• Contraband cigarettes seized in PKK/Khiri Khan Crab of Kui Buri Forest/Hua Hin plans city museum/Wastewater discharge in Cha-am/Hard Rock Cafe Hua Hin donates US$5,000/Hua Hin Welcomes 27 Miss International Queen/Fuel prices in Thailand rise
• THE IRAN WAR: Oil gains about 1%/Gas recovery will take time
• ECONOMY: New data center rules considered/Data Center Demand Surges/AI leaders are talking about slowing down/Nestle plans $900-million expansion
• TOURISM: New visa rules start today/Offers to boost Chinese Golden Week/Chiang Mai Airport expects nearly 10 million/Maya Bay reports record 278 blacktip reef sharks
• THAILAND EXPERIENCE: What Defines a Luxury Home in Thailand/I moved my family from Utah to Thailand/Bikini Beach Race Returns
• CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand studies first nuclear power plant
• FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Prachuap Khiri Khan Customs seizes over 2 million contraband cigarettes

Customs officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan, in collaboration with security agencies, launched Operation Khiri Khan to intercept smuggling operations targeting the southern region’s transportation of contraband into Bangkok via land, rail, and logistics systems.

Between Sept. 1-10, they seized over 2.2 million untaxed foreign cigarettes, along with e-cigarettes and other contraband, resulting in accumulated tax losses exceeding 25 million baht. Video … 

Khiri Khan Crab, the Seven-Colored Gem of Kui Buri Forest

The “Khirikhan Crab,” a freshwater crab in the Potamidae family. It’s found living in streams and clean water sources in forest areas, especially in mountainous and stream regions with suitable environments. This particular “Khirikhan Crab” is found in Kui Buri National Park, Hat Kham subdistrict, Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

Its striking colors have earned it the name “Seven-Colored Crab.” This freshwater animal reflects the biodiversity of the forest. Seeing this crab isn’t just about finding a beautiful aquatic creature; it’s an indicator of the abundance of nature. Video … 

Hua Hin plans city museum

A Hua Hin city museum is included in plans for a new seven-story municipal office building to be constructed directly behind the existing offices on Phetkasem Road.

The proposed design provides space for the museum and an exhibition highlighting the municipality’s history and achievements, alongside offices and public service facilities. Continued … 

Wastewater discharge in Cha-am under investigation

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered an investigation into the south Cha-am wastewater discharge, with detailed laboratory results still pending despite initial checks finding seawater readings within recreational standards.

Suchart instructed the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) to investigate after reports of wastewater entering the sea at South Cha-am Beach circulated on social media. Continued … 

Hard Rock Cafe Hua Hin donates US$5,000 to Jungle Aid

Jungle Aid has received a US$5,000 grant from the Hard Rock Heals Foundation to support its healthcare, welfare and education work in communities in and around Hua Hin.

Hard Rock Cafe Hua Hin co-owner Frank Colvyn presented the check to Jungle Aid founder Emma Neve last week, after the venue successfully nominated the charity for funding. Continued … 

Hua Hin Welcomes 27 Miss International Queen contestants

The Miss International Queen 2026 pageant, organized by Tiffany’s Show Pattaya, in collaboration with Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Prachuap Khiri Khan Office, brought together delegates from 27 countries for a special three-day, two-night journey to Hua Hin from Sept. 10–12.

Designed around the concept of nature, culture and wellness tourism, the program brought fashion, natural heritage, local culture, and well-being together in one immersive journey. Continued … 

Fuel prices in Thailand rise 0.85 baht a liter

Thailand will raise retail prices for petrol, gasohol and diesel by 0.85 baht per liter from today, as mounting subsidy costs place increasing pressure on the Oil Fuel Fund.

The Oil Fuel Fund Executive Committee approved the increase at its meeting yesterday, citing prolonged geopolitical tensions and attacks on oil tankers along key Middle Eastern shipping routes. Continued … 

Oil gains about 1% after Saudi strikes fuel supply fears

Brent and US crude futures settled about 1% higher yesterday, with fresh strikes on Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure and attacks on Middle Eastern shipping intensifying concerns over global supplies.

Brent crude futures gained US$1.07, or 1.0%, to close at US$105.68 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude added US$1.34, or 1.3%, to settle at US$101.39 a barrel. Continued … 

Gastech leaders warn gas recovery will take time after Hormuz reopens

Gastech 2026 panellists in Bangkok warned yesterday that reopening the Strait of Hormuz would not immediately restore normal gas supplies, with damaged facilities and disrupted shipping requiring time to recover.

Shell’s president of integrated gas, Cederic Cremers, said nearly seven months of Middle East disruption had left 36 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates absent from the global market compared with 2025. Continued … 

Thailand targets new data center rules

Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), said today that officials aimed to clarify a regulatory framework and minimum standards for data centers in about one month.

The work would address resource efficiency and effects on surrounding areas, while seeking to minimize disruption to existing operators. Continued … 

Thailand Approves $29-Billion Investment Wave as Data Center Demand Surges

Thailand’s Board of Investment has approved six landmark projects totaling 958 billion baht (approximately USD29 billion), with TikTok System (Thailand) leading the initiative through a massive 842-billion-baht data infrastructure expansion. This approval demonstrates Thailand’s emerging prominence as a regional hub for data centers, cloud services, and AI-driven digital infrastructure.

The projects span multiple sectors, including three significant data center investments valued at 913 billion baht collectively. Additional approved projects include Skyline Data Center’s 46-billion-baht investment and Bridge Data Centers’ 24.6-billion-baht facility, both strategically positioned to support growing regional digital demands. Continued … 

Why AI leaders are suddenly talking about slowing down

Questions are growing about whether artificial intelligence is outpacing safety measures for the technology. What’s driving the sudden push to “slow down” AI development, and is slowing the race even possible. Video … 

Nestle plans $900-million Thai expansion

Yesterday, Nestlé (Thailand) took a stand on its Southeast Asian growth strategy, signaling to global investors that even a multi-billion-dollar legal breakdown with its long-standing local partner will not derail its operational roadmap.

