- Wat Khao Kalok in Pranburi/Can you trust the medicine in Thailand?/Nene Royal didn’t apply to America’s Got Talent/Nene Royal opts for AGT $400,000 payout/USS George H.W. Bush leaves Phuket/Watching Lisa’s Always Lalisa/Thai man wakes with wild python/Thailand weather warning/Death toll reaches 24/Thailand’s new disaster insurance scheme/Inside Bangkok’s flash floods/Toyota Thailand extends production suspensions/Villagers hang motorcycles from trees/Residents fear another month underwater
- THE IRAN WAR: Strait of Hormuz remains volatile
- ECONOMY: IMF-World Bank 2026 agenda/2026 tax revenue beats target/US Thai trade deal is in sight/High-tech industries to shift labor force
- TOURISM: Tourism firms balk at arrival fee/10.14 billion baht from Vegetarian Festival/Chinese flyers to Chiang Mai surge/Krabi eyes boost from Russian tourists/Vietjet Thailand’s Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok route
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thai Rice Farmers End Stubble Burning
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Wat Khao Kalok, Pak Nam Pran, Pranburi
Wat Khao Kalok , also known as Wat Sumanawat, is a colorful and serene seaside temple located near Khao Kalok Beach in Pak Nam Pran, Pranburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
Its Golden Sanctuary (Vihara) is a striking four-gabled (Jaturamuk) golden sanctuary combining intricate Thai design with Khmer architectural influences, guarded by two giant statues at the entrance.
Inside the sanctuary, visitors worship sculptures of Luang Por Huang Uttamo (the temple’s first abbot) and Prince Admiral Chumphon Khet Udomsak, alongside a prominent statue of Thao Wessuwan outside.
The temple is famous in local folklore (Sai Mu) for the legend of a wealthy man reincarnated as a crocodile to guard hidden treasure, making it popular for seeking business success and good fortune via its sacred “Crocodile Flag” amulets.
Can you trust the medicine in Thailand?
Thailand is stepping up its fight against fake medicine, but recent cases show how lucrative and sophisticated the trade has become. With counterfeit products increasingly finding buyers online, stopping them before they reach consumers is becoming its own challenge. Video …
Nene Royal didn’t apply to America’s Got Talent. An American fan did it for her. His name is Sean, and like thousands of others, he first saw her playing on the street in Phuket. Unlike most of them, he didn’t just film it and walk away.
Struck by her voice, her guitar playing and the way she owned a crowd, he went to her parents with an idea that must have sounded almost absurd. Send her to America’s Got Talent.
Then he did the work. According to Thai media, Sean gathered clips of her performances, filled in the English-language application and handled the communication with the show’s casting team in the United States. It didn’t happen on the first try. He kept going until the family finally got the message they’d been waiting for: Nene was invited to audition in Los Angeles.
You know the rest. Zombie, the most-watched audition of the season. A Golden Buzzer. Linkin Park. A million dollars, and the first Thai winner in the show’s history.
He isn’t the only foreigner in her story. Years earlier, an American musician living in Phuket, known online as Banana Man, sat with a 10-year-old Nene and helped her with English pronunciation, including the lyrics to Bohemian Rhapsody. When people started crediting him for her success, he pushed back, saying it belonged to her family, her coaches and her.
That’s the fair way to see it. The talent was hers. The thousands of hours were hers. Her parents bought the guitar and drove her to the market. But sometimes a career turns on a stranger who notices, and then bothers to fill out the form.
Nene Royal opts for AGT $400,000 lump-sum prize payout
Thai singer Nene Royal, named as the winner of America’s Got Talent 2026, has said she will take the program’s prize money as a one-off payment rather than in instalments.
America’s Got Talent offers its US$1 million prize under terms allowing winners to choose either scheduled payments or a single lump sum. Under the program’s stated terms, a winner choosing a one-off payment receives net cash estimated to be around US$400,000, before any tax deductions. Continued …
USS George H.W. Bush leaves Phuket after five-day visit
The US aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and its escort, USS Delbert D. Black, left Phuket yesterday after a five-day stop that gave more than 5,000 personnel time ashore.
The two vessels had been anchored about 1.78 nautical miles, or around 3.3 kilometers, from Phuket Deep Sea Port in Mueang district . All personnel departed with the ships. Continued …
Things to know before watching Lisa’s Always Lalisa
Always Lalisa, a documentary following Thai singer and actor Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal during a year away from Blackpink’s group activities, opens in Thai cinemas on Oct. 12. Screenings run until Oct. 18 in IMAX and standard formats, with standard tickets starting at 350 baht.
