- Hua Hin–U-Tapao flights open faster link/Israeli reported murdered on Koh Phangan/All 76 provinces on rain alert/More rain coming Oct 11-14/Flooding raises vegetable and egg prices/Flood impact on Thai economy/Floods hit Thai farms, exports/1.64 million SMEs at risk/Toyota suspending work at three plants/Online system links flood victims to free repairs
- THE IRAN WAR: G7 agrees to 100-million-barrel oil and diesel release
- ECONOMY: Chiang Rai Airport cargo hub/Housing supply in northeastern Thailand
- TOURISM: Can Thailand Contain Rising Costs While Reviving Tourism/Thailand’s soft power play/Thai Airways CEO removed/Thai Airways offers 3 flood relief options/Phuket hotelier returns 100,000 baht
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Coffee Is Helping Thailand Reduce Human-Elephant Conflict
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Plankton bloom turns Thai island waters smelly green
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
New Hua Hin–U-Tapao flights open a faster link between Thailand’s resort cities
A new air service linking Hua Hin with U-Tapao has opened, creating another travel option between two important resort destinations and improving air connections between Thailand’s central and eastern regions.
The service is operated by EZY Airlines using a Cessna Caravan C208B aircraft with 10-12 passenger seats. It forms part of a network that includes flights between Hua Hin and U-Tapao, as well as U-Tapao and Surat Thani. Additional routes are reportedly being developed. Continued …
Israeli reported murdered on Koh Phangan
Israeli media have reported that an Israeli citizen was murdered on Koh Phangan on Wednesday evening. The victim has not been identified, and there had been no confirmation of the report from Thai authorities and little covered by local Thai media sources.
The report, published by for Ynetnews said the circumstances surrounding the killing remained unclear. It did not provide further details about where on the island the death occurred or whether anyone had been detained. Continued …
Anutin puts all 76 provinces on rain alert
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has told governors in all 76 provinces to prepare for widespread thundershowers forecast for tomorrow and Monday. Anutin said the flood situation appeared to be improving but weather conditions remained uncertain, citing an assessment by the Thai Meteorological Department.
He ordered agencies to have staff, equipment, food, essential supplies, emergency shelters and operational plans ready in case flooding develops. Provinces already seeing water levels ease must nevertheless remain prepared for new flooding. Continued …
More rain coming Oct 11-14
The government has issued a heavy rain warning for residents in the central plains and areas situated along the Chao Phraya River, with significant rainfall expected between Oct. 11-14.
This upcoming weather event is expected to bring persistent rain across the northern and western regions, potentially affecting areas such as Nakhon Sawan. Authorities are currently maintaining water-management operations and flood relief efforts in response to previous rainfall, as officials monitor the Chao Phraya River to manage potential increases in water levels. – Bangkok Post AI
Flooding raises vegetable and egg prices
Reporters surveying a large fresh market in central Phitsanulok yesterday found that prices had risen for all types of vegetables, averaging 10–15 baht more per kilogram. Pork and chicken egg prices remained stable.
The latest prices include: Chinese kale: THB50–60 baht per kilogram, Chinese cabbage: 30 baht per kilogram. Jinda chillies: 90–110 baht per kilogram, tomatoes: 45 baht per kilogram, pork: 120–150 baht per kilogram, chicken eggs, size 0: 155 baht per tray, and chicken eggs, size 4: 125 baht per tray. Continued …
Flood impact on Thai economy greater than initially expected
Economists warn that the economic impact of the recent Bangkok floods could be significantly greater than originally anticipated due to rising financial burdens on households and forecasts of further rainfall. There are concerns that what initially appears to be a short-term disruption could evolve into a medium-term economic problem if significant support for affected businesses and households is not provided.
The flooding is projected to cause a reduction in Thailand’s GDP growth by approximately 2.0%, a figure that is notably higher than the 0.3% impact seen during the 2011 floods. Beyond direct GDP hits, the banking sector faces pressure as lenders implement debt-relief measures for retail customers and small to medium-sized enterprises, which may weigh on net interest margins and credit costs. Additionally, logistics and supply chain disruptions are expected to impact export and import shipments, while the tourism sector is seeking government relief to mitigate business losses. – Bangkok Post AI
Floods hit Thai farms, exports and growth as losses top 69 billion baht
Thailand’s economy is facing additional pressure in the final months of 2026 as widespread flooding disrupts agriculture, food supplies, manufacturing, transport, exports and consumption, forcing businesses in sectors ranging from retail and tourism to property to adjust their plans.
