Category Archives: immigration

Tuesday’s news-July 14

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Time is short when you’re on the road, so while Expat News travels, our daily news report will use headlines only to save some time. Regular coverage resumes Friday.
  • Reader feedback/Power bills set to rise/Hua Hin airport tunnel/Cirque Hup Hua Hin/Hua Hin videos/Nene says fame came too fast
  • THE IRAN WAR: Trump restarts Iran hostilities/US-Iran strikes/It’s a shame the US and Iran can’t both lose/Gold tumbles below $4,000
  • ECONOMY: B40-meal plan on hold/Weak investment eroding Thailand’s growth/3.1 Billion for Seven Data Centers/Businesses urged to build resilience
  • TOURISM: Visa-free period halved,/Tourism in ‘Transformation’/TAT sets out 2027 tourism strategy/’Joy’ brings joy/Growth through niche tourism/Tattoo Tourism Continues to Evolve
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Largest local solar roof/8 metric tons of ocean-bound waste/Thailand’s EV future/Thailand’s industrial green shift/Rooftop Solar Power System at Thai School
  • INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Re: Odd-even parking signs installed on soi 94

“It is being completely ignored! At least it was on Saturday 11th when I drove down. – Peter

Power bills set to rise in final four months

Continued … 

Hua Hin airport tunnel diversion begins

 

Continued … 

Cirque Hup Hua Hin Brings Together Aerial Artists from 14 Countries

Continued … 

Feel the Real Hua Hin

This Thai beach town will make you want to slow wown. Capture the unique city ambience of Thailand beach city. This video offers an experience for those who love to explore the local life. Experience the peaceful reality of Hua Hin just pictures no comments to distract from the atmosphere.Hua Hin the best spot for kitesurfing in Thailand. Video … 

Explore Soi Mae Kep 2 Hua Hin

ake a walk with me down Soi Mae Kep through Baan Khan Por Night Market in Hua Hin. Video … 

Pub inferno death toll rises to 30

Continued … 

AGT sensation Nene says fame came too fast

Continued … 

 

Inside Thailand’s animal rescue network saving strays

Continued … 

Trump restarts Iran hostilities and demands 20% Hormuz fee

Continued … 

US-Iran strikes: latest developments

Continued … 

It’s a shame the US and Iran can’t both lose

Continued … 

Gold tumbles below $4,000 as oil surge fuels rate fears

Continued … 

 

B40-meal plan on hold after public backlash

Continued … 

BOT warns weak investment is eroding Thailand’s growth

Continued … 

Thailand Approves $3.1 Billion Investment for Seven Data Centers

Continued … 

Thai businesses urged to build resilience as global order shifts

Continued … 

Local e-marketplace players enter fray

Continued … 

Visa-free period halved, many countries dropped

Continued … 

 

Tourism in ‘Transformation’ as the Ministry pivots to a quality agenda and away from a focus on numbers

Continued … 

TAT sets out 2027 tourism strategy with B2.9-trillion revenue goal

Continued … 

‘Joy’ brings joy to lost foreigners on Koh Tao

Continued … 

Agency pursues growth through niche tourism

Continued … 

Thailand’s Tattoo Tourism Continues to Evolve as International Travelers Prioritize Quality

Continued … 

Largest local solar roof opens in Korat

Continued … 

 

Thai Union removes more than 8 metric tons of ocean-bound waste

Continued … 

Content fight shapes Thailand’s EV future

Continued … 

Thailand’s industrial green shift gains momentum with Seagate solar mega project

Continued … 

 

Interra Resources Firm to Install Rooftop Solar Power System at Thai School

Continued … 

 

EU plans tougher social media limits for children under 13

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

Monday’s news-July 13

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Time is short when you’re on the road, so while Expat News travels, our daily news report will use headlines only to save some time. Regular coverage resumes Friday.
  • Odd-even parking signs on soi 94/Safety railings 19-Rai Queen’s Park/Phon Kingphet Park improvements/Cha-am railway overpass/Khao Hin Lek Fai viewpoint/Pa La-U Waterfall closed/Hua Hin videos/Thailand expat tax/Fire Kills at Least 27 in Bangkok/63 pub blaze victims/UK Expat Pension Inheritance Tax/Two illegal Phuket hotels/Disaster zones after subsidence/Cannabis Sales Need Medical Prescriptions /Fake dad network grows
  • THE IRAN WAR: Iran closes Hormuz again/Thailand subject to weak growth and debt/Iran will ‘pay’/Cheap drones expose global economy’s weak spot
  • ECONOMY: 40-Baht Meal Scheme/Bus, air fares cut/Thai industrial confidence gains/Thailand in upper-middle-income category/’Missing the Boat’ on AI Windfall/Food exporters risk losing US buyers
  • TOURISM: Immigration Queue Nightmare/Why Don’t Any US Airlines Fly To Thailand?/Travelers warned against carrying parcels
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Bangkok’s Plan to Reclaim Its 1,100 Canals/The Temple That Rose Again
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: From Factory to Smart City/China, Thailand Green Energy Cooperation/Closing the Agricultural Waste Gap
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Odd-even parking signs installed on soi 94

Continued …

Safety railings installed at 19-Rai Queen’s Park

Continued …

Phon Kingphet Park improvements late, but continuing

Continued …

Cha Am railway overpass opens

Continued …

Khao Hin Lek Fai viewpoint upgrade

Continued … 

Pa La-U Waterfall closed after flash floods in Kaeng Krachan

Continued … 

Hua Hin vs The Rest Of Thailand

How does Hua Hin stack up against other hotspots like Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui? Some people think Hua Hin is the best spot for a chill long-term stay, while others miss the nightlife of the bigger places. With personal stories and tips, this video gives you the real scoop on what to expect in Hua Hin! Video … 

Amazing Baan Khun Por Food Court

Baan Khun Por Food Court (Father’s House) on Soi 88, is one of the best places in Hua Hin for authentic local Thai food, international cuisine, great prices, live music and a really relaxed friendly local vibe. Open daily from 5 pm until midnight. If you’re visiting Hua Hin and want to try a variety of dishes all in one place, this is definitely a spot you shouldn’t miss. From sizzling stir-fries and fresh seafood to classic Thai favorites, there’s something here for everyone. Video … 

Thailand expat tax: What retirees need to know

Continued … 

Fire Kills at Least 27 in Bangkok Pub

Continued … 

63 pub blaze victims in 16 hospitals, 22 serious

Continued … 

The UK Expat Pension Inheritance Tax Trap

Continued … 

Two illegal Phuket hotels found, 360 firms face nominee probe

Continued …

Thonburi and Khlong San declared disaster zones after subsidence

Continued … 

Cannabis Sales Need Medical Prescriptions

Continued … 

Fake dad network grows as police issue more warrants

Continued … 

Iran closes Hormuz again as Gulf attacks widen

Continued … 

Thailand subject to weak growth and debt while tensions re-escalate

Continued … 

Iran will ‘pay’ for its ‘poor choice,’ Hegseth says

Continued … 

Cheap drones expose energy as global economy’s weak spot

Continued … 

Government Plans 40-Baht Meal Scheme Nationwide

Continued …

Bus, air fares cut as fuel prices fall

Continued … 

Thai industrial confidence gains support from economic measures

Continued … 

Thailand remains in World Bank’s upper-middle-income category

Continued … 

Bank of Thailand Warns Nation Is ‘Missing the Boat’ on AI Windfall

Continued … 

Thai food exporters risk losing US buyers over safety records

Continued … 

Foreigners Face 4-Hour Airport Immigration Queue Nightmare

Continued … 

Why Don’t Any US Airlines Fly Nonstop To Thailand?

Continued … 

Travelers warned against carrying parcels as Thailand targets cannabis smugglers

Continued … 

Bangkok’s Plan to Reclaim Its 1,100 Canals as Linear Parks

Continued … 

Wat Chaiwatthanaram: The Temple That Rose Again

Continued … 

From Factory to Smart City: The Energy Architecture Reshaping Eastern Thailand

Continued …

China, Thailand Boost Green Energy Cooperation

Continued … 

How Thailand’s Biggest Conglomerate Is Closing the Agricultural Waste Gap

Continued … 

Heatwave linked to more than 10,000 excess deaths in Europe

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

Friday’s news-July 10

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Editor: Expat News will be traveling next week, July 12-16. We wil try to keep you up to date on the news during this time, but our reports may be fewer and at a different time. We will return to full service next Friday, July 17.
  • Our new sponsor: Pollitos Restaurant and Pizzeria/Hua Hin coffee shop seeks return of mug/Hua Hin videos/Worker killed on Rama II/Red Bull family Thailand’s richest/Phuket girl wows America’s Got Talent/Ayutthaya elephants waiting at red light
  • ECONOMY: Five gains for Anutin government/Thai retail confidence strengthens/Thailand, Malaysia resolve seafood dispute/Nestlé unveils new production hub/Gems and jewelry exports higher
  • TOURISM: Reporting rule for foreign visitors/Israeli tourist arrivals/The ticket mafia
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Chiang Mai Ranked Third-Best/Thailand’s Most Soulful City/Amazing Melon Cutting Skills
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Forest preservation rewards communities/Line Man Ride targets 3,000 EV drivers/Bottles into School Backpacks
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Please welcome our new sponsor:

Hua Hin coffee shop seeks return of mug, saucer stolen by foreign customer

An owner of a coffee shop in Hua Hin exposed a foreign woman for allegedly attempting to obtain free milk and stealing a coffee mug and saucer on Wednesday.

Piyanun, who owns an Amazon coffee franchise store on Soi Hua Hin 61, shared photographs of the foreign customer on her Facebook account and in local Facebook groups, asking anyone who recognized the woman to encourage her to return the stolen items. Continued … 

Patio Old Town Market Hua Hin

Check out a beautifully tucked-away hidden gem called Patio Old Town Market. This cozy, vintage-style outdoor food court is packed with incredible local charm, amazing live music, and a massive variety of street food stalls — including traditional Thai Aharn Tam Sang (made-to-order dishes), authentic Isan sausage, salt-crusted grilled fish (Miang Pla Pao), and dairy-free Thai coconut ice cream. Video … 

Hua Hin – What I really think of this place?

Video … 

Soi 94 Walk and The Best Burger in Hua Hin

Take a walk down Soi 94 in Hua Hin, one of the busiest streets in town for food, bars, and nightlife. This walk around the area shows you the atmosphere on a Friday night, the bars, restaurants and overall vibe. Video … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1a–67_8nE

Another worker killed in Rama II road work

A construction pile driving crane rig collapsed and fatally crushed a worker on Rama II Road, forcing authorities to completely close traffic in the affected area while emergency crews responded and began recovery operations.

The incident happened yesterday at a road construction site on the outbound parallel carriageway of Rama II Road. The collapse occurred near the Khlong Luang bridge U-turn. According to reports, the crane fell onto workers below, killing one male worker at the scene. Continued … 

Red Bull family Thailand’s richest for third straight year

The Yoovidhya family of Red Bull fame have retained the top spot as the richest in Thailand for the third consecutive year with a net worth of $47 billion, followed by the CP Group’s Chearavanont brothers with $36.6 billion, according to Forbes magazine.

The combined wealth of Thailand’s richest tycoons on the 2026 Forbes list has expanded 10% to $187 billion from $170.5 billion, boosted by a surging market, the magazine said. Continued … 

Nene Royal goes from Phuket night market to America’s Got Talent

A 16-year-old girl from Phuket earned four yes votes from the judges on America’s Got Talent (AGT), taking another step toward her dream of becoming a world-class artist.

Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy, better known by her stage name Nene Royal, has built a reputation as a street performer in Phuket. She regularly performs with her band, Ozone, at Naka Night Market, where the group plays rock music for both Thai and international visitors. Continued … 

Ayutthaya elephants win praise for waiting at red light

A convoy of elephants from the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace & Royal Kraal has won widespread praise online after a video showed the animals patiently waiting at a red traffic light alongside motorists, offering a striking reminder of the importance of road safety.

The footage shows several elephants, each accompanied by a mahout, stopping calmly when the traffic signal turned red. The animals waited in line beside cars and motorcycles without crossing the intersection until the light turned green. Continued … 

Five gains for Anutin government after B400-billion loan decree clears court

The Constitutional Court’s ruling yesterday that the emergency decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow 400 billion baht to tackle the impact of the energy crisis and support Thailand’s energy transition does not violate Section 172 of the Constitution has done more than unlock the government’s borrowing plan.

Although the opposition can still scrutinize the details of spending under each project, the ruling has eased political pressure on the government and opened space for the administration to move ahead fully with key policies. Continued … 

Thai retail confidence strengthens amid subdued economic prospects

The June 2026 Retail Sentiment Index (RSI) survey pointed to a narrow-based recovery in Thailand’s economy after government measures provided short-term support to purchasing power.

The spending-per-bill index rose 15.5 points, while confidence for the next three months remained low at 47–50 points, reflecting concerns that purchasing power had yet to recover fully and that risks persisted on several fronts. Continued … 

Thailand, Malaysia resolve seafood trade dispute

Thailand and Malaysia have agreed to swiftly resolve a recent fisheries trade dispute that disrupted seafood exports between the two countries, with both governments aiming to reopen affected markets within a week.

The dispute flared earlier this year after Thailand suspended imports of Malaysian sea bass over concerns about chemical residues. Malaysia later imposed temporary restrictions on certain varieties of Thai shrimp, citing food safety controls. Continued … 

Nestlé unveils 23-billion-baht Nescafé production hub in Thailand

Nestlé has announced plans to invest 23 billion baht in a new Nescafé factory in Thailand after terminating its joint-venture agreement with Quality Coffee Products Co. (QCP), the company that previously manufactured Nescafé products in the country. The 50:50 joint venture between Nestlé and the Mahagitsiri family ended on Dec. 31, 2024, leaving QCP without the right to continue producing Nescafé products.

Nikhil Chand, chairman and chief executive officer of Nestlé Indochina, said the new factory would be built in Samut Prakan province. The facility is intended to strengthen Nestlé’s Nescafé business in Thailand and support exports. Continued … 

Gold demand drives Thailand’s gems and jewelry exports higher

Sumed Prasongpongchai, director-general of the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand, or GIT, said exports of gems and jewelry excluding gold were worth US$860.73 million in May, up 1.8% and extending growth for a third consecutive month. Including gold, exports were worth US$2.27442 billion, up 29.7%.

In the first five months of 2026 (January-May), exports excluding gold totaled US$7.3719 billion, up 11.1%, while exports including gold totaled US$15.66388 billion, up 29.4%. Continued … 

MPs slam reporting rule for foreign visitors

The proposed amendments to some sections of the Hotel Act and Immigration Act, which passed their first reading in parliament on Wednesday, aim to reduce duplicate reporting of foreigners’ temporary stays in Thailand, but may not address existing loopholes as illegal operators are excluded from enforcement.

