- Some beachfront buildings still locked/Nationwide border crackdown/More rain for PKK/Super El Niño effect could worsen PM2.5/Five exemptions to alcohol sales ban/Pattaya’s flood drainage plan
- ECONOMY: Inflation at 45-month high/Revised GDP/Seven-tier rules for data centers/86% of Thais are not ready for retirement/Mercedes-Benz Reaffirms Thailand Asian Hub
- TOURISM: Compare fares and extra fees/Bomb threats hamper European fliers/What we know about the bomb threats/Thai children must show birth certificates/E-gates leave many visitors waiting
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thai Spicy Salad/Foreign tourists flock to Koh Mak/Thailand tops Wanderlust’s list/Royal barges mark birthday
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Warmer ocean puts us all at risk
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Some beachfront buildings still locked, protected by lawsuits
Hua Hin municipality is pressing ahead with beachfront demolitions where owners have consented to the work, while awaiting court rulings before proceeding at properties affected by legal disputes.
Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul inspected progress yesterday, as contractors used machinery to break up concrete surfaces and demolish structures near the Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine. Continued …
Thailand orders nationwide border crackdown on Monday
Thailand’s Department of Provincial Administration has ordered tougher security measures across all border districts, with new checkpoints and interception operations due to begin on Monday.
The campaign targets narcotics, illegal goods, unlawful border crossings and other offenses, following an urgent directive issued on Thursday by Naret Khosasihavilai, director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration. Continued …
More rain forecast for PKK
Very heavy rain is expected tomorrow in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, and Narathiwat, while heavy rain will affect Prachuap Khiri Khan, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Phatthalung, Pattani, Yala, Trang, and Satun.
On Monday, very heavy rain is projected for Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, and Narathiwat, with heavy rain forecast for Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Yala, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. – The Nation
Super El Niño effect could worsen PM2.5 next year
The Ministry of Public Health has warned that the “Super El Niño” phenomenon could worsen Thailand’s PM2.5 air pollution situation next year, especially in 40 high-risk provinces, including Bangkok.
(Editor: Readers can check PM2.5 levels daily with the link provided on this site.)
The ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, Dr. Sarawut Boonsuk, said yesterday the potential development of a Super El Niño, which would lead to prolonged drought conditions, suggests that PM2.5 pollution may become more severe than in previous years. Continued …
Thailand confirms five exemptions to alcohol sales ban on Buddhist holidays
Thailand has issued revised regulations allowing alcohol sales at five categories of venues on major Buddhist religious holidays, while maintaining the general prohibition at other establishments.
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The notification, issued by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee, was published in the Royal Gazette yesterday and takes effect today. Continued …
Pattaya sets 2.75-billion-baht flood drainage plan
Pattaya City has secured a special budget of about 2.75 billion baht for a four-phase drainage program intended to reduce flooding across key parts of the resort city.
Mayor Poramet Ngampichet told Pattaya City Council on Thursday that the work is scheduled to run from 2027 to 2030. Once complete, the upgraded network is expected to handle rainfall of up to 130 millimeters an hour, compared with around 70mm currently. Continued …
Energy prices push inflation to 45-month high
Thailand’s headline consumer price index (CPI) rose 3.9% in October from a year earlier, driven by higher fuel prices, which accounted for 56% of inflation.
Higher vegetable prices, caused by flooding in key vegetable cultivation areas in October, also contributed to inflation. The impact was temporary, however, with fresh produce prices gradually returning to normal by the end of the month. Continued …
Bank of Thailand boss sees revised GDP data growth of up to 2.9%
Thailand’s economic growth could jump to 2.9% after sweeping revisions to factory output figures, Bank of Thailand Gov. Vitai Ratanakorn revealed on Thursday. Meanwhile, the central bank has raised its export growth forecast to 22%.
However, US President Donald Trump’s crushing midterm election setback has thrown fresh uncertainty over US tariffs, Bangkok’s pending trade deal and possible renewed American-Israeli strikes against Iran. The Thai Chamber of Commerce sees opportunities for exporters as Democrats seize Congress. Yet, Washington’s next moves remain uncertain, with oil prices already falling 9% amid expectations of easing Middle East tensions. Continued …
Thailand plans seven-tier rules for data centers
Thailand’s Cabinet is due to consider a proposed policy that would classify data centers into seven categories according to electricity use, imposing tougher conditions on the largest facilities.
