- Hua Hin-Cha-am among six new MICE Cities/Nene Royal gifted Bangkok home/Thailand’s political stagnation
- THE IRAN WAR: US ‘must choose’ whether to end war/Oil gains about 3%/Average EU diesel price hits record
- ECONOMY: No approval for 5%–10% price rises/Anutin courts US investment/Is Thailand still a laggard in ASEAN?/Thailand hospitals’ Q3 net profit/Bangkok city plan reshapes key areas
- TOURISM: Tourists booking more side trips/13 million Thai travelers/Thailand DTV visa/Thailand Tourism Chases U.S. Visitors
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Family-Run Restaurants Preserving Southern Thailand’s Culinary Heritage/Best Places to Eat During Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival/Thai Basil Vs. Italian Basil
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand’s solar scheme faces hurdles/Greener data centers /Why has Thailand delayed its nuclear power plans?/Nepal PM says floods ‘a warning’
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin-Cha-am among six new MICE Cities
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau ((TCEB), has certified six new destinations across the country as official “MICE Cities”, a network that is now expanded to 16 destinations. It is a network that gives event organizers and international clients a wide choice of destinations, while enabling more cities across Thailand to leverage MICE as a driver of local economic development.
The latest 2026 MICE City assessment resulted in two key outcomes. Three existing MICE Cities – Surat Thani, Phitsanulok and Udon Thani – successfully renewed their MICE City certification, while six new destinations – Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Rayong, Hua Hin–Cha-am, Krabi and Nakhon Si Thammarat – were newly certified as MICE Cities. Continued …
AGT winner Nene Royal gifted Bangkok home
Rattikan “Praew” Amloy, the 16-year-old Phuket artist known as Nene Royal, has received a two-bedroom Bangkok condominium for her family from CP Group Chairman Dhanin Chearavanont and his family.
Nene was named the 2026 America’s Got Talent winner, becoming the first Thai winner of the US television competition. She also won the program’s US$1 million prize, which is paid over 40 years. The home was given in recognition of the teenager’s determination and commitment to building an artistic career. Continued …
What factors contributed to Thailand’s political stagnation over 20 years?
Thailand’s political stagnation over the past two decades has been driven by a cycle of military coups, repeated constitutional rewriting, and frequent judicial interventions that have removed elected leaders. These factors, alongside the dissolution of political parties and ongoing instability, have hindered the country’s ability to implement consistent policies.
The instability is further characterized by a tension between traditional elite networks and emerging reformist movements, which often leads to prolonged political deadlock. This environment has seen frequent shifts in governance, including the impact of various coups and the use of the judiciary to influence political outcomes. Additionally, the dominance of established political families and the influence of vested interests continue to shape the landscape, often complicating efforts toward meaningful institutional reform.
US ‘must choose’ whether to end war: Iran president
It is for the United States to choose whether to end its war in Iran, as Tehran does not wish to continue fighting, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Fox News in an interview aired yesterday.
Pezeshkian took a defiant stand at the UN Wednesday, for which he traveled to New York, telling the world that Iran would not “bend at the knee” to Washington – even as US President Donald Trump acknowledged ongoing US-Iran talks. Continued …
Oil gains about 3% as Houthis target Saudi Arabia
Oil prices settled about 3% higher yesterday, as a Houthi missile attack on Saudi Arabia revived fears of supply disruptions. Reports of US-Iran talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz subsequently tempered the gains.
Brent crude futures closed at US$106.60 a barrel, gaining US$3.52, or 3.4%, to reach their highest settlement since Sept. 15. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude finished at US$94.61 a barrel, up US$2.45, or 2.7%. The increase ended a six-session losing streak during which WTI had fallen about 13%. Continued …
Average EU diesel price hits record €2.23 a liter
Diesel prices at pumps across the European Union (EU) have hit a new high of €2.23 per liter, up from €2.16 the previous week, an Agence France-Presse (AFP) analysis of European Commission data published yesterday showed.
The fresh peak – equivalent to US$9.63 per US gallon – comes as the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine have choked off crude supplies and damaged refineries, causing energy prices to surge worldwide. Continued …
No approval for 5%–10% consumer goods price rises from Oct 1
Thailand’s Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has not approved reported 5%–10% increases in consumer goods prices scheduled for Oct. 1, 2026, Director-general Wittayakorn Maneenetr said yesterday. Some manufacturers had submitted applications, but the department had not authorized the increases.
