- End of Bangkok Street food/Your go-to street food/Hua Hin Jazz City/Suvarnabhumi-Hua Hin flights/Hua Hin Fire Wave Fest/Hua Hin Red Cross Fair/Hua Hin water-sports safety rules/Bombshell report shakes government/Police Held Over Extortion/Private sector pushes national anti-corruption/Bangkok collision train/End to Hidden School Fees/Redefining Life Beyond 60
- THE IRAN WAR: Thailand urges safe passage of 8 vessels/Oil touches 2-week high
- ECONOMY: DSI Probes 21 Suspected Nominee Firms/Haven for foreign-owned businesses?/CEOs push six-point reform plan/Government faces cost-of-living test /Thai Q1 GDP grows 2.8% /War on the economy/Land Bridge Faces Investor Doubts/Chinese supermarkets expand/45-billion-baht influencer economy/Saab eyes Thailand as defense production hub
- TOURISM: Tourism wrestles with war’s impact/Bangkok nightlife raids
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Inside Chiang Mai’s Ethical Elephant Haven/Most beautiful hotels in Thailand
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Preparing for Climate-Related Losses
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
We hope you enjoy today’s news from Hua Hin Expat News. But first something we never do – an editorial on a topic that has been eating at us as we watch Bangkok morph into Singapore 2.0.
The end of Bangkok Street food
Bangkok is known for its extensive and varied street food scene. Its presence comes up in virtually any discussion about tourism in Thailand. Techically, some might argue, you haven’t really “visited” Thailand if you have not experienced Bangkok’s street food. Quite simply, it’s a selling point for Thailand’s tourism industry.
So why then is the Bangkok government trying to kill it? Why is Bangkok trying to emulate Singapore’s food courts, usually located inside office towers, often in the basement. Singapore does not have street food, It has office nuilding food courts, sometimes called “hawker centers”. That is the direction Bangkok is headed.
Already, the city claims to have moved 10,000 vendors off the streets and into food courts located in office buildings or converted warehouse spaces. These relocations usually move the vendors from their normal locations, where customers are used to finding them, far away from those customers, and hidden behind concrete walls. Continued …
What your go-to street food in Thailand says about you
Perhaps you’re loyal to moo ping before 9 am, emotionally attached to luk chin, or convinced assorted fruits count as a proper meal. While we acknowledge that street food dining usually involves more than one dish, we’re focusing on your go-to top choice.
To clarify, by “street food” we mean food one can munch on the move, so we’re excluding main dishes from the list. So, in our latest attempt to playfully psychoanalyze you from behind a screen, here’s what your go-to Thai street food says about you. Continued …
Hua Hin Jazz City Event set for 40 venues with live music
Hua Hin Jazz City Event 2026 will bring jazz performances to more than 40 locations across the city from May 29-June 1, as organizers look to create a citywide music festival that supports tourism and local businesses.
The event will be held under the concept “Celebrating Music, Starting Sustainability” and aims to position Hua Hin as a destination for jazz lovers while encouraging visitors to explore different parts of the city. Continued …
Suvarnabhumi-Hua Hin flights to start in June
EZY Airline is preparing to launch a Suvarnabhumi-Hua Hin route, with the service tipped to begin in June as part of plans to improve air links to secondary cities.
According to information released following the meeting, EZY Airline plans to operate the route using Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft, which seat around 10 to 12 passengers. Continued …
Hua Hin Fire Wave Fest 2026 set for May 29-30
Hua Hin will host the Hua Hin Fire Wave Fest 2026 May 29-30 with fireworks, music, and beachside activities planned as part of efforts to support tourism during the low season. The event will take place at Hua Don Beach in Khao Takiab. Admission is free.
The Hua Hin Fire Wave Fest 2026, officially billed as a “Fireworks & Music Beach Festival”, is being organized to promote tourism and help stimulate the local economy during the quieter low-season period. Continued …
Hua Hin Red Cross Fair on June 5-14
The 28th Hua Hin Red Cross Fair will take place from June 5-14 at the 25-rai activity area on Hua Hin Soi 102, behind Bluport Hua Hin. The annual event, officially known as the Hua Hin District Red Cross and Local Products Fair, is organized by the Hua Hin District Red Cross Branch to raise funds for relief and charity work in Hua Hin and nearby areas.
This year’s fair will help raise money for disaster relief, support for low-income residents, people with disabilities, disadvantaged groups, and other public charity activities. Funds raised will be used to provide assistance, including consumer goods, survival bags, kitchen equipment, bedding, mosquito nets, medicine, home repairs for low-income residents, support for bedridden patients, and wheelchair donations. Continued …
Hua Hin water-sports safety rules tightened after fatal accident
Hua Hin City Municipality has ordered tighter water-sports safety measures after a person died following an accident involving a water ride in the district earlier this month. The measures were agreed during a meeting of the beach committee on Friday.
