- Bangkok to Hua Hin roadway opens/Underground cables along soi 76/Vascular health seminar/Intercontinental best pet-fiendly hotel/Dengue cases cause 31 deaths/Police seize 7,872 guns/Pattaya readies for USS Abraham Lincoln/5,000 ‘fake Thais’
- THE IRAN WAR: Iran says US sanctions will achieve nothing
- ECONOMY: Cold War support accelerated Thailand’s rise/Billion-dollar data center question:/Thai MPC holds 1% policy rate/Thai vehicle sales rise
- TOURISM: Caught in the tourism trap/Airport rail contractor bows out/Roadworks to disrupt terminal access/Thai passport placed 99th
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Restaurants Anthony Bourdain visited in Thailand
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Solar Energy in Thailand/Grid modernization strengthens clean energy shift/Thailand’s Trade Survival Test/Sustainability is the new standard/War against Thailand’s eco-defenders
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/Devastating flash floods in Nepal/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
New section of Bangkok to Hua Hin roadway opens
A 25-kilometer section of the M82 motorway between Bang Khun Thian and Ban Phaeo will open toll-free on Aug. 28, marking a long-awaited improvement for people traveling between Bangkok, Hua Hin and southern Thailand.
The opening includes a 16.4-kilometer extension from Ekkachai to Ban Phaeo, allowing drivers to use the full elevated motorway continuously from the Bang Khun Thian interchange. Continued …
Hua Hin plans underground cables along soi 76
Plans to install underground cables in Hua Hin along a 600-meter section of Soi 76, have received backing from local residents. The 71.87-million-baht project will cover the route from Hua Hin Railway Station to the junction with Naresdamri Road.
Residents approved the proposal by a show of hands during a public consultation held on Monday. Continued …
Vascular health seminar set for Sept 26
Be Well Medical Center and BPK9 International Hospital are teaming up to host an interactive health seminar in Hua Hin focusing on common vascular diseases and circulation problems.
Taking place on Saturday, Sept. 2 at iSanook Resort in Khao Takiab, the session will cover three important areas: varicose veins, blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and arterial health and circulation. Continued …
Intercontinental Hua Hin named best pet-friendly hotel
InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has been named The Most Favorite Pet-Friendly Hotel at the 16th AROUND AWARDS 2026. The annual awards, organized as part of AROUND Magazine’s 16th anniversary, recognize hotels, restaurants and lifestyle businesses across Thailand.
The resort offers several facilities and activities for guests traveling with pets, including space to play at Art Botanic Garden, a dedicated pet pool, mini-train rides and pet ice cream. Continued …
Thailand 2026 dengue cases reach 21,620, with 31 deaths
Thailand has recorded 21,620 dengue infections and 31 deaths so far this year, as the seasonal outbreak continues to gather pace, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) said yesterday.
The figures cover Jan. 1 to Aug. 19. While infections remain below both last year’s level and the 2026 forecast, the upward trend is continuing during dengue season, according to Dr. Anek Mungaomklang, the DDC’s deputy director-general at the Ministry of Public Health. Continued …
Thai police seize 7,872 guns in 15-day crackdown
Thai police say they arrested suspects in 7,261 firearms-related cases and seized 7,872 guns during a nationwide 15-day crackdown between Aug. 12-26.
The operation targeted illegal guns, military weapons, ammunition, explosives and imitation firearms, as well as unlawful sales conducted both in person and through social-media channels. Continued …
Pattaya readies for USS Abraham Lincoln crew
Pattaya is preparing for the influx of US Navy personnel when the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and two accompanying vessels are scheduled to dock at Laem Chabang from Sept. 2-6.
Around 5,000 Navy and Marine Corps personnel are believed to be aboard the carrier. Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet said the city was ready to receive those who are permitted to come ashore for rest after a lengthy Middle East deployment. Continued …
Citizenship bust targets 5,000 ‘fake Thais’ in Chiang Mai
Local officials and migrants were among 20 suspects arrested in Chiang Mai as part of a fake citizenship bust believed to involve about 5,000 “fake Thais” made in just one district.
Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit said that about 200 police and administrative officials made the arrests while raiding the places of suspects in Chai Prakan district yesterday morning, as they found a network of fake Thai citizenship issuance there. Continued …
Iran says US sanctions will achieve nothing
Iran’s president insisted yesterday the United States would achieve nothing with its new sanctions campaign after Washington laid out plans to collapse the country’s economy.