The disruption comes as tourism and the housing market are still recovering cautiously, raising concerns that flood-related damage could extend into the fourth quarter and weigh on full-year economic growth. Continued …
1.64 million SMEs at risk from floods as liquidity concerns mount
The flood crisis is not over just because floodwaters have receded, as around 1.64 million small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face major challenges regarding capital and employment, raising the risk of liquidity crunches – or even business closures.
Saengchai Teerakulvanich, chairman of the strategy committee of Federation of Thai SMEs, revealed that the floods, affecting 29 provinces and Bangkok as declared by the government, has impacted SME operators across many areas. Continued …
Toyota suspending work at three Thai plants from Oct 5-10
Toyota Motor Thailand Co. said yesterday it would suspend production at three plants from Oct. 5-10 due to flooding that has disrupted parts deliveries in Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao and Chon Buri provinces.
The announcement updates a notice issued on Wednesday about production suspensions because of flood impacts on suppliers, as well as employees who were unable to travel to work. Continued …
Online system links flood victims to free repairs
The Traffy Fondue Repair, Rebuild, Fight Floods system is a government-launched initiative designed to connect flood-affected residents with agencies that offer free repairs for homes, vehicles, appliances, and electrical systems as floodwaters recede. The system serves as a central channel for residents to request assistance and track their progress.
Developed by the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center, the system is overseen by the Ministry of Labor and is intended to facilitate requests for various services, including cleaning and food, depending on local capacity. To support the recovery process, requests can be submitted by residents via a dedicated LINE account by adding @TraffyFondue, providing details such as photos and location information. – Bangkok Post AI
G7 agrees to 100-million-barrel oil and diesel release over 4 months
The Group of Seven (G7) agreed yesterday to release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude oil from emergency reserves following pressure from US President Donald Trump to ease soaring fuel prices. G7 members also pledged to refrain from restricting energy exports to one another. Trump ruled out a US diesel export ban after his administration had warned that such a measure could follow unless Europe released emergency stocks.
The G7 said releases would begin immediately and continue over four months, with members and partners supplying a substantial amount of diesel within the first 20 days. The joint statement did not identify participating countries or specify the quantities of crude oil, diesel and other products involved. Continued …
Chiang Rai Airport targets China and Middle East cargo hub
Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport has set out plans to become an aviation and logistics hub for Thailand’s upper north, including cargo links to China and the Middle East.
The airport marked its 28th year of operations yesterday6, when director Kritsada Phukasap said the next phase would build on its role as a tourism gateway while strengthening links for travel, trade and logistics. Continued …
New housing supply grows faster than sales in northeastern Thailand
A Real Estate Information Center (REIC) survey of five major northeastern provinces in the first half of 2026 points to a shared finding that “purchasing power remains”.
Managing supply is the main challenge, as Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani and Maha Sarakham have distinct sales trends, inventories and demand patterns. Continued …
Thailand’s Double Challenge: Can It Contain Rising Costs While Reviving Tourism
Thailand’s tourism recovery is entering a more complicated phase. The country is trying to revive travel demand while higher fuel and food costs continue to put pressure on households and businesses.
At the same time, international arrivals are falling unevenly across key markets. The result is a harder question than simply whether tourists are returning: can Thailand remain competitive while managing higher costs and changing travel demand? Continued …
Thailand’s soft power play: Culture as global currency
Asia’s growing soft-power, led most visibly by Japan and South Korea through cultural exports such as anime and K-pop, has helped drive global interest in the region and intensified competition for tourists within it.
In Southeast Asia, Thailand has long been the destination of choice for many travelers, but by investing in infrastructure, introducing flexible visa policies, and expanding aviation access, neighboring countries have gained ground. Malaysia in June overtook Thailand as the regions’ most visited nation. To regain momentum, the Thai government and its citizens are reintroducing the country to the world and diving into their soft power strengths. Continued …
Thai Airways CEO removed after baggage disruption
Thai Airways International’s board has suspended and removed chief executive Chai Eamsiri from his post, effective yesterday, following disruption to baggage, flights and ground services at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The board appointed Samrit Samniang, a company director and executive director, as acting chief executive.
