- Thai ‘Rental Wives’/Covid cases rising in Thailand
- ECONOMY: Government targets 26 regulations/Russian condo purchases surge
- TOURISM: Phuket Israeli arrivals rise/Phuket residents urge cut to Israeli tourists’ visit/$9.75-trillion wellness economy/Thai Airways enters world’s top 10
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: The story of Thai boat noodles/Bangkok named world’s best nightlife city/Bangkok’s sacred Lakshmi Shrine
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand Unlocks Direct Green Power Deals
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Thai ‘Rental Wives’ Serve Older Western Men, Vietnam Media Says
In a case of the pot calling the kettle black, Vietnamese media outlets have claimed Thai women are hired as “rental wives” by retired Western men, particularly in tourist centers including Pattaya. However, the reports provide no official figures, named providers or evidence that such arrangements are a recognized or widespread practice in Thailand.
The claims appeared in Vietnamese newspaper Tien Phong, which cited Chinese outlets Sina and Sohu. According to the reports, foreign visitors may pay Thai women to act as guides, partners and, in many cases, sexual companions. Continued …
Covid cases rising in Thailand, with 2026 total exceeding 94,000
Covid-19 cases are increasing in Thailand, with the total number of patients from Jan. 1 up to yesterday reaching 94,402, with 14 deaths, but it is the NB.1.8.1 variant that does not cause severe illness that is dominant, accounting for over 50.9% of cases.
The Department of Disease Control said this variant, also called “Nimbus” and is a branch of the JN.1, has a mutation in the spike protein that allows it to evade immunity and spread more easily, but there is still no evidence of it causing more severe illness. Continued …
Government targets 26 regulations blamed for raising business costs
The government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is moving ahead with a broad overhaul of Thailand’s bureaucracy, including organizational structures, staffing and regulations that have become obstacles for individuals and businesses dealing with state agencies.
The reforms are intended to simplify procedures, reduce costs and strengthen the country’s competitiveness without requiring additional budgetary expenditure. Continued …
Russian condo purchases surge 75.9%, while wider foreign market slows
Foreign condominium demand in Thailand weakened during the first half of 2026, but a sharp rise in purchases by Russian nationals suggests that the market is shifting rather than experiencing a uniform decline.
Data from the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) showed that condominium ownership transfers to foreign nationals totaled 6,533 units, down 8.8% from the same period last year. Continued …
Phuket Israeli arrivals rise 52% as new flights planned
Phuket recorded a 52.5% year-on-year increase in Israeli visitors in July, with arrivals from Israel also up 1,205% on pre-Covid July 2019 levels, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phuket office.
While total visitor numbers were slightly lower over the first seven months of 2026, tourism income remained comparatively steady. Israel was the fastest-growing market among Phuket’s 10 leading visitor source countries in July, rising by more than 12 times compared with the same month in 2019. Continued …
Phuket residents urge cut to Israeli tourists’ visit to maximum 15 days
Around 200 to 300 Phuket residents yesterday aired their bad experiences at the hands of foreign tourists at Loma Park, Patong Beach, and demanded the government restrict Israeli tourists to a maximum 15-day stay to prevent them from engaging in illegal businesses. The forum, entitled “Save Phuket, Save Patong, Respect Thai Law”, was tightly controlled, with numerous uniformed and plainclothes policemen watching over it.
Among those attending were tourism operators, including hotel owners, tuk-tuk drivers, tour guides and Phuket residents who said they were frustrated with the behavior of foreign tourists, particularly those from Israel. They want relevant agencies to convey their concerns to the government and find a solution to this tourist problem. Continued …
Thailand seeks larger share of $9.75-trillion wellness economy
Thailand is seeking a larger share of the global wellness economy, which is forecast to grow from US$6.8 trillion in 2024 to US$9.75 trillion by 2029, as consumers increasingly prioritize preventive physical and mental healthcare. The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) expects the 11-sector market to expand by nearly US$3 trillion over five years, with average annual growth of 7.6%.
