- Hua Hin waterfront public space under consideration/Hua Hin Film Club/Nene Royal set for America’s Got Talent final/China’s robot dancers to compete with Nene//Seniors urged to use traditional Chinese medicine/Young leopard in Kaeng Krachan forest/Households face rising health costs/Bangkok warns over rising water/Objectives of Thailand’s new postal law
- THE IRAN WAR: Thailand braces for LNG supply squeeze/Fuel tax cut mulled/Supply issues driving diesel prices upward/Saudi attack dents Mideast market
- ECONOMY: Thailand weighs cost-of-living aid/Thai PM Targets Global Investors/Thailand and US agree trade deal/Data centers to shift beyond Bangkok
- TOURISM: Vietnam is taking Thailand’s quality tourists/Malaysia and Japan lead tourist arrivals/Phuket Old Town’s Revival
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Driver nearly hits Khao Yai elephants/Thailand named Asia’s top beach destination/Life of a Thai undertaker
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand solar panel imports surge/Dirty air is costing Thailand
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/Rising tensions lead to deportation order
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin waterfront public space under consideration, after demolition
Hua Hin municipality is considering recreation and exercise areas, parking and a wider road for the Hua Hin waterfront, where demolition is scheduled to begin on Friday.
Future development plans have not been confirmed. Public consultation and input from stakeholders would be required to determine how the area should be developed. The proposals concern the stretch of waterfront between the fishing pier and Thap Thim Shrine, where buildings currently include restaurants, cafés, accommodation and homes.Continued …
Hua Hin Film Club to screen The Imitation Game
The Hua Hin Film Club will screen The Imitation Game at Sundance Beach Club on Sunday, Oct. 18, with actor David Charkham joining the evening as a special guest. The event begins at 6.30 pm and will include a conversation with Charkham, who appeared in the film.
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as British mathematician and codebreaker Alan Turing, alongside Keira Knightley, The Imitation Game follows Turing and his colleagues at Bletchley Park as they work to decipher Germany’s Enigma code during the Second World War. Continued …
Nene Royal set for America’s Got Talent final
Thai teenage performer Rattikan Amloy, better known as Nene Royal or Nong Praew, is due to compete in the final of America’s Got Talent 2026 in the United States. The 16-year-old artist from Phuket, will take to the stage at 7 am Thailand time tomorrow. The winner of this year’s competition is expected to be decided shortly afterwards.
Nene’s run on America’s Got Talent has already won the attention of judges and viewers. She made an impression with her performance of Zombie, then received a Golden Buzzer in the quarterfinal for Black Hole Sun, taking her through to the final. Continued …
China’s robot dancers limber up for America’s Got Talent final
Chinese street dancer Wu Yufei has spent most of his 13-year career performing solo, but this year, he found some new partners – a crew of robots with sleek moves.
The 27-year-old Sichuan native, together with his fellow robot performers, has made it to the final of “America’s Got Talent” (AGT), a stage he had been hoping to reach for years. Continued …
Seniors urged to use traditional Chinese medicine to slow cognitive decline
Older adults are being encouraged to adopt traditional Chinese medicine practices to help maintain brain health and slow the progression of cognitive decline. These recommendations include daily activities such as eating foods like black sesame seeds, goji berries, and walnuts, as well as engaging in regular exercise and social interaction.
The underlying logic for these practices is rooted in the connection between the brain and the kidneys, as traditional Chinese medicine views these organs as being closely linked. Experts suggest that managing energy flow and blood within the kidneys can help mitigate the emotional and memory changes associated with aging. In addition to dietary and physical habits, other suggested activities to stimulate the brain include learning new skills, listening to music, and practicing relaxation techniques.
Young leopard makes rare daytime appearance in Kaeng Krachan forest
A young leopard has been photographed walking along a road in Kaeng Krachan National Park, providing encouraging evidence of a healthy forest ecosystem and abundant food sources for large predators. Park officials examined the animal’s appearance, behavior and size and identified it as a young leopard that had not previously been recorded in the park’s photographic database.
The daytime appearance, particularly the animal’s apparent lack of fear around people, has drawn attention from conservation officials. They said the sighting indicates that the Kaeng Krachan forest has suitable hunting grounds and sufficient food to support the growth and reproduction of large wildlife. Continued …
Households face rising health costs
Thailand’s healthcare spending is projected to grow by 4%-7% annually through 2030, primarily driven by an aging population, rising medical costs, and advancements in medical technology. This growth is further influenced by the increasing need for preventive healthcare and the expansion of the wellness and medical tourism sectors.
The demographic shift toward a super-aged society is a significant driver, as the proportion of people aged 60 and over is expected to reach 20% by 2030. Additionally, rising costs for pharmaceutical essentials and medical equipment, alongside the integration of high-tech medical innovations, are contributing to higher expenditures. While the government currently manages various schemes like the Universal Coverage Scheme, analysts suggest that households may eventually bear a larger share of these rising costs as state capacity faces pressure.
Bangkok warns Chao Phraya residents over rising water
Bangkok authorities have warned people living and working along both banks of the Chao Phraya River to prepare for higher water levels as releases from Chao Phraya Dam are increased.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said the river could rise by 0.61 to 1.50 meters from its present level, with low-lying areas outside flood embankments, riverside communities and other vulnerable locations at risk of inundation. Continued …
What are the primary objectives of Thailand’s new postal law?
The new postal law in Thailand aims to address regulatory gaps and market distortions within the country’s growing delivery and logistics sector. A primary objective is to ensure equal access to basic postal services for all citizens, preventing these essential services from falling under the control of purely commercial delivery and logistics providers.
The proposed legislation also seeks to establish a central regulatory body to function as an independent authority, fostering fair treatment among market participants and creating a more natural regulatory framework. By addressing previous imbalances in the regulatory structure, the law intends to stabilize the industry and prevent price distortions that can occur through aggressive competition. Additionally, the reform aims to align Thai standards with international practices, such as those found in Europe and Asia, to support the growth of the industry without stifling it.
Thailand braces for LNG supply squeeze as prices near Russia–Ukraine war levels
The Strait of Hormuz crisis has driven LNG prices to US$28 per million British thermal units, putting pressure on Thailand’s public and private sectors to undertake a major review of their energy strategies. The response ranges from adding “flexibility” to the energy-security framework to accelerating domestic gas exploration, advancing small modular reactor technology and restructuring major energy companies.
Poonpat Leesombatpiboon, secretary-general of the Office of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), said geopolitical instability was accelerating a global reassessment of energy policy. The definition of energy security needed to expand beyond ensuring adequate supplies to include adaptability and flexibility. Continued …
Fuel tax cut mulled amid energy crisis
The Thai government is considering reducing fuel excise taxes to alleviate the cost-of-living pressures currently facing the public due to the ongoing energy crisis. This measure is being discussed as a way to provide relief to citizens while managing the broader energy situation.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas noted that any reduction in fuel excise tax must be implemented carefully to avoid creating a cycle of energy crises. Beyond immediate relief, officials are also looking at ways to stabilize the country and ensure public benefits are maximized. The government is currently assessing fiscal space for the next year to determine the most effective timing and scale for such measures.
Supply issues, attacks on refineries driving diesel prices upward
Prices at the pump for diesel and other fuels are hitting fresh highs in many countries as the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine have not only choked off crude supplies, but also damaged refineries, with the resulting capacity constraints increasingly being felt, according to analysis out of France.
French officials recently estimated that the global market is missing about 10 million barrels of crude oil per day. It is a considerable amount given the global economy had been consuming on the order of 105 million barrels per day before the Middle East conflict broke out. Continued …
Saudi attack dents Mideast market
The recent attack near Riyadh Airport has the potential to further hamper the Middle East travel market, which is already struggling to recover from the Gulf conflict that began earlier this year. According to the Association of Thai Travel Agents, the situation is being closely monitored, as it could lead to further disruptions in flight operations.
Travel experts suggest that while the impact on the broader Middle East market may be limited, the ongoing conflict and regional instability pose significant risks. Specifically, the Houthis have targeted oil infrastructure and declared a maritime blockade, which has already impacted Saudi oil exports and maritime traffic in the Red Sea. The U.S. State Department has even advised travelers to seriously reconsider traveling to or through the region due to the potential for rapid escalation.
Thailand weighs cost-of-living aid as oil prices rise
Thailand’s government says it is assessing rising energy costs and their wider effect on household spending, transport and consumer prices before deciding on further cost-of-living measures.
Lalida Periswiwatthana, deputy government spokesperson, said yesterday that officials were closely monitoring energy prices and their impact on the public. Any response, she said, must consider energy costs, freight charges, retail prices, purchasing power and the country’s fiscal position together. Continued …
Thai PM Targets Global Investors in US Growth Push
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has embarked on a high-stakes investment mission to New York, positioning Thailand as an emerging hub for next-generation technology and global capital as he attends the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81).
Leading a high-level delegation alongside Thai financial leaders, the prime minister aims to place Thailand firmly on the global investment radar, driving bilateral talks with top US financial institutions and multinational technology firms. Continued …
What key elements did Thailand and the US agree on in their trade deal?
Thailand and the United States have reached a substantive agreement on the primary elements of their Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. While the core framework is established, negotiations continue regarding technical details and specific tariff treatments for Thai exports.
The framework covers digital trade, services, investment, and market access, with Thailand specifically seeking to secure tariff-rate conditions comparable to those of its regional competitors. Recent discussions have focused on addressing US concerns regarding structural excess production capacity and labor practices, while Thailand aims to establish a more durable market position for its exporters. Additionally, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has sought to finalize remaining issues, including specific tariff rates, through high-level discussions with US officials.
Larger data centers set to shift beyond Bangkok
Larger data center projects are shifting away from Bangkok primarily due to infrastructure constraints and increasingly strict regulatory requirements. Companies are seeking locations outside the capital that can offer more reliable access to land and water, as well as sufficient electricity capacity to support massive operations.
Beyond resource availability, the relocation is driven by a need for greater certainty regarding urban planning and environmental safety. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has recently halted approvals for new large-scale projects while it works to revise regulations, as existing laws often fail to adequately define data centers or subject them to necessary city-planning and factory rules. Furthermore, developers are facing heightened scrutiny and potential restrictions in urban areas due to concerns over high electricity demand, water consumption, and the environmental impact of fuel storage for emergency generators.
Vietnam is taking Thailand’s quality tourists in huge numbers
Vietnam is mounting its biggest challenge yet to Thailand’s tourism crown, as a once-massive 22-million visitor gap collapses. Vietnam is surging beyond pre-Covid records while Thailand remains millions below its 2019 peak.
Crucially, Vietnam is beating Thailand on the value that once powered its tourism machine: price. It is also easing visas, expanding airports and attracting soaring Western arrivals. Thailand, meanwhile, is tightening immigration, ramping up security and struggling to recover its huge Chinese market. Almost 30,000 foreigners were refused entry during this year’s first five months. Through August, Vietnam’s arrivals surged 14.4% while Thailand’s fell 3.1%. Continued …
Malaysia and Japan drive rise in Thailand’s foreign tourist arrivals
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul reported the latest tourism figures yesterday. Thailand welcomed 22,183,678 foreign tourists from Jan. 1 to Sept. 19, down 3.7% from the same period a year earlier, with foreign tourism revenue reaching 1.082821 trillion baht.
The five largest source markets were: China: 3,728,585 tourists; Malaysia: 2,831,654 tourists; India: 1,640,441 tourists; Russia: 1,230,256 tourists; and South Korea: 811,246 tourists. Continued …
A Look at Phuket Old Town’s Revival and Rising Challenges
The revival of Phuket Old Town has brought its colorful heritage back into the spotlight, but success comes with its own challenges. As tourism, rising rents and commercialization reshape the historic district, its long-standing community is grappling with what should be preserved – and what can change.
Phuket Old Town, the island’s historic heart, is known for its pastel-colored Sino-Portuguese shophouses and a distinctive blend of cultures that reflects Phuket’s trading history. While the area’s early development dates back centuries, it was the 19th- century tin-mining boom that transformed Phuket into a prosperous regional trading hub, attracting Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European merchants and workers seeking opportunities. Continued …
Breakfast at the Anantasila Beach Restaurant
What a way to start a day! Watching the sun rise over the Gulf of Thailand, cool ocean breezes, with a gentle sea lapping at the white sand beach. And behind you is breakfast, served by the attentive staff of the Anantasila Beach Reataurant in Khao Takiab. Hendrik van den Heuvel is the executive food and beverage manager.
Expat News had the opportunity recently to sample the restaurant’s morning buffet, and was not disappointed. So much delicious food to choose from – made-to-order eggs (we tried the salmon omelette), breads and Danish made fresh on site, fruits of all kinds, and a variety of Thai dishes.
And don’t forget the coffee, made fresh from beans in a variety of styles. We tried the Americano and Caffe Latte, among the many options offered.
The menu is changed regularly, but on our visit waiting for hungry diners was fish rice soup (a Thai breakfast staple), Jasmine and white rice, egg Thai fried rice, stir-fried noodles with chicken, bell pepper with beef, pork red curry, baked beans, grilled tomato, hash browns, sausages, cold cuts, cheese, juices, and waffles with real maple syrup.
The beach bar and restaurant veranda give access to beautiful, unobstructed views of the sea and Khao Takiab shoreline. The restaurant’s tree-canopied outdoor dining area offers a casual yet sophisticated dining experience.
The restaurant is open seven days a week from 7 am-11 pm. and welcomes all residents and non-residents. For reservation, Tel : +66 32 527 638; Email : fb@anantasila.com; Web.
Warning issued after driver nearly hits Khao Yai elephants
The Thai Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TSPCA) has warned of severe penalties for people who harm or threaten wildlife following an incident in which a retired government official allegedly drove at high speed and nearly hit two wild elephants in Khao Yai National Park.
The case involves “Ngathong,” a bull elephant, and his calf “Ton Kla.” According to the TSPCA, the retired official drove into close proximity to the elephants as they were crossing a road inside Khao Yai National Park. The incident startled the calf, causing it to run away, while the vehicle nearly collided with Ngathong. Tourists in the area were also forced to jump out of the way. Continued …
Thailand named Asia’s top beach destination for 2026
Thailand has been ranked Asia’s leading beach travel destination for 2026 and fifth in the world by Travel And Tour World (TTW). The country placed above the Philippines, Maldives, Indonesia and India in TTW’s Asian rankings, while Greece took the top global position. Australia, Mexico and Spain filled second to fourth places, respectively.
TTW said leading beach destinations were not defined solely by attractive coastlines. Its assessment also reflected the overall travel experience, combining natural scenery, vibrant local culture, marine biodiversity, welcoming hospitality and responsible tourism. Continued …
Life of a Thai undertaker
Meet 39-year-old undertaker Aphichat Sukain, who oversees cremations and performs traditional rituals for the dead at a Buddhist temple in Bangkok. He discusses the practical responsibilities, spiritual beliefs and ceremonies that guide each person’s final journey. Video …
Thailand solar panel imports surge ahead of household scheme
Thailand’s solar panel imports jumped 88.7% year-on-year to US$426.7 million, around 14.93 billion baht, during the first seven months of 2026, with China accounting for almost the entire market. According to figures from the Ministry of Commerce and Customs Department, the January to July increase marked a sharp recovery after import values contracted during both 2024 and 2025.
The increase comes as the government prepares a major household solar program and amid concerns over higher electricity costs. Energy-price pressures linked to the conflict in the Middle East have also encouraged households and businesses to consider rooftop systems as a way to reduce longer-term power bills. Continued …
Dirty air is costing Thailand almost 4% of GDP a year
Ask an economist to put a price on Bangkok’s haze, and the number is startling: US$45.3 billion a year, or 3.9% of Thailand’s GDP, according to a World Bank assessment that ranks the country 20th worst out of 180 for the health costs of PM2.5 pollution — the second-heaviest burden in Southeast Asia after Indonesia.
That figure is not a forecast or a worst case. It is roughly what dirty air is already taking out of the Thai economy every single year, largely unremarked, while a law designed to bring it down sits stalled in Parliament. Continued …
Rising tensions lead to deportation order for unruly tourists
This video investigates the rising tensions between local Thai communities and foreign visitors, exploring how cultural friction, property disputes, and regulatory crackdowns are testing Thailand’s limits. Video …
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Hong Kong drug-packer arrested with 350 kilograms of ‘ice’ in Bangkok – Continued …
Major TV networks suspend White House pool coverage after Trump ban
Major television networks suspended their White House pool coverage and will no longer send camera crews to cover President Donald Trump’s pool events, standing in solidarity with CNN after Trump denied White House access to reporters for three outlets. The move from the five networks that make up the television pool ‒ ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox News, in addition to CNN ‒ means a broadcast television feed that is distributed widely for media won’t be carried for most of Trump’s events. 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
Koh Phangan beach dispute spotlights nominee fears
Thailand’s Commerce and Interior ministries will form a permanent joint team to pursue suspected nominee arrangements used by foreigners to operate businesses or hold land through Thai nationals.
A restricted zone will be announced outside the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days, Mohsen Rezaei, the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said yesterday according to state media. He added that the zone would include areas in the Gulf. 
Businesses in Thailand’s automotive parts, garment, rubber products and plastics industries are increasingly suspending operations temporarily, as falling orders, accumulated losses and higher production costs put pressure on employment.
Thai bank chiefs are warning that small businesses remain vulnerable to fresh defaults and a return to bad debt after restructuring, despite a decline in the commercial banking system’s overall non-performing loan ratio.
When discussing the economy in Southeast Asia, we often hear about semiconductor production, electric vehicles, combustion cars, and tourism. However, one of Thailand’s key economic pillars tends to receive less attention. Beyond being a global tourism destination, Thailand is recognized as the “Kitchen of the World”, playing a crucial role in producing and exporting food to over 350 million consumers worldwide each day.
Foreign arrivals to Thailand decline 3% in first eight months
Thailand’s new 30-day visa-exemption rule is opening a sharp fault line across its tourism industry before the crucial fourth-quarter peak. The Association of Thai Travel Agents says most genuine tourists need only seven to 10 days. It also wants tougher action against foreigners abusing tourist status.
Thai Airways International canceled flights to Jakarta today as eight Indonesian airports, including two serving the Indonesian capital, remained closed because of ash from erupting Krakatau volcano.
Riyadh Air has launched direct flights between Riyadh and Bangkok, initially operating three times a week before increasing to daily services in October. The inaugural aircraft arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport last Thursday.
How a debt-ridden mother of 6 built world-famous Bangkok noodle shop
Australians could be given the option of opting out of powerful social media algorithms under new legislation cracking down on big tech. The draft law requiring a “digital duty of care” is expected to be introduced to Australia’s parliament this week. It would require firms like Meta to give users the option of turning off algorithms that tailor recommendations to their personal taste. 
Hua Hin Municipality officials met this week to discuss the installation of CCTV systems with 100 cameras and equipment in high-risk areas or areas with security needs. The project has already been reviewed and approved in principle.
Mayor visits Chat Chai market, hears concerns
Chiva-Som Hua Hin has received a Prime Minister’s Export Award 2026 in the Best Services Enterprise – Wellness Services category, recognizing its contribution to Thailand’s wellness sector and international reputation.
Thailand’s firearm controls face three persistent gaps involving illegal and modified guns sold outside the registration system, insufficient oversight of legally owned weapons after licences are issued, and the transfer of firearms bought through government welfare schemes.
How much is your personal information worth? Apparently, only a few hundred baht was enough to access sensitive information from a Thai government database.
Thai consumers continued to visit shops at almost the same frequency in July but sharply reduced the amount they were prepared to spend on each trip, pointing to weakening household purchasing power as the nationwide Retail Sentiment Index (RSI) fell 4.9 points to 46.6.
Sorry, but you will have to pay to read this one. See article on Bangkok Post’s new subscription service above. 
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied reports that the United States plans to establish a production base for unmanned aerial vehicles in Thailand, saying he had received no such report.
The Thai Hotels Association (THA) has urged the government to bring forward the launch of Thai Tiew Thai Plus to Sept. 1, so the co-payment campaign can stimulate domestic tourism during the low season.
From fan-favorite drunken noodles to spicy papaya salads and creamy curries, Thailand’s cuisine entices visitors from around the world. While over 17,400 Thai restaurants can be found internationally, eating pad Thai, fragrant coconut soups, and other punchy dishes in the “Land of Smiles” is a bucket list topper for many travelers.
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) has received 1,397 applications for investment promotion under measures supporting the transition toward smart and sustainable industry, with combined investment worth more than 146 billion baht.
What happens to a simple plastic water bottle once it is empty? At Gulf Development Public Co. (GULF), it marks the beginning of a transformative journey. In its second year, GULF’s flagship green initiative, “Turning Bottles into Purpose” has expanded its horizon.
Solar panel recycling could generate $6 billion in recovered materials by 2040 and exceed $20 billion by 2050, as more than 400 gigawatts of photovoltaic (PV) capacity reaches end-of-life, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) said.