- EZY Airlines Hua Hin-U-Tapao flights/Fish along Hua Hin beaches/Bintabaht to host Halloween parade/Run with the Flow event/Video of the panthers and leopards/You’re an alien/Thailand targets 10,000 visa overstayers/Phuket flash floods/Seven-language 7-Eleven worker
- ECONOMY: Thai hotel closures rise/Thai farm exports weaken/4 new investment zones/AI top worldwide concern
- TOURISM: Nok Air suspends 3 southern routes/15-day visa waiver for 3 nations/Thailand’s visa processing delays
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival/High-value nature tourism/Naga Fireballs: Thailand’s unexplained lights/Doi Luang Chiang Dao opens bookings
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Solar for households scheme/Nuclear study accelerated
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
We have this video for you just for fun. This is actor Jackie Chan filming the movie Skiptrace in 2014, as he sang Rolling in the Deep, only to discover the Mongolian extras in the film knew the lyrics. Video …
EZY Airlines Hua Hin-U-Tapao flights to start Oct 23
EZY Airlines has announced that scheduled services on its Hua Hin–U-Tapao route would begin on Oct. 23. The airline plans to launch flights between Hua Hin and Surat Thani in November.
‘Nam biat’ phenomenon leaves fish along Hua Hin beaches
Fish washing ashore in Hua Hin may be linked to changing coastal water conditions known locally as “nam biat”, a phenomenon that can leave marine life struggling for oxygen.
The seawater at Hua Hin and Khao Takiab beaches turned a murky red on Sunday, as large shoals gathered close to shore. Residents and local fishermen arrived with nets and other equipment, while some took small boats offshore to herd fish toward their nets. Continued …
Bintabaht to host Halloween parade
Hua Hin’s first-ever Halloween parade will take place on Saturday, Oct. 31, with residents and visitors invited to dress up and join the celebrations on Soi Bintabaht.
The Hua Hin Ghost Parade will begin at 8.30 pm at Hua Hin Walking Street, bringing a night of Halloween costumes, spooky fun and entertainment to the town’s nightlife district. Continued …
Run with the Flow event draws 1,700 runners
More than 1,700 Thai and international runners took part in Run with the Flow 2026 in Hua Hin on Sunday, supporting heart and brain health, and raising funds to help disadvantaged patients access medical treatment.
The charity run, presented by Bangkok Hospital, returned to Suan Son Pradiphat for its third year. Participants competed over distances of 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers and 21 kilometers, with the half marathon introduced for the first time at the Hua Hin event. Continued …
Video of the panther and leopard at Kaeng Krachan
You’re an alien
I’ve been coming to Thailand for 30 years and have lived here since 2014. Over the years, the word has come to play an increasingly absurd role in my life. I’m an alien in Thailand, and I see little prospect of that changing.
And honestly, before coming to Thailand, I had never thought of myself as an alien. It took the Thai authorities to inform me that I was one. Officially, I’m an alien, but to most Thais I’m a farang, which, incidentally, is also the Thai word for guava. Bottom line, I am different and will remain different. An alien in a country I now call home. Continued …
Thailand targets 10,000 visa overstayers nationwide
Thai immigration police have been ordered to track down more than 10,000 foreigners believed to be overstaying their visas, in a nationwide operation stretching from Bangkok to tourist islands and border provinces.
For foreigners living in or visiting Thailand, the message is straightforward: immigration checks are being intensified, and officers are increasingly using international wanted-person databases and criminal intelligence when screening people entering or staying in the country. Continued …
Phuket flash floods damage hotels and block roads
Heavy rain triggered flash flooding and runoff from Khao 50 Pi hill, into Patong, Phuket, early yesterday, damaging homes, hotels, shops and vehicles across the resort town.
Officials are clearing roads and assessing losses, while Phuket authorities prepare to move tourists from affected hotels to safer accommodation. Visitors in Patong have been advised to avoid routes with fast-flowing water or debris and to follow official weather warnings closely. Continued …
Seven-language 7-Eleven worker goes viral in Thailand
A 48-year-old 7-Eleven assistant store manager in Bangkok has gone viral for his ability to communicate in seven languages, drawing attention to how he uses his multilingual skills to welcome and assist international customers.