Almost six months into their war, the two sides are locked in a stalemate, with Iran keeping the key Strait of Hormuz shut and Washington persisting with a naval counter-blockade of Iran. Continued …
How US Cold War support accelerated Thailand’s rise in Southeast Asia
American money, military spending and technical assistance helped Thailand build roads, airports and modern institutions while neighboring states faced wars. The transformation brought rapid growth, but also strengthened military rule and widened social inequality.
The Friendship Highway between Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchasima looks like an ordinary part of Thailand’s transport network today. When the 147-kilometer road opened in 1958, however, it represented a profound shift in the country’s development. Continued …
The billion-dollar data center question: How much does Thailand gain?
Data centers have dominated the discourse in Thailand over the past year, becoming a symbol of technological advancement and innovation and evidence that Thailand is capturing a valuable component of the AI value chain.
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) has labeled data centers the golden child of the country’s investment pipeline, with total investment value already surpassing 700 billion baht and spanning 42 projects between 2024 and now. Continued …
Thai MPC holds 1% policy rate while economic growth remains subdued
Don Nakornthab, secretary of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), announced the committee voted unanimously to keep the policy rate unchanged at 1% per annum. The technology and artificial intelligence (AI) cycle continues to provide momentum to the Thai economy, but growth remains low and uneven, he said.
Inflation is lower than previously projected, he added, although it is expected to rise over the remainder of 2026 and into early 2027. Continued …
Thai vehicle sales rise 20% in July, led by EVs
New vehicle sales in Thailand increased by over 20% to 59,196 units in July, up from 49,102 units a year earlier, according to the latest data released by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
The market was driven higher by continued strong demand for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), sales of which surged by 122% year-on-year to 20,990 units last month, while sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger cars declined by 35% to 7,553 units. Continued …
Thailand is caught in the tourism trap
For two decades, Thailand was regarded as a sure-fire success story in the Asian travel industry. In 2019, the last year before the pandemic, just under 40 million international visitors traveled to the country, generating revenue of around three trillion baht.
That level is now further out of reach than the official statements of recent years would have suggested. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has lowered its forecast for 2026 to between 30 and 34 million international arrivals, a decline of around 18% compared with the original target. Continued …
Airport high-speed rail contractor bows out – again
A CP-linked company has reaffirmed its intention to exercise its right to end the public-private partnership for Thailand’s three-airport high-speed rail project, raising the possibility that it will stop operating the Airport Rail Link on Sept. 30.
Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat said Asia Era One Co. had sent a second letter to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), maintaining its request to exercise its right to terminate the partnership contract. Continued …
Suvarnabhumi roadworks to disrupt terminal access
Passengers heading to Suvarnabhumi Airport face seven months of traffic diversions on the elevated roads serving the passenger terminal, starting on Aug.31. The maintenance program will run until April 7, 2027, affecting elevated access routes to and from the terminal, which connect with Motorway No. 7, the Bangkok-Chonburi route.
Three lanes in affected sections will be closed in phases during the work, leaving two lanes open through diversions. Airport authorities warned that this could lead to slower traffic, particularly at busy times. Continued …
Thai passport placed 99th worldwide
Thailand’s passport has been ranked 99th worldwide by Passport Reports, with a mobility score of 93. The assessment places Thailand fifth among the 11 ASEAN countries and 21st among 50 Asian countries assessed.
The score should not be read as visa-free access to 93 countries. It combines 40 fully visa-free destinations, 48 where a visa on arrival or another facilitated entry process is available, and five destinations requiring an electronic travel authorization (eTA). A conventional visa or other advance approval is still needed for 105 destinations, representing 53% of those covered in the report. Continued …
The restaurants Anthony Bourdain visited in Thailand (and what he ate there)
While devout foodies will say he never really leaves the conversation, A24’s recent release of “Tony” arguably catapults the late chef, author, and television host back into the mainstream. Having visited Thailand several times, we put together a kind of checklist of restaurants in Bangkok and Chiang Mai that Anthony Bourdain once visited. True fans will know: he would have hated this listicle.
For many people, Bourdain’s first book, Kitchen Confidential, completely changed perceptions around life in the kitchen and the restaurant industry as a whole. Shattering stereotypes many may have had around the prestigious world of fine dining (verbal abuse, drug abuse, and the secrets of your brunch-time Hollandaise), the brilliant chef-turned-author wrote with incredible relatability, and a refreshingly raw honesty. Continued …
A Glimpse of Solar Energy in Thailand
Thailand is among the countries in Southeast Asia that are beginning the transition to solar energy. Yet, the journey was not sleek at first. With less than two megawatts (MW) of installed capacity, Thailand’s solar power business was at a halt in 2008.
