- EZY Airlines Hua Hin-U-Tapao flights/Fish along Hua Hin beaches/Bintabaht to host Halloween parade/Run with the Flow event/Video of the panthers and leopards/You’re an alien/Thailand targets 10,000 visa overstayers/Phuket flash floods/Seven-language 7-Eleven worker
- ECONOMY: Thai hotel closures rise/Thai farm exports weaken/4 new investment zones/AI top worldwide concern
- TOURISM: Nok Air suspends 3 southern routes/15-day visa waiver for 3 nations/Thailand’s visa processing delays
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival/High-value nature tourism/Naga Fireballs: Thailand’s unexplained lights/Doi Luang Chiang Dao opens bookings
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Solar for households scheme/Nuclear study accelerated
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
We have this video for you just for fun. This is actor Jackie Chan filming the movie Skiptrace in 2014, as he sang Rolling in the Deep, only to discover the Mongolian extras in the film knew the lyrics. Video …
EZY Airlines Hua Hin-U-Tapao flights to start Oct 23
EZY Airlines has announced that scheduled services on its Hua Hin–U-Tapao route would begin on Oct. 23. The airline plans to launch flights between Hua Hin and Surat Thani in November.
‘Nam biat’ phenomenon leaves fish along Hua Hin beaches
Fish washing ashore in Hua Hin may be linked to changing coastal water conditions known locally as “nam biat”, a phenomenon that can leave marine life struggling for oxygen.
The seawater at Hua Hin and Khao Takiab beaches turned a murky red on Sunday, as large shoals gathered close to shore. Residents and local fishermen arrived with nets and other equipment, while some took small boats offshore to herd fish toward their nets. Continued …
Bintabaht to host Halloween parade
Hua Hin’s first-ever Halloween parade will take place on Saturday, Oct. 31, with residents and visitors invited to dress up and join the celebrations on Soi Bintabaht.
The Hua Hin Ghost Parade will begin at 8.30 pm at Hua Hin Walking Street, bringing a night of Halloween costumes, spooky fun and entertainment to the town’s nightlife district. Continued …
Run with the Flow event draws 1,700 runners
More than 1,700 Thai and international runners took part in Run with the Flow 2026 in Hua Hin on Sunday, supporting heart and brain health, and raising funds to help disadvantaged patients access medical treatment.
The charity run, presented by Bangkok Hospital, returned to Suan Son Pradiphat for its third year. Participants competed over distances of 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers and 21 kilometers, with the half marathon introduced for the first time at the Hua Hin event. Continued …
Video of the panther and leopard at Kaeng Krachan
You’re an alien
I’ve been coming to Thailand for 30 years and have lived here since 2014. Over the years, the word has come to play an increasingly absurd role in my life. I’m an alien in Thailand, and I see little prospect of that changing.
And honestly, before coming to Thailand, I had never thought of myself as an alien. It took the Thai authorities to inform me that I was one. Officially, I’m an alien, but to most Thais I’m a farang, which, incidentally, is also the Thai word for guava. Bottom line, I am different and will remain different. An alien in a country I now call home. Continued …
Thailand targets 10,000 visa overstayers nationwide
Thai immigration police have been ordered to track down more than 10,000 foreigners believed to be overstaying their visas, in a nationwide operation stretching from Bangkok to tourist islands and border provinces.
For foreigners living in or visiting Thailand, the message is straightforward: immigration checks are being intensified, and officers are increasingly using international wanted-person databases and criminal intelligence when screening people entering or staying in the country. Continued …
Phuket flash floods damage hotels and block roads
Heavy rain triggered flash flooding and runoff from Khao 50 Pi hill, into Patong, Phuket, early yesterday, damaging homes, hotels, shops and vehicles across the resort town.
Officials are clearing roads and assessing losses, while Phuket authorities prepare to move tourists from affected hotels to safer accommodation. Visitors in Patong have been advised to avoid routes with fast-flowing water or debris and to follow official weather warnings closely. Continued …
Seven-language 7-Eleven worker goes viral in Thailand
A 48-year-old 7-Eleven assistant store manager in Bangkok has gone viral for his ability to communicate in seven languages, drawing attention to how he uses his multilingual skills to welcome and assist international customers.
