Hua Hin World Cup/Hua Hin Jazz Festival schedule/Heavy rain in the south/Pet owner floats cats to safety/Surge Reported in MS Scams/Banning social media to under 16s?/SEA Games hit by chaos
- THAILAND BORDER CONFLICT: Rocket and Gunfire Exchanges Continue/Thailand destroys Cambodian drone control center/PM rules out negotiations/Thailand Vows Military Action/Thai Navy acting in self defense/Inside Anutin’s ‘war room’/Clashes Devastate Border Trade/Border War and US Tariff Talks/Cambodia Joins SEA Games
- ECONOMY: Thailand Deindustrialization Accelerates/Foreign investors upbeat/Technology megatrends/Thailand’s “Exquisite Rice” Strategy/Thai shrimp industry recovery
- TOURISM: Tourist Denied Entry Over Funds Requirement
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Songkhla waste-to-energy plant/Climate change threatens water and power systems
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN LINKS
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Hua Hin World Cup set this weekend
The Hua Hin World Cup 2025, one of Thailand’s most popular amateur football tournaments, will take place Dec. 13-14 and is expected to draw hundreds of visitors to the city. Now in its 13th year, the event is forecast to generate between 4 million and 5 million baht for the local economy and further strengthen Hua Hin’s reputation as a destination for sports, wellness, and recreation.
Organized by the Viking Club Hua Hin, the two-day tournament will feature more than 250 players from Thailand and abroad, competing on FIFA-standard 7-a-side grass pitches at the new Arena Hua Hin Soccer Pitch Branch 2. Continued …
Dec. 19-20 Hua Hin Jazz Festival schedule released
The Hua Hin International Jazz Festival 2025 has been rescheduled for Dec. 19-20, following a change from its original dates of Nov. 2-29.
This year, the festival serves as the headline event of Hua Hin Jazz Month, a month when the city is filled with the sound of jazz. A series of smaller performances and community events will run throughout December, including Jazz Weekend at CICADA Market every Friday to Sunday; Jazz You More at Amara Resort every Monday and Thursday; Jazz at Monsoon Valley on Dec. 20; and a Christmas Jazz Night at Bluport Hua Hin on Dec. 24. Continued …
Heavy rain in the south, chilly winds in the north
Many provinces in the south will experience torrential rain from Thursday into Tuesday next week, with a warning for people in risk areas to prepare for flash floods and forest runoff.
The upper part of Thailand will also see rain in some areas, which will come with colder temperatures and strong winds, the Meteorological Department forecast this morning. Continued …
Thai pet owner floats cats to safety in plastic tub during Songkhla floods
A pet owner in Songkhla refused to abandon his pets as catastrophic flooding hit the region on Nov. 25 amid the nation’s monsoon season. The man put his cats into a plastic tub and floated them through flood waters to a safer area. Video …
Surge Reported in E-Wallet and Fake SMS Scams
Thailand’s Anti-Online Scam Center (ACSC) has warned of a sharp rise in new scam tactics over the past week, including the use of fake e-wallet reward messages and spoofed SMS alerts claiming to be from major brands.
Officials said criminals are now targeting victims with high-volume, lower-value fraud attempts, while impersonation scams continue to cause severe financial losses. One of the most serious cases involved a newly graduated nurse whose family was tricked into paying more than 800,000 baht after scammers posed as state officials. Continued …
Will Thailand join Australia in banning social media to under 16s?
Australia is set to become the first country to implement a minimum age for social media use tomorrow, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube forced to block more than a million accounts, marking the beginning of an expected global wave of regulation.
From midnight (1300 GMT), 10 of the biggest platforms will be required to block Australians aged under 16 or be fined up to A$49.5 million (US$33 million). The law received harsh criticism from major technology companies and free speech advocates but was praised by parents and child advocates. Continued …
Thailand’s SEA Games hit by chaos and criticism
With the 33rd SEA Games beginning today, Thailand should have been swept up in hype and excitement. The whole nation has, instead, been gripped by a sense of apprehension that this year’s Games, running until Dec. 20, may be remembered as the worst the kingdom has ever hosted.
Thailand has hosted the region’s biennial multisport tournament six times before, in 1959, 1967, 1975, 1985, 1995 and 2007, but never have its preparations and organization been under such intense scrutiny. Continued …
Rocket and Gunfire Exchanges Continue on Thai-Cambodian Border
Clashes on the Thai-Cambodian border have continued to erupt for a third day since Sunday, with new exchanges occurring this morning. No additional casualties have been recorded in the latest skirmishes. The conflict further exacerbates regional tensions as military forces from both nations exchange rockets and gunfire.
