- New deportation rules take effect/No Thai casualties in Nepal floods/Suvarnabhumi postpones elevated roadworks/100 million baht to Pattaya hospital/Nene Royal heads home/Thai 10-baht coin fetches 2.54 million baht/Can Thailand pay off its Myanmar problem?
- THE IRAN WAR: China’s help critical, but unlikely
- ECONOMY: Thailand exports beat forecasts/Housing market recovers/How will Thailand cope with U.S. debt?/56-story residential tower in Pattaya
- TOURISM: Koh Samui zoo dispute morphs into wider protest/Thailand turns to railways/Koh Larn speedboat crews fight/Thai AirAsia returns to Suvarnabhumi/Udon Thani Airport set for Kunming charter flights/Rise and fall of the superjumbo A380
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: The world’s third ‘Iron Castl/Betong, a small town with some good surprises
- CLIMATE THAILAND: El Niño brewing a new crisis for Thai economy/El Niño sparks drought fears in Chiang Mai
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
New deportation rules take effect today
Thailand has published new regulations setting out how foreign nationals can be deported for immigration, employment and other offenses, as well as conduct considered contrary to public order, morality or public wellbeing. The regulation was published in the Royal Gazette on yesterday and takes effect today.
Under the new rules, the Interior Ministry’s permanent secretary, or a delegated official, must report cases to the Interior Minister where a foreigner is deemed to have acted against public order, good morals or the wellbeing of the public. The minister can then order deportation. Continued …
Foreign Ministry reports no Thai casualties in Nepal floods
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said flash floods and landslides struck areas along Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River on Wednesday, with deaths reported and more than 600 Nepalis and foreign nationals missing. No Thai nationals have been reported injured or killed.
Areas along the Bhote Koshi River suffered extensive damage, particularly to public utilities and infrastructure, while local agencies continued efforts to locate and assist those affected. Continued …
Suvarnabhumi postpones elevated roadworks after backlash
Suvarnabhumi Airport has postponed planned repair and maintenance work on expansion joints along the elevated road serving the passenger terminal following widespread criticism over potential disruption during the tourism high season.
The airport announced on Wednesday that the work, originally scheduled to run from Aug. 31 to April 7, 2027, would be delayed while officials reviewed the timing. Continued …
Anonymous donor gives 100 million baht to Pattaya hospital
An anonymous donor has given 100 million baht to Pattaya Patamakun Hospital in Chon Buri, with the money earmarked for a new six-story premium outpatient and inpatient building.
The government hospital announced the donation yesterday. It said the planned building will provide about 4,350 square meters of usable space. Continued …
Nene Royal heads home to Thailand before AGT finale in September
Nene Royal, the young Thai performer who has captured hearts on America’s Got Talent (AGT), is heading back to Thailand with her family after receiving a warm send-off from fans in Los Angeles.
Among those there to see her off was “Pangpond” from Luv2Eat Thai Bistro, along with representatives of the Thai Association of Southern California, members of the Thai community in Los Angeles, and Thai and Filipino fans. Continued …
1990 Thai 10-baht coin fetches 2.54 million baht
A rare 10-baht Thai coin minted in 1990 has sold for 2.54 million baht at an online auction, despite its face value being just 10 baht. The coin was made for the 16th Mint Directors Conference, held in the United Kingdom in 1990. Only 100 examples were produced, making it one of Thailand’s rarest circulating coin issues.
Coin expert and collector Natthakorn Akkaramanee secured the commemorative coin after 52 bids in an auction lasting 10 minutes and 39 seconds. The sale was the inaugural auction held through the Treasury Coin Market, an electronic platform to sell collectable coins and promote Thai coins as real-world assets. Continued …
Can Thailand pay off its Myanmar problem?
Myanmar’s civil war is increasingly becoming Thailand’s problem. Violence has crossed the border, criminal networks are exploiting the instability, and Thailand continues to shelter tens of thousands of refugees.
