy for tourists to Koh Samui/Vietnam tourism rise challenges Thailand/Thai railway tourism to offer food/Countries Are Changing Visa Policies
- CLIMATE THAILAND: New EV Insurance Challenge
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hyatt Welcomes Its First Hotel In Thailand, The Barai Hua Hin
Hyatt Hotels Corp. has announced the opening of The Barai Hua Hin, marking the debut of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in Thailand. Set along the historic Khao Takiap coastline in Hua Hin, the 98-room beachfront resort brings together wellness tradition, locally inspired design, and the spirit of Sanook – the Thai expression for the joy of living.
The Barai Hua Hin first opened as a spa 20 years ago, earning a reputation for fusing Thai healing traditions with modern Western wellness. Now expanded into a boutique resort, the reimagined property offers a restorative sanctuary grounded in classic Thai hospitality. Continued …
Petrol and gasohol prices cut by 1.50 baht per liter, diesel down 1.30 baht
Thailand’s major fuel retailers have adjusted pump prices after announcing reductions across petrol and diesel categories. The changes, made by PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp., came into effect this morning.
According to the announcement, petrol and gasohol prices were reduced by 1.50 baht per liter, while diesel prices were cut by 1.30 baht per liter. Continued …
Amazing! Just some of Bangkok’s highway system
630,000 treated for cancer under universal healthcare
More than 630,000 cancer patients received treatment under Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme in the 2025 fiscal year, with breast cancer remaining the most common cancer among women and colorectal cancer topping the list among men.
Of the 633,866 cancer patients treated during the fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30 last year, 247,608, or 39.1%, were newly diagnosed cases, said Dr. Jadej Thammatacharee, secretary-general of the National Health Security Office (NHSO). Continued …
Thailand assesses economic impacts of US-Iran 60-day peace talks
The wait is over as the US and Iranian presidents signed a memorandum of understanding, which both sides announced takes immediate effect. They now have 60 days to negotiate a peace agreement.
Analysts view Iran as holding the upper hand, while the US has not achieved the goals it declared before the strikes. CNBC reported that US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) digitally on Wednesday. Continued …
What are risks to Thailand after US-Iran deal signed
Dr. Areeporn Asawinpongphan of the Thailand Development Research Institute warns that Thailand should not be overly optimistic about the peace deal between the U.S. and Iran, as any renewed conflict could pose risks to the Thai economy. Video …
Business sector welcomes Iran pact
Businesses and economists took a deep breath after the US and Iran signed off on a deal to end their war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, lifting optimism as oil prices fell, which could ease inflation and support potential economic growth.
Tanit Sorat, chairman of the National Labor Development Advisory Council, hailed the signing after more than three months of war rattling energy markets and spiking inflation. Continued …
Minister warns of energy risks despite US-Iran deal
Thailand has welcomed the ceasefire framework between the United States and Iran but warned that global energy markets could remain under pressure despite an easing of tensions in the Middle East.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the government was closely monitoring developments, noting that while the agreement could improve investor confidence and support economic stability, damage to oil and natural gas infrastructure in the region would continue to pose risks to energy supplies. Continued …
First tankers cross Strait of Hormuz, Israeli strikes in Lebanon fuel doubt
Oil tankers have begun crossing the Strait of Hormuz again following a newly signed US–Iran agreement aimed at easing a war that has disrupted global energy flows.
Shipping data showed multiple large crude carriers moving through the strategic waterway yesterday, marking the first significant return of maritime traffic since the deal came into effect. The agreement has allowed for the reopening of the route, which carries a substantial share of global oil shipments. Continued …
Average Thai household income declined in 2025
Thailand’s average household income declined in 2025, while lower-income households increasingly relied on financial assistance, according to several research institutions.
The latest study by SCB EIC, a research center under Siam Commercial Bank, reveals that the average household income in 2025 stood at 28,308 baht per month, a 2.5% decrease from the previous surveyed figure of 29,030 baht in 2023. Continued …
Parliament passes new trade deals
Parliament has approved five major international trade agreements, paving the way for Thailand to expand market access in Europe and South Asia.