The responsibility for reporting a foreigner’s stay primarily falls on the householder, owner of a dwelling or hotel manager, who must notify authorities within 24 hours via electronic channels. Foreigners are no longer required to make duplicate notifications themselves, except in cases deemed necessary for national security or public safety. Continued … 

Israeli tourist arrivals in Thailand forecast to exceed 442,000

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) met Israeli diplomatic representatives in Bangkok this week to discuss attracting more high-spending Israeli tourists to Thailand under its “Value over Volume” tourism strategy ahead of the coming travel season.

TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool and executive director for Europe Suladda Sarutilavan welcomed Israeli Ambassador to Thailand Alona Fisher-Kamm and Israeli Minister and Head of Consular Affairs Eli Sneh. Continued … 

The ticket mafia is ruining concerts in Thailand

Thailand’s concert industry is growing rapidly, but so are complaints about ticket scalpers, scams, and organized groups buying up tickets before genuine fans have a chance.

With concerns on the rise, authorities, ticketing companies, and concert promoters are now taking action. But will it be enough to protect concertgoers? Video … 

Chiang Mai Ranked Third-Best City Worldwide

Chiang Mai has been named the third-best city in the world in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026, placing the northern Thai city among the highest-rated destinations globally. The result also saw Chiang Mai rank second in Asia, behind Kyoto, Japan, while moving ahead of Bangkok, Siem Reap in Cambodia and Tokyo.

This year’s survey received responses from more than 207,000 readers, who submitted over 661,000 votes covering more than 10,088 travel-related businesses and destinations worldwide. The categories included hotels, resorts, cities, islands, national parks, tour operators, safaris, airlines, airports, trains and other travel entities. Continued … 

What 12 Trips to Chiang Mai Taught Me About Thailand’s Most Soulful City

Chiang Mai, northern Thailand’s largest city, presents enduring Lanna heritage across living temples, artisan quarters, and surrounding mountain landscapes, underscoring its cultural and historical significance.Viewers encounter Chiang Mai travel context through Lanna architecture, historic temples in the Old City, and daily practices such as alms rounds and evening chants.

Nearby forests and peaks offer hiking routes, scenic viewpoints, and visits to hill-tribe communities via responsible tourism programs.Seasonal shifts bring rice-field greenery in the rains and cooler, misted mountains later in the year, while artisan communities sustain silverwork, lacquerware, and textiles. Video … 

Amazing Melon Cutting Skills at Bangkok Street Food

Video …

Why forest preservation begins with rewarding communities

Forests are often treated as distant landscapes: green backdrops beyond cities, farms and factories. Yet, the truth is far more urgent. They are not empty land waiting to be used, but living infrastructure that quietly holds together the systems that make human life possible.

They absorb carbon from economic activity, regulate water, shelter biodiversity and support communities that often have the fewest opportunities. When forests decline, the damage is not limited to trees. It spreads through rivers, farms, air quality, livelihoods, public health and the economy itself. Continued … 

Line Man Ride targets 3,000 EV drivers as Thailand’s ride-hailing economics shift

Line Man Wongnai is stepping up its electric vehicle push in Thailand’s ride-hailing market, using a rental model to bring more drivers onto its Line Man Ride platform and piloting a new “Comfort” service for passengers seeking larger electric cars.

The company said it aims to have more than 3,000 EV driver-partners on Line Man Ride by the end of 2026. The plan centers on reducing drivers’ upfront costs through full-time rentals, minimum income guarantees for eligible drivers, help with public driving license applications, and a pathway to car ownership after a six-year lease period. Continued … 

Thailand Converts 8 Tons of PET Bottles into 3,500 School Backpacks

What happens to a PET bottle after it leaves the consumer’s hand can determine whether it becomes accumulated waste or raw material for a new product. In Thailand, a program created by Indorama Ventures, in partnership with Amata Corp., uses this path to transform used plastic packaging into school backpacks intended for children from communities near industrial hubs.

The initiative, called “Re-No-Waste: Eco-friendly for Sustainable Future”, was launched in January 2025 with the goal of collecting 8 tons of post-consumer PET bottles in AMATA network factories. Continued … 

  • Indian Wildlife Smugglers Arrested in Bangkok – Continued … 
  • Thai customs arrest South African man with heroin hidden in coffee and tea bags – Continued … 
  • Lithuanian Faces Visa Revocation on Koh Pha Ngan – 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

Wednesday’s news-July 8

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

  • New Bangkok Hospital building/HUA HIN VIDEOS: Explore the Samoe Riang Community/Hua Hin: Is It Bangkok’s Best Beach Getaway?/Expat health insurance cost/Police Tighten Checkpoint Rules/Thaimart e-commerce platform debuts
  • THE IRAN WAR: US strikes Iran over ship attacks/Thailand’s energy crisis/Cut oil prices now, not gradually/Thailand cuts fuel prices
  • ECONOMY: Loan for Koh Lanta and Songkhla bridges/Weak condo market/Thailand cannabis draft law/PM Warns Cannabis Industry/Bangkok in top 10 for luxury living costs
  • TOURISM: 16.21 million foreign tourists/Tomorrowland 2026 Sells Out/Airport launches 24/7 canine drug sweeps/Show proof of funds on arrival
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Song Wat, Bangkok’s Hottest Neighborhood
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Power to the people/Climate crisis reshapes travel/Sungrow Targets Thai Households
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

New Bangkok Hospital building opens

Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin held the official opening ceremony for its new building, marking another important milestone in the hospital’s development as it celebrates 15 years of service.

The new building reflects the hospital’s commitment to enhancing its medical capabilities while improving the overall patient care experience, helping to support the growth of Hua Hin and the surrounding region. Continued … 

Explore the Samoe Riang Local Community

While most tourists stick to the night markets and beaches, Samoe Riang offers a glimpse into the authentic, local side of Hua Hin. In this video, we explore the quiet alleys, traditional houses, and the peaceful atmosphere of this unique neighborhood. If you want to see what life looks like away from the big resorts, this walk is for you! You will see authentic local architecture and street life of fishermen village in Hua Hin, the peaceful vibes of a traditional Thai community. And a side of Hua Hin that many visitors miss. Video … 

Hua Hin: Is It Bangkok’s Best Beach Getaway?

Dive into everything that makes Hua Hin amazing — stunning beaches, royal history, next-level seafood, hidden gems, and some wild activities (like kite surfing, releasing rescued marine creatures, and hiking to an epic hidden temple cave!). Video … 

Expat health insurance Thailand cost: what you’ll pay monthly in 2026

Expat health insurance costs in Thailand are one of those numbers everyone searches for and nobody quite trusts, because the real answer ranges from under US$100 a month to well over US$900. Almost none of that gap comes down to luck. It comes down to two things: how old you are, and how much cover you actually want.

That gap widens fast with age, too. A policy that costs a few hundred dollars a month in your thirties can cost two to three times as much by your sixties, for identical cover. Here’s what the market actually charges, broken down by age and plan type, and what you get for the money at each level. Continued … 

Police Tighten Checkpoint Rules Across Thailand

The Royal Thai Police have reaffirmed that all police checkpoints across Thailand must operate under strict national standards that are transparent, accountable and focused on public safety. Officers have also been reminded to treat the public politely, while anyone who encounters misconduct or alleged demands for bribes is encouraged to report it immediately.

Police spokesperson Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan said every checkpoint must receive approval from the provincial police commander responsible for the area and must be located where it will not create unnecessary traffic disruption or inconvenience. Standard checkpoints are required to be divided into five operational zones and display advance warning signs, the name of the checkpoint supervisor, the approving commander and a telephone number for complaints. Continued … 

Thaimart e-commerce platform debuts

Thaimart, a home-grown Thai e-commerce platform, was officially introduced at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok yesterday, positioning itself as a new home for Thai business owners.

Panthawat Nakvisut, chief executive officer of Thaimart Marketplace, presented the platform as a marketplace built not only on technology, but also on transparent rules, fair treatment and shared growth with merchants. Continued … 

US strikes Iran as oil sanctions return over ship attacks

The United States launched a new round of military strikes against Iran yesterday after three commercial tankers were hit near the Strait of Hormuz, sharply raising pressure on a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.

US Central Command said the strikes were intended to impose costs on Iran after what Washington described as aggression and a breach of the ceasefire. A US official said the targets included Iranian air defense systems, coastal surveillance systems, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles and drone launch sites. Continued … 

Thailand’s energy crisis demands more than short-term remedies

The 2026 US–Israel war on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are posing an unprecedented challenge to Thailand’s energy security and economy. While the country has contained the immediate economic fallout to some extent, the crisis highlights the need for a coherent long-term strategy to diversify supply chains, strengthen energy security and accelerate economic restructuring.

Thailand has been historically reliant on Middle Eastern oil, gas and fertilizers, with approximately 60% of its crude oil imports, 90% of light oils, 70% of urea and 28% of natural gas originating from the Middle East. Retail oil prices rose by roughly 34% on average across all fuel types between January and May, while domestic urea fertilizer prices surged by 50%–75% over the same period. Continued … 

PM tells Energy Ministry: cut oil prices now, not gradually

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the Energy Ministry to find ways to reduce retail oil prices, saying domestic fuel prices should fall now that global oil prices have declined and stabilized.

Anutin said the government must take into account people’s cost of living, household expenses and the operating costs faced by businesses, especially as fuel prices affect transport, goods prices and daily economic activity. Continued … 

Thailand cuts fuel prices as oil fund adjusts rates

Thailand will cut retail fuel prices from today, with diesel falling by 2.56 baht per liter and all petrol and gasohol grades dropping by 2.51 baht per liter.

Energy Minister Akanat Promphan acknowledged an order from the prime minister issued during the Cabinet meeting on the same day. The order instructed the Energy Ministry to find ways to reduce retail fuel prices as much as possible in line with lower global crude oil prices, while easing living costs for the public and cutting business expenses. Continued … 

Songkhla bridge artist rendering

Cabinet approves World Bank loan for Koh Lanta and Songkhla bridges

The Cabinet has approved the Ministry of Finance’s borrowing from the World Bank through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), worth 4.55 billion baht, together with grant assistance of 129.30 million baht, for a combined 4.6793 billion baht.

The funding will be used for the construction of a bridge linking Koh Lanta in Krabi province and a bridge across Songkhla Lake connecting Songkhla and Phatthalung provinces. Continued … 

Weak condo market crushes land prices

Asking prices for land in Greater Bangkok have stagnated this year, with some sites facing discounts of up to 40% as buyers negotiate aggressively amid a sharp contraction in the condo market caused by economic weakness.

According to property consultancy Cushman & Wakefield Thailand, land prices in Greater Bangkok previously rose consistently every year, often by double digits, largely driven by condo developers. Continued … 

Thailand cannabis draft law targets medical use and shop controls

Pattana Promphat, Public Health minister, pressed ahead with the draft Cannabis and Hemp Act yesterday, aiming to control cannabis for medical use only. He ordered tighter oversight from source to destination after problems were found involving illegal transport abroad and the use of fake licenses.

The ministry is also working with police and local authorities to accelerate a crackdown on illicit cannabis outlets and shops with expired licenses, estimated at more than 6,000 nationwide, to prevent recreational cannabis use and speed up efforts to bring cannabis outlets into order through a GPS-based system. Continued … 

PM Warns Cannabis Industry May Close in Thailand

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has warned that the country’s cannabis industry could be shut down if authorities conclude it is causing more harm than benefit, following a series of major international cannabis smuggling cases linked to Thailand.

Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis in 2022, promoting it as a medical crop with significant economic potential. Four years later, however, lawmakers are still debating cannabis control legislation, while recreational dispensaries have expanded and falling prices have pushed some growers toward illegal export markets. Continued …

Bangkok makes global top 10 for luxury living costs

Bangkok has emerged as one of the world’s 10 most expensive cities for high-net-worth individuals, according to the Julius Baer Global Wealth & Lifestyle Report 2026, released yesterday.

The report tracks the cost of a luxury basket of 20 goods and services across 25 global cities to analyze where it costs the most to “live well”. The basket includes residential property, cars, business-class air tickets, private school fees, fine dining, watches, jewelry and other premium lifestyle categories. Continued … 

Thailand welcomes 16.21 million foreign tourists, down 3.1%

Thailand welcomed more than 16.21 million foreign tourists between Jan. 1 and July 4, generating 782.57 billion baht in tourism revenue, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said on Monday.

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the latest assessment showed Thailand had received 16,210,890 international arrivals during the period, down 3.1% from the same period last year. Continued … 

Tomorrowland 2026 Sells Out in Pattaya

Tickets for the inaugural Tomorrowland Thailand music festival have sold out, with all 150,000 tickets purchased shortly after sales opened, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul announced yesterday following the weekly Cabinet meeting.

The three-day electronic dance music festival will be held just outside Pattaya, Chon Buri this December. Around 50,000 tickets were sold for each day of the event, reaching the festival’s full capacity of 150,000 tickets. The government expects the event to attract the 50,000 visitors daily and generate around 6 billion baht in economic activity. Continued … 

Suvarnabhumi Airport launches 24/7 canine drug sweeps

The Patrol and Special Operation Division (PSD), commonly known as the 191 Police, has deployed canine units to Suvarnabhumi Airport for round-the-clock baggage sweeps and X-ray screenings for drugs.

The heightened security measure aims to interdict international drug trafficking networks and raise the country’s aviation safety protocols to international standards. Continued … 

Thailand reminds travelers to be ready to show proof of funds on arrival

As Thailand prepares to return to a 30-day visa-free stay for many nationalities, down from the current 60 days, the country is also drawing attention to another rule travelers sometimes forget: proof of funds on arrival.

In a notice published on Monday, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reminded foreign visitors that they must be able to show they have sufficient financial resources when entering the country. This is not a new measure, but a reminder intended to help travelers better prepare for border checks. Continued … 

Where to Eat, Drink, Play, and Stay in Song Wat, Bangkok’s Hottest Neighborhood

Ask any Bangkokian which neighborhood is having a moment, and chances are they’ll point you to Song Wat. Running alongside the Chao Phraya River, this historic street is just a short walk from Yaowarat and easily reached from Talat Noi and Charoen Krung. You can also arrive by boat via Ratchawong Pier, making it one of the city’s most accessible neighborhoods to explore.

Long before it became one of Bangkok’s trendiest destinations, Song Wat was one of the city’s most important commercial districts. Its riverside location made it a thriving trading hub, attracting generations of Chinese immigrants who settled and built businesses here. Continued … 

Power to the people

The Anutin government’s decision to allow householders to sell their excess rooftop solar energy to the electricity authorities marks a major milestone in the country’s clean energy transition. It is also a rare and welcome instance of a government fulfilling its promises to the public.

The government announced last week that residential solar owners in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan can now file feed-in tariff applications with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), while those in other provinces can do so through the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA). Continued … 

Climate crisis reshapes travel as weather risks grow

The climate crisis no longer affects only temperatures or disasters; it is visibly changing how people around the world travel. Where tourists once chose destinations for their beauty or popularity, many now place greater weight on weather, safety and environmental impact, causing travel trends in 2026 to change significantly.