Thailand’s wellness economy is valued at US$42.7 billion, or about 1.4 trillion baht, representing only 0.63% of the global market. The country ranks 24th among 145 economies assessed by GWI. Continued …
Thai Airways enters world’s top 10 for 2026
Thai Airways International has been named the world’s 10th-best international airline in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2026, placing Thailand’s national carrier among the global top 10 after years of business rehabilitation.
Taiwan’s EVA Air took first place for the first time in the publication’s history, ahead of Qatar Airways and Emirates in second and third. EVA Air received a reader-survey score of 91.63. Continued …
From canals to city streets: The story of Thai boat noodles
Few Thai dishes are as instantly recognizable as kuay tiew ruea, or boat noodles — a humble bowl of noodles known for its dark, aromatic broth, bold seasoning and small serving size. The dish has long been associated with Thailand’s waterways.
Its name comes from the vendors who once sold noodles from small boats along canals, serving customers from the water. What makes boat noodles different is not only the portion but also the intensely flavored broth. The soup is typically dark and savory, with a complex mix of herbs and spices. Depending on the recipe, it may contain pork or beef, along with meatballs, liver and other toppings. Continued …
Bangkok named world’s best nightlife city for 2026
Bangkok has been named the world’s best city for nightlife in 2026 by Time Out, climbing from 13th place last year to beat Berlin, New York City, Melbourne and Sao Paulo.
The ranking was based on a survey of more than 24,000 residents in 150 cities, alongside views from more than 100 Time Out editors and city experts. It assessed nightlife quality and affordability, community, and whether a city feels exciting, lively, diverse, welcoming and safe after dark. Continued …
Bangkok’s sacred Lakshmi Shrine and Varalakshmi Vratam
Nestled high above the bustling luxury of the Ratchaprasong intersection, Bangkok’s spiritual heart is home to a unique cluster of sacred shrines dedicated to nine revered deities.
While the district has long been famous for iconic landmarks like the Erawan Shrine’s Lord Brahma, Thao Amarindrathiraj (Lord Indra), Narai Song Suban (Lord Vishnu riding on Garuda), Trimurti, Ganesha, Shiva, Uma Devi, and the Thao Jatulokbal (Four Guardian Kings), one particular deity that has captured the imagination and deep devotion of the city in recent years is the Goddess Lakshmi. Continued …
Thailand Unlocks Direct Green Power Deals to Modernize Grid
State energy agencies and policy experts have outlined a series of systemic reforms to modernize Thailand’s national power grid, refine the upcoming Power Development Plan (PDP 2026), and transition away from legacy utility structures.
Speaking at the KT Dialogue: Smart Grid forum yesterday, key officials and researchers highlighted a decisive shift from the traditional enhanced single-buyer model toward a decentralized, smart-grid-enabled power market. Continued …
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Russian man collapses in Pattaya Walking Street toilet – Continued …
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Vietnamese suspects arrested over 3.6-million-baht student scam – Continued …
Trump announces deal for huge US stake in Venezuelan oil reserves
US President Donald Trump said yesterday his administration has reached a huge oil deal with Venezuela that gives the United States majority control of 65 billion barrels of proven petroleum reserves. Continued …
Haakon, the reluctant prince who became Norway’s new king
Haakon, who comes to the throne as two major scandals batter his family, struggled for years to accept his status. “Yes, I was a royal, but I did not want to talk about it … At school it made me anxious,” he wrote in his 2023 autobiography “Haakon”, recalling his days in a state primary in the 1980s. 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
Thailand has published new regulations setting out how foreign nationals can be deported for immigration, employment and other offenses, as well as conduct considered contrary to public order, morality or public wellbeing. The regulation was published in the Royal Gazette on yesterday and takes effect today.
