- Hua Hin beachfront demolition begins/Ezy Airlines Adds Surat Thani-Hua Hin flights//Nene Royal receives US$1.2-million condo/Thunderstorms across 41 provinces/Soil fever warning after 136 deaths/Pattaya roads flood/Phuket landslide evacuation warning/Highest tidal flooding in a decade
- ECONOMY: Thailand’s digital economy/Bangkok condo glut/Bangkok ultra-luxury condos/Inside a modern seafood processing plant/Food industry expansion slows/Russia and Thailand Financial Links
- TOURISM: 450-baht tourist fee explained
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Climate change is shaking up Thai businesses
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin beachfront demolition begins
Hua Hin began beachfront clearance work this morning, with the municipality urging the public not to obstruct officials as it prepares to demolish 15 buildings encroaching on the beach between the fishing pier and the Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine.
Municipal enforcement officers, legal officers, demolition contractors and 30 officers from Hua Hin Police Station were scheduled to assemble at the fishing pier forecourt at 10 am. A further 40 crowd-control police officers was to be on standby. Continued …
Ezy Airlines Adds Surat Thani-Hua Hin Flights From Nov 7
Thai carrier Ezy Airlines has launched its second scheduled route, offering nonstop Surat Thani–Hua Hin flights. Cessna aircraft will serve this route twice daily, although service will not be offered from Tuesdays to Thursdays. The first flight is scheduled on Nov. 7. The airline also operates Surat Thani–U-Tapao Airport twice daily, except for Tuesdays trough Thursdays). – Aeroroutes
CP tycoon gives Nene Royal gold Buddha as she receives US$1.2-million condo
Charoen Pokphand Group Senior Chairman Dhanin Chearavanont has given young Thai guitarist Nene Royal a gold Buddha image and his blessings as her family prepares to move into a luxury condominium worth 35 million baht (US$1.2 million).
Nene, 16, visited the Mulberry Grove The Forestias Condominiums yesterday to receive the keys to the family’s new home. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit has a floor area of about 98.69 square meters. It was reportedly given to Nene’s family before they traveled to the United States for the final of America’s Got Talent. Continued …
TMD warns of thunderstorms across 41 provinces today
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a nationwide weather advisory for today, warning residents across 41 provinces to brace for thunderstorms, gusty winds, and potential flash floods or forest runoffs.
Southern region (east oast): Sixty per cent of the area will see thunderstorms and isolated heavy rain, affecting Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla, with wave heights reaching up to two meters offshore. Continued …
Thailand issues soil fever warning after 136 deaths
Thailand has warned farmers, people with diabetes and residents in flood-prone areas to take precautions against melioidosis, also known as soil fever, after recording 3,102 cases and 136 deaths nationwide this year.
The warning, issued by the Department of Disease Control (DDC) yesterday, comes as continued rainfall leaves standing water and wet soil in parts of the country, increasing the risk of exposure to the bacteria that cause the disease. Continued …
Pattaya roads flood up to 80cm after heavy rain
Heavy rain in Pattaya yesterday caused flash flooding of up to 80 centimeters on several major roads in Pattaya, bringing traffic almost to a standstill in parts.
The downpour lasted for less than an hour, but water quickly surged across roads in parts of the resort city that are regularly affected by flooding. Pattaya City officials closed off heavily flooded routes, as small vehicles and motorcycles could not safely get through. Continued …
Phuket landslide evacuation warning issued for Karon
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has urged residents in parts of Karon, Phuket, to evacuate, as continuing heavy rain raises the danger of landslides and mudflows.
The warning, issued yesterday, covers communities around Patak sois 2, 4 and 6 in Karon subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district. Residents have been told to leave their homes for safer places or evacuation centers set up by Karon municipality. Continued …
Amphawa and Mae Klong hit by highest tidal flooding in a decade
Coastal flooding, triggered by high tides, has inundated key economic zones, homes, and tourist spots across Samut Songkhram, with local residents reporting the highest water levels in over a decade.