Booking.com’s annual sustainability survey, which gathered data from more than 32,500 travelers in several countries, found that 74% said extreme weather had become an important factor in travel planning, while one in four, or 25%, had begun looking for cooler destinations to avoid heatwaves that are intensifying in many regions of the world. Continued … 

Sungrow Targets Thai Households with New Low-Voltage Battery System

Sungrow launched a new low-voltage residential solar and storage system at ASEW 2026 in Bangkok, targeting Thailand’s growing household energy market. The MGRL series, featuring a hybrid inverter and stackable battery, is engineered for hot, humid, and coastal environments with anti-corrosion protection.

Sungrow is making an aggressive push into Thailand’s residential solar market, unveiling a new low-voltage energy storage system specifically engineered to withstand the country’s punishing tropical climate. The Chinese clean-tech giant showcased the technology as part of a broader full-scenario portfolio designed to capture growth across Southeast Asia’s accelerating energy transition. Continued … 

  • Canadian man attacked by Krabi locals after stealing ambulance – Continued … 
  • Belgian Woman Held With 31kg of Cannabis at Phuket Airport – Continued … 
  • Indian Wildlife Suspect Held on Korat Highway – Continued … 

Trump says Greenland should be controled by US, not Denmark

U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday that Greenland should be controled by the United States, not Denmark. Video … 

US, NATO allies to begin key talks at Turkey summit

After a pomp-filled welcome in Ankara where his North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies were at pains to keep him onside, United States President Donald Trump was to get down to the hard business of the summit yesterday. 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

Monday’s news-June 29

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

  • Buddhist Ceremony in Hua Hin/PKK part of tourist rail trips/International migration from West to East /Immigration Struggles to Act on overstayers/B20 billion needed to lift road lights power bill off households/Affordable advanced cancer treatment/Chadchart Wins Second Bangkok Term/Two rangers hurt by wild elephant/Fake Cannabis Prescriptions/Three petrol stations bombed
  • THE IRAN WAR: US and Iran agree to pause attacks/More aid for airlines/Plastic shortages causing anxiety
  • ECONOMY: ‘Expat Economy’ gathers pace/Gen Z’s penchant for debt worrying/$4 trillion ‘pink economy’ boom/Thailand Opens Rail Network/ASEAN rises as beauty economy hub/Thai cocoa and chocolate products
  • TOURISM: Elephant ride ends with mahout death/Thailand tourism yet to recover/365-day tourism strategy/Foreign travelers drive hotel bookings/Thailand Tourism Slowdown/Pattaya bar streets turn to discounts/Short summer trips surge/Airports of Thailand Cuts Growth
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Kai yok krok-Thai Street Food
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Rooftop solar power purchases/Community Forest Restoration
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 
Thai tap water is not drinking water quality. Many components in tap water, such as limescale or microbiological impurities, cannot be seen with the naked eye. Nevertheless, they affect the entire water supply and ultimately also the wholesomeness and taste of the water. Water purifier systems are indispensable to improve the quality of life. Thanks to the innovative technology of our water filter systems, it is possible to turn conventional tap water into high-quality drinking water.

PM Anutin Presides Over Buddhist Consecration Ceremony in Hua Hin

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over a Buddhist consecration ceremony for Luang Pu Thuat commemorative amulets at Huay Mongkol Temple in Hua Hin district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, on Saturday.

The ceremony was led by the abbot of Huay Mongkol Temple on behalf of the monastic community. Attendees included Minister of Public Health Pattana Promphat, senior ministry officials, Permanent Secretary for the Interior Unsit Sampuntharat, Prachuap Khiri Khan Gov. Sittichai Sawatsan, government representatives, private-sector guests, and Buddhist devotees. Continued … 

PKK part of new nine rainy-season tourist rail trips across Thailand

The State Railway of Thailand is turning the rainy season into a new travel window, launching nine special rail-tourism programs across the country from July to September. The programs are designed to promote rail-based tourism while connecting travelers with nature, local culture, religious traditions, history, and lesser-known destinations in several provinces.

Included is “Sea & Serenity Journey” in Prachuap Khiri Khan on Aug. 15-16, combining beaches, temples, and a rare sugar-palm-wood ordination hall. The trip is priced at 4,499 baht. Continued … 

International migration from West to East is a rising phenomenon

Western men and indeed families are moving to Thailand in growing numbers, turning holiday romances into marriages, businesses and permanent new lives as high living costs, remote work, COVID-19 controls, and anger over Western dating culture drive a quieter migration east.

The trend, amplified by Passport Bro influencers, has ignited fierce criticism over sexism and stereotypes. However, interviews from rural Thailand to Pattaya and Bangkok show a broader shift involving families, digital entrepreneurs, falling birth rates, and younger Western men questioning the social settlement and economic policies of the last 60 years. Continued … 

Thailand Immigration Flags Overstayers But Struggles to Act

Thailand’s immigration system holds detailed records of foreign arrivals and overstayers but continues to struggle to consistently act on that information, meaning some long-term overstayers are only detected during raids, at departure points, or after unrelated criminal investigations.

The gap between digital records and enforcement has become a recurring issue, with known violations sometimes left unaddressed for months or years despite being visible in official systems. Continued … 

B20 billion needed to lift road lights power bill off households

Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee will request a 20-billion-baht budget for the state to pay the power bill for road and government organization lighting, as the government moves to end the decades-long practice of passing the cost of public lighting onto householders.

Polapee said he would first discuss budgetary preparation with the energy minister, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, and the Provincial Electricity Authority. He would then present a proposal to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Continued … 

Thai university develops affordable advanced cancer treatment

The Faculty of Medicine at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has developed CAR-T cell therapy, a highly effective and affordable treatment for patients diagnosed with lymphoma, leukemia, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

CAR-T cell therapy is an advanced, locally developed cancer immunotherapy that programs a patient’s own immune cells to precisely target and destroy cancer cells, providing a highly effective and affordable alternative to imported treatments. Continued … 

Chadchart Wins Second Bangkok Term

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has declared victory in the Bangkok governor election after unofficial results showed the independent incumbent heading for a landslide second term.

With 89.9% of ballots counted last night, Chadchart had received around 1.444 million votes, compared with 288,171 for his nearest rival, Mallika Boonmeetrakool Mahasuk. The result, pending official certification by the Election Commission, gives him another four years to continue his administration of the capital. Continued … 

Two rangers hurt as injured wild elephant charges team in Kui Buri

Two national park rangers were injured after an injured wild elephant charged at a rescue team attempting to provide emergency treatment in Kui Buri National Park, officials said. Officials received an urgent report on Friday that a male wild elephant with small tusks had suffered a serious foot injury.

The elephant’s right rear foot had partially detached, leaving it unable to bear weight on the leg. A veterinary team was dispatched with antibiotics to provide urgent treatment. Continued … 

Thailand Cracks Down on Fake Cannabis Prescriptions

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has launched a strict crackdown on the use of forged cannabis prescription forms after uncovering evidence of identity fraud and the online sale of fake documents used to obtain cannabis for recreational purposes.

The investigation found that fake reporting forms were being used to sell cannabis flowers to members of the public without medical examinations or professional consultations. Officials also discovered cases where healthcare practitioners had allegedly signed blank prescription forms, allowing retailers to add details later. Continued … 

Three petrol stations bombed in south

Two PT service stations in Pattani province and another in Yala province were set on fire by what appeared to be coordinated bombings last night. One man was injured.

They each targeted a PT station – one in Muang district of Yala and the two others in Sai Buri and Yaring districts of neighboring Pattani. The blasts started fires at all three stations. Continued … 

US and Iran agree to pause attacks before the latest negotiations

The United States and Iran have agreed to halt attacks on each other before peace talks resume this week to discuss the Strait of Hormuz and other issues linked to ending the war. The move is seen as a sign of easing tensions after several days of retaliatory attacks that affected a fragile ceasefire agreement.

The exchange of attacks on a vital shipping route for oil and natural gas trade began last Thursday when the Islamic Republic of Iran attacked a container ship. Washington responded by striking Iran the following day. The US then launched another attack on Saturday night after Tehran targeted a ship carrying Qatari oil. Both sides accused the other of violating the ceasefire agreement. Continued … 

More aid for airlines hit by Mideast war

The Transport Ministry will extend measures to support airlines affected by unrest in the Middle East, including a 30% reduction in air navigation service charges for domestic flights during July and August, Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit said.

The ministry instructed the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) to continue assistance for airline operators facing rising costs linked to volatility in global energy markets. Continued … 

Plastic shortages causing anxiety among Asian small business owners

One of the key raw materials for the production of plastic products is ethylene, which is produced from naphtha – a byproduct of oil refining. Approximately 60% of Asia’s current naphtha imports come from the Gulf region.

Although the US and Iran have reached an agreement to end the conflict, the market needs more time to recover and supply chains to return to normal. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz – a strategic global shipping route – remains fraught with uncertainty, continuing to put pressure on commodity prices. Continued … 

Foreign consumers become new engine of Thai retail as ‘Expat Economy’ gathers pace

Foreign consumers are emerging as a powerful new driver of Thailand’s retail sector, with average spending 1.5 times higher than that of Thai consumers, as more foreigners choose the country not only for holidays, but also for long-term living, according to The 1 Insight.

The trend reflects the rise of what The 1 describes as the “Expat Economy”, in which long-stay foreign residents and frequent visitors are increasingly shaping demand across major retail categories, from beauty and fashion to groceries, children’s products, home improvement, and health-related goods. Continued … 

Gen Z’s penchant for debt worrying for the Thai economy

Thailand is experiencing a continuous deterioration in household credit quality amid expanding household debt, which has risen to 86.7%of national gross domestic product.

The secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council, Danucha Pichayanan, revealed recently that total household debt had expanded to 16.44 trillion baht, rising from 16.31 trillion baht in the third quarter of 2025. Continued … 

Kingdom targets slice of $4 trillion ‘pink economy’ boom

Thailand is eyeing growth in the “global pink economy” as speakers at a forum highlight rising market value, changing consumer behavior and new investment opportunities. Speaking on the topic of “Pink Economy: From Visibility to Economic Value”, Tanachai Kulsomboonsin, chief executive and co-founder of Canvas Ventures International, said awareness of the pink economy has expanded in Thailand over the past two years.

Pink economy refers to the purchasing power of the LGBTQ+ community. The global market is worth about US$4 trillion (about 133.51 trillion baht) and could grow up to $7 trillion within five years. Continued … 

Thailand Opens Rail Network to Private Operators

Thailand has officially opened its state-owned railway network to private operators for the first time, allowing companies to apply for track access to run passenger, tourism, and freight train services.

The move follows the publication of the State Railway of Thailand’s 2026 network statement and is intended to make use of unused track capacity while creating new transport options, strengthening logistics, and generating additional revenue for the state. Continued … 

ASEAN rises as a new beauty economy hub for global cosmetics

The global beauty industry is no longer being shaped only by Western markets. Southeast Asia, once seen largely as a follower of K-Beauty, J-Beauty, and European brands, is now positioning itself as a beauty economy hub with growing influence over the direction of the global industry.

According to Statista, ASEAN’s beauty and personal-care market is expected to grow strongly, with market value projected at US$7.4 billion in 2026 before rising to more than US$9 billion by 2031. Continued … 

Growing global niche market seen for Thai cocoa and chocolate products

Thai cocoa and chocolate products are expected to benefit from a growing but niche global market, particularly for high-value, environmentally friendly, and health-focused products.

Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the Commerce Ministry’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), said the global cocoa and chocolate market is projected to grow from more than US$55.8 billion in 2025 to more than US$86.5 billion by 2034. Continued … 

This is a definite no

Elephant ride ends with mahout death, tourist injured

A 20-year-old male elephant used for tourist rides killed its mahout and injured an Omani tourist after becoming agitated in Phang Nga on Saturday. The fatal attack occurred after the elephant reportedly became distressed during a tour carrying two foreign tourists.

Authorities said the elephant attempted to enter a stream, but its mahout used a hook to prevent it from doing so. According to witnesses, the elephant became aggressive, throwing one of the tourists from its back. The injured tourist, a 33-year-old man from Oman, was taken to Phang Nga Hospital for treatment. Continued … 

Thailand tourism yet to recover despite 15 million foreign visitors

Thailand’s tourism recovery has yet to fully rebound despite welcoming more than 15 million foreign visitors this year, with international arrivals still falling short of last year’s levels, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

Between Jan. 1 and June 20, Thailand welcomed 15,447,571 foreign tourists, generating more than 745.39 billion baht in visitor spending, although arrivals were down 2.8% from the same period in 2025. Continued … 

Thailand pushes 365-day tourism strategy

The government is moving ahead with its “Thailand 365 Days” policy to position the country as a year-round, high-value tourism destination, using rising interest in natural attractions and local experiences to spread income beyond major tourist cities and support sustainable growth.

Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the prime minister’s office, said the strategy is in line with changing global travel trends, as tourists increasingly seek destinations that offer a wide range of experiences, including nature, culture, food, and local lifestyles. Continued … 

Foreign travelers drive 96.6% of Thailand’s mid-year hotel bookings

Thailand’s hotel industry is seeing resilient mid-year demand from international travelers, who now account for 96.6% of forward bookings and are reserving rooms earlier than last year, giving operators more room to manage pricing, promotions, and guest experiences.

According to SiteMinder’s mid-year Hotel Booking Trends report, which analyzed hotel stays between June and September across 22 major travel markets in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas, Thailand’s share of forward hotel bookings from international travelers rose from 95.8% in the same period last year. Continued … 

Thailand Tourism Slowdown: Why the Extended Green Season Won’t Last

Having lived and worked in Thailand’s hospitality and tourism industry for more than 35 years, I have learned one simple truth: tourism rarely moves in a straight line.

If you were to plot Thailand’s hotel occupancy throughout a typical year, the graph would resemble a series of rolling waves — rising to predictable peaks before settling into seasonal troughs. Today, Thailand finds itself in one of those troughs. Continued … 

Pattaya bar streets turn to discounts as June low season bites

Pattaya‘s nightlife strip is leaning hard on discounts and happy hour deals this June, as bar operators describe a slow season where every customer counts. As the sun sets, colored lights flick on and staff step outside with familiar routines: smiles, greetings, and quiet invitations to passing tourists and hotel guests. Behind the lively atmosphere, though, June has become what many in the trade call a “survival month”.

With the low season firmly in place, bars can no longer count on steady walk-ins. Survival now depends on visibility, flexibility, and pricing. Extended happy hours, discounted drinks, and bundled offers have become the main tools for stopping customers who might otherwise walk past. Continued … 

Trip.com sees short summer trips surge

Short breaks are becoming one of the defining travel trends of summer 2026, as travelers look for quicker, more flexible escapes without giving up the sense of a rewarding holiday, according to Trip.com Group.

