- Beachfront demolitions to proceed/Swimming warning in Hua Hin/Melioidosis kills 45/Bangkok diner sued 1 million baht/Ministry plans China rail pact/PM: Don’t let unrest happen in Thailand
- ECONOMY: Bank CEOs express concern/Fuel tax cuts loom/Thai export growth to slow/Foreign Direct Investment down/Strong VAT revenue/10 Thai banks record 3.6% decline
- TOURISM: Thailand delays 1,000-baht exit tax/Thai outbound travel holds up/38th in WEF tourism index/Thai Airways cancels six Taiwan flights
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand’s traditional Thai crêpe/An Authentic Thailand Experience/Best Snorkeling in the World/18 of the best family hotels/Chiang Mai Southeast Asia’s safest city
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thai town became the world’s dump/570 million baht for Net Zero plan
- IRAN WAR:Seven vessels hit/Houthi attacks fuel supply fears
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Appeal denied, beachfront demolitions to proceed
Hua Hin beachfront demolitions are set to proceed under the existing timetable following a meeting yesterday, at which the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said it would not interfere with the court ruling.
Water and electricity supplies are scheduled to be disconnected on Oct. 29. Plans also include installing concrete barriers to prevent the area from being reoccupied. Continued …
Swimming warning at Hua Hin beach
People are being advised to avoid swimming at Hua Hin beach, as strong winds and waves bring marine debris ashore and may create swirling currents. Hua Hin municipality issued the advice as municipal staff and community volunteers carried out a beach clean-up on Wednesday.
The municipality said the accumulation of debris is associated with the monsoon season and the annual “kite wind” period, which occurs during October and November. Continued …
Melioidosis kills 45 across four northeastern provinces
Health authorities in lower northeastern Thailand have recorded 570 cases of melioidosis and 45 deaths in four provinces so far this year. The figures, covering Jan. 1 to Oct. 22, were released yesterday.
Melioidosis, sometimes called soil fever, is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which occurs naturally in soil and water. It can enter the body through cuts or other broken skin, by breathing in contaminated dust or droplets, or by consuming contaminated food or water. Serious infections can be fatal. Continued …
Bangkok diner sued 1 million baht over 260-baht basil rice review
A Bangkok food shop has reportedly sued a customer for 1 million baht after he posted a video questioning why chicken basil rice with a fried egg cost 260 baht at a hospital food court.
The case has prompted renewed discussion about food prices and the risks consumers can face when reviewing businesses online. The man later told Channel 3’s news program that his wife had also been accused in connection with the case. Continued …
Transport ministry plans China rail pact covering 7 areas
Thailand’s Transport Ministry plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with China’s National Railway Administration in the fourth quarter of 2026, establishing a framework for cooperation in seven areas of rail development.
Stronger railway connections between Thailand, China and Laos would be a priority under the proposed agreement, which aims to improve regional transport and logistics through exchanges of expertise, technology and operating standards. Continued …
PM: Don’t let unrest like France happen in Thailand
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the national police chief to monitor unrest in France and prepare measures to prevent similar incidents in Thailand, saying the two countries have different social contexts.
Anutin said Thailand did not have the same internal conflicts as France and described Thai society as living in peace and unity. He also cited differences in the countries’ social and cultural makeup. Continued …
Bank CEOs express concern over high economic risks, say volatility is not temporary
The outlook for the Thai economy for the remainder of 2026 remains uncertain, facing fragile household purchasing power, high debt burdens, uneven recovery, and the impact of the floods.
Furthermore, risks from global events that may affect energy prices, business costs, and financial markets mean that businesses must prioritize risk management and asset quality alongside revenue generation and maintaining consistent profitability. Continued …
Fuel tax cuts loom as a last resort for relief
The Thai government is considering fuel tax cuts and reducing contributions to the Energy Conservation Promotion Fund as a last resort to alleviate the financial burden caused by high fuel prices. These measures aim to provide direct relief to consumers and help stabilize retail prices amid global market volatility.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan noted that while the government has already intervened to reduce gross refining margins, further actions like oil tax reductions may be necessary if global oil prices continue to climb due to Middle East tensions. Such measures are particularly critical for Thailand’s transport, agricultural, and industrial sectors, which rely heavily on diesel. However, officials are balancing these relief efforts with the need to maintain sufficient funding for energy conservation and renewable energy projects. – Bangkok Post AI
Thai export growth set to slow significantly next year
Thai export growth is projected to slow to 7.4% in 2027 as a result of several economic headwinds, most notably risks associated with US tariff policies. These trade risks are expected to impact various sectors, potentially weakening export competitiveness and adding pressure to overall economic growth.
