- More rain expected locally/Blessing of the Fleet ceremony/Vascular health discussed/Thailand flood news/Thailand to tighten ride-hailing checks/Chateau de Loei ends wine production/LISA Leads MTV Video Music Awards/Nene Royal returns home
- THE IRAN WAR: Iran warns US/Gulf’s War Is Now Southeast Asia’s Problem/
- ECNOMY: Thailand-US tariff talks/Economy Forces Many to Cut Back on Food
- TOURISM: Thailand’s high season test begins/Five Phuket hotels ordered shut
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Government defends solar sector/Oversight of waste-to-energy plants
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
More rain expected locally, flood concerns aired
Authorities in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been ordered to closely monitor heavy rain and water conditions and prepare to assist residents if flooding or other disasters occur.
The government cited forecasts of rain-bearing systems moving westward through Wednesday, bringing heavy rain to many areas and potentially very heavy rain in some locations. Continued …
Hua Hin holds Blessing of the Fleet ceremony
Residents and visitors gathered at Hua Hin’s Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine on Saturday for the traditional Ship to Sea ceremony.
The Hua Hin Fishing Community Committee organised the Sea Misfortune-Casting Ceremony alongside merit-making for the shrine, beside the Hilton Hua Hin hotel. Continued …
Vascular health discussed at Hua Hin seminar
Recognizing the warning signs of blood clots, strokes and poor circulation was the focus of a Hua Hin seminar held by Be Well Medical Center and Bangpakok 9 International Hospital on Saturday.
The event, titled “Common Vascular Diseases & Disorders”, took place at iSanook Hotel in Khao Takiab. It covered prevention, symptoms and treatment, alongside advice on when patients should seek specialist or emergency care. Continued …
Thailand floods hit 174,000 families, eight dead
Flooding has affected more than 174,000 families across 25 provinces and all 50 Bangkok districts, with eight deaths reported, Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) said yesterday.
Flooding had reached 128 districts, 587 subdistricts and 2,500 villages. DDPM recorded 174,803 affected families, or 545,022 people, in the 25 provinces and Bangkok. Heavy rain, combined with water flowing south from northern Thailand into the central region, had caused the widespread flooding. Continued …
Thailand unlikely to see 2011-scale floods, experts say
Thailand is “virtually impossible” to face a repeat of the 2011 flood disaster this year, according to two disaster and environmental specialists, despite heavy rain and flooding in parts of the country.
Assoc. Prof. Seree Supratid of Rangsit University’s Climate Change and Disaster Center and Asst. Prof. Thon Thamrongnawasawat of Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Fisheries said current conditions differ sharply from 2011. However, they urged people to watch for run-off in western Thailand and intense local downpours known as “rain bombs”. Continued …
Commerce Ministry coordinates essential supplies in flood-hit areas
The Department of Internal Trade (DIT), under the Ministry of Commerce, is coordinating retailers, convenience stores, fresh markets, wholesale markets and local department stores to ensure essential consumer goods remain available as flooding disrupts travel and distribution in some areas.
The department’s director-general, Wittayakorn Maneenetr, explained that residents in some flood-affected areas had increased their purchases to build up reserves. Continued …
Bangkok shoppers stock up as flooding empties convenience-store shelves
Heavy rain and widespread flooding across Bangkok have prompted residents to stock up on food and essential goods, leaving shelves empty at some convenience stores and neighborhood shops amid concerns over travel disruption and possible shortages.
Shopping conditions in Bangkok were surveyed after continuous rain from the early hours of Friday lasted for more than 30 hours, causing flooding in several areas awaiting drainage. Continued …
Thailand warns retailers against price hikes amid floods
The Thai government has warned retailers against unjustified price hikes and hoarding essential goods as flooding affects Bangkok and other parts of the country. Businesses that raise prices without justification face up to seven years in prison.
Deputy government spokesperson Ploythalay Laksamisaengchan announced the warning yesterday, saying the government was closely monitoring flooding and had instructed agencies to coordinate relief efforts for affected residents. Continued …
Airlines offer free flight changes, credits amid Bangkok flooding
Airlines have introduced special measures for passengers affected by flooding and severe traffic congestion in Bangkok, including free flight changes and travel credits.
Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X are allowing passengers booked on flights to or from Bangkok from Sept 26-28 to change their flight once free of charge. The new travel date must be within seven days of the original date and will be subject to seat availability. Alternatively, passengers may retain the full ticket value as a credit against future travel. Continued …
Rayong flood alert widens as dam and reservoir raise concerns
Authorities in Rayong have ordered residents in at-risk areas to evacuate urgently after damage was reported at the spillway of Khlong Ra-ok Reservoir, also known as Khao Chuk Dam, while a separate warning has been issued over critically high water at Prasae Reservoir.