Known as Tony, or Phi Tho among his younger colleagues, Teerawat Wanichkam works at a 7-Eleven branch at BITEC Bang Na. He has been with the convenience store chain for more than three years and also works as an interpreter and master of ceremonies. Continued …
Thai hotel closures rise 42% as 2027 outlook darkens
Thailand’s hotel and accommodation sector recorded 148 business closures in the first nine months of 2026, a 42% increase on the same period last year, according to the Kasikorn Research Center.
The increase follows a difficult 2025, when about 51% of operators reported losses. Smaller businesses were hardest hit: 54% experienced losses, while 42% had accumulated losses for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025. Across the sector, 38% reported accumulated losses over those three years. Continued …
Thai farm exports weaken as electronics power record September shipments
Thailand’s agricultural and agro-industrial exports fell 1.9% in the first nine months of 2026 as high production costs and intense global competition weighed on key products, even as booming electronics shipments pushed the country’s overall exports to record levels.
Exports in September reached a record US$38.44 billion, up 24% year-on-year and marking a 27th consecutive month of growth. Imports, however, surged 50.4% to an all-time high of US$44.30 billion, leaving Thailand with a trade deficit of US$5.86 billion for the month. Continued …
EEC board approves 4 new investment zones
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee approved in principle yesterday the designation of four new special economic promotion zones worth 25.66 billion baht, aiming to attract global technology enterprises and artificial intelligence investments.
The largest project in the newly approved batch is the E-Tech Smart Park in Baan Bueng district, Chonburi province, covering over 610 rai with an estimated investment of 19.75 billion baht. It targets modern automotive, smart electronics, aviation, logistics, digital, and comprehensive medical sectors, with an expected creation of 3,500 to 5,500 jobs upon full development. Continued …
AI replaces climate change as top worldwide concern
Artificial intelligence has overtaken climate change as the top global risk, according to a 2026 report from French insurer Axa. This shift is driven by concerns that technological advancements are progressing faster than the ability of regulators to prepare for the potential consequences.
Experts and the general public are increasingly wary of technology-related risks, particularly as AI development accelerates. While climate change remains a leading concern, particularly in Thailand, the rapid rise of AI and big data has created a new era of risk assessment. Some researchers have even warned that advanced AI could pose an existential threat to humanity, with some estimates suggesting a greater than 10% chance of such an outcome within the decade. – Bangkok Post AI
Nok Air suspends 3 southern routes due to fuel costs
Budget carrier Nok Air has temporarily suspended its domestic services from Don Mueang International Airport to Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Hat Yai, effective yesterday through Dec. 20, amid soaring jet fuel expenditures.
Wutthiphum Jurangkool, chief executive officer of Nok Air, confirmed the suspension, stating that the airline is buckling under extreme fuel cost pressures. Continued …
Tourism Ministry proposes 15-day visa waiver for 3 nations
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is preparing to propose a 15-day visa exemption for travelers from Colombia, Mexico, and Uzbekistan, aiming to resolve severe processing delays and boost long-haul arrivals, officials announced yesterday.
The initiative comes in response to mounting logistical hurdles faced by international carriers. Emirates airline recently lodged an official complaint with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) after experiencing 20 to 30 passenger no-shows per flight from Mexico because travelers failed to receive their Thai visas in time for departure. Continued …
What actions is Thailand’s Tourism Authority taking to resolve visa processing delays?
Tourism Minister Surasak Phanakarn has acknowledged the ongoing issue of slow visa processing and stated that a committee will meet on Nov. 9 to discuss the matter. The discussions are expected to address both security and economic factors to help resolve the disruptions that have caused many travelers to opt for alternative destinations like Vietnam.
While the minister has acknowledged the problem, specific details on the exact technical or administrative actions being implemented to resolve the delays have not yet been released. The current situation has already led to significant consequences, including a reported 3%-4% increase in no-show passengers for airlines like Emirates following the withdrawal of visa-free privileges in certain countries. – Bangkok Post AI
Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival set for March
The Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival will return to Phetchaburi from March 5–14, bringing 10 days and 10 nights of celebrations to the historic hilltop landmark better known as Khao Wang.
Celebrations will center on Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park, with the main venues expected to include the Phra Nakhon Khiri National Museum, King Mongkut Memorial Park and surrounding areas. Continued …
Thailand promotes high-value nature tourism while protecting national parks
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) are enhancing cooperation to modernize national park services, promote high-value nature tourism, and uphold environmental conservation standards.