The Mae Klong River and its connecting canals overflowed yesterday, submerging low-lying areas in Mueang and Amphawa districts, including the famous Amphawa floating market, Mae Klong railway market, and roads leading to Phet Samut Worawihan Temple. Continued …
Thailand’s digital economy forecast to reach US$72 billion
Thailand’s digital economy is forecast to reach US$72 billion, or approximately 2.43 trillion baht, in gross merchandise value (GMV) in 2026, growing 19% despite economic challenges, according to the e-Conomy SEA 2026 report by Google, Temasek and Bain & Co. The report projects that GMV will rise to US$104 billion by 2030 and US$167 billion by 2035, with compound annual growth of 10%.
Thailand’s established digital foundations and supportive government policies underpin the outlook. The national artificial intelligence (AI) strategy covers digital sovereignty, AI governance, the development of highly skilled workers and stronger long-term competitiveness. Continued …
Bangkok condo glut may take three years to clear
Bangkok’s condominium market may take another two to three years to return to normal, with more than 65,300 unsold units in the capital worth a combined 370 billion baht.
The market remains under pressure from a large backlog of completed and uncompleted homes, weak household purchasing power and a fall in demand from Chinese buyers, according to property consultancy Cushman & Wakefield Thailand. Surachet Kongcheep, the firm’s head of research, said developers face continued uncertainty when planning new projects. Continued …
Bangkok ultra-luxury condos could top 1 million baht per square meter
Bangkok’s ultra-luxury condominium prices could exceed 1 million baht per square meter in the near future, according to Savills, as rising prime land costs, distinctive developments and demand from wealthy buyers support the top end of the market.
Phattarachai Taweewong, senior director of market research and public relations at Savills (Thailand), puts the potential price shift in the ultimate class segment in high-potential locations, rather than the broader condominium market. Continued …
Inside a modern seafood processing plant: from boat to shelf
A tuna boat docks in Samut Sakhon at sunrise. By lunch, that same fish is cleaned, portioned, cooked, and sitting in cans on a pallet bound for supermarket shelves in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. That speed is the result of efficient and seamless choreography most shoppers don’t think about, but it’s what a modern seafood processing plant handles daily.
Raw catch turns up fresh or frozen, gets sorted by species and size, and moves through cleaning lines where scales, bones, and skin come off. From there, depending on the product, it’s cooked, smoked, or frozen, then canned or pouched for retail. Every stop along the way has a temperature log, and there’s a metal detector waiting at the end. Continued …
Food industry expansion slows amid surging costs and weak consumer spending
Thailand’s food and beverage market is projected to reach 682 billion baht in 2026, marking a 3.9% year-on-year growth, according to the Kasikorn Research Center (Kresearch). The growth rate continues to decelerate though, and remains uneven across the sector due to fragile consumer purchasing power, intense competition and elevated operational costs depressing profit margins.
Department of Business Development Director-General Kittiwat Patchimnan stated that they are accelerating efforts to support food operators, grocery stores and small businesses. He emphasised the upgrading of skills, creating market opportunities and establishing business networks to help operators adapt to changing consumer behaviors and maintain competitiveness. Continued …
Russia and Thailand Seek Direct Financial Links to Unlock $1.7 billion in Trade
Bilateral trade and investment between Russia and Thailand are expanding at a rapid pace despite mounting global macroeconomic friction, but the lack of direct financial infrastructure and persistent regulatory barriers threaten to cap future growth, according to high-level commercial representatives.
Trade turnover reached approximately $1.7 billion in 2025 and accelerated further in the first eight months of 2026, surging by 25% year-on-year to hit $1.55 billion. This growth was driven primarily by a 90% leap in Russian exports, which reached $1.05 billion. Continued …
Thai 450-baht tourist fee explained
Relying solely on the national budget may not be sufficient to develop the “supply” of the tourism sector to keep pace with the continued demand flowing into Thailand. Therefore, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports is proceeding with the collection of a “tourist entrance fee” of 450 baht per person for air travel.
The revenue will be channeled into the “Thai Tourism Promotion Fund,” an off-budget mechanism to improve the quality of the supply side and strengthen confidence. The latest draft of the fee collection announcement proposes a rate of “450 baht per person” specifically for eligible foreign tourists entering Thailand via air once the announcement comes into effect. Continued …
Climate change is shaking up “Thai businesses,” urgent adaptation needed
The Thai Management Assn. (TMA) points out that Thai businesses must urgently adapt to the climate crisis while simultaneously mitigating environmental impacts. They must also accelerate investment in infrastructure, develop long-term plans, and elevate sustainability as a strategy to build competitiveness, especially by helping SMEs adapt to global trade regulations.
