Tourist quote of the day/Hua Hin real estate market/Hundreds perform candle dance/Heavy rain hits Central and Southern Thailand/Revoke Cannabis Policy/Myanmar scam cities using Musk’s Starlink/Gold hits record/ECONOMY: Stimulus to help eateries/Stimulus gets mixed reactions/Global trade faces major shift/Crackdown on foreign business on Koh Samui/World Leader in Air Conditioner Production/TOURISM: Domestic tourism stimulus/Stimulus crucial to second-tier cities/Thailand moves to high-end travel/Big events to boost Thailand tourism/Trat Tourism Hit by Losses/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Flower garlands at red lights/Why Thais Call Indians ‘Khaek’/Why won’t Thais taste their food before seasoning it?/CLIMATE THAILAND: New power plan/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN LINKS
Tourist quote of the day
A tourists remarked about ferry service from Pattaya to Koh Larn ksland: “It would be great to build a sea bridge to the island and extend it all the way to Cha-am or Hua Hin for easier access.”
Hua Hin real estate market trends this high season
Undoubtedly, it has been a tough year for Thailand, not only in general tourism but also in the real estate market. Many sellers have not taken much advantage of the current currency situation, which suggests most are still content to hold on to their properties for now.
If Thailand deliberately weakens its currency, as some hope, we may see more activity, but at present, global factors — such as gold prices—are making that difficult. With recent government changes, it is also harder to counteract these pressures. Continued …
Hundreds perform candle dance in remembrance of King Rama IX in Hua Hin
Hundreds of people took part in a candle dance ceremony in front of Klai Kangwon Palace last evening to commemorate King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great on the ninth anniversary of his passing.
Hua Hin District Chief Prasoot Hombanthoeng and Hua Hin City Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul led a procession of over 1,000 people dressed in yellow for the event titled “Walk with Heart to the Father’s Home.” Participants carried the Thai national flag and portraits of the late monarch as they walked 1.5 kilometers from the Hua Hin City Municipality Office to Klai Kangwon Palace — often referred to as “the Father’s Home” — to honor His Majesty’s legacy and lifelong devotion to the Thai people. Continued …
Heavy rain hits Bangkok, Central and Southern Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department reported today that the monsoon trough extends across the lower central region, the upper south, and the east, while the southwest monsoon continues to prevail over the Andaman Sea, the lower south, and the Gulf of Thailand.
South (east coast): Fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rain in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Minimum temperature 23-25 °C. Maximum temperature 31-34 °C. Continued …
Medical Network Urges Health Ministry to Revoke Cannabis Policy
A coalition of doctors, academics, and anti-drug advocates sent an open letteryesterday to Thailand’s Health Minister, calling for the revocation of the Feb. 8, 2022, ministerial announcement that removed cannabis from the list of Category 5 narcotics.
The network cited rising psychiatric cases and other health issues following the policy shift that allowed recreational use and broad cultivation of cannabis. Continued …
(In Thailand, an estimated 20,039 alcohol-related deaths occurred annually between 2015 and 2021, with road injuries, liver diseases, and other unintentional injuries being the leading causes. Smoking causes an estimated 60,000 to 71,000 deaths annually in Thailand, making it a leading preventable cause of death in the country.)
Myanmar scam cities booming despite crackdown — using Musk’s Starlink
They said they had smashed them. But fraud factories in Myanmar blamed for scamming Chinese and American victims out of billions of dollars are still in business and bigger than ever, an investigation revealed.
Satellite images and drone footage show frenetic building work in the heavily guarded compounds around Myawaddy on the Thailand-Myanmar border, which appear to be using Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service on a huge scale. Continued …
Gold hits record $4,100 an ounce amid US-China trade tensions
Spot gold prices surged 1.8% to $4,106.48 per ounce yesterday, hitting an all-time high of $4,116.77, driven by renewed US-China trade tensions and expectations of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. US gold futures for December delivery also jumped 3.3% to $4,133 per ounce.
Gold has risen 56% so far this year, crossing $4,000 per ounce for the first time last week, supported by geopolitical uncertainty, economic pressures, Fed rate cut expectations, and continued central bank purchases worldwide. Continued …
New co-payment stimulus to help struggling eateries
The government’s 44-billion-baht “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme comes just in time to lift the restaurant sector amid the country’s economic slowdown, says the Restaurant Association.
While mom-and-pop stores and other small businesses such as massage parlors and nail salons are also eligible to participate, based on past stimulus packages the measure could increase restaurant sales by around 30% compared with non-stimulus periods. Continued …
Stimulus gets mixed reactions
The next phase of the government’s popular economic stimulus program, “Khon La Khrueng Plus” — which is slated to be launched at the end of the month — has drawn mixed reactions across the country.
The Khon La Khrueng Plus offers an estimated 33 million beneficiaries between 2,000 and 2,400 baht per person, with usage capped at 200 baht per day over a period of up to two months. Continued …
Global trade faces major shift as Trump readies 100% tariffs on China
Global trade is bracing for disruption after US President Donald Trump announced a plan to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese imports starting Nov. 1. The move threatens to upend supply chains worldwide and reshape economic dynamics across Asia.
Aat Pisanwanich, an independent economist specializing in international trade and ASEAN markets, said the measure is highly likely to take effect, despite Trump’s earlier remark that the US was not trying to destroy China. That comment briefly lifted markets, but his latest stance signals continued pressure on Beijing. Continued …
Crackdown on foreign business on Koh Samui using nominees, focus on villas
Thailand National Police Chief Kittirat Phanphet has launched a sweeping crackdown on the rampant use of Thai nominee companies to buy and develop luxury property on Koh Samui, calling it a web of corruption that’s hijacked the island’s real estate market.