Prices of some food and household products had reportedly already risen by 5%–10%, with new prices for certain products announced to take effect on Oct. 1. Wittayakorn said repeated field visits and checks with major consumer goods manufacturers had found no reports or signs of the anticipated price increases. Continued …
Anutin courts US investment
Thailand is positioning itself as a strategic gateway to the ASEAN regional market, which consists of approximately 700 million people, to provide US businesses with access to broader Southeast Asian trade and investment opportunities.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has specifically identified several key sectors where US-Thai cooperation and investment could expand. These target markets include future technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital technology, and cybersecurity, as well as energy, supply chain management, and manufacturing.
Additionally, the government is promoting partnerships in clean energy, digital infrastructure, and the digital economy to support long-term growth. The country also aims to facilitate cooperation in sectors like logistics, healthcare, and sustainable technology as part of its broader strategy to be a regional hub.
Is Thailand still a laggard in ASEAN?
Thailand has suffered from sluggish economic growth, with only 2% GDP growth, while regional peers have reached higher growth.
Derek Keswakaroon, managing partner of Bain & Company Thailand, said that Thailand needs to address aging demographics and high household debt immediately. Video …
Thailand hospitals’ Q3 net profit seen up 11% to $243.9 million
Thailand’s six hospitals are expected to post an 11% year-on-year (YoY) increase in aggregate net profit to $243.9 million (8.16 billion baht) in the third quarter (Q3), according to CGS International. CGS International attributed the growth to the recovery of foreign patient traffic and rising demand during influenza and COVID-19 outbreaks.
The brokerage expects aggregate profit to rise 31% from the previous quarter, with revenue increasing 11% YoY and 13% quarter on quarter (QoQ) to $1.46 billion (48.88 billion baht). Continued …
Bangkok city plan reshapes 24 key areas around rail and future urban trends
Bangkok is approaching a major turning point in urban development, as its expanding rail network pushes growth beyond the city center and into suburban areas. Location is therefore becoming less about distance from central Bangkok and more about connectivity, access to services and the quality of life an area can offer.
The shift is forcing property developers to rethink their approach from simply “selling space” toward creating greater value for everyday living. At the same time, urban planning rules are being adjusted so land use can better reflect Bangkok’s changing structure. Continued …
Tourists booking more side trips during Thai stays
Bookings for Thailand-origin trips using two or more types of transport grew 49% in 2025 compared with 2024, according to 12Go. This was faster than the 40% growth in Thailand-origin bookings overall. Of these multimodal trips, 88% included an island destination.
Rather than booking a single flight to a resort destination, more travelers are building trips around several destinations — traveling from Bangkok to the south, continuing by road to the coast and then taking a ferry to an island. The trend is particularly relevant in Thailand, where major tourism hubs are connected to a vast network of road, rail, air and sea transport. Continued …
13 million Thai travelers spent record 559 billion baht abroad in 2025
Thai outbound traveler numbers reached a record 13.06 million in 2025, up 11.4% from 2024, while overseas spending hit an all-time high of 559 billion baht. China was the most popular destination.
The destination figures show how affordability, transport connections and confidence about entry requirements can influence travel decisions, alongside the attractions themselves. Spending also varied considerably, with longer stays helping make the United Kingdom a much higher-spending destination per trip than the leading Asian markets. Continued …
Thailand DTV visa: requirements, costs and money guide
The appeal of the Thai DTV is obvious – you get up to five years of multiple entry access to Thailand so you can do more without relying on short tourist stays. However, before you apply, you’ll need to check the financial eligibility requirements, what remote work does and does not cover, and the documents and application process that applies.
According to the official Thai e-Visa DTV page, the Destination Thailand Visa is for workcation travel and Thai soft-power related activities. In practice, it gives a longer-stay route for remote employees, freelancers, foreign talent, and some spouses and children joining the main holder. Continued …
Thailand Tourism Chases 1.5 Million U.S. Visitors With New Vision
Thailand aims to welcome 1.5 million Americans in 2026 as it shifts its tourism strategy to draw higher-spending visitors to boost international tourism. Last year, 1.08 million Americans visited Thailand, with 716,983 Americans arriving between January and September of this year.
