- Phetchaburi Half Marathon/Danish ambassador to visit Hua Hin/Heart rate guidelines while exercising/Fuel prices down/Thai fuel prices to stay high/Illegal meatball and Vietnamese pork/Are Thais ready for retirement?
- THE IRAN WAR: US-Iran ceasefire signed/Thai hotels see Q4 recovery/Asia markets temper Iran deal optimism
- ECONOMY: Thai financial institutions warned/Thailand condo transfers to foreigners/Anutin unveils chip hub vision/Warning over worsening economy
- TOURISM: New flight routes spark international interest
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Tourism killed Thailand’s most famous bay/These Street Foods Are a Must-Try
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Over 150,000 new EVs/Thailand urged to put nature on national balance sheet/Nearly half the world’s children exposed
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Phetchaburi Half Marathon set Sunday
The Phetchaburi Half Marathon on Sunday at Chao Samran Beach will feature a 21km half marathon (790 baht), 10km mini marathon (690 baht), and 5km race (590 baht). A VIP category priced at 1,500 baht will allow participants to compete across distances. Registration has now closed. More information …
Danish ambassador to visit Hua Hin Thursday
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.
The gathering is an opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and meet fellow Danes. The event will be conducted in Danish. – scandasia.com
Keep heart rate guidelines in mind while exercising
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?
Dear Reader: Target heart rate refers to a rough guideline for how fast your heart should beat during exercise. We say “rough” because it is based on a one-size-fits-all formula. While target heart rate can be a useful tool for assessing safety and progress during exercise, it should not be viewed as absolute. Continued …
Fuel prices down 1-1.20 baht a liter
Fuel prices dropped by 1 to 1.20 baht per liter at PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp. petrol stations nationwide this morning.
At 5 am, prices fell by 1.00 baht per liter for diesel and 1.20 baht per liter for petrol. The price of premium gasohol 95 (GSH95 premium) remained unchanged. Continued …
Thai fuel prices to stay high until Q4
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.
An Energy Ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, warned that Thai motorists will continue to face high costs at the pump despite international developments that could stabilize oil markets. Continued …
Thai FDA warns over 20 illegal meatball and Vietnamese pork loaf brands
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA), together with the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), the Department of Livestock Development, and the Pathumthani Provincial Public Health Office, raided and shut down a major illegal processed-meat factory in Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani. Inspections found that the factory was producing food that was substandard and illegal.
Officers seized more than 20 brands of meatball and moo yor (Vietnamese pork loaf) products, 10,416 bags in total, as well as machinery and raw materials, with the total damage value put at more than B7 million. Continued …
Are Thais ready for retirement?
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.
Therefore, they must rely on income outside the household, such as government grants. Income that is not in the form of money (or inherited items) results in a low financial buffer in the event of an emergency or reduced income. This is a major risk for the Thai economy going forward, both in terms of household fragility and fiscal burden. Continued …
US-Iran ceasefire signed but key details still unclear
US President Donald Trump said yesterday the United States and Iran had signed a preliminary agreement to end the Gulf war, although key details have yet to be made public and both sides say a permanent truce still needs to be negotiated.
The agreement would extend a fragile ceasefire announced in April by another 60 days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran had effectively blocked after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran in February. Continued …
Thai hotels see Q4 recovery hopes after US-Iran deal calms oil and flight concerns
Thailand’s hotel industry is hoping the planned US-Iran peace agreement will help restore travel confidence, ease pressure on fuel prices, and support a recovery in foreign tourist arrivals during the fourth-quarter high season.
The expected signing of the agreement on June 19, together with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, has lifted sentiment across the global tourism industry after more than three months of Middle East conflict, energy-price volatility, and disruption to air travel. Continued …
Asia markets temper Iran deal optimism
Asian stocks inched up today after rallying on the previous session on news of a peace deal between Iran and the United States, as investors turned their focus to several central bank decisions, including an expected rate hike from the Bank of Japan.
