Hua Hin bank accounts locked without warning/Hua Hin Blessing of the Fleet/Saran Withee Festival/Soi 106 railway crossing underpass/Truck overturns, spilling 5 million meth pills/Anutin formally appointed PM/Heavy rainfall alert/Youth Motorbike Riders Without Licenses/Thai Drivers Under 55 Can Renew Licenses Online/Thieves Steal Ambulance, Call Police for Help/Education system demands reform/UK man latest high rise balcony fatality/Rainmaking said safe/AI traffic signals/ECONOMY: Anutin picks Ekniti as finance minister/Restaurants call for stimulus/Co-payment stimulus likely/Banking industry at critical point/Baht rise abnormal/Hope for Thai Cannabis Industry/TOURISM: AOT Reports Record Growth/Will Pattaya tourism see a September recovery?/King Power Adjusts to New Realities/British Couple Faces Huge Medical Bill/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand’s 8 best wildlife experiences/UNESCO World Heritage Sites a must visit/CLIMATE THAILAND: Bangkok Faces Existential Flood Threat/INTERNATIONAL/NEW PAGE – HUA HIN LINKS
Expats in Hua Hin left stranded as bank accounts locked without warning
Foreign residents in Hua Hin and across Thailand are reporting significant inconvenience after Bangkok Bank froze their accounts without prior notice, leaving many unable to access funds for daily expenses, bills, and emergencies.
The stricter identity verification measures, which began intensifying in May 2025, follow regulatory measures from the Bank of Thailand to curb financial fraud, money laundering, and so-called “mule” accounts used in scams. While the steps are said to be in line with international “Know Your Customer” standards, the sudden freezes have caused widespread disruption for expats and tourists. Continued …
Hua Hin Holds Blessing of the Fleet
Tourists and residents gathered at the Chao Mae Tubtim Shrine yesterday to take part in Hua Hin’s annual “Sea Misfortune Sending” boat release ceremony, a tradition dedicated to making merit for ancestors and seeking protection for the local fishing community.
The event, held beside the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, brought together local officials, community groups, and visitors from across Thailand and abroad. The day began with merit-making and offerings to monks, led by Phra Kru Phisutthipawanaphithan, abbot of Wat Hua Hin and adviser to the Hua Hin district monastic chief. Continued …
Saran Withee Festival in PKK Sept 12-13
The Saran Withee Festival: The Colors of the Wind 2025 will take place Sept. 12–13, from 5-9pm in Prachuap Khiri Khan about an hour’s drive south of Hua Hin. The event wil be held at the Saran Withee Bridge Pier.
The event features a hot air balloon show, an lluminated bridge, concerts by artists and local students, local food, and fresh seafood.
Hua Hin Soi 106 railway crossing underpass ruled out
Local residents in the Nong Kae community of Hua Hin are calling for safer and more convenient ways to cross the railway at Soi 106 after officials confirmed an underpass cannot be built at the site.
On Friday, the mayor of Hua Hin City Municipality assigned Natthawan Mitdee, the mayor’s secretary, along with City Council President Cheep Suksri, council member Sorayut Premkamolnet, the director of the engineering office, and relevant officials to meet with representatives from the State Railway of Thailand, the head of the Nong Kae community, and local residents. The discussion focused on whether an underpass at the Soi 106 crossing could be constructed to ease movement across the railway line. Continued …
Truck overturns on Phetkasem Road spilling 5 million meth pills
A lorry carrying millions of methamphetamine tablets crashed after a tire burst, scattering its illicit cargo across a stretch of Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road) in Kui Buri district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The driver fled the scene.
The crash occurred at around 7.30 am yesterday near Ban Samrong, Sam Krathai subdistrict. Police and rescue teams found a white Isuzu truck with Bangkok registration plates, its rear tires blown and the vehicle resting against a guardrail. No driver or passengers were found at the scene. Continued …
Anutin formally appointed Thailand’s 32nd prime minister
The Bhumjaithai Party held the royal command ceremony in which Anutin Charnvirakul, party leader and MP on the party-list system, was formally appointed as the 32nd prime minister of Thailand yesterday.
