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Thursday’s news-Sept 24

September 24, 2026 Hua Hin Expat News 1 Comment

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Beachfront demolition to start tomorrow/More public loudspeakers for Hua Hin/Thai teen Nene Royal wins AGT 2026 title/Nene revisits ‘Seven Nation Army’/Nene Royal’s ‘Rock Strong — Red Commander’ look/PTT Station and Bangchak raise standard diesel/Sitthichai bids farewell as PKK governor/Heavy rain likely across Thailand/86% of Thais dream of a luxurious retirement
THE IRAN WAR: Brent rises 3.86%/Navy says 8 sailors attempted suicide
ECONOMY: Investing in Thai secondary cities could lift GDP/ADB raises Thailand’s forecast /ASEAN urged to unite and build resilience/Mars makes Thailand Pringles export hub
TOURISM: Thai budget airlines squeezed/AirAsia’s Thai carriers plan 53 routes/Americans Are Leaving the U.S. for Medical Care/Khao San Road faces glum high season
THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Where to Stay in Chiang Rai
CLIMATE THAILAND: Environmental impact assessment for data centers/’Super’ El Niño could cause 451,000 excess deaths/Bangkok Car Free day
FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS

Beachfront buildings demolition to start tomorrow

Demolition work is scheduled to begin tomorrow on a stretch of Hua Hin’s waterfront, between the fishing pier and Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine. The planned demolition is the latest stage in a dispute dating back at least to 2002. It concerns homes, seafood restaurants, guesthouses and other buildings along a roughly 400-meter stretch of beachfront, with some structures extending over the sea.

According to the municipal demolition notice, the buildings stand on state-owned public land designated for common use. Its owner challenged orders prohibiting the building’s use and requiring its demolition, but the Supreme Administrative Court dismissed the claims. Those judgments are final. – HHT

More public loudspeakers planned for Hua Hin

The Hua Hin municipality is considering installing more wireless loudspeakers to help local news and announcements reach communities without the system and areas where residents have requested additional coverage.

The proposal was discussed at a meeting chaired by Deputy Mayor Atichat Chaisri at Hua Hin Municipal Office yesterday. The meeting followed visits to all 30 existing loudspeaker locations, where officials gathered residents’ views and adjusted the direction of the speakers to better meet local needs. Continued …

Thai teen Nene Royal wins AGT 2026 title

Nene Royal, the 16-year-old Thai rocker from Phuket, has been crowned the winner of America’s Got Talent (AGT) 2026, claiming a million-dollar first prize after an unforgettable run that captured hearts worldwide.

A day after setting the stage alight with Seven Nation Army in the final round, Nene prevailed over nine other contestants in online fan voting to capture the prize, a potential launching pad for an international career. Continued …

Whether you like heavy metal rock or not, you can’t deny this girl’s talent. Nene Royal’s AGT finals performance

Video …

Nene revisits ‘Seven Nation Army’, the White Stripes hit that became a global stadium anthem

Thai singer and guitarist Nene Royal gave The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” a heavier interpretation in the America’s Got Talent (AGT) season 21 final in the United States. The 16-year-old from Phuket brought forceful vocals and guitar playing to a song whose journey began at an Australian soundcheck more than two decades ago.

Nene’s AGT final performance drew a standing ovation from the audience and judges. Guest judge KSI described the performance as “out of this world” and “insane”. Continued …

Nene Royal brings her mother’s vision to life in her ‘Rock Strong — Red Commander’ look

Nene Royal brought Bangkok’s Ban Krua handwoven silk to the America’s Got Talent (AGT) 2026 final in a red costume inspired by her mother’s imagination. The Thai performer, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, wore the outfit during the final performance show broadcast.

Named “Rock strong – red commander”, the costume combined Thai textile craftsmanship with leather and metal details, translating a family idea into a stage look designed to convey strength, confidence and elegance. Continued …

PTT Station and Bangchak raise standard diesel by 0.75 baht a liter

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.

PTT Station’s price notice confirms the 0.75-baht increase for standard diesel and B20, while premium diesel remains unchanged. The following Bangkok retail prices apply from today and exclude local maintenance tax. Continued …

Sitthichai bids farewell as governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan

Sittichai Sawatsaen, the governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, summarized his achievements over the past nearly two years before retiring from public service, highlighting success in five dimensions of comprehensive quality of life development.

He expressed delight at attracting over 5.7 million tourists in the first half of 2026, ranking the province among the top six in the country. He also announced plans to improve pineapple prices and proceed with the permanent opening of the Singkhon border crossing, laying the foundation for Prachuap Khiri Khan to become a sustainable and livable tourist destination. Continued …

Heavy rain likely across Thailand until weekend

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”.

An active low-pressure cell over Vietnam’s central coast is expected to move over the lower northeast, east and central plains of Thailand, including Bangkok and vicinity, while the monsoon trough lies across upper Thailand. Continued …

86% of Thais dream of a luxurious retirement, but 75% risk running out of money before they die

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.

An in-depth analysis shows that over half of Thais want to retire early, driving a surge in “micro-retirement” and “unretirement” trends. However, a shocking gap emerges – 75% still cling to cash and savings accounts, lacking investment knowledge and risking running out of money before death. Continued …

Brent rises 3.86% as Iran rejects surrender

Brent crude settled 3.86% higher at US$103.08 a barrel after volatile trading yesterday, as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected surrender to the United States while maintaining his support for diplomacy.

Brent futures gained US$3.83 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose US$1.64, or 1.81%, to finish at US$92.16. Both benchmarks had traded at lower levels as increased Middle Eastern supplies and hopes of a US-Iran peace agreement weighed on prices. Continued …

Navy says 8 sailors attempted suicide aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln

Acting U.S. Navy Secretary Hung Cao said that eight sailors assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group attempted suicide during its lengthy deployment in the Middle East.

The Lincoln, currently en route to its home port of San Diego after a five-day port call in Bangkok, has been deployed for more than 300 days and will likely remain at sea for another two weeks before returning to the United States. The aircraft carrier’s current deployment began on Nov. 21, 2025. Continued …

World Bank says investing in Thai secondary cities could lift GDP per capita 12.4% by 2050

The World Bank urged Thailand to strengthen secondary cities alongside Bangkok to help achieve high-income status by 2037. Its modeling shows that directing 80% of a US$20 billion urban investment envelope to secondary cities could lift national gross domestic product (GDP) per capita 12.4% above a no-investment baseline by 2050.

The World Bank launched “Thailand Cities of the Future: Urban Foundations for a High-Income Economy”. whuch examines how urban development can support Thailand’s economic transformation. Continued …

ADB raises Thailand’s 2026 growth forecast to 2% on tech exports

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.

The September 2026 update of the Asian Development Outlook also raises growth projections to 5.0% for developing Asia and the Pacific and 4.7% for developing Southeast Asia. Continued …

ASEAN urged to unite and build resilience as global trade shifts

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.

Speaking at the forum yesterday, Supachai Panitchpakdi warned that economic policy was increasingly being used as an instrument of geopolitical competition, while Piyanuch Wuttisorn, vice minister for commerce, set out three priorities for helping ASEAN respond to the changing global environment. Continued …

Mars makes Thailand Pringles export hub

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.

This expansion involves a significant investment of more than 7 billion baht to support the company’s long-term commitment to the region. The Chon Buri facility, which covers 37,000 square meters, serves as the second production line launched by the company to boost capacity and support new export markets. This strategic move is designed to allow Mars to respond more flexibly to demand and streamline product lines across various global markets.

Thai budget airlines squeezed as jet fuel jumps 7.4% to US$194.90 a barrel

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.

The latest price was 116.5% above its level a year earlier, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States recorded the highest regional average, at US$207.56 a barrel. Continued …

AirAsia’s Thai carriers plan 53 routes to 46 cities for high season

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.

Tansita Akrarittipirom, head of commercial at Thai AirAsia, said the airlines were preparing for the October-December high season after reducing frequencies and temporarily suspending some routes during the third quarter. Those adjustments reflected travel demand and rising fuel prices, helping to keep operating costs under control. Continued …

Americans Are Leaving the U.S. for Medical Care. Here’s Where They’re Going

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.

Thailand is one option destination where medical tourism is booming. Americans are traveling to Southeast Asia to get full-body checkups, dental treatments, and highly specialized cardiac or hip replacement surgeries. Multi-specialty hospitals in Bangkok cater to an international clientele, so language is not a barrier, and many are accredited internationally, minimizing risks for foreign patients. Continued …

Bangkok’s Khao San Road faces glum high season

The Middle East conflict is hindering the long-haul tourism market, specifically affecting backpackers who frequent Khao San Road. This disruption is causing lower-than-expected forward bookings for accommodations in the area, leading to fears of an unproductive high season for local operators.

In addition, the new cannabis control bill threatens Khao San Road businesses by introducing strict regulations that could force more than 50% of local operators out of business. The Khao San Road Business Assn. expects these measures to significantly impact the area, which typically sees a high occupancy rate during the third quarter.

Where to Stay in Chiang Rai: 3 Best Areas & Hotels

Planning a trip to Chiang Rai and wondering which part of the city is best to stay in? We’ve got you covered! We loved how laid-back Chiang Rai felt compared to some of Thailand’s bigger cities, but there’s still plenty to see here, from colorful temples and night markets to mountain scenery. Although the city itself is fairly compact, where you stay can make a big difference to how easy it is to get around.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the three best areas to stay in Chiang Rai, including what’s nearby and the hotels we recommend at different price points. Whether you want to be right in the center or somewhere quieter, we’ll help you choose the best base for your trip. Continued …

Thai bill to require environmental impact assessment for data centers

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.

For data centers, the proposals cover project locations, environmental and health impact assessments, electricity and water supplies, and data storage in Thailand. The draft leaves several key numerical thresholds unspecified, so secondary legislation will need to be examined before the costs for individual projects can be assessed. Continued …

‘Super’ El Niño could cause 451,000 excess deaths, researchers say

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 country likely to suffer the most excess heat-related fatalitiesis Nigeria with 31,400, followed by Indonesia with 19,300 and Sudan with 17,600. The researchers project the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia to see an additional 19,400 deaths combined. Continued …

Bangkok Car Free 2026 encourages residents to switch travel modes

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) joined forces with all sectors on Tuesday, inviting network partners to adopt new ways of traveling under the concept “Car keys stay at home; leave home without a car”.