Early trading in the region followed a familiar pattern, with markets settling into a more measured tone on Gulf developments as the initial excitement over the preliminary agreement between Washington and Tehran began to fade. Continued …
Thai financial institutions warned of above-average AI fraud risks
Thai financial institutions may face higher-than-average risks from AI-driven fraud as artificial intelligence reshapes financial crime and makes scams faster, more automated, and harder to detect, according to a new survey by BioCatch.
The survey found that 84% of banking executives worldwide view AI agents as a major vulnerability that could be exploited by financial criminals over the next 12 months. Continued …
Thailand condo transfers to foreigners fall across key measures
The Real Estate Information Center (REIC) of Government Housing Bank has released data on transfers of condominium ownership to foreign nationals nationwide in the first quarter of 2026, showing that the overall market continued to face pressure from economic conditions both in Thailand and overseas.
Transfers fell across all dimensions, including the number of units, transfer value, and usable area. The data showed that in the first three months of 2026, condominium ownership transfers to foreign nationals totalled 3,241 units, down 17.3% from the same period a year earlier. Continued …
Anutin unveils chip hub vision
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.
Anutin has signed an order creating the National Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Policy Committee as part of the government’s efforts to expand the semiconductor industry. Continued …
Warning over worsening economy in next 6 months
Tisco Financial Group expects the global economy to face mounting challenges in the second half of 2026, warning that stagflation risks, elevated energy prices, and geopolitical tensions could create a more volatile environment for investors.
Paiboon Nalinthrangkurn, chief executive of Tisco Securities, said higher-for-longer interest rates, slowing economic growth, and ongoing geopolitical conflicts are likely to weigh on financial markets and corporate earnings, making portfolio diversification increasingly important. Continued …
New flight routes spark growing international interest
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.
Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit said the ministry is advancing its Airport for Regional Development policy, which aims to position regional airports as key drivers of economic growth, tourism, and connectivity beyond Bangkok. Continued …
Tourism killed Thailand’s most famous bay. Here’s how it was brought back to life
It’s just past 7 a.m. on a February morning in Maya Bay, several weeks after authorities reopened what is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist attractions to the world for the first time since June 2018 following a massive rehabilitation program.
A lone tourist walks along the shore, the towering limestone monoliths appearing to float over the surface of the water, their bases eroded by millions of years of lapping salt water. In the distance, blacktip sharks swim through the bay, their fins breaking the surface. Continued …
Visiting Thailand? These Street Foods Are a Must-Try
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.
The segment also covers Som Tam from Isaan, Khao Soi associated with Chiang Mai, and boat noodles once sold from Bangkok’s canals. Additional items feature Moo Ping pork skewers glazed with coconut cream, chicken or pork satay with peanut sauce, and desserts such as khao niao mamuang and kluay tod. Video …
Over 150,000 new EVs to take to Thailand’s roads this year
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.
TMBThanachart Bank’s economic assessment center, known as TTB Analytics, made the projection this week, saying that the figure, which is also boosted by more affordable and stable domestic EV prices, is about a 28.5% year-on-year increase. Continued …
Thailand urged to put nature on national balance sheet for green growth
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.
By accounting for resources such as water, land, forests, and energy, as well as environmental impacts including air pollution, the framework can help governments make better decisions on development, investment, and conservation. Continued …
Nearly half the world’s children exposed to three or more climate risks: Unicef
More than one billion children face at least three overlapping climate hazards, the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) warned yesterday, while highlighting the disproportionate impact in some regions of the world.
