- Foreigner’s Pran Buri home robbed/Tourist Police expand 1155 service/Hua Hin has 61 EV charging stations/Si Khiri Khan Festival/Wat Huay Mongkol robe-draping/Mini Balloon Festival/Reopening of Singkhon border/Another school shooting death confirmed/Multiple factors in deadly school shooting/Thailand ranks second for gun crime/PM rejects calls to arm teachers/Deadline for school safety rules/School shifts online after threat/Bangkok hotel raid targets nominee claims/Online scam losses approach 9 billion baht/Nene Royal revives Muse’s Hysteria
- THE IRAN WAR: Iran sets US conditions
- ECONOMY: Thailand Faces Surge in Corporate Closures/Thai SME crisis demands action/Industrial sector’s looming labor crisis/Restaurants turn to tech/Stable Growth Amid Global Uncertainties/$26.8B in High-Tech Investment/Thai exports rise 17.6%
- TOURISM: Spotlight on an open secret/Thailand Slashes Regional Airport Fees/Alleged no-receipt fines of tourists/Chinese Embassy tells its citizens to follow rules/Pattaya Bay to cap tour boat operators/Riyadh Air to launch Bangkok flights/Horror stories from cosmetic surgeries
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Mythical giants watch over Suvarnabhumi /Thailand’s 15 UNESCO Treasures/Bangkok ninth on street food list
- CLIMATE THAILAND: 200 Billion Baht for Clean Energy/Rebuild for a Climate That Won’t Wait
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Foreigner’s Pran Buri home robbed, safe taken
Police in Prachuap Khiri Khan are investigating a break-in at an upmarket home in Wang Phong, Pran Buri, where burglars reportedly removed a wall-fixed safe and valuables worth several million baht.
The property belongs to businesswoman Kornchawan, whose surname has been withheld, and her foreign businessman husband. The couple were away when the burglary occurred, according to reports. Continued …
Tourist Police expand 1155 emergency service
Thailand’s Tourist Police are expanding the 1155 emergency service as part of a nationwide upgrade that includes artificial intelligence, facial recognition, vehicle registration scanning and drone patrols.
Tourist Police Commissioner Saksira Pueak-am said the Tourist Police 1155 service had been developed into a fully digital platform operating 24 hours a day, with support available in eight foreign languages. Continued …
Hua Hin now has 61 EV charging stations
Electric vehicle drivers in Hua Hin now have access to 61 charging stations offering 162 charging points, according to figures published by the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Energy Office. Across the province, there are 109 EV charging stations with a total of 294 charging points, covering all eight districts.
Drivers can check charging locations, connector types and other information before traveling through PlugShare.com or the PlugShare mobile app. Continued …
Si Khiri Khan Festival opens today
Final preparations are under way at Hua Hin Railway Station ahead of the opening of “Under the Royal Patronage: Discover Si Khiri Khan”, which runs from today to Aug. 18.
The festival each day highlights a different district of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Visitors can expect live music, cultural performances, light-and-sound shows, local food and products, and special performances throughout the event. Continued …
Wat Huay Mongkol robe-draping ceremony held
Large crowds gathered at Wat Huay Mongkol in Hua Hin yesterday for the 13th Luang Pu Thuat robe-draping ceremony, one of the region’s main faith-based tourism events.
The ceremony was held on the plaza surrounding the giant Luang Pu Thuat statue in Thap Tai, with Buddhist devotees, local residents and visitors from across Thailand attending to pay their respects and seek blessings for themselves and their families. Continued …
Pranburi holds Mini Balloon Festival
The Pranburi Mini Balloon Festival attracted a strong turnout of tourists and local visitors over the weekend, with this year’s event featuring more balloons, food vendors and activities than in previous years.
Held at Maharaj Field in Pak Nam Pran, the Mini Balloon Festival was staged alongside the annual Sun-Dried Squid and Seafood Festival, bringing together food, live music and colorful balloon displays beside the beach. Continued …
Possible reopening of Singkhon border crossing discussed
Prachuap Khiri Khan officials are reviewing preparations for the possible reopening of the Singkhon border crossing, as authorities look to resume trade between Thailand and Myanmar.
