- Meth seized in Hua Hin/OR, Bangchak raise fuel prices/Siam PGA Pairs Classic/Hua Hin youth win karate bronze/Health coverage law changes face backlash
- THE IRAN WAR: Oil prices jump over renewed US-Iran fighting
- ECONOMY: Nominee crackdown continues/767 illegal factories found/Double-track rail expansion/Ministry probing data centers
- TOURISM: US aircraft carrier arrives/US servicemen return to Pattaya/Cannabis, watersports ban for US sailors/New visa regime hits Western visitors and expats/’Lisa Effect’ Real Search Demand
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Power build-out for green economy
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Drug syndicate ‘crippled’ after US$1 million of meth seized in Hua Hin
Malaysian police have crippled a cross-border drug syndicate with the seizure of 86.2 kilograms of methamphetamine worth 4.31 million ringgit (US$1 million) in Penang and Selangor.
The bust resulted from intelligence sharing between Malaysian and Thai police after Thai authorities seized 166 kilograms (370 pounds) of suspected methamphetamine from a Malaysian man in Hua Hin on Aug. 8. Continued …
OR, Bangchak raise fuel prices by up to 0.75 baht
Fuel prices at PTT Station and Bangchak outlets rose today, with most petrol and gasohol products increasing by 0.60 baht per liter. PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Co. (OR) and Bangchak Corp. (BCP) announced the new retail rates.
Their general notice put the increases for regular diesel and diesel B20 at 0.75 baht per liter, while other diesel prices were unchanged. The listed prices apply to retail sales in Bangkok and exclude local maintenance tax. Continued …
Siam PGA Pairs Classic held in Hua Hin
The 2026 Siam PGA Pairs Classic brought 104 golfers to Hua Hin for two days of competition at Black Mountain Golf Club and Pineapple Valley Golf Club. Held on Aug, 15-16, the tournament marked its ninth staging since launching in 2017.
The event was presented by Thai Luxury Property and hosted by The Marrakesh Resort Hua Hin. Organizers said good weather helped both days run smoothly, while feedback from players had been positive. Continued …
Two Hua Hin youth win karate bronze
Hua Hin karate athletes Hin Palmer, 10, and Ava Cook, 8, representing Thailand,d won bronze medals at an international tournament in Bangkok, just four months after their success at a national championship.
The pair were selected for the Thailand National Karate Team before competing at the 16th Thailand Karate Open, held in Bangkok Aug. 14-16. The international tournament brought together more than 1,000 athletes from 26 countries. Continued …
Health coverage law changes face backlash
Civil society groups have come out against proposed changes to the universal healthcare law, warning the amendments could erode rights to public health coverage.
They have urged policymakers to consider merging Thailand’s three health insurance funds instead of introducing a co-payment system. The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) and civil society groups held a forum recently at which they said health rights “must not go backwards”. Continued …
Oil prices jump over US$4 on renewed US-Iran fighting
Oil prices jumped more than US$4 a barrel to five-week closing highs yesterday, after renewed fighting between the United States and Iran intensified concerns over Middle East supply disruptions.
Brent crude futures rose US$4.16, or 4.6%, to settle at US$94.65 a barrel, their highest close since July 24. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained US$4.46, or 5.2%, to US$90.22, its strongest settlement since July 23. Continued …
Nominee crackdown continues with additional 14,000 companies being probed
The intensive crackdown on nominee companies nationwide is now targeting 14,000 more firms suspected to have used Thai nationals to circumvent restrictions under Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999).
Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee said at Songkhla University’s Hat Yai campus during a roving cabinet meeting that nationwide there are 2,314 companies holding over 5,800 plots of land worth 65 billion baht, while government agencies are currently further investigating another 14,000 companies suspected of being nominees. Continued …
767 illegal factories found, most in EEC
Thailand has identified 767 factories operating unlawfully nationwide so far this year, with 53% of the violations found in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the government said on Monday.
