- Registration opens for solar panel subsidies/More rain for Hua Hin/Cheaper fuel prices/OR, Bangchak cut B20, E20/Bacteria in raw enoki mushrooms/What Worries Thailand?/Thailand targets lifetime gun licenses/Thousands of fake Thai citizens
- ECONOMY: What factors boosted private investment?/Thai car production falls/Thailand and Malaysia target trade
- TOURISM: Don Mueang pat-down security checks/25 million foreign visitors/ATTA fears 50% fall in Chinese group tours/Flash Floods Lock Down Phuket Tourist Zone/Andaman seaplane plan/Etihad banks on A380s
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Natural beauty of Prachuap Khiri Khan/Retiree finds slower Isan life
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Registration opens for solar panel subsidies for a million Thai homes
Lavaron Sangsnit, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Finance, said the Cabinet had formally approved a household solar program targeting one million homes nationwide. The program will support rooftop, ground-mounted and floating solar power systems, with a government subsidy of 50,000 baht per household toward a standard 140,000-baht package using equipment certified by the electricity utilities.
Three state financial institutions will provide loans on the same terms: Government Savings Bank, Government Housing Bank (GHB) and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). The loans will carry an annual interest rate of 2.5%, with repayment over seven years. Continued …
More rain forecast for Hua Hin
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecast heavy rain in 17 central and southern provinces today. The department warned that persistent rain could cause flash floods and runoff in the south, while thunderstorms and strong gusts remain a threat across upper Thailand, particularly the central region.
The warning for the south includes Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi and Trang. Continued …
Cabinet approves cheaper fuel prices for 3 months
The Thai cabinet approved a three-month reduction in excise taxes on E20 gasohol and B20 biodiesel to provide financial relief to farmers, transport operators, and consumers. This measure aims to lower domestic living costs and ease the burden of high fuel prices.
By reducing the tax on E20 gasohol to 36.5 baht per liter and B20 biodiesel to 35.5 baht per liter, the government intends to boost demand for agricultural products used in biofuel production, thereby supporting the agricultural sector and strengthening national energy security. Industry representatives have noted that shifting toward these biofuels can help reduce the country’s dependence on imported energy. – Bangkok Post AI
OR, Bangchak cut B20, E20 to 33.50 baht/liter
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR), which operates PTT Station, and Bangchak Corp. have lowered B20 diesel and E20 gasohol prices to 33.50 baht per liter in Bangkok from today.
OR and Bangchak reduced B20 diesel by 3.69 baht per liter and E20 gasohol by 2.19 baht per liter. Other petrol, gasohol and diesel grades remain unchanged, with the listed Bangkok retail prices excluding local maintenance tax. Continued …
Thai food study finds bacteria in raw enoki mushroom samples
The National Food Institute tested five enoki mushroom samples purchased from five shops in Bangkok and found Listeria monocytogenes in every sample. The bacterium can cause listeriosis, an infection associated with symptoms including fever, headaches, muscle pain, diarrhea and vomiting.
Most healthy people experience mild symptoms or recover without serious complications. However, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems face greater risks. Continued …
What Worries Thailand?
Thailand’s consumer sentiment in October reveals a notable shift in the issues weighing on people’s minds. While financial and political corruption remains the country’s leading concern, poverty and social inequality has returned to second place, and climate change has emerged as one of the month’s fastest-rising worries.
According to the latest Ipsos What Worries the World? findings, concern about climate change has jumped 14 percentage points in just one month, placing it third among Thailand’s biggest worries. The findings also point to a more cautious national and personal outlook. More than half of Thais believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, six in 10 continue to describe the economy as bad, and consumers report feeling less comfortable making both major and everyday household purchases. Continued …
Thailand targets lifetime gun licenses in new rules
Thailand’s Parliament has opened public consultation on a proposed overhaul of the country’s firearms law, including a requirement for personal gun possession licenses to be renewed every five years.