However, the government was beginning to provide incentives for renewable energy providers, and the cost of technology was decreasing. Also, the country’s concerns over the past decade have changed from depleting domestic gas supplies to figuring out how rapidly it can increase its solar energy capacity. Solar is presently at the center of energy security, trade competitiveness, and rural development. Continued …
Grid modernization strengthens Thailand’s clean energy shift
Thailand’s move toward cleaner energy is putting greater pressure on the country’s electricity network to accommodate more renewable power while maintaining reliability, affordability and system stability.
As climate change intensifies, governments and businesses are accelerating efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Thailand has also stepped up its environmental ambitions, with a national target of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Continued …
Green Rules, Real Risk: Thailand’s Trade Survival Test
Since Aug. 12, any Thai exporter shipping packaged goods into the EU has technically fallen under the bloc’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) – whether they know it or not.
Combined with the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), now in its financial phase, the rules mark a structural shift in how Europe, Thailand’s fourth-largest export market, decides who gets shelf space. EXIM Thailand, the state export credit agency, has already warned that unprepared exporters risk losing orders outright. Continued …
Sustainability is the new standard for Thai businesses
As the world shifts toward a greener future, Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) is stepping up to ensure Thai businesses don’t just survive, but thrive.
In this exclusive interview, Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the DFT, explains: Why sustainability is no longer an “option” but a compulsory requirement for global trade, and more. Video …
The ongoing war against Thailand’s eco-defenders
Thailand is facing a double crisis: an overwhelming volume of illegally dumped hazardous waste and a deadly climate of intimidation against activists trying to stop it.
In Prachin Buri province, environmental campaigner Sumet Rienpongnam now lives with a bounty of 2 million baht on his head. Sumet, 54, began campaigning when the stench from a local dump site spread across his community, causing daily misery. Continued …
-
Chinese-funded factory in Chonburi shut over buried waste – Continued …
-
Chinese smuggling suspect arrested in Chiang Rai – Continued …
-
Ukrainian arrested in Buriram after gun report – Continued …
Hundreds of tourists and locals feared dead after devastating flash floods in Nepal
At least 160 people are known to have died in massive flash floods and mudslides that engulfed a remote region on the Nepal-Tibet border. Hundreds more people, including travelers from many countries, are missing following the catastrophe. The missing tourists include more than 100 from India, 54 from the US, and 33 from the UK, as well as more than 100 from Nepal itself, according to Nepal’s tourist board. The area is popular with pilgrims and trekkers. Video …
Glacier collapse may have triggered Nepal-Tibet floods
The collapse of the lower section of a Himalayan glacier may have unleashed the ice, rock and sediment that caused catastrophic flooding near Nepal’s border with Tibet, although experts have not established why the glacier failed. Satellite images indicated that part of the glacier broke away at an altitude of about 5,200 meters before plunging approximately 1,200 meters onto the valley floor. Continued …
Canada renews push to boycott US products
Philippe Meranger just finished his grocery shopping in Montreal. The 61-year-old held several products under his arm as he said: “Tariffs hurt our economy, but they force us to buy Canadian. And I’m all for that.” Continued …
Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City proposes curbs on gasoline, diesel vehicles
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s commercialhub, is proposing to gradually restrict gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles from its downtown area from mid-2027 as part of a planned low-emission zone (LEZ). Under the proposal, the city would pilot the LEZ from July 2027 in its core downtown area and the new Thu Thiem urban area, which covers roughly 930 hectares (3.59 square miles). 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
PropertyGuru Group has announced the shortlisted nominees for the 21st PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards, identifying the kingdom’s leading real estate companies ahead of the black-tie gala celebration at Dusit Thani Bangkok on Sept. 18. The shortlist represents a broad cross-section of Thailand’s property sector, with recognition extending from Bangkok to Phuket, the Eastern Seaboard, Hua Hin, and southern Thailand.
Krabi bridge to Koh Lanta set for 2029 opening
First phase of Thai-Cambodian border fence finished, Navy to start second
Southeast Asia’s budget airlines are hoping the worst of the fuel-price shock triggered by the Middle East conflict has passed, but pressure on margins and household finances threatens to prolong the sector’s difficult recovery.
Thailand’s Department of Business Development (DBD) has introduced new registration requirements aimed at closing loopholes that allow foreigners to control Thai companies through nominee shareholders. Order No. 2/2026 of the Office of the Central Company and Partnership Registration took effect on Aug. 1, and marks the latest step in a regulatory push that has been building steadily since the beginning of the year.
Northern Thailand could become a crucial pillar of global food security, as severe climate shocks, unpredictable weather and shifting trade patterns place unprecedented pressure on agricultural supplies worldwide.
A Thai nationalist group went to the Israeli Embassy in Thailand yesterday to submit a letter over alleged misconduct by Israeli tourists and residents, but embassy staff refused to accept it.
Ryan Blackley, 35, and his wife Jess, 34, left the UK for Chiang Mai with their sons Noah, six, and Bodhi, four, in February. The family now holds five-year Destination Thailand Visas and is using Thailand as a base for a longer period of travel across Asia.
A confidential US diplomatic memo, circulated to a handful of countries in late July, formally committed the United States to blocking binding limits on plastic production and chemical additives at United Nations treaty negotiations — a position that peer-reviewed lifecycle modeling published in January shows is the single most important intervention for reducing a global disease burden currently costing more than $1.5 trillion a year.
Most people who live in Hua Hin have made the drive south at some point. Pranburi, Sam Roi Yot, maybe as far as Prachuap for the day. Rather fewer keep going, and that is where it gets interesting.
Thailand’s biggest financial regulatory overhaul in 27 years threatens tougher, more intrusive banking for foreigners. The Bank of Thailandn is bringing digital payments and providers under tighter control. Banks must intensify checks on mule accounts, gray capital, foreign QR payments and unusual transfers.
23,536 violent incidents, 7,790 deaths and 14,794 injuries
For decades, the standard of healthcare a person received was often dictated by their postcode. Rural provinces worldwide routinely lag behind major cosmopolitan centers in accessing specialist doctors and advanced medical technologies.
Tharina Botes wins Miss Universe Thailand 2026 crown
A video featuring messages and photographs from 100 Thai supporters has appeared on a giant billboard in New York’s Times Square as Phuket performer Nene Royal prepares for the live quarter-finals of America’s Got Talent Season 21.
Thailand’s economy is facing three overlapping economic storms: an energy-price shock and current-account deficit, a system-wide rise in production costs, and weakening domestic purchasing power, Vice Minister for Finance Santitarn Sathirathai said.
Thai retailers have called on the government to crack down on the massive influx of cheap foreign goods entering the country through cross-border e-commerce platforms, warning that unfair price competition is threatening the survival of millions of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Japanese carmakers will not relocate manufacturing hubs instantly, but the current flood of Chinese electric vehicles is catalyzing price wars in the Thai market, according to Archanun Kohpaiboon.
For thousands of Thai smallholders, cattle rearing has long been a traditional cornerstone of rural livelihood, insulated from international supply chains. However, under a sweeping economic modernization drive led by the Royal Thai government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, this grassroots industry is being systematically propelled onto the global stage.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has unveiled a comprehensive drive to upgrade provincial airport infrastructure and airspace management, aiming to turn regional hubs into growth engines for trade, tourism, and investment.
Phuket’s waste disposal system is under growing pressure, with 1,200-1,300 tons of rubbish being sent for disposal each day and the province’s landfill already exceeding its capacity, Phuket City Mayor Suppachoke Laongphet has said. 
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada will impose retaliatory tariffs on a range of US goods after President Donald Trump introduced 50% tariffs on Canadian products, following the collapse of trade negotiations between the two neighboring countries. 
Humanoid robots on Sunday (August 23) took over the athletic arena at the World Robot Games, competing in sparring, sprinting, and taichi. 
21 provinces face heavy rain as depression strengthens
Flood conditions in Nan and Sukhothai have begun to improve, but another 7-9 storms could form before the end of the current storm season, climate and disaster specialist Seree Supratid has warned.
Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) Yodchanan Wongsawat ordered the rehabilitation and restoration of public utilities today in flood-ravaged Pua and Wiang Sa districts of Nan province, as floodwater is steadily receding.
Thai authorities have searched three locations in Pattaya and Bang Lamung as part of an investigation into suspected Thai nominee arrangements used to hold land and run businesses for foreigners.
Thailand’s electronics industry is entering a significant upcycle, as artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers accelerate global demand for components, with a clear impact on the country’s production base.
Investments and fishing communities clash in Rayong
Thailand’s grip on China’s vast tourism market is slipping, as safety fears drive holidaymakers toward fast-rising Vietnam. The kingdom now expects only 5.1 million Chinese arrivals, less than half its 2019 total.
Thai Airways is set to resume direct non-stop services between Bangkok and Auckland ahead of schedule, with launch plans brought forward by a year to March 2027.
Somsak Pu Ob: The Master of Bangkok’s Crab Glass Noodles
Thailand, done differently
Hua Hin Municipality officials met this week to discuss the installation of CCTV systems with 100 cameras and equipment in high-risk areas or areas with security needs. The project has already been reviewed and approved in principle.
Mayor visits Chat Chai market, hears concerns
Jaras Hua Hin at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has been awarded Thai Select 2 Stars for 2026, recognizing the restaurant’s Thai cuisine, quality ingredients, creative presentation, professional service and overall dining experience.
Chiva-Som Hua Hin has received a Prime Minister’s Export Award 2026 in the Best Services Enterprise – Wellness Services category, recognizing its contribution to Thailand’s wellness sector and international reputation.
Movie lovers in Hua Hin have a new place to come together with the launch of the Hua Hin Film Club, a new cultural initiative bringing selected films to local audiences alongside discussions, special events and opportunities to meet actors, filmmakers and others involved in the movies being screened.
How much is your personal information worth? Apparently, only a few hundred baht was enough to access sensitive information from a Thai government database.
The United States could maintain its naval blockade of Iran indefinitely by rotating warships through the region, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, signaling that Washington is prepared to keep economic pressure on Tehran while efforts to restore a peace agreement remain stalled.
Thai consumers continued to visit shops at almost the same frequency in July but sharply reduced the amount they were prepared to spend on each trip, pointing to weakening household purchasing power as the nationwide Retail Sentiment Index (RSI) fell 4.9 points to 46.6.
Sorry, but you will have to pay to read this one. See article on Bangkok Post’s new subscription service above. 
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied reports that the United States plans to establish a production base for unmanned aerial vehicles in Thailand, saying he had received no such report.
The Thai Hotels Association (THA) has urged the government to bring forward the launch of Thai Tiew Thai Plus to Sept. 1, so the co-payment campaign can stimulate domestic tourism during the low season.
From fan-favorite drunken noodles to spicy papaya salads and creamy curries, Thailand’s cuisine entices visitors from around the world. While over 17,400 Thai restaurants can be found internationally, eating pad Thai, fragrant coconut soups, and other punchy dishes in the “Land of Smiles” is a bucket list topper for many travelers.
What happens to a simple plastic water bottle once it is empty? At Gulf Development Public Co. (GULF), it marks the beginning of a transformative journey. In its second year, GULF’s flagship green initiative, “Turning Bottles into Purpose” has expanded its horizon.
Solar panel recycling could generate $6 billion in recovered materials by 2040 and exceed $20 billion by 2050, as more than 400 gigawatts of photovoltaic (PV) capacity reaches end-of-life, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) said.
President Donald Trump announced yesterday tariffs of up to 100% on imports of unmanned drones and their components to reduce US reliance on imports in an industry dominated by China. Donald Trump Jr. and his brother Eric Trump are prominent investors in Powerus, an American drone manufacturing and defense technology company seeking Pentagon contracts. 
Tourism of Si Khiri Khan Festival opens at Hua Hin train station
The Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin has announced that its 16th Amateur Charity Golf Classic will take place at Pineapple Valley Golf Club on Friday, Nov. 27. The annual tournament is one of the club’s main fundraising events, with proceeds supporting community projects, medical institutions and schools in Hua Hin and other areas.
Thailand’s sex trade remains illegal, but its presence is highly visible from Soi Cowboy in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area to Pattaya’s Walking Street, where nightlife businesses continue to draw visitors from around the world.
Oil prices rose to their highest levels in nearly two weeks today after negotiations between the United States and Iran over a peace agreement and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz reached an impasse, while Asian stock markets traded cautiously ahead of key US inflation data.
The baht has weakened by about 5% since the beginning of the year, making it the third-biggest decliner among major Asian currencies. A broader measure of its value against Thailand’s trading partners, however, suggests the depreciation continues to support the competitiveness of Thai exports.
Thailand is pressing China for deeper use of local materials and suppliers, wider market access for Thai SMEs and investment in agricultural processing. It seeks to reduce a trade imbalance that could reach a cumulative 12.14 trillion baht over 2016-2026.
Thailand’s trade with its free trade agreement partners rose by 21.8% year on year to US$243.67 billion in the first half of 2026, accounting for more than half of the country’s total global trade.
Thailand’s unemployment rate remains relatively low, but the labor market is showing signs of weakening, says SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), the research arm of Siam Commercial Bank.
To qualify for the government subsidy for installing rooftop solar panels, households must have a minimum monthly electricity bill of around 3,000 baht, according to the Finance Ministry.
The contiguous United States sizzled to its hottest month ever last month, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. July averaged 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit (24.94 degrees Celsius) across the lower 48 states, eclipsing the Dust Bowl’s July 1936 by an eighth of a degree. Records go back to 1895. – USA Today
At least 132 people have died, and 570 have been injured as a result of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck earlier yesterday, according to the Colombian Association of Capital Cities, which earlier took part in an disaster response meeting with the president. 
Torrential rain from Typhoon Dolphin flooded roads and commercial areas across Shanghai yesterday, forcing the city’s two airports to cancel 943 flights and reducing their combined capacity by nearly 40%. 
A majority of Americans across the political divide support stronger government oversight of social media companies, including age-verification requirements intended to prevent children under 16 from using their platforms. 
Father after father Agence France-Presse (AFP) spoke to in Afghanistan about the education ban that stops their daughters going beyond primary school choked up in despair. The pain and anguish it is causing behind closed doors is clear from interviews AFP conducted across the country, with even deeply religious fathers questioning the ruling. 
Electric vehicle drivers in Hua Hin now have access to 61 charging stations offering 162 charging points, according to figures published by the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Energy Office. Across the province, there are 109 EV charging stations with a total of 294 charging points, covering all eight districts.
Large crowds gathered at Wat Huay Mongkol in Hua Hin yesterday for the 13th Luang Pu Thuat robe-draping ceremony, one of the region’s main faith-based tourism events.
Prachuap Khiri Khan officials are reviewing preparations for the possible reopening of the Singkhon border crossing, as authorities look to resume trade between Thailand and Myanmar.
People in Thailand lost nearly B9 billion to online scam networks during the first six months of 2026, when more than 170,000 online fraud cases were recorded. Average losses exceeded B52,000 per case.
Thailand is bracing for a worsening wave of corporate liquidations in the second half of the year, following fresh government data showing that major corporations are shutting down at an unprecedented rate alongside struggling small enterprises.
The Thai economy in June remained broadly stable from the previous month. Private consumption increased, supported in part by government measures and continued growth in electric vehicle sales.
Thailand has captured more than $26.8 billion (approx. 900 billion baht) in investment applications for its semiconductor and advanced electronics sectors over the past three years, cementing its position as a primary beneficiary of global supply chain diversification away from traditional manufacturing hubs.
Thailand’s exports rose 17.6% year-on-year to US$196.74 billion in the first six months of 2026, with technology and electronics leading the increase, the government said yesterday.
Putting the spotlight on an open secret
The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok has urged Chinese citizens attending cultural performances, sporting events and fan meetings in Thailand to comply strictly with local laws and venue regulations, following several incidents involving Chinese tourists.
Pattaya Bay moves to cap tour boat operators
When Lynda Lazaridis gets dressed, she chooses her clothes carefully. The Melbourne grandmother’s breasts were virtually removed, and her nipples relocated up near her armpits.
12 mythical giants watch over Suvarnabhumi Airport
Bangkok ranks ninth on Time Out’s 2026 street food list
When 35% of a year’s rainfall falls within a single week, as it did in parts of Thailand last year, the failure is not simply meteorological. It is a failure of design, of coordination, and — increasingly — of economics.
Western Europe experienced its hottest June-July on record as climate change fuels an historic summer of heat, drought and wildfires across the region, the EU’s global warming monitor said today. 
Chinese start-ups and researchers are racing to bring brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to market that can be implanted in just a few minutes, as Beijing pushes to nurture home-grown players in the sector to compete with Elon Musk’s Neuralink. 
A 13-year-old schoolboy has died after being stung by jellyfish while swimming at Ban Fai Tha beach in Sichon district, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Three people who went to help him were also injured by the stings but are now safe and recovering.
