• Hua Hin Hospital bolsters mobility for amputees/Cha Am squid pier to undergo repair/”Hua Hin Aerobic & Mix Dance”/Hua Hin Jazz City Event/Hua Hin youth football tournament/Thailand’s international schools rise/VIP perks at prison/Thai press freedom slides/Police uncover child trafficking
• THE IRAN WAR: Thailand worst-case economic scenarios/Biggest Energy Price Shock in Four Years/Trump says Iran has not paid enough/US will ‘guide’ stranded ships/Vulnerable groups face hardest economic shock/Land bridge as energy hub/China rejects US curbs
• ECONOMY: Land Bridge a vision or a mirage?/Land bridge project lacks details/Most southerners back land bridge/Long-stay visa not a key driver/Phuket real estate market/Call for targeted stimulus package/Thailand’s smart home exports surge/Export Crunches Threaten to Derail EV/Thailand as Southeast Asia’s Premier EV Hub
• TOURISM: Bangkok street food culture at risk/Cruise terminal on Koh Samui/Travel restrictions hit tour buses
• THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand’s pungent flavors /What never to eat with durian
• CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand promotes green travel/Turning waste into power
• FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

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Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students

Vilhelm International Academy launched in March 2026 and has is campus at “The Hub” in Hin Lek Fai, less than 10 minutes from the center of town. They provide mentor-led academic supervision for students studying through accredited online school programs, whether independently enrolled or through integrated programs offered at Vilhelm. This means that students follow a fixed timetable, complete coursework under supervision, and receive ongoing progress monitoring.  They can do this whist studying for their GCSE’s, A-Levels, NCAA approved US courses, or any other online school they choose to use.

Unlike more traditional options, at the academy children can learn at their own pace, not being forced forward before they are ready and also not being held back by the rest of the class. When they are ready to move on they do so. By coming to the academy each day, they are able to complement their studies with activities that develop leadership skills, community service (such as the recent helmet initiative), complemented by daily sports and physical activity to support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

You can visit the website for more details, or you can book an appointment to meet with the academy co-ordinator to discuss what you are looking for and explain what they can offer. There is a completely free five-day trial period that can be taken advantage of by anyone interested in seeing if the academy is the right fit for them.

Website; Email: info@vilhelminternationalacademy.com; Phone: +66 065 991 5500; Facebook; Map location.

For Hua Hin Hospital, prosthetic foot bolsters mobility for amputees

Hua Hin Hospital has reported positive feedback from amputees who have used the Thai-developed “dynamic prosthetic foot”, which enables them to walk and even run with a level of ease much closer to that of a natural foot.

The device is now available to patients under the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS). Dr. Jaka Anucharee, a rehabilitation physician at Hua Hin Hospital, said patients who require prosthetic limbs often undergo amputation due to conditions such as diabetes, vascular disease, infection, or trauma. Continued … 

Sam Roi Yot woman crowned Miss Prachuap Khiri Khan

Cha Am squid pier to undergo repair work

The “Cha Am squid pier”, one of the area’s best-known seafront landmarks, is set for urgent repair work after concerns were raised about the deteriorating condition of the rock embankment road and the area around the twin squid statues.

Cha Am Municipality inspected the site on May 1 after Mayor Nukul Pornsomboon was informed that parts of the embankment had become damaged and could pose a risk to tourists, anglers, and other visitors. Continued …

Hua Hin Aerobic & Mix Dance held at Bluport

Hua Hin Jazz City Event to be held May 29– June 1

Hua Hin will be filled with the sound of jazz from May 29 to June 1, as the Hua Hin Jazz City Event returns with performances at venues across the city. But this event is a little different. There is no single main stage.

Instead, restaurants, bars, hotels and other venues across Hua Hin will become their own jazz stages, each offering a different atmosphere, sound, and style. Across the weekend, there will be more than 30 jazz performances. Continued … 

Hua Hin youth football tournament draws 180 players

A Hua Hin youth football tournament brought together 180 young players from schools in Hua Hin and Pran Buri yesterday. The inaugural Hua Hin Youth Football Championship for Literacy 2026 was held at Khao Takiab Stadium in Hua Hin.

Organized by the Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin, in association with Hua Hin City Municipality, the one-day tournament brought together students aged 10 to 12 from 12 teams representing government schools in Hua Hin and Pran Buri. Continued … 

Thailand’s international schools rise despite economic slowdown

Over the past year, international schools have been watched as a rising business, with large capital groups and foreign investors moving in. Their expansion has run counter to a decline in new births, the continuing closure of private schools, and the current situation in which many people complain that the economy is weak.

