- New Bangkok Hospital building/HUA HIN VIDEOS: Explore the Samoe Riang Community/Hua Hin: Is It Bangkok’s Best Beach Getaway?/Expat health insurance cost/Police Tighten Checkpoint Rules/Thaimart e-commerce platform debuts
- THE IRAN WAR: US strikes Iran over ship attacks/Thailand’s energy crisis/Cut oil prices now, not gradually/Thailand cuts fuel prices
- ECONOMY: Loan for Koh Lanta and Songkhla bridges/Weak condo market/Thailand cannabis draft law/PM Warns Cannabis Industry/Bangkok in top 10 for luxury living costs
- TOURISM: 16.21 million foreign tourists/Tomorrowland 2026 Sells Out/Airport launches 24/7 canine drug sweeps/Show proof of funds on arrival
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Song Wat, Bangkok’s Hottest Neighborhood
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Power to the people/Climate crisis reshapes travel/Sungrow Targets Thai Households
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
New Bangkok Hospital building opens
Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin held the official opening ceremony for its new building, marking another important milestone in the hospital’s development as it celebrates 15 years of service.
The new building reflects the hospital’s commitment to enhancing its medical capabilities while improving the overall patient care experience, helping to support the growth of Hua Hin and the surrounding region. Continued …
Explore the Samoe Riang Local Community
While most tourists stick to the night markets and beaches, Samoe Riang offers a glimpse into the authentic, local side of Hua Hin. In this video, we explore the quiet alleys, traditional houses, and the peaceful atmosphere of this unique neighborhood. If you want to see what life looks like away from the big resorts, this walk is for you! You will see authentic local architecture and street life of fishermen village in Hua Hin, the peaceful vibes of a traditional Thai community. And a side of Hua Hin that many visitors miss. Video …
Hua Hin: Is It Bangkok’s Best Beach Getaway?
Dive into everything that makes Hua Hin amazing — stunning beaches, royal history, next-level seafood, hidden gems, and some wild activities (like kite surfing, releasing rescued marine creatures, and hiking to an epic hidden temple cave!). Video …
Expat health insurance Thailand cost: what you’ll pay monthly in 2026
Expat health insurance costs in Thailand are one of those numbers everyone searches for and nobody quite trusts, because the real answer ranges from under US$100 a month to well over US$900. Almost none of that gap comes down to luck. It comes down to two things: how old you are, and how much cover you actually want.
That gap widens fast with age, too. A policy that costs a few hundred dollars a month in your thirties can cost two to three times as much by your sixties, for identical cover. Here’s what the market actually charges, broken down by age and plan type, and what you get for the money at each level. Continued …
Police Tighten Checkpoint Rules Across Thailand
The Royal Thai Police have reaffirmed that all police checkpoints across Thailand must operate under strict national standards that are transparent, accountable and focused on public safety. Officers have also been reminded to treat the public politely, while anyone who encounters misconduct or alleged demands for bribes is encouraged to report it immediately.
Police spokesperson Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan said every checkpoint must receive approval from the provincial police commander responsible for the area and must be located where it will not create unnecessary traffic disruption or inconvenience. Standard checkpoints are required to be divided into five operational zones and display advance warning signs, the name of the checkpoint supervisor, the approving commander and a telephone number for complaints. Continued …
Thaimart e-commerce platform debuts
Thaimart, a home-grown Thai e-commerce platform, was officially introduced at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok yesterday, positioning itself as a new home for Thai business owners.
Panthawat Nakvisut, chief executive officer of Thaimart Marketplace, presented the platform as a marketplace built not only on technology, but also on transparent rules, fair treatment and shared growth with merchants. Continued …
US strikes Iran as oil sanctions return over ship attacks
The United States launched a new round of military strikes against Iran yesterday after three commercial tankers were hit near the Strait of Hormuz, sharply raising pressure on a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
US Central Command said the strikes were intended to impose costs on Iran after what Washington described as aggression and a breach of the ceasefire. A US official said the targets included Iranian air defense systems, coastal surveillance systems, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles and drone launch sites. Continued …
Thailand’s energy crisis demands more than short-term remedies
The 2026 US–Israel war on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are posing an unprecedented challenge to Thailand’s energy security and economy. While the country has contained the immediate economic fallout to some extent, the crisis highlights the need for a coherent long-term strategy to diversify supply chains, strengthen energy security and accelerate economic restructuring.
Thailand has been historically reliant on Middle Eastern oil, gas and fertilizers, with approximately 60% of its crude oil imports, 90% of light oils, 70% of urea and 28% of natural gas originating from the Middle East. Retail oil prices rose by roughly 34% on average across all fuel types between January and May, while domestic urea fertilizer prices surged by 50%–75% over the same period. Continued …
PM tells Energy Ministry: cut oil prices now, not gradually
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the Energy Ministry to find ways to reduce retail oil prices, saying domestic fuel prices should fall now that global oil prices have declined and stabilized.
