- Five Hua Hin hotels awarded Michelin Keys/Portland’s restaurant named Hua Hin/Is HIV making a comeback?/Thailand ineligible for Miss Universe 2026/Thai official insists Thailand will compete at Miss Universe/Bangkok 45-baht rail fare cap/Lopburi minimart worker wins 12 million baht/Two dead in Narathiwat attack
- ECONOMY: Balancing Data Centers and Household Bills/2,100 firms with potential nominee links/Phuket widens Chabad House probe/World Bank’s FY2027–2032 Thailand plan/Fitch upgrades Thailand outlook/Government moving to fully relocate Bangkok port/Thailand’s gold regime at risk/To beef up digital platform rules/AI companies confront their darkest fears
- TOURISM: AirAsia says travel demand remains strong/TAT praises Lisa after US talk show goes viral/Is there a problem with Indian tourists?
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: UK woman trades 15-hour workdays for Chiang Mai calm/The Suddenly Ubiquitous Jellyfish
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Farmers concerned about Kok River contamination
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Five Hua Hin hotels, 66 other Thai hotels awarded Michelin Keys
The Michelin Guide’s Thai Key selection has grown to 71 hotels and resorts for 2026, including six properties awarded the highest distinction of three Keys. Fourhotels in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chiva-som in Hua Hin were recognized with keys, including: Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa, V Villas Hua Hin, Aleenta Resort & Spa, Hua-Hin, and Devasom Hua Hin.
A list of all the Michelin Key winners
Thailand’s recipients span luxury city hotels, beachfront and island resorts, and smaller boutique properties reflecting local culture. The selection follows months of anonymous inspections assessing the quality of the stay experience. Continued …
Portland, Oregon, now has a restaurant named Hua Hin
Named after owner and chef Piyanut Sampaotong’s hometown in Thailand, the new Southeast Portland restaurant is quickly gaining fans for its vibrant dishes and refreshing cocktails. Video …
Is HIV making a comeback?
Thailand once brought nearly 200,000 new HIV infections a year down dramatically through decades of prevention and expanded access to treatment. But in 2026, young Thais disproportionately make up the newly infected.
Despite leaps in modern medicine that have transformed HIV prevention, Thailand is still struggling to reach its 2030 targets. Amid restrictions on community-led PrEP services and persistent stigma, activists are raising questions about whether the country’s approach needs to change. Continued …
Thailand, five other nations’ delegates ineligible for Miss Universe 2026
JKN Universe LLC said in a statement issued by the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) that delegates from Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia and Singapore would be ineligible to compete in the 75th Miss Universe pageant in 2026.
The statement maintained that Miss Universe Eastern Pte. Ltd. had no authority to grant, transfer or issue licenses for the Miss Universe brand and that all legal authority rested with JKN Universe LLC. Continued …
Thai official insists Thailand and five nations will compete at Miss Universe
Nawat Itsaragrisil, chief executive of Miss Universe Eastern, has rejected a move to exclude Thailand and five other Southeast Asian countries from Miss Universe 2026, insisting that their delegates, including Thailand’s Tharina Botes, remain entitled to compete in Puerto Rico.
His comments came after a statement issued in the name of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) said franchise agreements involving Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia and Singapore were not recognized by JKN Universe LLC and that their delegates would therefore be ineligible for the 75th Miss Universe pageant. Continued …
Bangkok 45-baht rail fare cap planned for January
Bangkok authorities are preparing a shared rail fare system that would limit the maximum charge to 45 baht per trip across the capital and surrounding areas from Jan. 1.The plan would remove duplicate entry fees for passengers changing between rail lines.
Under the proposed scheme, passengers would pay the actual cost of their journey. Where that fare exceeds 45 baht, the government would refund the difference, subject to the scheme’s conditions. Continued …
Lopburi minimart worker wins 12 million baht then clocks in as usual
A minimart worker in Lopburi won 12 million baht in the Thai government lottery, but decided to keep working at his regular job, saying he would use some of the winnings to build a new home.
Sompong Phusakul bought two lottery tickets from his regular seller at Tha Wung Market on the morning of Sept. 16. Both carried the first-prize number 730640, earning him a combined 12 million baht. Continued …
Two dead, 16 hurt in Narathiwat volunteer convoy attack
Two members of Sukhirin’s territorial defense volunteer force were killed and 16 were injured in a roadside bombing and gun attack in Narathiwat province yesterday.
