- EZY Airlines Hua Hin-U-Tapao flights/Fish along Hua Hin beaches/Bintabaht to host Halloween parade/Run with the Flow event/Video of the panthers and leopards/You’re an alien/Thailand targets 10,000 visa overstayers/Phuket flash floods/Seven-language 7-Eleven worker
- ECONOMY: Thai hotel closures rise/Thai farm exports weaken/4 new investment zones/AI top worldwide concern
- TOURISM: Nok Air suspends 3 southern routes/15-day visa waiver for 3 nations/Thailand’s visa processing delays
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival/High-value nature tourism/Naga Fireballs: Thailand’s unexplained lights/Doi Luang Chiang Dao opens bookings
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Solar for households scheme/Nuclear study accelerated
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
We have this video for you just for fun. This is actor Jackie Chan filming the movie Skiptrace in 2014, as he sang Rolling in the Deep, only to discover the Mongolian extras in the film knew the lyrics. Video …
EZY Airlines Hua Hin-U-Tapao flights to start Oct 23
EZY Airlines has announced that scheduled services on its Hua Hin–U-Tapao route would begin on Oct. 23. The airline plans to launch flights between Hua Hin and Surat Thani in November.
‘Nam biat’ phenomenon leaves fish along Hua Hin beaches
Fish washing ashore in Hua Hin may be linked to changing coastal water conditions known locally as “nam biat”, a phenomenon that can leave marine life struggling for oxygen.
The seawater at Hua Hin and Khao Takiab beaches turned a murky red on Sunday, as large shoals gathered close to shore. Residents and local fishermen arrived with nets and other equipment, while some took small boats offshore to herd fish toward their nets. Continued …
Bintabaht to host Halloween parade
Hua Hin’s first-ever Halloween parade will take place on Saturday, Oct. 31, with residents and visitors invited to dress up and join the celebrations on Soi Bintabaht.
The Hua Hin Ghost Parade will begin at 8.30 pm at Hua Hin Walking Street, bringing a night of Halloween costumes, spooky fun and entertainment to the town’s nightlife district. Continued …
Run with the Flow event draws 1,700 runners
More than 1,700 Thai and international runners took part in Run with the Flow 2026 in Hua Hin on Sunday, supporting heart and brain health, and raising funds to help disadvantaged patients access medical treatment.
The charity run, presented by Bangkok Hospital, returned to Suan Son Pradiphat for its third year. Participants competed over distances of 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers and 21 kilometers, with the half marathon introduced for the first time at the Hua Hin event. Continued …
Video of the panther and leopard at Kaeng Krachan
You’re an alien
I’ve been coming to Thailand for 30 years and have lived here since 2014. Over the years, the word has come to play an increasingly absurd role in my life. I’m an alien in Thailand, and I see little prospect of that changing.
And honestly, before coming to Thailand, I had never thought of myself as an alien. It took the Thai authorities to inform me that I was one. Officially, I’m an alien, but to most Thais I’m a farang, which, incidentally, is also the Thai word for guava. Bottom line, I am different and will remain different. An alien in a country I now call home. Continued …
Thailand targets 10,000 visa overstayers nationwide
Thai immigration police have been ordered to track down more than 10,000 foreigners believed to be overstaying their visas, in a nationwide operation stretching from Bangkok to tourist islands and border provinces.
For foreigners living in or visiting Thailand, the message is straightforward: immigration checks are being intensified, and officers are increasingly using international wanted-person databases and criminal intelligence when screening people entering or staying in the country. Continued …
Phuket flash floods damage hotels and block roads
Heavy rain triggered flash flooding and runoff from Khao 50 Pi hill, into Patong, Phuket, early yesterday, damaging homes, hotels, shops and vehicles across the resort town.
Officials are clearing roads and assessing losses, while Phuket authorities prepare to move tourists from affected hotels to safer accommodation. Visitors in Patong have been advised to avoid routes with fast-flowing water or debris and to follow official weather warnings closely. Continued …
Seven-language 7-Eleven worker goes viral in Thailand
A 48-year-old 7-Eleven assistant store manager in Bangkok has gone viral for his ability to communicate in seven languages, drawing attention to how he uses his multilingual skills to welcome and assist international customers.