Known as Tony, or Phi Tho among his younger colleagues, Teerawat Wanichkam works at a 7-Eleven branch at BITEC Bang Na. He has been with the convenience store chain for more than three years and also works as an interpreter and master of ceremonies. Continued …
Thai hotel closures rise 42% as 2027 outlook darkens
Thailand’s hotel and accommodation sector recorded 148 business closures in the first nine months of 2026, a 42% increase on the same period last year, according to the Kasikorn Research Center.
The increase follows a difficult 2025, when about 51% of operators reported losses. Smaller businesses were hardest hit: 54% experienced losses, while 42% had accumulated losses for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025. Across the sector, 38% reported accumulated losses over those three years. Continued …
Thai farm exports weaken as electronics power record September shipments
Thailand’s agricultural and agro-industrial exports fell 1.9% in the first nine months of 2026 as high production costs and intense global competition weighed on key products, even as booming electronics shipments pushed the country’s overall exports to record levels.
Exports in September reached a record US$38.44 billion, up 24% year-on-year and marking a 27th consecutive month of growth. Imports, however, surged 50.4% to an all-time high of US$44.30 billion, leaving Thailand with a trade deficit of US$5.86 billion for the month. Continued …
EEC board approves 4 new investment zones
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee approved in principle yesterday the designation of four new special economic promotion zones worth 25.66 billion baht, aiming to attract global technology enterprises and artificial intelligence investments.
The largest project in the newly approved batch is the E-Tech Smart Park in Baan Bueng district, Chonburi province, covering over 610 rai with an estimated investment of 19.75 billion baht. It targets modern automotive, smart electronics, aviation, logistics, digital, and comprehensive medical sectors, with an expected creation of 3,500 to 5,500 jobs upon full development. Continued …
AI replaces climate change as top worldwide concern
Artificial intelligence has overtaken climate change as the top global risk, according to a 2026 report from French insurer Axa. This shift is driven by concerns that technological advancements are progressing faster than the ability of regulators to prepare for the potential consequences.
Experts and the general public are increasingly wary of technology-related risks, particularly as AI development accelerates. While climate change remains a leading concern, particularly in Thailand, the rapid rise of AI and big data has created a new era of risk assessment. Some researchers have even warned that advanced AI could pose an existential threat to humanity, with some estimates suggesting a greater than 10% chance of such an outcome within the decade. – Bangkok Post AI
Nok Air suspends 3 southern routes due to fuel costs
Budget carrier Nok Air has temporarily suspended its domestic services from Don Mueang International Airport to Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Hat Yai, effective yesterday through Dec. 20, amid soaring jet fuel expenditures.
Wutthiphum Jurangkool, chief executive officer of Nok Air, confirmed the suspension, stating that the airline is buckling under extreme fuel cost pressures. Continued …
Tourism Ministry proposes 15-day visa waiver for 3 nations
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is preparing to propose a 15-day visa exemption for travelers from Colombia, Mexico, and Uzbekistan, aiming to resolve severe processing delays and boost long-haul arrivals, officials announced yesterday.
The initiative comes in response to mounting logistical hurdles faced by international carriers. Emirates airline recently lodged an official complaint with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) after experiencing 20 to 30 passenger no-shows per flight from Mexico because travelers failed to receive their Thai visas in time for departure. Continued …
What actions is Thailand’s Tourism Authority taking to resolve visa processing delays?
Tourism Minister Surasak Phanakarn has acknowledged the ongoing issue of slow visa processing and stated that a committee will meet on Nov. 9 to discuss the matter. The discussions are expected to address both security and economic factors to help resolve the disruptions that have caused many travelers to opt for alternative destinations like Vietnam.
While the minister has acknowledged the problem, specific details on the exact technical or administrative actions being implemented to resolve the delays have not yet been released. The current situation has already led to significant consequences, including a reported 3%-4% increase in no-show passengers for airlines like Emirates following the withdrawal of visa-free privileges in certain countries. – Bangkok Post AI
Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival set for March
The Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival will return to Phetchaburi from March 5–14, bringing 10 days and 10 nights of celebrations to the historic hilltop landmark better known as Khao Wang.