The six-wheel truck carrying all 18 volunteers overturned after the blast on a village road in Ban Blukaya-ing, Moo 2, Rom Sai subdistrict, Sukhirin district. Gunmen then opened fire from dense roadside vegetation, officials said. Continued …
Balancing Data Centers and Household Bills in Thailand
At Gastech 2026, we go behind the scenes of Thailand’s energy crossfire as the nation navigates an unprecedented surge in electricity demand driven by AI data centers and green industrial transitions.
With data center power applications exceeding 30,000 megawatts, over half of Thailand’s total installed capacity, learn how regulators and EGAT are balancing massive industrial growth without inflating household electricity bills. Video …
Thailand identifies about 2,100 firms with potential nominee links
The government is continuing its crackdown on nominee arrangements, gray capital and identity-card fraud networks under instructions from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Agencies are integrating data and linking financial transactions, individuals, legal entities, shareholders and landholdings to extend investigations from those involved to their networks and assets. Continued …
Phuket widens Chabad House probe to firms with 262 million baht in assets
Phuket Gov. Chotnarin Kerdsom has ordered broader checks into businesses and shareholding structures associated with Chabad House Patong after preliminary inspections found unauthorized building alterations. Officials have identified two associated companies with combined assets of approximately 261.58 million baht.
Chotnarin said public attention and reports raising several issues about the premises on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road, in Patong subdistrict, Kathu district, had prompted the province to investigate the facts comprehensively. Continued …
World Bank’s FY2027–2032 Thailand plan targets jobs in four sectors
The World Bank Group’s board of executive directors has discussed a new country partnership framework (CPF) for Thailand for fiscal years 2027–2032, aimed at accelerating economic growth and job creation, while improving competitiveness and strengthening the economy’s ability to withstand disruption.
Building on more than 75 years of cooperation with Thailand, the framework will combine knowledge and support for reform with selective public-sector financing and efforts to encourage private investment. The World Bank Group said the partnership would support Thailand’s transition to high-income status. Continued …
Fitch upgrades Thailand outlook to ‘stable’
Fitch Ratings has revised Thailand’s outlook to “stable” from “negative”, citing increased confidence that government debt will broadly stabilize over the medium term and that political conditions will improve following the general elections heldearlier this year.
The outlook revision reverses a downgrade warning issued last year, when concerns over rising debt and weak growth weighed on the country’s credit profile. Continued …
Government moving to fully relocate Bangkok port to Laem Chabang
Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed the government’s goal to fully cease operations of Bangkok port in Klong Toei and shift them to Laem Chabang if this is feasible, so as to allow for commercial development of the area, thereby generating far more revenue for the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) than is currently possible.
However, if it becomes necessary to retain certain operations — such as the transport of fresh food or fruit requiring rapid handling — each case will be studied individually. PAT management has been instructed to review the original intent behind the construction of Laem Chabang port to determine whether it was built to consolidate all transport operations or only alleviate the burden on Bangkok port. Continued …
Thailand’s liberal gold regime at risk
There is no currently established gold transaction tax rate in Thailand. While the Finance Ministry and the Bank of Thailand have been studying the possibility of imposing taxes on gold imports and domestic trading to curb money laundering and gray capital, no such tax has been implemented..
The proposal to introduce a gold transaction tax is intended to increase visibility into transactions to prevent illicit funds, rather than to generate government revenue. Some discussions have suggested a potential rate of 7%, though officials have noted that even a low rate, such as 0.5%, could be significant for certain transactions. The Gold Traders Assn. has expressed opposition to such a tax, warning that it could undermine Thailand’s position as a regional gold trading hub. – Bangkok Post
Competition watchdog to beef up digital platform rules
The Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) is targeting Shopee following allegations that the platform unfairly used its market power to dominate the e-commerce industry. Specifically, the regulator is investigating claims that Shopee allegedly coerced vendors into participating in promotions without their consent, such as the CashBack Coins and free shipping schemes.
The TCCT recently imposed an 84.3-million-baht fine on Shopee after finding the platform violated the law by automatically enrolling sellers in certain promotional programs. These programs reportedly forced vendors to accept additional service fees without their permission, which led to reduced profits and unexpected costs for those businesses.