It encouraged people to enjoy a range of travel options through “Let’s Shift Modes”, bringing together road and rail transport, boat services, cycling and walking throughout the week. Continued …

Canadian held in Chiang Mai Brit’s rape case – Continued …
Chinese men arrested on rape and extortion charges after Pattaya raid – Continued …

Trump and Xi meet after two-month trade truce extension

US President Donald Trump is hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House in Washington today for their second summit of the year. A two-month extension of their tariff truce gives the countries more time for trade negotiations, while Taiwan, Iran and artificial intelligence (AI) remain central issues. Continued …

Thousands still missing a month after Nepal floods

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. Continued …

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Tuesday’s news-March 24

March 24, 2026 Hua Hin Expat News

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Nakhon Hua Hin Run/Rethinking Victory Monument/Koh Samui officials suspect corruption/Misbehaving Monks/
THE IRAN WAR: Iran war jolts global markets/Iran talks denied by Tehran/Oil price spike threatens Thai growth/Power tariff could rise/Fuel running low/Late-night fuel queue/Oil shock hits transportation/Fishing boats may stop operating/Shortages spur fuel reserve cut/Costs Strain Energy-Intensive Sectors/Mideast conflict dents chip, auto manufacturing/Energy shock spreads to bottled water/Plan to manage medicines/American stays inside Suvarnabhumi for 10 days/One miscalculation after another
ECONOMY: Thailand to Expand Price Controls
TOURISM: ‘Worst Tourist Behavior’/Hotels slash rates/Thailand promotes wellness tourism/Steep airfares and ATM fees
THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Must-See Thai Regions/Bangkok, Chaing Mai among ‘Best cities in Asia to Live in’ list/Got 3 days? Chiang Rai is it
CLIMATE THAILAND: Asia-Pacific’s Energy Paradox
HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS

Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026 to take place Sunday in Khao Tao

The “Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026” event in Hua Hin will take place on Sunday, March 29, at the Khao Tao Reservoir area.

The event will feature several race categories, including a VIP category for distinguished guests and heads of government agencies over a distance of 3 km, and general categories for men and women covering distances of 5 km and 10.5 km. Continued …

Rethinking Victory Monument: Bangkok’s busiest bus hub

As one of the capital’s busiest roundabouts, Victory Monument has long functioned less as a designed transport hub than as a living organism.

Every day, thousands of commuters spill out of the BTS Skytrain and descend to four crowded islands, navigating a maze of bus stops, van queues, motorcycle taxis, and improvised waiting areas that have taken shape over decades. Continued …

Top Koh Samui officials suspect corruption network within municipal office

A scandal has erupted on Koh Samui involving the island’s local government and municipal authority. The probe has already led to the suspension of a clerical officer linked to forged building permits and documents. These forgeries involve at least 10 luxury villa developments, where demand is high from wealthy international tourists.

Koh Samui officials are set to file a formal complaint with police next Sunday. Meanwhile, systematic audits are underway and are expected to reveal additional cases and at least one senior official, a key suspect in the affair. Continued …

Misbehaving Monks Are Causing an Uproar in Thailand

Last month, a prominent Buddhist abbot in Thailand was defrocked after a video of two women physically fighting over him outside his temple went viral. Soon after, investigators divulged that the abbot of the ancient Wat Bua Kwan temple near Bangkok had maintained long-term relationships with at least six women, regularly sending them explicit messages and spending lavishly on them – for example, paying for their expensive plastic surgeries. Officials are now investigating whether those funds were stolen from his temple.

That incident followed one in late January, when Thai police raided the Phrom Sunthon Monastery in Chonburi province on Thailand’s Gulf coast following complaints that the monks were in possession of drugs and guns. Police found at least one firearm, but also a stash of porn, sex toys, and a list of contact details for prostitutes. Continued …

Iran war jolts global markets as Thai stocks, gold, bonds, and baht tumble

Global financial markets were thrown into fresh turmoil as the protracted Iran war triggered broad-based selling across asset classes, sending Thai stocks, gold, and bonds sharply lower, while the baht weakened to its softest level in 10 months.

The market volatility underscored growing fragility in financial sentiment, with investors reacting to intensifying conflict fears, shifting expectations over US interest rates, and mounting uncertainty over global capital flows. Continued …

Trump announces ‘very good’ Iran talks denied by Tehran

US President Donald Trump yesterday hailed “very good” talks with an unidentified Iranian official after abruptly shelving plans for fresh attacks, even as Washington’s ally Israel vowed to keep up strikes on the Islamic republic.

The surprise disclosure – denied by Tehran, which accused Trump of manipulating energy markets – came ahead of a Monday night deadline imposed by Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane or see the US “obliterate” its power plants. Continued …

Oil price spike threatens to cut Thai GDP growth, raise inflation

A rise in global oil prices poses a growing risk to Thailand’s economic outlook, with Tisco Financial Group warning that a 10% increase in crude from a baseline of US$72 per barrel could trim GDP growth by 0.3-0.4 percentage points, while lifting inflation by about 0.8%.

Sakchai Peechapat, group chief executive, said the company is closely monitoring the situation through its risk management and enterprise risk teams as geopolitical tensions intensify, particularly in the Middle East. Continued …

Power tariff could rise as high as B4.59 per unit

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is set to review electricity tariffs for the May–August billing period amid a sharp rise in liquefied natural gas (LNG) costs driven by Middle East tensions.

Worawit Srianantaraksa, a member of the ERC, said yesterday the the new tariff structure will be considered at regulator’s board meeting tomorrow. Continued …

Fuel running low across provinces

The government has stepped up efforts to tackle fuel shortages, but residents across several provinces continued to queue for diesel yesterday amid persistent supply constraints.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, particularly in Dan Khun Thot district, motorists queued in long lines that stretched beyond petrol stations. Diesel purchases were limited to 500 baht per vehicle, while filling containers was prohibited. Petrol, including 91, 95 and Gasohol E20, remained available without restrictions and with shorter queues. Continued …

Late-night fuel queue in Nakhon Phanom stretches beyond 3 kilometers

The outbound side of the highway in Na Kae district, Nakhon Phanom, heading toward Sakon Nakhon and opposite Na Kae Hospital, had residents parking their vehicles in a long queue along the roadside while waiting to refuel at a PTT station in Na Kae district. The queue stretched for more than 3 kilometers after word spread that fuel was available.

Some drivers did not know when they would be able to refuel, but said they had to wait in line first because fuel was hard to find. Each vehicle was allowed to buy up to 1,000 baht worth of either diesel or petrol. Continued …

Oil shock hits transportation in the south

The petrol shortage is causing headaches for Mother Marketing, the operator of the Mother Supermarket chain in southern Thailand, prompting the company to urge the government to resolve the issue urgently.

Ekkapong Chokchaiwitut, chief executive of Mother Marketing, said the petrol shortage in southern Thailand has intensified. Last week, some petrol stations capped refueling at 500-1,000 baht per vehicle. Currently, the company’s vehicles must visit multiple stations to refuel, as some limit purchases to 500 baht per visit, while others have run out of fuel. Continued …

Fishing boats may stop operating at month’s end

The oil crisis has so badly hit the fishing industry that leaders of this sector in Samut Sakhon province, better known as Mahachai,yesterday warned that fishing boats may cease operation nationwide at the end of this month, leading to hundreds of thousands of job losses unless the government reins in soaring oil prices.

During a press conference at Mahachai Fisheries Development Cooperative (Thai Seafood Market) attended by representatives from Samut Sakhon Chamber of Commerce and Thai Fisheries Assn., the government was warned that fishing vessels are now in a state of “extreme crisis.” Continued …

Shortages spur fuel reserve cut

The government has decided to lower the proportion of oil reserves to 1% in a bid to ease fuel shortages, while expressing confidence that the fuel situation will stabilize within a week.

Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, in his capacity as chairman of the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East, said yesterday that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an order on Saturday to suspend the reserve requirement of 3% to increase the volume of fuel circulating in the market. Continued …

Rising Petrochemical Costs Strain Energy-Intensive Sectors

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is significantly affecting global supply chains. Shipments of crude oil and petrochemicals through the Strait of Hormuz have been disrupted, leading to halted operations at some plants and a surge in crude prices. Notably, SCC’s Rayong Olefins (ROC) plant in Thailand has suspended operations due to naphtha and propane shortages.

The crisis has led to a sharp increase in plastic resin prices, rising by 30%-40%, impacting the frozen food and consumer goods industries. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, emphasized the urgent need for the Thai government to secure alternative petrochemical feedstocks to prevent further disruptions. Continued …

Mideast conflict dents chip, auto manufacturing

The United States and Israeli military operations against Iran are disrupting global supply chains, hitting semiconductor manufacturing hard and reverberating through chip-dependent industries, particularly the automotive sector, which is watching developments closely.

Wallop Chalermvongsavej, managing director of Hyundai Mobility Thailand, said yesterday the shortage of chips could slow production and push up costs. “The chip shortage will affect car production, leading to manufacturing slowdowns and higher operating costs amid oil price volatility. Cars will eventually become more expensive,” he warned. Continued …

Costly Songkran ahead as energy shock spreads to bottled water across Thailand

Thailand’s tightening energy supply and rising oil prices are beginning to ripple through everyday life, pushing up the cost of basic necessities – including something as simple as bottled drinking water.

The price pressure comes at a sensitive time, as the Songkran holiday season stretches across much of April, bringing festivals, travel, and water celebrations nationwide. At the same time, schools across Thailand close for the long summer break, sending families on holiday and increasing domestic tourism. With temperatures soaring and millions expected to travel, demand for drinking water typically rises sharply during this period. Continued …

Public Health Ministry rolls out three-phase plan to manage medicines

Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is rolling out a three-phase plan to manage medicine supplies and healthcare services as the conflict in the Middle East shows signs of dragging on, with officials warning that drug prices are likely to rise.

Speaking at the ministry yesterday, Permanent Secretary for Public Health Somruek Chungsaman said authorities had assessed the medium-term impact on medicines and medical supplies. The Food and Drug Administration has already consulted pharmaceutical companies, which confirmed that current stock levels remain sufficient for about three to four months. Continued …

American stays inside Suvarnabhumi for 10 days, cites airfare rise

An American man who posted videos claiming he had been staying inside Suvarnabhumi Airport for 10 days has drawn widespread attention online, after saying higher airfares linked to war left him unable to travel onward.

He documented his routine at the airport by posting compilations of him watching movies, reading, sleeping, and eating. He reportedly also called on an airline to cover his costs and said that if the ticket was not paid for, he would continue staying inside the airport and would not go elsewhere. Continued …

Iran war: One miscalculation after another

Still not four full weeks into the war, and already Donald Trump’s “short-term excursion” – decapitate the Iranian regime with a surprise attack and impose harsh terms on the defeated survivors – has morphed into a global economic crisis and a region-wide war that could destroy the wealth of all the countries on both sides of the Gulf. At the very least.