Celebrations will center on Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park, with the main venues expected to include the Phra Nakhon Khiri National Museum, King Mongkut Memorial Park and surrounding areas. Continued …
Thailand promotes high-value nature tourism while protecting national parks
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) are enhancing cooperation to modernize national park services, promote high-value nature tourism, and uphold environmental conservation standards.
On Oct. 22, TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool attended the second 2026 National Parks Committee meeting, chaired by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin. DNP Director-General Yongyut Nakawiroj, committee members, and representatives from relevant agencies participated both in person and via video conference. Continued …
Naga Fireballs: Thailand’s unexplained lights draw crowds
Under the scorching afternoon sun, visitors spread mats, unfold chairs and open umbrellas along the Mekong River in northeastern Thailand, waiting for nightfall and a phenomenon that has fascinated believers and puzzled observers for generations.
They had come to witness the Naga Fireballs, glowing reddish-pink orbs said to rise silently from the river on the night marking the end of Buddhist Lent. At Wat Thai in Phon Phisai district, Nong Khai province, one of the main gathering points for the annual event, residents and tourists secured places along the riverbank yesterday, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious lights. Continued …
Doi Luang Chiang Dao opens online bookings for 2026–27 treks
Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chiang Mai begia accepting online rewildlifesanctuaryfca16.com/chiangdaoservations yesterday for nature-study treks and overnight stays at Doi Luang Chiang Dao during the 2026–27 season.
Bookings will be available exclusively through the sanctuary’s official website, , through 4 pm on Oct. 30. Visitors will be permitted to explore the designated nature trail between Nov. 16 and Feb. 12. Continued …
Expanded solar for households scheme set for cabinet approval today
The government’s proposed 50,000-baht subsidy to encourage up to one million households to install a solar power system will be presented to the cabinet today for approval. The proposed scheme also involves three state-owned banks which would provide low-interest loans, eliminating the need for upfront capital.
The government would provide direct financial support of 50,000 baht per household, with one million eligible slots. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), both under the interior ministry, would serve as one-stop-service centers assisting with the registration process. Continued …
Nuclear study accelerated in bid to install reactors by 2037
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has accelerated a study on nuclear energy adoption, setting a target to launch Thailand’s first commercial small modular reactor (SMR) by 2037.
The initiative forms a core part of the nation’s 2026 Power Development Plan, aiming to secure clean, stable energy while mitigating exposure to volatile global liquefied natural gas prices. Continued …
Israeli arrested on drug and sex charges threatens police
Israeli Tomer Kahiri, 54, was arrested in Bangkok on Friday over claims he drugged women with cake and secretly filmed sex encounters. During the raid, he reportedly threatened to kill prominent police investigator Inspector Jae, boasting that powerful friends would free him within two hours. Continued …
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Foreign tourist caught on CCTV taking necklaces in Krabi – Continued …
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Laem Chabang customs seizes 3.1 tons of ivory – Continued …
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan hold Iran talks as Houthi attacks escalate
Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have held talks with Iranian leaders in Tehran in an effort to reduce regional tensions, as Yemen’s Houthis intensified attacks on Saudi targets and the wider Middle East conflict showed little sign of easing.
The meeting yesterday) marked the first high-level contact between Iran and the three countries since the war that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran spread to Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the Mecca mutual defense pact in August. Continued …
Houthis say they attacked Saudi oil pumping stations, Riyadh airport as fighting intensifies
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis said yesterday they had attacked Saudi Arabia’s east-west crude oil pumping stations and Riyadh airport, as rising hostilities choke oil supplies and threaten to erupt into a larger conflict.
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said earlier it had destroyed two ballistic missile launchers in the capital Sanaa, including one used to fire a missile toward Riyadh that the coalition said it had intercepted. Continued …
Houthi attacks have grounded flights across Saudi Arabia
Attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis have nearly emptied the skies over Riyadh this month, aviation data showed yesterday, with cancellations grounding almost nine out of every 10 scheduled flights at the Saudi capital’s airport.