For the report, the UN agency cross-referenced data showing where the roughly 2.4 billion children on the planet live with the geographic distribution of the eight most common climate impacts. They are coastal flooding, river flooding, drought, tropical storms, heat waves – at least three days above a high temperature threshold, which varies by country – extreme heat, wildfires, and sandstorms. Continued …
Muay Thai teacher uses martial arts skills in bloody street fight with Western foreigner
A street confrontation in Phuket has erupted into a dramatic battle involving a foreign tourist wielding a metal pipe and a Thai Muay Thai instructor who responded with an ancient Krabi-Krabong sword after suffering a fractured eye socket. Continued …
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Surat Thani Orders Probe Into Foreigners With Thai IDs – Continued …
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Chinese Fraud Suspecnabhumi Airportt Arrested at Suvararnbhumi – Continued …
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Brit Faces 10-Year Turkey Drug Sentence After Thai Trip – Continued …
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South Korean Fraud Suspect Arrested in Bangkok – Continued …
Britain announces sweeping social media ban for under-16s
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said yesterday he would ban social media sites for under-16s and impose restrictions on gaming and livestreaming platforms, in some of the world’s most far-reaching online restrictions to date. Video …
US B-52 bomber crashes in California, killing all eight crew
A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after take-off from Edwards Air Force Base in California’s Mojave Desert, killing all eight people aboard, Reuters reported, citing Air Force officials. 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
Is Hua Hin really the perfect retirement destination in Thailand… or is there a side of life here that most YouTube videos never show? In this video, I take an honest look at what happens after the honeymoon period ends for many expats and retirees living in Hua Hin.
The real way to travel Thailand: Bangkok to Hua Hin by train
Thailand has secured a place among the world’s top 10 healthcare systems, ranking eighth globally and first in Southeast Asia with a score of 77.5, reflecting the strength of its medical personnel and healthcare services.
The Thai Meteorological Department has warned people in the north, northeast, east, and south to prepare for heavy rain in some areas over the next 24 hours, while Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are forecast to see thunderstorms across 70% of the area.
Thailand’s hotel investment market is no longer seeing the same transaction value as during its peak years, but investor appetite remains strong as the sector enters a new growth cycle after the Covid-19 crisis.
The Thai Retailers Assn. (TRA) wants to unlock the conditions for the “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” co-payment scheme by expanding eligibility to business of all sizes, supporting business continuity and employment.
Replacing visa-free entry with a visa-on-arrival scheme for Indian tourists will not affect this market as affordable prices remain the decisive factor for them, while the policy change can help curb visa abuse, according to an Indian travel agent.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is positioning Africa as a key growth market as it seeks to diversify visitor sources amid ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East.
India’s largest low-cost carrier, IndiGo, has announced that its direct service to Krabi will be suspended from July 1 to Sept. 30 as part of a restructuring of its international route network.
A British man who left the UK due to rising living costs says he now lives comfortably in Chiang Mai on just GBP800 a month, compared with more than GBP3,000 a month previously. Robert Hoadley, 45, from Portsmouth, relocated in 2025 and says the move has given him greater financial freedom, improved work-life balance, and a healthier lifestyle.
Skip Chiang Mai’s usual northern loop for this 3-day Lamphun-Lampang road trip
At first glance, it may appear to be a simple question. Yet, it exposes a potentially significant anomaly within Thailand’s fisheries data system. While government agencies have consistently maintained that Thailand legally imported blackchin tilapia only once — and solely for research purposes — official records indicate that the same species was subsequently exported in remarkably large quantities to foreign markets during roughly the same period.
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the Foreign Ministry would today submit to the Cabinet a proposal to cancel the 60-day visa-free measure, known as P.60, and revise the 30-day visa-free measure, known as P.30.
Thailand has yet to decide whether to buy the broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the asking price of at least 1.3 billion baht is far above the 600-million-baht framework previously used by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, while unfavorable match times in Thailand may reduce viewership, advertising revenue, and wider economic benefits.
The Thai Meteorological Department forecast heavy rain in parts of upper Thailand over the next 24 hours, covering the north, northeast, central region, Bangkok, and surrounding provinces, today.
Consumer confidence in April plunged into crisis territory, recording the sharpest monthly decline globally and across the Asia-Pacific region, as economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, rising living costs, and dissatisfaction with government efforts to address the economy eroded public sentiment, according to the Ipsos Global Consumer Confidence Index.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan has floated a plan to attract Middle Eastern oil producers to invest in a strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) in Thailand, positioning the country as a regional oil distribution hub while strengthening long-term energy security.
A high-level Thai delegation has robustly defended the kingdom’s trade practices during technical consultations with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), clarifying that Thai supply chains are completely free of forced labor.
The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has launched an influencer-led campaign alongside Thai celebrity couple “Cee” Siwat Chotchaicharin and “Amy” Amika Klinpratoom to showcase the economic and culinary value of the nation’s Geographical Indication (GI) products.