Kasikorn Research Centre estimates that in 2025 the value of the international school business will expand to B95 billion, up from more than B85 billion in 2024, while the number of schools is expected to rise to 257. Continued … 

Heads roll over VIP perks at prison

Strict disciplinary action will be taken against officials implicated in the granting of preferential treatment for Chinese inmates at Bangkok Remand Prison late last year, the Department of Corrections (DoC) says.

The DoC declared there will be “no exceptions for wrongdoing”, as the case has now been forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission for legal proceedings. The case made lurid headlines at the time. Continued … 

Thai press freedom on the slide

Thailand fell seven places to rank 92nd in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, as Southeast Asian nations largely struggled against a tide of legal harassment and systemic censorship.

While Thailand remains second among the 11 ASEAN members, trailing only Timor-Leste (30th), its status has been downgraded to “difficult” by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Continued … 

Police uncover child trafficking at Pathum Thani cat spa

A 33-year-old woman and two associates have been arrested for allegedly running a child trafficking operation behind a cat spa front in Pathum Thani.

The cat spa had been operating for seven years and was advertised on online forums. Investigators found 22 workers at the premises, seven to eight of them minors. During the raid, police seized mobile phones, electronic devices, and over 500 condoms. Continued … 

Thailand worst-case economic scenarios if Iran war continues

If the Iran war escalates into a prolonged global conflict lasting six to nine months or extends to a full-scale global confrontation involving major powers, Thailand faces the most severe economic outcomes.

Under these worst-case scenarios, GDP growth could plummet to just 0.2% or result in an outright economic contraction, while inflation could surge to 5.8% or higher, creating a high risk of stagflation. Continued …

Middle East War Triggers Biggest Energy Price Shock in Four Years

The war in the Middle East is poised to deliver the most severe blow to global energy markets since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the World Bank warned this week, with consequences stretching from oil fields to farmlands to the dinner tables of the world’s poorest households.

In its April Commodity Markets Outlook, the bank projects energy prices will surge 24% this year, their highest level since 2022, while overall commodity prices are forecast to rise 16%, driven by soaring energy and fertilizer costs, alongside record-high prices for key metals. Continued …

Trump says Iran has ‘not yet paid a big enough price’

US President Donald Trump said that he had yet to review the exact wording of a new Iranian peace proposal but he was unlikely to accept it, because the Iranians had not yet “paid a big enough price.” Video … 

Trump says US will ‘guide’ stranded ships from the Strait of Hormuz

The United States will launch an effort today to “guide” stranded ships from the Iran-gripped Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump said, giving few details about what could be a sweeping attempt to help hundreds of vessels and some 20,000 seafarers. Iran quickly denounced it as a ceasefire violation.

Trump said in a social media post yesterday that “neutral and innocent” countries have been affected by the Iran war, and “we have told these countries that we will guide their ships safely out of these restricted waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business.” Continued … 

SMEs and vulnerable groups face hardest economic shock

Amid global economic volatility driven by the unresolved war in the Middle East, Thailand’s economy is facing a “shock” that is beginning to take clearer form, including slower growth and inflationary pressure from higher energy costs.

The main concern is not only the direction of the economy but the “unevenness” of the impact across groups, particularly vulnerable people and SMEs, which face limits on income and liquidity. Continued … 

Thailand pushes land bridge as energy hub to guard against Hormuz risk

Akanat Promphan, minister of energy, has outlined the direction for managing the country’s energy sector amid volatility in the global situation, saying this is the most appropriate time for structural change.

The focus is on turning crises into strategic opportunities to attract investment and strengthen Thailand so it can compete with neighboring countries that have higher economic growth rates, or GDP growth. A key issue being prioritized is the use of the land bridge project as a tool to strengthen energy security. Continued … 

Sanctions standoff — China rejects US curbs on Iranian oil trade

China has moved to counter US sanctions by issuing a temporary injunction to suspend their enforcement against five independent oil refineries, in a rare legal pushback that underscores rising tensions over energy trade.

The measures target so-called “teapot refineries”, privately owned Chinese processors accused by Washington of importing crude oil from Iran in breach of US sanctions. Continued … 

Land Bridge a vision or a mirage?

One of the flagship projects the Bhumjaithai Party-led government is determined to deliver is the land bridge linking the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand between Ranong and Chumphon. The government is eager to capitalize on disruptions to global shipping caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, seeking to revive a project discussed for decades.

