- Sam Roi Yot video/How to Stop Drinking Alcohol/Unpaid traffic fines/Thailand able to cope with fuel prices//Russian siblings’ bodies recovered/Three more bodies in Chonburi/Thailand Set to Limit Cannabis/Wild elephant calf rescued
- ECONOMY: Navigating a ‘New World Disorder’/Business registration checks to curb nominees/Thailand details US tariff exemptions/Thailand Deploys Culinary ‘Soft Power’/More business-friendly laws
- TOURISM: Low-season travel schemes
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Four Thai cultural contrasts/Eats to Try in Bangkok
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand Green Manufacturing Hub/Court upholds ban on toxic farm chemicals/Bangkok considers petrol tuk tuk ban/Electric Vehicles Transforming Transport/10 billion bottles collected worldwide
- HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Sam Roi Yot
How to Stop Drinking Alcohol: A Practical Guide to Quitting
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.
Approaching this decision with the right level of awareness is essential. The safest way to stop drinking depends on your body, your drinking patterns, and the level of support you may need. Continued …
Unpaid traffic fines now affect vehicle tax renewals
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) will begin linking unpaid traffic fines to annual vehicle tax renewals starting today. DLT Director-general Sorapong Paitoonpong said the measure will only apply to traffic offenses committed on or after Aug. 1.
Approximately 16 million outstanding tickets issued before this date will not be considered when processing tax renewals. Under the new system, motorists who fail to pay their traffic fines will still be permitted to renew their annual vehicle tax, but they will not receive the official tax sticker until all fines are paid in full. Continued …
Thailand able to cope with oil and LNG price volatility
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.
Veerapat Kiattifuengfu, deputy permanent secretary and spokesperson for the Energy Ministry, said the global oil market is facing significant volatility due to the unpredictable US-Iran conflict directly impacting energy supply. Continued …
Russian siblings’ bodies recovered in Chon Buri forest
Police in Chon Buri have recovered the bodies of two Russian siblings who were reported missing after two suspects led officers to a burial site in a forest in Huay Yai, Bang Lamung.
Thana Kerdthong, known as “Pong”, and Thongchai Srinil, known as “Thong”, were arrested in Wang Sombun district, Sa Kaeo, under Pattaya Provincial Court warrants on theft-related charges. Police later took them to Huay Yai police station for questioning. Continued …
Russian siblings murder inquiry uncovers three more bodies in Chonburi
Two suspects are being questioned over the deaths of five people in Chonburi, while police pursue two alleged accomplices believed to have been involved in the killing of a Thai family.
The investigation expanded after officers found the bodies of two Russian siblings buried together in a wooded area of Huai Yai subdistrict. Police identified the pair as Diana Nazimova, 22, and her 17-year-old brother, Roman Nazimova. Continued …
Thailand Set to Limit Cannabis Strictly to Medical Use
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.
The draft Cannabis Control Act introduces six primary measures designed to end recreational consumption and restore legal clarity following the plant’s removal from the official narcotics list. Continued …
Lost wild elephant calf rescued in Sai Yok National Park
A baby wild elephant, believed to have become separated from its mother, has been rescued in Kanchanaburi province after being found exhausted and alone near a stream.
When officials arrived at the scene on Thursday, they found the calf exhausted and believed it had been separated from its mother for about two days. Rangers remained at the site overnight to observe the calf, hoping the herd would return. Throughout the night, the calf repeatedly called for its mother, but there was no response from the herd. Continued …
PM says Thailand is navigating a ‘New World Disorder’, sets out new economic agenda
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.
In a wide-ranging address, he outlined a new 4P framework for artificial intelligence, backed major infrastructure spending, pledged welfare reform and declared that Thailand must rely on “political engineering” to navigate growing global uncertainty while building a more resilient, technology-driven economy capable of determining its own future. Continued …
Thailand sets business registration checks to curb nominees
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.
It is intended to verify actual investment capacity and close loopholes in juristic-person registration involving Thai nominees, and took effect today. Continued …
Thailand details US tariff exemptions and duties across key exports
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.
Non-exempt goods were valued at US$35.034 billion, or 38.4%. Of the non-exempt goods, about US$7 billion worth were also covered by Section 232 and would therefore not face an additional Section 301 tariff. Continued …
Thailand Deploys Culinary ‘Soft Power’ to Boost Global Exports
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce is leveraging the country’s culinary heritage as a strategic “soft power” tool to expand international trade, support overseas Thai businesses, and boost export revenue.