Known as Tony, or Phi Tho among his younger colleagues, Teerawat Wanichkam works at a 7-Eleven branch at BITEC Bang Na. He has been with the convenience store chain for more than three years and also works as an interpreter and master of ceremonies. Continued …
Thai hotel closures rise 42% as 2027 outlook darkens
Thailand’s hotel and accommodation sector recorded 148 business closures in the first nine months of 2026, a 42% increase on the same period last year, according to the Kasikorn Research Center.
The increase follows a difficult 2025, when about 51% of operators reported losses. Smaller businesses were hardest hit: 54% experienced losses, while 42% had accumulated losses for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025. Across the sector, 38% reported accumulated losses over those three years. Continued …
Thai farm exports weaken as electronics power record September shipments
Thailand’s agricultural and agro-industrial exports fell 1.9% in the first nine months of 2026 as high production costs and intense global competition weighed on key products, even as booming electronics shipments pushed the country’s overall exports to record levels.
Exports in September reached a record US$38.44 billion, up 24% year-on-year and marking a 27th consecutive month of growth. Imports, however, surged 50.4% to an all-time high of US$44.30 billion, leaving Thailand with a trade deficit of US$5.86 billion for the month. Continued …
EEC board approves 4 new investment zones
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee approved in principle yesterday the designation of four new special economic promotion zones worth 25.66 billion baht, aiming to attract global technology enterprises and artificial intelligence investments.
The largest project in the newly approved batch is the E-Tech Smart Park in Baan Bueng district, Chonburi province, covering over 610 rai with an estimated investment of 19.75 billion baht. It targets modern automotive, smart electronics, aviation, logistics, digital, and comprehensive medical sectors, with an expected creation of 3,500 to 5,500 jobs upon full development. Continued …
AI replaces climate change as top worldwide concern
Artificial intelligence has overtaken climate change as the top global risk, according to a 2026 report from French insurer Axa. This shift is driven by concerns that technological advancements are progressing faster than the ability of regulators to prepare for the potential consequences.
Experts and the general public are increasingly wary of technology-related risks, particularly as AI development accelerates. While climate change remains a leading concern, particularly in Thailand, the rapid rise of AI and big data has created a new era of risk assessment. Some researchers have even warned that advanced AI could pose an existential threat to humanity, with some estimates suggesting a greater than 10% chance of such an outcome within the decade. – Bangkok Post AI
Nok Air suspends 3 southern routes due to fuel costs
Budget carrier Nok Air has temporarily suspended its domestic services from Don Mueang International Airport to Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Hat Yai, effective yesterday through Dec. 20, amid soaring jet fuel expenditures.
Wutthiphum Jurangkool, chief executive officer of Nok Air, confirmed the suspension, stating that the airline is buckling under extreme fuel cost pressures. Continued …
Tourism Ministry proposes 15-day visa waiver for 3 nations
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is preparing to propose a 15-day visa exemption for travelers from Colombia, Mexico, and Uzbekistan, aiming to resolve severe processing delays and boost long-haul arrivals, officials announced yesterday.
The initiative comes in response to mounting logistical hurdles faced by international carriers. Emirates airline recently lodged an official complaint with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) after experiencing 20 to 30 passenger no-shows per flight from Mexico because travelers failed to receive their Thai visas in time for departure. Continued …
What actions is Thailand’s Tourism Authority taking to resolve visa processing delays?
Tourism Minister Surasak Phanakarn has acknowledged the ongoing issue of slow visa processing and stated that a committee will meet on Nov. 9 to discuss the matter. The discussions are expected to address both security and economic factors to help resolve the disruptions that have caused many travelers to opt for alternative destinations like Vietnam.
While the minister has acknowledged the problem, specific details on the exact technical or administrative actions being implemented to resolve the delays have not yet been released. The current situation has already led to significant consequences, including a reported 3%-4% increase in no-show passengers for airlines like Emirates following the withdrawal of visa-free privileges in certain countries. – Bangkok Post AI
Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival set for March
The Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival will return to Phetchaburi from March 5–14, bringing 10 days and 10 nights of celebrations to the historic hilltop landmark better known as Khao Wang.
Celebrations will center on Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park, with the main venues expected to include the Phra Nakhon Khiri National Museum, King Mongkut Memorial Park and surrounding areas. Continued …
Thailand promotes high-value nature tourism while protecting national parks
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) are enhancing cooperation to modernize national park services, promote high-value nature tourism, and uphold environmental conservation standards.
On Oct. 22, TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool attended the second 2026 National Parks Committee meeting, chaired by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin. DNP Director-General Yongyut Nakawiroj, committee members, and representatives from relevant agencies participated both in person and via video conference. Continued …
Naga Fireballs: Thailand’s unexplained lights draw crowds
Under the scorching afternoon sun, visitors spread mats, unfold chairs and open umbrellas along the Mekong River in northeastern Thailand, waiting for nightfall and a phenomenon that has fascinated believers and puzzled observers for generations.
They had come to witness the Naga Fireballs, glowing reddish-pink orbs said to rise silently from the river on the night marking the end of Buddhist Lent. At Wat Thai in Phon Phisai district, Nong Khai province, one of the main gathering points for the annual event, residents and tourists secured places along the riverbank yesterday, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious lights. Continued …
Doi Luang Chiang Dao opens online bookings for 2026–27 treks
Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chiang Mai begia accepting online rewildlifesanctuaryfca16.com/chiangdaoservations yesterday for nature-study treks and overnight stays at Doi Luang Chiang Dao during the 2026–27 season.
Bookings will be available exclusively through the sanctuary’s official website, , through 4 pm on Oct. 30. Visitors will be permitted to explore the designated nature trail between Nov. 16 and Feb. 12. Continued …
Expanded solar for households scheme set for cabinet approval today
The government’s proposed 50,000-baht subsidy to encourage up to one million households to install a solar power system will be presented to the cabinet today for approval. The proposed scheme also involves three state-owned banks which would provide low-interest loans, eliminating the need for upfront capital.
The government would provide direct financial support of 50,000 baht per household, with one million eligible slots. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), both under the interior ministry, would serve as one-stop-service centers assisting with the registration process. Continued …
Nuclear study accelerated in bid to install reactors by 2037
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has accelerated a study on nuclear energy adoption, setting a target to launch Thailand’s first commercial small modular reactor (SMR) by 2037.
The initiative forms a core part of the nation’s 2026 Power Development Plan, aiming to secure clean, stable energy while mitigating exposure to volatile global liquefied natural gas prices. Continued …
Israeli arrested on drug and sex charges threatens police
Israeli Tomer Kahiri, 54, was arrested in Bangkok on Friday over claims he drugged women with cake and secretly filmed sex encounters. During the raid, he reportedly threatened to kill prominent police investigator Inspector Jae, boasting that powerful friends would free him within two hours. Continued …
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Foreign tourist caught on CCTV taking necklaces in Krabi – Continued …
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Laem Chabang customs seizes 3.1 tons of ivory – Continued …
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan hold Iran talks as Houthi attacks escalate
Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have held talks with Iranian leaders in Tehran in an effort to reduce regional tensions, as Yemen’s Houthis intensified attacks on Saudi targets and the wider Middle East conflict showed little sign of easing.
The meeting yesterday) marked the first high-level contact between Iran and the three countries since the war that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran spread to Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the Mecca mutual defense pact in August. Continued …
Houthis say they attacked Saudi oil pumping stations, Riyadh airport as fighting intensifies
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis said yesterday they had attacked Saudi Arabia’s east-west crude oil pumping stations and Riyadh airport, as rising hostilities choke oil supplies and threaten to erupt into a larger conflict.
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said earlier it had destroyed two ballistic missile launchers in the capital Sanaa, including one used to fire a missile toward Riyadh that the coalition said it had intercepted. Continued …
Houthi attacks have grounded flights across Saudi Arabia
Attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis have nearly emptied the skies over Riyadh this month, aviation data showed yesterday, with cancellations grounding almost nine out of every 10 scheduled flights at the Saudi capital’s airport.