About 86% of scheduled flights at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, or 4,071 out of 4,736, were canceled between Oct. 8 and Oct. 25, according to the latest data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. Continued …
Trump blasts Norway over Nobel Peace Prize snub
US President Donald Trump attacked Norway during a campaign rally, calling it a “shit house country,” and said that Norwegian immigrants were not welcome in the United States because its Nobel Committee had not awarded him the Peace Prize. Continued …
Microsoft offers voluntary exit packages to 60,000 staff
Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees, the company said yesterdayy, roughly a quarter of its workforce, as the tech giant seeks to cut costs while pouring money into artificial intelligence. 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
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its seventh heavy-rain warning today, alerting parts of Thailand to heavy to very heavy downpours through Sunday. The warning also forecasts waves above three meters in thunderstorm areas of the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered officials to complete investigations into suspected nominee arrangements used by foreigners to hold Thai land by December.
Scholars and experts advise Thailand to maintain strategic flexibility and avoid picking sides to preserve its ability to balance relations between the United States and China. This approach is intended to help the nation navigate the complexities of a new Cold War and avoid the risks associated with being caught in a direct geopolitical confrontation.
France’s latest wave of unrest is drawing attention to the financial pressure on one of Europe’s largest welfare states, prompting Thai economists to warn that persistent budget deficits and weak fiscal discipline can eventually constrain public services and leave governments with fewer options during a crisis.
The Thai government is prioritizing investments in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure to transform the country into a regional leader and an intelligent nation. These investments are designed to strengthen national economic competitiveness, enhance digital sovereignty, and unlock new sources of economic growth through improved productivity.
Where will young people stand in a world where there might be more people than jobs?
Thanit Sorat , vice president of the Thai Employers’ Confederation of Trade and Industry, drew lessons and reflected on the perspectives of global financial leaders at the IMF – World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, pointing out that both the IMF and the World Bank share grave concerns about the impact of AI and advanced technologies, which will have an unprecedented and widespread effect on labor markets and employment.
Artificial intelligence is changing how people work across a wide range of professions, from researching information and writing content to preparing reports and conducting basic data analysis. Tasks that once took hours can now be completed much faster with AI tools. But for jobseekers, an important question remains: as AI becomes capable of doing more, what skills do employers still need from people?
Chiang Mai’s iconic elephant camp marks golden anniversary with major transformation
Hua Hin municipality is seeking to speed up construction of the Hua Hin railway road by resolving design issues and relocating electricity poles, with the aim of opening the new route to residents as soon as possible.
Thailand closes 132 risky railway crossings
Thailand’s Meteorological Department has issued its second warning for heavy to very heavy rain, with thunderstorms, strong winds and hail forecast across the country from 9-13 Oct. 9-13.
Central region hardest hit by floods
Three property associations have identified five major challenges in reviving the market through action by the government and banks. These range from unlocking home loans for a new generation of borrowers, promoting energy-efficient homes and developing urban infrastructure to withstand natural disasters, to regulating foreign property transactions and building stronger communities.
Thailand is at “the last paragraph” of a trade agreement with the United States, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said yesterday. Speaking at a forum in Singapore, Anutin said he expected to sign the agreement on reciprocal trade during President Donald Trump’s next visit to Asia, likely in Manila at the ASEAN meetings from Nov. 16-18, or Shenzhen at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on Nov. 18-19.
Thailand has attracted more than $11.72 billion (approx. 396.5 billion baht) in investment applications from Japanese enterprises across 1,380 projects between 2021 and mid-2026, according to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).
Thailand’s Cabinet has acknowledged a proposal to overhaul vehicle excise taxes, under which certain imported cars would face the highest proposed rates, while domestically manufactured vehicles could qualify for lower rates linked to investment and locally produced components.
The 10th round of Thailand-EU free trade agreement negotiations has seen significant progress, with most negotiating texts now concluded. The commerce minister reported that major issues resolved include trade in goods, services, investment, and market access, as well as provisions regarding sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, energy, war materials, and rules of origin.