Speaking following the conclusion of the THAI SELECT Festival 2026 in New York, Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun announced targeted measures to scale up the global reach of Thai gastronomy. Continued …
100 laws to be made more business-friendly
The government is accelerating plans to overhaul more than 100 laws identified by the private sector as obstacles to doing business, with reforms aimed at lowering costs and strengthening Thailand’s competitiveness.
Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt, who oversees legal affairs, said yesterday the government has begun working with the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) to review regulations that hinder business operations and economic growth. Continued …
Thailand races to launch three low-season travel schemes
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.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said yesterday the ministry planned to discuss funding with the Finance Ministry under an emergency borrowing decree authorizing loans of up to 400 billion baht. Continued …
Indian influencer highlights four Thai cultural contrasts
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.
Shreya Mahendru, a content creator, shared her impressions after recently traveling around Thailand, focusing on women’s roles at work, dress standards at temples, the visibility of nightlife districts and freedom of clothing. Continued …
4 Affordable Eats You Need to Try in Bangkok
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.
Wondering where to start? Peppery goat soup for breakfast at Kolun.h, punchy shrimp dip at Keawloon for lunch, a home-cooked southern Thai feast at Jaan by dinner, or palm-shoot curry in a traditional teak house at SANN in Nonthaburi? Continued …
Thailand Targets Advanced Green Manufacturing Hub Status
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.
Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), stated that transitioning to advanced green manufacturing is a strategic imperative to ensure long-term competitiveness as global trading partners tighten environmental standards and non-tariff measures. Continued …
Court upholds Thailand’s ban on toxic farm chemicals
The Central Administrative Court has upheld the government’s ban on the toxic agricultural chemicals paraquat and chlorpyrifos, ruling the measure is lawful because it protects public health and the environment.
The court, however, ruled that manufacturers and importers should not bear the full cost of recalling and destroying the banned chemicals, saying the requirement places an excessive burden on businesses without state compensation. Continued …
Bangkok considers petrol tuk tuk ban in inner city
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.
Officials say the proposal is intended to reduce air and noise pollution in the inner city. The area under consideration includes locations close to Wat Phra Kaew and several royal temples, among Bangkok’s most visited landmarks. Continued …
How Electric Vehicles Are Transforming Transport in Developing Countries
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.
Transport already accounts for around 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and this share is rising fastest in developing cities as populations grow and mobility demand accelerates. Without a shift toward cleaner transport, these countries risk locking in decades of additional emissions at a time when climate pressures are intensifying. Continued …
Plastic Bank collects 10 billion bottles worldwide
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.
They have recovered an average of 2.1 million plastic bottles every day over the past 13 years. Plastic Bank operates collection networks in Brazil, Cameroon, Egypt, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand. The organization exchanges collected plastic for income and benefits, aiming to reduce plastic pollution while supporting local communities. 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
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.
Fuel prices rose by 85 satang per liter across most product categories in Thailand today, following new retail price announcements by PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp.
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.
Global oil prices climbed about 2% to their highest closing levels in five weeks yesterday, as escalating conflict in the Middle East intensified concerns over possible disruption to major energy supply routes.
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.
Nearly a year after border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia were shut, intermittent diplomatic overtures have yet to produce the political trust needed to reopen them, leaving border communities and businesses facing an increasingly prolonged economic standstill.
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.
Nearly 40% of hotels report a sharper decline in guest numbers than expected last month due to the Middle East conflict, prompting them to offer deeper discounts while cutting costs to stay afloat.
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.
A Russian-run nominee network controling more than 775 homes worth over B5 billion, was dismantled in Chonburi, with four arrests, 41 raids and a nationwide investigation now under way into hundreds of companies and suspected foreign land ownership. 
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.
The Thai economy is demonstrating far greater structural resilience than initially projected, prompting the central bank to upgrade its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the year to 2.3% — the most bullish estimate currently available in the market.
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 Draws Visitors from Every Corner of Asia, Malaysia, South Korea, and China Lead the Way
Thailand names new long-necked dinosaur from Kalasin
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.
