- Cha Am tourism agenda/PKK anti-drug operation/New English classes at PKK school/Hua Hin videos//Thai police officers found guilty/Smuggled cannabis exports
- THE IRAN WAR: US conducts new strikes on Iran/Oil shoots up
- ECONOMY: Struggle to reduce retail oil prices/Prepared food prices remain high/Thai GDP Forecast Upgraded/Land bridge put on hold/Foreign platform flood drains Thai cash
- TOURISM: Thailand’s Pivot Toward the High-Value Wellness Economy/Tourism fee hits a snag/House approves Hotel Act updates/Visitors from Every Corner of Asia
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: How many days to spend in Thailand/New long-necked dinosaur from Kalasin/Giant python captured
- CLIMATE THAILAND: China calls for probe into Mekong pollution
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin Airport tied to Cha Am tourism agenda
Phetchaburi’s tourism sector is looking to Hua Hin Airport as a potential driver of growth as officials move to position Cha Am and Hua Hin as higher-value wedding destinations, particularly for the Indian market.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phetchaburi office said it is working to strengthen the province’s quality tourism offering, with a focus on weddings, golf, wellness, sport, family travel and higher-spending visitors. Continued …
PKK launches anti-drug operation
Prachuap Khiri Khan has launched Operation 90 Days, a province-wide anti-drug campaign aimed at intensifying prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation across all eight districts.
Gov. Sittichai Sawatsan, who also serves as director of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Center for Drug Prevention and Suppression, presided over the launch ceremony Tuesday at Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Hall. Continued …
New English classes started at PKK school
The English We Like project opened at Prachuap Wittayalai School yesterday, with Prachuap Khiri Khan Gov. Sittichai Sawatsan presiding over the ceremony for the program, which aims to improve students’ English skills and support university entrance exam preparation.
The project is organized by Rai Khanun Group Co. and is being held for the 19th year. Kritphak Suknaworakul, chief executive officer of Rai Khanun Group, delivered the project report. Continued …
Hua Hin Night Market and Soi 80 at Night
This walking tour in Hua Hin begins along Soi 80 at night before heading to the famous night market, capturing the vibrant evening atmosphere of this seaside town. As you explore Soi 80 first, you’ll experience real ambient sounds, conversations from open bars, clinking glasses and the natural rhythm of the nightlife crowd. The street feels energetic but welcoming, with restaurants and small venues lighting up the night. From there, the walk continues toward the Hua Hin Night Market, where the focus shifts to street food, seafood grills and rows of illuminated market stalls. Video …
Hua Hin Feels Perfect… Until You Spend More Time Here
Most people fall in love with Hua Hin in a few day. But what happens when you spend more time here? Share the real experience of Hua Hin beyond the honeymoon phase — not the travel version, but what it actually feels like over time. Break down the good, the bad, and the unexpected realities of life in one of Thailand’s most popular retirement destinations. Video …
5 Thai police officers found guilty in extortion of 6 million baht from British fugitive
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) resolved that there are sufficient grounds to pursue criminal and disciplinary action against six people, including five police officers, over the extortion of 6 million baht from a British drug kingpin, Ritesh Patel.
Patel, who was wanted in the UK over alleged drug trafficking offenses, fled to Dubai before traveling to Thailand in June 2022. Immigration officers later arrested him in Phuket after determining that he had entered the country using a fraudulent passport. Continued …
Smuggled cannabis exports activity grows rapidly, with thousands of tourist cases to the UK intercepted
Thailand’s cannabis experiment is facing its strongest international reckoning yet after Thai and British authorities revealed that thousands of cannabis smuggling cases have been intercepted, with the United Kingdom accounting for nearly two-thirds of all seizures and organized crime gangs recruiting British couriers through social media.
As Bangkok launches a major new enforcement partnership with the UK’s National Crime Agency following huge overseas seizures and admits some cannabis intercepted abroad had originally left Thailand legally, pressure is mounting to return cannabis to the narcotics list amid an unprecedented crackdown on a trade now worth billions of baht. Continued …
US conducts new strikes on Iran after Trump threats
The United States conducted a new round of airstrikes on Iran yesterday at the direction of President Donald Trump, marking the second night of renewed attacks and casting major doubt on the prospects for a long-term peace deal with Tehran.
The attacks, confirmed by the U.S. Central Command in a statement, came after Trump at a NATO summit in Turkey earlier in the day said he considers the U.S. ceasefire with Iran to be “over” and warned of more powerful strikes to come. Continued …
Oil shoots up as Trump says Iran ceasefire ‘over’
Oil prices soared anew and stock markets slid yesterday after US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran was over, following renewed strikes in the Middle East.
The markets responded, with oil shooting back up again having in recent days come back down toward pre-war levels around $70 a barrel. International benchmark Brent North Sea crude jumped more than 5% to around $78 a barrel while the main US contract, West Texas Intermediate, also soared 5%, although both slipped back slightly mid-afternoon. Continued …
Government in struggle to reduce retail oil prices
The government continues to grapple with the challenge of lowering retail oil prices, which remain stubbornly above 30 baht per liter despite recent declines in global crude markets.
An energy official who requested anonymity said authorities have limited tools at their disposal to ease the burden on motorists. Recent measures have focused on reducing levies collected through the Oil Fuel Fund, resulting in modest cuts of 2.56 baht per liter for diesel and 2.51 baht per liter for gasoline. Continued …
Prepared food prices remain high despite cheaper fuel
Lower domestic fuel prices are expected to lift consumer confidence, but are unlikely to immediately reduce prepared food prices, according to the Thai Restaurant Assn.
The drop in fuel prices is a positive sign and is likely to boost consumer purchasing power, said Thaniwan Kulmongkol, president of the association. After the Middle East war began, many eateries raised their menu prices, citing higher costs. Continued …
Thai GDP Forecast Upgraded to Market-High 2.3%, Inward Investment Nears 1 Trillion Baht
The Thai economy is demonstrating far greater structural resilience than initially projected, prompting the central bank to upgrade its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the year to 2.3% — the most bullish estimate currently available in the market.
The optimistic reassessment was delivered by Bank of Thailand (BOT) Gov. Vitai Ratanakorn, at a high-level meeting of the Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committee (JPPSCC) in Bangkok yesterday. H revealed that the economy has successfully shaken off severe contraction fears that emerged following geopolitical escalations in the Middle East. Continued …
Thailand postpones land bridge and SEC bill for wider consultation
Siripong Angkasakulkiat, deputy minister of transport, gave an update on the transport infrastructure development project for the Southern Economic Corridor, intended to link transport between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, known as the land bridge.
He said the Transport Ministry would not move ahead with the land bridge for the time being, nor with the draft Southern Economic Corridor Act (SEC), and that there was still no timeframe for submitting them to Cabinet for consideration. Continued …
Foreign platform flood drains Thai cash as SMEs face 40% fee squeeze
Thailand’s growing dependence on foreign digital platforms is raising fresh concern over whether the country is slowly surrendering economic value to businesses based overseas.
What began as a shift toward convenience, ordering meals by phone, buying cheap goods online or paying monthly for streaming services, has become part of everyday life for millions of Thais. But behind that convenience, economists and business groups are warning of a deeper problem: a vast stream of money moving out of the country through foreign-owned platforms that now sit between Thai consumers, small businesses and the wider economy. Continued …
Thailand’s $50 Billion Strategic Pivot Toward the High-Value Wellness Economy
Thailand is no longer competing simply for the highest volume of tourists; it is pivoting deliberately toward the highest value per visitor. Positioning itself as the global “Land of Life”, the kingdom is tapping into a wellness economy that is outperforming global GDP growth and drawing a new generation of “experience collectors”.
That was the central message from a panel discussion on unlocking the affluent travel economy, held as part of Visa’s Destinations Thailand launch in Bangkok on Tuesday. Anthony Watson, Visa’s country manager for Thailand, noted that affluent travel across Asia-Pacific had moved well beyond simple recovery from previous disruption and that the real opportunity now lay in understanding what affluent travelers valued throughout their journey — spanning transport, accommodation, wellness, dining, retail and broader lifestyle experiences — and how businesses could capture a greater share of that high-value spending. Continued …
Planned tourism fee hits a snag – airlines can’t implement
The plan to collect a tourism fee of at least 300 baht through airlines is infeasible because of the limitations in airlines’ back-office systems, with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) a better option, say aviation bodies.