On Oct. 22, TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool attended the second 2026 National Parks Committee meeting, chaired by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin. DNP Director-General Yongyut Nakawiroj, committee members, and representatives from relevant agencies participated both in person and via video conference. Continued …
Naga Fireballs: Thailand’s unexplained lights draw crowds
Under the scorching afternoon sun, visitors spread mats, unfold chairs and open umbrellas along the Mekong River in northeastern Thailand, waiting for nightfall and a phenomenon that has fascinated believers and puzzled observers for generations.
They had come to witness the Naga Fireballs, glowing reddish-pink orbs said to rise silently from the river on the night marking the end of Buddhist Lent. At Wat Thai in Phon Phisai district, Nong Khai province, one of the main gathering points for the annual event, residents and tourists secured places along the riverbank yesterday, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious lights. Continued …
Doi Luang Chiang Dao opens online bookings for 2026–27 treks
Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chiang Mai begia accepting online rewildlifesanctuaryfca16.com/chiangdaoservations yesterday for nature-study treks and overnight stays at Doi Luang Chiang Dao during the 2026–27 season.
Bookings will be available exclusively through the sanctuary’s official website, , through 4 pm on Oct. 30. Visitors will be permitted to explore the designated nature trail between Nov. 16 and Feb. 12. Continued …
Expanded solar for households scheme set for cabinet approval today
The government’s proposed 50,000-baht subsidy to encourage up to one million households to install a solar power system will be presented to the cabinet today for approval. The proposed scheme also involves three state-owned banks which would provide low-interest loans, eliminating the need for upfront capital.
The government would provide direct financial support of 50,000 baht per household, with one million eligible slots. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), both under the interior ministry, would serve as one-stop-service centers assisting with the registration process. Continued …
Nuclear study accelerated in bid to install reactors by 2037
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has accelerated a study on nuclear energy adoption, setting a target to launch Thailand’s first commercial small modular reactor (SMR) by 2037.
The initiative forms a core part of the nation’s 2026 Power Development Plan, aiming to secure clean, stable energy while mitigating exposure to volatile global liquefied natural gas prices. Continued …
Israeli arrested on drug and sex charges threatens police
Israeli Tomer Kahiri, 54, was arrested in Bangkok on Friday over claims he drugged women with cake and secretly filmed sex encounters. During the raid, he reportedly threatened to kill prominent police investigator Inspector Jae, boasting that powerful friends would free him within two hours. Continued …
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Foreign tourist caught on CCTV taking necklaces in Krabi – Continued …
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Laem Chabang customs seizes 3.1 tons of ivory – Continued …
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan hold Iran talks as Houthi attacks escalate
Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have held talks with Iranian leaders in Tehran in an effort to reduce regional tensions, as Yemen’s Houthis intensified attacks on Saudi targets and the wider Middle East conflict showed little sign of easing.
The meeting yesterday) marked the first high-level contact between Iran and the three countries since the war that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran spread to Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the Mecca mutual defense pact in August. Continued …
Houthis say they attacked Saudi oil pumping stations, Riyadh airport as fighting intensifies
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis said yesterday they had attacked Saudi Arabia’s east-west crude oil pumping stations and Riyadh airport, as rising hostilities choke oil supplies and threaten to erupt into a larger conflict.
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said earlier it had destroyed two ballistic missile launchers in the capital Sanaa, including one used to fire a missile toward Riyadh that the coalition said it had intercepted. Continued …
Houthi attacks have grounded flights across Saudi Arabia
Attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis have nearly emptied the skies over Riyadh this month, aviation data showed yesterday, with cancellations grounding almost nine out of every 10 scheduled flights at the Saudi capital’s airport.
About 86% of scheduled flights at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, or 4,071 out of 4,736, were canceled between Oct. 8 and Oct. 25, according to the latest data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. Continued …
Trump blasts Norway over Nobel Peace Prize snub
US President Donald Trump attacked Norway during a campaign rally, calling it a “shit house country,” and said that Norwegian immigrants were not welcome in the United States because its Nobel Committee had not awarded him the Peace Prize. Continued …
Microsoft offers voluntary exit packages to 60,000 staff
Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees, the company said yesterdayy, roughly a quarter of its workforce, as the tech giant seeks to cut costs while pouring money into artificial intelligence. 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
The 2026 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank that ended last week in Bangkok may have come and gone, but the lessons for economic development remain relevant.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Thailand reached 971 projects in the first nine months of this year, a 26% year-on-year increase, with a combined value of more than 271 billion baht. The approved projects covered engineering and technical services, industrial parts manufacturing, goods distribution, machinery services, energy and electric vehicles.
