- Thailand Pushing Back Against Foreigners/Kingdom goes on cyber alert/Flood defenses ‘may fail’/Thailand scam losses/Gender gaps persist/Attackers hit sites across Yala
- ECONOMY: New e-commerce duties approved/Thai-US trade talks/Stricter data center regulations/Thai Data Center Investment/IMD’s 2026 digital and AI rankings/Bang Na economic hub/ASEAN Thai rice exports
- TOURISM: Thailand tourism squeezed/Suvarnabhumi congestion threatens high season/Global Wellness Summit Opens/60,000 passenger records accessed/Rules on pets in terminals
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Michelin launches 2027 Thailand guide
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Air quality key to climate health
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Thailand Is Pushing Back Against Tourists and Foreigners
Thailand’s famous “Land of Smiles” welcome is being tested, as locals grow increasingly frustrated about competing with foreigners who buy up property and set up their own businesses. In this video, Bloomberg’s Patpicha Tanakasempipat reports about a sweeping government crackdown and a big question facing Thailand: how to keep money from the tourism industry circulating within its local economy? Video …
Kingdom goes on cyber alert
Thailand is escalating its cybersecurity measures in response to an increase in sophisticated, daily cyberattack attempts that target government agencies, banks, and critical infrastructure. These threats are being driven by a global rise in cyberattacks, particularly those utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to scan networks and identify vulnerabilities.
The escalation includes the government ordering telecom operators to strengthen defenses and seeking intelligence from major tech firms like Google and Apple. Authorities are also addressing specific risks in the financial sector, where hackers are attempting to penetrate banking systems via third-party service providers. Additionally, the National Security Council has instructed agencies to prepare contingency plans for potential national cyber crises, as attack methods continue to evolve. – Bangkok Post AI
Flood defenses ‘may fail’ in future disasters
Bangkok’s flood prevention system is designed to handle rainfall of up to 60 millimeters per hour, though experts warn that current defenses may face mounting pressure from extreme weather and rising sea levels. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has also developed emergency response plans for worst-case scenarios involving rainfall of up to 300 millimeters, which could potentially submerge all 50 districts.
While the city has improved its preparedness since the 2011 mega floods by raising dyke heights and implementing integrated measures to divert water, officials note that the lack of a dam at the river’s mouth leaves the capital vulnerable. The current infrastructure includes pumping stations, drainage tunnels, and existing retention areas, but some proposed projects, such as the Bung Khu Bon retention pond, have been sidelined due to financial and practical considerations. Experts emphasize that as climate change intensifies, the city may need to adopt more aggressive adaptation strategies, such as sponge city concepts or advanced underground tunnels, to manage increasing risks. – Bangkok Post AI
Thailand scam losses reach 65.8 billion baht
Thai citizens suffered estimated losses of approximately 1.85 billion US dollars, which is roughly 65.8 billion baht, from scams over a 12-month period.
According to a report by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), these scams averaged about 335 dollars per victim. Phone calls, Meta social media platforms, and Line were identified as the most frequent channels utilized by fraudsters. – Bangkok Post AI
Gender gaps persist across Thai society
A United Nations report highlights that while Thailand has made progress in healthcare and education, gender-based violence, unequal care responsibilities, and limited political representation continue to restrict opportunities for women.
The report specifically notes that women’s labor force participation stands at 9.85%, compared to 7.47% for men, and that among working-age women in the labor market, the participation rate is 37.8%, while for men it is 61.3%. Additionally, women remain underrepresented in political decision-making, holding just 8.9% of seats in the House of Representatives. – Bangkok Post AI
Attackers hit eight sites across Yala
Attacks involving bombs, arson and property damage hit eight sites across five districts of Yala yesterday, according to the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Forward Command.
Attackers restrained five security guards and tied their hands before bombing and setting fire to the Yala Subdistrict Administrative Organization office and several official vehicles in Mueang Yala district, ISOC reported. Continued …
New duties approved on goods imported via e-commerce
The cabinet has approved import duties of up to 30% for goods purchased via e-commerce platforms, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said yesterday. The taxes are expected to take effect early next year, said Phantong Loykulnanta, director-general of the Customs Department.
He said the revised collection regime would apply to goods entering Thailand through express delivery services and international post. Duties on purchases made through e-commerce platforms would follow the applicable customs tariff classifications, with rates not exceeding 30%. Continued …
Anutin and Trump expected to confirm progress in Thai-US trade talks
Thailand’s Cabinet has authorized Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to announce or sign a joint statement with US President Donald Trump confirming that the two countries have reached a substantial conclusion in negotiations on an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART).
