- Some beachfront buildings still locked/Nationwide border crackdown/More rain for PKK/Super El Niño effect could worsen PM2.5/Five exemptions to alcohol sales ban/Pattaya’s flood drainage plan
- ECONOMY: Inflation at 45-month high/Revised GDP/Seven-tier rules for data centers/86% of Thais are not ready for retirement/Mercedes-Benz Reaffirms Thailand Asian Hub
- TOURISM: Compare fares and extra fees/Bomb threats hamper European fliers/What we know about the bomb threats/Thai children must show birth certificates/E-gates leave many visitors waiting
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thai Spicy Salad/Foreign tourists flock to Koh Mak/Thailand tops Wanderlust’s list/Royal barges mark birthday
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Warmer ocean puts us all at risk
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Some beachfront buildings still locked, protected by lawsuits
Hua Hin municipality is pressing ahead with beachfront demolitions where owners have consented to the work, while awaiting court rulings before proceeding at properties affected by legal disputes.
Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul inspected progress yesterday, as contractors used machinery to break up concrete surfaces and demolish structures near the Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine. Continued …
Thailand orders nationwide border crackdown on Monday
Thailand’s Department of Provincial Administration has ordered tougher security measures across all border districts, with new checkpoints and interception operations due to begin on Monday.
The campaign targets narcotics, illegal goods, unlawful border crossings and other offenses, following an urgent directive issued on Thursday by Naret Khosasihavilai, director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration. Continued …
More rain forecast for PKK
Very heavy rain is expected tomorrow in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, and Narathiwat, while heavy rain will affect Prachuap Khiri Khan, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Phatthalung, Pattani, Yala, Trang, and Satun.
On Monday, very heavy rain is projected for Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, and Narathiwat, with heavy rain forecast for Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Yala, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. – The Nation
Super El Niño effect could worsen PM2.5 next year
The Ministry of Public Health has warned that the “Super El Niño” phenomenon could worsen Thailand’s PM2.5 air pollution situation next year, especially in 40 high-risk provinces, including Bangkok.
(Editor: Readers can check PM2.5 levels daily with the link provided on this site.)
The ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, Dr. Sarawut Boonsuk, said yesterday the potential development of a Super El Niño, which would lead to prolonged drought conditions, suggests that PM2.5 pollution may become more severe than in previous years. Continued …
Thailand confirms five exemptions to alcohol sales ban on Buddhist holidays
Thailand has issued revised regulations allowing alcohol sales at five categories of venues on major Buddhist religious holidays, while maintaining the general prohibition at other establishments.
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The notification, issued by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee, was published in the Royal Gazette yesterday and takes effect today. Continued …
Pattaya sets 2.75-billion-baht flood drainage plan
Pattaya City has secured a special budget of about 2.75 billion baht for a four-phase drainage program intended to reduce flooding across key parts of the resort city.
Mayor Poramet Ngampichet told Pattaya City Council on Thursday that the work is scheduled to run from 2027 to 2030. Once complete, the upgraded network is expected to handle rainfall of up to 130 millimeters an hour, compared with around 70mm currently. Continued …
Energy prices push inflation to 45-month high
Thailand’s headline consumer price index (CPI) rose 3.9% in October from a year earlier, driven by higher fuel prices, which accounted for 56% of inflation.
Higher vegetable prices, caused by flooding in key vegetable cultivation areas in October, also contributed to inflation. The impact was temporary, however, with fresh produce prices gradually returning to normal by the end of the month. Continued …
Bank of Thailand boss sees revised GDP data growth of up to 2.9%
Thailand’s economic growth could jump to 2.9% after sweeping revisions to factory output figures, Bank of Thailand Gov. Vitai Ratanakorn revealed on Thursday. Meanwhile, the central bank has raised its export growth forecast to 22%.
However, US President Donald Trump’s crushing midterm election setback has thrown fresh uncertainty over US tariffs, Bangkok’s pending trade deal and possible renewed American-Israeli strikes against Iran. The Thai Chamber of Commerce sees opportunities for exporters as Democrats seize Congress. Yet, Washington’s next moves remain uncertain, with oil prices already falling 9% amid expectations of easing Middle East tensions. Continued …
Thailand plans seven-tier rules for data centers
Thailand’s Cabinet is due to consider a proposed policy that would classify data centers into seven categories according to electricity use, imposing tougher conditions on the largest facilities.