Veerathai Santiprabhob, chairman of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) and former governor of the Bank of Thailand, stated at the FUTURE FORUM 2026, organized by the TMA under the theme “The Future of Competitiveness: Building Sustainable Growth Through Mitigation and Adaptation,” that climate change is impacting Thailand more severely, causing floods, droughts, heavy rainfall, and rising sea levels. Therefore, businesses must prioritize adaptation alongside mitigation, reducing environmental impacts. Video …
Upmarket prostitution racket in Singapore procuring Thai women smashed
A seven-year prostitution racket trafficking Thai women to Singapore has been smashed in a major police operation. Four suspects, including two Singaporeans, were arrested in Thailand. A fifth faces charges. The breakthrough followed 19 sex worker arrests in Singapore. Continued …
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Thailand revokes Chabad leader’s Thai citizenship over US passport use – Continued …
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Chinese national charged over durian firm nominee claim – Continued …
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Phuket police arrest Chinese woman over nominee firms – Continued …
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Thai police detain two Chinese men wanted in China – Continued …
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Prachin Buri raid nets 18 Chinese and Myanmar workers – Continued …
Saudi Arabia using solar farms to breed endangered species
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Wildlife Sanctuary covers a vast area of 24,500 square kilometers, stretching from volcanic plains to the Red Sea coast. Although this area represents only 1% of the country’s land and 1.8% of its marine land area, it is home to more than 50% of all species in Saudi Arabia, distributed across 15 diverse ecosystems. Continued …
Patrick Stewart, Star Trek and X-Men actor, dies
Patrick Stewart, the Shakespearean actor who became a global screen star as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, has died aged 86. A statement on Stewart’s X account announced his death yesterday, saying he had died the previous day at his home in Los Angeles, in the care of his wife, American musician Sunny Ozell. 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
Uthai Uthaisangsuk, president of Sansiri Public Co., sees improving travel from Bangkok supporting a recovery in Hua Hin’s property market, where he puts beachfront land prices at 160 million baht per rai. Uthai’s assessment follows a prolonged slowdown after the Covid-19 pandemic. Better transport connections and infrastructure development are beginning to restore confidence, although the recovery remains uneven.
Most people notice thinning hair long before they do anything about it, and when they finally act, the first move is usually a trip to the pharmacy for a shampoo or serum that promises the fastest results.
Chonburi police and land officials searched 12 properties in the Pattaya area yesterday as part of an investigation into suspected foreign nominee ownership of land and buildings worth more than 800 million baht.
Victims of an alleged Australian job scam have filed a complaint with the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, seeking an urgent investigation into losses exceeding 10 million baht.
The Transport Ministry will seek Cabinet approval on Oct. 26 for a unified fare scheme covering eight electric rail lines in Bangkok and surrounding areas, with fares capped at 45 baht per trip, a deputy transport minister said yesterday.
The Asian Development Bank is providing $212 million to upgrade five public hospitals and improve access to specialist medical care for about 14 million people living outside Bangkok.
Thailand is committing to build a sustainable longevity society in which people live not merely longer but better, a senior health official told a Bangkok forum on Tuesday.
Analysts predict diesel prices could surge to $200 per barrel due to worsening supply disruptions in the Middle East. This potential crisis is driven by a new wave of geopolitical conflicts that have thrown the global energy market into turmoil.
Data centers are a new industry attracting significant investment in Thailand, but they are also under public scrutiny. It’s well known that data centers consume vast amounts of resources, including electricity and clean water, and also release heat and generate noise pollution, causing concern for communities located near them.
With domestic profits narrowing and production capacity expanding, China’s firms are continuing to widen their overseas footprints in search of new, more lucrative markets. In this series, we examine China Inc’s next phase of “going global” and the complex, challenging international environment its companies have chosen to enter.
JPMorgan Chase executives suggest that Thailand should prioritize the production of advanced products such as chips and electronic components. This focus would allow the country to capitalize on the ongoing global supply chain shift and the emergence of power from artificial intelligence.