Back in January, Trump was high on his success in changing the regime in Venezuela (just a bit), so he was an easy mark for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s suggestion that he could do the same to Iran. Netanyahu probably knew better than that himself, but his life’s goal has been to inveigle the United States into a joint attack on Israel’s greatest enemy. Continued …

Thailand to Expand Price Controls With 12 New Items

The Commerce Ministry is preparing to expand its list of price-controlled goods by 12 items, increasing the total from 59 to 71, in a move aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures. The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) will submit the proposal to the Committee on the Price of Goods and Services tomorrow.

The new additions are expected to focus mainly on everyday essentials to strengthen oversight amid fluctuating input costs. Of the existing 59 controlled items, eight require prior approval before any price increase, while 22 require businesses to notify authorities of price changes, with some also subject to transport reporting requirements. Continued …

Phuket Staff Expose ‘Worst Tourist Behavior’

A social media post has sparked debate in Phuket after highlighting complaints by hotel and restaurant workers about tourists from three nationalities, with immediate attention drawn to alleged problematic behavior in the province’s hospitality sector.

The Facebook page “Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์” published a poll described as reflecting views from service industry staff in Phuket, asking which nationalities were considered the most difficult in hotels and restaurants. The post claimed that Israeli tourists ranked highest, followed by Indian, and Russian visitors, based on reported behavior from operators. Continued …

Hotels slash rates to lure Songkran market

Concerned by a nosedive in European arrivals and low confidence due to fuel shortages among local travelers, hotel operators have started to offer discounts of 20%-40% to attract tourists during the upcoming Songkran holiday.

Paisarn Sukjarean, president of the Upper Northern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Assn., said European guests, who normally account for 30% of all visitors to Chiang Mai at this time of year, continue to cancel their bookings for April as they are unable to catch flights to Thailand. Continued …

Thailand promotes wellness tourism to attract affluent international travelers

Thailand is making significant strides in promoting wellness tourism by fostering collaboration between its private and public sectors. This initiative aims to attract affluent foreign tourists who are looking for comprehensive services that blend medical care, beauty treatments, and travel experiences.

The focus is on enhancing the core tourism sector, which is essential for the country’s economic growth. By leveraging the expertise of businesses, such as Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) that manages 60 hospitals, the government seeks to create a robust infrastructure for wellness tourism. Continued …

Pattaya tourists hit by steep airfares and ATM fees

For many foreigners heading to Thailand, the vacation or expat life is starting before they even step off the plane – and not in a good way. Online forum users have been voicing frustration over high airfares from Europe, punishing ATM fees, and the widening gap between official exchange rates and what travelers actually receive.

“I just paid £1,000 for a return flight from the UK,” one reader complained, highlighting how soaring airline costs are cutting into holiday budgets. Others noted that even the supposedly “convenient” ATMs are taking a hefty toll. Continued …

A First-Timer’s Guide to the Must-See Thai Regions

The best thing about Thailand is that each region of the country feels completely different. The worst thing about Thailand is realizing exactly that, and accepting that you’ll be returning again and again to soak each of them up individually, or extending your trip to see as much as you can in one go.

Of course, a country spanning more than 500,000 square kilometers and 76 provinces is virtually impossible to cover in its entirety. So, having spent a good few years exploring, we’ve pulled together the ultimate guide to Thailand’s best spots. Continued …

Bangkok, Chaing Mai make ‘Best cities in Asia to Live in’ list

In 2026, travel trends are shifting back toward cities that are not only great to visit, but genuinely easy to live in — places where heritage and everyday lifestyle click together effortlessly. That is the spirit behind Time Out’s Best Cities 2026, which draws on thousands of survey responses and input from city experts.

From Time Out’s global top 50, 11 cities in Asia stand out — each offering its own mix of culture, creativity, food, and modern energy. Continued …

Got 3 days? Chiang Rai is worth every one of them

Chiang Rai is often reduced to a quick temple stop from Chiang Mai. Stay a little longer and the province reveals something much more compelling. This is one of Thailand’s most agricultural regions, where rice fields stretch across broad valleys, tea plantations climb the hillsides and small hilltribe villages sit between long mountain ridges. It’s expansive, lightly populated and best explored by car.

That connection to the land feeds directly into the food. Chefs here are working with an exceptional range of local ingredients, from rare mountain herbs and fermented vegetables to forest produce and tea grown just down the road. The result is a foodie scene that feels grounded, inventive, and increasingly worth the drive. Continued …

Asia-Pacific’s Energy Paradox: Record Renewables Against Growing Coal Infrastructure

Asia-Pacific simultaneously holds 64% of the world’s solar capacity and the distinction of being the only region on Earth still expanding its coal infrastructure, a contradiction that a major new HSBC research report warns could determine the fate of global climate targets.

The findings, published in March by HSBC Global Investment Research analysts as part of the bank’s Net-Zero Navigator series, paint a region defined by competing imperatives: record-breaking clean energy deployment on one hand, and deepening fossil fuel dependency on the other. Continued …

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Friday’s news-Jan 23

January 23, 2026 Hua Hin Expat News

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Cha Am rounds up homeless people/Gasohol E85 sales to end/Temperature drop and strong winds/Lisa Nike’s new global ambassador/Cobra Gold 2026/Children set homeless man on fire/Foreign man slammed for flying drone
ECONOMY: Growth expected to slow/Thailand’s chicken industry
TOURISM: Is Thailand’s tourism at the crossroads?/CAAT sees positive 2026 aviation outlook/Rise of visa scams/Trat relies on goddess event/Police Raid 25 Koh Phangan Sites/Brawl at Chiang Rai’s White Temple
THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Michelin Guide Thailand 2026/Giant reptiles reclaiming Bangkok/King Narai the Great Reign Festival
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Cha Am rounds up homeless people after Hua Hin murder

Police began rounding up homeless people in places along Cha Am beach as part of a drive to prevent crimes such as the brutal murder in adjacent Hua Hin, where the detention of the suspect was extended yesterday.

The two tourist towns about 200 kilometers south of Bangkok have been shocked by the robbery and killing of a hotel receptionist early Monday in downtown Hua Hin. The murder suspect was arrested the following day. Continued …

Gasohol E85 sales to end from Feb 1 as demand declines

PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) has announced it will stop selling Gasohol E85, effective Feb. 1, citing a continued decline in consumer demand. The decision has drawn wide attention because Gasohol E85 is used by a significant number of motorists.

OR said it had reviewed market demand and found that demand for Gasohol E85 has continued to decline. It attributed the trend largely to the government’s use of the Oil Fuel Fund mechanism, which has shifted from a compensation/subsidy model to a levy-collection model. As a result, OR said, the retail price of Gasohol E85 has become higher than Gasohol E20. Continued …

Temperature drop and strong winds to hit Thailand this weekend

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) is forecasting a moderate high-pressure system from China to extend into upper Thailand, bringing a decrease in temperature and strong winds. The northeast is expected to experience a drop in temperature by 2-4°C, while other regions, excluding the lower south, will see a temperature decrease of 1-2°C.

The TMD also warns that the moderated northeast monsoon will dominate the Gulf and the south, bringing isolated thundershowers. In the lower Gulf, winds and waves are expected to reach about 2 meters high, and ships are advised to proceed with caution. Continued …

Lisa becomes Nike’s new global ambassador

Thai global sensation Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban — already an Amazing Thailand Ambassador for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), promoting Thai tourism worldwide — has further cemented her status as a global icon.

She has renewed her partnership as a brand ambassador for Dentiste, Thailand’s premium oral care brand, for a fourth consecutive year. Now, she has also signed a long-term partnership with Nike, joining the Nike family as its newest global ambassador. Continued …

Over 8,000 Troops Join Thailand for Cobra Gold 2026

Thailand is set to host the 45th Cobra Gold military exercise from Feb. 24 to March 6, involving over 8,000 personnel from 30 countries. This joint defense operation, co-hosted by the Royal Thai Armed Forces and US Indo-Pacific Command, is one of the region’s largest and will focus on coordination across land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains.

The annual exercise, traditionally a platform for enhancing regional defense cooperation, sees Cambodia absent this year, while Vietnam and Laos join as observers. Participants include core members such as Thailand, the United States, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. New participants this year are China, India, and Australia, along with other nations rotating through specific exercises. Continued …

3 Thai children set homeless man on fire, film incident as trophy

Three Thai attackers, aged between nine and 15, set a homeless man on fire by the roadside in the Prawet area of Bangkok and filmed the incident as a trophy. The victim was identified as a homeless man who lives under the Ban Ma Bridge in Prawet. He makes a living by collecting and reselling recyclable waste in the area.

The incident occurred on Monday while Karn was sleeping under the bridge as usual. He told local media that he suddenly felt what seemed like cold water poured over his body, before flames erupted moments later. Fortunately, Karn managed to escape from the fire before suffering fatal injuries. Continued …

Foreign man slammed for flying drone, scaring Khao Yai elephants

Thai netizens condemned a foreign man for ignoring national park regulations and flying a drone near a herd of elephants in Khao Yai National Park, causing the animals to panic and putting both tourists and wildlife at risk.

The incident occurred Wednesday at Tung Kwang Mineral Lick, a popular wildlife viewing area within the national park in Nakhon Nayok province. The site is well known among visitors as a natural spot where animals gather to consume mineral-rich soil. Continued …

Growth expected to slow amid political paralysis

CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT) expects Thai GDP growth in the first quarter of this year to slow from the previous quarter due to a domestic political vacuum and external uncertainties. According to CIMBT chief economist Amonthep Chawla, the economy is projected to grow by 0.7% year-on-year in the first quarter, down from 1.1% in the previous quarter.

The weaker performance is attributed to sluggish domestic consumption and investment, mainly caused by delays in fiscal budget disbursement while awaiting the formation of a new government. Continued …

Thailand’s chicken industry braces for slower growth in 2026

Thailand’s chicken meat production in 2026 is projected to reach 3.47 million tons, a modest 0.9% increase year-on-year, according to Kasikorn Research Center. This marks a slowdown from the 1.3% growth estimated in 2025, reflecting stable domestic consumption and weaker export demand.

Farm prices of live chicken are expected to remain flat despite a downward trend in feed prices. Rising costs in other areas— such as farm management and utilities — are likely to offset any relief. With ret ail prices constrained by government controls, producers face mounting challenges in maintaining profitability. Continued …

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Is Thailand’s tourism at the crossroads?

Thailand enters 2026 at a defining inflexion point, with regional travel demand across Asia moving up a gear as Thailand’s performance decelerates. The divergence is now clear. While neighboring destinations such as Vietnam and Japan are capturing growth and market share, Thailand is contending with declining foreign arrivals and softer momentum from core source markets.

Leadership in Asian tourism no longer depends solely on scale. It now rests on infrastructure readiness, ecosystem coordination, safety perception, and value competitiveness. Continued …

CAAT sees positive 2026 aviation outlook for 2026

Manat Chavanaprayoon, director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), has outlined Thailand’s aviation outlook for 2025, saying the global industry continued to face heavy external pressures, from international conflicts and geopolitical tensions to airspace restrictions linked to disputes in several regions, including Pakistan–India, Israel–Iran, and Russia–Ukraine. He also cited an ongoing global shortage of aircraft.