Of the factories identified, 131 have been ordered to halt operations, while 636 were told to take corrective action. Legal proceedings have been launched against 391 factories. Continued …
Cabinet approves double-track rail expansion
The cabinet has approved six railway projects under the second phase of double-track expansion, with three southern line projects receiving full funding worth 106.7 billion baht.
The three projects are: Chumphon-Surat Thani, costing 36.9 billion baht and taking seven years; Surat Thani-Hat Yai Junction, costing 61.5 billion baht over eight years; and Hat Yai-Padang Besar, costing 8.4 billion baht over six years. Continued …
DES Ministry probing data centers located in non-permissible areas
Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaichanok Chidchob said yesterday that there are some data centers in Bangkok that are located in restricted areas where permission cannot be granted.
He admitted that he is not aware of the real objectives of these “illegal” data centers, which have been modified from non-profitable businesses to take advantage of the government’s push for data centers as a model for the future economy. Continued …
US aircraft carrier arrives in Thailand
US Navy aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln steamed into Thailand’s Laem Chabang deep-sea port this morning after more than 200 days at sea, including a long deployment in the Middle East, amid reports of mental health concerns and deteriorating conditions aboard.
The Lincoln, with roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard, has set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea, according to Democratic lawmakers. Typically, naval deployments are for between six and nine months, but during times of conflict that can be extended. Continued …
US servicemen return to Pattaya, a town they helped create for wartime R&R
The boys are back in town. Up to 5,400 American sailors and Marines will descend on Pattaya, the resort transformed by US military R&R during the Vietnam War. Now, the Yanks are returning after more than 250 grueling days at sea supporting the war against Iran.
Their four-day shore leave could unleash a 100-million-baht spending bonanza across struggling hotels, bars and restaurants. Forty buses will run for 21 hours daily as sailors flood into hotels, Walking Street and Koh Larn. However, a huge security operation is already tightening around ports, roads, beaches and nightlife districts. Continued …
Cannabis, watersports ban for US sailors visiting Pattaya
Cannabis and most watersports are on the “banned” list for the thousands of US navy personnel from the carrier group visiting Chon Buri and Pattaya this week.
The first of the visitors would reach Pattaya around noon today. Their main accommodation centers would be the Hard Rock Hotel and the Hilton. Forty buses would operate shuttle services from 5 am to 2 am daily. Continued …
New visa regime hits Western visitors and expats in Thailand hard
Thailand is slashing visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days while imposing tough new worldwide restrictions on its five-year Destination Thailand Visa. From Sept. 15, long-haul Western visitors face shorter stays, uncertain extensions and tighter land-border limits.
Meanwhile, new DTV applicants may be forced home for police clearances, turning a quick Laos visa run into a costly intercontinental journey. The immigration clampdown comes alongside an intensifying campaign against foreign-controled companies, nominee shareholders, villas, landholdings and questionable long leases. Continued …
‘Lisa Effect’ Turns Thailand’s Travel Dreams into Real Search Demand
Thailand’s latest tourism soft-power play is beginning to show something more valuable than online buzz: measurable traveler intent. Traveloka’s latest platform data points to a clear link between destinations featured in the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s Lisa-led campaign and rising search and booking interest, suggesting that the “Amazing Thailand: Feel All the Feelings” strategy is converting pop-culture attention into real travel planning.
The data highlights Red Lotus Sea in Udon Thani, Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai, Wat Arun in Bangkok and Koh Thalu in Rayong as among the hot Thai destinations gaining attention in 2026. Continued …
Energy plan maps 50.9GW power build-out for green economy
Thailand’s draft Power Development Plan for 2026–2050, or PDP 2026, sets out a major restructuring of the country’s energy system, including about 50,900 megawatts of new capacity in its first phase and a substantial increase in clean power.