The proposal is intended to regulate the fast-growing sector more systematically, while balancing Thailand’s drive to attract artificial intelligence investment against the need to protect resources and social interests. Continued …
Economists warn that 86% of Thais are not ready for retirement
A recent report by leading economists has raised significant alarms regarding the retirement preparedness of the Thai population, revealing that a staggering 86% are unprepared for their retirement years. This stark figure underscores the urgent need for financial education and planning, as the aging population faces increased longevity and healthcare costs.
With traditional family support systems becoming less reliable due in part to urbanization and changing social dynamics, the financial security of future retirees is more precarious than ever. Continued …
Mercedes-Benz Reaffirms Thailand as Core Southeast Asian Hub
German luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz has reaffirmed its long-term strategic commitment to using Thailand as a key regional production hub and pillar for its Southeast Asian business, using the domestic launch of its newest top-end luxury sedans to highlight the critical role local manufacturing plays in its global operations.
Senior global and regional executives yesterday outlined how local production capabilities shield the brand from shifting tax landscapes while serving as an engine for electrified transformation across the region. Continued …
Compare fares and extra fees before booking New Year domestic flights
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has advised passengers to book early for the 2027 New Year holiday, after a survey of eight domestic routes found that lower-priced tickets remained available on some flights but were limited in number.
The survey used prices recorded on Nov. 2 covering flights from Bangkok to Phuket, Hat Yai, Trang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Nakhon Phanom. Continued …
Bomb threats hamper waning European fliers
Bomb threats targeting several European flights on Thursday are likely to further disrupt long-haul tourism during the high season, following a 20%-30% market contraction due to soaring travel costs.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) is urging the government to incentivize 300 flights from China and Russia, targeting 2.25 billion baht in revenue from 45,000 tourists, while restoring confidence in the Chinese market amid a travel alert issued by the Chinese embassy. Continued …
What we know about the bomb threats to European flights
This is, in the long term, going to lead to higher costs for passengers. It’s very disruptive, of course, for operations because a sweep of the plane after a bomb threat means unloading passengers and baggage, thoroughly searching the aircraft, and reloading, and that can, in turn, push crews past their duty limits, leading to more missed connections and cancellations. Video …
Thai children under 18 must show birth certificates to leave Thailand
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has tightened checks on Thai children under 18 leaving the country, and adults traveling with them must now prove their relationship with a birth certificate and, in most cases, a consent letter.
Immigration Bureau Commissioner Nopsin Poonsawat said the screening focuses on whether the adult has a genuine link to the child, and its aim is to prevent human trafficking, cross-border child abduction and children being taken out of Thailand unlawfully. Continued …
Thailand’s e-gates leave many visitors waiting
Thailand has installed dozens of electronic immigration gates at Suvarnabhumi Airport to help travelers clear passport control faster. The automated e-gates look crisp, modern, and promising. Following recent expansions by the Thai Immigration Bureau to speed up queues, hopes were high that long airport waits would finally become a relic of the past.
The idea is simple. Scan an e-passport, look into a camera for a biometric facial check, and walk through without waiting to see an immigration officer. It is a familiar system for travelers who have used e-gates in many other parts of the world. Ideally, a person using one of these gates could breeze through immigration in under a minute. Continued …
Street food: Authentic Thai Spicy Salad
Watch how they prepare this authentic Thai spicy salad. This dish is known as “Yum Moo Sab” (spicy Thai minced pork salad), a local favorite in Thailand. The star of the dish is savory minced pork, which is mixed with fresh herbs, onions, and chili, then tossed in a vibrant, spicy, and sour lime dressing. It is super convenient to buy from street stalls, as the vendor quickly mixes it up and packs it neatly in a bag to easily take home. A perfect street food experience! Video …
Foreign tourists flock to Koh Mak in Trat for longer island holidays
Koh Mak in Trat province is attracting more foreign tourists for extended holidays as the island enters its peak travel season, with improved ferry connections making it easier for visitors to travel between nearby islands.