The Thai banking industry experienced a nearly 10% year-on-year decline in net profit during the third quarter of 2026. This downturn was primarily driven by lower interest income and the implementation of financial assistance measures designed to reduce financing costs for customers.
Thailand is targeting SME export growth to improve the country’s international competitiveness and mitigate the impact of weak domestic economic growth. The government aims to expand export opportunities for these smaller enterprises by enhancing their access to digital trade, international markets, and financing.
Thailand is seeking to strengthen its position in Asia’s cannabis, hemp and kratom industries by raising medical, cultivation and production standards, while expanding research and higher-value processing.
Younger Thais planning to build homes are placing greater importance on practical space, energy efficiency and long-term running costs than on large properties designed to display social status, according to the Home Builder Assn. (HBA).
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has proposed using 3.5 billion baht in borrowed funds to subsidize domestic travel for 200,000 Thai tourists in 2027, offering accommodation support and digital spending vouchers under Thai Teaw Thai Plus.
Siam Legal International has released a guide to airport fast-track immigration, a priority lane that many travelers can access without a first or business class ticket. The guide sets out which groups already qualify for free, how other travelers can book the service, and how two long-stay visas include it as a built-in benefit.
4 Thailand Getaways to Visit This Winter Beyond Bangkok and Phuket
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry is preparing on-site checks at 44 more waste-related companies in Prachin Buri over possible use of Thai nominee shareholders for foreign owners. The expanded inquiry follows preliminary inspections that found four companies whose conduct suggested possible nominee arrangements. 
Ukraine is still recording issues with the Starlink internet network, sources within the defense ministry say, after Donald Trump said limits had been reversed by Elon Musk, who owns the satellite system. 
Waterfront demolition to start tomorrow
Connecting Hua Hin by air to Thailand’s major tourist destinations and developing the railway bypass road are among the priorities Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul has outlined as the city prepares for continued growth.
Yesterday, staff from Hua Hin municipality’s Public Health and Environment Division collected rubbish along the beach from Hua Hin Soi 77 through Soi 85 and south to Khao Takiab.
Stilt houses in villages north of Bangkok are no longer high enough to stay dry as Thai authorities deliberately flood riverside communities to spare the capital.
160-billion-baht Chao Phraya 2 canal approved to tackle flooding
At the 2026 International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, senior IMF executives held a joint press briefing with the media titled “Asia and Pacific Department” to release the latest Regional Economic Outlook report.
Thailand needs more long-term investment to revive economic growth, former commerce and energy minister Narongchai Akrasanee says.
Thailand’s economy is projected to grow by 2.1% in 2026, placing it among the slowest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, ahead of only Myanmar and Brunei, according to the International Monetary Fund’s latest forecasts.
Ripe mangosteen and rambutan are being left unpicked in eastern Thailand as a shortage of migrant workers forces growers to decide which crops are worth harvesting.
Netflix says Thailand could develop into a global entertainment production center comparable to South Korea, but says stronger intellectual property protection and creative freedom will be needed for Thai content to compete internationally.
Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) will use a packed program of year-end festivals, concerts and international events in an effort to bring foreign arrivals to about 33 million in 2026. The campaign follows a 3.8% fall in international arrivals during the first nine months of the year, while a strengthening baht has made Thailand less price-competitive against rival destinations.
Energy demand is soaring, fuel prices have been rattled by conflict in the Middle East, and much of Asia still runs on coal. Can renewables step in fast enough?
Australia said today it refused to allow big tech to have “unfettered” access to its children, as it formally introduced new legislation that would give users choice over what they see on their feeds. Under the “Digital Duty of Care” bill, firms behind popular platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram will be required to give users the choice to opt out of the powerful algorithms that dictate what we see online. 
Corruption can reduce real GDP per capita growth by 3% for up to two years, while money laundering amounts to as much as US$6 trillion annually worldwide, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Case studies of efforts to combat corruption and money laundering were presented at the 2026 annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group yesterday in Bangkok. 
Thailand has eliminated rubella as a public health problem, an achievement the World Health Organization described as a “major milestone”.
Thailand has blocked 945,075 URLs linked to online gambling during the 2026 fiscal year, according to the government, as it steps up action against illegal online content and cybercrime.
AGT 2026 champion Nene Royal fulfilled a dream by performing alongside metal giants Avenged Sevenfold during their concert in Singapore last night, delivering a 13-minute set that had fans rocking out.
Thailand sets out AI plan for jobs and small firms
Advances in artificial intelligence are drawing a new wave of global capital into the economy, from data centers and servers to AI models and autonomous agents that can carry out tasks on our behalf. Together, these investments are turning AI into a new operating system for the global economy, reshaping how businesses work and how economic value is created.
Thailand records about 120 foreign tourist deaths on its roads each year, with 91 killed and 9,668 injured in crashes during the first nine months of 2026, according to insurance-sector figures highlighted by road safety campaigners.
Thailand’s Finance Ministry is facing a coordinated backlash over plans for a new 1,000-baht tax on international air departures, which would apply to Thai citizens and foreign nationals leaving the country.
Another jet-ski excursion involving foreign tourists was cut short last week after riders repeatedly ignored safety warnings and alarmed other participants with risky manoeuvers, Phuket Tourist Police have confirmed. 
Mu Koh Similan National Park reopens
Phetchabun authorities face calls to review adventure tourism safety rules and compliance after two foreigners were injured in a fall from a cliff while abseiling over the weekend.
Phuket Festival Devotees Pierce Cheeks With Swords and Guns
Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer during surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital yesterday, when doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican said. The operation on the 71-year-old pontiff lasted about 90 minutes and was successful, with no complications. 
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued Warning No. 5 today, forecasting isolated heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Thailand during Oct. 9–13. Thundershowers, gusty winds and hail are also expected during the five-day period.
Oil prices settled 4% higher yesterday in Houston as revived concerns over the ongoing Middle East war and growing supply disruptions from Hurricane Isaias approaching the US Gulf Coast drove intense market volatility.
Meta has banned advertisements from TikTok owner ByteDance on Facebook and Instagram in Thailand, the United States and five other markets, escalating competition between the two social-media groups.
Thailand stands at a pivotal junction where it must rapidly modernize its infrastructure, expand artificial intelligence adoption, and bridge a widening digital skills gap to avoid being left behind in the new global economy.
Thailand’s consumer confidence fell for the first time in four months in September, with the index dropping to 52.1 as widespread flooding and rising living costs weighed on households. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) released the findings yesterday, drawing on a nationwide survey of 2,241 respondents.
Thailand identifies 10 emerging technologies for future growth
Bangkok voted world’s best city for tourists
ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), finalized on May 30, represents a landmark achievement as the world’s first regional digital economy agreement. It establishes common rules for cross-border data transfers, e-commerce, cybersecurity, AI, and talent mobility, targeting a projected $1 trillion digital economy by 2030.
Hua Hin municipality is seeking to speed up construction of the Hua Hin railway road by resolving design issues and relocating electricity poles, with the aim of opening the new route to residents as soon as possible.
Thailand closes 132 risky railway crossings
Thailand’s Meteorological Department has issued its second warning for heavy to very heavy rain, with thunderstorms, strong winds and hail forecast across the country from 9-13 Oct. 9-13.
Central region hardest hit by floods
Three property associations have identified five major challenges in reviving the market through action by the government and banks. These range from unlocking home loans for a new generation of borrowers, promoting energy-efficient homes and developing urban infrastructure to withstand natural disasters, to regulating foreign property transactions and building stronger communities.
Thailand is at “the last paragraph” of a trade agreement with the United States, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said yesterday. Speaking at a forum in Singapore, Anutin said he expected to sign the agreement on reciprocal trade during President Donald Trump’s next visit to Asia, likely in Manila at the ASEAN meetings from Nov. 16-18, or Shenzhen at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on Nov. 18-19.
Thailand has attracted more than $11.72 billion (approx. 396.5 billion baht) in investment applications from Japanese enterprises across 1,380 projects between 2021 and mid-2026, according to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).
Thailand’s Cabinet has acknowledged a proposal to overhaul vehicle excise taxes, under which certain imported cars would face the highest proposed rates, while domestically manufactured vehicles could qualify for lower rates linked to investment and locally produced components.
The 10th round of Thailand-EU free trade agreement negotiations has seen significant progress, with most negotiating texts now concluded. The commerce minister reported that major issues resolved include trade in goods, services, investment, and market access, as well as provisions regarding sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, energy, war materials, and rules of origin.
