- Sun Power Solar sponsors Expat News/Visa-Free Stay Cut to 30 DaysMonsoon to bring heavy rain/Thailand has a password problem/Private sector encouraged to sponsor World Cup/Thai Teen Wins Snooker Title
- THE IRAN WAR: Trump warns Iran of fresh US strikes/Iran agrees to help Thai cargo ships
- ECONOMY: Cabinet approves relief scheme/Why our workplaces aren’t working/EEC land prices surge/EEC condo prices decline/Nippon Steel pledges long-term commitment/Migrants to ease labor shortage/Humanoid robots to reshape manufacturing/NT picked for digital infrastructure projects
- TOURISM: TAT banks on quality travel/Thailand Wellness Industry/Thai Airways cuts June flights
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Amazing Coconut Cutting Skills/Enormous snake moving through floodwaters
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Land bridge comes at environmental cost/Businesses face green reckoning/Save mangroves, save global water cycle/Power demand from data centers, EVs
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Editor: We’re always pleased, and humbled, when sponsors decide to renew their commitment to Expat News, and today thank Hua Hin’s Sun Power Solar for continuing with their sponsorship.
Sun Power Solar
We are passionate about solar energy. We had our own solar system installed. After a few days, we found it so inspiring we were hooked and decided to start a business.
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We had been hearing of people with less than positive experiences after having their system installed, so decided we should provide a professional service to ensure people do not experience anything other than excellence in their new venture, whilst making a significant contribution to the environment.
The solar industry is rapidly expanding, largely due to falling prices, along with peoples desire to see their monthly electricity bill reduced, as the cost of electricity steadily increases. Couple this with more and more people being aware and taking action against global warming, solar power is one of the obvious ways to help achieve this.
Therefore, it not only becomes a financial saving, but also helps the environment for future generations. A win win situation for all.
All of our products (Inverters/Panels/Batteries/Hardware) are sourced locally from distributors in Thailand. This facilitates quick and easy backup or replacement, should it ever be needed.
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Contact: Tel. 0877931069 (EN); Email: sunpowersolarandcctv@gmail.com; Web.
Cabinet Cuts Visa-Free Stay Back to 30 Days
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved the cancellation of the 60-day visa-free entry scheme for travelers from more than 90 countries and territories, reverting instead to the previous arrangements that mostly allow stays of around 30 days.
The move marks a significant shift in the country’s tourism policy, with authorities citing security concerns and the need to focus on “quality tourists” rather than visitor numbers alone. Continued …
Strong monsoon to bring heavy rain across Thailand’s regions
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today forecast continued rain across Thailand over the next 24 hours, with heavy to very heavy rain in some areas of the south’s west coast, the northeast, and the east.
Isolated heavy rain was also forecast for the north and the central region, including Bangkok and surrounding provinces. People were advised to beware of heavy to very heavy rain and accumulated rainfall, which could trigger flash floods and run-off . Continued …
Thailand has a password problem
Thailand’s cybersecurity authority has warned that weak and reused passwords remain one of the biggest gateways to modern cyber-attacks, with leaked login credentials increasingly being exploited to gain access to mobile banking accounts, corporate systems, and users’ broader digital identities.
National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) Secretary-general AVM Amorn Chomchoey delivered the warning during the recent Fortinet Accelerate 26 APAC – Thailand Edition Fast Forward Edition, where he outlined the country’s evolving cyber-threat landscape and revealed statistics on the “Top 20 Most Used Passwords in Thailand”. Continued …
Private sector encouraged to sponsor World Cup 2026
Prime Minister’s Office Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi said yesterday the government might have to find potential private sponsors for the World Cup tournament to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada during June 12 and July 20 since, she commented, the FIFA broadcasting rights were considered “unfairly costly” for Thailand.
For instance, Thailand has been asked to pay the price that would be “unfairly costly” and higher than that offered to another country, though the former roughly has a 70-million population, compared to the latter’s one-billion population, according to the Bhumjaithai-attached Prime Minister’s Office minister. Continued …
Thai Teen Wins 2026 World Women’s Snooker Title
Thai teenager “Mind Sakol” Panchaya Channoi made snooker history yesterday by defeating 12-time world champion, Reanne Evans, to capture her maiden World Women’s Snooker Championship title and become Thailand’s 3rd world snooker champion.
The 2026 “World Women’s Snooker Championship,” held at the Changping Snooker Center in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China, reached its climax yesterday with the highly anticipated final match. The 18-year-old Thai sensation, ranked 15th in the world, defeated her fellow compatriot world number 3 and 2022 world champion, “Mink Saraburi” Nutcharut Wongharuthai, 5-3. She overcame England’s Reanne Evans, the world number 4 and legendary 12-time world champion, 6-2 in the best-of-11 frame final. Continued …
Trump warns Iran of fresh US strikes as deal pressure grows
US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States may strike Iran again if negotiations fail, even as he claimed Tehran’s leaders were now seeking a deal to end the US-Israeli war.
