- Hua Hin Hospital out-patient clinic hours/Cha Am Squid Festival/Death sentence for Hua Hin murderer/South Korean fraud suspect arrested in Hua Hin/PTT and Bangchak raise most fuel prices/Thailand draft alcohol rules/10 popular lunch dishes loaded with sodium
- THE IRAN WAR: Iran threatens wider Gulf restrictions/Iran attacks US base in Jordan
- ECONOMY: Thai Baht: Consolidation expected/Thailand-US tariff talks/Thai consumer confidence/Thailand data center licenses
- TOURISM: Bangkok second for repeat visitors/Thai FM asks Israel envoy to address visitor behavior
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: What did US sailors shop for in Pattaya?/Ticket bookings for Royal Barge Procession
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Clean Energy is Bringing Families Back Home
- HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Cha Am Squid Festival starts Saturday
The Cha Am Squid Festival will return Sept. 12–19, with the annual event taking place at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint. The festival is officially known as the 25th Eat Shellfish, Catch Squid @ Cha Am Festival.
September and October are considered the peak season for squid in the area, and squid fishing at sea has traditionally been one of the festival’s main attractions.Based on previous editions, visitors are also expected to be able to sample seafood and regional dishes from restaurants in Phetchaburi and neighboring provinces. Continued …
Death sentence for Hua Hin murderer
Hua Hin Provincial Court sentenced a man to death yesterday for robbing and murdering a hotel receptionist, declining to reduce his sentence despite his confession. The defendant, identified in the report by the pseudonym “Sam”, attacked the 35-year-old woman while she was working at a hotel in Soi Hua Hin 88/1 at about 3.15am on Jan. 19.
According to the report of the ruling, the court found that the crime was exceptionally serious and that the defendant’s actions posed a threat to public safety. It cited the brutality of the attack, the loss suffered by the victim’s family and the public alarm caused by the killing. Continued …
South Korean fraud suspect arrested in Hua Hin
Thai police have arrested a 67-year-old South Korean man accused of leading a property-investment scam that allegedly caused losses of around 1.047 billion baht across 14 related cases.
The 67-year-old, identified only as Mr. Han, was detained at a house in Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin district, Prachuap Khiri Khan, yesterday. He faces an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court on a charge of jointly committing fraud. Continued …
PTT and Bangchak raise most fuel prices by up to 0.80 baht a liter
Most fuel prices at PTT Station and Bangchak rose yesterday, while premium grades remained unchanged. PTT Station increased petrol and non-premium gasohol prices by 0.80 baht a liter and non-premium diesel by 0.70 baht.
Bangchak applied the same increases to its non-premium gasohol and diesel ranges. Continued …
Thailand draft alcohol rules alarm craft beer businesses
Thailand’s proposed secondary alcohol rules could severely limit how breweries, bars and restaurants display beer products, according to the Craft Beer Business Assn. The draft measures will be discussed at a public consultation today and are not yet in force.
The proposals would require health warnings to cover at least one-third of the top of advertising space. Product names and logos would generally be confined to 5% of the space, or 3% in some formats. The draft health warnings include statements that alcohol can cause cancer, disability and death, or dementia. Continued …
10 popular lunch dishes in Thailand loaded with sodium that could wreck your kidneys
Many popular lunch dishes contain far more sodium than people may realize, from noodles, ramen and suki to khanom jeen, fried foods and processed meats.
Eating high-sodium meals regularly can contribute to high blood pressure and may cause further problems for people with reduced kidney function. When the kidneys cannot efficiently remove excess sodium and water, fluid can build up in the body, leading to swelling and higher blood pressure. Continued …
Iran threatens wider Gulf restrictions as regional fighting escalates
Iran has threatened further restrictions on Gulf shipping as attacks on Saudi cities and renewed US strikes against Iranian tankers widened the regional conflict yesterday.
Tehran plans to announce a maritime exclusion zone and publish maps for a new shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement’s timing remains unclear. Continued …
Iran attacks US base in Jordan as Hormuz impasse deepens
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said today they pummelled a US military base in Jordan, vowing retaliation for American strikes on Iranian oil tankers that dragged the foes deeper into war.
Tehran’s bombs came after US forces destroyed five Iranian oil tankers yesterday in response to Iran targeting an American warship, the second such attack in less than a week. Continued …
Thai Baht: Consolidation expected in defined range against US Dollar
The Thai baht weakened against the US dollar from 33.90 to 32.70, supported by dollar softness and Middle East risks. Thailand’s central bank kept rates unchanged at 1.00%, maintaining accommodative stance through H1 2027. Commerzbank expects near-term consolidation around 32.50-33.00 range.