The announcement and possible signing are expected to take place during the ASEAN Summit in Manila, the Philippines, from Nove. 15-17. The statement will mark progress in the negotiations but will not constitute the signing of the final trade agreement. Continued …
Analysts welcome stricter data center regulations
Analysts welcomed the cabinet’s approval of stricter data center regulations because clearer rules are expected to reduce investor concerns regarding potential project delays. This regulatory clarity is anticipated to encourage fresh capital inflows, which would support both the stock market and the broader economy.
This is what a data center sounds like – Video …
The new framework includes a centralized approval system, noise and heat controls, and a one-stop service center to streamline operations. By establishing common standards and providing greater assurance to local communities, the regulations aim to prevent the speculative reservation of electricity and other vital resources. Additionally, assessments will consider factors beyond financial value, such as job creation, domestic supply chain integration, and the use of clean energy. – Bangkok Post AI
PwC Projects 5 Trillion Baht in Thai Data Center Investment by 2050
Thailand’s cumulative data center investment could reach approximately 5 trillion baht by 2050, driven by demand for artificial intelligence, cloud services and domestic data processing. PwC projects capital expenditure to rise from US$58.6 billion in 2027 to US$150 billion by 2050.
Living in the shadow of a data center – Video …
PwC said sustainable growth will depend on coordinated planning for electricity, clean energy, water, cybersecurity, environmental standards and community needs. The Eastern Economic Corridor was highlighted as an area requiring careful resource management. Continued …
Thailand ranks 43rd of 70 economies in IMD’s 2026 digital and AI ranking
Thailand ranked 43rd of 70 economies in the 2026 IMD World Digital and AI Ranking (WDAIR), according to results released by the Thailand Management Assn. (TMA) in Bangkok today.
TMA said Thailand’s strengths in technology investment and openness to artificial intelligence (AI) were being constrained by weaknesses in governance and trust. Improving competitiveness would require stronger rules, workforce capabilities and public confidence, alongside investment. Continued …
Bang Na set to become a key economic hub
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) is considered a major driver for growth in the Bang Na area because it makes the district a highly attractive destination for commercial and industrial investment. This proximity to the EEC helps revitalize the region through various large-scale developments and improved connectivity.
Major mixed-use projects like Bangkok Mall, which will provide approximately 1 million square meters of space, are key factors in transforming Bang Na into a prominent economic hub within the South Sukhumvit corridor. Additionally, land prices in the Bang Na area have seen significant increases, partly due to the district’s strategic position as a link between central Bangkok and the EEC. Infrastructure improvements, such as the expansion of the Purple Line and the proposed airport rail link, further strengthen this connection and support the area’s economic potential. – Bangkok Post AI
ASEAN emerges as key growth market for Thai rice exports
Neighboring members of ASEAN have become major markets for Thai rice exports, with shipments to the bloc surging 109% year-on-year during the first nine months of this year.
Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the Commerce Ministry’s Department of Foreign Trade, told the media this week that Thai rice exports to ASEAN reached 1.25 million tons during the January-September period, accounting for more than a quarter of Thailand’s total rice exports. Continued …
Thailand tourism squeezed by Europe and China slowdown
Thailand is heading into its key winter tourism season with demand from Europe weakening and Chinese arrivals falling, while instability around the Middle East continues to threaten major air connections. Pattaya operators say their European market is down 20%-30% on a year earlier, while daily Chinese arrivals have reportedly dropped from about 10,000 to 7,000.
For regular visitors, the immediate effect is likely to be felt most in air travel. European travelers using Gulf hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi may face higher fares, longer journeys or changed schedules if regional airspace disruption worsens, while those already holding tickets may find replacement flights costly. Continued …
Suvarnabhumi congestion threatens Thailand’s high season
Thailand’s tourism industry has raised concerns over cargo backlogs and congestion at Suvarnabhumi Airport, warning that management problems could affect traveler confidence and tourism revenue during the year-end high season.
Adith Chairattananon, secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), said yesterday that the private sector was deeply concerned about the airport’s readiness for the final two months of 2026. He said the problem went beyond overcrowding, pointing to weaknesses in the wider airport management system, including airlines, immigration checks, baggage handling and ground transport. Continued …
Global Wellness Summit Opens in Phuket
Thailand’s Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana presided over the opening of the Global Wellness Summit 2026 (GWS 2026) at Angsana Laguna Phuket today, as Thailand highlighted its ambitions to become a leading international health and wellness destination.
