PKK promotes wellness tourism/Hua Hin Marathon Sunday/Former Hua Hin expat charged/Centara Golf World Masters/Desperate for School Funds/Anthrax Confusion in Mukdahan/30 fake engineers’ signatures/Southern insurgency escalates/Thunderstorms, heavy rain/Shakeup for Bangkok pet owners/ECONOMY: Thailand inflation drops/Soaring prices in Thailand/Tariffs to batter Thai steel industry/The US Trade Pitfall/Thai Exports Clouded/Laem Chabang Port makeover/Pet industry thrives/TOURISM: Thailand faces tourism crossroads/Casinos Unlikely to Boost Tourism/Background Checks for Casino Visitors/Vietnam Tourism Threat Looms/7 Russian Tourists Hospitalized/Moken Kids ‘Not Tourist Props’/Foreign tourist brawls bruise Pattaya/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand’s best comfort food/Thai durian-based desserts/CLIMATE THAILAND: Kok River contamination/J&T Express green logistics/Battery-Swapping Taxi Fleet/New solar farm/Tariffs could accelerate ASEAN’s energy transition/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
PKK promotes wellness tourism
Hua Hin Marathon set for Sunday
Former Hua Hin expat charged with wife’s murder
Centara Golf World Masters returns June 8
Thailand’s sun-drenched fairways and luxury hospitality await once more as the Centara World Masters Golf Championship, Asia’s most illustrious amateur golf event, prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in grand style from June 8-14.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Hua Hin, this year’s tournament is poised to welcome over 450 golfers worldwide. Competitors will tee off across three of Thailand’s most revered courses: Black Mountain Golf Club, Pineapple Valley, and Springfield Royal Country Club – each a jewel in the region’s golfing crown. Continued …
Desperate for School Funds, Thai Families Turn to Pawn Shops
Parents across Thailand are scrambling to convert belongings into cash, as they face mounting pressures to meet school term expenses. With the onset of the new school year on May 16, there’s a rush to pawn shops for funds to cover the cost of uniforms and other essentials.
In anticipation, pawn shops nationwide have boosted their cash reserves. The Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality has readied 300 million baht among its branches, while offering low interest rate promotions to assist cash-strapped families. Continued …
Anthrax Confusion in Mukdahan: Still Trying to Trace Origin of Outbreak
Health authorities in Mukdahan are scrambling to trace the source of an anthrax outbreak that has already claimed one life and infected two others, as conflicting test results complicate efforts to pinpoint the origin.
Dr. Narong Chankaeo, provincial public health officer, confirmed that three cases of anthrax have been identified so far in Don Tan District, one of which resulted in death. Two other patients remain under hospital care, while 98 individuals are being closely monitored for symptoms, primarily those who may have been exposed through skin contact or ingestion. No cases of respiratory anthrax have been detected, which would require a longer 60-day observation period. Continued …
30 fake engineers’ signatures on SAO building documents
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has found 30 forged engineers’ signatures on documents for the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building in a probe into alleged nominee practices by China Railway No.10 (Thailand), one of the contractors of the collapsed SAO building.
Investigators found that while 30 individuals said their signatures were forged as construction supervisors, only eight confirmed that their signatures were authentic. Continued …
Southern insurgency escalates, crackdown on militant leaders
The southern insurgency in Thailand has reignited, cornering the government and prompting a renewed plan to hunt down and dismantle militant leadership networks.
Three main groups have been targeted by insurgents in the deep southern border provinces: Thai Buddhists, state officials (including civil servants, military personnel, police, and volunteers), and Muslims who cooperate with state authorities. Continued …
Thunderstorms, heavy rain, and gusty winds expected across Thailand
Thundershowers are likely in the upper Thailand today, with isolated gusty winds possible in the north, northeast, and central regions, and isolated heavy rains in the upper northeast, the Thai Meteorological Department announced this morning.