The bill would also introduce tighter controls for gun dealers, shooting ranges, ammunition and imitation firearms. The proposed amendments would replace the current lifetime validity of the P.4 license – a permit to possess and use a firearm – with five-year renewals. Continued …
Thousands of fake Thai citizens of Chinese origin identified going back over two decades
A massive Chinese citizenship fraud investigation has uncovered 1,483 suspicious birth registrations across eight Thai hospitals, with cases stretching back 27 years. Police revealed fresh DNA evidence yesterday, exposing 24 cases involving false Thai fathers.
Among those arrested are a medical student, a computer programmer and an industrial engineer who lived as Thai citizens for decades. Investigators have also uncovered Thai men paid to register sham marriages and acknowledge Chinese children. The nationwide crackdown has produced 67 arrests, with hospital staff and government officials implicated. Continued …
What factors boosted Thailand’s private investment growth?
Thailand’s private investment growth is being driven by a surge in digital infrastructure, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence, cloud services, and data centers. Additionally, investment is being propelled by robust performance in the technology and electronics export sectors.
Beyond these tech-focused drivers, investment is also being spurred by the development of emerging industries such as medical and wellness services. Other contributing factors include government budget disbursements and interest in sectors like renewable energy, construction, and engineering. While these areas offer promise, experts note that achieving long-term stability will require addressing challenges such as workforce skill gaps and regulatory uncertainties. – Bangkok Post AI
Thai car production falls 6.1% in September
Car production in Thailand dropped 6.1% in September from a year earlier to 120,319 units, due partially to disruptions caused by flooding, the Federation of Thai Industries said yesterday. The reading followed a rise of 10.9% in August.
Despite the decline in September, cumulative vehicle production in the first nine months of 2026 was still up 0.4% year-on-year to 1.08 million units. Continued …
Thailand and Malaysia target US$30 billion in trade
Thailand and Malaysia reaffirmed their commitment to achieving US$30 billion in bilateral trade by 2027 during ministerial talks in Bangkok yesterday, while backing faster progress on border transport projects and closer security cooperation.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan led the discussions at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok during Mohamad’s working visit to Thailand. Continued …
Don Mueang to introduce pat-down security checks
Don Mueang International Airport will replace handheld metal-detector checks with manual pat-down screening from Nov. 1, under revised security procedures intended to meet Thai and international aviation standards.
The airport announced the change yesterday, saying passengers will undergo pat-down checks after passing through either a walk-through metal detector (WTMD) or a body scanner. Hand-held metal detectors (HHMDs) will no longer be used for the relevant part of the screening process. Continued …
Thailand draws 25 million foreign visitors in 10 months
Thailand received 24,925,645 foreign visitors between Jan. 1 and Oct. 24, generating more than 1.21 trillion baht in tourism spending, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said.
Despite the large total, arrivals were 4.4% below the level recorded over the same period last year. China remained Thailand’s biggest overseas market, supplying 4.19 million visitors so far this year. Continued …
ATTA fears 50% fall in Chinese group tours to Thailand at Lunar New Year 2027
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) has warned that Chinese group-tour business in Thailand could fall by as much as 50% during the Lunar New Year holiday in 2027 unless the government moves quickly to address safety concerns raised by the Chinese embassy.
ATTA President Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn said cancellations following the embassy’s warning about recruitment scams had already left the Chinese group-tour market more than 30% below the same period last year. Continued …
Sudden Flash Floods Lock Down a Top Phuket Tourist Zone
Visitors in some of the Thai island’s busiest areas are dealing with mud, rocks and damaged roads after overnight flooding, complicating journeys between hotels and nearby attractions.
Floodwater had receded in many affected areas by Monday, but the cleanup remains unfinished. More heavy rain is forecast today, raising the risk of renewed flooding and landslides just as officials work to restore access. Continued …
Andaman seaplane plan set to take off
Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit is leading efforts to introduce seaplane services in the Andaman region to stimulate the local economy and boost tourism. This strategic plan involves coordinating with various authorities, including the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand and the Department of Airports, to manage landing sites, staff training, and environmental protection.