Instead of continuing to keep Myanmar at arm’s length, Thailand is now pursuing what it calls “calibrated re-engagement.” The goal is to bring its neighbor in alignment with ASEAN again, while addressing problems that Thailand can no longer ignore. Continued …
China’s help critical, but unlikely, for US to choke off Iran
The United States has threatened the “economic asphyxiation” of Iran, but analysts say that a successful chokehold would require unlikely cooperation from China.
Almost six months into the Middle East war, Washington this week laid out plans to expand sanctions against the Islamic republic, warning that any nation that continued to enable Tehran would become a “global pariah”. Continued …
Thailand exports beat forecasts as imports surge
Thailand’s exports rose 21.6% in July from a year earlier, beating market expectations, while imports climbed even faster and pushed the country’s trade deficit to a record $34.35 billion over the first seven months of 2026.
The Ministry of Commerce reported yesterday that July exports exceeded the 17.7% increase forecast in a Reuters poll. The result followed export growth of 20.8% in the previous month. Imports rose 36.7% year-on-year in July, producing a monthly trade deficit of $3.61 billion. Continued …
Housing market recovers in H1 with transfers soaring 17.6%
The housing market shook off a downturn in the first half of this year with transfers reaching 167,000 units, a 17.6% increase, driven by government measures. Sales of second-hand homes soared, accounting for 63% of the total, reflecting a focus on value for money.
At the same time, purchases by foreign buyers, particularly Chinese, remained weak, except for Russian buyers who have aggressively entered Phuket and Chonburi markets, with their purchases growing by 75.9%. Continued …
How will Thailand cope with U.S. 40-trillion-dollar debt?
The United States’ national debt has surpassed $40 trillion, potentially having a significant impact on global financial markets, including Thailand’s economy.
While volatility in the Thai baht may occur, Pimnara Hirankasi, head of the Research Division and chief economist at Bank of Ayudhya PCL (Krungsri), said this would have the least significant impact on the Thai economy. Video …
Bouygues Construction to build 56-story residential tower in Thailand
Bouygues Construction, through its Thai subsidiary Bouygues-Thai, was selected in June by developer Honour Thailand to design and build the ONCE Wongamat. Standing 239 meters tall, this 56-story tower project in Pattaya will be one of the tallest buildings in Thailand.
The tower is located on Pattaya-Na Kluea Road in North Pattaya. With a total floor space of more than 60,000 m², the building will consist of 548 luxury apartments with high-end finishes. Designed by the Thai architectural firm D103i (Design 103 International), the building will prioritize living spaces and amenities for residents, including five retail areas. Continued …
Koh Samui zoo dispute morphs into wider protest at Israelis and foreigners misbehaving
A bitter dispute involving Israeli tourists at a Koh Samui animal park has exposed a deeper Thai nationalist movement with political connections and access to government. On Monday, Thai Mai Thon, or “Thais Won’t Tolerate It,” took its “Thailand First” campaign to the Israeli Embassy. Its letter cited reported threats, harassment and business disputes involving Israelis in Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Pai.
It demanded respect for Thai laws, customs, property rules and business restrictions. However, embassy staff refused the letter and ordered activists to leave it outside. Meanwhile, politically connected Siam Asa helped park owner Jindarat and her French husband, Kevin, seek police protection over reported threats and a 500,000-baht bounty. Continued …
Thailand turns to railways to boost the appeal of Thailand to foreign tourists
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing to embrace rail tourism as a new vehicle to revive Thailand’s fading appeal. Its plans span low-cost heritage excursions, packaged journeys, premium charters and possible luxury routes developed with Belmond.
The company currently operates premium railway experiences between Singapore and Malaysia. Meanwhile, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has shown that demand for rail adventures already exists. Its new Ayutthaya service, launched on Aug. 1, filled every seat on its first run. Continued …
Koh Larn speedboat crews fight over fares and customers
A group fight involving rival speedboat operators broke out on Tawaen Beach road on Koh Larn, off Pattaya, yesterday. Video shared online showed men who operate the Pattaya-Koh Larn tourist speedboats arguing before punches were thrown in front of beachgoers.
