- Floods cause 22 deaths/Smaller businesses bear the brunt/The Dutch approach to floods/Canal could solve flooding problems/Bangkok warning system under scrutiny/What visitors need to know after flooding/Bangkok Property Facing Climate Reality/Floods expected to cut Bangkok hotel occupancy/Bangkok Floods Wipe Out 80% of Restaurant Sales/Flooded Bangkok Street Becomes Floating Market/Suvarnabhumi swamped by a baggage flood/US carrier and destroyer due in Phuket/Chiang Rai border drug clash
- ECONOMY: Thailand moves carefully with AI regulation/Bangkok floods threaten Thailand’s 2026 growth/Seed rights split growers from farmers/Cargill to invest $60 million
- TOURISM: Russians reshape Phuket/Thailand arrivals fall/Relief tourism measures being discussed/Thai Airways cancels flights/Phuket officer rescues three tourists/New push for Japanese tourists/Maya Bay reopens
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Cobra found in toilet
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Clean energy or fossil fuel lock-in?
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Floods affect 2.6 million, with 22 deaths
A total of 22 deaths have been reported due to flooding across 29 provinces and Bangkok.
The heavy rainfall has also affected more than 940,000 households and approximately 2.6 million people. In Kanchanaburi province, a mother and daughter were reported missing after their pickup truck was swept away by floodwaters. Earlier in the month, heavy rainfall in Nan province had also resulted in four deaths.
Smaller businesses bear the brunt of deluge damage
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.
Small and medium-sized enterprises have been identified as bearing the brunt of the damage and are in urgent need of financial assistance to remain operational. The total impact on businesses includes 1,162 SMEs and 1,005 larger entities, consisting of 25 large factories, 15 medium factories, and two community enterprises. To support recovery, the Industry Ministry has launched a range of measures, including the SME Rehabilitation Program and access to loans and debt moratoriums through the SME Development Bank and the Department of Industry Promotion. – Bangkok Post AI
What Bangkok can learn from the Dutch approach to floods
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.
In an early July warning about Bangkok’s flood risks, Prof. Suchatvee Suwansawat, leader of the Thai Kao Mai Party, wrote on his personal Facebook page: “Bangkok is a million percent certain to sink below sea level if water continues to be managed in the same way.” Suchatvee’s warning drew on data and views gathered from numerous experts who shared that assessment. Continued …
160-billion-baht mega-project canal could solve flooding problems
The Cabinet has mobilized plans to deal with flooding, assigning deputy prime ministers to manage affected areas and approving the 160-billion-baht Chai Nat-Pa Sak-Gulf of Thailand flood drainage canal project, scheduled to begin in 2027.
The canal project is expected to reduce flood-prone areas by 3.48 million rai and save 16,930 million baht in damages per year. Continued …
Bangkok floods put Thailand’s new ‘One Map’ warning system under scrutiny
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.
The flooding has drawn criticism of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s administration, particularly over the speed of public warnings and assistance to affected communities. Bangkok recorded close to 300 millimeters of rain over about 48 hours during the worst of the downpour, prompting the city to declare all 50 districts disaster-affected areas. Continued …
What visitors need to know after flooding turns Bangkok into a ‘disaster zone’
Bangkok is grappling with widespread flooding after days of relentless rain overwhelmed roads, canals and neighborhoods across the Thai capital, leaving hundreds of thousands of residents facing severe disruption and prompting authorities to declare a city-wide disaster zone.
Around 700,000 people in more than 329,000 households have been caught up in the flooding, according to Thai government figures released on Monday, with some of the worst conditions concentrated in the city’s eastern and northeastern districts. At the height of the downpours, roads disappeared beneath brown floodwater, cars were stranded and residents in some communities were forced from their homes. Continued …
Bangkok Property Facing Climate Reality as Buyers Demand Resilience
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.
Beyond traditional metrics such as price point and transport connectivity, “climate risk” has rapidly emerged as a primary deciding factor for prospective homeowners. Continued …
Floods expected to cut Bangkok hotel occupancy by less than 10% in Sept–Oct
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.