In response to these and other complaints from e-commerce platforms regarding fee increases and changes to contract terms, the TCCT plans to strengthen digital platform regulations to address unfair competition and assess whether such fees are fair and appropriate. – Bangkok Post
AI companies confront their darkest fears
Prominent AI researchers and industry leaders have proposed several measures to slow the pace of artificial intelligence development to allow society and regulatory frameworks to catch up. These proposals include calling for a coordinated slowdown in the development of advanced models, implementing licensing regimes similar to those used in aviation or medicine, and establishing global coordination to prevent a competitive race between companies..
Specific calls for caution have come from figures such as Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who have suggested that developers might need to voluntarily pause rapid advances. Additionally, more than 1,000 tech employees have petitioned the US government to help deliberately pace the frontier of automated AI development.
To ensure safety, some experts advocate for the use of independent evaluators to scrutinize AI systems and the creation of joint standards bodies among major AI rivals like Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic. – Bangkok Post
AirAsia’s Fernandes says travel demand remains strong
AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes said yesterday the low-cost carrier’s challenges from soaring jet fuel costs were “far, far” less severe than those it faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, as he sought to reassure investors aboutthe airline’s financial health.
Fernandes also said AirAsia had “strong liquidity” and was adept at managing cash, adding the current crisis was largely driven by geopolitical tensions and higher fuel prices, while travel demand remained strong. Continued …
TAT praises Lisa after Thai food showcase on US talk show goes viral
Thai superstar Lalisa Manobal, known professionally as LISA, drew worldwide attention after appearing on the US talk show The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to promote her new mini-album and the hit song “SaWaDiKa”.
During the program, she served host Jimmy Fallon som tam and a Thai drink, while teaching him to say “Bottoms up!” The segment became an overnight viral clip, with “Som Tum” and “LISAonFallon” trending on social media. Continued …
Why some Indian tourists are turning travel into a reputational problem
In recent years, Indian travelers have appeared in reports from aircraft cabins, airports, and streets abroad. The cases include drunken misconduct, fights, theft, assault, fraud, and alleged wildlife smuggling. Social media has added videos of tourists shouting, littering or treating landmarks as private stages.
Most Indian tourists do not behave this way. But when the same conduct keeps making news, it deserves a serious look. “Incredible India” cannot be a tourism slogan at home and a punchline abroad. Continued …
UK woman trades 15-hour workdays for Chiang Mai calm
Sophia Moulson, 23, says she has exchanged 15-hour working days in West Sussex for a slower routine in Chiang Mai after moving to Thailand in April 2025. The former salon barber, care assistant and online fitness coach said she once worked three jobs, sometimes seven days a week, but now focuses on her online business for only a few hours a day.
“My quality of life has changed dramatically,” she said. “Before moving, I was working three jobs and had very little free time.” Continued …
The Rise (and Rise and Rise) of the Suddenly Ubiquitous Jellyfish
On a hot, humid day in Samut Songkhram, near where the Mae Klong River meets the Gulf of Thailand, Wanlee Muensawat strolls through her factory, inspecting crates filled with flattened, dried jellyfish. More than a thousand tons of the ghostly plankton pass through her processing facility every year, scooped out of coastal waters by fishermen in the gulf and the Andaman Sea.
A little over 20 years ago, Muensawat had her doubts about starting Chockdee Sea Products. “I remember thinking, This is a very smelly business,” she says. She knew, however, there were markets for edible jellies, most prominently in China, where jellyfish are typically sliced into strips and served dressed or seasoned as a cold salad. And in the years since, as the Chinese middle class has swelled — and as culinary interest has picked up in South Korea and Japan —Muensawat has only watched demand climb. Continued …
Increasing concern among farmers about Kok River contamination
Farmers in the Kok river basin in Chiang Rai province are complaining that their livelihoods have been seriously affected by heavy metals discharged by unregulated mines in Shan state of Myanmar, and that their fruits and vegetables are hard to sell because consumers are worried about the health risk from contaminants.