Yesterday, escalated Cambodian military activities were reported across provinces neighboring Cambodia, notably Ubon Ratchathani, Buriram, Si Saket, and Sa Kaeo. In Buriram’s Ban Kruad district, Cambodian forces allegedly launched BM-21 rockets into residential zones, leading to armed exchanges at Chong Sai Taku. Continued …
Thailand destroys Cambodian drone control center, targets rocket bases
Thailand has destroyed a casino used as Cambodia’s drone control station and is now targeting rocket bases that threaten Thai communities, according to the Royal Thai Army.
Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said yesterday that the casino served as a command center operating drones. His comments followed reports that a Thai fighter jet had bombed a casino building near Chong An Ma in Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani earlier in the day. Continued …
PM rules out negotiations with Cambodia
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared that Thailand will end diplomatic negotiations with Cambodia and reassured that the conflict will not derail the Trump tax agreement. He emphasized that the military will confront any invasion with force, if necessary.
When asked whether this issue should now be resolved decisively, Anutin reiterated that the Thai armed forces follow protocols to preserve national sovereignty, dignity, and the safety of Thai citizens. He said the government does not expect further attempts from neighboring countries to attack, given Thailand’s strength. Continued …
Thailand Vows Military Action Aainst Cambodia Until Sovereignty Secured
Thailand will persist with military action against Cambodia until its sovereignty is fully secured, as stated by Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow to the foreign diplomatic corps. The announcement was made during a briefing attended by 73 representatives from numerous countries and international organizations to discuss escalating tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border.
Tensions have risen due to repeated claims of violations by Cambodia, including breaches of a ceasefire and aggressive actions such as alleged landmine planting. Despite Cambodia’s public call for peace, Sihasak claims its actions tell a different story, citing Cambodian gunfire into Thai territory and the use of long-range weaponry near the border. Continued …
Thai Navy acting in self defense against Cambodian troops on Thai territory in Trat
The Thai Navy insists that its military operations against Cambodia, in the eastern province of Trat, are in self-defense and are in full compliance with international rules of engagement, after Cambodian troops re-entered Thai territory with heavy weapons.
Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Parat Rattanachaipan, said aerial photographs clearly show Cambodian forces establishing a new operational base inside Thai sovereign territory, near Ban Nong Ri in Chamrak subdistrict, Muang district of Trat. Continued …
A look inside Anutin’s ‘war room’
The decision by the Thai government to take all necessary military measures to defend Thai sovereignty following new border clashes with Cambodia was reached in what was described as a “war room” presided over by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
It was an emergency meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) – the top decision-making government agency on security issues. As prime minister, Anutin is chairman of the council, whose members include the supreme commander and the ministers of defense, finance, foreign affairs, interior, justice, communications, and digital economy. Continued …
Thai–Cambodian Clashes Devastate Border Trade By 99.5%
Thai–Cambodian border clashes have led to a dramatic collapse in trade flows, cutting 99.5% of transactions, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reports. The violence has virtually shut down commerce across the border, resulting in losses of approximately 500 million baht every day.
The conflict reignited on Dec. 7 from the Phu Pa Lek–Phlan Hin Paet Kon area and spread to other parts of Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani. In response, the Thai government evacuated tens of thousands of residents from four provinces. Continued …
Commerce Chief Defiant: Border War Will Not Undermine US Tariff Talks
Thailand Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has expressed confidence that the United States will not exploit the escalating border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia to exert pressure on ongoing trade tariff negotiations.
Speaking at Government House today, Minister Suthumpun dismissed speculation that the talks, which have been complicated by the new round of fighting, would definitely fail to conclude this year. Continued …
What conflict? Cambodia Joins SEA Games Despite Border Tensions
Fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces along the border has overshadowed the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, set to be hosted by Thailand from today until Dec. 20. Despite border clashes starting over the weekend, which each country blames on the other, Cambodia proceeded with its flag-raising ceremony at Bangkok’s Indoor Stadium Huamark, confirming its participation.
Thana Chaiprasit, head of the Thai delegation, confirmed that about 170 Cambodian athletes have arrived. The athletes and officials are staying in the same hotel, ensuring extra precautions for their security. Thana advised them to remain indoors and urged Thai spectators to maintain courtesy, emphasizing peaceful support rather than hostility. Continued …
Thailand Risks Falling to Fifth in ASEAN as Deindustrialization Accelerates
Thailand faces the prospect of sliding from second to fifth place among ASEAN economies within years as its industrial base shrinks faster than it can develop alternative growth engines, economists at Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group warned yesterday.