Despite these headwinds, Thailand’s aviation sector still showed strong adaptability and resilience, he said. CAAT compiled and compared data across three key periods: 2019 as the pre-COVID baseline, 2024 during the recovery phase, and 2025 as the current year, finding continued growth and improved efficiency even as the global context shifted rapidly. Continued …

Thai travelers warned over rise of visa scams

Travelers are advised to be alert to visa application scams, such as false appointment letters or requests for additional payment for fast-track visa guarantees, as outbound travel grows.

“With increasing outbound travel from Thailand, demand for visa appointments is rising,” said Simon Peachey, chief operating officer for Australasia, China, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States at visa outsourcing firm VFS Global. “The increased demand can unfortunately create opportunities for scammers to target applicants by making false promises or attempting to profit illegally.” Continued …

Trat relies on goddess event to woo tourists

The eastern province of Trat hopes a forthcoming event honoring the Goddess of the Sea will be the first step in attracting more visitors to its border district, which remains quiet despite the end of the clashes with Cambodia.

Khlong Yai district will organize the five-day annual festival for the Chinese goddess, Chao Mae Thapthim, from tomorrow, highlighted by a parade taking the goddess from the shrine into the district town for worshippers to pay their respects. Continued …

Police Raid 25 Koh Phangan Sites, Charge 35 Suspects

Provincial police in Surat Thani have carried out coordinated raids at 25 locations across the resort island of Koh Phangan, charging 35 people and companies over alleged immigration, labor and nominee business offenses.

Authorities said the operation targeted restaurants, shops and hotels, with arrests and charges brought against both individuals and corporate entities. Officials said the action was intended to curb illegal activity in a key tourist destination and protect local economic interests. Continued …

Taiwanese and Thai tourists brawl at Chiang Rai’s White Temple

Taiwanese and Thai tourists were involved in a physical altercation at Wat Rong Khun, commonly known as the White Temple, in Chiang Rai province last week following a dispute over photography regulations at the site.

A video showing four tourists fighting on the temple’s well-known “Bridge of Rebirth” quickly went viral on Thai social media. The footage showed two couples exchanging punches and kicks in the middle of the narrow bridge, which was crowded with visitors at the time. Continued …

Michelin Guide Thailand 2026: Thai dining shines on the world stage

The Michelin Guide, first published in 1900 by the French tire company Michelin, was originally created to help motorists find quality eateries — while subtly encouraging them to drive more and, in turn, buy more tires.

Over the decades, the guide’s Michelin Stars evolved into one of the world’s most prestigious culinary honours. Thailand joined the Michelin map in 2018 with its inaugural guide covering only Bangkok. It was the seventh Asian city or region to receive a dedicated edition. Continued …

The giant reptiles reclaiming the world’s most visited city

Shortly before dawn in one of Bangkok’s largest inner-city green spaces, there is a stillness in the canals that surround Lumphini Park. Barely a ripple disturbs its large ponds. But as the day breaks in the Thai capital, the first scaly snouts emerge from the water’s surface.

These are Asian water monitors, the world’s second-largest lizard after the Komodo dragon. For travelers, Bangkok’s monitor lizards are not an attraction in the traditional sense, but a reminder of how nature persists even in the world’s most-visited city. To encounter these ancient reptiles, a species which dates back millions of years, in Lumphini Park – a short walk from luxury hotels, shopping malls and embassies – is to glimpse the city’s ecological past, when this was an area of wetlands and waterways rather than expressways and skyscrapers. Continued …

Lopburi prepares for the 38th King Narai the Great Reign Festival

Lopburi Province is set to host the 38th King Narai the Great Reign Festival from Feb. 13-22 at Phra Narai Ratchaniwet and surrounding historical sites.

The festival honors King Narai the Great, who laid the foundation for the kingdom’s prosperity during the Ayutthaya period. He strengthened trade relations with King Louis XIV of France and introduced modern technologies to Thailand for the first time. Continued …

Police Detain Pair Over Public Sex Act on Pattaya Beach – Continued …

Trump’s ‘America First’ in overdrive

US President Donald Trump’s extraterritorial capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on cocaine-trafficking and terrorism-related charges earlier this month and repeated demand to take over Greenland at the World Economic Forum this week are part and parcel of a belligerent and transformative “America First” paradigm that dates back at least four decades. Continued …

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Monday’s news-Oct 27

October 27, 2025 Hua Hin Expat News

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Making a living at Chat Chai market/Queen Mother tribute in Hua Hin/Hua Hin attracts international interest/Hospital running event/Heavy rain for PKK/Thailand and Cambodia Sign Peace Deal/Efforts to quell online scammers/Thailand’s Elite and International Schools/East Timor Admitted to ASEAN/ECONOMY: US and Thailand agree on trade/Industry jittery over US tariff rules/September exports stronger than expected/Thailand rolls out rice rescue plan/TOURISM: Bangkok world’s worst for pickpocketing, scams/United Airlines resumes Bangkok flights/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Chiang Rai Offers Serene Escape/What Really Makes Thai Food Spicy?/How To Order The Right Level Of Spice/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN LINKS

Making a living at Chat Chai market – crispy pork and duck breast on rice

Queen Mother tribute held in Hua Hin

Local officials and residents in Hua Hin joined the nation in paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who passed away on Friday.

Yesterday, Nopporn Wutthikul, mayor of Hua Hin City, led the city’s executive team, municipal council members, the municipal clerk, deputy clerks, department heads, and municipal staff in a solemn lustral water ceremony before the portrait of Her Majesty at the Sala Ratchapracha Samakhom within Klai Kangwon Palace. Continued …

Hua Hin’s healthy city model attracts international interest

Hua Hin City’s efforts to develop as a model “healthy city” have drawn international attention, with delegations from Poland, Indonesia, and Laos visiting the city to learn from its approach to sustainable urban living.

Yesterday, city officials welcomed the international visitors at the Naresdamri meeting room, Hua Hin City municipality office, joined by Mr. Thanathat Chaikhaw, director of the Division of Public Health and Environment, Phumirin Suksarit, acting head of the Environmental Quality Control and Management Division, and other officials. Continued …

1,500 take part in hospital running event

More than 1,500 runners took part in the charity run “Run with the Flow 2025 – Run for the Heart and Brain, Year 2”, organized by Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin yesterday morning.

Held at the Suan Son Pradipat reception building in Hua Hin, the event was opened by Preeda Sukjai, deputy governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The charity run featured two categories — a 10.5-kilometer mini-marathon and a 5.3-kilometer fun run — along a scenic beachfront route. Continued …

Monsoon strengthens over Thailand, bringing heavy rain to PKK

Thailand is experiencing stronger monsoon activity today, with the southern provinces expected to face heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours, covering around 60% of the area.

According to the Meteorological Department, the central and lower south will see scattered heavy rain, particularly in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, and Phang Nga. Residents are advised to be cautious of thunderstorms, flash floods and accumulated rainfall, as well as waterlogged roads that may affect travel. Continued …

Thailand and Cambodia Sign Peace Deal in Kuala Lumpur

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed a formal peace agreement with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet yesterday. Anutin described the agreement as a first step in restoring bilateral relations between the two countries.

The agreement comes after years of tension between Thailand and Cambodia over border disputes and diplomatic disagreements. Previous attempts to ease relations have included bilateral talks and regional mediation efforts, but a comprehensive framework for cooperation had not been formalized until this signing. Continued …

Thailand ramping up efforts to quell online scammers

Thailand plans to rev up efforts to crack down on rampant online scams, which are a menace not only to Thailand but also the global economy. Efforts include improving existing regulations and cooperating with other countries to suppress scams.

Recently, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul called for tougher defenses against scammers, improved real-time intelligence sharing, and tighter cross-border cooperation to prevent Thailand from being used as a base or transit point for cybercrime. Continued …

Thailand’s Elite Business Families Pour Billions into International Schools

Thailand’s wealthiest business dynasties are launching a wave of premium international schools, targeting affluent families with fewer children who seek world-class education. With investments exceeding billions of baht per project, these ventures represent a strategic shift in Thailand’s private education landscape.

The schools target prosperous Thai families and CLMV nationals (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam), with campuses strategically positioned in Bangkok’s suburbs and major cities, including Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. This expansion comes as wealthy families increasingly prioritize quality education for smaller family units. Continued …

East Timor Formally Admitted to ASEAN in the Group’s First Expansion Since the 1990s

East Timor’s prime minister told leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations that it was a “dream realized” for his nation to be admitted to the bloc and an opportunity as it seeks to boost its struggling economy.

“Today, history is made,” Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao told the other leaders as the flag of East Timor, also known as Timor Leste, was added to the other 10 on the stage at a formal ceremony in Kuala Lumpur. It was ASEAN’s first expansion since the 1990s and was more than a decade in the making. Continued …

US says Thailand agrees to lift trade barriers, make required purchases

Thailand has agreed to the removal of barriers on US food, farm, medical, digital, and film products, and to make a huge aircraft procurement and annual purchases of energy and farm products with preset minimal values, according to the United States government. Long-term purchases incude 80 US planes costing US18.8 billion.

In a statement issued by the White House yesterday, the US said the “framework for an agreement on reciprocal trade”…“will provide both countries’ exporters unprecedented access to each other’s markets”. Continued …

Thai industry jittery over US tariff rules

Thailand’s manufacturing sector is struggling to deal with challenges raised by US tariff rules on Thai imports, even as the rate was cut significantly in early August.

Washington decided to impose a 19% duty on Thai products in August, replacing its draconian rate of 36%. Yet exporters risk facing higher rates on some products if the items are considered by US authorities as being shipped to Thailand and then re-exported to America, often called transshipment. Continued …

Thai September exports stronger than expected

Customs-cleared exports rose 19.0% in September from a year earlier, the fastest rate of growth in 42 months, the commerce ministry said today, comfortably beating analysts’ expectations. The reading for September compared with a forecast 7.0% year-on-year increase in a Reuters poll, and followed a rise of 5.8% in August.

Exports were boosted by clarity on US tariffs and signs that US trade policies could be eased further, the ministry said in a statement. Continued …

Thailand rolls out rice rescue plan to lift farmer incomes

Thailand’s Commerce Ministry announced new measures to support rice farmers by stabilizing paddy prices and managing the flow of 14 million tons. Wittayakorn Maneenetr, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, said the new strategy could result in an average price increase of 3% to 5% for paddy rice.

