- Makha Bucha and total lunar eclipse/Unstable weather for PKK/Family of woman murdered will receive 140,000 baht/PKK food businesses food safety training/Hua Hin Championship Road Race/Run for Salesian Centenary/Revenues Increased After Alcohol Sales Ban Lifted/Reprieve for salt tax/Thai Woman Marries Two Austrians/Gold rush hits Loei
- NEW MIDEAST WAR: ‘Peace’ prsident vows to avenge US deaths/combat operations in Iran will continueIsraeli forces launched strikes on Lebanon/110,000 tHAI Nationals on Alert/Aircraft to Standby to Evacuate Thais/Thailand rolls out energy crisis plan/Urgent Economic Review in Thailand/Oil jumps 13%/What Escalation in the Gulf Could Mean/Strait of Hormuz: why it matters/Thai exports to Iran face risk/Global aviation chaos/AOT says 134 flights affected/Iran’s Search for a Third Supreme Leader
- ECONOMY: Back to the drawing board on US tariffs
- TOURISM: Increased Vigilance at Pai, Chiang Mai Sites/stricter checks at Thai airports/Thailand dental tourism market/Tourism surge meets reality check
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Bangkok vendors: lives on the street front/Essential Tips for Summer Vacation in Thailand/Five Southern Gems for Nature Lovers
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Makha Bucha night to bring a rare total lunar eclipse over Thailand tomorrow
A rare astronomical event, a total lunar eclipse, will take place tomorrow, which also falls on Makha Bucha Day. The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand says the Moon will appear brick-red across the entire disk.
If you miss this viewing, the next one will not happen again until the New Year period, from the night of Dec. 31, 2028, into Jan. 1, 2029. Continued …
Unstable weather for PKK through Friday
A thunderstorm warning has been issued for Prachuap Khiri Khan, with officials urging residents to prepare for thunderstorms and strong winds across the province from tomorrow through Friday.
The Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office said all districts could be affected by unstable weather conditions during the four-day period. Residents are advised to monitor official weather updates and announcements closely. Continued …
Family of woman murdered in Hua Hin will receive 140,000 baht
The family of a woman who was murdered at a hotel in Hua Hin will receive 140,000 baht in compensation, following a decision by a provincial subcommittee last week.
The compensation for the murder victim was approved during a meeting of the Provincial Subcommittee on Compensation for Injured Persons and Compensation and Expenses for Defendants in Criminal Cases, chaired by Sakorn Sitthisak, deputy governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Continued …
PKK food businesses receive food safety training
Food safety training was the focus of a workshop held in Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday, as local food business operators gathered to strengthen hygiene standards and protect consumer health.
The session, organized by the Restaurant and Street Food Vendors Association of Thailand, Prachuap Khiri Khan chapter, took place yesterday at Pranburi Cabana Resort in Sam Roi Yot district. It aimed to raise food safety standards among restaurant owners, street food vendors, and food handlers across the province. Continued …
Hua Hin Championship Road Race attracts 600 cyclists
The Hua Hin Championship Road Race attracted more than 600 Thai and international cyclists yesterday morning, underlining the growing profile of road cycling in Prachuap Khiri Khan and reinforcing Hua Hin’s position as a sports tourism destination.
The second edition of the Hua Hin Championship Road Race was held at Wat Huay Mongkol, which served as the start and finish point for the event. Preeda Sukjai, deputy governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, presided over the opening ceremony. Continued …
Run for Salesian Centenary draws more than 2,000 runners
The Run for Salesian Centenary drew more than 2,000 runners to Hua Hin Wittayalai School yesterday morning, marking 100 years of the Salesian congregation’s mission in Thailand. The charity event aimed to raise funds for scholarships for underprivileged students, as well as new learning equipment to modernize teaching at the school.
Participants competed in 10km, 5km and 3km categories. The route started at Hua Hin Wittayalai School, continued along Soi 88, passed Hua Hin Railway Station and Hua Hin City Municipality, and followed Phetkasem Road toward Amari Hua Hin before returning to the school. Continued …
Revenues Increased After Alcohol Sales 2–5pm Ban Lifted
Since the government canceled the long-standing prohibition on selling alcoholic beverages between 2-5 pm, in a move aimed at stimulating the economy and tourism, the early assessments indicate the change is likely to increase restaurant revenues by more than 20%, after aligning sales hours more closely with tourist behavior.
Information from the Ministry of Public Health, shows that during a two-month evaluation period for December and January, the average hourly rate of drink-driving between 3-5 pm was significantly lower than during the same period last year. The accident-occurrence graph remained stable and did not spike, despite the New Year festival period and heavy travel. Continued …
One-year reprieve for salt tax on snacks
Food manufacturers will be given a one-year adjustment period to reformulate their products to reduce salt content if a sodium tax is introduced, according to the head of the Excise Department.
Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the department, said the proposal for a sodium tax is being considered by the agency. Relevant stakeholders were invited to jointly design the tax measure to ensure the policy is carefully developed, he said. Continued …
Thai Woman Marries Two Austrians in One Ceremony
A 37-year-old Thai woman has drawn widespread attention after marrying two Austrian men in a single ceremony in Prakhon Chai district, Buriram province.
Duangduan Ketsaro, also known as Gig, wed Roman, a retired Austrian police officer and Macky, who is currently serving in the Austrian police force. The trio said they agreed to build a life together after both men fell in love with her. Continued …
Gold rush hits Loei as Mekong villagers pan for treasure amid record prices
A gold rush has swept along the Mekong River in Pak Chom district after gold prices surged to a record 78,400 baht per baht-weight, prompting villagers to flock to newly exposed sandbanks in search of the precious metal.
Over the weekend, more than 150 panning spots were set up along a 10- to 20-meter stretch of riverbank in tambon Pak Chom, including Ban Sri Phuthorn and Ban Hat Bia. With the Mekong’s water level dropping significantly, wide sandbars have emerged, allowing residents to access sediment long buried beneath the river. Continued …
‘Peace’ president vows to avenge first US deaths as Iran war intensifies
US President Donald Trump vowed yesterday to avenge the first US deaths in the war he launched to topple Iran’s cleric-run state, which fired missiles across the Middle East even as the headquarters of its elite Revolutionary Guards was reduced to rubble.
Trump said he was planning for around four weeks of conflict after Saturday’s massive US and Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Continued …
Trump says combat operations in Iran will continue until all objectives achieved
U.S. President Donald Trump warned yesterday that combat operations in Iran were continuing and would carry on until all of Washington’s objectives are achieved.
Trump confirmed three U.S. service members had been killed and said there would likely be more casualties, vowing to avenge the deaths of Americans. Continued …
Israel hits Lebanon after Hezbollah fire, expanding Iran war
Israeli forces launched strikes on Lebanon including the capital Beirut today, the military said, after Tehran-backed militant group Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s supreme leader. The Israeli military said it had “begun striking targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organization across Lebanon”.
The Israeli strikes followed rocket and drone launches from Lebanon, the first attack on Israel claimed by Hezbollah since a November 2024 ceasefire agreement that followed more than a year of war between them. Continued …
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry Puts 110,000 Nationals on Alert as Middle East Crisis Deepens
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened an urgent press conference on Sunday yesterday to address the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Middle East, following Israeli air strikes on Tehran, retaliatory Iranian missile attacks on American military installations across the Gulf, and the confirmed death of Iran’s supreme leader.
Panidone Pachimsawat, deputy director-general of the Department of Information and acting spokesman for the ministry, told reporters that the Thai government is “closely monitoring the situation with grave concern” and has activated a dedicated emergency operations center — dubbed the “War Room” — to track developments around the clock. Continued …
Anutin Orders Aircraft to Standby to Evacuate Thais From Iran
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Air Force commander to prepare aircraft to evacuate Thai nationals stranded in Iran, placing all relevant agencies on 24-hour standby. The order was issued yesterday as tensions in the Middle East escalate.