The initiative also emphasizes ensuring aviation safety and minimizing environmental impact, particularly regarding noise levels and airspace management. Officials are currently conducting meetings to discuss critical operational details such as flight routes, particularly around Koh Lipe, and the implementation of necessary safety and maritime protection measures. – Bangkok Post AI
Etihad banks on A380s to boost Bangkok flights
Etihad Airways is increasing its long-haul capacity to Bangkok to capitalize on the significant surge in premium luxury travel demand within the region. The airline is specifically utilizing its Airbus A380 superjumbo aircraft to meet this demand during the high season.
The airline’s strategy involves introducing the A380 on its Bangkok route to boost passenger capacity by approximately 30% compared to the A350 aircraft. This move comes as Etihad observes a huge demand for premium luxury travel in Bangkok, even as it faces increased competition from other airlines offering direct long-haul services connecting Europe and Asia. Despite ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the airline has managed to maintain strong long-haul growth and has already exceeded its flight capacity levels from the previous year. – Bangkok Post AI
Two-day escape into the natural beauty of Prachuap Khiri Khan
Hua Hin may be famous for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts and vibrant lifestyle, but venture a little further south and a different side of Prachuap Khiri Khan awaits.
From the peaceful countryside of Sam Roi Yot to the wildlife-rich forests of Kui Buri and the relaxing coastline of Pran Buri, this two-day, one-night road trip offers the perfect combination of nature, culture and relaxation. Continued …
Retiree finds slower Isan life after leaving Spain
Spanish pensioner Luis, 68, says he has found a more relaxed retirement in Thailand’s northeastern Isaan region after leaving Spain, building a house for 20,000 euros. Sergio Castillo Calderon said the move offered a quieter daily life away from Europe’s pace, along with lower household costs.
“With 20,000 euros, you can build yourself a house and live a peaceful life,” he said. However, the home was built on land owned by his wife, a Thai national. This is an important distinction for foreigners considering a similar move. Continued …
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Swedish hacking suspect arrested on Koh Samui – Continued …
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Chinese man wanted in China held at Bangkok condo – Continued …
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Belgian man, 75, held at Suvarnabhumi on warrant – Continued …
US military cost of Iran war tops $47 billion
The war in Iran has cost the U.S. military $47.1 billion as of Oct. 16, according to an estimate U.S. Central Command provided to Congress. The cost update is almost certainly a significant undercount of the total cost of the war, as it does not include estimates about damage to U.S. bases and facilities across the Middle East that were hit by Iranian strikes. Continued …
NESDC warns oil may stay high as Praipol sees US$90 a barrel if wars ease
Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has warned that prolonged high oil prices could put pressure on inflation and the current account. Energy economist Praipol Koomsup has called for broader fuel tax cuts, while suggesting prices could ease within one to two months if conflicts subside. 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
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.
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.
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.
Video of the panther and leopard at Kaeng Krachan
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival set for March
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.
Doi Luang Chiang Dao opens online bookings for 2026–27 treks
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 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.
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. 
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. 
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’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.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its seventh heavy-rain warning today, alerting parts of Thailand to heavy to very heavy downpours through Sunday. The warning also forecasts waves above three meters in thunderstorm areas of the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered officials to complete investigations into suspected nominee arrangements used by foreigners to hold Thai land by December.
Scholars and experts advise Thailand to maintain strategic flexibility and avoid picking sides to preserve its ability to balance relations between the United States and China. This approach is intended to help the nation navigate the complexities of a new Cold War and avoid the risks associated with being caught in a direct geopolitical confrontation.