About 86% of scheduled flights at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, or 4,071 out of 4,736, were canceled between Oct. 8 and Oct. 25, according to the latest data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. Continued …
Trump blasts Norway over Nobel Peace Prize snub
US President Donald Trump attacked Norway during a campaign rally, calling it a “shit house country,” and said that Norwegian immigrants were not welcome in the United States because its Nobel Committee had not awarded him the Peace Prize. Continued …
Microsoft offers voluntary exit packages to 60,000 staff
Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees, the company said yesterdayy, roughly a quarter of its workforce, as the tech giant seeks to cut costs while pouring money into artificial intelligence. 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
Rising healthcare expenditure is placing increasing strain on private health insurance across Southeast Asia. Population aging, chronic disease, greater healthcare utilization, provider charges, and advances in medical treatment are contributing factors to this pressure.
Thailand is stepping up preparations to tackle potential PM2.5 fine particulate pollution, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul directing relevant agencies to put response measures in place amid reports of pollution in neighboring countries.
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR), which operates PTT Station, and Bangchak Corp. have raised selected retail fuel prices in Thailand by 0.60 baht per liter. The changes took effect today.
Thailand is preparing new rules requiring major ride-hailing and delivery apps to justify service fee increases, after regulators found that some platforms’ charges had risen by as much as 400% over five years.
Facebook accounted for nearly 74% of reported online shopping scams in Thailand last week.
Thai retailer CP Axtra has partnered with Minor Food Group to introduce five global restaurant brands across select Makro and Lotus stores.
Rising energy prices create inflationary pressures primarily by increasing the production and transport costs of goods, which then bleeds into the wider economy. As global energy supplies face shocks — such as those caused by the US-Israeli war with Iran — the increased cost of fuels like diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG) forces businesses and households to cope with higher living costs.
Thailand’s labor market is facing growing pressure as artificial intelligence transforms jobs and skills, while young people with university degrees are experiencing much higher unemployment than the national average, speakers at Nation Forum 2027 warned.
Thailand will knit its road, rail, water and air networks into a single economic system to become the region’s center of trade and logistics, Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said yesterday.
Thailand’s US$4.4-billion luxury retail market is expected to grow by around 5% a year through 2028, according to property consultancy CBRE, as the country gains influence beyond its role as a destination for international brands.
The introduction of a tax on outbound travel in Thailand could be postponed if economic conditions are deemed inappropriate. Specifically, the Fiscal Policy Office has indicated that the timing of the measure depends on the outcome of public consultations and the assessment of the prevailing economic situation.
Thailand must turn its cultural strengths into higher-value tourism while spreading economic opportunities beyond established destinations, speakers told Nation Forum 2027: Thailand’s Agenda in Bangkok yesterday.
Elephant calves: Learning to walk and use their trunks
Thailand is moving closer to introducing a 50,000-baht solar panel subsidy for up to one million households after a government screening committee approved a proposed 50-billion-baht funding package.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is focusing on several key initiatives to modernize Thailand’s energy market and facilitate a transition to clean energy. One primary measure involves the progress of a Direct Power Purchase Agreement framework through Third Party Access (TPA), which enables companies to buy renewable electricity directly from producers.
Chinese-made electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly common choice for taxi operators in Thailand, as imports rise and fleet owners look for lower-cost alternatives to ICE-powered cars.
The Thwaites Glacier, also known as the ” Doomsday Glacier ,” is located on the Walgreens Coast in the Marybirdland region of West Antarctica. Covering approximately 192,000 square kilometers, it’s roughly the size of Senegal and is one of the largest and most important glaciers for stabilizing global sea levels. However, this glacier is currently melting rapidly, causing sea levels to rise by about 4%.
Thailand has eliminated rubella as a public health problem, an achievement the World Health Organization described as a “major milestone”.
Thailand has blocked 945,075 URLs linked to online gambling during the 2026 fiscal year, according to the government, as it steps up action against illegal online content and cybercrime.
AGT 2026 champion Nene Royal fulfilled a dream by performing alongside metal giants Avenged Sevenfold during their concert in Singapore last night, delivering a 13-minute set that had fans rocking out.
Thailand sets out AI plan for jobs and small firms
Advances in artificial intelligence are drawing a new wave of global capital into the economy, from data centers and servers to AI models and autonomous agents that can carry out tasks on our behalf. Together, these investments are turning AI into a new operating system for the global economy, reshaping how businesses work and how economic value is created.
Thailand records about 120 foreign tourist deaths on its roads each year, with 91 killed and 9,668 injured in crashes during the first nine months of 2026, according to insurance-sector figures highlighted by road safety campaigners.
Another jet-ski excursion involving foreign tourists was cut short last week after riders repeatedly ignored safety warnings and alarmed other participants with risky manoeuvers, Phuket Tourist Police have confirmed. 
Mu Koh Similan National Park reopens
Phetchabun authorities face calls to review adventure tourism safety rules and compliance after two foreigners were injured in a fall from a cliff while abseiling over the weekend.
Phuket Festival Devotees Pierce Cheeks With Swords and Guns
Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer during surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital yesterday, when doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican said. The operation on the 71-year-old pontiff lasted about 90 minutes and was successful, with no complications. 
Thailand is stepping up its fight against fake medicine, but recent cases show how lucrative and sophisticated the trade has become. With counterfeit products increasingly finding buyers online, stopping them before they reach consumers is becoming its own challenge. 
Nene Royal didn’t apply to America’s Got Talent. An American fan did it for her. His name is Sean, and like thousands of others, he first saw her playing on the street in Phuket. Unlike most of them, he didn’t just film it and walk away.
Thai singer Nene Royal, named as the winner of America’s Got Talent 2026, has said she will take the program’s prize money as a one-off payment rather than in instalments.
Always Lalisa, a documentary following Thai singer and actor Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal during a year away from Blackpink’s group activities, opens in Thai cinemas on Oct. 12. Screenings run until Oct. 18 in IMAX and standard formats, with standard tickets starting at 350 baht.
A night out in Thailand turned into a wildlife rescue story after an intoxicated man brought a wild python home. Even more amazingly, the man, who had no recollection of bringing the animal home, woke up to rescuers removing it from his house.
Thailand is facing a week of thunderstorms, strong winds, hail and lightning, with heavy to very heavy rain possible in some areas through Oct. 15. The Thai Meteorological Department warned that accumulated rain could bring flash floods and forest runoff, particularly in vulnerable areas.
Flood conditions in Prachin Buri have begun to improve, with water levels falling steadily in several areas and along the province’s main river. Local authorities are deploying pumps and sandbags to protect economic zones, while preparing recovery efforts as the disaster’s death toll reaches 24.
Bangkok’s severe flash floods, exploring how extreme rainfall, sinking geography, and communication breakdowns are testing the city’s infrastructure limits.
Toyota Motor Thailand has extended production suspensions at its Samrong, Ban Pho and Gateway plants, with operations now expected to resume between Oct. 14 and 19 as flooding continues to disrupt parts deliveries.
Residents of Pak Nam subdistrict in Bang Khla district, Chachoengsao, have endured flooding for more than two weeks, with reports that the situation could continue for another 30 days, adding to their anxiety over how long they must live with the hardship.
Media has reported that oil tankers traveling through the Strait of Hormuz are being targeted almost daily, as Iran is escalating its attacks in an attempt to halt its recovering crude oil exports.
A US–Thailand trade deal is heading for a November signing after President Donald Trump wrote directly to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. However, critical terms remain unresolved despite agreement in principle. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun is targeting the ASEAN summit in the Philippines.
Thailand’s high-tech industries require a diverse array of specialized technical and soft skills to keep pace with rapid technological transitions. Key requirements include expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) development, coding, and robotics, as well as proficiency in digital technologies, data science, and automated systems.
How CNH Equipment Is Helping Thai Rice Farmers End Stubble Burning
US President Donald Trump slammed the “disgraceful” Nobel Peace Prize choice yesterday as leaving an “indelible stain” on Norway, arguing that the award should have gone to him. South African judge and human rights champion Navi Pillay won the prestigious prize in recognition of her work against war crimes and crimes against humanity. 
Hua Hin municipality is preparing to widen Hua Hin Soi 102 from two lanes to four and install new drainage along a 1.93-kilometer stretch. No construction start date has been announced.
Hua Hin Profile: Humanitarianism in action
Nene Royal to sing for over 400 guests at IMF–World Bank reception
British banker and whistleblower Simon Andriesz, 57, was found dead in Khlong Luang, just outside Bangkok, on the morning of September 23. The local municipality recorded his cause of death as “asphyxiation from hanging”.
Thailand has not implemented any additional measures regarding the suspected plague in Russia, as Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat stated there are currently no plans for further action unless new developments emerge.
As the planet warms, cities like Bangkok could be increasingly inundated by deadly floods
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has drawn up a five-to-seven-year flood-management program expected to require at least 100 billion baht, combining drainage maintenance with major canal, tunnel and water-retention projects to protect the capital’s role as Thailand’s economic center.
Thailand’s headline consumer price index rose 2.82% in September from a year earlier, the Commerce Ministry said yesterday, as food and fuel prices increased.
The World Bank has upgraded its GDP growth forecast for Thailand in 2026 to 2.3%, up from a previous estimate of 1.5%. This upward revision is primarily attributed to robust exports fueled by the artificial intelligence (AI) boom and a smaller-than-expected impact from energy shocks.
Thailand has expanded a crackdown on suspected foreign nominee businesses from Koh Phangan into seven provinces, according to a media report, as concern grows over overseas investors, land deals and long-stay visitors on the country’s resort islands.
The Thai cabinet has approved tax measures for the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) sector that allow businesses to claim a double tax deduction for expenses related to space rental and services for trade fairs and exhibitions. These incentives are intended to stimulate economic activity by attracting international events and increasing spending in related industries such as tourism, transport, and hospitality.
An increase in the value-added tax (VAT) of 3% was discussed during a session where senators also called for a broader tax base to address a reported net deficit of 760 billion baht for fiscal 2025.
Singapore-listed DFI Retail plans to open 250 new Starbucks outlets over the next three years, mainly in Thailand and Vietnam, after taking full control of the licensed business operating more than 1,100 coffeehouses across seven Asian markets.
The Middle East conflict and oil price volatility have highlighted Thailand’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, prompting calls to accelerate its clean energy transition. A seminar involving energy experts, policymakers, and industry representatives concluded that reducing fossil fuel dependence is now an economic and security necessity, not just an environmental goal, with ASEAN neighbors facing similar pressures.
Southeast Asia could save approximately US$45.4 billion by installing enough solar photovoltaic capacity to generate the same amount of electricity as planned gas power projects across five major economies, according to research group Zero Carbon Analytics (ZCA).
Clean Kinetics, a Singapore-based solar energy developer, has started construction of a $2-million solar photovoltaic project at Sats Thailand’s central kitchen facility in Pathum Thani province, around 40 kilometers north of Bangkok.
Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program has approved 12,010 foreign nationals in its first four years, the Board of Investment (BOI) says.
Thailand’s government has denied claims that proposed legal changes would end taxes on alcohol and tobacco or dismantle four public bodies funded through levies linked to those products.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul prioritized urgent payments to ensure that affected households receive relief funds as quickly as possible. He stated that it is important for people to receive their money as soon as possible, ordering authorities to distribute the first batch of payments this week based on verified claims without waiting for the entire nationwide processing to conclude.
Southeast Asian energy ministers meeting in Manila this week face the prospect of a prolonged Middle East war that has exposed the region’s vulnerabilities to imported energy.
The World Bank has cautioned that damage from a severe El Niño, including flooding of the kind seen across the region a decade ago, could prove larger than current forecasts assume. The warning came as Thailand’s economy was singled out for both its gains from the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom and its slow adoption of the technology at home.