The proposal is intended to regulate the fast-growing sector more systematically, while balancing Thailand’s drive to attract artificial intelligence investment against the need to protect resources and social interests. Continued …
Economists warn that 86% of Thais are not ready for retirement
A recent report by leading economists has raised significant alarms regarding the retirement preparedness of the Thai population, revealing that a staggering 86% are unprepared for their retirement years. This stark figure underscores the urgent need for financial education and planning, as the aging population faces increased longevity and healthcare costs.
With traditional family support systems becoming less reliable due in part to urbanization and changing social dynamics, the financial security of future retirees is more precarious than ever. Continued …
Mercedes-Benz Reaffirms Thailand as Core Southeast Asian Hub
German luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz has reaffirmed its long-term strategic commitment to using Thailand as a key regional production hub and pillar for its Southeast Asian business, using the domestic launch of its newest top-end luxury sedans to highlight the critical role local manufacturing plays in its global operations.
Senior global and regional executives yesterday outlined how local production capabilities shield the brand from shifting tax landscapes while serving as an engine for electrified transformation across the region. Continued …
Compare fares and extra fees before booking New Year domestic flights
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has advised passengers to book early for the 2027 New Year holiday, after a survey of eight domestic routes found that lower-priced tickets remained available on some flights but were limited in number.
The survey used prices recorded on Nov. 2 covering flights from Bangkok to Phuket, Hat Yai, Trang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Nakhon Phanom. Continued …
Bomb threats hamper waning European fliers
Bomb threats targeting several European flights on Thursday are likely to further disrupt long-haul tourism during the high season, following a 20%-30% market contraction due to soaring travel costs.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) is urging the government to incentivize 300 flights from China and Russia, targeting 2.25 billion baht in revenue from 45,000 tourists, while restoring confidence in the Chinese market amid a travel alert issued by the Chinese embassy. Continued …
What we know about the bomb threats to European flights
This is, in the long term, going to lead to higher costs for passengers. It’s very disruptive, of course, for operations because a sweep of the plane after a bomb threat means unloading passengers and baggage, thoroughly searching the aircraft, and reloading, and that can, in turn, push crews past their duty limits, leading to more missed connections and cancellations. Video …
Thai children under 18 must show birth certificates to leave Thailand
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has tightened checks on Thai children under 18 leaving the country, and adults traveling with them must now prove their relationship with a birth certificate and, in most cases, a consent letter.
Immigration Bureau Commissioner Nopsin Poonsawat said the screening focuses on whether the adult has a genuine link to the child, and its aim is to prevent human trafficking, cross-border child abduction and children being taken out of Thailand unlawfully. Continued …
Thailand’s e-gates leave many visitors waiting
Thailand has installed dozens of electronic immigration gates at Suvarnabhumi Airport to help travelers clear passport control faster. The automated e-gates look crisp, modern, and promising. Following recent expansions by the Thai Immigration Bureau to speed up queues, hopes were high that long airport waits would finally become a relic of the past.
The idea is simple. Scan an e-passport, look into a camera for a biometric facial check, and walk through without waiting to see an immigration officer. It is a familiar system for travelers who have used e-gates in many other parts of the world. Ideally, a person using one of these gates could breeze through immigration in under a minute. Continued …
Street food: Authentic Thai Spicy Salad
Watch how they prepare this authentic Thai spicy salad. This dish is known as “Yum Moo Sab” (spicy Thai minced pork salad), a local favorite in Thailand. The star of the dish is savory minced pork, which is mixed with fresh herbs, onions, and chili, then tossed in a vibrant, spicy, and sour lime dressing. It is super convenient to buy from street stalls, as the vendor quickly mixes it up and packs it neatly in a bag to easily take home. A perfect street food experience! Video …
Foreign tourists flock to Koh Mak in Trat for longer island holidays
Koh Mak in Trat province is attracting more foreign tourists for extended holidays as the island enters its peak travel season, with improved ferry connections making it easier for visitors to travel between nearby islands.
