- Buddhist Ceremony in Hua Hin/PKK part of tourist rail trips/International migration from West to East /Immigration Struggles to Act on overstayers/B20 billion needed to lift road lights power bill off households/Affordable advanced cancer treatment/Chadchart Wins Second Bangkok Term/Two rangers hurt by wild elephant/Fake Cannabis Prescriptions/Three petrol stations bombed
- THE IRAN WAR: US and Iran agree to pause attacks/More aid for airlines/Plastic shortages causing anxiety
- ECONOMY: ‘Expat Economy’ gathers pace/Gen Z’s penchant for debt worrying/$4 trillion ‘pink economy’ boom/Thailand Opens Rail Network/ASEAN rises as beauty economy hub/Thai cocoa and chocolate products
- TOURISM: Elephant ride ends with mahout death/Thailand tourism yet to recover/365-day tourism strategy/Foreign travelers drive hotel bookings/Thailand Tourism Slowdown/Pattaya bar streets turn to discounts/Short summer trips surge/Airports of Thailand Cuts Growth
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Kai yok krok-Thai Street Food
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Rooftop solar power purchases/Community Forest Restoration
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
PM Anutin Presides Over Buddhist Consecration Ceremony in Hua Hin
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over a Buddhist consecration ceremony for Luang Pu Thuat commemorative amulets at Huay Mongkol Temple in Hua Hin district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, on Saturday.
The ceremony was led by the abbot of Huay Mongkol Temple on behalf of the monastic community. Attendees included Minister of Public Health Pattana Promphat, senior ministry officials, Permanent Secretary for the Interior Unsit Sampuntharat, Prachuap Khiri Khan Gov. Sittichai Sawatsan, government representatives, private-sector guests, and Buddhist devotees. Continued …
PKK part of new nine rainy-season tourist rail trips across Thailand
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.
Included is “Sea & Serenity Journey” in Prachuap Khiri Khan on Aug. 15-16, combining beaches, temples, and a rare sugar-palm-wood ordination hall. The trip is priced at 4,499 baht. Continued …
International migration from West to East is a rising phenomenon
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.
The trend, amplified by Passport Bro influencers, has ignited fierce criticism over sexism and stereotypes. However, interviews from rural Thailand to Pattaya and Bangkok show a broader shift involving families, digital entrepreneurs, falling birth rates, and younger Western men questioning the social settlement and economic policies of the last 60 years. Continued …
Thailand Immigration Flags Overstayers But Struggles to Act
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 gap between digital records and enforcement has become a recurring issue, with known violations sometimes left unaddressed for months or years despite being visible in official systems. Continued …
B20 billion needed to lift road lights power bill off households
Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee will request a 20-billion-baht budget for the state to pay the power bill for road and government organization lighting, as the government moves to end the decades-long practice of passing the cost of public lighting onto householders.
Polapee said he would first discuss budgetary preparation with the energy minister, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, and the Provincial Electricity Authority. He would then present a proposal to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Continued …
Thai university develops affordable advanced cancer treatment
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).
CAR-T cell therapy is an advanced, locally developed cancer immunotherapy that programs a patient’s own immune cells to precisely target and destroy cancer cells, providing a highly effective and affordable alternative to imported treatments. Continued …
Chadchart Wins Second Bangkok Term
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.
With 89.9% of ballots counted last night, Chadchart had received around 1.444 million votes, compared with 288,171 for his nearest rival, Mallika Boonmeetrakool Mahasuk. The result, pending official certification by the Election Commission, gives him another four years to continue his administration of the capital. Continued …
Two rangers hurt as injured wild elephant charges team in Kui Buri
Two national park rangers were injured after an injured wild elephant charged at a rescue team attempting to provide emergency treatment in Kui Buri National Park, officials said. Officials received an urgent report on Friday that a male wild elephant with small tusks had suffered a serious foot injury.