Two key measures are being launched for the current season. Officials plan to speed up the sale of 2.5 million tons of rice, while delaying the market entry of a further 11.5 million tons to prevent market saturation. Continued …

Bangkok named world’s worst city for pickpocketing and scams

Bangkok has been ranked the worst city globally for pickpocketing and scams, according to U.K.-based insurance price comparison website Compare the Market. The Thai capital scored 83.45 on the website’s ranking of pickpocketing and scams hotspots worldwide.

The Grand Palace, one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, was marked as the worst site in the world for tourism crime, receiving more mentions of scams and theft in visitor reviews than any other destination. Two other popular spots, Wat Pho and the Chatuchak weekend market, also stood out for the number of pickpocketing and scam reports. Continued …

United Airlines resumes Bangkok flights after 11-year hiatus

United Airlines has resumed flights to Thailand after more than a decade, launching a new daily service from Los Angeles to Bangkok via Hong Kong.

The inaugural flight landed at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Saturday, marking the airline’s first return to the kingdom since 2014. The route aims to enhance connectivity between Thailand and North America, while reaffirming Bangkok’s status as a key gateway to Asia. Continued …

Chiang Rai Offers a Serene Escape Away from the Crowds

Chiang Rai, located in northern Thailand, is a bustling hub for tourists eager to explore the Golden Triangle region. This area, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet, offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

In Chiang Rai, public transport options are straightforward and easily accessible. Tuk-tuks and songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) are the most common modes of transport. For travelers looking to explore the city itself, walking is a viable option. However, to venture into the wider province, renting a car or motorbike is recommended. Continued …

What Really Makes Thai Food Spicy? This Core Ingredient Turns Up The Heat

If there’s one thing most traditional Thai dishes have in common, it’s heat. The core ingredient that makes Thai food so spicy are chili peppers, namely bird’s eye chili and prik bon (dried ground chili). However, they bring more than heat — they add fragrance, brightness, and character.

Dried ground chili is made from crushing dry-roasted bird’s eye chili peppers, which are also known as Thai chilies. Dried options provide more spice, while fresh chili has a more discernable flavor. Continued …

Here’s How To Order The Right Level Of Spice At A Thai Restaurant

Ordering a meal at a Thai restaurant often comes with a question: how spicy? If you fall on either end of the spice spectrum — someone totally averse or who douses all their meals in chili oil — it might seem like a simple answer. In reality, however, there is more to that question than just how much you want to tax your taste buds.

Chilies are a central component to Thai cuisine, which can make it difficult to tailor a meal perfectly to your preferences, while also keeping from blowing out your palate with too much heat. For some expert advice on how to handle this question, we reached out to Ann Thanthicha Piwatsuwan, head chef at BKK New York. Continued …

Phuket raids target foreigners in illegal business crackdown

Phuket Immigration officers launched a coordinated crackdown on five businesses in Patong, targeting alleged illegal foreign operations, as part of a nationwide campaign to tighten control over foreign nationals working or investing unlawfully in Thailand. Continued …

Seven Chinese Men Arrested at Sa Kaeo Resort After Illegal Entry – Continued …
Nigerian drug traffickers arrested in Bangkok’s Nana – Continued …
Chinese man with 2,000 ATM cards arrested in Chiang Rai scam – Continued …
Phuket Police Arrest French Man & Ladyboy for Drug Dealing – Continued …

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Friday’s news-May 23

May 23, 2025 Hua Hin Expat News

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Coca-Cola Promotion/Heavy rainfall expected/True’s network outage/Thai Court Orders Ex-PM Yingluck to Pay/Ruling destabilizes Thai politics/Coup risk remains/Gang Clash Turns Deadly/Man Rides Motorbike on Mattress/’Queen of street food’/ECONOMY: Thai Baht Strengthens/Asia must not succumb to tariffs/Thailand Exports First Electric Vehicles/Thai car sales rise/Opportunities with speciality coffee/TOURISM: Tourism stimulus ‘a damp squib’/Thailand Not at a Dead End/Chinese travel agents en route/New Tourist Scam/Grand “Diwali 2025″/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Snake coiled inside toilet/We paved our own path/The wellness tourism trend/CLIMATE THAILAND: Solar farm developer sees drop in revenue/Cleanup of Kok River/Producers responsible for plastic waste/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: 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

Coca-Cola Promotion Expands to Street Food Outlets Across Thailand

The Coca-Cola system in Thailand — comprising ThaiNamthip Corp., HaadThip, and Coca-Cola (Thailand) — is scaling up its “COKE Foodmarks” campaign by expanding its reach to food outlets nationwide by the end of this year.

Building on a strong foundation of more than 4,300 current outlets, the campaign is now set to target vibrant street food hubs, bustling walking streets, and iconic districts across the country, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Phuket, as well as cities like Hua Hin, Hat Yai, and Pattaya. Continued …

Heavy rainfall expected across Thailand until May 27

Increasing rainfall, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers, is expected across Thailand from today to Tuesday (May 27), according to a weather warning issued by the Thai Meteorological Department this morning.

The public in affected areas is urged to be cautious of heavy to very heavy rainfall and water accumulation, which may lead to flash floods, overflows, and landslides — particularly near waterways, foothills, and low-lying areas. Continued …

True faces major trust test after nationwide network outage

Yesterday, users of the True Corp.’s network across Thailand experienced a sudden and widespread service outage, affecting both mobile phone and home internet services in several areas. The outage, which continued into the afternoon, caused major disruptions to work, communications, and online transactions.

True Corp. and Total Access Communication (DTAC) had previously completed Southeast Asia’s largest telecom merger, forming a combined market capitalization of approximately 294 billion baht. At the time, True’s top executives promised that the merger would create “endless opportunities” and immediate benefits for customers of both networks. Continued …

Thai Court Orders Ex-PM Yingluck to Pay 10 Billion Baht in Rice Scheme

The Supreme Administrative Court in Thailand has ordered former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra to pay 10.028 billion baht ($306 million) in damages related to her administration’s controversial rice-pledging scheme. This ruling partially reverses an earlier judgment by the Central Administrative Court, which had annulled a 2016 order from the Ministry of Finance.

The original order sought 35.717 billion baht from Yingluck, attributing her responsibility for alleged corruption and her failure to prevent financial losses as part of the rice-pledging program. This scheme was designed to support local farmers by buying rice at inflated prices, but it ultimately drew criticism for mismanagement and corruption, leading to significant financial deficits. Continued …

Ruling further destabilizes Thai politics

The staggering impact generated by the Supreme Administrative Court will not be on anyone’s pocket, but on the already-fragile political equilibrium of Thailand.

The court’s ruling on how much compensation former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra had to shoulder regarding losses in the rice-pledging scheme of her government will change everything. Continued …

Coup risk remains, warns Thai defense minister

Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has refrained from ruling out the possibility of a future coup and asked all sides to learn from history to strengthen democratic institutions.

Speaking on the 11th anniversary of the 2014 coup by the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) yesterday, he stressed the importance of patience and adherence to democratic processes, cautioning against shortcuts that could undermine democratic development. Continued …

Gang Clash Turns Deadly on Pattaya Street

A violent confrontation between rival gangs erupted in the Nong Prue area of Bang Lamung district, Chonburi, leaving one man dead and two others injured. Armed with knives, guns, and homemade explosives, the young assailants turned a planned meeting into a deadly street battle.

The clash occurred just after midnight last night, on Nong Prue Road near a local butcher’s shop. Rescue personnel from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation and Nong Prue police responded promptly after receiving reports of multiple casualties. Continued …

Thai Man Rides Motorbike on Mattress in Sisaket

A Thai man has captured the internet’s imagination and a fair share of laughter after a video of his unique motorcycle ride went viral. This clip, which has garnered over 11 million views, shows him cruising down the road in Sisaket province while lying face-down on a mattress, firmly grasping the handlebars.

Video

The man, seemingly at ease and unfazed by his unconventional position, became an instant hit online. His stunt, which involves lying flat on his stomach and occasionally adjusting his posture without losing control of the bike, intrigued viewers worldwide. Continued …

A tribute to the ‘queen of street food’

Following a celebrated, multi-year run at international film festivals from Cannes to Moscow, the documentary “Jay Fai: Fire & Soul”, a visual portrait of Thailand’s improbable culinary wonder, has finally returned to where it all began.

The Thai premiere of Jay Fai: Fire & Soul coincided with the documentary’s official worldwide release on the Utopicfood! YouTube channel. The event featured an appearance by the 81-year-old grand dame of street cooking. Continued …

Thai Baht Strengthens as Foreign Capital Floods into Bonds

The Thai baht has shown unexpected strength this week, touching the 32-baht-to-U.S.-dollar mark, driven primarily by a significant influx of foreign investment into Thailand’s debt market. This comes as the U.S. dollar loses its appeal as a safe haven asset, largely influenced by U.S. President Donald Trump’s extreme trade policies.

From early 2025 until yesterday, foreign investors have collectively made net purchases exceeding 70 billion baht in Thai debt instruments, with analysts foreseeing continued inflows given the anticipated high market volatility from Trump’s ongoing policies. Continued …

Asia must not succumb to tariff retaliation: Singapore

Asian economies must remain agile and not succumb to tit-for-tat tariff retaliation, a deputy managing director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said today.

Retaliatory tariffs would lead to negative supply shifts that would worsen the growth-inflation trade-off and complicate monetary policy, Edward Robinson, who is also the MAS’s chief economist, told a monetary policy conference. Continued …

Thailand Exports First Electric Vehicles As Auto Industry Faces Headwinds

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has confirmed the export of its inaugural consignment of 660 electric vehicles (EVs) in April. This development unfolds against a backdrop of persistent challenges for the broader Thai automotive sector, which continues to experience declining production and a sluggish recovery outlook.

Surapong Paisitpatanapong, spokesperson for the FTI’s Automotive Industry Club, revealed that total car production in April amounted to 104,250 units. This figure represents a 19.75% decrease from March 2025 and a marginal 0.40% drop compared to April 2024, marking the lowest production level in 44 months. Continued …

Thai car sales rise for first time in 23 months

Domestic car sales in Thailand rose in April for the first time in 23 months, the Federation of Thai Industries said yesterday, though production and exports extended their run of declines.

Local sales were up 1% in April from a year earlier, after a fall of 0.54% fall in March, the group said. Continued …

Thailand views opportunities with speciality coffee products

As consumers become increasingly sophisticated about their cup of Joe, this trend may create opportunities for niche segments such as speciality coffee.

While Thailand is not a major coffee exporter, its coffee market is valued in the tens of billions of baht. The country has the ability to set itself apart on the international stage by focusing on the speciality coffee sector. Continued …

Tourism stimulus ‘likely a damp squib’, says stock brokerage

The recently approved tourism stimulus is unlikely to have a significant impact on the stagnant sector during the low season, given the limited budget allocation, although aviation and hospitality stocks may benefit in the short term, says Daol Securities.

