- International flights for Hua Hin?/Hua Hin Airport upgrade/Tourism Minister visits Hua Hin/Parking changes for soi 94/Hua Hin recognized/Hua Hin videos/Crackdown on unfair bank fees/Egg prices up 20 satang/Nominee crackdown steps up/Parents debate social media time
- THE IRAN WAR: War constrains auto industry
- ECONOMY: CPI up 2.42%/Prolonged property slump/Gold and Food Security Emerge/EU’s €3 parcel fee/Data centers and power infrastructure/IMF-World Bank in Bangkok
- TOURISM: Thailand Targets 33 Tourism Firms/Second-half tourism campaign/Koh Tao arrivals/Pattaya Hotels Face Steep Occupancy Drop/Saudi pilgrimage trip collapses/Thai-Made Train Joins Tourism Fleet
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Ranong for eco-tourism and wellness/Exploring Bangkok’s urban wildlife/13 common mistakes to avoid
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Sell excess rooftop solar power/Thailand Pushes Clean Energy Drive/Regional roadmap to tackle climate/How much plastic are we using?
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Singapore, Taipei, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur flights for Hua Hin?
Government agencies and the private sector have taken a major step toward bringing international flights to Hua Hin Airport, with Thai AirAsia identifying four potential overseas routes. A Market Insights and Customer Insights Workshop was held on Friday, bringing together more than 60 tourism, hotel and hospitality operators from Hua Hin and Cha Am.
Singapore, Taipei, Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur were identified as high-potential international routes for Hua Hin. The routes are seen as having the potential to bring more international visitors directly to Hua Hin, particularly families, honeymooners and travelers with higher spending power. Continued …
Hua Hin Airport upgrade: More tourists the priority
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.
Tourism Authority of Thailand Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the development of Hua Hin Airport was now being considered alongside wider tourism planning for the city. She cited an important collaboration between the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, TAT and Thai AirAsia, with discussions focused on passenger demand, market potential and what Hua Hin needs to offer future visitors. Continued …
Tourism Minister visits Hua Hin with plans to boost connectivity
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul has unveiled a sweeping plan to reinvent Hua Hin as a world-class tourism hub, with direct international flights, a transformed Hua Hin Airport and a premium tourism strategy designed to rival Phuket and Koh Samui.
Backed by major infrastructure upgrades, new airline partnerships and a drive to attract higher-spending visitors from across Asia and beyond, the government says the royal resort can become a leading international gateway, while generating billions of baht in new tourism revenue and reshaping Thailand’s western Gulf coast. Continued …
Parking changes on the way for soi 94
Hua Hin parking measures, including odd-even day no-parking signs in Soi 94 and designated parking areas for rental vehicles, were discussed at a municipal road safety meeting held last week. The meeting focused on traffic management, road safety and the use of public spaces, as Hua Hin continues to experience heavier traffic linked to the city’s growth.
Officials discussed the installation of odd-even day no-parking signs on Hua Hin Soi 94 as part of efforts to manage roadside parking and improve traffic flow. The issue was raised alongside complaints about congestion in several areas, including Hua Hin Soi 88, near Ban Khun Por restaurant, and the Khao Phitak community. Continued …
Hua Hin recognized for environmental health services
Hua Hin City Municipality has received an EHA Excellence Award recognizing it as a model local administrative organization for environmental health services.
The award was presented during Thai Environmental Health Day 2026, held on Friday at the Miracle Grand Convention Hotel in Bangkok. The event was organized by the Ministry of Public Health and the Department of Health under the theme “Scaling Up Environmental Health for a Low-Carbon Society and Better Well-Being”. Continued …
Is Living in Hua Hin better Than Phuket?
Explore Hua Hin as a real world living option, not just a holiday destination. We break the city down into clear categories so you can actually understand what life is like here day to day if you were to move, retire, or spend a long-term stay.
We cover accommodation options, including budget stays, mid-range condos, and long-term rental potential. We explore beaches and what the coastline is actually like for swimming, relaxing, and everyday use. We dive into shopping and markets to see how convenient and affordable daily life feels. We also review restaurants and bars to understand the food scene, variety, and value. Video …
Hua Hin Nightlife
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. Video …
BOT cracks down on unfair bank fees
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).
BOT Gov. Vitai Ratanakorn told the media that the regulation is intended to reduce the financial burden on the public and businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Continued …
Thailand egg farmers lift mixed-size egg prices by 20 satang
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.
The network comprises four major co-operatives: Paet Riw Egg Farmers’ Co-operative, Chonburi Egg Farmers’ Co-operative, Chiang Mai-Lamphun Egg Farmers’ Co-operative and Noi River Basin Egg Farmers’ Co-operative. Continued …
Nominee crackdown steps up
The Commerce Ministry has vowed to intensify its crackdown on the illegal use of Thai nominees by foreign investors as part of a broader effort to protect fair competition and the country’s economic interests.
Its Department of Business Development (DBD) said nominee shareholding had become a long-standing problem that distorts market competition and disadvantages legitimate businesses operating in Thailand. The number of companies considered at risk of nominee arrangements had risen steadily over the past two decades, from 523 firms in 1998 to 11,746 in 2025. Continued …
Parents debate curbing kids’ social media time
As policymakers debate whether Thailand should follow countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom in restricting children’s access to social media, many parents say the real battle is already taking place inside their homes.
For some, smartphones and online games have become a constant source of conflict. Others have spent years carefully building routines to limit screen time before problems emerge. Still others argue that no law can replace consistent parenting. Continued …
Mideast war continues to constrain auto industry
Thailand’s automotive industry and supply chain may continue to feel the strain of conflicts in the Middle East despite peace negotiations, says Omoda & Jaecoo (Thailand) Co., a subsidiary of Chinese state-owned electric vehicle (EV) maker Chery Automobile.
The prospect of Washington and Tehran fully halting hostilities remains uncertain, fueling concerns over a drawn-out conflict. Such instability is expected to exacerbate semiconductor scarcity and push global prices higher, said Cedric Cui, president of Omoda & Jaecoo (Thailand). Continued …
Thailand’s June headline CPI up 2.42% y/y
Thailand’s headline consumer price index rose by 2.42% in June from a year earlier, following an annual rise of 2.79% the previous month, the commerce ministry said today.
The reading compared with a forecast increase of 2.79% in a Reuters poll, and was inside the central bank’s target inflation range of 1% to 3%. The core CPI, which excludes volatile energy and fresh food prices, rose 1.23% in June compared to a year earlier. Continued …
Thai real estate sector faces prolonged property slump and energy pressure
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.
The broader picture of the Thai economy points to a recovery that remains concentrated in limited areas, with several key industries still showing few clear signs of a rebound. Property and automotive businesses, in particular, are facing severe challenges, as household debt stays high and consumer demand remains fragile. Continued …
Gold and Food Security Emerge as Pillars of a New Thai Trade Strategy
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.
Speaking at the Thailand Gold Summit 2026 yesterday, Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun set out a “mutual benefit” trade strategy intended to balance ties with the world’s two largest economies, while elevating gold from a traditional savings vehicle to what she termed a “strategic national asset”. Continued …
EU’s €3 parcel fee puts Thailand between export opening and import risk
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.
The EU began applying the new charge on July 1, targeting the surge in low-value e-commerce imports that had previously entered the bloc under the duty-free de minimis threshold of €150. The European Commission says the temporary €3 customs duty applies to low-value consignments worth up to €150 imported from outside the EU, replacing the exemption that was in place until June 30. Continued …
Data center success depends on power infrastructure
Investment in data centers, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, remains economically viable and attractive, but it must be evaluated in the context of three fundamental constraints, says Gartner Inc., a business and technology insights company.
The first constraint is the availability and cost of key components, especially AI-optimized servers such as graphics processing units, said Linglan Wang, director analyst at Gartner. Continued …
IMF-World Bank meeting puts Thailand on global investment stage
Thailand’s Finance Ministry expects the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok to give the country a rare global platform to showcase its economic readiness, crisis-management capacity and investment potential.
The meetings will take place Oct. 12-18 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The ministry views the gathering as more than a short-term boost from visitors and spending. It says the event will give Thailand valuable international “airtime” to communicate its direction, policy priorities and ability to manage challenges at a time of global uncertainty. Continued …
Thailand Targets 33 Tourism Firms in Nominee Crackdown
Thailand is stepping up its crackdown on foreign-operated tourism businesses suspected of using Thai nationals as illegal nominees, with authorities identifying 33 high-risk firms across five key tourism provinces.
The government is also expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and information technology to detect suspicious business structures, while four tour operators have already lost their licenses following investigations. Continued …
TAT intensifies second-half tourism campaign as arrivals edge up
Although the war in the Middle East and intensifying regional tourism competition are factors affecting Thai tourism in 2026, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) still sees the outlook for foreign visitors to Thailand this year at 33 million, representing a slight growth of 0.1%. TAT is moving to stimulate the market heavily in the second half of the year.
Thai tourism this year continues to face negative factors from the economic crisis, the impact of the energy crisis caused by the war in the Middle East, as well as risks that are difficult to control, including epidemics, natural disasters, geopolitical and political conflicts, and Thailand’s current value-for-money challenge. Continued …
Koh Tao arrivals set to top 800,000
Tourist arrivals on Koh Tao continue to grow, with local tourism operators expecting visitor numbers to exceed 800,000 by the end of the year and generate around 10 billion baht in revenue.
Rumluek Assavachin, president of the Koh Tao Tourism Assn., yesterday said the island welcomed 407,697 visitors between January and June, up 50,076, or 14%, from the same period last year. Continued …
Pattaya Hotels Face Steep Occupancy Drop This Low Season
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%.
The downturn follows the April to May school holiday period, when family travel would normally help sustain demand into the early low season. However, this year the decline has been more pronounced, with reduced meetings, seminars and government-related travel contributing significantly to weaker performance. Continued …
Thai tour operator arrested after Saudi pilgrimage trip collapses
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.
Police said the group had booked a 10-night, 11-day trip to Saudi Arabia scheduled to run from July 3 to 13. Each traveler allegedly paid 25,000 baht. Continued …
Thai-Made EV Train Joins SRT Tourism Fleet
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has received its first Thai-made luxury-class EV passenger train prototype, marking a significant milestone for the country’s rail industry and plans to expand domestic manufacturing. The handover ceremony took place on Friday, with the prototype set to undergo comprehensive safety testing before entering service on tourism routes.
The luxury-class EV passenger train was designed and built entirely in Thailand by Thai researchers and engineers. The project, an official said, demonstrated successful collaboration between research institutes and more than 30 private-sector companies, highlighting the country’s growing engineering capabilities. Continued …
Ranong touted as premier destination for eco-tourism and wellness
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) is positioning the southern province of Ranong as a premier destination for eco-tourism and wellness, leveraging its pristine natural resources and award-winning universal design features to attract both domestic and international travelers.
Despite being classified as a secondary tourism city, Ranong boasts highly abundant terrestrial and mangrove forests, alongside stunning marine resources, according to DNP Director-general Attapol Charoenchansa. Continued …
Exploring Bangkok’s urban wildlife: A night with snakes and reptiles
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.”
Within minutes, our small group spotted several more critters. A flying fox, the world’s largest bat species, crashed through the trees overhead. Just below, a puff-faced water snake writhed through a concrete ditch, while a large-eyed pit viper rested nearby. Their home: a roadside plot of shrubs and palm trees, just 15 minutes from the gleaming skyscraper jumble of downtown Bangkok. Continued …
13 common mistakes to avoid in Thailand
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.
Practical tips cover planning realistic itineraries, preparing for seasonal weather, ensuring proper documentation, managing money and transport, practicing food and health safety, and steering clear of activities or behaviors that violate laws or ethical standards. Continued …
Householders can now sell excess rooftop solar power
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 website address.
Those who live in other provinces can do so through the Provincial Electricity Authority website . Both state-run power enterprises will buy power at 2.20 baht per unit for 10 years and each approved householder can sell up to five kilowatts per meter. Continued …
Thailand Pushes Clean Energy Drive
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.
A government spokesperson said the global economy is entering a new phase of competition focused not only on technology and manufacturing, but also on the ability to produce clean electricity. She said clean energy is becoming a key factor in attracting investment, supporting exports and creating future jobs, prompting the government to speed up reforms to ensure Thailand remains competitive. Continued …
Asia-Pacific nations adopt new regional roadmap to tackle climate and environmental crises
Governments across Asia and the Pacific have adopted a new regional roadmap to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution through closer cooperation, during a meeting convened by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
ESCAP stressed that the region continues to face growing environmental pressures. At the current pace, 88%of measurable environment-related sustainable development goal targets are projected to be missed by 2030, while 90% of the population is exposed to unsafe levels of air pollution. Continued …
How much plastic are we using?
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.
Recycled plastic sticks around, too, although recycling plastic into new objects does help reduce the demand for new plastic to be made from fossil fuels. Continued …
British Woman Charged With Murder in Pattaya
A 20-year-old British woman has been charged with murder after her 33-year-old British partner was found dead with multiple stab wounds at a villa in Pattaya. Thai police allege Isabelle Violet Carreras was responsible for the killing, although she has denied the accusation during questioning. Continued …
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Hong Kong Customs Seize Cannabis From Thai Flights – Continued …
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Immigration Busts Fake Passport Ring in Bangkok – Continued …
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South Korean Scam Boss Arrested in Pattaya – Continued …
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Israeli, Romanian Held in Koh Pha Ngan Childcare Raid – Continued …
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10 illegal workers arrested after foam waste flood in Chon Buri – 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
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. 
Thailand is intensifying its efforts to combat global warming by steering investment toward green manufacturing. At the center of this strategy is the bio-, circular and green (BCG) economic model — a framework that aims to balance growth with sustainability.
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.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has launched a strict crackdown on the use of forged cannabis prescription forms after uncovering evidence of identity fraud and the online sale of fake documents used to obtain cannabis for recreational purposes.
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.
Having lived and worked in Thailand’s hospitality and tourism industry for more than 35 years, I have learned one simple truth: tourism rarely moves in a straight line.
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.
A reported attack on a cargo ship near Oman has renewed concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, just as shipping and oil flows through the vital waterway had begun returning toward pre-war levels.
Thailand’s latest consumer stimulus story is not only about discounts. It is about the quiet power of everyday spending to support neighborhood shops, food vendors, delivery platforms, and small businesses across the country.
Kirida Bhaopichitr, assistant Commerce minister, said the world has entered an era of a “new global order” in which international trade rules are becoming increasingly unstable and less anchored to the traditional framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
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. 
Hua Hin land titles and property ownership can be confusing, especially for foreign buyers trying to understand leases, title deeds, and what is legally safe. Many people have seen the recent crackdowns on nominee company ownership (see below), with more than 46,900 companies reportedly under investigation across Thailand.
Thailand is pursuing two major policy directions that appear to conflict with one another: opening its economy to foreign business while intensifying enforcement against foreign-linked property ownership structures.
Thailand is facing renewed calls to tighten regulations governing foreign condominium ownership as the government considers raising the foreign ownership quota in condominium projects to attract overseas investment and support a property market still struggling with a slowdown.
Elephants can certainly shift. African elephants can reach top speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour, albeit over short distances only. This is more than twice as fast as the average human runner, so it seems like an open and shut case.
Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) says it has intensified oversight of medical cannabis businesses nationwide, carrying out more than 1,200 inspections in recent weeks as authorities seek to ensure cannabis is used strictly for medical purposes.
Thailand is entering the second half of 2026 with a mixed economic signal: S&P Global Ratings has maintained the country’s sovereign rating at BBB+ with a stable outlook, but economists warn that pressure from oil prices, rising imports, fiscal deficits, and global uncertainty could keep the current account and the baht under strain.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is set to launch the Thailand FastPass program at Government House tomorrow, aiming to accelerate major investment projects by removing regulatory barriers and streamlining approvals.
Can Thailand’s Land Bridge Challenge Malacca and Redefine Asian Trade Routes?
Thailand’s exporters are heading into a more uncertain second half of 2026, with growth expected to slow as global trade risks pile up across energy, logistics, and major export markets.
China’s growing pet-friendly culture is creating a new export opening for Thailand, as demand for premium and health-focused pet food rises among Chinese consumers who increasingly treat pets as family members.
Italy has offered to employ 20,000-30,000 Thai workers a year to remedy labor shortages in three sectors, deputy government spokeswoman Patdarat Thongsaluaykorn said yesterday.
The government has reiterated that investments in data centers must not adversely affect local communities or the agricultural sector. According to government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek, the data center investment boom reflects the country’s potential to become a regional digital infrastructure hub, supporting the growth of cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce, fintech, and other digital services.
Thailand is redefining its annual green season, promoting the rainy months as a prime opportunity for wellness, nature-based experiences, and meaningful travel. Through its “Healing is the New Luxury” campaign, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is encouraging travelers to view the season not as an off-peak period, but as a time for restoration, reflection, and deeper connections with nature and local communities.
Authorities in Phuket are considering a proposal to raise the provincial tax on hotels from 1% to 3% of room rates to generate additional revenue for local development and tourism promotion.
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The Great Hornbill forages in the treetops, usually living in pairs. Outside the breeding season, they can sometimes gather in flocks of up to 150, roosting in trees in valleys. However, they occasionally descend to the ground to forage. Their loud call, “Kok Kok Kok, Kahang Kahang Kahang” or “Kawa Kawa Kawa,” is the origin of their name. Great Hornbills are found in moist evergreen forests, dry evergreen forests, or mixed deciduous forests. 
Analyst urges shift away from fossil fuels
Thailand’s consideration of an expanded foreign ownership quota for condominium units is being viewed as a possible measure to attract overseas investment, support the property sector, and improve liquidity in a market still facing a slowdown.
The Thai army is closely monitoring reports of Cambodian tank and military hardware movements along the border, Second Army Area commander Weerayuth Raksilp has confirmed, warning that readiness, speed, and equipment would be decisive if a third round of clashes broke out.
Thailand’s cannabis policy is facing fresh scrutiny after the House Public Health Committee convened a tense meeting to examine whether cannabis should be returned to the narcotics list, as concerns grow over widespread sales, legal loopholes, and public health risks.
Residents have raised alarm over what they describe as a growing army of stray dogs roaming the grounds of Chiang Mai City Hall, saying the animals are intimidating visitors, chasing pedestrians, and creating safety concerns at the government complex.
Thailand’s residential property market is showing clearer signs of a supply slowdown, with developers holding back new projects despite an improvement in home transfers and housing loans at the start of 2026.
Bypassing Malacca is a bridge too far for Thailand’s ports project
The Finance Ministry is expediting its review of welfare reforms to ensure the benefits target those most in need, minimize duplication across programs, and promote greater participation in the labor force. This approach is based on the concept of a negative income tax (NIT) system.
Is Thailand becoming a welfare state? The answer remains to be seen, given the government’s fiscal constraints. Public debt has risen recently, nearing the statutory ceiling of 70% of GDP.
Chiang Mai’s bid to become UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in jeopardy
For decades, Thailand built its economy on the assumption that energy would remain cheap, stable, and someone else’s responsibility. That assumption is beginning to break. Many see this as a threat. It may also be an opportunity.
Thailand’s rapid solar energy expansion has grown from 2.5 megawatts to nearly 5,000 megawatts, supported by government policy and falling costs. End-of-life panel management remains largely unaddressed, however, with projections estimating between 431,000 and 728,000 tons of solar waste by 2050.
The government will cut electricity tariffs to no more than 3 baht per unit for the first 200 units, starting from the June billing cycle, in a cost-of-living relief measure expected to benefit more than 20 million households nationwide.
Egg prices in Thailand have risen by 20 satang per egg from yesterday, as poultry farmers come under growing pressure from higher feed and maize costs. The Central Region Small-Scale Egg-Layer Farmers Trade Assn. said the latest price movement reflects rising production expenses rather than an increase in the recommended farm-gate ceiling.
Laos has secured the broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing viewers across the country to watch all 104 matches free of charge, while negotiations over television rights in Thailand remain unresolved.
One in three Thai children cannot read properly by the age of ten. Youth unemployment is rising. And the workforce needed to power Thailand’s next decade of growth is simply not being trained. Against this backdrop of mounting urgency, a roundtable yesterday brought together some of the country’s foremost voices in education, policy, academia, and student leadership to confront what many are now calling a systemic crisis.
Thailand is being warned that its economic challenge is no longer only about whether growth will recover in the second half of the year, but whether the country can reform fast enough before today’s structural risks turn into a deeper crisis. The warning comes as economists and business leaders point to a shift in Thailand’s long-standing economic strengths.
The outlook for the restaurant industry in the third quarter remains pessimistic, with high costs, weak consumer spending power, and a potential drop in tourist numbers continuing to loom over the industry.
Pimjai Leeissaranukul, chairperson of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), revealed an overview of the Thai industrial sectors trend during the second quarter of 2026. S
Multiple Thai airlines have canceled approximately 3,800 flights due to skyrocketing jet fuel prices, spurred on by the prolonged crisis in the Middle East. The crisis has led to jet fuel becoming 2 to 3 times more expensive than normal, thereby pushing up the airlines’ fuel costs and other operating costs.
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Oceans are in a “deepening crisis” that demands urgent global action, a major UN report warned yesterday, with seas warming and rising faster, ice cover shrinking, and marine ecosystems under mounting strain.
Hong Kong will soon open its first convenience store operated by a humanoid robot as part of the city’s push to integrate AI into everyday life and deepen residents’ understanding of the technology, the finance chief has said. 
A 42-year-old former factory worker died after being bitten by a centipede in Si Racha, Chon Buri, with her partner claiming they could not afford treatment after discovering her social security coverage had expired.
The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) today filed a lawsuit against Meta, the owner of Facebook, covering both its Thailand office and headquarters. The council accused the platform of allowing scam advertisements and online fraud to spread continuously, despite discussions and repeated calls for stronger preventive measures over more than a year.
Commerzbank’s FX analysts note that the USD/THB exchange rate experienced a decline to 32.55, primarily attributed to portfolio inflows. This movement occurred despite Thailand’s April trade deficit widening significantly to a record USD10.0 billion.
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A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines this morning, killing at least one person, collapsing buildings, and sparking tsunami warnings across the region. Authorities in the Philippines and Indonesia urged residents in affected coastal regions to move to higher ground immediately. 
Residents of St. Petersburg were told not to leave their homes after a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack targeted Russia’s second-largest city Saturday morning, underscoring Kyiv’s growing ability to hit deep inside Russia. The attack came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin refused an offer to meet his Ukrainian counterpart. 
U.S. President Donald Trump stormed out of an interview with NBC airing yesterday after a heated exchange during “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker”. The interview ended abruptly when Trump – after repeating unsubstantiated claims that U.S. elections are “rigged”- walked out after calling Welker, her show, and other U.S. TV networks “crooked.” 
Fuel prices fell across major petrol, gasohol, and diesel products today, after PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp. announced a fresh round of retail price cuts.
Thailand’s inflation rose again in May, as high domestic fuel prices, transport fares, and prepared food costs continued to feed into household expenses, while the Commerce Ministry said the government’s “Thais Help Thais Plus” measure had not created significant price pressure.
The Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has reported the success of Thailand’s film incentive measures for foreign productions. Since 2017, a total of 100 foreign film productions from 12 countries and special administrative regions around the world have joined Thailand’s cash rebate scheme.
Thai Airways International (THAI) has confirmed it will resume direct Bangkok-Amsterdam flights from July 1, expanding its international network as the carrier works to strengthen links between Thailand and Europe.
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Thailand pushes climate action at World Environment Day
As the war in the Strait of Hormuz continues to create havoc, Asia remains the worst hit by the global energy crisis. Whether it’s a large economy like Japan or China, or a struggling economy like Sri Lanka or Pakistan, the same fate holds.
CP ALL is inviting consumers across Thailand to take part in its environmental campaign, “Heal the World, Heal the Heart 24 Hours at 7-Eleven,” running from now until the end of 2026. The initiative encourages customers to adopt simple eco-friendly habits, such as reducing plastic consumption, in exchange for special rewards and loyalty points at 7-Eleven stores nationwide.