Komchit Taerod, a villager of Ban Nong Klauy in Doi Luang district, said that they used to grow sweet corn for a company in Chiang Mai, but the company recently stopped asking them to grow sweet corns because the produce was found to be contaminated with heavy metals. Continued …
Bangkok police Taser German tourist on Khao San Road
Thai police used a Taser to restrain a German tourist during a confrontation on Bangkok’s Khao San Road after he allegedly directed racist abuse at a Canadian visitor and praised Adolf Hitler. Continued …
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Foreign Tourist Held Over Visa Overstay in Phuket – Continued …
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Doi Inthanon tourists reported over rare moss damage – Continued …
Russia seizes assets of Nestle, French firms
Russian authorities have seized the businesses and assets of the Swiss food giant Nestle and three French groups, a move the Kremlin defended yesterday as a justified measure against firms representing “unfriendly countries” that back Ukraine. Continued …
Trump claims ‘infinite’ Greenland security deal with Denmark
US President Donald Trump said yesterday e had struck a deal with Denmark to give Washington “permanent control” over Greenland’s security that would bar Russia and China from setting up bases in the Arctic territory. Continued …
Trump bans leading media reporters from White House
US President Donald Trump said yesterday he was banning news outlets CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing them without specifics of reporting “fiction and lies.” Trump added that “other Fake News Media Outlets” would face a similar fate, but did not say which ones. 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
Officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan have reviewed efforts to address wild elephant problems in Hua Hin and Kui Buri, including assistance and compensation for affected residents.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has warned all provinces nationwide, including Bangkok, to prepare for very heavy rain during Sept. 16-20, with risks of flash floods, forest run-off, landslides, waterlogging and rough seas.
Thailand is piloting a system that replaces the name, address and phone number on a parcel with a six-digit code and QR code, in an attempt to stop personal data leaking to scam gangs.
Nene Royal vows to give her all to win AGT final
Energy concerns have resurfaced in Thailand as the Middle East war becomes more complex. Traders are assessing regional supply risks, particularly the shutdown of a major Saudi Arabian oil pipeline following an attack, while shipping conditions through the Strait of Hormuz have failed to improve.
Thailand is accelerating its energy diversification to mitigate risks from extreme global market volatility and geopolitical instability. Specifically, the country is seeking to reduce its heavy reliance on Middle Eastern energy imports following surges in crude oil prices and significant spikes in liquefied natural gas costs driven by ongoing regional conflicts.
Professor Watcharapong Kasaree, a political scientist from Chulalongkorn University, warns that Thailand’s fiscal system could face a severe crisis within a decade if urgent reforms are not undertaken. He expresses concern that the current trajectory of increasing public debt, which could reach 80%-90% of GDP within 5-10 years if revenue is not significantly increased, could lead to a loss of economic stability.
The new Employee Welfare Fund is expected to increase operating costs for restaurants due to mandatory monthly contributions from both employers and employees. These contributions are set at a rate of 5% of employee wages, beginning on Oct. 1.
Thailand is accelerating talks on a reciprocal trade agreement with the United States amid concerns that a separate US investigation into excess production capacity could lead to higher tariffs on Thai exports. Department of Trade Negotiations Director-general Chotima Iemsawasdikul said there was still no firm timetable for concluding the deal.
The cabinet has granted oil and gas exploration concessions to two companies following the Round 25 onshore petroleum auction. The winning companies are PETTP International and Pan Orion Energy (Siam) Co., which were awarded concessions for areas in the central and northeastern regions.
Thailand could impose an excise tax of around 30% on fully imported electric vehicles, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, revealing for the first time the potential rate of a levy designed to steer automakers toward local production.
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry has rejected claims that foreigners can now operate hotels, restaurants or tour businesses without a license under a new Foreign Business Act regulation.
Israel’s ambassador to Thailand, Alona Fisher-Kamm, has again urged Israeli visitors to respect Thai laws and culture after protests and a series of disputes involving tourists. Fisher-Kamm said both countries needed to ensure the Middle East conflict was not brought into Thailand. She nevertheless pushed back against describing recent protests as antisemitic.
A police lieutenant colonel and three other men were arrested Tuesday after they allegedly extorted 200,000 baht from a Chinese national in San Kamphaeng district, Chiang Mai province.
Koh Lanta truly is a magical place. It feels like stepping back in time, allowing you to experience the essence of what Thailand is all about. Located on the Andaman Sea, it’s a collection of rugged islands in the Krabi province. The biggest and most inhabited is Koh Lanta Yai, which is highlighted by nine golden sand beaches and lush, palm tree jungles.
Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province has announced that its 2026-27 season for mountaintop visits and overnight stays will run from Oct. 1 to May 31, 2027.