The Department of Business Development (DBD) has joined forces with the Royal Thai Police and border control agencies to launch an aggressive, widespread crackdown on illegal corporate nominees operating within Thailand’s primary tourist destinations.
Thai tourism operators are looking beyond the sluggish low season and expect healthy bookings, particularly from European tourists, when the high season returns in the third quarter.
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau posted a video on Sunday warning travelers not to trust claims that a paid fast track immigration service is available at Suvarnabhumi Airport through Trip.com.
Chiang Mai On A Budget: Thailand’s Cosy Mountain Escape
Thailand is emerging as Southeast Asia’s most NEV-ready market, with 58% of consumers considering hybrid or electric vehicles — significantly above the regional average of 42.8%. Key purchase motivators include lower fuel costs, charging availability, and longer driving range.
The end of Bangkok Street food
Bangkok is known for its extensive and varied street food scene. Its presence comes up in virtually any discussion about tourism in Thailand. Techically, some might argue, you haven’t really “visited” Thailand if you have not experienced Bangkok’s street food. Quite simply, it’s a selling point for Thailand’s tourism industry.
What your go-to street food in Thailand says about you
Hua Hin Red Cross Fair on June 5-14
The Thai private sector’s damning report on the 10 most-corrupt state agencies has sent a shockwave through the government bureaucracy, prompting immediate reactions, from Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn to the director general of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), who has demanded to see evidence of the alleged bribe taking.
Four Thai police officers and a civilian have been arrested in Sa Kaeo province after allegedly detaining five Chinese nationals and demanding money in exchange for their release.
Thailand’s worsening corruption situation was raised as a key proposal at a joint meeting between the government and the private sector on ways to improve the country’s economic competitiveness, held at Government House on Friday.
Poll Urges End to Hidden School Fees and Equal Access
Thailand has urged Iran to allow the safe passage of eight Thai-flagged ships stranded at either end of the near-closed Strait of Hormuz. The call was made by Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi last week.
Oil prices extended gains today as efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran appeared to have stalled, after a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates came under attack and as US President Donald Trump is expected to discuss military options on Iran.
The Anutin government is under immediate pressure to ease living costs and restore economic confidence, as most respondents to a new Suan Dusit Poll want urgent action on prices and debt, while nearly half expect the economy to worsen over the next three months.
Thailand’s economy grew by 2.8% in the first quarter of 2026 from a year earlier, official data showed today, higher than the median forecast of 2.2% in a Reuters poll of analysts
Nearly three months have passed since the US-Israeli air strikes on Iran began, with no resolution to the war in sight, while almost two months have elapsed since the Thai government took office.
Thailand Land Bridge Faces Investor Doubts
Chinese investment continues to make inroads into Thai retail, with “Chinese supermarkets” expanding into Huai Khwang, Rama 9, and tourist cities. The stores stock Chinese goods ranging from snacks, drinks, tea, soft drinks, mala sauces, and instant noodles to ready-to-eat food, responding to strong online trends.
Thailand’s influencer economy is no longer just about content creation but has become a fast-growing business sector worth 45 billion baht, prompting calls for clearer standards, stronger oversight, and support to help Thai influencers compete internationally.
Swedish defense company Saab plans to expand investment in Thailand following the Royal Thai Air Force’s decision to procure Gripen E/F fighter jets, with ambitions to develop the country into a regional defense technology and production hub.
On Feb. 28, when the US-Israeli war with Iran began, Thailand’s tourism industry was looking forward to reaping the benefits of the final month of the high season.
Elephant Nature Park: Inside Chiang Mai’s Ethical Elephant Haven
Thailand’s Largest Lake Is A Breathtaking Body Of Water With Islands, Bird Sanctuaries, And Fishing
In our latest travel title, Thailand: The Monocle Handbook, we showcase the very best of this sunny nation, including the multitude of excellent hospitality hotspots on offer.
Preparing for Climate-Related Losses
The BECC Primary International School has begun construction on a new purpose-built campus off Soi 112 in Hua Hin, with the school scheduled to open at the site in August 2027.
