- Hua Hin beach demolition starting today/EZY Airlines Hua Hin flights/76 deaths attributed to floods/Winter to arrive a week late/Thailand and Norway sign double tax treaty/Air hostess linked to international trafficking ring/Huge python swallows goats
- ECONOMY: IMF warns of economic storms/Energy prices contributing to inflation risks/IMF warns of widening economic gaps
- TOURISM: Thailand’s New Tourism Promise/Major Shortfall in International Arrivals/AirAsia offers 500-baht Discount/Thailand’s top domestic destinations/Baggage search rules take effect/Baggage failure was five times worse/Thailand bets on business events
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Farm land for wind energy projects/How would wind farms lower electricity prices?
- HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin beach buildings face phased demolition starting today
Hua Hin beach demolition work is set to begin today, with contractors preparing to remove parts of 15 waterfront buildings following a final court ruling ordering the return of public beachfront land.
The operation covers structures between Hua Hin Fishing Pier and the Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, beginning with vacant properties and sections that can be dismantled without disturbing residents. Continued …
EZY Airlines Hua Hin flight timetable revealed
An official airport timetable confirms winter flights by EZY Airlines between U-Tapao, Hua Hin and Surat Thani in Thailand from Oct. 25. Services are scheduled on six days weekly, excluding Tuesdays, until March 27.
The announcement gives holidaymakers and business travelers a defined seasonal option between these destinations. Regional Travel now has confirmed routes and operating dates to assess, while wider fleet and network proposals remain separate. Passengers can plan around the published program, subject to checking availability, fares and booking conditions. Continued …
76 deaths attributed to floods since mid-September
Seventy-six people have died across Thailand since mid-September because of flooding, including 25 in Prachin Buri province alone, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
In its daily update yesterday, the department said floods persisted in Bangkok and 20 provinces, mostly in the central plains, but water levels were declining. It said 791,705 families were experiencing difficulties as a result of flooding, with about 2.43 million people affected overall. Continued …
Thailand’s winter to arrive a week late
Thailand’s winter season is expected to begin about a week later than average this year, with temperatures forecast to be warmer than normal and heavy rain posing flood risks in the south, the Thai Meteorological Department said.
Winter in upper Thailand is expected to begin in the third week of October and last until around mid-February 2027. The average minimum temperature across upper Thailand is forecast at 22-23 degrees Celsius, about 2C above the normal average of 19.9C. The season is also expected to be less cold than last year, when the average minimum temperature was 19.6C. Continued …
Thailand and Norway sign new double tax treaty
Thailand and Norway have signed a new convention to eliminate double taxation on income and prevent tax evasion and avoidance during the 2026 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group in Bangkok.
The Thailand–Norway convention aims to bring bilateral tax cooperation into line with international standards, reduce double taxation, and provide greater clarity and certainty for businesses and investors. The agreement is intended to encourage trade, investment and economic activity between the two countries. Continued …
Air hostess linked to international trafficking ring smuggling Chinese nationals in and out of Thailand
A former Chinese airline flight attendant has been arrested in Songkhla as police uncover a suspected international people-smuggling network. The 34-year-old is among five suspects caught in coordinated operations near Malaysia.
Officers intercepted two Chinese men who entered Thailand illegally. Meanwhile, another Chinese woman was found hidden beneath clothing in a vehicle heading toward the border. Crucially, police uncovered a Mexican passport and images of Vanuatu passports linked to Chinese nationals. Continued …
Huge python found after swallowing goats in Suphan Buri
IMF warns of economic storms
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged governments to rebuild fiscal buffers to ensure they can respond to future economic shocks. This recommendation comes as rising public debt and high borrowing costs increasingly constrain the ability of nations to support economic activity during crises.
The warning is part of a broader call for increased fiscal discipline and the implementation of credible medium-term fiscal consolidation plans. Specifically, the IMF notes that the combination of growing public debt, persistent inflation, and energy price volatility has left many economies with limited room to cushion against unexpected disruptions. – Bangkok Post AI
Why are energy prices contributing to inflation risks?
Energy prices contribute to inflation risks through several interconnected economic channels, most notably by driving up the cost of production and transportation for essential goods. Rising fuel costs act as an input cost for businesses, which then pass these expenses on to consumers, thereby increasing headline inflation. Furthermore, volatility in global energy markets, often triggered by geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, can lead to sudden price shocks that destabilize economic growth and put upward pressure on consumer prices globally.
The impact of these energy costs extends to specific supply chain disruptions and increased operational expenses. For example, higher fuel and transport costs have been linked to rising prices for consumer staples like bottled water and palm oil, as manufacturers face higher costs for both raw materials and plastic packaging. In Thailand, the surge in oil prices also places significant pressure on the state Oil Fuel Fund, as increased subsidies are required to stabilize domestic pump prices, which can further complicate the broader fiscal and inflationary landscape. – Bangkok Post AI
IMF warns of widening economic gaps amid an AI investment boom
Global economic growth may hold at 3.1% in 2026, but that resilience rests on increasingly fragile foundations, as investment in artificial intelligence (AI) drives uneven growth and governments confront high debt, inflation and rising energy costs, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva gave the warning at the “Debate on the Global Economy: Forging Resilient and Dynamic Economies for the Future” during the IMF–World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok yesterday. Continued …
Safe, Sustainable, Extraordinary: Thailand’s New Tourism Promise
Thailand wants to be judged not by how many visitors it welcomes but by the value they take home and the value tourism creates for communities and the economy, the head of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said.
Speaking on the CNN Global Perspectives panel “Vantage Point”, presented by TAT, Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool outlined a values-led strategy built on safety, sustainability, extraordinary experiences and what she called Thai-ness. Continued …
Thailand Faces Major Shortfall in International Tourist Arrivals
Thailand is struggling to meet its ambitious tourism target for 2026, with international arrivals reaching approximately 23.94 million, nearly 13 million short of the government’s goal of 36.7 million. Despite strong visitor numbers from China, Malaysia, India, and Russia, foreign arrivals and tourism revenue have declined compared to last year. With concerns over rising travel costs and a proposed departure tax, questions remain about Thailand’s ability to maintain its position as a leading global destination. Video …
AirAsia offers 500-baht Discount Per Booking on All Domestic Routes
To boost domestic tourism during the year-end high season, Thai AirAsia (flight code FD) has teamed up with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to launch the “Fly Across Thailand, Heal Your Heart on Every Trip” campaign. Thai travelers can now enjoy a special 500-baht discount per booking on all domestic routes by applying the promo code FLYTODOM.
This promotion is designed to encourage domestic travel during the festive season. Travelers can apply the code and book their flights through Dec. 15 exclusively via www.airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app, with the travel period running through Jan. 15 2027. Continued …
Thailand’s top rising domestic destinations
Thailand’s domestic travel scene is experiencing a notable shift, with Khao Yai and Koh Chang emerging as the country’s fastest-rising destinations, according to Traveloka’s Q3 2026 SEA Index. Searches for Koh Chang have surged by over 40% year on year, while Khao Yai tops the list of domestic destinations gaining momentum.
The Index, based on Traveloka’s platform insights across Southeast Asia, highlights a growing interest in national park escapes, coastal destinations, and cultural experiences within Thailand. Thipaporn Daungmak, country manager for Thailand and Singapore at Traveloka, noted, “Thailand’s appeal lies in the diversity of experiences within each destination, from its natural landscapes and coastlines to the heritage and communities that give a place its character.” Continued …
Thailand’s new baggage search rules take effect today
New Thailand baggage search rules take effect today, allowing airport security officers to open suspicious checked luggage without passengers being present.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) confirmed that the measures apply when X-ray screening identifies suspicious objects, prohibited items or potential aviation security threats. The changes aim to strengthen airport security while reducing flight delays caused by locating passengers before their bags can be inspected. Continued …
Thai Airways now says baggage failure was five times worse than admitted
Thai Airways has admitted its September baggage crisis was five times worse than first reported, with 25,000 bags stranded and over 200 flights cancelled. Now, the board has seized control, ordering worldwide luggage deliveries and automatic passenger compensation.
Meanwhile, a senior police general is investigating management failures, including staff shortages, defective equipment and delayed emergency responses. Passengers stranded in Bangkok and left without luggage across Europe and Australia face continuing uncertainty. Despite restored operations, Thai Airways must now fund global baggage recovery, compensate passengers and answer for the failures. Continued …
Thailand bets on business events to boost tourism
Thailand is turning to MICE tourism – meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions – to revive its tourism industry amid declining visitor arrivals, safety concerns and a stronger currency. With Bangkok rising in global rankings, the country is betting on international business events to attract more visitors and boost economic growth. Video …
Call for use of farm land for wind energy projects
Energy investors are urging the government to permit wind farm development on Sor Por Kor agricultural reform land to lower electricity prices, strengthen energy security, and improve farmer incomes. Industry representatives from the Thai Wind Energy Assn. (AEWiahT) argue that these specific lands could play a key role in expanding Thailand’s renewable energy capacity.
The move is seen as a practical option to address weak wind conditions in the country, while leveraging areas with strong wind resources. While the Agricultural Land Reform Act has already been amended to allow renewable energy projects on such land, investors have previously faced obstacles due to land-use regulations that limited development to purely agricultural purposes. – Bangkok Post AI
How would wind farms lower electricity prices in Thailand?
Wind farms could lower electricity prices in Thailand by reducing the country’s dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is subject to costly spikes in global market prices. Additionally, wind energy can serve as a complementary power source by generating electricity at night, which helps improve the overall reliability of the national power system.
Industry representatives from the Thai Wind Energy Assn. argue that expanding wind capacity is a key element in growing Thailand’s renewable energy potential. By allowing wind farm development on Sor Por Kor agricultural reform land, investors say the country can strengthen energy security while simultaneously helping to lower electricity costs. – Bangkok Post AI
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
Hua Hin ready to clear beach after decades-long dispute
Thai teenage rock musician Nene Royal is extending her breakthrough on America’s Got Talent into US television appearances and major concert opportunities, days after becoming the first Thai contestant to win the competition.
Iran offered a plan to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Tehran said yesterday, but within hours reports indicated that US President Donald Trump rejected the proposal.
With the Iran war causing energy prices to spike across most of Southeast Asia, governments in this region are accelerating the roll-out of renewable energy policies, according to report by Zero Carbon Analytics, a research group focused on energy transition.
Thailand’s customs-cleared exports rose 24.3% in August from a year earlier, driven by strong shipments to the United States and continuing demand for electronics, the Commerce Ministry said yesterday.
Speaking at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a statement under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All,” marking 80 years of Thai membership in the organization.
For most of the past two decades, the Thailand-China relationship was defined by trade volume and Chinese manufacturing relocation. Increasingly, it is defined by something else: the transfer of Chinese technology, standards, and industrial know-how directly into the operating base of the Thai economy.
Thailand is preparing to open its 26th petroleum exploration and production bidding round in the Andaman Sea as part of efforts to increase domestic gas supplies, reduce dependence on costly liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and strengthen long-term energy security.
Thailand is developing a risk-based legal framework for artificial intelligence that focuses on enhancing digital accountability, consumer protection, and ethics. These regulations aim to establish safeguards for AI adoption and development while addressing potential risks such as bias, security, and privacy.
Phuket has been voted the leading wellness destination by Canadian travelers in Air Canada Vacations’ 2026 Travelers’ Top Picks Awards. The result was announced at the company’s Toronto Product Launch at Universal Event Space in Toronto, Canada.
Those darn elephants! Being the smallest means you’re never walking alone
How the ‘Three-Water City’ is rewriting the rules of travel
Australian expat Jay Houston says he has cut his rent to a quarter of what he paid in Australia after moving to Thailand, and is now running an online business to help other Australians make the move.
Phuket expects this year’s Vegetarian Festival to generate at least 1.4 billion baht in economic activity. Visitors from Thailand, China, Malaysia, and Singapore are expected to be the primary groups attending the festival.
Thailand recorded the highest electrified vehicle (xEV) sales among ASEAN-6 markets in the first half of 2026, with volumes rising 47% year on year to 206,000 units, according to PwC. Sales outpaced Vietnam at 127,000 units and Indonesia at 114,000 units, reinforcing Thailand’s position as a leading regional hub for electric mobility.
US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday for a lavish summit that was heavy on symbolism but light on substance, with no sign of breakthroughs on thorny issues such as AI, trade, Taiwan and the war with Iran. 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a combative speech at the 81st United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, defending Israel’s actions in the region as dozens of delegates walked out of the chamber in protest.