- Deadliest roads might be in Thailand/Chair collapse at Hua Hin station/Thai rescue dog steals the show/US Diplomat Found Dead in Yangon/Apple raises Mac prices across Thailand
- THE IRAN WAR: Iran ship attack tests Hormuz truce/Deal with Iran not ‘at any price’
- ECONOMY: Thai Helps Thai Plus/Prices Frozen on 1,000 Products/Debt and Headwinds Reshaping Thai Consumer/Thailand FastPass Program/Three pillars reshape global trade/Thailand exports up/Global CEOs choosing Thailand/Chinese land deals in EEC/AOT Multi-Billion Baht Infrastructure Overhaul
- TOURISM: Thailand targets over 33 million tourists/How Far Should Thailand Go?/Tourism ministry split/World’s digital nomad paradise
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Samui Top Asia-Pacific Island/Thailand’s soft power shines
- CLIMATE THAILAND: El Niño roars to life/Thailand outlines energy transition/Electric tuk-tuks powering Bangkok’s revolution
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
The deadliest roads might be in Thailand
Despite stricter laws, tougher penalties, and repeated safety campaigns, the country continues to rank among the most dangerous places in the world for road traffic deaths.
Examine what makes Thailand’s roads so deadly and why meaningful progress has been so difficult to achieve. Video …
Japanese tourist’s chair collapse at Hua Hin station goes viral
A Japanese travel content creator has gone viral after posting a video of an unexpected mishap at Hua Hin Railway Station, where a chair suddenly broke beneath him as he leaned back while waiting for a train.
In the video, he is seen sitting on a chair at the station. As he leans back against the backrest, the chair suddenly gives way, causing him to fall backwards onto the ground with a loud crash. Continued …
Thai rescue dog steals the show at drone training exercise
A Thai rescue dog named Si Nuan has drawn attention online after photos of her taking part in a joint drone training exercise were shared by K9 USAR THAILAND, an urban search and rescue unit operating in Thailand.
The training, conducted in cooperation with the Armed Forces Development Command under the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, focused on developing search and rescue capabilities in hard-to-reach areas. Continued …
US Diplomat Found Dead in Yangon Identified
US diplomat Daniel Riva was found dead in Myanmar in May in what authorities are treating as a suspected murder case involving his Thai ex-wife. The case has drawn international attention due to the victim’s diplomatic role and the sensitive security environment in which the investigation is taking place.
Officials confirmed he was discovered at the Sakura Residence & Hotel in Yangon, a location often used by expatriates and foreign staff. Riva, aged 43, was found with fatal stab wounds to the head and neck. The site is located close to the US Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city. Continued …
Apple raises Mac prices across Thailand amid global memory cost surge
Apple has officially increased prices across its Mac product line in Thailand, with adjustments now visible on the Apple Store Online and Apple Store app.
The price revision affects nearly all major Mac categories, including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac Studio, marking one of the most significant price adjustments in recent years. The increases range from 5,000 baht to as high as 50,000 baht per device, depending on configuration. Continued …
Iran ship attack tests Hormuz truce as UN escort scheme paused
A reported attack on a cargo ship near Oman has renewed concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, just as shipping and oil flows through the vital waterway had begun returning toward pre-war levels.
Two US officials said Iran fired on the vessel, which had earlier reported being hit by a projectile while attempting to pass through the strait. The British navy’s UK Maritime Trade Operations said the ship was struck on its starboard side about 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Oman’s port of Dahit. Continued …
US says wants deal with Iran, but not ‘at any price’
Top US diplomat Marco Rubio said yesterday that there were limits to what Washington would accept in any deal with Iran, warning that permitting Tehran to charge fees in the Strait of Hormuz would open the door to “total chaos”.
Rubio was in Bahrain as part of a regional tour to reassure Gulf partners hit hard by Iran during the Middle East war, which began on Feb. 28 with a massive US-Israeli campaign of strikes against the Islamic republic. Continued …
Thai Helps Thai Plus turns local spending into national strength
Thailand’s latest consumer stimulus story is not only about discounts. It is about the quiet power of everyday spending to support neighborhood shops, food vendors, delivery platforms, and small businesses across the country.
The Thai Helps Thai Plus 60/40 co-payment scheme has become a defining example of a “Thailand-only trend” — a home-grown policy designed around the country’s strong culture of community commerce. Running from June 1 to Sept. 30, the scheme allows the government to subsidize 60% of spending on eligible food, drinks, goods, and public services, capped at 200 baht per person per day and 1,000 baht per person per month. Continued …
Saha Group Freezes Prices on 1,000 Products to Combat Cost-of-Living Crisis
Thai consumer goods conglomerate Saha Group has issued a bold market commitment to freeze prices across more than 1,000 essential products, moving aggressively to cushion households against volatile living costs and persistent economic uncertainty.