Representatives of the Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT), airports and regulators held a meeting with the Tourism and Sports Ministry last month. The ministry asked airlines to act as an intermediary platform to collect a tourism fee on behalf of the government. Continued …
House approves Hotel Act updates in principle
The House of Representatives yesterday unanimously approved in principle two bills to amend the Hotel Act, despite opposition criticism they would not adequately address long-standing regulatory problems.
The changes seek to update provisions of the 2004 Hotel Act, which prohibits operating a hotel without a license. Under current regulations, homeowners may rent out accommodation without a hotel license only if the property has no more than four rooms and can take no more than 20 guests, provided they notify the registrar under Interior Ministry regulations. Continued …
Thailand Draws Visitors from Every Corner of Asia, Malaysia, South Korea, and China Lead the Way
Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed fresh insights into the Thai travel landscape for the first half of 2026. Based on accommodation check-ins between Jan. 1 and June 30, compared to the same period in 2025, Agoda’s data shows Malaysia leading international travel interest in Thailand, followed by South Korea, China, India, and Japan to round out the top five.
A standout in this year’s ranking is China, which climbed from seventh place in 2025 to third in 2026, recording a 38% year-on-year growth in searches on the platform. Together, the top five reflect a diverse and growing mix of markets drawn to Thailand from across Asia. Continued …
How many days to spend in Thailand
Thailand spans roughly 1,000 miles from the mountains of Chiang Rai to the beaches of Koh Lipe, and that geography alone should shape how many days you plan for. A short trip means picking one region and staying put.
A longer one lets you combine north and south, city and coast, without feeling rushed. The right answer depends less on a fixed formula and more on what you want to see. Continued …
Thailand names new long-necked dinosaur from Kalasin
Thai palaeontologists have named a new long-necked dinosaur species from Kalasin province, adding a 15th formally recognized dinosaur species to Thailand’s fossil record and strengthening the country’s place on the map of Jurassic dinosaur discoveries.
The new species, Uragasaurus kalasinensis, was announced on yesterday after being published in the journal Scientific Reports by a research team led by Apirut Nilpanapan, Sita Manitkoon, Varavudh Suteethorn and Komsorn Lauprasert. The fossil was discovered at the Phu Noi fossil site in Din Chi subdistrict, Kham Muang district, Kalasin province, within the Lower Phu Kradung Formation, which the study places in the Upper Jurassic period. Continued …
Giant python captured after woman’s cats go missing
The radio center of Rescue Sattahip received a call from Pailin Sappana, 75, of tambon Sattahip, Sattahip district, asking for help after a large snake slithered into her home at 1 am on Tuesday. Pailin told the center she feared for her family’s safety.
Rescue workers sent a snake-catching specialist to the house, where a python more than four meters long, with a body as thick as a human leg, was found hiding in a storage room. Continued … https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3282905/giant-python-captured-after-womans-cats-go-missing
China calls for joint Thailand-Myanmar probe into Mekong pollution
China has called for a joint investigation by Thailand and Myanmar into the heavy metal contamination of Mekong River tributaries, based on facts and scientific evidence, to identify those truly responsible.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok said that China supports both countries in strengthening communication and coordination and expediting a joint investigation so that the issue can be addressed as soon as possible. Continued …
Russian Crime Network Busted in Phuket Raids
Thai police have dismantled an alleged Russian organized crime network operating in Phuket, seizing more than 5.4 million baht in cash during coordinated raids linked to online fraud investigations. One Russian suspect was arrested under an outstanding court warrant, while another foreign national was taken into custody. Continued …
-
Russian Held With 17kg of Cannabis at Phuket Airport – Continued …
-
Swede Held in Jomtien Over Interpol Drug Red Notice – Continued …
-
Russian Romance Scam Suspect Arrested in Nong Prue – Continued …
-
US Tourist Arrested After Patong Jet Ski Assault – 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
Hua Hin’s long-running push for international flights is now being tied to a wider plan to reposition the city as a year-round destination, rather than one reliant mainly on weekend visitors and domestic tourism.
