- Phon Kingphet Park renovations/Khao Tao Reservoir renovations/Weather warning for Prachuap Khiri Khan/Water Eel Farm in Prachuap Khiri Khan/Thailand cuts fuel prices/Phuket floods/Wildlife attacks in Chanthaburi/Injured leopard cat cubs
- ECONOMY: Thai housing groups seek tax relief/Tale of two economies/Bank of Thailand upgrades GDP /Thailand’s upgraded economic outlook/Interest rate unchanged/Brands warn of more price hikes/Isuzu seeks urgent tax incentives/E-commerce platforms to cut fees/Pet Food Exports Reach $3.28 Billion
- TOURISM: Another Chinese abduction threatens bookings/Flood fears threaten Hat Yai tourism
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Rooftop solar terms too strict/Anutin Defends Solar Program/Kok and Sai rivers pose health risk/To inspect 1,500 waste factories
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
New date announced for Phon Kingphet Park renovations
Renovation work at Phon Kingphet Park in Hua Hin is expected to be completed no later than January, according to assurances given by the contractor during a municipal inspection yesterday. (Editor: Last March, it was reported the renovations would be completed in time for Songkran in April.)
Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul visited the park on Damnoen Kasem Road with municipal executives, the director of the Engineering Department, construction supervisors and relevant officials to check progress. Continued …
Khao Tao Reservoir renovations planned after complaints
Hua Hin municipal officials have outlined plans to repair railings, replace damaged or missing lights and improve cleanliness around Khao Tao Reservoir following complaints from residents.
Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul chaired a meeting on Tuesday after the municipality received a written complaint about damaged railings, litter, dog feces, lighting problems and disorder around the reservoir. Continued …
Weather warning for Prachuap Khiri Khan
A Prachuap Khiri Khan weather warning covering Oct. 28–31 has urged residents to remain alert for heavy rain, strong wind gusts, flash floods and landslides.
The provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Center issued an urgent letter yesterday, instructing district authorities and the municipalities of Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan to prepare for possible impacts. Continued …
Converting Side-Yard Space into a Clean-Water Eel Farm in Prachuap Khiri Khan
Residents of Pak Phraek subdistrict, Bang Saphan Noi District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, have transformed the area next to their houses into a cleanwater eel farm, emphasizing cleanliness, and generating supplementary income of hundreds of thousands of baht per year. Video …
Thailand cuts B7 diesel by 1 baht, gasohol by 50 satang
Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund Management Committee approved reductions in retail fuel prices yesterday, cutting the price of B7 diesel by 1 baht per liter and the prices of E10-95 and E10-91 gasohol by 50 satang per liter, effective from today.
Under the decision, the subsidy for B7 diesel will be reduced by 0.38 baht to 2.93 baht per liter, bringing its retail price down to 42.54 baht per liter. Subsidies for E10-95 and E10-91 gasohol will each be reduced by 0.16 baht to 1.61 baht per liter. Their retail prices will fall by 0.50 baht per liter to 41.54 baht and 41.17 baht, respectively. Continued …
Phuket floods hit Kata Noi and Patong after 15-hour rain
Heavy rain lasting more than 15 hours caused flooding and runoff across parts of Phuket yesterday, with roads near Kata Noi Beach and the Nanai area of Patong among those affected.
The flooding disrupted journeys during the evening rush hour, with officials urging people not to drive through moving water and to move belongings to higher ground. Muddy red water flowed down from the hills and onto the road near Kata Noi Beach in Karon, Muang Phuket district. Continued …
One dead, three injured in wildlife attacks in Chanthaburi
Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has deployed rapid response units to track a hostile wild gaur and monitor elephant movements in Chanthaburi following two separate wildlife attacks yesterday that left one person dead and three others injured.
The first incident occurred when an aggressive wild gaur outside the protected forest zone in Chamhan subdistrict of Makham district attacked local residents, injuring three people. Later that afternoon, officers from the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary were notified of a fatal elephant attack in the subdistrict of Kaeng Hang Maeo district. Continued …
Thai rescue center gives injured leopard cat cubs a second chance
At a government wildlife rescue center in Thailand, dozens of lost and injured baby leopard cats are receiving a second chance at life in the wild. Annual admission of leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) at the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation rescue center in Khon Kaen, in northeastern Thailand, have surged from an average of about 10 cats per year before to 2023 to as many as 65 now.
The cats are being displaced by worsening habitat fragmentation, agricultural burning in sugarcane fields, and increased public use of a government wildlife hotline. Between January and August this year, the facility admitted more than 60 kittens, more than half of them recovered from charred fields with burn injuries. Continued …
Thai housing groups seek tax relief as loan rejections may hit 50%
Three Thai property associations are preparing to seek additional tax relief from Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, as the housing industry warns that mortgage rejection rates could reach 50% in 2026.