The film explores Lisa’s professional ambitions and private experiences as she develops her solo career, offering audiences a closer look at the person behind her public image. Continued …
Thai man wakes to rescuers, then sees video of himself carrying a wild python home
A night out in Thailand turned into a wildlife rescue story after an intoxicated man brought a wild python home. Even more amazingly, the man, who had no recollection of bringing the animal home, woke up to rescuers removing it from his house.
According to the report, the man had been out drinking with friends before they noticed a snake in the roadway blocking an area where they wanted to park. Continued …
Thailand weather warning: storms and hail until October 15
Thailand is facing a week of thunderstorms, strong winds, hail and lightning, with heavy to very heavy rain possible in some areas through Oct. 15. The Thai Meteorological Department warned that accumulated rain could bring flash floods and forest runoff, particularly in vulnerable areas.
People across the country have been advised to prepare for thunderstorms, gusty winds, hail and intense rainfall. The department said the risk is greatest near foothills, waterways and low-lying locations that are prone to flooding. Continued …
Prachin Buri floods ease as death toll reaches 24, recovery begins
Flood conditions in Prachin Buri have begun to improve, with water levels falling steadily in several areas and along the province’s main river. Local authorities are deploying pumps and sandbags to protect economic zones, while preparing recovery efforts as the disaster’s death toll reaches 24.
the Prachin Buri Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command reported that water levels along the Prachin Buri River at monitoring stations in Kabin Buri, Si Maha Phot and Mueang districts were trending downward. However, prolonged heavy rain has affected seven districts, 65 subdistricts, 691 villages and 37 communities, impacting a total of 60,317 households. Continued …
Thailand’s new disaster insurance scheme caps household payouts at 100,000 baht
Thailand’s government-funded disaster insurance program took effect on Oct. 1, covering an estimated 30 million homes against flooding, windstorms, and earthquakes across Bangkok and all provinces.
Households affected by flooding receive an initial payment of 10,000 baht. Windstorm or earthquake damage triggers 5,000 baht. Total compensation is capped at 100,000 baht (roughly US$3,020) per household per disaster, based on verified physical damage to house structures. A separate 2 million baht payment applies to disaster-related deaths. Continued …
Inside Bangkok’s flash floods
Bangkok’s severe flash floods, exploring how extreme rainfall, sinking geography, and communication breakdowns are testing the city’s infrastructure limits.
The flashpoints: Non-stop heavy rainfall overwhelming drainage systems, cars floating away, and residents left stranded in neck-deep water across the capital. Video …
Toyota Thailand extends production suspensions due to flooding
Toyota Motor Thailand has extended production suspensions at its Samrong, Ban Pho and Gateway plants, with operations now expected to resume between Oct. 14 and 19 as flooding continues to disrupt parts deliveries.
The company initially suspended production at the three plants from Oct. 5-10 due to flooding affecting deliveries in Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao and Chon Buri provinces. Continued …
Villagers hang motorcycles from trees to protect them from floodwaters
Flood-hit Chachoengsao residents fear another month underwater
Residents of Pak Nam subdistrict in Bang Khla district, Chachoengsao, have endured flooding for more than two weeks, with reports that the situation could continue for another 30 days, adding to their anxiety over how long they must live with the hardship.
Flooding continued to disrupt daily life in Bang Khla, particularly in Pak Nam, where many families have been living with standing water for more than two weeks. The possibility of another month of flooding has left residents worried about the prolonged impact on their homes, livelihoods and families. Continued …
Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, with attacks reaching their highest level
Media has reported that oil tankers traveling through the Strait of Hormuz are being targeted almost daily, as Iran is escalating its attacks in an attempt to halt its recovering crude oil exports.
Data from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations agency, indicates that in the week ending Oct. 4, 11 oil tankers were attacked while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the highest number since the war began in late February. Continued …
IMF-World Bank 2026 agenda puts global outlook, AI and Thailand in focus
Thailand is preparing to host the 2026 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group from Oct. 12 to 18 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, bringing global economic forecasts, financial stability, artificial intelligence and green investment into focus.
The gathering marks Thailand’s return as host after 35 years, following the 1991 annual meetings, and will bring together economic policymakers, central bank governors, financial institutions and business leaders from around the world. Continued …
2026 tax revenue of 2.5 trillion baht beats target
The Revenue Department collected 2.52 trillion baht in tax revenue in the 2026 fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30, exceeding its target by 7.5 billion baht, according to Acting Director-general Salakjit Phongsirichan.
