- Feedback Re: Dismal Safety Standards/Buy-to-rent investment grows/Hua Hin aerobics event/Toxic air deadlier than tobacco/Muay Thai superfight at Bluport/Rise in COVID-19 cases/673 unsafe crossings highlighted/Cat ‘Arrested’/Thai Masseuse Wins Oil Massage Gold/Seven trapped in Laos cave
- ECONOMY: Thais Help Thais Plus opens registration/Could drive 40% SME growth/Headwinds drag on Thai private hospitals/Aviation faces tougher quarters/Cannabis market barely dented
- TOURISM: Boost Regional Airport Routes /Scandal hits Chinese bookings
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: The Thai expat mindset/400-Year-Old Lanna Ruins/UNESCO Thai costume heritage
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Solar power can lead energy transition/Forests into sustainable economic capital
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Re: Can Thailand Finally Wake Up to Its Dismal Safety Standards?”
“I’ve witnessed Thais lack of safety awareness pretty much every day! I’ve been waiting 14 years to see an improvement but never have. I love Thailand and the Thais but they just don’t see danger like most expats do. I say most expats because there is a minority that seem to have gone native!” – Peter
Buy-to-rent investment grows in Cha Am and Hua Hin
Phetchaburi, Cha Am and Hua Hin are being touted as increasingly attractive locations for buy-to-rent investment, as Thailand’s wider property market faces pressure from household debt, tighter lending rules, and weaker demand from domestic homebuyers.
Reports from Kasikorn Research Center and the Real Estate Information Center indicate that the residential sales market remains under pressure, particularly in the lower-priced segment. Loan rejection rates for homes priced below 3 million baht have reportedly risen to between 40% and 70%, limiting the ability of many Thai buyers to enter the market. Continued …
Hundreds attend Hua Hin aerobics event
More than 500 people joined the Beat on Track aerobics event at Hua Hin Railway Station on Saturday evening, 23 May, as Hua Hin City Municipality staged a public fitness activity at one of the city’s best-known landmarks.
The event, held at the old Hua Hin Railway Station, was opened by Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul. It was also attended by Deputy Mayor Busaba Choksuchart, Pol Col Samoe Yusamran, adviser to the mayor, Jirawan Boonrit, Deputy Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Prachuap Khiri Khan Office, and Kitipong Siriphetkasem, President of the Hua Hin-Cha-am Tourism Business Association. Continued …
Toxic air deadlier than tobacco
Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental threats to human health. Every day, 99% of the global population breathes in invisible microparticles from dirty air, which enter our bloodstream and cause damage to our cells and organs.
This contributes to 7.9 million deaths around the world every year and is responsible for a host of preventable diseases such as asthma, respiratory disease, stroke, heart attacks, cancer, and dementia, as well as low birth weight, stillbirths, and miscarriages. Air pollution is now deadlier than tobacco. Continued …
Muay Thai superfight held at Bluport
Muay Thai Saturday Superfight returned to The Legend Arena at Bluport Hua Hin on Saturday, with organizers saying the monthly event is aimed at promoting Muay Thai and creating more opportunities for fighters in Hua Hin.
The event drew Thai spectators and foreign visitors, with supporters gathering around the ring to watch a series of bouts featuring local fighters, young boxers, and foreign athletes training in Thailand. Continued …
Thailand reports rise in COVID-19 cases, severity remains low
The Disease Control Department has reported a rise in COVID-19 infections over the past month, but the rate of increase is still far below the median level recorded five years ago.
According to the Digital Disease Surveillance (DDS) system, which tracks 59 communicable diseases in Thailand, a total of 3,642 COVID-19 cases were recorded between the beginning of this year and Saturday, with only one fatality. Most cases were among people aged 30-35, followed by those over 60, and those aged 20-29. Continued …
673 unsafe crossings highlighted after Thailand train accident
The train-bus crash at the Makkasan railway crossing in Bangkok on May 16, which killed eight people and injured 32 others, continues to put Thailand’s rail safety standards into question, as level crossings pose a risk nationwide.
Pichit Khunathamrak, director-general of the Department of Rail Transport, said Thailand has 2,628 railway crossings in total. Of these, 1,955 meet safety standards, while 673 are informal crossings. In Bangkok, 29 of 208 crossings remain informal and risky. Continued …
Cat ‘Arrested’ After Attacking Bangkok Police
A cat amused social media users after being “arrested” by police in Bangkok for repeatedly scratching and biting officers who rescued it. The American Shorthair, later identified as Nub Tang, was brought to a police station, after being found lost by a member of the public.
The cat arrived at the station wearing a pink harness and quickly revealed a feisty personality. Several officers were scratched and bitten while trying to care for the animal. Continued …
Thai Masseuse Wins Oil Massage Gold in Bangkok
A Thai masseuse from Nakhon Si Thammarat has won a gold medal in the oil massage category at the Wellness World Championship 2026 in Bangkok. Soraya Thaoram secured the top prize during the international competition held at TK Palace & Convention Hotel on Chaeng Watthana Road.
The event attracted around 200 contestants from 22 countries competing across four categories: facial massage, Thai massage, oil massage, and foot massage. Soraya, from Koh Thuat subdistrict in Pak Phanang district, received widespread congratulations from local residents after bringing home the gold medal for Thailand. Continued …
Thai rescuers join race to save seven trapped in Laos cave
A joint team of 26-member Thai rescuers, at the request of Laos, have departed for Laos’s Xaysomboun province to help rescue seven Laotians trapped in a flooded cave in Long Cheng district six days ago.
The incident began on May 19, when the villagers became trapped inside a subterranean gold-mine after heavy rain caused flash flooding and a landslide that blocked the entrance. Continued …
Thais Help Thais Plus opens registration for 30 million ahead of June 1 spending
Registration for the government’s Thais Help Thais Plus 60/40 co-payment scheme opens today for up to 30 million eligible people, ahead of the spending rollout on June 1.
The scheme is designed to ease household expenses while stimulating grassroots economic activity by channeling spending to community shops, small operators, and local businesses across the country, deputy government spokesperson Lalida Phertwiwatana said yesterday. Continued …
FTI claims ‘Thais Help Thais Plus’ could drive 40% SME growth
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has thrown its weight behind the government’s newly launched “Thais Help Thais Plus” initiative, estimating it could boost the country’s small and medium enterprise (SME) GDP by 35% to 40%, provided it is executed thoroughly.
Weerachai Mansinthorn, vice chairman of the FTI and chairman of the Small and Medium Industrial Institute (SMI), stated that the scheme offers a comprehensive framework to stimulate purchasing power, incentivise investment, improve credit access, and upskill the workforce. Continued …
Headwinds drag on Thai private hospital revenues, profits
Amid still-fragile economic conditions and geopolitical conflicts weighing on purchasing power worldwide, Thailand’s private hospital business is facing challenges on several fronts, including rising energy costs, patients delaying non-urgent treatment, and the impact on travel by foreign patients.
However, Thailand’s medical hub market continues to receive key support from the Middle East and CLMV patient segments, which continue to grow. Continued …
Thai aviation faces tougher quarters
Thai airlines, which reported mixed financial results in the first three months of 2026, will remain under pressure in the second and third quarters from the oil price spike as the uptick in airfares and fuel surcharges are insufficient to cover the surge in costs.
The tourism and aviation outlook this month reflects the impact of the US-Israeli war with Iran, with elevated jet fuel prices continuing to weigh on airlines, particularly low-cost carriers, which face the highest risk, said Dithanop Vattanawakin, aviation analyst at Krungsri Securities. Continued …
Cannabis market barely dented by new rules
Thailand’s latest effort to tighten cannabis controls has introduced stricter rules – but on Bangkok’s streets, particularly in tourist areas where cannabis shops thrive, little appears to have changed.
Despite regulations aimed at restricting cannabis use to medical purposes, including prescription requirements under the new framework, cannabis remains widely accessible for recreational use, workers and advocates say. Continued …
Thailand to Boost Regional Airport Routes
Thailand’s Transport Ministry is offering incentives to airlines to launch new domestic and international routes to airports in secondary cities in a bid to boost tourism and strengthen local economies. The measures include service fee reductions for new routes and a temporary 50% discount on aircraft parking charges at airports managed by the Department of Airports (DOA).
Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit said discussions had been held with the Airlines Association of Thailand to encourage more flights to regional airports, particularly in the north, northeast, and south. He said many of these airports already have the capacity to handle additional flights and passengers. Continued …
Extortion scandal hits Chinese bookings
Chinese tourists are losing confidence in traveling in Thailand again as their bookings slow for the coming months, following a recent case involving police officers extorting Chinese nationals in Sa Kaeo, says the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA).
Policemen were arrested for kidnapping and extorting five Chinese nationals, as the investigation probes possible links to transnational crime syndicates. Continued …
Understanding the Thai expat mindset
One thing I’ll never understand is the expat who moves into a rural Thai village… then spends the next 10 years complaining that it isn’t Europe, Australia, or America.
The same people who constantly talk about how their home countries have “changed too much” because of immigration, lost culture, different values, and outside influence… somehow arrive in Thailand and immediately want Thailand to change for them.
Too noisy. Too local. Too Thai. Too much family around. Too many festivals. Too much temple noise. Too much community life. Too much culture.
So why stay? Seriously. If you hate the food, the language, the customs, the pace of life, the social culture, and the people around you… what exactly are you doing here?
Thailand doesn’t exist to make foreigners comfortable. Rural village life especially was never designed around Western expectations. That’s why it still has character. It still feels human. Kids still play outside. Neighbors still know each other. Families still live together. Communities still act like communities. Yet, some expats arrive and spend years trying to recreate the exact lifestyle they claimed to escape from.
Nobody says you must love every part of living here. Some things frustrate everyone at times. But there’s a difference between adapting to another culture and demanding it changes around you. You’re the outsider here. Act like it.
The funny part is many Thais show far more patience toward foreigners than foreigners would show if the situation was reversed back home. Thailand is special because it’s still Thailand. Not because it’s becoming westernized.
400-Year-Old Lanna Ruins Found in Mae Hong Son Forest
A group of abandoned Lanna-era pagoda ruins, believed to be at least 400 years old, have been found deep in a forested area of Mae Hong Son province, prompting authorities to begin surveying the site for conservation.
Mae Hong Son Gov. Wiboon Waewbandit led officials to inspect ancient sites in Mueang Mae Hong Son and Khun Yuam districts to gather preliminary information, assess the condition of the areas and plan conservation measures. Continued …
Thailand pushes UNESCO bid for Thai costume heritage status
Thailand and UNESCO are moving to deepen cooperation on culture, tourism, education, and sustainable development, with Bangkok intensifying efforts to push “Thai costume” onto UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul held talks with UNESCO Director-General Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on May 22. Continued …
Official: Solar power can lead energy transition
Thailand’s clean energy development can be successfully implemented if the nation focuses on solar power, according to an energy official who requested anonymity. He said Thailand’s solar sector offers opportunities across all scales, from micro-installations producing just a few kilowatts to gigawatt-scale projects.
This flexibility allows investments ranging from small households and micro-businesses with limited capital to billion-baht ventures by large corporations. Continued …
Doi Tung model turns forests into sustainable economic capital
When “biodiversity” is no longer just about planting forests, but also about “economic capital” and a tool for tackling the global climate crisis, a new sustainability strategy is emerging — one that turns forests into a mechanism for the bioeconomy while pushing Thai community models toward international standards such as OECMs and biodiversity credits.
Amid the environmental crisis facing the world, the terms “natural capital” and “biodiversity” have moved beyond the world of conservationists to become unavoidable priorities for the economy and business sector. Continued …
Foreigners Held in Koh Phangan Nominee Probe
Police in Surat Thani will oppose bail for 21 foreign nationals accused of using Thai nominees to illegally hold land and operate businesses on Koh Phangan, with all suspects due to appear before Koh Samui Provincial Court today. Continued …
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Nigerian Romance Scam Gang Busted in Nonthaburi – Continued …
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Vietnamese Women Arrested for Soliciting in Lumpini – Continued …
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French Drug Suspect Arrested in Pattaya – Continued …
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Vietnamese Scam Gang Busted in Bangkok – Continued …
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Indian Gun Suspect Arrested on Koh Phangan – Continued …
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British Rider Held After Hit and Run on Phangan – Continued …
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Chinese Theft Suspect Arrested in Bangkok – Continued …
Three Months In, Is Trump Losing The Iran War?
U.S. President Donald Trump may have won just about every battle against Iran, but three months after attacking the Islamic Republic, he now faces a bigger question: Is he losing the war? Continued …
China launches year-long space station mission amid moon race
China launched three astronauts to its Tiangong space station yesterday, beginning a Shenzhou-23 mission that will include the country’s first year-long stay in orbit and support research into how humans cope with extended time in space. The mission is also tied to Beijing’s wider plan for a crewed moon landing by 2030. Continued …
Hua Hin Links and Transport
Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (No. 2) 2025 has been in force since Nov. 8, 2025. Several sections require subordinate legislation, including rules on places where alcoholic beverages may not be sold or consumed, and rules on advertising and publicity.
The head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that the global oil market could enter a “danger zone” in mid-year, after the Iran war disrupted more than 14 million barrels per day of Middle East supply.
Thailand’s national police chief has announced a nationwide crackdown on foreign nominee networks accused of illegally controling businesses and property through Thai proxies. The operation will focus on tracing financial transactions and dismantling networks linked to unlawful foreign ownership schemes across the country.
The Department of Business Development (DBD) is collaborating with the Thai Bankers Assn. and various banks to link their databases to the department’s AI system. This initiative aims to monitor the financial status of Thai nationals co-investing with foreign partners in local companies.
Escalating inflation poses a significant risk to the Thai economy, especially if the US-Iran war drags on until the second half of the year, as domestic consumption remains fragile and small businesses in provincial markets face a liquidity crunch, say economists.
Transport Ministry Accelerates Bangkok Port Overhaul
For years, when people spoke of “Chinese people” and Thailand, the image many had in mind may still have been tour groups, buses, and famous tourist districts. But a closer look shows that the relationship between “Chinese capital” and “Thailand” is now changing significantly.
Thailand fruit exports rebound 17.9% in April as durian surges 109%
Thailand has updated its visa-free entry and visa privilege rules for 2026 after the Cabinet approved the cancellation of the 60-day visa-free scheme for 93 countries and territories.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) says surging global fuel prices have led to the cancellation of more than 200 Chinese charter flights to Thailand, prompting the agency to consider extending its Thailand Summer Blast campaign until September.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is enhancing tourism on both domestic and international fronts by promoting weekday travel through special offers on tourism products and services. The project, titled Workation Paradise Throughout Thailand Season 4, is part of TAT’s Workation Thailand campaign.
Every year produces a new set of travel trend reports, and most of them say roughly the same thing. The 2026 edition from Hilton, built on a survey of over 14,000 travelers across 14 countries conducted by Ipsos, is different in one important respect: its findings align almost point for point with what Thailand already does well.
Leopard sighting ‘sign of thriving habitat’
Thai island community rallies to protect beloved dugongs, revive declining seagrass
Cabinet Cuts Visa-Free Stay Back to 30 Days
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today forecast continued rain across Thailand over the next 24 hours, with heavy to very heavy rain in some areas of the south’s west coast, the northeast, and the east.
Thailand’s cybersecurity authority has warned that weak and reused passwords remain one of the biggest gateways to modern cyber-attacks, with leaked login credentials increasingly being exploited to gain access to mobile banking accounts, corporate systems, and users’ broader digital identities.
Prime Minister’s Office Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi said yesterday the government might have to find potential private sponsors for the World Cup tournament to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada during June 12 and July 20 since, she commented, the FIFA broadcasting rights were considered “unfairly costly” for Thailand.
Thai teenager “Mind Sakol” Panchaya Channoi made snooker history yesterday by defeating 12-time world champion, Reanne Evans, to capture her maiden World Women’s Snooker Championship title and become Thailand’s 3rd world snooker champion.
Two Thai cargo ships waiting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz are expected to receive assistance from Iran after a meeting at Government House Monday.
For years, companies have built teams around a simple idea: hiring experienced people who can execute reliably within a stable system. People who know what to do, how to do it, and how to deliver consistently over time.
Foreign capital, particularly Chinese investment, is significantly reshaping Thailand’s industrial estate market. Although investment decisions briefly slowed in early March due to travel-related factors and economic uncertainty, most investors resumed negotiations and continued expanding their investments once the situation eased.
Nippon Steel has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Thailand, urging stronger government protection against an influx of substandard steel imports and expressing readiness to further expand investments in the country.
Humanoid robots are rapidly moving out of laboratories and into industrial reality as advances in artificial intelligence (AI) converge with growing global labor shortages, creating a pivotal moment for automation.
The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry has assigned state telecom enterprise National Telecom (NT) to steer six projects that aim to strengthen Thailand’s digital infrastructure.
Senior government officials delivered a blunt message to Thailand’s wellness sector yesterday: no amount of customer satisfaction will substitute for hard clinical evidence, and without it, the industry will never escape the pricing trap holding it back from global competitiveness.
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Thailand’s mega project land bridge comes at environmental cost
A new set of trade rules is sweeping through the business world. This time, it is not about price or quality. It is about carbon reduction. The big question is whether companies can keep up with this particular “green” goal.
Save mangroves, save the global water cycle
Power demand growth for green industrial parks, data centers and electric vehicles in Southeast Asia is forecast to grow by more than 100 terawatts per hour (TWh) in the next three to four years, according toa report published by Bain & Co. and Standard Chartered.
The World Health Organization yesterday voiced concern about the “scale and speed” of an Ebola outbreak that has killed more than 130 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and warned it could be lengthy. The UN health agency has declared the surge of the highly contagious haemorrhagic fever in the east of the country an international health emergency. 
Standard Chartered plans to cut more than 7,000 jobs over the next four years as it boosts adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) while targeting growth. The London-headquartered lender is one of the first major global banks to lay out official plans to cut thousands of jobs, citing AI as a driver to make its operations slimmer as it seeks to increase its profitability and tackle competition. 
Solar energy in Hua Hin is becoming an increasingly practical option for homeowners and businesses looking to reduce electricity costs and improve energy efficiency. Solar energy systems have moved from being a niche technology to a mainstream solution for residential and commercial use.
While Thailand’s general economy grapples with near-zero inflation, its healthcare sector is battling a severe fever. “Medical inflation” — the rising cost of healthcare services — has surged to 10.8%, a rate that far outstrips the general cost of living and is now significantly higher than the global average of 10.3%.
There will be heavy to very heavy rains in Thailand from tomorrow to Monday next week, according to the Meteorological Department. Sugunyanee Yavinchan, director-general of the department, said there would be heavy to very heavy rains in the north, the central plains, the east, and the south.
A sum of 1.3 billion baht in initial budget was yesterday approved by the Bhumjaithai-led government for Thailand to buy broadcasting rights for World Cup 2026 football games from North America during a five-and-a-half-weeks period.
Amid concerns as negotiations to end the conflict in Iran hit a roadblock, Thailand has oil reserves to cover 117 days of consumption, says the Energy Ministry, piling on pressure to secure oil from regions other than the Middle East.
Asia is in the grip of a deepening plastics emergency, as the Iran oil shock chokes off supplies of a critical petrochemical feedstock, sending packaging prices soaring and raising alarm across food, medical, and consumer goods industries from Indonesia to Japan.
President Donald Trump has accused parts of the US news media of committing “virtual treason” by suggesting that Iran is performing well in the ongoing war, saying such reports provide encouragement to an enemy of the United States.
Business and consumer confidence indices dropped for the second consecutive month in April, primarily due to concerns about the Middle East conflict and oil shock disrupting various sectors, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
The Thai-Cambodian border conflict and border-closure measures over the past year have had wide-ranging effects on border economies, trade, investment, and businesses in both countries, amid concerns that the prolonged situation has created more room for rival countries to replace Thai goods and businesses in Cambodia.
A coalition of 10 automotive associations representing more than 1,500 operators will urge the government to raise the excise tax on fully imported electric vehicles to at least 32%, in a bid to protect Thai vehicle production and auto-parts suppliers from cheaper Chinese imports.
Tourism operators say plans to introduce or raise taxes on travel services in Thailand remain unjustified and inappropriate at this time, given the lack of clarity on how the revenue would be allocated for development.
A British tourist has warned travelers heading to Thailand not to pack vapes in their luggage after her partner was fined 40,000 Thai baht during a family holiday. She and her partner were stopped twice by Thai police within three days for using electronic cigarettes on a beach.
The deadliest animals are not lions, spiders, or snakes, but the tiny mosquitoes that suck our blood, make us itchy, and infect us with disease.
The Transport Ministry will ask the Finance Ministry to allocate 10-20 billion baht from the government’s 400-billion-baht borrowing decree to help public transport and freight operators replace aging vehicles with electric vehicles.
Thai authorities have launched a nationwide crackdown on illegal activities involving foreign nationals, beginning with an immediate three-month campaign ordered by the Royal Thai Police (RTP). The measures target transnational crime, illegal immigration, nominee businesses, cybercrime, and other offenses seen as affecting public order and local livelihoods.
The BECC Primary International School has begun construction on a new purpose-built campus off Soi 112 in Hua Hin, with the school scheduled to open at the site in August 2027.
The Kite and Art Festival Prachuap Khiri Khan will take place at Saran Withi Pier from May 15-16, bringing two evenings of kite displays, art and family-friendly activities to the seafront.
Thailand could face a “dual water crisis” in 2026 after the Thai Meteorological Department forecast that El Niño could occur during May to July, putting many areas at risk of water shortages and prompting the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) to accelerate nationwide response plans and monitor 20 branches at risk of shortages.
Thailand’s Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) is pushing ahead with four new rail projects in Bangkok, while accelerating tram developments in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima, with all three provincial tram systems targeted to open by 2032.
From Epic Fury to Project Freedom: Who Pays the Bill for a Blocked Strait?
Oil prices jumped $3 a barrel today as the United States and Iran failed to agree to a peace proposal drafted by Washington, while the Strait of Hormuz remained largely closed, keeping global energy supplies tight.
Thais Feel the Pinch as ‘Single-Dish’ Prices Surge Amid Fuel Price Crisis
Land bridge faces uphill battle
Kukrit Areepakorn, manager of the Thai Broiler Processing Exporters Assn., revealed that the export situation and prices of chicken are currently declining due to two main reasons: China suspending exports from 17 processing plants, and the Middle East war.
Foreign tourists in Thailand are actively observing the Thai baht’s depreciation against the US dollar, a trend that directly impacts their vacation budgets. The currency opened at 31.77 per dollar, a slight weakening from 31.60, and analysts foresee continued fluctuation within the range of 31.55 to 31.95 as global economic conditions evolve.
Thailand’s tourism industry is coming under severe pressure as foreign arrivals fall, visitor spending weakens, and operating costs surge across key destinations. In Pattaya, hotel occupancy has collapsed to as low as 30%, while bookings on Bangkok’s Khao San Road remain more than 20% below last year following Songkran.
Thailand Bets on Revamp of Chaing Mai Hot Springs to Spearhead Wellness Drive
Did you know Thailand is actually the first nation in Southeast Asia to successfully revive its tiger population? While most of the world is losing these incredible big cats, Thailand’s jungles are seeing a serious comeback. We’re talking about a massive conservation effort that’s bringing the king of the jungle back to the Western Forest Complex. It’s a huge win for wildlife and shows a side of Thai conservation history that most people completely miss. 
This Unknown City Wants To Become Thailand’s Next Vacation Hotspot
Why Koh Kut remains one of Thailand’s most beautiful island escapes
The Thai government is significantly ramping up its national energy infrastructure and streamlining investment protocols to capitalize on a new wave of global digital and clean energy interest.
Thailand’s energy crisis, sparked by Middle East tensions, has rapidly turned solar power from a green option into an economic necessity. As electricity costs surge, homes and businesses are rushing to install rooftop panels, with demand outpacing supply and installers struggling to keep up.
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) is exploring ways to make loans more accessible for households joining the rooftop solar buyback scheme, aiming to encourage wider adoption of clean energy and help families generate their own electricity.
The Bank of Thailand is scheduled to introduce standardized banking fees in July this year, seeking to reduce financial costs for individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
MOU 44 row deepens — Anutin says Koh Kood remains Thai
Southeast Asian nations hit by soaring fuel and food prices caused by the Middle East war are weighing solutions that include setting up a regional oil reserve, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said yesterday.
An online petition launched by environmental group EnLAW has gathered over 100,000 signatures in three days, signaling widespread opposition to the government’s proposed land bridge megaproject.
Senate pushes for turning Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi into single ASEAN hub
WHAUP continues to strengthen its position as a renewable energy leader by securing a major deal with Yida New Material for the installation of a 16.64-megawatt solar rooftop project. The project is expected to help the customer reduce electricity costs by more than B1.22 billion over the 20-year contract period and cut carbon emissions by over 206,491 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Weeks after the Pacific Ocean engine that helps drive the world’s weather shifted into neutral, meteorologists and scientists are now laser-focused on the developing signals of its warm phase: El Niño. It’s what the global forecast models are making of the early signals that is drawing attention. 
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.
U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday he would briefly pause an operation to help ships escape the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran. 
Thailand’s rice exporters say the Iran war has dealt a major blow to shipments to the Middle East, wiping out more than 200,000 tons of exports over the past three months.
The Cabinet yesterday approved a draft emergency decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow up to 400 billion baht to address the impact of the energy crisis and support Thailand’s energy transition. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the decision was necessary because conflict in the Middle East had severely affected energy prices and economic activity worldwide.
Thailand’s condominium market in 2026 is facing pressure from all sides, including the domestic economy and external factors, particularly tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel that have pushed oil prices higher, significantly affecting the cost of goods and services, as well as the cost of living for Thai consumers.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said Thailand and the United States have agreed to move forward with talks on a reciprocal trade agreement after discussions with senior US trade officials. Suphajee made the remarks after meeting US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer on Monday.
More than 50% of farmer debtors are unlikely to fully repay their debts within their lifetime, largely because most of them are elderly, according to the Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research (PIER). The institute says a combination of debt relief measures is needed to address the issue.
Before we go too far down the road of new tourism taxes, it is worth pausing to ask a simple question. Are we really talking about something new, or are we revisiting an old idea that has already been tried, tested and, in many cases, quietly abandoned?
A tourist complaint has put photographers at Wat Arun back in the spotlight after visitors claimed they were told to move from public areas to make way for paying photo clients.
Bangkok food vendor curbs push city staple from the streets
Chinatown in Bangkok is one of the world’s most vibrant Chinese districts, famous for its atmosphere and energy. Visitors can explore Yaowarat Road, admire landmarks like China Gate and Wat Traimit, wander through Sampheng Lane, and enjoy a rich variety of street food after dark. 
Starting times for the Hua Hin Marathon 2026 have been confirmed, with organizers expecting more than 3,500 runners to take part in the annual race on Sunday, May 10. The event will include four race distances and aims to raise funds for environmental conservation in the city.
Dear Doctors: I just read about people who are called super-agers and how they don’t have the memory problems that happen when you get older. Supposedly, they have more brain cells. Do you know if that’s true? The idea of super-agers is really interesting, and I want to know more.
Thailand is facing the risk of water shortages after its “source water” reserves, stored supplies used during the dry season, declined due to climate change and El Niño.
Thailand’s economy is being hit by what economists describe as a “cost tsunami”, as the Middle East conflict enters its third month following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, driving up energy prices and placing pressure on both businesses and households.
By almost every traditional metric, Thailand is winning the digital race. From the neon-lit boardrooms of the Eastern Economic Corridor to the street-side stalls of Chiang Mai, the nation’s digital “plumbing” is among the most sophisticated in the world.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has been appointed to lead a government committee tasked with studying the proposed land bridge project within a 90-day timeframe, according to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
The housing market in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) continued to soften in 2025, with both demand and supply contracting year-on-year, according to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC).
Thailand is seeking to reposition its healthcare sector as a strategic investment engine, moving beyond a buyer-seller model toward long-term partnerships in clinical research, drug production, medical AI, and advanced healthcare technology.
Thai Union Group expects a positive outlook for the pet food business, although Thailand’s pet food export growth is expected to moderate this year.
Thailand’s tourism sector is facing an unprecedented convergence of crises, as geopolitical tensions, soaring energy costs, and structural economic weaknesses collide to form what analysts are calling a “perfect storm.”
The Koh Phi Phi islands in Thailand deliver some of the most breathtaking scenery you’re ever likely to see. Set in the Andaman Sea, they’re made up of dramatic limestone cliffs and white sand bays surrounded by turquoise waters filled with tropical fish.
Video of Railay Beach, Krabi
Bangkok’s Street Food Scene Is Disappearing
Stronger promotion of solar power by Thai authorities amid an energy crisis holds promise, but still faces challenges, say industry analysts. Clean energy is in the spotlight after global conflicts continue to push electricity prices higher, leaving households and businesses vulnerable to volatility.
Chief government whip Korrawee Prissananantakul yesterday expressed confidence that the Clean Air Bill, which lapsed with the previous House, will be approved by the cabinet within the set timeframe.
As wildfires swept through forests across Thailand, animals fled through smoke and flames. Experts urged the government to act more proactively to tackle the wildfires, particularly by adopting modern technology.
TotalEnergies ENEOS has entered into a long-term agreement with Jintana Intertrade, a garment manufacturer in Thailand, to supply solar power to its production facility. The two companies have signed a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) that will support the installation and operation of a 1.2 MWp solar photovoltaic system at the factory.
WFFT celebrates 25 years
Kui Buri National Park safari vehicle fee rises to 1,200 baht
A 21-year-old man survived a serious facial injury after doctors at Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital worked with rescue workers to remove a metal spear more than one meter long embedded in his face.
Thailand’s economy is beginning to feel the full force of prolonged conflict in the Middle East, with rising energy costs, weakening demand, and global uncertainty combining to pressure businesses across multiple sectors.
Amid stagflation fears, fledgling Anutin government juggles economic tools
PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Co. (OR) and Bangchak Corp. announced a 60 satang-per-liter increase for diesel B7 and diesel B20. Premium diesel prices were unchanged.
Rice supply is expected to fall this year as farmers cut planting acreage across Asia because of fertilizer shortages and soaring fuel costs from the Iran war, with an emerging El Nino also set to squeeze output of the world’s most consumed staple.
When the tankers stop, the tractors stop
Thailand is marking Labor Day today, a date that underscores the importance of workers’ rights while also highlighting a long-standing distinction between private-sector employees and civil servants.
The baht is expected to weaken further, possibly testing 33.5 to the US dollar in the near term after the US Federal Reserve caused the dollar to rise by signaling that policy easing is unlikely this year, says Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research).
Fitch Ratings expects the sector outlook for Thai banks to deteriorate this year, despite solid earnings in the first quarter at the six domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs).
Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) edged up 0.75% year-on-year to 108.69 points in March amid tensions in the Middle East affecting some industries and discouraging purchases of oil-powered cars, according to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said pressure from rising energy prices and living costs had made Thais more cautious about spending and led them to adjust their travel behavior, with a greater focus on budgets, especially after the travel and spending during the Songkran festival.
Thailand’s meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions industry is facing a sharp slowdown in new bookings as airfares surge by around 20% amid the prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
Thai iced tea has been named one of the world’s top 10 non-alcoholic beverages, with TasteAtlas ranking the Thai favorite ninth in its latest global list.
Exploring Koh Yao Noi, a relaxing alternative in Thailand
Three Thai shores make the World’s 50 Best Beaches
Amata B.Grimm Power 5 has signed an 11.98 megawatt-peak (MWp) floating solar project contract with Siam Toyota Manufacturing Co. (STM).
Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi is to be moved to house arrest, state media reported yesterday, more than five years after the military ousted the civilian government she led and jailed the Nobel laureate. 
Plans for a Hua Hin Smart City development are moving forward, with proposals including free public WiFi, a pet registration platform, and smart drinking water dispensers currently under consideration by local authorities.
A mangrove restoration plan has been approved for the Sirinart Rajini Mangrove Forest, with officials proposing a 4.9-million-baht budget to address water system issues and support long-term ecological recovery.
Two decades after declaring an official war on air pollution, Thailand is losing the battle. Despite a flurry of committees and high-profile promises, crucial indicators show that the sources of the smog and its deadly health impacts are rising once again. What began as a seasonal nuisance in the northern highlands has metastasized into a year-round national health crisis that threatens the very fabric of Thai society.
The heat index in Bangkok today entered the “extreme danger” zone for the first time this season, with “feels like” temperatures higher than or equal to 52 degrees Celsius, City Hall has warned.
As the global order fractures and major powers like China, Russia, and the United States drift toward the precipice of open conflict, the very definition of “wealth” is undergoing a radical transformation.
The Thai Food Processors’ Assn. is calling on the government to reduce energy costs, pursue negotiations on free-trade agreements (FTAs), and explore new market opportunities. The association said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is pressuring logistics, raw materials, and packaging costs.
Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, disclosed the results of a February 2026 survey on the public’s debt burden and future trends, based on the opinions of 6,469 respondents.
Known for its pungent aroma and rich, custard-like texture, the durian has recently become a focal point of Thai national discourse. However, the current debate centers not on its flavor, but on its role as a litmus test for the government’s ability to engineer sustainable solutions for the nation’s agricultural sector.
Hotels nationwide across all segments, including luxury, have reported a significant drop in bookings from May, with provinces dependent on European markets such as Phangnga facing a 50% decline, according to the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA).
Traveling the Road to Ordination on an Elephant
Chef Pam is putting Thai cuisine back into the global conversation
The National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) has approved a new electricity tariff structure that will help millions of Thai households save money, along with sweeping measures to unlock residential rooftop solar development.
Viral posts of an Australian street dubbed the country’s “most beautiful” have enticed coachloads of visitors to a picturesque seaside town — and locals have had enough of it. Just a two-hour drive south of Sydney, Gerringong is much like many other photogenic hamlets along Australia’s east coast, with multi-million-dollar properties set against stunning views of the azure blue sea. 
Buckets of blooms adorn Yuvita Anggi Prinanda’s sidewalk flower stall in Bali, but their perfume can’t mask the stench of accumulating trash bespoiling parts of the resort island famed for its natural beauty. Bali’s largest landfill was declared off-limits for organic waste from the beginning of April, as the government moves to enforce a longstanding ban on open pits.