Chief economist Pipat Luengnaruemitchai painted a sobering picture of an economy caught between fading traditional strengths and absent new drivers, forecasting GDP growth of just 1.6% in 2026, down from an estimated 2.0% this year. Continued …
Foreign investors upbeat despite political uncertainty
Foreign investors remain upbeat about expanding their businesses in Thailand, even as political uncertainty surrounds Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s government, according to the Board of Investment (BoI).
The BoI insists Thailand continues to provide a clear legal framework for business establishment and a stable, investor-friendly environment despite looming changes in the government. Continued …
True highlights technology megatrends
Upcoming technology megatrends driven by artificial intelligence (AI) in 2026 consist of tech convergence, practical innovation at scale, and the faster delivery of the results of tech adoption, according to True Corp.
All enterprises are urged to urgently upgrade their digital infrastructure to cope with these trends, otherwise they may lose their competitiveness. According to Ekaraj Panjavinin, chief digital officer of True Corp., 2026 will be a crucial year for Thai organiZations to seriously accelerate the development of new digital infrastructure. Continued …
Thailand’s “Exquisite Rice” Strategy Yields 16-Million-Baht Export Deal
The Thai Ministry of Commerce has initiated a major push to elevate the nation’s rice industry by shifting away from bulk exports and focusing on high-value, niche markets.
The strategy, led by Commerce Minister Supajee Suthumpan, centers on the concept of “Exquisite Rice” (Khao Praneat), which brands rice based on detailed flavor profiles, geographical origin, unique identity, and producer stories — similar to the marketing of specialty coffee or wine. Continued …
Thai shrimp industry urging government to declare its recovery a “national agenda”
Thailand’s shrimp industry is urging the nation’s government to declare the sector’s recovery a “national agenda” in hopes of significantly boosting production and seizing a major trade opportunity in the U.S. market in 2026.
The Thai Shrimp Assn. is seeking sweeping policy changes to raise annual shrimp output from between 250,000 and 270,000 metric tons (MT) to a targeted 400,000 MT. This goal is primarily driven by a market shift in the U.S., where high import tariffs are currently hindering competitive shrimp-producing nation India and potentially creating a market gap of up to 300,000 MT. Continued …
Tourist Denied Entry at Don Mueang Over Funds Requirement
A foreign tourist recently warned travelers on social media about entry challenges at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok after immigration officers barred her due to insufficient funds.
Despite past visits to Thailand without issues, the tourist was surprised by the enforcement of this rule. She expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding the financial requirement and advised others to consider entering through different airports. Continued …
Songkhla waste-to-energy plant fast-tracked to tackle garbage crisis
Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon has moved to tackle Songkhla’s mounting garbage crisis by ordering an early start-up of a waste-to-energy plant, which can burn 500 tons of waste per day and generate 9.9 megawatts of electricity.
Auttapol said that after floodwaters in Songkhla receded, they left behind extensive damage to homes and communities, with more than 50,000 tons of waste expected. The Energy Ministry recognizes that the garbage crisis is causing serious problems for residents — from foul odors and hygiene risks to blocked roads — and has therefore instructed the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to coordinate with operators of ready waste-to-energy plants to bring them online ahead of schedule. Continued …
Climate change threatens Asia’s water and power systems
Climate change is battering Asia’s water and power systems and putting millions in harm’s way, forcing countries to pour billions into shoring up basic services, according to two recent reports.
Water-related disasters are rising across the region even as spending to protect communities falls short. Asian nations will need $4 trillion for water and sanitation between 2025 and 2040 — about $250 billion a year, the Asian Development Bank said. Continued …
- South Korean Call-Center Gang Busted – Continued …
- Chinese Scam Suspect Arrested in Pattaya Condo Raid – Continued …
Hua Hin Links
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
Gold card health care scheme ‘on the brink’, experts warn
Senate ‘alarmed’ by rising southern violence
Vietnam beats Thailand, Malaysia as Asia’s best culinary destination
Co-payment spending figures at odds
Baht hits 6-month high against dollar after US Fed rate hike
CP and Toyota join forces to study path toward carbon neutrality in Thailand
Industrial estates to install solar systems
EV producers cheered by bookings at motor show
House panel reverses cannabis status as narcotic
TAT sees Chinese tourists returning soon
Thailand renowned for high medical care standards at friendly rates among foreign tourists
Call of the mountains
Covid surge spooks Beijing residents, disrupts government
Japan unveils future-food breakthrough: ‘meat’ made from rice bran