The airline’s operational problems followed flooding in Bangkok and surrounding areas in late September. Some staff were unable to travel to work normally, affecting baggage handling, flight operations and ground services at Suvarnabhumi. Continued …
Thai Airways offers 3 flood relief options for Bangkok flights
Thai Airways International has announced three ticket-assistance measures for passengers affected by flooding who were scheduled to fly to or from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport between Sept. 26 and Oct. 11.
The measures cover tickets issued on or before Sept. 29 and provide options to change travel dates, change routes or request refunds, subject to the conditions for each option. Continued …
Phuket hotelier returns euros worth 100,000 baht to French man
A French tourist has recovered a bundle of euro banknotes worth about 100,000 baht after leaving them in a wardrobe at accommodation near Phuket airport. The guest had already travelled on to Koh Samui, Surat Thani province, when a housekeeper at OASIS Phuket Airport found the envelope after he checked out.
Guy Petcharat, the accommodation owner, said he personally contacted the Frenchman to tell him that the cash had been found. The tourist had not realized the money was missing. He then flew back to Phuket to collect the envelope, Petcharat said. Continued …
How Coffee Is Helping Thailand Reduce Human-Elephant Conflict
A unique coffee-growing initiative in Thailand is demonstrating how agriculture can serve as a conservation tool, with farmers replacing elephant-attracting crops such as sugar cane and bananas with robusta coffee in an effort to reduce crop losses while improving incomes.
The project, which has attracted growing attention from conservation groups and agricultural researchers, offers an example of how coffee production can create value beyond the traditional supply chain and may provide lessons for other coffee-producing regions facing wildlife conflicts. Continued …
Plankton bloom turns Thai island waters a bright, smelly green
The sea off Thailand’s popular tourist island of Ko Lan turned a bright, pungent green this week as heavy rains and floods helped spark a plankton bloom that kept some swimmers on shore.
Dense patches of green could be seen stretching along parts of the coast, with jet skis floating in discolored waters around the island in the northern part of the Gulf of Thailand, while other stretches of the shoreline were unaffected. Continued …
-
Chinese Fugitive Held in Bangkok Drug Smuggling Probe – Continued …
-
Nigerian held in Bangkok with 10 kilograms of heroin – Continued …
-
Three Foreigners Fined After Phuket Road Fire Party – 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
The Netherlands protects low-lying communities in two complementary ways: holding back dangerous sea surges and giving swollen rivers more room. For Bangkok’s flood debate, the Dutch example extends beyond the height of a barrier to how water, land and infrastructure are managed together.
160-billion-baht mega-project canal could solve flooding problems
The intense rainfall over Bangkok and surrounding provinces — widely described in Thai media as a “rain bomb” — has begun to ease, but deep flooding remains in several communities and has renewed scrutiny of the government’s disaster-warning and water-management systems.
Recent seasonal inundations across Greater Bangkok have delivered a sharp short-term shock to consumer confidence, further squeezing already fragile homebuyer purchasing power across the capital’s residential housing market. While a three-to-four-day deluge may not constitute a structural market collapse on par with the 2011 mega-floods, it serves as a wake-up call for property developers.
The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) expects Bangkok hotel occupancy in September–October to fall by less than 10% from a year earlier, as flooding raises concerns about Chinese travel ahead of the Golden Week holiday.
Severe urban flooding across central Bangkok has plunged the capital’s restaurant industry into a critical liquidity crisis, with operators reporting revenue losses of up to 80% as commuting chaos deters diners and crippling supply-chain bottlenecks push up produce prices.
Suvarnabhumi Airport public areas are swamped by a baggage flood
Thailand moves carefully with AI regulation, as US tech warns over hindering investment
Severe flooding in Bangkok and surrounding provinces is projected to reduce Thailand’s 2026 economic growth by 0.3 percentage points, lowering estimates to 2.1%. Immediate losses are estimated at 11 billion baht nationwide, with some assessments ranging up to 33.8 billion baht, and Bangkok bearing the largest share of damage.
Thai farmer groups and civil society organizations have expressed several key concerns regarding the potential adoption of the UPOV 1991 convention. Their primary worries center on the legal restrictions the treaty could impose on traditional farming practices, specifically the ability of farmers to save, exchange, and use seeds.
Cargill plans to invest USD 60 million in Thailand to expand its poultry business and upgrade production facilities in Saraburi. The investment will increase production capacity while introducing automation and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to improve efficiency, food safety, and innovation.