Following debate, lawmakers approved the package, which includes the Thailand–European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Free Trade Agreement, the Thailand–Bhutan Free Trade Agreement, upgrades to the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) and the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), and Thailand’s accession to the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Continued …
Financial hub scheme still a priority
The government remains committed to turning Thailand into a financial hub, says the chief of the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO).
According to Vinit Visessuvanapoom, director-general of the FPO, the draft Financial Hub Act, which was prepared during the previous administration but was not considered by the House of Representatives, has been returned for further review. Continued …
Thailand rises to 26th in competitiveness ranking
Thailand has climbed four places to 26th out of 70 economies in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2026, but the improvement masks deeper structural weaknesses in productivity, education, technology, and governance, while Vietnam’s debut at 27th place puts fresh pressure on Thailand to accelerate reforms.
The Thailand Management Assn., or TMA, through its Center for Competitiveness, said the latest ranking by the World Competitiveness Center under Switzerland’s International Institute for Management Development reflected an improvement in Thailand’s business sector and infrastructure. Continued …
S&P keeps Thailand credit rating at BBB+
S&P Global Ratings has affirmed Thailand’s sovereign credit rating at BBB+ with a stable outlook, citing continued economic recovery and resilient external fundamentals.
Jindarat Viriyataveekul, director of the Public Debt Management Office, said yesterday S&P’s latest review projected Thailand’s real GDP growth at 2.0% in 2026, reflecting pressure from volatility in global energy markets that continues to weigh on domestic economic activity. Continued …
Branded residences take off in Thailand
While Vietnam has surpassed Thailand as Asia’s most valuable branded residence market, Thailand still leads its peer with the largest launch of luxury development, according to hospitality consultancy C9 Hotelworks.
Bill Barnett, managing director of C9 Hotelworks, said Vietnam has been growing at a rapid pace, particularly in the mass market segment, as the country is still in the early stages of branded residences. Continued …
State co-pay scheme fuels food delivery growth
Quick meals, noodles, and coffee or tea are among the top orders via food delivery platforms under the “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” state co-payment scheme. As of June 17, spending via food delivery platforms tallied 272 million baht.
According to Line Man Wongnai, more than 300,000 users who participated in the scheme redeemed benefits on Line Man on June 15 — the first day the platform offered the scheme. Continued …
Instagram seen as new force for digital commerce in Thailand
Meta has positioned Instagram as a driver of Thai digital economic growth, highlighting the platform’s growing influence in commerce, creator monetization, and cultural engagement as businesses increasingly seek new avenues for expansion.
Instagram reaches 80% of Thailand’s Gen Z population, while also attracting more than half of users across the Millennial, Gen X, and Baby Boomer demographics, creating a broad, high-value audience for advertisers and content creators. Continued …
Swedish Plastics Producer Establishes First Factory in Thailand
Swedish plastics manufacturer Polykemi has taken a major step into Southeast Asia by securing land for its first production facility in Thailand. The company signed a land purchase agreement with Amata City Rayong at the Amata City Rayong Industrial Estate, located in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
Founded in Ystad, Sweden, Polykemi is one of Europe’s largest independent producers of customized plastic compounds. The company currently operates production facilities in Sweden, China, and the United States, alongside a network of sales offices across Europe. Continued …
Travel is reorganizing along ‘paths of least resistance’
The ideal the travel industry dreamt about – the global traveler – the passport-holding, visa-free, frictionlessly mobile citizen of the world – is less real today than it’s ever been, said Michael Dykes, vice president, market management, Expedia Group. The past few years, he argued, have seen the accumulation of barriers growing around the movement of people, capital, and goods.
He pointed to the evidence, which is visible everywhere. Airline corridors connecting Asia and Europe have been disrupted by conflict. Visa wait times for the United States stretch to hours. Immigration counters are becoming more intrusive. Thailand has reduced visa duration. Some countries have been cut off from global payment systems. Continued …
Minister proposes levy for tourists traveling to Koh Samui
A taxi murder linked to an influential transport group and the death of Australian sprint star Jemma Stapleton have placed Koh Samui under an uncomfortable spotlight, drawing attention to concerns over criminal influence, road safety, and aging infrastructure on one of Thailand’s most valuable tourism destinations.