The US Federal Reserve yesterday raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, defying President Donald Trump’s demand for cuts, as central bank chief Kevin Warsh stressed the need to combat inflation that has been “too high” for “too long.” The Federal Open Market Committee voted unanimously to raise rates by 25 basis points to between 3.75% and 4.00%. 
Asia-Pacific will account for 45% of global demand for new passenger aircraft between 2026 and 2045, requiring 19,120 aircraft as passenger traffic grows faster than the worldwide average, Airbus forecasts. Airbus’s Global Market Forecast (GMF) for 2026–2045 puts worldwide demand at 42,060 new aircraft. 
Orchid Palm Homes was named Developer of the Year Hua Hin and BelVida Parque Hua Hin won Best Villa Development Hua Hin at the Thailand Real Estate Awards 2026 in Bangkok on Aug. 27.
August was the hottest single month ever recorded globally, with ocean temperatures also reaching unprecedented highs as western Europe capped its warmest summer, the EU’s climate monitor said today.
Apple joins foldable phone race with $1,999 passport-shaped iPhone Duo
Benchmark Brent crude oil futures rose past $100 a barrel yesterday, breaching the symbolic barrier for the first time since July 24 as intensifying conflict in the Middle East fueled growing concern about supplies.
Thailand and the United States are days from a sweeping trade deal reaching far beyond tariffs. Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun says every substantive issue is settled, with only legal drafting left. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is then expected to speak directly with US President Donald Trump to close the pact.
Don Mueang is attracting more high-end housing development as transport links, international schools and demand from affluent families broaden its appeal beyond the airport, according to Cushman & Wakefield Thailand.
Thailand’s DSI is moving toward its first summons in a widening Israeli-linked business probe centered on Pattaya. Israeli businessman Maimon David Marsiano and several Thai shareholders are expected to face questioning over suspected nominee structures, company control and investment funding.
Nestlé invests $194 million in Purina pet-food production in Thailand
Top Family-Friendly Tourist Destinations in Thailand
Registration will open in mid-October for a solar rooftop scheme offering subsidies of up to 50,000 baht per installation, initially targeting one million households.
Thailand has approved a regulatory policy framework for small modular reactors (SMRs), beginning work on the laws, specialist skills and safety arrangements needed if it eventually adopts nuclear power.
Nawee Changpirom has spent years working to rescue trafficked wildlife in Thailand, but even he can sometimes hardly believe the creatures he has found: leopards, hornbills, and once an anteater. “We even found living corals hidden in a ceiling,” he said.
US President Donald Trump promised every adult U.S. citizen would receive a $5,000 check if Republicans retain their majorities in Congress during the party’s first-ever midterm convention yesterday. The president capped off the event by attacking Democrats while rallying supporters in Texas in a bid to boost GOP enthusiasm across the country. 
The US-Canada trade war has escalated rapidly, rupturing what was once one of the world’s closest economic partnerships. But the conflict is a mismatch, with the $31 trillion US economy roughly 13 times larger than Canada’s, raising questions about the limits of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s defiance. 
US President Donald Trump yesterday suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz as “Trump Strait,” asserting US control of the vital waterway even as fighting raged there with Iran.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has raised its 2026 economic growth forecast for Thailand to 2.1%-2.5%, from 1.6%-2.0%, but warned that stronger exports and private investment are producing increasingly uneven benefits across the economy.
Thailand recorded a trade deficit of US$35.3545 billion in the first seven months of 2026, according to the Commerce Ministry. However, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said more than 70% of imports were materials and capital goods used in production.
Narongsak Putthapornmongkol, president of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, released the findings of the chamber’s confidence index survey for the fourth quarter of 2026. Conducted from Aug. 18-20, the survey covered 503 respondents and found that 46.2% expected Thailand’s economy to grow by 1.5%-2% this year, while 37.8% forecast growth of 2%-2.5%. The results pointed to an outlook below the government’s midpoint forecast of 2.2%.
Thailand’s retail sector is calling for stronger economic stimulus, including the revival of the Easy e-Receipt scheme, with an eligible spending ceiling of 100,000 baht, as household debt and accumulated living costs continue to squeeze consumers’ purchasing power.
Bangkok has suspended three planned standalone data center projects and ordered them to undergo a fresh review, as authorities prepare tighter regulations covering fuel storage, land use, safety, and pressure on electricity and water supplies.
The government is moving to address a regulatory gap in the data center sector, with the Data Center Business Policy Committee preparing an urgent meeting to develop a coordinated oversight framework.