Nol Suwajnanon, president of the Koh Mak Subdistrict Administrative Organization, said foreign visitors account for approximately 70% to 80% of tourists on the island, with many choosing to stay for more than two weeks. Continued …
Thailand tops Wanderlust’s 2026 food destinations
Thailand has been named the world’s most desirable country for gastronomy at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2026, taking the Gold Award after rising from eighth place last year.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool collected the award on Wednesday at Maritime Greenwich in London, during the 25th anniversary Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. The result places Thailand ahead of Italy and France in the food tourism category. Continued …
Royal barges mark birthday
People gathered along the banks of the Chao Phraya River yesterday to watch the Royal Barge Procession and the royal kathin presentation ceremony, held to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s 48th birthday.
The procession traveled from Wasukri Pier to Wat Arun, where the royal kathin robes were presented. Kathin is a Buddhist tradition in which laypeople present robes to monks during the month following the end of Buddhist Lent. Continued …
A warmer ocean puts us all at risk
For over 30 years, Pacific island countries have issued the same warning at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference: the warming ocean threatens not just food and energy security, but global survival itself.
And almost every year, our warning has been treated as a regional problem, a challenge confined to remote small islands and thus not warranting more than lip service from international leaders. Continued …
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Chinese suspects held in Pattaya 100-million-baht scam raid – Continued …
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Russian Arrested for Illegal Tour Guiding in Phuket – Continued …
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Myanmar couple held in Phatthalung over 629-day overstay – Continued …
Protests spread across Europe over AI data center expansion, environmental concerns
More than 100 activists entered a Microsoft AI data center construction site in Amsterdam yesterday, climbing cranes and hanging balloons. The action opened two days of protests planned in 16 countries by the Stop Dirty Data Centers coalition, which wants construction paused until governments set clearer rules. Continued …
German carmakers hit a dead end as China drives past
After decades of making bumper profits in China, Germany’s carmakers have run out of road and sales have slumped dramatically, forcing painful job losses at home. Volkswagen’s woes in China pushed Europe’s largest carmaker to a €5.8-billion (US$6.5 billion) loss for the three months to end-September. Continued …
Singapore Airlines to splash $1.6 billion on luxury long-haul cabins
Singapore Airlines, long a benchmark for premium travel, is spending more than $1.6 billion to upgrade long-haul seats and provide larger double-bed suites to compete with rivals that are pouring money into high-end cabins. 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
Criminal warnings issued on beach demolitions
Proud Group and its partners have launched a tourism campaign worth more than 90 million baht, offering free sports sessions, water park admission and beachfront fitness activities to promote Hua Hin as a wellness lifestyle destination.
Four international tennis tournaments in Hua Hin will offer more than two million baht in prize money this November and December, with the first men’s main-draw matches starting on Monday.
Thailand’s Ministry of Energy has pledged to consider proposals to reduce fuel prices and reform the country’s oil-pricing structure following demands from transport and logistics operators. Officials received the demands at a protest outside the ministry in Bangkok yesterday.
PTT Oil and Retail Business, which operates PTT Station, and Bangchak Corp. cut Bangkok prices for standard gasohol 91, gasohol 95 and E20 by 0.70 baht a liter today. PTT Station also cut regular petrol by the same amount to 50.33 baht a liter.
The National Security Council (NSC) has urged the public not to panic or stockpile food, saying domestic supplies remain sufficient despite rising global tensions.
Thailand is preparing evidence that could lead to the revocation of Thai citizenship for another three foreign businessmen, Justice Minister Rutthaphol Naowarat said following a ten-agency meeting in Bangkok yesterday.
A Thai-French female streamer has drawn more than two million views after posting footage of a confrontation with a convenience store employee near Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya.
Gold bullion in Thailand closed at a selling price of 64,400 baht per baht-weight yesterday, according to the Gold Traders Assn. The quotation for 96.5%-purity gold was 1,900 baht, or 3.04%, above the Nov. 3 close.
Thai business leaders and market analysts say the Democratic sweep in the US midterm elections could improve conditions for Thailand, by placing greater checks on President Donald Trump’s policies and encouraging capital flows into emerging markets.
Thailand’s economy is expected togrow 2.4% to 2.6% this year, up from a previous forecast of 2.1% to 2.5%, a leading business group said yesterday.
The European Union has pitched itself as a “trusted and long-term partner” for Thailand’s economic transformation, with its ambassador saying a free trade agreement (FTA) now under negotiation could anchor deeper investment, technology transfer and a shift toward a greener, higher-value economy.
Thailand is accelerating petroleum exploration both onshore and in the Andaman Sea as it seeks to increase domestic energy supplies and reduce reliance on imports amid continued volatility in global fuel markets.
Thailand’s rice exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) more than doubled to approximately 1.25 million tons in the first nine months of 2026, as stronger purchases from the Philippines and Malaysia helped offset declining shipments to Iraq, according to the Department of Foreign Trade.
CP Axtra, the operator of Makro and Lotus’s wholesale and retail businesses, plans to develop 78 projects in 2027, including opening new locations and renovations of existing stores across 37 provinces.
Automatic passport control extended to 33 countries
Sky ICT plans Suvarnabhumi humanoid robot trial
Doctors and nurses in Thailand fear eating KFC on shift because of a long-standing medical superstition known as the “KFC Fried Chicken Curse” (or “เวรเยิน” / wen yern, meaning a disastrously busy shift).
Bangkok lists 16 Royal Barge Procession viewing points for tomorrow
Iran’s government savored the stinging rebuke delivered to Donald Trump in the midterm elections, declaring voters had rejected the war launched by the US president even as Tehran remained on high alert for the possibility of renewed strikes. 
The Bank of England is expected to raise its benchmark interest rate today for the first time in more than three years, as soaring energy costs push up global inflation. The BoE is forecast to tighten borrowing costs by a quarter point to 4.0%. 
Google has said it will switch off its AI tools for schoolchildren by default, after drawing criticism for pushing artificial intelligence features to students while schools are still debating how the technology should be used in classrooms. 
Thai carrier Ezy Airlines has launched its second scheduled route, offering nonstop Surat Thani–Hua Hin flights. Cessna aircraft will serve this route twice daily, although service will not be offered from Tuesdays to Thursdays. The first flight is scheduled on Nov. 7. The airline also operates Surat Thani–U-Tapao Airport twice daily, except for Tuesdays trough Thursdays). – Aeroroutes
Charoen Pokphand Group Senior Chairman Dhanin Chearavanont has given young Thai guitarist Nene Royal a gold Buddha image and his blessings as her family prepares to move into a luxury condominium worth 35 million baht (US$1.2 million).
TMD warns of thunderstorms across 41 provinces today
Thailand has warned farmers, people with diabetes and residents in flood-prone areas to take precautions against melioidosis, also known as soil fever, after recording 3,102 cases and 136 deaths nationwide this year.
Thailand’s digital economy is forecast to reach US$72 billion, or approximately 2.43 trillion baht, in gross merchandise value (GMV) in 2026, growing 19% despite economic challenges, according to the e-Conomy SEA 2026 report by Google, Temasek and Bain & Co. The report projects that GMV will rise to US$104 billion by 2030 and US$167 billion by 2035, with compound annual growth of 10%.
Bangkok’s condominium market may take another two to three years to return to normal, with more than 65,300 unsold units in the capital worth a combined 370 billion baht.
Bangkok ultra-luxury condos could top 1 million baht per square meter
Inside a modern seafood processing plant: from boat to shelf
Food industry expansion slows amid surging costs and weak consumer spending
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Wildlife Sanctuary covers a vast area of 24,500 square kilometers, stretching from volcanic plains to the Red Sea coast. Although this area represents only 1% of the country’s land and 1.8% of its marine land area, it is home to more than 50% of all species in Saudi Arabia, distributed across 15 diverse ecosystems. 
Thai teen Nene Royal wins AGT 2026 title
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.