However, long-standing objections to its impacts remain unresolved. In particular, the absence of an environmental and health impact assessment and unclear economic returns raise doubts over whether the project justifies investment exceeding 1 trillion baht, especially given the immediate environmental damage. Continued … 

Vague land bridge project lacks details

The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) is questioning the economic viability of the land bridge project, which requires a massive investment of up to 1 trillion baht, as well as whether the government should provide financial support.

Sumet Ongkittikul, vice president for internal systems and research director for transport and logistics policy at TDRI, said these concerns stem from his reading of the project report two years ago, though he is unaware whether an updated report has been published. Continued … 

Most southerners back land bridge, lack understanding

While a majority of people in southern Thailand support the proposed land bridge megaproject, more than half say they have only a limited understanding of it, according to a Nida poll survey released yesterday.

The poll, conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA, drew on responses from 1,455 people aged 18 and over across 14 southern provinces between April 28 and 30. Continued … 

Long-stay visa is not a key driver for foreign condominium buyers

Thailand’s renewable long-stay visa scheme for foreign condominium buyers is unlikely to be a decisive factor in attracting overseas investment, according to a property market expert, saying that decisions are driven more by lifestyle, education, and regulatory clarity. Laurent Richer, chief financial officer of an online property platform, Fazwaz, said the visa policy acts as an enabler rather than a core incentive.

“Long-term visas can support the market, but they are not the main driver. Foreign buyers prioritize lifestyle, education, and stability. Reforms to foreign ownership rules, particularly the 49% freehold quota for condominiums, would have a greater impact on investment decisions,” he added. Continued … 

Phuket real estate market ranks second after Greater Bangkok

According to the latest residential market survey by the Thai Real Estate Research and Valuation Information Center at the Agency for Real Estate Affairs Co., Phuket property has expanded sharply. Phuket is the second-largest real estate market, behind only Greater Bangkok.

This is based on the value of real estate products currently awaiting sale in 2026, totalling B194.545 billion. Chonburi has the highest number of unsold units after Greater Bangkok, at 39,521 units, but its unsold value is B160 billion. Continued … 

BoT chief calls for targeted stimulus package

The government’s stimulus package should emphasize targeted, appropriate investment to support economic growth through next year, says the central bank chief.

Bank of Thailand Gov. Vitai Ratanakorn said the package should adopt a targeted approach to assist sectors affected by rising energy costs stemming from the Mideast war. The measures are expected to combine cash transfers with investment initiatives. Continued … 

Thailand’s smart home exports surge 86%, reinforcing role as tech production hub

Thailand’s smart devices industry is showing strong export momentum, with “mart home” exports soaring 86.5% in 2025 to US$19.17 billion, underlining the country’s growing role as a key production and export base for technology products, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) under the Commerce Ministry.

The figures point to a major opportunity for Thailand to strengthen its position in the global smart devices industry, as demand continues to rise on the back of energy-saving trends, digital infrastructure expansion, 5G development, aging societies, urbanization, and carbon-reduction policies. Continued … 

Global Export Crunches Threaten to Derail EV and High-Tech Supply Chains

The global race for technological supremacy and net-zero emissions is hitting a formidable trade barrier. According to the OECD’s 2026 Inventory of Export Restrictions on Critical Raw Materials, the number of measures limiting the export of essential minerals has surged fivefold since 2009, creating a volatile “resource war” that threatens the stability of the electric vehicle (EV) and semiconductor industries.

The report highlights a growing trend of “resource nationalism,” where mineral-rich nations utilize export taxes, licensing requirements, and outright prohibitions to secure domestic supply or force international firms to build processing plants within their borders. Continued … 

Thailand Races Ahead as Southeast Asia’s Premier EV Hub Despite Infrastructure Hurdles

Thailand is firmly establishing itself as the regional frontrunner for the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, outpacing its Southeast Asian neighbors in consumer readiness.

According to Deloitte’s 2026 Global Automotive Consumer Study, 58% of Thai consumers intend to opt for a hybrid or battery electric vehicle (BEV) for their next purchase — significantly higher than the regional average of 42.8%. Continued … 

Bangkok’s beloved street food culture at risk as vendor crackdown widens

Many stalls in the Thai capital face an uncertain future as officials clear footpaths and relocate sellers to hawker centers. Across Bangkok, aromas of garlic, chilli, and grilled meat drift from roadside stalls and carts, but tighter controls on vendors threaten livelihoods and the street food culture that defines the Thai capital.

