• Hua Hin CCTV installation/Mayor visits Chat Chai market/Intercontinental’s restaurant awarded/Chiva-Som Hua Hin wins Award/Hua Hin film club/Gun controls face loopholes/‘Gun prize’ giveaway/Nakhon Ratchasima shooting/Government announces downsizing plans/No one’s data is safe/Bangkok Post to hide some content
• THE IRAN WAR: US signals indefinite Iran blockade/ance says low oil prices are top US goal
• ECONOMY: Retail confidence, consumer spending fall/Business confidence plunges/AI boom drives digital economy/PM denies US drone production base/Ready for data center surge?/Pluak Daeng becomes ‘Little Guangzhou’
• TOURISM: Israeli mother and daughter attacked/Assault on Japanese tourist/Foreigners flee traffic checkpoint/Israeli family denied entry to zoo/Hotels seek earlier stimulus launch/32,540 baht Pattaya bar bill
• THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thai Restaurant Rules Tourists Break
• CLIMATE THAILAND: Floods devastate Mekong communities/Smart and green applications top 146 billion baht/’Turning Bottles into Purpose’/Solar panel recycling
• INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Hua Hin CCTV installation details discussed

Hua Hin Municipality officials met this week to discuss the installation of CCTV systems with 100 cameras and equipment in high-risk areas or areas with security needs. The project has already been reviewed and approved in principle.

The committee met together to review the details and scope of the project to ensure that the characteristics of the system, equipment, installation points, and technical details are appropriate, consistent with the area’s conditions, and can be used efficiently.

The project aims to install CCTV cameras within the Hua Hin Municipality to enhance the efficiency of monitoring and situational awareness in the area, as well as to support the prevention and reduction of risks to incidents that may affect the lives and property of the public and tourists.

Installing CCTV systems in high-risk areas will help relevant agencies use camera data as part of monitoring, investigating, and supporting operations in case of various incidents, which will help enhance the efficiency of security and peace in the Hua Hin city area.

The committee decided to proceed according to the relevant procedures, prioritizing the setting of project details that are appropriate, transparent, cost-effective, and practical to use.

Mayor visits Chat Chai market, hears concerns

Hua Hin MayorNopporn Wutthikul and members of his administration visited the Chat Chai market in the town center to listen to the problems within the market. Upon visiting the site, they found problems such as clogged drains, slippery tile floors, requests for rainwater prevention roofs, bird droppings entering the market, and requests to fix roof leaks. The mayor assigned relevant officials to resolve them.

Intercontinental’s restaurant awarded Thai Select 2 Stars

Jaras Hua Hin at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has been awarded Thai Select 2 Stars for 2026, recognizing the restaurant’s Thai cuisine, quality ingredients, creative presentation, professional service and overall dining experience.

Sabrina Hofstetter, general manager of InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, received the recognition on behalf of Jaras Hua Hin and the resort team at the official award ceremony. Continued … 

Chiva-Som Hua Hin wins Award for Best Wellness Services

Chiva-Som Hua Hin has received a Prime Minister’s Export Award 2026 in the Best Services Enterprise – Wellness Services category, recognizing its contribution to Thailand’s wellness sector and international reputation.

Organized by Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, the awards recognize Thai businesses and organizations that demonstrate excellence in exports and services, while helping strengthen the country’s international standing. Continued … 

Hua Hin has a new film club

Movie lovers in Hua Hin have a new place to come together with the launch of the Hua Hin Film Club, a new cultural initiative bringing selected films to local audiences alongside discussions, special events and opportunities to meet actors, filmmakers and others involved in the movies being screened.

The club’s initial program will feature a curated selection of films, member gatherings, post-screening discussions and special events designed to connect residents, visitors, filmmakers and film enthusiasts. Continued … 

Thailand’s gun controls face three persistent loopholes

Thailand’s firearm controls face three persistent gaps involving illegal and modified guns sold outside the registration system, insufficient oversight of legally owned weapons after licences are issued, and the transfer of firearms bought through government welfare schemes.

(Editor: Government officials giving out free shotguns: In yesterday’s news: 5 shotguns offered as prizes at official’s celebration)

The weaknesses have returned to attention following the shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School on Aug. 7, and the shooting of the chairman of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization three days later. Continued … 

‘Gun prize’ giveaway prompts policy change

An event in which shotguns were billed as draw prizes for public officials on Koh Phangan will be the last of its kind, a senior Interior Ministry official said yesterday.

Narucha Khosasivilai, director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration, was responding to widespread public criticism of the event, which was held just three days after a mass shooting in Nonthaburi left nine people dead. Continued … 

Nakhon Ratchasima shooting follows motorcycle theft accusation

A shooting and knife attack at a “Chim Shop Chai” community fair near a monument in Dan Khun Thot, Nakhon Ratchasima, left six people injured Wednesday. Vendors were closing their stalls for the night when the attack began, and at least one victim was left in critical condition and required surgery.

The accused reportedly admitted to police that he fired a homemade gun loaded with pellet-dispersing rounds, and that a companion also used a knife during the attack. Continued … 

Government announces downsizing plans

Thailand’s Cabinet has frozen the creation of new central-government field offices in the provinces and ordered ministries to review existing regional structures, with 3,708 units singled out for scrutiny.

The decision does not automatically close all 3,708 units. Ministries have three months to justify their continued operation and propose closures, mergers, transfers of responsibilities, greater use of digital services or conversion into the provincial administrative structure. Continued … 

No one’s data is safe in Thailand

How much is your personal information worth? Apparently, only a few hundred baht was enough to access sensitive information from a Thai government database.

The latest leak exposed information belonging to prominent figures, including Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Despite years of breaches affecting millions of people, Thailand is still pushing ahead with a massive digital transformation of its economy and public services. Video … 

Bangkok Post begins hiding content behind pay wall

The Bangkok Post is introducing its premium digital subscription today, signaling the next phase of its digital strategy as it scales reader revenue alongside print, Epaper and advertising operations.

The subscription delivers unlimited access to the Post’s digital journalism in an ad-light environment and introduces a membership model that includes invitations to curated community events and exclusive experiences. Continued … 

US signals indefinite Iran blockade, Hormuz tensions rise

The United States could maintain its naval blockade of Iran indefinitely by rotating warships through the region, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, signaling that Washington is prepared to keep economic pressure on Tehran while efforts to restore a peace agreement remain stalled.

“Our Navy can keep that kind of blockade indefinitely because we rotate ships in and out, as we do and will continue to do,” Hegseth told reporters yesterday while traveling to Panama. Continued … 

Huh? Vance says low oil prices are top US goal in Iran conflict

US Vice President JD Vance said yesterday the top US priority in the Iran war was keeping oil and gasoline prices low for Americans, with preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon ranking second.

The remarks constrasted with President Donald Trump’s repeated framing of the fight: that entering the war had the sole objective of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, even if that meant short-term economic sacrifices for Americans. Continued … 

Retail confidence, consumer spending fall

Thai consumers continued to visit shops at almost the same frequency in July but sharply reduced the amount they were prepared to spend on each trip, pointing to weakening household purchasing power as the nationwide Retail Sentiment Index (RSI) fell 4.9 points to 46.6.

The spending-per-bill component recorded the steepest decline among the index’s main measures, falling by 8.1 points from 55.1 in June to 47.0 in July. By comparison, shopping frequency edged down by only 0.4 points, from 48.1 to 47.7. Confidence in month-on-month same-store sales growth dropped by 6.4 points, from 52.6 to 46.2. Continued … 

Business confidence plunges to 35-year low

Thailand’s business confidence has plunged to a 35-month low, as weak incomes, high household debt and rising costs squeeze firms nationwide. The Thai Chamber of Commerce warns conditions may deteriorate across almost every sector through year-end, despite surging exports and improving consumer sentiment.

Businesses face persistent liquidity shortages, while Middle East tensions and the Thai-Cambodian border conflict add further risks. The Chamber is pressing for low-interest loans and debt restructuring. It has also sounded the alarm over foreign capital entering retail and restaurant sectors where foreign participation is restricted, adding further pressure on Thai operators. Continued … 

AI boom drives Thailand’s digital economy as exports surge

Sorry, but you will have to pay to read this one. See article on Bangkok Post’s new subscription service above. Continued … 

PM denies US drone production base plan

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied reports that the United States plans to establish a production base for unmanned aerial vehicles in Thailand, saying he had received no such report.

Anutin was asked about reports that the US might use military issues as leverage in negotiations over trade tariffs. The prime minister rejected the suggestion, saying there had been no such discussion. He said US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby met with him on Thursday, but the two did not discuss the issue. Continued … 

Is Thailand’s energy system ready for data center surge?

Thailand has approved 42 data center projects since 2024, but is Thailand’s energy system prepared for the surge? Some question Thailand’s grid system is not smart yet, noting that the government should balance energy security with data center development. Video … 

Pluak Daeng becomes ‘Little Guangzhou’ as Rayong weighs tighter controls

Pluak Daeng district in Rayong has emerged as one of the fastest-growing industrial centers in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor, with a surge in Chinese investment transforming the area into what has been dubbed “Little Guangzhou”.

The district has expanded rapidly alongside neighboring Si Racha in Chonburi, sometimes referred to as “Little Osaka”, as their adjoining industrial areas attract foreign manufacturers and generate demand for housing, retail and other services. Continued … 

Israeli mother and daughter attacked on Koh Pha Ngan

An Israeli mother, 62, and her 23-year-old daughter were seriously injured in an alleged assault on Koh Pha Ngan after a man asked where they were from and was told they were Israeli.

The suspect, who holds a French passport, was later arrested after allegedly becoming involved in another violent incident. The women said they believe the attack was connected to a discussion about the war in Gaza. Continued … 

Seven youths arrested over assault on Japanese tourist in Bangkok

Seven Thai youths have been arrested in connection with the physical assault of a Japanese tourist in a deserted area near the Makkasan Airport rail link station in Bangkok, police reported last night.

Din Daeng police investigators transferred the seven suspects to Makkasan Police Station for questioning and to face charges of physical assault. The group had been apprehended at a room within the Din Daeng flats complex earlier in the day. Continued … 

Foreigners flee traffic checkpoint, kick officer before arrest

Two Emirati men were arrested in Phuket after allegedly riding a motorcycle through a traffic checkpoint, kicking a pursuing traffic officer and fleeing before eventually being cornered in a dead-end road.

The incident occurred when officers from Kathu Police Station were operating a traffic checkpoint at the Si Kor checkpoint on Phra Barami Road in Kathu district, Phuket. During the operation, a traffic officer spotted a black Honda ADV 160 motorcycle travelling along Phra Barami Road from Patong toward the Si Kor intersection. Continued … 

Israeli family denied entry to exotic zoo on Koh Samui

An Israeli family says it was denied entry to a Koh Samui animal park because of its nationality before a confrontation with a man representing the zoo. Videos later posted on the park’s official account supported its exclusion of Israeli visitors.

The family, accompanied by two young daughters, went to Samui Exotic Park in Mae Nam. Footage recorded by the mother and widely shared online begins with her asking staff behind a counter: “Because we’re from Israel? What have we done to you? We haven’t done anything.” The video then cuts to a man representing the zoo telling the family to leave. Continued … 

Hotels seek earlier Thai Tiew Thai Plus launch for low season

The Thai Hotels Association (THA) has urged the government to bring forward the launch of Thai Tiew Thai Plus to Sept. 1, so the co-payment campaign can stimulate domestic tourism during the low season.

The Tourism and Sports Ministry is preparing to submit the campaign to the Cabinet for consideration in August and currently expects bookings to open on Oct. 1. The association wanted the government to accelerate the process and allow people to begin using the campaign for trips in September and October. Continued … 

Australian disputes 32,540 baht Pattaya bar bill

An Australian tourist was taken to Pattaya City Police Station after refusing to pay a 32,540 baht drinks bill at a beer bar in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya.

The dispute followed a drinking session, which, staff said, began at about 8 am on Aug. 12 and continued for more than 13 hours until around 9 pm. Police have recorded the matter and are checking the bar’s orders and bill before deciding on further legal steps. Continued … 

5 Thai Restaurant Rules Tourists Break Without Even Realizing It

From fan-favorite drunken noodles to spicy papaya salads and creamy curries, Thailand’s cuisine entices visitors from around the world. While over 17,400 Thai restaurants can be found internationally, eating pad Thai, fragrant coconut soups, and other punchy dishes in the “Land of Smiles” is a bucket list topper for many travelers.

However, dining in a Thai restaurant in Thailand comes with a variety of rules and expectations that many foreigners break without ever being the wiser. Continued … 

As floods devastate Mekong communities, economic strain, conflict compound crisis

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by surging waters across Myanmar and Laos, with Thai farming communities along the Mekong River bracing themselves for difficult days ahead as authorities warn persistent heavy rains may bring flash floods.

Each year monsoon rains bring extensive flooding across the region. Environmental campaigners say the damage is exacerbated by changing weather patterns and deforestation, as well as the string of dams across arterial rivers – like the Mekong – and smaller tributaries that alter the natural water flow and drainage. Continued … 

Thailand sees smart and green applications top 146 billion baht

Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) has received 1,397 applications for investment promotion under measures supporting the transition toward smart and sustainable industry, with combined investment worth more than 146 billion baht.

Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the BOI, explained that the agency is prioritizing support for the industrial sector to accelerate its shift toward smart and green operations in line with global trends. Continued … 

‘Turning Bottles into Purpose’ Upcycling Project to Give Plastic Bottles a Second Life

What happens to a simple plastic water bottle once it is empty? At Gulf Development Public Co. (GULF), it marks the beginning of a transformative journey. In its second year, GULF’s flagship green initiative, “Turning Bottles into Purpose” has expanded its horizon.

Moving beyond its Bangkok headquarters, the project has successfully taken root across seven GULF offices in Thailand’s eastern region, engaging employees in a collective mission to sort and recycle right from the source. Between January and July, GULF employees rallied together to rescue 1,183 kilograms of PET bottles from ending up in landfills. Continued … 

Solar panel recycling could yield $20 billion by 2050

Solar panel recycling could generate $6 billion in recovered materials by 2040 and exceed $20 billion by 2050, as more than 400 gigawatts of photovoltaic (PV) capacity reaches end-of-life, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) said.

Solar PV, which is among the most widely deployed renewable energy technologies, is expected to play a major role in the energy transition, accounting for half of global installed renewable capacity, IRENA said in its report. Continued … 

Trump announces tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones to protect his sons’ company

President Donald Trump announced yesterday tariffs of up to 100% on imports of unmanned drones and their components to reduce US reliance on imports in an industry dominated by China. Donald Trump Jr. and his brother Eric Trump are prominent investors in Powerus, an American drone manufacturing and defense technology company seeking Pentagon contracts. Continued … 

Hua Hin Links and Transport

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