The elephant’s right rear foot had partially detached, leaving it unable to bear weight on the leg. A veterinary team was dispatched with antibiotics to provide urgent treatment. Continued …
Thailand Cracks Down on Fake Cannabis Prescriptions
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 investigation found that fake reporting forms were being used to sell cannabis flowers to members of the public without medical examinations or professional consultations. Officials also discovered cases where healthcare practitioners had allegedly signed blank prescription forms, allowing retailers to add details later. Continued …
Three petrol stations bombed in south
Two PT service stations in Pattani province and another in Yala province were set on fire by what appeared to be coordinated bombings last night. One man was injured.
They each targeted a PT station – one in Muang district of Yala and the two others in Sai Buri and Yaring districts of neighboring Pattani. The blasts started fires at all three stations. Continued …
US and Iran agree to pause attacks before the latest negotiations
The United States and Iran have agreed to halt attacks on each other before peace talks resume this week to discuss the Strait of Hormuz and other issues linked to ending the war. The move is seen as a sign of easing tensions after several days of retaliatory attacks that affected a fragile ceasefire agreement.
The exchange of attacks on a vital shipping route for oil and natural gas trade began last Thursday when the Islamic Republic of Iran attacked a container ship. Washington responded by striking Iran the following day. The US then launched another attack on Saturday night after Tehran targeted a ship carrying Qatari oil. Both sides accused the other of violating the ceasefire agreement. Continued …
More aid for airlines hit by Mideast war
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.
The ministry instructed the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) to continue assistance for airline operators facing rising costs linked to volatility in global energy markets. Continued …
Plastic shortages causing anxiety among Asian small business owners
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.
Although the US and Iran have reached an agreement to end the conflict, the market needs more time to recover and supply chains to return to normal. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz – a strategic global shipping route – remains fraught with uncertainty, continuing to put pressure on commodity prices. Continued …
Foreign consumers become new engine of Thai retail as ‘Expat Economy’ gathers pace
Foreign consumers are emerging as a powerful new driver of Thailand’s retail sector, with average spending 1.5 times higher than that of Thai consumers, as more foreigners choose the country not only for holidays, but also for long-term living, according to The 1 Insight.
The trend reflects the rise of what The 1 describes as the “Expat Economy”, in which long-stay foreign residents and frequent visitors are increasingly shaping demand across major retail categories, from beauty and fashion to groceries, children’s products, home improvement, and health-related goods. Continued …
Gen Z’s penchant for debt worrying for the Thai economy
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.
The secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council, Danucha Pichayanan, revealed recently that total household debt had expanded to 16.44 trillion baht, rising from 16.31 trillion baht in the third quarter of 2025. Continued …
Kingdom targets slice of $4 trillion ‘pink economy’ boom
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.
Pink economy refers to the purchasing power of the LGBTQ+ community. The global market is worth about US$4 trillion (about 133.51 trillion baht) and could grow up to $7 trillion within five years. Continued …
Thailand Opens Rail Network to Private Operators
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 move follows the publication of the State Railway of Thailand’s 2026 network statement and is intended to make use of unused track capacity while creating new transport options, strengthening logistics, and generating additional revenue for the state. Continued …
ASEAN rises as a new beauty economy hub for global cosmetics
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.
According to Statista, ASEAN’s beauty and personal-care market is expected to grow strongly, with market value projected at US$7.4 billion in 2026 before rising to more than US$9 billion by 2031. Continued …
Growing global niche market seen for Thai cocoa and chocolate products
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.
Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the Commerce Ministry’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), said the global cocoa and chocolate market is projected to grow from more than US$55.8 billion in 2025 to more than US$86.5 billion by 2034. Continued …
Elephant ride ends with mahout death, tourist injured
A 20-year-old male elephant used for tourist rides killed its mahout and injured an Omani tourist after becoming agitated in Phang Nga on Saturday. The fatal attack occurred after the elephant reportedly became distressed during a tour carrying two foreign tourists.