Earlier this year, Bangkok’s food and beverage scene pulled off a coup. At Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards in Macau, eight venues from Asia’s “City of Angels” crowded the list – rankings historically dominated by Hong Kong and Singapore – with four more in the 51-100 tier. The city’s restaurant honors tell a similar story – Sühring recently joined Sorn in holding three Michelin stars, and Bangkok claims nine spots on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, more than any other city.
Thailand is preparing to replace the Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004). In July 2026, the House of Representatives accepted in principle proposed amendments to the Hotel Act and referred them to an extraordinary committee. On Sept. 29, the government set out its draft Accommodation Establishment Act. The draft moves away from a single hotel licensing regime and toward a tiered system based on the size of the property.
Fifteen minutes with a pair of clippers, a mirror check, and out the door for the price of a sandwich. Or: lying back on a reclined chair, eyes covered, a hot towel over the face, a straight razor worked slowly along the jaw, warm oil worked into the beard, a shoulder press at the end, someone offering you a coffee while you wait for the chair — 45 minutes, and a bill that can run to three or four times the first one.
From one mother to nine cubs: the tiger helping tell Thailand’s recovery story
Preparing Thailand’s rescued leopard cats for life in the wild
Authorities in Phuket are seeking a land plot to build a second incinerator to handle a growing amount of garbage. Phuket is facing increasing challenges in dealing with as much as 1.3 million tons of waste that has accumulated at landfills supervised by the Phuket municipal office.
Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program has approved 12,010 foreign nationals in its first four years, the Board of Investment (BOI) says.
Thailand’s government has denied claims that proposed legal changes would end taxes on alcohol and tobacco or dismantle four public bodies funded through levies linked to those products.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has assured protesters that universal healthcare benefits will not be cut. He stated that instead of being reduced, these benefits can only be expanded, arguing that such rights should only increase.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul prioritized urgent payments to ensure that affected households receive relief funds as quickly as possible. He stated that it is important for people to receive their money as soon as possible, ordering authorities to distribute the first batch of payments this week based on verified claims without waiting for the entire nationwide processing to conclude.
The government has ordered a comprehensive review of its flood-risk maps to ensure they provide the highest possible accuracy and completeness. Additionally, officials have instructed all relevant agencies to utilize a single, unified data set to manage water and coordinate responses.
Insurance companies are expected to suffer the most significant and long-lasting impact on their earnings due to the current flooding. This prolonged recovery period is driven by the high volume of severe claims and losses that insurers must process as floodwaters recede.
Heavy overnight rain left roads flooded across parts of Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom early today, slowing traffic and forcing motorists to take extra care or avoid several affected routes.
Southeast Asian energy ministers meeting in Manila this week face the prospect of a prolonged Middle East war that has exposed the region’s vulnerabilities to imported energy.
The World Bank has cautioned that damage from a severe El Niño, including flooding of the kind seen across the region a decade ago, could prove larger than current forecasts assume. The warning came as Thailand’s economy was singled out for both its gains from the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom and its slow adoption of the technology at home.
Thailand is seeking to turn its food, entertainment, wellness sector and recognizable cultural symbols into longer-lasting economic influence, as competition for visitors across Southeast Asia intensifies.
Thailand is advancing a 10-year strategy for 2025–2034 to become an international center for medical and wellness industries through five areas of development, extending its ambitions beyond hospital treatment to health products, research, training and international events.
Siam Legal International, a Thailand-based law firm, has published a step-by-step arrival checklist for first-time visitors to Thailand, covering the entry process from passport condition and pre-arrival paperwork to the documents immigration officers may request at the counter. The guide reflects entry procedures as of October 2026 and sets out each stage in the order travelers generally encounter it.
Bangkok’s Yaowarat is preparing for the 2026 Vegetarian Festival, with the traditional nine-day vegetarian observance running from Oct. 10–18, while the main Yaowarat festival runs from Oct. 9–18.
Laos, Myanmar and Thailand have launched a joint action plan to tackle seasonal haze and forest fires that cause serious air pollution across the Mekong sub-region. The trilateral initiative was launched by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs alongside the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the governments of Lao PDR and Myanmar.
Vietnamese police have arrested 12 men accused of stealing nearly 2,700 cats during night raids into residential neighborhoods, taking the pets to be slaughtered for food, police and state media said yesterday. Consumption of dogs and cats is legal in Vietnam, where many restaurants openly advertise the meat, but vendors are required to obtain certificates showing the origin of the animals. 
