Feedback Re: Closing of Premium Clinic/Thailand ends afternoon alcohol sales ban/Minister explains move/Thai nightlife to remain stunted by new law/Immigration steps up visa run scrutiny/Vehicle registrations exceed 45 million/Thailand rejects Starlink offer
- ECONOMY: Thai shops caught hiking prices/Consumer confidence rises/10% duty on low-cost imports
- TOURISM: Updated Visa Extension Regulations
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Destinations Beyond Bangkok and Phuket/Swimming fish among diners
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Climate collapse: Southeast Asia’s new normal?/Powering up data centers
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN LINKS
Re: Closing of Premium Clinic at Hua Hin Hospital
“With respect to ‘Peter’s’ comment and question on the topic, Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin expansion, I would also like to know why the Premium Clinic at Hua Hin (Government) Hospital closed. Shortly after the announcement of the closure was made, I asked a couple of staff at the clinic why was it closing; the reply was essentially that the decision had come from ‘above’, no reason offered. I believe a new director had been appointed at the time; maybe he did not like the Premium Clinic.
“I agree with Peter that the clinic ‘… was an absolute godsend’, especially for us elderly expats who do not have a Thai spouse/partner/gf, have very limited Thai ability (and now having problems with our mother tongues), and who do not have the financial resources to visit the very, very expensive private hospitals in Hua Hin (I am told that the private hospital in Phetchaburi is substantially cheaper than the ones in Hua Hin). I hope Peter’s post receives useful informative replies.” – Articulate
Editor: Expat News would also like to know why the clinic was closed. There was no public announcement, no mentions in the media. If we had to guess the reason, we’d say it was because Thais objected to the preferential treatment given to foreigners, but that’s just a guess, not fact. So we ask our readers if they have an answer – please use this EMAIL aim@hhexpatnews.com to let us know, or to add your comments about the closing. In the meantime, we have asked the hospital for an explanation.
Thailand extends drinking hours, trials end of afternoon alcohol sales ban
The Ministry of Public Health yesterday extended permitted drinking hours from midnight to 1 am and launched a six-month pilot program to lift the afternoon alcohol sales ban between 2 pm and 5 pm.
The National Alcohol Policy Committee met to discuss the controversial drinking-hours regulations and the proposed cancellation of the afternoon sales ban. Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Sarum said the committee had reviewed the alcohol sales policies with the aim of supporting tourism and stimulating the economy during festival periods. He noted that the existing ban, which prevents the sale of alcohol between 2 pm and 5 pm, is outdated. Continued …
Minister explains move to lift afternoon alcohol ban
Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat has elaborated on the government’s decision to temporarily lift the ban on alcohol sales between 2pm and 5pm, stressing that it will start with a six-month trial period.
That should allow sufficient time for authorities to monitor and evaluate the impact of the extended sales hours across health, social, and economic dimensions, he said yesterday. Continued …
Some relief for foreign tourists and hospitality sector, but Thai nightlife to remain stunted by new law
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board has fully lifted the 2 pm to 5 pm alcohol sales ban, but late-night drinking and early-hours openings remain prohibited. Nightlife and entertainment hubs in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and throughout the kingdom are impacted.
Customers may stay on premises until 1 am, but alcohol consumption is not allowed during that hour. Officials cited new data on road accidents and public health, prioritizing safety over economic considerations. Continued …
Thai immigration steps up visa run scrutiny
The Immigration Bureau has intensified visa screening to deal with foreign criminals as part of a nationwide campaign against cybercrime, said the bureau’s spokesman. Immigration authorities will now impose tighter scrutiny on foreigners who repeatedly enter and exit the country under the guise of tourism.
In places with large expat populations, such as Pattaya, Phuket and Hua Hin, a thriving industry specialises in package trips to the nearest border point to take care of visa formalities. Some expats have lived in the country for years, making dozens of tourist visa renewals. Continued …
Thailand’s vehicle registrations exceed 45 million; EVs continue rapid growth
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has released updated nationwide vehicle registration figures as of Sept. 30, revealing a total of 45,376,703 vehicles on record. These consist of 44,002,045 vehicles registered under the Motor Vehicle Act, and 1,374,658 vehicles under the Land Transport Act.
In September alone, 3,911,716 vehicles underwent registration and annual tax procedures — an 8.4% increase from the previous month. The highest number of vehicles undertaking registration and tax procedures were located in: Bangkok – 893,875 vehicles, Chonburi – 187,589 vehicles, and Chiang Mai – 132,362 vehicles. Continued …
Thailand rejects Starlink offer due to ownership hurdle
The Digital Economy and Society Ministry has rejected a proposal from SpaceX to provide Starlink low-orbit satellite internet services in Thailand through a 100% foreign-owned company, citing national security concerns and legal restrictions.