Reports said the dispute stemmed from competition for customers and fare-cutting among operators taking passengers back to Pattaya via Bali Hai Pier. One side was said to comprise speedboat operators based on Koh Larn who have worked in the trade for more than 30 years. The other group reportedly consisted of Pattaya-based speedboat operators who had crossed to Koh Larn to run the same business. Continued …
Thai AirAsia returns to Suvarnabhumi on October 1
Thai AirAsia will resume domestic operations from Suvarnabhumi Airport on Oct. 1, with direct flights to Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi as part of a major increase in fourth-quarter capacity ahead of the year-end high season.
The airline will continue its dual-airport strategy in Bangkok, operating 22 direct routes from Don Mueang International Airport and three from Suvarnabhumi. Its network will also include nine cross-regional routes designed to improve domestic connectivity and support regional economies. Continued …
Udon Thani Airport set for Kunming charter flights from September
Phattrapong Phattraprasit, deputy transport minister, updated the public on the development of regional airports, saying the ministry continues to advance its “Airport for Regional Development” policy to bring safety and facilities up to international standards and support growth in international economic activity.
Alongside the higher standards, Udon Thani Airport is also preparing to welcome international tourists. Danai Ruangsorn, director-general of the Department of Airports (DOA), said Lucky Air was preparing to launch its inaugural charter flight from Kunming in China to Udon Thani. Continued …
The rise and fall of the world’s superjumbo A380
Australia’s Qantas Airways said yesterday itwould begin retiring its 10 Airbus A380 superjumbos from mid-2028, four years earlier than previously planned, as maintenance costs rise and newer, more-efficient aircraft join its fleet. Continued …
Bangkok’s Loha Prasat: The world’s third ‘Iron Castle’
Ratchanatdaram Worawihan is one of the capital’s most distinctive Buddhist landmarks, combining an ancient architectural concept with a striking golden appearance.
The name Loha Prasat translates roughly as “iron castle” or “iron monastery.” The approximately 36-meter-high structure was built during the reign of King Rama III within the grounds of Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan. Continued …
Betong, a small town in Thailand with some good surprises
The first thing that caught our attention in Betong wasn’t a temple, a market or a scenic viewpoint. It was two enormous yellow chicken statues keeping “watch” over a road junction.
My friend and I didn’t think much of it. We’d come across our fair share of unusual attractions while traveling, so we simply drove past them. It wasn’t until we noticed chicken sculptures perched on the nearby lamp posts that we decided it was worth looking into. Continued …
El Niño brewing a new crisis for Thai economy next year
Thailand is staring at the dire consequences of the El Niño phenomenon and below-average rainfall on the economy, as well as the wider impact on society, many experts have warned.
Water levels in dams across the country remain low despite the recent flash floods that inundated Nan province, and both local and international experts say an intensifying El Niño may drag into the first half of 2027. Continued …
Doi Tao Lake runs dry, impending El Niño sparks drought fears in Chiang Mai
The water level in Doi Tao Lake, located upstream of the Bhumibol Dam in Chiang Mai’s Doi Tao district, has dropped significantly, leaving local fishermen and floating restaurant operators high and dry and threatening a major blow to the area’s tourism industry.