For years, foreign investors have exploited loopholes to seize control of land, hide behind fake Thai shareholders, and cash in on the tourism boom. The investigation — now expanding to Koh Phangan — aims to dismantle these illegal networks once and for all. Continued …
Thailand: A World Leader in Air Conditioner Production and Export
Thailand has emerged as a significant player in the global air conditioner manufacturing sector. In 2024, the country produced an estimated 19 million units, ranking as the third-largest exporter after China and Mexico.
This growth was mirrored in export revenues, which climbed to US$ 7.044 billion — a 9% increase from the previous year. Key market destinations include the United States, which alone absorbed 35% of exports, followed by Europe, ASEAN nations, Australia, and Japan. The export volume of over 21 million window or wall units underscores Thailand’s pivotal role as a global supplier. Continued …
Domestic tourism stimulus to start Oct 29
The finance minister has confirmed his readiness to launch domestic tourism stimulus measures on Oct. 29, in an effort to entice 1.15 trillion baht in domestic travel revenue and accelerate Thailand’s economic recovery.
The ministry is expected to submit a series of domestic tourism stimulus packages to the economic cabinet tomorrow, then send them to the cabinet on Oct .21 for approval. Continued …
Tourism stimulus package crucial to second-tier cities
The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) views the Finance Ministry’s stimulus package as crucial to reviving tourism in second-tier cities, which has worsened from last year.
Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, vice president of the TCT, said the outlook in second-tier cities is worse than for major cities, as arrivals declined because of perceptions of an unsafe travel image, border skirmishes, a sluggish economy, and the strong baht. Continued …
Thailand moves from mass visitors to high-end travel and authentic experiences
Thailand remains a leading global destination, but trends among international travelers are shifting toward quality and personalized experiences rather than sheer volume. This evolution is reshaping the economic, cultural, and environmental landscape of Thai tourism.
Economic patterns are increasingly driven by travelers willing to spend on premium experiences. Niche tourism, particularly wellness and medical travel, is growing rapidly. Thailand continues to lead in traditional therapies, luxury spa services, and high-standard medical care. Continued …
Big events to boost Thailand tourism in final quarter
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set its sights on attracting 12 million foreign tourists to the country during the final four months of 2025, a 7% decrease from the same period last year. The focus is on increasing tourist spending to generate approximately 580 billion baht, a 3% drop from the previous year.
Nat Kruthasoot, deputy governor for tourism products and business, stated that the high season will be driven by major events designed to stimulate travel. The season kicks off with the “Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025,” celebrating the cultural ties between Thailand and India throughout October. Continued …
Trat Tourism Hit by Losses Amid Martial Law Concerns
Trat province is suffering major tourism losses, with cancellations by European travelers following UK government warnings linked to the province-wide martial law declaration.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirmed the cancellations have cost the region around 700 million baht, as foreign visitors, particularly from the UK, face difficulties obtaining travel insurance for Koh Chang and nearby islands despite them being considered safe. Continued …
Why Thais sell flower garlands at red lights
If you’ve ever driven in Thailand, you may have noticed something curious at stoplights. Street vendors appear seemingly out of nowhere, selling fried bananas, doughnuts, green mango, or offering to clean your car’s mirrors. Among these offerings, the most ubiquitous item is the Thai flower garland, or phuang malai.
But why do vendors sell these garlands at red lights? The answer lies in Thai culture and belief systems. Many Thais hold a strong faith in Mae Yanang, a protective spirit believed to safeguard vehicles and their passengers. The garlands sold by street vendors are actually offerings to Mae Yanang, intended to ensure safe travels and protection from accidents. Continued …
Why Thais Call Indians ‘Khaek’
If you’ve spent time in Thailand, you may have heard locals use the term “khaek” to refer to people of Indian descent. But what does it really mean, and why is it used in this context?
In Thai language, the word “khaek” (แขก) literally translates to “guest.” Unlike some terms used to describe foreigners, like “farang” (ฝรั่ง) for Westerners or “jek”(เจ๊ก) for Chinese, which can carry negative connotations in certain contexts, “khaek” is a respectful term. Historically, it reflected the high regard in which Thailand held India, largely because India is recognized as the birthplace of the Buddha. Continued …
Why won’t Thais taste their food before seasoning it?
Do you have telepathic tastebuds? Apparently, many Thais do. Every day, people are going to restaurants, ordering noodles, excitedly receiving their noodles, Instagram-ing their noodles, and then seasoning their noodles — all before actually tasting them.
Enough is enough. I’m prepping the placards for my protest. I can accept that the camera eats first, but I cannot accept that we eat without tasting. Please, everybody, everywhere, stop premature seasoning. Continued …
New power plan to look at future supply, solar surging
Authorities have started drafting a new version of the power-development plan (PDP), focusing on the nation’s long-term power supply management amid a surge in solar power, says the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO). The issue is being discussed by energy officials who plan to introduce the PDP in 2026, said Wattanapong Kurovat, director-general of EPPO.
Thai power producers in the independent electricity supply category have increased, especially businesses developing solar power-generation facilities for their own usage. Continued …
- Brazilian Woman Arrested for Assaulting Pattaya Officer – Continued …
- Lebanese National Arrested Again for Illegal Rentals on Phangan – Continued …
- Foreign ‘Illegal Guide’ Threatens Chinese Tourists Over Shopping – Continued …
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