The plan is aligned with Thailand’s third Nationally Determined Contribution, or NDC 3.0, which brings forward the country’s target for net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 15 years to 2050. Continued …
-
700-baht Phuket Barber Bill Row Turns Physical With Jordanian Tourist – Continued …
-
Man wanted in Germany arrested in Mae Hong Son – Continued …
Euro zone inflation hits three-year high at 3.3%
Euro zone inflation jumped to 3.3% in August, the highest level in three years, as the war in the Middle East kept pushing up energy costs, official data showed yesterday. Well above the European Central Bank’s 2% target, the figure from the EU’s statistical office was up sharply from 2.9% in July and in line with forecasts by analysts. Continued …
Global bond sell-off deepens on inflation concerns
A sell-off of bonds from key countries worldwide deepened yesterday, sending government borrowing costs soaring and equities lower as investors fretted that energy-driven inflation would force central bankers to hike interest rates. The latest bout of fighting between the United States and Iran has pushed oil prices higher, stoking the fears of tighter monetary policy that could weigh on economic growth. Continued …
Solar outpaces coal for the first time in China
China has seen an explosive growth in its renewable installation, with coal’s share in its energy mix edging down in recent years. Now, China’s solar energy capacity has surpassed that of coal-fired power for the first time ever. Continued …
Hua Hin Links and Transport
Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Thailand offers foreign retirees a clearer legal route to long-term residence than Vietnam, but Vietnam can cost considerably less for those able to manage more complicated visa arrangements. For people deciding where to spend retirement in Southeast Asia, the choice often comes down to predictable paperwork and healthcare versus lower rent and daily spending.
This is the crowd to hear Nene Royal’s last performance at the Phuket Naka Market before she heads to US for the America’s Got Talent live competition. 
Thailand has warned dentists that pre-signing cannabis prescription forms without personally examining, diagnosing or treating a patient could lead to legal action and professional disciplinary consequences.
A Thai army explosives disposal specialist lost a leg after stepping on a landmine while clearing explosives near Chong An Ma in Ubon Ratchathani yesterday. The accident happened in an area near the border under the responsibility of the 2nd Army Region.
Oil prices gained more than US$2 yesterday as faltering US-Iran diplomacy and a sharp slowdown in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz renewed concerns about global energy supplies.
Thailand’s economy is flashing disturbing warning signs beneath headline GDP growth of 1.9% in the second quarter. Output actually fell 0.2% from the previous quarter, while industrial capacity sank to a 24-quarter low.
Thailand’s economy grew by 1.9% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, making it the slowest-growing of six major ASEAN economies tracked by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).
Thailand’s next industrial upgrade may not be defined only by new roads, railways, factories and smart cities, but by how intelligently they can be designed, operated and maintained.
Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) ranked first in SEAsia Stats Research’s Top Manufacturing Hubs in Southeast Asia by Integrated Industrial Area, with more than 13,000 megawatts (MW) of power capacity in the Chon Buri–Rayong area.
There is a particular kind of traveler who is no longer satisfied with simply visiting a beautiful place. They want to feel it in their body. They want to leave measurably better than they arrived. For this traveler, Thailand is not just a destination. It is beginning to look like a blueprint for how life should be lived.
The Thai government has launched a coordinated push to streamline international passenger processing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, pledging to expand automated passport gates to 31 additional nationalities by the end of August 2026.
Phuket has shut Freedom Beach after German tourist Jannik Jürgen Knobel, 30, was swept away in fierce monsoon seas despite red flags. His companion survived, but rescuers found his body near rocks the next day. Two other foreign tourists died at the secluded beach in 2025.
Discover the giant Buddha at Bangkok’s Wat Paknam
Thailand’s renewable power pipeline is gathering pace, with 449 projects licensed by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and investment expected to reach up to US$2.61 billion.
Dow Thailand Group is producing high-quality post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins from plastic waste collected in Thailand, advancing a local recycling pathway that transforms used plastics into valuable materials for packaging and industrial applications.