Nol Suwajnanon, president of the Koh Mak Subdistrict Administrative Organization, said foreign visitors account for approximately 70% to 80% of tourists on the island, with many choosing to stay for more than two weeks. Continued …
Thailand tops Wanderlust’s 2026 food destinations
Thailand has been named the world’s most desirable country for gastronomy at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2026, taking the Gold Award after rising from eighth place last year.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool collected the award on Wednesday at Maritime Greenwich in London, during the 25th anniversary Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. The result places Thailand ahead of Italy and France in the food tourism category. Continued …
Royal barges mark birthday
People gathered along the banks of the Chao Phraya River yesterday to watch the Royal Barge Procession and the royal kathin presentation ceremony, held to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s 48th birthday.
The procession traveled from Wasukri Pier to Wat Arun, where the royal kathin robes were presented. Kathin is a Buddhist tradition in which laypeople present robes to monks during the month following the end of Buddhist Lent. Continued …
A warmer ocean puts us all at risk
For over 30 years, Pacific island countries have issued the same warning at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference: the warming ocean threatens not just food and energy security, but global survival itself.
And almost every year, our warning has been treated as a regional problem, a challenge confined to remote small islands and thus not warranting more than lip service from international leaders. Continued …
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Chinese suspects held in Pattaya 100-million-baht scam raid – Continued …
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Russian Arrested for Illegal Tour Guiding in Phuket – Continued …
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Myanmar couple held in Phatthalung over 629-day overstay – Continued …
Protests spread across Europe over AI data center expansion, environmental concerns
More than 100 activists entered a Microsoft AI data center construction site in Amsterdam yesterday, climbing cranes and hanging balloons. The action opened two days of protests planned in 16 countries by the Stop Dirty Data Centers coalition, which wants construction paused until governments set clearer rules. Continued …
German carmakers hit a dead end as China drives past
After decades of making bumper profits in China, Germany’s carmakers have run out of road and sales have slumped dramatically, forcing painful job losses at home. Volkswagen’s woes in China pushed Europe’s largest carmaker to a €5.8-billion (US$6.5 billion) loss for the three months to end-September. Continued …
Singapore Airlines to splash $1.6 billion on luxury long-haul cabins
Singapore Airlines, long a benchmark for premium travel, is spending more than $1.6 billion to upgrade long-haul seats and provide larger double-bed suites to compete with rivals that are pouring money into high-end cabins. 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
Appeal denied, beachfront demolitions to proceed
Health authorities in lower northeastern Thailand have recorded 570 cases of melioidosis and 45 deaths in four provinces so far this year. The figures, covering Jan. 1 to Oct. 22, were released yesterday.
Bangkok diner sued 1 million baht over 260-baht basil rice review
The outlook for the Thai economy for the remainder of 2026 remains uncertain, facing fragile household purchasing power, high debt burdens, uneven recovery, and the impact of the floods.
Thai export growth is projected to slow to 7.4% in 2027 as a result of several economic headwinds, most notably risks associated with US tariff policies. These trade risks are expected to impact various sectors, potentially weakening export competitiveness and adding pressure to overall economic growth.
Thailand is boasting of rising foreign investment as actual capital inflows plunge and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul launches a nationwide crackdown on foreign property ownership. Bank of Thailand figures expose a 24.6% second-quarter collapse in inward investment, dragging first-half FDI down 4.7%.
Thailand’s fiscal deficit for fiscal year 2026 stood at 3.4% of gross domestic product (GDP), below the earlier forecast of 4.4%, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, citing the latest Fiscal Policy Office figures.
Ten listed banking companies recorded combined net profit of approximately 198.96812 billion baht in the first nine months of 2026, according to figures compiled by Thansettakij.
This Stunning Island Has Some of the Best Snorkeling in the World
Thailand has secured 15 million euros in German grant funding for climate and biodiversity work linked to its Net Zero 2050 target. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin said the Department of Climate Change and Environment – known as the “Department of Global Warming Reduction” – had won support through two major projects.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said yesterday that four vessels involved n illegal oiltransfers in the northern Persian Gulf were simultaneously hit and caught fire after being tracked by its forces on Wednesday.
Brent crude reached its highest closing price since May 4 yesterday, rising 4% as Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia intensified concerns about further disruption to Middle East energy supplies.
Floods affect 2.6 million, with 22 deaths
According to the Industry Ministry, flooding across 40 provinces has affected 1,162 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These businesses are part of a larger group of 1,267 total factories and businesses impacted by the heavy rainfall and deluges.