Nestlé has begun construction of a 23-billion-baht (US$685 million) coffee manufacturing facility in Samut Prakan, with the factory expected to begin operations in late 2028 and create more than 500 jobs.
Thailand exported 4.99 million tons of rice in the first nine months of 2026, down 19.3% year-on-year, as stronger competition from India and Pakistan and a sharp fall in Iraqi demand weighed on sales.
Forum highlights local Thai cuisine to boost tourism growth
Khao Sok: Living beneath an ancient landscape
Travel Expert Unveils Insider Guide for Thailand’s Best Meals
Chiang Mai unveils Thailand’s first electric tram
The world is heading for more warming than scientists projected a year ago, and the United States is a big reason, the United Nations Environment Program said in its annual assessment.
Brent crude rose to US$110.11 a barrel today after fresh Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia prompted the United States to order some diplomats and family members to leave its missions in the kingdom.
The shock of oil prices at a five-month high of $110 a barrel and gas prices in Asia and Europe hitting their highest levels since December 2022 is making its mark on household budgets. As well as raising the costs of transport and heating, it adds to pressure on food, clothing and packaging prices, and contributes to elevated levels of inflation and borrowing costs.
The warnings about El Niño continue to roll in. The United Nations’ weather agency weighed in yesterday, calling the potent climate pattern a “behemoth” and a “wrecking ball.” “It will tear through Latin America, eastern and southern Africa, Asia and the Pacific with extreme heat, droughts and flood,” the U.N.’s Tom Fletcher said, warning of profound humanitarian consequences. 
A New Mexico judge ruled yesterday that Meta must pay $25 billion to the state after a jury found last month that the social media giant had deceived users in a case related to the Cambridge Analytica scandal, according to media reports. 
Hua Hin municipality is preparing to widen Hua Hin Soi 102 from two lanes to four and install new drainage along a 1.93-kilometer stretch. No construction start date has been announced.
Hua Hin Profile: Humanitarianism in action
Thai rocker Nene Royal, winner of America’s Got Talent 2026, will make her acting debut as the Thai voice of Billie Doe in Disney’s animated fantasy Hexed.
Nene Royal to sing for over 400 guests at IMF–World Bank reception
British banker and whistleblower Simon Andriesz, 57, was found dead in Khlong Luang, just outside Bangkok, on the morning of September 23. The local municipality recorded his cause of death as “asphyxiation from hanging”.
Thailand’s Joint Information Coordination Center (JICC) has warned of widespread moderate to heavy rain from Oct. 10–13, urging people in flood-prone areas to closely monitor weather and water levels, particularly in the eastern provinces where the Bang Pakong River is at risk of overflowing its flood barriers.
As the planet warms, cities like Bangkok could be increasingly inundated by deadly floods
Flooding in eastern Thailand has persisted for seven consecutive days as of today. The stagnant water in the region has led to issues such as foul odors in certain areas.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has drawn up a five-to-seven-year flood-management program expected to require at least 100 billion baht, combining drainage maintenance with major canal, tunnel and water-retention projects to protect the capital’s role as Thailand’s economic center.
Thailand’s headline consumer price index rose 2.82% in September from a year earlier, the Commerce Ministry said yesterday, as food and fuel prices increased.
The World Bank has upgraded its GDP growth forecast for Thailand in 2026 to 2.3%, up from a previous estimate of 1.5%. This upward revision is primarily attributed to robust exports fueled by the artificial intelligence (AI) boom and a smaller-than-expected impact from energy shocks.
Thailand has expanded a crackdown on suspected foreign nominee businesses from Koh Phangan into seven provinces, according to a media report, as concern grows over overseas investors, land deals and long-stay visitors on the country’s resort islands.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed officials to advance tariff negotiations after receiving a letter from US President Donald Trump expressing hope that an agreement with Thailand can be signed soon, government spokesman Ekkapop Pianpises said oyesterday.
Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund has begun scaling back diesel support as its deficit has passed 100 billion baht, an Energy Ministry source said. The ministry is preparing a gradual withdrawal of subsidies to slow cash outflows while awaiting policy direction on further measures.
The Thai cabinet has approved tax measures for the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) sector that allow businesses to claim a double tax deduction for expenses related to space rental and services for trade fairs and exhibitions. These incentives are intended to stimulate economic activity by attracting international events and increasing spending in related industries such as tourism, transport, and hospitality.