U.S. Shrimp Coalition seeks zero tariffs for Thai shrimp
Indian tourist arrivals to Thailand fell 11.6% year-on-year between Aug. 1-22, making India the only one of the country’s four main overseas markets to record a decline during the period.
AirAsia has signed its first-ever codeshare agreement, teaming up with Turkey’s largest low-cost carrier, Pegasus Airlines, to open seamless connections between Southeast Asia and Europe through Istanbul, the two airlines announced at AirAsia’s headquarters in Sepang, Malaysia, yesterday.
Thailand currently ranks as the world’s 20th-largest coffee producer, down from the top 15 a decade ago. The country grows mainly robusta, although arabica production is growing, highlighting a sharper focus on quality.
EGAT explores SMRs to bolster Thailand’s energy security
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) is preparing 1,520 electric buses to replace aging vehicles, with deliveries expected to begin in March 2027. Kittikan Chomdoung Charuworapolkul, BMTA director, said the transition would improve passenger convenience, safety and environmental performance while reducing the organization’s fuel and maintenance costs by an estimated 4.1 billion baht annually.
The world has failed in its goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times, the United Nations (UN) said yesterday, in a sober assessment that laid out a new goal for fighting climate change that would set the world on an uncertain path.
US energy firms yesterday signed a raft of multibillion-dollar deals with Venezuela, days after the South American country agreed to grant the United States control of a huge chunk of its vast oil reserves. Energy Secretary Chris Wright traveled to Caracas to oversee the signing of deals worth “tens of billions of dollars of investment,” seen as a quid pro quo for Washington winning majority control of 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves. 
The Dutch central bank said yesterday it had moved 86 tons of its gold reserves out of the United States and Canada to London, citing “increasing geopolitical unrest”. De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) said gold reserves held in London could be traded more easily than those held in New York and Ottawa. 
A Western man walks down Beach Road holding hands with a Thai girl and naturally assumes the local men are glaring at him with quiet jealousy. He thinks he is a predator who just entered the local ecosystem and stole the best women from the dating pool, leaving the native men with fewer options.
Police detained 25 woman during a late-night prostitution crackdown in Pattaya on Saturday, as authorities prepare for the arrival of about 5,000 US military personnel in Chon Buri next week.
InterContinental Residences Hua Hin Achieves Complete Sell-Out
Thai teenage rocker Nene Royal has advanced to the live semifinals of America’s Got Talent Season 21 after Mel B awarded her a Live Golden Buzzer for her performance of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun”.
Oil prices rose by more than 1% today after US forces struck an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran reported retaliatory attacks on US bases in Jordan. Brent crude futures climbed US$1.08, or 1.23%, to US$89.18 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 92 cents, or 1.10%, to US$84.32.
The Financial Times (FT), a British financial news outlet, published an analysis asking why Thailand has “one of the world’s lowest” interest rates. The analysis followed a vote by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) this week to keep the policy rate at 1%.
Thailand’s Excise Department is pressing ahead with plans to overhaul cigarette taxation by introducing a single tax rate in a move aimed at improving revenue collection and reducing price distortions created by the existing two-tier system.
Thailand is introducing new rules for visa applications, requiring applicants for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) to submit proof of permanent residence and a police clearance certificate. Applications under the new rules will have to be submitted from today.
Bangkok is set to host Ultra Thailand 2027, organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with London-based Private Luxury Events. Scheduled for June 20–24, 2027, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, this gathering marks Ultra’s first venture into Southeast Asia.
Thailand wants 2027 to transform its tourism industry, but what will actually change for visitors? Perhaps high-value tourism shouldn’t simply mean higher prices.
The Finance Ministry is considering lower excise taxes for manufacturers that invest in production bases in the country, use domestically produced raw materials or components, and have begun manufacturing for export.
Royal water project lifts farming and livelihoods in Chiang Mai
Thailand’s Energy Ministry plans to increase the quota for electricity purchased from household rooftop solar systems fivefold, from 100 megawatts to 500MW, as part of efforts to encourage more people to generate and sell clean power.
Thailand will accelerate its energy transition following parliamentary approval of a 400-billion-baht borrowing decree, with plans for household solar rooftops and a restructuring of vehicle taxes expected to become clearer in September, Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said.