The Kite and Art Festival Prachuap Khiri Khan will take place at Saran Withi Pier from May 15-16, bringing two evenings of kite displays, art and family-friendly activities to the seafront.
Thailand could face a “dual water crisis” in 2026 after the Thai Meteorological Department forecast that El Niño could occur during May to July, putting many areas at risk of water shortages and prompting the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) to accelerate nationwide response plans and monitor 20 branches at risk of shortages.
Thailand’s Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) is pushing ahead with four new rail projects in Bangkok, while accelerating tram developments in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima, with all three provincial tram systems targeted to open by 2032.
From Epic Fury to Project Freedom: Who Pays the Bill for a Blocked Strait?
Given the sagging economy and conflict in the Middle East, the residential market is expected to contract for a fourth consecutive year in 2026, weighed down by persistent high household debt, rising living costs, and tight lending, according to Siam Commercial Bank Economic Intelligence Center (EIC).
Thais Feel the Pinch as ‘Single-Dish’ Prices Surge Amid Fuel Price Crisis
Land bridge faces uphill battle
Thai economists are expressing concern that the government’s much-touted-but-stalled land bridge project will neither be a success nor boost the economy as they hope. Some suggest that the Thai government should first revive existing economic projects left unfinished.
Kukrit Areepakorn, manager of the Thai Broiler Processing Exporters Assn., revealed that the export situation and prices of chicken are currently declining due to two main reasons: China suspending exports from 17 processing plants, and the Middle East war.
Foreign tourists in Thailand are actively observing the Thai baht’s depreciation against the US dollar, a trend that directly impacts their vacation budgets. The currency opened at 31.77 per dollar, a slight weakening from 31.60, and analysts foresee continued fluctuation within the range of 31.55 to 31.95 as global economic conditions evolve.
Thailand Bets on Revamp of Chaing Mai Hot Springs to Spearhead Wellness Drive
Did you know Thailand is actually the first nation in Southeast Asia to successfully revive its tiger population? While most of the world is losing these incredible big cats, Thailand’s jungles are seeing a serious comeback. We’re talking about a massive conservation effort that’s bringing the king of the jungle back to the Western Forest Complex. It’s a huge win for wildlife and shows a side of Thai conservation history that most people completely miss. 
This Unknown City Wants To Become Thailand’s Next Vacation Hotspot
Why Koh Kut remains one of Thailand’s most beautiful island escapes
The Thai government is significantly ramping up its national energy infrastructure and streamlining investment protocols to capitalize on a new wave of global digital and clean energy interest.
Thailand’s energy crisis, sparked by Middle East tensions, has rapidly turned solar power from a green option into an economic necessity. As electricity costs surge, homes and businesses are rushing to install rooftop panels, with demand outpacing supply and installers struggling to keep up.
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) is exploring ways to make loans more accessible for households joining the rooftop solar buyback scheme, aiming to encourage wider adoption of clean energy and help families generate their own electricity.
Hua Hin City Municipality is preparing for possible drought-related problems after a dry spell caused water levels in Pran Buri Reservoir to fall to a low level. A meeting was called yesterday after the Pran Buri Water Transmission and Maintenance Project reported that low rainfall since the start of 2026 had affected water levels in Pran Buri Reservoir.
Prachuap Khiri Khan province is facing severe drought conditions, with more than 512 million liters of water already distributed to households lacking water for daily use. Deputy Governor Prateep Boriboonrat chaired a meeting yesterday to monitor the drought situation.
Airpocalypse Forever: Thailand Gasps for Breath
Airlines worldwide hit by Iran war with fare rises, cuts, and closures
Middle East Conflict Sends Fertilizer Costs Soaring for Asia’s Rice Farmers
Thailand’s inflation rate increased by 2.89% in April compared to last year, driven by rising oil and food prices, reported Nantapong Chiralerspong of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office. The increase is linked to Middle Eastern conflicts causing a blockage in the Strait of Hormuz, which has sharply escalated global oil prices. This surge has impacted public transport and, subsequently, the cost of food and services in the country.