Go bar hopping across some of the town’s best nightlife spots, including Hard Rock Cafe, the Hilton Rooftop Bar, Soi Bintabaht, Soi 94, Soi 80, Khao Takiab and more! From rooftop sunset drinks and live music to DJ bars and hidden local spots, this vlog captures the atmosphere of Hua Hin after dark. Also check out drink prices along the way to see what a night out in Hua Hin actually costs in 2026. 
Individual customers and businesses in Thailand are set to benefit from lower service fees charged by commercial banks and other financial institutions under a new regulation issued by the Bank of Thailand (BOT).
Thailand’s Egg Farmers’ Co-operative Network has announced a 20-satang increase in the farm-gate price of mixed-size eggs to 3.80 baht each, raising the cost of a 30-egg tray by six baht from today. The rate will remain in force until further notice.
The Commerce Ministry has vowed to intensify its crackdown on the illegal use of Thai nominees by foreign investors as part of a broader effort to protect fair competition and the country’s economic interests.
As policymakers debate whether Thailand should follow countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom in restricting children’s access to social media, many parents say the real battle is already taking place inside their homes.
Thailand’s real estate sector faces mounting pressure, as a prolonged property downturn, weak purchasing power, tight credit and higher energy costs continue to weigh on production, investment and employment.
Thailand is positioning itself as a resilient, neutral hub in a fracturing global economy, leveraging its geography and gold’s growing strategic value to navigate the deepening rivalry between the United States and China.
The European Union’s new €3 customs fee on low-value e-commerce parcels may deal a blow to Chinese online giants such as SHEIN, Temu and AliExpress, but for Thailand the bigger question is whether the measure will create a new export opportunity — or trigger a fresh influx of cheap Chinese goods into ASEAN.
Investment in data centers, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, remains economically viable and attractive, but it must be evaluated in the context of three fundamental constraints, says Gartner Inc., a business and technology insights company.
Thailand’s Finance Ministry expects the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok to give the country a rare global platform to showcase its economic readiness, crisis-management capacity and investment potential.
Koh Tao arrivals set to top 800,000
Ranong touted as premier destination for eco-tourism and wellness
It looked like a string bean at first. Wrapped around a branch behind a clutch of parked motorcycles, the snake’s chartreuse skin was just a few swatches brighter than the tall foliage it was trying to blend into. Thai-American snake expert Christopher Shannon caught it in the beam of his flashlight, quickly identifying it as an Asian long-nosed vine snake. Its pointy snout and slit-like pupils gave it, in his words, “binocular vision.”
Traveling in Thailand requires awareness of cultural etiquette, legal restrictions, and environmental factors. Key considerations include respecting local customs such as removing shoes, dressing modestly in temples, and avoiding gestures like touching heads or pointing feet.
Householders with solar rooftops can now apply to sell their excess power to electricity authorities. People in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan can file application to the Metropolitan Electricity Authority via the 
The Thai government says it is accelerating the restructuring of the country’s energy sector to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, expand renewable energy and strengthen energy security, while making Thailand more attractive to investors. The announcement comes as global demand for clean electricity continues to grow and governments compete to secure investment linked to low-carbon energy.
From dishes to furniture, electronics, toys, and even clothing, it feels like everything these days is made of plastic. Most plastics take decades, or even centuries, to break down. This means that even when properly disposed of, plastic items do not just go away.
PM Anutin Presides Over Buddhist Consecration Ceremony in Hua Hin
The State Railway of Thailand is turning the rainy season into a new travel window, launching nine special rail-tourism programs across the country from July to September. The programs are designed to promote rail-based tourism while connecting travelers with nature, local culture, religious traditions, history, and lesser-known destinations in several provinces.
Western men and indeed families are moving to Thailand in growing numbers, turning holiday romances into marriages, businesses and permanent new lives as high living costs, remote work, COVID-19 controls, and anger over Western dating culture drive a quieter migration east.
Thailand’s immigration system holds detailed records of foreign arrivals and overstayers but continues to struggle to consistently act on that information, meaning some long-term overstayers are only detected during raids, at departure points, or after unrelated criminal investigations.
The Faculty of Medicine at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has developed CAR-T cell therapy, a highly effective and affordable treatment for patients diagnosed with lymphoma, leukemia, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has declared victory in the Bangkok governor election after unofficial results showed the independent incumbent heading for a landslide second term.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has launched a strict crackdown on the use of forged cannabis prescription forms after uncovering evidence of identity fraud and the online sale of fake documents used to obtain cannabis for recreational purposes.