She said revenue collection was 8% higher, or 186 billion baht, than in the previous fiscal year, partly due to higher value-added tax (VAT) receipts. Continued …
Commerce Minister says that a November signing of a US Thai trade deal is in sight
A US–Thailand trade deal is heading for a November signing after President Donald Trump wrote directly to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. However, critical terms remain unresolved despite agreement in principle. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun is targeting the ASEAN summit in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Thai exporters face existing US tariffs and further Section 301 threats. Vietnam is advancing its own deal, while Thailand seeks parity with regional competitors. Even a November signing may leave exporters waiting for implementation. Continued …
High-tech industries to shift labor force
Thailand’s high-tech industries require a diverse array of specialized technical and soft skills to keep pace with rapid technological transitions. Key requirements include expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) development, coding, and robotics, as well as proficiency in digital technologies, data science, and automated systems.
Additionally, there is a growing demand for specialized skills in green technology, such as electric vehicle (EV) engineering and sustainable energy management, to support the transition to a green economy.
Beyond technical mastery, high-tech sectors increasingly prioritize advanced soft skills and human-centric capabilities. Professionals are expected to possess strong analytical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities to manage complex, AI-driven systems. – Bangkok Post AI
Tourism firms balk at arrival fee being used for medical insurance
Tourism operators oppose the 450-baht fee because they believe it is unfair to genuine travelers. They argue that the funds intended for travel insurance for all foreign visitors are more likely to cover unpaid medical bills incurred by foreign workers rather than tourists.
The Association of Thai Hotels has suggested that the government instead require travelers to purchase their own insurance before arriving in Thailand, which would reduce individual responsibility and mitigate risks. Additionally, industry representatives have expressed concerns regarding the lack of a clear budget allocation, noting that the funds should prioritize tourism development, such as infrastructure, environmental improvements, and digital transformation. – Bangkok Post AI
TAT forecasts 10.14 billion baht from Vegetarian Festival
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) forecasts more than 1.32 million domestic visitor trips and about 10.14 billion baht in tourism revenue across 10 key provinces during the Vegetarian Festival from Oct. 9–18.
TAT expects Bangkok to generate 6.71 billion baht in tourism revenue during the festival, with nine southern provinces contributing a combined 3.43 billion baht. Phuket accounts for 1.43 billion baht of the southern forecast. Continued …
Chinese flyers to Chiang Mai surge during Golden Week
Visitors from China using Chiang Mai Airport jumped during the Golden Week period, reinforcing the northern city as a popular vacation destination for the Chinese.
An average of 1,744 Chinese travelers passed through the airport each day of the Golden Week from Oct. 1-7, soaring 37% from the daily average of only 1,271 last month. Continued …
Krabi eyes boost from Russian tourists
Four Russian cities will be connected to Krabi via charter flights this month. These flights, operated by Siamwings airlines, are intended to boost tourism and strengthen the region’s role as a gateway to the Andaman coast.
The specific Russian cities included in these new routes are Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Krasnoyarsk, and Novosibirsk. Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit noted that these charter services are expected to bring more than 3,000 Russian tourists to the area. The flights are being operated by Siamwings airlines using Airbus A330-300 aircraft, which have a capacity of 453 passengers. – Bangkok Post AI
Vietjet Thailand’s Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok route starts
Vietjet Thailand has launched daily flights between Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, marking the airline’s first route to Malaysia. The service will run between Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) on a Boeing 737-8.
VZ680 departs Bangkok at 11 am and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 2.10 pm. VZ681 departs Kuala Lumpur at 3.15 pm and arrives in Bangkok at 4.30 pm. Continued …
How CNH Equipment Is Helping Thai Rice Farmers End Stubble Burning
CNH Industrial is demonstrating how the right mechanization can help rice farmers move away from crop-residue burning, with a successful trial in Thailand showing a practical path to healthier soils and cleaner air.