Arphat Sukanan, secretary-general of the House of Representatives, brought the royal command appointing the prime minister to the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters on Phaholyothin Road. He then read out the royal command, in which His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua (King Rama X) formally appointed Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister of Thailand. Continued …
Heavy rainfall alert issued for 50 Thai provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather warning today, highlighting heavy rainfall across 50 provinces, including Bangkok and its vicinity, with an expected 80% coverage of intense downpour.
In the southern region (east coast), thunderstorms are predicted in 40% of the area, mainly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and Surat Thani. Temperatures range from 23 to 26°C to 31 to 34°C, with southwesterly winds at 15 to 35 km/h. Continued …
Youth Motorbike Riders Without Licenses Pose Safety Crisis
Motorcycles are a daily necessity for millions of Thai households, serving as transport to school, work, and everyday activities. But a growing concern is that young people, the group most likely to rely on motorbikes, are also the most at risk, with the majority riding illegally without proper licenses.
Figures released by the Thailand Accident Research Center reveal the scale of the issue. Riders without licenses, in age groups: 81% of 15–18-year-olds, 65% of 18–24-year-olds, and even 33% of those aged over 24 were found to be riding without. Continued …
Thai Drivers Under 55 Can Renew Licenses Online in 2026
In a digital shake-up for Thai drivers, a new ministerial regulation is bringing the convenience of online renewals to drivers under 55. As announced in the Royal Gazette, from March 4, 2026, motor enthusiasts can bypass lengthy queues and embrace a digital route to renewing their licenses.
Caretaker Transport Deputy Minister Surapong Piyachote highlighted that this move streamlines processes and eliminates unnecessary trips to transport offices. However, drivers over 55 or those whose licenses have expired for more than a year won’t have the same digital luxury. Continued …
Thieves Steal Ambulance, Run Out of Fuel & Call Police for Help
Two teenage thieves had an unusually unlucky day after stealing an ambulance from Krabi, running out of fuel mid-journey, and then daring to call the police for assistance, only to be arrested immediately.
The 19- and 17-year-old suspects had reportedly stolen a Toyota marked with “Khlong Thom Rescue and Emergency Association, Krabi” while it was parked with the keys left inside. The vehicle was intended for patient transport and rescue operations. Continued …
Thai education system demands reform after poor global rankings
Thailand’s education system faces renewed scrutiny following international assessments that rank Thai students in the lower half of global performance tables. Education experts caution that without comprehensive reforms, Thailand risks lagging further behind its regional peers in literacy and skills development.
This urgent need for change was underscored at the Beyond Assessment: Driving Educational Change Forum held in Bangkok last week. According to the World Population Review 2025, Thailand’s literacy rate, at 94.1%, lags behind Brunei at 97.6%, Singapore at 97.5%, Philippines at 96.3%, Indonesia at 96%, Vietnam at 95.8%, and Malaysia at 95%. Continued …
UK man the latest foreign tourist to die in high rise balcony fall in Pattaya
A foreign tourist has died after plummeting from a Pattaya hotel balcony. The victim, 74-year-old Briton Keith Jones, was found face down on the ground in only swimming trunks. He suffered catastrophic head trauma and multiple broken bones.
Emergency responders confirmed he died at the scene in the Nong Prue area of the resort city. The fall from the high-rise building shocked locals and tourists alike. Continued …
Rainmaking said safe as Thailand prepares for drought relief
The Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department is stepping up efforts to combat drought and mitigate its regular adverse effects on Thailand’s agricultural sector. Officials have confirmed that water produced through artificial rain, or “royal rainmaking”. is of comparable quality to natural rainfall and is safe for both consumption and agricultural use.
Rachen Silparaya, director-general of the department, stated that Thailand ranks first globally in weather modification techniques aimed at generating rain. While several countries are keen to learn from Thailand’s expertise, practical application remains limited due to the technical expertise required and the need to consider weather conditions, humidity, and cloud formations. Continued …
Green light for AI traffic signals
For years, Bangkok’s drivers have endured hours stuck in traffic. But a quiet revolution has been underway since February, when the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) partnered with Google on Project Green Light.