The receding waters in Tha Deua subdistrict have left numerous floating restaurants aground. The vast dried-up lake bed has turned into an expansive field of weeds and grass, where local villagers now graze their cattle instead of navigating watercraft. Continued …
Nepal-Tibet floods: More than 1,300 missing as search for survivors continues
Rescue teams rushed yesterday to find more than 1,300 people missing on the Nepal-Tibet border in flash floods and landslides that killed at least 165 and swept away entire villages. Many of the missing are foreign tourists, officials said of the disaster, which the US Geological Survey believe was caused by a glacial collapse that sent a flow of debris engulfing homes along the way. Continued …
Two unstable lakes raise fresh flood fears in Nepal and China
Nepal and China issued fresh warnings yesterday over the risk of further flooding in the Himalayas, as two newly formed lakes on opposite sides of their border threatened to burst in an area already devastated by severe floods this week. Search-and-rescue operations continued across debris-filled valleys and mountain slopes after Wednesday’s flooding swept through border areas of Nepal and China’s Tibet region. Nearly 1,000 people remained missing, while at least 362 deaths have been reported. Continued …
Trump renames Lake Ontario ‘Lake America’ for US federal use
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America” for US federal purposes, escalating an increasingly hostile trade dispute with Canada. The order applies to references used by the US federal government and does not determine what Canada, international bodies, state authorities, private companies or map providers call the lake. Continued …
Hua Hin Links and Transport
Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Thailand’s consideration of an expanded foreign ownership quota for condominium units is being viewed as a possible measure to attract overseas investment, support the property sector, and improve liquidity in a market still facing a slowdown.
Warning signs of a “Super El Niño” are becoming clearer, and Thailand may not have much time left to prepare before the situation escalates from dry spells to drought, extreme heat, and a water-shortage crisis that could last until the middle of next year.
The Thai army is closely monitoring reports of Cambodian tank and military hardware movements along the border, Second Army Area commander Weerayuth Raksilp has confirmed, warning that readiness, speed, and equipment would be decisive if a third round of clashes broke out.
Thailand’s cannabis policy is facing fresh scrutiny after the House Public Health Committee convened a tense meeting to examine whether cannabis should be returned to the narcotics list, as concerns grow over widespread sales, legal loopholes, and public health risks.
Residents have raised alarm over what they describe as a growing army of stray dogs roaming the grounds of Chiang Mai City Hall, saying the animals are intimidating visitors, chasing pedestrians, and creating safety concerns at the government complex.
Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA), revealed that a joint survey with the Bank of Thailand on hotel operator confidence in May found that over 50% of businesses are facing tighter liquidity.
Bypassing Malacca is a bridge too far for Thailand’s ports project
The Finance Ministry is expediting its review of welfare reforms to ensure the benefits target those most in need, minimize duplication across programs, and promote greater participation in the labor force. This approach is based on the concept of a negative income tax (NIT) system.
Is Thailand becoming a welfare state? The answer remains to be seen, given the government’s fiscal constraints. Public debt has risen recently, nearing the statutory ceiling of 70% of GDP.
True Internet Data Center Co., or True IDC, the largest data center and cloud service provider in Thailand under the Charoen Pokphand Group, announced a continuous investment of over 6 billion baht and held a groundbreaking ceremony for its seventh data center in northern Bangkok.
The Thailand Wellness & Healthcare Expo × SPORTEC Thailand 2026 is set for June 24-27, the most complete health, wellness, fitness, and sports event of the year. Taking place across 10,000 square meters at BITEC Bangna, the three-day expo unites 22 innovation zones spanning wellness, spa, longevity, aesthetics, fitness, and sport.
Chiang Mai’s bid to become UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in jeopardy
For decades, Thailand built its economy on the assumption that energy would remain cheap, stable, and someone else’s responsibility. That assumption is beginning to break. Many see this as a threat. It may also be an opportunity.
Thailand’s rapid solar energy expansion has grown from 2.5 megawatts to nearly 5,000 megawatts, supported by government policy and falling costs. End-of-life panel management remains largely unaddressed, however, with projections estimating between 431,000 and 728,000 tons of solar waste by 2050.
Design plans reviewed for Phon Kingphet Public Park
Prachuap Khiri Khan has launched Wellness Tourism 2026 as part of a plan to promote the province as an international health and wellness destination.
Registration is opening for the Wellscape Prachuap Khiri Khan Night Run 2026, an evening health run taking runners through the “City of Three Bays”. The event, organized by Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and the Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports, will take place on Friday, July 3.
Authorities have postponed a plan to impose higher electricity rates on large households with heavy consumption, citing the need to revise how power bills are calculated, says Energy Minister Akanat Promphan.