Equipment from its New Holland brand is supporting Thai farmer Pichai Tosa to manage rice straw sustainably after harvest. Tosa, a well-established rice and mung bean grower in Nakhon Sawan province, trialed a New Holland TT3.50 tractor and mulcher during the April rice harvest in central Thailand. Instead of burning, the straw was chopped and retained on the field or incorporated back into the soil to build organic matter. Continued …
Burmese drug kingpin with multiple identities and lives linked to massive cash seizure in Chiang Rai
Two boxes packed with 23 million baht inside a pickup at the Chiang Rai border have exposed a suspected international crime network. At its center is Noo Chen, a Burmese-born drug kingpin who reportedly faked his murder in 2022 before his arrest in South Korea in April 2026. Now, Thai investigators are tracing over 1 billion baht in suspected drug money laundering and 2.5 billion baht in call-center fraud losses. Continued …
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Chonburi police raid alleged Chinese nominee firm – Continued …
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Indian passenger held as 6-million baht in gold found in speaker – Continued …
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Pattaya condo raid nets two Nigerians and cocaine – Continued …
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British tourist questioned over Pattaya motorbike theft – Continued …
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Chinese man held over alleged Thai identity fraud – Continued …
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Thailand starts China extradition case against reporter – Continued …
Trump calls Nobel Peace Prize pick ‘disgraceful’
US President Donald Trump slammed the “disgraceful” Nobel Peace Prize choice yesterday as leaving an “indelible stain” on Norway, arguing that the award should have gone to him. South African judge and human rights champion Navi Pillay won the prestigious prize in recognition of her work against war crimes and crimes against humanity. 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
Hua Hin municipality is preparing to widen Hua Hin Soi 102 from two lanes to four and install new drainage along a 1.93-kilometer stretch. No construction start date has been announced.
Hua Hin Profile: Humanitarianism in action
Thai rocker Nene Royal, winner of America’s Got Talent 2026, will make her acting debut as the Thai voice of Billie Doe in Disney’s animated fantasy Hexed.
Nene Royal to sing for over 400 guests at IMF–World Bank reception
British banker and whistleblower Simon Andriesz, 57, was found dead in Khlong Luang, just outside Bangkok, on the morning of September 23. The local municipality recorded his cause of death as “asphyxiation from hanging”.
Thailand has not implemented any additional measures regarding the suspected plague in Russia, as Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat stated there are currently no plans for further action unless new developments emerge.
As the planet warms, cities like Bangkok could be increasingly inundated by deadly floods
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has drawn up a five-to-seven-year flood-management program expected to require at least 100 billion baht, combining drainage maintenance with major canal, tunnel and water-retention projects to protect the capital’s role as Thailand’s economic center.
Thailand’s headline consumer price index rose 2.82% in September from a year earlier, the Commerce Ministry said yesterday, as food and fuel prices increased.
The World Bank has upgraded its GDP growth forecast for Thailand in 2026 to 2.3%, up from a previous estimate of 1.5%. This upward revision is primarily attributed to robust exports fueled by the artificial intelligence (AI) boom and a smaller-than-expected impact from energy shocks.
Thailand has expanded a crackdown on suspected foreign nominee businesses from Koh Phangan into seven provinces, according to a media report, as concern grows over overseas investors, land deals and long-stay visitors on the country’s resort islands.
Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund has begun scaling back diesel support as its deficit has passed 100 billion baht, an Energy Ministry source said. The ministry is preparing a gradual withdrawal of subsidies to slow cash outflows while awaiting policy direction on further measures.
The Thai cabinet has approved tax measures for the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) sector that allow businesses to claim a double tax deduction for expenses related to space rental and services for trade fairs and exhibitions. These incentives are intended to stimulate economic activity by attracting international events and increasing spending in related industries such as tourism, transport, and hospitality.
An increase in the value-added tax (VAT) of 3% was discussed during a session where senators also called for a broader tax base to address a reported net deficit of 760 billion baht for fiscal 2025.
Singapore-listed DFI Retail plans to open 250 new Starbucks outlets over the next three years, mainly in Thailand and Vietnam, after taking full control of the licensed business operating more than 1,100 coffeehouses across seven Asian markets.
The Middle East conflict and oil price volatility have highlighted Thailand’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, prompting calls to accelerate its clean energy transition. A seminar involving energy experts, policymakers, and industry representatives concluded that reducing fossil fuel dependence is now an economic and security necessity, not just an environmental goal, with ASEAN neighbors facing similar pressures.
Southeast Asia could save approximately US$45.4 billion by installing enough solar photovoltaic capacity to generate the same amount of electricity as planned gas power projects across five major economies, according to research group Zero Carbon Analytics (ZCA).
Clean Kinetics, a Singapore-based solar energy developer, has started construction of a $2-million solar photovoltaic project at Sats Thailand’s central kitchen facility in Pathum Thani province, around 40 kilometers north of Bangkok.