Convenient, full of flavor, and popular among locals and tourists alike, Bangkok’s street food is one of the city’s signatures, where sizzling woks and smoky charcoal grills turn boulevards and pavements into open-air kitchens from morning until late at night. Continued … 

Minister pushes for B5-billion cruise terminal on Koh Samui

Deputy Transport Minister Sanphet Bunyamanee says he is pushing for a 5-billion-baht cruise terminal on Koh Samui in the southern province of Surat Thani, with a targeted completion date in 2032.

The Songkhla MP for the Bhumjaithai Party said he intended to present the project in detail to the cabinet within this year. The Marine Department would finish an environmental and health impact study within the next year and the government would invite the private sector to co-invest in the project, he added. Continued … 

Travel restrictions hit tour buses

Thai bus operators have urged the government to lift a ban on business trips for the public sector, while pushing for acceleration of the domestic travel co-payment scheme to lift demand, as the recent 2.06-billion-baht transport subsidy does not accommodate the tour bus sector.

The subsidy package was introduced by the government last month to support freight trucks, public buses, and for-hire vehicles during the energy crisis. The subsidy covers 42 days from April 20 to May 31. Continued … 

Why Thailand’s pungent flavors are its most beloved

In the world of global gastronomy, Thailand is celebrated for balancing the four pillars of taste: sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. However, a “fifth pillar”, aroma, defines the soul of authentic Thai cooking.

To the uninitiated, these scents can be confrontational, but to a Thai palate, they are a siren song. There is an informal culinary rule in Thailand: the funkier the ingredient, the tastier the dish. Continued … 

What never to eat with durian

In Thailand, local wisdom and medical experts alike warn that pairing durian with certain substances can be physically taxing or even life-threatening. If you are planning to indulge, here are the three critical combinations you must avoid to stay safe.

This is the golden rule of durian consumption: Never mix the King of Fruits with booze. Durian contains high levels of sulfur compounds, which can inhibit aldehyde dehydrogenase, the essential enzyme your liver uses to break down alcohol. Continued … 

Thailand promotes green travel with Amazing Green Journey campaign

Thailand has launched the “Amazing Green Journey” campaign to help move the country’s tourism industry toward sustainability, while encouraging consumers to adopt more environmentally responsible lifestyles and travel habits.

The campaign marks a new form of tourism cooperation between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), and Lotus’s, part of CP Axtra. It also aims to support Thailand’s push to become a world-class green tourism hub. Continued … 

Turning waste into power: Chinese-invested plant boosts Bangkok’s green shift

In the Nong Khaem Waste Management Center, western Bangkok, garbage trucks enter a waste-to-energy plant, where waste is converted into electricity. In the plant, no smoke can be seen from the towering chimney and there is no smell of garbage in the air.

It’s hard to imagine that mountains of garbage were once piled up in the same place just over a decade ago. Operated by C&G Environmental Protection (Thailand) Co., a China-invested company, the plant has been in operation since 2016, with a daily processing capacity of 500 tons of waste. To date, it has treated over 1.68 million tons in total and generated over 636 million kWh of electricity for the city’s grid. Continued … 

89 Israeli children found at illegal Koh Phangan school

Security officials have raided a school on Koh Phangan that was being run illegally by Thai and Iranian operators, and found 89 Israeli children. According to the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), the location was licensed as a childcare center for 18 children aged two to five, but officials found 89 Israeli children aged from 2 to 12. Continued … 

• Japanese Men Held For Meth Sales in Bangkok – Continued … 
• Chinese Arrested Over Online scam in Chiang Mai – Continued … 
• Foreign Tourists Filmed in Lewd Act in taxi in Phuket – Continued … 
• Immigration Police Arrest Nigerian in Bangkok Drug Sting – Continued … 
• Foreign Man Steals IPhone 17 in Thonglor – Continued … 

EU rules demand easy battery swaps for smartphones by 2027

The European Union (EU) will enforce new rules from 2027 requiring smartphones and other battery-powered devices to  allow easier battery replacement, though the law does not necessarily mean handsets must return to removable back covers as many consumers assume. Continued … 

Three die on Atlantic cruise ship from suspected hantavirus

Three people have died on a cruise ship in the Atlantic, the WHO said yesterday, one a confirmed case of hantavirus – an illness usually transmitted to humans from rodents. The outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius, travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde. 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 cinemas/Emergency numbers