- PKK included in foreign property ownership probe/Developer touts Hua Hin/Public broadcasts to be quieter/Hua Hin school conducts shooter drill/Former Hua Hin Crossfit coach dies/Petrol and diesel rise/Fire death toll rises to 41/Flash floods across Nan’s Pua/Thailand will not allow SpaceX full ownership/Thai actress named ‘most beautiful woman’/Nene Royal heads to US/Nene Royal videos/Times Square campaign rallies support for Nene/10 doctors a shift still cannot keep up
- ECONOMY: New bad debts rise/Foreign business approvals rise
- TOURISM: Video of Thailand tourists being swept away by flood waters
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thai farmers battle elephant raids
- HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
PKK included in foreign property ownership probe looking at condos in 16 provinces
Thailand’s crackdown on foreign control of property is expanding, with 36,277 foreign-linked legal entities now under scrutiny over land ownership nationwide. The probe is concentrated in 16 major provinces and has already moved from nominee company abuses into land, villas and 30-year leases using surreptitious arrangements.
Condominium ownership is next, as the Department of Business Development (DBD) prepares to trace shareholders, bank funding and the real source of investment to facilitate condominium ownership, sometimes involving multiple units. Suspected nominee structure abuses face forced land sales, fines of up to B1 million and prison terms of up to three years. Continued …
Developer touts Hua Hin as future wellness destination
Wisut Janwatanakul, senior assistant vice president of condominium project development at Sansiri Public Co, stated the real estate market in Hua Hin is expected to grow significantly in 2026, transitioning into a global wellness and medical tourism destination, which is a key driver for the luxury real estate market and long-stay accommodations.
This trend, he says, is transforming Hua Hin from a weekend getaway into the “Capital of Health and Longevity” in Southeast Asia, alongside the benefits of large-scale government transportation infrastructure development. Hua Hin is becoming a full-fledged wellness destination, collaborating with leading healthcare facilities and wellness resorts such as The Barai, Chiva-Som Hua Hin Wellness Resort, and the launch of the high-end CHEVALA Wellness Hua Hin center, and Hua Hin Health Park, which includes a comprehensive medical center.
Furthermore, Janwatanakul says, the Hua Hin real estate market is significantly supported by comprehensive transportation networks, including the opening of the M82 expressway (Bang Khun Thian – Ekachai – Ban Phaew) in August and the Rama 3 – Dao Khanong – Western Ring Road expressway, set to open in Q4, which will reduce travel time from Bangkok.
Additionally, the upgrade of Hua Hin Airport (HHQ) with expanded runways and security tunnels to accommodate international direct flights aims to establish it as a central aviation hub connecting Singapore, Taipei, Shanghai, and Kuala Lumpur.
The southern dual-track railway project, spanning 421 kilometers from Nakhon Pathom to Hua Hin and Chumphon, is now fully operational, he adds,reducing travel time to the south by 2-3 hours. The development of the high-speed rail station in Hua Hin or high-speed rail (Bok Fai) connects rail, land, and air transport, allowing train travel from Bangkok to Hua Hin in just 1.5 hours. – terrabkk.com
Hua Hin’s public broadcasts to be quieter
Hua Hin Municipality is reducing the volume of its public announcement system and changing its broadcasting schedule following concerns from residents about disruption.
After a meeting to review the municipality’s wireless public address network, officials agreed to reduce the volume at certain locations to what the municipality described as more appropriate levels, while also introducing a revised timetable for broadcasts. Continued …
Sign of the times: Hua Hin school conducts active shooter drill
Hua Hin Municipality has held an active shooter drill at Khao Phithak Municipal School, training teachers, staff and students in how to respond to an armed attack on school grounds. The training took place yesterday.
Officers from Hua Hin Police Station provided instruction on active shooter incidents and the “Run, Hide, Fight” approach, which sets out steps people can take to protect themselves during an attack. Continued …
Former Hua Hin Crossfit coach dies in Bangkok Hydrox event
Leroy Saunders, a well-known figure in Thailand’s CrossFit community and a former head coach in Hua Hin, has died after collapsing during the Hyrox Bangkok 2026 competition.