Anutin warned that the conflict in the Middle East is likely to intensify and could affect the global economy, including Thailand. Although Thailand is not a party to the conflict, he noted that many thousands of Thai citizens live and work in countries across the region. He said Iran and Israel are of particular concern. Continued …
Thailand rolls out energy crisis plan: export curb, alternative supplies
The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which began Saturday, and is expected to continue, has caused oil-price volatility. Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil-shipping route, affecting supply equivalent to 20% of global demand.
At present, Thailand has four crude-oil import shipping routes: 1, Upstream source: Middle East (United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait), via the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, the Arabian Sea, the Strait of Malacca, and the Gulf of Thailand. Continued …
Middle East Tensions Spark Urgent Economic Review in Thailand
As direct military confrontations between the US, Israel, and Iran escalate, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) has joined an emergency briefing with the prime minister to mitigate the fallout for domestic businesses and consumers. Speaking prior to the meeting today, TCC Chairman Poj Aramwattananont issued a stark warning regarding global economic stability.
He noted that significant volatility in energy and financial markets was already being felt and that the private sector was entering the discussions with a clear view of the “grave risks” facing the Thai economy. Continued …
Oil jumps 13% at the open as Middle East war intensifies
Crude oil prices jumped more than 10% on Monday, surging about 13% at the market open as the escalating war in the Middle East rattled global markets. US stock index futures opened sharply lower, while gold climbed alongside oil as investors moved into perceived safe havens.
Bloomberg’s morning market wrap said S&P 500 futures fell nearly 1% at the open and Nasdaq 100 futures dropped 1.2%. Australian equities also opened lower as traders fled risk. Continued …
What Escalation in the Gulf Could Mean for Asia, Thailand, and Global Markets
The rapid escalation of conflict in the Gulf region is once again reminding the world how closely geopolitics, markets, and tourism are intertwined. As military action involving the United States and Israel against Iran reverberates across the Middle East, reports of retaliatory strikes and heightened security alerts have created understandable concern well beyond the immediate region.
While the human and humanitarian implications must always come first, there are also clear economic consequences that merit careful examination, particularly for travel, tourism, and investor confidence across Asia and Thailand. Continued …
Strait of Hormuz: why it matters to global shipping and energy
The rising Middle East tension triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran has intensified to the point of wider fighting, and is now causing turbulence across the global economy — particularly in global exports and the shipment of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has declared the route closed and has banned the United States from sending warships through the Persian Gulf sea lane, following the attack on Iran. Continued …
Thai exports to Iran face disruption risk as conflict escalates; fruit, rubber shipments most exposed
Thailand’s exports to Iran, led by canned and processed fruit and rubber-related products, could face disruption risks as fighting involving Iran, the United States, and Israel escalates, raising concerns over logistics, insurance costs, and payment channels for trade with the region.
Trade data from the Ministry of Commerce shows Iran is a relatively small trading partner for Thailand, but Thai exporters still ship a range of consumer and industrial products to the country. Continued …
Global aviation chaos as Middle East airspace shuts for second day
The conflict involving Iran has sent shockwaves through the global aviation industry after large swathes of Middle East airspace remained closed for a second consecutive day, triggering thousands of cancellations and reroutes and leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded worldwide.
Major Gulf transit hubs — including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha — were shut or severely restricted, disrupting one of the world’s most important east-west travel corridors. Dubai, the world’s busiest international hub, remained closed for a second day, with ripple effects felt as far as Bali, Kathmandu, and Frankfurt. Continued …
AOT says 134 flights affected by Middle East tensions
Airports of Thailand (AOT) said unrest linked to Israel-Iran clashes led some airlines to adjust flight plans, affecting 134 flights across AOT-managed airports. AOT said all six airports remain open and passenger assistance is in place.