The gathering provides a platform for international leaders, specialists, investors and businesses in the health and wellness tourism sectors to exchange knowledge and explore opportunities for cooperation. Continued …
Thai Airways says 60,000 passenger records accessed
Thai Airways has reported unauthorized access to booking information affecting 60,529 passenger records, after its reservation-system provider Amadeus identified a breach. The airline said the access involved booking data held in Amadeus systems between Aug. 10, 2023, and Sept. 23, 2026.
Thai Airways issued its statement on Monday, with the matter reported on yesterday. The airline said the affected records included passengers’ names, booking reference numbers, travel dates, flight routes and cabin classes. Continued …
Suvarnabhumi Airport tightens rules on bringing pets into terminals
Suvarnabhumi Airport has tightened restrictions on bringing animals into designated airport areas, banning pets unless they are traveling by air or qualify for specific exemptions. Airports of Thailand (AOT) issued the rules to improve safety for passengers, visitors nad airport operations
The restrictions cover the main passenger terminal, concourses, restricted airside areas and other locations designated by the airport director. Continued …
Michelin launches 2027 Thailand guide with a record 507 restaurants
The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2027 has been unveiled with a record 507 restaurants, marking its 10th edition in the country and the centenary of the MICHELIN star.
Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the MICHELIN Guide, described the selection as a milestone in the development of Thailand’s culinary industry, reflecting the creativity, commitment and adaptability of its professionals. Continued …
COP31: Why air quality is key to climate health
As world leaders and activists meet in Antalya, Turkey, for COP31, one key environmental issue deserves the spotlight in the climate conversation: the air we breathe.
Air pollution is one of the world’s greatest environmental health threats, contributing to about 7 million premature deaths each year. It also shares many of the same sources as climate change, from fossil fuel combustion to waste and industrial emissions. Yet, the two problems are still too often addressed separately. Continued …
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Slovak man accused of attacking masseuses in Suphan Buri – Continued …
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Cocaine Seized From Brazil Arrivals at Suvarnabhumi – Continued …
Iran’s top security official says no talks underway with US
Iran’s top security official, Mohsen Rezaei, said there are currently no negotiations taking place between Tehran and Washington. Iran has insisted the US must meet seven conditions set out in a June interim agreement before the Strait of Hormuz can reopen and negotiations resume.
Rezaei said Iran had askedthe US for a “clear and explicit” response to its conditions, but had yet to receive one, adding that Washington could respond in the future. Continued …
Vanishing vessels and missing sailors: The Iran war’s human cost at sea
V. Pandiselvi, the mother of Indian sailor Naveen Kumar, has not heard from her son for more than six months, yet she still clings to hope he will return, crying as she replays old voice notes.
Kumar was one of six crew members assigned to work on two Iran-linked cargo vessels last seen in Iranian waters in May before disappearing. The vessels’ fate is still unclear. Continued …
First day of Ukraine peace talks constructive, Zelensky says
The first of two days of trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and the US aimed at ending the war in Ukraine has concluded in Abu Dhabi.
While senior officials from Kyiv and Moscow were tight-lipped after the four hour-long discussions, President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was not at the talks, said they had proved “constructive and quite substantive”. Continued …
Meet the Peaky Blinders, Ukraine’s drone unit protecting a devastated front-line city
Slovyansk is one of four cities that make up Ukraine’s “fortress belt” – a system of heavily reinforced defense lines in the parts of eastern region of Donetsk still under its control.
The town has become almost uninhabitable and has been under heavy bombardment from Russian drones, missiles and glide bombs. Members of a Ukrainian drone unit that call themselves Peaky Blinders, named after the cult BBC TV series, have taken on the task of intercepting Russian drones. 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
Criminal warnings issued on beach demolitions
Proud Group and its partners have launched a tourism campaign worth more than 90 million baht, offering free sports sessions, water park admission and beachfront fitness activities to promote Hua Hin as a wellness lifestyle destination.
Four international tennis tournaments in Hua Hin will offer more than two million baht in prize money this November and December, with the first men’s main-draw matches starting on Monday.
Thailand’s Ministry of Energy has pledged to consider proposals to reduce fuel prices and reform the country’s oil-pricing structure following demands from transport and logistics operators. Officials received the demands at a protest outside the ministry in Bangkok yesterday.
PTT Oil and Retail Business, which operates PTT Station, and Bangchak Corp. cut Bangkok prices for standard gasohol 91, gasohol 95 and E20 by 0.70 baht a liter today. PTT Station also cut regular petrol by the same amount to 50.33 baht a liter.
The National Security Council (NSC) has urged the public not to panic or stockpile food, saying domestic supplies remain sufficient despite rising global tensions.
Thailand is preparing evidence that could lead to the revocation of Thai citizenship for another three foreign businessmen, Justice Minister Rutthaphol Naowarat said following a ten-agency meeting in Bangkok yesterday.
A Thai-French female streamer has drawn more than two million views after posting footage of a confrontation with a convenience store employee near Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya.
Gold bullion in Thailand closed at a selling price of 64,400 baht per baht-weight yesterday, according to the Gold Traders Assn. The quotation for 96.5%-purity gold was 1,900 baht, or 3.04%, above the Nov. 3 close.
Thai business leaders and market analysts say the Democratic sweep in the US midterm elections could improve conditions for Thailand, by placing greater checks on President Donald Trump’s policies and encouraging capital flows into emerging markets.
Thailand’s economy is expected togrow 2.4% to 2.6% this year, up from a previous forecast of 2.1% to 2.5%, a leading business group said yesterday.
The European Union has pitched itself as a “trusted and long-term partner” for Thailand’s economic transformation, with its ambassador saying a free trade agreement (FTA) now under negotiation could anchor deeper investment, technology transfer and a shift toward a greener, higher-value economy.
Thailand is accelerating petroleum exploration both onshore and in the Andaman Sea as it seeks to increase domestic energy supplies and reduce reliance on imports amid continued volatility in global fuel markets.
Thailand’s rice exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) more than doubled to approximately 1.25 million tons in the first nine months of 2026, as stronger purchases from the Philippines and Malaysia helped offset declining shipments to Iraq, according to the Department of Foreign Trade.
CP Axtra, the operator of Makro and Lotus’s wholesale and retail businesses, plans to develop 78 projects in 2027, including opening new locations and renovations of existing stores across 37 provinces.
Automatic passport control extended to 33 countries
Sky ICT plans Suvarnabhumi humanoid robot trial
Doctors and nurses in Thailand fear eating KFC on shift because of a long-standing medical superstition known as the “KFC Fried Chicken Curse” (or “เวรเยิน” / wen yern, meaning a disastrously busy shift).
Bangkok lists 16 Royal Barge Procession viewing points for tomorrow
Iran’s government savored the stinging rebuke delivered to Donald Trump in the midterm elections, declaring voters had rejected the war launched by the US president even as Tehran remained on high alert for the possibility of renewed strikes. 
The Bank of England is expected to raise its benchmark interest rate today for the first time in more than three years, as soaring energy costs push up global inflation. The BoE is forecast to tighten borrowing costs by a quarter point to 4.0%. 
Google has said it will switch off its AI tools for schoolchildren by default, after drawing criticism for pushing artificial intelligence features to students while schools are still debating how the technology should be used in classrooms. 
The Meteorological Department expects the cold season in Thailand to start later than usual this year due to the strong El Nino weather phenomenon. According to the department, El Nino this year is at least as severe as the one the region experienced in 2023.
Thailand recorded 470 mpox cases and three deaths between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31, prompting the Department of Disease Control (DDC) to urge people with suspicious symptoms to seek medical attention without delay.
The cabinet approved a Transport Ministry proposal yesterday to cap Bangkok’s electric train fares at 45 baht across all lines to ease the cost of living for commuters. The fare cap will be in effect for the 2027 calendar year.
The Bank of Thailand has raised concerns over growing fragility in the country’s labor market, as rising unemployment threatens to weigh on domestic consumption.
Phuket’s housing market has properties worth 194.545 billion baht awaiting buyers in 2026, placing it second only to Bangkok and its surrounding provinces, as continued investment brings closer scrutiny of nominee ownership and encroachment on public land.
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a sharp rise in excise tax on imported battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs), setting a 35% rate from Jan. 1, 2027.
Familiar coastal destinations are proving that nostalgia and convenience are a winning combination, with new data revealing a strong resurgence in domestic travel interest along Thailand’s eastern seaboard.
Sky lantern festival poised for visitor surge
Thailand’s dinosaur kingdom moves closer to UNESCO designation
The booming data center segment is prompting Banpu Next, a clean and smart energy solution provider under energy conglomerate Banpu Plc, to scale up its solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) businesses to serve industrial estates and large-scale businesses, targeting more than 300 megawatts of clean power generation capacity in Thailand by 2030.
A new electric bus service linking Phuket International Airport with Rawai beach began operating on Sunday, offering travelers and commuters a lower-cost public transport option across the island.
Oil prices extended gains today, as the Middle East conflict escalated after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis stepped up strikes on Saudi Arabia, while two tankers were attacked over the weekend, raising concerns about oil supply from the region.
Thailand plans to use the 2026 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group to attract foreign investment in future industries and expand international economic cooperation, the government said today.