\The announcement was made at the official opening of the 30th Saha Group Fair & Fest at BITEC Bangna. Facing structural market headwinds — including fluctuating energy prices, supply chain bottlenecks, and rising raw material costs driven by global geopolitical tensions — the retail giant is absorbing these pressures to shield the public’s purchasing power. Continued …
How Debt and Headwinds Are Reshaping the Thai Consumer
The traditional playbook for consumer behavior during downturns prescribes a predictable sequence: a sharp tightening of belts, the closing of wallets, and a broad retreat from the marketplace. Market indicators across Thailand throughout 2026 tell a far more nuanced story.
Thai consumers are not necessarily spending less in gross terms; rather, they are fundamentally reallocating their capital — and the shift carries profound implications for businesses, lenders, and policymakers alike. Continued …
Thailand FastPass Program to Unlock USD 21 Billion in High-Tech Investment
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has officially kicked off the Thailand FastPass program at Government House, unlocking over USD 21 billion (around 700 billion baht) in high-tech investments. Bringing together eight government agencies, the initiative aims to slash regulatory approval times by up to half, speeding up the journey from securing a license to running a fully operational factory.
FastPass targets high-value sectors, including advanced electronics, aerospace technology, precision machinery and automation systems, and recycled plastics. The initiative removes historical friction in permitting, environmental approvals, and infrastructure connectivity. Continued …
Three pillars reshape global trade as Commerce boosts FTA push
Kirida Bhaopichitr, assistant Commerce minister, said the world has entered an era of a “new global order” in which international trade rules are becoming increasingly unstable and less anchored to the traditional framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
She noted that policies from major powers, geopolitical conflicts, and even announcements made via social media can now have an immediate impact on global trade conditions. Kirida outlined four key trends shaping the next phase of global trade. Continued …
Thailand exports up 10.6% in May
Thailand’s exports expanded by 10.6% year-on-year in May, reaching a value of US$34,333.1 million (approximately 1.095 trillion baht), according to the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (TPSO).
The performance marked the 23rd consecutive month of export growth, signaling continued resilience in Thailand’s external trade sector. When excluding oil-related products, gold, and military goods, exports still grew by 8.6%, underscoring underlying demand strength. Continued …
Global CEOs choosing Thailand as Southeast Asia’s safest growth hedge
In the new geography of global business, the smartest headquarters no longer asks: “Where is the cheapest place to build?” It asks: “Where can we keep moving if the world suddenly changes?” Increasingly, the answer is Thailand.
The kingdom is becoming the region’s ideal “Plus One” — a strategic second base for companies that want to complement operations in China, Singapore, or other major hubs without losing access to Southeast Asia’s growth story. In a fragmented global economy, Thailand offers something rare: industrial depth, diplomatic balance, and a business culture built around continuity. Continued …
Chinese land deals in EEC expose industrial park loophole
Chinese investors’ growing appetite for factory sites in Thailand is reshaping the industrial land market in the Eastern Economic Corridor, with one planned industrial park in Chonburi now attracting close scrutiny over zoning, infrastructure demand, and possible gaps in state oversight.
Demand from Chinese companies has continued to rise inside Thai industrial estates, reflecting a broader wave of Chinese investment applications submitted to the Board of Investment between 2021 and September 2025. During that period, Chinese investors applied for investment promotion in 2,449 projects, with a combined value of 608.738 billion baht. Continued …
AOT Pledges Multi-Billion Baht Infrastructure and Digital Overhaul
Airports of Thailand Public Co. (AOT) has issued a long-term commitment to aggressively scale up the nation’s aviation ecosystem, pledging to expand its total airport capacity to handle over 160 million passengers annually within the next decade.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Paweena Jariyathitipong, president of AOT, outlined the company’s strategic master plan stretching to 2037. The announcement comes at a milestone moment for the state-gated operator, which will celebrate its 47th anniversary of operations this upcoming July 1. Cintinued …
Thailand targets over 33 million tourists under quality strategy
Natthriya Thaweevong, permanent secretary for tourism and sports, revealed that the Thai tourism sector continues to show positive signs. In the first five months of 2026 (January–May), Thailand welcomed a total of 14.03 million foreign tourists, reflecting the confidence of global travelers toward Thailand and reinforcing the country’s potential as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.