Authorities said the elephant attempted to enter a stream, but its mahout used a hook to prevent it from doing so. According to witnesses, the elephant became aggressive, throwing one of the tourists from its back. The injured tourist, a 33-year-old man from Oman, was taken to Phang Nga Hospital for treatment. Continued …
Thailand tourism yet to recover despite 15 million foreign visitors
Thailand’s tourism recovery has yet to fully rebound despite welcoming more than 15 million foreign visitors this year, with international arrivals still falling short of last year’s levels, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Between Jan. 1 and June 20, Thailand welcomed 15,447,571 foreign tourists, generating more than 745.39 billion baht in visitor spending, although arrivals were down 2.8% from the same period in 2025. Continued …
Thailand pushes 365-day tourism strategy
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.
Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the prime minister’s office, said the strategy is in line with changing global travel trends, as tourists increasingly seek destinations that offer a wide range of experiences, including nature, culture, food, and local lifestyles. Continued …
Foreign travelers drive 96.6% of Thailand’s mid-year hotel bookings
Thailand’s hotel industry is seeing resilient mid-year demand from international travelers, who now account for 96.6% of forward bookings and are reserving rooms earlier than last year, giving operators more room to manage pricing, promotions, and guest experiences.
According to SiteMinder’s mid-year Hotel Booking Trends report, which analyzed hotel stays between June and September across 22 major travel markets in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas, Thailand’s share of forward hotel bookings from international travelers rose from 95.8% in the same period last year. Continued …
Thailand Tourism Slowdown: Why the Extended Green Season Won’t Last
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.
If you were to plot Thailand’s hotel occupancy throughout a typical year, the graph would resemble a series of rolling waves — rising to predictable peaks before settling into seasonal troughs. Today, Thailand finds itself in one of those troughs. Continued …
Pattaya bar streets turn to discounts as June low season bites
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”.
With the low season firmly in place, bars can no longer count on steady walk-ins. Survival now depends on visibility, flexibility, and pricing. Extended happy hours, discounted drinks, and bundled offers have become the main tools for stopping customers who might otherwise walk past. Continued …
Trip.com sees short summer trips surge
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.
Global travel continued to grow strongly in the first half of 2026, with data from Trip.com Group showing that travelers from mainland China, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia recorded some of the longest cumulative travel distances. Continued …
Airports of Thailand Cuts Growth Forecast
Airports of Thailand (AOT) has sharply reduced its passenger growth forecast for the 2026 fiscal year to possibly below 1%, citing global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, while maintaining expansion plans to meet long-term demand.
The revised forecast marks a significant downgrade from AOT’s earlier projections of 6% growth, later cut to around 3%. The latest reduction follows the impact of conflict in the Middle East, which has driven up aviation fuel prices, increasing operating costs for airlines. Continued …
Kai yok krok-Thai Street Food
Energy Regulatory Commission to open registration for rooftop solar power purchases July 1
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has launched a solar rooftop power purchase program for the public sector. Applications to sell electricity from solar rooftops can begin on July 1.
The purchase price is 2.20 baht per unit, with a 10-year contract. The production capacity is limited to 5 kilowatts per meter. A total of 500 megawatts will be accepted, using a “first come, first served” principle until the quota is reached. Continued …
Mitsubishi Electric Thai Foundation Continues Community Forest Restoration
The Mitsubishi Electric Thai Foundation, together with the Mitsubishi Electric Group companies in Thailand, continues its commitment to natural resource and environmental conservation through the “Community Forest Partnership for Climate Action Project”, now entering its 9th consecutive year.
The project aims to restore community forests, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen the long-term carbon sequestration capacity of the ecosystem at Ban Nong Khro community forest, Wang Dan subdistrict, Kabin Buri District, Prachin Buri Province. Continued …
Australian man confesses to killing teen girl and hiding body
An Australian man has confessed to killing a 17-year-old girl in Pattaya before stuffing her body into a suitcase and dumping it near railway tracks. The victim was found dead in a suitcase abandoned in a grass area beside railway tracks in the Khao Makok area, about 4.2 kilometers from a condominium on Jomtien Second Road where the incident allegedly took place. Continued …
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Chinese woman linked to huge 20 billion baht fraud arrested in Chiang Mai – Continued …
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Turk Held With Cocaine at Suvarnabhumi – Continued …
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Hong Kong Beautician Admits Thailand Scam Lure – Continued …
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Taiwanese man caught smuggling protected tortoises from Thailand – Continued …
Death Toll From Venezuela Earthquakes Climbs To 1,450
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. Continued …
Europe heatwave disrupts power, transport and healthcare systems
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. Continued …
Putin acknowledges fuel shortages after Ukraine strikes
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. 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
Thailand’s nominee crackdown has widened to accounting firms in Prachuap Khiri Khan, as authorities investigate businesses suspected of using Thai nationals to hide foreign ownership.
OR has cut retail prices for selected premium fuels by B1.20-4.20 per liter, with the new prices taking effect from 5 am today.
According to Bain & Company’s fourth biennial Front Line of Healthcare report, drawing on surveys of 600 doctors and 6,300 consumers across nine markets, the region’s healthcare systems are caught in a compounding crisis of their own making: demand is surging, supply is crumbling, and the people meant to hold it all together are walking out the door. This is not a cyclical blip. It is a structural reckoning, and the window for decisive action is narrowing.
Bangkok commuters may finally be getting closer to something they have wanted for years: multiple trains, one ticket, and cheaper transportaion. Thailand’s Cabinet yesterday approved a cost-of-living measure to introduce a common fare system across urban rail transit lines, allowing passengers to travel for between 17 and 45 baht under a single-ticket scheme.
Crayfish on the loose in Phayao Lake
If is a big and most consequential word in the English language. The word connotes wishes, conditionality, and often aspirations. If also is one of the shortest words holding a very long explanatory meaning that embodies hope but just as easily signals fatalism.
An average of 76% of adults surveyed in 35 countries, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, have no confidence in US President Donald Trump’s leadership of global affairs, with ratings for the United States negative in many places in Europe and Asia, an established research institute said yesterday.
The Thai economy is facing an uphill battle against a trio of deep-seated structural vulnerabilities, even as major economic research centers nudge short-term growth forecasts upward. In its latest economic outlook, the Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Center (SCB EIC) upgraded Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for this year to 2% from a previous estimate of 1.7%.
The cabinet has approved the expansion of the list of price-controled goods and services to 66. The list now includes 61 essential goods and five services, for which providers must seek prior approval for price changes.
The SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), a research center under Siam Commercial Bank, expects energy costs will continue to propel inflation in the second half of the year, even as the Middle East war shows signs of de-escalation.
Thai Generation Z and millennials are experiencing greater concern about their financial future than their peers in many other countries, with housing affordability a particularly acute pressure point, a survey by Deloitte has found.
Among Bangkok’s prime land locations with strong potential and the most public discussion, few rival the Charoen Nakhon, Charoen Krung, and Khlong San areas across the Phra Nakhon and Thon Buri sides. The Chao Phraya River runs through the middle, drawing the two banks together.
Chinese investors are becoming a more powerful force in Thailand’s industrial-property market, with growing demand for factory land in the Eastern Economic Corridor pushing Chonburi and Rayong further into the spotlight.
Why travelers are saying “Thank you, Thailand” before they fly home
Tourism revival plans take shape
As summer 2026 gets underway, the global tourism industry is regaining strong momentum, and one metropolis drawing attention from travelers from around the world is “Bangkok”.
The sizzle of socialization: How Moo Kata makes Thailand’s table glow
In Thailand, the most talked-about travel ritual of 2026 may not begin at a temple, rooftop bar, or Michelin-listed restaurant. It starts under fluorescent lights, beside a refrigerated aisle, with a plastic-wrapped sandwich waiting to be toasted.