Sunthorn Sathaporn, president of the Housing Business Assn., said his association was working with the Thai Real Estate Assn. and the Thai Condominium Assn. on proposals to strengthen homebuyer incentives and reduce developers’ costs. Continued …
Bank of Thailand confirms a tale of two economies – one booming, another struggling
Thailand is a tale of two economies, the Bank of Thailand confirmed yesterday. Technology exports are surging, yet households and smaller businesses remain under severe pressure. September exports jumped 24%, but SME lending continues to contract and household debt is crippling consumption.
Meanwhile, rising oil prices threaten tourism and inflation, with foreign arrivals expected to fall. The Monetary Policy Committee warned that growth remains below potential, despite the artificial intelligence boom. Worse, economic expansion is forecast to slow to 2.1% in 2027. Continued …
Bank of Thailand upgrades GDP growth for 2026
The Bank of Thailand has upgraded its economic growth forecast for 2026 to 3.2%, up from its previous projection of 2.4%. This upward revision is driven by stronger momentum in both exports and private investment.
While the central bank’s new forecast stands at 3.2%, other financial institutions have provided different outlooks; for instance, Tris Rating recently upgraded its 2026 Thai GDP growth forecast to 2%, while the IMF’s revised projection for the year sits at 2.1%. – Bangkok Post AI
What factors contributed to Thailand’s upgraded economic outlook?
Thailand’s upgraded economic outlook is primarily driven by stronger momentum in exports and increased private investment. The Bank of Thailand has specifically raised its growth forecasts due to robust performance in sectors like technology and electronics, alongside a surge in foreign direct investment.
The artificial intelligence boom is a significant catalyst, as the adoption of AI technology and associated investments in data centers and digital infrastructure are expected to unlock new growth sources. Furthermore, central bankers and international organizations have noted that the expansion is supported by resilient goods exports and a faster-than-expected recovery in economic momentum. While structural challenges like high household debt and an aging workforce remain, the current upward revisions reflect a more positive trajectory for the country’s GDP. – Bangkok Post AI
Bank of Thailand keeps interest rate unchanged
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) kept its key interest rate unchanged for a fourth straight meeting yesterday, as widely expected. The central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted unanimously to maintain the one-day repurchase rate at 1.00%.
All 26 economists polled by Reuters had expected the policy rate to remain unchanged, and most financial experts forecast the central bank would hold it there through the end of 2027. Continued …
Brands warn of more price hikes as Iran war costs bite
Consumer goods companies are planning price hikes to cover rising operational costs driven by geopolitical instability and supply chain issues. Major brands including Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, Nestle, and Reckitt have warned that further increases are necessary to offset higher expenses for raw materials, energy, and transportation.
These price increases are largely attributed to the ongoing conflict between Israel and the United States and Iran, which has escalated costs for energy and essential materials. Additionally, companies are facing heightened logistics and transportation expenses, as well as inflationary pressures stemming from global energy supply shocks. Some businesses are also navigating disruptions caused by extreme weather, such as flooding, which impacts the availability and cost of agricultural inputs. – Bangkok Post AI
Isuzu seeks urgent tax incentives to support Thailand’s pickup market
Pickups were long Thailand’s largest vehicle segment, at times accounting for around half the market, before contracting sharply in recent years. For the latest eight-month period, Tri Petch Isuzu Sales said the overall vehicle market grew by 18%, driven mainly by passenger cars and SUVs, while pickup sales were close to the level recorded in the same period last year.
The full-year vehicle market is forecast at 700,000 units, including 140,000 pickups, a figure similar to last year and representing a market share of just 20%. Continued …
Thai Commerce Ministry joins 3 e-commerce platforms to cut SME fees
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said yesterday the ministry had worked with three major e-commerce platforms – Shopee, TikTok Shop and Lazada – to lower sales fees and ease costs for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which had been affected by repeated fee increases since the start of the year.
The measure builds on cooperation overseen by the Trade Competition Commission (TCC), under which six platforms were required to freeze fee increases for six months, from Aug. 27 to Feb. 27, 2027. Continued …
Thailand Targets Global Pet Hub Status as Pet Food Exports Reach $3.28 Billion
Thailand is accelerating its ambition to become the world’s leading exporter of dog and cat food, backed by robust international trade figures and solidifying its position as the global pet industry’s second-largest supplier.
