Queen Sirikit memorial event/Prison privilege scandal grows
- THAILAND FLOODING: Flood death toll rises to 145/Bangkok-southern train services resume/How floods devastated one of Thailand’s largest cities/Flooding Threatens Thailand’s Economy/Flood recovery measures for Hat Yai/Residents call for mayor to step down/Hat Yai mobilizes clean-up effort/Widespread looting in Hat Yai
- ECONOMY: Economy records tepid October/Marketing Association Forecasts 0.9% Growth/Personal Spending Rebounds/Carmakers demand stimulus/Hopes for southern stimulus
- TOURISM: Bangkok to expand water taxi network/Air France Launches Paris–Phuket Route
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Bangkok should be visited at least once/Best Mental Health Residential Programs in Thailand
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
Queen Sirikit memorial event to be held in Hua Hin Monday
The “Paying Tribute with Loyal Hearts to Her Majesty the Queen Mother”, to be held Monday from 3 pm to 7 pm, at Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin.
The event aims to express deep condolences and pay respects, as well as to remember the royal benevolence of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. The prime minister’s office has called on all government offices, state enterprises, government agencies, and educational institutions throughout the country to organize activities to express mourning. Continued …
Prison privilege scandal grows
Four officials at Bangkok Remand Prison have been dismissed after being found guilty of serious disciplinary violations linked to a prison scandal, while 14 others remain under investigation, said Justice Minister Rutthapon Naowarat.
The four include the former director of inmate supervision and three officers who were aware of the misconduct but failed to act. They were among 20 officials previously transferred from the prison pending investigation. Continued …
Flood death toll in south rises to 145
Severe flooding across southern Thailand has so far claimed 145 lives, with Songkhla province accounting for the majority at 110 fatalities, according to the government’s Emergency Flood Response Operations Center.
Government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkia said yesterday that in addition to the 110 fatalities in Songkhla, the Ministry of Public Health had confirmed 9 in Nakhon Si Thammarat, 4 in Phatthalung, 2 in Trang, 5 in Satun, 6 in Pattani, 5 in Yala, and 4 in Narathiwat. Continued …
Some Bangkok-southern round-trip train services resume
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has resumed four train services connecting southern provinces as floodwaters have receded in some areas, while efforts are underway to repair damaged tracks leading to the hardest-hit Hat Yai district of Songkhla province.
Since Thursday, floodwaters have steadily receded, allowing civil engineering staff to inspect track conditions, repair landslide damage, and ensure safety on certain sections. Continued …
‘We’ve lost everything’: How floods devastated one of Thailand’s largest cities
When Jantarakarn Kaewjan went to bed in Thailand’s southern city of Hat Yai last Friday, three days of heavy rains had only caused some waterlogging in the street outside her apartment building. But a little past midnight, the rising waters reached her building, forcing her to move her motorcycle from the parking lot to a higher floor.
“By 9 a.m., the water was chest deep,” said the 40-year-old gas station worker. “It was all caused by rain.” Hat Yai, a city with a population of size similar to Britain’s Oxford, received 335 mm (13 inches) of rain that day, for its highest single-day tally in 300 years, resulting in catastrophic floods. Continued …
World Bank: Flooding Threatens Thailand’s Economy
Melinda Good, director of the World Bank for Thailand and Myanmar, has warned that flooding represents a serious threat to the foundation of Thailand’s economy. She urged the government to treat flood management as an urgent priority, emphasizing that failure to act could result in missed business opportunities. Investors may hesitate to establish production bases in Thailand if water management issues are not addressed effectively.
Speaking at the Spotlight Day 2025 event, titled “From Risk to Resilience: World Bank’s Vision for Thailand and ASEAN”, Good highlighted the increasing impact of climate change, particularly flooding, which is becoming more severe. She stressed that if left unaddressed, these impacts could have devastating effects on Thailand’s economy. Continued …
8 flood recovery measures for Hat Yai, including debt relief and death compensation
Government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat revealed yesterday that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered all relevant agencies to expedite flood recovery and assistance efforts in Hat Yai, Songkhla. The aim is to return the city and its residents to normalcy as quickly as possible following the devastating floods.
Siripong outlined the eight key recovery measures that will begin immediately, targeting both individuals and businesses affected by the floods. The measures include: Continued …
Enraged Hat Yai residents call for mayor to step down
The Hat Yai mayor is facing growing calls to resign, as residents remain furious over his underestimation of the severe flooding that left much of the city underwater.
Public anger has erupted online over Hat Yai’s handling of the devastating floods, with residents calling for accountability from local leaders, particularly Mayor Narongporn Na Phatthalung. Continued …
Hat Yai mobilizes massive recovery clean-up effort
Hat Yai’s “Big Cleaning Day” is set to begin today, mobilizing locals and heavy machinery to restore the city within seven days, said Songkhla Gov. Rattasart Chidchu.
Rattasart said Hat Yai district, which is home to about 400,000 residents, suffered severe damage to homes, roads, utilities, and public infrastructure, along with large amounts of flood-related debris and sediment. He said the “Big Cleaning Day” campaign will restore Hat Yai within seven days. Residents were asked to remove vehicles obstructing traffic to facilitate cleanup operations. Continued …
Widespread looting in Hat Yai, crackdown launched
A special police task force from Yala province was dispatched to Zone 8 of Hat Yai last night, to hunt for a group of looters who are reported to have robbed a 7-Eleven convenience store in a commercial building.