Rare serow makes unusual appearance on Prachuap beach
Nene Royal: Global Stardom Won’t Change Me, Says AGT Winner at Bangkok Homecoming
Thai singer and guitarist Nene Royal has attracted partnerships with at least 10 brands in Thailand within 10 days of winning America’s Got Talent (AGT) Season 21 on Sept. 24.
Disaster risks are considered structural challenges because they are becoming normalized and represent a long-term weight on Thailand’s economic growth. The increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, driven by climate change, require fundamental changes to infrastructure and economic resilience rather than just short-term fixes.
Flooding has affected 141 healthcare facilities across 18 provinces in Thailand, forcing 50 of these facilities to suspend their services. The Public Health Ministry reported that these disruptions have increased the pressure on remaining healthcare resources and left many vulnerable people and shelters in need of support.
Nine dead as floods submerge seven Prachin Buri districts
Flooding in Thailand has significantly impacted the food industry by disrupting transport routes, hindering the movement of essential goods, and forcing manufacturers to adjust their business continuity plans. These disruptions have led to delivery delays for parcel services and the temporary suspension of cargo operations for major carriers.
While the flooding has eased in Chanthaburi, around 4,000 fruit farmers are in deep distress as stagnant floodwaters led to durian trees grown on over 20,000 rai of orchards having died.
Sinking city, rising rage: Bangkok’s floods fuel fury over government inaction
Insurance regulator sets 5 flood-damage levels for vehicles
Brent crude futures rose 0.79% to US$103.06 a barrel in early trading today, after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis said they had launched ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi Aramco sites in Riyadh and the Khurais area. The claim raised concerns about production in Saudi Arabia, the region’s leading oil exporter.
The Ministry of Commerce’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) reported uneven conditions in Thailand’s regional economies in its August 2026 review. Rising living costs remained a key source of pressure and consumer confidence stayed weak, although business formation and tourism continued to grow well in some areas.
Thailand is stepping up a crackdown on foreigners accused of using nominee companies and other arrangements to control businesses and property illegally, as growing local resentment over foreign investment threatens to reshape the country’s lucrative tourism industry.
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) is partnering with Centara Hotels & Resorts to develop budget hotels at PTT service stations and other high-potential locations, as it seeks to increase daily traffic across its nationwide station network to 5 million visits.
Thailand and Laos have set an ambitious goal of boosting bilateral trade to US$11 billion by 2027 during high-level talks in Luang Prabang on Friday. The two countries’ economic push is part of a broader strategy to transform border transport networks into major international trade corridors.
As Thailand cracks down on foreigners, a tourist paradise reconsiders its welcome
Thailand has emerged as a leader in medical and wellness tourism, attracting a large number of tourists worldwide. Specifically in the medical field, most tourists travel for major procedures such as heart surgery, orthopedic surgery, dentistry, IVF and ICSI, as well as cosmetic surgery, eye surgery, and cancer treatment.
In early 2020, international and national health authorities alike in Laos watched with disbelief as hospitals in New York City, a city in one of the world’s richest countries, were overwhelmed with patients. During the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 203,000 cases of laboratory-confirmed COVID were reported in New York and a third of people hospitalized died. 
EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic will head to Beijing on Thursday for two days of make-or-break meetings with Chinese officials to try to stave off a trade war. The European Union has toughened its stance toward Beijing to defend businesses against what it believes is unfair competition in critical sectors, including cars. 
Major US automakers have watched their domestic market share shrink even more thanks to their Asian competitors — a situation that may worsen if Chinese firms are able to enter the US market, an idea floated by President Donald Trump. 
As part of the Nihao Month 2026 campaign, Amazing Thailand Mid-Autumn Celebration 2026 is being organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Bangkok. This festival will help Thailand and China strengthen their ties in culture, wellness and experiential travels. A total of 31 Chinese travel bloggers will take part in the program, themed “Healing is the New Luxury”, and visit various places in Thailand.
Flooding has disrupted logistics operations by making roads impassable and forcing companies to adjust delivery routes and service timing. Major parcel operators have warned of delays because local road accessibility and water levels directly dictate when and how safely deliveries can be made.
Thailand has approved its first national strategy for the semiconductor and advanced electronics industry, targeting about $80 billion in cumulative investment and $150 billion in annual industry revenue by 2050. The long-term “Made in Thailand” initiative also aims to create more than 230,000 jobs.
Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport handled 59,626,075 passengers from October 2025 to August 2026, up 2.43% from the same period a year earlier, according to airport director Kittipong Kittikachorn. The airport is upgrading passport checks and passenger facilities to accommodate growing traffic.
Even on a slow news day, a recent incident in Thailand hardly merited mention, let alone sustained media coverage. But because Israelis were involved, it became headline news for days. Anything negative about Israelis now does so, going instantly viral in the Buddhist nation with no history of antisemitism.
Thailand’s best street food is not confined to any one city. It can be found across the country, from Ayutthaya’s richly flavored noodles and Khon Kaen’s fiery lab to Chiang Mai’s aromatic khao soi and a standout plate of phad thai in the heart of Bangkok.
This week, we’re spending a few days exploring Bangkok, cafe-hopping, wandering through vintage and ceramic shops, visiting beautiful temples, and trying all the amazing Thai food.
Central Tokyo today registered 34 consecutive days of rain, marking the longest streak on record, according to the weather agency. The area has seen precipitation since Aug. 27, with typhoons approaching. The previous record was 33 consecutive days from June 27 to July 29 in 2019. 
Indonesia is considering Chinese investment to help build a massive 2,772 kilometer railway network through the vast, resource-rich region of Kalimantan, following the completion of Southeast Asia’s first high-speed line between Jakarta and Bandung, state media and analysts said. 
Authorities in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been ordered to closely monitor heavy rain and water conditions and prepare to assist residents if flooding or other disasters occur.
Residents and visitors gathered at Hua Hin’s Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine on Saturday for the traditional Ship to Sea ceremony.
Thailand will begin tougher enforcement of rules covering ride-hailing apps, drivers and vehicles on Thursday, the Ministry of Transport has announced.
Nene Royal returns home to a grand Phuket welcome
Some 6,000 kilometers separate the anchorage off Hormuz from a petrol station forecourt in Nonthaburi. In 2026, that distance has counted for very little.
Thailand is attracting billions of baht in investment into data centers, electronics and advanced industries, while household finances remain under pressure. A government survey found that 32.8% of respondents had reduced the number of meals they eat or were eating less. Almost two-thirds were buying cheaper food or waiting for discounts.
Thailand’s high season test begins as tourism numbers rise
Five hotels in Phuket have been ordered to suspend operations after failing to secure licenses and complete required improvements, provincial authorities said.
JustPow is calling for stronger environmental oversight of waste-to-energy plants because they believe the current regulatory framework is too weak to ensure the safety of local communities and the surrounding environment. The advocacy group argues that current regulations lack sufficient environmental impact assessments, particularly for smaller facilities that generate less than 10 megawatts of capacity.
Hua Hin ready to clear beach after decades-long dispute
Thailand’s customs-cleared exports rose 24.3% in August from a year earlier, driven by strong shipments to the United States and continuing demand for electronics, the Commerce Ministry said yesterday.
Speaking at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a statement under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All,” marking 80 years of Thai membership in the organization.
For most of the past two decades, the Thailand-China relationship was defined by trade volume and Chinese manufacturing relocation. Increasingly, it is defined by something else: the transfer of Chinese technology, standards, and industrial know-how directly into the operating base of the Thai economy.
Thailand is preparing to open its 26th petroleum exploration and production bidding round in the Andaman Sea as part of efforts to increase domestic gas supplies, reduce dependence on costly liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and strengthen long-term energy security.
Thailand is developing a risk-based legal framework for artificial intelligence that focuses on enhancing digital accountability, consumer protection, and ethics. These regulations aim to establish safeguards for AI adoption and development while addressing potential risks such as bias, security, and privacy.
Phuket has been voted the leading wellness destination by Canadian travelers in Air Canada Vacations’ 2026 Travelers’ Top Picks Awards. The result was announced at the company’s Toronto Product Launch at Universal Event Space in Toronto, Canada.
Those darn elephants! Being the smallest means you’re never walking alone
How the ‘Three-Water City’ is rewriting the rules of travel
Australian expat Jay Houston says he has cut his rent to a quarter of what he paid in Australia after moving to Thailand, and is now running an online business to help other Australians make the move.
Phuket expects this year’s Vegetarian Festival to generate at least 1.4 billion baht in economic activity. Visitors from Thailand, China, Malaysia, and Singapore are expected to be the primary groups attending the festival.