Current policy provides sufficient growth support while keeping inflation expectations anchored. Excessive baht appreciation is considered undesirable given the fragile domestic recovery. Continued …
Thailand-US tariff talks near completion
Thailand’s tariff negotiations with the United States are down to the final wording, which should be completed within a week, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said yesterday.
Asked when the process would be completed following her talks with the US Trade Representative, Suphajee explained that only details concerning the documents’ wording and language remained. She expressed confidence that the outcome would be clear this month, saying she saw no obstacles and had no concerns about the remaining work. Continued …
Thai consumer confidence hits six-month high as economic test looms
Thailand’s consumer confidence strengthened for a third consecutive month in August, reaching its highest level in six months, as purchasing power and economic activity showed early signs of improvement, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
Thanavath Phonvichai, president of UTCC and chief adviser of its Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, reported that the Consumer Confidence Index rose to 53.2 in August 2026, the highest reading since March. Continued …
Thailand data center licenses top 1GW of power
Thailand had 26 companies licensed to operate data centers by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) as of July 27, with their declared electricity demand exceeding 1,059MW.
The figures underline the rapid scale of data-center investment in Thailand, particularly around Bangkok, its surrounding provinces and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Dozens more projects are reportedly awaiting licenses. Continued …
Bangkok ranks second in Asia for repeat visitors: Agoda
Bangkok ranked second among Asia’s most revisited destinations in Agoda’s latest repeat visitor ranking, behind Tokyo and ahead of Bali, based on accommodation bookings made during the first half of 2026.
Within Thailand, Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Hat Yai retained the top five places for repeat visits for the second year running, with all five destinations maintaining the same positions as last year. Continued …
Thai FM asks Israel envoy to address visitor behavior
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has asked Israeli Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm to take stronger steps to ensure Israeli visitors respect Thai culture and traditions, warning that continuing problems could affect bilateral relations.
Sihasak, who is also a deputy prime minister, raised the issue during what he later described as a frank meeting at the Foreign Ministry yesterday. The discussion focused on Thai concerns over incidents involving Israeli nationals living in Thailand, including tourists and people running businesses. Continued …
After 286 days at sea, what did 5,000 US sailors actually shop for in Pattaya?
Nearly 5,000 US sailors, pilots and Marines descended on Pattaya on Sept. 2 when the US Abraham Lincoln and two warships docked in the Thai resort city, prompting authorities to impose tighter controls on its sprawling sex trade. The move came amid concerns that personnel returning from months at sea could drive up demand for commercial sex.
Authorities detained at least 40 people as part of the crackdown, while US personnel were barred from several areas associated with Pattaya’s sex trade, including Soi 6. They were also prohibited from visiting cannabis outlets, drug stores and certain water-sports venues. Continued …
Royal Thai Navy opens free ticket bookings for Royal Barge Procession
The Royal Thai Navy has drawn up its rehearsal plan for the Royal Barge procession in preparation for the ceremony on Nov. 6. Every stage of the rehearsals is being conducted meticulously to ensure the ceremonial barge formation is graceful, befitting the royal occasion and in keeping with cherished royal traditions.
Members of the public who are interested may watch the ceremonial procession free of charge from designated areas offering attractive views, subject to the admission arrangements. Continued …
How Clean Energy is Bringing Families Back Home in Udon Thani
What do people want most in life? For many residents of Ban Khok Lam and Ban Saeng Aram in Kud Mak Fai subdistrict, Nong Wua So District, Udon Thani Province, the answer is not wealth or material possessions.
Rather, it is the opportunity to live alongside their loved ones, in the place they call home, while earning a secure and sustainable livelihood. Today, that aspiration is becoming a reality. 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
Hua Hin hotels, resorts and holiday homes were the focus of a municipal training program on Friday aimed at improving disease prevention and public health standards.
More than 60 people attended Hua Hin Film Club’s first screening yesterday, joining actor Vithaya Pansringarm for an evening of cinema at Amara Resort Hua Hin.
Koh Phangan beach dispute spotlights nominee fears
Thailand’s Commerce and Interior ministries will form a permanent joint team to pursue suspected nominee arrangements used by foreigners to operate businesses or hold land through Thai nationals.
A restricted zone will be announced outside the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days, Mohsen Rezaei, the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said yesterday according to state media. He added that the zone would include areas in the Gulf. 