According to the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under the Ministry of Commerce, Thai pet food exports exceeded USD 3.28 billion (111 billion baht) in 2025, representing an 8.15% year-on-year increase. Continued …
Another Chinese abduction and a spat with embassy threaten bookings
A Chinese woman jumped from a moving car to escape kidnappers driving her toward the Burmese border after she was lured to Thailand by an online acquaintance. Police arrested two Thai suspects and are hunting a suspected Chinese organizer. The case follows another Chinese woman’s abduction in August, when four Thai men were arrested.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy’s warnings about kidnappings and trafficking have triggered a diplomatic row. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow initially criticized the warnings but is now seeking direct talks with Beijing. As Thailand scrambles to tackle cross-border criminal networks, tourism chiefs warn Chinese group bookings could plunge 50%. Continued …
Flood fears threaten Hat Yai tourism resurgence
Advance hotel bookings in Hat Yai for the upcoming November and December peak season are significantly slower than usual due to tourist anxiety regarding potential flooding. Many travelers remain wary of a repeat of the devastating floods that occurred last year, which has led to booking rates being between 30% and 50% below typical levels for this period.
The slowdown is particularly noticeable among Malaysian and Singaporean tourists, who are key markets for the city. Although tourism operators are attempting to reassure visitors and some are preparing contingency plans for potential weather disruptions, many travelers remain hesitant to commit to plans without more certainty regarding water management. Local industry representatives are currently urging the government to invest in long-term infrastructure and improved water-management systems to restore visitor confidence. – Bangkok Post AI
Smaller contractors say rooftop solar terms too strict
Small contractors risk being excluded from the government’s 50-billion-baht solar rooftop program due to excessively harsh regulatory frameworks and stringent technical requirements. Industry groups, such as the Thai Photovoltaic Industries Assn., have noted that these rules are particularly disproportionate for small and medium-sized operators.
Financial barriers also present a significant hurdle, as contractors face heavy financial burdens that can make participation nearly impossible for smaller players. For instance, a contractor might be required to have a total guarantee of up to 60 million baht for a relatively small project, which includes an additional 10 million baht to secure a seven-year maintenance guarantee. Furthermore, the lengthy processes involving government coordination, inspections, and final verification before receiving project approvals create severe financial and quality risks for these smaller businesses. – Bangkok Post AI
Anutin Defends Thailand’s Public Solar Program
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has defended Thailand’s “public solar” program against criticism that it favors large businesses, saying it will lower household costs and encourage renewable energy use.
The prime minister said rooftop solar could reduce spending on electricity, increase opportunities for savings and lessen reliance on power generated from fossil fuels. He also said the program promoted renewable energy produced from natural sources. Continued …
Kok and Sai rivers contaminated, pose health risk
Abnormal liver enzymes and thyroid hormones have been found among residents along the Kok and Sai rivers and the households there have to spend an additional 1,800 baht a month to buy clean water for consumption, according to findings by Chiang Mai University.
Recently, the Faculty of Public Health at Chiang Mai University and the Department of Disease Control launched a joint research project by surveying a sample of residents, living along Kok River in Mae Ai district of Chiang Mai, for biochemical indicators in their bodies. Continued …
Thailand to inspect 1,500 waste factories
Thailand’s Industry Ministry will send 50 teams to inspect about 1,500 waste-handling and recycling factories in five provinces from Nov. 2, Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said.
The operation follows repeated public complaints and a serious pollution case in Prachin Buri, where industrial-waste leachate flowed from a flooded landfill into local waterways. Operators found failing to meet required standards will face legal action. Continued …
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French VAT fraud suspect held on Koh Samui – Continued …
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Chiang Mai police arrest four Chinese men over meth – Continued …
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Trang Immigration arrests Lao woman for 482-day overstay – Continued …
US Fed holds rates at 3.75%–4%
The US Federal Reserve voted 10–2 to hold its benchmark interest rate at 3.75%–4% in Washington yesterday, opting to await more inflation data while delivering a stronger assessment of the economy. Continued …
Spain mourns at least 68 dead in second high-speed train crash
A Renfe high-speed train struck a stationary Iryo service in Castilla-La Mancha, south of Madrid, yesterday, killing at least 68 people in Spain’s second major high-speed rail disaster of the year. Continued …
Hua Hin Links and Transport
Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (No. 2) 2025 has been in force since Nov. 8, 2025. Several sections require subordinate legislation, including rules on places where alcoholic beverages may not be sold or consumed, and rules on advertising and publicity.
The head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that the global oil market could enter a “danger zone” in mid-year, after the Iran war disrupted more than 14 million barrels per day of Middle East supply.
Thailand’s national police chief has announced a nationwide crackdown on foreign nominee networks accused of illegally controling businesses and property through Thai proxies. The operation will focus on tracing financial transactions and dismantling networks linked to unlawful foreign ownership schemes across the country.