Thong Pha Phum National Park in Kanchanaburi will reopen its Khao Chang Phueak long-distance nature trek from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31. Numbers will be capped at 60 visitors a day, with hikers aged 13 to 70 only.
The new power development plan is expected to unlock trillions of baht in renewable energy investment and create broader opportunities for private sector participation in the electricity market. This expansion includes several key areas for engagement, such as wind power, solar energy, battery energy storage systems, and the development of small modular reactors.
Five days of heavy rain put Thailand on alert
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued Warning No. 5 today, forecasting isolated heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Thailand during Oct. 9–13. Thundershowers, gusty winds and hail are also expected during the five-day period.
The global oil market is becoming increasingly vulnerable to supply shocks, as readily accessible inventories shrink following heavy withdrawals during conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, according to leading energy executives.
Oil prices settled 4% higher yesterday in Houston as revived concerns over the ongoing Middle East war and growing supply disruptions from Hurricane Isaias approaching the US Gulf Coast drove intense market volatility.
Meta has banned advertisements from TikTok owner ByteDance on Facebook and Instagram in Thailand, the United States and five other markets, escalating competition between the two social-media groups.
Thailand stands at a pivotal junction where it must rapidly modernize its infrastructure, expand artificial intelligence adoption, and bridge a widening digital skills gap to avoid being left behind in the new global economy.
Thailand’s consumer confidence fell for the first time in four months in September, with the index dropping to 52.1 as widespread flooding and rising living costs weighed on households. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) released the findings yesterday, drawing on a nationwide survey of 2,241 respondents.
Thailand identifies 10 emerging technologies for future growth
Bangkok voted world’s best city for tourists
ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), finalized on May 30, represents a landmark achievement as the world’s first regional digital economy agreement. It establishes common rules for cross-border data transfers, e-commerce, cybersecurity, AI, and talent mobility, targeting a projected $1 trillion digital economy by 2030.
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.
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) has assessed the risk of plague being imported from Russia as low, as it awaits further confirmation from the World Health Organization (WHO) over a suspected pneumonic plague case involving a laboratory worker in Siberia.
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.
The government has ordered a comprehensive review of its flood-risk maps to ensure they provide the highest possible accuracy and completeness. Additionally, officials have instructed all relevant agencies to utilize a single, unified data set to manage water and coordinate responses.
Insurance companies are expected to suffer the most significant and long-lasting impact on their earnings due to the current flooding. This prolonged recovery period is driven by the high volume of severe claims and losses that insurers must process as floodwaters recede.
Heavy overnight rain left roads flooded across parts of Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom early today, slowing traffic and forcing motorists to take extra care or avoid several affected routes.
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 struggling to reach its 7 million ton rice export goal because several key trading partners have reduced their import volumes. The shortfall is driven largely by decreased demand from Malaysia and the Philippines, with the latter citing concerns over relatively high prices for Thai rice.
Leading artificial intelligence companies do not know how to keep AI systems from pursuing objectives their developers did not assign, whistleblower Jacob Coxon, a former OpenAI and Anthropic employee, warned yesterday. “Companies are being extremely reckless given the stakes,” Coxon told local lawmakers at a hearing before the New York City Council.
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.
Laos, Myanmar and Thailand have launched a joint action plan to tackle seasonal haze and forest fires that cause serious air pollution across the Mekong sub-region. The trilateral initiative was launched by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs alongside the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the governments of Lao PDR and Myanmar.
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.
Insurance regulator sets 5 flood-damage levels for vehicles
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
The best mental health retreat in Thailand, for anyone dealing with a clinical condition, is one that pairs licensed clinical care with a restful setting. For depression, anxiety, burnout or trauma, The Dawn Wellness Center and Rehab in Chiang Mai is one of the options most often cited: it is licensed by the Ministry of Public Health and runs a mental health program separate from its addiction treatment. First, though, it helps to know that “retreat” means very different things in Thailand.
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. 
EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic will head to Beijing on Thursday for two days of make-or-break meetings with Chinese officials to try to stave off a trade war. The European Union has toughened its stance toward Beijing to defend businesses against what it believes is unfair competition in critical sectors, including cars. 
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. 
As part of the Nihao Month 2026 campaign, Amazing Thailand Mid-Autumn Celebration 2026 is being organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Bangkok. This festival will help Thailand and China strengthen their ties in culture, wellness and experiential travels. A total of 31 Chinese travel bloggers will take part in the program, themed “Healing is the New Luxury”, and visit various places in Thailand.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
The competition in Thailand’s logistics and express-delivery market has shifted from price and scale toward faster, more reliable, and specialized services. This transition is driven by economic pressures, rising fuel costs, and increasing consumer expectations for service quality and reliability.
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%.
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.