The initiative uses artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize traffic light timings, analyzing data from 561 signalized intersections to adjust green, yellow, and red lights according to real-time traffic conditions. Continued …
Anutin picks Ekniti as finance minister to push urgent economic policies
Every time a new government is formed or a cabinet reshuffle takes place in Thailand, one of the most scrutinized positions is that of the finance minister. The post is regarded as pivotal for any administration, tasked with steering fiscal policy and driving economic growth in line with government targets.
In the latest government formation led by Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party and incoming prime minister, preparations for the “Anutin 1 Cabinet” were set in motion even before the parliamentary vote on Sept. 5. Continued …
Restaurants call for stimulus
Restaurant operators are calling on the new government to introduce supportive measures for the industry, citing numerous challenges, including the sluggish economy, rising raw material costs, and difficulties in accessing loans.
Thailand’s restaurant industry is struggling amid the economic slowdown, said Jakkrit Saisomboon, chief executive of MAI-listed Maguro Group, operator of the Maguro restaurant chain. Continued …
Co-payment stimulus ‘likely to be revived’
The Bhumjaithai Party has confirmed that it is considering reviving the government’s “Khon La Khrueng” (Let’s Go Halves) co-payment scheme as part of efforts to stimulate Thailand’s slowing economy.
Deputy leader Siripong Angkasakulkiat said on Saturday that discussions about the plan are already under way within the party’s executive committee and policy teams as they prepare to take the reins of government. Continued …
Thailand’s banking industry is at critical turning point
Amid global economic shifts and mounting domestic challenges, Thailand’s banking industry is at a critical turning point. Unlike many other sectors, banks are entering a period of declining interest rates, a cycle that inevitably squeezes their core revenue streams.
When interest rates fall, deposit rates tend to adjust more slowly than lending rates, while surplus liquidity parked with the Bank of Thailand earns lower returns. This dynamic puts pressure on banks’ net interest margin (NIM), reducing their ability to generate profit. Continued …
Baht rise abnormal, says bank CEO, calls for tighter controls
Amid Thailand’s sluggish economy, the baht has continued to appreciate, raising concerns for exports and competitiveness. The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has previously voiced alarm over the baht’s persistent rise, noting that it is inconsistent with the country’s weak fundamentals.
The group pointed to links with underground transactions, including surging gold prices, volatile cryptocurrency movements, and remittances from migrant workers bypassing the banking system. Continued …
Anutin’s Return Sparks Hope for Thai Cannabis Industry
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, renowned for pioneering the decriminalization of cannabis and fostering its early growth, is positioning Thailand’s cannabis industry for a resurgence.
Since Anutin decriminalized marijuana in 2022, making Thailand the first Asian nation to do so, the sector has faced a rollercoaster of policy changes. Without a concrete cannabis law, regulation has been challenging, raising fears of it being classified as a narcotic again. Continued …
Thailand’s AOT Reports Record Growth as Airport Expansion Plans Accelerate
Thailand’s state-owned airport operator has reported significant passenger growth across its six major facilities, while unveiling ambitious expansion plans designed to cement the kingdom’s position as a regional aviation hub.
Airports of Thailand Public Co. (AOT) announced that its airports collectively served 88.53 million passengers during the first eight months of fiscal year 2025, representing a 9.2% increase compared to the same period last year. Continued …
Will Pattaya tourism see a September recovery or just wait for miracles?
As the rainy season drapes the city in gray skies and intermittent downpours, Pattaya’s tourism industry faces a familiar conundrum: can the city generate meaningful visitor activity in September, or must stakeholders simply wait for miraculous weather and economic conditions to improve?