Thailand is seeking to turn its food, entertainment, wellness sector and recognizable cultural symbols into longer-lasting economic influence, as competition for visitors across Southeast Asia intensifies.
Thailand is advancing a 10-year strategy for 2025–2034 to become an international center for medical and wellness industries through five areas of development, extending its ambitions beyond hospital treatment to health products, research, training and international events.
Siam Legal International, a Thailand-based law firm, has published a step-by-step arrival checklist for first-time visitors to Thailand, covering the entry process from passport condition and pre-arrival paperwork to the documents immigration officers may request at the counter. The guide reflects entry procedures as of October 2026 and sets out each stage in the order travelers generally encounter it.
Bangkok’s Yaowarat is preparing for the 2026 Vegetarian Festival, with the traditional nine-day vegetarian observance running from Oct. 10–18, while the main Yaowarat festival runs from Oct. 9–18.
Vietnamese police have arrested 12 men accused of stealing nearly 2,700 cats during night raids into residential neighborhoods, taking the pets to be slaughtered for food, police and state media said yesterday. Consumption of dogs and cats is legal in Vietnam, where many restaurants openly advertise the meat, but vendors are required to obtain certificates showing the origin of the animals. 
Rare serow makes unusual appearance on Prachuap beach
Nene Royal: Global Stardom Won’t Change Me, Says AGT Winner at Bangkok Homecoming
Thai singer and guitarist Nene Royal has attracted partnerships with at least 10 brands in Thailand within 10 days of winning America’s Got Talent (AGT) Season 21 on Sept. 24.
Disaster risks are considered structural challenges because they are becoming normalized and represent a long-term weight on Thailand’s economic growth. The increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, driven by climate change, require fundamental changes to infrastructure and economic resilience rather than just short-term fixes.
Nine dead as floods submerge seven Prachin Buri districts
Flooding in Thailand has significantly impacted the food industry by disrupting transport routes, hindering the movement of essential goods, and forcing manufacturers to adjust their business continuity plans. These disruptions have led to delivery delays for parcel services and the temporary suspension of cargo operations for major carriers.
While the flooding has eased in Chanthaburi, around 4,000 fruit farmers are in deep distress as stagnant floodwaters led to durian trees grown on over 20,000 rai of orchards having died.
Sinking city, rising rage: Bangkok’s floods fuel fury over government inaction
Insurance regulator sets 5 flood-damage levels for vehicles
Brent crude futures rose 0.79% to US$103.06 a barrel in early trading today, after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis said they had launched ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi Aramco sites in Riyadh and the Khurais area. The claim raised concerns about production in Saudi Arabia, the region’s leading oil exporter.
The Ministry of Commerce’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) reported uneven conditions in Thailand’s regional economies in its August 2026 review. Rising living costs remained a key source of pressure and consumer confidence stayed weak, although business formation and tourism continued to grow well in some areas.
Thailand is stepping up a crackdown on foreigners accused of using nominee companies and other arrangements to control businesses and property illegally, as growing local resentment over foreign investment threatens to reshape the country’s lucrative tourism industry.
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) is partnering with Centara Hotels & Resorts to develop budget hotels at PTT service stations and other high-potential locations, as it seeks to increase daily traffic across its nationwide station network to 5 million visits.
Thailand and Laos have set an ambitious goal of boosting bilateral trade to US$11 billion by 2027 during high-level talks in Luang Prabang on Friday. The two countries’ economic push is part of a broader strategy to transform border transport networks into major international trade corridors.
As Thailand cracks down on foreigners, a tourist paradise reconsiders its welcome
Thailand has emerged as a leader in medical and wellness tourism, attracting a large number of tourists worldwide. Specifically in the medical field, most tourists travel for major procedures such as heart surgery, orthopedic surgery, dentistry, IVF and ICSI, as well as cosmetic surgery, eye surgery, and cancer treatment.
In early 2020, international and national health authorities alike in Laos watched with disbelief as hospitals in New York City, a city in one of the world’s richest countries, were overwhelmed with patients. During the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 203,000 cases of laboratory-confirmed COVID were reported in New York and a third of people hospitalized died. 