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!). 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thailand welcomes 16.21 million foreign tourists, down 3.1%
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 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 recent call by more than 1,200 doctors urging the government to halt the approval of new medical degree programs proposed by Rajabhat universities must prompt policymakers to examine a more fundamental question than whether Thailand needs more medical schools.
Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit has instructed Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) to develop an upgraded air traffic-management system to support the growth of the country’s regional airports and strengthen tourism links across Thailand’s lower northern provinces.
The Rise of Plai: How an Ancient Thai Root Became a Modern Pharmaceutical Heavyweight
Thailand must act quickly to stem its mounting current account deficit before it spirals into a current account crisis, says Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas. Ekniti said that while the government’s emergency borrowing decree would increase public debt, the loans are necessary to accelerate Thailand’s transition from fossil fuels to clean and renewable energy.
Thailand’s inflation rate is showing signs of moving past its sharpest point, as production costs and global oil pressure begin to ease, but households may still face a more lasting rise in daily living expenses.
True Corp. is urging businesses to look beyond artificial intelligence as a standalone technology and instead combine AI with data-driven human insights to better understand increasingly complex consumer behavior and strengthen their competitiveness in the digital economy.
Bangkok is emerging as Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing hub for ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals, reinforcing Thailand’s appeal as a destination for global wealth despite persistent economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
Thailand’s landmark cannabis revolution is on the brink of collapse after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the architect of Asia’s first cannabis decriminalization policy, warned he is prepared to recriminalize the drug and shut down the industry following a wave of major international cannabis seizures linked to Thailand.
Seaplane takeoff grounded by regulations
Countries laser-focused on attracting the next wave of investment may soon find that tax breaks and affordable labor may not be enough to keep investors engaged. The new criteria for raising funds may very well be in the energy space, and more specifically, which country has clean, stable, and scalable energy, with credible governance to ensure that the landscape is ready for future industries.
After years in darkness, this Thai village is finally seeing the light
The Thailand Riviera coastal road project is set to move forward again, with the Ministry of Transport seeking budget approval for fiscal year 2027 to study and design an extension from Chumphon to Songkhla.
Nine monks were killed and 13 other people injured after a pickup truck driven by an 11-year-old boy plowed into a morning pilgrimage in Muang district of Mukdahan province yesterday.
Thailand’s economy is sending two completely different signals. Official figures point to a country recovering faster than expected, with GDP expanding by 2.8%, exports surging by more than 23% in April, and tourism continuing to drive growth, albeit at a falling rate.
The narrowing trade deficit and easing inflationary pressure should support the baht regaining strength against the US dollar late in the third quarter this year, reversing a short-term depreciation trend, says Siam Commercial Bank Financial Markets (SCB FM).
There are growing signs that small and medium-sized Chinese entrepreneurs in auto sectors are interested in investing in Thailand, according to the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
Thailand is on course for another record year in foreign film-production investment, as global streaming platforms and the fast-growing vertical-drama market continue to bring overseas crews and spending into the country.
The Department of Consular Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated its 2026 list of countries and territories offering visa-free entry to holders of ordinary Thai passports. The revised list includes 35 destinations where Thai travelers can enter without applying for a visa, subject to each country’s entry conditions.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has emphasized the development of rail tourism as an important step toward creating new experiential and economic value for Thailand’s tourism industry. TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that Thailand’s tourism sector has long drawn strength from its natural attractions, cultural heritage, and recognized hospitality.
Pattaya’s tourism is facing a particularly weak low season, with tourist numbers falling by around 20% to 30% in Pattaya and Chon Buri, while many hotels are reporting occupancy rates below break-even levels.
The Gulf of Thailand has always sold itself through color: turquoise water, coral gardens, fishing boats and island horizons. Now Thailand is adding another color to the seascape — the clean, clever green of technology.
Thailand’s islands have long sold the dream of clear waters, white sand and barefoot ease. Now, some of them are offering something more modern: the pleasure of arriving somewhere that is learning how not to drown in its own convenience.
Since China’s “National Sword” policy took effect in January 2018, banning imports of contaminated plastic and electronic waste, the recycling industry that was once concentrated inside China has scattered across the region. As a result, Thailand has absorbed a large share of it.
PM Anutin Presides Over Buddhist Consecration Ceremony in Hua Hin
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.
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.
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 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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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. 
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. 
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.