Although the global tourism sector still faces intense competition and international economic challenges, Thailand maintained its level of foreign tourists at over 14 million during the first five months for the third consecutive year, recording 14.76 million in 2024, 14.36 million in 2025, and 14.03 million in 2026. Continued …
How Far Should Thailand Go to Accommodate China?
The Chinese Ambassador to Thailand is apparently not happy about Thais using the term “gray Chinese” to refer to Chinese nationals who engage in criminal activities in Thailand, and has made it known. Ambassador Zhang Jianwei feels the term made Thais appear “unfriendly” to Chinese visitors.
His message was not directly delivered to the Thai public earlier this week, not even through Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, but through Thai Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul, as if to hint that non-compliance could see the loss of Chinese tourists coming to Thailand. China did that to Japan not long ago, and it may try to use tourism as leverage here if Thais do not comply. Continued …
Tourism ministry split moves ahead
The government is moving forward with legislation to restructure the Ministry of Tourism and Sports by separating tourism affairs from sports administration and integrating tourism functions with the Culture Ministry, according to Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt.
Under the proposed structure, tourism-related agencies would include the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta), and the Tourist Police Bureau. Sports-related responsibilities would be grouped under the Department of Physical Education, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), and the Thailand National Sports University. Continued …
Thailand dubbed the world’s digital nomad paradise
In 2026, Thailand is no longer defined solely by its beaches, temples, and tourism appeal. It has evolved into a global headquarters for a new kind of workforce — the digital nomad generation — earning a reputation as one of the world’s most attractive bases for remote professionals seeking both productivity and lifestyle.
At the heart of this transformation is a carefully aligned mix of policy innovation, digital infrastructure, and lifestyle accessibility. Thailand is increasingly described as a “global capital of digital nomads”, where long-term remote work is not only possible but actively supported. Continued …
Samui Tops Asia-Pacific Island Rankings
Koh Samui in Surat Thani province has been named the “Best Island in the Asia-Pacific region” in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026, reinforcing its status as a leading global tourism destination. The recognition highlights the island’s luxury hospitality standards, natural attractions, and ability to welcome visitors from around the world.
The government welcomed the achievement, praising Koh Samui’s effective management and tourism development. The award was presented by Travel + Leisure, a leading travel and lifestyle magazine, and reflects the island’s strong reputation among international travelers. Continued …
Thailand’s soft power shines through food, fun, and 5F charm
Thailand’s global charm is proving that influence does not always need a megaphone. Sometimes, it arrives at the table through a bowl of tom yum, on screen through a Thai series, in the rhythm of a Muay Thai gym, or in the shared joy of Songkran.
Thailand ranked 38th globally for soft power in the 2026 Global Soft Power Index by Brand Finance, scoring 45.0 out of 100 and moving up one place from 39th in 2025. The index draws on a survey of more than 150,000 respondents from over 100 countries, assessing perceptions of all 193 United Nations member states. Continued …
El Niño roars to life. 5 reasons why it’s a big deal
Sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean have topped daily warm records for more than 20 days in June, a precursor to what many scientists expect to be one of the strongest El Niño events on record.
Ocean temperatures in the El Niño region – along the equator in the Central and Eastern Pacific – aren’t just warmer than normal. They’re warmer than ever recorded for this time of year, and nearly the warmest for any time of year. Continued …
Thailand outlines energy transition towards Net Zero economy
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan said at the “Energy Transition: Transitioning Thai Energy to a Low-Carbon Economy” seminar, under the topic “Thai Energy Direction and PDP 2026 Progress”, that discussions on energy transition often focus solely on electricity.
However, it must not be forgotten that oil remains a crucial fuel driving the economy, given Thailand’s strategic location connecting the region. Both the industrial and transport sectors rely on it, with logistics and oil serving as key national costs. Continued …
How electric tuk-tuks are powering Bangkok’s quiet mobility revolution
In Bangkok, progress rarely arrives in silence. Yet, one of the city’s most striking transport revolutions is doing exactly that. The electric tuk-tuk — once a novelty for visitors — is now becoming a serious piece of urban infrastructure.
Through app-based platforms such as MuvMi, the humble three-wheeler has been reimagined as a shared, electrified mobility network, filling the crucial “last-mile” gap between mass transit systems and the city’s narrow sois. Continued …
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German National Arrested in Bangkok Underage Exploitation Probe – Continued …
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Chinese man caught after attempting to steal 400,000 baht from Thai man – Continued …
At least 188 dead after massive earthquakes in Venezuela
Rescue crews and residents are searching for hundreds of people trapped under the rubble of buildings yesterday, after back-to-back major earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern coast and caused devastation across the region. At least 188 people had been confirmed dead and 200 were trapped under rubble. 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 cinemas/Emergency numbers
Thailand’s nominee crackdown has widened to accounting firms in Prachuap Khiri Khan, as authorities investigate businesses suspected of using Thai nationals to hide foreign ownership.