France’s latest wave of unrest is drawing attention to the financial pressure on one of Europe’s largest welfare states, prompting Thai economists to warn that persistent budget deficits and weak fiscal discipline can eventually constrain public services and leave governments with fewer options during a crisis.
The Thai government is prioritizing investments in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure to transform the country into a regional leader and an intelligent nation. These investments are designed to strengthen national economic competitiveness, enhance digital sovereignty, and unlock new sources of economic growth through improved productivity.
Where will young people stand in a world where there might be more people than jobs?
Thanit Sorat , vice president of the Thai Employers’ Confederation of Trade and Industry, drew lessons and reflected on the perspectives of global financial leaders at the IMF – World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, pointing out that both the IMF and the World Bank share grave concerns about the impact of AI and advanced technologies, which will have an unprecedented and widespread effect on labor markets and employment.
Artificial intelligence is changing how people work across a wide range of professions, from researching information and writing content to preparing reports and conducting basic data analysis. Tasks that once took hours can now be completed much faster with AI tools. But for jobseekers, an important question remains: as AI becomes capable of doing more, what skills do employers still need from people?
Chiang Mai’s iconic elephant camp marks golden anniversary with major transformation
EZY Airlines Hua Hin flight timetable revealed
Thailand’s winter season is expected to begin about a week later than average this year, with temperatures forecast to be warmer than normal and heavy rain posing flood risks in the south, the Thai Meteorological Department said.
Energy prices contribute to inflation risks through several interconnected economic channels, most notably by driving up the cost of production and transportation for essential goods. Rising fuel costs act as an input cost for businesses, which then pass these expenses on to consumers, thereby increasing headline inflation. Furthermore, volatility in global energy markets, often triggered by geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, can lead to sudden price shocks that destabilize economic growth and put upward pressure on consumer prices globally.
Global economic growth may hold at 3.1% in 2026, but that resilience rests on increasingly fragile foundations, as investment in artificial intelligence (AI) drives uneven growth and governments confront high debt, inflation and rising energy costs, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned.
Thailand’s domestic travel scene is experiencing a notable shift, with Khao Yai and Koh Chang emerging as the country’s fastest-rising destinations, according to Traveloka’s Q3 2026 SEA Index. Searches for Koh Chang have surged by over 40% year on year, while Khao Yai tops the list of domestic destinations gaining momentum.
Thai Airways has admitted its September baggage crisis was five times worse than first reported, with 25,000 bags stranded and over 200 flights cancelled. Now, the board has seized control, ordering worldwide luggage deliveries and automatic passenger compensation.
Thailand is turning to MICE tourism – meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions – to revive its tourism industry amid declining visitor arrivals, safety concerns and a stronger currency. With Bangkok rising in global rankings, the country is betting on international business events to attract more visitors and boost economic growth. 
Call for use of farm land for wind energy projects
Wind farms could lower electricity prices in Thailand by reducing the country’s dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is subject to costly spikes in global market prices. Additionally, wind energy can serve as a complementary power source by generating electricity at night, which helps improve the overall reliability of the national power system.
Connecting Hua Hin by air to Thailand’s major tourist destinations and developing the railway bypass road are among the priorities Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul has outlined as the city prepares for continued growth.
Yesterday, staff from Hua Hin municipality’s Public Health and Environment Division collected rubbish along the beach from Hua Hin Soi 77 through Soi 85 and south to Khao Takiab.
Stilt houses in villages north of Bangkok are no longer high enough to stay dry as Thai authorities deliberately flood riverside communities to spare the capital.
160-billion-baht Chao Phraya 2 canal approved to tackle flooding
At the 2026 International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, senior IMF executives held a joint press briefing with the media titled “Asia and Pacific Department” to release the latest Regional Economic Outlook report.
Thailand needs more long-term investment to revive economic growth, former commerce and energy minister Narongchai Akrasanee says.
Thailand’s economy is projected to grow by 2.1% in 2026, placing it among the slowest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, ahead of only Myanmar and Brunei, according to the International Monetary Fund’s latest forecasts.