THA president Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun said the association was surveying member hotels to establish how flooding in Bangkok and surrounding provinces had affected guests’ travel decisions, including cancellations and postponed reservations. His preliminary assessment suggested that most hotels had experienced little direct disruption. Continued …
Bangkok Floods Wipe Out 80% of Restaurant Sales Amid Cash-Flow Crisis
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.
While many eateries have escaped direct structural inundation, customer access, employee commutes, ingredient deliveries, and third-party courier services have all ground to a halt. Continued …
Flooded Bangkok Street Becomes Floating Market
A flooded street in Bangkok has taken on the look of a floating market as vendors adapt to severe flooding in the city. In Bang Kapi, traders moved fresh food, vegetables and other essentials into boats, foam boxes and floating containers, while residents waded through the floodwater to shop. The unusual scenes have drawn attention online as locals continue going about daily life despite the difficult conditions. Video …
Suvarnabhumi Airport public areas are swamped by a baggage flood
Thai Airways was fighting a major operational crisis at Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday as 5,600 bags piled up and dozens of flights were cancelled. Almost every flight was delayed during the worst two days, with fewer than 3% leaving on time. The flag carrier slashed capacity by up to 40% as staff shortages crippled ground operations and luggage overflowed into passenger areas.
Meanwhile, military personnel were drafted in as anger mounted at Government House. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul blamed poor operational readiness and challenged executives to resign if they could not fix the crisis. Thai Airways Chief Executive Officer Chai Eamsiri admitted the airline initially misjudged the impact and pledged to clear the baggage within 72 hours. Continued …
US carrier and destroyer due in Phuket with 5,000 sailors
More than 5,000 US military personnel are expected to arrive in Phuket next month when the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black make a port call.
The two US Navy ships are scheduled to be at Phuket Deep Sea Port in Wichit, Mueang Phuket district, from Oct. 4-9. The visit will give personnel time ashore in one of Thailand’s busiest tourist destinations. Continued …
Nine killed in Chiang Rai border drug clash
Nine suspected drug smugglers were killed following a gun battle with Thai soldiers near the Myanmar border in Chiang Rai’s Mae Fah Luang district on Monday. Troops later seized 272 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, or ice, from 16 modified sacks left at the scene, the Phamuang Force said.
The confrontation happened near Ban Pang Mahan, Moo 8, Thoet Thai subdistrict. Two patrol teams from the 1st Cavalry Company of the Task Force Chao Tak, part of the Phamuang Force, were working alongside a special intelligence operations team. Continued …
Thailand moves carefully with AI regulation, as US tech warns over hindering investment
Thailand is racing toward binding AI regulation as US technology interests push back against rules that could hit American tech giants. The proposed law targets high-risk AI, liability, local processing and overseas providers.
Meanwhile, Bangkok is courting huge US investment in AI, cloud computing and data centers. Yet Thailand has also committed to trusted cross-border data flows with Washington. US business groups are already challenging localization and liability provisions. Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob now sits at the center of a regulatory battle with major implications for Thailand’s digital economy and US trade ties. Continued …
Bangkok floods threaten to shave 0.3 percentage points from Thailand’s 2026 growth
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.
The capital experienced significant rainfall that overwhelmed drainage systems, disrupting transport, commerce, and supply chains, particularly affecting small businesses. The government declared special holidays to ease pressure, while banks introduced relief measures. The final economic impact depends on how quickly flooding subsides and whether further disruptions occur. Continued …
Seed rights split growers from farmers
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.
Beyond seed access, these groups warn that the treaty could grant plant breeders excessive intellectual property rights, which may lead to increased seed prices and greater market concentration among large companies. There are also significant concerns that such changes could threaten food security and increase the dependency of small-scale farmers on commercial seed suppliers. Furthermore, activists argue that these regulations could undermine local knowledge and the ability of communities to maintain their own seed varieties. – Bangkok Post AI
Cargill to invest $60 million to expand poultry production in Thailand
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.
Over the next two years, Cargill plans to upgrade its technology infrastructure by installing advanced machinery and integrating AI and data analytics. These systems are designed to support faster and more accurate decision-making, improve efficiency and cost management, and further strengthen food quality and safety-management systems. Continued …
Russians reshape Phuket property and tourism market
Phuket has seen a major influx of Russian residents and visitors, with many arrivals reportedly seeking to avoid military service, protect savings, or escape Russia’s political and economic pressures.
At least 60,000 Russians are estimated to have moved to the island, which has 432,000 registered residents. More than 619,000 Russian visitors arrived in the first seven months of this year – almost twice the number from any other country. Continued …
Thailand arrivals fall as Bangkok floods test China market
Thailand has received 22,666,429 foreign visitors between Jan. 1 and Sept. 26, a 3.65% fall from the same period last year, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said.
The downturn comes as Bangkok flooding disrupts road and public transport networks, while baggage handling problems at Suvarnabhumi Airport have added to concerns just as China’s Golden Week holiday begins. Continued …
Relief measures being discussed for Bangkok’s tourism sector
The Tourism and Sports Ministry is planning to discuss relief measures for businesses impacted by the massive flooding in Bangkok with local tourism operators. These discussions aim to explore potential financial assistance allocated from the central budget to mitigate the economic impact on the sector.
In addition to financial discussions, various agencies are implementing immediate support measures to assist travelers. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is working with hotels and businesses to help tourists facing travel delays or missed flights, while also proposing the use of travel advisories to update visitors on rainfall and traffic conditions.
Airlines like Thai Airways have offered specific relief by allowing affected passengers to change their travel dates once with waived fees. Furthermore, authorities are coordinating with Tourist Police and assistance centers to provide real-time information and urgent aid through dedicated hotlines. – Bangkok Post AI
Thai Airways cancels flights on key routes
Thai Airways has announced further flight cancellations across domestic and international routes between today and tomorrow. The airline’s detailed route list covers 32 services scheduled, including flights between Bangkok and major European, Asian and Thai destinations. The reason for the cancellations was the ongoing issues and effects after the Bangkok flooding.
The domestic flights listed for cancellation are Bangkok-Phuket TG201, TG205 and TG217; Bangkok-Chiang Mai TG102; Bangkok-Khon Kaen TG040; Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani TG020; and Bangkok-Udon Thani TG002. Continued …
Phuket officer rescues three tourists from Phuket surf
An off-duty police deputy superintendent rescued three tourists from dangerous surf at Nai Yang Beach in Phuket after they entered the sea despite red warning flags. It happened at Nai Yang Beach in Sakhu subdistrict, Thalang district, where the tourists had been hit by waves and were in difficulty in the water.
Police said the tourists were pulled safely ashore on Sunday after Lt. Col. Kraison Chomchuen, deputy superintendent for prevention and suppression at Sakhu Police Station, paddled out through the waves on a surfboard. Continued …
Thailand to launch new push for Japanese tourists in 2027
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.
To further diversify its visitor base, the industry is also looking toward younger travelers from tech-driven economies like South Korea and Taiwan. While the Japanese marketing approach includes niche segments like wellness and health-conscious travelers, the broader national strategy aims to balance high-spending niche markets with the growing needs of a super-aged society. These efforts include developing specialized products for travelers interested in lifestyle, gastronomy, and wellness to appeal to varying age and interest groups. – Bangkok Post AI
Maya Bay reopens tomorrow after its annual closure
Maya Bay’s white sand, turquoise water and towering limestone cliffs are reopening tomorrow. It was the setting of Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach, but the bay had admirers well before Hollywood came calling. So many in fact, the famous beach on Phi Phi Leh in Krabi’s Phi Phi Islands closes every August and September to give the shoreline and marine life a break during the southwest monsoon.
The annual closure serves two purposes: easing the pressure of tourism on the bay’s ecosystem and keeping visitors away when rougher seas can make boat trips difficult. Even paradise needs a day off. Continued …
Cobra found in toilet at Pathum Thani rental
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.
Rescue workers found the cobra curled up in the toilet bowl. Using a snake-catching noose, they secured the animal and removed it safely after about 20 minutes. Continued …
Clean energy or fossil fuel lock-in? Debate explodes over Thailand’s new power plan
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.
“Every scenario listed in the draft plan includes new gas-fueled power plants,” said Thanyaporn Sarapukdee, lead coordinator at Just Energy Transition (JET IN Thailand). She spoke after studying the draft PDP (2026-2050), which sets out the roadmap for Thailand’s electricity generation under a commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. However, climate activists say the plan’s heavy reliance on natural gas makes that goal unachievable. Continued …
Women fight fires and sexism in Indonesian Borneo
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. Continued …
US-led coalition ends mission in Iraq
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. 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
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.
Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport handled 59,626,075 passengers from October 2025 to August 2026, up 2.43% from the same period a year earlier, according to airport director Kittipong Kittikachorn. The airport is upgrading passport checks and passenger facilities to accommodate growing traffic.
Even on a slow news day, a recent incident in Thailand hardly merited mention, let alone sustained media coverage. But because Israelis were involved, it became headline news for days. Anything negative about Israelis now does so, going instantly viral in the Buddhist nation with no history of antisemitism.
Thailand’s best street food is not confined to any one city. It can be found across the country, from Ayutthaya’s richly flavored noodles and Khon Kaen’s fiery lab to Chiang Mai’s aromatic khao soi and a standout plate of phad thai in the heart of Bangkok.
This week, we’re spending a few days exploring Bangkok, cafe-hopping, wandering through vintage and ceramic shops, visiting beautiful temples, and trying all the amazing Thai food.
Thai teen Nene Royal wins AGT 2026 title
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR), which operates PTT Station, and Bangchak Corp. raised standard diesel and B20 prices in Thailand by 0.75 baht a liter from today. PTT Station and Bangchak kept petrol and gasohol prices unchanged.
Isolated heavy to very heavy rain is forecast over Thailand until Sunday, according to the Meteorological Department, which has urged people to follow weather updates from official sources after an online panic over a “great flood”.
A survey reveals that Thais are sparking thought-provoking discussions on “flexible retirement,” disregarding the traditional 60-year retirement age, but warning of the risk of financial insufficiency.
Brent crude settled 3.86% higher at US$103.08 a barrel after volatile trading yesterday, as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected surrender to the United States while maintaining his support for diplomacy.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised its forecast for Thailand’s economic growth in 2026 to 2.0% from the 1.8% projected in July, supported by technology and electronics exports and a strong global investment cycle in artificial intelligence (AI). Growth is forecast at 1.9% in 2027.
ASEAN must remain united while strengthening its resilience and ability to create value within the region, as geopolitical rivalry, tariffs and technological competition reshape global trade, two senior Thai policy figures told the Southeast Asia Trade and Development Forum 2026.
Mars is expanding its presence in Asia by establishing Thailand as a strategic production and export hub for its Pringles brand. The company recently opened a new factory in Chon Buri, located within the Eastern Economic Corridor, to serve markets in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.
AirAsia and other budget airlines serving Thailand are facing renewed pressure on costs and cash flow after the global average jet fuel price rose 7.4% to US$194.90 a barrel in the week ending Sept. 18. The increase is particularly difficult for carriers that sold tickets before fuel costs surged.
Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X will resume temporarily suspended international services and increase flight frequencies in the fourth quarter of 2026, offering direct flights to as many as 46 cities across 53 routes to meet year-end travel demand.
Millions of Americans travel worldwide every year for medical care. These aren’t just aesthetic procedures; they’re also essential healthcare and life-saving treatments. Many destinations are known for high-quality, relatively affordable healthcare systems, which motivates Americans struggling to pay for similar procedures in the U.S.
Where to Stay in Chiang Rai: 3 Best Areas & Hotels
A draft bill on the operation of digital infrastructure services would regulate data centers, cloud services and digital platforms. Operators would need a license from the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, while the rules for applying for, issuing, suspending and revoking licenses for each type of business would be set out in ministerial regulations.
Extreme heat caused by this year’s “super-El Niño” could result in as many as 451,000 excess deaths across the globe from June this year to February 2027, researchers with the University of Chicago’s Climate Impact Lab said yesterday. The number of extremely hot days is likely to rise by 44% compared to normal years, Climate Impact Lab said.
US President Donald Trump is hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House in Washington today for their second summit of the year. A two-month extension of their tariff truce gives the countries more time for trade negotiations, while Taiwan, Iran and artificial intelligence (AI) remain central issues. 
The tsunami-like flood that cut a swathe of destruction through Nepal on Aug. 26 has left the Himalayan nation grappling with heavy losses and mounting reconstruction needs. On Aug. 26 at 8.37 am, a mass of ice and rock broke away from the north face of Nepal’s Langtang Lirung mountain, sending a huge mass of debris racing down the valley. 
What a way to start a day! Watching the sun rise over the Gulf of Thailand, cool ocean breezes, with a gentle sea lapping at the white sand beach. And behind you is breakfast, served by the attentive staff of the 
Hua Hin beacfront building owners request demolition delay
Sivana Hills held an open house on Saturday showcasing its new pool villa development on Soi 126 in Hua Hin’s Khao Tao area.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warned of heavy rain across Thailand today, naming 55 provinces in its regional forecasts and also warning Bangkok and surrounding areas.
A deadly night of violence hit Yala’s Bannang Sata district before security forces moved in yesterday. Assistant village headman Hamdee Jehsoh, 42, was shot dead in a roadside ambush. Hours later, attackers struck Highway 410, burning tires, scattering road spikes and leaving a suspicious wired object.
Hong Kong customs has made its largest-ever drug seizure from a sea shipment, finding cannabis worth HK$125 million, or about 530 million baht, in a 40-foot container declared as arriving from Thailand.
Thailand is developing a driver payment framework to establish a fair minimum payment standard and serve as a common reference for the delivery industry. The initiative aims to create a structure that reflects actual costs, such as vehicle types, distance, and working time, while providing a foundation for future regulations to protect platform workers.
Disruption to Gulf shipping routes could raise transport costs and lengthen delivery times for Thai businesses, the Dubai office of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) warned in a report.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced that Thailand has secured its desired tariff rate from the United States, though one final condition from Washington still needs to be finalized.
The cumulative spending under the government’s Thais Help Thais Plus 60/40 co-payment scheme has surpassed 161 billion baht. The Finance Ministry is expected to request a cabinet consideration to extend the program, which was designed to support the grassroots economy by easing household expenses and boosting purchasing power amidst rising living costs.
For many Thai people, 7-Eleven is much more than a place to grab a quick snack. It has become part of everyday life, offering everything from morning coffee and ready-to-eat meals to drinks, beauty products, accessories and household essentials.
A three-meter python was captured after a homeowner in Udon Thani discovered it attacking chickens, solving the mystery of 25 fighting cocks that had disappeared over nearly two weeks.
Protected Areas Regional Office 9 (Ubon Ratchathani) officially opened Kaeng I Khiao as a new natural attraction at Buntharik-Yot Mon Wildlife Sanctuary in Kho Laen subdistrict, Buntharik district, Ubon Ratchathani province, on Friday.
The United Nations has issued a top-level warning: the world is facing a “Super El Niño,” shattering all previous heat records. This is closer than you think. Why do vulnerable areas like northern Thailand need to prepare now? Find out in this report. 
Thailand data-center boom raises wider clean-power challenge
Thailand’s 65- billion-baht coffee market is moving beyond the beverage business, as consumers increasingly prioritize quality, experience and sustainability.
Ukrainian forces fired more than 1,000 drones at Russia overnight Saturday, including hundreds that were launched toward Moscow, officials said yesterday, as the Kremlin was wrapping up the third and last day of its parliamentary elections. 
The leaders of France and Canada yesterday pledged closer ties to grapple with rising geopolitical tensions, climate change and the erosion of democratic values, after they met in the French territory of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon off Canada’s Atlantic coast. 
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is implementing a comprehensive strategy to enhance healthcare accessibility and attract international patients. The initiative includes establishing a health marketplace that centralizes public and private healthcare services, alongside a data and access initiative linking national health databases to improve service delivery and inform policy decisions.
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) has issued a warning regarding a severe fever linked to Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), a potentially fatal tick-borne viral infection, following three reported cases and two deaths in the country this year.
Covid-19 infections in Thailand are on an upward trend, with an average of 15,000 new cases reported each week over the past four weeks, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC).
Thai star Lisa hits big time in US
LISA brings Thai food and drinking culture to Jimmy Fallon show
Shipping costs are being driven by a combination of geopolitical tensions, severe weather events, and capacity constraints in critical maritime corridors. Conflicts in the Middle East, specifically involving Iran, have caused shipping standstills in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing vessels to seek alternative and often more expensive routes.
Average household debt in Thailand has risen to nearly 800,000 baht, reaching its highest level in 17 years, according to a 2026 survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
No official date has been confirmed for tariff and trade talks between Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and US President Donald Trump ahead of Anutin’s Sept. 21–27 visit to the United States.
Thailand is aiming to be more than a destination for global events, it wants to become a trusted MICE gateway connecting the world with Asia.
Ally Logistic Property (ALP) selected the Eastern Economic Corridor for its Omega 1 Bangna smart warehouse to access its logistics route project, which offers a business model known as infrastructure-as-a-service. This model allows tenants to utilize integrated automated warehouses without the high upfront costs or the need to own their own storage facilities.
Thai Airways will operate the new Bangkok-Da Nang service with 41 flights per week. The service is scheduled to begin on Dec. 1.
Thailand Ecotourism Is Now Third in ASEAN
Tiger Conservation in Thailand Shows Results
Government plans to liberalize forest use have sparked fears that Thailand’s pristine natural landscapes will be opened to industrial activities, including waste disposal. The Cabinet this month approved in principle a draft regulation allowing the commercial and industrial use of larger forest zones – including national reserves. If enacted, the scope of permitted activities will be expanded from the current 10 categories to 16.
Thailand has built much of the machinery of sustainable finance — a taxonomy, disclosure rules, transition loans and a coming climate fund. What it has not yet solved is who can afford to use it.
Ysterday, the Hua Hin Municipality Ordinance Review Working Group met to consider the appropriateness of improving, drafting, and amending local laws enforced in the area to make them more effective and aligned with the city’s development.
The Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Statistical Office has requested the public’s cooperation in providing information for the September 2026 survey project. The survey will collect important statistical data useful for national economic and social development planning. The survey projects are as follows: The 2026 Labor Force Survey Project; project on surveying the use of information and communication technology in households; informal labor survey project; the household socio-economic survey project; projects to improve the country’s common framework of establishment database; and the construction site data-processing project.
Where is Nene’s financial support coming from?
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry is using ownership records covering 125,622 companies to strengthen checks for nominee arrangements involving land and condominiums, with particular attention to economic centers and major tourist destinations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) verified Thailand’s elimination of rubella as a public health problem on Sept. 5, making the country the seventh in the WHO Southeast Asia region to achieve the milestone.
Oil climbed to its highest levels in six weeks yesterday, after Iran threatened to attack energy infrastructure across the Middle East if Washington launched further strikes on Iranian assets.
Global oil benchmark Brent crude has rallied this month but stayed below $100 a barrel despite recent escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict that has disrupted Gulf exports from the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
Thailand’s headline inflation rose to 2.53% year on year in August 2026, its highest level for three months, as fuel costs and food prices increased across much of the country. The Consumer Price Index stood at 102.67 in August, up from annual inflation of 1.95% in July, according to Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) at the Commerce Ministry.
EEC’s Hospitality and Retail Bet on Lifestyle
U-Tapao and High-Speed Rail: EEC’s Make-or-Break Infrastructure Bet
Thailand plans to provide government-funded disaster insurance to around 30 million households in high-risk areas against floods, storms and earthquakes under a scheme approved on Sept. 1.
The five-day visit by US sailors from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln group has helped promote a “new image” of Pattaya as a diverse tourist destination, rather than mainly about “nightlife and beer bars”, according to Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet.
Cambodia Airways will begin flying between Siem Reap and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sept. 15, adding a direct link between Cambodia’s main Angkor tourism gateway and Thailand.
More than 60 people attended Hua Hin Film Club’s first screening yesterday, joining actor Vithaya Pansringarm for an evening of cinema at Amara Resort Hua Hin.
Koh Phangan beach dispute spotlights nominee fears
A restricted zone will be announced outside the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days, Mohsen Rezaei, the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said yesterday according to state media. He added that the zone would include areas in the Gulf. 
Businesses in Thailand’s automotive parts, garment, rubber products and plastics industries are increasingly suspending operations temporarily, as falling orders, accumulated losses and higher production costs put pressure on employment.
When discussing the economy in Southeast Asia, we often hear about semiconductor production, electric vehicles, combustion cars, and tourism. However, one of Thailand’s key economic pillars tends to receive less attention. Beyond being a global tourism destination, Thailand is recognized as the “Kitchen of the World”, playing a crucial role in producing and exporting food to over 350 million consumers worldwide each day.
Foreign arrivals to Thailand decline 3% in first eight months
Thailand’s new 30-day visa-exemption rule is opening a sharp fault line across its tourism industry before the crucial fourth-quarter peak. The Association of Thai Travel Agents says most genuine tourists need only seven to 10 days. It also wants tougher action against foreigners abusing tourist status.
Thai Airways International canceled flights to Jakarta today as eight Indonesian airports, including two serving the Indonesian capital, remained closed because of ash from erupting Krakatau volcano.
Riyadh Air has launched direct flights between Riyadh and Bangkok, initially operating three times a week before increasing to daily services in October. The inaugural aircraft arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport last Thursday.
How a debt-ridden mother of 6 built world-famous Bangkok noodle shop
Australians could be given the option of opting out of powerful social media algorithms under new legislation cracking down on big tech. The draft law requiring a “digital duty of care” is expected to be introduced to Australia’s parliament this week. It would require firms like Meta to give users the option of turning off algorithms that tailor recommendations to their personal taste. 
Thai superstar Lisa, Lalisa Manobal, released the music video for her latest single, “SaWaDiKa”, yesterday, showcasing Thai identity through Muay Thai, tuk-tuks, Chula kites and energetic choreography.
Thailand is forecast to become wetter from September 8–10, with isolated very heavy rain expected in Bangkok and surrounding provinces, the lower North, lower Northeast, Central region, East and the South’s west coast, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD).
Thailand has ordered a temporary pause on 166 data center projects while government agencies draw up nationwide standards governing resource use, locations, safety and economic benefits. It covers 49 projects under construction and 117 awaiting permission from various agencies.
Thailand’s trade deficit with China has surged to US$55.13 billion, alarming even the Thai-Chinese business community. Imports from China jumped 38.5%, while the bilateral deficit widened 59.3% in seven months.
China’s global influence campaign has been particularly evident in Southeast Asia, including Thailand. Historically, the Thai public and many elites have had relatively warm views of China. However, Beijing has launched a multitude of efforts to expand its influence within Thailand’s society and politics.
Phuket’s foreign arrivals by air rebounded in July, with more than 379,000 travelers recorded as the impact of the Middle East conflict eased, according to Travel Link data.
Electricity tariffs in Thailand could reach 4.11–4.58 baht per unit in 2050 under four scenarios in the draft Power Development Plan, as planners weigh the cost of integrating renewable energy and capturing carbon emissions.
Former Twitter employees have launched a new social media platform called Twitter.now, featuring an automated artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to detect misinformation and fake news, alongside the revival of the iconic blue bird logo and signature blue-and-white theme amid an ongoing trademark dispute with X Corp. 
The day after Volkswagen management, shareholders and unions agreed to cut a total of 100,000 jobs over the coming years, automotive workers said yesterday they were feeling a mix of fury and disappointment. The 10-brand group, which apart from its namesake also includes the likes of Skoda, Audi, Seat and Porsche, said late Thursday it would cut an additional 50,000 jobs, bringing total planned reductions to 100,000. 
Narongsak Putthapornmongkol, president of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, released the findings of the chamber’s confidence index survey for the fourth quarter of 2026. Conducted from Aug. 18-20, the survey covered 503 respondents and found that 46.2% expected Thailand’s economy to grow by 1.5%-2% this year, while 37.8% forecast growth of 2%-2.5%. The results pointed to an outlook below the government’s midpoint forecast of 2.2%.
Thailand’s retail sector is calling for stronger economic stimulus, including the revival of the Easy e-Receipt scheme, with an eligible spending ceiling of 100,000 baht, as household debt and accumulated living costs continue to squeeze consumers’ purchasing power.
Bangkok has suspended three planned standalone data center projects and ordered them to undergo a fresh review, as authorities prepare tighter regulations covering fuel storage, land use, safety, and pressure on electricity and water supplies.
The government is moving to address a regulatory gap in the data center sector, with the Data Center Business Policy Committee preparing an urgent meeting to develop a coordinated oversight framework.
U.S. Shrimp Coalition seeks zero tariffs for Thai shrimp
Indian tourist arrivals to Thailand fell 11.6% year-on-year between Aug. 1-22, making India the only one of the country’s four main overseas markets to record a decline during the period.
Thai Airways International (THAI) will operate 66 domestic and international routes during its winter 2026/27 timetable, covering destinations across Europe, Australia and Asia. The schedule will run from Oct. 25 to March 27, 2027), coinciding with Thailand’s peak tourism season.
Thailand currently ranks as the world’s 20th-largest coffee producer, down from the top 15 a decade ago. The country grows mainly robusta, although arabica production is growing, highlighting a sharper focus on quality.
EGAT explores SMRs to bolster Thailand’s energy security
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) is preparing 1,520 electric buses to replace aging vehicles, with deliveries expected to begin in March 2027. Kittikan Chomdoung Charuworapolkul, BMTA director, said the transition would improve passenger convenience, safety and environmental performance while reducing the organization’s fuel and maintenance costs by an estimated 4.1 billion baht annually.
The world has failed in its goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times, the United Nations (UN) said yesterday, in a sober assessment that laid out a new goal for fighting climate change that would set the world on an uncertain path.
US energy firms yesterday signed a raft of multibillion-dollar deals with Venezuela, days after the South American country agreed to grant the United States control of a huge chunk of its vast oil reserves. Energy Secretary Chris Wright traveled to Caracas to oversee the signing of deals worth “tens of billions of dollars of investment,” seen as a quid pro quo for Washington winning majority control of 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves. 
The Dutch central bank said yesterday it had moved 86 tons of its gold reserves out of the United States and Canada to London, citing “increasing geopolitical unrest”. De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) said gold reserves held in London could be traded more easily than those held in New York and Ottawa. 
A Western man walks down Beach Road holding hands with a Thai girl and naturally assumes the local men are glaring at him with quiet jealousy. He thinks he is a predator who just entered the local ecosystem and stole the best women from the dating pool, leaving the native men with fewer options.
Police detained 25 woman during a late-night prostitution crackdown in Pattaya on Saturday, as authorities prepare for the arrival of about 5,000 US military personnel in Chon Buri next week.
InterContinental Residences Hua Hin Achieves Complete Sell-Out
Thai teenage rocker Nene Royal has advanced to the live semifinals of America’s Got Talent Season 21 after Mel B awarded her a Live Golden Buzzer for her performance of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun”.
Thailand’s Excise Department is pressing ahead with plans to overhaul cigarette taxation by introducing a single tax rate in a move aimed at improving revenue collection and reducing price distortions created by the existing two-tier system.
Thailand is introducing new rules for visa applications, requiring applicants for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) to submit proof of permanent residence and a police clearance certificate. Applications under the new rules will have to be submitted from today.
Bangkok is set to host Ultra Thailand 2027, organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with London-based Private Luxury Events. Scheduled for June 20–24, 2027, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, this gathering marks Ultra’s first venture into Southeast Asia.
Thailand wants 2027 to transform its tourism industry, but what will actually change for visitors? Perhaps high-value tourism shouldn’t simply mean higher prices.
The Finance Ministry is considering lower excise taxes for manufacturers that invest in production bases in the country, use domestically produced raw materials or components, and have begun manufacturing for export.
Royal water project lifts farming and livelihoods in Chiang Mai
Thailand’s Energy Ministry plans to increase the quota for electricity purchased from household rooftop solar systems fivefold, from 100 megawatts to 500MW, as part of efforts to encourage more people to generate and sell clean power.
Thailand will accelerate its energy transition following parliamentary approval of a 400-billion-baht borrowing decree, with plans for household solar rooftops and a restructuring of vehicle taxes expected to become clearer in September, Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said.
Authorities in Nepal warned of possible fresh flooding yesterday and urged residents in flood-affected districts to remain on high alert after water levels rose in the Bhotekoshi River. Wednesday’s catastrophic floods killed at least 800 people and left more than 3,000 missing in Nepal and Tibet.