Anutin said the government must take into account people’s cost of living, household expenses and the operating costs faced by businesses, especially as fuel prices affect transport, goods prices and daily economic activity. Continued …
Thailand cuts fuel prices as oil fund adjusts rates
Thailand will cut retail fuel prices from today, with diesel falling by 2.56 baht per liter and all petrol and gasohol grades dropping by 2.51 baht per liter.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan acknowledged an order from the prime minister issued during the Cabinet meeting on the same day. The order instructed the Energy Ministry to find ways to reduce retail fuel prices as much as possible in line with lower global crude oil prices, while easing living costs for the public and cutting business expenses. Continued …
Cabinet approves World Bank loan for Koh Lanta and Songkhla bridges
The Cabinet has approved the Ministry of Finance’s borrowing from the World Bank through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), worth 4.55 billion baht, together with grant assistance of 129.30 million baht, for a combined 4.6793 billion baht.
The funding will be used for the construction of a bridge linking Koh Lanta in Krabi province and a bridge across Songkhla Lake connecting Songkhla and Phatthalung provinces. Continued …
Weak condo market crushes land prices
Asking prices for land in Greater Bangkok have stagnated this year, with some sites facing discounts of up to 40% as buyers negotiate aggressively amid a sharp contraction in the condo market caused by economic weakness.
According to property consultancy Cushman & Wakefield Thailand, land prices in Greater Bangkok previously rose consistently every year, often by double digits, largely driven by condo developers. Continued …
Thailand cannabis draft law targets medical use and shop controls
Pattana Promphat, Public Health minister, pressed ahead with the draft Cannabis and Hemp Act yesterday, aiming to control cannabis for medical use only. He ordered tighter oversight from source to destination after problems were found involving illegal transport abroad and the use of fake licenses.
The ministry is also working with police and local authorities to accelerate a crackdown on illicit cannabis outlets and shops with expired licenses, estimated at more than 6,000 nationwide, to prevent recreational cannabis use and speed up efforts to bring cannabis outlets into order through a GPS-based system. Continued …
PM Warns Cannabis Industry May Close in Thailand
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has warned that the country’s cannabis industry could be shut down if authorities conclude it is causing more harm than benefit, following a series of major international cannabis smuggling cases linked to Thailand.
Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis in 2022, promoting it as a medical crop with significant economic potential. Four years later, however, lawmakers are still debating cannabis control legislation, while recreational dispensaries have expanded and falling prices have pushed some growers toward illegal export markets. Continued …
Bangkok makes global top 10 for luxury living costs
Bangkok has emerged as one of the world’s 10 most expensive cities for high-net-worth individuals, according to the Julius Baer Global Wealth & Lifestyle Report 2026, released yesterday.
The report tracks the cost of a luxury basket of 20 goods and services across 25 global cities to analyze where it costs the most to “live well”. The basket includes residential property, cars, business-class air tickets, private school fees, fine dining, watches, jewelry and other premium lifestyle categories. Continued …
Thailand welcomes 16.21 million foreign tourists, down 3.1%
Thailand welcomed more than 16.21 million foreign tourists between Jan. 1 and July 4, generating 782.57 billion baht in tourism revenue, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said on Monday.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the latest assessment showed Thailand had received 16,210,890 international arrivals during the period, down 3.1% from the same period last year. Continued …
Tomorrowland 2026 Sells Out in Pattaya
Tickets for the inaugural Tomorrowland Thailand music festival have sold out, with all 150,000 tickets purchased shortly after sales opened, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul announced yesterday following the weekly Cabinet meeting.
The three-day electronic dance music festival will be held just outside Pattaya, Chon Buri this December. Around 50,000 tickets were sold for each day of the event, reaching the festival’s full capacity of 150,000 tickets. The government expects the event to attract the 50,000 visitors daily and generate around 6 billion baht in economic activity. Continued …
Suvarnabhumi Airport launches 24/7 canine drug sweeps
The Patrol and Special Operation Division (PSD), commonly known as the 191 Police, has deployed canine units to Suvarnabhumi Airport for round-the-clock baggage sweeps and X-ray screenings for drugs.
The heightened security measure aims to interdict international drug trafficking networks and raise the country’s aviation safety protocols to international standards. Continued …
Thailand reminds travelers to be ready to show proof of funds on arrival
As Thailand prepares to return to a 30-day visa-free stay for many nationalities, down from the current 60 days, the country is also drawing attention to another rule travelers sometimes forget: proof of funds on arrival.
In a notice published on Monday, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reminded foreign visitors that they must be able to show they have sufficient financial resources when entering the country. This is not a new measure, but a reminder intended to help travelers better prepare for border checks. Continued …
Where to Eat, Drink, Play, and Stay in Song Wat, Bangkok’s Hottest Neighborhood
Ask any Bangkokian which neighborhood is having a moment, and chances are they’ll point you to Song Wat. Running alongside the Chao Phraya River, this historic street is just a short walk from Yaowarat and easily reached from Talat Noi and Charoen Krung. You can also arrive by boat via Ratchawong Pier, making it one of the city’s most accessible neighborhoods to explore.
Long before it became one of Bangkok’s trendiest destinations, Song Wat was one of the city’s most important commercial districts. Its riverside location made it a thriving trading hub, attracting generations of Chinese immigrants who settled and built businesses here. Continued …
Power to the people
The Anutin government’s decision to allow householders to sell their excess rooftop solar energy to the electricity authorities marks a major milestone in the country’s clean energy transition. It is also a rare and welcome instance of a government fulfilling its promises to the public.
The government announced last week that residential solar owners in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan can now file feed-in tariff applications with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), while those in other provinces can do so through the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA). Continued …
Climate crisis reshapes travel as weather risks grow
The climate crisis no longer affects only temperatures or disasters; it is visibly changing how people around the world travel. Where tourists once chose destinations for their beauty or popularity, many now place greater weight on weather, safety and environmental impact, causing travel trends in 2026 to change significantly.
Booking.com’s annual sustainability survey, which gathered data from more than 32,500 travelers in several countries, found that 74% said extreme weather had become an important factor in travel planning, while one in four, or 25%, had begun looking for cooler destinations to avoid heatwaves that are intensifying in many regions of the world. Continued …
Sungrow Targets Thai Households with New Low-Voltage Battery System
Sungrow launched a new low-voltage residential solar and storage system at ASEW 2026 in Bangkok, targeting Thailand’s growing household energy market. The MGRL series, featuring a hybrid inverter and stackable battery, is engineered for hot, humid, and coastal environments with anti-corrosion protection.
Sungrow is making an aggressive push into Thailand’s residential solar market, unveiling a new low-voltage energy storage system specifically engineered to withstand the country’s punishing tropical climate. The Chinese clean-tech giant showcased the technology as part of a broader full-scenario portfolio designed to capture growth across Southeast Asia’s accelerating energy transition. Continued …
-
Canadian man attacked by Krabi locals after stealing ambulance – Continued …
-
Belgian Woman Held With 31kg of Cannabis at Phuket Airport – Continued …
-
Indian Wildlife Suspect Held on Korat Highway – Continued …
Trump says Greenland should be controled by US, not Denmark
U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday that Greenland should be controled by the United States, not Denmark. Video …
US, NATO allies to begin key talks at Turkey summit
After a pomp-filled welcome in Ankara where his North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies were at pains to keep him onside, United States President Donald Trump was to get down to the hard business of the summit yesterday. 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 cinemas/Emergency numbers
Thailand has been ranked the best country in Asia and ninth globally as a retirement destination in the Global Retirement Index 2026. Thailand was ranked ninth worldwide and first in Asia by International Living, a leading US media outlet specializing in overseas living and retirement.
Located in the heart of Thailand, Hua Hin offers a unique blend of traditional Thai culture and modern amenities, making it an attractive option for those looking to live in Thailand. From its stunning beaches to its vibrant nightlife, Hua Hin has something to offer for everyone.
Hua Hin has long been one of Thailand’s favorite beach getaways, known for its royal history, relaxed atmosphere, and easy access from the capital. But beyond the beach, the city has a lot more going on than you might expect.
A private pool villa in Hua Hin costs far less than the same home would on Phuket or Samui, and for many buyers it delivers more: quiet, space, a real community, and Bangkok two and a half hours up the road.
The most useful AI gadget for expatriates in Thailand may not be a robot, a smart speaker or a laptop priced like a small motorbike. It may be the smartphone already sitting beside their morning iced coffee, quietly judging their screen time while helping them translate Thai messages, plan trips, manage work calls, read banking alerts and understand condominium notices that seem to have been written by a committee in a hurry.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of heavy rain in parts of Thailand, with very heavy downpours possible in some areas of the east and the western side of the south today.
Thais genuinely enjoy playing the lottery. Even though the chances of winning the grand prize are staggeringly low, only one in a million, they buy more and more tickets every day.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday that 10 out of 11 Thai-flagged vessels and vessels chartered by Thai operators stranded in the Strait of Hormuz area after the closure announcement on Feb. 28, had now safely left the area.
Thailand’s total dependence on imported fertilizer has left its 16 million farmers dangerously exposed to global geopolitical shocks, according to industry leaders, state officials, and academics who gathered for a roundtable yesterday.
Thailand’s Cabinet has extended ultra-low property transfer and mortgage registration fees for another year, keeping a key housing stimulus measure in place as the government seeks to ease costs for homebuyers and support a fragile real estate recovery.
Thailand’s property market may be moving cautiously, but at the very top end developers are racing in the opposite direction. A new wave of branded residences — backed by global hotel, fashion, design and automotive names — is turning Bangkok, Phuket and resort destinations into a regional test ground for luxury homes sold not merely as places to live, but as managed, long-term collectible assets.
Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) decreased by 0.8% year-on-year to 101.18 points in May, due mainly to a slowdown in the domestic automotive sector, said the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE). The index increased from 92.76 points in April, however, when global conflicts and domestic challenges weighed on industrial activity.
Prachuap Khiri Khan is moving ahead with its wellness tourism strategy, with model communities selected across all eight districts as part of plans to develop the province as a wellness city. At a meeting yesterday at the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Public Health Office, officials reviewed work being carried out in each district to strengthen health services and support sustainable wellness tourism.
Bangkok was named the world’s most visited city for 2025 by Euromonitor International, drawing an estimated 30.3 million international arrivals, ahead of Hong Kong, London, Macao, and Istanbul. Thailand expects that number to climb further in 2026, with 34.9 million foreign visitors forecast and tourism revenue projected at 1.63 trillion baht, an 8% increase year on year.
These 3 Small Thai Towns Could Stretch Your Budget Further
“The future is fully electric,” the president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (Thailand), Christian Schell, declared, expressing his confidence in the automobile’s future path. This was emphasized in the first half of 2026 by the oil crisis, when people turned to buying electric vehicles (EVs) in fear of fuel shortages.
Global investment in the energy sector continued to expand, with total investment reaching US$3.3 trillion in 2025, the highest level on record. Of this, US$2.3 trillion went into clean energy, helping lift the share of renewables and nuclear power in global electricity generation to 42%. 
Andrea Canonico focused on her breathing to stay calm as she lay trapped under a building that had crumbled during the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week. Just 23 years old, Canonico spent almost 48 hours in the same position before being pulled out – alive. 
PM Anutin Presides Over Buddhist Consecration Ceremony in Hua Hin
The State Railway of Thailand is turning the rainy season into a new travel window, launching nine special rail-tourism programs across the country from July to September. The programs are designed to promote rail-based tourism while connecting travelers with nature, local culture, religious traditions, history, and lesser-known destinations in several provinces.
Western men and indeed families are moving to Thailand in growing numbers, turning holiday romances into marriages, businesses and permanent new lives as high living costs, remote work, COVID-19 controls, and anger over Western dating culture drive a quieter migration east.
Thailand’s immigration system holds detailed records of foreign arrivals and overstayers but continues to struggle to consistently act on that information, meaning some long-term overstayers are only detected during raids, at departure points, or after unrelated criminal investigations.
The Faculty of Medicine at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has developed CAR-T cell therapy, a highly effective and affordable treatment for patients diagnosed with lymphoma, leukemia, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has declared victory in the Bangkok governor election after unofficial results showed the independent incumbent heading for a landslide second term.
Two PT service stations in Pattani province and another in Yala province were set on fire by what appeared to be coordinated bombings last night. One man was injured.
The Transport Ministry will extend measures to support airlines affected by unrest in the Middle East, including a 30% reduction in air navigation service charges for domestic flights during July and August, Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit said.
One of the key raw materials for the production of plastic products is ethylene, which is produced from naphtha – a byproduct of oil refining. Approximately 60% of Asia’s current naphtha imports come from the Gulf region.
Thailand is experiencing a continuous deterioration in household credit quality amid expanding household debt, which has risen to 86.7%of national gross domestic product.
Thailand is eyeing growth in the “global pink economy” as speakers at a forum highlight rising market value, changing consumer behavior and new investment opportunities. Speaking on the topic of “Pink Economy: From Visibility to Economic Value”, Tanachai Kulsomboonsin, chief executive and co-founder of Canvas Ventures International, said awareness of the pink economy has expanded in Thailand over the past two years.
Thailand has officially opened its state-owned railway network to private operators for the first time, allowing companies to apply for track access to run passenger, tourism, and freight train services.
The global beauty industry is no longer being shaped only by Western markets. Southeast Asia, once seen largely as a follower of K-Beauty, J-Beauty, and European brands, is now positioning itself as a beauty economy hub with growing influence over the direction of the global industry.
Thai cocoa and chocolate products are expected to benefit from a growing but niche global market, particularly for high-value, environmentally friendly, and health-focused products.
The government is moving ahead with its “Thailand 365 Days” policy to position the country as a year-round, high-value tourism destination, using rising interest in natural attractions and local experiences to spread income beyond major tourist cities and support sustainable growth.
Thailand’s hotel industry is seeing resilient mid-year demand from international travelers, who now account for 96.6% of forward bookings and are reserving rooms earlier than last year, giving operators more room to manage pricing, promotions, and guest experiences.
Pattaya‘s nightlife strip is leaning hard on discounts and happy hour deals this June, as bar operators describe a slow season where every customer counts. As the sun sets, colored lights flick on and staff step outside with familiar routines: smiles, greetings, and quiet invitations to passing tourists and hotel guests. Behind the lively atmosphere, though, June has become what many in the trade call a “survival month”.
Short breaks are becoming one of the defining travel trends of summer 2026, as travelers look for quicker, more flexible escapes without giving up the sense of a rewarding holiday, according to Trip.com Group.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has launched a solar rooftop power purchase program for the public sector. Applications to sell electricity from solar rooftops can begin on July 1.
Europe faced temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F) yesterday as storms swept other areas, with France reporting 1,000 excess deaths in a record-breaking heatwave. Its public health agency said most heat-related fatalities involved older people and warned the toll was expected to rise as more details emerged from residential care and private homes. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the country was suffering from “a certain shortage” of fuel in an interview published by the Kremlin yesterday, after repeated Ukrainian strikes in their four-year war. 
Thai herbs targeted for pharma use
Thailand seeks solution to human-elephant conflict
Commercial viability key to land bridge, panel says
Tourism operators expect the domestic market will be flat or contract from last year unless the government launches an effective stimulus scheme to increase low-season trips, as Thai household income generation weakened last year.
The Transport Ministry is speeding up infrastructure development to support economic and tourism growth, with the government now positioning Udon Thani as a key mechanism linking the northeast with international markets.
As Thailand advances its “life economy” strategy, Polakit Teekakirikul, CEO of VitalLife, discusses the growing role of science-backed wellness, longevity programs, and partnerships in shaping the country’s tourism offering.
Il dolce far niente — the sweetness of doing nothing. The Italian saying celebrates the simple pleasure of slowing down, something Thailand has long mastered. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes stretching from north to south, the Land of Smiles is renowned for its warm hospitality and deep-rooted wellness traditions, making it a world-class destination for anyone seeking to recharge, both physically and mentally.
Despite stricter laws, tougher penalties, and repeated safety campaigns, the country continues to rank among the most dangerous places in the world for road traffic deaths.
A Japanese travel content creator has gone viral after posting a video of an unexpected mishap at Hua Hin Railway Station, where a chair suddenly broke beneath him as he leaned back while waiting for a train.
Apple has officially increased prices across its Mac product line in Thailand, with adjustments now visible on the Apple Store Online and Apple Store app.
A reported attack on a cargo ship near Oman has renewed concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, just as shipping and oil flows through the vital waterway had begun returning toward pre-war levels.
Thailand’s latest consumer stimulus story is not only about discounts. It is about the quiet power of everyday spending to support neighborhood shops, food vendors, delivery platforms, and small businesses across the country.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has officially kicked off the Thailand FastPass program at Government House, unlocking over USD 21 billion (around 700 billion baht) in high-tech investments. Bringing together eight government agencies, the initiative aims to slash regulatory approval times by up to half, speeding up the journey from securing a license to running a fully operational factory.
Kirida Bhaopichitr, assistant Commerce minister, said the world has entered an era of a “new global order” in which international trade rules are becoming increasingly unstable and less anchored to the traditional framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Thailand’s exports expanded by 10.6% year-on-year in May, reaching a value of US$34,333.1 million (approximately 1.095 trillion baht), according to the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (TPSO).
Chinese investors’ growing appetite for factory sites in Thailand is reshaping the industrial land market in the Eastern Economic Corridor, with one planned industrial park in Chonburi now attracting close scrutiny over zoning, infrastructure demand, and possible gaps in state oversight.
Airports of Thailand Public Co. (AOT) has issued a long-term commitment to aggressively scale up the nation’s aviation ecosystem, pledging to expand its total airport capacity to handle over 160 million passengers annually within the next decade.
The Chinese Ambassador to Thailand is apparently not happy about Thais using the term “gray Chinese” to refer to Chinese nationals who engage in criminal activities in Thailand, and has made it known. Ambassador Zhang Jianwei feels the term made Thais appear “unfriendly” to Chinese visitors.
In 2026, Thailand is no longer defined solely by its beaches, temples, and tourism appeal. It has evolved into a global headquarters for a new kind of workforce — the digital nomad generation — earning a reputation as one of the world’s most attractive bases for remote professionals seeking both productivity and lifestyle.
Samui Tops Asia-Pacific Island Rankings
Thailand’s soft power shines through food, fun, and 5F charm
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan said at the “Energy Transition: Transitioning Thai Energy to a Low-Carbon Economy” seminar, under the topic “Thai Energy Direction and PDP 2026 Progress”, that discussions on energy transition often focus solely on electricity.
How electric tuk-tuks are powering Bangkok’s quiet mobility revolution
Rescue crews and residents are searching for hundreds of people trapped under the rubble of buildings yesterday, after back-to-back major earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern coast and caused devastation across the region. At least 188 people had been confirmed dead and 200 were trapped under rubble. 
Minor Hotels has appointed Kanruethai Roongruang as general manager of Avani+ Hua Hin Resort. Originally from Phuket, Kanruethai brings more than 25 years of hospitality experience across Thailand and international markets, with expertise in resort operations, wellness, commercial strategy, business development, and luxury hospitality management.
Thailand’s Department of Business Development (DBD) is tightening enforcement against “nominee” businesses by requiring Thai shareholders in foreign co-investment firms to submit three months of financial evidence, including bank statements, to prove genuine investment capacity. The move is part of a broader crackdown on concealed foreign ownership structures and is already affecting thousands of companies across high-risk sectors.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast today that Thailand would continue to see thundershowers over the next 24 hours, with isolated heavy rain in the east and along the south’s west coast.
The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and the Thai Frozen Foods Assn. began direct purchases of shrimp from farmers yesterday to mitigate the effects of Malaysia’s suspension of Thai shrimp imports.
Lisa’s Instagram Posts Reach 58-million-baht Value Worldwide
The Thai baht is currently facing short-term pressure, with market strategists indicating it could test the 33.00–33.20 resistance band. This weakness is influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the Federal Reserve’s rate-hike expectations.
The Bank of Thailand has upgraded its GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 2.3% from 1.5%, attributed to strong exports, government stimulus, and easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The Bank of Thailand yesterday left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1.00% as widely expected, saying it would continue to monitor inflation trends and expectations.
Thailand is dismantling long-standing barriers to foreign business while simultaneously implementing its most stringent crackdown on foreign property ownership in decades — a paradox that analysts caution is undermining the kingdom’s reputation as a dependable destination for long-term international investment.
TikTok Shop flexes muscle in 3-way Thailand tussle
High-net-worth parents across Asia, the Middle East, and Russia are fundamentally rewriting the equation for elite schooling. Facing a volatile matrix of escalating geopolitical friction, erratic financial markets, and skyrocketing living costs in traditional Western markets, affluent families are increasingly asking whether a premium education requires sending children across the globe.
Constant Energy, a leading renewable energy developer in Southeast Asia, has announced the successful inauguration of a 5.26 MW solar rooftop installation at the manufacturing facilities of Meyer Industries and Meyer Aluminium (Thailand) Co. in Laem Chabang, Thailand.
Once a lush field of green, the seagrass meadows surrounding Thailand’s Koh Libong are now largely barren stretches of sand, devastating the island’s iconic dugong population.
Europe braced yesterday for another day of an unprecedented heatwave that has smashed records in many countries and sent air conditioner sales zooming in a continent unused to and ill-equipped to handle searing heat. 
Thailand’s nominee crackdown has widened to accounting firms in Prachuap Khiri Khan, as authorities investigate businesses suspected of using Thai nationals to hide foreign ownership.
According to Bain & Company’s fourth biennial Front Line of Healthcare report, drawing on surveys of 600 doctors and 6,300 consumers across nine markets, the region’s healthcare systems are caught in a compounding crisis of their own making: demand is surging, supply is crumbling, and the people meant to hold it all together are walking out the door. This is not a cyclical blip. It is a structural reckoning, and the window for decisive action is narrowing.
Bangkok commuters may finally be getting closer to something they have wanted for years: multiple trains, one ticket, and cheaper transportaion. Thailand’s Cabinet yesterday approved a cost-of-living measure to introduce a common fare system across urban rail transit lines, allowing passengers to travel for between 17 and 45 baht under a single-ticket scheme.
Crayfish on the loose in Phayao Lake
An average of 76% of adults surveyed in 35 countries, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, have no confidence in US President Donald Trump’s leadership of global affairs, with ratings for the United States negative in many places in Europe and Asia, an established research institute said yesterday.
The Thai economy is facing an uphill battle against a trio of deep-seated structural vulnerabilities, even as major economic research centers nudge short-term growth forecasts upward. In its latest economic outlook, the Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Center (SCB EIC) upgraded Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for this year to 2% from a previous estimate of 1.7%.
The cabinet has approved the expansion of the list of price-controled goods and services to 66. The list now includes 61 essential goods and five services, for which providers must seek prior approval for price changes.
The SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), a research center under Siam Commercial Bank, expects energy costs will continue to propel inflation in the second half of the year, even as the Middle East war shows signs of de-escalation.
Thai Generation Z and millennials are experiencing greater concern about their financial future than their peers in many other countries, with housing affordability a particularly acute pressure point, a survey by Deloitte has found.
Why travelers are saying “Thank you, Thailand” before they fly home
As summer 2026 gets underway, the global tourism industry is regaining strong momentum, and one metropolis drawing attention from travelers from around the world is “Bangkok”.
The sizzle of socialization: How Moo Kata makes Thailand’s table glow
In Thailand, the most talked-about travel ritual of 2026 may not begin at a temple, rooftop bar, or Michelin-listed restaurant. It starts under fluorescent lights, beside a refrigerated aisle, with a plastic-wrapped sandwich waiting to be toasted.
In Bangkok, the dining room of the moment does not always arrive polished in marble and glass. It may sit behind a narrow frontage, up a steep old staircase, beside the roar of a wok, or inside a building that still carries the memory of trade, family, and neighborhood life.
Cutting Thailand’s Giant Jackfruit
Journey Through Wellness, Sustainability, and Authentic Thai Hospitality in Krabi and Koh Lanta
Ubon park put forward for UNESCO listing
Thailand must accelerate its shift away from fossil fuels or risk falling permanently behind its regional peers, the chief economist of SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC) warned this week, as the kingdom’s heavy dependence on imported energy leaves it acutely vulnerable to global volatility.
Waste management is one of the most essential public services a city can and must provide. When it breaks down – even briefly – thousands of tons of rubbish pile up fast. Foul odors spread across neighborhoods.
In the next few weeks, Britain’s ruling Labor Party will select a new leader to replace Keir Starmer. But this prospect has not inspired hope of a political or economic renewal. Among British media and, more importantly, global financial markets, the consensus is that any revisions to the failing Starmer government’s policies will only make things worse. 
As Australia moves to scrap key property investment tax breaks, some investors are taking a wait-and-see approach as the new policy takes shape. The shift, the biggest in decades, is seen by some as ending Australia’s long love affair with property investment. 
Sam Roi Yot Run Ep.7 will offer distances of 2.7km, 5km and 10km along scenic coastal routes through local communities. Entry fees vary depending on registration period, with general registration open until May 31. 
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has issued new penalty guidelines that include license suspensions or revocations for cannabis businesses found to breach the department’s requirements.
The Thai baht opened the week at 32.94 per US dollar yesterday, drifting toward the psychologically significant 33 threshold as a confluence of external headwinds and domestic vulnerabilities battered sentiment.
Thailand’s exports posted double-digit growth in May but at a slower pace than April, a Commerce Ministry official said yesterday. Customs-cleared exports rose by 23.1% in April from a year earlier. May data is due later this week.
Thailand’s property market is seeing a major shift as developers move beyond simply delaying new launches and begin selling land and ready-to-develop projects to preserve liquidity.
Thailand’s luxury hotel sector is emerging as one of the country’s most attractive investment assets, as global economic uncertainty pushes investors toward properties seen as resilient, scarce, and capable of generating long-term returns.
Thailand’s world heritage-level performing arts have taken center stage in Europe and South Korea, as Khon, Nora, Songkran traditions, and Thai classical dance were showcased in Frankfurt and Seoul as part of a wider push to promote Thai cultural soft power overseas.
Tha Phra Chan clings to Thai herbal traditions
Thailand’s government is advancing its green hospital policy by promoting clean and renewable energy in public health facilities to reduce operating costs, improve energy efficiency, and support the country’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Elephants can certainly shift. African elephants can reach top speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour, albeit over short distances only. This is more than twice as fast as the average human runner, so it seems like an open and shut case.
Thailand is entering the second half of 2026 with a mixed economic signal: S&P Global Ratings has maintained the country’s sovereign rating at BBB+ with a stable outlook, but economists warn that pressure from oil prices, rising imports, fiscal deficits, and global uncertainty could keep the current account and the baht under strain.
Can Thailand’s Land Bridge Challenge Malacca and Redefine Asian Trade Routes?
Thailand’s exporters are heading into a more uncertain second half of 2026, with growth expected to slow as global trade risks pile up across energy, logistics, and major export markets.
China’s growing pet-friendly culture is creating a new export opening for Thailand, as demand for premium and health-focused pet food rises among Chinese consumers who increasingly treat pets as family members.
A toxic mix of record household debt, strict lending criteria, and a severe demographic slowdown leaves Bangkok’s property market heavily oversupplied. The accumulated inventory of unsold residential properties in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces is projected to surge to an unprecedented 213,000 units by the end of 2026, triggering warnings that Thailand is on the brink of a chronic, Japan-style vacant housing crisis.
Italy has offered to employ 20,000-30,000 Thai workers a year to remedy labor shortages in three sectors, deputy government spokeswoman Patdarat Thongsaluaykorn said yesterday.
The government has reiterated that investments in data centers must not adversely affect local communities or the agricultural sector. According to government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek, the data center investment boom reflects the country’s potential to become a regional digital infrastructure hub, supporting the growth of cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce, fintech, and other digital services.
Thailand is redefining its annual green season, promoting the rainy months as a prime opportunity for wellness, nature-based experiences, and meaningful travel. Through its “Healing is the New Luxury” campaign, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is encouraging travelers to view the season not as an off-peak period, but as a time for restoration, reflection, and deeper connections with nature and local communities.
Authorities in Phuket are considering a proposal to raise the provincial tax on hotels from 1% to 3% of room rates to generate additional revenue for local development and tourism promotion.
The recent proposal to merge the Ministry of Culture with the Ministry of Tourism should be treated with great caution. This idea may appear to be just a bureaucratic restructuring. But the two ministries have distinct missions, functions and skill sets that should not be combined.
Master the Art of Ordering Som Tum Like a Thai Local
Phangnga: Southern springboard to growth
The Great Hornbill forages in the treetops, usually living in pairs. Outside the breeding season, they can sometimes gather in flocks of up to 150, roosting in trees in valleys. However, they occasionally descend to the ground to forage. Their loud call, “Kok Kok Kok, Kahang Kahang Kahang” or “Kawa Kawa Kawa,” is the origin of their name. Great Hornbills are found in moist evergreen forests, dry evergreen forests, or mixed deciduous forests. 
Thailand needs to accelerate its transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) and expand the use of renewable energy to strengthen long-term energy security, according to Areeporn Asawinpongphan, a researcher at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
Analyst urges shift away from fossil fuels
Thailand’s consideration of an expanded foreign ownership quota for condominium units is being viewed as a possible measure to attract overseas investment, support the property sector, and improve liquidity in a market still facing a slowdown.
Warning signs of a “Super El Niño” are becoming clearer, and Thailand may not have much time left to prepare before the situation escalates from dry spells to drought, extreme heat, and a water-shortage crisis that could last until the middle of next year.
The Thai army is closely monitoring reports of Cambodian tank and military hardware movements along the border, Second Army Area commander Weerayuth Raksilp has confirmed, warning that readiness, speed, and equipment would be decisive if a third round of clashes broke out.
Thailand’s cannabis policy is facing fresh scrutiny after the House Public Health Committee convened a tense meeting to examine whether cannabis should be returned to the narcotics list, as concerns grow over widespread sales, legal loopholes, and public health risks.
Residents have raised alarm over what they describe as a growing army of stray dogs roaming the grounds of Chiang Mai City Hall, saying the animals are intimidating visitors, chasing pedestrians, and creating safety concerns at the government complex.
Bypassing Malacca is a bridge too far for Thailand’s ports project
The Finance Ministry is expediting its review of welfare reforms to ensure the benefits target those most in need, minimize duplication across programs, and promote greater participation in the labor force. This approach is based on the concept of a negative income tax (NIT) system.
Is Thailand becoming a welfare state? The answer remains to be seen, given the government’s fiscal constraints. Public debt has risen recently, nearing the statutory ceiling of 70% of GDP.
True Internet Data Center Co., or True IDC, the largest data center and cloud service provider in Thailand under the Charoen Pokphand Group, announced a continuous investment of over 6 billion baht and held a groundbreaking ceremony for its seventh data center in northern Bangkok.
Chiang Mai’s bid to become UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in jeopardy
For decades, Thailand built its economy on the assumption that energy would remain cheap, stable, and someone else’s responsibility. That assumption is beginning to break. Many see this as a threat. It may also be an opportunity.
Thailand’s rapid solar energy expansion has grown from 2.5 megawatts to nearly 5,000 megawatts, supported by government policy and falling costs. End-of-life panel management remains largely unaddressed, however, with projections estimating between 431,000 and 728,000 tons of solar waste by 2050.