The 41-year-old South African lost consciousness during the event at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center last Thursday. He was resuscitated at the venue and taken to hospital, where he died. Continued …
Petrol and diesel rise by 0.85 baht per liter
PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc (OR) and Bangchak Corporation Plc (BCP) raised retail prices for petrol, gasohol and diesel by 0.85 baht, or 85 satang, per litre from 5am on Wednesday (August 19, 2026).
The following retail prices apply in Bangkok and exclude local maintenance tax. Petrol: 46.68 baht per liter; Super Power Gasohol 95: 47.79 baht per liter (OR); SUPER POWER X petrol: 49.79 baht per liter; Gasohol 98+: 48.44 baht per liter, (Bangchak); Gasohol E85: 28.63 baht per liter (Bangchak); Gasohol 95: 37.69 baht per liter; Gasohol 91: 37.32 baht per liter; and Gasohol E20: 32.69 baht per liter. Continued …
Bangkok pub fire death toll rises to 41
Two customers who had been receiving treatment for severe injuries after the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao fire in Bangkok have died, raising the confirmed death toll to 41.
Police working on the case at Metropolitan Police Division 2 said the latest victims were a male customer treated at Rajavithi Hospital and a female customer treated at Taksin Hospital. Both had been critically injured in the blaze on the night of July 12. Continued …
Flash floods cut major roads and inundate homes across Nan’s Pua
Flash floods swept through Pua district in Nan province early today, inundating homes, damaging farmland and cutting major roads after more than 110 millimeters of rain fell overnight.
Reports received at around 6 am indicated that heavy rain had continued throughout the night in Phu Kha subdistrict, a forested headwater area. The Doi Phu Kha National Park office recorded more than 110 millimeters of rainfall, triggering rapid runoff and flooding across several parts of Pua. Continued …
Why Thailand will not allow SpaceX full ownership of Starlink operations
Thailand’s refusal to allow SpaceX to wholly own a satellite telecommunications business has returned to the spotlight as the government moves to build the country’s space economy and update its laws to accommodate rapidly changing technology.
The government is seeking to create a framework that would allow foreign satellite operators, including Starlink, to provide services in Thailand. However, it remains firm that SpaceX cannot hold 100% ownership of a Thai telecommunications operation. Continued …
Thai actress named ‘most beautiful woman’
Popular Thai actress Sirilak Kwong, also known as Lingling Kwong, has made waves internationally after The Netizens Choice Magazine officially announced its 2026 rankings. She secured a double crown by winning two titles in the same season, backed by a huge number of votes from fans worldwide through its website, app and social media platforms.
The highlight was Lingling’s first-place finish in the “Most Beautiful Woman Alive 2026” ranking after receiving more than 22 million votes. Lingling also took first place in the “Most Beautiful Thai Actresses 2026” ranking. Continued …
Nene Royal heads to US with family for AGT live show
Thai teenage singer Nene Royal flew to the United States with her family today to compete in the Live Show round of America’s Got Talent on Aug. 25, asking Thais around the world to cheer her on and vote.
Nene Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amlai, 16, departed Phuket International Airport with her father Narong Amlai, mother Aom and younger brother. The family flew Bangkok Airways from Phuket to Suvarnabhumi Airport before continuing to the United States, where Nene will take the stage in the upcoming America’s Got Talent live show. Continued …
(Editor: Yes, I am totalled enthralled with this Thai musical prodigy. Her talent is unmistakeable, even if you don’t care for some of the music she performs.)
Times Square campaign rallies Thai support for Nene Royal at AGT
Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) is taking messages of support for Thai musician Nene Royal to New York’s Times Square as the 16-year-old prepares for a crucial live appearance on America’s Got Talent (AGT) Season 21.