South (east coast): Scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rains in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, and Yala; minimum 23-26°C, maximum 32-36°C; waves below a meter high and above 2 meters high in thundershowers. Continued …
Big shakeup for Bangkok pet owners
A quietly announced law will usher in sweeping changes to pet ownership in Bangkok early next year. While the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Ordinance on Animal Keeping and Release Control 2024 has flown under the radar for many, its impact – particularly on dog and cat owners – could be profound when it comes into force on Jan. 10.
Under the new rules, Bangkok will be designated a controlled zone for six categories of animals: mammals, poultry, aquatic creatures, amphibians, reptiles, and venomous or aggressive species. Yet, in the city’s crowded condos and suburban streets, it’s dogs and cats that are front and center. Continued …
Thailand inflation drops 0.22%
Thailand’s inflation turned negative for the first time in more than a year on cheaper fuel prices and increased fresh food supplies, creating more room for the central bank to cut rates further to deal with the impact of the trade war.
The consumer price index fell 0.22% in April, the first negative result since March last year, according to data released by the Commerce Ministry today. That was more than analysts’ expectation for a 0.1% decline. Continued …
Soaring prices top latest list of woes in Thailand
Sharply rising consumer prices top the current list of pressing issues people want fixed, according to a survey by the National Statistical Office (NSO).
A recently conducted nationwide poll of families with members aged over 18 found most respondents want the government to prioritize reigning in surging consumer prices. According to a government spokesperson, 86% called for direct government intervention, followed by 67% who pressed for continued state subsidies of utility and fuel prices to lower household expenses. Continued …
US tariffs to batter Thai steel industry
U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs are expected to deal a blow to the steel market, which is likely to see a decline in steel consumption, says the EAF Long Product Steel Producers Assn.
The reciprocal tariffs, which will likely be imposed on goods from many countries, are predicted to cause a recession that will lead to lower demand for steel and price fluctuations, said association President Chaichalerm Bunyanuwat. Continued …
Can Thailand Escape the US Trade Pitfall Sparked by Trump’s Tariffs?
As the United States re-evaluates its trade policies, Thailand finds itself in a precarious position. In the wake of recent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, the Thai government has only three months to navigate a complex trade landscape that could redefine its economic future.
The Trump administration’s tariffs on a range of imports, including electronics and agricultural products, have left many Asian economies on high alert, with Thailand being particularly vulnerable. The U.S. had previously been one of Thailand’s largest trade partners, accounting for approximately $30 billion in exports last year. Key Thai industries, such as rice and rubber, are at risk as tariffs impact their competitiveness in the U.S. market. Continued …
Thai Exports Clouded by Trade War Uncertainty
In March 2025, Thailand’s merchandise exports surged by 17.8% year-over-year, reaching USD 29.55 billion — the highest growth rate in three years. This increase outperformed expectations, supported by strong production in electronics and a rush to export before impending U.S. tariffs. Notably, exports to the U.S. soared by 34.3%, with electronic products driving this expansion.
SCB EIC projects a contraction risk of 0.4% for Thai exports in 2025 amid escalating trade tensions and tariffs. The first half of the year may witness growth following favorable conditions, but uncertainty looms as U.S. tariffs could dampen trade. Continued …
Government fast tracks Laem Chabang Port makeover
The Transport Ministry is fast-tracking phase 3 of the development of Laem Chabang Port, a key infrastructure project aimed at supporting the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) strategy.
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri visited the site Saturday, along with the Laem Chabang Port management, to discuss the project’s progress and coordinate efforts to meet tight deadlines set by the government. Continued …
Pet industry thrives as fewer young Thais have children
The pet industry is expected to thrive as more Thais, particularly the younger generation, choose to raise pets instead of having children. Despite ongoing economic challenges, the sector has been barely affected.
Milin Veraratanaroj, chairman of Tang Ngee Soon Superstore, one of the largest traditional wholesale chains in Udon Thani, said he noticed a significant decline in younger Thais’ interest in having children since the pandemic began. Continued …
Thailand faces tourism crossroads as global markets shift
Thailand’s once-thriving tourism sector is at a critical juncture, as shifting global dynamics reshape traveler behavior, test industry resilience, and prompt a call for strategic rethinking. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the beaches of Phuket and the nightlife of Pattaya, signs of a slowdown are becoming increasingly evident.
Even with the arrival of the green season, concerns are growing. Local headlines speak of business owners in Pattaya raising concerns over the sharp decline in Chinese tourists, quieter streets, fading foot traffic, and a noticeable absence of key visitor groups who once filled destinations like Pattaya. Continued …
Casinos in Thailand Unlikely to Boost Tourism
Thailand’s proposed entertainment complex, featuring exclusive gambling venues, faces scepticism regarding its potential to enhance tourism. The Paetongtarn government’s plan seems shaky, as the focus on attracting only the ultra-wealthy raises questions about its feasibility.
The government admits the target audience includes just the super-rich, those with verifiable fortunes, stirring doubts about the number of such tourists worldwide. Would billionaires, often attracted to hotspots like Las Vegas, really choose Thailand merely for gambling? The plan seems to bank on assumptions about billionaire habits rather than tangible evidence. Continued …
Thailand May Require Criminal Background Checks for Foreign Casino Visitors
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced on Sunday that the government may introduce requirements for detailed profiles of all visitors to the country’s legal casinos. This could involve criminal background and wealth checks for international visitors as part of an effort to regulate the industry tightly.
The proposed measures align with a broader initiative to ensure the country’s competitive stance in regional tourism. The prime minister emphasized the need for Thailand to catch up with its regional peers in tourism by developing large-scale entertainment complexes, which would include casinos. Continued …
Vietnam Tourism Threat Looms: Could It Overtake Thailand?
Could Thailand’s tourism crown be slipping to Vietnam? Tourism chiefs are alarmed as Vietnam’s inbound tourism rocketed nearly 50% in March compared to pre-pandemic levels, while Thailand grapples with lackluster growth.
Experts warn Vietnam could surpass Thailand as Southeast Asia’s top destination in just a few short years. President of the Chon Buri Tourism Federation, Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, suggests that Vietnam’s appeal, with family-friendly resorts and cheaper living costs, is becoming irresistible. Continued …
7 Russian Tourists Hospitalized After Eating Wild Fruit in Thailand
Seven Russian tourists were rushed to hospital after eating unidentified wild fruit in a national park in Thailand’s Surat Thani province. The tourists, keen to sample exotic local flora, experienced severe chest pains and vomiting, prompting a swift response from local emergency services in Panom district.
The group, traveling from Phuket, reported feeling nauseous after consuming the fruit. The group of seven, comprising five women and two men, exhibited symptoms ranging from chest tightness and vomiting to frothing at the mouth. Continued …
Claims Slammed: Moken Kids ‘Not Tourist Props’
Mu Koh Surin National Park has denied claims that Moken children are being used for tourism. This follows an online post accusing park officers and local tour operators of exploiting children from the Moken community to entertain visitors.
Park Chief Kriangkrai Phaocharoen dismissed these allegations. On Sunday, he clarified that only adults are employed by the park, earning between 200-250 Thai baht daily for a five-hour shift, complete with meals. Children observed alongside these workers were simply accompanying family members, not employed to work, according to the official statement. Continued …
Foreign tourist brawls bruise Pattaya’s party scene
Punches flew, tempers flared and yet another black eye was dealt to Pattaya’s party scene yesterday after a boozy bar bust-up between foreign tourists left three injured and police scrambling to track down the culprits behind the chaos.
A full-blown street scrap erupted outside a bar on Soi Chalermprakiat 25 in Nongprue, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, with three foreign nationals nursing bruises, but refusing both medical help and to spill the beans to officers on the scene. Continued …
Khao Man Gai or Chicken Rice: Thailand’s best comfort food?
If you ask any Thai person what they eat when they’re not sure what to eat, there’s a good chance they’ll say khao man gai, or chicken rice. At its core, khao man gai is simple: tender poached chicken over rice cooked in chicken fat and broth, served with a bowl of clear soup and a dipping sauce on the side.
Walk through any Thai neighborhood, and you’re bound to find a khao man gai stall tucked in a corner, steam rising from pots, and the sound of chopping cleavers cutting through soft, cooked chicken. Continued …
Thai durian-based desserts to add to your bucket list
Thailand doesn’t just eat durian fresh — it turns this controversial fruit into mouthwatering dishes and sweets loved by locals and curious tourists alike. Here are some must-try durian-based treats:
1. Durian with Sticky Rice
A sweet, creamy dessert made by simmering ripe durian in coconut milk and serving it over warm sticky rice. Think of it as a tropical twist on mango sticky rice — rich, indulgent, and highly addictive. Continued …
Kok River contamination sparks fears in northern Thailand
The Kok River, winding through the northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai before joining the Mekong River, has become a source of concern for residents who once depended on it for agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.
High concentrations of arsenic, a hazardous heavy metal, have been discovered, generating fear and uncertainty among those who rely on the river for water and sustenance. Continued …
J&T Express advances green logistics
Logistics company J&T Express Thailand is committed to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles through carbon footprint reduction and the adoption of advanced technology to foster sustainable business practices and green logistics.
These efforts include its adoption of electric vehicles, establishment of energy-efficient sorting centers, and embracing of artificial intelligence (AI) to promote sustainable green logistics. Continued …
U Power, Sumitomo Mitsui Deliver Battery-Swapping Taxi Fleet in Phuket
U Power, a global leader in a global leader in green smart energy grid innovation, announced that its Thai subsidiary, USWAP Co. has delivered 21 battery-swapping-enabled MG EP vehicles to Auto Drive EV Public Co., a leading mobility service provider in Thailand, through a strategic partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Auto Leasing & Service (Thailand) Co.
The vehicles will be deployed to enhance sustainable taxi operations across the island of Phuket. This transaction marks the deployment of Southeast Asia’s first fleet of battery-swapping taxis, setting a new benchmark for sustainable transportation in the region. Continued …
New solar farm energizes Thai agro firm
Huasun Energy has reached a milestone in Southeast Asia with the successful grid connection of a 13.6 MW heterojunction (HJT) solar project supplied to Sri Trang Agro- Industry Public Co. — a leading rubber manufacturer in Thailand.
The project utilizes Huasun’s modules in a unique “amphibious” deployment model, combining both ground-mounted and floating installations to create a diversified clean energy matrix across multiple regions in Thailand. Under the blazing Thai sun, “Huasun Blue” is now continuously delivering green electricity to STA’s production operations. Continued …
Why experts believe US tariffs could accelerate ASEAN’s energy transition
China’s solar industry, facing a saturated domestic market and U.S. trade restrictions, is increasingly looking to Southeast Asia as a destination for its surplus capacity. This dynamic could make clean-energy technologies more affordable for ASEAN countries, potentially speeding up their energy transition. However, avoiding over-reliance on Chinese products remains a key challenge for the region.
Last year, the U.S. imported approximately 55 gigawatts (GW) of solar panels, with 88% coming from Southeast Asia — primarily Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam. If the U.S. “anti-dumping and countervailing duties” take effect as scheduled on June 9, these four countries could face tariffs as high as 3,251%. Continued …
‘Makes no sense’: Hollywood shocked by Trump’s film tariffs announcement
Hollywood reacted yesterday with skepticism to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of 100% tariffs on foreign films, with movie insiders calling it a policy made up on the fly by a president who fails to understand how the industry works. “It makes no sense,” entertainment lawyer Jonathan Handel said of Trump’s idea. Continued …
Asian currencies surge on weaker dollar, oil falls
Asian currencies advanced amid broad weakness in the dollar and U.S. assets as investors awaited further progress on trade deals. Crude oil slumped 3.6% after OPEC+ agreed to a further surge in output. Continued …
Ford sees $1.5 billion tariff hit this year, suspends 2025 forecast
Ford reported a 65% drop in first-quarter profits yesterday, citing a near-term drag on auto sales from new vehicle launches, as it withdrew its forecast amid tariff uncertainty. The carmaker estimated a full-year net hit of about $1.5 billion in adjusted operating earnings following U.S. President Donald Trump’s myriad tariff actions since returning to the White House in January. Continued …