There is a lot of ground to cover to achieve its overall target for the year. Thailand’s tourism board has a presence in major American cities like New York, Chicago, and LA, and is sponsoring several campaigns to draw more American travelers. Some travel agents say there is little to no interest for travel to Thailand, which could make achieving the country’s tourism goals for the year a challenge. Continued …
The Family-Run Restaurants Preserving Southern Thailand’s Culinary Heritage
Southern Thailand’s culinary identity has been shaped by centuries of trade and migration, with Peranakan, Chinese, Malay, Indonesian, and Thai influences coming together over generations. The result is a cuisine known for its bold spices, complex flavours, and distinctive regional character.
Many of the region’s most enduring restaurants are family-run institutions, tucked into rustic eateries and historic Sino- Portuguese shophouses where recipes have been handed down from one generation to the next. From Phuket and Phang Nga to Krabi, Trang and Koh Samui, these are places where the food comes with a story – and where old-fashioned hospitality is still part of the recipe. Continued …
The Best Places to Eat During Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival
When it comes to Phuket’s biggest and most vibrant annual festivals, few draw as much attention as the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Each year, the celebration brings visitors from around the world to Phuket for a striking mix of faith, tradition and food.
To help you make the most of the festival, the MICHELIN Guide has rounded up a few things worth knowing before you go, along with four restaurants selected by our Inspectors for those looking to eat vegetarian while taking part in the festivities. Continued …
Thai Basil Vs. Italian Basil: What’s The Difference?
When a recipe calls for basil, you might picture the broad, bright green leaves commonly found in pesto or scattered over a Caprese salad. That’s Italian sweet basil, one of the most familiar varieties in many kitchens. But it’s far from the only type of basil you’ll find at the grocery store or farmers’ market.
Thai basil is another popular variety, particularly in Southeast Asian cooking. While the two herbs belong to the same mint family and can look similar at first glance, their appearances and, more importantly, their flavors are quite different. So, can you use them interchangeably? Sometimes, but don’t expect the same dish. Continued …
Thailand’s solar scheme faces hurdles as low power users turned off by high cost
Toey Wattana Mongkhonnam began thinking about outfitting his family home in Thailand’s northeastern province of Yasothon with solar panels during the Covid-19 pandemic. In his household of five, electricity use rises with the day’s heat, and the monthly bill could range from 1,000 baht to 1,500 baht (US$30 to US$45).
“Back then, I checked prices and a rooftop panel system that could put out enough power to run my household’s appliances could cost 100,000 baht to 200,000 baht,” said Toey, a Muay Thai trainer in Kuala Lumpur. Continued …
Thailand and Google target greener data centers
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has held talks with Google executives in New York on developing environmentally friendly data-center standards in Thailand, alongside plans for an open data institute to improve Thai digital skills.
Anutin, who is also Interior Minister, met Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google. The Thai government said it is ready to work with Google on standards for data centers that are environmentally responsible and contribute to surrounding communities. Continued …
Why has Thailand delayed its nuclear power plans?
Thailand’s nuclear power ambitions have been repeatedly delayed by concerns over safety and radioactive waste management following major international accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima. Additionally, the country faces significant challenges in developing the necessary infrastructure, technical expertise, and regulatory frameworks required to manage nuclear technology safely.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is currently exploring a new roadmap that focuses on the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) rather than large-scale plants. These SMRs are intended to offer more flexibility for industrial users and potentially reduce construction time and costs compared to conventional reactors. However, the government is also prioritizing immediate energy security and cost stabilization through other means, such as restarting coal-fired units and promoting rooftop solar to mitigate the impact of volatile global energy prices.
Nepal PM says floods ‘a warning to the world’ about climate change
Nepal’s catastrophic flooding last month “was a warning to the world” about the rising dangers of climate change, Prime Minister Balendra Shah told the United Nations yesterday, urging countries to step up to help his country adapt.
Addressing the General Assembly in sunglasses during its high-level week, Shah said a warming climate was “destabilizing the fragile Himalayan ecology,” melting permafrost and glaciers, and accelerating hazards. Continued …
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Chinese man held in Bangkok over gun, drugs and 586-day overstay – Continued …
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Hong Kong man nabbed with 350 kilograms of crystal meth in Bangkok – Continued …
Israel’s Netanyahu denounces enemies, allies in fiery UN speech
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing a difficult reelection campaign at home, delivered a fiery UN speech yesterday assailing enemies and allies alike – and sparking uproar in the chamber. Netanyahu used the global platform at the UN General Assembly to attack everyone from the leaders of Iran to New York’s first Muslim mayor and partners Britain, France and Turkey. Continued …
Canadian capital to rename ‘Trump Ave’
Canada is answering US President Donald Trump’s obsession with renaming things by unveiling a name change of its own – Trump Avenue in Ottawa will soon be history. The city is hitting back at the US leader, who among other things insists Canada should cease to exist as a country and instead become the 51st US state. 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
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. 