An increase in the value-added tax (VAT) of 3% was discussed during a session where senators also called for a broader tax base to address a reported net deficit of 760 billion baht for fiscal 2025.
The Thai government is proceeding with the 450-baht tourism tax because an online public hearing showed that 80.5% of respondents supported the collection. Officials intend to use the funds, which are expected to generate 8 billion baht annually, to finance tourism infrastructure and development.
The Middle East conflict and oil price volatility have highlighted Thailand’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, prompting calls to accelerate its clean energy transition. A seminar involving energy experts, policymakers, and industry representatives concluded that reducing fossil fuel dependence is now an economic and security necessity, not just an environmental goal, with ASEAN neighbors facing similar pressures.
Southeast Asia could save approximately US$45.4 billion by installing enough solar photovoltaic capacity to generate the same amount of electricity as planned gas power projects across five major economies, according to research group Zero Carbon Analytics (ZCA).
Rare serow makes unusual appearance on Prachuap beach
Nene Royal: Global Stardom Won’t Change Me, Says AGT Winner at Bangkok Homecoming
Thai singer and guitarist Nene Royal has attracted partnerships with at least 10 brands in Thailand within 10 days of winning America’s Got Talent (AGT) Season 21 on Sept. 24.
Disaster risks are considered structural challenges because they are becoming normalized and represent a long-term weight on Thailand’s economic growth. The increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, driven by climate change, require fundamental changes to infrastructure and economic resilience rather than just short-term fixes.
Nine dead as floods submerge seven Prachin Buri districts
While the flooding has eased in Chanthaburi, around 4,000 fruit farmers are in deep distress as stagnant floodwaters led to durian trees grown on over 20,000 rai of orchards having died.
Sinking city, rising rage: Bangkok’s floods fuel fury over government inaction
Insurance regulator sets 5 flood-damage levels for vehicles
The Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until seven Iranian conditions set out in a June interim agreement with the US are met, state media reported Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf as saying yesterday.
The Ministry of Commerce’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) reported uneven conditions in Thailand’s regional economies in its August 2026 review. Rising living costs remained a key source of pressure and consumer confidence stayed weak, although business formation and tourism continued to grow well in some areas.
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) is partnering with Centara Hotels & Resorts to develop budget hotels at PTT service stations and other high-potential locations, as it seeks to increase daily traffic across its nationwide station network to 5 million visits.
Thailand and Laos have set an ambitious goal of boosting bilateral trade to US$11 billion by 2027 during high-level talks in Luang Prabang on Friday. The two countries’ economic push is part of a broader strategy to transform border transport networks into major international trade corridors.
As Thailand cracks down on foreigners, a tourist paradise reconsiders its welcome
Thailand has emerged as a leader in medical and wellness tourism, attracting a large number of tourists worldwide. Specifically in the medical field, most tourists travel for major procedures such as heart surgery, orthopedic surgery, dentistry, IVF and ICSI, as well as cosmetic surgery, eye surgery, and cancer treatment.
In early 2020, international and national health authorities alike in Laos watched with disbelief as hospitals in New York City, a city in one of the world’s richest countries, were overwhelmed with patients. During the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 203,000 cases of laboratory-confirmed COVID were reported in New York and a third of people hospitalized died. 
EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic will head to Beijing on Thursday for two days of make-or-break meetings with Chinese officials to try to stave off a trade war. The European Union has toughened its stance toward Beijing to defend businesses against what it believes is unfair competition in critical sectors, including cars. 
Major US automakers have watched their domestic market share shrink even more thanks to their Asian competitors — a situation that may worsen if Chinese firms are able to enter the US market, an idea floated by President Donald Trump. 
Flooding raises vegetable and egg prices
The flood crisis is not over just because floodwaters have receded, as around 1.64 million small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face major challenges regarding capital and employment, raising the risk of liquidity crunches – or even business closures.
Toyota Motor Thailand Co. said yesterday it would suspend production at three plants from Oct. 5-10 due to flooding that has disrupted parts deliveries in Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao and Chon Buri provinces.
Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport has set out plans to become an aviation and logistics hub for Thailand’s upper north, including cargo links to China and the Middle East.
A Real Estate Information Center (REIC) survey of five major northeastern provinces in the first half of 2026 points to a shared finding that “purchasing power remains”.
Thailand’s soft power play: Culture as global currency
Thai Airways International’s board has suspended and removed chief executive Chai Eamsiri from his post, effective yesterday, following disruption to baggage, flights and ground services at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The board appointed Samrit Samniang, a company director and executive director, as acting chief executive.
How Coffee Is Helping Thailand Reduce Human-Elephant Conflict
Hua Hin-U-Tapao flights start October 23
A lottery seller in Yasothon province won 60 million baht after retaining 10 unsold lottery tickets that won first prize in the draw yesterday. The tickets all carried the winning number 402701, giving him 6 million baht per ticket.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its second advisory today, warning that unsettled weather will bring thunderstorms, strong gusts and isolated heavy to very heavy rain to parts of Thailand from Oct. 4–7.
The central plains have been identified as the most heavily affected area by the ongoing floods, covering approximately 2,208 square kilometers. While specific breakdown of hotel cancellations by exact region is not provided, the Thai Hotels Assn. reported that severe flooding in Bangkok and the central and eastern regions caused over 5,400 room nights to be canceled or postponed.
Bangkok should stop treating every major flood as an exceptional event. The recent heavy rainfall will likely be described as an unusually severe event. Authorities will report falling water levels, reopening roads, and resuming business operations. Emergency relief packages will be announced, financial aid distributed, and public attention will gradually shift toward other pressing national issues.
Thailand and Maersk explore port investment
New vehicle sales in Thailand increased by almost 26% to 59,809 units in August, up from 47,622 units a year earlier, according to the latest data released by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Infineon Technologies AG is using its new US$1.4 billion (48 billion baht) semiconductor manufacturing hub in Samut Prakan as a long-term platform to strengthen Thailand’s semiconductor ecosystem through advanced production, local talent development and closer links with universities and industry.
Thai Airways to restore all flights tomorrow
Suvarnabhumi Airport has cleared thousands of stranded passengers affected by recent flooding, while efforts continue to return delayed baggage and clear a cargo backlog, Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said yesterday.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed a proposal seeking 75 billion baht in loan funding to expand Thailand’s “People’s Solar” program, which will provide subsidies of 50,000 baht per household and support up to 1.5 million homes.
A Khao Tao power outage is scheduled for tomorrow from 9 am to 5 pm, affecting residents and businesses in parts of the area.
Officials to keep tabs on Hua Hin beachfront demolition
Water released from Pranburi Reservoir
Erik Brown, Tham Luang cave rescue diver, dies at 44
Canadian cave diver Erik Brown, who helped rescue the Wild Boars football team and their coach from Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai in 2018, has died aged 44. Brown’s family and friends announced his death, but did not give the precise date and cause of death, or any further details.
Chai Nat-Gulf canal plan faces Bangkok flood doubts
Flooding in Thailand has forced Toyota Motor to halt operations at four factories temporarily. A Toyota spokesperson said flooding had disrupted parts deliveries to the company’s factories in Thailand.
Farmers in the Bua Yai district of Nakhon Ratchasima are primarily struggling with severe drought conditions that are threatening their rice crops. This lack of sufficient water has left many rice fields unable to survive, forcing some farmers to release water into their fields to save crops or face losing their entire harvest.
Thailand’s long-awaited US trade deal has hit a serious hiatus as conflicting accounts emerge from Bangkok’s top negotiators. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun says an agreement has been reached in principle. Yet, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow says market access remains the key issue.
Thailand is preparing a new 14th National Economic and Social Development Plan for 2028–2032 that places digital technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced electronics and cleaner energy at the center of the country’s next development cycle. The government seeks to reposition Thailand as a higher-value investment and production base.
Phuket developers are promoting long-term residence visas and registered property-use rights to attract foreign residents and investors, as the island’s property market cools after several years of rapid growth.
Bangkok has recorded one of the strongest increases in luxury residential prices among major global cities over the past decade, with values rising by about 75%, according to Savills Research.
Russia has proposed bilateral cooperation with Thailand on small modular reactors (SMRs), Russian Ambassador Evgeny Tomikhin said yesterday. He added that Moscow wants to build on a run of high-level contacts to lift trade, which he described as far below its potential.
A World Economic Forum report on ASEAN’s digital economy highlights the gap between digital ambition and practical execution, positioning Thailand’s leadership as pivotal. Having chaired negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) across 14 rounds culminating in 2026, Thailand now faces the challenge of translating this agreement into functional cross-border systems for payments, digital identity, and data governance.
Suvarnabhumi Cargo Terminal Stays Open as Thai Airways Clears 8,000 Delayed Bags
When an expatriate dies in Thailand, relatives may have to deal with Thai authorities, the deceased’s embassy, funeral arrangements and an estate spread across several countries. The process is easier when each step is handled in the correct order.
Living in Thailand does not mean your estate exists only in Thailand. An expat may own a Thai condominium, maintain bank accounts offshore, hold US shares through an international platform and have pensions or property in their home country.
A retiree who ditched Australia for a “better life” in Thailand has revealed how he “lives like a king” for roughly $65 a day and is now helping other older Aussies do the same.
US President Donald Trump unveiled what he called a “damn good” AI chatbot, but it quickly drew attention for contradicting some of his contentious political claims. A day later, however, it stopped answering some political questions. 
Japan has toughened requirements for foreigners wanting to obtain permanent residency. Under new rules that will come into effect in stages, foreign residents wishing to stay in Japan permanently will have to prove their annual income is above average and they can carry casual conversations in Japanese. 
The Netherlands protects low-lying communities in two complementary ways: holding back dangerous sea surges and giving swollen rivers more room. For Bangkok’s flood debate, the Dutch example extends beyond the height of a barrier to how water, land and infrastructure are managed together.
160-billion-baht mega-project canal could solve flooding problems
The intense rainfall over Bangkok and surrounding provinces — widely described in Thai media as a “rain bomb” — has begun to ease, but deep flooding remains in several communities and has renewed scrutiny of the government’s disaster-warning and water-management systems.
The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) expects Bangkok hotel occupancy in September–October to fall by less than 10% from a year earlier, as flooding raises concerns about Chinese travel ahead of the Golden Week holiday.
Severe urban flooding across central Bangkok has plunged the capital’s restaurant industry into a critical liquidity crisis, with operators reporting revenue losses of up to 80% as commuting chaos deters diners and crippling supply-chain bottlenecks push up produce prices.
Thailand moves carefully with AI regulation, as US tech warns over hindering investment
Thai farmer groups and civil society organizations have expressed several key concerns regarding the potential adoption of the UPOV 1991 convention. Their primary worries center on the legal restrictions the treaty could impose on traditional farming practices, specifically the ability of farmers to save, exchange, and use seeds.
Cargill plans to invest USD 60 million in Thailand to expand its poultry business and upgrade production facilities in Saraburi. The investment will increase production capacity while introducing automation and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to improve efficiency, food safety, and innovation.
Maya Bay reopens tomorrow after its annual closure
A 51-year-old tenant found a 1.5-meter cobra inside his toilet at a rented room in Pathum Thani on Monday, with floodwater standing around the property.
Housework in the morning followed by several hours of firefighting: women in Indonesian Borneo risk life and limb to battle blazes making their communities sick, all while shouldering a sexist backlash. 
After more than a decade, the US-led coalition is ending its mission in Iraq, having helped save the country from jihadists while causing persistent friction. Coalition troops deployed to Iraq and Syria in 2014 to fight the Islamic State (IS) group, which had seized large swathes of both countries and committed massacres and atrocities. 
Hua Hin ready to clear beach after decades-long dispute
Thai teenage rock musician Nene Royal is extending her breakthrough on America’s Got Talent into US television appearances and major concert opportunities, days after becoming the first Thai contestant to win the competition.
Thailand’s customs-cleared exports rose 24.3% in August from a year earlier, driven by strong shipments to the United States and continuing demand for electronics, the Commerce Ministry said yesterday.
Speaking at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a statement under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All,” marking 80 years of Thai membership in the organization.
For most of the past two decades, the Thailand-China relationship was defined by trade volume and Chinese manufacturing relocation. Increasingly, it is defined by something else: the transfer of Chinese technology, standards, and industrial know-how directly into the operating base of the Thai economy.