Speaking at the White House yesterday, Trump said he had been close to ordering a new attack before deciding to delay the move. “I was an hour away from making the decision to go today,” Trump told reporters. Continued …
Iran agrees to help Thai cargo ships pass Strait of Hormuz
Two Thai cargo ships waiting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz are expected to receive assistance from Iran after a meeting at Government House Monday.
Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, chief adviser to the prime minister, met Mehdi Zare, cultural counsellor at the Embassy of Iran in Thailand, to discuss bilateral ties and the regional situation. Continued …
Cabinet approves 176-billion-baht relief scheme
The cabinet has approved the “Thais Help Thais Plus” program, together with additional support measures for vulnerable groups, with a combined budget of 176 billion baht, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas announced yesterday.
The program is designed to ease the burden of rising living costs, as Thailand faces what the government has described as a second wave of the global energy crisis. Continued …
Why our workplaces aren’t working
For years, companies have built teams around a simple idea: hiring experienced people who can execute reliably within a stable system. People who know what to do, how to do it, and how to deliver consistently over time.
It worked when the world was stable, when change was incremental, when industries moved in cycles, when experience was the strongest predictor of success. But that world is gone. Continued …
EEC land prices surge as foreign capital reshapes Thailand’s industrial market
Foreign capital, particularly Chinese investment, is significantly reshaping Thailand’s industrial estate market. Although investment decisions briefly slowed in early March due to travel-related factors and economic uncertainty, most investors resumed negotiations and continued expanding their investments once the situation eased.
This has kept Thailand’s industrial land and logistics market hot in the first quarter of 2026, especially in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), a key magnet for foreign capital. Continued …
Eastern Economic Corridor condo prices decline again in Q1
Condo prices in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) declined in the first quarter, marking a second consecutive quarterly decrease as developers accelerated stock clearance campaigns amid sluggish purchasing power and elevated unsold inventory.
According to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), the EEC condominium price index was 101.9 points in the first quarter, down 1% year-on-year and 0.3% quarter-on-quarter. Continued …
Nippon Steel pledges long-term commitment to Thailand
Nippon Steel has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Thailand, urging stronger government protection against an influx of substandard steel imports and expressing readiness to further expand investments in the country.
Nippon Steel, Japan’s largest steel producer and expected to become the world’s third-largest steelmaker following its US$14.9-billion acquisition of US Steel, reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Thailand through investments in around 30 companies employing approximately 8,000 workers across the steel supply chain, from upstream production to downstream manufacturing. Continued …
Call for more migrants to ease labor shortage
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has urged the government to act swiftly in tackling worker shortages for Thailand’s labor-intensive industries.
The committee said easing legal barriers and renewing work permits for migrant workers from neighboring countries is critical to sustaining competitiveness, economic growth, and exports. Continued …
Humanoid robots set to reshape manufacturing
Humanoid robots are rapidly moving out of laboratories and into industrial reality as advances in artificial intelligence (AI) converge with growing global labor shortages, creating a pivotal moment for automation.
A study by Roland Berger projects that the humanoid robotics market could generate between US$300 billion and $750 billion in annual revenue by 2035, with long-term potential to reach $4 trillion by 2050, rivaling the size of the global automotive industry. Continued …
NT picked to spearhead 6 digital infrastructure projects
The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry has assigned state telecom enterprise National Telecom (NT) to steer six projects that aim to strengthen Thailand’s digital infrastructure.
The effort is expected to help transform NT into the country’s leading provider of digital services for the public sector, while reinforcing Thailand’s long-term cybersecurity resilience. Continued …
TAT banks on quality travel as long-haul markets hold steady
Thailand is moving to defend its long-haul tourism markets as global geopolitical tensions, higher fuel prices, and cautious travel sentiment continue to affect the industry.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said global geopolitical risks were still weighing on the economy and tourism sector, particularly through higher supply-side costs and operating expenses linked to oil prices. Continued …
Thailand Tells Wellness Industry: Scientific Proof Is the Only Path to Premium Pricing
Senior government officials delivered a blunt message to Thailand’s wellness sector yesterday: no amount of customer satisfaction will substitute for hard clinical evidence, and without it, the industry will never escape the pricing trap holding it back from global competitiveness.
Speaking at the opening of a national seminar and networking forum entitled “Beyond Relaxation: Innovation, Science and the Future of Value Creation in the Wellness Industry”, hosted by the National Innovation Agency (NIA), the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), and Chulalongkorn University, MHESI minister Yodchanan Wongsawat argued that the single missing piece in Thailand’s wellness puzzle is an evidence base — and that without one, operators will continue hitting a hard ceiling on what they can charge. Continued …
Thai Airways cuts June flights on 10 Asia services
Thai Airways International will cancel and reduce flights on 10 international services in June, covering routes to India, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and China, as passenger demand slows during the low tourism season.
A source from Thai Airways International said the airline needed to adjust its flight plan again in June after a previous round of changes in May. The latest adjustment will affect selected international services, with some flights canceled for the whole of June and others suspended on specific dates. Continued …
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Vilhelm International Academy launched in March 2026 and has is campus at “The Hub” in Hin Lek Fai, less than 10 minutes from the center of town. They provide mentor-led academic supervision for students studying through accredited online school programs, whether independently enrolled or through integrated programs offered at Vilhelm. This means that students follow a fixed timetable, complete coursework under supervision, and receive ongoing progress monitoring. They can do this whist studying for their GCSE’s, A-Levels, NCAA approved US courses, or any other online school they choose to use.
Unlike more traditional options, at the academy children can learn at their own pace, not being forced forward before they are ready and also not being held back by the rest of the class. When they are ready to move on they do so. By coming to the academy each day, they are able to complement their studies with activities that develop leadership skills, community service (such as the recent helmet initiative), complemented by daily sports and physical activity to support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
You can visit the website for more details, or you can book an appointment to meet with the academy co-ordinator to discuss what you are looking for and explain what they can offer. There is a completely free five-day trial period that can be taken advantage of by anyone interested in seeing if the academy is the right fit for them.
Website; Email: info@vilhelminternationalacademy.com; Phone: +66 065 991 5500; Facebook; Map location.
Amazing Coconut Cutting Skills of Thailand
Thai street food vendors use incredible speed, precision, and knife techniques to prepare fresh coconuts in seconds. Video …
Video shows enormous snake moving through Thailand floodwaters
A video of an enormous snake moving through muddy water has startled viewers online. The clip shows what appears to be a large python gliding through floodwaters in Thailand. Video …
Thailand’s mega project land bridge comes at environmental cost
Thailand’s trillion-baht land bridge project may put environments at risk, as one conservation scientist calls the mega-project a “trade-off” between economic growth and environmental protection.
Petch Manopawitr, a scientist and technical adviser to international organizations, criticized that the mega-project represents a sacrifice of natural resources for economic growth. “A project like land bridge brings us to the question of trade-offs again. We have to destroy this capital in order to develop,” he said. Continued …
Thai businesses face a green reckoning
A new set of trade rules is sweeping through the business world. This time, it is not about price or quality. It is about carbon reduction. The big question is whether companies can keep up with this particular “green” goal.
Environmental pressures are rocking global trade and its supply chains to the core. Businesses are expected to take responsibility for their environmental impact, not as a choice, but as a condition of market access. Continued …
Save mangroves, save the global water cycle
The global water cycle is our planet’s life-support system. It is a powerful environmental pump, with forests transpiring moisture and replenishing giant atmospheric rivers of freshwater.
It is also a global thermostat, regulating the climate through evaporation and cloud formation. And it is a giant filter, purifying water as it percolates through the soils and wetlands. Continued …
SE Asia’s power demand from data centers, EVs to grow
Power demand growth for green industrial parks, data centers and electric vehicles in Southeast Asia is forecast to grow by more than 100 terawatts per hour (TWh) in the next three to four years, according toa report published by Bain & Co. and Standard Chartered.
The demand from these sectors is expected to require more than $200billion of investments, according to the 2026 Southeast Asia’s Green Economy Report. More than half of this investment will go to data centers, with almost all operators willing to pay a premium to avoid grid connection delays. Continued …
Police Target International Crime Networks in Pattaya
Thailand’s Tourist Police have stepped up efforts to improve safety in Pattaya through closer cooperation with embassies, consulates, and foreign volunteer networks to tackle nominee businesses, scam gangs, and transnational crime. Continued …
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Chinese Nationals Held in Chon Buri Drug Lab Bust – Continued …
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Brit Arrested in Pattaya Drug and Gun Busts – Continued …
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Chinese Film Crew Workers Arrested in Chiang Mai – Continued …
WHO worried about ‘scale and speed’ of deadly Ebola outbreak
The World Health Organization yesterday voiced concern about the “scale and speed” of an Ebola outbreak that has killed more than 130 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and warned it could be lengthy. The UN health agency has declared the surge of the highly contagious haemorrhagic fever in the east of the country an international health emergency. Continued …
Standard Chartered to cut over 7,000 jobs as bank steps up AI adoption
Standard Chartered plans to cut more than 7,000 jobs over the next four years as it boosts adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) while targeting growth. The London-headquartered lender is one of the first major global banks to lay out official plans to cut thousands of jobs, citing AI as a driver to make its operations slimmer as it seeks to increase its profitability and tackle competition. 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
The BECC Primary International School has begun construction on a new purpose-built campus off Soi 112 in Hua Hin, with the school scheduled to open at the site in August 2027.
The Kite and Art Festival Prachuap Khiri Khan will take place at Saran Withi Pier from May 15-16, bringing two evenings of kite displays, art and family-friendly activities to the seafront.
Thailand could face a “dual water crisis” in 2026 after the Thai Meteorological Department forecast that El Niño could occur during May to July, putting many areas at risk of water shortages and prompting the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) to accelerate nationwide response plans and monitor 20 branches at risk of shortages.
Thailand’s Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) is pushing ahead with four new rail projects in Bangkok, while accelerating tram developments in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima, with all three provincial tram systems targeted to open by 2032.
From Epic Fury to Project Freedom: Who Pays the Bill for a Blocked Strait?
Oil prices jumped $3 a barrel today as the United States and Iran failed to agree to a peace proposal drafted by Washington, while the Strait of Hormuz remained largely closed, keeping global energy supplies tight.
Thais Feel the Pinch as ‘Single-Dish’ Prices Surge Amid Fuel Price Crisis
Land bridge faces uphill battle
Thai economists are expressing concern that the government’s much-touted-but-stalled land bridge project will neither be a success nor boost the economy as they hope. Some suggest that the Thai government should first revive existing economic projects left unfinished.
Kukrit Areepakorn, manager of the Thai Broiler Processing Exporters Assn., revealed that the export situation and prices of chicken are currently declining due to two main reasons: China suspending exports from 17 processing plants, and the Middle East war.
Foreign tourists in Thailand are actively observing the Thai baht’s depreciation against the US dollar, a trend that directly impacts their vacation budgets. The currency opened at 31.77 per dollar, a slight weakening from 31.60, and analysts foresee continued fluctuation within the range of 31.55 to 31.95 as global economic conditions evolve.
Thailand’s tourism industry is coming under severe pressure as foreign arrivals fall, visitor spending weakens, and operating costs surge across key destinations. In Pattaya, hotel occupancy has collapsed to as low as 30%, while bookings on Bangkok’s Khao San Road remain more than 20% below last year following Songkran.
Thailand Bets on Revamp of Chaing Mai Hot Springs to Spearhead Wellness Drive
Did you know Thailand is actually the first nation in Southeast Asia to successfully revive its tiger population? While most of the world is losing these incredible big cats, Thailand’s jungles are seeing a serious comeback. We’re talking about a massive conservation effort that’s bringing the king of the jungle back to the Western Forest Complex. It’s a huge win for wildlife and shows a side of Thai conservation history that most people completely miss. 
This Unknown City Wants To Become Thailand’s Next Vacation Hotspot
Why Koh Kut remains one of Thailand’s most beautiful island escapes
The Thai government is significantly ramping up its national energy infrastructure and streamlining investment protocols to capitalize on a new wave of global digital and clean energy interest.
Thailand’s energy crisis, sparked by Middle East tensions, has rapidly turned solar power from a green option into an economic necessity. As electricity costs surge, homes and businesses are rushing to install rooftop panels, with demand outpacing supply and installers struggling to keep up.
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) is exploring ways to make loans more accessible for households joining the rooftop solar buyback scheme, aiming to encourage wider adoption of clean energy and help families generate their own electricity.
Thailand’s Alcohol Control Committee has opened a public consultation on a draft regulation setting days when alcohol sales would be prohibited, with feedback accepted until May 30. The move signals a potential update to existing restrictions, while confirming that recent changes to daytime alcohol sales have not increased accident rates.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday confirmed that Thais will definitely view World Cup 2026 football games to be broadcast live from host countries in North America between next month and July.
Thailand is being urged to promote “active citizens” to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs) after new findings show they account for 70% of all deaths and impose an economic burden of B1.6 trillion.
Even if you don’t drink coffee, you will know that the coffee business has grown tremendously because coffee shops, either small or large, have been mushrooming. Due to the growth of this market, Thailand is set to host one of the world’s most influential coffee events – World Of Coffee Bangkok 2026.
Is 60 truly the perfect endpoint of a working life? This question is becoming ever more pressing as Thailand, and the broader Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, rapidly transform into a “super-aged society” – a definition for a country or society where 20% or more of the population is aged 65 or older.
U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday he would briefly pause an operation to help ships escape the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran. 
Thailand’s rice exporters say the Iran war has dealt a major blow to shipments to the Middle East, wiping out more than 200,000 tons of exports over the past three months.
The Cabinet yesterday approved a draft emergency decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow up to 400 billion baht to address the impact of the energy crisis and support Thailand’s energy transition. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the decision was necessary because conflict in the Middle East had severely affected energy prices and economic activity worldwide.
Thailand’s condominium market in 2026 is facing pressure from all sides, including the domestic economy and external factors, particularly tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel that have pushed oil prices higher, significantly affecting the cost of goods and services, as well as the cost of living for Thai consumers.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said Thailand and the United States have agreed to move forward with talks on a reciprocal trade agreement after discussions with senior US trade officials. Suphajee made the remarks after meeting US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer on Monday.
An environmental advocacy organization, the Environmental Law Foundation (EnLAW), yesterday launched a nationwide campaign titled “Stop SEC Act & Land Bridge”, calling on the public to oppose the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC), or land bridge project, through an online petition.
More than 50% of farmer debtors are unlikely to fully repay their debts within their lifetime, largely because most of them are elderly, according to the Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research (PIER). The institute says a combination of debt relief measures is needed to address the issue.
Before we go too far down the road of new tourism taxes, it is worth pausing to ask a simple question. Are we really talking about something new, or are we revisiting an old idea that has already been tried, tested and, in many cases, quietly abandoned?
A tourist complaint has put photographers at Wat Arun back in the spotlight after visitors claimed they were told to move from public areas to make way for paying photo clients.
Bangkok food vendor curbs push city staple from the streets
Chinatown in Bangkok is one of the world’s most vibrant Chinese districts, famous for its atmosphere and energy. Visitors can explore Yaowarat Road, admire landmarks like China Gate and Wat Traimit, wander through Sampheng Lane, and enjoy a rich variety of street food after dark. 
Thailand’s electric pickup market is shifting into high gear, fueled by a mix of global energy pressures and domestic policy support, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Starting times for the Hua Hin Marathon 2026 have been confirmed, with organizers expecting more than 3,500 runners to take part in the annual race on Sunday, May 10. The event will include four race distances and aims to raise funds for environmental conservation in the city.
Dear Doctors: I just read about people who are called super-agers and how they don’t have the memory problems that happen when you get older. Supposedly, they have more brain cells. Do you know if that’s true? The idea of super-agers is really interesting, and I want to know more.
Thailand is facing the risk of water shortages after its “source water” reserves, stored supplies used during the dry season, declined due to climate change and El Niño.
Thailand’s economy is being hit by what economists describe as a “cost tsunami”, as the Middle East conflict enters its third month following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, driving up energy prices and placing pressure on both businesses and households.
Thailand’s grassroots economy is facing a critical turning point as a “perfect storm” of soaring energy costs and stagnant consumer demand leaves a significant portion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on the verge of collapse.
Thailand’s medical device industry is facing potential supply shortages by July due to rising costs influenced by global energy instability and restricted exports from China. Jarudech Kunadilok, chairman of MEDIC, highlighted that soaring logistics expenses and increased prices for essential materials like plastic resins threaten production.
By almost every traditional metric, Thailand is winning the digital race. From the neon-lit boardrooms of the Eastern Economic Corridor to the street-side stalls of Chiang Mai, the nation’s digital “plumbing” is among the most sophisticated in the world.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has been appointed to lead a government committee tasked with studying the proposed land bridge project within a 90-day timeframe, according to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
The housing market in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) continued to soften in 2025, with both demand and supply contracting year-on-year, according to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC).
Thailand is seeking to reposition its healthcare sector as a strategic investment engine, moving beyond a buyer-seller model toward long-term partnerships in clinical research, drug production, medical AI, and advanced healthcare technology.
Thai Union Group expects a positive outlook for the pet food business, although Thailand’s pet food export growth is expected to moderate this year.
Thailand’s tourism sector is facing an unprecedented convergence of crises, as geopolitical tensions, soaring energy costs, and structural economic weaknesses collide to form what analysts are calling a “perfect storm.”
The Koh Phi Phi islands in Thailand deliver some of the most breathtaking scenery you’re ever likely to see. Set in the Andaman Sea, they’re made up of dramatic limestone cliffs and white sand bays surrounded by turquoise waters filled with tropical fish.
Video of Railay Beach, Krabi
Bangkok’s Street Food Scene Is Disappearing
Stronger promotion of solar power by Thai authorities amid an energy crisis holds promise, but still faces challenges, say industry analysts. Clean energy is in the spotlight after global conflicts continue to push electricity prices higher, leaving households and businesses vulnerable to volatility.
Chief government whip Korrawee Prissananantakul yesterday expressed confidence that the Clean Air Bill, which lapsed with the previous House, will be approved by the cabinet within the set timeframe.
As wildfires swept through forests across Thailand, animals fled through smoke and flames. Experts urged the government to act more proactively to tackle the wildfires, particularly by adopting modern technology.
TotalEnergies ENEOS has entered into a long-term agreement with Jintana Intertrade, a garment manufacturer in Thailand, to supply solar power to its production facility. The two companies have signed a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) that will support the installation and operation of a 1.2 MWp solar photovoltaic system at the factory.
Hua Hin Hospital has reported positive feedback from amputees who have used the Thai-developed “dynamic prosthetic foot”, which enables them to walk and even run with a level of ease much closer to that of a natural foot.
A Hua Hin youth football tournament brought together 180 young players from schools in Hua Hin and Pran Buri yesterday. The inaugural Hua Hin Youth Football Championship for Literacy 2026 was held at Khao Takiab Stadium in Hua Hin.
Strict disciplinary action will be taken against officials implicated in the granting of preferential treatment for Chinese inmates at Bangkok Remand Prison late last year, the Department of Corrections (DoC) says.
Thailand pushes land bridge as energy hub to guard against Hormuz risk
While a majority of people in southern Thailand support the proposed land bridge megaproject, more than half say they have only a limited understanding of it, according to a Nida poll survey released yesterday.
Thailand’s renewable long-stay visa scheme for foreign condominium buyers is unlikely to be a decisive factor in attracting overseas investment, according to a property market expert, saying that decisions are driven more by lifestyle, education, and regulatory clarity. Laurent Richer, chief financial officer of an online property platform, Fazwaz, said the visa policy acts as an enabler rather than a core incentive.
According to the latest residential market survey by the Thai Real Estate Research and Valuation Information Center at the Agency for Real Estate Affairs Co., Phuket property has expanded sharply. Phuket is the second-largest real estate market, behind only Greater Bangkok.
Thailand’s smart devices industry is showing strong export momentum, with “mart home” exports soaring 86.5% in 2025 to US$19.17 billion, underlining the country’s growing role as a key production and export base for technology products, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) under the Commerce Ministry.
Bangkok’s beloved street food culture at risk as vendor crackdown widens
Deputy Transport Minister Sanphet Bunyamanee says he is pushing for a 5-billion-baht cruise terminal on Koh Samui in the southern province of Surat Thani, with a targeted completion date in 2032.
In Thailand, local wisdom and medical experts alike warn that pairing durian with certain substances can be physically taxing or even life-threatening. If you are planning to indulge, here are the three critical combinations you must avoid to stay safe.
Thailand has launched the “Amazing Green Journey” campaign to help move the country’s tourism industry toward sustainability, while encouraging consumers to adopt more environmentally responsible lifestyles and travel habits.
In the Nong Khaem Waste Management Center, western Bangkok, garbage trucks enter a waste-to-energy plant, where waste is converted into electricity. In the plant, no smoke can be seen from the towering chimney and there is no smell of garbage in the air.
The European Union (EU) will enforce new rules from 2027 requiring smartphones and other battery-powered devices to allow easier battery replacement, though the law does not necessarily mean handsets must return to removable back covers as many consumers assume. 
Thailand is widely perceived as a relatively safe destination compared with many countries at similar income levels, yet risk profiles vary considerably between cities. For expats and digital nomads planning a medium to long-term stay, understanding which Thai cities offer the most predictable and manageable safety environment is critical.
The Ministry of Energy is pressing ahead with a major overhaul of the entire electricity tariff structure for the first time in more than 20 years. Its plan to introduce a new tiered tariff structure is creating ripples for households using more than 400 units a month and for the business sector.
The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has unveiled a nationwide contingency plan to mitigate the potential impact of a looming Super El Nino, warning that hotter temperatures and below-normal rainfall could threaten crops, water supplies, and rural incomes this year.
The rapid increase in energy prices caused by the prolonged war in the Middle East is taking a toll on Thai consumers, who are already reeling under high household debt. The prices of crude oil and natural liquid gas have risen sharply since the US-Israel war on Iran broke out in late February.
International trade between Thailand and China remains brisk, but the overall picture points to structural fragility as the trade deficit continues to widen. A review of data from the Information and Communication Technology Center found that Thailand-China trade totaled B1.278 trillion in the first three months of 2026, up 18.% from the same period a year earlier.
Thailand’s automotive industry showed fresh signs of recovery in March, as total vehicle production rose to 133,413 units and domestic sales were boosted by strong demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, according to the Federation of Thai Industries.
The information center of LWS Wisdom and Solutions Co. has pointed to a new picture of the property market in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), saying it is moving from growth driven by investment and infrastructure stimulus toward a housing market powered by “real demand” from the workforce and industrial sector. This has significantly changed the equation for project development and property investment in the area.
The battle for Thailand’s skincare market is intensifying as local and international beauty brands race to capture consumers who are spending more on science-based, skin-health-focused products.
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is advancing plans to integrate medical cannabis into the country’s health economy. This initiative aligns with recent changes in U.S. cannabis policy, as the U.S. eases restrictions on certain cannabis products.
Thailand is set to revert to its previous visa-free entry policy, reducing the number of eligible countries and territories from 93 to 57. This decision by the Tourism and Sports Ministry aims to improve visitor screening and promote high-value tourism.
Searches for short-haul travel destinations have risen sharply ahead of Thailand’s upcoming long weekend from April 30 to May 4, covering Labor Day and Coronation Day. The trend reflects growing demand for convenient, budget-conscious holidays, with Thai travelers showing stronger interest in both domestic destinations close to Bangkok and nearby international cities.
Call it a different kind of sticker shock. The Beijing Auto Show that opened to the public this week is a showcase for how hypercompetition in China has driven new car prices in the world’s largest car market to a fraction of the level of the next-largest market, the United States.
The National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) will meet tomorrow to consider a plan to buy more solar power from households and businesses, with the intention of encouraging people to generate their own electricity.
The industrial sector in Bangkok is seeing a noticeable shift as factories and warehouses begin turning their rooftops into productive financial assets through solar power installations. This change is being driven by rising electricity costs and supportive government policies, making solar energy an increasingly attractive option for businesses in Thailand’s capital and nearby areas.
Representatives of about 50 governments meet in Colombia today for the first international talks on phasing out planet-heating fossil fuels, against a backdrop of the Iran war and a global energy crunch.
Police have arrested two Chinese tourists accused of carrying out a gold shop robbery in Nakhon Ratchasima, stealing rings worth about 300,000 baht before fleeing. The suspects were detained later the same day in Bangkok after investigators traced their getaway vehicle. The stolen items were recovered and authorities are preparing legal proceedings. 
The man who authorities say tried to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner with guns and knives was charged yesterday with the attempted assassination of US President Donald Trump, as federal authorities suggested an attack that disrupted one of Washington’s glitziest events had been planned for at least several weeks. 
Australia unveiled draft laws today that would tax tech giants Meta, Google, and TikTok unless they voluntarily strike deals to pay local outlets for news. Traditional media companies around the world are in a battle for survival as readers increasingly consume their news on social media. Australia wants big tech companies to compensate local publishers for sharing articles that drive traffic on their platforms. 
The death toll from a train collision near the Indonesian capital Jakarta has risen to 14, with another 84 injured, the train operator said today, as rescuers worked to extract survivors still trapped in the wreckage. The collision between a commuter train and a long-distance train happened late yesterday in Bekasi, just outside Jakarta. 
When we talk about foreigners moving abroad, the loudest voices and the biggest egos usually grab all the attention. But today, let’s talk about the absolute pinnacle of expat achievement: The Seamless Neighbor.
New research is looking at the positive effects of coffee on the gut-brain connection. In the small study, published Tuesday in Nature Communications, researchers found regularly drinking coffee − both caffeinated and decaffeinated versions − can affect the gut microbiome, influencing mood and stress.
The Smart Water Operation Center (SWOC) of the Royal Irrigation Department recently outlined Thailand’s water situation and outlook for 2026, saying the country is likely to enter an El Niño period in the middle of the year, which could bring below-normal rainfall.
The Trump administration is nearing a deal to rescue low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines that could include up to $500 million in government-backed financing to help it keep operating through bankruptcy, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said yesterday ticket prices may need to rise by as much as 15% to 20% to offset a surge in jet fuel costs, signaling a significant test of consumers’ willingness to absorb higher fares as the industry grapples with volatile oil prices.
Thailand’s economic managers have downgraded growth expectations for the next two years as global uncertainty intensifies, while the government moves forward with a tightly constrained fiscal plan that pushes public debt close to its legal ceiling.
Thailand’s property sector is being hit by overlapping pressures, from soaring construction costs to weakening purchasing power, prompting developers to slow new project launches and switch into “liquidity first” mode, with survival taking priority over growth.
Thailand’s industrial sentiment index dropped in March, weighed down by higher oil prices and the conflict in the Middle East, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported yesterday. The federation said its industrial sentiment index slipped to 88.6 in March from 90.0 in the previous month.
Restaurant-related associations have collaborated to tackle surging energy costs, fluctuations in raw material prices, and digital transformation. A memorandum of understanding was signed by representatives from the Restaurant Assn., the Night Restaurant Business Trade Assn., the Digital Technology Entrepreneur Trade Assn., the Thai Fresh Market Assn., and the Federation of Thai Chefs.
According to the latest analysis by Future Market Insights (FMI), the medical tourism industry in Thailand is undergoing a significant transformation, evolving from a cost-driven destination for elective procedures into a premium global healthcare hub focused on complex and high-acuity treatments.
Places to Avoid in Thailand
Heavy rains lure frogs out of hiding and villagers out of homes
Asia’s Clean Energy Boom Reshapes the Global Power Sector
There’s a certain rhythm to life in Hua Hin that’s hard to ignore. Mornings start a little slower, the sea is never far away, and the pace feels more manageable than in larger cities.
Kaeng Krachan forest fire burns 5,000 rai in Phetchaburi
Erawan National Park closes due to forest fires, PM2.5 spike
The Climate Change and Environment Department has warned that the country may face the effects of a “super El Niño,” which could extend the dry season by up to one and a half years.
Thailand has coordinated with Iran and Oman to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for three Thai vessels carrying oil and petrochemical cargoes. The breakthrough has helped reduce the risk of energy and petrochemical feedstock shortages in Thailand amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Thailand’s commercial banking sector delivered a resilient performance in the first quarter of 2026, with all 11 major lenders reporting combined net profits of 68.68 billion baht, a modest 0.62% increase from the same period last year and a sharp 20.13% rise from the previous quarter.
The government has firmly denied reports suggesting a planned hike in value-added tax (VAT) from 7% to 10%, describing the claims as misinformation and reiterating its commitment to easing the cost of living for the general public.
Local airlines have continued to reduce capacity by consolidating less profitable flights into remaining services to stay afloat amid rising jet fuel prices, while Japan Airlines and ANA announced a doubling of fuel surcharges, with Thailand-bound fuel surcharges increasing from about 3,000 baht to 6,000 baht.
The March 2026 Hotel Business Operator Sentiment Index survey, conducted by the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) and the Bank of Thailand between March 13-31, with responses from 138 operators, pointed to the outlook for Thailand’s hotel business during the Q2 2026 low season after the tourism sector was directly hit by the conflict in the Middle East.
Thailand’s cultural triumph
Blackpink’s Lisa brings Thai fashion to tourism
The gunman who killed a Canadian tourist and wounded 13 others at Mexico’s famed Teotihuacan pyramids had planned the attack days in advance, officials said yesterday, as evidence pointed to him being inspired by a US massacre. 
Workers load tons of rare earth minerals into bags ready for shipping at a refinery in eastern Malaysia, fueling the global pushback against China’s grip on the critical sector. Rare earths are a key ingredient in products ranging from smartphones to fighter jets, electric cars, and wind turbines – and increasingly for hardware powering the artificial intelligence boom. 
Songkran 2026 draws huge Thai and foreign turnout as festival goes global
Global praise for Thai Songkran as major world event
The Road Safety Operation Center reported 51 deaths and 224 injuries from 237 road accidents on Monday, marking the fourth day of the Songkran holiday safety campaign. Cumulative figures from April 10-13 show 755 accidents, 705 injuries, and 154 deaths nationwide.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin yesterday said the ministry was acting in line with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s policy to intensify wildfire prevention and haze control, with the key objective of stopping fires from the very start.
The Center for Air Pollution Mitigation reported yesterday that PM2.5 levels had exceeded the standard in 39 provinces nationwide, with northern Thailand in a critical condition.
Three Thai families remain among Asia’s 20 wealthiest dynasties, as combined fortunes across the region reached a record US$647 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The Chearavanont, Yoovidhya, and Chirathivat families together account for an estimated 14.4% of the total. The ranking highlights a major shift toward industries supporting artificial intelligence growth.
China has warned it will respond with countermeasures if the United States imposes higher tariffs based on allegations that Beijing is providing military support to Iran, after US President Donald Trump threatened a 50% tariff on Chinese imports if China sells weapons to Tehran.
Thai industry warns of stagflation risk as factory closures jump 58%
Feasibility studies behind land bridge said ‘inaccurate’
Koh Phi Phi Thailand island viewpoints and beaches
Southeast Asia’s Solar Panel Boom
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), the Thai seafood company Laylanta Co., and Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park are collaborating to strengthen the sustainability of barramundi cage farming in Songkhla Lake, Thailand.
A few videos of Songkran in Hua Hin
Hua Hin’s Luxury Boom Spurs New Airline Links and Property Rush
More than 7.8 million people used public transport during the first three days of the Songkran holiday and the number of road traffic accidents fell significantly, the Ministry of Transport said yesterday.
Adolescent leopard sighted in Kaeng Krachan National Park
Thailand has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s leading data center destinations, drawing billions of baht in investment from American, Chinese, and Japanese technology giants — but an expert has warned that the country’s ability to capitalize on this momentum depends on urgently resolving deep-rooted energy infrastructure constraints.
Jet fuel hikes have forced South Korean no-frills airlines to adjust, or in some cases suspend, flights to Thai destinations as the Middle East war continues to bite into the aviation sector.