Municipal officials said the meeting was called after an incident in early May in which a person fell from a water-sports ride in Hua Hin district. The person was later treated by doctors and diagnosed with severe brain trauma before dying from the injuries. Continued …
Private sector’s bombshell report shakes government bureaucracy
The Thai private sector’s damning report on the 10 most-corrupt state agencies has sent a shockwave through the government bureaucracy, prompting immediate reactions, from Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn to the director general of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), who has demanded to see evidence of the alleged bribe taking.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking and the Zero Corruption Organization have listed the 10 most corrupt agencies, with the PCD being placed on top of the list. Continued …
Police Held Over Extortion of Chinese in Sa Kaeo
Four Thai police officers and a civilian have been arrested in Sa Kaeo province after allegedly detaining five Chinese nationals and demanding money in exchange for their release.
The arrests were made Saturday at a house in Wang Mai subdistrict, Wang Sombun district, Sa Kaeo. Officers from Wang Sombun Police Station seized four firearms, 24 rounds of ammunition, and two pickup trucks during the operation. Continued …
Private sector pushes national anti-corruption drive as business costs rise
Thailand’s worsening corruption situation was raised as a key proposal at a joint meeting between the government and the private sector on ways to improve the country’s economic competitiveness, held at Government House on Friday.
The main reason the private sector raised the issue with the prime minister was the deteriorating situation, which has become an obstacle to business operations and is affecting the country’s competitiveness. Continued …
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Vilhelm International Academy launched in March 2026 and has is campus at “The Hub” in Hin Lek Fai, less than 10 minutes from the center of town. They provide mentor-led academic supervision for students studying through accredited online school programs, whether independently enrolled or through integrated programs offered at Vilhelm. This means that students follow a fixed timetable, complete coursework under supervision, and receive ongoing progress monitoring. They can do this whist studying for their GCSE’s, A-Levels, NCAA approved US courses, or any other online school they choose to use.
Unlike more traditional options, at the academy children can learn at their own pace, not being forced forward before they are ready and also not being held back by the rest of the class. When they are ready to move on they do so. By coming to the academy each day, they are able to complement their studies with activities that develop leadership skills, community service (such as the recent helmet initiative), complemented by daily sports and physical activity to support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
You can visit the website for more details, or you can book an appointment to meet with the academy co-ordinator to discuss what you are looking for and explain what they can offer. There is a completely free five-day trial period that can be taken advantage of by anyone interested in seeing if the academy is the right fit for them.
Website; Email: info@vilhelminternationalacademy.com; Phone: +66 065 991 5500; Facebook; Map location.
Bangkok collision train driver on drugs, unlicensed
The driver of the freight train that hit a passenger bus and other vehicles on a congested Bangkok level crossing on Saturday tested positive for drug abuse and did not have a rail transport license, according to the rail transport chief.
Pichet Kunadhamraks, director-general of the Department of Rail Transport, posted the allegation online last night. He said police reported that Sayomporn Sornkul, driver of Laem Chabang-Bang Sue freight train number 2126, underwent a urine test that returned positive for drug abuse. Continued …
Poll Urges End to Hidden School Fees and Equal Access
A new NIDA poll has found that Thais want the Education Ministry to eliminate hidden school costs and reduce inequality in education quality ahead of the 2026 academic year.
The survey showed that 35% of respondents want free education to involve no additional expenses within one year, while 35% said the most urgent issue was the gap in quality between local schools and well-known urban institutions. Continued …
Redefining Life Beyond 60: Is Thai Society Prepared?
Is 60 truly the perfect endpoint of a working life? This question is becoming ever more pressing as Thailand and the broader ASEAN region rapidly transition into a “Super-Aged Society.” The economic and social structures that were once driven by a young workforce are facing mounting pressure.
This is not merely a fiscal crisis or a social welfare burden — it is a pivotal moment that calls for a collective effort to revive the potential of an experience-rich human resource and restore it as a core engine of growth. Continued …
Thailand urges Iran to allow safe passage of 8 stranded Thai vessels
Thailand has urged Iran to allow the safe passage of eight Thai-flagged ships stranded at either end of the near-closed Strait of Hormuz. The call was made by Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi last week.