Jiew Sai Yok, a lost wild elephant calf being cared for at Sai Yok National Park, died peacefully at around 2am yesterday, leaving veterinarians and park officials deeply saddened.
A Thai analysis published Sunday has challenged government claims of a strong GDP recovery, arguing that headline growth is failing to reach ordinary households and small businesses.
Thailand Post is repositioning itself as a key driver of Thailand’s digital economy, unveiling a new corporate strategy dubbed “RelationSHIFT” as it seeks to transform from a traditional postal operator into a lifestyle logistics brand that connects people, businesses, communities and government services through its nationwide network.
Thailand Retains Rank as World’s Second-Largest Pet Food Exporter
Thailand’s repeat visitors are showing stronger loyalty to Hua Hin and Pattaya than to Phuket, according to a new analysis by travel platform 12Go.
Thai travelers are increasingly choosing short restorative breaks, marathon-related holidays and more in-depth visits to secondary cities as travel patterns shift in 2026.
Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the launch of new direct air routes connecting key cities in Indonesia and Thailand, highlighting expanded aviation connectivity as a vital driver for strengthening people-to-people ties and boosting regional tourism.
Some history behind Thailand’s Naga serpent
How History Made Thais Obsessed with Sugar
North Korea’s state media has recommended dog meat soup as protection against summer heat, reviving Pyongyang’s long-running effort to promote the controversial dish as record high temperatures grip both sides of the Korean peninsula. 
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged authorities to step up support for people affected by a record heat wave in the country, saying the death toll had risen to 16 and warning that extreme weather was becoming more frequent. 
Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross yesterday, her son Kim Aris said, who has not heard from her directly in years. 
Searchlights sweep across the rivers of Malaysia’s Sarawak state as licensed hunters track crocodiles in the dark. Their work is part of a broader effort to manage a tension between wildlife and the communities that rely on the water every day. 
Hua Hin has a new Taco Bell, which opened a new branch on Phetkasem Road, near the Hua Hin Clock Tower.
Appetite grows for Talay Noi swamp buffalo meat
Thailand will not face a crude oil shortage in August despite the ongoing war in the Middle East, as supply remains sufficient for all six domestic refineries, according to the Department of Energy Business (DOEB).
The Thai baht is trading near its weakest level in over 15 months against the US Dollar, as a confluence of external pressures continues to erode its value. The currency’s decline has been driven by a renewed spike in oil prices, compounded by a firmer USD and rising US Treasury yields.
Thailand’s personal income-tax base remains heavily concentrated among a relatively small number of earners, with only 5.14 million of 12.57 million people who filed returns for the 2024 tax year required to pay tax.
When Thailand’s Revenue Department released its latest personal income tax filing figures, the headline number was not the roughly 12 million people who submitted a return. It was the much smaller group behind it: an estimated 5 million filers, or around 40%of those who filed, who actually owed any tax at all.
Here he goes again. US President Donald Trump is increasing and decreasing tariffs willy-nilly, violating international agreements that he himself signed and almost surely violating federal law. The only difference this time is that he has a new pretext for abusing tariffs: stopping forced labor.
Trade deficit marks a sea change
Private consumption in Thailand increased by 1.1% month-on-month in June, accelerating from 0.6% in the previous month. It marked the second straight month of growth, driven mainly by stronger spending on non-durable goods amid higher consumer goods sales following government stimulus measures, as well as improved fuel consumption as retail fuel prices declined and sales returned closer to normal levels.
Inviting the fury of the Thai public on a matter that is admittedly done and dusted, I cannot help but feel compelled to at least voice my misgivings over the recent “noisy Italian students” incident, especially how it played out compared with another similar occurrence.
Bangkok’s Chao Phraya draws new hotels, attractions and megaprojects
Thailand launches 10 hiking schools for responsible forest tourism
Footage from a hotel in Krabi is leaving viewers unsettled after a couple reportedly discovered a large cobra lurking near their bed before sunrise.One of the guests initially treated the commotion as just being startled from a bad dream or some other misunderstanding. Only moments later did they realize why their partner had suddenly woken up and run from the room in a panic at about 5 am.
The History of Talad Noi
Thailand must accelerate its transition to advanced green manufacturing if it hopes to remain competitive in an increasingly sustainability-driven global economy, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).
Waste is often seen as the inevitable by-product of economic growth. In reality, it may become one of the most valuable resources economies possess.
Data center race faces power, water logjam
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.
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.
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.
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.