Global travel continued to grow strongly in the first half of 2026, with data from Trip.com Group showing that travelers from mainland China, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia recorded some of the longest cumulative travel distances. Continued … 

Airports of Thailand Cuts Growth Forecast

Airports of Thailand (AOT) has sharply reduced its passenger growth forecast for the 2026 fiscal year to possibly below 1%, citing global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, while maintaining expansion plans to meet long-term demand.

The revised forecast marks a significant downgrade from AOT’s earlier projections of 6% growth, later cut to around 3%. The latest reduction follows the impact of conflict in the Middle East, which has driven up aviation fuel prices, increasing operating costs for airlines. Continued … 

Kai yok krok-Thai Street Food

Video … 

Energy Regulatory Commission to open registration for rooftop solar power purchases July 1

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has launched a solar rooftop power purchase program for the public sector. Applications to sell electricity from solar rooftops can begin on July 1.

The purchase price is 2.20 baht per unit, with a 10-year contract. The production capacity is limited to 5 kilowatts per meter. A total of 500 megawatts will be accepted, using a “first come, first served” principle until the quota is reached. Continued … 

Mitsubishi Electric Thai Foundation Continues Community Forest Restoration

The Mitsubishi Electric Thai Foundation, together with the Mitsubishi Electric Group companies in Thailand, continues its commitment to natural resource and environmental conservation through the “Community Forest Partnership for Climate Action Project”, now entering its 9th consecutive year.

The project aims to restore community forests, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen the long-term carbon sequestration capacity of the ecosystem at Ban Nong Khro community forest, Wang Dan subdistrict, Kabin Buri District, Prachin Buri Province. Continued … 

Australian man confesses to killing teen girl and hiding body

An Australian man has confessed to killing a 17-year-old girl in Pattaya before stuffing her body into a suitcase and dumping it near railway tracks. The victim was found dead in a suitcase abandoned in a grass area beside railway tracks in the Khao Makok area, about 4.2 kilometers from a condominium on Jomtien Second Road where the incident allegedly took place. Continued … 

  • Chinese woman linked to huge 20 billion baht fraud arrested in Chiang Mai – Continued … 
  • Turk Held With Cocaine at Suvarnabhumi – Continued … 
  • Hong Kong Beautician Admits Thailand Scam Lure – Continued … 
  • Taiwanese man caught smuggling protected tortoises from Thailand – Continued … 

Death Toll From Venezuela Earthquakes Climbs To 1,450

Rescue teams raced yesterday to find more survivors of the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week, with signs of life bringing occasional relief to a grim quest to whittle down a list of tens of thousands missing. The death toll from Wednesday’s twin earthquakes rose to at least 1,450 as of Saturday. Continued … 

Europe heatwave disrupts power, transport and healthcare systems

Europe faced temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F) yesterday as storms swept other areas, with France reporting 1,000 excess deaths in a record-breaking heatwave. Its public health agency said most heat-related fatalities involved older people and warned the toll was expected to rise as more details emerged from residential care and private homes. Continued … 

Putin acknowledges fuel shortages after Ukraine strikes

Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the country was suffering from “a certain shortage” of fuel in an interview published by the Kremlin yesterday, after repeated Ukrainian strikes in their four-year war. 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

Monday’s news-June 22

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

  • Returning sponsor: Anantasila Beach Restaurant Hua Hin/Frenchman arrested in Cha Am/Hua Hin Table Tennis Championship/Hua Hin land titles explained/Foreign buyers hit pause on villas/Thailand Driving Out Foreigners/Police Seize Land in Nominee Crackdown /Tighten Foreign Condo Ownership Rules/Bid-Rigging Claims at Suvarnabhumi/Tunnel Collapse Kills Two/Wild Elephant Kills Mushroom Forager/Can a person outrun an elephant?/Medical cannabis enforcement
  • THE IRAN WAR: US and Iran conclude high-level talks/Still a long way to go
  • ECONOMY: Deficit and baht risks/Foreign investment tops 154-billion-baht/FastPass Expansion Targets Investment/Can Land Bridge Challenge Malacca?/Exports face slower growth/Pressure on Thai exporters/Export window for Thai pet food/Bangkok Faces Japan-Style Housing Crisis/$800-million wellness hub in Bangkok/Italy wants Thai workers/Defend farmland from data centers
  • TOURISM: International departure fee rises/Green season tourism shift/Phuket may triple hotel tax/Phuket hotel demolitions/Pattaya operators turn pushy/Culture means more than tourism/War in Middle East pushing tourists to Asia
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Horrifying methods to make elephants rideable /Ordering Som Tum Like a Thai Local/Southern springboard to growth/The Great Hornbill
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Accelerate energy transition/Shift away from fossil fuels/Mekong wildlife trafficking
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Please welcome returning sponsor

Anantasila Beach Restaurant Hua Hin

The Anantasila Beach Restaurant Hua Hin beach bar and restaurant veranda give access to beautiful, unobstructed views of the sea and Khao Takiab shoreline. The restaurant’s tree-canopied outdoor dining area offers a casual, yet sophisticated dining experience.

The restaurant offers a taste of local specialties, but also a wide choice of European dishes. Diners hoping for something a little more personalized can enjoy a fresh custom-made pizza. Wine drinkers are invited to visit the wine pantry, which stocks a handpicked selection of Old World and New World wines. For those looking to enjoy a refreshing seaside cocktail or an evening aperitif, the bar serves a menu of classic and signature drinks.

The restaurant is open seven days a week from 7.00-23.00 hrs. and welcomes all residents and non-residents. For reservation, Tel : +66 32 527 638; Email : fb@anantasila.com

Frenchman arrested in Cha Am over alleged 8-billion-baht Ponzi scheme

Thai immigration police have arrested a 33-year-old French man in Cha Am, who is alleged to be a key figure in a transnational pyramid investment scam causing damages of more than 200 million Euros. The suspect, identified by authorities only as Mr. Dogan, was found hiding in a villa and is wanted by authorities in France, Turkey, and by Interpol.

On Saturday, investigators received intelligence that the suspect was hiding in a luxury villa in the Cha Am area. Officers moved in to inspect the property, requested to check his passport, and confirmed his identity against international arrest records. He was subsequently detained on site. Continued … 

Hua Hin Table Tennis Championship held at Bluport

The first Hua Hin Table Tennis Championship was held at Bluport Hua Hin over the weekend, with Jetphat Phetsanthad and Wiranchana Srichak winning the men’s and women’s singles titles. The tournament was organized by the Lions Club of Raspakdi Hua Hin, in cooperation with the Fantastic Hua Hin Table Tennis Club.

The final day featured the general singles categories, with 46 players competing in the men’s singles and 13 in the women’s singles. Players first competed in the group stage before progressing to the knockout rounds. Continued … 

Hua Hin land titles explained for foreign buyers

Hua Hin land titles and property ownership can be confusing, especially for foreign buyers trying to understand leases, title deeds, and what is legally safe. Many people have seen the recent crackdowns on nominee company ownership (see below), with more than 46,900 companies reportedly under investigation across Thailand.

Fortunately, for most buyers in the Hua Hin region, this has not been as common as in some other parts of the country. The problem is that some buyers were previously advised to set up nominee company structures and told: “Don’t worry, it will be fine.” In many cases, these advisers were not lawyers. They were often accountants creating an annual income stream. Continued … 

Foreign buyers hit pause on villas as nominee loophole closes

Thailand’s crackdown on a loophole that effectively bypasses its restrictions on land ownership by foreigners is causing prospective buyers to delay purchase decisions on luxury villas in resort destinations such as Phuket and Koh Samui, according to agents.

Bangkok has stepped up its scrutiny of business and property ownership in the country, with the Department of Business Development (DBD) flagging 11,426 companies on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui where foreigners hold stakes, accounting for nearly 68% of all registered firms on the two islands, which are districts in the southern Thai province of Surat Thani. Continued … 

Thai tap water is not drinking water quality. Many components in tap water, such as limescale or microbiological impurities, cannot be seen with the naked eye. Nevertheless, they affect the entire water supply and ultimately also the wholesomeness and taste of the water. Water purifier systems are indispensable to improve the quality of life. Thanks to the innovative technology of our water filter systems, it is possible to turn conventional tap water into high-quality drinking water.

Thailand Driving Out Foreigners It Once Courted

Thailand is pursuing two major policy directions that appear to conflict with one another: opening its economy to foreign business while intensifying enforcement against foreign-linked property ownership structures.

The contrast has become increasingly visible following reforms to the Foreign Business Act. In April 2025, the Cabinet approved the most significant overhaul of the law in 25 years. In January 2026, it confirmed plans to remove 10 business categories, including software development, from restricted lists, allowing foreign companies to operate without local partners or special licenses. The reforms form part of the Thailand 4.0 strategy aimed at improving competitiveness and attracting investment. Continued … 

Police Seize Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga Land in Nominee Crackdown

Thai police have seized 49 rai of land worth more than B1.05 billion in Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga as part of the latest operation targeting alleged foreign nominee business networks. The coordinated raids on Saturday involved more than 500 officers and resulted from 59 arrest warrants, 60 search warrants, and investigations into 89 land plots linked to suspected illegal ownership structures.

Authorities said the investigation focused on companies suspected of using Thai nationals as nominees to hold shares on behalf of foreign investors, allowing them to control land and businesses in violation of Thai law. Across Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi, investigators identified 29 companies allegedly operating as nominees and 48 companies holding land while having foreign shareholders in the majority. Continued … 

Government Urged to Tighten Foreign Condo Ownership Rules

Thailand is facing renewed calls to tighten regulations governing foreign condominium ownership as the government considers raising the foreign ownership quota in condominium projects to attract overseas investment and support a property market still struggling with a slowdown.

The proposal is viewed as a way to improve liquidity in the real estate sector and help developers clear unsold inventory. However, concerns have emerged over housing affordability for Thai citizens, property speculation, and the long-term impact of increased foreign ownership. Continued … 

DSI Probes AOT Bid-Rigging Claims at Suvarnabhumi

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has ordered a preliminary investigation into allegations of bid rigging linked to projects at Airports of Thailand (AOT) worth 74.9 million baht. The inquiry follows a complaint submitted by a lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd, who alleged that a former deputy prime minister and a major news organization were involved in coordinating work for individuals and companies under scrutiny.

Sittra, secretary-general of the People’s Lawyer Team Foundation, submitted evidence to the DSI on June 16. He asked the agency to investigate whether offenses related to bid rigging had occurred and requested that his tip-off letter be treated as a formal criminal complaint if evidence of wrongdoing is found. Continued … 

Tunnel Collapse Kills Two at Chiang Rai Rail Project

Two workers were killed and two others injured after a section of wall collapsed inside the Doi Luang railway tunnel on the Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong railway project in Doi Luang district, Chiang Rai, on Saturday. The collapse occurred in an area of the tunnel that had not yet been lined with concrete, with debris falling onto workers inside the construction site.

The Doi Luang tunnel is 3.4 kilometers long and was successfully bored through last year. Construction is currently focused on installing a permanent concrete lining to protect the tunnel walls, with more than three-quarters of the work already completed. The collapse occurred in an exposed section that was awaiting protective treatment as part of the normal construction process. Continued … 

Palapon Kitchen is the culinary part of Camp Palapon. For over 17 years, our camp has helped people hit their health and fitness goals. Now, we are offering our specialized, calorie-controlled meal prep directly to the Hua Hin community! What We Offer: Clean & Convenient: Calorie-controlled meals (1,400 / 1,600 / 2,000 kcal) fresh prepared. Never frozen. Great Variety: Our meals are prepared fresh weekly (never frozen) and combine Mediterranean-style meals with healthy Thai dishes, designed for weight loss, fitness, and healthier everyday eating.

Wild Elephant Kills Mushroom Forager in Buriram Forest

A 58-year-old man was found dead in Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary in Buriram province after apparently being attacked by a wild elephant while foraging for mushrooms in the forest. The victim was discovered on Saturday in a remote forest area near Nong Bon village in Lam Nang Rong subdistrict, Non Din Daeng district.

Officers and rescue workers found the victim lying face down on a mound of earth. The body had significantly decomposed. Investigators also found extensive elephant footprints around the scene, with the surrounding ground appearing heavily trampled. Continued … 

Can a person outrun an elephant?

Elephants can certainly shift. African elephants can reach top speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour, albeit over short distances only. This is more than twice as fast as the average human runner, so it seems like an open and shut case.

Elephants win. Humans lose. Only not so fast. Unleash your inner pedant, and let’s think, for a moment, about what running actually is. Continued … 

Thailand steps up medical cannabis enforcement with more than 1,200 inspections nationwide

Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) says it has intensified oversight of medical cannabis businesses nationwide, carrying out more than 1,200 inspections in recent weeks as authorities seek to ensure cannabis is used strictly for medical purposes.

According to figures released by DTAM and cited by government and health-sector media outlets, authorities inspected more than 1,247 cannabis establishments across the country, resulting in enforcement actions including arrests, license suspensions, and the seizure of suspicious items. Continued … 

US and Iran conclude high-level talks in Switzerland

The first round of talks between high-ranking US and Iranian officials in Switzerland ended today, mediators said, after a tense opening marked by ‌Tehran’s announcement it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz and US President Donald Trump repeating his threats to resume attacks on Iran.

A joint statement from mediating nations Qatar and Pakistan said the United States and Iran agreed to a roadmap toward a final deal within 60 days. Technical talks will continue for the rest of the week in the Qatari-owned Swiss mountain resort of Buergenstock, according to the statement, which was released by the Qatari Foreign Ministry. Continued … 

Still a long way to go

During the past week, global attention focused on the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, bringing months of protracted conflict to a halt.

While crude oil prices fell sharply in response to signs of progress toward peace, most businesses remain cautious, preferring to reassess the outlook once tangible results emerge and all trade restrictions have been fully removed. Continued … 

Thailand faces deficit and baht risks

Thailand is entering the second half of 2026 with a mixed economic signal: S&P Global Ratings has maintained the country’s sovereign rating at BBB+ with a stable outlook, but economists warn that pressure from oil prices, rising imports, fiscal deficits, and global uncertainty could keep the current account and the baht under strain.

The concern has sharpened even after the United States and Iran signed a ceasefire agreement last week. Markets remain focused on the 60-day negotiation period, during which both sides must seek a final settlement, as well as the possible commercial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Continued … 

Foreign investment in Thailand tops 154-billion-baht in first five months, up 73%

Foreign investment in Thailand exceeded 153.56 billion baht in the first five months of 2026, surging 73% from the same period last year.

Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Department of Business Development under the Commerce Ministry, in his capacity as secretary of the Foreign Business Committee, said foreign investment during the first five months of 2026 saw 528 foreign investors approved to operate businesses in Thailand under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999). Continued … 

FastPass Expansion Targets B223 billion in Investment

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is set to launch the Thailand FastPass program at Government House tomorrow, aiming to accelerate major investment projects by removing regulatory barriers and streamlining approvals.