Thailand’s back-to-school season is expected to generate total consumer spending of 66 billion baht in 2026, a 6% increase on the previous year and the fastest rate of growth in 13 years, according to research released yesterday by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). The findings arrive as the broader Thai economy struggles for momentum, with GDP growth forecast at just 1.6% for the year.
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) has approved six major investment projects worth a combined 29.9 billion dollars, led by a large-scale data infrastructure expansion by TikTok. The largest share comes from TikTok Systems (Thailand) Co., which plans to invest 26.3 billion dollars, across Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chachoengsao.
Bangkok is set to become the hottest major city in Southeast Asia by 2050, with temperatures projected to rise above 38C as climate change and the urban heat island effect intensify across the region.
Global debt climbed to a record near US$353 trillion by the end of March, with the IIF saying investors are showing growing interest in Japanese and European bonds over US Treasuries. 
Thailand’s Alcohol Control Committee has opened a public consultation on a draft regulation setting days when alcohol sales would be prohibited, with feedback accepted until May 30. The move signals a potential update to existing restrictions, while confirming that recent changes to daytime alcohol sales have not increased accident rates.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday confirmed that Thais will definitely view World Cup 2026 football games to be broadcast live from host countries in North America between next month and July.
Even if you don’t drink coffee, you will know that the coffee business has grown tremendously because coffee shops, either small or large, have been mushrooming. Due to the growth of this market, Thailand is set to host one of the world’s most influential coffee events – World Of Coffee Bangkok 2026.
Is 60 truly the perfect endpoint of a working life? This question is becoming ever more pressing as Thailand, and the broader Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, rapidly transform into a “super-aged society” – a definition for a country or society where 20% or more of the population is aged 65 or older.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth downplayed the U.S. military’s new effort to clear the Strait of Hormuz as a “temporary mission” that does not break the ceasefire with Iran, even after the Pentagon said it sank half a dozen small Iranian boats.
U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday he would briefly pause an operation to help ships escape the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran. 
Thailand’s rice exporters say the Iran war has dealt a major blow to shipments to the Middle East, wiping out more than 200,000 tons of exports over the past three months.
The Cabinet yesterday approved a draft emergency decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow up to 400 billion baht to address the impact of the energy crisis and support Thailand’s energy transition. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the decision was necessary because conflict in the Middle East had severely affected energy prices and economic activity worldwide.
Thailand’s condominium market in 2026 is facing pressure from all sides, including the domestic economy and external factors, particularly tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel that have pushed oil prices higher, significantly affecting the cost of goods and services, as well as the cost of living for Thai consumers.
An environmental advocacy organization, the Environmental Law Foundation (EnLAW), yesterday launched a nationwide campaign titled “Stop SEC Act & Land Bridge”, calling on the public to oppose the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC), or land bridge project, through an online petition.
More than 50% of farmer debtors are unlikely to fully repay their debts within their lifetime, largely because most of them are elderly, according to the Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research (PIER). The institute says a combination of debt relief measures is needed to address the issue.
A tourist complaint has put photographers at Wat Arun back in the spotlight after visitors claimed they were told to move from public areas to make way for paying photo clients.
Bangkok food vendor curbs push city staple from the streets
Chinatown in Bangkok is one of the world’s most vibrant Chinese districts, famous for its atmosphere and energy. Visitors can explore Yaowarat Road, admire landmarks like China Gate and Wat Traimit, wander through Sampheng Lane, and enjoy a rich variety of street food after dark. 
Thailand’s electric pickup market is shifting into high gear, fueled by a mix of global energy pressures and domestic policy support, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Plans for a Hua Hin Smart City development are moving forward, with proposals including free public WiFi, a pet registration platform, and smart drinking water dispensers currently under consideration by local authorities.
A mangrove restoration plan has been approved for the Sirinart Rajini Mangrove Forest, with officials proposing a 4.9-million-baht budget to address water system issues and support long-term ecological recovery.
Two decades after declaring an official war on air pollution, Thailand is losing the battle. Despite a flurry of committees and high-profile promises, crucial indicators show that the sources of the smog and its deadly health impacts are rising once again. What began as a seasonal nuisance in the northern highlands has metastasized into a year-round national health crisis that threatens the very fabric of Thai society.