Earlier this year, Bangkok’s food and beverage scene pulled off a coup. At Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards in Macau, eight venues from Asia’s “City of Angels” crowded the list – rankings historically dominated by Hong Kong and Singapore – with four more in the 51-100 tier. The city’s restaurant honors tell a similar story – Sühring recently joined Sorn in holding three Michelin stars, and Bangkok claims nine spots on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, more than any other city.
Thailand’s Finance Ministry is considering a departure tax of 1,000 baht for every person leaving the country by air, regardless of nationality, under draft legislation now open to public comment. The Revenue Department’s consultation on the proposed Departure Tax Act runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 29.
Thailand is preparing to replace the Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004). In July 2026, the House of Representatives accepted in principle proposed amendments to the Hotel Act and referred them to an extraordinary committee. On Sept. 29, the government set out its draft Accommodation Establishment Act. The draft moves away from a single hotel licensing regime and toward a tiered system based on the size of the property.
Fifteen minutes with a pair of clippers, a mirror check, and out the door for the price of a sandwich. Or: lying back on a reclined chair, eyes covered, a hot towel over the face, a straight razor worked slowly along the jaw, warm oil worked into the beard, a shoulder press at the end, someone offering you a coffee while you wait for the chair — 45 minutes, and a bill that can run to three or four times the first one.
From one mother to nine cubs: the tiger helping tell Thailand’s recovery story
Preparing Thailand’s rescued leopard cats for life in the wild
Authorities in Phuket are seeking a land plot to build a second incinerator to handle a growing amount of garbage. Phuket is facing increasing challenges in dealing with as much as 1.3 million tons of waste that has accumulated at landfills supervised by the Phuket municipal office.
Unverified reports of a second death in Russia’s Irkutsk region in Siberia have raised concerns about a possible pneumonic plague outbreak, although Russian authorities maintain that no cases of the disease have been detected. 
Hua Hin has a new Taco Bell, which opened a new branch on Phetkasem Road, near the Hua Hin Clock Tower.
Thailand’s Civil Court will hold its first case-management hearing today in a consumer lawsuit against 17 digital platform, application and financial service providers over alleged losses linked to fraudulent investment advertisements and other online scams.
Appetite grows for Talay Noi swamp buffalo meat
Thailand will not face a crude oil shortage in August despite the ongoing war in the Middle East, as supply remains sufficient for all six domestic refineries, according to the Department of Energy Business (DOEB).
The Thai baht is trading near its weakest level in over 15 months against the US Dollar, as a confluence of external pressures continues to erode its value. The currency’s decline has been driven by a renewed spike in oil prices, compounded by a firmer USD and rising US Treasury yields.
When Thailand’s Revenue Department released its latest personal income tax filing figures, the headline number was not the roughly 12 million people who submitted a return. It was the much smaller group behind it: an estimated 5 million filers, or around 40%of those who filed, who actually owed any tax at all.
Here he goes again. US President Donald Trump is increasing and decreasing tariffs willy-nilly, violating international agreements that he himself signed and almost surely violating federal law. The only difference this time is that he has a new pretext for abusing tariffs: stopping forced labor.
Trade deficit marks a sea change
Private consumption in Thailand increased by 1.1% month-on-month in June, accelerating from 0.6% in the previous month. It marked the second straight month of growth, driven mainly by stronger spending on non-durable goods amid higher consumer goods sales following government stimulus measures, as well as improved fuel consumption as retail fuel prices declined and sales returned closer to normal levels.
The government has welcomed what it described as an excellent response to the Thais Help Thais Plus (60/40) program after more than B86 billion circulated through the economy during its first two months.
Inviting the fury of the Thai public on a matter that is admittedly done and dusted, I cannot help but feel compelled to at least voice my misgivings over the recent “noisy Italian students” incident, especially how it played out compared with another similar occurrence.
Bangkok’s Chao Phraya draws new hotels, attractions and megaprojects
Thailand launches 10 hiking schools for responsible forest tourism
Footage from a hotel in Krabi is leaving viewers unsettled after a couple reportedly discovered a large cobra lurking near their bed before sunrise.One of the guests initially treated the commotion as just being startled from a bad dream or some other misunderstanding. Only moments later did they realize why their partner had suddenly woken up and run from the room in a panic at about 5 am.
The History of Talad Noi
Thailand must accelerate its transition to advanced green manufacturing if it hopes to remain competitive in an increasingly sustainability-driven global economy, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).
Waste is often seen as the inevitable by-product of economic growth. In reality, it may become one of the most valuable resources economies possess.
Data center race faces power, water logjam
At least five people have died and 41 remain missing after an Indonesian ferry caught fire off Madura island in East Java, authorities said. Indonesia’s search and rescue agency said the ferry was carrying 271 passengers and crew, of whom 225 had been rescued by yesterday afternoon. A search and rescue operation was still under way. 
Retail fuel prices in Thailand remained unchanged yesterday, despite the Oil Fuel Fund reducing subsidies for several diesel and gasohol products and raising the contribution collected from petrol.
Thai Singer Nene Royal Advances to AGT Judges’ Callbacks
Out of the blue, the Anutin government has made an abrupt policy U-turn by announcing it will abandon the 1-trillion-baht land bridge project. The reversal follows an official review that found the original project carried significant financial risks and uncertain economic returns.
Thailand must stop measuring tourism success simply by visitor numbers and build a system that protects destinations, local communities and infrastructure, according to two researchers at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
A severe drought and the peak travel season have left Koh Samui facing a water shortage that is affecting businesses, prompting tourism operators to call for greater investment in water infrastructure to keep pace with rising visitor numbers.
Thailand’s largest island records decline in hotel guests in first half
The private sector and Thailand’s Department of Health Service Support (HSS) are collaborating to push for the creation of “Wellness Special Economic Zones”. The scheme will begin with a three-to-five-year pilot phase dubbed the “Wellness Sandbox”, designed to generate economic value, stimulate employment, and attract foreign investors.
Wild tiger population in Thailand’s protected reserves reaches 210
Government agencies and the private sector have taken a major step toward bringing international flights to Hua Hin Airport, with Thai AirAsia identifying four potential overseas routes. A Market Insights and Customer Insights Workshop was held on Friday, bringing together more than 60 tourism, hotel and hospitality operators from Hua Hin and Cha Am.
Hua Hin’s long-running push for international flights is now being tied to a wider plan to reposition the city as a year-round destination, rather than one reliant mainly on weekend visitors and domestic tourism.
Go bar hopping across some of the town’s best nightlife spots, including Hard Rock Cafe, the Hilton Rooftop Bar, Soi Bintabaht, Soi 94, Soi 80, Khao Takiab and more! From rooftop sunset drinks and live music to DJ bars and hidden local spots, this vlog captures the atmosphere of Hua Hin after dark. Also check out drink prices along the way to see what a night out in Hua Hin actually costs in 2026. 
Individual customers and businesses in Thailand are set to benefit from lower service fees charged by commercial banks and other financial institutions under a new regulation issued by the Bank of Thailand (BOT).
Thailand’s Egg Farmers’ Co-operative Network has announced a 20-satang increase in the farm-gate price of mixed-size eggs to 3.80 baht each, raising the cost of a 30-egg tray by six baht from today. The rate will remain in force until further notice.
Thailand is positioning itself as a resilient, neutral hub in a fracturing global economy, leveraging its geography and gold’s growing strategic value to navigate the deepening rivalry between the United States and China.
The European Union’s new €3 customs fee on low-value e-commerce parcels may deal a blow to Chinese online giants such as SHEIN, Temu and AliExpress, but for Thailand the bigger question is whether the measure will create a new export opportunity — or trigger a fresh influx of cheap Chinese goods into ASEAN.
Investment in data centers, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, remains economically viable and attractive, but it must be evaluated in the context of three fundamental constraints, says Gartner Inc., a business and technology insights company.
Thailand’s Finance Ministry expects the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok to give the country a rare global platform to showcase its economic readiness, crisis-management capacity and investment potential.
Koh Tao arrivals set to top 800,000
A Thai man was arrested at Suvarnabhumi International Airport Saturday after police received complaints from 150 travelers who alleged they had paid for a pilgrimage tour to Saudi Arabia that never departed, with reported losses exceeding 4 million baht.
Ranong touted as premier destination for eco-tourism and wellness
It looked like a string bean at first. Wrapped around a branch behind a clutch of parked motorcycles, the snake’s chartreuse skin was just a few swatches brighter than the tall foliage it was trying to blend into. Thai-American snake expert Christopher Shannon caught it in the beam of his flashlight, quickly identifying it as an Asian long-nosed vine snake. Its pointy snout and slit-like pupils gave it, in his words, “binocular vision.”
Traveling in Thailand requires awareness of cultural etiquette, legal restrictions, and environmental factors. Key considerations include respecting local customs such as removing shoes, dressing modestly in temples, and avoiding gestures like touching heads or pointing feet.
Householders with solar rooftops can now apply to sell their excess power to electricity authorities. People in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan can file application to the Metropolitan Electricity Authority via the 
The Thai government says it is accelerating the restructuring of the country’s energy sector to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, expand renewable energy and strengthen energy security, while making Thailand more attractive to investors. The announcement comes as global demand for clean electricity continues to grow and governments compete to secure investment linked to low-carbon energy.
From dishes to furniture, electronics, toys, and even clothing, it feels like everything these days is made of plastic. Most plastics take decades, or even centuries, to break down. This means that even when properly disposed of, plastic items do not just go away.
Is Hua Hin Actually Worth It?
Embark on a culinary journey through Hua Hin with this ultimate food guide featuring the 10 best restaurants in the area. From hidden gems to popular street food spots, explore the authentic and exotic flavors that make Hua Hin a foodie’s paradise. Taste test must-try dishes and sharid top food recommendations.
With memory prices surging and new gadgets becoming more expensive, the smartest smartphone buy in Thailand in 2026 may not be the newest flagship but last year’s premium model — still fast and polished and far less likely to make your credit card need a lie-down.
The government’s “Thais Help Thais Plus” co-payment scheme has helped to revive the economy and stimulate spending in the food and beverage sector, according to two online food delivery operators.
Households in the northeast are still struggling, and confidence in the economy remains weak, according to a new poll that gave the government’s economic performance low marks.
Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC), said yesterday that Thailand’s exports in May were worth US$34.333 billion, up 10.6% and expanding for a 23rd consecutive month.
Sky Kanyarat was playing pool in the early hours of the morning in one of Thailand’s most famous red light districts when a middle-aged foreigner with a heavy gait approached her. She had often seen him walking past the bar where she worked in Pattaya, a city about a two-hour drive from Bangkok. But this was the first time Kanyarat had seen him come in.
Thailand will introduce tougher airport security measures based on a zero trust approach after a Thai airline cabin crew member was detained in Australia over alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The government said the case should not be viewed as an isolated incident but as a catalyst to strengthen aviation security across the entire air travel system.
Tourism operators in the south have urged the government to strengthen security measures after Malaysian tourists were injured in a roadside bomb attack in Tak Bai, although the incident has affected only a limited number of tour groups traveling to Hat Yai this weekend.
Kui Buri – Where the Wild still roams
Scientists and environmental groups warn the land bridge project could threaten fragile marine ecosystems and coastal communities in southern Thailand, while the government promises economic growth. 
Thailand is intensifying its efforts to combat global warming by steering investment toward green manufacturing. At the center of this strategy is the bio-, circular and green (BCG) economic model — a framework that aims to balance growth with sustainability.
Sustainability has moved beyond the language of annual reports. In Thailand, it is becoming something far more tangible: solar panels on factory roofs, biogas from production by-products, lighter packaging, smarter energy systems and industrial discipline that can be measured in tons of avoided carbon.
Thailand’s ambition to become a leading electric vehicle production hub in ASEAN has gained further momentum, with investment promotion approvals in the EV industry reaching 198 projects worth more than 137 billion baht as of May.
Thailand has been named the second-best country in the world for retirement in 2026, according to the Retirement Abroad Index 2026 published by Expatriate Group. The ranking places Thailand behind the Philippines and ahead of destinations including Colombia, Portugal, Spain, and France.
JAS and Monomax’s acquisition of FIFA World Cup rights is more than a broadcast deal. It is a strategic move to turn football’s biggest tournament into a long-term sports and entertainment ecosystem, offering all 104 World Cup 2026 matches on Monomax while putting more than 40 matches on free TV.
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.
Greater Bangkok’s condominium market is facing a heavy stock overhang of around 350,000 unsold units, which could take five to six years to clear, according to Knight Frank Thailand.
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.
British Defense Secretary John Healey quit yesterday, accusing beleaguered Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the finance ministry of failing to commit enough money to protect the country. His resignation weakens Starmer’s authority at a precarious moment for the Labor leader, a week before a by-election that could prompt a bid to replace him. 
A 42-year-old former factory worker died after being bitten by a centipede in Si Racha, Chon Buri, with her partner claiming they could not afford treatment after discovering her social security coverage had expired.
The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) today filed a lawsuit against Meta, the owner of Facebook, covering both its Thailand office and headquarters. The council accused the platform of allowing scam advertisements and online fraud to spread continuously, despite discussions and repeated calls for stronger preventive measures over more than a year.
More airlines could face insolvency or be taken over by stronger rivals as jet fuel prices rise because of the conflict in the Middle East, Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Assn. said on Saturday.
Commerzbank’s FX analysts note that the USD/THB exchange rate experienced a decline to 32.55, primarily attributed to portfolio inflows. This movement occurred despite Thailand’s April trade deficit widening significantly to a record USD10.0 billion.
Thailand’s industrial estate market showed strong signs of recovery in the first quarter of 2026 despite global economic volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, according to the latest report from Colliers Thailand.
Dozens of dead cubs found at Thai tiger temple
Where street food shapes the region’s top culinary cities
A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines this morning, killing at least one person, collapsing buildings, and sparking tsunami warnings across the region. Authorities in the Philippines and Indonesia urged residents in affected coastal regions to move to higher ground immediately. 
Residents of St. Petersburg were told not to leave their homes after a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack targeted Russia’s second-largest city Saturday morning, underscoring Kyiv’s growing ability to hit deep inside Russia. The attack came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin refused an offer to meet his Ukrainian counterpart. 
U.S. President Donald Trump stormed out of an interview with NBC airing yesterday after a heated exchange during “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker”. The interview ended abruptly when Trump – after repeating unsubstantiated claims that U.S. elections are “rigged”- walked out after calling Welker, her show, and other U.S. TV networks “crooked.” 
We often think of cancer as just bad luck or purely genetic, something inevitable. But what if the way we live is actually the biggest factor?
A national park in Thailand has not one but three reasons to celebrate after confirming a rare Bengal tiger is raising a trio of cubs in the protected area. Park rangers first spotted a single cub with its mother on a camera trap last year in Kaeng Krachan National Park, around 130 kilometers (80 miles) southwest of Bangkok.
The Gulf crisis deepened yesterday after attacks linked to Iran damaged Kuwait International Airport and injured dozens, while the United States launched fresh strikes near the Strait of Hormuz amid stalled efforts to end the war.
When people debate China’s role in Thailand, they tend to argue about trade deficits, foreign investment approvals, or which brand of electric vehicle is outselling which. What gets far less attention is the layer underneath all of those debates: the physical and digital infrastructure that Chinese companies have been quietly installing across the country for the past several years — the 5G backbone, the data centers, the e-commerce platforms, the payment rails, the industrial parks, and the EV supply chain being assembled in the Eastern Economic Corridor.
Industry analysts say while the asset sales by Electricity Generating (EGCO), Banpu Power and BCPG, the power-generation arm of Bangchak Corp., may superficially resemble a withdrawal of Thai capital from Western markets, each transaction is underpinned by distinct strategic, corporate, and legal motivations aimed at optimizing portfolios for a low-carbon future or higher renewable exposure.
The Finance Ministry has backed away from the old-car trade-in plan after running into problems over the management of end-of-life vehicles and old batteries, amid concerns that the scheme may not work in practice.