Thailand’s deputy national police chief has stepped up efforts to crack down on nominee business arrangements and transnational crime in Surat Thani, as part of an urgent government policy aimed at protecting investment, tourism, and national interests.
Five Thai reservoirs above maximum storage levels
Commerzbank’s analysis highlights that global energy market volatility, particularly in early 2026, is exerting substantial downward pressure on the Thai baht. Thailand’s significant reliance on energy imports, primarily crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), means that rising global energy costs directly worsen its trade balance.
Thailand’s property market is sending an interesting signal, as the number and value of “second-hand” homes listed for sale nationwide have risen significantly.
Malaysia and Thailand are edging closer to resolving a tit-for-tat seafood safety dispute, offering a lifeline to exporters after weeks of halted shipments and retaliatory restrictions on Thai shrimp and Malaysian sea bass.
Arnupharp Kongmalai, vice president of marketing at MR. D.I.Y. Holding (Thailand) evealed that the company’s operational outlook for the second half of 2026 continues to be supported by ongoing branch expansion, a value-focused business model, and government economic stimulus measures, which may partially support consumer spending.
TAT Looks to Rail Travel for the Next Chapter of Thailand’s High-Value Tourism
Traveloka reveals Thai destinations gaining global interest
Thai hospitality is world renowned for a reason — a heartfelt service culture anchored in deep cultural roots perfectly complements the kingdom’s spectacular locales. Over the last few decades, luxury here has followed a skyward trajectory that all but erases the country’s “pancake trail” origins, placing destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai firmly on the luxury traveler’s must-visit map.
Police in Vietnam have rescued more than 500 cats after dismantling a suspected cat meat trafficking network in one of the country’s largest animal welfare operations in recent years. The raid, carried out in and around Ho Chi Minh City last week, followed an investigation into a series of pet thefts. Authorities detained nine suspects and uncovered hundreds of live cats allegedly destined for the meat trade. 
The BECC Primary International School has begun construction on a new purpose-built campus off Soi 112 in Hua Hin, with the school scheduled to open at the site in August 2027.
The Kite and Art Festival Prachuap Khiri Khan will take place at Saran Withi Pier from May 15-16, bringing two evenings of kite displays, art and family-friendly activities to the seafront.
Thailand could face a “dual water crisis” in 2026 after the Thai Meteorological Department forecast that El Niño could occur during May to July, putting many areas at risk of water shortages and prompting the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) to accelerate nationwide response plans and monitor 20 branches at risk of shortages.
Thailand’s Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) is pushing ahead with four new rail projects in Bangkok, while accelerating tram developments in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima, with all three provincial tram systems targeted to open by 2032.
From Epic Fury to Project Freedom: Who Pays the Bill for a Blocked Strait?
Oil prices jumped $3 a barrel today as the United States and Iran failed to agree to a peace proposal drafted by Washington, while the Strait of Hormuz remained largely closed, keeping global energy supplies tight.
Thais Feel the Pinch as ‘Single-Dish’ Prices Surge Amid Fuel Price Crisis
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Land bridge faces uphill battle
Kukrit Areepakorn, manager of the Thai Broiler Processing Exporters Assn., revealed that the export situation and prices of chicken are currently declining due to two main reasons: China suspending exports from 17 processing plants, and the Middle East war.
Foreign tourists in Thailand are actively observing the Thai baht’s depreciation against the US dollar, a trend that directly impacts their vacation budgets. The currency opened at 31.77 per dollar, a slight weakening from 31.60, and analysts foresee continued fluctuation within the range of 31.55 to 31.95 as global economic conditions evolve.
Thailand Bets on Revamp of Chaing Mai Hot Springs to Spearhead Wellness Drive
Did you know Thailand is actually the first nation in Southeast Asia to successfully revive its tiger population? While most of the world is losing these incredible big cats, Thailand’s jungles are seeing a serious comeback. We’re talking about a massive conservation effort that’s bringing the king of the jungle back to the Western Forest Complex. It’s a huge win for wildlife and shows a side of Thai conservation history that most people completely miss. 
This Unknown City Wants To Become Thailand’s Next Vacation Hotspot
Why Koh Kut remains one of Thailand’s most beautiful island escapes
Thailand’s energy crisis, sparked by Middle East tensions, has rapidly turned solar power from a green option into an economic necessity. As electricity costs surge, homes and businesses are rushing to install rooftop panels, with demand outpacing supply and installers struggling to keep up.
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) is exploring ways to make loans more accessible for households joining the rooftop solar buyback scheme, aiming to encourage wider adoption of clean energy and help families generate their own electricity.
The Thai Meteorological Department has issued its seventh warning of the year, cautioning that summer storms will continue to affect upper Thailand through Monday, bringing thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, and isolated lightning strikes alongside extreme heat.
Climate change is leaving an increasingly visible mark on the planet, with temperatures continuing to rise year after year. The latest study shows that summer is now arriving earlier and lasting longer, with growing consequences for daily life, urban planning, and infrastructure.
The seven-day Songkran road safety campaign has concluded with a total of 1,242 accidents, 1,200 injuries, and 242 deaths nationwide, with 10 provinces reporting zero fatalities.
A male Indochinese tiger known as “Sri Kosa”, a key figure in Thailand’s wild tiger population, has died of natural causes in the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai forest complex, researchers have confirmed.
President Donald Trump said the United States may allow the ceasefire deal with Iran to expire next week if no deal is reached to end the war by Wednesday. Despite that outlook, Trump said there was also “pretty good news” regarding Iran, but the president declined to elaborate as he spoke with reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington, DC, from Arizona.
The collapse of high-stakes peace talks in Pakistan has sent a chill through global markets, and what happens next is no longer just a geopolitical question. It is a tourism question.
The age of cheap oil is over and Thailand’s rooftops are reflecting that fact. Across homes, garages, and warehouses in the sun-drenched kingdom, the blue-black sheen of solar panels is spreading, as the Iran war has done what years of climate summits could not: turn solar power into a necessity.
Trade between Thailand and the United States surged past US$110 billion in 2025, underlining increasingly strong economic ties between the two countries. But behind the impressive figures lies a long list of trade barriers that Washington wants Bangkok to address in concrete terms.
Thailand’s economy is set to slow again in 2026, with the Asian Development Bank forecasting growth of just 1.8%, down from 2.4% in 2025, and 2.9% in 2024, before a modest recovery to 2.0% in 2027.
The international trade landscape is changing rapidly, with more barriers and the waning influence of certain established international organizations. In response, countries are reducing their reliance on multilateral systems and strengthening economic stability through bilateral and regional free-trade agreements (FTAs).
Thailand has emerged as Southeast Asia’s e-commerce growth engine amid regional market share consolidation. The country has become the standout performer in Southeast Asia’s e-commerce landscape, posting the region’s fastest growth and reinforcing its position as a key battleground for platform dominance, according to a new report released by Singapore-based research firm Momentum Works.
The morning after Bangkok’s biggest Songkran yet
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has unveiled an ambitious vision to transform the city’s Songkran festival into a world-class event, with a strong focus on upgrading infrastructure, improving public space management, and strengthening environmental measures.
Songkran Festival in photos
Mon Songkran rite bathes monks through bamboo channels
Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Guide
Divers clear 500kg of ‘ghost nets’ from around Payang Island
Naresdamri Road resurfacing/Chinese New Year festival in Hua Hin/Ceremony held to honor King Narai/Huai Nam Sap Forest Park festival/Prachuap Valentine’s Day kayaking/Cha Am shooting suspect surrenders/Educational support for underprivileged children in PKK/
Prachuap kayaking for eternal love was the focus of Valentine’s Day celebrations on Saturday, as 14 couples took part in a nature-based activity organized by Prachuap Town Municipality.
Thailand is sliding into another political crisis as questions intensify over the conduct of the Feb. 8 general election. The poll faces a mounting wave of legal challenges across a widening field of disputes. Foremost is the escalating row over barcodes and QR codes, now a serious threat to the already embattled Election Commission’s conduct of the poll.