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. 
Retail fuel prices in Thailand remained unchanged yesterday, despite the Oil Fuel Fund reducing subsidies for several diesel and gasohol products and raising the contribution collected from petrol.
Thai Singer Nene Royal Advances to AGT Judges’ Callbacks
Diplomacy is no longer confined to diplomats and politicians. Increasingly, and for better or worse, people-to-people relations shape ties between two nations. It is not just face-to-face contact, but the use of social media that shapes the trajectory relations between two nations.
Geopolitical conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran erupted in late February. Although negotiation efforts produced an agreement at one stage, fighting subsequently resumed, leaving shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea facing uncertainty.
As the government’s “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” co-payment scheme approaches its halfway point, industry associations view its impact as minimal. Somchai Pornrattanacharoen, honorary advisor to the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association, said small retailers participating in the scheme could see sales rise by up to 50% during the program.
Out of the blue, the Anutin government has made an abrupt policy U-turn by announcing it will abandon the 1-trillion-baht land bridge project. The reversal follows an official review that found the original project carried significant financial risks and uncertain economic returns.
Thailand must stop measuring tourism success simply by visitor numbers and build a system that protects destinations, local communities and infrastructure, according to two researchers at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
A severe drought and the peak travel season have left Koh Samui facing a water shortage that is affecting businesses, prompting tourism operators to call for greater investment in water infrastructure to keep pace with rising visitor numbers.
Thailand’s largest island records decline in hotel guests in first half
The private sector and Thailand’s Department of Health Service Support (HSS) are collaborating to push for the creation of “Wellness Special Economic Zones”. The scheme will begin with a three-to-five-year pilot phase dubbed the “Wellness Sandbox”, designed to generate economic value, stimulate employment, and attract foreign investors.
Wild tiger population in Thailand’s protected reserves reaches 210
As part of its sustainability journey, the resort has implemented a wide range of initiatives designed to reduce its environmental impact and promote responsible hospitality. These include reducing single-use plastics through the use of water filtration systems and glass bottles, implementing energy-saving systems in meeting facilities, and operating an on-site wastewater treatment system that allows treated water to be reused for landscape irrigation. 
Dreaming of a life in Thailand that’s both vibrant and affordable? Join me on a journey through Hua Hin, a charming coastal town that offers incredible livability! In this video, I’ll address what you need to know about making Hua Hin your home, from where to stay to how to navigate the town like a local.
An anti-corruption watchdog has urged the government to step up its fight against graft after a local government recruitment exam scandal, warning the case exposes deep-rooted problems in the bureaucracy and could damage Thailand’s international reputation.
Thai customs officials have seized 1.6 tons of dried cannabis buds concealed among blankets and duvet covers in two export containers destined for the Netherlands at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri province.
The never-ending fight for Nui Beach
Why You Should Skip This Thai Island
Listening to Buffalo Herders
Senators propose 3 sites for UNESCO list
Khao Tom is cool again
There’s a new threat on the horizon that could soon sweep the world, raising food and energy prices and disrupting supply chains at a time when the world is least able to cope. It’s called El Niño and forecasts are calling for the one of the strongest on record in the fourth quarter of this year — in other words a “super El Niño.”
Thai police and Chonburi provincial authorities launched coordinated searches at 41 locations on 17 July, targeting 33 companies suspected of using Thai nominees to hold land for foreign nationals.
The past week saw tensions mount among Thais who are becoming increasingly alarmed about China’s growing influence and role in Thailand. Four issues have emerged that patriotic Thais should, at the very least, be concerned about and contemplate within the larger context of Sino-Thai relations.
Leading Chinese companies have shifted their investment plans in Thailand to data centers, the manufacturing industry’s intelligent transformation, and new energy opportunities amid rising land and labor costs and stricter compliance requirements in the country, as well as global tariff shocks.
Suvarnabhumi arrivals face 2-3 hour immigration queues
Gastronomy Tourism Tipped to Spread Wealth Beyond Bangkok
The Thai government is preparing to support Phuket singer-guitarist Nene Royal in the next stage of her America’s Got Talent journey and involve her in promoting the country’s tourism, international image and soft power.
