- Could Hua Hin be next best place to live?/Rules on foreign condo ownership/Four-stage ‘Super El Niño’ timeline/Cambodian tanks monitored/Cannabis policy reviewed/Stray dogs ‘take over’ Chiang Mai City Hall/Pattani bomb blast/Border patrol police injured
- THE IRAN WAR: US-Iran talks postponed
- ECONOMY: Thai developers pull back/Thai hotels face liquidity crunch/A bridge too far/Targeted benefits for the poor/Ballooning welfare spending/True IDC Invests over 6 Billion/Health and wellness expo
- TOURISM: EU carry-on bag rules
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Foreign retirees flocking to Chiang Mai/Chiang Mai’s bid to become UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Who needs an energy crisis?/Solar Boom Risks Leaving Toxic Legacy
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Could Hua Hin be Thailand’s next best place to live?
Hua Hin has always had a certain kind of reputation. Royal family. Old money. Bangkok elite with weekend houses and golf memberships. Retirees who found the pace of life agreeable and never went back. It was never the loudest city in Thailand, and that was rather the point.
That reputation is only the beginning. Something has been shifting in Hua Hin over the past few years, and the people arriving now look quite different from the ones who came before. Continued …
Thailand urged to tighten rules on foreign condo ownership
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.
The proposal, however, carries both opportunities and risks that require careful assessment, particularly over Thai people’s access to housing, property speculation, and the long-term implications of foreign ownership. Continued …
Four-stage ‘Super El Niño’ timeline warns Thailand to prepare for worsening crisis
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.
Assistant Professor Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a marine ecology expert and deputy dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University, has outlined a four-stage timeline, identifying key turning points in the crisis. He warned that unless water management is accelerated from today, the crisis will gradually build in severity before triggering impacts on water resources, agriculture, the environment, and the economy. Continued …
Thai army stresses readiness as Cambodian tanks monitored
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.
Speaking at Prasat Khana in Kap Choeng district, Surin province, yesterday, Weerayuth noted that images in the news appeared to show Cambodian troops moving tanks and other military equipment. However, he stressed that Thai forces were continuing to assess the situation on the ground. Continued …
Cannabis policy reviewed amid widespread sales and legal loopholes
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.
The meeting was held on Thursday and brought together representatives from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, the Food and Drug Administration, medical networks, academics, and civic groups campaigning against drug-related harms. Continued …
Stray dogs ‘take over’ Chiang Mai City Hall
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.
Complaints submitted yesterday said the number of stray dogs has increased rapidly, with dozens of animals now living in and around the City Hall compound. Visitors reported encountering packs of dogs that bark aggressively, run after people, and, in some cases, appear ready to attack. Continued …
Pattani bomb blast injures five police officers
Five police officers were injured in a bomb attack carried out by suspected insurgents in Mayo district of Pattani province yesterday, just hours after a blast in Yala that wounded six officers.
The Pattani incident occurred at 11.30 am as a patrol team from Pattani Task Force 31 was returning from security checkpoint duty in the area. The explosion left five police officers wounded. Continued …
Six border patrol police injured in Yala bomb attack
Six border patrol police officers on teacher protection duty were injured, two of them seriously, when a roadside bomb exploded in Than To district of Yala province yesterday morning.
The attack occurred at about 8.10 am when an unknown number of attackers detonated an improvised explosive device targeting a teacher security patrol from the Border Patrol Police Company 442. Continued …
Israeli military strikes in southern Lebanon as US-Iran talks postponed
Israel’s military said yesterday its forces struck targets throughout southern Lebanon overnight, as Hezbollah reported intense fighting in the area, threatening the nascent agreement between Iran and the United States to end their war.
Continued fighting in Lebanon could unravel the newly signed deal, which calls for an immediate halt to military operations “on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” where Israel has been battling the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group, and for ensuring Lebanon’s “territorial integrity and sovereignty.” Continued …
Thai developers pull back as land allocation and construction permits plunge
Thailand’s residential property market is showing clearer signs of a supply slowdown, with developers holding back new projects despite an improvement in home transfers and housing loans at the start of 2026.
Data from the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) showed that land-allocation permits and residential-construction permits fell sharply across the country in the first quarter, suggesting that developers are taking a more cautious approach as the economy remains fragile and consumer purchasing power has yet to recover fully. Continued …
Thai hotels face liquidity crunch amid rising operating costs
Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA), revealed that a joint survey with the Bank of Thailand on hotel operator confidence in May found that over 50% of businesses are facing tighter liquidity.
They remain at a manageable level to continue operations, however, despite overall costs rising since before the Middle East conflict, particularly for fuel, raw materials, and electricity. Continued …
Bypassing Malacca is a bridge too far for Thailand’s ports project
Thailand’s US$36 billion push for its land bridge project — a proposed corridor that would connect the ports of Ranong and Chumphon through road, rail, and related infrastructure — is often framed as an attempt to reduce the country’s reliance on the Strait of Malacca. But the project’s real strategic significance lies less in whether it can replace Malacca and more in Bangkok’s attempt to convert geography into bargaining power.
Despite the land bridge’s geopolitical appeal, it faces several commercial weaknesses. High costs, uncertain cargo demand, environmental risks, local opposition, and regional port competition raise doubts about whether shipping companies would use it at scale. Rather than a logistics revolution, the land bridge is better understood as a contested bid for strategic optionality. Continued …
Tax system utilized for more targeted benefits for the poor
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.
NIT differs fundamentally from the existing personal income tax (PIT) system, which is a positive income tax. Under the PIT, individuals whose income exceeds a specified threshold are required to pay taxes. NIT operates in the opposite manner: when an individual’s income falls below a specified threshold, that person receives a cash transfer from the government. Continued …
Spotlight on ballooning welfare spending
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.
The government is striving to establish a welfare system that supports all segments of society, particularly low-income and vulnerable groups. While the financial assistance and benefits provided may be modest and intended merely to help recipients get by, they are significant for those who rely on them. Continued …
True IDC Invests over 6 Billion Baht in New Cloud, AI Hub
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 primary goal is to deliver high-standard data center services that support the rapidly growing demand for cloud and AI. This investment will strengthen the digital infrastructure to propel Thailand toward a comprehensive AI economy. The project is scheduled to officially launch in the third quarter of 2027. Continued …
Health and wellness expo set Jun 24-27 in 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.
Visitors can explore global health trends, gain inspiration for holistic self-care, and engage with leading Thai medical experts, while businesses benefit from a dedicated B2B matchmaking platform connecting local and international partners. The event is projected to generate over 500 million baht in economic activity. Continued …
EU carry-on bag rules spark warnings of unnecessary fare rises
The European Union has agreed new air passenger rights rules requiring airlines to include carry-on baggage in ticket prices from 2027, in a move expected to reshape low-cost airline pricing across Europe.
The new rules target a long-running practice among carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet, which have charged passengers extra for cabin baggage for more than a decade. Ryanair criticized the EU agreement, arguing that requiring airlines to include cabin baggage in standard ticket prices would push up costs for passengers who do not need the extra allowance. Continued …
Why foreign retirees are flocking to Chiang Mai
For several months each year, smoke from agricultural fires blankets Chiang Mai, a city in northern Thailand. But when Arinjay Jain moved there in 2024, he was too excited about his new life to worry about the haze. “I landed here in the worst possible time, but I still loved it,” Jain said.
A few years ago, he was running a small IT services startup he cofounded in Singapore. At 50, he was done with the grind and retired early to Chiang Mai, where he rents a one-bedroom apartment for about $425 a month. Continued …
Chiang Mai’s bid to become UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in jeopardy
Civil society groups in Chiang Mai have expressed concern that this northern capital may miss out on registration as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site this year, due to the unresolved problems of pigeon droppings, advertising billboards at the Tha Pae and Chiang Mai gates in the Old City, and prolific graffiti in public places.
The groups pointed out that, in the next six weeks, a team from UNESCO’s international advisory body for archaeological sites will be arriving in Chiang Mai to assess whether the city meets the required criteria for listing. Continued …
Who needs an energy crisis? Builders do
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.
When energy becomes expensive and uncertain, countries are forced to confront a deeper question: how they produce, how they consume, and how resilient their industries truly are. In moments like this, advantage does not go to the fastest talkers. It goes to the fastest builders. Continued …
Thailand’s Solar Boom Risks Leaving a Toxic Legacy for Future Generations
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.
Discarded panels contain hazardous materials, including lead and antimony, posing environmental and public health risks under current disposal guidelines. Researchers recommend “extended producer responsibility” laws, a national panel registry, recycling standards, and long-term investment in circular economy infrastructure to prevent a toxic legacy. Continued …
Phuket Land and Nominee Crackdown Ordered
Deputy Interior Ministers Phonphir Suwannachee and Worasit Liangprasit have ordered a broad crackdown on illegal foreign land ownership and nominee arrangements in Phuket, with a focus on returning land to Thai ownership and bringing unregistered businesses into the legal system. Continued …
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Chinese Fugitives Arrested in Bang Na by Immigration Police – Continued …
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Chinese Fraud Suspect Arrested in Bang Phli – Continued …
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Pakistanis Arrested Over Herbal Scam in Pattaya – 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
If you’re an expat living in Thailand and you’ve had the same health insurance policy for years, it’s easy to assume you’re set. You pay your renewal, you stay covered, and that’s that.