The slowdown is anticipated due to a combination of factors, including US tariff risks, the electronics production cycle, and potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. While some sectors like electronics may remain partially protected or driven by AI demand, broader trade measures and uncertainties regarding transshipments through Thailand could pose significant challenges. Additionally, the potential for US trade measures to address trade surpluses could create further volatility for Thai exporters in the coming years. – Bangkok Post AI
Foreign Direct Investment for the first six months is down nearly 5%
Thailand is boasting of rising foreign investment as actual capital inflows plunge and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul launches a nationwide crackdown on foreign property ownership. Bank of Thailand figures expose a 24.6% second-quarter collapse in inward investment, dragging first-half FDI down 4.7%.
Meanwhile, foreign property owners and smaller investors face mounting uncertainty over assets acquired decades ago, with unlawful holdings facing forced sales. Japanese carmakers are also reportedly reviewing investment plans as Vietnam and Indonesia compete for their business. Yet, the government is promoting 271 billion baht in foreign investment commitments, up 7%, despite those figures representing business approvals rather than actual capital inflows. Continued …
Strong VAT revenue helps keep Thailand’s deficit below forecast
Thailand’s fiscal deficit for fiscal year 2026 stood at 3.4% of gross domestic product (GDP), below the earlier forecast of 4.4%, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, citing the latest Fiscal Policy Office figures.
Ekniti attributed the deficit coming in one percentage point below forecast to stronger-than-expected government revenue, saying the improvement had kept Thailand’s medium-term fiscal plan on track. Continued …
10 Thai banks record 3.6% decline in total profit
Ten listed banking companies recorded combined net profit of approximately 198.96812 billion baht in the first nine months of 2026, according to figures compiled by Thansettakij.
The total was down 7.42217 billion baht, or 3.6%, from 206.39029 billion baht a year earlier. The companies were BAY, BBL, CREDIT, KBANK, KKP, KTB, LHFG, SCB, TISCO and TTB. Continued …
Thailand delays 1,000-baht overseas exit tax
Thailand has put plans for a 1,000-baht charge on every overseas trip on hold, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said yesterday. The proposed tax had been under public consultation by the Revenue Department and would apply to people traveling out of Thailand.
The government has delayed it while assessing economic conditions and the impact of elevated energy prices linked to the war in the Middle East. Ekniti, who is also a deputy prime minister, said it would not be appropriate to add further costs at a time when energy expenses could affect both aviation and tourism. Continued …
Thai outbound travel holds up despite uncertainty
Thai consumers are continuing to travel overseas despite domestic flooding and international uncertainty, according to Krungsri Consumer. Rather than canceling trips, many are reducing spending in other areas, its executive says.
Atis Ruchirawat, head of unsecured lending at Bank of Ayudhya, or Krungsri, said outbound travel is expected to favor Asian destinations, particularly Japan, South Korea and China. The shift comes amid conflicts in the Middle East and protests in Europe. Continued …
Thailand rises to 38th in WEF tourism index
Thailand has climbed 10 places to 38th among 110 economies in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026, scoring 4.35 out of seven.
The score is 5.6% higher than in the 2024 edition, placing Thailand among the index’s 10 most improved economies. But the findings also identify weaknesses in infrastructure, environmental performance, local economic benefits and skilled staffing that could hinder its ambition to enter the global top 30. Continued …
Thai Airways cancels six Taiwan flights over Typhoon Champi
Thai Airways International has canceled six flights between Bangkok and Taiwan today, as Typhoon Champi disrupts aviation across the island. The cancellations affect services between Bangkok and both Taipei and Kaohsiung, the airline announced.
Typhoon Champi has brought strong winds and heavy rain to Taiwan, prompting widespread flight disruption. Taiwan canceled hundreds of domestic and international flights as the storm approached, despite forecasts indicating it would not make a direct landfall. Continued …
Khanom buang: The history of Thailand’s traditional Thai crêpe
Known in English as Thai crêpes or crispy pancakes, khanom buang is a traditional Thai snack believed to date back centuries. References to the delicacy appear in Thai literature and historical accounts, while different versions reflect how recipes have evolved over time.
Its origins are often traced to the Sukhothai period, based on what is believed to be evidence in temple paintings in the ancient city. The snack continued into the Ayutthaya period, appearing in Khun Chang Khun Phaen, one of Thailand’s best-known literary works, and was associated with royal ceremonies held throughout the year. Continued …
An Authentic Thailand Experience Only an Hour Away From Bangkok
This town offers an authentic experience of Thailand without all the tourist crowds. In this video, we visited the charming riverside town of Chachoengsao that’s only a day trip away from Bangkok. You can see the town’s iconic pink Ganesha statue, visit colorful shrines, or enjoy a peaceful afternoon enjoying tea and cake at a local cafe. Video …
This Stunning Island Has Some of the Best Snorkeling in the World
Wading into the pale blue water off Koh Tao’s southern coast, you might spot the unmistakable silhouette that gives Shark Bay its name — a blacktip reef shark cruising the shallows. Juveniles are a fixture off the shore of this Thai island, though the species tends to be timid and disappear almost as quickly as you can register them.
If you still prefer to give them a wide berth, you can instead seek out the green sea turtles that love to graze on seagrass or rise languidly toward the surface for air. Look even closer, and you’re likely to spot smaller denizens like needlefish hovering just below the surface or pink skunk clownfish darting among the tentacles of sea anemone. Continued …
18 of the best family hotels in Thailand
Memorable moments with the family come easy in Thailand — searching for pink dolphins, white-water river rafting, plunging into waterfalls, learning to snorkel. Thai culture embraces children, so there’s no need to worry about anyone turning their noses up either.
This extends to the hotel scene, too — many welcome families, with spacious rooms (often with private pools), easy mealtimes and stimulating kids’ clubs. With somewhere for every type of family — from jungle hideaways to urban resorts — we’ve put together our pick of the best places for a proper family holiday in Thailand. All you need to decide is where to go next. Continued …
Chiang Mai named Southeast Asia’s safest city
Chiang Mai has been named Southeast Asia’s safest city in Numbeo’s 2026 Safety Index, narrowly overtaking Singapore in a public-perception survey of urban safety.
The northern Thai city scored 77.9 and ranked 19th worldwide, compared with Singapore’s 77.5. Qingdao in China topped the global table on 89.2, while Abu Dhabi and Doha were also among the highest-rated cities. Continued …
This Thai town became the world’s dump
Flooding was bad enough for Prachin Buri. Then came the suspected industrial waste contamination. Now, with factories under investigation and a district chief known for scrutinizing industrial sites controversially transferred, the question is: how was this allowed to happen? Video …
Germany grants Thailand 570 million baht for Net Zero plan
Thailand has secured 15 million euros in German grant funding for climate and biodiversity work linked to its Net Zero 2050 target. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin said the Department of Climate Change and Environment – known as the “Department of Global Warming Reduction” – had won support through two major projects.
The grants come from Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI), under the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN). Continued …
Iran’s Navy says seven vessels hit, warns US of wider response
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said yesterday that four vessels involved n illegal oiltransfers in the northern Persian Gulf were simultaneously hit and caught fire after being tracked by its forces on Wednesday.
The IRGC added that three more vessels collided with mines west of the Strait of Hormuz, and warned the US militarythat continued provocations could lead to a wider response against its regional bases. Continued …
Brent rises 4% as Houthi attacks fuel supply fears
Brent crude reached its highest closing price since May 4 yesterday, rising 4% as Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia intensified concerns about further disruption to Middle East energy supplies.
Brent futures settled US$4.35 higher at US$113.17 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude gained US$2.32, or 2.4%, to finish at US$99.47 a barrel. Brent also remained in technically overbought territory for the third session in a week. US stocks fell sharply yesterday. Continued …
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Thai police arrest 11 Chinese in Bangkok scam and gambling raids – Continued …
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Chinese Gray Capital Linked to Bitcoin Mining Raid – Continued …
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Chinese suspects in Dubai triple murder held in Bangkok – 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
Run Khan Do event/Pone Kingphet Park renovation/Royal Hua Hin Course hosts Thai LPGA/Meth arrest in Prauchap Khiri Khan/Road Accidents, Deaths Decreased/EC announces 71% voter turnout/Masked Gang Raid Brit’s Pattaya Home/AI-Driven Traffic Lights in Bangkok/Prices of new Samsung Galaxy to rise/Keep their hair in check/Bomb on husband’s mistress’ car
Royal Hua Hin Golf Course hosts first Thai LPGA event of year
Road accidents in Thailand fell in 2025, according to new data released yesterday at the Royal Thai Police headquarters. Police Gen. Samran Nuanma, deputy commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police and director of the Traffic Management Center, said statistics show a decline in crashes, fatalities, and injuries. However, speeding remains the leading cause of accidents nationwide.
The Election Commission (EC) has announced the final voter turnout for the 2026 general election, with 37.8 million voters (71.4%) participating on Feb.8. 
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has started upgrading traffic signals at various intersections, incorporating an adaptive system using CCTV and AI technology to adjust in real time. This initiative aims to transition from fixed-timing to automated adaptive control, improving convenience and reducing time on the roads.
Rising memory component costs have pushed up launch prices for Samsung’s latest flagship lineup, with several models in the new Galaxy S26 series debuting up to 20% higher than their Galaxy S25 predecessors in Thailand.
The operator of the BTS Skytrain has called on passengers to refrain from flicking or tossing their hair while traveling during peak hours, warning that loose locks could accidentally strike fellow commuters in the face, shoulders, eyes, or mouth.
This year continues to be a period of high uncertainty for Thai businesses, driven by geopolitical tensions, global economic policies, interest rate directions, and the transition to new technologies. Meanwhile, domestic factors such as a strong Thai baht, high household debt, weak demand, and a fragile economic structure are further intensifying the pressure on the business sector.
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) expects the baht to gradually weaken against the US dollar, reaching 33 baht per dollar in the fourth quarter of this year, driven by a combination of domestic and external factors.
TRIS Rating has raised its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 2.1% from 1.7%, following stronger-than-expected momentum in the fourth quarter of 2025, when the economy expanded 2.4%. Despite the upward revision, growth is still projected to moderate from last year, reflecting persistent structural constraints.
Factory activity in Thailand picked up in January, driven by heightened political activity during the election campaign and strong demand in the automotive sector, according to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).
The global semiconductor industry is entering an increasingly strategic phase, driven by accelerated investments in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, and electric vehicles (EV).
Suphajee Suthumpun, minister of Commerce, has revealed that the Thai government and the government of the People’s Republic of China have reached a government-to-government rice-trading agreement for a volume of 40,000 tons.
US trading partners, including China and the EU, are responding to Trump’s recent tariff setbacks and warnings of potential new tariffs. They are likely adopting cautious or defensive strategies in light of these developments, reflecting concerns over economic stability and trade relations. The situation underscores ongoing tensions between the US and its trade partners over tariffs and trade policies.
Over the past few weeks, local news headlines have been dominated by complaints from some foreign tourists claiming that Thailand is becoming too expensive, while some Thais are being perceived as unfriendly — or even rude — to visitors.
Dual-pricing, where foreigners pay more to enter certain places than local visitors, is common at major destinations in Thailand. When the double standard system blurs into confusion and exploitation, it could damage the country’s tourism.
Thailand’s wellness market expanded from $38.8 billion in 2023 to $42.7 billion in 2024. According to the latest Global Wellness Economy: Country Ranking Report by GWI, Thailand ranked #7 among the world’s top 25 wellness markets for growth between 2023 and 2024, achieving an impressive 10.1% increase.
Thailand is every wanderer’s dream: temples rising into brilliant blue skies, tuk-tuks zipping past street carts sizzling with spice, and tropical beaches that seem to glow at sunset. But because the kingdom stretches from misty northern hills to two distinct coastal systems, deciding when to go is almost as important as where you go.
A Short-Stay Guide to Koh Tao — Thailand’s Tiny Gulf Escape
Technology giants, including Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta, have in recent months announced plans to spend over US$600 billion on AI in 2026 alone. The investment wave has already fueled unease among some investors about the profitability of this strategy. They have reason to be worried, as the ambitious US AI expansion plans are likely to be hobbled by severe power-infrastructure bottlenecks, including turbine shortages, slow grid expansion, and regulatory red tape. 
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