• Reader feedback/694 Hua Hin entities under the gun/Hua Hin, Pranburi under flood watch/Hua Hin properties earn real estate awards/August ‘hottest month ever recorded globally’/Samui zoo owner’s wife fights deportation/Pit bull kills 70-year-old owner/$1,999 iPhone Duo
• THE IRAN WAR: Oil tops $100 a barrel
• ECONOMY: US-Thai trade deal ready to be finalized/Don Mueang’s transport links draw luxury housing investment/August industrial sentiment drops/Probe into Israeli network in Pattaya/Nestlé invests $194 million in pet-food production
• TOURISM: Tourism stimulus scheme expected to start Nov 1/Two women detained with more than $1,000,000 in suitcases
• THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Top Family-Friendly Tourist Destinations
• CLIMATE THAILAND: Solar rooftop subsidy scheme/Thailand approves SMR rules/Saving trafficked wildlife in Thailand
• FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

“A clarifying question with respect to the new Hua Hin Hospital OPD operating hours, if I may – do the new hours, effective Oct. 1, refer to the Special Medical Clinic (SMC) OPD frequently used by expats and some Thais, and/or to the hospital’s main OPD, which is mainly used by Thais? Any clarification would be greatly appreciate.” – Jim

(Editor: Expat News has reached out to Hua Hin Hospital for an answer.)

694 Hua Hin entities under the gun in nominee crackdown

Authorities have identified 694 landholding entities in Hua Hin for in-depth investigation over possible nominee arrangements involving foreigners, accounting for almost nine in 10 entities flagged across Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

The findings were presented at a provincial meeting on Tuesday, where officials also reported that 71 legal entities across the province met the criteria requiring them to sell their land because of foreign shareholding levels. Continued … 

Hua Hin, Pranburi under flood watch

Hua Hin and Pranburi are among six districts in Prachuap Khiri Khan placed on flood watch from Sept. 9-13, with residents urged to prepare for possible flash floods, runoff and landslides. The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) cited a monsoon trough and a strengthening southwest monsoon that are expected to bring increased rainfall across Thailand, including heavy to very heavy rain in some areas.

The warning identifies Hua Hin, Pranburi, Kui Buri, Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thap Sakae and Bang Saphan as areas at risk of localized flooding, flash floods, forest runoff and landslides. Continued … 

Two Hua Hin properties earn real estate awards

Orchid Palm Homes was named Developer of the Year Hua Hin and BelVida Parque Hua Hin won Best Villa Development Hua Hin at the Thailand Real Estate Awards 2026 in Bangkok on Aug. 27.

The ceremony, held at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, marked the awards’ 10th anniversary under the theme “10 Years, New Era”. Developers and projects from across Thailand were recognized, with AP (Thailand) Public Co. receiving the evening’s highest honor, Developer of the Year Thailand 2026. Continued … 

August ‘hottest month ever recorded globally’

August was the hottest single month ever recorded globally, with ocean temperatures also reaching unprecedented highs as western Europe capped its warmest summer, the EU’s climate monitor said today.

In response to the assessment by the Copernicus Climate Change Service, the United Nations warned that until humanity weaned off fossil fuels, the planet would only push deeper into uncharted territory. Continued … 

Samui zoo owner’s wife fights deportation order

The French owner of Samui Exotic Park in Surat Thani has been ordered deported from Thailand, with his wife preparing to appeal the Interior Ministry’s decision tomorrow.

Kevin Dimino was formally informed of the order by Surat Thani Immigration on Tuesday, a day after the ministry issued the deportation decision. He has been held at Koh Samui Police Station while awaiting removal to his country of origin. Continued … 

Pit bull kills 70-year-old owner in Bangkok home

A 70-year-old woman has died after being attacked by a male pit bull she cared for at a home in Bangkok’s Bueng Kum district yesterday.

Police said the woman was attempting to put a collar on the dog when it attacked her inside the property. She was found dead with bite wounds to her neck and hands. Continued … 

Apple joins foldable phone race with $1,999 passport-shaped iPhone Duo

Apple unveiled its first foldable iPhone yesterday, introducing a US$1,999 passport-shaped handset as new chief executive John Ternus bets on design, productivity and privacy to win customers in a market established by Samsung and Chinese rivals.

The iPhone Duo opens into a 7.6-inch display and will be available from Oct. 23. Its launch marks the most substantial redesign of Apple’s flagship product since the iPhone X in 2017. Continued … 

Oil tops $100 a barrel as Mideast conflict escalates

Benchmark Brent crude oil futures rose past $100 a barrel yesterday, breaching the symbolic barrier for the first time ‌since July 24 as intensifying conflict in the Middle East fueled growing concern about supplies.

Brent crude futures were up $2.15, or 2.2%, to $100.07 a barrel as of mid-afternoon in Asia, while US West Texas Intermediate crude was up $1.70, or 1.8%, at $94.73. Continued … 

US-Thai trade deal ready to be finalized by a call between Anutin and Trump, says Minister

Thailand and the United States are days from a sweeping trade deal reaching far beyond tariffs. Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun says every substantive issue is settled, with only legal drafting left. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is then expected to speak directly with US President Donald Trump to close the pact.

The deal would secure access to Thailand’s largest export market after a threatened 36% tariff. In return, Bangkok has discussed billions in US agriculture, energy and aircraft purchases. However, the most far-reaching terms cover electronic payments, cross-border data and telecommunications. Continued … 

Don Mueang’s transport links draw luxury housing investment

Don Mueang is attracting more high-end housing development as transport links, international schools and demand from affluent families broaden its appeal beyond the airport, according to Cushman & Wakefield Thailand.

