- Stricter driving license rules for foreigners/Flood alert in 5 PKK districts/Phra Nakhon Khiri–Mueang Phet Festival/Dance by the Sea/TMD forecasts heavy train in south/Black panther seen again/Security agencies strengthen cyber defenses/Phuket demolition starts/Koh Lanta bridge
- ECONOMY: What’s Wrong With Economy?/Energy cost crisis mounts/Bangkok rally demands fuel cut/High-income goal at risk/Data center push brings promise and peril
- TOURISM: Budget for year-end foreign markets/Don Mueang drug checks/Thailand, China form tourist safety group/Israeli company flies employees to Thailand
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand’s November Events/Southeast Asia’s 10 best soups/4.3-meter Chao Phraya giant devil ray
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Overflowing Phuket landfill closed
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Thailand proposes stricter driving license rules for foreigners
Thailand’s Department of Land Transport is considering stricter requirements for foreigners seeking Thai driving licenses, including mandatory theory and practical tests regardless of whether applicants already hold a license overseas.
The proposals, published for public consultation on Nov. 4, could also require applicants for a temporary two-year Thai license to have at least two years remaining on their visa. Comments can be submitted until Dec. 4. Continued …
Flood alert in 5 PKK districts
A Prachuap Khiri Khan flood alert was sent to mobile phones in five districts on Saturday, 7 November, after prolonged heavy rain raised the risk of flash flooding.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) issued the alert for Kui Buri, Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thap Sakae, Bang Saphan and Bang Saphan Noi. It singled out Khao Lan, Thap Sakae and Huai Yang subdistricts in Thap Sakae district, along with nearby areas. Continued …
Phra Nakhon Khiri–Mueang Phet Festival set for March 5-14
The 40th Phra Nakhon Khiri–Mueang Phet Festival will take place in Phetchaburi from March 5-14, with events at the Phra Nakhon Khiri National Museum (Khao Wang), King Mongkut Memorial Park and the surrounding area.
The annual festival will have the theme “Phra Nakhon Khiri, a Palace in the Sky and a Jewel of Siam”. Provincial officials have appointed eight committees to oversee preparations. Continued …
Dance by the Sea draws more than 700 to Cha-am Beach
More than 700 people took part in Dance by the Sea at the Cha-am Beach viewpoint on Saturday, as part of a municipal campaign to encourage regular exercise.
Thai dance instructor Kru Tum Sai Dance led the session, which drew residents, tourists and village health volunteers from 27 communities. Cha-am Mayor Nukul Pornsombunsiri opened the event, and Cha-am District Chief Kaew Kongwong was among those attending. Continued …
TMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rain in south
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning today forecasting heavy to very heavy rain in parts of southern Thailand from today through Friday, alongside cooler weather and strong winds across upper Thailand.
On Friday, the TMD forecasts very heavy rain in Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Heavy rain is expected in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang and Satun. Continued …
Black panther seen again in Kaeng Krachan park
A black panther has again been spotted in Kaeng Krachan National Park, highlighting the rich biodiversity of Thailand’s largest national park and one of its most elusive predators.
The sighting came a day after a foreign tourist also reported seeing and photographing a black panther while traveling alone through the park. Park officials said the visitor, who speaks Thai, complied with park regulations, remained inside his vehicle and did not disturb the animal. Continued …
Thai security agencies strengthen cyber defenses after European attacks
Thailand has increased cybersecurity monitoring of critical infrastructure following attacks on digital and control systems in several European countries, although no severe cyberattack has been reported in Thailand.
General Chaipruak Doungprapat, secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC), announced the precautionary measures today, following instructions from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Continued …
Russian investor alleges 16-million-baht land fraud as Phuket demolition starts
A Russian investor identified as Andrei has appealed for a fair investigation and help recovering 16 million baht he says he lost in a land deal at Phuket’s Freedom Beach, as officials began demolishing unauthorized structures there yesterday.
Andrei alleges that Parinthorn, known as “Sia Lek of Freedom Beach”, deceived him into buying state land by falsely presenting it as privately owned. Parinthorn and other suspects initially denied charges of jointly defrauding the public and entering false information into a computer system. Continued …
Koh Lanta bridge work to begin Saturday
Construction of the long-awaited bridge linking Koh Lanta to the Krabi mainland is scheduled to begin on Saturday, the Department of Rural Roads has announced.
The 1.78-billion-baht project will create a 2.24-kilometer crossing and is expected to take around three years to build, with opening planned for 2029. Until then, residents, tourists and expats driving to Koh Lanta will still need to use the existing vehicle ferry. Continued …
What’s Wrong With Thailand’s Economy?
Thirty years ago, global economists were convinced Thailand would become Asia’s 5th economic superpower alongside Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea. Between 1987 and 1996, Thailand’s economy was expanding at a blistering 8% to 10% every year, earning it the title “Detroit of the East.”
Today, while regional peers like Vietnam and Indonesia clock 5% to 7% annual growth, Thailand is crawling at barely 1.5% to 2.5%. On the surface, Bangkok looks like a gleaming first-world metropolis but underneath, the economy is stuck in one of modern history’s most severe middle-income Traps. In this episode of The Blueprint, we break down how Thailand went from being Southeast Asia’s most promising powerhouse to one of its slowest-growing economies and why its story is an urgent warning for developing nations like India and Vietnam. Video …
Energy cost crisis mounts
Tax cuts on two selected fuels have failed to address the energy-cost crisis, as protests loom and pressure mounts on the government.
The cabinet approved three-month excise cuts of 5.60 baht per liter for E20 gasohol and 5.50 baht for B20 biodiesel, effective through Jan. 27. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the measure would lower fuel costs and support farmers by stimulating demand for biofuel crops. Continued …
Bangkok rally demands 10-baht-per-liter fuel cut
Protest leader Mano Khrueakaew demanded a 10-baht-per-liter reduction in all fuel prices outside Government House in Bangkok yesterday, threatening to escalate the demonstration if the government failed to act.
Mano, known as “Kamnan Mano”, is the headman of Krabi Noi subdistrict in Krabi province and a leader of the People’s Revolution Coalition to Protect the Land. Mano led supporters to Government House to press the government to address energy costs. Continued …
Thailand’s 2037 high-income goal at risk as productivity growth slows to 1.7%
Thailand is considering a national productivity council and reforms under its draft 14th development plan, as slowing productivity growth threatens its ambition to become a high-income country by 2037.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) puts Thailand’s annual productivity growth at 1.7% since 2020, down from 4.8% in the early 2000s. Previous policies to revive productivity have yet to address the problem comprehensively. Continued …
Data center push brings promise and peril
Thailand’s push to become a regional data center hub is attracting investment, but growing concerns over electricity demand, environmental impacts and public participation are raising questions about how the industry should be regulated.
The government has been pursuing data center development for several years, with momentum accelerating over the past two years. In September, it established the 21-member Data Center Business Policy Committee, tasked with proposing policies and standards for regulatory agencies, monitoring the industry’s impact, reporting to the cabinet and overseeing implementation. Continued …
TAT earmarks budget for year-end foreign markets
As the conflict in the Middle East continues, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is planning to allocate part of its emergency budget to stimulate foreign markets during the final two months of the year.
TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said many airlines are cutting flights to the Middle East, indicating the situation remains unresolved and could affect global travel sentiment. Continued …
Don Mueang drug checks target international flights
Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport carried out random drug searches on international passengers and luggage on Friday, using sniffer dogs on both arriving and departing flights. No illegal drugs were found during the operation, but random checks inside the airport will continue.
For anyone traveling through Don Mueang, the checks mean passengers or their bags may be selected without prior warning. Travelers should allow extra time, particularly during busy periods, and ensure they are not carrying prohibited items or substances. Continued …
Thailand, China form tourist safety group after arrivals dip
Thailand and China will set up a joint working group on tourist protection after Chinese visitor arrivals fell 13.57% year on year in October, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said. Chinese arrivals totalled 308,942 in October. Surasak said it was the first decline since February, halting a recovery following concerns over safety in Thailand.
The proposal followed talks between Surasak and Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Zhang Jianwei last week. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Chinese embassy plan to establish the group next week, with administrative authorities also expected to cooperate. Continued …
Israeli company flies employees to Thailand for luxury vacation featuring $4 million concert
Israeli cybersecurity company Wiz, which was acquired by Google for $32 billion, flew its employees to the luxury resort area of Khao Lak in Thailand last week for a five-day vacation. The trip included a surprise performance by international pop star Katy Perry. The cost of the vacation is estimated at tens of millions of shekels, while Perry’s private performance, including her fee and production expenses, is estimated to have cost approximately $3-4 million.
The vacation included stays at a high-end resort and a series of parties for employees. The highlight was a private concert by Perry, who performed several of her hits, including “I Kissed a Girl.” – calcalistech.com
Thailand’s November Events: Festivals, Fireworks and Fairs
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Thailand this November with an exciting lineup of events showcasing the country’s diverse culture and natural beauty. Among the highlights is the Nan Marathon, a scenic run that promises breathtaking views of lush landscapes. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this marathon is a must-see.
Adding to this cultural tapestry is the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo, where you can admire an array of flora and learn about horticultural practices from experts around the globe. Continued …
Southeast Asia’s 10 best soups, according to TasteAtlas
Experiential travel guide TasteAtlas has compiled a list of the best soups and broth-based dishes in Southeast Asia based on nearly 5,000 diner reviews.
TasteAtlas is an online culinary guide dedicated to preserving and celebrating traditional recipes, local ingredients, and authentic dining experiences from around the world. The rankings evaluate dishes on flavor, global recognition, and cultural symbolism to inspire food lovers to discover new culinary horizons. Continued …
Giant 4.3-meter Chao Phraya giant devil ray found dead in Chonburi
Overflowing Phuket landfill closed amid mounting crisis
Phuket City has halted the dumping of garbage at its primary landfill indefinitely, because it is already overfull and trucks are dumping rubbish on an access road, preventing other vehicles from entering the site.
Mayor Suppachoke Laongphet announced the suspension yesterday, describing the situation at the Phuket municipal waste disposal center as the province’s “seventh waste-management crisis”. Continued …
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German arrested in Bangkok over 15-year overstay – Continued …
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Swede held in Krabi over 643-day overstay – Continued …
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Foreign tenant arrested after Chiang Mai neighborhood complaints – Continued …
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Chinese pair held in Bangkok call-center scam probe – Continued …
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Songkhla police arrest blacklisted Syrian man – Continued …
Russia suffers 400,000 deaths in Ukraine war
Russia has recorded close to 400,000 deaths on its side of the war with Ukraine, according to previously undisclosed data from the country’s statistics agency, Rosstat.
The Kremlin’s closely-guarded numbers were obtained in a pair of cyber attacks by Belarusian a pro-opposition group Cyber Partisans and Ukrainian hackers. The hack included 392,700 death certificates explicitly linked to the war dated from Feb. 24, 2022, to late August 2026, almost certainly making the figures an underestimate that excludes unidentified bodies, those recorded missing and people who died of injuries off the battlefield. – Bloomberg
Production suspended at Iraq’s Khor Mor gas field after drone attack
Production was halted yesterday at Iraq’s Khor Mor gas field, one of the largest in the Kurdistan region, after a drone attack hit the field, sources said.
Two sources in the region’s electricity ministry said production at the field was suspended after a single drone strike hit the LPG storage tank, causing a fire that was still raging. Two security sources said smoke was seen rising from the field. Continued …
Iraq has reached understandings with US to allow oil exports through Hormuz
Iraq has reached understandings with the United States to allow Iraqi oil exports throughthe Strait ofHormuz via a shipping lane near Oman, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said. He said Iraq’s losses from the Iran war and disruptions to oil exports had reached $60 billion.
Iraq’s oil exports recovered in October after a sharp drop the previous month. Exports rose toabout 3.5 millionbarrelsp er day from 2.65 million bpd in September, according to Iraqi energy officials. Continued …
Trump vows comeback as bitter showdown with Congress looms
Donald Trump vowed a political comeback yesterday as the major parties clashed over Democrat threats to prosecute top administration officials after the president’s Republicans lost control of Congress in midterm elections. Continued …
Nvidia investigating CEO Huang amid reports Chinese lover spied on him
Chip giant Nvidia’s board announced yesterday it opened a probe into chief executive and co-founder Jensen Huang after he acknowledged an affair with a woman US officials say was working for Chinese 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