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said flash floods and landslides struck areas along Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River on Wednesday, with deaths reported and more than 600 Nepalis and foreign nationals missing. No Thai nationals have been reported injured or killed.
Suvarnabhumi Airport has postponed planned repair and maintenance work on expansion joints along the elevated road serving the passenger terminal following widespread criticism over potential disruption during the tourism high season.
An anonymous donor has given 100 million baht to Pattaya Patamakun Hospital in Chon Buri, with the money earmarked for a new six-story premium outpatient and inpatient building.
Nene Royal, the young Thai performer who has captured hearts on America’s Got Talent (AGT), is heading back to Thailand with her family after receiving a warm send-off from fans in Los Angeles.
A rare 10-baht Thai coin minted in 1990 has sold for 2.54 million baht at an online auction, despite its face value being just 10 baht. The coin was made for the 16th Mint Directors Conference, held in the United Kingdom in 1990. Only 100 examples were produced, making it one of Thailand’s rarest circulating coin issues.
Myanmar’s civil war is increasingly becoming Thailand’s problem. Violence has crossed the border, criminal networks are exploiting the instability, and Thailand continues to shelter tens of thousands of refugees.
Thailand’s exports rose 21.6% in July from a year earlier, beating market expectations, while imports climbed even faster and pushed the country’s trade deficit to a record $34.35 billion over the first seven months of 2026.
The housing market shook off a downturn in the first half of this year with transfers reaching 167,000 units, a 17.6% increase, driven by government measures. Sales of second-hand homes soared, accounting for 63% of the total, reflecting a focus on value for money.
The United States’ national debt has surpassed $40 trillion, potentially having a significant impact on global financial markets, including Thailand’s economy.
Bouygues Construction, through its Thai subsidiary Bouygues-Thai, was selected in June by developer Honour Thailand to design and build the ONCE Wongamat. Standing 239 meters tall, this 56-story tower project in Pattaya will be one of the tallest buildings in Thailand.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing to embrace rail tourism as a new vehicle to revive Thailand’s fading appeal. Its plans span low-cost heritage excursions, packaged journeys, premium charters and possible luxury routes developed with Belmond.
A group fight involving rival speedboat operators broke out on Tawaen Beach road on Koh Larn, off Pattaya, yesterday. Video shared online showed men who operate the Pattaya-Koh Larn tourist speedboats arguing before punches were thrown in front of beachgoers.
Bangkok’s Loha Prasat: The world’s third ‘Iron Castle’
Betong, a small town in Thailand with some good surprises
Thailand is staring at the dire consequences of the El Niño phenomenon and below-average rainfall on the economy, as well as the wider impact on society, many experts have warned.
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America” for US federal purposes, escalating an increasingly hostile trade dispute with Canada. The order applies to references used by the US federal government and does not determine what Canada, international bodies, state authorities, private companies or map providers call the lake. 
Thai teenage singer and guitarist Nene Royal has advanced directly to the final of America’s Got Talent Season 21 after judge Mel B awarded her the Live Golden Buzzer during the program’s second live quarter-final.
A widening US campaign to isolate Iran economically could expose Thailand to higher energy costs and unstable capital flows, while Washington’s scrutiny of Beijing may create a difficult foreign-policy choice for Bangkok, a CIMB Thai Bank economist has warned.
The Labor Ministry will propose an expansion of social security coverage under Section 33 to include agricultural workers, street vendors and domestic workers. Labor Minister Julapun Amornvivat said before going into yesterday’s cabinet meeting he would submit two proposals for approval.
Car production in Thailand rose 6.1% in July from a year earlier to 117,383 units, the Federation of Thai Industries said yesterday. The reading follows a year-on-year fall of 7.5% in June. The FTI has previously forecast a 3.33% drop in car production for the whole of 2026.
Thailand has revoked an Israeli tourist’s visa after a Koh Samui zoo dispute triggered nationalist protests and reported death threats from Paris. Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul also ordered airlines to brief all Thailand-bound passengers on Thai laws and culture.