Two PT service stations in Pattani province and another in Yala province were set on fire by what appeared to be coordinated bombings last night. One man was injured.
The Transport Ministry will extend measures to support airlines affected by unrest in the Middle East, including a 30% reduction in air navigation service charges for domestic flights during July and August, Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit said.
One of the key raw materials for the production of plastic products is ethylene, which is produced from naphtha – a byproduct of oil refining. Approximately 60% of Asia’s current naphtha imports come from the Gulf region.
Thailand is experiencing a continuous deterioration in household credit quality amid expanding household debt, which has risen to 86.7%of national gross domestic product.
Thailand is eyeing growth in the “global pink economy” as speakers at a forum highlight rising market value, changing consumer behavior and new investment opportunities. Speaking on the topic of “Pink Economy: From Visibility to Economic Value”, Tanachai Kulsomboonsin, chief executive and co-founder of Canvas Ventures International, said awareness of the pink economy has expanded in Thailand over the past two years.
Thailand has officially opened its state-owned railway network to private operators for the first time, allowing companies to apply for track access to run passenger, tourism, and freight train services.
The global beauty industry is no longer being shaped only by Western markets. Southeast Asia, once seen largely as a follower of K-Beauty, J-Beauty, and European brands, is now positioning itself as a beauty economy hub with growing influence over the direction of the global industry.
Thai cocoa and chocolate products are expected to benefit from a growing but niche global market, particularly for high-value, environmentally friendly, and health-focused products.
The government is moving ahead with its “Thailand 365 Days” policy to position the country as a year-round, high-value tourism destination, using rising interest in natural attractions and local experiences to spread income beyond major tourist cities and support sustainable growth.
Having lived and worked in Thailand’s hospitality and tourism industry for more than 35 years, I have learned one simple truth: tourism rarely moves in a straight line.
Pattaya‘s nightlife strip is leaning hard on discounts and happy hour deals this June, as bar operators describe a slow season where every customer counts. As the sun sets, colored lights flick on and staff step outside with familiar routines: smiles, greetings, and quiet invitations to passing tourists and hotel guests. Behind the lively atmosphere, though, June has become what many in the trade call a “survival month”.
Short breaks are becoming one of the defining travel trends of summer 2026, as travelers look for quicker, more flexible escapes without giving up the sense of a rewarding holiday, according to Trip.com Group.
Rescue teams raced yesterday to find more survivors of the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week, with signs of life bringing occasional relief to a grim quest to whittle down a list of tens of thousands missing. The death toll from Wednesday’s twin earthquakes rose to at least 1,450 as of Saturday. 
Europe faced temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F) yesterday as storms swept other areas, with France reporting 1,000 excess deaths in a record-breaking heatwave. Its public health agency said most heat-related fatalities involved older people and warned the toll was expected to rise as more details emerged from residential care and private homes. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the country was suffering from “a certain shortage” of fuel in an interview published by the Kremlin yesterday, after repeated Ukrainian strikes in their four-year war. 
OR has cut retail prices for selected premium fuels by B1.20-4.20 per liter, with the new prices taking effect from 5 am today.
According to Bain & Company’s fourth biennial Front Line of Healthcare report, drawing on surveys of 600 doctors and 6,300 consumers across nine markets, the region’s healthcare systems are caught in a compounding crisis of their own making: demand is surging, supply is crumbling, and the people meant to hold it all together are walking out the door. This is not a cyclical blip. It is a structural reckoning, and the window for decisive action is narrowing.
Bangkok commuters may finally be getting closer to something they have wanted for years: multiple trains, one ticket, and cheaper transportaion. Thailand’s Cabinet yesterday approved a cost-of-living measure to introduce a common fare system across urban rail transit lines, allowing passengers to travel for between 17 and 45 baht under a single-ticket scheme.
Crayfish on the loose in Phayao Lake
If is a big and most consequential word in the English language. The word connotes wishes, conditionality, and often aspirations. If also is one of the shortest words holding a very long explanatory meaning that embodies hope but just as easily signals fatalism.