Thailand’s tourism marketing strategies for 2027 involve several distinct age-based targets depending on the specific market segment being addressed. For the Japanese market, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is focusing on working-age families with children aged 4-12 and the Generation Z demographic, specifically targeting those aged 20-35. Additionally, there is a strategic emphasis on the silver economy to serve the needs of an aging population, particularly those aged 60 and older.
Maya Bay reopens tomorrow after its annual closure
A 51-year-old tenant found a 1.5-meter cobra inside his toilet at a rented room in Pathum Thani on Monday, with floodwater standing around the property.
Thailand’s draft power development plan (PDP) for the next 25 years has sparked a fierce backlash from environmental advocates and civic groups, who warn that the proposed blueprint locks the country into fossil fuels for decades to come.
Housework in the morning followed by several hours of firefighting: women in Indonesian Borneo risk life and limb to battle blazes making their communities sick, all while shouldering a sexist backlash. 
After more than a decade, the US-led coalition is ending its mission in Iraq, having helped save the country from jihadists while causing persistent friction. Coalition troops deployed to Iraq and Syria in 2014 to fight the Islamic State (IS) group, which had seized large swathes of both countries and committed massacres and atrocities. 
Authorities in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been ordered to closely monitor heavy rain and water conditions and prepare to assist residents if flooding or other disasters occur.
Residents and visitors gathered at Hua Hin’s Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine on Saturday for the traditional Ship to Sea ceremony.
Recognizing the warning signs of blood clots, strokes and poor circulation was the focus of a Hua Hin seminar held by Be Well Medical Center and Bangpakok 9 International Hospital on Saturday.
Bangkok bears brunt of estimated 25.3-billion-baht Thai flood losses
Thailand will begin tougher enforcement of rules covering ride-hailing apps, drivers and vehicles on Thursday, the Ministry of Transport has announced.
Thai global icon LISA, Lalisa Manoban, made history at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards yesterday, becoming the first K-pop solo artist to win the coveted Best Pop award.
Nene Royal returns home to a grand Phuket welcome
Some 6,000 kilometers separate the anchorage off Hormuz from a petrol station forecourt in Nonthaburi. In 2026, that distance has counted for very little.
Thailand is attracting billions of baht in investment into data centers, electronics and advanced industries, while household finances remain under pressure. A government survey found that 32.8% of respondents had reduced the number of meals they eat or were eating less. Almost two-thirds were buying cheaper food or waiting for discounts.
Thailand and the United States have reached an agreement in principle on tariff negotiations, with the remaining work focused on reviewing technical details and the wording of the agreement, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun confirmed today.
Thailand’s high season test begins as tourism numbers rise
Five hotels in Phuket have been ordered to suspend operations after failing to secure licenses and complete required improvements, provincial authorities said.
The Thai government has defended its domestic solar industry by emphasizing the need to maintain national safety and quality standards for electrical installations and components. This defense follows reports that China supplied 99.3% of solar panel imports to Thailand during the first seven months of 2026.
JustPow is calling for stronger environmental oversight of waste-to-energy plants because they believe the current regulatory framework is too weak to ensure the safety of local communities and the surrounding environment. The advocacy group argues that current regulations lack sufficient environmental impact assessments, particularly for smaller facilities that generate less than 10 megawatts of capacity.
Hua Hin ready to clear beach after decades-long dispute
Thai teenage rock musician Nene Royal is extending her breakthrough on America’s Got Talent into US television appearances and major concert opportunities, days after becoming the first Thai contestant to win the competition.
Iran offered a plan to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Tehran said yesterday, but within hours reports indicated that US President Donald Trump rejected the proposal.
With the Iran war causing energy prices to spike across most of Southeast Asia, governments in this region are accelerating the roll-out of renewable energy policies, according to report by Zero Carbon Analytics, a research group focused on energy transition.
Thailand’s customs-cleared exports rose 24.3% in August from a year earlier, driven by strong shipments to the United States and continuing demand for electronics, the Commerce Ministry said yesterday.
Speaking at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a statement under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All,” marking 80 years of Thai membership in the organization.
For most of the past two decades, the Thailand-China relationship was defined by trade volume and Chinese manufacturing relocation. Increasingly, it is defined by something else: the transfer of Chinese technology, standards, and industrial know-how directly into the operating base of the Thai economy.
Thailand is preparing to open its 26th petroleum exploration and production bidding round in the Andaman Sea as part of efforts to increase domestic gas supplies, reduce dependence on costly liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and strengthen long-term energy security.
Thailand is developing a risk-based legal framework for artificial intelligence that focuses on enhancing digital accountability, consumer protection, and ethics. These regulations aim to establish safeguards for AI adoption and development while addressing potential risks such as bias, security, and privacy.
Phuket has been voted the leading wellness destination by Canadian travelers in Air Canada Vacations’ 2026 Travelers’ Top Picks Awards. The result was announced at the company’s Toronto Product Launch at Universal Event Space in Toronto, Canada.
Those darn elephants! Being the smallest means you’re never walking alone
How the ‘Three-Water City’ is rewriting the rules of travel
Australian expat Jay Houston says he has cut his rent to a quarter of what he paid in Australia after moving to Thailand, and is now running an online business to help other Australians make the move.
Phuket expects this year’s Vegetarian Festival to generate at least 1.4 billion baht in economic activity. Visitors from Thailand, China, Malaysia, and Singapore are expected to be the primary groups attending the festival.
Thailand recorded the highest electrified vehicle (xEV) sales among ASEAN-6 markets in the first half of 2026, with volumes rising 47% year on year to 206,000 units, according to PwC. Sales outpaced Vietnam at 127,000 units and Indonesia at 114,000 units, reinforcing Thailand’s position as a leading regional hub for electric mobility.
US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday for a lavish summit that was heavy on symbolism but light on substance, with no sign of breakthroughs on thorny issues such as AI, trade, Taiwan and the war with Iran. 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a combative speech at the 81st United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, defending Israel’s actions in the region as dozens of delegates walked out of the chamber in protest. 
Happiness may be subjective, but living on lush tropical islands and eating delicious food is probably a good formula for the emotion when living abroad. And foreigners in Thailand appear to be the happiest of all.
Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony returns to Hua Hin Saturday
Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwanchawee says he will personally investigate reports of Israeli-linked companies buying land worth nearly 100 million baht in Thailand’s three southern border provinces.
Grab is expanding its airport services to prepare for the fourth-quarter travel peak, a period when its airport ride bookings typically increase by 35% to 40% compared to non-peak times. To manage this anticipated surge, the company has expanded its pick-up area at Suvarnabhumi airport from three lanes to 12 lanes and introduced new booking tools, including a feature called NIP.
Nearly 1,000 doctors a year are leaving Thailand’s public healthcare system, according to the head of a young doctors’ network, who says heavy workloads, burnout and structural problems are pushing many out despite continued demand.
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a draft Cannabis Control Act that would place tighter controls on cultivation, sales and medical prescribing. The proposal must now go before the House of Representatives.
Thailand is confronting a renewed energy-security challenge as the crisis around the Strait of Hormuz pushes global LNG prices to about US$28 per million British thermal units, close to levels seen during the Russia-Ukraine energy shock. Thailand is responding by accelerating domestic gas exploration, reviewing LNG procurement strategy and seeking to diversify away from spot-market exposure.
Assoc Prof. Aat Pisanwanich of Rangsit University’s Faculty of Economics said yesterday the university had prepared an economic and international trade policy analysis of the Thai Household Cost of Living Index (CLI) for the third quarter of 2026 and the fourth-quarter outlook, titled “The impact of oil prices on Thai living costs”.
Thailand’s Cabinet approved a 43-billion-baht relief package yesterday, extending Thais Help Thais Plus through November and raising welfare-card support for October. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the measures would ease energy-related living costs and help keep Thailand’s 2026 growth on track for 2.5%.
The cabinet has endorsed a strategic plan for the Oil Fuel Fund and a fuel crisis response plan covering 2026-29 with wider use of biofuels made from domestic raw materials to help deal with volatility in global energy markets.
Thailand’s Greater Bangkok housing market is showing an increasingly sharp divide, with condominium sales rebounding while low-rise housing remains weighed down by weak purchasing power, tight lending conditions and a prolonged inventory overhang.
Healthcare in Thailand is expanding its medical tourism services, which include hospital healthcare, preventive health services, wellness programs, and tourism services, for international tourists in both Bangkok and Phuket.