Major US automakers have watched their domestic market share shrink even more thanks to their Asian competitors — a situation that may worsen if Chinese firms are able to enter the US market, an idea floated by President Donald Trump. 
Flooding has disrupted logistics operations by making roads impassable and forcing companies to adjust delivery routes and service timing. Major parcel operators have warned of delays because local road accessibility and water levels directly dictate when and how safely deliveries can be made.
Thailand has approved its first national strategy for the semiconductor and advanced electronics industry, targeting about $80 billion in cumulative investment and $150 billion in annual industry revenue by 2050. The long-term “Made in Thailand” initiative also aims to create more than 230,000 jobs.
Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport handled 59,626,075 passengers from October 2025 to August 2026, up 2.43% from the same period a year earlier, according to airport director Kittipong Kittikachorn. The airport is upgrading passport checks and passenger facilities to accommodate growing traffic.
Even on a slow news day, a recent incident in Thailand hardly merited mention, let alone sustained media coverage. But because Israelis were involved, it became headline news for days. Anything negative about Israelis now does so, going instantly viral in the Buddhist nation with no history of antisemitism.
Thailand’s best street food is not confined to any one city. It can be found across the country, from Ayutthaya’s richly flavored noodles and Khon Kaen’s fiery lab to Chiang Mai’s aromatic khao soi and a standout plate of phad thai in the heart of Bangkok.
This week, we’re spending a few days exploring Bangkok, cafe-hopping, wandering through vintage and ceramic shops, visiting beautiful temples, and trying all the amazing Thai food.
Central Tokyo today registered 34 consecutive days of rain, marking the longest streak on record, according to the weather agency. The area has seen precipitation since Aug. 27, with typhoons approaching. The previous record was 33 consecutive days from June 27 to July 29 in 2019. 
Indonesia is considering Chinese investment to help build a massive 2,772 kilometer railway network through the vast, resource-rich region of Kalimantan, following the completion of Southeast Asia’s first high-speed line between Jakarta and Bandung, state media and analysts said. 
Hua Hin ready to clear beach after decades-long dispute
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.
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
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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. 
Hua Hin-Cha-am among six new MICE Cities
Diesel prices at pumps across the European Union (EU) have hit a new high of €2.23 per liter, up from €2.16 the previous week, an Agence France-Presse (AFP) analysis of European Commission data published yesterday showed.
Thailand’s Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has not approved reported 5%–10% increases in consumer goods prices scheduled for Oct. 1, 2026, Director-general Wittayakorn Maneenetr said yesterday. Some manufacturers had submitted applications, but the department had not authorized the increases.
Thailand is positioning itself as a strategic gateway to the ASEAN regional market, which consists of approximately 700 million people, to provide US businesses with access to broader Southeast Asian trade and investment opportunities.
Thailand has suffered from sluggish economic growth, with only 2% GDP growth, while regional peers have reached higher growth.
Bangkok is approaching a major turning point in urban development, as its expanding rail network pushes growth beyond the city center and into suburban areas. Location is therefore becoming less about distance from central Bangkok and more about connectivity, access to services and the quality of life an area can offer.
The appeal of the Thai DTV is obvious – you get up to five years of multiple entry access to Thailand so you can do more without relying on short tourist stays. However, before you apply, you’ll need to check the financial eligibility requirements, what remote work does and does not cover, and the documents and application process that applies.
Thailand aims to welcome 1.5 million Americans in 2026 as it shifts its tourism strategy to draw higher-spending visitors to boost international tourism. Last year, 1.08 million Americans visited Thailand, with 716,983 Americans arriving between January and September of this year.
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Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has held talks with Google executives in New York on developing environmentally friendly data-center standards in Thailand, alongside plans for an open data institute to improve Thai digital skills.
Canada is answering US President Donald Trump’s obsession with renaming things by unveiling a name change of its own – Trump Avenue in Ottawa will soon be history. The city is hitting back at the US leader, who among other things insists Canada should cease to exist as a country and instead become the 51st US state.