As the global order fractures and major powers like China, Russia, and the United States drift toward the precipice of open conflict, the very definition of “wealth” is undergoing a radical transformation.
The Thai Food Processors’ Assn. is calling on the government to reduce energy costs, pursue negotiations on free-trade agreements (FTAs), and explore new market opportunities. The association said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is pressuring logistics, raw materials, and packaging costs.
Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), said that against the backdrop of global volatility and shifts in production bases, Thailand had continued to attract investor interest.
Known for its pungent aroma and rich, custard-like texture, the durian has recently become a focal point of Thai national discourse. However, the current debate centers not on its flavor, but on its role as a litmus test for the government’s ability to engineer sustainable solutions for the nation’s agricultural sector.
Traveling the Road to Ordination on an Elephant
Chef Pam is putting Thai cuisine back into the global conversation
The National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) has approved a new electricity tariff structure that will help millions of Thai households save money, along with sweeping measures to unlock residential rooftop solar development.
Senior officials from Laos and Thailand met in Vientiane yesterday for consultations on cross-border smog, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to cleaner air and stronger pollution-control cooperation.
Viral posts of an Australian street dubbed the country’s “most beautiful” have enticed coachloads of visitors to a picturesque seaside town — and locals have had enough of it. Just a two-hour drive south of Sydney, Gerringong is much like many other photogenic hamlets along Australia’s east coast, with multi-million-dollar properties set against stunning views of the azure blue sea. 
Buckets of blooms adorn Yuvita Anggi Prinanda’s sidewalk flower stall in Bali, but their perfume can’t mask the stench of accumulating trash bespoiling parts of the resort island famed for its natural beauty. Bali’s largest landfill was declared off-limits for organic waste from the beginning of April, as the government moves to enforce a longstanding ban on open pits. 
Hua Hin is exploring the use of CCTV with AI-enabled facial recognition systems as part of plans to strengthen public safety and modernize urban management. The proposal was discussed during a meeting chaired by Nopporn Wutthikul on Friday at Hua Hin City Municipality.
Five stray dogs were found dead after suspected poisoning in a residential area of Cha Am municipality, Phetchaburi, on Friday, prompting concern among local residents and calls for authorities to investigate. The animals were discovered lying on the road and nearby grass, showing signs of severe distress, including foaming at the mouth, bleeding, and loss of bodily control.
The likelihood of a “super El Niño” poses a serious threat to Thailand’s agricultural sector, particularly rice production, potentially increasing food security risks.
A senior doctor has warned that eating raw shrimp can lead to serious parasitic infection, after a case highlighted the risks beyond common food poisoning. Yesterday, Dr. Jessada Bunyawongviroj, deputy director of Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, shared details of a patient who developed gnathostomiasis after consuming raw seafood. The condition caused swelling that moved across the body, as parasites migrated under the skin.
Thailand’s Ministry of Energy is preparing to propose a new electricity pricing scheme to the cabinet, aimed at reducing costs for households that use no more than 200 units per month. Under the plan, these users would pay less than 3 baht per unit, with lower consumption leading to progressively cheaper rates, potentially benefiting around 14 million people.
At least 80% of governments will deploy AI agents to automate routine decision-making, enhancing efficiency and service delivery by 2028, according to the business and technology insights company Gartner Inc.
Oil prices extended gains today, rising almost 2% as peace efforts between the United States and Iran lost momentum and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remained constrained, tightening global supply.
As temperatures climb across Thailand, households are feeling more than just the heat. This year’s hot season has brought a sharp rise in living costs, particularly fuel prices, tightening budgets and amplifying financial strain. In this environment, effective financial management has become essential to easing the burden.
Government Outlines B1.38-trillion Transport Plan
Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said the government was pressing ahead with its economic plan to help households and businesses cope with global volatility, while also strengthening Thailand’s medium- and long-term competitiveness.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties with the United States following talks with US Ambassador to Thailand Sean O’Neill on Friday.