“If the company wants to set up a wholly owned firm, there will be no opportunity … to cooperate, as telecom ownership is directly linked to our digital security system,” minister Chaichanok Chidchob said on Friday. Continued …
Thai shops caught hiking prices under co-pay scheme
The government is taking action against shops that raised prices after joining the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme, following a slew of complaints that point to widespread abuse of the program’s benefits.
A minister attached to the prime minister’s office said price increases were the most common issue reported through the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), which received 66 complaints nationwide between Oct. 29 and Nov. 11. Continued …
Consumer confidence rises for second month in October, boosted by ‘Let’s Go Halves Plus’
Thailand’s consumer confidence index (CCI) improved for the second consecutive month in October, rising to 51.9, according to Thanawat Polvichai, director of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting.
Thanawat said confidence has strengthened thanks to political stability under the new government and renewed optimism that the administration’s economic stimulus measures will lift short-term growth. However, concerns remain over the potential impact of US tariff policy and ongoing Thai-Cambodian border tensions, which could weigh on recovery. Continued …
Thailand to impose 10% duty on low-cost imports to aid SMEs
Thailand will start collecting 10% custom duties on low-cost imports previously exempt from tax as part of a government plan to protect local small- and medium-sized businesses, Finance Minister Ekniti Nithanprapas said yesterday.
Currently, imported goods with a value of 1,500 baht or less are exempt from import duties, while those of higher value are subject to different rates of tax based on the type of product. Continued …
Updated Visa Extension Regulations
(repeated from yesterday’s news)
Effective Nov. 13, 2025, the Immigration Bureau has introduced new regulations regarding visa extensions. The key changes are as follows:
- Visa extensions are now limited to two (2) times per calendar year.
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The first extension grants an additional 30 days of stay.
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The second extension grants an additional 7 days of stay.
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Foreign nationals entering Thailand via land border checkpoints are not eligible for visa extensions.
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Visa extensions will not be granted to individuals who depart and re-enter Thailand on the same day.
12 Thai Destinations Beyond Bangkok and Phuket
Thailand is one of the most visited countries on Earth, and for good reason. Its golden temples, tropical beaches, and vibrant street life are legendary. Yet, most travelers stop at the same places: Bangkok’s chaos and Phuket’s beaches. Beyond those big names, however, lies another Thailand, one filled with quieter towns, hidden islands, mountain sanctuaries, and authentic cultural gems that reveal the soul of the country.
These lesser-known destinations are where Thailand truly shines. They’re places where you can sip coffee by misty rivers, wander through ancient ruins, and swim in lagoons that still feel secret. Whether you crave adventure, peace, or local flavor, these 12 Thai destinations beyond Bangkok and Phuket will make you fall in love with the Land of Smiles all over again. Continued …
Flooded restaurant in Thailand brings delight with swimming fish among diners
A restaurant in central Thailand was bursting with a stream of customers coming for a unique dining experience: Enjoying a meal while sitting in flood waters, surrounded by live fish they bring into the establishment.
Since an adjacent river breached its banks 11 days ago, the flooded riverside restaurant has become an internet sensation, drawing customers keen to pose in the lapping brown water or toss fish food to photograph the feeding frenzy. Continued and video …
Climate collapse: Southeast Asia’s new normal?
For four long months and counting, the residents of Bang Ban, a low-lying district in Thailand’s ancient city of Ayutthaya, have lived their lives under water. Elderly residents must be ferried to safety by raft, schools stand closed, and under the muddy surface, ruined rice fields rot.
Annual floods are not unusual here. Each monsoon season, the Chao Phraya River – Thailand’s largest – routinely bursts its banks and Bang Ban often bears the burden of diverted water when upstream dams cannot cope. But this year is different. The scale is catastrophic, says local politician and former rescuer Songphol Suksomboon. Continued …
Powering up thriving data centers with renewables
Among the energy projects aligned with the state’s “Quick Big Win” policy is a direct power purchase agreement (PPA) scheme scheduled to take effect as soon as January 2026.
Investors in data centers are a targeted group because they are expected to help Thailand develop server farms, which are growing rapidly in the country. The ERC offers privileges to data center operators as the industry aligns with the government policy to develop digital infrastructure to support cloud services. Continued …
- Thai–US Operation Nabs Russian Cyber Spy in Phuket – Continued …
- Outrage in Phuket: Tourist’s Unprovoked Spitting Incident – Continued …
- Police Raid Condo, Arrest Chinese in Online Gambling Bust – Continued …
Hua Hin Links
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