As part of the Nihao Month 2026 campaign, Amazing Thailand Mid-Autumn Celebration 2026 is being organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Bangkok. This festival will help Thailand and China strengthen their ties in culture, wellness and experiential travels. A total of 31 Chinese travel bloggers will take part in the program, themed “Healing is the New Luxury”, and visit various places in Thailand.
Flooding has disrupted logistics operations by making roads impassable and forcing companies to adjust delivery routes and service timing. Major parcel operators have warned of delays because local road accessibility and water levels directly dictate when and how safely deliveries can be made.
Thailand has approved its first national strategy for the semiconductor and advanced electronics industry, targeting about $80 billion in cumulative investment and $150 billion in annual industry revenue by 2050. The long-term “Made in Thailand” initiative also aims to create more than 230,000 jobs.
Even on a slow news day, a recent incident in Thailand hardly merited mention, let alone sustained media coverage. But because Israelis were involved, it became headline news for days. Anything negative about Israelis now does so, going instantly viral in the Buddhist nation with no history of antisemitism.
Thailand’s best street food is not confined to any one city. It can be found across the country, from Ayutthaya’s richly flavored noodles and Khon Kaen’s fiery lab to Chiang Mai’s aromatic khao soi and a standout plate of phad thai in the heart of Bangkok.
This week, we’re spending a few days exploring Bangkok, cafe-hopping, wandering through vintage and ceramic shops, visiting beautiful temples, and trying all the amazing Thai food.
Indonesia is considering Chinese investment to help build a massive 2,772 kilometer railway network through the vast, resource-rich region of Kalimantan, following the completion of Southeast Asia’s first high-speed line between Jakarta and Bandung, state media and analysts said. 
What a way to start a day! Watching the sun rise over the Gulf of Thailand, cool ocean breezes, with a gentle sea lapping at the white sand beach. And behind you is breakfast, served by the attentive staff of the 
Hua Hin beacfront building owners request demolition delay
Sivana Hills held an open house on Saturday showcasing its new pool villa development on Soi 126 in Hua Hin’s Khao Tao area.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warned of heavy rain across Thailand today, naming 55 provinces in its regional forecasts and also warning Bangkok and surrounding areas.
A deadly night of violence hit Yala’s Bannang Sata district before security forces moved in yesterday. Assistant village headman Hamdee Jehsoh, 42, was shot dead in a roadside ambush. Hours later, attackers struck Highway 410, burning tires, scattering road spikes and leaving a suspicious wired object.
Hong Kong customs has made its largest-ever drug seizure from a sea shipment, finding cannabis worth HK$125 million, or about 530 million baht, in a 40-foot container declared as arriving from Thailand.
Thailand is developing a driver payment framework to establish a fair minimum payment standard and serve as a common reference for the delivery industry. The initiative aims to create a structure that reflects actual costs, such as vehicle types, distance, and working time, while providing a foundation for future regulations to protect platform workers.
Disruption to Gulf shipping routes could raise transport costs and lengthen delivery times for Thai businesses, the Dubai office of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) warned in a report.
The cumulative spending under the government’s Thais Help Thais Plus 60/40 co-payment scheme has surpassed 161 billion baht. The Finance Ministry is expected to request a cabinet consideration to extend the program, which was designed to support the grassroots economy by easing household expenses and boosting purchasing power amidst rising living costs.
For many Thai people, 7-Eleven is much more than a place to grab a quick snack. It has become part of everyday life, offering everything from morning coffee and ready-to-eat meals to drinks, beauty products, accessories and household essentials.
A three-meter python was captured after a homeowner in Udon Thani discovered it attacking chickens, solving the mystery of 25 fighting cocks that had disappeared over nearly two weeks.
Protected Areas Regional Office 9 (Ubon Ratchathani) officially opened Kaeng I Khiao as a new natural attraction at Buntharik-Yot Mon Wildlife Sanctuary in Kho Laen subdistrict, Buntharik district, Ubon Ratchathani province, on Friday.
The United Nations has issued a top-level warning: the world is facing a “Super El Niño,” shattering all previous heat records. This is closer than you think. Why do vulnerable areas like northern Thailand need to prepare now? Find out in this report. 
Thailand data-center boom raises wider clean-power challenge
Thailand’s 65- billion-baht coffee market is moving beyond the beverage business, as consumers increasingly prioritize quality, experience and sustainability.
The leaders of France and Canada yesterday pledged closer ties to grapple with rising geopolitical tensions, climate change and the erosion of democratic values, after they met in the French territory of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon off Canada’s Atlantic coast. 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.