US President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to the lowest level of his presidency, with an overwhelming majority of Americans concerned the U.S. war with Iran will last a long time, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that concluded yesterday. 
A Western content creator has warned foreigners against moving to Thailand without a clear financial plan, saying many end up “packing up and going home” after under estimating their costs.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) yesterday removed a street lighting charge from public electricity bills, leading to 6-satang reduction in the rate to 3.89 baht a unit from next month (September). The rate structure for residential electricity has also been adjusted, with the first 200 units capped at 3 baht per unit.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has called on mobile phone users to finish mandatory SIM identity verification and update their information by Aug. 30 as it seeks to combat mule accounts and technology crime.
Thailand is moving toward more targeted regulation of ride-hailing and on-demand delivery platforms, as each of the markets consolidates around two dominant players, with competition authorities preparing new guidelines to address structural barriers, algorithmic practices and potential abuses of market power.
At least 11 French nationals who were arrested in Thailand with cannabis in their luggage, claimed they were deceived into carrying “locked bags” in exchange for free holidays.
Chinese arrivals target set at 5.1 million this year
Thai authorities have resolved a major administrative backlog dating back to 2018 by issuing hotel licenses to 275 properties in Phuket as part of a broader government drive to regulate unlicensed hospitality businesses and crack down on illegal foreign nominee operations.
Thailand Outlines Plan to Commercialize 231 Forgotten Heritage Dishes
Long before modern advocacy, romantic and deeply intimate bonds between women existed behind the closed doors of the ancient Thai royal courts. Known traditionally as “Len Puean” (เล่นเพื่อน), these relationships were a recognized, if sometimes hushed, part of court culture.
From the Elephant Sanctuaries of Thailand
I was in Thailand this week visiting my wife’s family and I had to satisfy some professional curiosity and see what was going on in the country’s cannabis market for myself.
Hundreds of thousands of gig workers in Australia have been granted a huge pay rise from next week under a decision by the country’s workplace relations tribunal lauded as “world-leading”. The order from the Fair Work Commission, issued Tuesday, will see delivery drivers working for online platforms such as UberEats and HungryPanda earn Aus$31.30 (731.56 baht) an hour. 
Thailand is preparing for a historic step in space exploration, with a Thai-designed and developed scientific payload set to travel to the Moon as part of China’s Chang’e 7 mission on Aug. 24.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has intensified enforcement against cannabis businesses, inspecting 1,326 shops since October 2025 and seizing products worth more than 109 million baht.
Thailand’s crackdown on nominee structures used to hold property on behalf of foreign interests is creating new pressure on the luxury housing and condominium markets, as authorities intensify checks on ownership arrangements in the real estate sector.
Phantong Loykulnanta, director-general of the Customs Department, reported that Thailand’s international trade reached B21.4 trillion in the first 10 months of fiscal 2026. The figure was close to the full-year total of B22 trillion recorded the previous year.
Robot Supply Chain Comes to Thailand: Inside China’s Humanoid Push into the EEC
As the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to introduce a 3% hotel tax to increase revenue, the Thai Hotels Association (THA) has urged the authority to begin with a lower rate of 0.5%-1% and provide additional support to help tourism operators affected by the Middle East conflict.
Twelve people were injured after an Air India Airbus A320 flying from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence yesterday, forcing some passengers who were not wearing seatbelts into the cabin ceiling.
Thailand is strengthening its tourism links with Indonesia through agreements with TransNusa Airlines and Traveloka, as it seeks to attract 890,000 Indonesian visitors in 2026.
The Thai government is drafting a new regulation to oversee data center operations, aiming to manage the sector’s impact on national resources and improve control over investment-related risks.The planned regulation would allow authorities to monitor data center activities more comprehensively, particularly their use of national resources such as electricity and water.
Stopping alcohol is often presented as a simple decision, but in reality, learning how to stop drinking alcohol isn’t the same for everyone. At one end, some people can reduce their drinking with structure and support. At the other, those dependent on alcohol may face withdrawal symptoms and serious risks without medical guidance.