The Thung Khwai Kin Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) in Klaeng district warned on that part of the Khao Chuk Dam spillway structure had been damaged, raising fears of a possible breach and rapid downstream flooding. Residents in affected areas were told to evacuate within one hour. Continued …
Bangkok bears brunt of estimated 25.3-billion-baht Thai flood losses
Assoc. Prof. Aat Pisanwanich of Rangsit University’s Faculty of Economics estimates that flooding across 48 provinces, including Bangkok, during Sept. 24–27, could cause economic losses of 25.345 billion baht under a moderate-damage scenario.
Bangkok accounts for the largest share of that estimate, at 10.586 billion baht, as flooding disrupts commerce, services and travel. Business leaders have warned that many companies were unprepared for the intensity and duration of the inundation. Continued …
Bangkok floodwater eases after affecting 329,000 households
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said rainfall across the capital was beginning to ease on today, allowing the city to focus on lowering water levels in major canals and accelerating drainage from flooded roads and communities.
Chadchart said the low-pressure system responsible for the intense rain of the previous two to three days had moved away, reducing the likelihood of rainfall on the same scale. Bangkok had recorded accumulated rainfall of more than 300 millimeters in some areas during the prolonged downpour. Continued …
Bangkok’s 48-hour deluge exposes limits of city drainage system
More than 300 millimeters of accumulated rain over Bangkok during Sept. 25–26 has exposed the limits of the capital’s drainage infrastructure and prompted experts to call for a fundamental reassessment of how the city prepares for extreme rainfall.
The prolonged downpour lasted for more than two days and inundated major roads even though there was no significant influx of upstream water into Bangkok. Continued …
Flooding causes severe baggage problems at Suvranabhumi Airport
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul rushed to Suvarnabhumi Airport today as a crippling baggage crisis entered its third day. Passengers waited up to six hours while exhausted Thai Airways crews battled mountains of stranded luggage after flooding stopped replacement workers reaching the airport.
Broken baggage carts deepened the breakdown, forcing office staff and managers into ground operations as military personnel were deployed. Officials warned the backlog could take another two to three days to clear. Continued …
Khlong Chan residents plead for food and water amid floods – Continued …
Bangkok region gets flood holiday and free expressways – Continued …
Khao Yai park closure extended after bridge collapse – Continued …
Chinese driver pulled out of car swept into canal during Rayong flooding – Continued …
Chanthaburi floods reach one meter, villagers evacuate – Continued …
Bangkok rain drives commuters onto packed trains – Continued …
Taxi carrying foreigner swept off by floodwaters on Sa Kaeo road – Continued …
Four 2-meter crocodiles loose in flooded Sa Kaeo – Continued …
Two missing after pickup swept away when Kanchanaburi weir collapses – Continued …
Thailand to tighten ride-hailing checks from Thursday
Thailand will begin tougher enforcement of rules covering ride-hailing apps, drivers and vehicles on Thursday, the Ministry of Transport has announced.
Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat chaired a meeting on the measures with Department of Land Transport Director-general Sorapong Paitoonphong and representatives from eight platforms: Grab, Bolt, inDrive, TADA, MAXIM, LINE MAN, Lalamove and FINGOGO. Continued …
Chateau de Loei ends wine production in Loei
Thailand’s pioneering premium wine label Chateau de Loei has formally ended wine production and stopped growing grapes for winemaking at its site in Phu Ruea district, Loei province.
Excise officials destroyed remaining wine and spirits at the factory last week as part of the legal closure process. The estate is now moving its land and business toward alternative agriculture and processed produce. Continued …
LISA Leads Historic Night at 2026 MTV Video Music Awards
Thai global icon LISA, Lalisa Manoban, made history at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards yesterday, becoming the first K-pop solo artist to win the coveted Best Pop award.
The Blackpink star secured the major category with her cinematic music video “Dream”, featuring Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi. The landmark victory came amidst fierce competition from music industry heavyweights, including Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, Charli xcx, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tate McRae. Continued …
Nene Royal returns home to a grand Phuket welcome
The Phuket girl who recently busked at night markets in her native Thailand received a grand welcome from crowds of fans and local residents yesterday after winning America’s Got Talent and gaining fans around the world.
Nene Royal, 16, whose real name is Rattikan Amloy, made history by becoming the first Thai to win America’s Got Talent Season 21, taking home the US$1 million prize. Nene arrived in Phuket at about 10:50 am yesterday and was greeted at the airport by a large crowd, including her grandmother. Continued …
Iran warns US after Trump rejects seven-day Hormuz plan
Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said yesterday that Iran’s armed forces were fully prepared to confront any renewed US attack, according to Iranian state media.
Akraminia warned that the United States would suffer greater damage if it attacked Iran again. His remarks followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement that he had rejected Tehran’s seven-day proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the fighting. Continued …
Beijing Envoy: The Gulf’s War Is Now Southeast Asia’s Problem
Some 6,000 kilometers separate the anchorage off Hormuz from a petrol station forecourt in Nonthaburi. In 2026, that distance has counted for very little.