Thailand recorded the highest electrified vehicle (xEV) sales among ASEAN-6 markets in the first half of 2026, with volumes rising 47% year on year to 206,000 units, according to PwC. Sales outpaced Vietnam at 127,000 units and Indonesia at 114,000 units, reinforcing Thailand’s position as a leading regional hub for electric mobility.
US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday for a lavish summit that was heavy on symbolism but light on substance, with no sign of breakthroughs on thorny issues such as AI, trade, Taiwan and the war with Iran. 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a combative speech at the 81st United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, defending Israel’s actions in the region as dozens of delegates walked out of the chamber in protest. 
Hua Hin-Cha-am among six new MICE Cities
Diesel prices at pumps across the European Union (EU) have hit a new high of €2.23 per liter, up from €2.16 the previous week, an Agence France-Presse (AFP) analysis of European Commission data published yesterday showed.
Thailand’s Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has not approved reported 5%–10% increases in consumer goods prices scheduled for Oct. 1, 2026, Director-general Wittayakorn Maneenetr said yesterday. Some manufacturers had submitted applications, but the department had not authorized the increases.
Thailand is positioning itself as a strategic gateway to the ASEAN regional market, which consists of approximately 700 million people, to provide US businesses with access to broader Southeast Asian trade and investment opportunities.
Thailand has suffered from sluggish economic growth, with only 2% GDP growth, while regional peers have reached higher growth.
Bangkok is approaching a major turning point in urban development, as its expanding rail network pushes growth beyond the city center and into suburban areas. Location is therefore becoming less about distance from central Bangkok and more about connectivity, access to services and the quality of life an area can offer.
The appeal of the Thai DTV is obvious – you get up to five years of multiple entry access to Thailand so you can do more without relying on short tourist stays. However, before you apply, you’ll need to check the financial eligibility requirements, what remote work does and does not cover, and the documents and application process that applies.
Thailand aims to welcome 1.5 million Americans in 2026 as it shifts its tourism strategy to draw higher-spending visitors to boost international tourism. Last year, 1.08 million Americans visited Thailand, with 716,983 Americans arriving between January and September of this year.
The Family-Run Restaurants Preserving Southern Thailand’s Culinary Heritage
The Best Places to Eat During Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival
Thai Basil Vs. Italian Basil: What’s The Difference?
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has held talks with Google executives in New York on developing environmentally friendly data-center standards in Thailand, alongside plans for an open data institute to improve Thai digital skills.
Thailand’s nuclear power ambitions have been repeatedly delayed by concerns over safety and radioactive waste management following major international accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima. Additionally, the country faces significant challenges in developing the necessary infrastructure, technical expertise, and regulatory frameworks required to manage nuclear technology safely.
Nepal’s catastrophic flooding last month “was a warning to the world” about the rising dangers of climate change, Prime Minister Balendra Shah told the United Nations yesterday, urging countries to step up to help his country adapt.
Canada is answering US President Donald Trump’s obsession with renaming things by unveiling a name change of its own – Trump Avenue in Ottawa will soon be history. The city is hitting back at the US leader, who among other things insists Canada should cease to exist as a country and instead become the 51st US state. 
Thai teen Nene Royal wins AGT 2026 title
A survey reveals that Thais are sparking thought-provoking discussions on “flexible retirement,” disregarding the traditional 60-year retirement age, but warning of the risk of financial insufficiency.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised its forecast for Thailand’s economic growth in 2026 to 2.0% from the 1.8% projected in July, supported by technology and electronics exports and a strong global investment cycle in artificial intelligence (AI). Growth is forecast at 1.9% in 2027.
ASEAN must remain united while strengthening its resilience and ability to create value within the region, as geopolitical rivalry, tariffs and technological competition reshape global trade, two senior Thai policy figures told the Southeast Asia Trade and Development Forum 2026.
Mars is expanding its presence in Asia by establishing Thailand as a strategic production and export hub for its Pringles brand. The company recently opened a new factory in Chon Buri, located within the Eastern Economic Corridor, to serve markets in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.
AirAsia and other budget airlines serving Thailand are facing renewed pressure on costs and cash flow after the global average jet fuel price rose 7.4% to US$194.90 a barrel in the week ending Sept. 18. The increase is particularly difficult for carriers that sold tickets before fuel costs surged.
Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X will resume temporarily suspended international services and increase flight frequencies in the fourth quarter of 2026, offering direct flights to as many as 46 cities across 53 routes to meet year-end travel demand.
Millions of Americans travel worldwide every year for medical care. These aren’t just aesthetic procedures; they’re also essential healthcare and life-saving treatments. Many destinations are known for high-quality, relatively affordable healthcare systems, which motivates Americans struggling to pay for similar procedures in the U.S.
Where to Stay in Chiang Rai: 3 Best Areas & Hotels
A draft bill on the operation of digital infrastructure services would regulate data centers, cloud services and digital platforms. Operators would need a license from the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, while the rules for applying for, issuing, suspending and revoking licenses for each type of business would be set out in ministerial regulations.
Extreme heat caused by this year’s “super-El Niño” could result in as many as 451,000 excess deaths across the globe from June this year to February 2027, researchers with the University of Chicago’s Climate Impact Lab said yesterday. The number of extremely hot days is likely to rise by 44% compared to normal years, Climate Impact Lab said.
The tsunami-like flood that cut a swathe of destruction through Nepal on Aug. 26 has left the Himalayan nation grappling with heavy losses and mounting reconstruction needs. On Aug. 26 at 8.37 am, a mass of ice and rock broke away from the north face of Nepal’s Langtang Lirung mountain, sending a huge mass of debris racing down the valley. 
Officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan have reviewed efforts to address wild elephant problems in Hua Hin and Kui Buri, including assistance and compensation for affected residents.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has warned all provinces nationwide, including Bangkok, to prepare for very heavy rain during Sept. 16-20, with risks of flash floods, forest run-off, landslides, waterlogging and rough seas.
Nene Royal vows to give her all to win AGT final
Thailand is accelerating its energy diversification to mitigate risks from extreme global market volatility and geopolitical instability. Specifically, the country is seeking to reduce its heavy reliance on Middle Eastern energy imports following surges in crude oil prices and significant spikes in liquefied natural gas costs driven by ongoing regional conflicts.
Professor Watcharapong Kasaree, a political scientist from Chulalongkorn University, warns that Thailand’s fiscal system could face a severe crisis within a decade if urgent reforms are not undertaken. He expresses concern that the current trajectory of increasing public debt, which could reach 80%-90% of GDP within 5-10 years if revenue is not significantly increased, could lead to a loss of economic stability.
The new Employee Welfare Fund is expected to increase operating costs for restaurants due to mandatory monthly contributions from both employers and employees. These contributions are set at a rate of 5% of employee wages, beginning on Oct. 1.
The cabinet has granted oil and gas exploration concessions to two companies following the Round 25 onshore petroleum auction. The winning companies are PETTP International and Pan Orion Energy (Siam) Co., which were awarded concessions for areas in the central and northeastern regions.
Thailand could impose an excise tax of around 30% on fully imported electric vehicles, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, revealing for the first time the potential rate of a levy designed to steer automakers toward local production.
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry has rejected claims that foreigners can now operate hotels, restaurants or tour businesses without a license under a new Foreign Business Act regulation.
A police lieutenant colonel and three other men were arrested Tuesday after they allegedly extorted 200,000 baht from a Chinese national in San Kamphaeng district, Chiang Mai province.
Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province has announced that its 2026-27 season for mountaintop visits and overnight stays will run from Oct. 1 to May 31, 2027.
Asia-Pacific will account for 45% of global demand for new passenger aircraft between 2026 and 2045, requiring 19,120 aircraft as passenger traffic grows faster than the worldwide average, Airbus forecasts. Airbus’s Global Market Forecast (GMF) for 2026–2045 puts worldwide demand at 42,060 new aircraft. 
The Labor Ministry will propose an expansion of social security coverage under Section 33 to include agricultural workers, street vendors and domestic workers. Labor Minister Julapun Amornvivat said before going into yesterday’s cabinet meeting he would submit two proposals for approval.
Thailand generated 984.32 billion baht in tourism revenue from 20.32 million foreign arrivals between Jan. 1 1 and Aug.22, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said. However, the visitor total was 2.96% lower than during the corresponding period last year, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul.
Ezy Airlines has suspended a plan to fly in northern Thailand, reportedly due to high parking fees at Chiang Mai airport, prompting the governor of Mae Hong Son to seek a review of the fees to support tourism.
A can of Fanta sold in London has 63 calories. Buy the same brand in India, and it contains three times as much sugar. It also includes artificial dye, whose presence in food products in Europe requires a prominent health warning. Reuters India Co. News Editor Aditya Kalra explains why Big Food in India has resisted efforts to mandate nutritional warnings on the front of packaged products.