It’s the holiday hotspot that draws in billions of dollars with the promise of sun, sand and sex. Police promise Pattaya is one of the safest cities in Thailand. But the shocking killing of a teenage girl earlier this year exposed the dark underbelly of the city’s sex industry.
Trips to Thailand booked by Russian tourists through the end of the year could face disruptions amid a rise in reported COVID-19 cases. Some Russian travelers who have already paid for holidays at Thai resorts between October and December have reportedly been warned about possible problems with their trips as infections increase.
The Hua Hin Film Club will screen The Imitation Game at Sundance Beach Club on Sunday, Oct. 18, with actor David Charkham joining the evening as a special guest. The event begins at 6.30 pm and will include a conversation with Charkham, who appeared in the film. 
Nene Royal set for America’s Got Talent final
China’s robot dancers limber up for America’s Got Talent final
Seniors urged to use traditional Chinese medicine to slow cognitive decline
Young leopard makes rare daytime appearance in Kaeng Krachan forest
The new postal law in Thailand aims to address regulatory gaps and market distortions within the country’s growing delivery and logistics sector. A primary objective is to ensure equal access to basic postal services for all citizens, preventing these essential services from falling under the control of purely commercial delivery and logistics providers.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis has driven LNG prices to US$28 per million British thermal units, putting pressure on Thailand’s public and private sectors to undertake a major review of their energy strategies. The response ranges from adding “flexibility” to the energy-security framework to accelerating domestic gas exploration, advancing small modular reactor technology and restructuring major energy companies.
Prices at the pump for diesel and other fuels are hitting fresh highs in many countries as the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine have not only choked off crude supplies, but also damaged refineries, with the resulting capacity constraints increasingly being felt, according to analysis out of France.
Thailand’s government says it is assessing rising energy costs and their wider effect on household spending, transport and consumer prices before deciding on further cost-of-living measures.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has embarked on a high-stakes investment mission to New York, positioning Thailand as an emerging hub for next-generation technology and global capital as he attends the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81).
Thailand and the United States have reached a substantive agreement on the primary elements of their Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. While the core framework is established, negotiations continue regarding technical details and specific tariff treatments for Thai exports.
Larger data center projects are shifting away from Bangkok primarily due to infrastructure constraints and increasingly strict regulatory requirements. Companies are seeking locations outside the capital that can offer more reliable access to land and water, as well as sufficient electricity capacity to support massive operations.
A Look at Phuket Old Town’s Revival and Rising Challenges
What a way to start a day! Watching the sun rise over the Gulf of Thailand, cool ocean breezes, with a gentle sea lapping at the white sand beach. And behind you is breakfast, served by the attentive staff of the 
Warning issued after driver nearly hits Khao Yai elephants
Thailand named Asia’s top beach destination for 2026
Thailand’s solar panel imports jumped 88.7% year-on-year to US$426.7 million, around 14.93 billion baht, during the first seven months of 2026, with China accounting for almost the entire market. According to figures from the Ministry of Commerce and Customs Department, the January to July increase marked a sharp recovery after import values contracted during both 2024 and 2025.
Ask an economist to put a price on Bangkok’s haze, and the number is startling: US$45.3 billion a year, or 3.9% of Thailand’s GDP, according to a World Bank assessment that ranks the country 20th worst out of 180 for the health costs of PM2.5 pollution — the second-heaviest burden in Southeast Asia after Indonesia.
Major television networks suspended their White House pool coverage and will no longer send camera crews to cover President Donald Trump’s pool events, standing in solidarity with CNN after Trump denied White House access to reporters for three outlets. The move from the five networks that make up the television pool ‒ ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox News, in addition to CNN ‒ means a broadcast television feed that is distributed widely for media won’t be carried for most of Trump’s events. 
Hua Hin beacfront building owners request demolition delay
Sivana Hills held an open house on Saturday showcasing its new pool villa development on Soi 126 in Hua Hin’s Khao Tao area.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warned of heavy rain across Thailand today, naming 55 provinces in its regional forecasts and also warning Bangkok and surrounding areas.
A deadly night of violence hit Yala’s Bannang Sata district before security forces moved in yesterday. Assistant village headman Hamdee Jehsoh, 42, was shot dead in a roadside ambush. Hours later, attackers struck Highway 410, burning tires, scattering road spikes and leaving a suspicious wired object.