Thailand generated 984.32 billion baht in tourism revenue from 20.32 million foreign arrivals between Jan. 1 1 and Aug.22, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said. However, the visitor total was 2.96% lower than during the corresponding period last year, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul.
Ezy Airlines has suspended a plan to fly in northern Thailand, reportedly due to high parking fees at Chiang Mai airport, prompting the governor of Mae Hong Son to seek a review of the fees to support tourism.
For generations, summer in Europe has been languid and dreamy, bringing fine weather and lengthy days on sunny beaches and terraces. But in 2026, the brutal reality of climate change forced its way into daily life. “I felt a sense of the apocalypse this summer,” said Cyril Chedeville, a 59-year-old from Bordeaux in southwestern France. He was not alone. 
A can of Fanta sold in London has 63 calories. Buy the same brand in India, and it contains three times as much sugar. It also includes artificial dye, whose presence in food products in Europe requires a prominent health warning. Reuters India Co. News Editor Aditya Kalra explains why Big Food in India has resisted efforts to mandate nutritional warnings on the front of packaged products. 
Canadians yesterday said U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to change the name of Lake Ontario to “Lake America” is “unnecessary” and “just a matter of attention”. 
Krabi bridge to Koh Lanta set for 2029 opening
First phase of Thai-Cambodian border fence finished, Navy to start second
Southeast Asia’s budget airlines are hoping the worst of the fuel-price shock triggered by the Middle East conflict has passed, but pressure on margins and household finances threatens to prolong the sector’s difficult recovery.
Thailand’s Department of Business Development (DBD) has introduced new registration requirements aimed at closing loopholes that allow foreigners to control Thai companies through nominee shareholders. Order No. 2/2026 of the Office of the Central Company and Partnership Registration took effect on Aug. 1, and marks the latest step in a regulatory push that has been building steadily since the beginning of the year.
Northern Thailand could become a crucial pillar of global food security, as severe climate shocks, unpredictable weather and shifting trade patterns place unprecedented pressure on agricultural supplies worldwide.
Ryan Blackley, 35, and his wife Jess, 34, left the UK for Chiang Mai with their sons Noah, six, and Bodhi, four, in February. The family now holds five-year Destination Thailand Visas and is using Thailand as a base for a longer period of travel across Asia.
A confidential US diplomatic memo, circulated to a handful of countries in late July, formally committed the United States to blocking binding limits on plastic production and chemical additives at United Nations treaty negotiations — a position that peer-reviewed lifecycle modeling published in January shows is the single most important intervention for reducing a global disease burden currently costing more than $1.5 trillion a year.
Telepharmacy in Thailand has moved from the development of the regulatory framework to its implementation phase. With the FDA’s telepharmacy framework now in place and telepharmacy platforms entering the market, the focus is increasingly turning to how businesses can participate in this emerging healthcare ecosystem.
21 provinces face heavy rain as depression strengthens
Flood conditions in Nan and Sukhothai have begun to improve, but another 7-9 storms could form before the end of the current storm season, climate and disaster specialist Seree Supratid has warned.
Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) Yodchanan Wongsawat ordered the rehabilitation and restoration of public utilities today in flood-ravaged Pua and Wiang Sa districts of Nan province, as floodwater is steadily receding.
Thai authorities have searched three locations in Pattaya and Bang Lamung as part of an investigation into suspected Thai nominee arrangements used to hold land and run businesses for foreigners.
Thailand’s pitch to the world’s technology companies has, for the past two years, been built on numbers that keep climbing. The Board of Investment approved 26 data center projects worth almost 500 billion baht in 2025, and by the first quarter of 2026, fresh applications had already reached 1.01 trillion baht — roughly 2.4 times what they were a year earlier.
Thailand’s electronics industry is entering a significant upcycle, as artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers accelerate global demand for components, with a clear impact on the country’s production base.
Investments and fishing communities clash in Rayong
Thailand’s grip on China’s vast tourism market is slipping, as safety fears drive holidaymakers toward fast-rising Vietnam. The kingdom now expects only 5.1 million Chinese arrivals, less than half its 2019 total.
Thai Airways is set to resume direct non-stop services between Bangkok and Auckland ahead of schedule, with launch plans brought forward by a year to March 2027.
Somsak Pu Ob: The Master of Bangkok’s Crab Glass Noodles
Thailand, done differently
As pressure mounts on industries to treat climate action as systemic rather than a compliance exercise, Tetra Pak Thailand is pointing to a philosophy it says predates the current wave of ESG regulation by decades.
A 13-year-old schoolboy has died after being stung by jellyfish while swimming at Ban Fai Tha beach in Sichon district, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Three people who went to help him were also injured by the stings but are now safe and recovering.
Jiew Sai Yok, a lost wild elephant calf being cared for at Sai Yok National Park, died peacefully at around 2am yesterday, leaving veterinarians and park officials deeply saddened.
A Thai analysis published Sunday has challenged government claims of a strong GDP recovery, arguing that headline growth is failing to reach ordinary households and small businesses.
The government has not ruled out extending the Thais Help Thais Plus co-payment scheme following positive public feedback. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the government would consider any measure that benefits the public while taking into account economic conditions and fiscal constraints.
Thailand Post is repositioning itself as a key driver of Thailand’s digital economy, unveiling a new corporate strategy dubbed “RelationSHIFT” as it seeks to transform from a traditional postal operator into a lifestyle logistics brand that connects people, businesses, communities and government services through its nationwide network.
Thailand Retains Rank as World’s Second-Largest Pet Food Exporter
Thailand’s repeat visitors are showing stronger loyalty to Hua Hin and Pattaya than to Phuket, according to a new analysis by travel platform 12Go.
Thai travelers are increasingly choosing short restorative breaks, marathon-related holidays and more in-depth visits to secondary cities as travel patterns shift in 2026.
Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the launch of new direct air routes connecting key cities in Indonesia and Thailand, highlighting expanded aviation connectivity as a vital driver for strengthening people-to-people ties and boosting regional tourism.
Some history behind Thailand’s Naga serpent
How History Made Thais Obsessed with Sugar
North Korea’s state media has recommended dog meat soup as protection against summer heat, reviving Pyongyang’s long-running effort to promote the controversial dish as record high temperatures grip both sides of the Korean peninsula. 
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged authorities to step up support for people affected by a record heat wave in the country, saying the death toll had risen to 16 and warning that extreme weather was becoming more frequent. 
Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross yesterday, her son Kim Aris said, who has not heard from her directly in years. 
Searchlights sweep across the rivers of Malaysia’s Sarawak state as licensed hunters track crocodiles in the dark. Their work is part of a broader effort to manage a tension between wildlife and the communities that rely on the water every day. 
Thailand will enforce a ban on alcohol sales for two consecutive days this week to mark the Buddhist holidays of Asalha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent Day, with many shops, convenience stores and restaurants prohibited from selling alcoholic drinks, unless in areas falling under current exemptions.
Samui water rationing begins Monday after drought
Thailand Schools Struggle to Break Children’s Phone Addiction
Bangkok authorities have ordered 79 entertainment venues and similar establishments to halt operations after inspecting 865 premises across the capital in a week-long safety and licensing campaign.
The Thai baht has slid to 33.640 per US dollar, its 2026 high, marking an 8.% decline since February. This weakness stems primarily from the 250–275 basis point policy rate gap between the Fed (3.5%–3.75%) and the Bank of Thailand (1.00%), which sustains a strong carry advantage for dollar assets.
The United States recently announced Section 301 tariff rates for 60 countries that had not introduced and enforced bans on imports of goods produced with forced labor, with Thailand placed in the highest rate band of 12.5%.