An average of 76% of adults surveyed in 35 countries, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, have no confidence in US President Donald Trump’s leadership of global affairs, with ratings for the United States negative in many places in Europe and Asia, an established research institute said yesterday.
The Thai economy is facing an uphill battle against a trio of deep-seated structural vulnerabilities, even as major economic research centers nudge short-term growth forecasts upward. In its latest economic outlook, the Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Center (SCB EIC) upgraded Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for this year to 2% from a previous estimate of 1.7%.
The cabinet has approved the expansion of the list of price-controled goods and services to 66. The list now includes 61 essential goods and five services, for which providers must seek prior approval for price changes.
The SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), a research center under Siam Commercial Bank, expects energy costs will continue to propel inflation in the second half of the year, even as the Middle East war shows signs of de-escalation.
Thai Generation Z and millennials are experiencing greater concern about their financial future than their peers in many other countries, with housing affordability a particularly acute pressure point, a survey by Deloitte has found.
Among Bangkok’s prime land locations with strong potential and the most public discussion, few rival the Charoen Nakhon, Charoen Krung, and Khlong San areas across the Phra Nakhon and Thon Buri sides. The Chao Phraya River runs through the middle, drawing the two banks together.
Chinese investors are becoming a more powerful force in Thailand’s industrial-property market, with growing demand for factory land in the Eastern Economic Corridor pushing Chonburi and Rayong further into the spotlight.
Why travelers are saying “Thank you, Thailand” before they fly home
Tourism revival plans take shape
As summer 2026 gets underway, the global tourism industry is regaining strong momentum, and one metropolis drawing attention from travelers from around the world is “Bangkok”.
The sizzle of socialization: How Moo Kata makes Thailand’s table glow
In Thailand, the most talked-about travel ritual of 2026 may not begin at a temple, rooftop bar, or Michelin-listed restaurant. It starts under fluorescent lights, beside a refrigerated aisle, with a plastic-wrapped sandwich waiting to be toasted.
In Bangkok, the dining room of the moment does not always arrive polished in marble and glass. It may sit behind a narrow frontage, up a steep old staircase, beside the roar of a wok, or inside a building that still carries the memory of trade, family, and neighborhood life.
Cutting Thailand’s Giant Jackfruit
Journey Through Wellness, Sustainability, and Authentic Thai Hospitality in Krabi and Koh Lanta
Ubon park put forward for UNESCO listing
Thailand must accelerate its shift away from fossil fuels or risk falling permanently behind its regional peers, the chief economist of SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC) warned this week, as the kingdom’s heavy dependence on imported energy leaves it acutely vulnerable to global volatility.
Waste management is one of the most essential public services a city can and must provide. When it breaks down – even briefly – thousands of tons of rubbish pile up fast. Foul odors spread across neighborhoods.
The top 10% of global consumers cause $5.7 trillion in annual environmental damage, as they drive global challenges evolving into systemic economic and financial risks requiring immediate collective action, according to a Leiden University study.
In the next few weeks, Britain’s ruling Labor Party will select a new leader to replace Keir Starmer. But this prospect has not inspired hope of a political or economic renewal. Among British media and, more importantly, global financial markets, the consensus is that any revisions to the failing Starmer government’s policies will only make things worse. 
As Australia moves to scrap key property investment tax breaks, some investors are taking a wait-and-see approach as the new policy takes shape. The shift, the biggest in decades, is seen by some as ending Australia’s long love affair with property investment. 
Sam Roi Yot Run Ep.7 will offer distances of 2.7km, 5km and 10km along scenic coastal routes through local communities. Entry fees vary depending on registration period, with general registration open until May 31. 
The Commerce Ministry is preparing action against 140 “grey accountants” as part of a nationwide crackdown on the use of Thai nominees to conceal foreign ownership in restricted businesses.
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has issued new penalty guidelines that include license suspensions or revocations for cannabis businesses found to breach the department’s requirements.
The price of fertilizers is trending downward, with shipments from the Middle East currently en route to Thailand, says the Commerce Minister.
The Thai baht opened the week at 32.94 per US dollar yesterday, drifting toward the psychologically significant 33 threshold as a confluence of external headwinds and domestic vulnerabilities battered sentiment.
Thailand’s exports posted double-digit growth in May but at a slower pace than April, a Commerce Ministry official said yesterday. Customs-cleared exports rose by 23.1% in April from a year earlier. May data is due later this week.
Thailand’s property market is seeing a major shift as developers move beyond simply delaying new launches and begin selling land and ready-to-develop projects to preserve liquidity.
Thailand’s luxury hotel sector is emerging as one of the country’s most attractive investment assets, as global economic uncertainty pushes investors toward properties seen as resilient, scarce, and capable of generating long-term returns.
Thailand’s world heritage-level performing arts have taken center stage in Europe and South Korea, as Khon, Nora, Songkran traditions, and Thai classical dance were showcased in Frankfurt and Seoul as part of a wider push to promote Thai cultural soft power overseas.
Tha Phra Chan clings to Thai herbal traditions
Thailand’s government is advancing its green hospital policy by promoting clean and renewable energy in public health facilities to reduce operating costs, improve energy efficiency, and support the country’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Hua Hin land titles and property ownership can be confusing, especially for foreign buyers trying to understand leases, title deeds, and what is legally safe. Many people have seen the recent crackdowns on nominee company ownership (see below), with more than 46,900 companies reportedly under investigation across Thailand.
Thailand is facing renewed calls to tighten regulations governing foreign condominium ownership as the government considers raising the foreign ownership quota in condominium projects to attract overseas investment and support a property market still struggling with a slowdown.
Elephants can certainly shift. African elephants can reach top speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour, albeit over short distances only. This is more than twice as fast as the average human runner, so it seems like an open and shut case.
Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) says it has intensified oversight of medical cannabis businesses nationwide, carrying out more than 1,200 inspections in recent weeks as authorities seek to ensure cannabis is used strictly for medical purposes.
During the past week, global attention focused on the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, bringing months of protracted conflict to a halt.
Thailand is entering the second half of 2026 with a mixed economic signal: S&P Global Ratings has maintained the country’s sovereign rating at BBB+ with a stable outlook, but economists warn that pressure from oil prices, rising imports, fiscal deficits, and global uncertainty could keep the current account and the baht under strain.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is set to launch the Thailand FastPass program at Government House tomorrow, aiming to accelerate major investment projects by removing regulatory barriers and streamlining approvals.
Can Thailand’s Land Bridge Challenge Malacca and Redefine Asian Trade Routes?
Thailand’s exporters are heading into a more uncertain second half of 2026, with growth expected to slow as global trade risks pile up across energy, logistics, and major export markets.
Vietnam is moving aggressively to expand its global trade reach through a new generation of free trade agreements (FTAs) targeting the Middle East and South Asia, a strategy that could increase competitive pressure on Thai exporters in markets where both countries sell similar goods.
China’s growing pet-friendly culture is creating a new export opening for Thailand, as demand for premium and health-focused pet food rises among Chinese consumers who increasingly treat pets as family members.
Italy has offered to employ 20,000-30,000 Thai workers a year to remedy labor shortages in three sectors, deputy government spokeswoman Patdarat Thongsaluaykorn said yesterday.
The government has reiterated that investments in data centers must not adversely affect local communities or the agricultural sector. According to government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek, the data center investment boom reflects the country’s potential to become a regional digital infrastructure hub, supporting the growth of cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce, fintech, and other digital services.
Thailand is redefining its annual green season, promoting the rainy months as a prime opportunity for wellness, nature-based experiences, and meaningful travel. Through its “Healing is the New Luxury” campaign, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is encouraging travelers to view the season not as an off-peak period, but as a time for restoration, reflection, and deeper connections with nature and local communities.
Authorities in Phuket are considering a proposal to raise the provincial tax on hotels from 1% to 3% of room rates to generate additional revenue for local development and tourism promotion.
Master the Art of Ordering Som Tum Like a Thai Local
Phangnga: Southern springboard to growth
The Great Hornbill forages in the treetops, usually living in pairs. Outside the breeding season, they can sometimes gather in flocks of up to 150, roosting in trees in valleys. However, they occasionally descend to the ground to forage. Their loud call, “Kok Kok Kok, Kahang Kahang Kahang” or “Kawa Kawa Kawa,” is the origin of their name. Great Hornbills are found in moist evergreen forests, dry evergreen forests, or mixed deciduous forests. 