The stimulus package is part of a broader emergency response plan aimed at counteracting the economic impact of the U.S. import tariff hikes. The tourism-related measures comprise three initiatives. Continued …

Thailand Not at a Dead End – optimism and opportunity on the rise

Despite global uncertainties and momentary dips, Thailand’s tourism industry continues to show resilience — and even signs of renewed momentum. As the first half of 2025 unfolds, officials and industry leaders insist that Thailand has not reached a dead end, with strong foreign arrivals, steady revenue, and a renewed belief that a little luck and a lot of effort will carry the nation forward.

Thailand welcomed more than 13.4 million international visitors from Jan. 1 to May 18, generating over 632.9 billion baht in spending. The top markets fueling this growth include China, Malaysia, South Korea, India, and Russia — with South Korea’s tourism surging by more than 10%, elevating it from the 8th to 4th most frequent source country. Continued …

Army of Chinese travel agents, media en route to Thailand

Thailand’s tourism industry is preparing to welcome 500 Chinese travel agents and media members at the end of this month, hoping to revive a market that has plunged 32% compared with a year ago.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to monitor the impact of the giant familiarization trip for one month to see if the market shows signs of avoiding the worst-case prediction of just 5 million Chinese arrivals this year — down 25% from 6.7 million in 2024. Continued …

Thailand Has New Tourist Scam – Fake Hotel Bookings

Three individuals were apprehended on Wednesday for allegedly orchestrating a scam that targeted tourists by using counterfeit Facebook pages to fraudulently book hotel accommodations. According to Thai police reports, these suspects were detained following coordinated operations in three distinct locations: Chanthaburi, Bangkok, and Ayutthaya.

The Tourist Police Bureau detailed that the accused created fake Facebook profiles impersonating well-known hotels in Pattaya, a popular tourist destination. Their scheme enticed travelers by advertising rooms at discounted rates and encouraging them to make advance payments for reservations. Continued …

Thailand to Host Grand “Diwali 2025” to Boost Indian Tourism

Thailand is planning a “Diwali 2025” festival this October, a move designed to attract over 500,000 Indian tourists and position the country as a global festival hub.

The festival will be inspired by the success of Songkran, featuring a light and sound parade, cultural performances, a global fair, and a fusion food festival. Highlights also include vibrant decorations, fashion shows, and concerts, exemplifying Thai-Indian cultural collaboration. Continued …

Man finds massive snake coiled inside toilet bowl in Bangkok

A man received the fright of his life when he discovered a large python coiled inside his toilet bowl after waking up in the early hours this morning.

Video

The incident, which occurred at around 3 am, was shared online by the man. The clip shows the huge snake resting comfortably inside the bathroom fixture. Continued …

I feared we’d be stuck on the beaten path in Thailand, but we paved our own

Thailand had been on our list for a while. World-famous Buddhist temples, ancient sites and street food beckoned. Known as the Land of Smiles, the country also made us want to understand better how Buddhist values, such as karma and merit, coexist with everyday life. Inexpensive accommodation and a subtropical climate added to the allure.

However, now that we’re lifelong travelers in our seventies (61 countries and counting), venturing off the well-trodden path is near and dear to us. Could we do that in Thailand, a country that attracted more than 35 million foreign travelers in 2024? Continued …

Thailand ready to embrace the wellness tourism trend

Whether it’s simple bliss, easily accessible happiness through reconnecting with nature; indulgent bliss, pleasure found in pampering activities like cruises, spa treatments, and delicious cuisine; or serene bliss, inner peace cultivated through meditation, yoga, or ice baths, all of these can be experienced when traveling in Thailand.

These align with the “Fresh Your Feel, Heal Your Soul” campaign, a journey that enriches life. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has invited tourism partners and the Thai public to embrace these three forms of holistic happiness: body, mind, and spirit. Continued …

Solar farm developer sees drop in revenue

Solar farm developer SPCG expects its revenue to fall this year after the adder tariff granted to its 36 solar farms came to an end in July 2024. The adder tariff allows the company to sell electricity at prices above regular rates.

This type of tariff encourages investors to build solar farms by adding an eight-baht tariff to electricity prices, increasing total tariffs, including the wholesale tariff of 3.78 baht per kilowatt-hour, to 11.78 baht per Kwh. Continued …

Cleanup of Kok River arsenic contamination affecting Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

The Thai government is urgently addressing the contamination crisis in the Kok River, which has affected residents in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces since March.

Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, in his capacity as chair of the National Environment Board, signed an order appointing a Subcommittee for Water Quality Management in Surface Water Sources, which he will chair himself to drive tangible solutions. Continued …

Indonesia to make producers responsible for plastic waste

The Indonesia Ministry of Environment has said that it is planning to ensure producers take full responsibility for the plastic waste generated by their products, as part of the “extended producer responsibility (EPR)” scheme.

By requiring producers to be responsible for the waste from their product, Indonesia seeks to follow the path of some other countries where producers are required to either collect such waste or choose to pay for its proper management. Continued …

Aussie caught with 22kg of crystal meth at Bangkok airport – Continued …
Over-staying Australian Arrested in Pattaya for Vandalising Rescue Booth While Drunk – Continued …
Israeli Man Arrested for Using Fake Passport – Continued …
Foreign Workers Arrested for Illegal Operations, Including Sex Service – Continued …

Record floods devastate eastern Australia

Record floods cut a destructive path through eastern Australia today, caking houses in silt, washing out roads and separating 50,000 people from help. Four bodies have been pulled from vast tides of floodwater engulfing parts of northern New South Wales, a fertile region of rivers and valleys some 400 kilometers (250 miles) up the coast from Sydney. Continued …

Iran, US to hold new round of nuclear talks in Rome

Iranian and U.S. negotiators meet in Rome today for a fifth round of nuclear talks, after a public disagreement over Tehran’s uranium enrichment. The talks, which began in April, are the highest-level contact between the foes since the United States quit the 2015 nuclear accord during President Donald Trump’s first term. Continued …

Trump admin sows doubt over vaccines

A highly anticipated White House report outlining Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s agenda devotes significant space to raising alarm over vaccines, while touching on environmental and nutrition concerns that remain at odds with broader administration actions. Continued …

New Schedule: Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer four round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.

For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at 9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.

Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets

New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

(We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:
- Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
- Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
- Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
- Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
- Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)
The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:
- Emergency hotline – 191
- Emergency medical services – 1554
- Water accident – 1196
- Motorway hotline – 1586
- Emergency medical – 1669
- Highway police – 1193
- Tourist police – 1155
- Bus ticket – 1490
- Department of Highways – 1586
- State Railway – 1590

bangkok, cha am, covid, exports, healthcare, hospitality, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s news-May 20

May 20, 2025 Hua Hin Expat News

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Foreign Earnings Taxed/Tax experts respond/Australians keep dying in Thailand/Rama II again!/Motorway M81 opens/Surge in COVID-19 Cases/Thailand and Indonesia strategic partners/Thailand’s obesity epidemic/Woman Trampled by Wild Elephant/Shooting in Pattani/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Growth Forecast Slashed/Measures to shield firms/Business leaders urge political stability/Thailand Defends Casino Plan/Talks on casinos/Anthrax Halts Thai Beef Exports/TOURISM: Growth beyond mass tourism/10-Point Tourism Plan/ONE Championship’s tourism boost/Stealing from drunk tourists/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Bargain Like a Pro/CLIMATE THAILAND: CPN to invest Bt10 billion/Toxic metals in northern rivers/Isuzu begins production of EV pickup/LINKS: 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

Foreign Earnings Taxed Under New Thai Rules – But With Exceptions

The Revenue Department of Thailand is gearing up to draft new legislation aimed at revising how foreign income remitted to the country is taxed. Deputy Director-General Panuwat Luengwilai stated that Thais who earn income abroad and bring it into Thailand must declare it in their personal income tax filing, irrespective of the tax year in which it was earned. The tax rates are designed to be progressive, ranging from 5% to 35%.

These evolved regulations regarding the taxation of foreign income remitted to Thailand came into effect on Jan. 1, 2024, following amendments by the previous government. However, for foreign income earned before this date but remitted after, older rules continue to apply, meaning if a Thai national earned international income before 2024 and brought it back after that year, it’s exempt from taxation. Continued …

Tax experts respond to tax rule changes

We’ve had a surge of calls this morning following an article in the Bangkok Post about potential changes to how Thailand taxes foreign income remitted into the country. The article outlines a possible shift in policy that, if enacted, would allow Thai citizens to avoid tax on foreign income if it’s remitted within the year it is earned or the following year. This would effectively reverse the significant changes introduced in 2023, which came into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

However, the article only refers to Thai nationals. There is no mention of expats, and no official announcement or clarification has yet been made by the Thai Revenue Department. This lack of clarity has caused widespread disquiet and confusion.

We have contacted our sources at the Revenue Department but have not yet received any confirmation of planned changes or details of how they might apply to expats. As things stand, the 2024 rules remain in place.

We are monitoring the situation closely and will update you as soon as more information becomes available. If you’re unsure how this affects your remittances or tax planning, we recommend holding off on major changes until there is clarity. Free consultation …

Australians keep dying in tourism paradise Thailand, more than any other country

Three Australians have tragically died in three separate incidents within just one week in Thailand — a beloved nation that consistently has the highest number of Australian deaths of all international destinations.

The latest publicly available data from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) shows 324 Aussies died in Thailand in 2023-24, which was 180 more deaths than the next country, the Philippines. (Thailand also has the most cases of illness and hospitalization). Continued …

Rama II again! Chunk of concrete falls on woman’s car

Another accident has occurred on Rama II road, with a woman saying that a chunk of concrete fell on her sedan, cracking the entire rear windshield but fortunately she was not injured.

The woman said this about the incident: “Finally, it happened to me … limestone fell from Rama II bridge while exiting the expressway (just before Niche ID Rama II). It was all caused by carelessness of the contractor, who just drilled but was not careful.” Continued …

Motorway M81 opens for safer travel to southern Thailand

The Department of Highways has announced the opening of motorway M81 to facilitate travel for those heading to the southern provinces, particularly on weekends. This motorway provides access to several provinces, including Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Cha Am and Hua Hin districts. It is open from Friday at 3pm to Monday at 9am with no toll fees.

Three checkpoints allow access: Kanchanaburi checkpoint, West Nakhon Pathom checkpoint, and Bang Yai checkpoint. The motorway is restricted to four-wheel vehicles only, with a maximum speed limit of 80 kilometers per hour. Continued …

Thailand Sees a Surge in COVID-19 Cases

Thailand is witnessing a steady rise in COVID-19 cases, with 31,688 new infections reported between May 11-17, marking an 11-week upward trend. Dr. Thira Woratanarat from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine disputes claims of declining cases, noting that official statistics omit many unreported cases, especially those of people who do not visit hospitals.