Authorities in Nepal warned of possible fresh flooding yesterday and urged residents in flood-affected districts to remain on high alert after water levels rose in the Bhotekoshi River. Wednesday’s catastrophic floods killed at least 800 people and left more than 3,000 missing in Nepal and Tibet. 
InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has been named The Most Favorite Pet-Friendly Hotel at the 16th AROUND AWARDS 2026. The annual awards, organized as part of AROUND Magazine’s 16th anniversary, recognize hotels, restaurants and lifestyle businesses across Thailand.
Thailand has recorded 21,620 dengue infections and 31 deaths so far this year, as the seasonal outbreak continues to gather pace, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) said yesterday.
Thai police say they arrested suspects in 7,261 firearms-related cases and seized 7,872 guns during a nationwide 15-day crackdown between Aug. 12-26.
Data centers have dominated the discourse in Thailand over the past year, becoming a symbol of technological advancement and innovation and evidence that Thailand is capturing a valuable component of the AI value chain.
Passengers heading to Suvarnabhumi Airport face seven months of traffic diversions on the elevated roads serving the passenger terminal, starting on Aug.31. The maintenance program will run until April 7, 2027, affecting elevated access routes to and from the terminal, which connect with Motorway No. 7, the Bangkok-Chonburi route.
Thailand’s passport has been ranked 99th worldwide by Passport Reports, with a mobility score of 93. The assessment places Thailand fifth among the 11 ASEAN countries and 21st among 50 Asian countries assessed.
A Glimpse of Solar Energy in Thailand
Thailand’s move toward cleaner energy is putting greater pressure on the country’s electricity network to accommodate more renewable power while maintaining reliability, affordability and system stability.
Since Aug. 12, any Thai exporter shipping packaged goods into the EU has technically fallen under the bloc’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) – whether they know it or not.
As the world shifts toward a greener future, Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) is stepping up to ensure Thai businesses don’t just survive, but thrive.
Thailand is facing a double crisis: an overwhelming volume of illegally dumped hazardous waste and a deadly climate of intimidation against activists trying to stop it.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s commercialhub, is proposing to gradually restrict gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles from its downtown area from mid-2027 as part of a planned low-emission zone (LEZ). Under the proposal, the city would pilot the LEZ from July 2027 in its core downtown area and the new Thu Thiem urban area, which covers roughly 930 hectares (3.59 square miles). 
Thailand’s competition regulator is preparing new rules for ride-hailing and on-demand delivery platforms amid concerns over market concentration, unfair commission structures, opaque algorithms and unequal operating conditions.
Nine people were gunned down after a 14-year-old took his grandfather’s gun and opened fire at a school just outside Bangkok. Within days, Thailand saw two more different but deadly shootings.
Nan braces for more heavy rain, with saturated soil increasing flood risk
TikTok has expanded its ThaisAware campaign as it enters its third year, bringing together 13 public-sector and civil-society partners to strengthen online-scam awareness in Thailand.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dismissed reports that Japanese investors are moving their production bases out of Thailand, saying the government will not abandon long-standing investors and will fully support the country’s traditional automotive industry.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is gearing up for the launch, tentatively on Oct. 1, of the first phase of the “Thai Tiew Thai Plus” program, aimed at boosting domestic tourism.
Chao Phraya express boat fares to rise by 1 baht from today
A Guide to Phang Nga: Beyond James Bond Island, Where Southern Thailand Slows Down
Bangkok eighth in global attractive city index
Despite US market turbulence from the discontinuation of federal tax credits and supply disruptions caused by on-again, off-again tariffs, electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, according to a new report from BloombergNEF.
Hua Hin Municipality officials met this week to discuss the installation of CCTV systems with 100 cameras and equipment in high-risk areas or areas with security needs. The project has already been reviewed and approved in principle.
Mayor visits Chat Chai market, hears concerns
Jaras Hua Hin at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has been awarded Thai Select 2 Stars for 2026, recognizing the restaurant’s Thai cuisine, quality ingredients, creative presentation, professional service and overall dining experience.
Chiva-Som Hua Hin has received a Prime Minister’s Export Award 2026 in the Best Services Enterprise – Wellness Services category, recognizing its contribution to Thailand’s wellness sector and international reputation.
Movie lovers in Hua Hin have a new place to come together with the launch of the Hua Hin Film Club, a new cultural initiative bringing selected films to local audiences alongside discussions, special events and opportunities to meet actors, filmmakers and others involved in the movies being screened.