Hong Kong customs has made its largest-ever drug seizure from a sea shipment, finding cannabis worth HK$125 million, or about 530 million baht, in a 40-foot container declared as arriving from Thailand.
Disruption to Gulf shipping routes could raise transport costs and lengthen delivery times for Thai businesses, the Dubai office of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) warned in a report.
Following increased immigration traffic at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand has now made the immigration eGates widely accessible. The immigration department at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is now allowing citizens of 33 foreign countries to utilize the electronic gates in order to enter the country.
For many Thai people, 7-Eleven is much more than a place to grab a quick snack. It has become part of everyday life, offering everything from morning coffee and ready-to-eat meals to drinks, beauty products, accessories and household essentials.
A three-meter python was captured after a homeowner in Udon Thani discovered it attacking chickens, solving the mystery of 25 fighting cocks that had disappeared over nearly two weeks.
Protected Areas Regional Office 9 (Ubon Ratchathani) officially opened Kaeng I Khiao as a new natural attraction at Buntharik-Yot Mon Wildlife Sanctuary in Kho Laen subdistrict, Buntharik district, Ubon Ratchathani province, on Friday.
The United Nations has issued a top-level warning: the world is facing a “Super El Niño,” shattering all previous heat records. This is closer than you think. Why do vulnerable areas like northern Thailand need to prepare now? Find out in this report. 
Thailand data-center boom raises wider clean-power challenge
Thailand’s 65- billion-baht coffee market is moving beyond the beverage business, as consumers increasingly prioritize quality, experience and sustainability.
Ukrainian forces fired more than 1,000 drones at Russia overnight Saturday, including hundreds that were launched toward Moscow, officials said yesterday, as the Kremlin was wrapping up the third and last day of its parliamentary elections. 
The leaders of France and Canada yesterday pledged closer ties to grapple with rising geopolitical tensions, climate change and the erosion of democratic values, after they met in the French territory of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon off Canada’s Atlantic coast. 
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is implementing a comprehensive strategy to enhance healthcare accessibility and attract international patients. The initiative includes establishing a health marketplace that centralizes public and private healthcare services, alongside a data and access initiative linking national health databases to improve service delivery and inform policy decisions.
Thai star Lisa hits big time in US
LISA brings Thai food and drinking culture to Jimmy Fallon show
Shipping costs are being driven by a combination of geopolitical tensions, severe weather events, and capacity constraints in critical maritime corridors. Conflicts in the Middle East, specifically involving Iran, have caused shipping standstills in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing vessels to seek alternative and often more expensive routes.
Average household debt in Thailand has risen to nearly 800,000 baht, reaching its highest level in 17 years, according to a 2026 survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
Thailand is aiming to be more than a destination for global events, it wants to become a trusted MICE gateway connecting the world with Asia.
Thai Airways will operate the new Bangkok-Da Nang service with 41 flights per week. The service is scheduled to begin on Dec. 1.
Thailand Ecotourism Is Now Third in ASEAN
Tiger Conservation in Thailand Shows Results
Government plans to liberalize forest use have sparked fears that Thailand’s pristine natural landscapes will be opened to industrial activities, including waste disposal. The Cabinet this month approved in principle a draft regulation allowing the commercial and industrial use of larger forest zones – including national reserves. If enacted, the scope of permitted activities will be expanded from the current 10 categories to 16.
Thailand has built much of the machinery of sustainable finance — a taxonomy, disclosure rules, transition loans and a coming climate fund. What it has not yet solved is who can afford to use it.
Officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan have reviewed efforts to address wild elephant problems in Hua Hin and Kui Buri, including assistance and compensation for affected residents.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has warned all provinces nationwide, including Bangkok, to prepare for very heavy rain during Sept. 16-20, with risks of flash floods, forest run-off, landslides, waterlogging and rough seas.
Thailand is piloting a system that replaces the name, address and phone number on a parcel with a six-digit code and QR code, in an attempt to stop personal data leaking to scam gangs.
Nene Royal vows to give her all to win AGT final
Professor Watcharapong Kasaree, a political scientist from Chulalongkorn University, warns that Thailand’s fiscal system could face a severe crisis within a decade if urgent reforms are not undertaken. He expresses concern that the current trajectory of increasing public debt, which could reach 80%-90% of GDP within 5-10 years if revenue is not significantly increased, could lead to a loss of economic stability.