On Friday, Zhai Jun, special envoy of the Chinese government on Middle East issues, stood before delegates at the 17th FutureChina Global Forum and made the connection explicit. The conflict convulsing the Gulf, he argued, is no longer a regional security file. It is a Southeast Asian economic emergency arriving by sea, in the form of freight invoices, insurance premiums and pump prices. Continued …
Thailand’s K-Shaped Economy Forces Many to Cut Back on Food
Thailand is attracting billions of baht in investment into data centers, electronics and advanced industries, while household finances remain under pressure. A government survey found that 32.8% of respondents had reduced the number of meals they eat or were eating less. Almost two-thirds were buying cheaper food or waiting for discounts.
The figures come from the Department of Health’s Anamai Poll, which surveyed 941 people under the title “How to Live in Difficult Times”. The survey found that 64.8% were buying cheaper food or waiting for discounts, 37.5% were cooking at home more often, 33.6% were growing vegetables and 25.7% had reduced food-delivery orders. Another 18.5% were buying larger quantities for storage. Continued …
Costly efforts cushion against energy prices
Fuel subsidies in Thailand are being maintained or extended primarily to shield consumers and businesses from the volatility of global oil prices and the rising cost of living. Authorities are utilizing the Oil Fuel Fund to keep diesel and gasohol prices stable, which helps protect households and food vendors from the impact of high energy costs.
The government is employing a multi-pronged strategy to address energy instability, which includes maintaining diesel refinery price cuts and considering fuel excise tax reductions. These measures aim to mitigate the economic pressure caused by geopolitical conflicts, such as those in the Middle East, which have driven up global energy prices. Additionally, the government is focusing on long-term energy security by promoting biofuels like E20 and B20 to reduce dependence on imported crude oil.
Thailand-US tariff talks reach in-principle deal
Thailand and the United States have reached an agreement in principle on tariff negotiations, with the remaining work focused on reviewing technical details and the wording of the agreement, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun confirmed today.
Suphajee explained that officials were carefully reviewing the technical provisions and wording. Thailand aims to complete the process before Washington takes further action under Section 301. Continued …
Thailand’s high season test begins as tourism numbers rise
Thailand’s final quarter of 2026 is shaping up to be a closely watched high season, with the government adjusting tourism stimulus plans while airlines, hotels, restaurants, nightlife venues and other businesses prepare for more visitors.
One key question is whether rising visitor numbers will translate into stronger spending for businesses, particularly smaller operators and nightlife venues that continue to see significant differences in purchasing power across tourism markets. Continued …
Five Phuket hotels ordered shut over license failures
Five hotels in Phuket have been ordered to suspend operations after failing to secure licenses and complete required improvements, provincial authorities said.
The closures were imposed after operators did not make the necessary changes despite being given extra time. The action follows a provincial review of hotels operating without licenses or with structural issues. Authorities had allowed affected properties 30 days to correct physical deficiencies. Continued …
Government defends solar sector as China supplies 99.3% of imports
The Thai government has defended its domestic solar industry by emphasizing the need to maintain national safety and quality standards for electrical installations and components. This defense follows reports that China supplied 99.3% of solar panel imports to Thailand during the first seven months of 2026.
Officials stated that the high level of imports does not mean all solar panels used in Thailand are sourced from China, nor does it imply that the government is funding the domestic sector based solely on those import figures. Instead, the government aims to ensure that all solar power expansion meets specific technical and safety requirements, such as those set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), to protect consumers. Additionally, the government is promoting domestic manufacturing capabilities and exploring ways to ensure that clean energy expansion remains safe and cost-effective for the public.
Call for oversight of waste-to-energy plants
JustPow is calling for stronger environmental oversight of waste-to-energy plants because they believe the current regulatory framework is too weak to ensure the safety of local communities and the surrounding environment. The advocacy group argues that current regulations lack sufficient environmental impact assessments, particularly for smaller facilities that generate less than 10 megawatts of capacity.
The group also highlighted concerns regarding the lack of transparency and public participation in waste-to-energy projects. Residents in areas near these plants have reported issues including air pollution and health concerns linked to emissions, as well as problems stemming from waste storage and transport operations. JustPow has warned that the rapid expansion of the waste-to-energy sector could create problematic cross-border waste movements, potentially incentivizing the import of waste to fuel industrial projects.
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Chinese CEO held in Pattaya over sugar fraud claim – Continued …
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US man held after Pattaya drug lab raid – 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
The government is continuing its crackdown on nominee arrangements, gray capital and identity-card fraud networks under instructions from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Government moving to fully relocate Bangkok port to Laem Chabang
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 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.
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..
The Rise (and Rise and Rise) of the Suddenly Ubiquitous Jellyfish
Increasing concern among farmers about Kok River contamination
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. 
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. 
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. 
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.
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.
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
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.