How much is your personal information worth? Apparently, only a few hundred baht was enough to access sensitive information from a Thai government database.
Thai consumers continued to visit shops at almost the same frequency in July but sharply reduced the amount they were prepared to spend on each trip, pointing to weakening household purchasing power as the nationwide Retail Sentiment Index (RSI) fell 4.9 points to 46.6.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied reports that the United States plans to establish a production base for unmanned aerial vehicles in Thailand, saying he had received no such report.
From fan-favorite drunken noodles to spicy papaya salads and creamy curries, Thailand’s cuisine entices visitors from around the world. While over 17,400 Thai restaurants can be found internationally, eating pad Thai, fragrant coconut soups, and other punchy dishes in the “Land of Smiles” is a bucket list topper for many travelers.
What happens to a simple plastic water bottle once it is empty? At Gulf Development Public Co. (GULF), it marks the beginning of a transformative journey. In its second year, GULF’s flagship green initiative, “Turning Bottles into Purpose” has expanded its horizon.
Solar panel recycling could generate $6 billion in recovered materials by 2040 and exceed $20 billion by 2050, as more than 400 gigawatts of photovoltaic (PV) capacity reaches end-of-life, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) said.
President Donald Trump announced yesterday tariffs of up to 100% on imports of unmanned drones and their components to reduce US reliance on imports in an industry dominated by China. Donald Trump Jr. and his brother Eric Trump are prominent investors in Powerus, an American drone manufacturing and defense technology company seeking Pentagon contracts. 
A Western content creator has warned foreigners against moving to Thailand without a clear financial plan, saying many end up “packing up and going home” after under estimating their costs.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) yesterday removed a street lighting charge from public electricity bills, leading to 6-satang reduction in the rate to 3.89 baht a unit from next month (September). The rate structure for residential electricity has also been adjusted, with the first 200 units capped at 3 baht per unit.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has called on mobile phone users to finish mandatory SIM identity verification and update their information by Aug. 30 as it seeks to combat mule accounts and technology crime.
Thailand is moving toward more targeted regulation of ride-hailing and on-demand delivery platforms, as each of the markets consolidates around two dominant players, with competition authorities preparing new guidelines to address structural barriers, algorithmic practices and potential abuses of market power.
At least 11 French nationals who were arrested in Thailand with cannabis in their luggage, claimed they were deceived into carrying “locked bags” in exchange for free holidays.
Chinese arrivals target set at 5.1 million this year
Thai authorities have resolved a major administrative backlog dating back to 2018 by issuing hotel licenses to 275 properties in Phuket as part of a broader government drive to regulate unlicensed hospitality businesses and crack down on illegal foreign nominee operations.
Thailand Outlines Plan to Commercialize 231 Forgotten Heritage Dishes
Long before modern advocacy, romantic and deeply intimate bonds between women existed behind the closed doors of the ancient Thai royal courts. Known traditionally as “Len Puean” (เล่นเพื่อน), these relationships were a recognized, if sometimes hushed, part of court culture.
From the Elephant Sanctuaries of Thailand
I was in Thailand this week visiting my wife’s family and I had to satisfy some professional curiosity and see what was going on in the country’s cannabis market for myself.
Hundreds of thousands of gig workers in Australia have been granted a huge pay rise from next week under a decision by the country’s workplace relations tribunal lauded as “world-leading”. The order from the Fair Work Commission, issued Tuesday, will see delivery drivers working for online platforms such as UberEats and HungryPanda earn Aus$31.30 (731.56 baht) an hour. 
TrueVisions rallies support for Nene Royal on America’s Got Talent
US President Donald Trump said he expected the war with Iran to end soon as negotiations over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz moved closer to an agreement but remained complicated by Iranian proposals to restrict US and Israeli vessels.
An NBC News review through July 10 found dozens of instances where Trump said the war was won or almost won — comments that were often followed by more threats of military action. 
Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) expects the baht to remain weak for the rest of the year, despite its recent appreciation this week driven by external factors. The baht strengthened to around 33 per US dollar this week, primarily due to global developments.
The SMEs Competitiveness Index fell by 0.8 points to 45.1 in the second quarter of this year, as businesses urge the government to help reduce costs and improve liquidity, according to a survey by the Institute of Trade Strategies at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).