- Khao Tao power outage/Hua Hin beachfront demolition/Hua Hin–Cha-am MICE Destination/Water released from Pranburi Reservoir/Bikini Zumba event/Tham Luang cave rescue diver dies/Government contacts foreign embassies on nominees/Canal plan faces flood doubts/Floods cause cargo disruption/Toyota suspends production at four factories/Korat farmers struggling with drought
- ECONOMY: Mixed messages on US-Thai trade deal/AI and semiconductors the focus/Phuket pushes LTR visas villa buyers/Bangkok luxury housing price increases/ADB’s GDP growth projection/Electronics boosts Thai manufacturing/Thailand climbs innovation rankings/Russia Proposes Nuclear Power Talks/ASEAN’s $1 Trillion Growth Engine/Thailand’s Leadership Test in ASEAN’s Digital Future
- TOURISM: Thai Airways flight cuts strand over 1,000 passengers/Thai Airways Extends Flight Cuts/Suvarnabhumi Cargo Terminal Stays Open
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: When an expat dies in Thailand/Cross-border estate planning for expats/Retiree ditches Australia for ‘better life’ in Thailand
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Khao Tao power outage tomorrow
A Khao Tao power outage is scheduled for tomorrow from 9 am to 5 pm, affecting residents and businesses in parts of the area.
Hua Hin municipality said the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) Hua Hin branch will carry out scheduled electrical system improvements. Power will be switched off to allow technicians to work safely. Continued …
Officials to keep tabs on Hua Hin beachfront demolition
Weekly checks on the Hua Hin beachfront demolition will begin on Oct. 9, with municipal officials scheduled to visit the site every Friday to monitor progress.
The demolition covers buildings between Hua Hin Fishing Pier and the Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine along Nares Damri Road. Continued …
Hua Hin–Cha-am Launches as Thailand’s New MICE Destination
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Phetchaburi Province and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) have officially launched Hua Hin–Cha-am MICE City, presenting the neighboring destinations as one choice for meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions.
Built around “5 Senses. One Destination.”, the new MICE City combines five strengths: wellbeing, royal heritage, gastronomy, seaside experiences and sustainability. Organizers can draw on Hua Hin’s resorts, meeting venues and wellbeing services alongside Cha-am’s and Phetchaburi’s cuisine, cultural heritage, coastal communities and natural attractions to create programs that extend beyond the meeting room. Continued …
Water released from Pranburi Reservoir
Water releases from Pranburi Reservoir increased this morning after storage reached nearly 80% of capacity, with residents along the Pranburi River urged to prepare for rising river levels.
The Pranburi Irrigation and Maintenance Project said the reservoir holds 310.76 million cubic meters of water, equivalent to 79.5% of its capacity. The level exceeds the control threshold set under its water-management plan, with further inflows expected. Continued …
Bikini Zumba event held at Khao Takiab beach
Several hundred people gathered on Khao Takiab beach at Verso Hua Hin on Tuesday for what was billed as Thailand’s first bikini Zumba event.
The Bikini Hua Hin Aerobic & Zumba event brought group exercise to the beachfront with a colorful theme. Event publicity described it as the first of its kind in both Hua Hin and Thailand. Continued …
Erik Brown, Tham Luang cave rescue diver, dies at 44
Canadian cave diver Erik Brown, who helped rescue the Wild Boars football team and their coach from Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai in 2018, has died aged 44. Brown’s family and friends announced his death, but did not give the precise date and cause of death, or any further details.
The Canadian diver was among an international group brought into one of Thailand’s most closely followed rescue operations, after 12 boys aged 11 to 16 and their coach were trapped by flooding in the Tham Luang cave complex for nine days. Continued …
Government contacts 43 foreign embassies on nominee shareholder firms
Thailand has sharply widened its foreign nominee crackdown, sending details of over 100,000 foreign-linked companies to 43 embassies covering 48 nationalities. The move comes as officials trace investment funds, property holdings and corporate structures nationwide. Separate screening covers 125,622 companies, while 36,277 foreign-invested firms hold over 305,000 land plots.
Around 2,100 firms show possible nominee links, with 10,000 more under scrutiny. Financial trails can also bring police, tax officials and the Anti-Money Laundering Office into cases. However, DBD stresses the 100,000 companies are not accused of wrongdoing. Continued …
Chai Nat-Gulf canal plan faces Bangkok flood doubts
Thailand is preparing a 165-billion-baht flood-diversion canal from Chai Nat through the Pasak basin to the Gulf of Thailand, but a water-management academic has questioned whether it addresses the flooding now affecting Bangkok and surrounding provinces.
The proposed Chai Nat-Pasak-Gulf of Thailand floodway is one of nine main plans intended to reduce flooding in the lower Chao Phraya basin. Its environmental impact assessment is being revised for submission in 2026, with construction potentially starting in 2027 if approved and lasting seven to eight years. Continued …
Cargo disruption puts Thai exports, buyer confidence, supply chain at risk
Thai Airways’ cargo disruption at Suvarnabhumi Airport has raised fears of missed export deliveries, interrupted production and lost overseas customers, prompting the Transport Ministry to intervene to keep warehouse services operating.
Thai Airways had announced a suspension of cargo acceptance for Oct. 1–6 after flooding prevented employees from reaching work and left goods awaiting delivery to customers or transfer to flights. The announcement drew criticism from businesses and government officials concerned about the consequences for imports and exports. Continued …
Toyota suspends production at four factories in Thailand due to floods
Flooding in Thailand has forced Toyota Motor to halt operations at four factories temporarily. A Toyota spokesperson said flooding had disrupted parts deliveries to the company’s factories in Thailand.
The disruption forced Toyota to suspend operations at three plants and another belonging to a company in a joint venture with Toyota Auto Works. Toyota added that it was working with suppliers to restore parts deliveries and resume operations as soon as possible. Continued …
Korat farmers struggling with drought despite national flooding
Farmers in the Bua Yai district of Nakhon Ratchasima are primarily struggling with severe drought conditions that are threatening their rice crops. This lack of sufficient water has left many rice fields unable to survive, forcing some farmers to release water into their fields to save crops or face losing their entire harvest.
The drought in Bua Yai represents a sharp contrast to other parts of the country currently experiencing flooding. In addition to the immediate water shortage, farmers face long-term economic uncertainty, as some are considering not planting rice next year due to high production costs and the lack of reliable irrigation. These agricultural challenges are further complicated by broader national concerns regarding seed rights and the potential for increased seed costs due to international trade agreements. – Bangkok Post AI
Mixed messages from Thai government on a US Thai trade deal
Thailand’s long-awaited US trade deal has hit a serious hiatus as conflicting accounts emerge from Bangkok’s top negotiators. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun says an agreement has been reached in principle. Yet, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow says market access remains the key issue.
Meanwhile, a planned Anutin-Trump call has vanished and no signing date exists. Behind the deadlock are major US demands covering tariffs, investment, AI, digital trade, export controls and investment security. Crucially, Washington is targeting duty evasion and transshipment as Thailand’s manufacturing economy remains deeply entwined with China. Continued …
Thailand is making AI and semiconductors the focus of its next five-year development plan
Thailand is preparing a new 14th National Economic and Social Development Plan for 2028–2032 that places digital technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced electronics and cleaner energy at the center of the country’s next development cycle. The government seeks to reposition Thailand as a higher-value investment and production base.
The draft plan reflects a significant shift in emphasis from low-cost competitiveness toward technology, productivity and industrial upgrading. The government intends to promote AI, semiconductor manufacturing, next-generation vehicles, health technology, future food and clean energy while accelerating regulatory reform and improving the investment environment. Continued …
Phuket pushes LTR visas and legal options to nominee ownership for Chinese villa buyers
Phuket developers are promoting long-term residence visas and registered property-use rights to attract foreign residents and investors, as the island’s property market cools after several years of rapid growth.
Maetapong Upatising, president of the Phuket Real Estate Assn., said weaker foreign buying had prompted developers to reassess sales strategies. Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa offers one way to encourage longer stays, while “registered property-use rights” is attracting interest as a legal property arrangement for foreign villa buyers amid tighter scrutiny of nominee ownership. Continued …
Bangkok luxury housing price increases outpace major global cities
Bangkok has recorded one of the strongest increases in luxury residential prices among major global cities over the past decade, with values rising by about 75%, according to Savills Research.
Although Bangkok is not among the world’s most expensive residential markets, the scale of its price growth has been notable. Over the past 10 years, luxury home prices in the Thai capital have climbed by around 75%, reflecting a significant expansion of the upper-end residential market. Continued …
What factors led to the ADB’s GDP growth projection increase for Thailand?
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) raised its 2026 GDP growth projection for Thailand from 1.8% to 2.0%, primarily citing a robust performance in the export sector. This growth is particularly driven by strong performance in the technology and electronics industries.
The upward revision follows an export boom, especially within sectors linked to the global artificial intelligence cycle and semiconductor demand. While the ADB attributes the increase to these specific industries, other economic forecasts in the region suggest that broader factors, such as government stimulus and improving global trade conditions, also play a role in the recovery. Additionally, the digital economy in Thailand is seeing significant acceleration, supported by increased investments in AI infrastructure and data centers. – Bangkok Post AI
Electronics boosts Thai manufacturing
Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index rose by 4.44% year-on-year in August, reaching 103.43 points. This growth was primarily driven by the electronics industry, which saw production expand by 6.4% due to high demand for integrated circuits and electronic parts.
The surge in manufacturing was further supported by a revised calculation methodology from the Office of Industrial Economics that captures more high-value products, including components for AI infrastructure and data centers. Additionally, factors such as government stimulus measures and a weaker baht contributed to the boost in industrial output. While the electronics sector led the way, some industries like steel faced declines due to increased competition from low-priced imports. – Bangkok Post AI
Thailand climbs innovation rankings
Thailand has improved its standing in the Global Innovation Index, moving up to 44th place among 139 countries. This rise is primarily linked to significant improvements in the country’s technological output and knowledge sectors.
The National Innovation Agency has noted that while progress is being made, the country still faces challenges regarding its institutional framework, regulatory environment, and educational systems. To maintain this momentum and foster long-term sustainable growth, experts emphasize the need to create economic opportunities through advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, clean energy, and advanced materials. – Bangkok Post AI
Russia Sees Huge Trade Potential with Thailand, Proposes Nuclear Talks
Russia has proposed bilateral cooperation with Thailand on small modular reactors (SMRs), Russian Ambassador Evgeny Tomikhin said yesterday. He added that Moscow wants to build on a run of high-level contacts to lift trade, which he described as far below its potential.
Speaking at a small media briefing in Bangkok, Tomikhin said Thailand and other countries had begun discussing nuclear energy options with several partners, Russia included. Continued …
Digital Economy and E-Commerce: ASEAN’s $1 Trillion Growth Engine
Southeast Asia’s digital economy was valued at $300 billion in 2025 and could reach $1 trillion by 2030. Structural shifts in ASEAN countries drive growth, with e-commerce dominating. Policy, platform evolution, and investment opportunities support this growth potential.
The region’s diversity makes that transformation all the more striking. Indonesia remains the largest single market. Its digital economy was valued at approximately $90 billion in 2024 and could triple to $360 billion by 2030, with e-commerce alone contributing an estimated $150 billion of that total. Vietnam and the Philippines are growing rapidly from a smaller base, Thailand and Malaysia are accelerating adoption across established digital infrastructure, while Singapore functions as the region’s financial and technology hub. Continued …
Thailand’s Leadership Test in ASEAN’s Digital Future
A World Economic Forum report on ASEAN’s digital economy highlights the gap between digital ambition and practical execution, positioning Thailand’s leadership as pivotal. Having chaired negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) across 14 rounds culminating in 2026, Thailand now faces the challenge of translating this agreement into functional cross-border systems for payments, digital identity, and data governance.
The report identifies persistent barriers facing micro, small, and medium enterprises despite regional advances in connectivity and e-commerce. Success will depend on interoperability across payment networks, digital signatures, and data transfer rules rather than formal declarations. Continued …
Thai Airways flight cuts strand over 1,000 passengers at Suvarnabhumi
Thai Airways International canceled about 75 flights, stranding more than 1,000 transit passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport, according to Airports of Thailand (AOT). AOT has also offered staff to help clear a backlog of more than 5,000 bags at the airport, while Thai Airways retains responsibility for baggage sorting and overall supervision.
Suvarnabhumi Airport General Manager Kittipong Kittikachorn said the airport and the Tourism Authority of Thailand were distributing food and drinking water to passengers in the transit area while alternative flights were being arranged. Continued …
Thai Airways Extends Flight Cuts and Schedule Changes
Thai Airways International (THAI) has announced a fresh wave of round-trip flight cancellations and schedule adjustments running from today to Saturday. The national flag carrier is working to restore operational stability at its primary base, Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The latest operational updates involve widespread domestic and international disruptions aimed at streamlining ground operations and aircraft routes over the coming days: Continued …
Suvarnabhumi Cargo Terminal Stays Open as Thai Airways Clears 8,000 Delayed Bags
Thai Airways International (THAI) will keep its cargo operations open at Suvarnabhumi Airport while deploying military personnel and extra machinery to clear a backlog of approximately 8,000 delayed bags, authorities confirmed yesterday.
Speaking after a joint crisis meeting with THAI, Airports of Thailand (AOT), and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced that inbound and outbound air freight services will remain operational, albeit with minor procedural adjustments to manage space. Continued …
What happens when an expat dies in Thailand?
When an expatriate dies in Thailand, relatives may have to deal with Thai authorities, the deceased’s embassy, funeral arrangements and an estate spread across several countries. The process is easier when each step is handled in the correct order.
If the death occurs in a hospital, the hospital issues medical confirmation and may help communicate with the local registration office. This hospital document is not the official Thai death certificate. If the person dies at home, in an accident or elsewhere outside a hospital, notify the local police immediately. Their report will normally be required before the death can be registered. A sudden, unexplained or unnatural death may also require a police investigation or post-mortem examination. Continued …
Cross-border estate planning for expats in Thailand
Living in Thailand does not mean your estate exists only in Thailand. An expat may own a Thai condominium, maintain bank accounts offshore, hold US shares through an international platform and have pensions or property in their home country.
When several countries are connected to one estate, the outcome depends on more than where the person happens to live. Residence history, asset location, ownership, beneficiary circumstances and local succession procedures can all affect what happens after death. Continued …
Retiree ditches Australia for ‘better life’ in Thailand for $2,000 a month
A retiree who ditched Australia for a “better life” in Thailand has revealed how he “lives like a king” for roughly $65 a day and is now helping other older Aussies do the same.
Jay Houston, 54, has called both Burleigh Heads in Queensland and St Kilda in Melbourne home. But nothing, he says, compares to the sandy stretch of coastline south of Pattaya where he now resides. ” I didn’t initially move here. I came here for a holiday and never left,” he said. Continued …
US government’s new AI chatbot pulls back from debunking Trump
US President Donald Trump unveiled what he called a “damn good” AI chatbot, but it quickly drew attention for contradicting some of his contentious political claims. A day later, however, it stopped answering some political questions. Continued …
Japan tightens permanent residency rules for foreigners
Japan has toughened requirements for foreigners wanting to obtain permanent residency. Under new rules that will come into effect in stages, foreign residents wishing to stay in Japan permanently will have to prove their annual income is above average and they can carry casual conversations in Japanese. Continued …
‘Catastrophic’: Swiss glaciers lose fifth of mass in five years
Switzerland’s glaciers, which are disproportionately impacted by climate change, have lost nearly 20% of their mass in five years, experts said today, with 2026 registering the second-biggest melt on record. 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
According to the Industry Ministry, flooding across 40 provinces has affected 1,162 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These businesses are part of a larger group of 1,267 total factories and businesses impacted by the heavy rainfall and deluges.
The Netherlands protects low-lying communities in two complementary ways: holding back dangerous sea surges and giving swollen rivers more room. For Bangkok’s flood debate, the Dutch example extends beyond the height of a barrier to how water, land and infrastructure are managed together.
160-billion-baht mega-project canal could solve flooding problems
The intense rainfall over Bangkok and surrounding provinces — widely described in Thai media as a “rain bomb” — has begun to ease, but deep flooding remains in several communities and has renewed scrutiny of the government’s disaster-warning and water-management systems.
The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) expects Bangkok hotel occupancy in September–October to fall by less than 10% from a year earlier, as flooding raises concerns about Chinese travel ahead of the Golden Week holiday.
Severe urban flooding across central Bangkok has plunged the capital’s restaurant industry into a critical liquidity crisis, with operators reporting revenue losses of up to 80% as commuting chaos deters diners and crippling supply-chain bottlenecks push up produce prices.
Thailand moves carefully with AI regulation, as US tech warns over hindering investment
Severe flooding in Bangkok and surrounding provinces is projected to reduce Thailand’s 2026 economic growth by 0.3 percentage points, lowering estimates to 2.1%. Immediate losses are estimated at 11 billion baht nationwide, with some assessments ranging up to 33.8 billion baht, and Bangkok bearing the largest share of damage.
Thai farmer groups and civil society organizations have expressed several key concerns regarding the potential adoption of the UPOV 1991 convention. Their primary worries center on the legal restrictions the treaty could impose on traditional farming practices, specifically the ability of farmers to save, exchange, and use seeds.
Cargill plans to invest USD 60 million in Thailand to expand its poultry business and upgrade production facilities in Saraburi. The investment will increase production capacity while introducing automation and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to improve efficiency, food safety, and innovation.
An off-duty police deputy superintendent rescued three tourists from dangerous surf at Nai Yang Beach in Phuket after they entered the sea despite red warning flags. It happened at Nai Yang Beach in Sakhu subdistrict, Thalang district, where the tourists had been hit by waves and were in difficulty in the water.
Maya Bay reopens tomorrow after its annual closure
A 51-year-old tenant found a 1.5-meter cobra inside his toilet at a rented room in Pathum Thani on Monday, with floodwater standing around the property.
Thailand’s draft power development plan (PDP) for the next 25 years has sparked a fierce backlash from environmental advocates and civic groups, who warn that the proposed blueprint locks the country into fossil fuels for decades to come.
Housework in the morning followed by several hours of firefighting: women in Indonesian Borneo risk life and limb to battle blazes making their communities sick, all while shouldering a sexist backlash. 
After more than a decade, the US-led coalition is ending its mission in Iraq, having helped save the country from jihadists while causing persistent friction. Coalition troops deployed to Iraq and Syria in 2014 to fight the Islamic State (IS) group, which had seized large swathes of both countries and committed massacres and atrocities. 
As part of the Nihao Month 2026 campaign, Amazing Thailand Mid-Autumn Celebration 2026 is being organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Bangkok. This festival will help Thailand and China strengthen their ties in culture, wellness and experiential travels. A total of 31 Chinese travel bloggers will take part in the program, themed “Healing is the New Luxury”, and visit various places in Thailand.
Flooding has disrupted logistics operations by making roads impassable and forcing companies to adjust delivery routes and service timing. Major parcel operators have warned of delays because local road accessibility and water levels directly dictate when and how safely deliveries can be made.
Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport handled 59,626,075 passengers from October 2025 to August 2026, up 2.43% from the same period a year earlier, according to airport director Kittipong Kittikachorn. The airport is upgrading passport checks and passenger facilities to accommodate growing traffic.
Even on a slow news day, a recent incident in Thailand hardly merited mention, let alone sustained media coverage. But because Israelis were involved, it became headline news for days. Anything negative about Israelis now does so, going instantly viral in the Buddhist nation with no history of antisemitism.
Thailand’s best street food is not confined to any one city. It can be found across the country, from Ayutthaya’s richly flavored noodles and Khon Kaen’s fiery lab to Chiang Mai’s aromatic khao soi and a standout plate of phad thai in the heart of Bangkok.
This week, we’re spending a few days exploring Bangkok, cafe-hopping, wandering through vintage and ceramic shops, visiting beautiful temples, and trying all the amazing Thai food.
Authorities in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been ordered to closely monitor heavy rain and water conditions and prepare to assist residents if flooding or other disasters occur.
Residents and visitors gathered at Hua Hin’s Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine on Saturday for the traditional Ship to Sea ceremony.
Recognizing the warning signs of blood clots, strokes and poor circulation was the focus of a Hua Hin seminar held by Be Well Medical Center and Bangpakok 9 International Hospital on Saturday.
Bangkok bears brunt of estimated 25.3-billion-baht Thai flood losses
Thailand will begin tougher enforcement of rules covering ride-hailing apps, drivers and vehicles on Thursday, the Ministry of Transport has announced.
Thai global icon LISA, Lalisa Manoban, made history at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards yesterday, becoming the first K-pop solo artist to win the coveted Best Pop award.
Nene Royal returns home to a grand Phuket welcome
Some 6,000 kilometers separate the anchorage off Hormuz from a petrol station forecourt in Nonthaburi. In 2026, that distance has counted for very little.
Thailand is attracting billions of baht in investment into data centers, electronics and advanced industries, while household finances remain under pressure. A government survey found that 32.8% of respondents had reduced the number of meals they eat or were eating less. Almost two-thirds were buying cheaper food or waiting for discounts.
Thailand and the United States have reached an agreement in principle on tariff negotiations, with the remaining work focused on reviewing technical details and the wording of the agreement, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun confirmed today.
Thailand’s high season test begins as tourism numbers rise
Five hotels in Phuket have been ordered to suspend operations after failing to secure licenses and complete required improvements, provincial authorities said.
The Thai government has defended its domestic solar industry by emphasizing the need to maintain national safety and quality standards for electrical installations and components. This defense follows reports that China supplied 99.3% of solar panel imports to Thailand during the first seven months of 2026.
JustPow is calling for stronger environmental oversight of waste-to-energy plants because they believe the current regulatory framework is too weak to ensure the safety of local communities and the surrounding environment. The advocacy group argues that current regulations lack sufficient environmental impact assessments, particularly for smaller facilities that generate less than 10 megawatts of capacity.
Hua Hin ready to clear beach after decades-long dispute
Thai teenage rock musician Nene Royal is extending her breakthrough on America’s Got Talent into US television appearances and major concert opportunities, days after becoming the first Thai contestant to win the competition.
Iran offered a plan to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Tehran said yesterday, but within hours reports indicated that US President Donald Trump rejected the proposal.
With the Iran war causing energy prices to spike across most of Southeast Asia, governments in this region are accelerating the roll-out of renewable energy policies, according to report by Zero Carbon Analytics, a research group focused on energy transition.
Thailand’s customs-cleared exports rose 24.3% in August from a year earlier, driven by strong shipments to the United States and continuing demand for electronics, the Commerce Ministry said yesterday.
Speaking at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a statement under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All,” marking 80 years of Thai membership in the organization.
For most of the past two decades, the Thailand-China relationship was defined by trade volume and Chinese manufacturing relocation. Increasingly, it is defined by something else: the transfer of Chinese technology, standards, and industrial know-how directly into the operating base of the Thai economy.
Thailand is preparing to open its 26th petroleum exploration and production bidding round in the Andaman Sea as part of efforts to increase domestic gas supplies, reduce dependence on costly liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and strengthen long-term energy security.
Thailand is developing a risk-based legal framework for artificial intelligence that focuses on enhancing digital accountability, consumer protection, and ethics. These regulations aim to establish safeguards for AI adoption and development while addressing potential risks such as bias, security, and privacy.
Phuket has been voted the leading wellness destination by Canadian travelers in Air Canada Vacations’ 2026 Travelers’ Top Picks Awards. The result was announced at the company’s Toronto Product Launch at Universal Event Space in Toronto, Canada.
Those darn elephants! Being the smallest means you’re never walking alone
How the ‘Three-Water City’ is rewriting the rules of travel
Phuket expects this year’s Vegetarian Festival to generate at least 1.4 billion baht in economic activity. Visitors from Thailand, China, Malaysia, and Singapore are expected to be the primary groups attending the festival.
Thailand recorded the highest electrified vehicle (xEV) sales among ASEAN-6 markets in the first half of 2026, with volumes rising 47% year on year to 206,000 units, according to PwC. Sales outpaced Vietnam at 127,000 units and Indonesia at 114,000 units, reinforcing Thailand’s position as a leading regional hub for electric mobility.
US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday for a lavish summit that was heavy on symbolism but light on substance, with no sign of breakthroughs on thorny issues such as AI, trade, Taiwan and the war with Iran. 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a combative speech at the 81st United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, defending Israel’s actions in the region as dozens of delegates walked out of the chamber in protest. 
Hua Hin-Cha-am among six new MICE Cities
Oil prices settled about 3% higher yesterday, as a Houthi missile attack on Saudi Arabia revived fears of supply disruptions. Reports of US-Iran talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz subsequently tempered the gains.
Diesel prices at pumps across the European Union (EU) have hit a new high of €2.23 per liter, up from €2.16 the previous week, an Agence France-Presse (AFP) analysis of European Commission data published yesterday showed.
Thailand’s Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has not approved reported 5%–10% increases in consumer goods prices scheduled for Oct. 1, 2026, Director-general Wittayakorn Maneenetr said yesterday. Some manufacturers had submitted applications, but the department had not authorized the increases.
Thailand is positioning itself as a strategic gateway to the ASEAN regional market, which consists of approximately 700 million people, to provide US businesses with access to broader Southeast Asian trade and investment opportunities.
Thailand has suffered from sluggish economic growth, with only 2% GDP growth, while regional peers have reached higher growth.
Thailand’s six hospitals are expected to post an 11% year-on-year (YoY) increase in aggregate net profit to $243.9 million (8.16 billion baht) in the third quarter (Q3), according to CGS International. CGS International attributed the growth to the recovery of foreign patient traffic and rising demand during influenza and COVID-19 outbreaks.
The appeal of the Thai DTV is obvious – you get up to five years of multiple entry access to Thailand so you can do more without relying on short tourist stays. However, before you apply, you’ll need to check the financial eligibility requirements, what remote work does and does not cover, and the documents and application process that applies.
Thailand aims to welcome 1.5 million Americans in 2026 as it shifts its tourism strategy to draw higher-spending visitors to boost international tourism. Last year, 1.08 million Americans visited Thailand, with 716,983 Americans arriving between January and September of this year.
The Family-Run Restaurants Preserving Southern Thailand’s Culinary Heritage
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Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has held talks with Google executives in New York on developing environmentally friendly data-center standards in Thailand, alongside plans for an open data institute to improve Thai digital skills.
Thailand’s nuclear power ambitions have been repeatedly delayed by concerns over safety and radioactive waste management following major international accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima. Additionally, the country faces significant challenges in developing the necessary infrastructure, technical expertise, and regulatory frameworks required to manage nuclear technology safely.
Nepal’s catastrophic flooding last month “was a warning to the world” about the rising dangers of climate change, Prime Minister Balendra Shah told the United Nations yesterday, urging countries to step up to help his country adapt.
Canada is answering US President Donald Trump’s obsession with renaming things by unveiling a name change of its own – Trump Avenue in Ottawa will soon be history. The city is hitting back at the US leader, who among other things insists Canada should cease to exist as a country and instead become the 51st US state. 
Thai teen Nene Royal wins AGT 2026 title
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR), which operates PTT Station, and Bangchak Corp. raised standard diesel and B20 prices in Thailand by 0.75 baht a liter from today. PTT Station and Bangchak kept petrol and gasohol prices unchanged.
Isolated heavy to very heavy rain is forecast over Thailand until Sunday, according to the Meteorological Department, which has urged people to follow weather updates from official sources after an online panic over a “great flood”.
A survey reveals that Thais are sparking thought-provoking discussions on “flexible retirement,” disregarding the traditional 60-year retirement age, but warning of the risk of financial insufficiency.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised its forecast for Thailand’s economic growth in 2026 to 2.0% from the 1.8% projected in July, supported by technology and electronics exports and a strong global investment cycle in artificial intelligence (AI). Growth is forecast at 1.9% in 2027.
ASEAN must remain united while strengthening its resilience and ability to create value within the region, as geopolitical rivalry, tariffs and technological competition reshape global trade, two senior Thai policy figures told the Southeast Asia Trade and Development Forum 2026.
Mars is expanding its presence in Asia by establishing Thailand as a strategic production and export hub for its Pringles brand. The company recently opened a new factory in Chon Buri, located within the Eastern Economic Corridor, to serve markets in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.
AirAsia and other budget airlines serving Thailand are facing renewed pressure on costs and cash flow after the global average jet fuel price rose 7.4% to US$194.90 a barrel in the week ending Sept. 18. The increase is particularly difficult for carriers that sold tickets before fuel costs surged.
Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X will resume temporarily suspended international services and increase flight frequencies in the fourth quarter of 2026, offering direct flights to as many as 46 cities across 53 routes to meet year-end travel demand.
Millions of Americans travel worldwide every year for medical care. These aren’t just aesthetic procedures; they’re also essential healthcare and life-saving treatments. Many destinations are known for high-quality, relatively affordable healthcare systems, which motivates Americans struggling to pay for similar procedures in the U.S.
Where to Stay in Chiang Rai: 3 Best Areas & Hotels
A draft bill on the operation of digital infrastructure services would regulate data centers, cloud services and digital platforms. Operators would need a license from the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, while the rules for applying for, issuing, suspending and revoking licenses for each type of business would be set out in ministerial regulations.
Extreme heat caused by this year’s “super-El Niño” could result in as many as 451,000 excess deaths across the globe from June this year to February 2027, researchers with the University of Chicago’s Climate Impact Lab said yesterday. The number of extremely hot days is likely to rise by 44% compared to normal years, Climate Impact Lab said.
The tsunami-like flood that cut a swathe of destruction through Nepal on Aug. 26 has left the Himalayan nation grappling with heavy losses and mounting reconstruction needs. On Aug. 26 at 8.37 am, a mass of ice and rock broke away from the north face of Nepal’s Langtang Lirung mountain, sending a huge mass of debris racing down the valley. 
Happiness may be subjective, but living on lush tropical islands and eating delicious food is probably a good formula for the emotion when living abroad. And foreigners in Thailand appear to be the happiest of all.
Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony returns to Hua Hin Saturday
Grab is expanding its airport services to prepare for the fourth-quarter travel peak, a period when its airport ride bookings typically increase by 35% to 40% compared to non-peak times. To manage this anticipated surge, the company has expanded its pick-up area at Suvarnabhumi airport from three lanes to 12 lanes and introduced new booking tools, including a feature called NIP.
Nearly 1,000 doctors a year are leaving Thailand’s public healthcare system, according to the head of a young doctors’ network, who says heavy workloads, burnout and structural problems are pushing many out despite continued demand.
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a draft Cannabis Control Act that would place tighter controls on cultivation, sales and medical prescribing. The proposal must now go before the House of Representatives.
Thailand is confronting a renewed energy-security challenge as the crisis around the Strait of Hormuz pushes global LNG prices to about US$28 per million British thermal units, close to levels seen during the Russia-Ukraine energy shock. Thailand is responding by accelerating domestic gas exploration, reviewing LNG procurement strategy and seeking to diversify away from spot-market exposure.
Assoc Prof. Aat Pisanwanich of Rangsit University’s Faculty of Economics said yesterday the university had prepared an economic and international trade policy analysis of the Thai Household Cost of Living Index (CLI) for the third quarter of 2026 and the fourth-quarter outlook, titled “The impact of oil prices on Thai living costs”.
Thailand’s Cabinet approved a 43-billion-baht relief package yesterday, extending Thais Help Thais Plus through November and raising welfare-card support for October. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the measures would ease energy-related living costs and help keep Thailand’s 2026 growth on track for 2.5%.
The cabinet has endorsed a strategic plan for the Oil Fuel Fund and a fuel crisis response plan covering 2026-29 with wider use of biofuels made from domestic raw materials to help deal with volatility in global energy markets.
Thailand’s Greater Bangkok housing market is showing an increasingly sharp divide, with condominium sales rebounding while low-rise housing remains weighed down by weak purchasing power, tight lending conditions and a prolonged inventory overhang.
Healthcare in Thailand is expanding its medical tourism services, which include hospital healthcare, preventive health services, wellness programs, and tourism services, for international tourists in both Bangkok and Phuket.
It’s the holiday hotspot that draws in billions of dollars with the promise of sun, sand and sex. Police promise Pattaya is one of the safest cities in Thailand. But the shocking killing of a teenage girl earlier this year exposed the dark underbelly of the city’s sex industry.
Trips to Thailand booked by Russian tourists through the end of the year could face disruptions amid a rise in reported COVID-19 cases. Some Russian travelers who have already paid for holidays at Thai resorts between October and December have reportedly been warned about possible problems with their trips as infections increase.
The Hua Hin Film Club will screen The Imitation Game at Sundance Beach Club on Sunday, Oct. 18, with actor David Charkham joining the evening as a special guest. The event begins at 6.30 pm and will include a conversation with Charkham, who appeared in the film. 
Nene Royal set for America’s Got Talent final
China’s robot dancers limber up for America’s Got Talent final
Seniors urged to use traditional Chinese medicine to slow cognitive decline
Young leopard makes rare daytime appearance in Kaeng Krachan forest
The new postal law in Thailand aims to address regulatory gaps and market distortions within the country’s growing delivery and logistics sector. A primary objective is to ensure equal access to basic postal services for all citizens, preventing these essential services from falling under the control of purely commercial delivery and logistics providers.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis has driven LNG prices to US$28 per million British thermal units, putting pressure on Thailand’s public and private sectors to undertake a major review of their energy strategies. The response ranges from adding “flexibility” to the energy-security framework to accelerating domestic gas exploration, advancing small modular reactor technology and restructuring major energy companies.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has embarked on a high-stakes investment mission to New York, positioning Thailand as an emerging hub for next-generation technology and global capital as he attends the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81).
A Look at Phuket Old Town’s Revival and Rising Challenges
What a way to start a day! Watching the sun rise over the Gulf of Thailand, cool ocean breezes, with a gentle sea lapping at the white sand beach. And behind you is breakfast, served by the attentive staff of the 
Warning issued after driver nearly hits Khao Yai elephants
Thailand named Asia’s top beach destination for 2026
Thailand’s solar panel imports jumped 88.7% year-on-year to US$426.7 million, around 14.93 billion baht, during the first seven months of 2026, with China accounting for almost the entire market. According to figures from the Ministry of Commerce and Customs Department, the January to July increase marked a sharp recovery after import values contracted during both 2024 and 2025.
Ask an economist to put a price on Bangkok’s haze, and the number is startling: US$45.3 billion a year, or 3.9% of Thailand’s GDP, according to a World Bank assessment that ranks the country 20th worst out of 180 for the health costs of PM2.5 pollution — the second-heaviest burden in Southeast Asia after Indonesia.
Major television networks suspended their White House pool coverage and will no longer send camera crews to cover President Donald Trump’s pool events, standing in solidarity with CNN after Trump denied White House access to reporters for three outlets. The move from the five networks that make up the television pool ‒ ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox News, in addition to CNN ‒ means a broadcast television feed that is distributed widely for media won’t be carried for most of Trump’s events. 
Hua Hin beacfront building owners request demolition delay
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warned of heavy rain across Thailand today, naming 55 provinces in its regional forecasts and also warning Bangkok and surrounding areas.
A deadly night of violence hit Yala’s Bannang Sata district before security forces moved in yesterday. Assistant village headman Hamdee Jehsoh, 42, was shot dead in a roadside ambush. Hours later, attackers struck Highway 410, burning tires, scattering road spikes and leaving a suspicious wired object.
Hong Kong customs has made its largest-ever drug seizure from a sea shipment, finding cannabis worth HK$125 million, or about 530 million baht, in a 40-foot container declared as arriving from Thailand.
Disruption to Gulf shipping routes could raise transport costs and lengthen delivery times for Thai businesses, the Dubai office of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) warned in a report.
For many Thai people, 7-Eleven is much more than a place to grab a quick snack. It has become part of everyday life, offering everything from morning coffee and ready-to-eat meals to drinks, beauty products, accessories and household essentials.
A three-meter python was captured after a homeowner in Udon Thani discovered it attacking chickens, solving the mystery of 25 fighting cocks that had disappeared over nearly two weeks.
Protected Areas Regional Office 9 (Ubon Ratchathani) officially opened Kaeng I Khiao as a new natural attraction at Buntharik-Yot Mon Wildlife Sanctuary in Kho Laen subdistrict, Buntharik district, Ubon Ratchathani province, on Friday.
Thailand data-center boom raises wider clean-power challenge
Thailand’s 65- billion-baht coffee market is moving beyond the beverage business, as consumers increasingly prioritize quality, experience and sustainability.
Ukrainian forces fired more than 1,000 drones at Russia overnight Saturday, including hundreds that were launched toward Moscow, officials said yesterday, as the Kremlin was wrapping up the third and last day of its parliamentary elections.