The initiative currently covers 25 projects with a combined investment value of 223.216 billion baht, reflecting the government’s efforts to convert approved investments into real economic activity. Continued … 

Can Thailand’s Land Bridge Challenge Malacca and Redefine Asian Trade Routes?

For decades, Thailand has occupied a strategic location between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, yet much of the economic value generated by regional maritime trade has flowed through neighboring shipping hubs such as Singapore. The proposed land bridge project seeks to change that equation.

The government’s plan involves building deep-sea ports on both coasts of the southern peninsula, Ranong on the Andaman Sea and Chumphon on the Gulf of Thailand, and connecting them through rail and road infrastructure. The goal is to create an alternative logistics corridor that allows cargo to move across Thailand instead of passing entirely through the Strait of Malacca. Continued … 

National shippers warn Thai exports face slower growth as risks mount

Thailand’s exporters are heading into a more uncertain second half of 2026, with growth expected to slow as global trade risks pile up across energy, logistics, and major export markets.

The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) expects exports to expand by around 2%-4% year on year in the second half of the year, while full-year growth could still reach 3%-5% if global trade avoids any major new disruption. Continued … 

Vietnam FTA push raises pressure on Thai exporters in Gulf markets

Vietnam is moving aggressively to expand its global trade reach through a new generation of free trade agreements (FTAs) targeting the Middle East and South Asia, a strategy that could increase competitive pressure on Thai exporters in markets where both countries sell similar goods.

Thailand’s Office of Commercial Affairs in Ho Chi Minh City, under the Ministry of Commerce, has urged Thai businesses to closely monitor developments in Vietnam’s trade policy and new regulatory requirements under its latest FTAs. Continued … 

China’s pet-friendly boom opens new export window for Thai pet food makers

China’s growing pet-friendly culture is creating a new export opening for Thailand, as demand for premium and health-focused pet food rises among Chinese consumers who increasingly treat pets as family members.

The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), through the Thai Trade Center in Shanghai, reported that China is seeing notable changes in its social structure and consumer behavior, with pets no longer viewed merely as household animals but increasingly regarded as part of the family. Continued … 

Bangkok Area Faces Japan-Style Housing Crisis as Unsold Stock Tops 213,000 Units

A toxic mix of record household debt, strict lending criteria, and a severe demographic slowdown leaves Bangkok’s property market heavily oversupplied. The accumulated inventory of unsold residential properties in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces is projected to surge to an unprecedented 213,000 units by the end of 2026, triggering warnings that Thailand is on the brink of a chronic, Japan-style vacant housing crisis.

Industry analysts attribute the looming property glut to a severe contraction in consumer purchasing power. This downturn has been exacerbated by historically high levels of household debt, sluggish economic growth, and significantly tightened lending criteria imposed by commercial banks. Continued … 

Largest Thai hospital group plans $800-million wellness hub in Bangkok

Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) has announced plans for WellEra, a wellness-integrated development in the city’s Lumphini district that will redefine the relationship between healthcare, residential living, hospitality, and lifestyle.

Scheduled for completion in 2030, the project represents one of Thailand’s most ambitious investments in the growing global wellness economy and reflects the country’s wider aspirations to become an international wellness hub. Continued … 

Italy wants up to 30,000 Thai workers a year

Italy has offered to employ 20,000-30,000 Thai workers a year to remedy labor shortages in three sectors, deputy government spokeswoman Patdarat Thongsaluaykorn said yesterday.

She said Labor Minister Julapun Amornvivat was advised of the offer by the Italian ambassador. Italy was interested in employing 20,000-30,000 Thai workers a year in the farming, health, and service sectors. Continued … 

State promises to defend farmland from data centers

The government has reiterated that investments in data centers must not adversely affect local communities or the agricultural sector. According to government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek, the data center investment boom reflects the country’s potential to become a regional digital infrastructure hub, supporting the growth of cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce, fintech, and other digital services.

The government, however, is monitoring site readiness and the potential impacts on local communities, particularly regarding water resources, energy consumption, and environmental concerns. Continued … 

International departure fee rises at six Thai airports

Thailand has raised the passenger service charge for international departures at six major airports to 1,120 baht per person from Saturday. The increase applies to outbound international passengers and raises the charge by 390 baht, from the previous rate of 730 baht.

The six airports covered by the new rate are Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai. The passenger service charge is already included in the price of air tickets, meaning travelers do not need to pay it separately at the airport. Continued … 

Green season tourism shift focuses on wellness and nature experiences

Thailand is redefining its annual green season, promoting the rainy months as a prime opportunity for wellness, nature-based experiences, and meaningful travel. Through its “Healing is the New Luxury” campaign, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is encouraging travelers to view the season not as an off-peak period, but as a time for restoration, reflection, and deeper connections with nature and local communities.

The green season transforms much of Thailand into a landscape of lush rice fields, mist-covered mountains, and thriving forests. While the period has traditionally been considered part of the low season, this period is an ideal time to visit, thanks to fewer crowds, attractive travel offers, and some of the country’s most dramatic natural scenery. Continued … 

Phuket considers tripling hotel tax rate

Authorities in Phuket are considering a proposal to raise the provincial tax on hotels from 1% to 3% of room rates to generate additional revenue for local development and tourism promotion.

The proposal was raised on Friday during a workshop on tourism management amid the global energy crisis. The law already allows provinces to collect local development taxes from hotels at rates of up to 3%, outgoing governor Nirat Pongsitthithavorn told the gathering. Continued … 

Minister warns of Phuket hotel demolitions

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin has vowed to permanently reclaim Phuket’s beaches from illegal occupation, promising sweeping enforcement action from next month and warning that more demolitions of illegally built structures, including well-known hotels, are imminent. Continued … 

Pattaya operators turn pushy as tourist numbers fall

Pattaya’s tourism businesses are fighting for every customer, as falling walk-in numbers push vendors to take a more direct approach with visitors. Along the resort city’s busiest streets, shop owners and staff are increasingly stepping out to call to passersby, and in some cases gently guiding them toward their shops, as competition for tourist spending intensifies.

The trend is most visible in high foot-traffic areas, where massage parlors, bars, and retail shops line the walkways. Vendors say visibility and direct engagement have become essential just to secure enough daily income. Continued … 

Culture means more than tourism

The recent proposal to merge the Ministry of Culture with the Ministry of Tourism should be treated with great caution. This idea may appear to be just a bureaucratic restructuring. But the two ministries have distinct missions, functions and skill sets that should not be combined.

The Ministry of Culture protects cultural heritage and supports the arts. The Ministry of Tourism promotes and regulates tourism as a key driver of economic growth. Culture might attract tourists or generate revenue, but that is not why it is valuable. Continued … 

How the war in the Middle East is pushing tourists to Asia

Catalina Agudelo “couldn’t wait” to escape the Melbourne winter and travel overseas. While she repeatedly checked the latest travel advice about the war in Iran, she was confident she picked the right destination.

“All those countries around Europe and the Middle East wouldn’t be a good place to go at the moment, I would be scared about going,” she said. “But since we are traveling to Thailand, it hasn’t changed our plans.” Continued … 

An elephant being “trained” for tourism

The horrifying methods used to make elephants rideable

In the opening sequence of episode seven of The Life of Mammals, Sir David Attenborough rides an Asian elephant along an empty beach of white sand in Thailand. At a gesture from Attenborough, the elephant turns into the turquoise water and animal and rider go for a dip. It’s an experience that many tourists seek out when visiting countries where elephants are native.

Since that sequence aired, filmed in 2002, Attenborough has publicly condemned elephant riding and the use of these sensitive animals as entertainment for tourists. His 2017 documentary, Attenborough and the Giant Elephant revealed some of the suffering elephants undergo in captivity and the damage and distress riding, dancing, and performing tricks can cause the animals. Continued … 

Master the Art of Ordering Som Tum Like a Thai Local

Som Tum is far more than a staple of Thai street gastronomy; it represents the culinary heartbeat of an entire nation. For anyone exploring the profound depths of Thai cuisine, this vibrant green papaya salad remains the definitive baseline of flavor symmetry.

To truly comprehend its brilliance, one must journey to Som Tum Khun Kan. This revered establishment secured the national championship title in 1999, and it continues to safeguard an unmatched gastronomic legacy. Continued … 

Phangnga: Southern springboard to growth

Phangnga is transforming itself from a seasonal beach destination into a fast-growing premium tourism market, supported by strong visitor spending, niche attractions, and growing investor confidence.

“The structure of the green season market has shifted, with Thai travelers helping fill rooms alongside arrivals from Australia, Europe, Britain, and Italy,” said Uthit Limsakul, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phangnga office. Continued … 

The Great Hornbill, one of the largest birds in Thailand

The Great Hornbill forages in the treetops, usually living in pairs. Outside the breeding season, they can sometimes gather in flocks of up to 150, roosting in trees in valleys. However, they occasionally descend to the ground to forage. Their loud call, “Kok Kok Kok, Kahang Kahang Kahang” or “Kawa Kawa Kawa,” is the origin of their name. Great Hornbills are found in moist evergreen forests, dry evergreen forests, or mixed deciduous forests. Video … 

Thailand urged to accelerate energy transition as US-Iran sign MoU

Thailand needs to accelerate its transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) and expand the use of renewable energy to strengthen long-term energy security, according to Areeporn Asawinpongphan, a researcher at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).

While the United States and Iran have signed a 60-day memorandum of understanding aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Areeporn warned that geopolitical risks remain unpredictable and could continue to threaten global energy markets. Continued … 

Analyst urges shift away from fossil fuels

Thailand must accelerate its transition to renewable energy if it is to reduce dependence on imported oil and gas and avoid repeating the painful consequences of global conflicts, according to Praipol Koomsap, economist at Thammasat University and former assistant to ex-energy minister Narongchai Akrasanee.

Praipol said even if peace negotiations between the US and Iran succeed in stabilizing crude oil prices at around US$70-80 per barrel, refined oil prices are expected to remain high. Continued … 

Laos exposes notorious Mekong wildlife trafficking

A series of high-profile seizures of endangered animals and wildlife products along the borders of Laos and Thailand has exposed a thriving black market that is harming countless species in the wild.

Lao authorities rescued animals and seized wildlife products in Luang Prabang and Champasak provinces last week, which signaled that traffickers are active in the region. The animals were being transported on an international passenger bus traveling between Pakse and Bangkok. Continued … 

  • Foreign Nationals Defecate Outside Phuket Shop – Continued … 
  • Chinese Capital Network Linked to Crypto Mining Probe – Continued … 
  • Drunk Foreigner Sparks Chaos in Pattaya Brawl, 10 Cops Needed – Continued … 
  • American DJ Arrested for Illegal Work in Chiang Mai – Continued … 
  • Australian man arrested after crashing into Phuket police checkpoint, injuring officer – 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

Saturday’s news-June 20

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

  • Could Hua Hin be next best place to live?/Rules on foreign condo ownership/Four-stage ‘Super El Niño’ timeline/Cambodian tanks monitored/Cannabis policy reviewed/Stray dogs ‘take over’ Chiang Mai City Hall/Pattani bomb blast/Border patrol police injured
  • THE IRAN WAR: US-Iran talks postponed
  • ECONOMY: Thai developers pull back/Thai hotels face liquidity crunch/A bridge too far/Targeted benefits for the poor/Ballooning welfare spending/True IDC Invests over 6 Billion/Health and wellness expo
  • TOURISM: EU carry-on bag rules
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Foreign retirees flocking to Chiang Mai/Chiang Mai’s bid to become UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Who needs an energy crisis?/Solar Boom Risks Leaving Toxic Legacy
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Could Hua Hin be Thailand’s next best place to live?

Hua Hin has always had a certain kind of reputation. Royal family. Old money. Bangkok elite with weekend houses and golf memberships. Retirees who found the pace of life agreeable and never went back. It was never the loudest city in Thailand, and that was rather the point.

That reputation is only the beginning. Something has been shifting in Hua Hin over the past few years, and the people arriving now look quite different from the ones who came before. Continued … 

Thailand urged to tighten rules on foreign condo ownership

Thailand’s consideration of an expanded foreign ownership quota for condominium units is being viewed as a possible measure to attract overseas investment, support the property sector, and improve liquidity in a market still facing a slowdown.

The proposal, however, carries both opportunities and risks that require careful assessment, particularly over Thai people’s access to housing, property speculation, and the long-term implications of foreign ownership. Continued … 

Four-stage ‘Super El Niño’ timeline warns Thailand to prepare for worsening crisis

Warning signs of a “Super El Niño” are becoming clearer, and Thailand may not have much time left to prepare before the situation escalates from dry spells to drought, extreme heat, and a water-shortage crisis that could last until the middle of next year.

Assistant Professor Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a marine ecology expert and deputy dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University, has outlined a four-stage timeline, identifying key turning points in the crisis. He warned that unless water management is accelerated from today, the crisis will gradually build in severity before triggering impacts on water resources, agriculture, the environment, and the economy. Continued … 

Thai army stresses readiness as Cambodian tanks monitored

The Thai army is closely monitoring reports of Cambodian tank and military hardware movements along the border, Second Army Area commander Weerayuth Raksilp has confirmed, warning that readiness, speed, and equipment would be decisive if a third round of clashes broke out.

Speaking at Prasat Khana in Kap Choeng district, Surin province, yesterday, Weerayuth noted that images in the news appeared to show Cambodian troops moving tanks and other military equipment. However, he stressed that Thai forces were continuing to assess the situation on the ground. Continued … 

Thai tap water is not drinking water quality. Many components in tap water, such as limescale or microbiological impurities, cannot be seen with the naked eye. Nevertheless, they affect the entire water supply and ultimately also the wholesomeness and taste of the water. Water purifier systems are indispensable to improve the quality of life. Thanks to the innovative technology of our water filter systems, it is possible to turn conventional tap water into high-quality drinking water.

Cannabis policy reviewed amid widespread sales and legal loopholes

Thailand’s cannabis policy is facing fresh scrutiny after the House Public Health Committee convened a tense meeting to examine whether cannabis should be returned to the narcotics list, as concerns grow over widespread sales, legal loopholes, and public health risks.

The meeting was held on Thursday and brought together representatives from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, the Food and Drug Administration, medical networks, academics, and civic groups campaigning against drug-related harms. Continued … 

Stray dogs ‘take over’ Chiang Mai City Hall

Residents have raised alarm over what they describe as a growing army of stray dogs roaming the grounds of Chiang Mai City Hall, saying the animals are intimidating visitors, chasing pedestrians, and creating safety concerns at the government complex.

Complaints submitted yesterday said the number of stray dogs has increased rapidly, with dozens of animals now living in and around the City Hall compound. Visitors reported encountering packs of dogs that bark aggressively, run after people, and, in some cases, appear ready to attack. Continued … 

Pattani bomb blast injures five police officers

Five police officers were injured in a bomb attack carried out by suspected insurgents in Mayo district of Pattani province yesterday, just hours after a blast in Yala that wounded six officers.

The Pattani incident occurred at 11.30 am as a patrol team from Pattani Task Force 31 was returning from security checkpoint duty in the area. The explosion left five police officers wounded. Continued … 

Six border patrol police injured in Yala bomb attack

Six border patrol police officers on teacher protection duty were injured, two of them seriously, when a roadside bomb exploded in Than To district of Yala province yesterday morning.

The attack occurred at about 8.10 am when an unknown number of attackers detonated an improvised explosive device targeting a teacher security patrol from the Border Patrol Police Company 442. Continued … 

Palapon Kitchen is the culinary part of Camp Palapon. For over 17 years, our camp has helped people hit their health and fitness goals. Now, we are offering our specialized, calorie-controlled meal prep directly to the Hua Hin community! What We Offer: Clean & Convenient: Calorie-controlled meals (1,400 / 1,600 / 2,000 kcal) fresh prepared. Never frozen. Great Variety: Our meals are prepared fresh weekly (never frozen) and combine Mediterranean-style meals with healthy Thai dishes, designed for weight loss, fitness, and healthier everyday eating.

Israeli military strikes in southern Lebanon as US-Iran talks postponed

Israel’s military said yesterday its forces struck targets throughout southern Lebanon overnight, as Hezbollah reported intense fighting in the area, threatening the nascent agreement between Iran and the United States to end their war.

Continued fighting in Lebanon could unravel the newly signed deal, which calls for an immediate halt to military operations “on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” where Israel has been battling the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group, and for ensuring Lebanon’s “territorial integrity and sovereignty.” Continued … 

Thai developers pull back as land allocation and construction permits plunge

Thailand’s residential property market is showing clearer signs of a supply slowdown, with developers holding back new projects despite an improvement in home transfers and housing loans at the start of 2026.

Data from the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) showed that land-allocation permits and residential-construction permits fell sharply across the country in the first quarter, suggesting that developers are taking a more cautious approach as the economy remains fragile and consumer purchasing power has yet to recover fully. Continued … 

Thai hotels face liquidity crunch amid rising operating costs

Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA), revealed that a joint survey with the Bank of Thailand on hotel operator confidence in May found that over 50% of businesses are facing tighter liquidity.

They remain at a manageable level to continue operations, however, despite overall costs rising since before the Middle East conflict, particularly for fuel, raw materials, and electricity. Continued … 

Bypassing Malacca is a bridge too far for Thailand’s ports project

Thailand’s US$36 billion push for its land bridge project — a proposed corridor that would connect the ports of Ranong and Chumphon through road, rail, and related infrastructure — is often framed as an attempt to reduce the country’s reliance on the Strait of Malacca. But the project’s real strategic significance lies less in whether it can replace Malacca and more in Bangkok’s attempt to convert geography into bargaining power.

Despite the land bridge’s geopolitical appeal, it faces several commercial weaknesses. High costs, uncertain cargo demand, environmental risks, local opposition, and regional port competition raise doubts about whether shipping companies would use it at scale. Rather than a logistics revolution, the land bridge is better understood as a contested bid for strategic optionality. Continued … 

Tax system utilized for more targeted benefits for the poor

The Finance Ministry is expediting its review of welfare reforms to ensure the benefits target those most in need, minimize duplication across programs, and promote greater participation in the labor force. This approach is based on the concept of a negative income tax (NIT) system.

NIT differs fundamentally from the existing personal income tax (PIT) system, which is a positive income tax. Under the PIT, individuals whose income exceeds a specified threshold are required to pay taxes. NIT operates in the opposite manner: when an individual’s income falls below a specified threshold, that person receives a cash transfer from the government. Continued … 

Spotlight on ballooning welfare spending

Is Thailand becoming a welfare state? The answer remains to be seen, given the government’s fiscal constraints. Public debt has risen recently, nearing the statutory ceiling of 70% of GDP.

The government is striving to establish a welfare system that supports all segments of society, particularly low-income and vulnerable groups. While the financial assistance and benefits provided may be modest and intended merely to help recipients get by, they are significant for those who rely on them. Continued … 

True IDC Invests over 6 Billion Baht in New Cloud, AI Hub

True Internet Data Center Co., or True IDC, the largest data center and cloud service provider in Thailand under the Charoen Pokphand Group, announced a continuous investment of over 6 billion baht and held a groundbreaking ceremony for its seventh data center in northern Bangkok.

The primary goal is to deliver high-standard data center services that support the rapidly growing demand for cloud and AI. This investment will strengthen the digital infrastructure to propel Thailand toward a comprehensive AI economy. The project is scheduled to officially launch in the third quarter of 2027. Continued … 

Health and wellness expo set Jun 24-27 in Bangkok

The Thailand Wellness & Healthcare Expo × SPORTEC Thailand 2026 is set for June 24-27, the most complete health, wellness, fitness, and sports event of the year. Taking place across 10,000 square meters at BITEC Bangna, the three-day expo unites 22 innovation zones spanning wellness, spa, longevity, aesthetics, fitness, and sport.

Visitors can explore global health trends, gain inspiration for holistic self-care, and engage with leading Thai medical experts, while businesses benefit from a dedicated B2B matchmaking platform connecting local and international partners. The event is projected to generate over 500 million baht in economic activity. Continued … 

EU carry-on bag rules spark warnings of unnecessary fare rises

The European Union has agreed new air passenger rights rules requiring airlines to include carry-on baggage in ticket prices from 2027, in a move expected to reshape low-cost airline pricing across Europe.

The new rules target a long-running practice among carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet, which have charged passengers extra for cabin baggage for more than a decade. Ryanair criticized the EU agreement, arguing that requiring airlines to include cabin baggage in standard ticket prices would push up costs for passengers who do not need the extra allowance. Continued … 

Chiang Mai night market

Why foreign retirees are flocking to Chiang Mai

For several months each year, smoke from agricultural fires blankets Chiang Mai, a city in northern Thailand. But when Arinjay Jain moved there in 2024, he was too excited about his new life to worry about the haze. “I landed here in the worst possible time, but I still loved it,” Jain said.

A few years ago, he was running a small IT services startup he cofounded in Singapore. At 50, he was done with the grind and retired early to Chiang Mai, where he rents a one-bedroom apartment for about $425 a month. Continued … 

Chiang Mai’s bid to become UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in jeopardy

Civil society groups in Chiang Mai have expressed concern that this northern capital may miss out on registration as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site this year, due to the unresolved problems of pigeon droppings, advertising billboards at the Tha Pae and Chiang Mai gates in the Old City, and prolific graffiti in public places.

The groups pointed out that, in the next six weeks, a team from UNESCO’s international advisory body for archaeological sites will be arriving in Chiang Mai to assess whether the city meets the required criteria for listing. Continued … 

Who needs an energy crisis? Builders do

For decades, Thailand built its economy on the assumption that energy would remain cheap, stable, and someone else’s responsibility. That assumption is beginning to break. Many see this as a threat. It may also be an opportunity.

When energy becomes expensive and uncertain, countries are forced to confront a deeper question: how they produce, how they consume, and how resilient their industries truly are. In moments like this, advantage does not go to the fastest talkers. It goes to the fastest builders. Continued … 

Thailand’s Solar Boom Risks Leaving a Toxic Legacy for Future Generations

Thailand’s rapid solar energy expansion has grown from 2.5 megawatts to nearly 5,000 megawatts, supported by government policy and falling costs. End-of-life panel management remains largely unaddressed, however, with projections estimating between 431,000 and 728,000 tons of solar waste by 2050.

Discarded panels contain hazardous materials, including lead and antimony, posing environmental and public health risks under current disposal guidelines. Researchers recommend “extended producer responsibility” laws, a national panel registry, recycling standards, and long-term investment in circular economy infrastructure to prevent a toxic legacy. Continued … 

Phuket Land and Nominee Crackdown Ordered

 

Deputy Interior Ministers Phonphir Suwannachee and Worasit Liangprasit have ordered a broad crackdown on illegal foreign land ownership and nominee arrangements in Phuket, with a focus on returning land to Thai ownership and bringing unregistered businesses into the legal system. 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

Friday’s news-June 19

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

  • Hyatt opens The Barai Hua Hin/Petrol and gasohol prices cut/Some of Bangkok’s highway system/630,000 treated for cancer
  • THE IRAN WAR: Thailand assesses economic impacts/What are risks to Thailand?/Business sector welcomes Iran pact/Minister warns of energy risks/First tankers cross Strait of Hormuz
  • ECONOMY: v declined/Parliament passes new trade deals/Financial hub scheme/Thailand 26th in competitiveness/Thailand credit rating at BBB+/Branded residences take off/Co-pay scheme fuels food delivery/Instagram seen as new force/Swedish Plastics Producer in Thailand
  • TOURISM: Travel is reorganizing/Levy for tourists to Koh Samui/Vietnam tourism rise challenges Thailand/Thai railway tourism to offer food/Countries Are Changing Visa Policies
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: New EV Insurance Challenge
  • INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Hyatt Welcomes Its First Hotel In Thailand, The Barai Hua Hin

Hyatt Hotels Corp. has announced the opening of The Barai Hua Hin, marking the debut of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in Thailand. Set along the historic Khao Takiap coastline in Hua Hin, the 98-room beachfront resort brings together wellness tradition, locally inspired design, and the spirit of Sanook – the Thai expression for the joy of living.

The Barai Hua Hin first opened as a spa 20 years ago, earning a reputation for fusing Thai healing traditions with modern Western wellness. Now expanded into a boutique resort, the reimagined property offers a restorative sanctuary grounded in classic Thai hospitality. Continued … 

Petrol and gasohol prices cut by 1.50 baht per liter, diesel down 1.30 baht

Thailand’s major fuel retailers have adjusted pump prices after announcing reductions across petrol and diesel categories. The changes, made by PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp., came into effect this morning.

According to the announcement, petrol and gasohol prices were reduced by 1.50 baht per liter, while diesel prices were cut by 1.30 baht per liter. Continued … 

Amazing! Just some of Bangkok’s highway system

630,000 treated for cancer under universal healthcare

More than 630,000 cancer patients received treatment under Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme in the 2025 fiscal year, with breast cancer remaining the most common cancer among women and colorectal cancer topping the list among men.

Of the 633,866 cancer patients treated during the fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30 last year, 247,608, or 39.1%, were newly diagnosed cases, said Dr. Jadej Thammatacharee, secretary-general of the National Health Security Office (NHSO). Continued … 

Thailand assesses economic impacts of US-Iran 60-day peace talks

The wait is over as the US and Iranian presidents signed a memorandum of understanding, which both sides announced takes immediate effect. They now have 60 days to negotiate a peace agreement.

Analysts view Iran as holding the upper hand, while the US has not achieved the goals it declared before the strikes. CNBC reported that US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) digitally on Wednesday. Continued … 

What are risks to Thailand after US-Iran deal signed

Dr. Areeporn Asawinpongphan of the Thailand Development Research Institute warns that Thailand should not be overly optimistic about the peace deal between the U.S. and Iran, as any renewed conflict could pose risks to the Thai economy. Video … 

Business sector welcomes Iran pact

Businesses and economists took a deep breath after the US and Iran signed off on a deal to end their war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, lifting optimism as oil prices fell, which could ease inflation and support potential economic growth.

Tanit Sorat, chairman of the National Labor Development Advisory Council, hailed the signing after more than three months of war rattling energy markets and spiking inflation. Continued … 

Minister warns of energy risks despite US-Iran deal

Thailand has welcomed the ceasefire framework between the United States and Iran but warned that global energy markets could remain under pressure despite an easing of tensions in the Middle East.

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the government was closely monitoring developments, noting that while the agreement could improve investor confidence and support economic stability, damage to oil and natural gas infrastructure in the region would continue to pose risks to energy supplies. Continued … 

First tankers cross Strait of Hormuz, Israeli strikes in Lebanon fuel doubt

Oil tankers have begun crossing the Strait of Hormuz again following a newly signed US–Iran agreement aimed at easing a war that has disrupted global energy flows.

Shipping data showed multiple large crude carriers moving through the strategic waterway yesterday, marking the first significant return of maritime traffic since the deal came into effect. The agreement has allowed for the reopening of the route, which carries a substantial share of global oil shipments. Continued … 

Thai tap water is not drinking water quality. Many components in tap water, such as limescale or microbiological impurities, cannot be seen with the naked eye. Nevertheless, they affect the entire water supply and ultimately also the wholesomeness and taste of the water. Water purifier systems are indispensable to improve the quality of life. Thanks to the innovative technology of our water filter systems, it is possible to turn conventional tap water into high-quality drinking water.

Average Thai household income declined in 2025

Thailand’s average household income declined in 2025, while lower-income households increasingly relied on financial assistance, according to several research institutions.

The latest study by SCB EIC, a research center under Siam Commercial Bank, reveals that the average household income in 2025 stood at 28,308 baht per month, a 2.5% decrease from the previous surveyed figure of 29,030 baht in 2023. Continued … 

Parliament passes new trade deals

Parliament has approved five major international trade agreements, paving the way for Thailand to expand market access in Europe and South Asia.

Following debate, lawmakers approved the package, which includes the Thailand–European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Free Trade Agreement, the Thailand–Bhutan Free Trade Agreement, upgrades to the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) and the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), and Thailand’s accession to the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Continued … 

Financial hub scheme still a priority

The government remains committed to turning Thailand into a financial hub, says the chief of the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO).

According to Vinit Visessuvanapoom, director-general of the FPO, the draft Financial Hub Act, which was prepared during the previous administration but was not considered by the House of Representatives, has been returned for further review. Continued … 

Thailand rises to 26th in competitiveness ranking

Thailand has climbed four places to 26th out of 70 economies in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2026, but the improvement masks deeper structural weaknesses in productivity, education, technology, and governance, while Vietnam’s debut at 27th place puts fresh pressure on Thailand to accelerate reforms.

The Thailand Management Assn., or TMA, through its Center for Competitiveness, said the latest ranking by the World Competitiveness Center under Switzerland’s International Institute for Management Development reflected an improvement in Thailand’s business sector and infrastructure. Continued … 

Palapon Kitchen is the culinary part of Camp Palapon. For over 17 years, our camp has helped people hit their health and fitness goals. Now, we are offering our specialized, calorie-controlled meal prep directly to the Hua Hin community! What We Offer: Clean & Convenient: Calorie-controlled meals (1,400 / 1,600 / 2,000 kcal) fresh prepared. Never frozen. Great Variety: Our meals are prepared fresh weekly (never frozen) and combine Mediterranean-style meals with healthy Thai dishes, designed for weight loss, fitness, and healthier everyday eating.

S&P keeps Thailand credit rating at BBB+

S&P Global Ratings has affirmed Thailand’s sovereign credit rating at BBB+ with a stable outlook, citing continued economic recovery and resilient external fundamentals.

Jindarat Viriyataveekul, director of the Public Debt Management Office, said yesterday S&P’s latest review projected Thailand’s real GDP growth at 2.0% in 2026, reflecting pressure from volatility in global energy markets that continues to weigh on domestic economic activity. Continued … 

Branded residences take off in Thailand

While Vietnam has surpassed Thailand as Asia’s most valuable branded residence market, Thailand still leads its peer with the largest launch of luxury development, according to hospitality consultancy C9 Hotelworks.

Bill Barnett, managing director of C9 Hotelworks, said Vietnam has been growing at a rapid pace, particularly in the mass market segment, as the country is still in the early stages of branded residences. Continued … 

State co-pay scheme fuels food delivery growth

Quick meals, noodles, and coffee or tea are among the top orders via food delivery platforms under the “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” state co-payment scheme. As of June 17, spending via food delivery platforms tallied 272 million baht.

According to Line Man Wongnai, more than 300,000 users who participated in the scheme redeemed benefits on Line Man on June 15 — the first day the platform offered the scheme. Continued … 

Instagram seen as new force for digital commerce in Thailand

Meta has positioned Instagram as a driver of Thai digital economic growth, highlighting the platform’s growing influence in commerce, creator monetization, and cultural engagement as businesses increasingly seek new avenues for expansion.

Instagram reaches 80% of Thailand’s Gen Z population, while also attracting more than half of users across the Millennial, Gen X, and Baby Boomer demographics, creating a broad, high-value audience for advertisers and content creators. Continued … 

Swedish Plastics Producer Establishes First Factory in Thailand

Swedish plastics manufacturer Polykemi has taken a major step into Southeast Asia by securing land for its first production facility in Thailand. The company signed a land purchase agreement with Amata City Rayong at the Amata City Rayong Industrial Estate, located in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

Founded in Ystad, Sweden, Polykemi is one of Europe’s largest independent producers of customized plastic compounds. The company currently operates production facilities in Sweden, China, and the United States, alongside a network of sales offices across Europe. Continued … 

Travel is reorganizing along ‘paths of least resistance’

The ideal the travel industry dreamt about – the global traveler – the passport-holding, visa-free, frictionlessly mobile citizen of the world – is less real today than it’s ever been, said Michael Dykes, vice president, market management, Expedia Group. The past few years, he argued, have seen the accumulation of barriers growing around the movement of people, capital, and goods.

He pointed to the evidence, which is visible everywhere. Airline corridors connecting Asia and Europe have been disrupted by conflict. Visa wait times for the United States stretch to hours. Immigration counters are becoming more intrusive. Thailand has reduced visa duration. Some countries have been cut off from global payment systems. Continued … 

Minister proposes levy for tourists traveling to Koh Samui

A taxi murder linked to an influential transport group and the death of Australian sprint star Jemma Stapleton have placed Koh Samui under an uncomfortable spotlight, drawing attention to concerns over criminal influence, road safety, and aging infrastructure on one of Thailand’s most valuable tourism destinations.

Following a high-level visit this week, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul unveiled a proposed tourist levy, a crackdown on mafia-style activity, stricter enforcement measure,s and a new “Koh Samui model” designed to improve safety, lift standards, and fund long-delayed infrastructure upgrades across the island that are overdue. Continued … 

Vietnam tourism rise challenges Thailand and quality goals

Vietnam is no longer being viewed only as Asia’s “manufacturing base”. It is becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most closely watched tourism destinations, especially after foreign visitor numbers rebounded rapidly following COVID-19 and began moving closer to leading tourism markets such as Thailand.

Fortune magazine reported that Vietnam received more than 21 million foreign visitors in 2025, up by about 20% from the previous year. Crucially, Vietnam has already overtaken Thailand in the Chinese tourist market, with 5.3 million Chinese visitors compared with around 4.5 million to Thailand. Continued … 

Thai railway tourism to offer OTOP products and local food to passengers

Thailand is preparing to improve railway tourism by adopting elements of Japan’s community-based tourism model, including the sale of local food and OTOP products on tourism train services.

The initiative was discussed during the 3rd Thailand-Japan Railway Workshop on June 17, when the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) welcomed Okuda Tetsuya, president of the Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute ASEAN-India Regional Office (JTTRI-AIRO). Continued …

Countries Are Changing Visa Policies, What It Means for Digital Nomads

Thailand welcomes 33 to 35 million international tourists annually. In 2024, Thailand changed its visa policy, allowing visitors from 93 countries to stay for 60 days without needing to apply for a visa in advance.

The 60-day visa exemption made it easier for digital nomads, nomadic founders, and business leaders to come to Thailand and stay for longer periods without the complication of applying for a visa in advance. Now, however, the country is reversing course. Continued … 

Thailand’s EV Transition and the New Insurance Challenge

As global oil volatility continues to push transportation costs higher, more Thai consumers are turning to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as a practical hedge against unpredictable long-term running costs. The shift is already visible across the market.

Thailand’s EV market grew by 80% in 2025, surpassing 120,000 registrations, while the Bangkok International Motor Show 2026 recorded an all-time high of more than 132,951 vehicle bookings, driven largely by strong EV demand and changing consumer preferences toward value, technology, and cost efficiency. Continued …

Ukraine sets Moscow refinery ablaze in biggest attack in years

Ukraine yesterday launched its largest drone attack on Moscow in years, sparking fires, hitting a major oil refinery, and forcing evacuations at the country’s largest airport. At least 17 people were wounded in the strikes, which also set a shopping center and apartment building ablaze, authorities said. Continued … 

Social media overtakes news websites as AI reshapes global media

The Digital News Report 2026, which surveyed news consumers in 48 countries, found that 54% of respondents used social media and video platforms for news, compared with 51% who accessed news through the websites and apps of news organisations. This marks the first time that external platforms have become more popular than digital channels directly owned by news outlets. 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

Monday’s news-June 15

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

  • Food festival returns/Turkish man arrsted in Hua Hin/Turtle found on Cha Am beach/Cha Am drug seizure/Road works on Soi 102/Briton Details Thai Prison Ordeal/Vaping and erectile dysfunction/Lisa Performs at World Cup/Underage prostitution ring
  • THE IRAN WAR: US and Iran Reach Agreement
  • ECONOMY: 10 proposals for Thai economy/Thai Baht Weakens/Safety and health risks in the workplace/Koh Phangan Property Investment/Thailand’s AI Optimism/AI layoff trap raises wider risks/How China is replacing Japan/Thailand urged to close trade loopholes/Four influencer groups stay in demand
  • TOURISM: CAAT Allocates Winter Slots/Krabi set for 126 winter flights/India visa-free review
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Sunday at Khlong Tan
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Waste-to-Energy Drives Clean Power Shift/Green Revolution in the Paddy Fields/Warning when EVs subsidies end
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Food festival returns Aug 28-30

The Hua Hin Food Festival will return to Hua Don Beach Aug. 28-30, bringing together leading hotels, restaurants, and food vendors for one of the town’s best-known annual events. The festival is one of Hua Hin’s most popular food events and has gained national recognition over the years for showcasing the town’s dining scene in a beachfront setting.

The event is being organized following a meeting between Hua Hin officials and the Cha Am-Hua Hin Chefs’ Club. The aim is to promote local food, support restaurants and hotels, and help stimulate the local economy. Continued … 

Turkish man arrsted in Hua Hin over 274-day overstay

A Turkish national has been arrested in Hua Hin for overstaying his visa by 274 days, Prachuap Khiri Khan Immigration announced on Friday.

Immigration officers said the man was found in Hua Hin District and charged with remaining in Thailand after the expiry of his visa. Continued … 

Dead green turtle found on Cha Am beach

A green turtle weighing more than 50 kilograms has been found dead after washing ashore on Cha Am beach, with officials preparing to carry out a necropsy to determine the cause of death.

Tourists discovered the carcass near the Cha Am beach viewpoint on June 11 and alerted officers from Cha Am Police Station. Police then coordinated with officials from the Marine and Coastal Resources Office 3 in Phetchaburi to inspect the scene. Continued … 

Prison tip-off leads to Cha Am drug seizure

A Cha Am drug seizure involving more than 8 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 10,000 methamphetamine pills followed a tip-off from inside Phetchaburi Central Prison, officials said.

Officials said the operation began after prison officers monitoring a visitation room noticed suspicious behavior during a visit to an inmate. According to authorities, the inmate allegedly used the prison communication system to give coded instructions to relatives, telling them to go to a location in Cha Am district and dig up drugs that had been buried before his arrest. Continued … 

Road works to begin on Soi 102

Roadworks on Hua Hin Soi 102 will begin near Laguna Village tomorrow. The project will involve the construction of a reinforced concrete road and drainage system in the Laguna Village area of Soi 102.

During the works, traffic and access to the area may be affected at certain times. Motorists are advised to avoid the route where possible while construction is taking place. – HHT

Thai tap water is not drinking water quality. Many components in tap water, such as limescale or microbiological impurities, cannot be seen with the naked eye. Nevertheless, they affect the entire water supply and ultimately also the wholesomeness and taste of the water. Water purifier systems are indispensable to improve the quality of life. Thanks to the innovative technology of our water filter systems, it is possible to turn conventional tap water into high-quality drinking water.

Briton Details Thai Prison Ordeal in Bangkok

British national Oliver Hardy has described his experiences inside Thai prisons after serving one year and four months following convictions related to visa fraud and forged immigration documents.

Hardy, 27, a heating engineer from Croydon, said he traveled to Thailand in January 2023 after saving for five years for what he described as the holiday of a lifetime. He was later convicted of remaining in Thailand after permission to stay had expired, leaving through an unauthorized route without immigration inspection, forging immigration stamps used for international travel, forging official seals and official documents, and using forged immigration stamps and documents. Continued … 

Vaping and E-Cigarettes said sharply increase chances of erectile dysfunction

A new Thai health study has linked regular e-cigarette use to a sharply higher risk of erectile dysfunction, finding users face double the risk even without underlying medical conditions.

The findings add to concerns over nicotine’s impact on blood vessels as Thailand enforces some of the world’s toughest anti-vaping laws, with heavy fines and possible prison terms for offenders. Continued … 

Lisa Performs at World Cup 2026 in Los Angeles

Thai superstar Lisa performed at the US opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup ahead of the Group D match between the United States and Paraguay in Los Angeles, helping launch the tournament before a packed crowd. The Blackpink member appeared alongside Brazilian singer Anitta and Nigerian artist Rema to perform “GOALS”, FIFA’s official song for the 2026 World Cup. (aseannow.com)

Underage prostitution ring run from a Kanchanaburi hotel busted

An elite Royal Thai Police raid smashed a hidden child-trafficking ring operating inside a Kanchanaburi hotel, exposing the sexual exploitation of children under 15 and leading to the arrest of two hotel workers accused of arranging children for paying guests.

The anti-trafficking probe uncovered a commission-based operation in which a cashier and housekeeper used their access to rooms, guests, and payments to broker the abuse in a rural border region near Myanmar and Laos. Continued … 

US and Iran Reach Agreement to End War, Signing Set for Friday

US and Iranian officials said yesterday they had agreed on a framework to end their war, halt the US blockade of Iran, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The preliminary pact sent oil prices falling but leaves the fate of Iran’s nuclear program to further negotiations.

The memorandum of understanding is scheduled to be officially signed on Friday in Switzerland. The precise terms were not immediately known. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the pact called for “the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.” Continued … 

Palapon Kitchen is the culinary part of Camp Palapon. For over 17 years, our camp has helped people hit their health and fitness goals. Now, we are offering our specialized, calorie-controlled meal prep directly to the Hua Hin community! What We Offer: Clean & Convenient: Calorie-controlled meals (1,400 / 1,600 / 2,000 kcal) fresh prepared. Never frozen. Great Variety: Our meals are prepared fresh weekly (never frozen) and combine Mediterranean-style meals with healthy Thai dishes, designed for weight loss, fitness, and healthier everyday eating.

Thai Chamber lists 10 proposals to pull Thai economy out of ICU

Poj Aramwattananont, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, led the Board of Trade of Thailand’s executive committee to meet Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the government’s economic agencies at Government House last week.

At the talks, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand presented a survey report based on opinions from members and business networks nationwide. It found that Thai business operators were facing a confidence crisis and cost pressures across the board. Continued … 

Thai Baht Weakens as April Trade Deficit Hits Record USD 10 Billion

Thailand’s economy is currently facing a significant challenge, as its currency, the baht, weakens despite the presence of portfolio inflows. A record USD 10.0 billion trade deficit in April, primarily driven by robust import activity, is exerting considerable downward pressure on the baht.

This widening gap between exports and imports has surpassed expectations, marking the seventh consecutive monthly deficit and representing the largest on record. The concerning trade imbalance is a central factor influencing the baht’s stability in the near future, overshadowing other economic indicators. Continued … 

Thai trade unions address reduction of safety and health risks in the workplace

Thai trade unions are strengthening their role in helping workers prevent occupational accidents and diseases, as Thailand advances efforts to enhance occupational safety and health (OSH), with support from the ILO and the government of Japan.

In today’s evolving work landscape, which is causing multiple challenges in both physical and mental health and safety of workers, stronger worker participation in OSH management is becoming more important for preventing accidents and diseases. Continued …

Israel, Europe, and Australia Driving Koh Phangan Property Investment Past B7.9B

The international real estate landscape in the Gulf of Thailand is undergoing a profound structural shift. Koh Phangan, long celebrated as a world-renowned holiday destination, has successfully transitioned into a mature international property market. Inflows into residential developments have soared past 7,940 million baht, propelled by robust purchasing power from Israel, Europe, and Australia.

According to a comprehensive market analysis, the island is rapidly shedding its singular identity as a tourism hotspot. Instead, it is emerging as a premier investment center and a highly sought-after “second home” destination for expatriates seeking long-term residency. Continued … 

Thailand’s AI Optimism Signals Robust Investment Potential

Thailand is emerging as one of the world’s most promising markets for AI-driven investment, as artificial intelligence in global finance moves beyond experimentation and into serious real-world use.

The country has ranked sixth globally in the Global Wealth AI Optimism Index, according to BridgeWise’s State of AI for Wealth in 2026 report, underlining strong confidence among Thai investors in AI’s role in wealth creation. Continued … 

AI layoff trap raises wider risks for workers, firms, and demand

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is sending another tremor through the economy, as organizations around the world continue to cut jobs and adopt AI to replace workers and reduce costs. But when workers are laid off and lose income, consumer purchasing power also falls, affecting sales of goods and services across the wider economy.

The study, The AI Layoff Trap, indicates that while AI can raise productivity and reduce costs for businesses, broad labor replacement may cause people’s income and purchasing power to decline, creating a new risk that affects not only workers but also businesses and the economy as a whole. Continued … 

How China is replacing Japan as Thailand’s dominant industrial partner

For more than half a century, Thailand held a proud title: the “Detroit of the East.” This economic engine was built almost entirely on Japanese blueprints. Beginning in the 1960s, Japanese auto giants like Toyota, Honda, and Isuzu constructed vast industrial networks across the country, establishing a seemingly unshakeable dominance.

But a profound structural shift is rewriting the rules of Southeast Asian industry. Driven by a global transition toward electrification and high-tech supply chains, China is structurally replacing Japan as Thailand’s dominant industrial partner. Continued … 

Thailand urged to close trade loopholes as US tariff talks intensify

Thailand is being urged to close legal loopholes and revise its import strategies as the country seeks to secure a lower tariff rate under Section 301 in negotiations with the United States.

Along with 46 countries, including China, Thailand would face a higher tariff rate of 12.5%, while another 14 economies, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan, would be subject to a lower tariff rate of 10%. Continued … 

Four influencer groups stay in demand as brands chase sales over likes

Foodie, mom and kids, lifestyle, and beauty influencers remain the four groups most sought after by businesses as Thailand’s influencer marketing industry enters a more performance-driven era, according to IdeasLabs.

Thanadol Pittayanuwat, executive director and founder of IdeasLabs, a developer of influencer and MarTech solutions, said brands are shifting marketing budgets away from vanity metrics such as likes, shares, and views toward creators who can prove sales, return on investment, and tangible business results. Continued … 

CAAT Allocates Winter Slots to New Airlines to Thailand

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has allocated airport slots to four new airlines for the winter 2026/2027 schedule, paving the way for additional international services during Thailand’s peak tourism season. The new routes will strengthen air connectivity between Thailand and key markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Under the new allocations, Riyadh Air will operate seven weekly return flights between Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Suvarnabhumi Airport. Virgin Atlantic will launch a new service linking London Heathrow and Phuket with three return flights per week. Continued … 

Krabi set for 126 winter flights as Nordic demand rises ahead of high season

Krabi is attracting fresh interest from international airlines, with new direct routes from Helsinki and Copenhagen planned for the 2026–27 winter schedule as Thailand prepares for the high-season tourism period.

The Ministry of Transport reported strong demand for slots at Krabi Airport following the 158th IATA Slot Conference, organized by the International Air Transport Assn. in Bangkok. Airlines have requested a total of 126 flights to Krabi during the winter schedule. Continued … 

Andaman tourism groups seek India visa-free review

The Thai Hotels Association – Southern Chapter and 12 private-sector tourism and economic organizations in the Andaman provinces of Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga, have submitted a letter to the minister of Tourism and Sports and the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), proposing that the government consider reviewing the measure to end visa-free entry for Indian tourists.

Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourist Assn., said the Cabinet had approved revisions to visa-exemption measures, particularly the cancellation of visa-free entry for India, which would affect Indian tourists traveling to Thailand. Continued … 

Sunday at Khlong Tan: Railside stalls serve rare Thai delicacies

Discover one of Bangkok’s lesser-known gems: the Khlong Tan Railway Market, also known as the Lao Market. Tucked along active tracks in the heart of the city, this lively food hub requires vendors and visitors to stay alert and step back safely whenever a train approaches.

Stalls brim with authentic and rare Thai dishes made from local herbs, fresh seafood, wild vegetables, and other regional produce. The market opens every Sunday from 5 am to 11 am. Video … 

Waste-to-Energy Drives Thailand’s Clean Power Shift

Thailand is increasingly using waste-to-energy projects as part of its drive to reduce landfill, generate electricity, cut pollution, and support the country’s clean-energy transition.

Waste-to-energy is emerging as one of the country’s key approaches to turning municipal waste into a domestic energy resource. The concept allows solid waste to be converted into electricity, making use of materials already available in urban areas while helping strengthen local power generation. Continued … 

Green Revolution in the Paddy Fields

Thailand’s central plains are set to become the frontier for sustainable agriculture as the Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rice Research Center aggressively deploys the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economic Model to pioneer low-carbon rice production.

The state-backed initiative targets a massive 50,000-rai pilot area across eight central provinces, looking to tap into the lucrative international green agriculture market and secure a foothold in the burgeoning global carbon credit ecosystem. Continued … 

Warning over risk to Thai EVs when subsidies end

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is concerned that the expiration of the government’s electric vehicle (EV) incentive program in 2027 could leave Thailand vulnerable to a surge of Chinese EV imports and weaken local automotive supply chains.

The scheme, known as EV3.5, runs from 2024 to 2027 and provides tax cuts and subsidies to automakers in exchange for investment in battery electric vehicle (BEV) assembly plants in Thailand. Continued … 

Indian Tourists Asked to Leave Songkhla Resort

A seaside camper resort in Songkhla has shared details of a dispute with a group of Indian tourists, describing it as the worst experience in its five years of operation. The incident ended with the resort issuing a full refund and asking the guests to leave the property. Continued … 

‘This is our culture’: Japan fans clean up World Cup stadium

Japan fans left the stands spotless after their World Cup opener against the Netherlands in Texas yesterday, saying it was “Japanese culture” to tidy up after themselves. Spectators stayed behind after the 2-2 draw to make sure they left the stadium as they found it, meticulously picking up litter and stuffing it into blue plastic bags. Continued … 

Deadly strikes on Ukraine leave Kyiv cathedral in flames

Russia fired a barrage of missiles at several major Ukrainian cities, setting Kyiv’s historic Dormition Cathedral on fire and killing nine, while Ukraine strikes claimed three lives south of Moscow. Continued … 

Swiss voters set to reject population cap, avoiding EU clash

Switzerland yesterday rejected a proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritized economic stability and ties with the European Union over worries immigration was straining public services and pushing up rents. Video … 

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

Saturday’s news-June 13

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

  • Dark Side of Hua Hin Retirement/Bangkok to Hua Hin by train/Record Collection Theft in Hua Hin/Thailand 8th for Healthcare/Data of 36 Million Thai Citizens/Heavy rain alert/Moscow alleges US targeting of Russians
  • THE IRAN WAR: Thailand hoping to regain confidence/US and Iran have agreed deal
  • ECONOMY: Thailand said facing deep crisis/Thailand’s hotel business still hot/Wider co-pay eligibility
  • TOURISM: Visitor spending lifts revenue/Long-term visas by country/Visa shift unlikely to deter Indians/Thailand targets Africa/IndiGo to suspend Krabi flights
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Briton Cuts Living Costs/3-day Lamphun-Lampang road trip/Phitsanulok’s rainy season greens
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Questions raised about tilapia imports
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

The Dark Side of Hua Hin Retirement

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.

We all see the beautiful beaches, modern shopping malls, beachfront cafés, golf courses, and relaxed lifestyle. But what happens after six months, a year, or even longer? Many people visit Hua Hin and fall in love with the sunshine, lower cost of living, and slower pace of life. But retirement in Thailand is about much more than holidays and sunsets. It’s about building a life, finding purpose, creating friendships, and adapting to life in a different country. Video … 

The real way to travel Thailand: Bangkok to Hua Hin by train

Traveling from Bangkok to Hua Hin on a local second-class train turned out to be one of the most authentic experiences in Thailand. With open windows, no air conditioning, and a slow ride through rural landscapes, this journey showed the real side of Thai travel.

From last-minute plan changes and budget hotel life in Bangkok to catching the night train and dealing with bugs, heat, and open-air seating, everything made the trip unforgettable. Video … 

Thai Caretaker Arrested Over Record Collection Theft in Hua Hin

A Thai caretaker has been arrested after allegedly stealing a valuable record collection, claimed to be worth more than 12.5 million baht, from a Swiss man in Hua Hin.

Swiss national Peter Kalt reported that more than 1,000 vinyl records and 400 CDs had disappeared from his home in Hin Lek Fai subdistrict. The collection, built over many years while he lived and worked in Chicago and Switzerland before relocating to Thailand, was described as both financially valuable and deeply personal. Continued … 

Thailand Ranks 8th Globally for Healthcare, Tops Southeast Asia

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.

Numbeo, a global quality-of-life data website, has released its World’s Best Healthcare Systems 2026 ranking, which assesses the overall quality of healthcare systems in various economies and territories around the world. The ranking is based on key factors including the skills and expertise of medical personnel, medical equipment, service systems, and healthcare costs. Continued … 

Data of 36 Million Thai Citizens Offered on Dark Web

A database allegedly containing personal information belonging to around 36.1 million Thai citizens has been offered for sale on an underground online forum for US$100,000. If authentic, the data exposure could affect between 50% and 70% of Thailand’s adult population and may pose significant risks for identity-related crime.

According to the listing, the database contains full names, phone numbers, dates of birth, genders, and current addresses. The seller claimed the information was collected from a combination of government and private sector sources and requested payment in Monero (XMR), a cryptocurrency widely regarded as more difficult to trace than many other digital currencies. Continued … 

Heavy rain alert for Thailand

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.

Thunderstorms are expected in 60% of the southern east coast area, mainly in Phetchaburi, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Temperatures: 23-35C. Waves are about 1 meter high and 1-2 meters offshore, rising above 2 meters in thunderstorm areas. Continued … 

Moscow alleges US targeting of Russians in Thailand

Russia’s Foreign Ministry has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to exercise “extreme caution” when traveling to Thailand for business or leisure, saying they face a heightened risk of detention or arrest at the request of US law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

The advisory specifically targeted individuals who believe they may be vulnerable to criminal prosecution by the US, urging them to avoid traveling to or transiting through Thailand, which maintains a bilateral extradition treaty with the United States. Continued … 

Thai tap water is not drinking water quality. Many components in tap water, such as limescale or microbiological impurities, cannot be seen with the naked eye. Nevertheless, they affect the entire water supply and ultimately also the wholesomeness and taste of the water. Water purifier systems are indispensable to improve the quality of life. Thanks to the innovative technology of our water filter systems, it is possible to turn conventional tap water into high-quality drinking water.

Thailand hoping to regain confidence after Middle East War jolt

Thailand faces a pivotal economic challenge as the Middle East War drives inflation higher, weakens consumer confidence, and pushes the current account into deficit, exposing a widening divide between pressured households and the country’s strongest sectors.

While confidence fell to a four-year low in April and businesses report rising costs and weaker demand, a B701 billion tourism surge and a sharp export recovery led by technology are helping support the economy. Continued …

US and Iran have agreed deal to end their war, Pakistan’s prime minister says

Pakistan’s prime minister yesterday the United States and Iran have agreed to wording of an agreement aimed at ending their war in the Middle East and that mediators were working with both sides to finalize a deal.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the US and Iran have reached a “final, agreed upon text.” He said Pakistan, which has taken the lead in mediation efforts, was working with the warring countries on next steps. “Peace has never been this close as it is now,” Sharif said. Continued … 

Thailand said facing a deep crisis with falling tax income and more debt

Thailand’s public finances are under intense scrutiny after Prachachart Party leader Thawee Sodsong exposed a widening budget crisis marked by a B138-billion revenue shortfall, a B754-billion borrowing bill, and billions more in unused loans and stalled stimulus funds.

The senior MP warned the fiscal year 2025 figures revealed severe economic strain and failing fiscal discipline, with falling business taxes, weaker consumer spending, and more than B80 billion trapped in bureaucracy, as SMEs and households face financial pressure. Continued … 

Why is Thailand’s hotel business still hot despite lower overall investment?

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.

Colliers Thailand expects hotel transaction value in 2026 to stand at around 60-70 billion baht, down from a previous high of more than 100 billion baht a year. However, the softer overall value has not stopped investors from looking for quality assets in major tourism destinations. Continued … 

Palapon Kitchen is the culinary part of Camp Palapon. For over 17 years, our camp has helped people hit their health and fitness goals. Now, we are offering our specialized, calorie-controlled meal prep directly to the Hua Hin community! What We Offer: Clean & Convenient: Calorie-controlled meals (1,400 / 1,600 / 2,000 kcal) fresh prepared. Never frozen. Great Variety: Our meals are prepared fresh weekly (never frozen) and combine Mediterranean-style meals with healthy Thai dishes, designed for weight loss, fitness, and healthier everyday eating.

Firms push for wider co-pay eligibility

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.

The latest findings from the Retail Sentiment Index (RSI), jointly conducted by the Bank of Thailand and the TRA, indicate retail operators hold a more positive outlook toward the economy and consumer purchasing power from July to September, supported by the government’s stimulus scheme, which is expected to inject liquidity into small shops and vulnerable micro-entrepreneurs. Continued … 

Visitor spending lifts revenue by 12.8%

Thailand’s tourism sector expanded 3.5% in May, supported by higher foreign arrivals and rising revenue. Deputy government spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan said 2.35 million foreign tourists visited Thailand between May 1 and May 31, an increase of 3.5% compared with the same period last year.

Tourism revenue reached 108 billion baht, marking a 12.8% rise year-on-year, reflecting stronger spending per visitor despite moderate growth in arrivals. Malaysia, China, India, Russia, and Singapore were the top five source markets during the month. Continued … 

Long-term visas by country

Visa shift unlikely to deter Indians

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 cabinet decided to end the 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries, including India, which will be granted a visa-on-arrival (VoA) service similar to the one used prior to 2024. Continued … 

Thailand targets Africa for tourism growth amid Middle East uncertainty

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.

The continent is showing strong growth, particularly from Mauritius, where visitor numbers have risen 22%, and Nigeria, which has recorded growth of 35%. TAT attributes the increase to a growing middle-class driving demand for luxury and honeymoon travel, supported by air connectivity through hubs such as Dubai, Doha, and Addis Ababa. Continued … 

IndiGo to suspend Krabi flights as jet fuel crisis drives up costs

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.

The move is aimed at responding to higher operating costs and slower passenger demand during the third quarter, which falls outside the peak tourism season. Continued … 

Briton Cuts Living Costs With Move to Chiang Mai

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.

Robert spent years working in construction before deciding to leave the UK. He said he had become frustrated by working long hours simply to cover increasing expenses and felt he had little freedom to enjoy life. After deciding he did not want to wait until retirement to pursue a different lifestyle, he sold everything he owned and moved more than 6,000 miles away to Thailand. Continued … 

Skip Chiang Mai’s usual northern loop for this 3-day Lamphun-Lampang road trip

Chiang Mai tends to dominate conversations about northern Thailand, but head south by car and the pace slows down. Lamphun, just under an hour away, offers a quieter window into some of the region’s oldest history, with ancient temple sites, Mon heritage, and long-running craft traditions.

Continue onward to Lampang and the atmosphere shifts again. Once an important commercial center in the north, the city still carries traces of that legacy, from historic trading-era buildings and early railway connections to its enduring ceramic industry. Continued … 

Little wonders among Phitsanulok’s rainy season greens

While Thailand’s rainy season might turn some areas glum and gloomy, the flora in Phitsanulok beams with radiance as Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park is enlivened by rare “Devil’s Eye” plants and vibrant begonias.

The park has come into full bloom as the early rainy season has brought renewed life to the ecosystem. Wildflowers are blossoming throughout the park, including one of its most fascinating natural attractions, the “Devil’s Eye” plant, or Thismia submucronata, which has emerged near Romklao Paradon Waterfall. Continued … 

How Could 11 Companies Export More Than 200,000 Fish Without Any Import Records?

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.

To this day, the most critical question remains unanswered: why have these commercial traces never been fully and transparently explained to the public? 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