Following a high-level visit this week, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul unveiled a proposed tourist levy, a crackdown on mafia-style activity, stricter enforcement measure,s and a new “Koh Samui model” designed to improve safety, lift standards, and fund long-delayed infrastructure upgrades across the island that are overdue. Continued …
Vietnam tourism rise challenges Thailand and quality goals
Vietnam is no longer being viewed only as Asia’s “manufacturing base”. It is becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most closely watched tourism destinations, especially after foreign visitor numbers rebounded rapidly following COVID-19 and began moving closer to leading tourism markets such as Thailand.
Fortune magazine reported that Vietnam received more than 21 million foreign visitors in 2025, up by about 20% from the previous year. Crucially, Vietnam has already overtaken Thailand in the Chinese tourist market, with 5.3 million Chinese visitors compared with around 4.5 million to Thailand. Continued …
Thai railway tourism to offer OTOP products and local food to passengers
Thailand is preparing to improve railway tourism by adopting elements of Japan’s community-based tourism model, including the sale of local food and OTOP products on tourism train services.
The initiative was discussed during the 3rd Thailand-Japan Railway Workshop on June 17, when the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) welcomed Okuda Tetsuya, president of the Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute ASEAN-India Regional Office (JTTRI-AIRO). Continued …
Countries Are Changing Visa Policies, What It Means for Digital Nomads
Thailand welcomes 33 to 35 million international tourists annually. In 2024, Thailand changed its visa policy, allowing visitors from 93 countries to stay for 60 days without needing to apply for a visa in advance.
The 60-day visa exemption made it easier for digital nomads, nomadic founders, and business leaders to come to Thailand and stay for longer periods without the complication of applying for a visa in advance. Now, however, the country is reversing course. Continued …
Thailand’s EV Transition and the New Insurance Challenge
As global oil volatility continues to push transportation costs higher, more Thai consumers are turning to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as a practical hedge against unpredictable long-term running costs. The shift is already visible across the market.
Thailand’s EV market grew by 80% in 2025, surpassing 120,000 registrations, while the Bangkok International Motor Show 2026 recorded an all-time high of more than 132,951 vehicle bookings, driven largely by strong EV demand and changing consumer preferences toward value, technology, and cost efficiency. Continued …
Ukraine sets Moscow refinery ablaze in biggest attack in years
Ukraine yesterday launched its largest drone attack on Moscow in years, sparking fires, hitting a major oil refinery, and forcing evacuations at the country’s largest airport. At least 17 people were wounded in the strikes, which also set a shopping center and apartment building ablaze, authorities said. Continued …
Social media overtakes news websites as AI reshapes global media
The Digital News Report 2026, which surveyed news consumers in 48 countries, found that 54% of respondents used social media and video platforms for news, compared with 51% who accessed news through the websites and apps of news organisations. This marks the first time that external platforms have become more popular than digital channels directly owned by news outlets. 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
If you’re an expat living in Thailand and you’ve had the same health insurance policy for years, it’s easy to assume you’re set. You pay your renewal, you stay covered, and that’s that.
When did the first smartphone appear? The first mobile phone prototype came from Motorola in 1973. The first one approved, affectionately called The Brick, came out in 1983. In 1992 an IBM engineer created the Sweetspot but it didn’t hit the market until 1994, as the IBM Simon Personal Communicator.
Thailand faces a 96%–98% probability of entering an El Niño phase between June and July, with conditions potentially persisting into early 2027, warned Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin.
Thais are expected to spend an average of 6.9 years living with illness or disability in later life, highlighting growing pressure on healthcare services and long-term care systems, according to the Thai Health Report 2026.
The family of a Thai farmer were stunned to discover 1.84 million baht in cash hidden inside a modified metal storage box used for tools after his death, revealing years of careful saving that even his wife did not know about.