The cabinet has granted oil and gas exploration concessions to two companies following the Round 25 onshore petroleum auction. The winning companies are PETTP International and Pan Orion Energy (Siam) Co., which were awarded concessions for areas in the central and northeastern regions.
Thailand could impose an excise tax of around 30% on fully imported electric vehicles, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, revealing for the first time the potential rate of a levy designed to steer automakers toward local production.
Israel’s ambassador to Thailand, Alona Fisher-Kamm, has again urged Israeli visitors to respect Thai laws and culture after protests and a series of disputes involving tourists. Fisher-Kamm said both countries needed to ensure the Middle East conflict was not brought into Thailand. She nevertheless pushed back against describing recent protests as antisemitic.
A police lieutenant colonel and three other men were arrested Tuesday after they allegedly extorted 200,000 baht from a Chinese national in San Kamphaeng district, Chiang Mai province.
Koh Lanta truly is a magical place. It feels like stepping back in time, allowing you to experience the essence of what Thailand is all about. Located on the Andaman Sea, it’s a collection of rugged islands in the Krabi province. The biggest and most inhabited is Koh Lanta Yai, which is highlighted by nine golden sand beaches and lush, palm tree jungles.
Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province has announced that its 2026-27 season for mountaintop visits and overnight stays will run from Oct. 1 to May 31, 2027.
The US Federal Reserve yesterday raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, defying President Donald Trump’s demand for cuts, as central bank chief Kevin Warsh stressed the need to combat inflation that has been “too high” for “too long.” The Federal Open Market Committee voted unanimously to raise rates by 25 basis points to between 3.75% and 4.00%. 
Asia-Pacific will account for 45% of global demand for new passenger aircraft between 2026 and 2045, requiring 19,120 aircraft as passenger traffic grows faster than the worldwide average, Airbus forecasts. Airbus’s Global Market Forecast (GMF) for 2026–2045 puts worldwide demand at 42,060 new aircraft. 
Highway police arrested a 23-year-old man and seized approximately 464 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine after the van he was driving crashed into a resident’s fence during a pursuit in Prachuap Khiri Khan last week.
‘Hands off Koh Kut’: Thailand stands firm at UN maritime talks
European buyers pushed some physical oil cargo prices above US$130 a barrel yesterday, while Brent and US crude futures reached their highest settlements since May 19 as disruptions to Saudi exports intensified.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan said yesterday that Gastech 2026 in Bangkok had generated more than US$17 billion in energy business agreements. Thailand also handed over hosting duties for the 2027 event to Houston in the United States.
Thailand has signed an international tax information exchange agreement as part of the Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) rules to support the collection of top-up taxes.
Cargill is expanding its food production in Thailand by investing 2 billion baht (US$60 million) to enhance its feed business and processing facilities. This strategic move aims to increase production efficiency and reliability in the production process, while also providing better control over raw materials.
A media review of Pattaya has highlighted the resort city’s enduring association with sex tourism, despite efforts by local authorities to promote beaches, sport, conventions and family holidays.
TAT’s Amazing Thailand Ambassador Campaign Generates Over 448 Million Impressions
Thailand is shifting the way it measures tourism success, moving beyond visitor numbers toward a model focused on value, distribution and sustainability.
Thailand has shortened the standard visa-free stay for tourists from 60 days to 30, and this change may have a bigger effect on tourism spending than on the number of foreign visitors entering the country.
Thailand’s revised Destination Thailand Visa rules, effective from Aug. 31, have created uncertainty for applicants applying outside their home country as Thai embassies and consulates publish differing residence requirements.
Thai industrial estate developer Amata Corp. and energy producer B.Grimm Power will invest 1.2 billion baht (USD36.1 million/EUR33.9 million) in a 42.5-MWp floating solar project at an industrial site in eastern Thailand’s Chon Buri province.
Bangkok is transitioning to electric vehicles to significantly reduce energy costs and mitigate air pollution. The plan to replace diesel rubbish trucks with electric vehicles is estimated to cut energy costs by approximately 4.75 billion baht, or 54%, over a five-year period.
Energy leaders urge balanced path for Asia’s energy transition
The United States has confirmed for the first time that it has deployed weapons in space, a remarkable revelation after previous warnings about countries such as Russia possibly weaponizing a global frontier long agreed in treaties to be used for only peaceful purposes.