Witsanu Attavanich, an associate professor of economics at Kasetsart University and an expert in resource, environmental, and climate-change economics, provided an update on Thailand’s flood-drought outlook as of yesterday, saying the country has entered the “mid-phase” of the El Niño phenomenon and is likely to shift into a full El Niño by May 2026 — earlier than previously expected. He said the event could persist until at least February 2027.
The Department of Land Transport (DLT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), is upgrading its service standards to allow motorists aged under 55 to renew their driving licenses online from June.
Department unveils plan for Songkhla Lake bridge
Thailand’s Ministry of Industry has signaled its intent to conclude free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union by mid-2026, despite the current transition to a caretaker government.
Thailand is witnessing not deglobalization but “reglobalization” — a strategic realignment of trade, production, and finance — requiring the country to integrate its economic and foreign policies more closely than ever before, Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said yesterday.
Business operators along the Thai–Cambodian frontier in Trat province are bracing for a prolonged border shutdown, urging authorities to reopen checkpoints while rapidly pivoting toward domestic markets to survive.
The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) expects the tourism industry to be a major driver of GDP growth this year, as flights and arrivals continue to rebound, though rising untaxed online travel agents and illegal foreign operators continue to limit the full benefits of the rebound.
Hotel operators say requesting land and building tax discounts on a yearly basis will not help the business sector reduce its fixed-cost burden in the long run, and urged the government to revise this tax structure to be based on revenue, similar to the previous property tax.
Redefining the future of food
Bangkok has introduced the “EV for Win Riders” initiative to transition motorcycle taxis to electric vehicles. Launched by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and supported by partners like Germany’s GIZ, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, and the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand, the project aims to reduce pollution and operational expenses for riders in the city.
The Department of Energy Business (DOEB) has moved to establish national standards for electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen fuel infrastructure, aiming to streamline investment and ensure safety as Thailand accelerates its transition to clean energy.
Outgoing Thai PM found guilty of neglect of duty over PM2.5 pollution
Expect heavy rain in 42 provinces including Bangkok
El Nino will expose Thailand’s lack of defense against climate change
Survey shows progress in adolescent births, worrying trends in education, child development
Thailand’s foreign direct investment skyrockets with focus on EV industry
PTT puts renewable strategy into overdrive
Thai rice exports poised to hit 9 million tons amid climate anxieties
Myanmar crisis to dominate ASEAN meeting
Turkey gives green light to Swedish NATO membership bid
Germany sends troops to Australia as Berlin shifts focus to Indo-Pacific
Inflation unexpectedly up in June but at slower pace
Fun facts about elephant’s repatriation from Sri Lanka
Drought menacing Thailand threatens global supply of sugar and rice
Why you should never leave a negative hotel review in Thailand
10 dead, 38 wounded in three mass shootings ahead of US July 4 holiday
Approval for Japan’s Fukushima water discharge stirs global debate
Israel’s ethnic cleansing quest continues in Palestine
Pita Catches Covid For The Third Time, Coalition Talks Put Off
El Niño is brewing – and that’s bad news for drought-prone Thailand
Dengue situation could worsen this year, Disease Control Dept fears
Rice export surge: Thailand fast-tracks new varieties to boost global market share
10 best Thailand beaches
Sweltering Heat, Power Cuts In India Overwhelm Hospitals, Death Toll at 170
Ocean warming depleting fish, reducing size: Malaysian study
Iceland suspends whale hunt
Covid bivalent vaccine shows rapidly declining effectiveness against XBB strain
Non-Stop Flow Of Myanmar Refugees To Thailand Amid Fierce Fighting
Bank of Thailand forecasts GDP growth, increased tourism
Digital push woos multinational firms
Recriminalizing cannabis may kill Thailand’s flowering weed industry
China bookings to return to pre-pandemic level by early 2024 – Agoda
Top 15 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui