Bangkok Post, as expected, has increased the number of articles you must pay to read. They will soon be only for paid subscribers. Our policy is to not link to paid content, or even to content requiring you to register, so articles from Bangkok Post will be disappearing from this newsletter, as they have from the Thailand Examiner, which closed its site to paid-only a year ago. Since Expat News gathers content from many sources, this latest paid subscriber effort will not affect our coverage. It just means other sources will gain the benefit of our reader traffic.
- Hua Hin, Cha-am defy tourism slump/Thailand ranks 3rd for expat life/Exclusions you probably haven’t read/Nominee drive on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan/35 Chinese nominee companies found/39th Bangkok pub fire death/Market packed for Nene Royal’s farewell
- ECONOMY: Ekniti’s high-income status goal/Suphajee heads to US tariff talks//US transshipment crackdown/White House Targets Thailand/Property developers turn to foreign buyers/Thailand plans auto tax overhaul
- TOURISM: AOT studies return of duty-free shops/Tourists swept away at waterfall/Family stranded at sea for 16 hours/Longtail boat capsizes off Krabi/Four Spanish tourists injured/British woman complains about hotel wedding/Thai surgeon says doctor dsputes TV report
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Health Riders in Thailand/Fighting to Save Thailand’s dying dugongs/Bangkok’s floating markets/Bangkok’s New Zoo
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin, Cha-am defy tourism slump with foreign visitors spending more
Tourism in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi continues to show resilience, with stronger foreign visitor revenue and higher per-person spending helping offset softer domestic demand and wider economic pressures.
Sittichai Tanthasit, Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial tourism and sports officer, said the province generated 26.996 billion baht in tourism revenue during the first six months of 2026. Thai visitors accounted for 23.131 billion baht, while international visitors generated 3.866 billion baht. Continued …
Thailand ranks 3rd for expat life in global 2026 survey
Thailand ranks third of 31 destinations for expats on the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, behind Panama and Mexico. The survey ran from Feb. 1 to March 31 this year, drawing about 7,786 respondents of 162 nationalities across 31 countries.
Panama held the top place for the third year running. Mexico placed second overall and first for ease of settling in. After Thailand came the UAE, Brazil, Spain, Singapore, Portugal, Malaysia and Luxembourg. Continued …
The exclusions you probably haven’t read will cost you in Thailand
A single night in a private room at Bangkok Hospital can run past 25,000 baht before any treatment is added to the bill. Most expats assume their health insurance handles that kind of cost without a second thought. But the truth is, the exclusions section of the policy, the part almost nobody reads past the first page, is often where that assumption falls apart.
Health insurance for expats in Thailand is written to be technically complete, not easy to read. The difference between what a policy sounds like it covers and what it actually excludes is where expats lose the most money, usually at the exact moment they can least afford a surprise. Continued …
Drive against foreign owned property and business on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan now targets leases
Thailand’s crackdown on foreign business and property control is now moving onto long-term land leases and the wider issue of foreign-controled businesses. Investigators are probing 30-year leases used to secure effective property control, alongside nominee companies, land holdings and overseas rental payments.
On Koh Samui, around 8,000 companies are under scrutiny, while 138 face urgent land action and another 2,579 are suspected nominee operations. Police are pursuing 101 warrants as the campaign widens across Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, reaching villas, hotels, advisers and business networks in Phuket and Bangkok. Continued …
35 Chinese nominee companies found in Sakhon Nakhon
The Commerce Ministry recently discovered that there have been irregularities in the registration of 35 companies in four districts of northeastern Sakon Nakhon province, with unwitting Thai villagers used to set up these 100% Chinese-owned nominee firms while 14 were totally Thai owned but none were conducting any business at all at their registered addresses.
Investigation revealed that a woman based in Khok Si Suphan district of this northeastern province acted as a broker, procuring copies of household registration and national ID cards from villagers at 500 to 1,000 baht each. She then handed the 35 sets of documents to Chinese investors, receiving 1,500 baht per person. Continued …
Police commando becomes 39th Bangkok pub fire death
Police Lance Corp. Thanakorn Phetthong, 23, has become the 39th person to die following the fire at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao venue in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district.
Thanakorn, a squad leader with Division 1 of the Special Operations Division, died Saturday in the trauma intensive care unit at Police Hospital. He had been receiving continuous treatment for severe injuries since the blaze on July 12. Thanakorn, a police commando, was working as a security guard at the venue at the time of the fire. Continued …
Market packed for Nene Royal’s farewell concert before America’s Got Talent live shows
The Naka Market in Phuket was packed with fans as “Nene Royal” held a farewell concert ahead of her trip to the United States to compete in the live shows round of America’s Got Talent Season 21.
Yesterday, Nene, whose real name is Rattikarn Amlam, or 16-year-old Praew, performed at Naka Market in Wichit subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district.
Praew is an international scholarship student at a leading international school in Phuket. She rose to global attention after competing on America’s Got Talent and successfully secured a place among the final 44 contestants from around the world advancing to the live shows. Continued …
Ekniti’s high-income status goal for Thailand is a giant leap of faith
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas recently unveiled a new economic plan aimed at steering Thailand toward a high-income nation, but experts have flagged obstacles that need immediate attention.
The plan aims to push GDP growth beyond 3% — up from the current 2% — and increase investment to 30% of GDP to ride the next industrial wave. Continued …
Suphajee heads to US with three trade red lines intact
Thailand will send a technical team to the United States from Aug. 27 to 29 for further negotiations on an agreement on reciprocal trade, or ART, before policy-level talks led by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun.
Suphajee will travel to the US from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, seeking to conclude the negotiations while retaining Thailand’s positions on three issues the government considers non-negotiable. Continued …
US transshipment crackdown puts eight Thai sectors on alert
Eight Thai industrial groups responsible for US$52.23 billion in exports to the United States in 2025 could face more intensive checks on product origin and manufacturing processes as Washington steps up enforcement against illegal transshipment.
Under assumptions that 10%–20% of exports in the identified sectors could be selected for stricter examination, the analysis estimated that goods worth US$5.2 billion to US$10.4 billion, or about 172.359 billion to 344.718 billion baht, could be exposed to additional scrutiny. Continued …
White House Targets Thailand, 40+ Countries Over China Tariff Evasion Scam
The White House has accused more than 40 countries, including Thialnd, Canada, Mexico, Japan and EU member states, of helping China evade US tariffs by rerouting exports through lower-tariff jurisdictions — a practice it labels “The Great Transshipment Scam”.
The report estimates that such transshipment covers about $60 billion in trade, with other US and private analyses placing the range between $40-$303 billion. Continued …
Thai property developers turn to foreign buyers for high rental yields
Thailand’s property market is increasingly looking to foreign buyers, as slowing economic growth, high household debt and tighter lending conditions put pressure on domestic purchasing power.
Developers and property agents are consequently seeking opportunities beyond the local market, with overseas buyers continuing to show strong demand for Thai property for residential use, investment and rental income. Continued …
Thailand plans auto tax overhaul after Indonesia’s Toyota bid
Thailand plans to restructure automotive excise taxes by offering lower rates for vehicles produced domestically and charging more on fully built imports from companies without manufacturing investment in the country.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas described the reform as urgent and instructed senior officials to complete the new structure by September. Continued …
AOT studies fast-track services, return of arrival duty-free shops
Airports of Thailand (AOT) is studying whether to restore duty-free shopping for arriving passengers, alongside possible premium fast-track services at its six airports.
The review follows a 14.812 billion baht net profit for the first nine months of fiscal 2026, up 549.96 million baht, or 3.9%, from a year earlier. The period ran from October 2025 to June 2026. Continued …
Chiang Mai Waterfall closed after tourists swept away
Mae Sa Waterfall in Chiang Mai has been closed after a sudden rush of forest runoff swept several tourists downstream on Saturday. All visitors were rescued, with one person taken to hospital after suffering dizziness.
The incident happened at about 3 pm at the waterfall in Mae Rim district, within Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. Visitors had been swimming and enjoying the falls when the water level and current suddenly intensified. Most of those involved were foreign tourists, according to park officials. Continued …
Family stranded at sea for 16 hours after jet ski capsized off Koh Samui
A French family was left stranded at sea for more than 16 hours overnight after their rented jet ski capsized off the coast of Koh Samui.
A 50-year-old father and his sons, five and seven, were left “pale” and “exhausted after swallowing a lot of seawater” before being rescued, local government official Amorn Chomchoey said. Continued …
All on board safe after longtail boat capsizes off Krabi
Ten tourists, a guide and a boat skipper were all safely rescued after a longtail boat capsized off Laem Hang Nak in Krabi province on Saturday. Officials at Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park were alerted about the accident at about 11.15 am on Saturday.
Upon arrival, they found a longtail boat overturned in the water. Crew from the speedboat Sayang Tour managed to pull all 12 people from the water — 10 tourists, one guide and the skipper. Continued …
Four Spanish tourists injured by falling tree at Ayutthaya temple
Four Spanish tourists were injured after a large tree suddenly snapped and fell on them at Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya province yesterday. The incident occurred inside the historic temple complex in Pratu Chai subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district.
The four injured tourists were one man and three women. Rescue workers and local volunteers rushed to the scene and provided first aid before transferring them to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital. Continued …
British woman complains about hotel wedding disruption to her vacation
A British woman has described how a three-day wedding at a five-star hotel in Thailand disrupted what she had expected to be a peaceful break after a long flight.
Angela Epstein, from Manchester, said she and her husband arrived to blue skies, spacious rooms and sea views, but soon discovered that a large destination wedding was under way. The celebration included lawn games, an MC using a loudspeaker, and, later, drunk guests and a DJ set. Continued …
Thai surgeon says doctor in the 60 Minutes exposé told him a different story
A prominent Thai plastic surgeon has publicly urged people not to take everything in the Australian 60 Minutes investigation into Thai cosmetic surgery at face value, saying he has been contacted by a surgeon connected to one of the featured cases who told him the reality was not as the program presented it.
Dr. Surawej Namhawm, a plastic surgeon, posted his response after the Aug. 9 broadcast of the program, in an episode titled “Destination Disaster”. Reporter Amelia Adams spent six months investigating one of Bangkok’s largest medical tourism operators, featuring Australian women who said their procedures left them disfigured, including misplaced nipples and severe scarring. Continued …
How Health Riders in Thailand are Expanding Healthcare Access
Where one lives in Thailand strongly determines how easily one can see a doctor. The agricultural sector suffers the most, with farmers making up 45.5% of all poor households. This is largely because gross farm incomes fluctuate wildly with weather and market prices.
The way people spend their money also reveals deep inequality. The poorest 20% of households use half of their income just to buy food, while the richest 10% spend more on things like vehicles, electronics, travel and medical care. Continued …
Meet the man fighting to Save Thailand’s dying dugongs
Theerasak “Pop” Saksritawee spends up to eight hours every day swimming, hiking and filming dugongs near Phuket. Now, he’s warning the animals may soon disappear from one of the few places outside Australia that they gather. Video …
Bangkok’s floating markets: Where trade still floats
Long before they became one of Thailand’s most recognizable tourist attractions, floating markets were the lifeblood of riverside communities. Built around the country’s vast network of canals, they served as bustling trading hubs where merchants bought and sold everything from fresh produce to household goods, shaping daily life for generations.
Today, while their purpose has evolved, they continue to preserve a centuries-old way of life, while offering visitors a glimpse of Thailand’s rich trading heritage. Continued …
Bangkok’s New Zoo Set for 2027 Opening
Bangkok’s long-awaited replacement for Dusit Zoo is 92.5% complete, with the first public access planned as a free opening in April 2027. The full 300-rai Biodiversity Park at Khlong 6 in Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani, is scheduled to fully open in early 2029.
The new site stands on former Rangsit wetland, about an hour north of central Bangkok, depending on traffic. It will be three times the size of the former Dusit Zoo, which closed in September 2018 after 80 years in operation. Continued …
Australia sets November 2 start for major gun buyback
Australia’s New South Wales state will begin a major gun buyback on November 2, offering owners up to A$1,000, or about US$700, for each eligible rifle or handgun surrendered. The federal government passed legislation in January establishing a gun buyback, strengthening checks on firearm license applicants and introducing measures against hate-related conduct. Continued …
Cafe clash highlights Israel’s religious differences
Alma Ronen has been fighting in the Israeli military nearly constantly for more than two years. Spending her Saturday not in uniform but in a T-shirt and jeans, she would like to enjoy a coffee outside – and resents that her more religious compatriots think otherwise. Continued …
Trump says US scaling back military drills with South Korea
US President Donald Trump said he was “not happy” about US participation in joint military exercises with close ally South Korea and is scaling back the drills aimed at deterring rival North Korea that start today. Continued …
Hua Hin Links and Transport
Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Tourism of Si Khiri Khan Festival opens at Hua Hin train station
The Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin has announced that its 16th Amateur Charity Golf Classic will take place at Pineapple Valley Golf Club on Friday, Nov. 27. The annual tournament is one of the club’s main fundraising events, with proceeds supporting community projects, medical institutions and schools in Hua Hin and other areas.
Thailand’s sex trade remains illegal, but its presence is highly visible from Soi Cowboy in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area to Pattaya’s Walking Street, where nightlife businesses continue to draw visitors from around the world.
Thailand allows eligible civilians to apply for firearm ownership, but its licensing system draws clear legal distinctions between buying a gun, possessing and using it, and carrying it in public.
Thailand is recording between 8,000 and 9,000 new HIV infections a year, more than eight times the target of under 1,000 annual cases needed for the country to end AIDS as a public health problem by 2030.
US President Donald Trump has introduced new compensation demands in negotiations with Iran, further complicating efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran set conditions of its own for ending the confrontation.
Oil prices rose to their highest levels in nearly two weeks today after negotiations between the United States and Iran over a peace agreement and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz reached an impasse, while Asian stock markets traded cautiously ahead of key US inflation data.
The baht has weakened by about 5% since the beginning of the year, making it the third-biggest decliner among major Asian currencies. A broader measure of its value against Thailand’s trading partners, however, suggests the depreciation continues to support the competitiveness of Thai exports.
Thailand is pressing China for deeper use of local materials and suppliers, wider market access for Thai SMEs and investment in agricultural processing. It seeks to reduce a trade imbalance that could reach a cumulative 12.14 trillion baht over 2016-2026.
Thailand’s trade with its free trade agreement partners rose by 21.8% year on year to US$243.67 billion in the first half of 2026, accounting for more than half of the country’s total global trade.
Thailand’s unemployment rate remains relatively low, but the labor market is showing signs of weakening, says SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), the research arm of Siam Commercial Bank.
The government is preparing tougher screening criteria for data center investments amid concerns over their heavy use of electricity and water. The Board of Investment (BOI) is preparing to assess projects based on four key areas: benefits to Thailand, energy and water availability, and environmental impacts.
To qualify for the government subsidy for installing rooftop solar panels, households must have a minimum monthly electricity bill of around 3,000 baht, according to the Finance Ministry.
The contiguous United States sizzled to its hottest month ever last month, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. July averaged 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit (24.94 degrees Celsius) across the lower 48 states, eclipsing the Dust Bowl’s July 1936 by an eighth of a degree. Records go back to 1895. – USA Today
At least 132 people have died, and 570 have been injured as a result of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck earlier yesterday, according to the Colombian Association of Capital Cities, which earlier took part in an disaster response meeting with the president. 
Torrential rain from Typhoon Dolphin flooded roads and commercial areas across Shanghai yesterday, forcing the city’s two airports to cancel 943 flights and reducing their combined capacity by nearly 40%. 
A majority of Americans across the political divide support stronger government oversight of social media companies, including age-verification requirements intended to prevent children under 16 from using their platforms. 
Father after father Agence France-Presse (AFP) spoke to in Afghanistan about the education ban that stops their daughters going beyond primary school choked up in despair. The pain and anguish it is causing behind closed doors is clear from interviews AFP conducted across the country, with even deeply religious fathers questioning the ruling. 
TrueVisions rallies support for Nene Royal on America’s Got Talent
US President Donald Trump said he expected the war with Iran to end soon as negotiations over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz moved closer to an agreement but remained complicated by Iranian proposals to restrict US and Israeli vessels.
An NBC News review through July 10 found dozens of instances where Trump said the war was won or almost won — comments that were often followed by more threats of military action. 
Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) expects the baht to remain weak for the rest of the year, despite its recent appreciation this week driven by external factors. The baht strengthened to around 33 per US dollar this week, primarily due to global developments.
The SMEs Competitiveness Index fell by 0.8 points to 45.1 in the second quarter of this year, as businesses urge the government to help reduce costs and improve liquidity, according to a survey by the Institute of Trade Strategies at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT) has urged policymakers to prioritize sustainable investment in data center projects to maximize the long-term benefits for the Thai economy.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has outlined plans to provide grants of 50,000 baht per household for rooftop solar installations, alongside low-interest loans from state banks.
Thailand is preparing for a historic step in space exploration, with a Thai-designed and developed scientific payload set to travel to the Moon as part of China’s Chang’e 7 mission on Aug. 24.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has intensified enforcement against cannabis businesses, inspecting 1,326 shops since October 2025 and seizing products worth more than 109 million baht.
Thailand’s crackdown on nominee structures used to hold property on behalf of foreign interests is creating new pressure on the luxury housing and condominium markets, as authorities intensify checks on ownership arrangements in the real estate sector.
Phantong Loykulnanta, director-general of the Customs Department, reported that Thailand’s international trade reached B21.4 trillion in the first 10 months of fiscal 2026. The figure was close to the full-year total of B22 trillion recorded the previous year.
Robot Supply Chain Comes to Thailand: Inside China’s Humanoid Push into the EEC
Siam Legal Phuket is noting that Phuket’s first-half 2026 tourism figures, which show the island attracted nearly 7 million visitors and generated 263 billion baht in revenue between January and June, reflect a structural shift in how foreign nationals are engaging with Thailand rather than simply a strong season for the hospitality sector.
Twelve people were injured after an Air India Airbus A320 flying from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence yesterday, forcing some passengers who were not wearing seatbelts into the cabin ceiling.
Thailand is strengthening its tourism links with Indonesia through agreements with TransNusa Airlines and Traveloka, as it seeks to attract 890,000 Indonesian visitors in 2026.
Edwin Salas watched as the first of 20 solar panels was installed on the roof of his home, joining a Philippine solar energy boom sent into overdrive by the Middle East war. The country’s eye-watering electric bills – the highest in the region – were the primary driver of his decision, he said. Regular brownouts were a factor, too. 
Hua Hin City’s Waterworks Division has launched a citywide survey to update customer water meter records and improve the efficiency of meter-reading routes.
Avani+ Hua Hin appoints new general manager
A collection of camera-trap images documenting Kaeng Krachan tigers over eight years has been released as evidence of the continued health of the forest ecosystem. The images were shared yesterday to mark Global Tiger Day.
Global Tiger Day: How we’re helping wild tigers
There is a comforting myth that poverty in Asia and the Pacific is a story about the region’s least-developed economies. The assumption goes that if we can just lift the poorest nations, the job is largely done.
Why Men Are Drawn to Thailand for Sex Tourism
Southeast Asia has quietly become one of the most contested electric vehicle battlegrounds on the planet. Vietnam and Singapore have pushed EV sales shares to roughly 40% of new car sales, a level that now exceeds the UK and the EU, while Indonesia has overtaken the United States on EV penetration and Thailand has sold more EVs in three quarters of 2025 than Denmark managed in the same period, according to energy think tank Ember.
The US Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest-rate target unchanged at 3.50–3.75% yesterday, extending its pause for a fifth consecutive meeting as inflation remained above the central bank’s 2% target. The Federal Open Market Committee voted nine to three to maintain the target range, a decision that was broadly expected by financial markets. 
Up to 23 people were feared dead today after a major earthquake in Japan, with four bodies now pulled out from the tangled wreckage of a shopping mall ripped apart by a suspected massive gas explosion. The Kumamoto disaster-management office’s latest tally put fatalities at 17 and those without vital signs at six, with five more in critical condition two days after the 7.1-magnitude tremor. 
Hua Hin Food Fest 2026 will return to Hua Don Beach in Khao Takiab Aug. 28-30, featuring local food, fresh seafood, cooking competitions and live entertainment. The three-day festival will bring together restaurants, hotels and food businesses from Hua Hin and Cha-am, giving visitors the opportunity to sample regional dishes beside the beach.
New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule
A nine-day Hua Hin cultural tourism event will be held at the old Hua Hin Railway Station Aug. 10-18, showcasing the art, culture and historical identity of Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Thailand has launched a digital application that allows diners to find certified street-food vendors, forming part of a government program to raise operating standards and expand market opportunities for small businesses.
Concerns over children’s mental health is renewing debate whether excessive use of mobile devices is harming academic performance and learning capability, while boosting social isolation and criminal behavior influenced by online personalities.
Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a native plant closely associated with local ways of life and traditional Thai medicine. Its removal from Thailand’s narcotics list in 2021 marked an important turning point, opening the way for broader research, economic value creation and commercial development.
A police sergeant fought back after being shot in a daylight ambush by four gunmen in Thailand’s insurgency-hit deep south yesterday, returning fire despite a bullet wound before his attackers escaped by motorcycle and boat.
Despite US efforts to impose tariffs, Thai exports to America expanded over the first nine months of the fiscal year, up by nearly 34% year-on-year for a value of 2.13 trillion baht. In contrast, exports to China grew by only 0.78%, totaling 1 trillion baht.
Thailand is tightening its screening of data center investments, shifting its focus from the number and value of projects to their quality as the expansion of artificial intelligence drives demand for electricity, water and large-scale computing infrastructure.
Thailand Food Supplement Market to Reach US$ 2.52B by 2033
Thailand has built a strong medical-tourism industry and begun investing in genomic medicine and connected health data, but it still lacks a clear national strategy for competing in the emerging longevity economy.
Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), one of Asia-Pacific’s leading healthcare providers, has unveiled WellEra Bangkok, an approximately US$865 million (THB 29 billion) wellness-integrated development that reimagines how the built environment can actively support healthier, longer lives.
The decision to give Indians 30-day visa-free entry is expected to drive the market to a new record of 2.7 million visitors next year, supported by more flights from second- and third-tier cities to Thailand, say authorities.
Nakhon Si Thammarat Temple Wins UNESCO Status
Mitsubishi Motors is set to invest B16 billion ($473.23m) in Thailand by 2030, backing the automotive sector’s move toward electric vehicles (EVs). The funding will be channeled into EV technology.
The world is sinking under more than 460 million tons of plastic waste each year. More alarming than the figure itself is the fact that about 19 million tons escape into the environment, wreaking havoc, damaging biodiversity, worsening the greenhouse-gas crisis and ultimately harming our own health.
If you are looking for great and tasty seafood where tourists don’t go to then this is the place to go. It is one of my favorites in Hua Hin. Bring your best translator along as there is no English script menu but that means that great Thai dishes are going to be served. 
Thailand’s urban workforce is facing an escalating squeeze on disposable income as the price of popular ready-to-eat meals climbs across the country, driven by stubborn energy costs and transport inflation.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded Thailand’s GDP growth forecast to 1.9% from 1.5%, supported by the government’s stimulus measures.
Thailand generated just over 4.025 billion baht from foreign film productions during the first half of this year, with 302 overseas projects filmed across the country. The figures reinforce its position as a leading production hub in Asia and put it on course to set another annual revenue record.
Thailand’s tourism sector continues to feel the impact of a sharp decline in Chinese visitors, despite China regaining its position as the country’s largest source market in 2026. Between Jan. 1 and July 4, Thailand welcomed 16,210,890 foreign visitors, down 3.1% year on year, generating 782.57 billion baht in tourism revenue, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
A new Sadao checkpoint compound and road linking southern Thailand and northern Malaysia has been slated to open for users today after the prime ministers of both nations officiated its launch yesterday.
Thailand’s automatic rice transplanter can plant rice seedlings with incredible speed and precision. This smart farming technology helps farmers save time, reduce labor, and increase efficiency. 
For centuries, the identity of Thai textiles and handicrafts has been explicitly clear: vibrant, multi-colored regional weaves, intricate gold ornamentation, and complex motifs. These are not merely everyday materials but historic cultural artefacts reflecting local wisdom passed down through generations. Yet, a hard truth has loomed over the loom.
Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin held the official opening ceremony for its new building, marking another important milestone in the hospital’s development as it celebrates 15 years of service.
Dive into everything that makes Hua Hin amazing — stunning beaches, royal history, next-level seafood, hidden gems, and some wild activities (like kite surfing, releasing rescued marine creatures, and hiking to an epic hidden temple cave!). 
Thaimart, a home-grown Thai e-commerce platform, was officially introduced at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok yesterday, positioning itself as a new home for Thai business owners.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the Energy Ministry to find ways to reduce retail oil prices, saying domestic fuel prices should fall now that global oil prices have declined and stabilized.
Thailand will cut retail fuel prices from today, with diesel falling by 2.56 baht per liter and all petrol and gasohol grades dropping by 2.51 baht per liter.
Asking prices for land in Greater Bangkok have stagnated this year, with some sites facing discounts of up to 40% as buyers negotiate aggressively amid a sharp contraction in the condo market caused by economic weakness.
Pattana Promphat, Public Health minister, pressed ahead with the draft Cannabis and Hemp Act yesterday, aiming to control cannabis for medical use only. He ordered tighter oversight from source to destination after problems were found involving illegal transport abroad and the use of fake licenses.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has warned that the country’s cannabis industry could be shut down if authorities conclude it is causing more harm than benefit, following a series of major international cannabis smuggling cases linked to Thailand.
Bangkok has emerged as one of the world’s 10 most expensive cities for high-net-worth individuals, according to the Julius Baer Global Wealth & Lifestyle Report 2026, released yesterday.
Thailand welcomes 16.21 million foreign tourists, down 3.1%
Tickets for the inaugural Tomorrowland Thailand music festival have sold out, with all 150,000 tickets purchased shortly after sales opened, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul announced yesterday following the weekly Cabinet meeting.
The Anutin government’s decision to allow householders to sell their excess rooftop solar energy to the electricity authorities marks a major milestone in the country’s clean energy transition. It is also a rare and welcome instance of a government fulfilling its promises to the public.
Government agencies and the private sector have taken a major step toward bringing international flights to Hua Hin Airport, with Thai AirAsia identifying four potential overseas routes. A Market Insights and Customer Insights Workshop was held on Friday, bringing together more than 60 tourism, hotel and hospitality operators from Hua Hin and Cha Am.
Hua Hin’s long-running push for international flights is now being tied to a wider plan to reposition the city as a year-round destination, rather than one reliant mainly on weekend visitors and domestic tourism.
Go bar hopping across some of the town’s best nightlife spots, including Hard Rock Cafe, the Hilton Rooftop Bar, Soi Bintabaht, Soi 94, Soi 80, Khao Takiab and more! From rooftop sunset drinks and live music to DJ bars and hidden local spots, this vlog captures the atmosphere of Hua Hin after dark. Also check out drink prices along the way to see what a night out in Hua Hin actually costs in 2026. 
Individual customers and businesses in Thailand are set to benefit from lower service fees charged by commercial banks and other financial institutions under a new regulation issued by the Bank of Thailand (BOT).
Thailand’s Egg Farmers’ Co-operative Network has announced a 20-satang increase in the farm-gate price of mixed-size eggs to 3.80 baht each, raising the cost of a 30-egg tray by six baht from today. The rate will remain in force until further notice.
Thailand is positioning itself as a resilient, neutral hub in a fracturing global economy, leveraging its geography and gold’s growing strategic value to navigate the deepening rivalry between the United States and China.
The European Union’s new €3 customs fee on low-value e-commerce parcels may deal a blow to Chinese online giants such as SHEIN, Temu and AliExpress, but for Thailand the bigger question is whether the measure will create a new export opportunity — or trigger a fresh influx of cheap Chinese goods into ASEAN.
Thailand’s Finance Ministry expects the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok to give the country a rare global platform to showcase its economic readiness, crisis-management capacity and investment potential.
Koh Tao arrivals set to top 800,000
Pattaya’s tourism sector is experiencing a particularly weak low season, with tourist numbers falling in Pattaya and Chon Buri, leaving many hotels unable to reach break-even occupancy levels. Many properties are reporting occupancy rates of just 15% to 20%, below the estimated break-even threshold of 40% to 50%.
A Thai man was arrested at Suvarnabhumi International Airport Saturday after police received complaints from 150 travelers who alleged they had paid for a pilgrimage tour to Saudi Arabia that never departed, with reported losses exceeding 4 million baht.
Ranong touted as premier destination for eco-tourism and wellness
It looked like a string bean at first. Wrapped around a branch behind a clutch of parked motorcycles, the snake’s chartreuse skin was just a few swatches brighter than the tall foliage it was trying to blend into. Thai-American snake expert Christopher Shannon caught it in the beam of his flashlight, quickly identifying it as an Asian long-nosed vine snake. Its pointy snout and slit-like pupils gave it, in his words, “binocular vision.”
The Thai government says it is accelerating the restructuring of the country’s energy sector to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, expand renewable energy and strengthen energy security, while making Thailand more attractive to investors. The announcement comes as global demand for clean electricity continues to grow and governments compete to secure investment linked to low-carbon energy.
Thailand has established itself as one of Southeast Asia’s leading destinations for luxury real estate, attracting buyers who appreciate high-quality homes, exceptional lifestyles, and a wide variety of residential options. From dynamic city centers to peaceful coastal communities, the country offers something for every type of buyer.
Hua Hin Municipality has ordered Soi 102 drainage work after residents complained about standing water and foul smells in the Na Ta Chang area.
The Pa La-U Fruit Festival 2026 has opened in Hua Hin, with locally grown GI durians on sale for 200 baht per kilogram, as organisers look to attract visitors and support farmers in Huai Sat Yai.
Registration is now open for the AIA One Billion Trail 2026 by TMS, which will take place in Hua Hin on Nov. 21. The event will bring runners to one of Thailand’s best-loved seaside destinations, with routes combining sea views, natural landscapes and plenty of adventure.
Thailand is bracing for another day of widespread rain, with the Thai Meteorological Department warning of heavy downpours in several parts of the country on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are expected to see thunderstorms across 70% of the area, while the North and Northeast face rain over 80% of their areas.
The Dutch embassy will relocate from its historic Wireless Road premises to new offices on Rama IV Road in August, ending nearly 80 years at its current site.
A primary school in Kalasin province has sparked widespread criticism after advertising a temporary English teaching position with a monthly salary of just 5,500 baht. Ban Non Yang School in Kuchinarai district announced yesterday it is seeking one temporary employee for the position of assistant teacher/English teacher.
Survey shows economic fears persist
Confidence in the broader economy remains “subdued”, with concerns centering on corruption, inflation, and divided opinions about what direction the country should move in, market research firm Ipsos says.
Thailand’s economy is expected to grow by 1.6% to 2.0% this year, a leading business group said yesterday, maintaining its earlier forecast. The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) also maintained its forecast that exports, a key driver of Thai growth, would rise by 8% to 10% this year.
Total spending in the first month of the government’s “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” (Thais Help Thais) co-payment scheme reached 43.2 billion baht, with 1.2 billion remaining unspent, the Ministry of Finance said yesterday.
Thai Agriculture & Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said after holding talks with Malaysia’s Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu that the neighboring country will likely lift its temporary ban on import of five Thai shrimp species within 30 says.
Travel And Tour World has released its Top 50 Medical Tourism Destinations for 2026, and Thailand has taken second place, bested only by Turkey and finishing ahead of a global field.
The Thai city of Pattaya is known for a brightly lit strip of go-go bars known as Walking Street frequented by tourists after dark. Its international reputation for seedy nightlife is justified, even if the city’s red light district is confined to only a few streets, according to travel bloggers and Thai tourism experts.
World’s top tourist destinations are done selling sunsets and are betting everything on dinner
Koh Samui shines in Asia-Pacific awards
Despite optimism around the US-Iran ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, it will take time for jet fuel prices to return to pre-crisis levels and airfares could remain high for longer than passengers expect, says the International Air Transport Assn. (IATA).
Thai grandmother Nom Prom-on rummages through rubbish bins looking for bottles, cans and paper to trade for food and other goods at a recycling cooperative providing a lifeline for Bangkok’s poor. Riding an old motorcycle with a rubbish cart attached, the 61-year-old and her husband Rai rise early to beat rival scavengers to claim the best of the city’s recyclabletrash, which they take to a cash-free “zero baht shop”.