- Feedback/Pranburi Reservoir water released/Rare serow on Prachuap beach/PKK emissions testing/Padel courts open in Hua Hin/Nene Royal: Global Stardom Won’t Change Me/Nene Royal lands 10 brand partnerships/Woman killed by an angry elephant/Thailand floods hit 4,216 businesses/Very heavy rain through Wednesday/Rising threat of disasters is now normal/50 health facilities halt services/Nine dead in Prachin Buri districts/Floods affecting Thai food industry/20,000 rai of durian trees have died/Flood crisis center opened/Ministry orders flight safeguards/Bangkok’s floods fuel fury/Flood-damage levels for vehicles/Floods damage 1.64-million rai of farmland
- THE IRAN WAR: Iran Says Strait Of Hormuz Will Not Reopen/Iran tells US there is no military solution/Houthis claim Aramco attacks/Bangchak prioritizes energy security
- ECONOMY: Thailand records 2.53% inflation/Thai exports under fresh pressure/Thailand tightens foreign business crackdown/OR, Centara plan budget hotels/Thailand, Laos set US$11-billion trade target
- TOURISM: Positioned for Q4 tourism bonanza/Tourist paradise reconsiders its welcome/The wellness jigsaw puzzle /US warships dock in Phuket/US sailors can roam Phuket/Phuket’s 69th Vegetarian Festival/100,000 baht found, 100-baht tip given/Two German tourists killed/American tourist found dead /Koh Samui horse-riding business protest
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Best Mental Health Retreats in Thailand/Disused Shophouses Bangkok’s New Hotspots
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand prepares farmers for climate change/Chiang Rai warns against using Sai River water
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
“I am looking to contact my friend of 50 years. Brian Masson, guitarist and biker who had triple bypass on Friday or Saturday, and it was not a success, the balloon burst and poisoned his kidneys, and he was put on dialysis, but I can’t get in touch with him and worried sick he always lets me know what is going on and the last message I got was very garbled..He is like my brother, as we were both orphans and went to Masonic School in Dublin in the late sixties.We were both only children.“ Contact at revdavesyms@hotmail.com
With more rain expeced, Pranburi Reservoir water released
Officials have begun releasing water from Pranburi Reservoir to create space for further rainfall, after its water volume reached 82% of capacity in the update issued on Saturday.
Irrigation officials said the Pranburi River remained within its normal range and could accommodate the releases. Residents downstream and in low-lying areas have nevertheless been advised to follow official updates as more rain is forecast. Continued …
Rare serow makes unusual appearance on Prachuap beach
A wild serow, a rare and protected species, has been spotted roaming on a beach in Kui Buri district, an unusual sighting hailed by wildlife officials as a positive sign for the area’s ecosystem.
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park on Saturday released photos of the short-horned goat antelope walking along Sam Phraya Beach. Sightings of serows in coastal lowland areas are uncommon. The species typically inhabits steep limestone mountains and cliffs. Continued …
No black smoke found in PKK emissions testing
Vehicle emissions checks in Prachuap Khiri Khan found no breaches of legal black smoke limits among 753 vehicles tested on Friday, the provincial transport office said.
Officials used standard testing equipment to measure emissions as part of continuing measures to tackle PM2.5 fine particulate pollution and reduce air pollution at its source. Continued …
New Padel courts open in Hua Hin
Padel Sozial Hua Hin celebrated its official opening on Saturday, with Deputy Mayor Sanphop Ungrasmi attending as guest of honor on behalf of Hua Hin municipality.
The opening program included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, speeches and a professional exhibition match, followed by an afternoon and evening of padel, food, drinks and music. Continued …
Nene Royal: Global Stardom Won’t Change Me, Says AGT Winner at Bangkok Homecoming
Nene Royal has insisted that global stardom has not changed her, telling reporters yesterday that she remains “a 16-year-old girl who plays guitar” as Thailand welcomed its newest international champion home with a triumphant victory parade through the capital.
The teenage singer-guitarist, born Rattikarn Amloy, spoke to the media following an exuberant procession through central Bangkok yesterday. Hundreds of well-wishers lined the main thoroughfares waving banners and chanting her name before the celebrations moved indoors to a packed Paragon Hall at Siam Paragon for the official homecoming event. Continued …
Nene Royal lands 10 brand partnerships after AGT 2026 win
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.
The 16-year-old, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, has appeared in announcements covering skincare, cosmetics, haircare, snacks, bread and drinking yoghurt. The collaborations extend Nene’s AGT breakthrough into Thailand’s advertising market, expanding her work beyond singing and playing guitar to representing consumer brands. Continued …
Husband in Chonburi watches his wife killed by an angry elephant early Sunday
A wild elephant chased down and killed a 36-year-old woman collecting latex with her husband in Chonburi early yesterday, leaving her body severed in two. Wanna Sridachama spotted the animal first and shouted for her husband to run before it pursued her through the plantation.
Her death is the latest in a grim series, with three Chonburi rubber workers killed in under four months. The tragedy exposes a far wider threat across eastern Thailand, where elephants increasingly roam beyond protected forests. Wild elephants have killed 273 people nationwide since 2012, including 141 in the eastern forest complex alone. Continued …
Thailand floods hit 4,216 businesses in 55 provinces
Thailand’s flooding crisis has affected 4,216 businesses across 55 provinces, with factory shutdowns, damaged equipment and blocked transport routes disrupting production networks nationwide.
The Ministry of Industry says 4,006 of the affected establishments are small and medium-sized enterprises, alongside 126 industrial factories, 82 community enterprises and two mining operations. Its preliminary assessment puts direct damage at 147.84 million baht, although the final bill is expected to rise as water recedes and companies inspect their premises. Continued …
TMD warns upper Thailand of very heavy rain through Wednesday
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its eighth warning today, forecasting thundershowers, gusty winds and isolated heavy to very heavy rain in upper Thailand through Wednesday. Heavy and accumulated rainfall could trigger flash floods and sudden run-off, particularly near foothills and in low-lying areas.
The TMD’s warning identifies the affected regions in two stages: Oct. 5–6: The north, central region, including Bangkok and surrounding provinces, the east and upper south face unsettled weather. Rainfall in the northeast is expected to decrease. Oct.7: The affected areas are the western parts of the north and central regions. Continued …
Rising threat of disasters is now normal
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.
The economic impact of these risks is significant, with flooding in Bangkok alone potentially causing billions of baht in damage and affecting essential services, transport, and supply chains. Beyond immediate physical damage, disasters create structural vulnerabilities by disrupting business continuity, impacting the livelihoods of low-income households, and necessitating massive government spending on disaster management and infrastructure improvements. These risks are interconnected with other systemic issues, such as fiscal stability and energy security, as the country must balance disaster relief with the need to fund long-term economic transitions. – Bangkok Post AI
Flooding forces 50 health facilities to halt services
Flooding has affected 141 healthcare facilities across 18 provinces in Thailand, forcing 50 of these facilities to suspend their services. The Public Health Ministry reported that these disruptions have increased the pressure on remaining healthcare resources and left many vulnerable people and shelters in need of support.
In addition to the facility closures, several hospitals in the eastern region have been impacted, such as Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital in Prachin Buri and Klaeng and Bankhai hospitals in Rayong, which have been partially closed but continue to treat emergency patients. Mobile medical teams and medical supplies are being deployed to assist those in affected areas, including the distribution of essential medicines to vulnerable populations. – Bangkok Post AI
Nine dead as floods submerge seven Prachin Buri districts
Prachin Buri is one of the worst-hit provinces, with seven districts inundated and 55,286 households affected. Nine people have died and all seven districts have been declared flood disaster zones.
Medical teams in the province have requested additional suction machines, ventilators and IV pumps. Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital has evacuated several inpatients to a field hospital in the compound of Chakrapong Military Hospital. Continued …
How do floods affect supply chain operations in Thai food industry?
Flooding in Thailand has significantly impacted the food industry by disrupting transport routes, hindering the movement of essential goods, and forcing manufacturers to adjust their business continuity plans. These disruptions have led to delivery delays for parcel services and the temporary suspension of cargo operations for major carriers.
Food producers and farmers are facing various operational challenges, such as damaged logistics routes and the need to monitor supply levels to prevent shortages. For example, the egg industry has experienced transport difficulties, though current supplies remain sufficient to meet domestic demand. In the manufacturing sector, companies like Toyota have been forced to suspend operations at certain plants due to parts delivery interruptions, while others are implementing risk-management frameworks to ensure business continuity amid rising water levels. Additionally, there are concerns regarding food security and the potential for price fluctuations, prompting government agencies to monitor essential goods and prevent hoarding. – Bangkok Post AI
Flood crisis in Chanthaburi as 20,000 rai of durian trees have died
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.
The farmers said floodwaters caused extensive damage with durian trees in particular affected by deprivation of oxygen, which led to their leaves withering, curling, turning brown and dropping off. Continued …
24-hour flood crisis center opened as southern Thailand braces for rain
The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has established a 24-hour crisis coordination center to manage flood conditions, accelerate drainage and prepare for another round of heavy rain, with southern Thailand under particularly close watch.
The move follows instructions from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who ordered agencies to intensify water management and provide full assistance to flood-affected communities while preparing for further rainfall in several parts of the country. Continued …
Transport Ministry orders flight safeguards for Oct 4–7 storms
The Transport Ministry has instructed Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd (Aerothai) to prepare contingency plans for storms and unsettled weather during through Wednesday, covering flight routes and airports nationwide. The measures prioritize aviation safety and preparations for possible delays, holding patterns and diversions.
Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit said the instructions followed a direct assignment from Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn to monitor storms and changing weather conditions across Thailand. Continued …
Sinking city, rising rage: Bangkok’s floods fuel fury over government inaction
As floodwaters surged from Bangkok’s drains, Fon’s car sank faster than her hopes of escaping the floods unscathed. She had bought it less than a month earlier.
“I woke up at 5 am but it was too late,” the 24-year-old said, recalling her decision last weekend to wait until dawn to move her car to a nearby shopping center. “My car was already submerged. I hadn’t even started making the payments and it’s gone.” Continued …
Insurance regulator sets 5 flood-damage levels for vehicles
The Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) has set five damage levels for flood-affected combustion-engine vehicles, based on how high the water reaches, as Thai insurers prepare for a surge in claims once floodwaters recede.
The five levels are: Level A: Water reaches the floor carpet; estimated repair costs are 8,000 to 10,000 baht; Level B: Water reaches the seats; estimated repairs cost 15,000 to 20,000 baht. Continued …
Thailand floods damage 1.64-million rai of farmland
Flooding across 42 Thai provinces has affected more than 1.64 million rai of cropland and left almost 3.9 million farm animals dead or missing, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives said.
Figures compiled on Oct. 2 cover flooding since Aug. 21. A total of 144,738 crop farmers have been affected, with flooding reported on 1,644,172 rai, or 263,067.52 hectares, of cultivated land. Continued …
Iran Says Strait Of Hormuz Will Not Reopen Until Conditions Are Met
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.
Iran presented a proposal during the UN General Assembly under which the Strait of Hormuz waterway could be reopened and normal maritime passage restored within seven days if the conditions were met, with the US replying to this proposal last week via Qatari intermediaries. Continued …
Iran tells US there is no military solution to Middle East war
Iran’s top diplomat insisted yesterday that there would be no military solution to the United States’ war against the Islamic republic, with talks on ending the conflict apparently at an impasse.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said at a gathering of foreign ambassadors, “There is no military solution, nor any solution based on new sanctions,” he continued, adding “only negotiations based on justice and fairness” could end the conflict. Continued …
Brent up 0.79% after Houthis claim Aramco attacks
Brent crude futures rose 0.79% to US$103.06 a barrel in early trading today, after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis said they had launched ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi Aramco sites in Riyadh and the Khurais area. The claim raised concerns about production in Saudi Arabia, the region’s leading oil exporter.
Brent’s gain amounted to 81 US cents a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude was trading at US$91.57 a barrel, up 46 US cents, or 0.50%, at the same time. Continued …
Bangchak prioritises energy security
Bangchak Corp. is prioritizing energy security by reinforcing its supply chain management and business continuity frameworks to protect against unpredictable natural disasters and geopolitical tensions. The company aims to ensure a reliable energy supply for Thailand by diversifying its fuel sources and reducing dependence on any single supplier, particularly in response to volatility in global energy markets.
To achieve this, Bangchak is implementing a wide-group strategy that includes securing alternative crude supply options from regions like North America and Africa to mitigate risks such as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The company is also investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, such as flood protection systems and real-time monitoring, to safeguard against extreme weather events. Furthermore, Bangchak is expanding its use of biofuels and diversifying its energy portfolio to maintain operational balance and long-term resilience. – Bangkok Post AI
Thailand records 2.53% inflation as consumer prices increase
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.
TPSO data showed that the headline consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.53% in August from a year earlier, with increases in every region. The south recorded the highest inflation rate at 2.85%, followed by the central region at 2.81%, the northeast at 2.43%, Bangkok and surrounding provinces at 2.38%, and the north at 2.21%, reflecting widespread price pressures. Continued …
US tariff probes put Thai exports under fresh pressure
Thailand’s effort to secure a US trade agreement is facing fresh pressure after US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer called for stronger action against industrial overcapacity, while separate tariff investigations continue to target Thai exports.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun is seeking an effective ceiling of about 19% on Thailand’s overall tariff exposure in the American market. However, Washington has not guaranteed such a limit, and additional Section 301 duties could be imposed independently of the proposed Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, or ART. Continued …
Thailand tightens foreign business crackdown as backlash grows on tourist islands
Thailand is stepping up a crackdown on foreigners accused of using nominee companies and other arrangements to control businesses and property illegally, as growing local resentment over foreign investment threatens to reshape the country’s lucrative tourism industry.
The campaign, which began on the southern resort island of Koh Phangan, has expanded to seven provinces and resulted in more than 110 arrests and dozens of search warrants, as the government moves to curb foreign ownership structures it says undermine Thai businesses and national economic security. Continued …
OR, Centara plan budget hotels
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.
ML Peekthong Thongyai, chief executive officer of OR, said the company aims to raise traffic at more than 2,000 PTT service stations nationwide from about 3.9 million visits a day to 5 million by expanding its range of businesses and services to meet changing consumer lifestyles and strengthen its service-station ecosystem. Continued …
Thailand, Laos set US$11-billion trade target for 2027
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.
To increase trade, the two sides agreed to streamline border logistics, upgrade key checkpoints, bridges and road links, and align digital economy policies. Both sides also noted that expanding Thai-Lao transport corridors would serve as pivotal links connecting Southeast Asian supply chains with regional trade routes extending to China, Central Asia and Europe. Continued …
Thailand positioned for Q4 tourism bonanza
The projected rise in international arrivals to Thailand is driven by expanding flight connectivity, particularly through new direct routes from markets like China, Japan, and Taiwan. Additionally, the recovery of short-haul demand and an increase in high-season marketing events and festivals are contributing to the growing momentum.
The tourism sector is also benefiting from specific cultural and seasonal drivers, such as the Chinese Golden Week and Mid-Autumn Festival, which attract significant visitor numbers. Expanding air capacity remains a critical factor, with analysts noting improvements in flight availability to support higher arrival volumes. Furthermore, the government is actively preparing large-scale events for the final quarter of 2026 to secure significant revenue and maintain arrival momentum. – Bangkok Post AI
As Thailand cracks down on foreigners, a tourist paradise reconsiders its welcome
As tourists step off the pier on Thailand’s Koh Phangan island, they are greeted by a sales pitch tailored to outsiders – billboards touting luxury beachfront plots or clifftop villas as high-yield investments, a message repeated along the palm-fringed roads winding up into the hills.
This tiny tropical island of fewer than 10,000 is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, welcoming more than one million overseas visitors a year. But locals say a surge in internationally run businesses and land ownership is reshaping it beyond recognition, breeding resentment toward some foreigners that has spread across the country. Continued …
Tourism and real estate complete the wellness jigsaw puzzle
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 the health and wellness sector, the hotel and real estate industries are accelerating the upgrading of health and sports services to attract demand from working professionals, health-conscious tourists, and those interested in active activities. Continued …
US warships dock with 5,100 personnel in Phuket
Some of the almost 5,100 US Navy personnel began coming ashore in Phuket yesterday after the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and destroyer USS Delbert D. Black arrived for a six-day visit.
The USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77), an aircraft carrier carrying about 4,820 personnel, is anchored around 1.78 nautical miles, or about 3.3 kilometers, from Phuket Deep Sea Port. Continued …
US sailors can roam Phuket island during visit
Around 5,000 US navy sailors who arrived in Phuket yesterday for a six-day rest and recreation visit can travel freely around the island during their stay. Officials said they will be allowed to travel freely around the island, but are prohibited from renting vehicles or riding pillion on motorcycles.
Phuket authorities have stressed the importance of cooperation from US personnel in complying with Thai law, regulations and local customs, particularly respecting local traditions and culture. Continued …
Phuket’s 69th Vegetarian Festival opens Friday, expecting cash flow of 1.4 billion baht
Phuket Province is ready to host the Phuket Vegetarian Festival (Jie Chai) from Oct. 9-18. This is an important tradition and a valuable cultural heritage that reflects the faith of Thai people of Chinese descent and people of all religions in Phuket Province.
A key highlight of the event is the raising of the Koteeng pole, a symbol marking the official start of the Vegetarian Festival. This takes place on Oct. 9, the day before the actual start of the festival. The Vegetarian Festival itself runs from Oct. 10-18, with ceremonies held at various shrines and temples throughout Phuket province. Continued …
100,000 baht found, 100-baht tip given to honest Phuket hotel staff
Hotel staff in Phuket returned an envelope containing cash worth about 100,000 baht to a French tourist after he accidentally left it in a wardrobe when checking out.
The incident was shared by the owner of OASIS Phuket Airport, who said a housekeeper found the envelope containing stacks of banknotes in the wardrobe after the tourist had checked out. The tourist gave the staff a 100-baht tip after receiving his money back. Continued …
Two German tourists killed in Khao Lak hit-and-run
Two German tourists were killed after being struck by a pickup truck at a pedestrian crossing in Khao Lak Friday night, with the driver fleeing the scene. Continued …
American tourist, 35, found dead in Patong hotel
A 35-year-old American tourist was found dead on a bed in his hotel room in Patong, Phuket, yesterday. Police said the cause of death remains under investigation.
The deceased was identified as Smith Gray Allen, a 35-year-old US national. He was found lying dead on the bed in the room, shirtless and wearing only shorts. Officers said there were no signs that property had been searched through or disturbed, and nobody else was found in the hotel room. Continued …
300 Koh Samui residents protest against horse-riding business
More than 300 residents on Koh Samui protested against a horse-riding business Saturday, saying horses used for tourist rides had caused problems on public beaches and in communities for more than a year.
Demonstrators carried signs reading, “Koh Samui residents do not want horse businesses operating on public beaches and in community areas.” Continued …
Best Mental Health Retreats in Thailand: What to Look for and Where to Go
The best mental health retreat in Thailand, for anyone dealing with a clinical condition, is one that pairs licensed clinical care with a restful setting. For depression, anxiety, burnout or trauma, The Dawn Wellness Center and Rehab in Chiang Mai is one of the options most often cited: it is licensed by the Ministry of Public Health and runs a mental health program separate from its addiction treatment. First, though, it helps to know that “retreat” means very different things in Thailand.
Over the past decade, Thailand has moved well beyond spa tourism into serious mental health care, for three main reasons. Cost comes first. Residential treatment at a reputable Thai center typically costs a fraction of an equivalent program in the US, UK or Australia. Continued …
In Bangkok, Disused Shophouses Are the City’s New Hotspots
In Bangkok, timeworn shophouses peek out between gleaming high-rises. Widely found across Southeast Asia, these buildings have traditionally functioned as both their owners’ places of business and their homes, with stores at the front and living areas at the back. Now, the century-old spaces are being resurrected to house some the city’s coolest haunts, from award-winning restaurants and cocktail bars to avant-garde galleries.
While repurposing industrial spaces is nothing new, Bangkok’s conversions have taken a different tack. Its shophouses retain their age-old atmosphere, with geometric floor tiles, peeling paint and creaking shutters. And often, their transformation is carried out by descendents of the original owners. Continued …
Thailand prepares farmers for climate change to protect food security
Why are goods expensive these days, vegetables easily bruised and the seasons so unpredictable? These changes are warning signs that the “global boiling crisis” is quietly eating into household budgets and affecting the food on our plates.
It is time to recognize that this is a national challenge close to home, requiring a smart, collective response before it is too late. Many people remain unaware of the vast sums being lost as natural disasters take a heavy toll on Thailand’s economy and society. Continued …
Chiang Rai warns against using Sai River water, eating fish
Chiang Rai’s provincial administration is advising people to stop using water from the Sai River for consumption and eating fish caught in the river because arsenic and lead contamination levels in the water are 28 times and five times above safety limits, respectively.
The administration has also ordered all waterworks that rely on raw water from the Sai River to produce tap water to tighten their treatment processes to ensure safety before the tap water is distributed to the public. Continued …
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Two foreigners held at Suvarnabhumi with 56-million-baht cash – Continued …
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Chinese extortion suspect detained in Samut Sakhon – Continued …
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UK teen convicted for Thailand drug parcels – Continued …
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Vietnamese pair arrested after ketamine parcel tip in Bangkok – Continued …
The U.S. Vaccine Pullback is a Strategic Mistake
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. Continued …
EU, China to hold Beijing talks to avert trade war
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. Continued …
US carmakers’ share in home market at all-time low
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. 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
A new air service linking Hua Hin with U-Tapao has opened, creating another travel option between two important resort destinations and improving air connections between Thailand’s central and eastern regions.
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
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
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Phetchaburi Province and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) have officially launched Hua Hin–Cha-am MICE City, presenting the neighboring destinations as one choice for meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions.
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.
Southeast Asia’s digital economy was valued at $300 billion in 2025 and could reach $1 trillion by 2030. Structural shifts in ASEAN countries drive growth, with e-commerce dominating. Policy, platform evolution, and investment opportunities support this growth 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. 
Switzerland’s glaciers, which are disproportionately impacted by climate change, have lost nearly 20% of their mass in five years, experts said today, with 2026 registering the second-biggest melt on record. 
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
Severe flooding in Bangkok and surrounding provinces is projected to reduce Thailand’s 2026 economic growth by 0.3 percentage points, lowering estimates to 2.1%. Immediate losses are estimated at 11 billion baht nationwide, with some assessments ranging up to 33.8 billion baht, and Bangkok bearing the largest share of damage.
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.
Thailand’s draft power development plan (PDP) for the next 25 years has sparked a fierce backlash from environmental advocates and civic groups, who warn that the proposed blueprint locks the country into fossil fuels for decades to come.
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-Cha-am among six new MICE Cities
AGT winner Nene Royal gifted Bangkok home
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.
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.
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.
Thailand has suffered from sluggish economic growth, with only 2% GDP growth, while regional peers have reached higher growth.
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 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.
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.
The Family-Run Restaurants Preserving Southern Thailand’s Culinary Heritage
The Best Places to Eat During Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival
Thai Basil Vs. Italian Basil: What’s The Difference?
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).
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.
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.
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.
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. 
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. 
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.
Thailand’s Greater Bangkok housing market is showing an increasingly sharp divide, with condominium sales rebounding while low-rise housing remains weighed down by weak purchasing power, tight lending conditions and a prolonged inventory overhang.
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.
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 
Hua Hin beacfront building owners request demolition delay
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warned of heavy rain across Thailand today, naming 55 provinces in its regional forecasts and also warning Bangkok and surrounding areas.
A deadly night of violence hit Yala’s Bannang Sata district before security forces moved in yesterday. Assistant village headman Hamdee Jehsoh, 42, was shot dead in a roadside ambush. Hours later, attackers struck Highway 410, burning tires, scattering road spikes and leaving a suspicious wired object.
Hong Kong customs has made its largest-ever drug seizure from a sea shipment, finding cannabis worth HK$125 million, or about 530 million baht, in a 40-foot container declared as arriving from Thailand.
Disruption to Gulf shipping routes could raise transport costs and lengthen delivery times for Thai businesses, the Dubai office of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) warned in a report.
Following increased immigration traffic at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand has now made the immigration eGates widely accessible. The immigration department at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is now allowing citizens of 33 foreign countries to utilize the electronic gates in order to enter the country.
For many Thai people, 7-Eleven is much more than a place to grab a quick snack. It has become part of everyday life, offering everything from morning coffee and ready-to-eat meals to drinks, beauty products, accessories and household essentials.
A three-meter python was captured after a homeowner in Udon Thani discovered it attacking chickens, solving the mystery of 25 fighting cocks that had disappeared over nearly two weeks.
Protected Areas Regional Office 9 (Ubon Ratchathani) officially opened Kaeng I Khiao as a new natural attraction at Buntharik-Yot Mon Wildlife Sanctuary in Kho Laen subdistrict, Buntharik district, Ubon Ratchathani province, on Friday.
Thailand data-center boom raises wider clean-power challenge
Thailand’s 65- billion-baht coffee market is moving beyond the beverage business, as consumers increasingly prioritize quality, experience and sustainability.
Ukrainian forces fired more than 1,000 drones at Russia overnight Saturday, including hundreds that were launched toward Moscow, officials said yesterday, as the Kremlin was wrapping up the third and last day of its parliamentary elections. 
Officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan have reviewed efforts to address wild elephant problems in Hua Hin and Kui Buri, including assistance and compensation for affected residents.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has warned all provinces nationwide, including Bangkok, to prepare for very heavy rain during Sept. 16-20, with risks of flash floods, forest run-off, landslides, waterlogging and rough seas.
Thailand is piloting a system that replaces the name, address and phone number on a parcel with a six-digit code and QR code, in an attempt to stop personal data leaking to scam gangs.
Nene Royal vows to give her all to win AGT final
Thailand is accelerating its energy diversification to mitigate risks from extreme global market volatility and geopolitical instability. Specifically, the country is seeking to reduce its heavy reliance on Middle Eastern energy imports following surges in crude oil prices and significant spikes in liquefied natural gas costs driven by ongoing regional conflicts.
Professor Watcharapong Kasaree, a political scientist from Chulalongkorn University, warns that Thailand’s fiscal system could face a severe crisis within a decade if urgent reforms are not undertaken. He expresses concern that the current trajectory of increasing public debt, which could reach 80%-90% of GDP within 5-10 years if revenue is not significantly increased, could lead to a loss of economic stability.
The cabinet has granted oil and gas exploration concessions to two companies following the Round 25 onshore petroleum auction. The winning companies are PETTP International and Pan Orion Energy (Siam) Co., which were awarded concessions for areas in the central and northeastern regions.
Thailand could impose an excise tax of around 30% on fully imported electric vehicles, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, revealing for the first time the potential rate of a levy designed to steer automakers toward local production.
A police lieutenant colonel and three other men were arrested Tuesday after they allegedly extorted 200,000 baht from a Chinese national in San Kamphaeng district, Chiang Mai province.
Koh Lanta truly is a magical place. It feels like stepping back in time, allowing you to experience the essence of what Thailand is all about. Located on the Andaman Sea, it’s a collection of rugged islands in the Krabi province. The biggest and most inhabited is Koh Lanta Yai, which is highlighted by nine golden sand beaches and lush, palm tree jungles.
Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province has announced that its 2026-27 season for mountaintop visits and overnight stays will run from Oct. 1 to May 31, 2027.
Asia-Pacific will account for 45% of global demand for new passenger aircraft between 2026 and 2045, requiring 19,120 aircraft as passenger traffic grows faster than the worldwide average, Airbus forecasts. Airbus’s Global Market Forecast (GMF) for 2026–2045 puts worldwide demand at 42,060 new aircraft. 
Thailand will raise retail prices for petrol, gasohol and diesel by 0.85 baht per liter from today, as mounting subsidy costs place increasing pressure on the Oil Fuel Fund.
Brent and US crude futures settled about 1% higher yesterday, with fresh strikes on Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure and attacks on Middle Eastern shipping intensifying concerns over global supplies.
Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), said today that officials aimed to clarify a regulatory framework and minimum standards for data centers in about one month.
Questions are growing about whether artificial intelligence is outpacing safety measures for the technology. What’s driving the sudden push to “slow down” AI development, and is slowing the race even possible. 
Yesterday, Nestlé (Thailand) took a stand on its Southeast Asian growth strategy, signaling to global investors that even a multi-billion-dollar legal breakdown with its long-standing local partner will not derail its operational roadmap.
Thailand ends its 60-day visa exemption today, replacing it with 30-day and 15-day schemes, a shorter visa on arrival list and tighter limits at land borders. Thailand’s revised tourist entry rules change how long millions of foreign visitors can stay without arranging a visa before departure.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched Nihao Month 2026 to encourage Chinese visitors to travel to Thailand during the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Golden Week holiday marking China’s National Day on Oct. 1.
Marine researchers recorded a peak of 278 adult blacktip reef sharks gathering near the shore of Maya Bay early this month, setting a record high for the 2026 fiscal year and providing strong evidence of ecological recovery during the bay’s annual closure, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).
Central Pattaya, a global beachfront landmark in the heart of Pattaya, has invited runners and travelers from around the world to join the Pattaya International Bikini Beach Race 2026: Run the wave. Own the night on Oct. 31. Celebrating its 10th anniversary under the theme “The Sunset to Moonlight Beach Race,” the 5K race will bring thousands of runners to the sands of Pattaya Beach for a one-of-a-kind night combining sunset running, music, entertainment and Pattaya’s vibrant beach lifestyle.
After nine days trapped in a hydropower tunnel and a week of hospital care following his dramatic rescue, Sanjay Sah, a rare survivor of last month’s devastating glacier collapse in Nepal, finally returned to his village and family on Sunday. It was a homecoming marked by relief and joy, but also grief. 
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’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
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.