Analyst urges shift away from fossil fuels
Thailand’s consideration of an expanded foreign ownership quota for condominium units is being viewed as a possible measure to attract overseas investment, support the property sector, and improve liquidity in a market still facing a slowdown.
Warning signs of a “Super El Niño” are becoming clearer, and Thailand may not have much time left to prepare before the situation escalates from dry spells to drought, extreme heat, and a water-shortage crisis that could last until the middle of next year.
The Thai army is closely monitoring reports of Cambodian tank and military hardware movements along the border, Second Army Area commander Weerayuth Raksilp has confirmed, warning that readiness, speed, and equipment would be decisive if a third round of clashes broke out.
Thailand’s cannabis policy is facing fresh scrutiny after the House Public Health Committee convened a tense meeting to examine whether cannabis should be returned to the narcotics list, as concerns grow over widespread sales, legal loopholes, and public health risks.
Residents have raised alarm over what they describe as a growing army of stray dogs roaming the grounds of Chiang Mai City Hall, saying the animals are intimidating visitors, chasing pedestrians, and creating safety concerns at the government complex.
Thailand’s residential property market is showing clearer signs of a supply slowdown, with developers holding back new projects despite an improvement in home transfers and housing loans at the start of 2026.
Bypassing Malacca is a bridge too far for Thailand’s ports project
The Finance Ministry is expediting its review of welfare reforms to ensure the benefits target those most in need, minimize duplication across programs, and promote greater participation in the labor force. This approach is based on the concept of a negative income tax (NIT) system.
Is Thailand becoming a welfare state? The answer remains to be seen, given the government’s fiscal constraints. Public debt has risen recently, nearing the statutory ceiling of 70% of GDP.
Chiang Mai’s bid to become UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in jeopardy
For decades, Thailand built its economy on the assumption that energy would remain cheap, stable, and someone else’s responsibility. That assumption is beginning to break. Many see this as a threat. It may also be an opportunity.
Thailand’s rapid solar energy expansion has grown from 2.5 megawatts to nearly 5,000 megawatts, supported by government policy and falling costs. End-of-life panel management remains largely unaddressed, however, with projections estimating between 431,000 and 728,000 tons of solar waste by 2050.
Design plans reviewed for Phon Kingphet Public Park
Prachuap Khiri Khan has launched Wellness Tourism 2026 as part of a plan to promote the province as an international health and wellness destination.
Registration is opening for the Wellscape Prachuap Khiri Khan Night Run 2026, an evening health run taking runners through the “City of Three Bays”. The event, organized by Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and the Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports, will take place on Friday, July 3.
Authorities have postponed a plan to impose higher electricity rates on large households with heavy consumption, citing the need to revise how power bills are calculated, says Energy Minister Akanat Promphan.
Five Thai reservoirs above maximum storage levels
Commerzbank’s analysis highlights that global energy market volatility, particularly in early 2026, is exerting substantial downward pressure on the Thai baht. Thailand’s significant reliance on energy imports, primarily crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), means that rising global energy costs directly worsen its trade balance.
Thailand’s property market is sending an interesting signal, as the number and value of “second-hand” homes listed for sale nationwide have risen significantly.
Malaysia and Thailand are edging closer to resolving a tit-for-tat seafood safety dispute, offering a lifeline to exporters after weeks of halted shipments and retaliatory restrictions on Thai shrimp and Malaysian sea bass.
Arnupharp Kongmalai, vice president of marketing at MR. D.I.Y. Holding (Thailand) evealed that the company’s operational outlook for the second half of 2026 continues to be supported by ongoing branch expansion, a value-focused business model, and government economic stimulus measures, which may partially support consumer spending.
TAT Looks to Rail Travel for the Next Chapter of Thailand’s High-Value Tourism
Traveloka reveals Thai destinations gaining global interest
Police in Vietnam have rescued more than 500 cats after dismantling a suspected cat meat trafficking network in one of the country’s largest animal welfare operations in recent years. The raid, carried out in and around Ho Chi Minh City last week, followed an investigation into a series of pet thefts. Authorities detained nine suspects and uncovered hundreds of live cats allegedly destined for the meat trade. 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.