AOT said it has been closely monitoring the situation across its six main airports — Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai — and has been informed that a total of 134 flights were affected during the period. Continued …
Iran’s Search for a Third Supreme Leader Amid the Fires of War
The Islamic Republic of Iran has entered its most precarious era of political transition since its inception in 1979. Following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli strike on Saturday, the nation’s unique “theocratic democracy” faces an existential hurdle: appointing a third supreme leader while under active military bombardment.
For nearly four decades, Khamenei ruled without ever publicly designating an heir. Now, the Assembly of Experts — an elite body of 88 senior clerics — must convene to select a successor who meets the strict constitutional requirements: a male cleric of high moral standing with proven political competence and absolute loyalty to the revolutionary system. Continued …
Back to the drawing board for Thailand on US tariffs
A new wave of uncertainty is sweeping through global trade as US President Donald Trump has announced a 10% global tariff, with a potential increase to 15%. This move follows the Supreme Court ruling Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs, started last year, are unconstitutional.
For Thai goods, the US tariff is reduced from 19% to 10%, but the strong baht places Thailand at a disadvantage, with the competitiveness of Thai exports in the US market hinging on production costs. Continued …
ISOC Urges Increased Vigilance at Pai, Chiang Mai Sites
Authorities have stepped up security at symbolic sites in Pai and Chiang Mai following the conflict between Israel and Iran. Col. Phumirat Dusadee, director of the Mae Hong Son office of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), said yesterday that heightened monitoring was under way to prevent potential incidents.
Security has been tightened at the Chabad House in Pai, as nearly 4,000 Israelis are currently residing in the area, and at US-affiliated locations in Chiang Mai. Phumirat said northern Thailand hosts locations associated with Israeli and US interests and attracts large numbers of tourists. Continued …
Passengers advised to prepare for stricter checks at Thai airports
Stricter checks of passengers’ belongings have been implemented at all Thai airports in compliance with safety standards and requirements imposed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has therefore issued a notice this week advising all air passengers to be aware of and well prepared for stricter automated screening of their belongings at checkpoints. Continued …
Thailand dental tourism market reaches 972,000 patients annually
Medical Tourism Corp. (MTC), a Dallas-based international healthcare facilitation organization, has released its Thailand Dental Tourism Market Research Report 2026, a comprehensive analysis of patient demand patterns, competitive positioning, and strategic growth opportunities across six major Thai cities.
The study reveals Thailand’s position as the undisputed leader in Southeast Asian dental tourism, with 972,000 international dental patients annually — a market volume 12 times larger than Vietnam’s emerging sector. Continued …
Tourism surge meets reality check as Pattaya expats warn of premature optimism
Optimism is never in short supply in Pattaya. Every long weekend is called a “boom.” Every busy flight is the start of a “record year.” Every crowded night on Beach Road signals the return of the golden days. But not everyone is convinced.
Following reports of a holiday air travel surge and renewed interest from international markets, some business owners have declared that Pattaya is on the brink of a major comeback. Yet, a growing number of long-term expatriates remain skeptical — especially with escalating tensions in the Middle East clouding global travel confidence. Continued …
Bangkok vendors: lives on the street front
For decades, street vendors have been Bangkok’s heartbeat — feeding office workers, day laborers. and night wanderers alike. Bustling roads and alleys have long been a familiar sight in the city, recognized by many international travel blogs and tourism rankings for its street food culture.
People in the profession, however, have faced recurring challenges. Sivarod is a second-generation owner of Hia Hui Soy Milk in Khlong Toey, a shop that has been serving customers for more than 40 years. The shop once stood on the sidewalk of Ratchadaphisek Road but was recently forced to relocate about 450 meters away under city regulations. Continued …
Essential Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Summer Vacation in Thailand
Thailand’s hot weather often sends people straight to the beach. Whether you are after high-energy activities such as diving and jet skiing, or you would rather unwind by the sea and snap the perfect holiday photos, it is the ideal time to make the most of summer.
Thailand’s summer typically falls between March and May, though the Thai Meteorological Department forecasts that this year’s season will run from late February to mid-May. Continued …
Five Southern Gems for Nature Lovers and Slow Life Enthusiasts
Thailand’s southern region offers travelers an escape into nature and authentic local experiences. From Ranong to Songkhla, these five provinces blend scenic landscapes with community culture, while supporting the regional economy.
Ranong, a tranquil province rich in natural wonders, rewards those seeking wellness and rejuvenation. The renowned Raksawarin Hot Springs (Raksa Warin), located just 2 kilometers from the town center, features natural mineral water reaching 65°C — considered the purest hot spring water in Thailand with no sulphur content. Continued …
- Four Brits Arrested Over Pattaya 2-million-baht Safe Raid – Continued …
- Pattaya Police Arrest Two Indians in Sex Trafficking Case – 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
The body of a Canadian tourist has been found off the coast of Sam Roi Yot, three days after he went missing while swimming in rough sea conditions near Khao Takiab Temple.
A leading luxury drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Hua Hin is set to expand its services with the opening of a new outpatient mental health clinic in the city. Diamond Rehab Thailand, fully licensed by the Thai Ministry of Public Health and founded by Theo de Vries and his wife, Panwadee de Vries, will begin offering outpatient counseling and psychological services at The Hub Hua Hin from January.
The Chatt Hua Hin–Pranburi Pool Villa has been launched by Chatt Asset Co., featuring 78 Thai-style homes on a 43-rai site with a total investment value of more than 1 billion baht.
The Hua Hin Championship Road Race 2026 will take place on Sunday, March 1, bringing competitive and recreational cyclists to the roads around Huay Mongkol for a full day of racing and touring in the Hua Hin area.
A coordinated wave of bombings and arson attacks struck 11 PTT petrol stations across three southern Thai provinces in the early hours yesterday, causing widespread property damage but no reported casualties.
The Customs Department in Thailand is considering a significant increase in import duty rates on low-value goods. The Customs Department deems the current variable rates, averaging around 10%, insufficient to ensure fair competition with domestically produced goods. There are plans to increase the rate to up to 30% in order to establish a more equitable market.
E-commerce entrepreneurs support the Customs Department’s suggestion to raise the import duty rate on low-value goods to promote fairer competition between domestically produced goods and imported products, according to Paul Srivorakul, group chief executive of aCommerce, a Southeast Asia e-commerce enablement company.
Thailand’s experiment with cannabis liberalization is undergoing a profound and contentious recalibration. The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) is advancing a new draft ministerial regulation designed to impose stringent oversight on the sector, a decisive pivot away from the largely unregulated commercial free-for-all that emerged post-2022 and back towards a strictly medical framework.
Effective Jan. 1, the export of fishery products from 12 major Vietnamese fishing grounds to the United States has been officially suspended.
Contractors for rooftop solar installation must register with the Council of Engineers Thailand to enhance consumer confidence on safety, according to the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT).
Thailand needs a new law to help it handle around 400,000 tons of electronic waste a year — including used mobile phones — by recycling the waste for valuable materials, the Pollution Control Department (PCD) said.
A biomass fuel factory in Phrae province has been found to be operating without a required health hazard license, despite ongoing complaints that pollution from the site has caused illness among dozens of nearby residents.
Thai Honda, a leading manufacturer and distributor of motorcycles and multipurpose engines, has unveiled its first electric motorcycle in Thailand, marking a major step in the company’s strategy and positioning the country as a key export hub. The new model, UC3, was designed by a Thai engineer and is scheduled for production at Thai Honda’s local factory.
EU to blacklist 25 more Chinese entities for flouting Russia sanctions