Businesses in Thailand’s automotive parts, garment, rubber products and plastics industries are increasingly suspending operations temporarily, as falling orders, accumulated losses and higher production costs put pressure on employment.
Thai bank chiefs are warning that small businesses remain vulnerable to fresh defaults and a return to bad debt after restructuring, despite a decline in the commercial banking system’s overall non-performing loan ratio.
When discussing the economy in Southeast Asia, we often hear about semiconductor production, electric vehicles, combustion cars, and tourism. However, one of Thailand’s key economic pillars tends to receive less attention. Beyond being a global tourism destination, Thailand is recognized as the “Kitchen of the World”, playing a crucial role in producing and exporting food to over 350 million consumers worldwide each day.
Thailand is positioned to attract approximately $15.9 billion (570 bilion baht) in data center investments between 2026 and 2030, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) workloads and cloud computing across Southeast Asia.
Foreign arrivals to Thailand decline 3% in first eight months
Thailand’s new 30-day visa-exemption rule is opening a sharp fault line across its tourism industry before the crucial fourth-quarter peak. The Association of Thai Travel Agents says most genuine tourists need only seven to 10 days. It also wants tougher action against foreigners abusing tourist status.
Thai Airways International canceled flights to Jakarta today as eight Indonesian airports, including two serving the Indonesian capital, remained closed because of ash from erupting Krakatau volcano.
Riyadh Air has launched direct flights between Riyadh and Bangkok, initially operating three times a week before increasing to daily services in October. The inaugural aircraft arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport last Thursday.
How a debt-ridden mother of 6 built world-famous Bangkok noodle shop
Australians could be given the option of opting out of powerful social media algorithms under new legislation cracking down on big tech. The draft law requiring a “digital duty of care” is expected to be introduced to Australia’s parliament this week. It would require firms like Meta to give users the option of turning off algorithms that tailor recommendations to their personal taste. 
Covid-19 cases are increasing in Thailand, with the total number of patients from Jan. 1 up to yesterday reaching 94,402, with 14 deaths, but it is the NB.1.8.1 variant that does not cause severe illness that is dominant, accounting for over 50.9% of cases.
The government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is moving ahead with a broad overhaul of Thailand’s bureaucracy, including organizational structures, staffing and regulations that have become obstacles for individuals and businesses dealing with state agencies.
Foreign condominium demand in Thailand weakened during the first half of 2026, but a sharp rise in purchases by Russian nationals suggests that the market is shifting rather than experiencing a uniform decline.
Phuket recorded a 52.5% year-on-year increase in Israeli visitors in July, with arrivals from Israel also up 1,205% on pre-Covid July 2019 levels, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phuket office.
Thailand is seeking a larger share of the global wellness economy, which is forecast to grow from US$6.8 trillion in 2024 to US$9.75 trillion by 2029, as consumers increasingly prioritize preventive physical and mental healthcare. The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) expects the 11-sector market to expand by nearly US$3 trillion over five years, with average annual growth of 7.6%.
Bangkok has been named the world’s best city for nightlife in 2026 by Time Out, climbing from 13th place last year to beat Berlin, New York City, Melbourne and Sao Paulo.
US President Donald Trump said yesterday his administration has reached a huge oil deal with Venezuela that gives the United States majority control of 65 billion barrels of proven petroleum reserves. 
Haakon, who comes to the throne as two major scandals batter his family, struggled for years to accept his status. “Yes, I was a royal, but I did not want to talk about it … At school it made me anxious,” he wrote in his 2023 autobiography “Haakon”, recalling his days in a state primary in the 1980s. 
InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has been named The Most Favorite Pet-Friendly Hotel at the 16th AROUND AWARDS 2026. The annual awards, organized as part of AROUND Magazine’s 16th anniversary, recognize hotels, restaurants and lifestyle businesses across Thailand.
Thailand has recorded 21,620 dengue infections and 31 deaths so far this year, as the seasonal outbreak continues to gather pace, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) said yesterday.
Thai police say they arrested suspects in 7,261 firearms-related cases and seized 7,872 guns during a nationwide 15-day crackdown between Aug. 12-26.
Pattaya is preparing for the influx of US Navy personnel when the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and two accompanying vessels are scheduled to dock at Laem Chabang from Sept. 2-6.
American money, military spending and technical assistance helped Thailand build roads, airports and modern institutions while neighboring states faced wars. The transformation brought rapid growth, but also strengthened military rule and widened social inequality.
New vehicle sales in Thailand increased by over 20% to 59,196 units in July, up from 49,102 units a year earlier, according to the latest data released by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
For two decades, Thailand was regarded as a sure-fire success story in the Asian travel industry. In 2019, the last year before the pandemic, just under 40 million international visitors traveled to the country, generating revenue of around three trillion baht.
Passengers heading to Suvarnabhumi Airport face seven months of traffic diversions on the elevated roads serving the passenger terminal, starting on Aug.31. The maintenance program will run until April 7, 2027, affecting elevated access routes to and from the terminal, which connect with Motorway No. 7, the Bangkok-Chonburi route.
Thailand’s passport has been ranked 99th worldwide by Passport Reports, with a mobility score of 93. The assessment places Thailand fifth among the 11 ASEAN countries and 21st among 50 Asian countries assessed.
A Glimpse of Solar Energy in Thailand
Since Aug. 12, any Thai exporter shipping packaged goods into the EU has technically fallen under the bloc’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) – whether they know it or not.
As the world shifts toward a greener future, Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) is stepping up to ensure Thai businesses don’t just survive, but thrive.
Thailand is facing a double crisis: an overwhelming volume of illegally dumped hazardous waste and a deadly climate of intimidation against activists trying to stop it.
The collapse of the lower section of a Himalayan glacier may have unleashed the ice, rock and sediment that caused catastrophic flooding near Nepal’s border with Tibet, although experts have not established why the glacier failed. Satellite images indicated that part of the glacier broke away at an altitude of about 5,200 meters before plunging approximately 1,200 meters onto the valley floor. 
Philippe Meranger just finished his grocery shopping in Montreal. The 61-year-old held several products under his arm as he said: “Tariffs hurt our economy, but they force us to buy Canadian. And I’m all for that.” 
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s commercialhub, is proposing to gradually restrict gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles from its downtown area from mid-2027 as part of a planned low-emission zone (LEZ). Under the proposal, the city would pilot the LEZ from July 2027 in its core downtown area and the new Thu Thiem urban area, which covers roughly 930 hectares (3.59 square miles). 
PropertyGuru Group has announced the shortlisted nominees for the 21st PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards, identifying the kingdom’s leading real estate companies ahead of the black-tie gala celebration at Dusit Thani Bangkok on Sept. 18. The shortlist represents a broad cross-section of Thailand’s property sector, with recognition extending from Bangkok to Phuket, the Eastern Seaboard, Hua Hin, and southern Thailand.
Krabi bridge to Koh Lanta set for 2029 opening
First phase of Thai-Cambodian border fence finished, Navy to start second
Southeast Asia’s budget airlines are hoping the worst of the fuel-price shock triggered by the Middle East conflict has passed, but pressure on margins and household finances threatens to prolong the sector’s difficult recovery.
Northern Thailand could become a crucial pillar of global food security, as severe climate shocks, unpredictable weather and shifting trade patterns place unprecedented pressure on agricultural supplies worldwide.
Ryan Blackley, 35, and his wife Jess, 34, left the UK for Chiang Mai with their sons Noah, six, and Bodhi, four, in February. The family now holds five-year Destination Thailand Visas and is using Thailand as a base for a longer period of travel across Asia.
A confidential US diplomatic memo, circulated to a handful of countries in late July, formally committed the United States to blocking binding limits on plastic production and chemical additives at United Nations treaty negotiations — a position that peer-reviewed lifecycle modeling published in January shows is the single most important intervention for reducing a global disease burden currently costing more than $1.5 trillion a year.
21 provinces face heavy rain as depression strengthens
Flood conditions in Nan and Sukhothai have begun to improve, but another 7-9 storms could form before the end of the current storm season, climate and disaster specialist Seree Supratid has warned.
Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) Yodchanan Wongsawat ordered the rehabilitation and restoration of public utilities today in flood-ravaged Pua and Wiang Sa districts of Nan province, as floodwater is steadily receding.
Thai authorities have searched three locations in Pattaya and Bang Lamung as part of an investigation into suspected Thai nominee arrangements used to hold land and run businesses for foreigners.
Thai teenage singer-guitarist Nene Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, has been selected to receive the Best New International Artiste 2026 award at The Phil Lynott Convention in Ireland, marking another milestone in the 16-year-old Phuket musician’s growing international career.
Thailand’s electronics industry is entering a significant upcycle, as artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers accelerate global demand for components, with a clear impact on the country’s production base.
Investments and fishing communities clash in Rayong
Thailand’s grip on China’s vast tourism market is slipping, as safety fears drive holidaymakers toward fast-rising Vietnam. The kingdom now expects only 5.1 million Chinese arrivals, less than half its 2019 total.
Thai Airways is set to resume direct non-stop services between Bangkok and Auckland ahead of schedule, with launch plans brought forward by a year to March 2027.
Somsak Pu Ob: The Master of Bangkok’s Crab Glass Noodles
Thailand, done differently
Tourism in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi continues to show resilience, with stronger foreign visitor revenue and higher per-person spending helping offset softer domestic demand and wider economic pressures.
Thailand ranks third of 31 destinations for expats on the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, behind Panama and Mexico. The survey ran from Feb. 1 to March 31 this year, drawing about 7,786 respondents of 162 nationalities across 31 countries.
A single night in a private room at Bangkok Hospital can run past 25,000 baht before any treatment is added to the bill. Most expats assume their health insurance handles that kind of cost without a second thought. But the truth is, the exclusions section of the policy, the part almost nobody reads past the first page, is often where that assumption falls apart.
Eight Thai industrial groups responsible for US$52.23 billion in exports to the United States in 2025 could face more intensive checks on product origin and manufacturing processes as Washington steps up enforcement against illegal transshipment.
The White House has accused more than 40 countries, including Thialnd, Canada, Mexico, Japan and EU member states, of helping China evade US tariffs by rerouting exports through lower-tariff jurisdictions — a practice it labels “The Great Transshipment Scam”.
Thailand’s property market is increasingly looking to foreign buyers, as slowing economic growth, high household debt and tighter lending conditions put pressure on domestic purchasing power.
Thailand plans to restructure automotive excise taxes by offering lower rates for vehicles produced domestically and charging more on fully built imports from companies without manufacturing investment in the country.
AOT studies fast-track services, return of arrival duty-free shops
Chiang Mai Waterfall closed after tourists swept away
Four Spanish tourists injured by falling tree at Ayutthaya temple
A prominent Thai plastic surgeon has publicly urged people not to take everything in the Australian 60 Minutes investigation into Thai cosmetic surgery at face value, saying he has been contacted by a surgeon connected to one of the featured cases who told him the reality was not as the program presented it.
Theerasak “Pop” Saksritawee spends up to eight hours every day swimming, hiking and filming dugongs near Phuket. Now, he’s warning the animals may soon disappear from one of the few places outside Australia that they gather. 
Bangkok’s floating markets: Where trade still floats
Australia’s New South Wales state will begin a major gun buyback on November 2, offering owners up to A$1,000, or about US$700, for each eligible rifle or handgun surrendered. The federal government passed legislation in January establishing a gun buyback, strengthening checks on firearm license applicants and introducing measures against hate-related conduct. 
US President Donald Trump said he was “not happy” about US participation in joint military exercises with close ally South Korea and is scaling back the drills aimed at deterring rival North Korea that start today. 
A Western content creator has warned foreigners against moving to Thailand without a clear financial plan, saying many end up “packing up and going home” after under estimating their costs.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) yesterday removed a street lighting charge from public electricity bills, leading to 6-satang reduction in the rate to 3.89 baht a unit from next month (September). The rate structure for residential electricity has also been adjusted, with the first 200 units capped at 3 baht per unit.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has called on mobile phone users to finish mandatory SIM identity verification and update their information by Aug. 30 as it seeks to combat mule accounts and technology crime.
Thailand is moving toward more targeted regulation of ride-hailing and on-demand delivery platforms, as each of the markets consolidates around two dominant players, with competition authorities preparing new guidelines to address structural barriers, algorithmic practices and potential abuses of market power.
The government’s upcoming measures to screen data center investment projects in Thailand are designed to safeguard electricity security without derailing the country’s ambition to attract foreign capital into this fast-growing industry, says an energy official who requested anonymity.
At least 11 French nationals who were arrested in Thailand with cannabis in their luggage, claimed they were deceived into carrying “locked bags” in exchange for free holidays.
Chinese arrivals target set at 5.1 million this year
Thai authorities have resolved a major administrative backlog dating back to 2018 by issuing hotel licenses to 275 properties in Phuket as part of a broader government drive to regulate unlicensed hospitality businesses and crack down on illegal foreign nominee operations.
Thailand Outlines Plan to Commercialize 231 Forgotten Heritage Dishes
Long before modern advocacy, romantic and deeply intimate bonds between women existed behind the closed doors of the ancient Thai royal courts. Known traditionally as “Len Puean” (เล่นเพื่อน), these relationships were a recognized, if sometimes hushed, part of court culture.
From the Elephant Sanctuaries of Thailand
I was in Thailand this week visiting my wife’s family and I had to satisfy some professional curiosity and see what was going on in the country’s cannabis market for myself.
Heavy rain is forecast across northern, northeastern, central and eastern Thailand today, with authorities warning of flash floods and forest run-off after a monsoon trough moved across the upper north.
Thailand’s digital economy is projected to expand by 5.6% in 2026, reaching a valuation of 5.7 trillion baht ($171.8 billion). According to forecasts released by the National Board of Digital Economy and Society Office (BDE), the sector is set to grow 2.2 times faster than the country’s overall gross domestic product (GDP), establishing itself as a vital engine for national growth.
The online debate over whether restaurants in Thailand should accept orders only in Thai highlights an underlying issue in the industry: a persistent labor shortage, as many Thais do not want to work in the sector.
Southeast Asia faces interconnected challenges from economic pressure, geopolitical rivalry, and technological disruption. The region’s diversity means these forces impact economies unevenly. Leaders must balance short-term stability with long-term autonomy amid trade shifts and global competition.
Thai Airways International (THAI) reported a net profit of 1.54 billion baht for the second quarter of 2026, down from 12.13 billion baht in the same period last year, as the Middle East conflict drove jet fuel prices sharply higher.
Six foreign tourists, including Russians, Indians and Israelis, were swept away from Nai Thon beach in Phuket yesterday morning after entering the sea despite red warning flags, according to local lifeguards.
Agoda has released data on travel interest among European travelers for summer 2026, showing that Thailand remained the Asian destination attracting the strongest interest for a second consecutive year. The result reflects the strength of Thailand’s tourism market among European travelers.
Jorge Gonzalez searches with his bare hands for his aunt under the ruins of a four-story building in Pereira, one of the cities hardest hit by the powerful earthquake in Colombia that has left at least 240 dead. Like hundreds of volunteers and rescuers, he has spent hours clinging to the faintest hope there may be survivors in the rubble, despite the 7.4 magnitude quake that struck this coffee capital on Monday morning. 
Electric vehicle drivers in Hua Hin now have access to 61 charging stations offering 162 charging points, according to figures published by the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Energy Office. Across the province, there are 109 EV charging stations with a total of 294 charging points, covering all eight districts.
Large crowds gathered at Wat Huay Mongkol in Hua Hin yesterday for the 13th Luang Pu Thuat robe-draping ceremony, one of the region’s main faith-based tourism events.
Prachuap Khiri Khan officials are reviewing preparations for the possible reopening of the Singkhon border crossing, as authorities look to resume trade between Thailand and Myanmar.
People in Thailand lost nearly B9 billion to online scam networks during the first six months of 2026, when more than 170,000 online fraud cases were recorded. Average losses exceeded B52,000 per case.
Thailand has captured more than $26.8 billion (approx. 900 billion baht) in investment applications for its semiconductor and advanced electronics sectors over the past three years, cementing its position as a primary beneficiary of global supply chain diversification away from traditional manufacturing hubs.
Thailand’s exports rose 17.6% year-on-year to US$196.74 billion in the first six months of 2026, with technology and electronics leading the increase, the government said yesterday.
Putting the spotlight on an open secret
The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok has urged Chinese citizens attending cultural performances, sporting events and fan meetings in Thailand to comply strictly with local laws and venue regulations, following several incidents involving Chinese tourists.
Pattaya Bay moves to cap tour boat operators
When Lynda Lazaridis gets dressed, she chooses her clothes carefully. The Melbourne grandmother’s breasts were virtually removed, and her nipples relocated up near her armpits.
12 mythical giants watch over Suvarnabhumi Airport
Bangkok ranks ninth on Time Out’s 2026 street food list
When 35% of a year’s rainfall falls within a single week, as it did in parts of Thailand last year, the failure is not simply meteorological. It is a failure of design, of coordination, and — increasingly — of economics.
Western Europe experienced its hottest June-July on record as climate change fuels an historic summer of heat, drought and wildfires across the region, the EU’s global warming monitor said today. 
Chinese start-ups and researchers are racing to bring brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to market that can be implanted in just a few minutes, as Beijing pushes to nurture home-grown players in the sector to compete with Elon Musk’s Neuralink.