Sihasak expressed concern over the Middle East conflict and its global economic consequences, particularly the navigation restrictions imposed on the Strait of Hormuz, where many vessels from numerous countries are stranded. Continued …
Oil touches 2-week high after drone attack on UAE nuclear power plant
Oil prices extended gains today as efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran appeared to have stalled, after a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates came under attack and as US President Donald Trump is expected to discuss military options on Iran.
Brent crude futures climbed $1.44, or 1.32%, to $110.70 a barrel by 2337 GMT (6.37 a.m. Thailand time) after touching the highest since May 5 earlier in the session. US West Texas Intermediate was at $107.26 a barrel, up $1.84, or 1.75%, following a rise to its highest level since May 4. Continued …
DSI Probes 21 Suspected Nominee Firms in Samui and Phangan
Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is investigating 21 companies on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province over suspected nominee shareholding arrangements linked to foreign ownership violations.
The firms, each holding assets worth more than 100 million baht, are suspected of using Thai nationals to hold shares on behalf of foreign investors in possible breaches of the Foreign Business Act 1999. Continued …
Is Phangan Island becoming a haven for foreign-owned businesses?
Since the 1980s, Phangan Island has been known for full moon parties and its growth from a small beach town to a business-savvy island, but it has recently been in the spotlight due to the high number of foreign-investment companies there using Thai nominees.
In total, there are 4,761 companies, of which at least 3,213 are foreign entities. The non-Thai nationalities with the most shareholders in businesses on Phangan Island are Israeli (22%, 702 people), followed by French (13%, 426 people), British (11%, 359 people), Russian (10%, 306 people), and Germans (6%, 194 people). Continued …
Thailand at turning point — CEOs push six-point reform plan
Thailand’s leading business executives have called for urgent economic reforms ranging from clean energy investment and AI-driven workforce development to anti-corruption measures and faster investment approvals, as the government signaled support for six major proposals aimed at reshaping the country’s future economy.
The proposals emerged during “The Listening Forum: Voices to the PM”, held at Government House on Friday, where Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul invited chief executives and business leaders to share ideas on boosting Thailand’s competitiveness and accelerating economic transformation. Continued …
Anutin government faces cost-of-living test as public confidence weakens
The Anutin government is under immediate pressure to ease living costs and restore economic confidence, as most respondents to a new Suan Dusit Poll want urgent action on prices and debt, while nearly half expect the economy to worsen over the next three months.
The nationwide survey, conducted by Suan Dusit University, found that 78% of respondents want the government to urgently reduce the cost of living, energy costs, and goods prices. Continued …
Thai Q1 GDP grows 2.8% y/y, above forecast
Thailand’s economy grew by 2.8% in the first quarter of 2026 from a year earlier, official data showed today, higher than the median forecast of 2.2% in a Reuters poll of analysts
On a seasonally adjusted quarterly basis, Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy expanded 0.7% in the January-March period, data from the National Economic and Social Development Council showed, beating the poll forecast of 0.1% growth. Continued …
War on the economy
Nearly three months have passed since the US-Israeli air strikes on Iran began, with no resolution to the war in sight, while almost two months have elapsed since the Thai government took office.
Economic stimulus measures were issued, with a further round scheduled for next month via the emergency loan decree for 400 billion baht drawing criticism. Critics question the justification for the emergency loan decree and whether stimulus efforts will be sufficient to address the prolonged crisis. The massive stimulus could also accelerate the inflation risk for a fragile economy. Continued …
Thailand Land Bridge Faces Investor Doubts
Thailand’s proposed “land bridge” linking the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand has regained attention amid tensions over shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca.
The project, which would create a 90-kilometer road and rail corridor between Ranong and Chumphon provinces, is being promoted as a way to strengthen Thailand’s geostrategic role and boost its weak economy. Continued …
Chinese supermarkets expand in Thailand on low prices
Chinese investment continues to make inroads into Thai retail, with “Chinese supermarkets” expanding into Huai Khwang, Rama 9, and tourist cities. The stores stock Chinese goods ranging from snacks, drinks, tea, soft drinks, mala sauces, and instant noodles to ready-to-eat food, responding to strong online trends.
The expansion of Chinese supermarkets in Thailand is becoming another significant phenomenon in modern retail. After a steady rise in branch openings in Bangkok, tourist cities, and Chinese community areas, stores that were once small niche shops are now increasingly moving into shopping centers and community malls. Continued …
Thailand urged to regulate booming 45-billion-baht influencer economy
Thailand’s influencer economy is no longer just about content creation but has become a fast-growing business sector worth 45 billion baht, prompting calls for clearer standards, stronger oversight, and support to help Thai influencers compete internationally.
The Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (TPSO), under the Commerce Ministry, said Thailand now has more than 3 million influencers, who generate 38.9 billion baht in digital advertising value. This accounts for around one-third of the country’s total digital advertising market. Continued …
Saab eyes Thailand as regional defense production hub after Gripen deal
Swedish defense company Saab plans to expand investment in Thailand following the Royal Thai Air Force’s decision to procure Gripen E/F fighter jets, with ambitions to develop the country into a regional defense technology and production hub.
Fredrik Lindblom, vice president and country manager of Saab Thailand, said the company was seeking Thai industrial partners to jointly manufacture certain Gripen aircraft components locally under Thailand’s offset policy framework. Thailand recently approved the first phase of a procurement project for four Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter jets valued at around 19.5 billion baht. Continued …
Tourism wrestles with war’s impact
On Feb. 28, when the US-Israeli war with Iran began, Thailand’s tourism industry was looking forward to reaping the benefits of the final month of the high season.
Disruptions to air travel hobbled the industry in the first few weeks, as Middle Eastern airlines could not operate as usual. As the conflict dragged on and hindered the global tourism market, airlines worldwide reduced services as jet fuel prices more than doubled. Continued …
Bangkok nightlife raids signal broader sweep across Thai tourist hotspots
Internal Security Operations Command Region 1 (ISOC Region 1), in coordination with multiple agencies, carried out inspections of entertainment venues in the Huai Khwang area of Bangkok last week as part of ongoing nationwide efforts to enforce legal compliance in nightlife and tourism zones.
Authorities said similar operations have been intensified in key tourist destinations across Thailand, including Pattaya and other major nightlife hubs, as part of broader measures to prevent illegal activity, ensure licensing compliance, and maintain public order in high-traffic entertainment districts. Continued …
Elephant Nature Park: Inside Chiang Mai’s Ethical Elephant Haven
(Editor: I know, I know. We’ve posted articles about Chiang Mai’s Elephant Nature Park before. But here’s another one. We’re a former “customer” of the park and a big fan of its founder, Sangdeaun “Lek” Chailert shown above), who has done so much for Thailand’s embattled elephant population. So here’s another one.)
Morning mist hangs over the Mae Taeng Valley as a small herd of rescued elephants pads silently toward the river, their footsteps muffled on the red earth. At Elephant Nature Park (often simply called ENP), about an hour from Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, the soundtrack is not circus music or shouting handlers, but birdsong, splashing water, and the low rumble of elephants finally allowed to move at their own pace.
For many travelers, Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is the place that fundamentally changes how they think about elephants. Set in a lush river valley north of the city, the sanctuary is known worldwide as a pioneer of ethical elephant tourism, where riding, tricks, and shows are replaced by quiet observation and hands-off encounters. Continued …
Thailand’s Largest Lake Is A Breathtaking Body Of Water With Islands, Bird Sanctuaries, And Fishing
Thailand has no shortage of beautiful places. In 2025, 32.9 million people came to the Land of Smiles to lie on Ko Samui’s white sand beaches, visit misty temples in Chiang Mai, and hunt for street food beneath Bangkok’s neon lights.
However, Thailand is also home to unsung destinations that few foreign visitors ever hear about, let alone see. One such place is Songkhla Lake, Thailand’s only non-artificial lake and by default the largest. Continued …
Seven of the most beautiful hotels in Thailand
In our latest travel title, Thailand: The Monocle Handbook, we showcase the very best of this sunny nation, including the multitude of excellent hospitality hotspots on offer.
Here we round up a few of the book’s hotel highlights – refined city stays and wellness retreats among them – to help you decide where’s best to rest your head. Continued …
Preparing for Climate-Related Losses
The floods that submerged Hat Yai were not just another natural disaster. They were a warning. Climate change is now hitting harder and faster than Thailand can keep up with.
The challenges ahead are manifold. The country definitely must strengthen measures to mitigate and adapt to the more frequent and more ferocious weather brought by global warming. Equally important, however, is the need to address the loss and damage wrought by the climate crisis. Continued …
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Japanese Man Held After Motorbike Theft in Phayao – Continued …
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Chinese Fugitive Arrested in Yala – Continued …
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Malaysia Drug Gang Held in Nakhon Pathom – Continued …
WHO Declares Global Health Emergency Over Ebola Outbreak
The World Health Organization declared the Ebola disease outbreak caused by a rare virus in Congo and neighboring Uganda a public health emergency of international concern yesterday, after more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths. WHO said the outbreak doesn’t meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency like COVID-19, and advised against the closure of international borders. 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
The Kite and Art Festival Prachuap Khiri Khan will take place at Saran Withi Pier today and tomorrow, bringing two evenings of kite displays, art, and family-friendly activities to the seafront.
Ren Lexander, PhD, gave a timely talk, “Taking Stock in Uncertain Times: What Global Shifts Mean for Us in Thailand,” at a meeting of the Pattaya City Expats Club. He invited his audience to “take stock” of the rapidly changing global situation. Although the current Middle East conflict is less than two months old, its ripple effects are already being felt worldwide.
Thailand will officially enter the rainy season today, but with less rain than usual in the forecast, the Meteorological Department announced yesterday.
Thailand’s Transport Ministry has given ride-hailing platforms one month to improve passenger safety measures or risk license suspension, as new rules are prepared for app-based taxi services. The planned measures include requiring drivers to hold public driving licenxes, installing CCTV cameras in vehicles, and providing passenger insurance coverage.
The Thai baht is projected to depreciate further, potentially reaching 33.50 per US dollar this week. This forecast follows a recent testing of a nine-month low at 33.04 on Monday. The primary driver for this expected weakening is the heightened uncertainty stemming from the conflict in the Middle East, which is bolstering the US dollar as a safe-haven asset.
Geoeconomics of Thai ‘land bridge’
Thailand’s visa-free entry for nationals of 93 countries is set to be cut from 60 days to 30 days after government officials confirmed plans to end the policy introduced in July 2024. The proposal, confirmed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Foreign Ministry, is expected to go to Cabinet next week, and an official start date will be announced after approval.
Flag carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) plans to add European flights, yet still maintain proactive fuel cost and route network management amid short-term concerns about spillover impacts from the war in the Middle East and geopolitical tensions.
Erawan-Wasserfall: Thailand’s Seven-Tiered River Escape
Just north of Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River, Nonthaburi has quietly become one of Thailand’s most practical destinations for short stays. Whether you are in town for business meetings, a family visit, a medical appointment, or a weekend away from the capital, choosing the right place to stay can shape your entire experience.
The government has ordered the Office of the Consumer Protection Board to urgently investigate unsafe solar rooftop installations linked to fire risks and consumer losses exceeding 500,000 baht, following complaints about substandard equipment and improper electrical work.
Electric vehicles are selling faster across Southeast Asia than at any point in history. Thailand is manufacturing them at scale. Vietnam has produced a homegrown brand bold enough to challenge in global markets. Indonesia is betting its vast mineral wealth on becoming the world’s battery supplier. By nearly every headline metric, the region’s clean transport revolution is on track.
Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting US President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday, as both leaders sought to set a new direction for relations between the world’s two most powerful countries. Xi said the world was facing changes unseen in a century, with the international situation marked by volatility and turbulence. 
Russian forces launched waves of missiles and drones at Kyiv and several other Ukrainian regions for a third consecutive day yesterday, killing at least nine people, including a 12-year-old girl, according to Ukrainian officials. 
The BECC Primary International School has begun construction on a new purpose-built campus off Soi 112 in Hua Hin, with the school scheduled to open at the site in August 2027.
The Kite and Art Festival Prachuap Khiri Khan will take place at Saran Withi Pier from May 15-16, bringing two evenings of kite displays, art and family-friendly activities to the seafront.
Thailand could face a “dual water crisis” in 2026 after the Thai Meteorological Department forecast that El Niño could occur during May to July, putting many areas at risk of water shortages and prompting the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) to accelerate nationwide response plans and monitor 20 branches at risk of shortages.
Thailand’s Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) is pushing ahead with four new rail projects in Bangkok, while accelerating tram developments in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima, with all three provincial tram systems targeted to open by 2032.
From Epic Fury to Project Freedom: Who Pays the Bill for a Blocked Strait?
Given the sagging economy and conflict in the Middle East, the residential market is expected to contract for a fourth consecutive year in 2026, weighed down by persistent high household debt, rising living costs, and tight lending, according to Siam Commercial Bank Economic Intelligence Center (EIC).
Thais Feel the Pinch as ‘Single-Dish’ Prices Surge Amid Fuel Price Crisis
Land bridge faces uphill battle
Thai economists are expressing concern that the government’s much-touted-but-stalled land bridge project will neither be a success nor boost the economy as they hope. Some suggest that the Thai government should first revive existing economic projects left unfinished.
Kukrit Areepakorn, manager of the Thai Broiler Processing Exporters Assn., revealed that the export situation and prices of chicken are currently declining due to two main reasons: China suspending exports from 17 processing plants, and the Middle East war.
Foreign tourists in Thailand are actively observing the Thai baht’s depreciation against the US dollar, a trend that directly impacts their vacation budgets. The currency opened at 31.77 per dollar, a slight weakening from 31.60, and analysts foresee continued fluctuation within the range of 31.55 to 31.95 as global economic conditions evolve.
Thailand’s tourism industry is coming under severe pressure as foreign arrivals fall, visitor spending weakens, and operating costs surge across key destinations. In Pattaya, hotel occupancy has collapsed to as low as 30%, while bookings on Bangkok’s Khao San Road remain more than 20% below last year following Songkran.
Thailand Bets on Revamp of Chaing Mai Hot Springs to Spearhead Wellness Drive
Did you know Thailand is actually the first nation in Southeast Asia to successfully revive its tiger population? While most of the world is losing these incredible big cats, Thailand’s jungles are seeing a serious comeback. We’re talking about a massive conservation effort that’s bringing the king of the jungle back to the Western Forest Complex. It’s a huge win for wildlife and shows a side of Thai conservation history that most people completely miss. 
This Unknown City Wants To Become Thailand’s Next Vacation Hotspot
Why Koh Kut remains one of Thailand’s most beautiful island escapes
The Thai government is significantly ramping up its national energy infrastructure and streamlining investment protocols to capitalize on a new wave of global digital and clean energy interest.
Thailand’s energy crisis, sparked by Middle East tensions, has rapidly turned solar power from a green option into an economic necessity. As electricity costs surge, homes and businesses are rushing to install rooftop panels, with demand outpacing supply and installers struggling to keep up.
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) is exploring ways to make loans more accessible for households joining the rooftop solar buyback scheme, aiming to encourage wider adoption of clean energy and help families generate their own electricity.
The Bank of Thailand is scheduled to introduce standardized banking fees in July this year, seeking to reduce financial costs for individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
MOU 44 row deepens — Anutin says Koh Kood remains Thai
Southeast Asian nations hit by soaring fuel and food prices caused by the Middle East war are weighing solutions that include setting up a regional oil reserve, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said yesterday.
An online petition launched by environmental group EnLAW has gathered over 100,000 signatures in three days, signaling widespread opposition to the government’s proposed land bridge megaproject.
Senate pushes for turning Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi into single ASEAN hub
Luyuan Group Holding has joined a fledgling move by Chinese two-wheeler makers setting up factories abroad, with its Thursday announcement of plans for a new facility in Thailand. It joins peers like Yadea and TAILG, which have also recently set up similar new facilities in Southeast Asia to tap local markets for electric bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles.
WHAUP continues to strengthen its position as a renewable energy leader by securing a major deal with Yida New Material for the installation of a 16.64-megawatt solar rooftop project. The project is expected to help the customer reduce electricity costs by more than B1.22 billion over the 20-year contract period and cut carbon emissions by over 206,491 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Weeks after the Pacific Ocean engine that helps drive the world’s weather shifted into neutral, meteorologists and scientists are now laser-focused on the developing signals of its warm phase: El Niño. It’s what the global forecast models are making of the early signals that is drawing attention. 
Thailand’s Alcohol Control Committee has opened a public consultation on a draft regulation setting days when alcohol sales would be prohibited, with feedback accepted until May 30. The move signals a potential update to existing restrictions, while confirming that recent changes to daytime alcohol sales have not increased accident rates.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday confirmed that Thais will definitely view World Cup 2026 football games to be broadcast live from host countries in North America between next month and July.
Thailand is being urged to promote “active citizens” to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs) after new findings show they account for 70% of all deaths and impose an economic burden of B1.6 trillion.
Even if you don’t drink coffee, you will know that the coffee business has grown tremendously because coffee shops, either small or large, have been mushrooming. Due to the growth of this market, Thailand is set to host one of the world’s most influential coffee events – World Of Coffee Bangkok 2026.
Is 60 truly the perfect endpoint of a working life? This question is becoming ever more pressing as Thailand, and the broader Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, rapidly transform into a “super-aged society” – a definition for a country or society where 20% or more of the population is aged 65 or older.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth downplayed the U.S. military’s new effort to clear the Strait of Hormuz as a “temporary mission” that does not break the ceasefire with Iran, even after the Pentagon said it sank half a dozen small Iranian boats.
U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday he would briefly pause an operation to help ships escape the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran. 
Thailand’s rice exporters say the Iran war has dealt a major blow to shipments to the Middle East, wiping out more than 200,000 tons of exports over the past three months.
The Cabinet yesterday approved a draft emergency decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow up to 400 billion baht to address the impact of the energy crisis and support Thailand’s energy transition. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the decision was necessary because conflict in the Middle East had severely affected energy prices and economic activity worldwide.
Thailand’s condominium market in 2026 is facing pressure from all sides, including the domestic economy and external factors, particularly tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel that have pushed oil prices higher, significantly affecting the cost of goods and services, as well as the cost of living for Thai consumers.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said Thailand and the United States have agreed to move forward with talks on a reciprocal trade agreement after discussions with senior US trade officials. Suphajee made the remarks after meeting US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer on Monday.
More than 50% of farmer debtors are unlikely to fully repay their debts within their lifetime, largely because most of them are elderly, according to the Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research (PIER). The institute says a combination of debt relief measures is needed to address the issue.
A tourist complaint has put photographers at Wat Arun back in the spotlight after visitors claimed they were told to move from public areas to make way for paying photo clients.
Bangkok food vendor curbs push city staple from the streets
Chinatown in Bangkok is one of the world’s most vibrant Chinese districts, famous for its atmosphere and energy. Visitors can explore Yaowarat Road, admire landmarks like China Gate and Wat Traimit, wander through Sampheng Lane, and enjoy a rich variety of street food after dark. 
In 2026, longevity tourism has shifted to focus on maximizing health span, with Thailand at the forefront. The country integrates medical innovation with cultural wisdom, addressing its aging society through proactive health management.
Starting times for the Hua Hin Marathon 2026 have been confirmed, with organizers expecting more than 3,500 runners to take part in the annual race on Sunday, May 10. The event will include four race distances and aims to raise funds for environmental conservation in the city.
Dear Doctors: I just read about people who are called super-agers and how they don’t have the memory problems that happen when you get older. Supposedly, they have more brain cells. Do you know if that’s true? The idea of super-agers is really interesting, and I want to know more.
Thailand is facing the risk of water shortages after its “source water” reserves, stored supplies used during the dry season, declined due to climate change and El Niño.
Thailand’s economy is being hit by what economists describe as a “cost tsunami”, as the Middle East conflict enters its third month following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, driving up energy prices and placing pressure on both businesses and households.
Thailand’s grassroots economy is facing a critical turning point as a “perfect storm” of soaring energy costs and stagnant consumer demand leaves a significant portion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on the verge of collapse.
Thailand’s medical device industry is facing potential supply shortages by July due to rising costs influenced by global energy instability and restricted exports from China. Jarudech Kunadilok, chairman of MEDIC, highlighted that soaring logistics expenses and increased prices for essential materials like plastic resins threaten production.
By almost every traditional metric, Thailand is winning the digital race. From the neon-lit boardrooms of the Eastern Economic Corridor to the street-side stalls of Chiang Mai, the nation’s digital “plumbing” is among the most sophisticated in the world.
There is a phrase that has quietly become the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) defining axiom for our era: there is no AI without energy. It sounds simple enough. But the International Energy Agency’s newly published report, Key Questions on Energy and AI, shows just how staggeringly complex and urgent that relationship has become.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has been appointed to lead a government committee tasked with studying the proposed land bridge project within a 90-day timeframe, according to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
The housing market in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) continued to soften in 2025, with both demand and supply contracting year-on-year, according to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC).
Thailand is seeking to reposition its healthcare sector as a strategic investment engine, moving beyond a buyer-seller model toward long-term partnerships in clinical research, drug production, medical AI, and advanced healthcare technology.
Thai Union Group expects a positive outlook for the pet food business, although Thailand’s pet food export growth is expected to moderate this year.
The Koh Phi Phi islands in Thailand deliver some of the most breathtaking scenery you’re ever likely to see. Set in the Andaman Sea, they’re made up of dramatic limestone cliffs and white sand bays surrounded by turquoise waters filled with tropical fish.
Video of Railay Beach, Krabi
Bangkok’s Street Food Scene Is Disappearing
Stronger promotion of solar power by Thai authorities amid an energy crisis holds promise, but still faces challenges, say industry analysts. Clean energy is in the spotlight after global conflicts continue to push electricity prices higher, leaving households and businesses vulnerable to volatility.
Chief government whip Korrawee Prissananantakul yesterday expressed confidence that the Clean Air Bill, which lapsed with the previous House, will be approved by the cabinet within the set timeframe.
As wildfires swept through forests across Thailand, animals fled through smoke and flames. Experts urged the government to act more proactively to tackle the wildfires, particularly by adopting modern technology.
TotalEnergies ENEOS has entered into a long-term agreement with Jintana Intertrade, a garment manufacturer in Thailand, to supply solar power to its production facility. The two companies have signed a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) that will support the installation and operation of a 1.2 MWp solar photovoltaic system at the factory.
Hua Hin Hospital has reported positive feedback from amputees who have used the Thai-developed “dynamic prosthetic foot”, which enables them to walk and even run with a level of ease much closer to that of a natural foot.
A Hua Hin youth football tournament brought together 180 young players from schools in Hua Hin and Pran Buri yesterday. The inaugural Hua Hin Youth Football Championship for Literacy 2026 was held at Khao Takiab Stadium in Hua Hin.
Thailand pushes land bridge as energy hub to guard against Hormuz risk
While a majority of people in southern Thailand support the proposed land bridge megaproject, more than half say they have only a limited understanding of it, according to a Nida poll survey released yesterday.
Thailand’s renewable long-stay visa scheme for foreign condominium buyers is unlikely to be a decisive factor in attracting overseas investment, according to a property market expert, saying that decisions are driven more by lifestyle, education, and regulatory clarity. Laurent Richer, chief financial officer of an online property platform, Fazwaz, said the visa policy acts as an enabler rather than a core incentive.
According to the latest residential market survey by the Thai Real Estate Research and Valuation Information Center at the Agency for Real Estate Affairs Co., Phuket property has expanded sharply. Phuket is the second-largest real estate market, behind only Greater Bangkok.
The government’s stimulus package should emphasize targeted, appropriate investment to support economic growth through next year, says the central bank chief.
Thailand’s smart devices industry is showing strong export momentum, with “mart home” exports soaring 86.5% in 2025 to US$19.17 billion, underlining the country’s growing role as a key production and export base for technology products, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) under the Commerce Ministry.
Bangkok’s beloved street food culture at risk as vendor crackdown widens
Deputy Transport Minister Sanphet Bunyamanee says he is pushing for a 5-billion-baht cruise terminal on Koh Samui in the southern province of Surat Thani, with a targeted completion date in 2032.
In Thailand, local wisdom and medical experts alike warn that pairing durian with certain substances can be physically taxing or even life-threatening. If you are planning to indulge, here are the three critical combinations you must avoid to stay safe.
Thailand has launched the “Amazing Green Journey” campaign to help move the country’s tourism industry toward sustainability, while encouraging consumers to adopt more environmentally responsible lifestyles and travel habits.
In the Nong Khaem Waste Management Center, western Bangkok, garbage trucks enter a waste-to-energy plant, where waste is converted into electricity. In the plant, no smoke can be seen from the towering chimney and there is no smell of garbage in the air.
The European Union (EU) will enforce new rules from 2027 requiring smartphones and other battery-powered devices to allow easier battery replacement, though the law does not necessarily mean handsets must return to removable back covers as many consumers assume. 
Does your morning coffee make you feel invincible? There may be some truth to that, as new research explains how coffee helps protect against aging and chronic disease.
Thailand’s minimum wage has risen by an average of just 1.7% per year over the past decade, with limited improvement in real incomes as rising living costs offset gains, according to analysis by Bnomics, the research unit of Bangkok Bank.
Thailand is accelerating plans to upgrade its southern rail network and revive cross-border links with Malaysia, as part of a broader push to position the country as a regional logistics hub.
Fruit export push — Commerce targets B179 billion in 2026
On health insurance for foreign populations, including both workers and tourists, Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said yesterday said that foreigners entering Thailand — whether for tourism, work or short cross-border visits — could become a major economic burden if they were unable to pay for medical treatment. He said the health insurance system could help fill that gap and offset the cost.
Why Thais can’t get enough of moo kratha — and why some can’t stand it
Eat your hearts out Pablo Escobar, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, and Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes. The richest cartel by far is still the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and its leaders also get to die in bed. But one of its oldest members, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has just quit. No notice, no explanations — just quit.
US President Donald Trump said yesterday he would raise tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union to 25% next week, accusing the bloc of failing to carry out its trade commitments with Washington. The planned increase would replace the previously agreed 15% tariff level under a US-EU trade arrangement reached last year. 
The United States is withdrawing 5,000 troops from NATO ally Germany, the Pentagon announced yesterday, as a rift over the Iran war widens between President Donald Trump and Europe. 
TAT woos Chinese tourists with stars and shopping perks
Waghor Super Mini Marathon set for Nov 23
Thai police use rubber bullets, tear gas against Cambodians on border
Thai consumers prioritize health, embrace food tech
Thai industrial sentiment hits 3-year low
Thai AirAsia X Launches Three New Routes
‘This tiny island airport is one of the best I’ve ever been to’
US Fed makes first rate cut of 2025 on employment risks