The world’s oil and gas majors have high hopes for a quick reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but they have few illusions about a return to normal for the Gulf energy industry after more than three months of blockage.
Thailand has welcomed an agreement reached between the United States and Iran to end their conflict, expressing hope that the deal will bring lasting peace and stability to the Middle East and safeguard global economic interests.
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved the collection of a 15% global minimum corporate tax on large multinational companies under an agreement led by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), aiming to prevent profit shifting to tax havens and generate about 10 billion baht in additional state revenue each year.
Thailand’s investments in data centers are projected to reach US$4.31 billion by 2030, representing average annual growth of 18% from 2024 and achieving total capacity of 2.93 gigawatts, helped by strong government support and solid demand, says CGS International Securities.
Thailand is preparing to reform its electricity tariff structure in an effort to make power prices fairer and reduce electricity costs for households and local industries. Energy Minister Akanat Promphan announced that the government is reviewing the current pricing system to ensure that electricity charges better reflect actual costs.
DTAM pushes 5-point plan to boost kratom industry
The Transport Ministry expects Bangkok’s two main airports to handle around 120 million passengers annually by 2029 as it accelerates efforts to make the country a regional aviation hub.
Vana Nava Hua Hin is the ultimate all-ages fun escape
National park officials collected six large bags of plastic waste from Loh Samah Bay on Phi Phi Leh Island after large numbers of plastic water bottles were found floating across the sea near the boat access point to Maya Bay, one of Krabi’s best-known marine attractions.
As Thailand approaches the halfway mark of its national climate commitments, businesses are increasingly viewing sustainability not merely as protection against environmental and regulatory risks, but as a pathway to growth amid climate disruption, resource insecurity, and energy volatility.
The Phetchaburi Half Marathon on Sunday at Chao Samran Beach will feature a 21km half marathon (790 baht), 10km mini marathon (690 baht), and 5km race (590 baht). A VIP category priced at 1,500 baht will allow participants to compete across distances. Registration has now closed. 
The Danish Embassy in Thailand has announced that Danish Ambassador to Thailand Danny Annan will host an informal gathering for Danes in Hua Hin on Thursday. The event will take place from 2 pm to 4 pm at Ferior Interior in Hua Hin and is open to all Danes in the area. No registration is required.
Dear Doctors: I’m a 55-year-old man, and I have been active all my life. I know target heart rates are based on age and was surprised that my heart rate while running is often between 150 and 195. Should I slow down a bit?
Domestic oil prices in Thailand are expected to remain elevated until the final quarter of this year, even though global crude benchmarks have eased and the US is set to sign a peace deal with Iran this Friday to end nearly four months of conflict in the Middle East.
Thai FDA warns over 20 illegal meatball and Vietnamese pork loaf brands
Reflecting on data from Thai households, it is evident that a significant portion of individuals over 50 years old have low incomes, accounting for about 42% of Thai households. This indicates a lack of readiness for retirement in Thai society.
Thailand’s hotel industry is hoping the planned US-Iran peace agreement will help restore travel confidence, ease pressure on fuel prices, and support a recovery in foreign tourist arrivals during the fourth-quarter high season.
Thai financial institutions may face higher-than-average risks from AI-driven fraud as artificial intelligence reshapes financial crime and makes scams faster, more automated, and harder to detect, according to a new survey by BioCatch.
The Real Estate Information Center (REIC) of Government Housing Bank has released data on transfers of condominium ownership to foreign nationals nationwide in the first quarter of 2026, showing that the overall market continued to face pressure from economic conditions both in Thailand and overseas.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has unveiled a plan to position Thailand as ASEAN’s hub for advanced chip manufacturing, with the goal of producing “Made in Thailand” semiconductors by 2050.
Tisco Financial Group expects the global economy to face mounting challenges in the second half of 2026, warning that stagflation risks, elevated energy prices, and geopolitical tensions could create a more volatile environment for investors.
