OTOP handicrafts fair/Hua Hin Sunset Run/Automated railway barriers proposed/Queen Sirikit memorial event in Hua Hin/New 50- and 100-baht polymer banknotes/Thailand on Flood Alert/PM Declares ‘War on Scammers’/ASEAN Police Chiefs to Combat Scams/Thai police chief hits back/How often should you reset your PC/What’s happening to Miss Universe 2025?/French Man Saves Thai Woman/ECONOMY: Be clear about pricing/UK Sanctions 4 Thai Firms/Thailand’s digital economy forecast/E-commerce pioneers want tighter import restrictions/Telecom giants post bumper profits/China bans Thai sugar-based products/TOURISM: New tourism strategies suggested/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Grasshopper chirping contest/CLIMATE THAILAND: Solar push to cut costs/Karen community fighting for clean air/HUA HIN LINKS
OTOP handicrafts fair in Hua Hin has begun
A major Thai arts and handicrafts festival will take place in Hua Hin from Nov. 7-13, with the Department of Community Development inviting residents to support local craftsmanship and community enterprises.
The event at the 25-rai activity area behind Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, titled “OTOP Bringing Happiness to Communities – Heritage & Innovation: Wisdom of the Past, Innovation of the Future,” will feature selected One Tambon One Product (OTOP) goods from all 77 provinces. Continued …
Hua Hin Sunset Run is tomorrow
The Singha Beach Party Run 2025, billed as “The Sunset Run – Mexican Fiesta,” will take place on tomorrow at Suan Son Beach, with the start and finish line at the Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel in Khao Tao.
The event combines sport with celebration, inviting runners of all ages to enjoy an evening of fitness, fun, and live entertainment. Organizers say the aim is to encourage active lifestyles in a relaxed environment while showcasing Hua Hin’s beachside setting as a sports and lifestyle destination. Continued …
Automated railway barriers proposed for some Hua Hin crossings
Plans to install automated railway barriers at several level crossings in Hua Hin have been discussed, as officials look to improve safety and traffic flow at points where local roads intersect with the railway line.
During a meeting yesterday, Hua Hin City and representatives from the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) reviewed safety arrangements at seven railway level crossings in the municipality. Currently, four of Hua Hin’s crossings are located beneath the double-track railway line, including those at Chomsin Road (Ang Nam roundabout), Soi Hua Hin 88 (Bon Kai roundabout), Soi Hua Hin 94 (Mae Keb area), and Soi Hua Hin 102. These points see only occasional use by special train services and currently operate without manual barriers. Continued …
Queen Sirikit memorial event to be held in Hua Hin on Dec 1
Preparations are underway for an event titled “Paying Tribute with Loyal Hearts to Her Majesty the Queen Mother”, to be held on Dec. 1 from 3 pm to 7 pm, at Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin.
The event aims to express deep condolences and pay respects, as well as to remember the royal benevolence of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. The Prime Minister’s Office has called on all government offices, state enterprises, government agencies, and educational institutions throughout the country to organize activities to express mourning. Continued …
Bank of Thailand to roll out new 50- and 100-baht polymer banknotes
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is set to introduce new 50- and 100-baht polymer banknotes, which will officially enter circulation on Nov. 21.
BOT Gov. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput said the new banknotes, made from a special polymer material, are more durable and resistant to moisture and dirt. The change aims to keep banknotes cleaner, longer-lasting, and more environmentally friendly. The polymer notes have an average lifespan of up to eight years, around four times longer than paper notes. Continued …
Thailand on Flood Alert as Typhoon Kalmaegi Nears
Thailand’s disaster authorities have issued flood warnings for Bangkok and 65 provinces as weakening Typhoon Kalmaegi brings heavy rainfall and rising water levels in the Chao Phraya River. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) cautioned that the capital and surrounding Central Plains provinces could see significant flooding from today to Sunday, with authorities closely monitoring the river’s fast-flowing current.
As of yesterday, the DDPM reported water flowing through the Chao Phraya River barrage in Chai Nat province at a rate of 3,050 to 3,250 cubic meters per second. The Royal Irrigation Department has increased the discharge rate from 2,500 to 2,700 cu m/sec to manage inflow from upstream. During the major floods of 2011, the river’s flow rate peaked at 3,703 cu m/sec, underscoring concerns that current levels could still pose a serious risk to low-lying communities. Continued …
PM Declares ‘War on Scammers’ in Cybercrime Crackdown
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has declared a “war we must win” against online scammers, launching a nationwide campaign to combat cybercrime through coordinated action among 15 key government and financial agencies.
The prime minister described cybercrime as a serious threat to Thailand’s national security, economy, and international reputation. “Online scams are eroding the lives of our people, damaging families and undermining national confidence,” he said. Continued …
ASEAN Police Chiefs Sign Bangkok Declaration to Combat Scams
Police chiefs from 10 ASEAN member countries have concluded the 43rd ASEANAPOL Conference in Bangkok with a joint commitment to intensify efforts against cross-border crimes, especially online scams and human trafficking. Delegates endorsed the Bangkok declaration aimed at dismantling scam networks and protecting citizens across Southeast Asia.
Delegates from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam signed a joint statement pledging cooperation in combating eight major categories of transnational crime: drug trafficking, arms smuggling, terrorism, human trafficking, wildlife crime, financial crime, cybercrime, and maritime crime. The declaration places particular emphasis on tackling scam syndicates and human exploitation rings that have proliferated across the region. Continued …
Thai police chief hits back at claims RTP is crime syndicate
Police General Kittirat Panphet, commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), has fiercely defended his organization against allegations that it operates as a “large-scale criminal organization.”
Speaking yesterday, Big Tai, as he’s widely known, addressed the media during a policy update on the national crackdown against tech-based fraud and call center scams. He insisted the police remain committed to stamping out criminal networks, despite growing criticism and accusations from what he described as “outsiders.” Continued …
How often should you reset your PC or smartphone?
If your computer or smartphone feels sluggish, behaves oddly, or seems past its prime, you might wonder whether a full reset is the answer. The truth is, there’s no fixed schedule for wiping your system clean, but there are clear signs and certain situations when it makes sense and when it doesn’t.
Resetting a personal computer (PC) or mobile phone is not a casual task. It involves backing up your files, reinstalling the operating system (Windows, Android, or iOS), all your applications, and then restoring your data. It basically offers a fresh start for your device. Years ago, I recommend doing this annually, especially for heavy users. Today, that advice has changed. Continued …
What’s happening to Miss Universe 2025? Here’s how the drama unfolded
The 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. What began as a festive start to the competition quickly turned chaotic after a heated confrontation between Miss Universe Thailand national director Nawat Itsaragrisil and Mexico’s delegate Fatima Bosch, leading to walkouts, cancellations and a strong reaction from the Miss Universe Organization (MUO).
The tension started on Tuesday during what was meant to be the Sashing Ceremony, the official kickoff of the pre-pageant activities. Before it began, Nawat addressed the gathered candidates to defend Miss Universe Thailand’s promotional campaigns, which MUO had earlier described as “unauthorized.” Continued …
French Man Jumps into Chao Phraya River to Save Thai Woman
A 52-year-old French man and a Thai delivery rider rescued a Thai woman from the fast-flowing Chao Phraya River in Chainat province, central Thailand, after she jumped into the dangerous waters.
CCTV footage captured the dramatic rescue on Wednesday, showing a woman in her 30s walking along Phrom Prasert Road in Mueang district, near the provincial natural resources office, before climbing over a fence and leaping into the river. Continued …
Stores told to be clear about pricing
Shops participating in the Khon La Khrueng Plus co-payment scheme have been warned to clearly display prices, while those collecting value-added tax (VAT) must inform consumers of the final price, according to the Department of Internal Trade (DIT).
Director-general Wittayakorn Maneenetr said the department had worked with provincial commerce offices on guidelines for officials, to enable them to visit and provide advice to stores participating in the consumption stimulus scheme. Continued …
UK Sanctions 4 Thai Firms Allegedly Supporting Russia in Ukraine
The UK has sanctioned four Thai companies for allegedly supporting Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine, triggering warnings from Thai authorities about reputational risks. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) announced the sanctions, part of a broader action targeting 39 entities and individuals under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.
This move has prompted urgent responses from Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade (DFT). The DFT, headed by Director-General Arada Fuangtong, confirmed that the department is taking the matter seriously, having called the four sanctioned companies for immediate discussions. These discussions aim to ensure the firms are aware of the UK sanctions’ implications and the broader risks to both their operations and Thailand’s international image. Continued …
Thailand’s digital economy forecast to grow 4.2% in 2026, twice the pace of national GDP
The National Board of Digital Economy and Society (BDE) forecasts that Thailand’s digital economy (digital GDP) will expand by 4.2% in 2026, slowing slightly from the 5% growth expected in 2025 but still growing twice as fast as the overall economy, which the Ministry of Finance projects to expand by only 2%. The digital economy is expected to reach a value of 5.6 trillion baht next year.
Wetang Phuangsup, secretary-general of the BDE, said the digital sector remains a key growth driver for Thailand in 2026, despite global headwinds. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects the global economy to grow by 3.1%, down from 3.2% in 2025, while the World Trade Organization (WTO) projects global trade to rise by only 0.5%, down from 2.4%, due to the ongoing US-China trade war and the full impact of new tariff measures. Continued …
Thai e-commerce pioneers want tighter import restrictions
E-commerce pioneers have proposed that Thailand adopt Indonesia’s model of prohibiting sales of imported products priced less than USD100 on online platforms, aiming to safeguard local producers and raise imported product standards.
The industry leaders also called for the Customs Department to operate with greater transparency, as well as the creation of a unified digital customs system linked directly with e-commerce platforms. Such a link would allow delivery duty paid (DDP) collection at checkout, ensuring transparency and preventing unexpected fees for buyers. Continued …
Telecom giants True, AIS post bumper profits in 3rd quarter
Advanced Info Service (AIS) and True Corp. continued to post profits in this year’s third quarter. AIS has announced operating results for the third quarter of 2025, recording total revenue of 54.3 billion baht.
The company posted a net profit of more than 12 billion baht, up 37% year-on-year and 9.6% quarter-on-quarter, reflecting steady growth across all its business segments — mobile, broadband, and enterprise services. Continued …
China bans import of Thai sugar-based products
China has imposed a sweeping ban on the import of all Thai syrups and premixed sugar products, after 10 factories failed the latest safety and hygiene standards inspection by Chinese authorities. The decision has sparked fears of mass closures and layoffs across Thailand’s processed sugar sector.
Todsaporn Ruangpattananont, president of the Thai Sugar Product Assn., said yesterday the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) announced the prohibition following factory inspections conducted between July and September. Continued …
New tourism strategies suggested to boost Thailand’s global appeal
Experts invited to a roundtable discussion yesterday, “Rebuilding Thai Tourism Trend: Travel for New Gen,” presented various alternative tourism strategies that Thailand could adopt to maintain its position as a top travel destination.
These suggestions came as the majority of speakers highlighted a prevailing perception: many tourists believe Thailand is overly reliant on existing attractions, such as lush green landscapes, stunning beaches, and the cool weather of the mountains. Continued …
Grasshopper chirping contest revived in Songkhla
About 1,000 grasshoppers took part in a chirping contest held on Wednesday night in Ban Lae Mang-ok village in the Saba Yoi district of Songkhla province, in the hope of winning prizes ranging from cattle, cellphones, ovens, and electric fans.
The traditional local event, which was once popular in the four southern provinces of Songkhla, Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, was organized by the Saba Yoi district office, working with local leaders, and was aimed at reviving this type of competition, which has been suspended for many years due to the unrest in the region. Continued …
Thailand’s ‘Quick Big Win’ drives solar push to cut costs and boost income
Have you ever worried about rising electricity bills…or the ever-changing cost of fuel? Today, those challenges are about to change – through the “Quick Big Win” energy initiative, a national fast-track policy designed to cut costs and increase income for people and farmers across Thailand.
Under the plan, every household can install solar rooftops, saving 800 to 1,500 baht per month on electricity bills and receiving tax deductions up to 200,000 baht. Together, Thai households can help reduce electricity use by over 585 million units annually, and lower CO₂ emissions by another 280,000 tons per year. Continued …
Karen community fighting corn and coal for clean air in northern Thailand
Rain lashed down in the northern Thai village of Nong Krating as Sawattiphon Wongkasettakon described the worsening air pollution that sweeps in through the mountains here each year. “It didn’t used to be so bad, but in the last three years it’s become impossible to ignore,” Sawattiphon, a former deputy chief of the village, said. “The sky gets dark, it’s uncomfortable when we breathe. It blows in from the maize farms.”
Farmers in the region straddling northern Thailand, Myanmar’s Shan state, and Laos grow maize to supply Thailand’s booming animal feed industry. Every year before the planting season, they set controled fires to clear their fields of crop stubble left over from the harvest. The result: surging air pollution that sends the region’s towns and cities shooting up the rankings of the world’s most polluted places every February-April, when the burning peaks. Continued …
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