- A little Thai history/Thailand Riviera coastal drive/Nominee investigations reach Hua Hin/Thailand widens checks on foreign-linked companies/Making a ‘better world possible’/Taco Bell opens in Hua Hin/Entry fees for Pranburi park/Digital platform liability for scams/Tak Bai police shooting/No bail for four murder suspects/Talay Noi swamp buffalo meat
- THE IRAN WAR: New Iran talks set to start/Thailand to avoid war oil shock
- ECONOMY: Thai Baht Hits 15-Month Low/Only 5.1 million Thais pay income tax/Why Nordics Queue Up to Pay Tax/Tariffs an opportunity to fight/Trade deficit marks sea change/To tackle Thailand’s economic malaise/Trade war pressures hit Thai jobs/Thailand Personal Spending Rises/Thais Help Thais Plus/Thailand’s Next Generation of Industry
- TOURISM: Tale of two tourist incidents/Bangkok’s Chao Phraya draws projects/Thailand launches 10 hiking schools
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Cobra by the bed/History of Talad Noi
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Green manufacturing no longer optional/Waste into wealth/Super El Niño to hit Thailand /Data center race faces power, water logjam
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
A little Thai history
Thailand Riviera coastal drive gets tourism push
Regional authorities are stepping up efforts to promote the Thailand Riviera coastal route as a major tourism corridor, as part of plans to improve public awareness, enhance visitor facilities and spread tourism income to communities along the Gulf of Thailand’s western coastline.
The project was discussed at a recent meeting of the Joint Public and Private Sector Committee for Economic Problem Solving (JPPCC) for the Lower Central Region 2, which comprises Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram. Continued …
Business nominee investigations reach Hua Hin
Immigration and police in Hua Hin have stepped up efforts to investigate suspected nominee business structures involving foreign nationals, as authorities intensify scrutiny of foreign-linked companies and land transactions.
A meeting was held at Hua Hin Police Station on July 30 to establish operational guidelines for a joint task force investigating cases in which Thai nationals may be acting as nominees for foreigners. Continued …
Thailand widens checks on foreign-linked companies
Thailand’s Department of Business Development has begun tougher checks on company changes involving foreign investors, shareholders, directors and authorized signatories, under a new order taking effect from Aug. 1.
The measure is intended to stop Thai nationals being used as nominee shareholders, while the government says legitimate foreign investment will continue to be supported.Until now, screening focused mainly on the point at which a company was first registered. Continued …
Hua Hin students pitch making a ‘better world possible’
Choosing tailor-made digital platforms as their primary tool for social change, the young changemakers presented innovative non-profit solutions addressing some of the country’s most persistent social, ecological, and human challenges.
The Catholic Education Council of Thailand and LiCAS News co-organized the gathering at the Salesian Retreat House and Hua Hin Vittayalai School in the Thai resort town of Hua Hin under the theme, “Together We Make a Better World Possible.” Continued …
Taco Bell opens in Hua Hin
Hua Hin has a new Taco Bell, which opened a new branch on Phetkasem Road, near the Hua Hin Clock Tower.
The restaurant offers its usual tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, fries and other Mexican-inspired fast food. Dine-in and takeaway are available.
Entry fees start for Pranburi park
Visitors to Pranburi Forest Park are now being charged an entrance fee, ending many years in which access to the popular park was free.
The new fee structure was announced by Pranburi Forest Park in May and has now come into effect, introducing separate rates for Thai and foreign visitors, as well as charges for vehicles, camping and other services, in line with other national parks in Thailand. Continued …
Thailand lawsuit tests digital platform liability for scams
Thailand’s Civil Court will hold its first case-management hearing today in a consumer lawsuit against 17 digital platform, application and financial service providers over alleged losses linked to fraudulent investment advertisements and other online scams.
All 17 defendants, including entities based in Thailand and overseas, have now been legally served with copies of the claim and court summonses, according to the legal team representing the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC). Continued …
Tak Bai police shooting leaves two dead, three injured
Two police officers were killed and three were injured when a gunman opened fire on an investigation team in Tak Bai district, Narathiwat, yesterday.
The officers were conducting a search linked to a narcotics case at Ban Bueng Chalam in Phrai Wan subdistrict when they came under gunfire. The attacker escaped and was believed to still be carrying a rifle. Continued …
Pattaya court denies bail to four murder suspects
Pattaya Provincial Court has refused bail for four suspects in murder cases involving two Russian siblings and a family of three, citing the severity of the allegations and the possibility that they could flee.
The decisions were issued Saturday after police brought suspects before the court in connection with the two linked investigations. The court said the alleged crimes carry high penalties and that investigators opposed temporary release. Continued …
Appetite grows for Talay Noi swamp buffalo meat
A research-driven initiative to develop premium meat products from naturally raised swamp buffalo in the Talay Noi wetlands is gaining traction, with demand growing locally and from China.
The initiative, led by Thaksin University’s Phatthalung campus, in collaboration with local communities and livestock authorities, is looking to expand across southern Thailand. It aims to transform the area’s traditionally raised swamp buffalo into a high-value product while preserving the centuries-old farming system within Phatthalung’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). Continued …
Trump says new Iran talks set to start after calling off massive attack
US President Donald Trump said that new negotiations with Iran will begin today after he decided to hold off on striking the Islamic republic to pursue a deal to end the war entering its sixth month.
Trump told reporters yesterday that the talks would cover the Strait of Hormuz –- a route for global energy supplies that has become a key sticking point in the conflict — and ultimately, the denuclearization of Iran. Continued …
Thailand to avoid Mideast war oil shock
Thailand will not face a crude oil shortage in August despite the ongoing war in the Middle East, as supply remains sufficient for all six domestic refineries, according to the Department of Energy Business (DOEB).
Sarawut Kaewtathip, director-general of DOEB, said shipping routes remain partially open, ensuring continued transport of crude oil and petroleum products. Continued …
Thai Baht Hits 15-Month Low
The Thai baht is trading near its weakest level in over 15 months against the US Dollar, as a confluence of external pressures continues to erode its value. The currency’s decline has been driven by a renewed spike in oil prices, compounded by a firmer USD and rising US Treasury yields.
Thailand’s heavy reliance on imported energy makes it especially vulnerable to these global cost pressures, which, in turn, have stoked concerns about imported inflation. This dynamic has reinforced market expectations that US interest rates may remain elevated for longer, further diminishing the baht’s relative appeal and sustaining depreciation pressure across the currency pair. Continued …
Only 5.1 million Thais pay income tax
Thailand’s personal income-tax base remains heavily concentrated among a relatively small number of earners, with only 5.14 million of 12.57 million people who filed returns for the 2024 tax year required to pay tax.
Budget Committee data, based on returns filed in 2025, have put government revenue collection under fresh scrutiny as Thailand considers how to make its revenue structure more balanced and sustainable. Continued …
Why Nordics Queue Up to Pay Tax While 21 million Thais Stay Off the Books
When Thailand’s Revenue Department released its latest personal income tax filing figures, the headline number was not the roughly 12 million people who submitted a return. It was the much smaller group behind it: an estimated 5 million filers, or around 40%of those who filed, who actually owed any tax at all.
The gap looks starker still when set against the size of Thailand’s workforce, which numbers close to 40 million. That implies more than half the country’s workers — an estimated 21 to 22 million people — sit entirely outside the formal tax system. Continued …
New tariffs an opportunity to fight
Here he goes again. US President Donald Trump is increasing and decreasing tariffs willy-nilly, violating international agreements that he himself signed and almost surely violating federal law. The only difference this time is that he has a new pretext for abusing tariffs: stopping forced labor.
Of course, the administration is right that too little is being done about forced labor. But its stated concern is a ruse. With the new tariffs closely tracking the ones that Trump imposed on the basis of trade balances, are we supposed to believe that bilateral trade deficits just so happen to be highly correlated with the use of forced labor? Continued …
Trade deficit marks a sea change
Thailand’s widening trade deficit may appear alarming at first glance, but a deeper analysis suggests it is more a sign of economic transformation than deterioration. The surge in imports has been driven largely by machinery, production equipment, industrial raw materials and electronic components — inputs that businesses need.
Trade analysts argue as long as rising imports are for productive investment that strengthens the export base, lifts industrial output and generates higher economic growth, the trade deficit may reflect the country’s transition toward a more investment-driven, higher value-added economy with enhanced competitiveness. Continued …
Government outlines new plans to tackle Thailand’s economic malaise
Thailand’s biggest investment drive in years was unveiled on Friday as fresh Bank of Thailand data exposed a sharply deteriorating trade position, a US$3.5 billion current account deficit and a baht at its weakest level in 15 months. While Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul warned of a “New World Disorder”, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas responded with an ambitious five-part blueprint centered on AI, infrastructure and industrial transformation.
However, soaring imports, record trade deficits, new US tariffs and weakening external accounts are raising urgent questions over whether the government’s long-term vision can deal with economic pressures reshaping Thailand’s outlook. Continued …
Trade war pressures hit Thai jobs and spending
Thailand’s economy faces mounting pressure from global trade tensions, higher energy and shipping costs, and an influx of lower-priced Chinese goods, according to an analysis published last week.
The analysis argues that the effects are now reaching workers, farmers and small businesses, as companies cut costs, reduce operating hours and close unprofitable production lines or branches. Continued …
Thailand Personal Spending Rises at a Faster Pace
Private consumption in Thailand increased by 1.1% month-on-month in June, accelerating from 0.6% in the previous month. It marked the second straight month of growth, driven mainly by stronger spending on non-durable goods amid higher consumer goods sales following government stimulus measures, as well as improved fuel consumption as retail fuel prices declined and sales returned closer to normal levels.
Spending on durable goods also strengthened, supported by higher motorcycle registrations and passenger car sales, partly reflecting growing consumer interest in electric vehicles. Continued …
Thais Help Thais Plus sees over B86 billion circulate in two months
The government has welcomed what it described as an excellent response to the Thais Help Thais Plus (60/40) program after more than B86 billion circulated through the economy during its first two months.
It also highlighted AI tools in the Tung Ngern (Money Bag) app that help small retailers analyze their businesses and reminded participants to use their monthly entitlements before the program ends on Sept. 30. Continued …
Building the Infrastructure Behind Thailand’s Next Generation of Industry
Thailand’s emergence as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, electric vehicles, data centers, digital infrastructure, and smart industries is fundamentally reshaping the country’s industrial landscape.
Today’s factories are no longer merely production facilities — they are highly integrated ecosystems combining automation, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, industrial IoT, advanced analytics, renewable energy systems, and digitally connected supply chains. Continued …
A tale of two tourist incidents
Inviting the fury of the Thai public on a matter that is admittedly done and dusted, I cannot help but feel compelled to at least voice my misgivings over the recent “noisy Italian students” incident, especially how it played out compared with another similar occurrence.
By now, most readers are familiar with the details of the viral encounter. A raucous group of young Italians was told by a Thai woman to quiet down on a crowded public train in Bangkok. In defiance of her plea, they chose instead to berate and mock her, going as far as implying that because they had arrived in the country to spend money, they were somehow entitled to do as they please. Continued …
Bangkok’s Chao Phraya draws new hotels, attractions and megaprojects
A second major wave of investment is taking shape along both banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, as large corporations develop luxury hotels, entertainment attractions and mixed-use projects intended to strengthen the capital’s tourism economy.
The latest expansion follows the development of Iconsiam by Siam Piwat Co., Magnolia Quality Development Corp. and Charoen Pokphand Group, which helped establish the riverside as a major investment and tourism district. Continued …
Thailand launches 10 hiking schools for responsible forest tourism
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has launched the “Khon Doen Pa School… A First Step into the Wilderness with Understanding” project (“Khon Doen Pa” means “forest hikers” in Thai) at Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima.
The initiative is intended to give visitors the knowledge, skills and appropriate attitudes needed before entering protected forest areas, while reducing accidents, waste and ecological impacts under the Leave No Trace principle, described as “leaving no burden on nature”. Continued …
Thailand hotel guest bolts awake as partner spots cobra by the bed
Footage from a hotel in Krabi is leaving viewers unsettled after a couple reportedly discovered a large cobra lurking near their bed before sunrise.One of the guests initially treated the commotion as just being startled from a bad dream or some other misunderstanding. Only moments later did they realize why their partner had suddenly woken up and run from the room in a panic at about 5 am.
The threat soon became unmistakable: There was a snake inside the room. Reports said the cobra was discovered near the bed and later found hidden underneath it. Continued and video …
The History of Talad Noi
The story of Talad Noi dates back to the early Rattanakosin period in the late 18th century. Following the establishment of Bangkok as the new capital, Chinese immigrants settled in Sampeng, which rapidly transformed into the city’s primary commercial center.
As trade boomed, business naturally spilt over into neighboring areas. This burgeoning satellite district quickly became known as the secondary trading hub, smaller than Sampeng, but equally vital to daily commerce. Continued …
Thailand told green manufacturing is no longer optional
Thailand must accelerate its transition to advanced green manufacturing if it hopes to remain competitive in an increasingly sustainability-driven global economy, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).
The agency says environmentally friendly manufacturing is no longer simply a corporate responsibility or additional business cost, but a new engine of economic growth capable of strengthening Thailand’s long-term position in international markets. Continued …
Waste into wealth: A regenerative path
Waste is often seen as the inevitable by-product of economic growth. In reality, it may become one of the most valuable resources economies possess.
Thailand generates more than 27 million tons of municipal solid waste each year, according to data from the Pollution Control Department (PCD), and more than half is either improperly managed or left to accumulate in expanding landfills. What appears to be an environmental problem is increasingly becoming an economic one. Continued …
Super El Niño to hit Thailand next year
A super El Niño is expected to hit Thailand in October and last through the early part of the 2027 rainy season, affecting crops, rice plantations and water consumption. The Thai Meteorological Department has warned that rainfall could fall by at least 10% as a result.
A super El Niño is an unusually strong warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, during which sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific become significantly warmer than normal. Continued …
Data center race faces power, water logjam
Power, not land prices, has become the biggest hurdle for data center investors evaluating Thailand, as growing demand is increasingly constrained by limited electricity and water infrastructure, according to property consultancy Savills Thailand.
Prapaporn Boonkajornkul, deputy managing director of the consultancy, said inquiries from overseas data center investors remain steady, although the market is dominated by a small number of hyperscale operators requiring extensive infrastructure. Continued …
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Police arrest four Africans in fake-dollar scam – Continued …
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Chinese fraud suspect held in Samut Sakhon – Continued …
Indonesian ferry fire leaves five dead and 41 missing
At least five people have died and 41 remain missing after an Indonesian ferry caught fire off Madura island in East Java, authorities said. Indonesia’s search and rescue agency said the ferry was carrying 271 passengers and crew, of whom 225 had been rescued by yesterday afternoon. A search and rescue operation was still under way. 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
Thinking about retirement in Thailand and wondering where to live in Hua Hin? This video breaks down the truth about Hua Hin’s best and worst areas in 2026 — based on real-life retirement factors, not holiday impressions. One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning to retire in Hua Hin is choosing an area based on a short holiday instead of long-term lifestyle. The neighborhood that feels perfect for two weeks can be completely wrong for the next 10–20 years. 
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, through the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with AirAsia Group to elevate mutual tourism promotion under the concept “Amazing Thailand: Feel All the Feelings.” The agreement encompasses marketing collaborations, communications, aviation route connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia, and market intelligence exchanges to drive short-haul travel — particularly from the Malaysian market.
The Cha Am Squid Festival will return Sept. 12–19, with the annual event taking place at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint. The festival is officially known as the 25th Eat Shellfish, Catch Squid @ Cha Am Festival.
Prachuap Khiri Khan has launched a vaping campaign to improve awareness among young people about the dangers of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and nicotine addiction. Deputy Gov. Prateep Boriboonrat opened the training program at Hadthong Hotel in Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday.
A recent wedding controversy involving a Thai bride and a foreign groom has renewed attention on Sin Sod, the Thai marriage custom in which the groom or his family presents money, gold or other valuables during the ceremony.
Nearly a year after border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia were shut, intermittent diplomatic overtures have yet to produce the political trust needed to reopen them, leaving border communities and businesses facing an increasingly prolonged economic standstill.
The fallout from Thailand’s decriminalization of marijuana in 2022 is spreading rapidly beyond its borders, with large shipments of smuggled Thai weed threatening to overwhelm customs officials across the world.
Iran attacked a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz early today, forcing its crew to abandon the ship even as the United States conducted yet-another round of airstrikes targeting the Islamic Republic over control of the key waterway.
The baht is expected to continue weakening against the US dollar this week after falling to a nearly 15-month low, driven by renewed tensions in the Middle East.
The Thai Restaurant Assn. is asking the government to connect raw material wholesalers with restaurants to lower ingredient costs, rather than providing subsidies for each dish.
Thailand studies Bangkok Port closure and entertainment complex plan
Thailand’s use of export privileges under free-trade agreements continued to expand in April, with the value of shipments claiming preferential treatment reaching US$31.77 billion.
The Industry Ministry is drafting a landmark law aimed at regulating data center investments in Thailand, as the country grapples with the environmental and infrastructural challenges posed by the sector’s rapid growth.
Thai Beverage, the maker of Chang beer and SangSom rum, is considering a potential sale of its KFC restaurant franchise business in Thailand, according to people familiar with the matter.
New partnerships with seven large corporations in China are expected to help Thailand attract a new, younger customer segment and generate total revenue of nearly 300 billion baht, despite limited flight capacity, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Thailand’s rich culture, beautiful landscapes and distinctive cuisine aren’t the only reasons why tourists keep flocking to the country. Thailand has been leading Asia in medical tourism, with more than a million foreigners travelling to the country every year for medical and surgical procedures.
Bangkok is preparing to host its largest HYROX event yet, as the global fitness race returns for four days of competition, bringing together more than 20,000 athletes from Aug. 13–16.
Korat Buddhist Lent candle festival returns with grand parade
Thailand is leaning hard into solar and wind power, and households are beginning to see the payoff: lower electricity bills. A report says cleaner energy and more competitive long-term contracts are pushing down the average cost of power, an important signal in a region where air-conditioning demand can hammer family budgets.
Heavily reliant on pesticides, Thai agriculture is ‘trapped in a vicious cycle’
The United States will impose 50% tariffs on nearly US$20-billion worth of Canadian imports, escalating tensions between the two closely integrated economies and threatening a fresh phase in President Donald Trump’s global trade campaign. 
Re: Odd-even parking signs installed on soi 94
Power bills set to rise in final four months
AGT sensation Nene says fame came too fast
It’s a shame the US and Iran can’t both lose
Gold tumbles below $4,000 as oil surge fuels rate fears
BOT warns weak investment is eroding Thailand’s growth
Thailand Approves $3.1 Billion Investment for Seven Data Centers
Local e-marketplace players enter fray
Visa-free period halved, many countries dropped
Largest local solar roof opens in Korat
Content fight shapes Thailand’s EV future
Thailand’s industrial green shift gains momentum with Seagate solar mega project
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!). 
Expat health insurance costs in Thailand are one of those numbers everyone searches for and nobody quite trusts, because the real answer ranges from under US$100 a month to well over US$900. Almost none of that gap comes down to luck. It comes down to two things: how old you are, and how much cover you actually want.
Thaimart, a home-grown Thai e-commerce platform, was officially introduced at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok yesterday, positioning itself as a new home for Thai business owners.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the Energy Ministry to find ways to reduce retail oil prices, saying domestic fuel prices should fall now that global oil prices have declined and stabilized.
Thailand will cut retail fuel prices from today, with diesel falling by 2.56 baht per liter and all petrol and gasohol grades dropping by 2.51 baht per liter.
Asking prices for land in Greater Bangkok have stagnated this year, with some sites facing discounts of up to 40% as buyers negotiate aggressively amid a sharp contraction in the condo market caused by economic weakness.
Pattana Promphat, Public Health minister, pressed ahead with the draft Cannabis and Hemp Act yesterday, aiming to control cannabis for medical use only. He ordered tighter oversight from source to destination after problems were found involving illegal transport abroad and the use of fake licenses.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has warned that the country’s cannabis industry could be shut down if authorities conclude it is causing more harm than benefit, following a series of major international cannabis smuggling cases linked to Thailand.
Bangkok has emerged as one of the world’s 10 most expensive cities for high-net-worth individuals, according to the Julius Baer Global Wealth & Lifestyle Report 2026, released yesterday.
Thailand welcomes 16.21 million foreign tourists, down 3.1%
Tickets for the inaugural Tomorrowland Thailand music festival have sold out, with all 150,000 tickets purchased shortly after sales opened, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul announced yesterday following the weekly Cabinet meeting.
The recent call by more than 1,200 doctors urging the government to halt the approval of new medical degree programs proposed by Rajabhat universities must prompt policymakers to examine a more fundamental question than whether Thailand needs more medical schools.
Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit has instructed Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) to develop an upgraded air traffic-management system to support the growth of the country’s regional airports and strengthen tourism links across Thailand’s lower northern provinces.
The Rise of Plai: How an Ancient Thai Root Became a Modern Pharmaceutical Heavyweight
Thailand must act quickly to stem its mounting current account deficit before it spirals into a current account crisis, says Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas. Ekniti said that while the government’s emergency borrowing decree would increase public debt, the loans are necessary to accelerate Thailand’s transition from fossil fuels to clean and renewable energy.
Thailand’s inflation rate is showing signs of moving past its sharpest point, as production costs and global oil pressure begin to ease, but households may still face a more lasting rise in daily living expenses.
Thailand must strengthen anti-corruption efforts, improve law enforcement and reform regulations to restore investor confidence and maintain its competitiveness, according to Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) Chairwoman Vibeke Lyssand Leirvag.
True Corp. is urging businesses to look beyond artificial intelligence as a standalone technology and instead combine AI with data-driven human insights to better understand increasingly complex consumer behavior and strengthen their competitiveness in the digital economy.
Bangkok is emerging as Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing hub for ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals, reinforcing Thailand’s appeal as a destination for global wealth despite persistent economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
Thailand’s landmark cannabis revolution is on the brink of collapse after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the architect of Asia’s first cannabis decriminalization policy, warned he is prepared to recriminalize the drug and shut down the industry following a wave of major international cannabis seizures linked to Thailand.
Seaplane takeoff grounded by regulations
Countries laser-focused on attracting the next wave of investment may soon find that tax breaks and affordable labor may not be enough to keep investors engaged. The new criteria for raising funds may very well be in the energy space, and more specifically, which country has clean, stable, and scalable energy, with credible governance to ensure that the landscape is ready for future industries.
After years in darkness, this Thai village is finally seeing the light
Hua Hin’s long-running push for international flights is now being tied to a wider plan to reposition the city as a year-round destination, rather than one reliant mainly on weekend visitors and domestic tourism.
Go bar hopping across some of the town’s best nightlife spots, including Hard Rock Cafe, the Hilton Rooftop Bar, Soi Bintabaht, Soi 94, Soi 80, Khao Takiab and more! From rooftop sunset drinks and live music to DJ bars and hidden local spots, this vlog captures the atmosphere of Hua Hin after dark. Also check out drink prices along the way to see what a night out in Hua Hin actually costs in 2026. 
Individual customers and businesses in Thailand are set to benefit from lower service fees charged by commercial banks and other financial institutions under a new regulation issued by the Bank of Thailand (BOT).
Thailand’s Egg Farmers’ Co-operative Network has announced a 20-satang increase in the farm-gate price of mixed-size eggs to 3.80 baht each, raising the cost of a 30-egg tray by six baht from today. The rate will remain in force until further notice.
Thailand’s real estate sector faces mounting pressure, as a prolonged property downturn, weak purchasing power, tight credit and higher energy costs continue to weigh on production, investment and employment.
Thailand is positioning itself as a resilient, neutral hub in a fracturing global economy, leveraging its geography and gold’s growing strategic value to navigate the deepening rivalry between the United States and China.
The European Union’s new €3 customs fee on low-value e-commerce parcels may deal a blow to Chinese online giants such as SHEIN, Temu and AliExpress, but for Thailand the bigger question is whether the measure will create a new export opportunity — or trigger a fresh influx of cheap Chinese goods into ASEAN.
Koh Tao arrivals set to top 800,000
Pattaya’s tourism sector is experiencing a particularly weak low season, with tourist numbers falling in Pattaya and Chon Buri, leaving many hotels unable to reach break-even occupancy levels. Many properties are reporting occupancy rates of just 15% to 20%, below the estimated break-even threshold of 40% to 50%.
A Thai man was arrested at Suvarnabhumi International Airport Saturday after police received complaints from 150 travelers who alleged they had paid for a pilgrimage tour to Saudi Arabia that never departed, with reported losses exceeding 4 million baht.
Ranong touted as premier destination for eco-tourism and wellness
It looked like a string bean at first. Wrapped around a branch behind a clutch of parked motorcycles, the snake’s chartreuse skin was just a few swatches brighter than the tall foliage it was trying to blend into. Thai-American snake expert Christopher Shannon caught it in the beam of his flashlight, quickly identifying it as an Asian long-nosed vine snake. Its pointy snout and slit-like pupils gave it, in his words, “binocular vision.”
Traveling in Thailand requires awareness of cultural etiquette, legal restrictions, and environmental factors. Key considerations include respecting local customs such as removing shoes, dressing modestly in temples, and avoiding gestures like touching heads or pointing feet.
Householders with solar rooftops can now apply to sell their excess power to electricity authorities. People in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan can file application to the Metropolitan Electricity Authority via the 
The Thai government says it is accelerating the restructuring of the country’s energy sector to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, expand renewable energy and strengthen energy security, while making Thailand more attractive to investors. The announcement comes as global demand for clean electricity continues to grow and governments compete to secure investment linked to low-carbon energy.
From dishes to furniture, electronics, toys, and even clothing, it feels like everything these days is made of plastic. Most plastics take decades, or even centuries, to break down. This means that even when properly disposed of, plastic items do not just go away.
Is Hua Hin Actually Worth It?
Embark on a culinary journey through Hua Hin with this ultimate food guide featuring the 10 best restaurants in the area. From hidden gems to popular street food spots, explore the authentic and exotic flavors that make Hua Hin a foodie’s paradise. Taste test must-try dishes and sharid top food recommendations.
Thailand has been placed on alert for heavy rain, flash floods and rough seas as Tropical Storm Maysak intensifies monsoon conditions across the country, despite the storm not being expected to move directly into Thailand.
With memory prices surging and new gadgets becoming more expensive, the smartest smartphone buy in Thailand in 2026 may not be the newest flagship but last year’s premium model — still fast and polished and far less likely to make your credit card need a lie-down.
The government’s “Thais Help Thais Plus” co-payment scheme has helped to revive the economy and stimulate spending in the food and beverage sector, according to two online food delivery operators.
Households in the northeast are still struggling, and confidence in the economy remains weak, according to a new poll that gave the government’s economic performance low marks.
Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC), said yesterday that Thailand’s exports in May were worth US$34.333 billion, up 10.6% and expanding for a 23rd consecutive month.
Sky Kanyarat was playing pool in the early hours of the morning in one of Thailand’s most famous red light districts when a middle-aged foreigner with a heavy gait approached her. She had often seen him walking past the bar where she worked in Pattaya, a city about a two-hour drive from Bangkok. But this was the first time Kanyarat had seen him come in.
Thailand will introduce tougher airport security measures based on a zero trust approach after a Thai airline cabin crew member was detained in Australia over alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The government said the case should not be viewed as an isolated incident but as a catalyst to strengthen aviation security across the entire air travel system.
Thailand is moving to strengthen its role as a sportainment destination as interest in fitness travel grows alongside the longevity trend, which is reshaping exercise from a lifestyle choice into part of long-term health and travel planning.
Tourism operators in the south have urged the government to strengthen security measures after Malaysian tourists were injured in a roadside bomb attack in Tak Bai, although the incident has affected only a limited number of tour groups traveling to Hat Yai this weekend.
Kui Buri – Where the Wild still roams
Scientists and environmental groups warn the land bridge project could threaten fragile marine ecosystems and coastal communities in southern Thailand, while the government promises economic growth. 
Sustainability has moved beyond the language of annual reports. In Thailand, it is becoming something far more tangible: solar panels on factory roofs, biogas from production by-products, lighter packaging, smarter energy systems and industrial discipline that can be measured in tons of avoided carbon.
Thailand’s ambition to become a leading electric vehicle production hub in ASEAN has gained further momentum, with investment promotion approvals in the EV industry reaching 198 projects worth more than 137 billion baht as of May.
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.
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.
The government is moving ahead with its “Thailand 365 Days” policy to position the country as a year-round, high-value tourism destination, using rising interest in natural attractions and local experiences to spread income beyond major tourist cities and support sustainable growth.
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.
Rescue teams raced yesterday to find more survivors of the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week, with signs of life bringing occasional relief to a grim quest to whittle down a list of tens of thousands missing. The death toll from Wednesday’s twin earthquakes rose to at least 1,450 as of Saturday. 
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. 
Despite stricter laws, tougher penalties, and repeated safety campaigns, the country continues to rank among the most dangerous places in the world for road traffic deaths.
A Japanese travel content creator has gone viral after posting a video of an unexpected mishap at Hua Hin Railway Station, where a chair suddenly broke beneath him as he leaned back while waiting for a train.
Apple has officially increased prices across its Mac product line in Thailand, with adjustments now visible on the Apple Store Online and Apple Store app.
Thailand’s exports expanded by 10.6% year-on-year in May, reaching a value of US$34,333.1 million (approximately 1.095 trillion baht), according to the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (TPSO).
Chinese investors’ growing appetite for factory sites in Thailand is reshaping the industrial land market in the Eastern Economic Corridor, with one planned industrial park in Chonburi now attracting close scrutiny over zoning, infrastructure demand, and possible gaps in state oversight.
Airports of Thailand Public Co. (AOT) has issued a long-term commitment to aggressively scale up the nation’s aviation ecosystem, pledging to expand its total airport capacity to handle over 160 million passengers annually within the next decade.
The Chinese Ambassador to Thailand is apparently not happy about Thais using the term “gray Chinese” to refer to Chinese nationals who engage in criminal activities in Thailand, and has made it known. Ambassador Zhang Jianwei feels the term made Thais appear “unfriendly” to Chinese visitors.
In 2026, Thailand is no longer defined solely by its beaches, temples, and tourism appeal. It has evolved into a global headquarters for a new kind of workforce — the digital nomad generation — earning a reputation as one of the world’s most attractive bases for remote professionals seeking both productivity and lifestyle.
Samui Tops Asia-Pacific Island Rankings
Thailand’s soft power shines through food, fun, and 5F charm
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan said at the “Energy Transition: Transitioning Thai Energy to a Low-Carbon Economy” seminar, under the topic “Thai Energy Direction and PDP 2026 Progress”, that discussions on energy transition often focus solely on electricity.
How electric tuk-tuks are powering Bangkok’s quiet mobility revolution
Rescue crews and residents are searching for hundreds of people trapped under the rubble of buildings yesterday, after back-to-back major earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern coast and caused devastation across the region. At least 188 people had been confirmed dead and 200 were trapped under rubble. 
Sam Roi Yot Run Ep.7 will offer distances of 2.7km, 5km and 10km along scenic coastal routes through local communities. Entry fees vary depending on registration period, with general registration open until May 31. 
The Commerce Ministry is preparing action against 140 “grey accountants” as part of a nationwide crackdown on the use of Thai nominees to conceal foreign ownership in restricted businesses.
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has issued new penalty guidelines that include license suspensions or revocations for cannabis businesses found to breach the department’s requirements.
The price of fertilizers is trending downward, with shipments from the Middle East currently en route to Thailand, says the Commerce Minister.
The Thai baht opened the week at 32.94 per US dollar yesterday, drifting toward the psychologically significant 33 threshold as a confluence of external headwinds and domestic vulnerabilities battered sentiment.
Thailand’s exports posted double-digit growth in May but at a slower pace than April, a Commerce Ministry official said yesterday. Customs-cleared exports rose by 23.1% in April from a year earlier. May data is due later this week.
Thailand’s property market is seeing a major shift as developers move beyond simply delaying new launches and begin selling land and ready-to-develop projects to preserve liquidity.
Thailand’s luxury hotel sector is emerging as one of the country’s most attractive investment assets, as global economic uncertainty pushes investors toward properties seen as resilient, scarce, and capable of generating long-term returns.
Thailand’s world heritage-level performing arts have taken center stage in Europe and South Korea, as Khon, Nora, Songkran traditions, and Thai classical dance were showcased in Frankfurt and Seoul as part of a wider push to promote Thai cultural soft power overseas.
Tha Phra Chan clings to Thai herbal traditions
Thailand’s government is advancing its green hospital policy by promoting clean and renewable energy in public health facilities to reduce operating costs, improve energy efficiency, and support the country’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced yesterday that he was resigning, paving the way for what is expected to be an orderly transfer of power to frontrunner Andy Burnham.