Gov. Sittichai Sawatsan chaired a meeting last week at Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Hall to assess whether agencies are ready for entry and exit through the Singkhon Special Border Pass in Khlong Wan, Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan district. Continued …
Another death confirmed after Nonthaburi school shooting
A girl has died from a gunshot wound to the head following the violence at a Nonthaburi School, taking the reported death toll to nine. Nonthaburi’s public health emergency operations centre said Saturday.
The girl, identified by the school as Napat Chai Ma, was shot in the head and was in a critical condition while undergoing treatment. Her relatives did not wish for cardiopulmonary resuscitation to be continued, according to Phra Nang Klao Hospital. Continued …
Police cite multiple factors in deadly school shooting
The deadly attack by a student at Debsirin Nonthaburi School appears to have resulted from a combination of factors such as family problems, issues at school, academic pressure, conflicts with friends and exposure to violent online content, a senior police officer said yesterday.
Investigators had questioned 17 witnesses – teachers, classmates and close friends of the student. Evidence gathered so far suggested Friday’s shooting was not triggered by a single issue, Atthapol Anusit, deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 1, said after a meeting to review the progress of the investigation. Continued …
Thailand ranks second in Southeast Asia for gun crime
Thailand ranks second among Southeast Asian countries for firearm-related crime, behind only the Philippines, according to 2019 data from the Global Burden of Disease study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington.
The figures have resurfaced following a shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi, on Saturday, which left at least six people dead and more than 15 injured. Continued …
After school shooting, PM rejects calls to arm teachers
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has rejected suggestions that teachers should be allowed to carry firearms following the deadly shooting at Debsinin Nonthaburi School.
The attack, carried out by a 14-year-old male student, left seven people dead inside the school, including the gunman himself. The student had also shot dead his grandparents before the rampage, while more than 20 people were injured. Continued …
Thailand sets 90-day deadline for school safety rules
Thailand’s Education, Higher Education, Social Development and Human Security, and Labor ministries have given themselves 90 days to draw up national school safety standards for Cabinet consideration following the violent incident at Debsirin Nonthaburi School.
The proposed nationwide framework will cover mental health screening, school security, emergency preparedness and bullying, while immediate support and tighter entry checks are being introduced at the affected school. Continued …
School shifts online after threat from former South African teacher
Hatyai Wittayalai School will move classes online today and tomorrow, after its director reported alleged threats against school administrators and teachers.
The report, filed at Hatyai police station Saturday, concerns messages and images of weapons allegedly posted by a former foreign teacher in a large LINE open chat group. Continued …
Bangkok hotel raid targets Chinese nominee claims
Thailand’s Deputy Interior Minister Polphir Suwanchawee led a raid on suspected nominee businesses and unlicensed hotels in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district yesterday.
During the operation, an operator allegedly telephoned officials to seek a “settlement”, claiming that payments were made in installments to officials connected with several entertainment venues in the area. Continued …
Online scam losses in Thailand approach 9 billion baht over six months
People in Thailand lost nearly B9 billion to online scam networks during the first six months of 2026, when more than 170,000 online fraud cases were recorded. Average losses exceeded B52,000 per case.
The figures show that online threats are no longer a remote concern but are becoming an economic and social problem affecting consumers on a wide scale, particularly as scammers use digital platforms that people access regularly. Continued …
Thai teen Nene Royal revives Muse’s Hysteria on AGT
Thai teenager Nene Royal has put one of Muse’s most recognizable rock tracks back in the spotlight after performing Hysteria during the Judges’ Callbacks on America’s Got Talent 2026.
The 16-year-old from Phuket took on a song built around the fast, heavily driven bassline of Muse bassist Chris Wolstenholme, making the performance a demanding test of speed, precision, stamina and control. Continued …
Iran sets US conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz
Iran has tied the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to a series of concessions from the United States, even as Tehran says a separate agreement with Oman defining new shipping routes through the strategic waterway is nearing completion.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said yesterday that negotiations with Oman were in their final stages, but stressed that commercial passage would resume only after Washington met conditions set by Tehran. The proposed Iran-Oman arrangement would establish shipping lanes to be used once those conditions were fulfilled. Continued …
Thailand Faces Surge in Corporate Closures as Heavyweights Collapse
Thailand is bracing for a worsening wave of corporate liquidations in the second half of the year, following fresh government data showing that major corporations are shutting down at an unprecedented rate alongside struggling small enterprises.
Figures released by the Ministry of Commerce’s Department of Business Development (DBD) reveal that 7,024 businesses officially filed for dissolution during the first six months of 2026 — a 12.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Continued …
Thai SME crisis demands national action beyond cash injections
Thailand’s small and medium-sized enterprises have emerged as one of the most vulnerable parts of the economy, as financial and business indicators point to rising bad debt, prolonged credit contraction, weaker profitability and an increasing number of factory closures.
The widening gap between SMEs and large companies is also becoming more pronounced. While smaller businesses are struggling to obtain financing and withstand rising costs, large companies continue to expand borrowing and investment. Continued …
Industrial sector confronts looming labor crisis
Thailand’s labor outlook this year remains contradictory. While layoffs are expected to reach 500,000 due to a slowing manufacturing sector, with more factories closing than opening as business revenue declines, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking is concerned about a shortage of foreign labor caused by hiring restrictions and allegations of corruption.
As layoffs become more widespread, the impact will be far-reaching, leading to declining personal incomes and household debt reaching precarious levels. Government relief measures such as the “Thai Help Thai Plus” program may prove to be insufficient. Continued …
Restaurants turn to tech amid worker shortage
The Thai Restaurant Association says while the labor shortage remains unresolved, restaurant operators are using technology to ease the problem.
Thaniwan Kulmongkol, president of the association, said both front of house and kitchen operations have struggled to address the labor shortage. Continued …
Thailand Economy June 2026: Stable Growth Amid Global Uncertainties
The Thai economy in June remained broadly stable from the previous month. Private consumption increased, supported in part by government measures and continued growth in electric vehicle sales.
Merchandise exports and private investment also increased, driven mainly by technology-related products, although these activities relied heavily on imported inputs. Meanwhile, manufacturing production declined across several categories, while tourism-related services softened in line with lower foreign tourist arrivals. Continued …
Thailand Attracts $26.8B in High-Tech Investment as Chipmakers Shift Supply Chains
Thailand has captured more than $26.8 billion (approx. 900 billion baht) in investment applications for its semiconductor and advanced electronics sectors over the past three years, cementing its position as a primary beneficiary of global supply chain diversification away from traditional manufacturing hubs.
Driven by accelerating global demand for artificial intelligence, next-generation semiconductors, electric vehicles, and high-performance computing, Thailand has drawn 880 high-tech projects between 2023 and mid-2026. A major catalyst is the printed circuit board (PCB) sector, which accounts for $9.85 billion (approx. 331 billion baht) across 224 projects, according to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). Continued …
Thai exports rise 17.6% in first half of 2026
Thailand’s exports rose 17.6% year-on-year to US$196.74 billion in the first six months of 2026, with technology and electronics leading the increase, the government said yesterday.
The United States remained Thailand’s largest export market, with shipments climbing 41.1% to US$47.14 billion between January and June, according to deputy government spokeswoman Lallida Periswivatana. Continued …
Putting the spotlight on an open secret
From Soi Cowboy in the bustling Sukhumvit corridor of Bangkok to Pattaya’s Walking Street, the sex trade remains an open secret that authorities are often reluctant to acknowledge, despite its visible presence.
While Thailand promotes itself as a premium destination to lure high-spending travelers, it still struggles to reposition its image while keeping one foot in the sex tourism industry. Continued …
Thailand Slashes Regional Airport Fees by 50% to Boost Air Travel
Thailand’s Department of Airports (DOA) has unveiled a new incentive scheme offering a 50% discount on airport fees to encourage domestic and international carriers to open new routes connecting provincial hubs with Bangkok and other key destinations.
The “New Route–New Airline” campaign, announced by the Ministry of Transport, is designed to stimulate market competition, expand travel choices for provincial residents, and drive regional economic development through increased tourism and trade. Continued …
Pattaya probe officials over alleged no-receipt fines of tourists
Pattaya City has ordered an investigation after a video circulated online allegedly showing Special Affairs officers collecting fines from tourists without issuing receipts near Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya.
Pattaya City Police have also inspected the location, including a blue canvas tent reportedly used by the officers. The allegations concern tourists said to have been stopped over loud motorcycle exhausts and smoking in a public area at the Bali Hai Pier, Chonburi. Continued …
Chinese Embassy tells its citizens in Thailand to follow rules
The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok has urged Chinese citizens attending cultural performances, sporting events and fan meetings in Thailand to comply strictly with local laws and venue regulations, following several incidents involving Chinese tourists.
The embassy also called on visitors to respect Thai people, religious beliefs, customs and cultural traditions. It said those taking part in events should do so in an orderly way and help maintain the traditional “Thailand-China family” friendship. Continued …
Pattaya Bay moves to cap tour boat operators
Pattaya City is preparing tighter controls for restaurant boats, tourist vessels, squid-fishing rafts and cafe boats in Pattaya Bay, amid concern that a growing number of operators is outstripping the limited space available.
Officials say overcrowding could compromise visitor safety and raise the risk of accidents. The initial policy will be to ensure the number of operators does not exceed the bay’s capacity, rather than substantially enlarging designated operating areas. Continued …
Riyadh Air to launch direct Bangkok flights
Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier Riyadh Air has opened bookings for direct flights between Riyadh and Bangkok, with services due to begin Sept. 2.
The route will operate three times a week between King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh (RUH) and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Bangkok is the 14th destination now available for booking in the airline’s expanding network. Continued …
Australian women share horror stories from cosmetic surgeries in Thailand
When Lynda Lazaridis gets dressed, she chooses her clothes carefully. The Melbourne grandmother’s breasts were virtually removed, and her nipples relocated up near her armpits.
Her arms and legs too are covered in a patchwork of scars. It’s the result of a slew of cosmetic surgeries Lynda had in Thailand – a gift to herself for her 60th birthday, four years ago, that she now wishes she could return. Continued …
12 mythical giants watch over Suvarnabhumi Airport
Travelers navigating the bustling halls of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport are greeted not just by modern terminal architecture, but by 12 towering, color-splashed giants clad in golden armor.
Rooted in ancient Hindu and Buddhist mythology, these intimidating statues known as Yaks serve a sacred purpose: guarding the sprawling international hub and watching over the safe journeys of millions of passengers who pass through its gates every day. Continued and video …
Thailand’s 15 UNESCO Treasures
Recent global recognition of Thailand’s cultural treasures celebrates the nation’s newest landmark on the international stage. This week, TheDisclosed examines Thailand’s latest UNESCO listing and what lies ahead for future nominees. Video …
Bangkok ranks ninth on Time Out’s 2026 street food list
Bangkok has been ranked ninth on Time Out’s list of the world’s capitals with the best street food for 2026. Time Out is a global media and hospitality brand that serves as a city guide covering food, drink, nightlife, art and travel.
The cities ranked ahead of Bangkok, which scored 56%, are: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – 63%; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 62%; Jakarta, Indonesia – 59%; Taipei, Taiwan – 59%; Mexico City, Mexico – 58%; Manila, Philippines – 58%; Hanoi, Vietnam – 57%; and Johannesburg, South Africa – 56%. Continued …
Thailand Reaffirms Plan to Earmark 200 Billion Baht for Clean Energy
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has reaffirmed that the remaining 200 billion baht ($6.05 billion) from the government’s 400 billion baht ($12.1 billion) emergency loan decree will be strictly prioritized for Thailand’s clean energy transition.