Dr. Thira highlighted potential underreporting, evidenced by discrepancies in earlier data: the initial report for the 19th week indicated near 16,000 cases with six deaths, but updated figures revealed over 30,919 cases and nine fatalities. Thus, he predicts that the reported 31,688 cases for the following week may increase significantly as data is revised. Continued …

Thailand and Indonesia set to become strategic partners

Thailand and Indonesia have agreed to raise their bilateral relations to a “strategic partnership”, strengthening cooperation in security, trade, investment, food security, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

The agreements are the outcomes of bilateral talks between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, who is visiting Bangkok at the invitation of the Thai leader. Continued …

Thailand’s obesity epidemic is worsening

Thailand is grappling with a growing obesity epidemic, raising concerns among health professionals about the surge in related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the increasing strain on the nation’s healthcare system.

Recent data from the Department of Health showed that 42.4% of adults, aged 15-59, in Thailand, or 16 million, are now classified as overweight — a figure that places the country among Asia’s heaviest. Continued …

Woman Trampled to Death by Wild Elephant While Foraging for Mushrooms

A 52-year-old woman was killed by a wild elephant in the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, marking the first fatal elephant attack in the area this year. The incident occurred as the victim was foraging for mushrooms with family members and fellow villagers in a forested area near Ban Phu Ngern, Baan Tong subdistrict, Seka district, Bueng Kan province.

According to an account given by the victim’s daughter, who witnessed the incident, the attack occurred around 6 am. She described walking just 4–5 meters behind her mother when a wild elephant suddenly emerged from the trees and charged directly at her. The elephant reportedly trampled her mother while emitting a single loud cry. Continued …

Shooting in Pattani claims lives of two volunteers

Two members of a volunteer protection unit died, and two others were injured in a shooting in Pattani province yesterday. The attack targeted five local volunteers running for exercise in Mueang Mai Kaen district.

The assailants, dressed in hijabs to disguise themselves as Muslim women, arrived on motorcycles. Upon reaching the village’s main road, the attackers opened fire with unidentified long firearms, striking four members of the volunteer team. Continued …

Aussie Nabbed with 22kg of ‘Ice’ at Suvarnabhumi Airport – Continued …
Fake goods seized from warehouse, Chinese arrested – Continued …
Brawl on Pattaya Beach Between Foreign Tourists & Transgender Group – Continued …
Foreign Workers Arrested in Nonthaburi Karaoke Bar Raid – Continued …

Growth Forecast Slashed Amid US Tariffs

Thailand’s economic outlook for 2025 has taken another hit, with the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) adjusting growth predictions downward. This comes in response to looming fears over trade tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The NESDC now anticipates a growth rate of just 1.3% to 2.3%, a notable drop from the earlier forecast of 2.3% to 3.3%. Danucha Pichayanan, secretary general of the NESDC, pointed out that the Thai economy managed a 3.1% growth from January to March compared to the previous year. Continued …

Thailand unveils measures to shield firms from trade war fallout

Thailand will offer bigger tax incentives to small and medium businesses at risk of being squeezed by U.S. tariff threats, as the Southeast Asian nation unveiled a raft of measures to minimize the blow to its economy from the trade war.

Small and medium enterprises backed by Thailand’s Board of Investment will now be eligible for a corporate income tax waiver equal to as much as 100% of their investment in capability enhancement for a five-year period. That’s up from a three-year exemption capped at 50% of investment previously, the board said yesterday. Continued …

Thai business leaders urge political stability and strategic investments

The Thai business sector is increasingly concerned about the nation’s political instability, fearing it could erode investor confidence and further weaken the already fragile economy.

Business leaders are calling on the government to avoid implementing socially sensitive policies and instead focus on short- and long-term measures to stimulate purchasing power and invest in infrastructure, rather than relying on ineffective cash handouts. Continued …

Thailand Defends Casino Plan, Eyes Las Vegas-Style Resorts

Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister Julapan Amornvivat has robustly defended the government’s ambitious plan to establish integrated entertainment complexes, pushing back against concerns that the move could tarnish the country’s reputation by associating it with a “gray” economy.

Julapan questioned the logic of such claims, asking if nations with legalized casinos, such as the United States, Singapore, Japan, and Dubai, would similarly be labeled. Continued …

Top firms lined up for talks on casinos

More than four major foreign investors interested in investing in the government’s entertainment complex project have scheduled meetings to discuss potential investments, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat revealed yesterday.

Following its previous discussion with Wynn Resorts, a global leader in integrated resort development, the government yesterday had a similar meeting with MGM Resorts, a global casino and entertainment business, he said. Continued …

Anthrax Outbreak Halts Thai Beef Exports to Vietnam, Border Trade Suffers

An outbreak of anthrax in livestock has caused a major disruption to Thailand’s border trade, with beef exports to Vietnam suspended indefinitely. The halt has triggered an estimated monthly loss of nearly 500 million baht.

Reports indicate that Vietnam has been importing around 10,000 head of cattle per month from Thailand, generating a monthly trade value of between 300 and 500 million baht. Each animal is valued between 50,000 and 80,000 baht, making the trade a vital source of income for Thai cattle farmers. In the past two months alone, exports peaked at 15,000 cattle per month. Continued …

Thailand hotels eye growth beyond mass tourism

Thailand’s hotel sector is facing a period of uncertainty, as the country’s tourism industry contends with declining international arrivals, particularly from the crucial Chinese market, rising regional competition, and ongoing global disruptions. These factors have contributed to falling occupancy rates and growing concerns about the future outlook for hospitality businesses across the country.

The recent decision by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to allocate 800 million baht to foreign-based online travel agencies (OTAs) has drawn criticism from the Thai Hotels Assn., which argues that such funding does not adequately support local hotel operators. Continued …

10-Point Plan to Help Build-Back-Better Tourism in Thailand

Thailand’s once-thriving tourism sector is now navigating turbulent waters. Foreign arrivals are falling short of expectations, with a sharp dip in Chinese travelers, growing regional competition, and a stubborn hangover from global shocks and conflicts. Meanwhile, hotel occupancies are dwindling, and trust in the government’s response is wavering.

A controversial decision to spend 800 million baht on foreign-based OTAs has drawn fire from the Thai Hotels Assn., and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is quietly adjusting its lofty 2025 target of 40 million arrivals down to a more sobering 35.5 million — matching last year’s numbers. Continued …

ONE Championship CEO touts US$470M tourism boost

ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong says his martial arts promotion is doing more than just putting on fights in Bangkok — it’s now a key engine for Thailand’s tourism economy.

According to a new report commissioned by Nielsen and shared this month, ONE generates an estimated US$470 million annually in economic value for Thailand through its slate of combat sports events, including its prime time cards at Lumpinee Stadium. Continued …

Renovations duo caught stealing from drunk tourists at pool villas

Two renovation workers have been arrested in Pattaya for sneaking into pool villas and stealing from intoxicated tourists while they slept. Police have seized more than 100 stolen items, including luxury goods, electronics and foreign currency, with damage estimated in the hundreds of thousands of baht.

Police announced the arrest of a Thai and a Cambodian national. The suspects had previously worked as contractors at the villas, giving them knowledge of the properties’ layouts and access points. Continued …

How to Bargain Like a Pro in Thai Street Markets

Walking through a Thai street market can feel overwhelming. But if you know its ways, you can leave with more than just souvenirs — you’ll walk away with the skill of bargaining like a real local.

Many believe that it’s simply asking “Lod dai mai krub/ka?” or “May I have a discount?” But real bargaining in a Thai market is an art that requires more than just words. “Bargaining is like cooking a good dish — you need to have patience and add the right ingredients at the right time,” says Khun Somchai, a local fruit vendor. Continued …

CPN to invest Bt10 billion in green initiatives

Central Pattana (CPN) is planning to invest 10 billion baht from 2025 to 2029 in sustainability programs, with 600 million baht allocated to green initiatives this year through Central Pattana Green Growth, its newly established subsidiary.

Naparat Sriwanvit, chief finance officer and president of hotel and office at CPN, said the five-year investment represents a significant increase compared to the 5 billion baht the company spent on social development over the past decade. Continued …

Toxic metals found in northern rivers spark health concerns

High levels of arsenic and lead have been detected in the Sai River and parts of the Kok River in Chiang Rai province, raising concerns over water safety and potential health risks for local communities, according to a recent government report.

The Office of Environmental and Pollution Control Region 1 in Chiang Mai released findings from surface water quality tests conducted this month at eight locations across tributaries feeding into the Kok, Mekong, and Sai rivers. While water samples from the Korn, Lao, and Sruay rivers met national safety standards, several sites near the Mekong and Sai rivers showed alarming levels of heavy metal contamination. Continued …

Isuzu begins production of EV pickup in Thailand

Isuzu Motors has begun mass production of its new battery-powered D-Max pickup truck in Thailand, with shipments of left-hand-drive models to Europe scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2025. The model was first unveiled at the 45th Bangkok International Motor Show just over a year ago.

The Japanese automaker confirmed that production of right-hand-drive models will not begin until the end of the year, meaning that deliveries to domestic customers and to key markets in Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK will not begin until 2026. Continued …

New Schedule: Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer four round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.

For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at 9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.

Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets

New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

(We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

Emergency hotline – 191
Emergency medical services – 1554
Water accident – 1196
Motorway hotline – 1586
Emergency medical – 1669
Highway police – 1193
Tourist police – 1155
Bus ticket – 1490
Department of Highways – 1586
State Railway – 1590

chiang mai, exports, healthcare, hua hin, immigration, medical tourism, prauchuap khiri khan, retirement, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-April 19

April 19, 2025 Hua Hin Expat News 1 Comment

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What makes Hua Hin special?/Hua Hin Motorcycle Taxi Driver Arrested/Road accidents claim 253/2 more bodies found/Severe storms in north/Bangkok major law shake-up/To lift martial law in south/Kidnapped Indian Nationals rescued/Major Wildlife Smuggling Bust/ECONOMY: Exporters Navigate Tariff Uncertainty/TOURISM: Maha Songkran: Over a Million Revelers/Airlines accelerate expansions/570,000 passengers travel by train/Thailand’s Pavilion at Osaka Expo/Thai Massage Takes Center Stage/Asia’s medical tourism takeover/Airline shoe etiquette/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Here’s what expats never tell you/Uncharted Thai Island a Time Capsule/CLIMATE THAILAND: Outcry over cross-border pollution/Chinese EV giant shifts gears/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: 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

What makes Hua Hin special?

Hua Hin quietly charms just about everyone who visits. It’s not just the soft beaches, the seafood, or the slower pace of life. There’s something else, something harder to define but easy to feel.

This coastal town was once the chosen getaway of Thai royalty. Today, it’s become a favourite for families, retirees, digital nomads, and weekenders from Bangkok. The numbers speak for themselves: a recent local survey found that 96% of expats living in Hua Hin say they’re pleased with life here. Continued …

Hua Hin Motorcycle Taxi Driver Arrested for Egg Attack on Tourist

Hua Hin police have apprehended suspects responsible for throwing eggs at a Mauritian female tourist. A motorcycle taxi driver claims the act was motivated by stress over declining income. Despite the incident, the tourists have forgiven the perpetrators, stating that Thailand remains the “Land of Smiles” and that they now love Hua Hin even more.

Yesterday, Police Col. Kampanart Na Wichai, superintendent of Hua Hin Police Station, addressed the case of a tourist who shared photos of an unexpected experience – being hit with eggs in front of Hua Hin Railway Station simply for using a taxi app. Continued …

Songkran road accidents claim 253 lives, down 12%

The “seven dangerous days” of traveling on the road for this year’s Songkran holidays ended on Thursday, with the accumulated death toll reaching 253, a 12% decline from the same period last year.

The Road Safety Operation Center reported yesterday there were 147 traffic accidents, 145 injuries and 22 deaths on the last day of the period. This led to a total of 1,538 accidents and 1,495 injuries recorded between April 11 and April 17. Continued …

Quake-hit Bangkok site turns crime scene as 2 more bodies found

Bangkok’s construction site tragedy has taken a darker turn, as rescue teams recovered two more bodies from the wreckage of the collapsed State Audit Office, nearly three weeks after the building came crashing down in the aftermath of an earthquake in neighboring Myanmar.

With the death toll continuing to rise and serious allegations of corruption and negligence emerging, investigators are now uncovering far more than just rubble. Continued …

Severe storms hit Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai

Severe summer storms yesterday battered the northern provinces of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, causing widespread damage. In Chiang Rai’s Mae Suai district, strong winds brought down high-voltage power poles, leading to overnight blackouts in the Doi Chang and Ban Saen Charoen areas.

The storm hit Mae Suai last night. The damage to the electricity distribution system was extensive, with multiple high-voltage poles toppled throughout the area. Local electricity authorities are working to clear the area and restore power, aiming to complete repairs by this afternoon. Continued …

Bangkok set for major law shake-up after 40 years

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced plans to revise the BMA Act 1985, a 40-year-old law that city leaders say no longer meets the needs of a bustling 21st-century metropolis.

According to Aekwaranyu Amrapal, BMA spokesperson, the proposed amendments aim to “enhance efficiency in line with the challenges facing a modern city. It has become clear that Bangkok still struggles with structural issues, such as repeated pavement excavation, severe traffic congestion, under-utilized areas beneath expressways, and messy overhead cables. These issues stem from the limitations within our current administrative system.” Continued …

Government set to lift martial law in south

The government is set to lift martial law in four districts of the three southern border provinces, says Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

He said he plans to meet state agencies to discuss the lifting of martial law after a mobile cabinet meeting in Songkhla on Feb. 17–18 decided the enforcement of martial law in four districts of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat should be revoked. Continued …

Police Rescue Kidnapped Indian Nationals in Bangkok

In a successful operation in Bangkok, police rescued four Indian nationals who were kidnapped by fellow countrymen in a ransom scheme. The rescue mission unfolded after Sanjeeve Kumar, an Indian resident in Bangkok, approached Yannawa Police Station on April 16 to report the abduction of his friends, Ramesh Sharmar and Amandeep Kajal.

Kumar recounted that upon arriving in Bangkok on April 5, he, Sharmar, and Kajal initially stayed at a hotel in Sathon before moving to Silom. During their stay, they met an Indian national who offered an invitation to Vietnam. Due to visa delays, Kumar could not accompany them and allowed his friends to proceed alone on April 14. Continued …

Thailand Assists Major Wildlife Smuggling Bust

In May 2024, authorities uncovered a major wildlife smuggling operation in Dan Singkhorn, southern Thailand, near the Myanmar border.

Six smugglers, transporting wildlife in four vehicles via Sumatra, Indonesia, were arrested, along with an associate who operated a holding facility. Authorities rescued and seized numerous endangered animals, including 1,076 radiated tortoises and 48 lemurs from Madagascar. A subsequent bust was also conducted in Madagascar. Continued …

Thai Exporters Navigate US Tariff Uncertainty

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has painted a picture of frenetic activity within the Kingdom’s export sector, as businesses race against the clock to maximize shipments to the United States in the 90-day window before full-scale retaliatory tariffs potentially come into force.

This comes as the U.S. announced a temporary pause on country-specific tariff hikes, while still imposing a baseline 10% increase across the board – a move interpreted by many as both a window of opportunity and a significant challenge for Thai enterprises. Continued …

Maha Songkran: Over a Million Revelers Shower Thailand in Cash

The Maha Songkran World Water Festival, a major draw for tourists and locals alike, attracted over one million visitors between April, 11-15 generating 1.58 billion baht for the Thai tourism sector.

The event was part of the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports Year 2025” campaign, focusing on elevating Thailand to a top festival destination on the global stage. Deputy spokesperson Anukul Phruksanusak reported that 1,106,999 festival-goers attended, with nearly 100,000 being foreigners. Continued …

Thai airlines accelerate expansions amid post-pandemic travel surge

According to the International Air Transport Assn.ociation (IATA) in December, the aviation industry is expected to continue its annual growth following the Covid-19 pandemic, fueled by increasing travel demand across the Asia-Pacific region.

This optimistic outlook has prompted Thai airlines to expand their fleets and enhance operations in order to accommodate the rising number of travelers. The move is anticipated to support the recovery of Thailand’s tourism sector, aiming to return to the pre-pandemic level of 39.8 million foreign arrivals recorded in 2019. Continued …

Over 570,000 passengers travel by train during Songkran

More than 570,000 people travel ed by train to their home provinces during this year’s Songkran festival, says the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).

During the holiday period from April 11-17, train travel was smooth, with no passengers left stranded at train stations across the country, SRT Gov. Veeris Ammarapala said yesterday. Many passengers returned to Bangkok by train yesteray, he said. Continued …

Thailand’s Pavilion at Osaka Expo Faces Backlash for Missing Futuristic Mark

Thailand’s much-anticipated pavilion at the Osaka Expo has stirred quite a buzz, but not for the reasons organizers hoped. Set against the backdrop of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the pavilion has been labeled a missed opportunity by attendees.

Criticisms are pouring in, suggesting it leans too heavily on historical and cultural displays rather than aligning with the futuristic theme. Notably, TQM Corp.’s chairman, Unchalin Punnipa, voiced his dismay. Continued …

Thai Massage Takes Center Stage at World Expo in Osaka

Thai traditional massage is being celebrated on the world stage at the World Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai in Japan, with the event drawing large crowds. The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine is representing Thailand at the expo, showcasing the unique cultural heritage of “Nuad Thai” (Thai traditional massage).

Dr. Somruek Chungsaman, director-general of the department, highlighted the selection of expert Thai massage therapists to demonstrate authentic techniques, particularly those beneficial for alleviating “office syndrome”. Continued …

Inside Asia’s medical tourism takeover

From cutting-edge cosmetic procedures in Seoul and Bangkok to innovative longevity clinics in Singapore and traditional medicine retreats in Vietnam, Asia’s affluent tourists are increasingly treating health as the ultimate luxury experience.

The Global Wellness Institute reports that wellness tourism in Asia jumped 28.4% from 2022 to 2023, reaching $41 billion in the region, and that growth is only accelerating in 2025. Behind this surge is a fundamental shift in how high-net-worth individuals approach travel and healthcare. Continued …

What’s that smell? Shoe etiquette (and drama) on your next long-haul flight

Imagine settling into your economy class seat on a 13-hour flight, only to find a stranger’s shoes occupying the space beside you.

That’s what happened to Jaskaran Gautam when he was flying from Tokyo to New York recently. The passenger next to him had switched seats but left his foul-smelling footwear behind. “I complained to the flight attendant that the passenger had left his shoes,” says Gautam, who works for a technology company in Kyoto, Japan. Continued …

Here’s what expats never tell you about the “land of (fake) smiles”

When I first arrived in Thailand at the age of 41, I was filled with excitement, optimism, and curiosity. Like many expats before me, I had visited as a tourist and was instantly charmed by the friendly locals, vibrant culture, delicious food, and breathtaking beaches. The “Land of Smiles,” as they famously call it, seemed like paradise — at least at first glance.

Three years later, however, the rose-colored glasses had come off. Living in Thailand taught me that beneath those welcoming smiles often lies a layer of insincerity, particularly when money is involved. It’s something many expats experience but few openly discuss. Continued …

This Uncharted Thai Island is a Time Capsule of ‘Old Thailand’

Koh Phayam is Thailand’s hidden treasure, offering an authentic experience without the crowds. Unlike bustling Koh Samui, this island boasts pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, captivating visitors who yearn for serenity. With fewer than 500 residents and no cars, it holds onto a quaint charm reminiscent of Thailand’s untouched past.

Just a short boat ride from Ranong, Koh Phayam remains largely undeveloped, featuring family-run bungalows nestled among palm trees. The beaches, such as Ao Yai, retain their natural beauty due to minimal foot traffic, making them cleaner and more inviting than those on tourist-heavy islands. Continued …

From smog to arsenic: Outcry grows over cross-border pollution in Thailand

Thailand has been inundated by cross-border smog for decades, but the government’s response has remained lukewarm.

In the north of Thailand, however, locals are now grappling with a far more serious threat than foul air. Recent tests showing arsenic contamination in the Kok and Sai rivers, which flow from Myanmar, have left communities fearing for their lives. Continued …

Chinese EV giant shifts gears with Thai expansion

Geely, one of China’s top EV brands, is plugging into Thailand in a big way, with its local distributor, Thonburi Neustern Co., unveiling ambitious plans to supercharge the brand’s presence in the kingdom.

First on the road map? A brand-new auto parts center aimed at building trust and confidence among Thai consumers, and laying the groundwork for even bigger investments, said Narong Sritalayon, chief executive of Thonburi Neustern. Continued …

Chinese vent anger at Trump’s trade war with memes, mockery

While China’s leaders use their economic and political might to fight United States President Donald Trump’s trade war “to the end”, its army of social media soldiers are embarking on a more humorous campaign online. Defiant posts have shot to the top of most-searched lists on social media, flooding platforms with patronizing comments and jokes. Continued …

US considers ending Ukraine truce efforts

As Russia fired a fresh volley of missiles and drones at Ukraine overnight, the United States warned it could “move on” from efforts to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine if it did not see progress soon. U.S. President Donald Trump has been pressing Moscow and Kyiv to agree to a truce, but has failed to extract any major concessions from the Kremlin. Continued …

Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The bus will leave Hua Hin at 10 am and 3 pm
From Don Meaung to Hua Hin: depart 3pm
Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

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Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm