- Alcohol sales ban/Phon Kingphet Park upgrade/InterContinental Hua Hin best resort hotel/Thailand’s new police chief/What Thai Locals Really Eat in Hua Hin/Pump prices rise again/Health insurance before 60/Origin of the Word ‘Farang//Gunmen kill five rangers/Bangkok shuts 56 venues/Fire death toll rises to 35/Cambodia border fence/Thailand’s universal healthcare crisis
- THE IRAN WAR: Saudi oil routes face new uncertainty/Oil hits six-week high/Thailand on alert
- ECONOMY: Why Thailand faces economic contraction/Baht Slides to 15-Month Low/Section 301 probe raises tariff risk/Land bridge plan to be revised/Thai Airways sees aviation recovery
- TOURISM: Thai travelers embrace ‘run-cation’/Chon Buri tourism presses for reforms
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Why ‘2’ Means 8 PM in Thailand
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Environmental rules tighten/Thai SMEs Must Go Green/PM to press Myanmar on river pollution
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Alcohol sales ban set for July 29-30
Thailand will observe three consecutive public holidays from Tuesday, July 28 to Thursday, July 30, with alcohol sales restricted during the final two days.
The holidays are His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday on July 28, Asalha Bucha Day on July 29, and Khao Phansa, or Buddhist Lent Day, on July 30. Government offices will be closed throughout the three-day period. Continued …
Phon Kingphet Park upgrade: 22.7 million baht
Hua Hin Municipality has reviewed key electrical and structural works under the 22.7 million baht Phon Kingphet Park upgrade in central Hua Hin. The project’s procurement inspection committee on Tuesday examined progress on the redevelopment of the city activity plaza on Damnoen Kasem Road, commonly known as Phon Kingphet Park.
The project has a total budget of 22,673,890.97 baht, with Process Engineer and Consultant Co., appointed as the contractor. Continued …
InterContinental Hua Hin Resort named Thailand’s best resort hotel
InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has been recognized as Thailand’s Best Resort Hotel at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Awards, celebrating the resort’s dedication to exceptional hospitality and guest experiences.
Recognized through guest feedback, the Haute Grandeur Global Awards celebrate hotels that consistently deliver outstanding experiences. This achievement further strengthens InterContinental Hua Hin Resort’s position as one of Thailand’s leading luxury beachfront destinations. Continued …
Thailand’s new police chief is a Cha-am native
A Cha-am native has been named Thailand’s incoming national police chiefs. Police Gen.Samran Nuanma, who was born in Bang Kao subdistrict, Cha-am district, was selected as the 16th commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police yesterday.
The Police Commission voted unanimously, 12–0 to appoint him as successor to Police Gen. Kitrat Phanphet, who is due to retire on Sept. 30. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Four senior officers were considered for the post. Continued …
What Thai Locals Really Eat in Hua Hin
Discover where locals truly eat in Hua Hin. Visit five stops spanning 3.5 hours, sampling 18 different dishes: First, a 100-year-old, three-generation noodle shop serving Gaolao beef soup with multiple cuts, including tender gristle (nature’s collagen supplement!) Next, Yum Naem Khao Tod – fermented pork sausage wrapped in betel leaves with herbs, peanuts, and ginger, eaten like tiny flavor-packed tacos. Video …
Pump prices rise again, this time by 90 satang
Thailand’s retail prices for most petrol, gasohol and diesel products increased by 0.90 baht per liter todat, following a decision by the Fuel Fund Executive Committee.
The adjustment pushed the retail price of standard high-speed diesel to 36.69 baht per liter, while diesel B20 rose to 31.69 baht. Gasohol 95 also climbed to 36.69 baht, gasohol 91 to 36.32 baht and gasohol E20 to 31.69 baht per liter. Continued …
5 moves to make with your expat health insurance in Thailand before 60
Expat health insurance in Thailand gets harder to buy the closer you get to 60. If that birthday is creeping up on you, you’ve probably already wondered whether your current coverage will actually hold up when you need it most.
Insurers don’t just charge more as you age; they also treat your medical history very differently depending on when you buy. Get covered before a diagnosis, and that condition is treated as new and covered like anything else on the policy. Continued …
The Origin of the Word ‘Farang’ Did Not Begin in Thailand
Many People assume that the Thai word “Farang” originated in Thailand, but its history actually stretches far beyond Thai borders.
The word comes from the Persian term Farang or Farangi, which were originally used to refer to the Franks, a group of people from Western Europe. As contact between different cultures increased, the meaning gradually expanded to include Europeans as a whole and later Westerners in general. Continued …
Gunmen kill five rangers at Narathiwat checkpoint
Five paramilitary rangers were killed and five civilians, including children, were injured when six armed men attacked the Buketa Sami checkpoint in Ra-ngae district, Narathiwat, yesterday. The assailants fled after firing weapons and throwing pipe bombs, authorities said.
CCTV footage reportedly showed a co-ordinated convoy. A red motorcycle acted as a lead vehicle, followed by a black four-door pickup carrying six men in black clothing and black wide-brimmed hats in its rear section. Continued …
Bangkok shuts 56 venues after Lat Phrao brewery fire
Bangkok has suspended 56 entertainment-related premises after finding safety shortcomings during a three-day inspection drive following a fire in the Lat Phrao area. City Hall is tightening inspections across the capital, using a new 17-point safety checklist and powers under the 1992 Public Health Act alongside other relevant laws.
Of 1,091 premises similar to entertainment venues under Bangkok Metropolitan Administration responsibility, officials inspected 824 in the past three days. A total of 217 met the required standards, while 551 were ordered to make improvements. Continued …
Na Ladprao fire death toll rises to 35
The death toll from the fire at the Na Ladprao entertainment venue in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district has risen to 35 after a further victim died from her injuries early yesterday.
Bangkok’s Erawan Emergency Medical Center said 23-year-old Thitichaya Krutwichit died at Siriraj Hospital at 2.20 am. She was being treated in the hospital’s burn unit. Her death was the eighth recorded in hospital following the blaze at the Lat Phrao venue. Continued …
Thailand presses on with Cambodia border fence
Thailand has completed the first section of a permanent border fence along parts of its frontier with Cambodia, the military said yesterday, as tensions persist between the two Southeast Asian neighbours following two rounds offighting last year.
Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Ukrit Boontanon described the 1.3-kilometer stretch of reinforced concrete panels topped with steel mesh and concertina wire in Pong Nam Ron district as “stable, strong and durable”, saying it had been designed for long-term security. Continued …
Is co-payment the answer for Thailand’s universal healthcare crisis?
Barely two decades since its introduction, Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme is tottering on the brink of collapse under a growing financial burden. Radical reforms now seem unavoidable.
Four hundred of the 903 public hospitals under the scheme have recorded an accumulated loss of 12.21 billion baht. This deficit results mainly from the National Health Security Office (NHSO)’s failure to devote budgets that actually reflect operational costs. Continued …
Saudi oil routes face new uncertainty after Houthi tanker claims
Saudi Arabia’s principal alternative route for bypassing the Strait of Hormuz was drawn deeper into the conflict today, after Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis claimed missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
The group described the operation as part of its naval blockade of the kingdom, raising concern that global oil supplies could face a second squeeze at Bab el-Mandeb alongside Iran’s effort to control Hormuz. Continued …
Oil hits six-week high as risks mount in two key straits, Thai pump prices rise
Oil prices settled at their highest level since June 11 yesterday as escalating US-Iran hostilities and growing threats to shipping through two major waterways heightened fears of global supply disruption.
Brent crude futures gained US$3.06, or 3.36%, to close at US$94.07 a barrel after touching US$95.47 during the session. The gap between prompt Brent and contracts for delivery three months later widened to US$9.26 a barrel, its largest since May 22. Continued …
Thailand on alert over Middle East tensions, ready for evacuations
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow says that he has ordered close monitoring of the situation in the Middle East and instructed officials to prepare for the possible evacuation of Thai nationals if necessary.
The permanent secretary for the Foreign Ministry had held a meeting to assess developments and review preparations for all possible scenarios, including the evacuation of Thai citizens from affected areas. Continued …
Why Thailand faces economic contraction
I have a monumental task: convincing readers that Thailand’s economy is performing poorly and is likely to contract this year. My strongest evidence is not the abundance of statistics or economic theories at my disposal. It is far simpler: people are spending much more on energy and, inevitably, less on everything else.
If readers remain unconvinced, they need only look inside their wallets or check their bank balances. The evidence is there. Continued …
Baht Slides to 15-Month Low
The Thai baht has fallen to its weakest level in 15 months, depreciating by more than 6% since the start of the year, as soaring global energy costs and lingering Middle East tensions push Thailand’s current account into deficit.
The baht’s first-half weakness reflects Thailand’s structural exposure to energy imports rather than any deterioration in underlying fundamentals, according to Roong Sanguanruang, senior vice president of Krungsri’s Global Markets Planning Division. Continued …
Thailand on alert as US Section 301 probe raises tariff risk up to 25%
Thailand’s trade relationship with the United States is entering a critical new phase as Washington prepares to use Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 to examine countries accused of unfair trade practices.
The move has put Thai exporters on alert, with experts warning that Thailand could face additional tariffs of up to 25% if the United States proceeds with action on two issues: forced labor controls and structural excess production capacity. Continued …
Land bridge plan to be revised, China-Singapore route accelerated
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered officials concerned to revise the land bridge project of the government while speeding up other transport projects linking Thailand, China, Laos, Malaysia and Singapore, according to the government spokesman.
Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said yesterday that Anutin instructed relevant government organizations to revise the land bridge project and speed up road and rail projects ready for implementation to remedy “missing links” and complete transport networks. Continued …
Thai Airways sees aviation recovery in H2 despite fuel uptick
The financial results of Thai Airways International (THAI) are expected to bottom out in the second quarter, while recently approved tourism stimulus efforts should help airlines in the second half even as renewed US-Iran tensions cause jet fuel prices to rise, say analysts.
Thanapol Jiratanakij, an analyst at CGS International Securities (Thailand), said the flag carrier’s management acknowledged that advance bookings softened in the second quarter amid the Middle East war, yet underlying travel demand remained resilient based on consistently high cabin factors despite industry-wide fare increases. Continued …
Thai travelers embrace ‘run-cation’ as marathon trips surge across Asia
Thai travelers are increasingly turning marathon weekends into full travel experiences, as the “run-cation” trend — traveling while joining running events — gains momentum across Asia.
According to accommodation search data from Agoda, Thai travelers are planning more trips around major marathon events, not only in Thailand but also in popular race destinations across the region. The trend reflects a growing appetite for travel with a purpose, combining sport, health and discovery in one journey. Continued …
Chon Buri tourism sector presses for regulatory reforms
Chon Buri tourism operators are urging the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to address persistent issues affecting the low season and safety, including unlicensed hotels, illegal tour operators and unregulated entertainment venues.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul visited Chon Buri and Pattaya last Friday to discuss tourism measures with operators, including the Association of the Chonburi Tourism Federation (ACTF). Continued …
Confusing Thai Time-Counting Method: Why ‘2’ Means 8 PM in Thailand
If you’ve ever had a conversation with a Thai person, you might have encountered their unique way of telling time.
For example, they might say, “Let’s get dinner at 2!” leaving you confused for a moment until we realize our mistake and say, “Oh, I meant 8 PM.” Even if a Thai person speaks fluent English, growing up in a Thai household means this slip-up happens all the time. Continued …
Thai exporters risk losing orders as environmental rules tighten
Thai exporters risk losing orders and access to major markets unless they accelerate compliance with tightening environmental and sustainability rules, EXIM Thailand has warned, as the state-owned bank prepares ESG-reporting assistance and green loans carrying interest rates from 2.75%.
The United States, European Union and China, which together account for more than 40% of Thailand’s export value, are steadily raising environmental, carbon and sustainability standards, according to Charat Rattanaboonniti, president of the Export-Import Bank of Thailand. Continued …
Thai SMEs Must Go Green to Survive the Low-Carbon Economy
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 — and whether companies can keep up.
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 …
PM to press Myanmar on river pollution
Thailand will hold talks with Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing next month on cross-border environmental and security issues, including toxic contamination in the Kok River, agricultural burning and narcotics production, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said yesterday.
Anutin said environmental protection featured prominently in his discussions with Chinese leaders, including green economic development, clean energy and environmentally friendly manufacturing aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Continued …
Thai police probe Chinese nominee luxury home network
Thai police have raided 20 locations in an alleged nominee-property network said to have acquired 33 luxury homes worth more than 1.275 billion baht for a Chinese national. the homes were held through 33 Thai companies, with Thai nationals named as shareholders and directors. The properties were in high-end estates around Pattanakarn Road and Krungthep Kreetha Road in Bangkok. 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
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.
The 2026 US–Israel war on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are posing an unprecedented challenge to Thailand’s energy security and economy. While the country has contained the immediate economic fallout to some extent, the crisis highlights the need for a coherent long-term strategy to diversify supply chains, strengthen energy security and accelerate economic restructuring.
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.
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.
Thailand has been ranked the best country in Asia and ninth globally as a retirement destination in the Global Retirement Index 2026. Thailand was ranked ninth worldwide and first in Asia by International Living, a leading US media outlet specializing in overseas living and retirement.
Located in the heart of Thailand, Hua Hin offers a unique blend of traditional Thai culture and modern amenities, making it an attractive option for those looking to live in Thailand. From its stunning beaches to its vibrant nightlife, Hua Hin has something to offer for everyone.
Hua Hin has long been one of Thailand’s favorite beach getaways, known for its royal history, relaxed atmosphere, and easy access from the capital. But beyond the beach, the city has a lot more going on than you might expect.
A private pool villa in Hua Hin costs far less than the same home would on Phuket or Samui, and for many buyers it delivers more: quiet, space, a real community, and Bangkok two and a half hours up the road.
The most useful AI gadget for expatriates in Thailand may not be a robot, a smart speaker or a laptop priced like a small motorbike. It may be the smartphone already sitting beside their morning iced coffee, quietly judging their screen time while helping them translate Thai messages, plan trips, manage work calls, read banking alerts and understand condominium notices that seem to have been written by a committee in a hurry.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of heavy rain in parts of Thailand, with very heavy downpours possible in some areas of the east and the western side of the south today.
Thais genuinely enjoy playing the lottery. Even though the chances of winning the grand prize are staggeringly low, only one in a million, they buy more and more tickets every day.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday that 10 out of 11 Thai-flagged vessels and vessels chartered by Thai operators stranded in the Strait of Hormuz area after the closure announcement on Feb. 28, had now safely left the area.
Thailand’s total dependence on imported fertilizer has left its 16 million farmers dangerously exposed to global geopolitical shocks, according to industry leaders, state officials, and academics who gathered for a roundtable yesterday.
Thailand’s Cabinet has extended ultra-low property transfer and mortgage registration fees for another year, keeping a key housing stimulus measure in place as the government seeks to ease costs for homebuyers and support a fragile real estate recovery.
Thailand’s property market may be moving cautiously, but at the very top end developers are racing in the opposite direction. A new wave of branded residences — backed by global hotel, fashion, design and automotive names — is turning Bangkok, Phuket and resort destinations into a regional test ground for luxury homes sold not merely as places to live, but as managed, long-term collectible assets.
Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) decreased by 0.8% year-on-year to 101.18 points in May, due mainly to a slowdown in the domestic automotive sector, said the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE). The index increased from 92.76 points in April, however, when global conflicts and domestic challenges weighed on industrial activity.
Prachuap Khiri Khan is moving ahead with its wellness tourism strategy, with model communities selected across all eight districts as part of plans to develop the province as a wellness city. At a meeting yesterday at the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Public Health Office, officials reviewed work being carried out in each district to strengthen health services and support sustainable wellness tourism.
Bangkok was named the world’s most visited city for 2025 by Euromonitor International, drawing an estimated 30.3 million international arrivals, ahead of Hong Kong, London, Macao, and Istanbul. Thailand expects that number to climb further in 2026, with 34.9 million foreign visitors forecast and tourism revenue projected at 1.63 trillion baht, an 8% increase year on year.
These 3 Small Thai Towns Could Stretch Your Budget Further
“The future is fully electric,” the president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (Thailand), Christian Schell, declared, expressing his confidence in the automobile’s future path. This was emphasized in the first half of 2026 by the oil crisis, when people turned to buying electric vehicles (EVs) in fear of fuel shortages.
Global investment in the energy sector continued to expand, with total investment reaching US$3.3 trillion in 2025, the highest level on record. Of this, US$2.3 trillion went into clean energy, helping lift the share of renewables and nuclear power in global electricity generation to 42%. 
Andrea Canonico focused on her breathing to stay calm as she lay trapped under a building that had crumbled during the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week. Just 23 years old, Canonico spent almost 48 hours in the same position before being pulled out – alive. 
PM Anutin Presides Over Buddhist Consecration Ceremony in Hua Hin
The State Railway of Thailand is turning the rainy season into a new travel window, launching nine special rail-tourism programs across the country from July to September. The programs are designed to promote rail-based tourism while connecting travelers with nature, local culture, religious traditions, history, and lesser-known destinations in several provinces.
Western men and indeed families are moving to Thailand in growing numbers, turning holiday romances into marriages, businesses and permanent new lives as high living costs, remote work, COVID-19 controls, and anger over Western dating culture drive a quieter migration east.
Thailand’s immigration system holds detailed records of foreign arrivals and overstayers but continues to struggle to consistently act on that information, meaning some long-term overstayers are only detected during raids, at departure points, or after unrelated criminal investigations.
The Faculty of Medicine at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has developed CAR-T cell therapy, a highly effective and affordable treatment for patients diagnosed with lymphoma, leukemia, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has declared victory in the Bangkok governor election after unofficial results showed the independent incumbent heading for a landslide second term.
Two PT service stations in Pattani province and another in Yala province were set on fire by what appeared to be coordinated bombings last night. One man was injured.
The Transport Ministry will extend measures to support airlines affected by unrest in the Middle East, including a 30% reduction in air navigation service charges for domestic flights during July and August, Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit said.
One of the key raw materials for the production of plastic products is ethylene, which is produced from naphtha – a byproduct of oil refining. Approximately 60% of Asia’s current naphtha imports come from the Gulf region.
Thailand is experiencing a continuous deterioration in household credit quality amid expanding household debt, which has risen to 86.7%of national gross domestic product.
Thailand is eyeing growth in the “global pink economy” as speakers at a forum highlight rising market value, changing consumer behavior and new investment opportunities. Speaking on the topic of “Pink Economy: From Visibility to Economic Value”, Tanachai Kulsomboonsin, chief executive and co-founder of Canvas Ventures International, said awareness of the pink economy has expanded in Thailand over the past two years.
Thailand has officially opened its state-owned railway network to private operators for the first time, allowing companies to apply for track access to run passenger, tourism, and freight train services.
The global beauty industry is no longer being shaped only by Western markets. Southeast Asia, once seen largely as a follower of K-Beauty, J-Beauty, and European brands, is now positioning itself as a beauty economy hub with growing influence over the direction of the global industry.
Thai cocoa and chocolate products are expected to benefit from a growing but niche global market, particularly for high-value, environmentally friendly, and health-focused products.
Thailand’s hotel industry is seeing resilient mid-year demand from international travelers, who now account for 96.6% of forward bookings and are reserving rooms earlier than last year, giving operators more room to manage pricing, promotions, and guest experiences.
Pattaya‘s nightlife strip is leaning hard on discounts and happy hour deals this June, as bar operators describe a slow season where every customer counts. As the sun sets, colored lights flick on and staff step outside with familiar routines: smiles, greetings, and quiet invitations to passing tourists and hotel guests. Behind the lively atmosphere, though, June has become what many in the trade call a “survival month”.
Short breaks are becoming one of the defining travel trends of summer 2026, as travelers look for quicker, more flexible escapes without giving up the sense of a rewarding holiday, according to Trip.com Group.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has launched a solar rooftop power purchase program for the public sector. Applications to sell electricity from solar rooftops can begin on July 1.
Europe faced temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F) yesterday as storms swept other areas, with France reporting 1,000 excess deaths in a record-breaking heatwave. Its public health agency said most heat-related fatalities involved older people and warned the toll was expected to rise as more details emerged from residential care and private homes. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the country was suffering from “a certain shortage” of fuel in an interview published by the Kremlin yesterday, after repeated Ukrainian strikes in their four-year war. 
Thailand’s consideration of an expanded foreign ownership quota for condominium units is being viewed as a possible measure to attract overseas investment, support the property sector, and improve liquidity in a market still facing a slowdown.
Warning signs of a “Super El Niño” are becoming clearer, and Thailand may not have much time left to prepare before the situation escalates from dry spells to drought, extreme heat, and a water-shortage crisis that could last until the middle of next year.
The Thai army is closely monitoring reports of Cambodian tank and military hardware movements along the border, Second Army Area commander Weerayuth Raksilp has confirmed, warning that readiness, speed, and equipment would be decisive if a third round of clashes broke out.
Thailand’s cannabis policy is facing fresh scrutiny after the House Public Health Committee convened a tense meeting to examine whether cannabis should be returned to the narcotics list, as concerns grow over widespread sales, legal loopholes, and public health risks.
Residents have raised alarm over what they describe as a growing army of stray dogs roaming the grounds of Chiang Mai City Hall, saying the animals are intimidating visitors, chasing pedestrians, and creating safety concerns at the government complex.
Bypassing Malacca is a bridge too far for Thailand’s ports project
The Finance Ministry is expediting its review of welfare reforms to ensure the benefits target those most in need, minimize duplication across programs, and promote greater participation in the labor force. This approach is based on the concept of a negative income tax (NIT) system.
Is Thailand becoming a welfare state? The answer remains to be seen, given the government’s fiscal constraints. Public debt has risen recently, nearing the statutory ceiling of 70% of GDP.
True Internet Data Center Co., or True IDC, the largest data center and cloud service provider in Thailand under the Charoen Pokphand Group, announced a continuous investment of over 6 billion baht and held a groundbreaking ceremony for its seventh data center in northern Bangkok.
The Thailand Wellness & Healthcare Expo × SPORTEC Thailand 2026 is set for June 24-27, the most complete health, wellness, fitness, and sports event of the year. Taking place across 10,000 square meters at BITEC Bangna, the three-day expo unites 22 innovation zones spanning wellness, spa, longevity, aesthetics, fitness, and sport.
Chiang Mai’s bid to become UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in jeopardy
For decades, Thailand built its economy on the assumption that energy would remain cheap, stable, and someone else’s responsibility. That assumption is beginning to break. Many see this as a threat. It may also be an opportunity.
Thailand’s rapid solar energy expansion has grown from 2.5 megawatts to nearly 5,000 megawatts, supported by government policy and falling costs. End-of-life panel management remains largely unaddressed, however, with projections estimating between 431,000 and 728,000 tons of solar waste by 2050.
When did the first smartphone appear? The first mobile phone prototype came from Motorola in 1973. The first one approved, affectionately called The Brick, came out in 1983. In 1992 an IBM engineer created the Sweetspot but it didn’t hit the market until 1994, as the IBM Simon Personal Communicator.
Thailand has welcomed an agreement reached between the United States and Iran to end their conflict, expressing hope that the deal will bring lasting peace and stability to the Middle East and safeguard global economic interests.
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved the collection of a 15% global minimum corporate tax on large multinational companies under an agreement led by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), aiming to prevent profit shifting to tax havens and generate about 10 billion baht in additional state revenue each year.
Thailand’s investments in data centers are projected to reach US$4.31 billion by 2030, representing average annual growth of 18% from 2024 and achieving total capacity of 2.93 gigawatts, helped by strong government support and solid demand, says CGS International Securities.
Thailand is preparing to reform its electricity tariff structure in an effort to make power prices fairer and reduce electricity costs for households and local industries. Energy Minister Akanat Promphan announced that the government is reviewing the current pricing system to ensure that electricity charges better reflect actual costs.
DTAM pushes 5-point plan to boost kratom industry
The Transport Ministry expects Bangkok’s two main airports to handle around 120 million passengers annually by 2029 as it accelerates efforts to make the country a regional aviation hub.
Vana Nava Hua Hin is the ultimate all-ages fun escape
National park officials collected six large bags of plastic waste from Loh Samah Bay on Phi Phi Leh Island after large numbers of plastic water bottles were found floating across the sea near the boat access point to Maya Bay, one of Krabi’s best-known marine attractions.
The Danish Embassy in Thailand has announced that Danish Ambassador to Thailand Danny Annan will host an informal gathering for Danes in Hua Hin on Thursday. The event will take place from 2 pm to 4 pm at Ferior Interior in Hua Hin and is open to all Danes in the area. No registration is required.
Dear Doctors: I’m a 55-year-old man, and I have been active all my life. I know target heart rates are based on age and was surprised that my heart rate while running is often between 150 and 195. Should I slow down a bit?
Domestic oil prices in Thailand are expected to remain elevated until the final quarter of this year, even though global crude benchmarks have eased and the US is set to sign a peace deal with Iran this Friday to end nearly four months of conflict in the Middle East.
Thai FDA warns over 20 illegal meatball and Vietnamese pork loaf brands
Reflecting on data from Thai households, it is evident that a significant portion of individuals over 50 years old have low incomes, accounting for about 42% of Thai households. This indicates a lack of readiness for retirement in Thai society.
Thai financial institutions may face higher-than-average risks from AI-driven fraud as artificial intelligence reshapes financial crime and makes scams faster, more automated, and harder to detect, according to a new survey by BioCatch.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has unveiled a plan to position Thailand as ASEAN’s hub for advanced chip manufacturing, with the goal of producing “Made in Thailand” semiconductors by 2050.
Tourism killed Thailand’s most famous bay. Here’s how it was brought back to life
This video catalogs signature Thai street foods and explains their ingredients and regional contexts, offering a concise culinary overview. Dishes include Pad Thai with rice noodles, egg, tamarind, fish sauce, and toppings, and Pad Kra Pao served over rice with a fried egg.
About 153,000 new electric vehicles (EVs) are predicted to appear on the roads of Thailand this year, prompted mainly by the ongoing energy crisis triggered by the prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said yesterday he would ban social media sites for under-16s and impose restrictions on gaming and livestreaming platforms, in some of the world’s most far-reaching online restrictions to date. 
Is Hua Hin really the perfect retirement destination in Thailand… or is there a side of life here that most YouTube videos never show? In this video, I take an honest look at what happens after the honeymoon period ends for many expats and retirees living in Hua Hin.
The real way to travel Thailand: Bangkok to Hua Hin by train
The Thai Meteorological Department has warned people in the north, northeast, east, and south to prepare for heavy rain in some areas over the next 24 hours, while Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are forecast to see thunderstorms across 70% of the area.
Thailand’s hotel investment market is no longer seeing the same transaction value as during its peak years, but investor appetite remains strong as the sector enters a new growth cycle after the Covid-19 crisis.
The Thai Retailers Assn. (TRA) wants to unlock the conditions for the “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” co-payment scheme by expanding eligibility to business of all sizes, supporting business continuity and employment.
Replacing visa-free entry with a visa-on-arrival scheme for Indian tourists will not affect this market as affordable prices remain the decisive factor for them, while the policy change can help curb visa abuse, according to an Indian travel agent.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is positioning Africa as a key growth market as it seeks to diversify visitor sources amid ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East.
India’s largest low-cost carrier, IndiGo, has announced that its direct service to Krabi will be suspended from July 1 to Sept. 30 as part of a restructuring of its international route network.
Skip Chiang Mai’s usual northern loop for this 3-day Lamphun-Lampang road trip
At first glance, it may appear to be a simple question. Yet, it exposes a potentially significant anomaly within Thailand’s fisheries data system. While government agencies have consistently maintained that Thailand legally imported blackchin tilapia only once — and solely for research purposes — official records indicate that the same species was subsequently exported in remarkably large quantities to foreign markets during roughly the same period.
JAS and Monomax’s acquisition of FIFA World Cup rights is more than a broadcast deal. It is a strategic move to turn football’s biggest tournament into a long-term sports and entertainment ecosystem, offering all 104 World Cup 2026 matches on Monomax while putting more than 40 matches on free TV.
Cybercriminals are using the FIFA World Cup to launch scams and steal credentials, warns FortiGuard Labs, the research arm of cybersecurity firm Fortinet.
Last Tuesday, US President Donald Trump told journalists that the United States and Iran are “in the final throes of what will be a very, very good deal”.
Global growth is forecast to slow to 2.5% in 2026, down from 2.9% in 2025. Forecasts for two-thirds of economies have been downgraded relative to January of this year. Global growth is expected to improve to 2.8% in 2027 but will remain 0.4 percentage point below the average during the 2010s.
Thailand’s labor market is facing growing pressure from demographic change, education mismatch, and the rise of artificial intelligence, with four major occupational groups at risk of disruption.
The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) fell to 49.5 in May, the lowest level since December 2022, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) said yesterday.
The Bank of Thailand says it is confident about the baht’s stability despite recent depreciation against the US dollar amid heightened external uncertainties.
Water is no longer simply a basic factor for consumption or agriculture in the modern era. It has become a decisive factor in foreign investors’ decisions and part of the national security strategy.
Ahead of the Feb. 8 general election, politicians often came to court voters like 69-year-old rice farmer Chaon Taiupok in Ayutthaya, about 80 kilometers north of Bangkok.
A minister attached to the prime minister’s office, Supamas Isarabhakdi, has ordered increased inspections of amusement parks and water parks nationwide following concerns about consumer safety. The directive was announced during a safety inspection at Siam Amazing Park in Bangkok conducted with officials from the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) and other relevant agencies.
Communities across northern Thailand are raising the alarm after tests detected dangerous levels of arsenic and other heavy metals in major waterways.
Thongkham Inprom has been farming for more than six decades, growing jasmine rice and sticky rice in Chiang Rai. The 71-year-old harvests about 60 tons each year and keeps 1% for his family. The rest is sent to a rice mill and eventually sold in central Thailand.
British Defense Secretary John Healey quit yesterday, accusing beleaguered Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the finance ministry of failing to commit enough money to protect the country. His resignation weakens Starmer’s authority at a precarious moment for the Labor leader, a week before a by-election that could prompt a bid to replace him. 
Fuel prices fell across major petrol, gasohol, and diesel products today, after PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp. announced a fresh round of retail price cuts.
The recent crackdown on alleged nominee structures linked to foreign land ownership on Koh Phangan has reignited debate over long-standing concerns in Thailand’s property sector, particularly in resort destinations popular with overseas buyers.
Thailand’s inflation rose again in May, as high domestic fuel prices, transport fares, and prepared food costs continued to feed into household expenses, while the Commerce Ministry said the government’s “Thais Help Thais Plus” measure had not created significant price pressure.
Thailand’s export engine is running hot — powered by electronics, AI-related demand, and a rebound in agriculture. But imports are running even hotter, especially in energy and electronic components, pushing the trade deficit to unprecedented levels.
The Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has reported the success of Thailand’s film incentive measures for foreign productions. Since 2017, a total of 100 foreign film productions from 12 countries and special administrative regions around the world have joined Thailand’s cash rebate scheme.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with François Corbin, vice president of the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF) International and chairman of the France–Thailand Business Forum (FTBF), along with French Ambassador to Thailand HE Jean-Claude Poimboeuf and representatives from 16 French companies on Thursday.
TAT launches ‘Wild Awake Journey’ to promote green-season conservation travel
Thai Airways International (THAI) has confirmed it will resume direct Bangkok-Amsterdam flights from July 1, expanding its international network as the carrier works to strengthen links between Thailand and Europe.
Shining beacon or failed city? Next four years could reveal Bangkok’s fate
Thailand pushes climate action at World Environment Day
As the war in the Strait of Hormuz continues to create havoc, Asia remains the worst hit by the global energy crisis. Whether it’s a large economy like Japan or China, or a struggling economy like Sri Lanka or Pakistan, the same fate holds.
CP ALL is inviting consumers across Thailand to take part in its environmental campaign, “Heal the World, Heal the Heart 24 Hours at 7-Eleven,” running from now until the end of 2026. The initiative encourages customers to adopt simple eco-friendly habits, such as reducing plastic consumption, in exchange for special rewards and loyalty points at 7-Eleven stores nationwide.
Authorities launched a multi-agency operation in Pai, Mae Hong Son province, targeting suspected foreign nominee business networks accused of concealing ownership structures and depriving local residents of business opportunities. The operation resulted in the arrest of three foreign nationals and searches at five locations linked to suspected illegal business activities.