Ripe mangosteen and rambutan are being left unpicked in eastern Thailand as a shortage of migrant workers forces growers to decide which crops are worth harvesting.
Netflix says Thailand could develop into a global entertainment production center comparable to South Korea, but says stronger intellectual property protection and creative freedom will be needed for Thai content to compete internationally.
Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) will use a packed program of year-end festivals, concerts and international events in an effort to bring foreign arrivals to about 33 million in 2026. The campaign follows a 3.8% fall in international arrivals during the first nine months of the year, while a strengthening baht has made Thailand less price-competitive against rival destinations.
Energy demand is soaring, fuel prices have been rattled by conflict in the Middle East, and much of Asia still runs on coal. Can renewables step in fast enough?
Australia said today it refused to allow big tech to have “unfettered” access to its children, as it formally introduced new legislation that would give users choice over what they see on their feeds. Under the “Digital Duty of Care” bill, firms behind popular platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram will be required to give users the choice to opt out of the powerful algorithms that dictate what we see online. 
Corruption can reduce real GDP per capita growth by 3% for up to two years, while money laundering amounts to as much as US$6 trillion annually worldwide, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Case studies of efforts to combat corruption and money laundering were presented at the 2026 annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group yesterday in Bangkok. 
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.
Bangkok’s severe flash floods, exploring how extreme rainfall, sinking geography, and communication breakdowns are testing the city’s infrastructure limits.
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.
The Revenue Department collected 2.52 trillion baht in tax revenue in the 2026 fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30, exceeding its target by 7.5 billion baht, according to Acting Director-general Salakjit Phongsirichan.
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.
Tourism operators oppose the 450-baht fee because they believe it is unfair to genuine travelers. They argue that the funds intended for travel insurance for all foreign visitors are more likely to cover unpaid medical bills incurred by foreign workers rather than tourists.
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. 
Flooding raises vegetable and egg prices
The flood crisis is not over just because floodwaters have receded, as around 1.64 million small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face major challenges regarding capital and employment, raising the risk of liquidity crunches – or even business closures.
Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport has set out plans to become an aviation and logistics hub for Thailand’s upper north, including cargo links to China and the Middle East.
A Real Estate Information Center (REIC) survey of five major northeastern provinces in the first half of 2026 points to a shared finding that “purchasing power remains”.
Thailand’s tourism recovery is entering a more complicated phase. The country is trying to revive travel demand while higher fuel and food costs continue to put pressure on households and businesses.
Thailand’s soft power play: Culture as global currency
Thai Airways International’s board has suspended and removed chief executive Chai Eamsiri from his post, effective yesterday, following disruption to baggage, flights and ground services at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The board appointed Samrit Samniang, a company director and executive director, as acting chief executive.
How Coffee Is Helping Thailand Reduce Human-Elephant Conflict
Siam Music Yamaha sponsors Nene Royal and her ‘OZONE’ band
A lottery seller in Yasothon province won 60 million baht after retaining 10 unsold lottery tickets that won first prize in the draw yesterday. The tickets all carried the winning number 402701, giving him 6 million baht per ticket.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its second advisory today, warning that unsettled weather will bring thunderstorms, strong gusts and isolated heavy to very heavy rain to parts of Thailand from Oct. 4–7.
Oil prices jumped by more than $4 a barrel oyesterday, with Brent crude settling above $102 as China’s suspension of oil-product exports and reports of an expanded US military deployment to the Middle East intensified concerns over global fuel supplies.
Thailand’s government has proposed replacing the Hotel Act with a new Accommodation Establishment Act intended to bring a wider range of lodging businesses into the formal regulatory system.