Nene Royal set for America’s Got Talent final
China’s robot dancers limber up for America’s Got Talent final
Seniors urged to use traditional Chinese medicine to slow cognitive decline
Young leopard makes rare daytime appearance in Kaeng Krachan forest
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.
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 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 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.
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).
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.
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.
A Look at Phuket Old Town’s Revival and Rising Challenges
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 
Warning issued after driver nearly hits Khao Yai elephants
Thailand named Asia’s top beach destination for 2026
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.
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.
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. 
Officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan have reviewed efforts to address wild elephant problems in Hua Hin and Kui Buri, including assistance and compensation for affected residents.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has warned all provinces nationwide, including Bangkok, to prepare for very heavy rain during Sept. 16-20, with risks of flash floods, forest run-off, landslides, waterlogging and rough seas.
Thailand is piloting a system that replaces the name, address and phone number on a parcel with a six-digit code and QR code, in an attempt to stop personal data leaking to scam gangs.
Nene Royal vows to give her all to win AGT final
Professor Watcharapong Kasaree, a political scientist from Chulalongkorn University, warns that Thailand’s fiscal system could face a severe crisis within a decade if urgent reforms are not undertaken. He expresses concern that the current trajectory of increasing public debt, which could reach 80%-90% of GDP within 5-10 years if revenue is not significantly increased, could lead to a loss of economic stability.
The new Employee Welfare Fund is expected to increase operating costs for restaurants due to mandatory monthly contributions from both employers and employees. These contributions are set at a rate of 5% of employee wages, beginning on Oct. 1.
Thailand is accelerating talks on a reciprocal trade agreement with the United States amid concerns that a separate US investigation into excess production capacity could lead to higher tariffs on Thai exports. Department of Trade Negotiations Director-general Chotima Iemsawasdikul said there was still no firm timetable for concluding the deal.
Thai authorities have identified about 2,200 companies suspected of illegally holding land through foreign-majority ownership as part of a crackdown on nominee businesses.
The cabinet has granted oil and gas exploration concessions to two companies following the Round 25 onshore petroleum auction. The winning companies are PETTP International and Pan Orion Energy (Siam) Co., which were awarded concessions for areas in the central and northeastern regions.
Thailand could impose an excise tax of around 30% on fully imported electric vehicles, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, revealing for the first time the potential rate of a levy designed to steer automakers toward local production.
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry has rejected claims that foreigners can now operate hotels, restaurants or tour businesses without a license under a new Foreign Business Act regulation.
A police lieutenant colonel and three other men were arrested Tuesday after they allegedly extorted 200,000 baht from a Chinese national in San Kamphaeng district, Chiang Mai province.
Koh Lanta truly is a magical place. It feels like stepping back in time, allowing you to experience the essence of what Thailand is all about. Located on the Andaman Sea, it’s a collection of rugged islands in the Krabi province. The biggest and most inhabited is Koh Lanta Yai, which is highlighted by nine golden sand beaches and lush, palm tree jungles.
Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province has announced that its 2026-27 season for mountaintop visits and overnight stays will run from Oct. 1 to May 31, 2027.
The US Federal Reserve yesterday raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, defying President Donald Trump’s demand for cuts, as central bank chief Kevin Warsh stressed the need to combat inflation that has been “too high” for “too long.” The Federal Open Market Committee voted unanimously to raise rates by 25 basis points to between 3.75% and 4.00%. 
Asia-Pacific will account for 45% of global demand for new passenger aircraft between 2026 and 2045, requiring 19,120 aircraft as passenger traffic grows faster than the worldwide average, Airbus forecasts. Airbus’s Global Market Forecast (GMF) for 2026–2045 puts worldwide demand at 42,060 new aircraft. 
Highway police arrested a 23-year-old man and seized approximately 464 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine after the van he was driving crashed into a resident’s fence during a pursuit in Prachuap Khiri Khan last week.