Police Maj-Gen. Siriwat Deepor, deputy spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, said the task force rushed to Zone 8 in response to a 191 call reporting that five men were seen breaking into a convenience store. Continued …
Economy records tepid October
The Thai economy posted modest month-on-month growth in October and is expected to gain momentum in the short term, supported by a gradual revival in industrial production, steady tourism expansion, and continued growth in electronic product exports, according to the central bank.
Domestic demand is supported by state stimulus measures, said Pranee Sutthasri, senior director of the Bank of Thailand’s macroeconomic department. However, the impact of the floods in southern Thailand, the US import tariff measures, and the stimulus policies require monitoring, she said. Continued …
Thailand’s 2026 Economic Outlook: Marketing Association Forecasts 0.9% Growth
The Marketing Association of Thailand forecasts a modest 0.9% growth for the Thai economy in 2026, marking the lowest projection in its history, signaling a tougher year ahead.
Key factors pressuring the market include changing consumer behavior, political instability, and the impact of digital technologies. Over 70% of marketers plan to maintain or reduce their marketing budgets, and overall industry spend is expected to decrease by 1%. Businesses are prioritizing “profit” over growth. Continued …
Thailand Personal Spending Rebounds in October
Private consumption in Thailand grew 1.3% month-on-month in October, recovering from a 0.8% decline in the previous month. The rebound was supported by higher services spending, reflecting increased hotel and restaurant expenditures amid stronger domestic and foreign tourism.
Spending on non-durable goods also rose, reflecting higher fuel sales in line with improved transport activity. Durable goods consumption increased, as well, boosted by stronger sales of passenger cars, including electric vehicles. In addition, spending on semi-durable goods remained stable during the month. – tradingeconomics.com
Carmakers demand stimulus
The country’s leading carmakers are pressing the government for stronger support measures as the Thailand International Motor Expo kicks off, warning that promises of higher sales alone are inadequate to shield the industry from mounting challenges, including the severe impact of floods in the south.
Speaking ahead of the 12-day event, executives from Toyota and Isuzu called on authorities to stimulate domestic demand and extend a government-backed loan guarantee program worth 5 billion baht for pickup buyers. Authorities were also asked to reconsider new tax policies. Continued …
Restaurant and tourism sector hopes for southern stimulus
The restaurant and tourism sectors hope the administration will remain intact to deliver on its memorandum of agreement with the People’s Party by launching stimulus campaigns for people suffering in the south before the end of its term.
Thaniwan Kulmongkol, president of the Thai Restaurant Assn., said she wants the government to adhere to the agreement between the People’s Party and the Bhumjaithai Party, which sets a four-month timeline for dissolving parliament, ending at the close of January 2026. Continued …
Bangkok to expand city’s water taxi network
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has unveiled plans to renovate inner-city canals for tourism and improve water-based transport with an expanded water taxi service, supported by an on-demand mobile application set to launch by mid-December.
The BMA’s Traffic and Transportation Department said it has been allocated 2026 budget funds to construct four permanent piers along Klong Bang Lamphu – Chao Pho Nu Shrine Pier, Wat Bowon Niwet Pier, Chalerm Wan Chat Bridge Pier, and the Queen’s Gallery Pier. Continued …
Air France Launches New Paris–Phuket Seasonal Route
Air France’s inaugural flight AF156 from Paris landed at Phuket International Airport yesterday, marking the start of a new seasonal route designed to meet rising European demand for travel to Thailand.
The service will run three times a week until March 2026 using Boeing 777-200 aircraft, each with 328 seats. Tourism officials say the additional connectivity will boost visitor numbers during the high season. Continued …
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Bangkok ranks among 9 cities that should be visited at least once in a lifetime
Traveling not only broadens one’s perspective but also enhances understanding of culture, beauty, diversity, and even offers a fresh view of oneself. While some places may leave a temporary impression, others, like these nine cities, will stay with you forever.
Global English’s ranking highlights cities that create lasting memories for travelers through food, architecture, history, and their unique identity. These destinations offer something memorable for everyone, making them worth visiting at least once in your life. Continued …
The 5 Best Mental Health Residential Programs in Thailand
Thailand has become a global destination for mental health residential programs, attracting individuals seeking everything from stress management to intensive psychiatric treatments. Understanding what each facility truly offers helps you choose the one that matches your needs.
This guide examines five leading programs in Thailand, clarifying their approaches and the profiles for which each is best suited. Continued …
Trump to halt immigration from ‘Third World countries’
US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that his government plans to permanently halt immigration from “Third World countries” in order to fully restore the US immigration system. This decision follows the recent fatal shooting of a US National Guard member by an Afghan refugee. Continued …
Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades kills at least 128, dozens missing
A somber air hung across Hong Kong today, as residents prepared to honor the at least 128 people killed in a massive apartment complex blaze. Yesterday, the city’s anti-corruption watchdog arrested eight people in connection with the blaze. Continued …
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