Thailand and Maersk explore port investment
New vehicle sales in Thailand increased by almost 26% to 59,809 units in August, up from 47,622 units a year earlier, according to the latest data released by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Infineon Technologies AG is using its new US$1.4 billion (48 billion baht) semiconductor manufacturing hub in Samut Prakan as a long-term platform to strengthen Thailand’s semiconductor ecosystem through advanced production, local talent development and closer links with universities and industry.
Thai Airways to restore all flights tomorrow
A Khao Tao power outage is scheduled for tomorrow from 9 am to 5 pm, affecting residents and businesses in parts of the area.
Water released from Pranburi Reservoir
Erik Brown, Tham Luang cave rescue diver, dies at 44
Canadian cave diver Erik Brown, who helped rescue the Wild Boars football team and their coach from Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai in 2018, has died aged 44. Brown’s family and friends announced his death, but did not give the precise date and cause of death, or any further details.
Flooding in Thailand has forced Toyota Motor to halt operations at four factories temporarily. A Toyota spokesperson said flooding had disrupted parts deliveries to the company’s factories in Thailand.
Farmers in the Bua Yai district of Nakhon Ratchasima are primarily struggling with severe drought conditions that are threatening their rice crops. This lack of sufficient water has left many rice fields unable to survive, forcing some farmers to release water into their fields to save crops or face losing their entire harvest.
Thailand’s long-awaited US trade deal has hit a serious hiatus as conflicting accounts emerge from Bangkok’s top negotiators. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun says an agreement has been reached in principle. Yet, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow says market access remains the key issue.
Thailand is preparing a new 14th National Economic and Social Development Plan for 2028–2032 that places digital technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced electronics and cleaner energy at the center of the country’s next development cycle. The government seeks to reposition Thailand as a higher-value investment and production base.
Phuket developers are promoting long-term residence visas and registered property-use rights to attract foreign residents and investors, as the island’s property market cools after several years of rapid growth.
Bangkok has recorded one of the strongest increases in luxury residential prices among major global cities over the past decade, with values rising by about 75%, according to Savills Research.
Russia has proposed bilateral cooperation with Thailand on small modular reactors (SMRs), Russian Ambassador Evgeny Tomikhin said yesterday. He added that Moscow wants to build on a run of high-level contacts to lift trade, which he described as far below its potential.
Southeast Asia’s digital economy was valued at $300 billion in 2025 and could reach $1 trillion by 2030. Structural shifts in ASEAN countries drive growth, with e-commerce dominating. Policy, platform evolution, and investment opportunities support this growth potential.
A World Economic Forum report on ASEAN’s digital economy highlights the gap between digital ambition and practical execution, positioning Thailand’s leadership as pivotal. Having chaired negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) across 14 rounds culminating in 2026, Thailand now faces the challenge of translating this agreement into functional cross-border systems for payments, digital identity, and data governance.
Suvarnabhumi Cargo Terminal Stays Open as Thai Airways Clears 8,000 Delayed Bags
When an expatriate dies in Thailand, relatives may have to deal with Thai authorities, the deceased’s embassy, funeral arrangements and an estate spread across several countries. The process is easier when each step is handled in the correct order.
Living in Thailand does not mean your estate exists only in Thailand. An expat may own a Thai condominium, maintain bank accounts offshore, hold US shares through an international platform and have pensions or property in their home country.
A retiree who ditched Australia for a “better life” in Thailand has revealed how he “lives like a king” for roughly $65 a day and is now helping other older Aussies do the same.
US President Donald Trump unveiled what he called a “damn good” AI chatbot, but it quickly drew attention for contradicting some of his contentious political claims. A day later, however, it stopped answering some political questions. 
Japan has toughened requirements for foreigners wanting to obtain permanent residency. Under new rules that will come into effect in stages, foreign residents wishing to stay in Japan permanently will have to prove their annual income is above average and they can carry casual conversations in Japanese. 
Switzerland’s glaciers, which are disproportionately impacted by climate change, have lost nearly 20% of their mass in five years, experts said today, with 2026 registering the second-biggest melt on record.