‘Hands off Koh Kut’: Thailand stands firm at UN maritime talks
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan said yesterday that Gastech 2026 in Bangkok had generated more than US$17 billion in energy business agreements. Thailand also handed over hosting duties for the 2027 event to Houston in the United States.
Thailand has signed an international tax information exchange agreement as part of the Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) rules to support the collection of top-up taxes.
A media review of Pattaya has highlighted the resort city’s enduring association with sex tourism, despite efforts by local authorities to promote beaches, sport, conventions and family holidays.
TAT’s Amazing Thailand Ambassador Campaign Generates Over 448 Million Impressions
Thailand is shifting the way it measures tourism success, moving beyond visitor numbers toward a model focused on value, distribution and sustainability.
Thailand has shortened the standard visa-free stay for tourists from 60 days to 30, and this change may have a bigger effect on tourism spending than on the number of foreign visitors entering the country.
Thai industrial estate developer Amata Corp. and energy producer B.Grimm Power will invest 1.2 billion baht (USD36.1 million/EUR33.9 million) in a 42.5-MWp floating solar project at an industrial site in eastern Thailand’s Chon Buri province.
Bangkok is transitioning to electric vehicles to significantly reduce energy costs and mitigate air pollution. The plan to replace diesel rubbish trucks with electric vehicles is estimated to cut energy costs by approximately 4.75 billion baht, or 54%, over a five-year period.
Energy leaders urge balanced path for Asia’s energy transition
A former Google DeepMind researcher warned on Monday that artificial intelligence (AI) could potentially “kill all humans”, saying the world may be running out of time to prevent such an outcome. 
The United States has confirmed for the first time that it has deployed weapons in space, a remarkable revelation after previous warnings about countries such as Russia possibly weaponizing a global frontier long agreed in treaties to be used for only peaceful purposes. 
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.
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.
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. 
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.
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 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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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 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. 
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. 
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. 
Thailand has long appealed to retirees seeking sunshine, affordability, reliable healthcare, and a slower pace of life.
Thailand has ranked third in the world for digital nomads and fourth for retirees in the Rumavi Global Relocation Index 2026, which assessed 192 countries and territories.
A new concrete road and drainage system for Hua Hin Soi 10 have been completed under a municipal project, with a construction budget of 5.42 million baht. Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul and municipal officials inspected the work last week as part of the formal acceptance process.
Camera traps have recorded tigers in Prachuap Khiri Khan alongside Fea’s muntjac and other rare wildlife during a five-month survey, conservation officials announced yesterday.
A new NIDA Poll has found that many Thai respondents who had heard reports of, or experienced, alleged inappropriate or illegal behavior by Israelis in Thailand said their main concern was a lack of respect for the law.
Thailand still has 2,574 subdistricts without adequate standard emergency medical units, while a Senate working group is pushing for expanded local coverage and plans to increase the number of paramedics to 7,500 within five years.
Thailand’s Energy Ministry hopes to launch its 26th petroleum bidding round in the Andaman Sea by late 2026, with five major energy companies identified as potential participants, but Cabinet approval of key fiscal terms remains pending, according to media reports.
This week, the global energy industry gathers in Bangkok for Gastech, the world’s premier gas conference. Thailand is a fitting host, both for its own industrial ambitions and because it sits at the heart of the region that is reshaping global energy demand.
Thailand’s proposed Thai Travel Plus, or Thai Tiew Thai Plus, scheme has an admirable objective: to encourage domestic tourism and spread tourism spending more widely across the country. The proposal is expected to go before Cabinet on Sept. 22, with a government budget of around 3.5 billion baht.
Chiang Mai farmers move to preserve local herb as ‘Makwean’ earns GI registration
What began as a defensive response to a global energy supply shock is rapidly turning into Thailand’s most ambitious economic transformation in decades.
Indonesian rescuers continued searching today for 129 people missing after the Virgo Transport 8 capsized in the Java Sea. Six people have died and 108 have been rescued. The vessel carried 243 people and was sailing from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan when it encountered bad weather early yesterday. 
Rescuers retrieved more remains from a passenger ferry in the Philippine that was gutted by fire, bringing the death toll on Saturday to 76, with 13 missing. Forty-three people survived the fire on Wednesday night among the 132 on board. 
Prime Minister Mark Carney calls Canada “the most European of non-European countries,” and while formal EU membership may be tricky, he is pursuing unprecedented closeness with the bloc to reduce dependence on a hostile United States. 
Growing Nan landslide threatens village school
Rescuers save wild elephant trapped in abandoned septic tank in Rayong
Iran, Houthis block 2 key global shipping routes, straining the global economy
High oil prices and US diesel prices at record levels kept inflation fears at the fore yesterday, ratcheting up expectations that more central banks will have to hike interest rates despite the risk of weighing on economic growth.
Food prices in Thailand push 32.8% of poll respondents to eat less
Thailand’s housing market is entering only a limited recovery as fragile purchasing power, high living costs, elevated property prices and strict lending standards continue to weigh on consumers, according to the SCB EIC Real Estate Survey 2026.
The Real Estate Information Center (REIC) of Government Housing Bank reported that foreign buyers took ownership of 3,292 condominium units in Thailand in the second quarter of 2026, up 1.4% from a year earlier. The value of those transfers increased 20.2% to 14.803 billion baht.
Concerns over foreign nationals using Thai nominees to run businesses and hold property in Pattaya have prompted Chonburi officials to promise tougher enforcement against unlawful investors of any nationality.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said the Chinese travel market was showing clearer signs of improvement ahead of China’s National Day holiday, or Golden Week, in 2026. TAT is focusing on the period from Sept. 25 to Oct. 7, covering both the Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day holiday over a total of 13 days.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched “Amazing Locations: From Scene to Scenic,” a campaign built to convert the country’s rising profile as a filming destination into lasting tourism, as productions ranging from “The White Lotus” to “The Challenge” Season 42 continue to draw international attention to Thai locations.
Americans commemorated the 25th anniversary of 9/11 yesterday, remembering the shock, the dead and the sweeping consequences of the al-Qaida attacks on symbols of U.S. might and prosperity. Friday’s milestone anniversary brought memorial rituals — wreath-laying, flag-flying, moments of silence, vigils and readings of victims’ names — and volunteer projects in tribute to a day that about half of U.S. adults remember as the most historic event of their lifetime. 
Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reassured consumers that PET water bottles are not made using BPA, after social media posts claimed bottles left in hot cars or direct sunlight could release dangerous chemicals and cause cancer.
Thailand must use data-center investment to create jobs and help local businesses raise productivity through wider adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), rather than treat capital inflows as an end in themselves, according to Arnaud Dupoizat, director for East Asia at the International Finance Corp. (IFC).
Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat has outlined six projects under the second phase of Thailand’s double-track railway program, describing them as essential infrastructure that must extend across every region of the country.
August was the hottest single month ever recorded globally, with ocean temperatures also reaching unprecedented highs as western Europe capped its warmest summer, the EU’s climate monitor said today.
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Thailand and the United States are days from a sweeping trade deal reaching far beyond tariffs. Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun says every substantive issue is settled, with only legal drafting left. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is then expected to speak directly with US President Donald Trump to close the pact.
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Registration will open in mid-October for a solar rooftop scheme offering subsidies of up to 50,000 baht per installation, initially targeting one million households.
Nawee Changpirom has spent years working to rescue trafficked wildlife in Thailand, but even he can sometimes hardly believe the creatures he has found: leopards, hornbills, and once an anteater. “We even found living corals hidden in a ceiling,” he said.
Most fuel prices at PTT Station and Bangchak rose yesterday, while premium grades remained unchanged. PTT Station increased petrol and non-premium gasohol prices by 0.80 baht a liter and non-premium diesel by 0.70 baht.
Thailand’s proposed secondary alcohol rules could severely limit how breweries, bars and restaurants display beer products, according to the Craft Beer Business Assn. The draft measures will be discussed at a public consultation today and are not yet in force.
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The Thai baht weakened against the US dollar from 33.90 to 32.70, supported by dollar softness and Middle East risks. Thailand’s central bank kept rates unchanged at 1.00%, maintaining accommodative stance through H1 2027. Commerzbank expects near-term consolidation around 32.50-33.00 range.
Thailand’s consumer confidence strengthened for a third consecutive month in August, reaching its highest level in six months, as purchasing power and economic activity showed early signs of improvement, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
Bangkok ranked second among Asia’s most revisited destinations in Agoda’s latest repeat visitor ranking, behind Tokyo and ahead of Bali, based on accommodation bookings made during the first half of 2026.
Royal Thai Navy opens free ticket bookings for Royal Barge Procession