Amid volatility of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices globally, the Energy Ministry confirmed that as of July 30 Thailand has sufficient oil reserves for 101 days, with several measures being implemented to mitigate the impact of higher oil prices and electricity costs on the public.
Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has unveiled a comprehensive draft bill aimed at reining in the country’s cannabis sector, establishing a strict regulatory framework focused purely on health and wellness.
Lost wild elephant calf rescued in Sai Yok National Park
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has unveiled an ambitious blueprint to reshape Thailand for what he calls a chaotic “New World Disorder,” arguing that only sweeping government reform, rapid AI adoption, stronger research investment, regional economic expansion and a smarter civil service can keep the country competitive.
Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of theDepartment of Business Development (DBD) under the Ministry of Commerce, disclosed yesterday that the department had issued Order No. 2/2026 of the Office of the Central Company and Partnership Registration. The order sets criteria and supporting-document requirements for applications to incorporate partnerships and limited companies or amend their registrations.
A review conducted after the United States imposed a 12.5% tariff under Section 301 because Thailand lacked measures banning imports of goods produced with forced labor found that a total of 2,120 items under Annex II – Part A were exempt, with a value of US$56.201 billion, or 61.6% of Thailand’s total exports to the United States.
Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry is accelerating plans for three tourism stimulus programs in an attempt to launch them during the low season in September and October, rather than waiting until the end of the year.
An Indian travel influencer’s video describing four aspects of life in Thailand that surprised her has drawn mixed reactions online, after being highlighted by the Hindustan Times.
From comforting Hainanese-style noodles and bold peppery goat soup to southern Thai family recipes, intimate home-style cooking, and regional specialties from Phetchaburi, these four Bib Gourmand restaurants from The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2026 showcase some of Bangkok’s best-value dining.
Thailand possesses substantial latent capability to become a major regional hub for green manufacturing, provided the country accelerates its transition toward advanced eco-friendly industries, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
Court upholds Thailand’s ban on toxic farm chemicals
Thailand’s Department of Land Transport is seeking public views on a proposal to ban petrol-powered tuk tuks in central Bangkok, particularly around major historic and tourist sites.
Electric vehicles are often viewed as a technology reserved for wealthy nations, but new analysis suggests this perception is rapidly becoming outdated. Research supported by the World Bank shows that EV adoption in developing countries is not only feasible — it is increasingly economically advantageous, especially for public transport systems and the millions who rely on two- and three-wheelers for daily mobility.
Plastic Bank has recovered 200 000 tons of plastic since launching in 2013, marking a new collection milestone of 10 billion plastic bottles. The Vancouver-based social enterprise announced that more than 68, 500 collectors have contributed to the effort across six countries.
As part of its sustainability journey, the resort has implemented a wide range of initiatives designed to reduce its environmental impact and promote responsible hospitality. These include reducing single-use plastics through the use of water filtration systems and glass bottles, implementing energy-saving systems in meeting facilities, and operating an on-site wastewater treatment system that allows treated water to be reused for landscape irrigation. 
Dreaming of a life in Thailand that’s both vibrant and affordable? Join me on a journey through Hua Hin, a charming coastal town that offers incredible livability! In this video, I’ll address what you need to know about making Hua Hin your home, from where to stay to how to navigate the town like a local.
An anti-corruption watchdog has urged the government to step up its fight against graft after a local government recruitment exam scandal, warning the case exposes deep-rooted problems in the bureaucracy and could damage Thailand’s international reputation.
Thai customs officials have seized 1.6 tons of dried cannabis buds concealed among blankets and duvet covers in two export containers destined for the Netherlands at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri province.
It would be so easy for Donald Trump to escape from the trap he has built for himself in the Persian Gulf. Just declare a victory and leave.
Six of Thailand’s largest listed banks reported a combined net profit of approximately 101.4 billion baht for the first half of 2026, as wealth management and fee income cushioned the impact of falling interest margins, though ratings agency Fitch has warned that earnings and asset quality across the sector face further pressure in the second half of the year.
The never-ending fight for Nui Beach
Why You Should Skip This Thai Island
Listening to Buffalo Herders
Senators propose 3 sites for UNESCO list
Khao Tom is cool again
There’s a new threat on the horizon that could soon sweep the world, raising food and energy prices and disrupting supply chains at a time when the world is least able to cope. It’s called El Niño and forecasts are calling for the one of the strongest on record in the fourth quarter of this year — in other words a “super El Niño.”
Thinking about retirement in Thailand and wondering where to live in Hua Hin? This video breaks down the truth about Hua Hin’s best and worst areas in 2026 — based on real-life retirement factors, not holiday impressions. One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning to retire in Hua Hin is choosing an area based on a short holiday instead of long-term lifestyle. The neighborhood that feels perfect for two weeks can be completely wrong for the next 10–20 years. 
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, through the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with AirAsia Group to elevate mutual tourism promotion under the concept “Amazing Thailand: Feel All the Feelings.” The agreement encompasses marketing collaborations, communications, aviation route connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia, and market intelligence exchanges to drive short-haul travel — particularly from the Malaysian market.
The Cha Am Squid Festival will return Sept. 12–19, with the annual event taking place at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint. The festival is officially known as the 25th Eat Shellfish, Catch Squid @ Cha Am Festival.
Prachuap Khiri Khan has launched a vaping campaign to improve awareness among young people about the dangers of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and nicotine addiction. Deputy Gov. Prateep Boriboonrat opened the training program at Hadthong Hotel in Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday.
A recent wedding controversy involving a Thai bride and a foreign groom has renewed attention on Sin Sod, the Thai marriage custom in which the groom or his family presents money, gold or other valuables during the ceremony.
Iran attacked a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz early today, forcing its crew to abandon the ship even as the United States conducted yet-another round of airstrikes targeting the Islamic Republic over control of the key waterway.
The baht is expected to continue weakening against the US dollar this week after falling to a nearly 15-month low, driven by renewed tensions in the Middle East.
The Thai Restaurant Assn. is asking the government to connect raw material wholesalers with restaurants to lower ingredient costs, rather than providing subsidies for each dish.
Thailand studies Bangkok Port closure and entertainment complex plan
Thailand is entering a new phase of trade uncertainty as the United States shifts its strategy from broad-based reciprocal tariffs to targeted investigations under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974.
Thailand’s use of export privileges under free-trade agreements continued to expand in April, with the value of shipments claiming preferential treatment reaching US$31.77 billion.
The Industry Ministry is drafting a landmark law aimed at regulating data center investments in Thailand, as the country grapples with the environmental and infrastructural challenges posed by the sector’s rapid growth.
Thai Beverage, the maker of Chang beer and SangSom rum, is considering a potential sale of its KFC restaurant franchise business in Thailand, according to people familiar with the matter.
New partnerships with seven large corporations in China are expected to help Thailand attract a new, younger customer segment and generate total revenue of nearly 300 billion baht, despite limited flight capacity, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Thailand’s rich culture, beautiful landscapes and distinctive cuisine aren’t the only reasons why tourists keep flocking to the country. Thailand has been leading Asia in medical tourism, with more than a million foreigners travelling to the country every year for medical and surgical procedures.
Bangkok is preparing to host its largest HYROX event yet, as the global fitness race returns for four days of competition, bringing together more than 20,000 athletes from Aug. 13–16.
Korat Buddhist Lent candle festival returns with grand parade
Thailand is leaning hard into solar and wind power, and households are beginning to see the payoff: lower electricity bills. A report says cleaner energy and more competitive long-term contracts are pushing down the average cost of power, an important signal in a region where air-conditioning demand can hammer family budgets.