The US tariff of 12.5% imposed on Thailand could weaken export competitiveness and add pressure to economic growth in the second half, with further US trade measures still looming, warns Asia Plus Securities (ASPS).
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun says Thailand is two-thirds of the way through concluding a free trade agreement with the European Union and is pressing Beijing on three fronts to correct an increasingly lopsided trade relationship — all part of a wider strategy to reduce Thailand’s reliance on any single major power.
Thailand expects to welcome a record 2.7 million Indian visitors next year after recommending a 30-day visa-free entry, instead of the visa on arrival initially proposed, for Indian nationals, with tourism officials also banking on expanded flight connections from smaller Indian cities to boost demand.
More tourists are good news for Thailand. But not if the country cannot cope with the pressures they bring. Tourism is one of Thailand’s biggest sources of income. For decades, success was measured by the number of visitors. That yardstick no longer tells the whole story.
Phuket generated 263 billion baht in tourism revenue during the first six months of this year, attracting nearly seven million visitors, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
The era in which global order rested on a US monopoly over military and economic power and values has finally come to an end, taking Europe’s long period of stability with it. The world has become significantly more turbulent and uncertain, and the near future will bring even more instability. 
Hua Hin’s Most Atmospheric Night Markets? Tamarind & Cicada Walking Tour
Thailand’s government has ordered nationwide inspections of electric vehicle dealers and showrooms, tightening scrutiny of a market that has grown faster than the regulatory and after-sales infrastructure built to support it.
Oil prices jumped today, with Brent crude rising above US$90 a barrel, as intensified attacks between the United States and Iran deepened concern over energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
A total of 7,024 businesses ceased operations in the first half of this year, up 12.5% year-on-year, with total registered capital of 98.9 billion baht, an increase of 224%, according to the Department of Business Development (DBD).
Thailand expects more than B70 billion in investment from four leading Chinese electric vehicle and advanced-technology companies, following talks in Chengdu yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the commitments followed a Thailand investment roadshow led by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in the Chinese city.
Corrupt government officials are seen as the leading reason foreigners can illegally run businesses in Thailand, according to a nationwide NIDA Poll. Some 67.1% of respondents blamed corruption or misconduct among state officials for businesses directly operated by foreigners or run through Thai nominees.
Pet ownership creates a new economic opportunity
Thailand plans to halve visa-free entry from 60 to 30 days for citizens of 54 countries, including Switzerland, a move likely to affect those seasonal retirees who spend much of the European winter in the kingdom. The change has not yet appeared in the Royal Gazette. It will take effect 15 days after publication. Until then, Swiss visitors and other eligible nationals can still enter visa-free for 60 days.
Thailand advances B12-billion Koh Samui cruise terminal project
How to Ride MRT: Easy Thai Phrases for Asoke and Sukhumvit Transit
It’s no secret that Thailand is home to some of the world’s most stunning stays. Beyond breezy beachfront resorts, Thailand is also home to stunning art-filled hotels where art takes center stage — whether through paintings, sculptures, bold design, traditional Thai craftsmanship, or contemporary installations.
Russia battered Ukraine’s capital Kyiv overnight with one of its biggest ballistic missile barrages of the war, killing at least one person and wounding 16 others, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said yesterday. 
Suvarnabhumi arrivals face 2-3 hour immigration queues
Gastronomy Tourism Tipped to Spread Wealth Beyond Bangkok
Dubai carrier flydubai is pressing ahead with its expansion in Thailand, doubling its daily flights to Bangkok from tomorrow as travel demand between the UAE and Southeast Asia continues to climb despite recent geopolitical uncertainty.
Why Isan Cuisine Is Part of Thailand’s Wellness Food Conversation
Koh Samui named world’s best island
The Future of Krabi’s Quiet Luxury
Saphan Pla Night Market (fishing pier)
New Thai-Malaysian checkpoint a boon for tourism
Thailand buckles to India, restores visa-free scheme