The campaign brings together photographs and messages from Thai supporters, which are set to appear on a giant LED display at one of New York’s best-known landmarks. CP invited fans to submit photographs and messages of encouragement on social media from Aug. 14–16, with 100 images selected for the Times Square display. Continued …
ER doctor says 10 doctors a shift still cannot keep up
A doctor working in a Thai hospital emergency room says the department has been overwhelmed for the past two to three months. Even with more than 10 doctors rostered on the morning shift, the team cannot examine patients fast enough.
The doctor set out the daily staffing in an online post, alongside photographs of patients lying on trolleys. The post gives the roster as more than 10 doctors on the morning shift, eight on the afternoon shift and four overnight. Continued …
New bad debts rise as high costs and weak demand strain Thai firms
Thailand’s commercial banking system is facing an increase in new non-performing loans, reflecting continued financial pressure on businesses despite a slight decline in the overall NPL ratio during the second quarter of 2026.
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) said the banking system remained stable, with strong capital buffers and high liquidity, even as Thailand’s uneven, K-shaped economic recovery continued to affect some SMEs and households through weaker incomes, higher costs and subdued purchasing power. Continued …
Foreign business approvals in Thailand rise 26%, with investment up 37%
The Department of Business Development (DBD) reported a total investment of B219 billion by foreign businesses approved to operate in Thailand during the first seven months of 2026, up 37% from the same period in 2025. Singapore recorded the highest investment value at B61.1 billion, followed by Japan at B45 billion and China at B38.6 billion.
Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the DBD under the Ministry of Commerce and secretary to the Foreign Business Commission, said 736 foreign investors had been granted permission to invest in and operate businesses in Thailand under the Foreign Business Act 1999 during the first seven months of 2026. Continued …
Thailand tourists swept away by raging flood waters
Video captured the moment flash floods swept away tourists near the Mae Sa Waterfall. Park officials say they alerted visitors to the rising water, but the flood came too quickly for some to escape. Video …
Thai farmers battle elephant raids to protect crops, livelihoods
Agriculture looks very different as you travel around the world, but uncertainty is something every farmer deals with. In Minnesota, farmers prepare for drought, storms, volatile markets and wildlife ravaging their crops.
A group of American college students recently learned that farmers and villagers in Thailand must also contend with local wildlife but on a much grander scale. 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
Thailand offers foreign retirees a clearer legal route to long-term residence than Vietnam, but Vietnam can cost considerably less for those able to manage more complicated visa arrangements. For people deciding where to spend retirement in Southeast Asia, the choice often comes down to predictable paperwork and healthcare versus lower rent and daily spending.
Thailand has warned dentists that pre-signing cannabis prescription forms without personally examining, diagnosing or treating a patient could lead to legal action and professional disciplinary consequences.
A Thai army explosives disposal specialist lost a leg after stepping on a landmine while clearing explosives near Chong An Ma in Ubon Ratchathani yesterday. The accident happened in an area near the border under the responsibility of the 2nd Army Region.
Oil prices gained more than US$2 yesterday as faltering US-Iran diplomacy and a sharp slowdown in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz renewed concerns about global energy supplies.
Thailand’s economy is flashing disturbing warning signs beneath headline GDP growth of 1.9% in the second quarter. Output actually fell 0.2% from the previous quarter, while industrial capacity sank to a 24-quarter low.
Thailand’s economy grew by 1.9% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, making it the slowest-growing of six major ASEAN economies tracked by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).
Thailand’s next industrial upgrade may not be defined only by new roads, railways, factories and smart cities, but by how intelligently they can be designed, operated and maintained.
Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) ranked first in SEAsia Stats Research’s Top Manufacturing Hubs in Southeast Asia by Integrated Industrial Area, with more than 13,000 megawatts (MW) of power capacity in the Chon Buri–Rayong area.
The Thai government has launched a coordinated push to streamline international passenger processing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, pledging to expand automated passport gates to 31 additional nationalities by the end of August 2026.
Phuket has shut Freedom Beach after German tourist Jannik Jürgen Knobel, 30, was swept away in fierce monsoon seas despite red flags. His companion survived, but rescuers found his body near rocks the next day. Two other foreign tourists died at the secluded beach in 2025.
Discover the giant Buddha at Bangkok’s Wat Paknam
Thailand’s renewable power pipeline is gathering pace, with 449 projects licensed by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and investment expected to reach up to US$2.61 billion.
Dow Thailand Group is producing high-quality post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins from plastic waste collected in Thailand, advancing a local recycling pathway that transforms used plastics into valuable materials for packaging and industrial applications.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has partnered with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to install solar rooftop systems at 25 pilot hospitals, aiming to reduce annual electricity costs by US$1.63 million and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 7,211 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) a year.
US President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to the lowest level of his presidency, with an overwhelming majority of Americans concerned the U.S. war with Iran will last a long time, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that concluded yesterday. 
Tourism in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi continues to show resilience, with stronger foreign visitor revenue and higher per-person spending helping offset softer domestic demand and wider economic pressures.
Thailand ranks third of 31 destinations for expats on the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, behind Panama and Mexico. The survey ran from Feb. 1 to March 31 this year, drawing about 7,786 respondents of 162 nationalities across 31 countries.
A single night in a private room at Bangkok Hospital can run past 25,000 baht before any treatment is added to the bill. Most expats assume their health insurance handles that kind of cost without a second thought. But the truth is, the exclusions section of the policy, the part almost nobody reads past the first page, is often where that assumption falls apart.
The Commerce Ministry recently discovered that there have been irregularities in the registration of 35 companies in four districts of northeastern Sakon Nakhon province, with unwitting Thai villagers used to set up these 100% Chinese-owned nominee firms while 14 were totally Thai owned but none were conducting any business at all at their registered addresses.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas recently unveiled a new economic plan aimed at steering Thailand toward a high-income nation, but experts have flagged obstacles that need immediate attention.
Thailand will send a technical team to the United States from Aug. 27 to 29 for further negotiations on an agreement on reciprocal trade, or ART, before policy-level talks led by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun.
Eight Thai industrial groups responsible for US$52.23 billion in exports to the United States in 2025 could face more intensive checks on product origin and manufacturing processes as Washington steps up enforcement against illegal transshipment.
The White House has accused more than 40 countries, including Thialnd, Canada, Mexico, Japan and EU member states, of helping China evade US tariffs by rerouting exports through lower-tariff jurisdictions — a practice it labels “The Great Transshipment Scam”.
Thailand’s property market is increasingly looking to foreign buyers, as slowing economic growth, high household debt and tighter lending conditions put pressure on domestic purchasing power.
Thailand plans to restructure automotive excise taxes by offering lower rates for vehicles produced domestically and charging more on fully built imports from companies without manufacturing investment in the country.
AOT studies fast-track services, return of arrival duty-free shops
Chiang Mai Waterfall closed after tourists swept away
Four Spanish tourists injured by falling tree at Ayutthaya temple
A prominent Thai plastic surgeon has publicly urged people not to take everything in the Australian 60 Minutes investigation into Thai cosmetic surgery at face value, saying he has been contacted by a surgeon connected to one of the featured cases who told him the reality was not as the program presented it.
Where one lives in Thailand strongly determines how easily one can see a doctor. The agricultural sector suffers the most, with farmers making up 45.5% of all poor households. This is largely because gross farm incomes fluctuate wildly with weather and market prices.
Theerasak “Pop” Saksritawee spends up to eight hours every day swimming, hiking and filming dugongs near Phuket. Now, he’s warning the animals may soon disappear from one of the few places outside Australia that they gather. 
Bangkok’s floating markets: Where trade still floats
Australia’s New South Wales state will begin a major gun buyback on November 2, offering owners up to A$1,000, or about US$700, for each eligible rifle or handgun surrendered. The federal government passed legislation in January establishing a gun buyback, strengthening checks on firearm license applicants and introducing measures against hate-related conduct. 
Alma Ronen has been fighting in the Israeli military nearly constantly for more than two years. Spending her Saturday not in uniform but in a T-shirt and jeans, she would like to enjoy a coffee outside – and resents that her more religious compatriots think otherwise. 
US President Donald Trump said he was “not happy” about US participation in joint military exercises with close ally South Korea and is scaling back the drills aimed at deterring rival North Korea that start today. 
A Western content creator has warned foreigners against moving to Thailand without a clear financial plan, saying many end up “packing up and going home” after under estimating their costs.
A British man faces deportation from Thailand after allegedly threatening and verbally abusing staff at a Hua Hin currency exchange booth during a dispute over a Western Union payment. Hua Hin Police said the incident happened on Friday, Aug. 7, at the Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri) currency exchange booth on Naebkehardt Road.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) yesterday removed a street lighting charge from public electricity bills, leading to 6-satang reduction in the rate to 3.89 baht a unit from next month (September). The rate structure for residential electricity has also been adjusted, with the first 200 units capped at 3 baht per unit.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has called on mobile phone users to finish mandatory SIM identity verification and update their information by Aug. 30 as it seeks to combat mule accounts and technology crime.
Thailand is moving toward more targeted regulation of ride-hailing and on-demand delivery platforms, as each of the markets consolidates around two dominant players, with competition authorities preparing new guidelines to address structural barriers, algorithmic practices and potential abuses of market power.
The government’s upcoming measures to screen data center investment projects in Thailand are designed to safeguard electricity security without derailing the country’s ambition to attract foreign capital into this fast-growing industry, says an energy official who requested anonymity.
At least 11 French nationals who were arrested in Thailand with cannabis in their luggage, claimed they were deceived into carrying “locked bags” in exchange for free holidays.
Chinese arrivals target set at 5.1 million this year
Thai authorities have resolved a major administrative backlog dating back to 2018 by issuing hotel licenses to 275 properties in Phuket as part of a broader government drive to regulate unlicensed hospitality businesses and crack down on illegal foreign nominee operations.
Thailand Outlines Plan to Commercialize 231 Forgotten Heritage Dishes
Long before modern advocacy, romantic and deeply intimate bonds between women existed behind the closed doors of the ancient Thai royal courts. Known traditionally as “Len Puean” (เล่นเพื่อน), these relationships were a recognized, if sometimes hushed, part of court culture.
From the Elephant Sanctuaries of Thailand
I was in Thailand this week visiting my wife’s family and I had to satisfy some professional curiosity and see what was going on in the country’s cannabis market for myself.
Thailand’s national police chief has ordered a nationwide drive against illegal firearms, ammunition and explosives, alongside increased security at schools, shopping centers, parks and other public spaces.
Heavy rain is forecast across northern, northeastern, central and eastern Thailand today, with authorities warning of flash floods and forest run-off after a monsoon trough moved across the upper north.
Thailand’s digital economy is projected to expand by 5.6% in 2026, reaching a valuation of 5.7 trillion baht ($171.8 billion). According to forecasts released by the National Board of Digital Economy and Society Office (BDE), the sector is set to grow 2.2 times faster than the country’s overall gross domestic product (GDP), establishing itself as a vital engine for national growth.
The online debate over whether restaurants in Thailand should accept orders only in Thai highlights an underlying issue in the industry: a persistent labor shortage, as many Thais do not want to work in the sector.
Thai Airways International (THAI) reported a net profit of 1.54 billion baht for the second quarter of 2026, down from 12.13 billion baht in the same period last year, as the Middle East conflict drove jet fuel prices sharply higher.
Agoda has released data on travel interest among European travelers for summer 2026, showing that Thailand remained the Asian destination attracting the strongest interest for a second consecutive year. The result reflects the strength of Thailand’s tourism market among European travelers.
Asia Pacific commercial real estate investment reached a record USD $92.5 billion in the first half of 2026, a 35% year-on-year increase, according to JLL data. Japan led the region with USD $10.6 billion in the second quarter, while Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong all posted sharp volume gains driven by large portfolio and landmark transactions. 
Jorge Gonzalez searches with his bare hands for his aunt under the ruins of a four-story building in Pereira, one of the cities hardest hit by the powerful earthquake in Colombia that has left at least 240 dead. Like hundreds of volunteers and rescuers, he has spent hours clinging to the faintest hope there may be survivors in the rubble, despite the 7.4 magnitude quake that struck this coffee capital on Monday morning. 
Thai Singer Nene Royal Advances to AGT Judges’ Callbacks
Diplomacy is no longer confined to diplomats and politicians. Increasingly, and for better or worse, people-to-people relations shape ties between two nations. It is not just face-to-face contact, but the use of social media that shapes the trajectory relations between two nations.
Geopolitical conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran erupted in late February. Although negotiation efforts produced an agreement at one stage, fighting subsequently resumed, leaving shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea facing uncertainty.
As the government’s “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” co-payment scheme approaches its halfway point, industry associations view its impact as minimal. Somchai Pornrattanacharoen, honorary advisor to the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association, said small retailers participating in the scheme could see sales rise by up to 50% during the program.
Thailand must stop measuring tourism success simply by visitor numbers and build a system that protects destinations, local communities and infrastructure, according to two researchers at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
A severe drought and the peak travel season have left Koh Samui facing a water shortage that is affecting businesses, prompting tourism operators to call for greater investment in water infrastructure to keep pace with rising visitor numbers.
Thailand’s largest island records decline in hotel guests in first half
The private sector and Thailand’s Department of Health Service Support (HSS) are collaborating to push for the creation of “Wellness Special Economic Zones”. The scheme will begin with a three-to-five-year pilot phase dubbed the “Wellness Sandbox”, designed to generate economic value, stimulate employment, and attract foreign investors.
Wild tiger population in Thailand’s protected reserves reaches 210
Leading Chinese companies have shifted their investment plans in Thailand to data centers, the manufacturing industry’s intelligent transformation, and new energy opportunities amid rising land and labor costs and stricter compliance requirements in the country, as well as global tariff shocks.
Gastronomy Tourism Tipped to Spread Wealth Beyond Bangkok
Dubai carrier flydubai is pressing ahead with its expansion in Thailand, doubling its daily flights to Bangkok from tomorrow as travel demand between the UAE and Southeast Asia continues to climb despite recent geopolitical uncertainty.
Why Isan Cuisine Is Part of Thailand’s Wellness Food Conversation
Koh Samui named world’s best island
The Future of Krabi’s Quiet Luxury
If you are looking for great and tasty seafood where tourists don’t go to then this is the place to go. It is one of my favorites in Hua Hin. Bring your best translator along as there is no English script menu but that means that great Thai dishes are going to be served. 
Thailand’s urban workforce is facing an escalating squeeze on disposable income as the price of popular ready-to-eat meals climbs across the country, driven by stubborn energy costs and transport inflation.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded Thailand’s GDP growth forecast to 1.9% from 1.5%, supported by the government’s stimulus measures.
Thailand generated just over 4.025 billion baht from foreign film productions during the first half of this year, with 302 overseas projects filmed across the country. The figures reinforce its position as a leading production hub in Asia and put it on course to set another annual revenue record.
Thailand’s tourism sector continues to feel the impact of a sharp decline in Chinese visitors, despite China regaining its position as the country’s largest source market in 2026. Between Jan. 1 and July 4, Thailand welcomed 16,210,890 foreign visitors, down 3.1% year on year, generating 782.57 billion baht in tourism revenue, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
A new Sadao checkpoint compound and road linking southern Thailand and northern Malaysia has been slated to open for users today after the prime ministers of both nations officiated its launch yesterday.
Thailand’s automatic rice transplanter can plant rice seedlings with incredible speed and precision. This smart farming technology helps farmers save time, reduce labor, and increase efficiency. 
For centuries, the identity of Thai textiles and handicrafts has been explicitly clear: vibrant, multi-colored regional weaves, intricate gold ornamentation, and complex motifs. These are not merely everyday materials but historic cultural artefacts reflecting local wisdom passed down through generations. Yet, a hard truth has loomed over the loom.