Krabi International Airport is attracting growing interest from international airlines, with new routes from Finland and Scandinavia expected to strengthen tourism and support local development, the Ministry of Transport says.
Tourism killed Thailand’s most famous bay. Here’s how it was brought back to life
This video catalogs signature Thai street foods and explains their ingredients and regional contexts, offering a concise culinary overview. Dishes include Pad Thai with rice noodles, egg, tamarind, fish sauce, and toppings, and Pad Kra Pao served over rice with a fried egg.
About 153,000 new electric vehicles (EVs) are predicted to appear on the roads of Thailand this year, prompted mainly by the ongoing energy crisis triggered by the prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
The World Bank Group is supporting Thailand’s use of natural capital accounting (NCA) as a tool to help policymakers balance economic growth with environmental protection. NCA measures the stocks and flows of natural assets and translates them into data that can be used alongside existing national accounting systems.
Roadworks on Hua Hin Soi 102 will begin near Laguna Village tomorrow. The project will involve the construction of a reinforced concrete road and drainage system in the Laguna Village area of Soi 102.
A new Thai health study has linked regular e-cigarette use to a sharply higher risk of erectile dysfunction, finding users face double the risk even without underlying medical conditions.
Thailand’s economy is currently facing a significant challenge, as its currency, the baht, weakens despite the presence of portfolio inflows. A record USD 10.0 billion trade deficit in April, primarily driven by robust import activity, is exerting considerable downward pressure on the baht.
Thai trade unions address reduction of safety and health risks in the workplace
Thailand is emerging as one of the world’s most promising markets for AI-driven investment, as artificial intelligence in global finance moves beyond experimentation and into serious real-world use.
AI layoff trap raises wider risks for workers, firms, and demand
For more than half a century, Thailand held a proud title: the “Detroit of the East.” This economic engine was built almost entirely on Japanese blueprints. Beginning in the 1960s, Japanese auto giants like Toyota, Honda, and Isuzu constructed vast industrial networks across the country, establishing a seemingly unshakeable dominance.
Thailand is being urged to close legal loopholes and revise its import strategies as the country seeks to secure a lower tariff rate under Section 301 in negotiations with the United States.
Foodie, mom and kids, lifestyle, and beauty influencers remain the four groups most sought after by businesses as Thailand’s influencer marketing industry enters a more performance-driven era, according to IdeasLabs.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has allocated airport slots to four new airlines for the winter 2026/2027 schedule, paving the way for additional international services during Thailand’s peak tourism season. The new routes will strengthen air connectivity between Thailand and key markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Krabi set for 126 winter flights as Nordic demand rises ahead of high season
The Thai Hotels Association – Southern Chapter and 12 private-sector tourism and economic organizations in the Andaman provinces of Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga, have submitted a letter to the minister of Tourism and Sports and the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), proposing that the government consider reviewing the measure to end visa-free entry for Indian tourists.
Thailand is increasingly using waste-to-energy projects as part of its drive to reduce landfill, generate electricity, cut pollution, and support the country’s clean-energy transition.
Thailand’s central plains are set to become the frontier for sustainable agriculture as the Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rice Research Center aggressively deploys the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economic Model to pioneer low-carbon rice production.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is concerned that the expiration of the government’s electric vehicle (EV) incentive program in 2027 could leave Thailand vulnerable to a surge of Chinese EV imports and weaken local automotive supply chains.
Japan fans left the stands spotless after their World Cup opener against the Netherlands in Texas yesterday, saying it was “Japanese culture” to tidy up after themselves. Spectators stayed behind after the 2-2 draw to make sure they left the stadium as they found it, meticulously picking up litter and stuffing it into blue plastic bags. 
Russia fired a barrage of missiles at several major Ukrainian cities, setting Kyiv’s historic Dormition Cathedral on fire and killing nine, while Ukraine strikes claimed three lives south of Moscow. 
Switzerland yesterday rejected a proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritized economic stability and ties with the European Union over worries immigration was straining public services and pushing up rents. 