Surachet Kongcheep, the firm’s head of research and consultancy, described the district as an emerging “major infrastructure hub” in northern Bangkok. He cited an average annual increase of about 11% in appraised land values. Continued … 

August industrial sentiment drops on heavy rain and high costs

Thailand’s industrial sentiment index slipped to 89.7 in August, from 90.0 in July, weighed down by heavy rainfall that disrupted economic hubs, high energy costs and weak domestic purchasing power, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

FTI Chair Pimjai Leeissaranukul stated the decline was further exacerbated by a prolonged contraction in the automotive sector, due to sluggish sales and tighter credit access. Vehicle sales fell 17.4% year-on-year over the first seven months of this year, while small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continue to struggle with high production costs, limited access to capital and stiff competition from imported goods. Continued … 

Criminal charges considered by DSI in probe into substantial Israeli network in Pattaya

Thailand’s DSI is moving toward its first summons in a widening Israeli-linked business probe centered on Pattaya. Israeli businessman Maimon David Marsiano and several Thai shareholders are expected to face questioning over suspected nominee structures, company control and investment funding.

The inquiry follows August raids on a law office, condominium company and hotel business tied to assets worth hundreds of millions of baht. However, the investigation has now spread far beyond Chon Buri. The DSI says Israeli-linked real estate and other assets under wider examination nationwide are worth tens of billions of baht, with business interests also being examined in Bangkok, Phuket, Pai, Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan. Continued … 

Nestlé invests $194 million in Purina pet-food production in Thailand

Nestlé is spending more than $194.1 million on “strengthening” Purina pet-food production in Thailand. The Swiss giant said the investment is in response to rising pet-food demand in Thailand and the rest of Asia.

It will be funneled into its manufacturing site in Rayong, which produces pet food and treats under the Felix, Friskies, Pro Plan, and Purina One brands. Continued … 

Tourism stimulus scheme expected to start Nov 1

A new “Thai Tiew Thai Plus” tourism stimulus scheme, offering one million entitlements with a budget of 3.5 billion baht, is awaiting cabinet approval for a planned Nov. 1 start.

The scheme is expected to be submitted to the cabinet for approval on Sept. 22, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said on Tuesday after a meeting with Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas. Continued … 

Two women detained at Bangkok Airport with more than $1,000,000 in their suitcases

During the search at Suvarnabhumi Airport, two Thai women were found carrying 32.5 million baht in cash and €186,000 hidden in their suitcases. They had failed to declare the currency as required by Thai law for amounts exceeding US$20,000 (approximately 700,000 baht) when leaving the country.

The total value of the undeclared cash exceeded the equivalent of 40 million baht (over US$1.1 million). After questioning, the suspects admitted that the money had been withdrawn from their accounts after profiting on the “BlueQubit” platform. Continued … 

Top Family-Friendly Tourist Destinations in Thailand

Thailand is one of the Asian destinations that has maintained its popularity among families thanks to its diverse range of experiences in a single geographical area. From beaches and tropical islands to water parks, amusement parks, and cultural landmarks, families can choose programs that fit their ages and interests.

The appeal of the trip increases when families combine more than one city. Starting an adventure in Bangkok offers cultural and recreational landmarks, then moving to Phuket or Hua Hin for serene days at the beach. Nature and animal lovers can head north to Chiang Mai, while Pattaya offers a mix of water parks, family activities, and boat trips. Continued … 

Solar rooftop subsidy scheme to open in mid-October

Registration will open in mid-October for a solar rooftop scheme offering subsidies of up to 50,000 baht per installation, initially targeting one million households.

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said yesterday the 50 billion baht for the program would come from the 200 billion baht earmarked for energy transition projects. Continued … 

Thailand approves SMR rules for possible nuclear power

Thailand has approved a regulatory policy framework for small modular reactors (SMRs), beginning work on the laws, specialist skills and safety arrangements needed if it eventually adopts nuclear power.

Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat chaired the Nuclear Energy for Peace Commission’s second meeting of 2026 at Government House on Tuesday. Officials stressed that no decision has been made to build a nuclear plant, select a location or choose reactor technology. Continued … 

Online and undercover: saving trafficked wildlife in Thailand

Nawee Changpirom has spent years working to rescue trafficked wildlife in Thailand, but even he can sometimes hardly believe the creatures he has found: leopards, hornbills, and once an anteater. “We even found living corals hidden in a ceiling,” he said.

Nawee heads a raid unit in the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) that tries to stop the sale of everything from African elephant ivory to monkeys wanted as pets or for laboratory testing. Continued … 

• Chinese man held in Pattaya over 162-million-baht crypto theft – Continued …

• Thai police arrest 13 foreigners in Bang Phli call-center raid – Continued … 

Trump offers $5,000 bribe to voters

US President Donald Trump promised every adult U.S. citizen would receive a $5,000 check if Republicans retain their majorities in Congress during the party’s first-ever midterm convention yesterday. The president capped off the event by attacking Democrats while rallying supporters in Texas in a bid to boost GOP enthusiasm across the country. Continued … 

How hot can the US-Canada trade war get?

The US-Canada trade war has escalated rapidly, rupturing what was once one of the world’s closest economic partnerships. But the conflict is a mismatch, with the $31 trillion US economy roughly 13 times larger than Canada’s, raising questions about the limits of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s defiance. Continued … 

Hua Hin Links and Transport

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