Quasar Medical, a manufacturer of interventional and minimally invasive devices, has opened its newest manufacturing facility in Chonburi, Thailand. This new facility adds to the company’s initial investment in Thailand, and is Quasar’s third site in the country.
Thailand’s famed massage industry is getting a reset. Last month, the government rolled out sweeping reforms to raise standards, improve training, and reshape its global image. In 2024, Thailand’s wellness tourism spending hit US$14 billion, up 36% from the previous year. This video looks at whether the changes will lift the sector or price it out of reach. 
The water has dried, the streets have cleared, and the music has faded, but for many long-term visitors in Pattaya, the aftermath of this year’s Songkran has left behind more frustration than fond memories.
The sights, sounds, and smells of Bangkok hit me immediately and simultaneously. The spiced aromas wafting from street food vendors mixed with the heavy traffic’s gasoline fumes. My head was constantly on a swivel, captured by the neon lights in Chinatown contrasting against the gold facades of the centuries-old wats (temples).
10 high-sodium Thai dishes that may quietly harm your kidneys
The government’s renewed focus on rooftop solar in early 2026 stems from overlapping economic pressures, described by policymakers as a “crisis on crisis”. Global energy costs have surged amid the war in the Middle East, affecting fuel used for electricity generation. This has pushed up the fuel tariff, with further increases expected between May and August.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with strategic partners, successfully concluded the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC) 2026 in Phuket last week.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has introduced a wellness-focused travel experience tailored to modern lifestyles through the “Run with the Rhythm” event. The event forms part of the “Central Rhythm – Fit Body, Relax Mind, Find Your New Life Rhythm in the Central Region” campaign and is presented as a mini-wellness festival.
Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat says he has found the key to unlocking Thailand’s decades-long middle-income trap: human capital development. Yodchanan is now staking the country’s future on an ambitious education roadmap aimed at lifting Thailand into a high-value economy.
Rising living costs are intensifying pressure on families as education reforms ease school dress rules nationwide, yet household spending remains high.
Dr. Paiboon Eksaengsri, president of the Private Hospital Assn., said the private hospital business, as it enters the second quarter, still needs to remain cautious about the impact of the war in the Middle East.
Thailand’s exports to the United States surged 41.8% in the first quarter of 2026, as US importers accelerated orders following a court ruling that voided retaliatory tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump’s policy.
Reports indicate that Thailand is beginning to face a problem of oil storage tanks nearing capacity, with limited space left, as refineries continue operating at full production. Some refineries are said to be running at more than 100% of capacity, as high as 110%, in order to produce enough fuel to meet public demand in line with government policy.
‘Super dull and boring’: Foreign visitor’s take on Suvarnabhumi
Andaman coastal provinces can expect rain to linger longer this year due to an El Nino impact on the monsoon season, a weather forecaster said yesterday. The moonsoon season along the Andaman Coast from Ranong to Satun is generally from May to October each year.
Westerners in Thailand notice unique street food, vibrant markets, beautiful temples, friendly locals, chaotic traffic, respectful gestures, and cultural practices, all contributing to a richly immersive experience within 30 days.
Decentralized solar microgrids are replacing grid extension in rural Southeast Asia as high infrastructure and fuel costs make traditional power networks uneconomic. “In Northern Thailand, decentralized solar microgrids emerged as the primary alternative, delivering power at 10% of the cost of traditional grid extension,” Colin Peh, founder and CEO at GoRental Global, said.
The Transport Ministry is preparing an action plan to boost EV adoption by 300,000 vehicles, supported by tax incentives and a car trade-in scheme. Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat outlined two key measures following discussions with the Department of Land Transport (DLT), aimed at accelerating the shift from petrol-powered vehicles.
Venice, the historic city of canals, is facing a deepening crisis from climate change that is putting it at growing risk of permanent submersion, as sea levels rise faster than expected and the city’s flood defensce system may no longer be able to cope indefinitely. 
Tomorrow is the 40th anniversary of the accident at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, one of the largest man-made disasters in human history. The catastrophe that unfolded in 1986 was the result of a reactor experiment carried out under Moscow’s orders, in blatant violation of basic safety protocols.