Is Hua Hin really the perfect retirement destination in Thailand… or is there a side of life here that most YouTube videos never show? In this video, I take an honest look at what happens after the honeymoon period ends for many expats and retirees living in Hua Hin.
The real way to travel Thailand: Bangkok to Hua Hin by train
Thailand has secured a place among the world’s top 10 healthcare systems, ranking eighth globally and first in Southeast Asia with a score of 77.5, reflecting the strength of its medical personnel and healthcare services.
The Thai Meteorological Department has warned people in the north, northeast, east, and south to prepare for heavy rain in some areas over the next 24 hours, while Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are forecast to see thunderstorms across 70% of the area.
Thailand’s hotel investment market is no longer seeing the same transaction value as during its peak years, but investor appetite remains strong as the sector enters a new growth cycle after the Covid-19 crisis.
The Thai Retailers Assn. (TRA) wants to unlock the conditions for the “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” co-payment scheme by expanding eligibility to business of all sizes, supporting business continuity and employment.
Replacing visa-free entry with a visa-on-arrival scheme for Indian tourists will not affect this market as affordable prices remain the decisive factor for them, while the policy change can help curb visa abuse, according to an Indian travel agent.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is positioning Africa as a key growth market as it seeks to diversify visitor sources amid ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East.
India’s largest low-cost carrier, IndiGo, has announced that its direct service to Krabi will be suspended from July 1 to Sept. 30 as part of a restructuring of its international route network.
A British man who left the UK due to rising living costs says he now lives comfortably in Chiang Mai on just GBP800 a month, compared with more than GBP3,000 a month previously. Robert Hoadley, 45, from Portsmouth, relocated in 2025 and says the move has given him greater financial freedom, improved work-life balance, and a healthier lifestyle.
Skip Chiang Mai’s usual northern loop for this 3-day Lamphun-Lampang road trip
At first glance, it may appear to be a simple question. Yet, it exposes a potentially significant anomaly within Thailand’s fisheries data system. While government agencies have consistently maintained that Thailand legally imported blackchin tilapia only once — and solely for research purposes — official records indicate that the same species was subsequently exported in remarkably large quantities to foreign markets during roughly the same period.
Cybercriminals are using the FIFA World Cup to launch scams and steal credentials, warns FortiGuard Labs, the research arm of cybersecurity firm Fortinet.
Last Tuesday, US President Donald Trump told journalists that the United States and Iran are “in the final throes of what will be a very, very good deal”.
Global growth is forecast to slow to 2.5% in 2026, down from 2.9% in 2025. Forecasts for two-thirds of economies have been downgraded relative to January of this year. Global growth is expected to improve to 2.8% in 2027 but will remain 0.4 percentage point below the average during the 2010s.
Thailand’s labor market is facing growing pressure from demographic change, education mismatch, and the rise of artificial intelligence, with four major occupational groups at risk of disruption.
The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) fell to 49.5 in May, the lowest level since December 2022, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) said yesterday.
The Bank of Thailand says it is confident about the baht’s stability despite recent depreciation against the US dollar amid heightened external uncertainties.
Water is no longer simply a basic factor for consumption or agriculture in the modern era. It has become a decisive factor in foreign investors’ decisions and part of the national security strategy.
Ahead of the Feb. 8 general election, politicians often came to court voters like 69-year-old rice farmer Chaon Taiupok in Ayutthaya, about 80 kilometers north of Bangkok.
A minister attached to the prime minister’s office, Supamas Isarabhakdi, has ordered increased inspections of amusement parks and water parks nationwide following concerns about consumer safety. The directive was announced during a safety inspection at Siam Amazing Park in Bangkok conducted with officials from the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) and other relevant agencies.
Communities across northern Thailand are raising the alarm after tests detected dangerous levels of arsenic and other heavy metals in major waterways.
Thongkham Inprom has been farming for more than six decades, growing jasmine rice and sticky rice in Chiang Rai. The 71-year-old harvests about 60 tons each year and keeps 1% for his family. The rest is sent to a rice mill and eventually sold in central Thailand.
