- Hua Hin-Cha-am among six new MICE Cities/Nene Royal gifted Bangkok home/Thailand’s political stagnation
- THE IRAN WAR: US ‘must choose’ whether to end war/Oil gains about 3%/Average EU diesel price hits record
- ECONOMY: No approval for 5%–10% price rises/Anutin courts US investment/Is Thailand still a laggard in ASEAN?/Thailand hospitals’ Q3 net profit/Bangkok city plan reshapes key areas
- TOURISM: Tourists booking more side trips/13 million Thai travelers/Thailand DTV visa/Thailand Tourism Chases U.S. Visitors
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Family-Run Restaurants Preserving Southern Thailand’s Culinary Heritage/Best Places to Eat During Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival/Thai Basil Vs. Italian Basil
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand’s solar scheme faces hurdles/Greener data centers /Why has Thailand delayed its nuclear power plans?/Nepal PM says floods ‘a warning’
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin-Cha-am among six new MICE Cities
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau ((TCEB), has certified six new destinations across the country as official “MICE Cities”, a network that is now expanded to 16 destinations. It is a network that gives event organizers and international clients a wide choice of destinations, while enabling more cities across Thailand to leverage MICE as a driver of local economic development.
The latest 2026 MICE City assessment resulted in two key outcomes. Three existing MICE Cities – Surat Thani, Phitsanulok and Udon Thani – successfully renewed their MICE City certification, while six new destinations – Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Rayong, Hua Hin–Cha-am, Krabi and Nakhon Si Thammarat – were newly certified as MICE Cities. Continued …
AGT winner Nene Royal gifted Bangkok home
Rattikan “Praew” Amloy, the 16-year-old Phuket artist known as Nene Royal, has received a two-bedroom Bangkok condominium for her family from CP Group Chairman Dhanin Chearavanont and his family.
Nene was named the 2026 America’s Got Talent winner, becoming the first Thai winner of the US television competition. She also won the program’s US$1 million prize, which is paid over 40 years. The home was given in recognition of the teenager’s determination and commitment to building an artistic career. Continued …
What factors contributed to Thailand’s political stagnation over 20 years?
Thailand’s political stagnation over the past two decades has been driven by a cycle of military coups, repeated constitutional rewriting, and frequent judicial interventions that have removed elected leaders. These factors, alongside the dissolution of political parties and ongoing instability, have hindered the country’s ability to implement consistent policies.
The instability is further characterized by a tension between traditional elite networks and emerging reformist movements, which often leads to prolonged political deadlock. This environment has seen frequent shifts in governance, including the impact of various coups and the use of the judiciary to influence political outcomes. Additionally, the dominance of established political families and the influence of vested interests continue to shape the landscape, often complicating efforts toward meaningful institutional reform.
US ‘must choose’ whether to end war: Iran president
It is for the United States to choose whether to end its war in Iran, as Tehran does not wish to continue fighting, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Fox News in an interview aired yesterday.
Pezeshkian took a defiant stand at the UN Wednesday, for which he traveled to New York, telling the world that Iran would not “bend at the knee” to Washington – even as US President Donald Trump acknowledged ongoing US-Iran talks. Continued …
Oil gains about 3% as Houthis target Saudi Arabia
Oil prices settled about 3% higher yesterday, as a Houthi missile attack on Saudi Arabia revived fears of supply disruptions. Reports of US-Iran talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz subsequently tempered the gains.
Brent crude futures closed at US$106.60 a barrel, gaining US$3.52, or 3.4%, to reach their highest settlement since Sept. 15. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude finished at US$94.61 a barrel, up US$2.45, or 2.7%. The increase ended a six-session losing streak during which WTI had fallen about 13%. Continued …
Average EU diesel price hits record €2.23 a liter
Diesel prices at pumps across the European Union (EU) have hit a new high of €2.23 per liter, up from €2.16 the previous week, an Agence France-Presse (AFP) analysis of European Commission data published yesterday showed.
The fresh peak – equivalent to US$9.63 per US gallon – comes as the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine have choked off crude supplies and damaged refineries, causing energy prices to surge worldwide. Continued …
No approval for 5%–10% consumer goods price rises from Oct 1
Thailand’s Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has not approved reported 5%–10% increases in consumer goods prices scheduled for Oct. 1, 2026, Director-general Wittayakorn Maneenetr said yesterday. Some manufacturers had submitted applications, but the department had not authorized the increases.
Prices of some food and household products had reportedly already risen by 5%–10%, with new prices for certain products announced to take effect on Oct. 1. Wittayakorn said repeated field visits and checks with major consumer goods manufacturers had found no reports or signs of the anticipated price increases. Continued …
Anutin courts US investment
Thailand is positioning itself as a strategic gateway to the ASEAN regional market, which consists of approximately 700 million people, to provide US businesses with access to broader Southeast Asian trade and investment opportunities.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has specifically identified several key sectors where US-Thai cooperation and investment could expand. These target markets include future technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital technology, and cybersecurity, as well as energy, supply chain management, and manufacturing.
Additionally, the government is promoting partnerships in clean energy, digital infrastructure, and the digital economy to support long-term growth. The country also aims to facilitate cooperation in sectors like logistics, healthcare, and sustainable technology as part of its broader strategy to be a regional hub.
Is Thailand still a laggard in ASEAN?
Thailand has suffered from sluggish economic growth, with only 2% GDP growth, while regional peers have reached higher growth.
Derek Keswakaroon, managing partner of Bain & Company Thailand, said that Thailand needs to address aging demographics and high household debt immediately. Video …
Thailand hospitals’ Q3 net profit seen up 11% to $243.9 million
Thailand’s six hospitals are expected to post an 11% year-on-year (YoY) increase in aggregate net profit to $243.9 million (8.16 billion baht) in the third quarter (Q3), according to CGS International. CGS International attributed the growth to the recovery of foreign patient traffic and rising demand during influenza and COVID-19 outbreaks.
The brokerage expects aggregate profit to rise 31% from the previous quarter, with revenue increasing 11% YoY and 13% quarter on quarter (QoQ) to $1.46 billion (48.88 billion baht). Continued …
Bangkok city plan reshapes 24 key areas around rail and future urban trends
Bangkok is approaching a major turning point in urban development, as its expanding rail network pushes growth beyond the city center and into suburban areas. Location is therefore becoming less about distance from central Bangkok and more about connectivity, access to services and the quality of life an area can offer.
The shift is forcing property developers to rethink their approach from simply “selling space” toward creating greater value for everyday living. At the same time, urban planning rules are being adjusted so land use can better reflect Bangkok’s changing structure. Continued …
Tourists booking more side trips during Thai stays
Bookings for Thailand-origin trips using two or more types of transport grew 49% in 2025 compared with 2024, according to 12Go. This was faster than the 40% growth in Thailand-origin bookings overall. Of these multimodal trips, 88% included an island destination.
Rather than booking a single flight to a resort destination, more travelers are building trips around several destinations — traveling from Bangkok to the south, continuing by road to the coast and then taking a ferry to an island. The trend is particularly relevant in Thailand, where major tourism hubs are connected to a vast network of road, rail, air and sea transport. Continued …
13 million Thai travelers spent record 559 billion baht abroad in 2025
Thai outbound traveler numbers reached a record 13.06 million in 2025, up 11.4% from 2024, while overseas spending hit an all-time high of 559 billion baht. China was the most popular destination.
The destination figures show how affordability, transport connections and confidence about entry requirements can influence travel decisions, alongside the attractions themselves. Spending also varied considerably, with longer stays helping make the United Kingdom a much higher-spending destination per trip than the leading Asian markets. Continued …
Thailand DTV visa: requirements, costs and money guide
The appeal of the Thai DTV is obvious – you get up to five years of multiple entry access to Thailand so you can do more without relying on short tourist stays. However, before you apply, you’ll need to check the financial eligibility requirements, what remote work does and does not cover, and the documents and application process that applies.
According to the official Thai e-Visa DTV page, the Destination Thailand Visa is for workcation travel and Thai soft-power related activities. In practice, it gives a longer-stay route for remote employees, freelancers, foreign talent, and some spouses and children joining the main holder. Continued …
Thailand Tourism Chases 1.5 Million U.S. Visitors With New Vision
Thailand aims to welcome 1.5 million Americans in 2026 as it shifts its tourism strategy to draw higher-spending visitors to boost international tourism. Last year, 1.08 million Americans visited Thailand, with 716,983 Americans arriving between January and September of this year.
There is a lot of ground to cover to achieve its overall target for the year. Thailand’s tourism board has a presence in major American cities like New York, Chicago, and LA, and is sponsoring several campaigns to draw more American travelers. Some travel agents say there is little to no interest for travel to Thailand, which could make achieving the country’s tourism goals for the year a challenge. Continued …
The Family-Run Restaurants Preserving Southern Thailand’s Culinary Heritage
Southern Thailand’s culinary identity has been shaped by centuries of trade and migration, with Peranakan, Chinese, Malay, Indonesian, and Thai influences coming together over generations. The result is a cuisine known for its bold spices, complex flavours, and distinctive regional character.
Many of the region’s most enduring restaurants are family-run institutions, tucked into rustic eateries and historic Sino- Portuguese shophouses where recipes have been handed down from one generation to the next. From Phuket and Phang Nga to Krabi, Trang and Koh Samui, these are places where the food comes with a story – and where old-fashioned hospitality is still part of the recipe. Continued …
The Best Places to Eat During Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival
When it comes to Phuket’s biggest and most vibrant annual festivals, few draw as much attention as the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Each year, the celebration brings visitors from around the world to Phuket for a striking mix of faith, tradition and food.
To help you make the most of the festival, the MICHELIN Guide has rounded up a few things worth knowing before you go, along with four restaurants selected by our Inspectors for those looking to eat vegetarian while taking part in the festivities. Continued …
Thai Basil Vs. Italian Basil: What’s The Difference?
When a recipe calls for basil, you might picture the broad, bright green leaves commonly found in pesto or scattered over a Caprese salad. That’s Italian sweet basil, one of the most familiar varieties in many kitchens. But it’s far from the only type of basil you’ll find at the grocery store or farmers’ market.
Thai basil is another popular variety, particularly in Southeast Asian cooking. While the two herbs belong to the same mint family and can look similar at first glance, their appearances and, more importantly, their flavors are quite different. So, can you use them interchangeably? Sometimes, but don’t expect the same dish. Continued …
Thailand’s solar scheme faces hurdles as low power users turned off by high cost
Toey Wattana Mongkhonnam began thinking about outfitting his family home in Thailand’s northeastern province of Yasothon with solar panels during the Covid-19 pandemic. In his household of five, electricity use rises with the day’s heat, and the monthly bill could range from 1,000 baht to 1,500 baht (US$30 to US$45).
“Back then, I checked prices and a rooftop panel system that could put out enough power to run my household’s appliances could cost 100,000 baht to 200,000 baht,” said Toey, a Muay Thai trainer in Kuala Lumpur. Continued …
Thailand and Google target greener data centers
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has held talks with Google executives in New York on developing environmentally friendly data-center standards in Thailand, alongside plans for an open data institute to improve Thai digital skills.
Anutin, who is also Interior Minister, met Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google. The Thai government said it is ready to work with Google on standards for data centers that are environmentally responsible and contribute to surrounding communities. Continued …
Why has Thailand delayed its nuclear power plans?
Thailand’s nuclear power ambitions have been repeatedly delayed by concerns over safety and radioactive waste management following major international accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima. Additionally, the country faces significant challenges in developing the necessary infrastructure, technical expertise, and regulatory frameworks required to manage nuclear technology safely.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is currently exploring a new roadmap that focuses on the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) rather than large-scale plants. These SMRs are intended to offer more flexibility for industrial users and potentially reduce construction time and costs compared to conventional reactors. However, the government is also prioritizing immediate energy security and cost stabilization through other means, such as restarting coal-fired units and promoting rooftop solar to mitigate the impact of volatile global energy prices.
Nepal PM says floods ‘a warning to the world’ about climate change
Nepal’s catastrophic flooding last month “was a warning to the world” about the rising dangers of climate change, Prime Minister Balendra Shah told the United Nations yesterday, urging countries to step up to help his country adapt.
Addressing the General Assembly in sunglasses during its high-level week, Shah said a warming climate was “destabilizing the fragile Himalayan ecology,” melting permafrost and glaciers, and accelerating hazards. Continued …
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Chinese man held in Bangkok over gun, drugs and 586-day overstay – Continued …
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Hong Kong man nabbed with 350 kilograms of crystal meth in Bangkok – Continued …
Israel’s Netanyahu denounces enemies, allies in fiery UN speech
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing a difficult reelection campaign at home, delivered a fiery UN speech yesterday assailing enemies and allies alike – and sparking uproar in the chamber. Netanyahu used the global platform at the UN General Assembly to attack everyone from the leaders of Iran to New York’s first Muslim mayor and partners Britain, France and Turkey. Continued …
Canadian capital to rename ‘Trump Ave’
Canada is answering US President Donald Trump’s obsession with renaming things by unveiling a name change of its own – Trump Avenue in Ottawa will soon be history. The city is hitting back at the US leader, who among other things insists Canada should cease to exist as a country and instead become the 51st US state. 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
The Hua Hin Film Club will screen The Imitation Game at Sundance Beach Club on Sunday, Oct. 18, with actor David Charkham joining the evening as a special guest. The event begins at 6.30 pm and will include a conversation with Charkham, who appeared in the film. 
Nene Royal set for America’s Got Talent final
China’s robot dancers limber up for America’s Got Talent final
Seniors urged to use traditional Chinese medicine to slow cognitive decline
Young leopard makes rare daytime appearance in Kaeng Krachan forest
Thailand’s healthcare spending is projected to grow by 4%-7% annually through 2030, primarily driven by an aging population, rising medical costs, and advancements in medical technology. This growth is further influenced by the increasing need for preventive healthcare and the expansion of the wellness and medical tourism sectors.
Bangkok authorities have warned people living and working along both banks of the Chao Phraya River to prepare for higher water levels as releases from Chao Phraya Dam are increased.
The new postal law in Thailand aims to address regulatory gaps and market distortions within the country’s growing delivery and logistics sector. A primary objective is to ensure equal access to basic postal services for all citizens, preventing these essential services from falling under the control of purely commercial delivery and logistics providers.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis has driven LNG prices to US$28 per million British thermal units, putting pressure on Thailand’s public and private sectors to undertake a major review of their energy strategies. The response ranges from adding “flexibility” to the energy-security framework to accelerating domestic gas exploration, advancing small modular reactor technology and restructuring major energy companies.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has embarked on a high-stakes investment mission to New York, positioning Thailand as an emerging hub for next-generation technology and global capital as he attends the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81).
Thailand and the United States have reached a substantive agreement on the primary elements of their Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. While the core framework is established, negotiations continue regarding technical details and specific tariff treatments for Thai exports.
Larger data center projects are shifting away from Bangkok primarily due to infrastructure constraints and increasingly strict regulatory requirements. Companies are seeking locations outside the capital that can offer more reliable access to land and water, as well as sufficient electricity capacity to support massive operations.
A Look at Phuket Old Town’s Revival and Rising Challenges
What a way to start a day! Watching the sun rise over the Gulf of Thailand, cool ocean breezes, with a gentle sea lapping at the white sand beach. And behind you is breakfast, served by the attentive staff of the 
Warning issued after driver nearly hits Khao Yai elephants
Thailand named Asia’s top beach destination for 2026
Thailand’s solar panel imports jumped 88.7% year-on-year to US$426.7 million, around 14.93 billion baht, during the first seven months of 2026, with China accounting for almost the entire market. According to figures from the Ministry of Commerce and Customs Department, the January to July increase marked a sharp recovery after import values contracted during both 2024 and 2025.
Ask an economist to put a price on Bangkok’s haze, and the number is startling: US$45.3 billion a year, or 3.9% of Thailand’s GDP, according to a World Bank assessment that ranks the country 20th worst out of 180 for the health costs of PM2.5 pollution — the second-heaviest burden in Southeast Asia after Indonesia.
Major television networks suspended their White House pool coverage and will no longer send camera crews to cover President Donald Trump’s pool events, standing in solidarity with CNN after Trump denied White House access to reporters for three outlets. The move from the five networks that make up the television pool ‒ ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox News, in addition to CNN ‒ means a broadcast television feed that is distributed widely for media won’t be carried for most of Trump’s events. 
Bangkok authorities are preparing a shared rail fare system that would limit the maximum charge to 45 baht per trip across the capital and surrounding areas from Jan. 1.The plan would remove duplicate entry fees for passengers changing between rail lines.
A minimart worker in Lopburi won 12 million baht in the Thai government lottery, but decided to keep working at his regular job, saying he would use some of the winnings to build a new home.
Two members of Sukhirin’s territorial defense volunteer force were killed and 16 were injured in a roadside bombing and gun attack in Narathiwat province yesterday.
At Gastech 2026, we go behind the scenes of Thailand’s energy crossfire as the nation navigates an unprecedented surge in electricity demand driven by AI data centers and green industrial transitions.
The government is continuing its crackdown on nominee arrangements, gray capital and identity-card fraud networks under instructions from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Government moving to fully relocate Bangkok port to Laem Chabang
There is no currently established gold transaction tax rate in Thailand. While the Finance Ministry and the Bank of Thailand have been studying the possibility of imposing taxes on gold imports and domestic trading to curb money laundering and gray capital, no such tax has been implemented..
The Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) is targeting Shopee following allegations that the platform unfairly used its market power to dominate the e-commerce industry. Specifically, the regulator is investigating claims that Shopee allegedly coerced vendors into participating in promotions without their consent, such as the CashBack Coins and free shipping schemes.
Prominent AI researchers and industry leaders have proposed several measures to slow the pace of artificial intelligence development to allow society and regulatory frameworks to catch up. These proposals include calling for a coordinated slowdown in the development of advanced models, implementing licensing regimes similar to those used in aviation or medicine, and establishing global coordination to prevent a competitive race between companies..
The Rise (and Rise and Rise) of the Suddenly Ubiquitous Jellyfish
Increasing concern among farmers about Kok River contamination
Russian authorities have seized the businesses and assets of the Swiss food giant Nestle and three French groups, a move the Kremlin defended yesterday as a justified measure against firms representing “unfriendly countries” that back Ukraine. 
US President Donald Trump said yesterday e had struck a deal with Denmark to give Washington “permanent control” over Greenland’s security that would bar Russia and China from setting up bases in the Arctic territory. 
US President Donald Trump said yesterday he was banning news outlets CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing them without specifics of reporting “fiction and lies.” Trump added that “other Fake News Media Outlets” would face a similar fate, but did not say which ones. 
Thailand has long appealed to retirees seeking sunshine, affordability, reliable healthcare, and a slower pace of life.
Thailand has ranked third in the world for digital nomads and fourth for retirees in the Rumavi Global Relocation Index 2026, which assessed 192 countries and territories.
A new concrete road and drainage system for Hua Hin Soi 10 have been completed under a municipal project, with a construction budget of 5.42 million baht. Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul and municipal officials inspected the work last week as part of the formal acceptance process.
Camera traps have recorded tigers in Prachuap Khiri Khan alongside Fea’s muntjac and other rare wildlife during a five-month survey, conservation officials announced yesterday.
A new NIDA Poll has found that many Thai respondents who had heard reports of, or experienced, alleged inappropriate or illegal behavior by Israelis in Thailand said their main concern was a lack of respect for the law.
Thailand still has 2,574 subdistricts without adequate standard emergency medical units, while a Senate working group is pushing for expanded local coverage and plans to increase the number of paramedics to 7,500 within five years.
Thailand’s Energy Ministry hopes to launch its 26th petroleum bidding round in the Andaman Sea by late 2026, with five major energy companies identified as potential participants, but Cabinet approval of key fiscal terms remains pending, according to media reports.
This week, the global energy industry gathers in Bangkok for Gastech, the world’s premier gas conference. Thailand is a fitting host, both for its own industrial ambitions and because it sits at the heart of the region that is reshaping global energy demand.
Chiang Mai farmers move to preserve local herb as ‘Makwean’ earns GI registration
What began as a defensive response to a global energy supply shock is rapidly turning into Thailand’s most ambitious economic transformation in decades.
Indonesian rescuers continued searching today for 129 people missing after the Virgo Transport 8 capsized in the Java Sea. Six people have died and 108 have been rescued. The vessel carried 243 people and was sailing from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan when it encountered bad weather early yesterday. 
Rescuers retrieved more remains from a passenger ferry in the Philippine that was gutted by fire, bringing the death toll on Saturday to 76, with 13 missing. Forty-three people survived the fire on Wednesday night among the 132 on board. 
Prime Minister Mark Carney calls Canada “the most European of non-European countries,” and while formal EU membership may be tricky, he is pursuing unprecedented closeness with the bloc to reduce dependence on a hostile United States. 
Thailand is about to remove work from what a visa-exempt visitor is allowed to do. Under the framework taking effect on Sept. 15, entering without a visa covers tourism and nothing else.
Thai superstar Lisa, Lalisa Manobal, released the music video for her latest single, “SaWaDiKa”, yesterday, showcasing Thai identity through Muay Thai, tuk-tuks, Chula kites and energetic choreography.
Thailand is forecast to become wetter from September 8–10, with isolated very heavy rain expected in Bangkok and surrounding provinces, the lower North, lower Northeast, Central region, East and the South’s west coast, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD).
Thailand’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are struggling to maintain cash flow as sales weaken, customers take longer to pay and banks tighten lending, prompting calls for further government support.
Thailand and the United States have reached agreement on the main terms of a reciprocal trade pact, with Washington offering assurances on tariff competitiveness while negotiators work to resolve the remaining details, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said.
Thailand’s trade deficit with China has surged to US$55.13 billion, alarming even the Thai-Chinese business community. Imports from China jumped 38.5%, while the bilateral deficit widened 59.3% in seven months.
China’s global influence campaign has been particularly evident in Southeast Asia, including Thailand. Historically, the Thai public and many elites have had relatively warm views of China. However, Beijing has launched a multitude of efforts to expand its influence within Thailand’s society and politics.
Phuket’s foreign arrivals by air rebounded in July, with more than 379,000 travelers recorded as the impact of the Middle East conflict eased, according to Travel Link data.
Electricity tariffs in Thailand could reach 4.11–4.58 baht per unit in 2050 under four scenarios in the draft Power Development Plan, as planners weigh the cost of integrating renewable energy and capturing carbon emissions.
Former Twitter employees have launched a new social media platform called Twitter.now, featuring an automated artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to detect misinformation and fake news, alongside the revival of the iconic blue bird logo and signature blue-and-white theme amid an ongoing trademark dispute with X Corp. 
The day after Volkswagen management, shareholders and unions agreed to cut a total of 100,000 jobs over the coming years, automotive workers said yesterday they were feeling a mix of fury and disappointment. The 10-brand group, which apart from its namesake also includes the likes of Skoda, Audi, Seat and Porsche, said late Thursday it would cut an additional 50,000 jobs, bringing total planned reductions to 100,000. 
The Hua Hin Ship to Sea Ceremony will return on Saturday, Sept. 26, offering residents and visitors the chance to witness one of the town’s longstanding fishing community traditions.
Prachuap Bay coastal defenses reviewed
Thailand recorded 220 deaths and 19,316 injuries in road accidents during the latest week, according to figures from the ThaiRSC accident reporting centre released on Sunday.
From heartbreak to history as Thailand finally reaches the Olympics
The Department of Local Administration terminated the employment of 3,868 officials nationwide yesterday, suspecting them of rigging their recruitment examination results late last year.
Pattaya authorities have designated Soi 6, Soi 6/1 and Soi 7 as “off-limits” areas for US Navy personnel during the upcoming visit of the USS Abraham Lincoln and two accompanying vessels to Chon Buri.
The Legacy of Thai Elephants
Celebrating 50 Years of Thailand’s Dinosaur Renaissance
Police detained 25 woman during a late-night prostitution crackdown in Pattaya on Saturday, as authorities prepare for the arrival of about 5,000 US military personnel in Chon Buri next week.
InterContinental Residences Hua Hin Achieves Complete Sell-Out
Thai teenage rocker Nene Royal has advanced to the live semifinals of America’s Got Talent Season 21 after Mel B awarded her a Live Golden Buzzer for her performance of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun”.
Oil prices rose by more than 1% today after US forces struck an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran reported retaliatory attacks on US bases in Jordan. Brent crude futures climbed US$1.08, or 1.23%, to US$89.18 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 92 cents, or 1.10%, to US$84.32.
Thailand’s Excise Department is pressing ahead with plans to overhaul cigarette taxation by introducing a single tax rate in a move aimed at improving revenue collection and reducing price distortions created by the existing two-tier system.
Bangkok is set to host Ultra Thailand 2027, organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with London-based Private Luxury Events. Scheduled for June 20–24, 2027, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, this gathering marks Ultra’s first venture into Southeast Asia.
Thailand wants 2027 to transform its tourism industry, but what will actually change for visitors? Perhaps high-value tourism shouldn’t simply mean higher prices.
The Finance Ministry is considering lower excise taxes for manufacturers that invest in production bases in the country, use domestically produced raw materials or components, and have begun manufacturing for export.
Royal water project lifts farming and livelihoods in Chiang Mai
Thailand will accelerate its energy transition following parliamentary approval of a 400-billion-baht borrowing decree, with plans for household solar rooftops and a restructuring of vehicle taxes expected to become clearer in September, Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said.
Authorities in Nepal warned of possible fresh flooding yesterday and urged residents in flood-affected districts to remain on high alert after water levels rose in the Bhotekoshi River. Wednesday’s catastrophic floods killed at least 800 people and left more than 3,000 missing in Nepal and Tibet. 
Covid-19 cases are increasing in Thailand, with the total number of patients from Jan. 1 up to yesterday reaching 94,402, with 14 deaths, but it is the NB.1.8.1 variant that does not cause severe illness that is dominant, accounting for over 50.9% of cases.
The government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is moving ahead with a broad overhaul of Thailand’s bureaucracy, including organizational structures, staffing and regulations that have become obstacles for individuals and businesses dealing with state agencies.
Foreign condominium demand in Thailand weakened during the first half of 2026, but a sharp rise in purchases by Russian nationals suggests that the market is shifting rather than experiencing a uniform decline.
Thailand is seeking a larger share of the global wellness economy, which is forecast to grow from US$6.8 trillion in 2024 to US$9.75 trillion by 2029, as consumers increasingly prioritize preventive physical and mental healthcare. The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) expects the 11-sector market to expand by nearly US$3 trillion over five years, with average annual growth of 7.6%.
From canals to city streets: The story of Thai boat noodles
Bangkok has been named the world’s best city for nightlife in 2026 by Time Out, climbing from 13th place last year to beat Berlin, New York City, Melbourne and Sao Paulo.
US President Donald Trump said yesterday his administration has reached a huge oil deal with Venezuela that gives the United States majority control of 65 billion barrels of proven petroleum reserves. 
Haakon, who comes to the throne as two major scandals batter his family, struggled for years to accept his status. “Yes, I was a royal, but I did not want to talk about it … At school it made me anxious,” he wrote in his 2023 autobiography “Haakon”, recalling his days in a state primary in the 1980s. 
Krabi bridge to Koh Lanta set for 2029 opening
First phase of Thai-Cambodian border fence finished, Navy to start second
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 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.
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. 
Humanoid robots on Sunday (August 23) took over the athletic arena at the World Robot Games, competing in sparring, sprinting, and taichi.