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.
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp. (BCP) have cut petrol and gasohol prices by 0.75 baht per liter, effective from 5 am today, while diesel prices remain unchanged. 
Thais are expected to spend an average of 6.9 years living with illness or disability in later life, highlighting growing pressure on healthcare services and long-term care systems, according to the Thai Health Report 2026.
The family of a Thai farmer were stunned to discover 1.84 million baht in cash hidden inside a modified metal storage box used for tools after his death, revealing years of careful saving that even his wife did not know about.
The world’s oil and gas majors have high hopes for a quick reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but they have few illusions about a return to normal for the Gulf energy industry after more than three months of blockage.
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 needs to decide what role it wants to play in a world being reordered by artificial intelligence — or have that decision made for it. That was the stark warning from Burin Adulwattana, chief economist at KASIKORNbank, during a special segment of the KASIKORN Research Center’s half-year briefing.
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 Phetchaburi Half Marathon on Sunday at Chao Samran Beach will feature a 21km half marathon (790 baht), 10km mini marathon (690 baht), and 5km race (590 baht). A VIP category priced at 1,500 baht will allow participants to compete across distances. Registration has now closed. 
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.
The Real Estate Information Center (REIC) of Government Housing Bank has released data on transfers of condominium ownership to foreign nationals nationwide in the first quarter of 2026, showing that the overall market continued to face pressure from economic conditions both in Thailand and overseas.
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.
Tisco Financial Group expects the global economy to face mounting challenges in the second half of 2026, warning that stagflation risks, elevated energy prices, and geopolitical tensions could create a more volatile environment for investors.
Krabi International Airport is attracting growing interest from international airlines, with new routes from Finland and Scandinavia expected to strengthen tourism and support local development, the Ministry of Transport says.
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.
The World Bank Group is supporting Thailand’s use of natural capital accounting (NCA) as a tool to help policymakers balance economic growth with environmental protection. NCA measures the stocks and flows of natural assets and translates them into data that can be used alongside existing national accounting systems.
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.
A British man who left the UK due to rising living costs says he now lives comfortably in Chiang Mai on just GBP800 a month, compared with more than GBP3,000 a month previously. Robert Hoadley, 45, from Portsmouth, relocated in 2025 and says the move has given him greater financial freedom, improved work-life balance, and a healthier lifestyle.
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.
Thailand’s flagship land bridge project has suffered a significant setback after an expert review committee ordered fresh Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (EHIA) studies for planned deep-sea ports in Ranong and Chumphon. The ports are key components of the proposed transport corridor linking the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
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. 
The end of Bangkok Street food
Bangkok is known for its extensive and varied street food scene. Its presence comes up in virtually any discussion about tourism in Thailand. Techically, some might argue, you haven’t really “visited” Thailand if you have not experienced Bangkok’s street food. Quite simply, it’s a selling point for Thailand’s tourism industry.
What your go-to street food in Thailand says about you
Hua Hin Red Cross Fair on June 5-14
The Thai private sector’s damning report on the 10 most-corrupt state agencies has sent a shockwave through the government bureaucracy, prompting immediate reactions, from Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn to the director general of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), who has demanded to see evidence of the alleged bribe taking.
Four Thai police officers and a civilian have been arrested in Sa Kaeo province after allegedly detaining five Chinese nationals and demanding money in exchange for their release.
Thailand’s worsening corruption situation was raised as a key proposal at a joint meeting between the government and the private sector on ways to improve the country’s economic competitiveness, held at Government House on Friday.
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Poll Urges End to Hidden School Fees and Equal Access
Thailand has urged Iran to allow the safe passage of eight Thai-flagged ships stranded at either end of the near-closed Strait of Hormuz. The call was made by Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi last week.
Oil prices extended gains today as efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran appeared to have stalled, after a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates came under attack and as US President Donald Trump is expected to discuss military options on Iran.
The Anutin government is under immediate pressure to ease living costs and restore economic confidence, as most respondents to a new Suan Dusit Poll want urgent action on prices and debt, while nearly half expect the economy to worsen over the next three months.
Thailand’s economy grew by 2.8% in the first quarter of 2026 from a year earlier, official data showed today, higher than the median forecast of 2.2% in a Reuters poll of analysts
Thailand Land Bridge Faces Investor Doubts
Chinese investment continues to make inroads into Thai retail, with “Chinese supermarkets” expanding into Huai Khwang, Rama 9, and tourist cities. The stores stock Chinese goods ranging from snacks, drinks, tea, soft drinks, mala sauces, and instant noodles to ready-to-eat food, responding to strong online trends.
Thailand’s influencer economy is no longer just about content creation but has become a fast-growing business sector worth 45 billion baht, prompting calls for clearer standards, stronger oversight, and support to help Thai influencers compete internationally.
On Feb. 28, when the US-Israeli war with Iran began, Thailand’s tourism industry was looking forward to reaping the benefits of the final month of the high season.
Elephant Nature Park: Inside Chiang Mai’s Ethical Elephant Haven
Thailand’s Largest Lake Is A Breathtaking Body Of Water With Islands, Bird Sanctuaries, And Fishing
In our latest travel title, Thailand: The Monocle Handbook, we showcase the very best of this sunny nation, including the multitude of excellent hospitality hotspots on offer.
Preparing for Climate-Related Losses
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.
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.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth downplayed the U.S. military’s new effort to clear the Strait of Hormuz as a “temporary mission” that does not break the ceasefire with Iran, even after the Pentagon said it sank half a dozen small Iranian boats.
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.
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.
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. 
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the Ministry of Energy and related organizations to set up a one-stop center for solar rooftop consulting.
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).
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 baht closed last week, on April 24, at a fresh two-week low of 32.51 baht per US dollar, as markets awaited the outcomes of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting and the US Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting.
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.
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.
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. 
Residents and visitors can now view CCTV cameras in Hua Hin in real time, with Hua Hin City launching public access to live traffic footage along Phetkasem Road. The initiative allows users to monitor key sections of one of the town’s busiest routes, including major intersections, traffic flows, and other important locations.
A severe environmental and public health crisis is unfolding across Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar as widespread forest fires and agricultural burning create dangerous levels of air pollution.
The Comptroller-General’s Department, in collaboration with relevant agencies, is exploring guidelines to increase the starting income of newly appointed civil servants as it looks to ease the burden of medical care expenditure.
Thailand’s plastics industry is facing a crisis on several fronts, as the cost of key resin raw materials has surged by nearly 100% in a short period, adding pressure to consumer goods and packaging prices through cost-push inflation.
In almost every industry in Thailand, parasitic nominee businesses are being used to bypass foreign ownership laws, creating revenue leaks across multiple industries like tourism and hospitality.
See how these structures work, where they persist, and what it means for Thailand’s economy. 
Thailand’s Industry Ministry is planning a B100-billion Industrial Transformation Fund to modernize industry and support smaller businesses, with the scheme set to be rolled out in phases. The fund aims to attract private-sector co-investment and is expected to help SMEs upgrade machinery and shift toward future industries.
On Wednesday, Thailand’s newly installed Minister of Tourism and Sports, Surasak Phancharoenworakul, made clear the kingdom will tighten screening of foreign tourists before arrival. He confirmed visa-on-arrival access for 124 countries, including 93 now granted 60-day visa waivers, is under review.
Thai travelers are increasingly opting for short-haul destinations during the upcoming May holiday, according to Agoda’s recent search data. This trend reflects a growing preference for trips that are easier to plan and require less time, with a notable increase in accommodation searches for the Labor Day and Coronation long weekend from April 30 to May 4.
Southern tourism operators are calling for more government support and incentives for the green transition, as Phuket recently hosted an international sustainable tourism conference in a bid to create global recognition in this sector.
Unusual Funeral in Ron Phibun with Coyote Dancers Draws Crowds
Thailand’s Environmental Law Reform Wave
European leaders celebrated the long-awaited approval of the release of a 90-billion-euro (34 trillion baht) loan for Ukraine yesterday, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky quickly pushed the debate back to his country’s EU accession. After months of wrangling with Hungary, the final sign-off for the loan and a new package of EU sanctions on Russia boosted Zelensky. 
Russian billionaires increased their wealth by 11% to a record $696.5 billion over the past year despite the war in Ukraine and the toughest Western sanctions ever imposed on a major economy, Forbes Russia has reported. Russia’s richest men are all linked to the vast reserves of natural resources that Russia has exported to global markets for decades.