British Defense Secretary John Healey quit yesterday, accusing beleaguered Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the finance ministry of failing to commit enough money to protect the country. His resignation weakens Starmer’s authority at a precarious moment for the Labor leader, a week before a by-election that could prompt a bid to replace him. 
Tony Mancuso, one of the golf and turf industry’s most respected experts, has joined the Bunker Solution team as director of sales for the Asia-Pacific region.
Thailand’s rapid growth in international schools is sharpening debate over whether the trend is deepening educational inequality or creating new opportunities to strengthen the wider school system.
Gold prices in Thailand fell sharply this morning, with the selling price of gold ornaments dropping to 66,150 baht per baht-weight, according to the latest update from the Gold Traders Assn.
Three police special operations officers were injured yesterday morning when suspected insurgents detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) in Raman district in Yala province while the officers were conducting a routine school security operation.
At the Thailand Rule of Law Leadership Forum 2026: Competitiveness and OECD Readiness, a major forum on Thailand’s future direction, two key representatives from the public and private sectors shared the stage to outline a common direction.
The ongoing baht depreciation and rising US bond yields are pressuring the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and encouraging capital outflows after the benchmark index retreated from the key psychological level of 1,600 points, say analysts.
The dream of owning a home is slipping further away for many Thais, as weak income growth, high household debt, and tougher mortgage screening continue to weigh on the property market. A 2026 housing-demand survey by SCB EIC found that 56% of respondents had no plan to buy a home within the next five years, up from 47% a year earlier and the highest level in four years.
Industrial estate developer WHA Corp. is conducting a feasibility study for a new industrial estate dedicated to data centers, cloud services, and artificial intelligence (AI).
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is calling on the government to set stricter investment conditions for the rapidly growing data center sector, ensuring local communities and businesses benefit from the influx of foreign capital.
Thailand’s own ‘Eye’ emerges in Pathum Thani
5 Scenic Hiking Trails In Thailand
For environmental monitoring professionals, regulatory change often looks abstract at first. But on the ground, those changes quickly become practical questions: where will the instruments be installed, what pollutants must be measured, how will data be verified, who will maintain the systems, and what happens when the numbers are no longer just internal records but live regulatory evidence?
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.
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.
Hua Hin Airport Upgrade Targets International Flights
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has recommended restructuring the alcoholic beverage tax system to help reduce consumption.
The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of continued rain across Thailand today, with heavy downpours in several areas and isolated very heavy rain expected along the south’s west coast.
Thai police have blocked 717,425 gambling-related URLs and social media channels across Thailand as part of an intensified crackdown on online betting, particularly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Factories across Southeast Asia are beginning to close and cut jobs as war-driven increases in raw-material, energy, and shipping costs squeeze manufacturers, exposing a widening divide between booming electronics exporters and struggling industries such as furniture, footwear, plastics, and local manufacturing.
Thailand’s economy may be growing faster than expected, but Commerce Minister Supajee Suthamphan has warned that the recovery is increasingly turning its back on small business concerns. Behind soaring exports, rising investment and stronger GDP growth lies a widening divide, with large corporations capturing up to 90% of export growth while many SMEs struggle for finance, technology and market access.
The government should accelerate infrastructure development to strengthen Thailand’s position as a leading destination for foreign investment in advanced industries, particularly those involving artificial intelligence (AI), says WHA Corp., which operates industrial estates, logistics, utilities, and power businesses.
Hua Hin will mark Pride Month 2026 with the LGBTQ+ Festival Thailand and Hua Hin Pride Parade on Thursday, June 4. The celebration will begin at Market Village Hua Hin, with activities from 3 pm before the parade sets off at 5:30 pm and makes its way to Amari Hua Hin.
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.
PowerChina has expressed confidence in Thailand’s potential and is preparing to establish PowerChina (Thailand) Co. to support full-scale investment in the country’s transport infrastructure.
Thailand’s seafood export market has been shaken after Malaysia announced strict new measures from today, affecting Thai sea bass and five shrimp species and raising the risk of domestic oversupply.
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.
Is Bangkok a good place to live?
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.