The Department of Business Development (DBD) is collaborating with the Thai Bankers Assn. and various banks to link their databases to the department’s AI system. This initiative aims to monitor the financial status of Thai nationals co-investing with foreign partners in local companies.
Transport Ministry Accelerates Bangkok Port Overhaul
The government co-payment stimulus scheme “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” is unlikely to benefit mid-sized to large restaurant operators, says the Thai Restaurant Assn., calling on the government to provide support to the neglected segment.
For years, when people spoke of “Chinese people” and Thailand, the image many had in mind may still have been tour groups, buses, and famous tourist districts. But a closer look shows that the relationship between “Chinese capital” and “Thailand” is now changing significantly.
Thailand fruit exports rebound 17.9% in April as durian surges 109%
Thailand has updated its visa-free entry and visa privilege rules for 2026 after the Cabinet approved the cancellation of the 60-day visa-free scheme for 93 countries and territories.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) says surging global fuel prices have led to the cancellation of more than 200 Chinese charter flights to Thailand, prompting the agency to consider extending its Thailand Summer Blast campaign until September.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is enhancing tourism on both domestic and international fronts by promoting weekday travel through special offers on tourism products and services. The project, titled Workation Paradise Throughout Thailand Season 4, is part of TAT’s Workation Thailand campaign.
Every year produces a new set of travel trend reports, and most of them say roughly the same thing. The 2026 edition from Hilton, built on a survey of over 14,000 travelers across 14 countries conducted by Ipsos, is different in one important respect: its findings align almost point for point with what Thailand already does well.
Leopard sighting ‘sign of thriving habitat’
Thai island community rallies to protect beloved dugongs, revive declining seagrass
Wild elephants were spotted gathering at the Pa La-U reservoir in Kaeng Krachan National Park yesterday, with officials counting at least 32 animals at the water’s edge and in the surrounding area.
Thailand’s digital transport landscape entered a new era of regulation yesterday, as the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) enforces a landmark mandate shifting legal responsibility onto ride-sharing platforms.
Chiang Mai has declared wildfire disaster zones in two districts, as worsening forest fires and haze continue to impact northern areas, prompting authorities to accelerate emergency assistance and recovery efforts.
Satellite data shows a record surge in hotspots across Thailand, with 4,750 detected in a single day, most in forested areas, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported yesterday.
Thai food exports fell by 10.5% in the first two months of 2026, with further declines expected as the Middle East war begins to disrupt global trade routes from March. Exports were valued at B202.1 billion, reflecting weak global demand, rising costs and growing trade restrictions.
Business leaders have welcomed Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s new cabinet, expressing hope for a more effective response to a range of economic challenges, from surging fuel prices to broader issues affecting the Thai economy.
Thailand is stepping up efforts to become a regional artificial intelligence hub, after Microsoft pledged a $1 billion investment over the next two years to strengthen digital infrastructure and skills development.
Home improvement is one of the most – if not the most – cyclical of all retail categories, and the one most susceptible to weak consumer confidence. So, it is hardly surprising that, as Thailand’s DIY market, the biggest in Southeast Asia, struggles with weak consumer confidence, household debt, rising energy costs, and an otherwise choppy macroeconomic backdrop, retailers are getting less productivity out of their giant warehouses.
The Bangkok International Motor Show still knows how to stage desire. This year’s edition, running from March 25 to April 5 at IMPACT Challenger, has all the familiar pleasures intact: polished bodywork under hard lights, crowds drifting from stand to stand, and the quiet thrill of being close to machines designed to look smoother, sharper, and more complete than everyday life usually allows.
The tourism sector could lose 15%-17% of revenue if the baht strengthens beyond 30 per US dollar, according to a former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Meanwhile, the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) forecast that bookings for the Songkran holiday this year could drop by 5%-10% year-on-year.
Today, three men and one woman are set to embark on the first crewed journey to the Moon since 1972, a landmark odyssey that aims to launch the United States into a new era of space exploration. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) mission dubbed Artemis 2 has been years in the making after facing repeated setbacks, but is finally scheduled to take off from Florida as early as today at 6.24 pm (2224 GMT). 
At a gas station in the Washington suburbs, drivers confronted the harsh domestic repercussions of the war on Iran, as spiking fuel prices hit household budgets hard. Jeanne Williams, 83, had just driven 160 kilometers from Richmond, Virginia, where she was visiting her elder sister. “That is horrible,” she said, stunned by the prices visible on the gas station’s LED board. 
Thailand to tax under-1,500-baht imported goods
‘Logistics hub of Asia’ efforts prioritized