On paper, optimism exists. Pattaya is still home to a slew of high-profile events, from Miss International Queen to music festivals and regional cultural showcases. Hotels remain operational, restaurants ready, and beachside attractions await eager tourists. Local authorities continue to invest in safety, infrastructure, and marketing campaigns aimed at luring visitors during the traditionally slow season. Continued …
King Power Adjusts to New Realities in Thailand Retail Market
King Power Corp. once wielded significant influence as Thailand’s most powerful duty free operator. It now battles stagnant tourism, decreased visitations from the Chinese, and increase operational costs.
Such factors collectively jeopardize King Power’s competitive edge. While King Power has exclusive commercial rights at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket airports, the business’s scope appears to be narrowing. This has forced the company to rethink its strategy. Continued …
Brit Faces Huge Medical Bill After Falling Down Waterfall In Thailand
A British couple’s dream vacation in Thailand turned into a nightmare when a 23-year-old soldier fell 30 feet from a waterfall he discovered on TikTok, suffering a fractured skull and leg. His partner, Lucy, clung to him for two hours on a narrow ledge, preventing a further 100-meter fall, until rescuers arrived.
The couple now faces over 4.342 million baht ($135,000) in medical expenses and the need for a costly medical evacuation to the UK. Their travel insurance status remains uncertain. Continued …
Thailand’s 8 best and unmissable wildlife experiences for nature lovers
Thailand’s tropical climate and protected areas support over 10% of the world’s animal species, including Asian elephants, gibbons, hornbills, and marine life like whale sharks.
On your next trip to Thailand, try to focus on ethical tourism by choosing sanctuaries that prioritize animal welfare — no riding, shows, or chaining — and support conservation efforts. Not only are these sanctuaries doing something great for the animals, they are also here to give you unforgettable wildlife experiences. Continued …
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Thailand that are a must visit for culture seekers
Thailand is one beautiful Asian country home to a range of incredible cultural beauties and natural wonders. Some of these have earned UNESCO World Heritage status because of their unique values.
These sites take you back in time to make you experience the country’s golden heritage. On this note, let’s have a look at five UNESCO sites you should not miss on your trip to Thailand. Continued …
Bangkok Faces Existential Flood Threat, Expert Warns
Bangkok is facing a compounding flood crisis that could see most of the city submerged by 2030, according to a stark warning from a leading environmental academic.
Writing on social media, Sonthi Kotchawat of the Thai Environmental Scholars Assn. outlined the key factors behind the worsening situation, arguing that the city’s flood-management strategy requires a complete overhaul. Continued …
Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga land top honors at MTV’s Video Music Awards
Pop singer Ariana Grande claimed the top prize at the MTV (Music Television) Video Music Awards (VMA), and Lady Gaga and Sabrina Carpenter scored major honors, at a star-studded celebration of fan favorites in New York yesterday. Grande won video of the year for “Brighter Days Ahead,” earning her the biggest award of the night at the fan-voted awards. Continued …
Chinese travelers mull Russia for visa-free National Day holidays
Russia is attracting more interest from Chinese holidaymakers in the countdown to the weeklong National Day break, with the prospect of visa-free stays on the horizon. Searches for Russian hotels and flights rose more than sixfold on Friday from a day earlier within an hour of Chinese media reporting that Russian President Vladimir Putin had suggested that Chinese travelers might soon be able to visit without visas. Continued …
Jakarta’s crisis is ASEAN’s problem
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has relied on the domestic stability of its member states to achieve regional unity, and Indonesia, as the largest and most populous nation in the bloc, has served as the primary stabilizing force. However, the recent episodes of internal instability have raised questions about its ability to maintain this pivotal role. Continued …
French parliament set to eject PM in blow to Macron
France’s parliament is expected to oust Prime Minister Francois Bayrou today after just nine months in office, plunging the key European Union (EU) member into new political uncertainty and creating a painful dilemma for President Emmanuel Macron. Continued …
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Resigns
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced yesterday he will step down following growing calls from his party to take responsibility for a historic defeat in July’s parliamentary election. Ishiba, who took office in October, had resisted demands from mostly right-wing opponents within his own party for more than a month. Continued …
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