Heavily reliant on pesticides, Thai agriculture is ‘trapped in a vicious cycle’
French lawmakers are expected to approve a bill banning social media access for children under 15 today, putting France at the forefront of similar efforts in the European Union (EU). 
Cocaine addiction rehab in Thailand spans budget value centers to five-star clinics, and the right fit depends on price, location, and clinical need. Clinicians treat cocaine dependence through the mind, not a prescription pad, which raises the stakes on choosing well. The wrong center wastes money and momentum, while the right one separates a person from triggers and rebuilds the brain’s reward system.
TrueMoney, Southeast Asia’s leading fintech platform under Ascend Money, has rolled out Thailand’s first inclusive “tap-to-pay” digital financial service. “The move is part of a strategy designed to make contactless payments more accessible for consumers,” said Monsinee Nakapanant, co-president of Ascend Money.
Thailand, a country of 67 million inhabitants, has an elderly population of more than 12 million people, and growing, with medical needs that require highly trained staff. This is straining the capacity to meet the needs of this age group and is negatively impacting health services that provide increasingly sophisticated medical services.
The government has insisted cannabis is “not freely available” in Thailand, reiterating that cannabis buds are strictly regulated and may only be bought or sold with a valid medical prescription.
U.S. And Iran Escalate Strikes Across Mideast
A majority of Thais surveyed credit the government’s “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” co-payment scheme with effectively easing their daily financial burden, though more than half use their monthly allowance within the first two weeks of the month, according to a recent poll by the King Prajadhipok’s Institute (KPI).
Vendors struggle despite aid plan
Thailand could face a significant blow to exports if proposed US Section 301 tariffs take effect after July 24, according to Pachara Naripthaphan, a member of the Securities and Exchange Commission board.
People’s Party deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun has strongly criticized the stricter eligibility criteria for the state welfare card program, arguing that the tighter screening process has excluded many genuinely poor people from receiving assistance.
Thailand has asked Japan to support four new water-management projects aimed at improving flood prevention, including measures for the flood-prone Chao Phraya River basin, as the Southeast Asian nation seeks to strengthen resilience against increasingly frequent extreme weather.
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. 
The English We Like project opened at Prachuap Wittayalai School yesterday, with Prachuap Khiri Khan Gov. Sittichai Sawatsan presiding over the ceremony for the program, which aims to improve students’ English skills and support university entrance exam preparation.
This walking tour in Hua Hin begins along Soi 80 at night before heading to the famous night market, capturing the vibrant evening atmosphere of this seaside town. As you explore Soi 80 first, you’ll experience real ambient sounds, conversations from open bars, clinking glasses and the natural rhythm of the nightlife crowd. The street feels energetic but welcoming, with restaurants and small venues lighting up the night. From there, the walk continues toward the Hua Hin Night Market, where the focus shifts to street food, seafood grills and rows of illuminated market stalls. 
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) resolved that there are sufficient grounds to pursue criminal and disciplinary action against six people, including five police officers, over the extortion of 6 million baht from a British drug kingpin, Ritesh Patel.
The government continues to grapple with the challenge of lowering retail oil prices, which remain stubbornly above 30 baht per liter despite recent declines in global crude markets.
Lower domestic fuel prices are expected to lift consumer confidence, but are unlikely to immediately reduce prepared food prices, according to the Thai Restaurant Assn.
Thailand postpones land bridge and SEC bill for wider consultation
Thailand’s growing dependence on foreign digital platforms is raising fresh concern over whether the country is slowly surrendering economic value to businesses based overseas.
Thailand is no longer competing simply for the highest volume of tourists; it is pivoting deliberately toward the highest value per visitor. Positioning itself as the global “Land of Life”, the kingdom is tapping into a wellness economy that is outperforming global GDP growth and drawing a new generation of “experience collectors”.
Thailand names new long-necked dinosaur from Kalasin