Breaking its silence on the bitter breakdown of its 35-year joint venture with the Mahagitsiri family, the Swiss food and beverage giant confirmed it has successfully cleared legal blockades on its flagship Nescafé product line, while committing nearly $900 million (30 billion baht) in fresh domestic investments. Continued … 

Thailand’s new visa rules start today

Thailand ends its 60-day visa exemption today, replacing it with 30-day and 15-day schemes, a shorter visa on arrival list and tighter limits at land borders. Thailand’s revised tourist entry rules change how long millions of foreign visitors can stay without arranging a visa before departure.

The previous 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries and territories has ended. Under the new system, 60 nationalities and territories receive a 30-day exemption, Mauritius and Seychelles receive 15 days, and only Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia remain eligible for visa on arrival. Continued … 

Special offers to boost Chinese Golden Week travel

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched Nihao Month 2026 to encourage Chinese visitors to travel to Thailand during the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Golden Week holiday marking China’s National Day on Oct. 1.

Announced yesterday, the campaign runs under the theme “China and Thailand are one family”, strengthening ties through tourism and culture, while seeking to sustain travel demand into the low season and Chinese New Year 2027. Continued … 

Chiang Mai Airport expects nearly 10 million passengers in 2026

Chiang Mai Airport handled more than 6.53 million passengers in the first eight months of 2026, with international travel rising 14% year-on-year. The airport expects passenger numbers to reach about 9.97 million for the full year as the winter flight schedule begins in late October.

Airport Director Karan Thanakuljeerapat said the airport recorded 43,544 flights between January and August. Overall passenger and flight numbers were broadly similar to the same period in 2025, although overseas travel continued to grow. Continued … 

Maya Bay reports record 278 blacktip reef sharks during annual closure

Marine researchers recorded a peak of 278 adult blacktip reef sharks gathering near the shore of Maya Bay early this month, setting a record high for the 2026 fiscal year and providing strong evidence of ecological recovery during the bay’s annual closure, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).

Maya Bay is closed from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30 to allow corals and beach areas to regenerate naturally without human disturbance, while also ensuring visitor safety during the southwest monsoon season. Continued … 

What Defines a Luxury Home in Thailand Today

The concept of a luxury home in Thailand has moved well beyond the postcard image of a beachfront villa with an infinity pool. Industry estimates value the country’s luxury residential segment at roughly USD73.7 billion in 2025, with continued growth projected through the next decade as rising regional wealth, tourism recovery, and international demand for premium living converge.

What has changed most is not the price tag attached to luxury, rather it is the definition of the term itself. Buyers today weigh architecture, wellness infrastructure, security, and long-term livability alongside size and location, producing a market that looks markedly different from the one of a decade ago. Continued … 

I moved my family from Utah to Thailand to work remotely; 8 months later, we came home

Living abroad was never really on my radar until I got married. My wife had always wanted to travel and live outside the US, and as I looked into it more, it started to feel like an experience we should try together.

We talked about it for years, but never followed through. Then, after our son was born in 2023, we felt it was the right time to finally give it a try. My wife is a stay-at-home mom, and since I run an online fitness coaching business, I could work remotely. Continued … 

Thailand’s Largest Bikini Beach Race Returns for Its 10th Anniversary

Central Pattaya, a global beachfront landmark in the heart of Pattaya, has invited runners and travelers from around the world to join the Pattaya International Bikini Beach Race 2026: Run the wave. Own the night on Oct. 31. Celebrating its 10th anniversary under the theme “The Sunset to Moonlight Beach Race,” the 5K race will bring thousands of runners to the sands of Pattaya Beach for a one-of-a-kind night combining sunset running, music, entertainment and Pattaya’s vibrant beach lifestyle.

Last year, the event attracted more than 5,000 runners from around the world, establishing the Pattaya International Bikini Beach Race as one of Thailand’s most popular and distinctive seaside running events. Continued … 

Thailand studies first nuclear power plant

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand has signed an agreement with a US government agency to study American small modular reactor technology as the country considers its first nuclear power plant.

The study will examine US small modular reactor (SMR) technology capable of generating about 600 megawatts of electricity, which the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) said would be enough to supply several hundred thousand households. Continued … 

• American wanted in Texas arrested in Phuket – Continued … 

• Phuket police arrest Chinese man on 2,823-day overstay – Continued … 

US Supreme Court blocks Trump mail-in ballot restrictions

The US Supreme Court dealt a major blow yesterday to President Donald Trump’s attempts to restrict mail-in voting before the November midterm elections, denying his request to lift an order halting the divisive plan. Only two of the six conservative justices on the nine-member panel offered a dissent. Continued … 

Number of centenarians in Japan tops 100,000

The number of people aged 100 or older in Japan reached a record high of 107,677 in September, climbing for the 56th consecutive year, health ministry data showed today. The total number of centenarians grew by 7,914 from the previous year, surpassing the 100,000 threshold for the first time. Women made up 87.6% of the cohort. Continued … 

Nepal tunnel survivor recounts being trapped for nine days

After nine days trapped in a hydropower tunnel and a week of hospital care following his dramatic rescue, Sanjay Sah, a rare survivor of last month’s devastating glacier collapse in Nepal, finally returned to his village and family on Sunday. It was a homecoming marked by relief and joy, but also grief. Video … 

Hua Hin Links and Transport

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