In Bangkok, the dining room of the moment does not always arrive polished in marble and glass. It may sit behind a narrow frontage, up a steep old staircase, beside the roar of a wok, or inside a building that still carries the memory of trade, family, and neighborhood life.
Cutting Thailand’s Giant Jackfruit
Journey Through Wellness, Sustainability, and Authentic Thai Hospitality in Krabi and Koh Lanta
Ubon park put forward for UNESCO listing
Thailand must accelerate its shift away from fossil fuels or risk falling permanently behind its regional peers, the chief economist of SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC) warned this week, as the kingdom’s heavy dependence on imported energy leaves it acutely vulnerable to global volatility.
Waste management is one of the most essential public services a city can and must provide. When it breaks down – even briefly – thousands of tons of rubbish pile up fast. Foul odors spread across neighborhoods.
The top 10% of global consumers cause $5.7 trillion in annual environmental damage, as they drive global challenges evolving into systemic economic and financial risks requiring immediate collective action, according to a Leiden University study.
In the next few weeks, Britain’s ruling Labor Party will select a new leader to replace Keir Starmer. But this prospect has not inspired hope of a political or economic renewal. Among British media and, more importantly, global financial markets, the consensus is that any revisions to the failing Starmer government’s policies will only make things worse. 
As Australia moves to scrap key property investment tax breaks, some investors are taking a wait-and-see approach as the new policy takes shape. The shift, the biggest in decades, is seen by some as ending Australia’s long love affair with property investment. 
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.
Thai police have seized 49 rai of land worth more than B1.05 billion in Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga as part of the latest operation targeting alleged foreign nominee business networks. The coordinated raids on Saturday involved more than 500 officers and resulted from 59 arrest warrants, 60 search warrants, and investigations into 89 land plots linked to suspected illegal 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.
During the past week, global attention focused on the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, bringing months of protracted conflict to a halt.
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.
Foreign investment in Thailand exceeded 153.56 billion baht in the first five months of 2026, surging 73% from the same period last year.
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.
Vietnam is moving aggressively to expand its global trade reach through a new generation of free trade agreements (FTAs) targeting the Middle East and South Asia, a strategy that could increase competitive pressure on Thai exporters in markets where both countries sell similar goods.
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.
A toxic mix of record household debt, strict lending criteria, and a severe demographic slowdown leaves Bangkok’s property market heavily oversupplied. The accumulated inventory of unsold residential properties in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces is projected to surge to an unprecedented 213,000 units by the end of 2026, triggering warnings that Thailand is on the brink of a chronic, Japan-style vacant housing crisis.
Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) has announced plans for WellEra, a wellness-integrated development in the city’s Lumphini district that will redefine the relationship between healthcare, residential living, hospitality, and lifestyle.
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.
The recent proposal to merge the Ministry of Culture with the Ministry of Tourism should be treated with great caution. This idea may appear to be just a bureaucratic restructuring. But the two ministries have distinct missions, functions and skill sets that should not be combined.
Master the Art of Ordering Som Tum Like a Thai Local
Phangnga: Southern springboard to growth
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. 
Thailand needs to accelerate its transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) and expand the use of renewable energy to strengthen long-term energy security, according to Areeporn Asawinpongphan, a researcher at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
Analyst urges shift away from fossil fuels
Dr. Areeporn Asawinpongphan of the Thailand Development Research Institute warns that Thailand should not be overly optimistic about the peace deal between the U.S. and Iran, as any renewed conflict could pose risks to the Thai economy. 
Thailand has welcomed the ceasefire framework between the United States and Iran but warned that global energy markets could remain under pressure despite an easing of tensions in the Middle East.
Oil tankers have begun crossing the Strait of Hormuz again following a newly signed US–Iran agreement aimed at easing a war that has disrupted global energy flows.
Thailand’s average household income declined in 2025, while lower-income households increasingly relied on financial assistance, according to several research institutions.
Parliament has approved five major international trade agreements, paving the way for Thailand to expand market access in Europe and South Asia.
Quick meals, noodles, and coffee or tea are among the top orders via food delivery platforms under the “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” state co-payment scheme. As of June 17, spending via food delivery platforms tallied 272 million baht.
Meta has positioned Instagram as a driver of Thai digital economic growth, highlighting the platform’s growing influence in commerce, creator monetization, and cultural engagement as businesses increasingly seek new avenues for expansion.
Vietnam is no longer being viewed only as Asia’s “manufacturing base”. It is becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most closely watched tourism destinations, especially after foreign visitor numbers rebounded rapidly following COVID-19 and began moving closer to leading tourism markets such as Thailand.
Thailand welcomes 33 to 35 million international tourists annually. In 2024, Thailand changed its visa policy, allowing visitors from 93 countries to stay for 60 days without needing to apply for a visa in advance.
As global oil volatility continues to push transportation costs higher, more Thai consumers are turning to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as a practical hedge against unpredictable long-term running costs. The shift is already visible across the market.
Ukraine yesterday launched its largest drone attack on Moscow in years, sparking fires, hitting a major oil refinery, and forcing evacuations at the country’s largest airport. At least 17 people were wounded in the strikes, which also set a shopping center and apartment building ablaze, authorities said. 
The Digital News Report 2026, which surveyed news consumers in 48 countries, found that 54% of respondents used social media and video platforms for news, compared with 51% who accessed news through the websites and apps of news organisations. This marks the first time that external platforms have become more popular than digital channels directly owned by news outlets. 
Design plans reviewed for Phon Kingphet Public Park
Prachuap Khiri Khan has launched Wellness Tourism 2026 as part of a plan to promote the province as an international health and wellness destination.
Registration is opening for the Wellscape Prachuap Khiri Khan Night Run 2026, an evening health run taking runners through the “City of Three Bays”. The event, organized by Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and the Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports, will take place on Friday, July 3.
Authorities have postponed a plan to impose higher electricity rates on large households with heavy consumption, citing the need to revise how power bills are calculated, says Energy Minister Akanat Promphan.
Five Thai reservoirs above maximum storage levels
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dramatically shaken up Phuket’s administration, removing the governor and transferring two deputy governors amid escalating allegations of internal conflict, influential networks, disputed beachfront land, intimidation, and claims of political protection.
Commerzbank’s analysis highlights that global energy market volatility, particularly in early 2026, is exerting substantial downward pressure on the Thai baht. Thailand’s significant reliance on energy imports, primarily crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), means that rising global energy costs directly worsen its trade balance.
Thailand’s property market is sending an interesting signal, as the number and value of “second-hand” homes listed for sale nationwide have risen significantly.
Malaysia and Thailand are edging closer to resolving a tit-for-tat seafood safety dispute, offering a lifeline to exporters after weeks of halted shipments and retaliatory restrictions on Thai shrimp and Malaysian sea bass.
Arnupharp Kongmalai, vice president of marketing at MR. D.I.Y. Holding (Thailand) evealed that the company’s operational outlook for the second half of 2026 continues to be supported by ongoing branch expansion, a value-focused business model, and government economic stimulus measures, which may partially support consumer spending.
TAT Looks to Rail Travel for the Next Chapter of Thailand’s High-Value Tourism
Traveloka reveals Thai destinations gaining global interest
Thai hospitality is world renowned for a reason — a heartfelt service culture anchored in deep cultural roots perfectly complements the kingdom’s spectacular locales. Over the last few decades, luxury here has followed a skyward trajectory that all but erases the country’s “pancake trail” origins, placing destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai firmly on the luxury traveler’s must-visit map.
Police in Vietnam have rescued more than 500 cats after dismantling a suspected cat meat trafficking network in one of the country’s largest animal welfare operations in recent years. The raid, carried out in and around Ho Chi Minh City last week, followed an investigation into a series of pet thefts. Authorities detained nine suspects and uncovered hundreds of live cats allegedly destined for the meat trade. 
If you’re an expat living in Thailand and you’ve had the same health insurance policy for years, it’s easy to assume you’re set. You pay your renewal, you stay covered, and that’s that.
When did the first smartphone appear? The first mobile phone prototype came from Motorola in 1973. The first one approved, affectionately called The Brick, came out in 1983. In 1992 an IBM engineer created the Sweetspot but it didn’t hit the market until 1994, as the IBM Simon Personal Communicator.
Thailand faces a 96%–98% probability of entering an El Niño phase between June and July, with conditions potentially persisting into early 2027, warned Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin.
The world’s oil and gas majors have high hopes for a quick reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but they have few illusions about a return to normal for the Gulf energy industry after more than three months of blockage.
Thailand has welcomed an agreement reached between the United States and Iran to end their conflict, expressing hope that the deal will bring lasting peace and stability to the Middle East and safeguard global economic interests.
Thailand is preparing to reform its electricity tariff structure in an effort to make power prices fairer and reduce electricity costs for households and local industries. Energy Minister Akanat Promphan announced that the government is reviewing the current pricing system to ensure that electricity charges better reflect actual costs.
DTAM pushes 5-point plan to boost kratom industry
The Transport Ministry expects Bangkok’s two main airports to handle around 120 million passengers annually by 2029 as it accelerates efforts to make the country a regional aviation hub.
Vana Nava Hua Hin is the ultimate all-ages fun escape
National park officials collected six large bags of plastic waste from Loh Samah Bay on Phi Phi Leh Island after large numbers of plastic water bottles were found floating across the sea near the boat access point to Maya Bay, one of Krabi’s best-known marine attractions.
As Thailand approaches the halfway mark of its national climate commitments, businesses are increasingly viewing sustainability not merely as protection against environmental and regulatory risks, but as a pathway to growth amid climate disruption, resource insecurity, and energy volatility.
The Phetchaburi Half Marathon on Sunday at Chao Samran Beach will feature a 21km half marathon (790 baht), 10km mini marathon (690 baht), and 5km race (590 baht). A VIP category priced at 1,500 baht will allow participants to compete across distances. Registration has now closed. 
The Danish Embassy in Thailand has announced that Danish Ambassador to Thailand Danny Annan will host an informal gathering for Danes in Hua Hin on Thursday. The event will take place from 2 pm to 4 pm at Ferior Interior in Hua Hin and is open to all Danes in the area. No registration is required.
Dear Doctors: I’m a 55-year-old man, and I have been active all my life. I know target heart rates are based on age and was surprised that my heart rate while running is often between 150 and 195. Should I slow down a bit?
Domestic oil prices in Thailand are expected to remain elevated until the final quarter of this year, even though global crude benchmarks have eased and the US is set to sign a peace deal with Iran this Friday to end nearly four months of conflict in the Middle East.
Thai FDA warns over 20 illegal meatball and Vietnamese pork loaf brands
Reflecting on data from Thai households, it is evident that a significant portion of individuals over 50 years old have low incomes, accounting for about 42% of Thai households. This indicates a lack of readiness for retirement in Thai society.
Thai financial institutions may face higher-than-average risks from AI-driven fraud as artificial intelligence reshapes financial crime and makes scams faster, more automated, and harder to detect, according to a new survey by BioCatch.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has unveiled a plan to position Thailand as ASEAN’s hub for advanced chip manufacturing, with the goal of producing “Made in Thailand” semiconductors by 2050.
Krabi International Airport is attracting growing interest from international airlines, with new routes from Finland and Scandinavia expected to strengthen tourism and support local development, the Ministry of Transport says.
Tourism killed Thailand’s most famous bay. Here’s how it was brought back to life
This video catalogs signature Thai street foods and explains their ingredients and regional contexts, offering a concise culinary overview. Dishes include Pad Thai with rice noodles, egg, tamarind, fish sauce, and toppings, and Pad Kra Pao served over rice with a fried egg.
About 153,000 new electric vehicles (EVs) are predicted to appear on the roads of Thailand this year, prompted mainly by the ongoing energy crisis triggered by the prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
The World Bank Group is supporting Thailand’s use of natural capital accounting (NCA) as a tool to help policymakers balance economic growth with environmental protection. NCA measures the stocks and flows of natural assets and translates them into data that can be used alongside existing national accounting systems.
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.
Thaniwan Kulmongkol, president of the Thai Restaurant Assn., said the association submitted a letter directly to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, asking him to consider expanding eligibility or introducing additional measures for small restaurant operators with annual revenue above 1.8 million baht, who are currently unable to join the Thais Help Thais Plus scheme.
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.
Luxury Golf Escapes: The Finest Courses in Hua Hin
Every year, Time Out publishes the results of its international survey ranking the world’s best cities. To get there, we surveyed thousands of city dwellers and asked them to rate their city’s food scene across 18 different criteria, including quality, affordability and diversity.
The plan to allocate 200 billion baht toward energy transition, focusing on rooftop solar systems and battery-powered vehicles, has raised concerns among economists and lawmakers over transparency and feasibility.
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.
Dozens of dead cubs found at Thai tiger temple
Where street food shapes the region’s top culinary cities
Energy authorities are preparing to expand Thailand’s electricity generation capacity amid mounting concerns that rising demand from resource-intensive businesses, particularly data centers, could strain the national grid.
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. 
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.” 
Smoking is linked to at least 15 types of cancer, while e-cigarettes are no safe alternative, a Chiang Mai cancer specialist warned on World No Tobacco Day yesterday. Dr. Thanika Ketpueak of Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Medicine said many people still mistakenly associate smoking primarily with lung cancer.
Thailand is considering a Nicotine-free generation law that would prevent children and young people born after a specified year, or within a specified age group when the law takes effect, from ever legally buying cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or nicotine products, as the government seeks to cut off new smokers at the source.
Thailand’s restaurant industry is facing a difficult year, as rising costs, weaker consumer purchasing power, and fierce price competition put pressure on both major chains and smaller operators. Several large restaurant groups reported weaker first-quarter earnings, with net profits falling sharply despite their strong brand positions.
Taste alone no longer sells food in Asia. That is the central takeaway from the Top F&B Trends in Asia 2026 report by Netherlands-based research firm Innova Market Insights, unveiled at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026, the continent’s premier food and beverage trade forum.
Australia, Belgium, and Norway are using THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2026, one of Asia’s largest food trade shows, as a key platform to promote their premium and quality food and beverage exports in Bangkok, strategically positioning Thailand as one of Southeast Asia’s competitive markets.
Phuket Airport denied rumors of money being extorted from passengers to quickly get them through Immigration when the arrival terminal is packed with tourists waiting to enter the popular resort island.
Every country has its landmarks. Thailand, according to some travelers on social media, has one that is a little less glamorous than most: the “Depresscalator.” The nickname refers to the long moving staircase that carries departing passengers from the international check-in area toward security screening at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Is Bangkok a good place to live?
50-Year-Old Bangkok Stall Perfectly Preps the Most Iconic Thai Comfort Food
Chiang Mai has earned a place among the world’s top eight destinations for digital nomads and creators, after Forbes magazine included the northern Thai city in its 2026 ranking. The city joins Medellín, Cape Town, Lisbon, Bali, Mexico City, Tokyo, and Berlin on the list.
Thailand is accelerating its transition toward cleaner transport, with commercial electric vehicles (EVs) emerging as a centerpiece of the country’s sustainability drive.