Dubai carrier flydubai is pressing ahead with its expansion in Thailand, doubling its daily flights to Bangkok from tomorrow as travel demand between the UAE and Southeast Asia continues to climb despite recent geopolitical uncertainty.
Why Isan Cuisine Is Part of Thailand’s Wellness Food Conversation
Koh Samui named world’s best island
The Future of Krabi’s Quiet Luxury
Direct flights between Hua Hin and Kuala Lumpur are expected to resume as transport officials move to restore an international route that carried more than 130,000 passengers before the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Thailand Riviera coastal road project is set to move forward again, with the Ministry of Transport seeking budget approval for fiscal year 2027 to study and design an extension from Chumphon to Songkhla.
Nine monks were killed and 13 other people injured after a pickup truck driven by an 11-year-old boy plowed into a morning pilgrimage in Muang district of Mukdahan province yesterday.
Thailand’s economy is sending two completely different signals. Official figures point to a country recovering faster than expected, with GDP expanding by 2.8%, exports surging by more than 23% in April, and tourism continuing to drive growth, albeit at a falling rate.
Thailand is on course for another record year in foreign film-production investment, as global streaming platforms and the fast-growing vertical-drama market continue to bring overseas crews and spending into the country.
The Department of Consular Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated its 2026 list of countries and territories offering visa-free entry to holders of ordinary Thai passports. The revised list includes 35 destinations where Thai travelers can enter without applying for a visa, subject to each country’s entry conditions.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has emphasized the development of rail tourism as an important step toward creating new experiential and economic value for Thailand’s tourism industry. TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that Thailand’s tourism sector has long drawn strength from its natural attractions, cultural heritage, and recognized hospitality.
Pattaya’s tourism is facing a particularly weak low season, with tourist numbers falling by around 20% to 30% in Pattaya and Chon Buri, while many hotels are reporting occupancy rates below break-even levels.
The Gulf of Thailand has always sold itself through color: turquoise water, coral gardens, fishing boats and island horizons. Now Thailand is adding another color to the seascape — the clean, clever green of technology.
Thailand’s islands have long sold the dream of clear waters, white sand and barefoot ease. Now, some of them are offering something more modern: the pleasure of arriving somewhere that is learning how not to drown in its own convenience.
Since China’s “National Sword” policy took effect in January 2018, banning imports of contaminated plastic and electronic waste, the recycling industry that was once concentrated inside China has scattered across the region. As a result, Thailand has absorbed a large share of it.
Honda Automobile (Thailand) is intensifying its strategy to challenge the Chinese-dominated electric vehicle (EV) market, announcing plans to make next-generation hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) the cornerstone of its lineup.
Thailand has been ranked the best country in Asia and ninth globally as a retirement destination in the Global Retirement Index 2026. Thailand was ranked ninth worldwide and first in Asia by International Living, a leading US media outlet specializing in overseas living and retirement.
Located in the heart of Thailand, Hua Hin offers a unique blend of traditional Thai culture and modern amenities, making it an attractive option for those looking to live in Thailand. From its stunning beaches to its vibrant nightlife, Hua Hin has something to offer for everyone.
Hua Hin has long been one of Thailand’s favorite beach getaways, known for its royal history, relaxed atmosphere, and easy access from the capital. But beyond the beach, the city has a lot more going on than you might expect.
The most useful AI gadget for expatriates in Thailand may not be a robot, a smart speaker or a laptop priced like a small motorbike. It may be the smartphone already sitting beside their morning iced coffee, quietly judging their screen time while helping them translate Thai messages, plan trips, manage work calls, read banking alerts and understand condominium notices that seem to have been written by a committee in a hurry.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of heavy rain in parts of Thailand, with very heavy downpours possible in some areas of the east and the western side of the south today.
Thais genuinely enjoy playing the lottery. Even though the chances of winning the grand prize are staggeringly low, only one in a million, they buy more and more tickets every day.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday that 10 out of 11 Thai-flagged vessels and vessels chartered by Thai operators stranded in the Strait of Hormuz area after the closure announcement on Feb. 28, had now safely left the area.
Thailand’s total dependence on imported fertilizer has left its 16 million farmers dangerously exposed to global geopolitical shocks, according to industry leaders, state officials, and academics who gathered for a roundtable yesterday.