Thailand is preparing to open its 26th petroleum exploration and production bidding round in the Andaman Sea as part of efforts to increase domestic gas supplies, reduce dependence on costly liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and strengthen long-term energy security.
Thailand is developing a risk-based legal framework for artificial intelligence that focuses on enhancing digital accountability, consumer protection, and ethics. These regulations aim to establish safeguards for AI adoption and development while addressing potential risks such as bias, security, and privacy.
Phuket has been voted the leading wellness destination by Canadian travelers in Air Canada Vacations’ 2026 Travelers’ Top Picks Awards. The result was announced at the company’s Toronto Product Launch at Universal Event Space in Toronto, Canada.
Those darn elephants! Being the smallest means you’re never walking alone
How the ‘Three-Water City’ is rewriting the rules of travel
Phuket expects this year’s Vegetarian Festival to generate at least 1.4 billion baht in economic activity. Visitors from Thailand, China, Malaysia, and Singapore are expected to be the primary groups attending the festival.
Thailand recorded the highest electrified vehicle (xEV) sales among ASEAN-6 markets in the first half of 2026, with volumes rising 47% year on year to 206,000 units, according to PwC. Sales outpaced Vietnam at 127,000 units and Indonesia at 114,000 units, reinforcing Thailand’s position as a leading regional hub for electric mobility.
US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday for a lavish summit that was heavy on symbolism but light on substance, with no sign of breakthroughs on thorny issues such as AI, trade, Taiwan and the war with Iran. 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a combative speech at the 81st United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, defending Israel’s actions in the region as dozens of delegates walked out of the chamber in protest. 
Happiness may be subjective, but living on lush tropical islands and eating delicious food is probably a good formula for the emotion when living abroad. And foreigners in Thailand appear to be the happiest of all.
Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony returns to Hua Hin Saturday
Grab is expanding its airport services to prepare for the fourth-quarter travel peak, a period when its airport ride bookings typically increase by 35% to 40% compared to non-peak times. To manage this anticipated surge, the company has expanded its pick-up area at Suvarnabhumi airport from three lanes to 12 lanes and introduced new booking tools, including a feature called NIP.
The competition in Thailand’s logistics and express-delivery market has shifted from price and scale toward faster, more reliable, and specialized services. This transition is driven by economic pressures, rising fuel costs, and increasing consumer expectations for service quality and reliability.
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a draft Cannabis Control Act that would place tighter controls on cultivation, sales and medical prescribing. The proposal must now go before the House of Representatives.
Thailand is confronting a renewed energy-security challenge as the crisis around the Strait of Hormuz pushes global LNG prices to about US$28 per million British thermal units, close to levels seen during the Russia-Ukraine energy shock. Thailand is responding by accelerating domestic gas exploration, reviewing LNG procurement strategy and seeking to diversify away from spot-market exposure.
Assoc Prof. Aat Pisanwanich of Rangsit University’s Faculty of Economics said yesterday the university had prepared an economic and international trade policy analysis of the Thai Household Cost of Living Index (CLI) for the third quarter of 2026 and the fourth-quarter outlook, titled “The impact of oil prices on Thai living costs”.
Thailand’s Cabinet approved a 43-billion-baht relief package yesterday, extending Thais Help Thais Plus through November and raising welfare-card support for October. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the measures would ease energy-related living costs and help keep Thailand’s 2026 growth on track for 2.5%.
The cabinet has endorsed a strategic plan for the Oil Fuel Fund and a fuel crisis response plan covering 2026-29 with wider use of biofuels made from domestic raw materials to help deal with volatility in global energy markets.
Healthcare in Thailand is expanding its medical tourism services, which include hospital healthcare, preventive health services, wellness programs, and tourism services, for international tourists in both Bangkok and Phuket.
It’s the holiday hotspot that draws in billions of dollars with the promise of sun, sand and sex. Police promise Pattaya is one of the safest cities in Thailand. But the shocking killing of a teenage girl earlier this year exposed the dark underbelly of the city’s sex industry.
Trips to Thailand booked by Russian tourists through the end of the year could face disruptions amid a rise in reported COVID-19 cases. Some Russian travelers who have already paid for holidays at Thai resorts between October and December have reportedly been warned about possible problems with their trips as infections increase.