- Hua Hin CCTV installation/Mayor visits Chat Chai market/Intercontinental’s restaurant awarded/Chiva-Som Hua Hin wins Award/Hua Hin film club/Gun controls face loopholes/‘Gun prize’ giveaway/Nakhon Ratchasima shooting/Government announces downsizing plans/No one’s data is safe/Bangkok Post to hide some content
- THE IRAN WAR: US signals indefinite Iran blockade/ance says low oil prices are top US goal
- ECONOMY: Retail confidence, consumer spending fall/Business confidence plunges/AI boom drives digital economy/PM denies US drone production base/Ready for data center surge?/Pluak Daeng becomes ‘Little Guangzhou’
- TOURISM: Israeli mother and daughter attacked/Assault on Japanese tourist/Foreigners flee traffic checkpoint/Israeli family denied entry to zoo/Hotels seek earlier stimulus launch/32,540 baht Pattaya bar bill
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thai Restaurant Rules Tourists Break
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Floods devastate Mekong communities/Smart and green applications top 146 billion baht/’Turning Bottles into Purpose’/Solar panel recycling
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin CCTV installation details discussed
Hua Hin Municipality officials met this week to discuss the installation of CCTV systems with 100 cameras and equipment in high-risk areas or areas with security needs. The project has already been reviewed and approved in principle.
The committee met together to review the details and scope of the project to ensure that the characteristics of the system, equipment, installation points, and technical details are appropriate, consistent with the area’s conditions, and can be used efficiently.
The project aims to install CCTV cameras within the Hua Hin Municipality to enhance the efficiency of monitoring and situational awareness in the area, as well as to support the prevention and reduction of risks to incidents that may affect the lives and property of the public and tourists.
Installing CCTV systems in high-risk areas will help relevant agencies use camera data as part of monitoring, investigating, and supporting operations in case of various incidents, which will help enhance the efficiency of security and peace in the Hua Hin city area.
The committee decided to proceed according to the relevant procedures, prioritizing the setting of project details that are appropriate, transparent, cost-effective, and practical to use.
Mayor visits Chat Chai market, hears concerns
Hua Hin MayorNopporn Wutthikul and members of his administration visited the Chat Chai market in the town center to listen to the problems within the market. Upon visiting the site, they found problems such as clogged drains, slippery tile floors, requests for rainwater prevention roofs, bird droppings entering the market, and requests to fix roof leaks. The mayor assigned relevant officials to resolve them.
Intercontinental’s restaurant awarded Thai Select 2 Stars
Jaras Hua Hin at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has been awarded Thai Select 2 Stars for 2026, recognizing the restaurant’s Thai cuisine, quality ingredients, creative presentation, professional service and overall dining experience.
Sabrina Hofstetter, general manager of InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, received the recognition on behalf of Jaras Hua Hin and the resort team at the official award ceremony. Continued …
Chiva-Som Hua Hin wins Award for Best Wellness Services
Chiva-Som Hua Hin has received a Prime Minister’s Export Award 2026 in the Best Services Enterprise – Wellness Services category, recognizing its contribution to Thailand’s wellness sector and international reputation.
Organized by Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, the awards recognize Thai businesses and organizations that demonstrate excellence in exports and services, while helping strengthen the country’s international standing. Continued …
Hua Hin has a new film club
Movie lovers in Hua Hin have a new place to come together with the launch of the Hua Hin Film Club, a new cultural initiative bringing selected films to local audiences alongside discussions, special events and opportunities to meet actors, filmmakers and others involved in the movies being screened.
The club’s initial program will feature a curated selection of films, member gatherings, post-screening discussions and special events designed to connect residents, visitors, filmmakers and film enthusiasts. Continued …
Thailand’s gun controls face three persistent loopholes
Thailand’s firearm controls face three persistent gaps involving illegal and modified guns sold outside the registration system, insufficient oversight of legally owned weapons after licences are issued, and the transfer of firearms bought through government welfare schemes.
(Editor: Government officials giving out free shotguns: In yesterday’s news: 5 shotguns offered as prizes at official’s celebration)
The weaknesses have returned to attention following the shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School on Aug. 7, and the shooting of the chairman of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization three days later. Continued …
‘Gun prize’ giveaway prompts policy change
An event in which shotguns were billed as draw prizes for public officials on Koh Phangan will be the last of its kind, a senior Interior Ministry official said yesterday.
Narucha Khosasivilai, director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration, was responding to widespread public criticism of the event, which was held just three days after a mass shooting in Nonthaburi left nine people dead. Continued …
Nakhon Ratchasima shooting follows motorcycle theft accusation
A shooting and knife attack at a “Chim Shop Chai” community fair near a monument in Dan Khun Thot, Nakhon Ratchasima, left six people injured Wednesday. Vendors were closing their stalls for the night when the attack began, and at least one victim was left in critical condition and required surgery.
The accused reportedly admitted to police that he fired a homemade gun loaded with pellet-dispersing rounds, and that a companion also used a knife during the attack. Continued …
Government announces downsizing plans
Thailand’s Cabinet has frozen the creation of new central-government field offices in the provinces and ordered ministries to review existing regional structures, with 3,708 units singled out for scrutiny.
The decision does not automatically close all 3,708 units. Ministries have three months to justify their continued operation and propose closures, mergers, transfers of responsibilities, greater use of digital services or conversion into the provincial administrative structure. Continued …
No one’s data is safe in Thailand
How much is your personal information worth? Apparently, only a few hundred baht was enough to access sensitive information from a Thai government database.
The latest leak exposed information belonging to prominent figures, including Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Despite years of breaches affecting millions of people, Thailand is still pushing ahead with a massive digital transformation of its economy and public services. Video …
Bangkok Post begins hiding content behind pay wall
The Bangkok Post is introducing its premium digital subscription today, signaling the next phase of its digital strategy as it scales reader revenue alongside print, Epaper and advertising operations.
The subscription delivers unlimited access to the Post’s digital journalism in an ad-light environment and introduces a membership model that includes invitations to curated community events and exclusive experiences. Continued …
US signals indefinite Iran blockade, Hormuz tensions rise
The United States could maintain its naval blockade of Iran indefinitely by rotating warships through the region, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, signaling that Washington is prepared to keep economic pressure on Tehran while efforts to restore a peace agreement remain stalled.
“Our Navy can keep that kind of blockade indefinitely because we rotate ships in and out, as we do and will continue to do,” Hegseth told reporters yesterday while traveling to Panama. Continued …
Huh? Vance says low oil prices are top US goal in Iran conflict
US Vice President JD Vance said yesterday the top US priority in the Iran war was keeping oil and gasoline prices low for Americans, with preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon ranking second.
The remarks constrasted with President Donald Trump’s repeated framing of the fight: that entering the war had the sole objective of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, even if that meant short-term economic sacrifices for Americans. Continued …
Retail confidence, consumer spending fall
Thai consumers continued to visit shops at almost the same frequency in July but sharply reduced the amount they were prepared to spend on each trip, pointing to weakening household purchasing power as the nationwide Retail Sentiment Index (RSI) fell 4.9 points to 46.6.
The spending-per-bill component recorded the steepest decline among the index’s main measures, falling by 8.1 points from 55.1 in June to 47.0 in July. By comparison, shopping frequency edged down by only 0.4 points, from 48.1 to 47.7. Confidence in month-on-month same-store sales growth dropped by 6.4 points, from 52.6 to 46.2. Continued …
Business confidence plunges to 35-year low
Thailand’s business confidence has plunged to a 35-month low, as weak incomes, high household debt and rising costs squeeze firms nationwide. The Thai Chamber of Commerce warns conditions may deteriorate across almost every sector through year-end, despite surging exports and improving consumer sentiment.
Businesses face persistent liquidity shortages, while Middle East tensions and the Thai-Cambodian border conflict add further risks. The Chamber is pressing for low-interest loans and debt restructuring. It has also sounded the alarm over foreign capital entering retail and restaurant sectors where foreign participation is restricted, adding further pressure on Thai operators. Continued …
AI boom drives Thailand’s digital economy as exports surge
Sorry, but you will have to pay to read this one. See article on Bangkok Post’s new subscription service above. Continued …
PM denies US drone production base plan
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied reports that the United States plans to establish a production base for unmanned aerial vehicles in Thailand, saying he had received no such report.
Anutin was asked about reports that the US might use military issues as leverage in negotiations over trade tariffs. The prime minister rejected the suggestion, saying there had been no such discussion. He said US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby met with him on Thursday, but the two did not discuss the issue. Continued …
Is Thailand’s energy system ready for data center surge?
Thailand has approved 42 data center projects since 2024, but is Thailand’s energy system prepared for the surge? Some question Thailand’s grid system is not smart yet, noting that the government should balance energy security with data center development. Video …
Pluak Daeng becomes ‘Little Guangzhou’ as Rayong weighs tighter controls
Pluak Daeng district in Rayong has emerged as one of the fastest-growing industrial centers in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor, with a surge in Chinese investment transforming the area into what has been dubbed “Little Guangzhou”.
The district has expanded rapidly alongside neighboring Si Racha in Chonburi, sometimes referred to as “Little Osaka”, as their adjoining industrial areas attract foreign manufacturers and generate demand for housing, retail and other services. Continued …
Israeli mother and daughter attacked on Koh Pha Ngan
An Israeli mother, 62, and her 23-year-old daughter were seriously injured in an alleged assault on Koh Pha Ngan after a man asked where they were from and was told they were Israeli.
The suspect, who holds a French passport, was later arrested after allegedly becoming involved in another violent incident. The women said they believe the attack was connected to a discussion about the war in Gaza. Continued …
Seven youths arrested over assault on Japanese tourist in Bangkok
Seven Thai youths have been arrested in connection with the physical assault of a Japanese tourist in a deserted area near the Makkasan Airport rail link station in Bangkok, police reported last night.
Din Daeng police investigators transferred the seven suspects to Makkasan Police Station for questioning and to face charges of physical assault. The group had been apprehended at a room within the Din Daeng flats complex earlier in the day. Continued …
Foreigners flee traffic checkpoint, kick officer before arrest
Two Emirati men were arrested in Phuket after allegedly riding a motorcycle through a traffic checkpoint, kicking a pursuing traffic officer and fleeing before eventually being cornered in a dead-end road.
The incident occurred when officers from Kathu Police Station were operating a traffic checkpoint at the Si Kor checkpoint on Phra Barami Road in Kathu district, Phuket. During the operation, a traffic officer spotted a black Honda ADV 160 motorcycle travelling along Phra Barami Road from Patong toward the Si Kor intersection. Continued …
Israeli family denied entry to exotic zoo on Koh Samui
An Israeli family says it was denied entry to a Koh Samui animal park because of its nationality before a confrontation with a man representing the zoo. Videos later posted on the park’s official account supported its exclusion of Israeli visitors.
The family, accompanied by two young daughters, went to Samui Exotic Park in Mae Nam. Footage recorded by the mother and widely shared online begins with her asking staff behind a counter: “Because we’re from Israel? What have we done to you? We haven’t done anything.” The video then cuts to a man representing the zoo telling the family to leave. Continued …
Hotels seek earlier Thai Tiew Thai Plus launch for low season
The Thai Hotels Association (THA) has urged the government to bring forward the launch of Thai Tiew Thai Plus to Sept. 1, so the co-payment campaign can stimulate domestic tourism during the low season.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry is preparing to submit the campaign to the Cabinet for consideration in August and currently expects bookings to open on Oct. 1. The association wanted the government to accelerate the process and allow people to begin using the campaign for trips in September and October. Continued …
Australian disputes 32,540 baht Pattaya bar bill
An Australian tourist was taken to Pattaya City Police Station after refusing to pay a 32,540 baht drinks bill at a beer bar in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya.
The dispute followed a drinking session, which, staff said, began at about 8 am on Aug. 12 and continued for more than 13 hours until around 9 pm. Police have recorded the matter and are checking the bar’s orders and bill before deciding on further legal steps. Continued …
5 Thai Restaurant Rules Tourists Break Without Even Realizing It
From fan-favorite drunken noodles to spicy papaya salads and creamy curries, Thailand’s cuisine entices visitors from around the world. While over 17,400 Thai restaurants can be found internationally, eating pad Thai, fragrant coconut soups, and other punchy dishes in the “Land of Smiles” is a bucket list topper for many travelers.
However, dining in a Thai restaurant in Thailand comes with a variety of rules and expectations that many foreigners break without ever being the wiser. Continued …
As floods devastate Mekong communities, economic strain, conflict compound crisis
Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by surging waters across Myanmar and Laos, with Thai farming communities along the Mekong River bracing themselves for difficult days ahead as authorities warn persistent heavy rains may bring flash floods.
Each year monsoon rains bring extensive flooding across the region. Environmental campaigners say the damage is exacerbated by changing weather patterns and deforestation, as well as the string of dams across arterial rivers – like the Mekong – and smaller tributaries that alter the natural water flow and drainage. Continued …
Thailand sees smart and green applications top 146 billion baht
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) has received 1,397 applications for investment promotion under measures supporting the transition toward smart and sustainable industry, with combined investment worth more than 146 billion baht.
Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the BOI, explained that the agency is prioritizing support for the industrial sector to accelerate its shift toward smart and green operations in line with global trends. Continued …
‘Turning Bottles into Purpose’ Upcycling Project to Give Plastic Bottles a Second Life
What happens to a simple plastic water bottle once it is empty? At Gulf Development Public Co. (GULF), it marks the beginning of a transformative journey. In its second year, GULF’s flagship green initiative, “Turning Bottles into Purpose” has expanded its horizon.
Moving beyond its Bangkok headquarters, the project has successfully taken root across seven GULF offices in Thailand’s eastern region, engaging employees in a collective mission to sort and recycle right from the source. Between January and July, GULF employees rallied together to rescue 1,183 kilograms of PET bottles from ending up in landfills. Continued …
Solar panel recycling could yield $20 billion by 2050
Solar panel recycling could generate $6 billion in recovered materials by 2040 and exceed $20 billion by 2050, as more than 400 gigawatts of photovoltaic (PV) capacity reaches end-of-life, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) said.
Solar PV, which is among the most widely deployed renewable energy technologies, is expected to play a major role in the energy transition, accounting for half of global installed renewable capacity, IRENA said in its report. Continued …
Trump announces tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones to protect his sons’ company
President Donald Trump announced yesterday tariffs of up to 100% on imports of unmanned drones and their components to reduce US reliance on imports in an industry dominated by China. Donald Trump Jr. and his brother Eric Trump are prominent investors in Powerus, an American drone manufacturing and defense technology company seeking Pentagon contracts. 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
Thai police have arrested 13 foreign suspects during an operation targeting alleged nominee company arrangements linked to pool villas in Hua Hin. The operation, launched yesterday, involved more than 200 officers and officials. Police issued arrest warrants for 45 foreign suspects, summonses for 39 Thais, and search warrants for 15 locations.
Police have uncovered a suspected foreign nominee network using Thai nationals to establish companies and acquire property in Hua Hin before transferring full control to foreign owners, with authorities warning that online company registration has created a loophole for abuse.
Tourism of Si Khiri Khan Festival opens at Hua Hin train station
The Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin has announced that its 16th Amateur Charity Golf Classic will take place at Pineapple Valley Golf Club on Friday, Nov. 27. The annual tournament is one of the club’s main fundraising events, with proceeds supporting community projects, medical institutions and schools in Hua Hin and other areas.
Thailand’s sex trade remains illegal, but its presence is highly visible from Soi Cowboy in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area to Pattaya’s Walking Street, where nightlife businesses continue to draw visitors from around the world.
Thailand is recording between 8,000 and 9,000 new HIV infections a year, more than eight times the target of under 1,000 annual cases needed for the country to end AIDS as a public health problem by 2030.
Oil prices rose to their highest levels in nearly two weeks today after negotiations between the United States and Iran over a peace agreement and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz reached an impasse, while Asian stock markets traded cautiously ahead of key US inflation data.
The baht has weakened by about 5% since the beginning of the year, making it the third-biggest decliner among major Asian currencies. A broader measure of its value against Thailand’s trading partners, however, suggests the depreciation continues to support the competitiveness of Thai exports.
Thailand is pressing China for deeper use of local materials and suppliers, wider market access for Thai SMEs and investment in agricultural processing. It seeks to reduce a trade imbalance that could reach a cumulative 12.14 trillion baht over 2016-2026.
Thailand’s trade with its free trade agreement partners rose by 21.8% year on year to US$243.67 billion in the first half of 2026, accounting for more than half of the country’s total global trade.
Thailand’s unemployment rate remains relatively low, but the labor market is showing signs of weakening, says SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), the research arm of Siam Commercial Bank.
To qualify for the government subsidy for installing rooftop solar panels, households must have a minimum monthly electricity bill of around 3,000 baht, according to the Finance Ministry.
The contiguous United States sizzled to its hottest month ever last month, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. July averaged 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit (24.94 degrees Celsius) across the lower 48 states, eclipsing the Dust Bowl’s July 1936 by an eighth of a degree. Records go back to 1895. – USA Today
At least 132 people have died, and 570 have been injured as a result of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck earlier yesterday, according to the Colombian Association of Capital Cities, which earlier took part in an disaster response meeting with the president. 
Torrential rain from Typhoon Dolphin flooded roads and commercial areas across Shanghai yesterday, forcing the city’s two airports to cancel 943 flights and reducing their combined capacity by nearly 40%. 
A majority of Americans across the political divide support stronger government oversight of social media companies, including age-verification requirements intended to prevent children under 16 from using their platforms. 
Father after father Agence France-Presse (AFP) spoke to in Afghanistan about the education ban that stops their daughters going beyond primary school choked up in despair. The pain and anguish it is causing behind closed doors is clear from interviews AFP conducted across the country, with even deeply religious fathers questioning the ruling. 
Electric vehicle drivers in Hua Hin now have access to 61 charging stations offering 162 charging points, according to figures published by the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Energy Office. Across the province, there are 109 EV charging stations with a total of 294 charging points, covering all eight districts.
Large crowds gathered at Wat Huay Mongkol in Hua Hin yesterday for the 13th Luang Pu Thuat robe-draping ceremony, one of the region’s main faith-based tourism events.
Prachuap Khiri Khan officials are reviewing preparations for the possible reopening of the Singkhon border crossing, as authorities look to resume trade between Thailand and Myanmar.
People in Thailand lost nearly B9 billion to online scam networks during the first six months of 2026, when more than 170,000 online fraud cases were recorded. Average losses exceeded B52,000 per case.
Thai teenager Nene Royal has put one of Muse’s most recognizable rock tracks back in the spotlight after performing Hysteria during the Judges’ Callbacks on America’s Got Talent 2026.
Thailand is bracing for a worsening wave of corporate liquidations in the second half of the year, following fresh government data showing that major corporations are shutting down at an unprecedented rate alongside struggling small enterprises.
Thailand’s small and medium-sized enterprises have emerged as one of the most vulnerable parts of the economy, as financial and business indicators point to rising bad debt, prolonged credit contraction, weaker profitability and an increasing number of factory closures.
The Thai economy in June remained broadly stable from the previous month. Private consumption increased, supported in part by government measures and continued growth in electric vehicle sales.
Thailand has captured more than $26.8 billion (approx. 900 billion baht) in investment applications for its semiconductor and advanced electronics sectors over the past three years, cementing its position as a primary beneficiary of global supply chain diversification away from traditional manufacturing hubs.
Thailand’s exports rose 17.6% year-on-year to US$196.74 billion in the first six months of 2026, with technology and electronics leading the increase, the government said yesterday.
Putting the spotlight on an open secret
The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok has urged Chinese citizens attending cultural performances, sporting events and fan meetings in Thailand to comply strictly with local laws and venue regulations, following several incidents involving Chinese tourists.
Pattaya Bay moves to cap tour boat operators
When Lynda Lazaridis gets dressed, she chooses her clothes carefully. The Melbourne grandmother’s breasts were virtually removed, and her nipples relocated up near her armpits.
12 mythical giants watch over Suvarnabhumi Airport
Bangkok ranks ninth on Time Out’s 2026 street food list
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has reaffirmed that the remaining 200 billion baht ($6.05 billion) from the government’s 400 billion baht ($12.1 billion) emergency loan decree will be strictly prioritized for Thailand’s clean energy transition.
When 35% of a year’s rainfall falls within a single week, as it did in parts of Thailand last year, the failure is not simply meteorological. It is a failure of design, of coordination, and — increasingly — of economics.
Western Europe experienced its hottest June-July on record as climate change fuels an historic summer of heat, drought and wildfires across the region, the EU’s global warming monitor said today. 
Chinese start-ups and researchers are racing to bring brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to market that can be implanted in just a few minutes, as Beijing pushes to nurture home-grown players in the sector to compete with Elon Musk’s Neuralink. 
TrueVisions rallies support for Nene Royal on America’s Got Talent
US President Donald Trump said he expected the war with Iran to end soon as negotiations over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz moved closer to an agreement but remained complicated by Iranian proposals to restrict US and Israeli vessels.
An NBC News review through July 10 found dozens of instances where Trump said the war was won or almost won — comments that were often followed by more threats of military action. 
Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) expects the baht to remain weak for the rest of the year, despite its recent appreciation this week driven by external factors. The baht strengthened to around 33 per US dollar this week, primarily due to global developments.
Thailand will use private-sector investment and broader economic cooperation as bargaining tools in late-August trade talks with the United States, as it seeks exemptions for 13 additional export items and relief for the roughly 28% of Thai products that remain subject to US duties, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said.
CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT) has urged policymakers to prioritize sustainable investment in data center projects to maximize the long-term benefits for the Thai economy.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has outlined plans to provide grants of 50,000 baht per household for rooftop solar installations, alongside low-interest loans from state banks.
Thailand has been named the world’s fourth best retirement destination in a new index comparing all 192 UN member states. Malaysia, Panama and Portugal took the top three places in RUMAVI’s inaugural Global Relocation Index, published in July.
A weather warning has been issued for Prachual Khiri Khan Province for today through Sunday, with heavy rain, flash flooding, landslides and rough sea conditions possible across the province.
Huay Mongkol robe ceremony to be held this weekend
PKK takes on human-elephant conflict problems
A new initiative connecting wellness with community and environmental sustainability, “Friends of Chiva-Som 2026” brings together industry advocates, including Global Wellness Day Founder Belgin Aksoy, to support healthcare outreach and conservation efforts.
Petrol and gasohol prices at major filling stations across Thailand fell by 0.70 baht per liter from today, while diesel prices remained unchanged.
Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani has temporarily closed to tourists after a staff member died while on duty in what officials believe was a tiger attack.
Prepared food prices expected to increase
Thailand’s headline consumer price index rose 1.95% in July from a year earlier, slowing from 2.42% in June and coming in below market expectations, the Ministry of Commerce said yesterday.
Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, reported that Thailand exported 3.28 million tons of rice in the first six months of 2026, from January to June, down 18.8% from the same period a year earlier. Shipments were worth more than US$1.911 billion.
Thailand bets big on AI despite talent shortage
The 60-day visa exemption is still on the books, but the shortcuts around it are closing. Land border crossings are now capped at two visa-exempt entries per calendar year, and immigration officers are actively enforcing proof of onward travel, confirmed accommodation, and a 20,000 baht cash reserve at the border. If your plan for staying in Thailand long-term was another border run, that plan no longer works.
Thailand has opened registration for businesses installing rooftop solar power systems and for approved equipment from Aug. 3 to Sept. 30, as it seeks to strengthen safety standards and prepare for wider household adoption nationwide under its clean-energy transition policy.
Asia and the Pacific is urbanizing faster than any other region. By 2050, its cities will be home to 3.4 billion people, up from 2.2 billion today – the equivalent of adding around two Delhi-sized cities every year. The region’s future will depend on how this urban expansion is managed – whether it delivers shared prosperity and well-being or deepens exclusions and vulnerability. 
Appetite grows for Talay Noi swamp buffalo meat
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).
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 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.
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.
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.
Trade deficit marks a sea change
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.
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.
Bangkok’s Chao Phraya draws new hotels, attractions and megaprojects
Thailand launches 10 hiking schools for responsible forest tourism
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 History of Talad Noi
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).
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.
Data center race faces power, water logjam
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. 
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.
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
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.
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’
Re: Odd-even parking signs installed on soi 94
Power bills set to rise in final four months
It’s a shame the US and Iran can’t both lose
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
Content fight shapes Thailand’s EV future
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.
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.
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