OR has cut retail prices for selected premium fuels by B1.20-4.20 per liter, with the new prices taking effect from 5 am today.
According to Bain & Company’s fourth biennial Front Line of Healthcare report, drawing on surveys of 600 doctors and 6,300 consumers across nine markets, the region’s healthcare systems are caught in a compounding crisis of their own making: demand is surging, supply is crumbling, and the people meant to hold it all together are walking out the door. This is not a cyclical blip. It is a structural reckoning, and the window for decisive action is narrowing.
Bangkok commuters may finally be getting closer to something they have wanted for years: multiple trains, one ticket, and cheaper transportaion. Thailand’s Cabinet yesterday approved a cost-of-living measure to introduce a common fare system across urban rail transit lines, allowing passengers to travel for between 17 and 45 baht under a single-ticket scheme.
Crayfish on the loose in Phayao Lake
If is a big and most consequential word in the English language. The word connotes wishes, conditionality, and often aspirations. If also is one of the shortest words holding a very long explanatory meaning that embodies hope but just as easily signals fatalism.
An average of 76% of adults surveyed in 35 countries, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, have no confidence in US President Donald Trump’s leadership of global affairs, with ratings for the United States negative in many places in Europe and Asia, an established research institute said yesterday.
The Thai economy is facing an uphill battle against a trio of deep-seated structural vulnerabilities, even as major economic research centers nudge short-term growth forecasts upward. In its latest economic outlook, the Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Center (SCB EIC) upgraded Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for this year to 2% from a previous estimate of 1.7%.
The cabinet has approved the expansion of the list of price-controled goods and services to 66. The list now includes 61 essential goods and five services, for which providers must seek prior approval for price changes.
The SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), a research center under Siam Commercial Bank, expects energy costs will continue to propel inflation in the second half of the year, even as the Middle East war shows signs of de-escalation.
Thai Generation Z and millennials are experiencing greater concern about their financial future than their peers in many other countries, with housing affordability a particularly acute pressure point, a survey by Deloitte has found.
Among Bangkok’s prime land locations with strong potential and the most public discussion, few rival the Charoen Nakhon, Charoen Krung, and Khlong San areas across the Phra Nakhon and Thon Buri sides. The Chao Phraya River runs through the middle, drawing the two banks together.
Why travelers are saying “Thank you, Thailand” before they fly home
In the old language of travel, the final souvenir was something tucked into a suitcase: silk, spices, ceramics, perhaps a fridge magnet from Bangkok or Phuket. In 2026, Thailand’s most elegant keepsake may be something lighter, cheaper and far more powerful: a palms-pressed wai, a smile, and a sincere “kob khun”.
Tourism revival plans take shape
Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry is preparing to revive a state-backed tourism co-payment scheme as part of a wider push to stimulate travel in the second half of 2026.
As summer 2026 gets underway, the global tourism industry is regaining strong momentum, and one metropolis drawing attention from travelers from around the world is “Bangkok”.
The sizzle of socialization: How Moo Kata makes Thailand’s table glow
In Thailand, the most talked-about travel ritual of 2026 may not begin at a temple, rooftop bar, or Michelin-listed restaurant. It starts under fluorescent lights, beside a refrigerated aisle, with a plastic-wrapped sandwich waiting to be toasted.
In Bangkok, the dining room of the moment does not always arrive polished in marble and glass. It may sit behind a narrow frontage, up a steep old staircase, beside the roar of a wok, or inside a building that still carries the memory of trade, family, and neighborhood life.
Cutting Thailand’s Giant Jackfruit
Journey Through Wellness, Sustainability, and Authentic Thai Hospitality in Krabi and Koh Lanta
Ubon park put forward for UNESCO listing
Thailand must accelerate its shift away from fossil fuels or risk falling permanently behind its regional peers, the chief economist of SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC) warned this week, as the kingdom’s heavy dependence on imported energy leaves it acutely vulnerable to global volatility.
Waste management is one of the most essential public services a city can and must provide. When it breaks down – even briefly – thousands of tons of rubbish pile up fast. Foul odors spread across neighborhoods.
The top 10% of global consumers cause $5.7 trillion in annual environmental damage, as they drive global challenges evolving into systemic economic and financial risks requiring immediate collective action, according to a Leiden University study.
In the next few weeks, Britain’s ruling Labor Party will select a new leader to replace Keir Starmer. But this prospect has not inspired hope of a political or economic renewal. Among British media and, more importantly, global financial markets, the consensus is that any revisions to the failing Starmer government’s policies will only make things worse. 
As Australia moves to scrap key property investment tax breaks, some investors are taking a wait-and-see approach as the new policy takes shape. The shift, the biggest in decades, is seen by some as ending Australia’s long love affair with property investment. 
Sam Roi Yot Run Ep.7 will offer distances of 2.7km, 5km and 10km along scenic coastal routes through local communities. Entry fees vary depending on registration period, with general registration open until May 31. 
The Commerce Ministry is preparing action against 140 “grey accountants” as part of a nationwide crackdown on the use of Thai nominees to conceal foreign ownership in restricted businesses.
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has issued new penalty guidelines that include license suspensions or revocations for cannabis businesses found to breach the department’s requirements.
The price of fertilizers is trending downward, with shipments from the Middle East currently en route to Thailand, says the Commerce Minister.
The Thai baht opened the week at 32.94 per US dollar yesterday, drifting toward the psychologically significant 33 threshold as a confluence of external headwinds and domestic vulnerabilities battered sentiment.
Thailand’s exports posted double-digit growth in May but at a slower pace than April, a Commerce Ministry official said yesterday. Customs-cleared exports rose by 23.1% in April from a year earlier. May data is due later this week.
Thailand’s property market is seeing a major shift as developers move beyond simply delaying new launches and begin selling land and ready-to-develop projects to preserve liquidity.
Thailand’s luxury hotel sector is emerging as one of the country’s most attractive investment assets, as global economic uncertainty pushes investors toward properties seen as resilient, scarce, and capable of generating long-term returns.
Thailand’s world heritage-level performing arts have taken center stage in Europe and South Korea, as Khon, Nora, Songkran traditions, and Thai classical dance were showcased in Frankfurt and Seoul as part of a wider push to promote Thai cultural soft power overseas.
Tha Phra Chan clings to Thai herbal traditions
Thailand’s government is advancing its green hospital policy by promoting clean and renewable energy in public health facilities to reduce operating costs, improve energy efficiency, and support the country’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Hua Hin land titles and property ownership can be confusing, especially for foreign buyers trying to understand leases, title deeds, and what is legally safe. Many people have seen the recent crackdowns on nominee company ownership (see below), with more than 46,900 companies reportedly under investigation across Thailand.
Thailand is facing renewed calls to tighten regulations governing foreign condominium ownership as the government considers raising the foreign ownership quota in condominium projects to attract overseas investment and support a property market still struggling with a slowdown.
Elephants can certainly shift. African elephants can reach top speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour, albeit over short distances only. This is more than twice as fast as the average human runner, so it seems like an open and shut case.
Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) says it has intensified oversight of medical cannabis businesses nationwide, carrying out more than 1,200 inspections in recent weeks as authorities seek to ensure cannabis is used strictly for medical purposes.
Thailand is entering the second half of 2026 with a mixed economic signal: S&P Global Ratings has maintained the country’s sovereign rating at BBB+ with a stable outlook, but economists warn that pressure from oil prices, rising imports, fiscal deficits, and global uncertainty could keep the current account and the baht under strain.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is set to launch the Thailand FastPass program at Government House tomorrow, aiming to accelerate major investment projects by removing regulatory barriers and streamlining approvals.
Can Thailand’s Land Bridge Challenge Malacca and Redefine Asian Trade Routes?
Thailand’s exporters are heading into a more uncertain second half of 2026, with growth expected to slow as global trade risks pile up across energy, logistics, and major export markets.
China’s growing pet-friendly culture is creating a new export opening for Thailand, as demand for premium and health-focused pet food rises among Chinese consumers who increasingly treat pets as family members.
A toxic mix of record household debt, strict lending criteria, and a severe demographic slowdown leaves Bangkok’s property market heavily oversupplied. The accumulated inventory of unsold residential properties in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces is projected to surge to an unprecedented 213,000 units by the end of 2026, triggering warnings that Thailand is on the brink of a chronic, Japan-style vacant housing crisis.
Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) has announced plans for WellEra, a wellness-integrated development in the city’s Lumphini district that will redefine the relationship between healthcare, residential living, hospitality, and lifestyle.
Italy has offered to employ 20,000-30,000 Thai workers a year to remedy labor shortages in three sectors, deputy government spokeswoman Patdarat Thongsaluaykorn said yesterday.
The government has reiterated that investments in data centers must not adversely affect local communities or the agricultural sector. According to government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek, the data center investment boom reflects the country’s potential to become a regional digital infrastructure hub, supporting the growth of cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce, fintech, and other digital services.
Thailand is redefining its annual green season, promoting the rainy months as a prime opportunity for wellness, nature-based experiences, and meaningful travel. Through its “Healing is the New Luxury” campaign, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is encouraging travelers to view the season not as an off-peak period, but as a time for restoration, reflection, and deeper connections with nature and local communities.
Authorities in Phuket are considering a proposal to raise the provincial tax on hotels from 1% to 3% of room rates to generate additional revenue for local development and tourism promotion.
The recent proposal to merge the Ministry of Culture with the Ministry of Tourism should be treated with great caution. This idea may appear to be just a bureaucratic restructuring. But the two ministries have distinct missions, functions and skill sets that should not be combined.
Master the Art of Ordering Som Tum Like a Thai Local
Phangnga: Southern springboard to growth
The Great Hornbill forages in the treetops, usually living in pairs. Outside the breeding season, they can sometimes gather in flocks of up to 150, roosting in trees in valleys. However, they occasionally descend to the ground to forage. Their loud call, “Kok Kok Kok, Kahang Kahang Kahang” or “Kawa Kawa Kawa,” is the origin of their name. Great Hornbills are found in moist evergreen forests, dry evergreen forests, or mixed deciduous forests. 
Thailand needs to accelerate its transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) and expand the use of renewable energy to strengthen long-term energy security, according to Areeporn Asawinpongphan, a researcher at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
Analyst urges shift away from fossil fuels
Dr. Areeporn Asawinpongphan of the Thailand Development Research Institute warns that Thailand should not be overly optimistic about the peace deal between the U.S. and Iran, as any renewed conflict could pose risks to the Thai economy. 
Thailand has welcomed the ceasefire framework between the United States and Iran but warned that global energy markets could remain under pressure despite an easing of tensions in the Middle East.
Oil tankers have begun crossing the Strait of Hormuz again following a newly signed US–Iran agreement aimed at easing a war that has disrupted global energy flows.
Thailand’s average household income declined in 2025, while lower-income households increasingly relied on financial assistance, according to several research institutions.
Quick meals, noodles, and coffee or tea are among the top orders via food delivery platforms under the “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” state co-payment scheme. As of June 17, spending via food delivery platforms tallied 272 million baht.
Meta has positioned Instagram as a driver of Thai digital economic growth, highlighting the platform’s growing influence in commerce, creator monetization, and cultural engagement as businesses increasingly seek new avenues for expansion.
Vietnam is no longer being viewed only as Asia’s “manufacturing base”. It is becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most closely watched tourism destinations, especially after foreign visitor numbers rebounded rapidly following COVID-19 and began moving closer to leading tourism markets such as Thailand.
As global oil volatility continues to push transportation costs higher, more Thai consumers are turning to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as a practical hedge against unpredictable long-term running costs. The shift is already visible across the market.
Ukraine yesterday launched its largest drone attack on Moscow in years, sparking fires, hitting a major oil refinery, and forcing evacuations at the country’s largest airport. At least 17 people were wounded in the strikes, which also set a shopping center and apartment building ablaze, authorities said. 
The Digital News Report 2026, which surveyed news consumers in 48 countries, found that 54% of respondents used social media and video platforms for news, compared with 51% who accessed news through the websites and apps of news organisations. This marks the first time that external platforms have become more popular than digital channels directly owned by news outlets. 
Design plans reviewed for Phon Kingphet Public Park
Prachuap Khiri Khan has launched Wellness Tourism 2026 as part of a plan to promote the province as an international health and wellness destination.
Registration is opening for the Wellscape Prachuap Khiri Khan Night Run 2026, an evening health run taking runners through the “City of Three Bays”. The event, organized by Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and the Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports, will take place on Friday, July 3.
Authorities have postponed a plan to impose higher electricity rates on large households with heavy consumption, citing the need to revise how power bills are calculated, says Energy Minister Akanat Promphan.
Five Thai reservoirs above maximum storage levels
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dramatically shaken up Phuket’s administration, removing the governor and transferring two deputy governors amid escalating allegations of internal conflict, influential networks, disputed beachfront land, intimidation, and claims of political protection.
Commerzbank’s analysis highlights that global energy market volatility, particularly in early 2026, is exerting substantial downward pressure on the Thai baht. Thailand’s significant reliance on energy imports, primarily crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), means that rising global energy costs directly worsen its trade balance.
Thailand’s property market is sending an interesting signal, as the number and value of “second-hand” homes listed for sale nationwide have risen significantly.
Malaysia and Thailand are edging closer to resolving a tit-for-tat seafood safety dispute, offering a lifeline to exporters after weeks of halted shipments and retaliatory restrictions on Thai shrimp and Malaysian sea bass.
Arnupharp Kongmalai, vice president of marketing at MR. D.I.Y. Holding (Thailand) evealed that the company’s operational outlook for the second half of 2026 continues to be supported by ongoing branch expansion, a value-focused business model, and government economic stimulus measures, which may partially support consumer spending.
TAT Looks to Rail Travel for the Next Chapter of Thailand’s High-Value Tourism
Traveloka reveals Thai destinations gaining global interest
Police in Vietnam have rescued more than 500 cats after dismantling a suspected cat meat trafficking network in one of the country’s largest animal welfare operations in recent years. The raid, carried out in and around Ho Chi Minh City last week, followed an investigation into a series of pet thefts. Authorities detained nine suspects and uncovered hundreds of live cats allegedly destined for the meat trade. 
Roadworks on Hua Hin Soi 102 will begin near Laguna Village tomorrow. The project will involve the construction of a reinforced concrete road and drainage system in the Laguna Village area of Soi 102.
A new Thai health study has linked regular e-cigarette use to a sharply higher risk of erectile dysfunction, finding users face double the risk even without underlying medical conditions.
Thai trade unions address reduction of safety and health risks in the workplace
Thailand is emerging as one of the world’s most promising markets for AI-driven investment, as artificial intelligence in global finance moves beyond experimentation and into serious real-world use.
AI layoff trap raises wider risks for workers, firms, and demand
For more than half a century, Thailand held a proud title: the “Detroit of the East.” This economic engine was built almost entirely on Japanese blueprints. Beginning in the 1960s, Japanese auto giants like Toyota, Honda, and Isuzu constructed vast industrial networks across the country, establishing a seemingly unshakeable dominance.
Thailand is being urged to close legal loopholes and revise its import strategies as the country seeks to secure a lower tariff rate under Section 301 in negotiations with the United States.
Foodie, mom and kids, lifestyle, and beauty influencers remain the four groups most sought after by businesses as Thailand’s influencer marketing industry enters a more performance-driven era, according to IdeasLabs.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has allocated airport slots to four new airlines for the winter 2026/2027 schedule, paving the way for additional international services during Thailand’s peak tourism season. The new routes will strengthen air connectivity between Thailand and key markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Krabi set for 126 winter flights as Nordic demand rises ahead of high season
The Thai Hotels Association – Southern Chapter and 12 private-sector tourism and economic organizations in the Andaman provinces of Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga, have submitted a letter to the minister of Tourism and Sports and the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), proposing that the government consider reviewing the measure to end visa-free entry for Indian tourists.
Thailand’s central plains are set to become the frontier for sustainable agriculture as the Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rice Research Center aggressively deploys the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economic Model to pioneer low-carbon rice production.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is concerned that the expiration of the government’s electric vehicle (EV) incentive program in 2027 could leave Thailand vulnerable to a surge of Chinese EV imports and weaken local automotive supply chains.
Japan fans left the stands spotless after their World Cup opener against the Netherlands in Texas yesterday, saying it was “Japanese culture” to tidy up after themselves. Spectators stayed behind after the 2-2 draw to make sure they left the stadium as they found it, meticulously picking up litter and stuffing it into blue plastic bags. 
Russia fired a barrage of missiles at several major Ukrainian cities, setting Kyiv’s historic Dormition Cathedral on fire and killing nine, while Ukraine strikes claimed three lives south of Moscow. 
Switzerland yesterday rejected a proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritized economic stability and ties with the European Union over worries immigration was straining public services and pushing up rents. 
Is Hua Hin really the perfect retirement destination in Thailand… or is there a side of life here that most YouTube videos never show? In this video, I take an honest look at what happens after the honeymoon period ends for many expats and retirees living in Hua Hin.
The real way to travel Thailand: Bangkok to Hua Hin by train
The Thai Meteorological Department has warned people in the north, northeast, east, and south to prepare for heavy rain in some areas over the next 24 hours, while Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are forecast to see thunderstorms across 70% of the area.
Replacing visa-free entry with a visa-on-arrival scheme for Indian tourists will not affect this market as affordable prices remain the decisive factor for them, while the policy change can help curb visa abuse, according to an Indian travel agent.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is positioning Africa as a key growth market as it seeks to diversify visitor sources amid ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East.
India’s largest low-cost carrier, IndiGo, has announced that its direct service to Krabi will be suspended from July 1 to Sept. 30 as part of a restructuring of its international route network.
A British man who left the UK due to rising living costs says he now lives comfortably in Chiang Mai on just GBP800 a month, compared with more than GBP3,000 a month previously. Robert Hoadley, 45, from Portsmouth, relocated in 2025 and says the move has given him greater financial freedom, improved work-life balance, and a healthier lifestyle.
Skip Chiang Mai’s usual northern loop for this 3-day Lamphun-Lampang road trip
At first glance, it may appear to be a simple question. Yet, it exposes a potentially significant anomaly within Thailand’s fisheries data system. While government agencies have consistently maintained that Thailand legally imported blackchin tilapia only once — and solely for research purposes — official records indicate that the same species was subsequently exported in remarkably large quantities to foreign markets during roughly the same period.
Cybercriminals are using the FIFA World Cup to launch scams and steal credentials, warns FortiGuard Labs, the research arm of cybersecurity firm Fortinet.
Global growth is forecast to slow to 2.5% in 2026, down from 2.9% in 2025. Forecasts for two-thirds of economies have been downgraded relative to January of this year. Global growth is expected to improve to 2.8% in 2027 but will remain 0.4 percentage point below the average during the 2010s.
Thailand’s labor market is facing growing pressure from demographic change, education mismatch, and the rise of artificial intelligence, with four major occupational groups at risk of disruption.
The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) fell to 49.5 in May, the lowest level since December 2022, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) said yesterday.
Water is no longer simply a basic factor for consumption or agriculture in the modern era. It has become a decisive factor in foreign investors’ decisions and part of the national security strategy.
Ahead of the Feb. 8 general election, politicians often came to court voters like 69-year-old rice farmer Chaon Taiupok in Ayutthaya, about 80 kilometers north of Bangkok.
A minister attached to the prime minister’s office, Supamas Isarabhakdi, has ordered increased inspections of amusement parks and water parks nationwide following concerns about consumer safety. The directive was announced during a safety inspection at Siam Amazing Park in Bangkok conducted with officials from the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) and other relevant agencies.
Communities across northern Thailand are raising the alarm after tests detected dangerous levels of arsenic and other heavy metals in major waterways.
Thongkham Inprom has been farming for more than six decades, growing jasmine rice and sticky rice in Chiang Rai. The 71-year-old harvests about 60 tons each year and keeps 1% for his family. The rest is sent to a rice mill and eventually sold in central Thailand.
Changan Automobile’s plant in Rayong rolled out its 20,000th vehicle, with the Qiyuan Q05 as the main model. The facility officially commenced production in May 2025 and is located in the core area of Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor.
Egg prices in Thailand have risen by 20 satang per egg from yesterday, as poultry farmers come under growing pressure from higher feed and maize costs. The Central Region Small-Scale Egg-Layer Farmers Trade Assn. said the latest price movement reflects rising production expenses rather than an increase in the recommended farm-gate ceiling.
One in three Thai children cannot read properly by the age of ten. Youth unemployment is rising. And the workforce needed to power Thailand’s next decade of growth is simply not being trained. Against this backdrop of mounting urgency, a roundtable yesterday brought together some of the country’s foremost voices in education, policy, academia, and student leadership to confront what many are now calling a systemic crisis.
Thailand is being warned that its economic challenge is no longer only about whether growth will recover in the second half of the year, but whether the country can reform fast enough before today’s structural risks turn into a deeper crisis. The warning comes as economists and business leaders point to a shift in Thailand’s long-standing economic strengths.
Luxury Golf Escapes: The Finest Courses in Hua Hin
Every year, Time Out publishes the results of its international survey ranking the world’s best cities. To get there, we surveyed thousands of city dwellers and asked them to rate their city’s food scene across 18 different criteria, including quality, affordability and diversity.
China’s landmark environmental code is set to raise the green compliance bar for Thai exporters and manufacturers, turning carbon footprints and environmental performance from optional CSR into conditions for staying in Chinese supply chains and securing green finance at home.
Oceans are in a “deepening crisis” that demands urgent global action, a major UN report warned yesterday, with seas warming and rising faster, ice cover shrinking, and marine ecosystems under mounting strain.
Hong Kong will soon open its first convenience store operated by a humanoid robot as part of the city’s push to integrate AI into everyday life and deepen residents’ understanding of the technology, the finance chief has said.