Thailand’s Cabinet has extended ultra-low property transfer and mortgage registration fees for another year, keeping a key housing stimulus measure in place as the government seeks to ease costs for homebuyers and support a fragile real estate recovery.
Thailand’s property market may be moving cautiously, but at the very top end developers are racing in the opposite direction. A new wave of branded residences — backed by global hotel, fashion, design and automotive names — is turning Bangkok, Phuket and resort destinations into a regional test ground for luxury homes sold not merely as places to live, but as managed, long-term collectible assets.
Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) decreased by 0.8% year-on-year to 101.18 points in May, due mainly to a slowdown in the domestic automotive sector, said the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE). The index increased from 92.76 points in April, however, when global conflicts and domestic challenges weighed on industrial activity.
Prachuap Khiri Khan is moving ahead with its wellness tourism strategy, with model communities selected across all eight districts as part of plans to develop the province as a wellness city. At a meeting yesterday at the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Public Health Office, officials reviewed work being carried out in each district to strengthen health services and support sustainable wellness tourism.
Bangkok was named the world’s most visited city for 2025 by Euromonitor International, drawing an estimated 30.3 million international arrivals, ahead of Hong Kong, London, Macao, and Istanbul. Thailand expects that number to climb further in 2026, with 34.9 million foreign visitors forecast and tourism revenue projected at 1.63 trillion baht, an 8% increase year on year.
These 3 Small Thai Towns Could Stretch Your Budget Further
“The future is fully electric,” the president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (Thailand), Christian Schell, declared, expressing his confidence in the automobile’s future path. This was emphasized in the first half of 2026 by the oil crisis, when people turned to buying electric vehicles (EVs) in fear of fuel shortages.
Global investment in the energy sector continued to expand, with total investment reaching US$3.3 trillion in 2025, the highest level on record. Of this, US$2.3 trillion went into clean energy, helping lift the share of renewables and nuclear power in global electricity generation to 42%. 
Andrea Canonico focused on her breathing to stay calm as she lay trapped under a building that had crumbled during the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week. Just 23 years old, Canonico spent almost 48 hours in the same position before being pulled out – alive. 
Sam Roi Yot Run Ep.7 will offer distances of 2.7km, 5km and 10km along scenic coastal routes through local communities. Entry fees vary depending on registration period, with general registration open until May 31. 
The Commerce Ministry is preparing action against 140 “grey accountants” as part of a nationwide crackdown on the use of Thai nominees to conceal foreign ownership in restricted businesses.
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has issued new penalty guidelines that include license suspensions or revocations for cannabis businesses found to breach the department’s requirements.
The Thai baht opened the week at 32.94 per US dollar yesterday, drifting toward the psychologically significant 33 threshold as a confluence of external headwinds and domestic vulnerabilities battered sentiment.
Thailand’s exports posted double-digit growth in May but at a slower pace than April, a Commerce Ministry official said yesterday. Customs-cleared exports rose by 23.1% in April from a year earlier. May data is due later this week.
Thailand’s property market is seeing a major shift as developers move beyond simply delaying new launches and begin selling land and ready-to-develop projects to preserve liquidity.
Thailand’s world heritage-level performing arts have taken center stage in Europe and South Korea, as Khon, Nora, Songkran traditions, and Thai classical dance were showcased in Frankfurt and Seoul as part of a wider push to promote Thai cultural soft power overseas.
Tha Phra Chan clings to Thai herbal traditions
Thailand’s government is advancing its green hospital policy by promoting clean and renewable energy in public health facilities to reduce operating costs, improve energy efficiency, and support the country’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced yesterday that he was resigning, paving the way for what is expected to be an orderly transfer of power to frontrunner Andy Burnham. 
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.
Thais are expected to spend an average of 6.9 years living with illness or disability in later life, highlighting growing pressure on healthcare services and long-term care systems, according to the Thai Health Report 2026.
The family of a Thai farmer were stunned to discover 1.84 million baht in cash hidden inside a modified metal storage box used for tools after his death, revealing years of careful saving that even his wife did not know about.
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’s Cabinet has approved the collection of a 15% global minimum corporate tax on large multinational companies under an agreement led by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), aiming to prevent profit shifting to tax havens and generate about 10 billion baht in additional state revenue each year.
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
Vana Nava Hua Hin is the ultimate all-ages fun escape
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.