Addressing queries regarding competing funding applications — including a tourism boost under the “Thais Travel Thailand Plus” scheme — Ekniti stated that while statutory rules permit flexibility, operational priority remains firmly on long-term energy reform. Continued …
Why ASEAN Must Rebuild for a Climate That Won’t Wait
When 35% of a year’s rainfall falls within a single week, as it did in parts of Thailand last year, the failure is not simply meteorological. It is a failure of design, of coordination, and — increasingly — of economics.
That was the argument advanced at a CAsean Forum 2026 panel on “Strengthening ASEAN’s Physical Resilience”, held in Bangkok on Friday, where engineers, a landscape architect and a Japanese development specialist made the case that Southeast Asia’s climate exposure is no longer a side issue for environment ministries but a direct threat to the region’s economic competitiveness. Continued …
Western Europe experienced hottest June-July on record
Western Europe experienced its hottest June-July on record as climate change fuels an historic summer of heat, drought and wildfires across the region, the EU’s global warming monitor said today. Continued …
China races to develop brain-computer interfaces that can be inserted in 10 minutes
Chinese start-ups and researchers are racing to bring brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to market that can be implanted in just a few minutes, as Beijing pushes to nurture home-grown players in the sector to compete with Elon Musk’s Neuralink. 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
Scholarship students of the T&C Foundation are embarking on a journey to expand the scope of their empathy by directly facing the climate crisis and ecological environment issues on site.
The Faculty of Medicine at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has unveiled progress in using locally developed CAR-T Cell therapy to treat blood cancers and autoimmune diseases, reporting that nearly 90% of patients have achieved complete remission.
A 13-year-old schoolboy has died after being stung by jellyfish while swimming at Ban Fai Tha beach in Sichon district, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Three people who went to help him were also injured by the stings but are now safe and recovering.
Jiew Sai Yok, a lost wild elephant calf being cared for at Sai Yok National Park, died peacefully at around 2am yesterday, leaving veterinarians and park officials deeply saddened.
A Thai analysis published Sunday has challenged government claims of a strong GDP recovery, arguing that headline growth is failing to reach ordinary households and small businesses.
The government has not ruled out extending the Thais Help Thais Plus co-payment scheme following positive public feedback. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the government would consider any measure that benefits the public while taking into account economic conditions and fiscal constraints.
Thailand Post is repositioning itself as a key driver of Thailand’s digital economy, unveiling a new corporate strategy dubbed “RelationSHIFT” as it seeks to transform from a traditional postal operator into a lifestyle logistics brand that connects people, businesses, communities and government services through its nationwide network.
Thailand Retains Rank as World’s Second-Largest Pet Food Exporter
Thailand’s repeat visitors are showing stronger loyalty to Hua Hin and Pattaya than to Phuket, according to a new analysis by travel platform 12Go.
Thai travelers are increasingly choosing short restorative breaks, marathon-related holidays and more in-depth visits to secondary cities as travel patterns shift in 2026.
Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the launch of new direct air routes connecting key cities in Indonesia and Thailand, highlighting expanded aviation connectivity as a vital driver for strengthening people-to-people ties and boosting regional tourism.
Some history behind Thailand’s Naga serpent
How History Made Thais Obsessed with Sugar
North Korea’s state media has recommended dog meat soup as protection against summer heat, reviving Pyongyang’s long-running effort to promote the controversial dish as record high temperatures grip both sides of the Korean peninsula. 
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged authorities to step up support for people affected by a record heat wave in the country, saying the death toll had risen to 16 and warning that extreme weather was becoming more frequent. 
Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross yesterday, her son Kim Aris said, who has not heard from her directly in years. 
Searchlights sweep across the rivers of Malaysia’s Sarawak state as licensed hunters track crocodiles in the dark. Their work is part of a broader effort to manage a tension between wildlife and the communities that rely on the water every day. 
Saphan Pla Night Market (fishing pier)
BOT Monitors Middle East Tension as Baht Drops 6% Year to Date
New Thai-Malaysian checkpoint a boon for tourism
Thailand buckles to India, restores visa-free scheme
What Americans Get Wrong About Life in Thailand