- Hua Hin-Cha-am among six new MICE Cities/Nene Royal gifted Bangkok home/Thailand’s political stagnation
- THE IRAN WAR: US ‘must choose’ whether to end war/Oil gains about 3%/Average EU diesel price hits record
- ECONOMY: No approval for 5%–10% price rises/Anutin courts US investment/Is Thailand still a laggard in ASEAN?/Thailand hospitals’ Q3 net profit/Bangkok city plan reshapes key areas
- TOURISM: Tourists booking more side trips/13 million Thai travelers/Thailand DTV visa/Thailand Tourism Chases U.S. Visitors
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Family-Run Restaurants Preserving Southern Thailand’s Culinary Heritage/Best Places to Eat During Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival/Thai Basil Vs. Italian Basil
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand’s solar scheme faces hurdles/Greener data centers /Why has Thailand delayed its nuclear power plans?/Nepal PM says floods ‘a warning’
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin-Cha-am among six new MICE Cities
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau ((TCEB), has certified six new destinations across the country as official “MICE Cities”, a network that is now expanded to 16 destinations. It is a network that gives event organizers and international clients a wide choice of destinations, while enabling more cities across Thailand to leverage MICE as a driver of local economic development.
The latest 2026 MICE City assessment resulted in two key outcomes. Three existing MICE Cities – Surat Thani, Phitsanulok and Udon Thani – successfully renewed their MICE City certification, while six new destinations – Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Rayong, Hua Hin–Cha-am, Krabi and Nakhon Si Thammarat – were newly certified as MICE Cities. Continued …
AGT winner Nene Royal gifted Bangkok home
Rattikan “Praew” Amloy, the 16-year-old Phuket artist known as Nene Royal, has received a two-bedroom Bangkok condominium for her family from CP Group Chairman Dhanin Chearavanont and his family.
Nene was named the 2026 America’s Got Talent winner, becoming the first Thai winner of the US television competition. She also won the program’s US$1 million prize, which is paid over 40 years. The home was given in recognition of the teenager’s determination and commitment to building an artistic career. Continued …
What factors contributed to Thailand’s political stagnation over 20 years?
Thailand’s political stagnation over the past two decades has been driven by a cycle of military coups, repeated constitutional rewriting, and frequent judicial interventions that have removed elected leaders. These factors, alongside the dissolution of political parties and ongoing instability, have hindered the country’s ability to implement consistent policies.
The instability is further characterized by a tension between traditional elite networks and emerging reformist movements, which often leads to prolonged political deadlock. This environment has seen frequent shifts in governance, including the impact of various coups and the use of the judiciary to influence political outcomes. Additionally, the dominance of established political families and the influence of vested interests continue to shape the landscape, often complicating efforts toward meaningful institutional reform.
US ‘must choose’ whether to end war: Iran president
It is for the United States to choose whether to end its war in Iran, as Tehran does not wish to continue fighting, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Fox News in an interview aired yesterday.
Pezeshkian took a defiant stand at the UN Wednesday, for which he traveled to New York, telling the world that Iran would not “bend at the knee” to Washington – even as US President Donald Trump acknowledged ongoing US-Iran talks. Continued …
Oil gains about 3% as Houthis target Saudi Arabia
Oil prices settled about 3% higher yesterday, as a Houthi missile attack on Saudi Arabia revived fears of supply disruptions. Reports of US-Iran talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz subsequently tempered the gains.
Brent crude futures closed at US$106.60 a barrel, gaining US$3.52, or 3.4%, to reach their highest settlement since Sept. 15. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude finished at US$94.61 a barrel, up US$2.45, or 2.7%. The increase ended a six-session losing streak during which WTI had fallen about 13%. Continued …
Average EU diesel price hits record €2.23 a liter
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.
The fresh peak – equivalent to US$9.63 per US gallon – comes as the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine have choked off crude supplies and damaged refineries, causing energy prices to surge worldwide. Continued …
No approval for 5%–10% consumer goods price rises from Oct 1
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.
Prices of some food and household products had reportedly already risen by 5%–10%, with new prices for certain products announced to take effect on Oct. 1. Wittayakorn said repeated field visits and checks with major consumer goods manufacturers had found no reports or signs of the anticipated price increases. Continued …
Anutin courts US investment
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.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has specifically identified several key sectors where US-Thai cooperation and investment could expand. These target markets include future technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital technology, and cybersecurity, as well as energy, supply chain management, and manufacturing.
Additionally, the government is promoting partnerships in clean energy, digital infrastructure, and the digital economy to support long-term growth. The country also aims to facilitate cooperation in sectors like logistics, healthcare, and sustainable technology as part of its broader strategy to be a regional hub.
Is Thailand still a laggard in ASEAN?
Thailand has suffered from sluggish economic growth, with only 2% GDP growth, while regional peers have reached higher growth.
Derek Keswakaroon, managing partner of Bain & Company Thailand, said that Thailand needs to address aging demographics and high household debt immediately. Video …
Thailand hospitals’ Q3 net profit seen up 11% to $243.9 million
Thailand’s six hospitals are expected to post an 11% year-on-year (YoY) increase in aggregate net profit to $243.9 million (8.16 billion baht) in the third quarter (Q3), according to CGS International. CGS International attributed the growth to the recovery of foreign patient traffic and rising demand during influenza and COVID-19 outbreaks.
The brokerage expects aggregate profit to rise 31% from the previous quarter, with revenue increasing 11% YoY and 13% quarter on quarter (QoQ) to $1.46 billion (48.88 billion baht). Continued …
Bangkok city plan reshapes 24 key areas around rail and future urban trends
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 shift is forcing property developers to rethink their approach from simply “selling space” toward creating greater value for everyday living. At the same time, urban planning rules are being adjusted so land use can better reflect Bangkok’s changing structure. Continued …
Tourists booking more side trips during Thai stays
Bookings for Thailand-origin trips using two or more types of transport grew 49% in 2025 compared with 2024, according to 12Go. This was faster than the 40% growth in Thailand-origin bookings overall. Of these multimodal trips, 88% included an island destination.
Rather than booking a single flight to a resort destination, more travelers are building trips around several destinations — traveling from Bangkok to the south, continuing by road to the coast and then taking a ferry to an island. The trend is particularly relevant in Thailand, where major tourism hubs are connected to a vast network of road, rail, air and sea transport. Continued …
13 million Thai travelers spent record 559 billion baht abroad in 2025
Thai outbound traveler numbers reached a record 13.06 million in 2025, up 11.4% from 2024, while overseas spending hit an all-time high of 559 billion baht. China was the most popular destination.
The destination figures show how affordability, transport connections and confidence about entry requirements can influence travel decisions, alongside the attractions themselves. Spending also varied considerably, with longer stays helping make the United Kingdom a much higher-spending destination per trip than the leading Asian markets. Continued …
Thailand DTV visa: requirements, costs and money guide
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.
According to the official Thai e-Visa DTV page, the Destination Thailand Visa is for workcation travel and Thai soft-power related activities. In practice, it gives a longer-stay route for remote employees, freelancers, foreign talent, and some spouses and children joining the main holder. Continued …
Thailand Tourism Chases 1.5 Million U.S. Visitors With New Vision
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.
There is a lot of ground to cover to achieve its overall target for the year. Thailand’s tourism board has a presence in major American cities like New York, Chicago, and LA, and is sponsoring several campaigns to draw more American travelers. Some travel agents say there is little to no interest for travel to Thailand, which could make achieving the country’s tourism goals for the year a challenge. Continued …
The Family-Run Restaurants Preserving Southern Thailand’s Culinary Heritage
Southern Thailand’s culinary identity has been shaped by centuries of trade and migration, with Peranakan, Chinese, Malay, Indonesian, and Thai influences coming together over generations. The result is a cuisine known for its bold spices, complex flavours, and distinctive regional character.
Many of the region’s most enduring restaurants are family-run institutions, tucked into rustic eateries and historic Sino- Portuguese shophouses where recipes have been handed down from one generation to the next. From Phuket and Phang Nga to Krabi, Trang and Koh Samui, these are places where the food comes with a story – and where old-fashioned hospitality is still part of the recipe. Continued …
The Best Places to Eat During Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival
When it comes to Phuket’s biggest and most vibrant annual festivals, few draw as much attention as the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Each year, the celebration brings visitors from around the world to Phuket for a striking mix of faith, tradition and food.
To help you make the most of the festival, the MICHELIN Guide has rounded up a few things worth knowing before you go, along with four restaurants selected by our Inspectors for those looking to eat vegetarian while taking part in the festivities. Continued …
Thai Basil Vs. Italian Basil: What’s The Difference?
When a recipe calls for basil, you might picture the broad, bright green leaves commonly found in pesto or scattered over a Caprese salad. That’s Italian sweet basil, one of the most familiar varieties in many kitchens. But it’s far from the only type of basil you’ll find at the grocery store or farmers’ market.
Thai basil is another popular variety, particularly in Southeast Asian cooking. While the two herbs belong to the same mint family and can look similar at first glance, their appearances and, more importantly, their flavors are quite different. So, can you use them interchangeably? Sometimes, but don’t expect the same dish. Continued …
Thailand’s solar scheme faces hurdles as low power users turned off by high cost
Toey Wattana Mongkhonnam began thinking about outfitting his family home in Thailand’s northeastern province of Yasothon with solar panels during the Covid-19 pandemic. In his household of five, electricity use rises with the day’s heat, and the monthly bill could range from 1,000 baht to 1,500 baht (US$30 to US$45).
“Back then, I checked prices and a rooftop panel system that could put out enough power to run my household’s appliances could cost 100,000 baht to 200,000 baht,” said Toey, a Muay Thai trainer in Kuala Lumpur. Continued …
Thailand and Google target greener data centers
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.
Anutin, who is also Interior Minister, met Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google. The Thai government said it is ready to work with Google on standards for data centers that are environmentally responsible and contribute to surrounding communities. Continued …
Why has Thailand delayed its nuclear power plans?
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.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is currently exploring a new roadmap that focuses on the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) rather than large-scale plants. These SMRs are intended to offer more flexibility for industrial users and potentially reduce construction time and costs compared to conventional reactors. However, the government is also prioritizing immediate energy security and cost stabilization through other means, such as restarting coal-fired units and promoting rooftop solar to mitigate the impact of volatile global energy prices.
Nepal PM says floods ‘a warning to the world’ about climate change
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.
Addressing the General Assembly in sunglasses during its high-level week, Shah said a warming climate was “destabilizing the fragile Himalayan ecology,” melting permafrost and glaciers, and accelerating hazards. Continued …
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Chinese man held in Bangkok over gun, drugs and 586-day overstay – Continued …
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Hong Kong man nabbed with 350 kilograms of crystal meth in Bangkok – Continued …
Israel’s Netanyahu denounces enemies, allies in fiery UN speech
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing a difficult reelection campaign at home, delivered a fiery UN speech yesterday assailing enemies and allies alike – and sparking uproar in the chamber. Netanyahu used the global platform at the UN General Assembly to attack everyone from the leaders of Iran to New York’s first Muslim mayor and partners Britain, France and Turkey. Continued …
Canadian capital to rename ‘Trump Ave’
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. 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
Thai teen Nene Royal wins AGT 2026 title
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR), which operates PTT Station, and Bangchak Corp. raised standard diesel and B20 prices in Thailand by 0.75 baht a liter from today. PTT Station and Bangchak kept petrol and gasohol prices unchanged.
Isolated heavy to very heavy rain is forecast over Thailand until Sunday, according to the Meteorological Department, which has urged people to follow weather updates from official sources after an online panic over a “great flood”.
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 World Bank urged Thailand to strengthen secondary cities alongside Bangkok to help achieve high-income status by 2037. Its modeling shows that directing 80% of a US$20 billion urban investment envelope to secondary cities could lift national gross domestic product (GDP) per capita 12.4% above a no-investment baseline by 2050.
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
Planning a trip to Chiang Rai and wondering which part of the city is best to stay in? We’ve got you covered! We loved how laid-back Chiang Rai felt compared to some of Thailand’s bigger cities, but there’s still plenty to see here, from colorful temples and night markets to mountain scenery. Although the city itself is fairly compact, where you stay can make a big difference to how easy it is to get around.
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.
US President Donald Trump is hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House in Washington today for their second summit of the year. A two-month extension of their tariff truce gives the countries more time for trade negotiations, while Taiwan, Iran and artificial intelligence (AI) remain central issues. 
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. 
US President Donald Trump yesterday suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz as “Trump Strait,” asserting US control of the vital waterway even as fighting raged there with Iran.
Narongsak Putthapornmongkol, president of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, released the findings of the chamber’s confidence index survey for the fourth quarter of 2026. Conducted from Aug. 18-20, the survey covered 503 respondents and found that 46.2% expected Thailand’s economy to grow by 1.5%-2% this year, while 37.8% forecast growth of 2%-2.5%. The results pointed to an outlook below the government’s midpoint forecast of 2.2%.
Thailand’s retail sector is calling for stronger economic stimulus, including the revival of the Easy e-Receipt scheme, with an eligible spending ceiling of 100,000 baht, as household debt and accumulated living costs continue to squeeze consumers’ purchasing power.
The government is moving to address a regulatory gap in the data center sector, with the Data Center Business Policy Committee preparing an urgent meeting to develop a coordinated oversight framework.
U.S. Shrimp Coalition seeks zero tariffs for Thai shrimp
Indian tourist arrivals to Thailand fell 11.6% year-on-year between Aug. 1-22, making India the only one of the country’s four main overseas markets to record a decline during the period.
Thai Airways International (THAI) will operate 66 domestic and international routes during its winter 2026/27 timetable, covering destinations across Europe, Australia and Asia. The schedule will run from Oct. 25 to March 27, 2027), coinciding with Thailand’s peak tourism season.
Thailand currently ranks as the world’s 20th-largest coffee producer, down from the top 15 a decade ago. The country grows mainly robusta, although arabica production is growing, highlighting a sharper focus on quality.
EGAT explores SMRs to bolster Thailand’s energy security
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) is preparing 1,520 electric buses to replace aging vehicles, with deliveries expected to begin in March 2027. Kittikan Chomdoung Charuworapolkul, BMTA director, said the transition would improve passenger convenience, safety and environmental performance while reducing the organization’s fuel and maintenance costs by an estimated 4.1 billion baht annually.
The world has failed in its goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times, the United Nations (UN) said yesterday, in a sober assessment that laid out a new goal for fighting climate change that would set the world on an uncertain path.
US energy firms yesterday signed a raft of multibillion-dollar deals with Venezuela, days after the South American country agreed to grant the United States control of a huge chunk of its vast oil reserves. Energy Secretary Chris Wright traveled to Caracas to oversee the signing of deals worth “tens of billions of dollars of investment,” seen as a quid pro quo for Washington winning majority control of 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves. 
The Dutch central bank said yesterday it had moved 86 tons of its gold reserves out of the United States and Canada to London, citing “increasing geopolitical unrest”. De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) said gold reserves held in London could be traded more easily than those held in New York and Ottawa. 
Hua Hin’s Most Atmospheric Night Markets? Tamarind & Cicada Walking Tour
Oil prices jumped today, with Brent crude rising above US$90 a barrel, as intensified attacks between the United States and Iran deepened concern over energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
A total of 7,024 businesses ceased operations in the first half of this year, up 12.5% year-on-year, with total registered capital of 98.9 billion baht, an increase of 224%, according to the Department of Business Development (DBD).
Pet ownership creates a new economic opportunity
Thailand plans to halve visa-free entry from 60 to 30 days for citizens of 54 countries, including Switzerland, a move likely to affect those seasonal retirees who spend much of the European winter in the kingdom. The change has not yet appeared in the Royal Gazette. It will take effect 15 days after publication. Until then, Swiss visitors and other eligible nationals can still enter visa-free for 60 days.
Thailand advances B12-billion Koh Samui cruise terminal project
How to Ride MRT: Easy Thai Phrases for Asoke and Sukhumvit Transit
It’s no secret that Thailand is home to some of the world’s most stunning stays. Beyond breezy beachfront resorts, Thailand is also home to stunning art-filled hotels where art takes center stage — whether through paintings, sculptures, bold design, traditional Thai craftsmanship, or contemporary installations.
Russia battered Ukraine’s capital Kyiv overnight with one of its biggest ballistic missile barrages of the war, killing at least one person and wounding 16 others, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said yesterday. 
Hua Hin is exploring the use of CCTV with AI-enabled facial recognition systems as part of plans to strengthen public safety and modernize urban management. The proposal was discussed during a meeting chaired by Nopporn Wutthikul on Friday at Hua Hin City Municipality.
Five stray dogs were found dead after suspected poisoning in a residential area of Cha Am municipality, Phetchaburi, on Friday, prompting concern among local residents and calls for authorities to investigate. The animals were discovered lying on the road and nearby grass, showing signs of severe distress, including foaming at the mouth, bleeding, and loss of bodily control.
A senior doctor has warned that eating raw shrimp can lead to serious parasitic infection, after a case highlighted the risks beyond common food poisoning. Yesterday, Dr. Jessada Bunyawongviroj, deputy director of Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, shared details of a patient who developed gnathostomiasis after consuming raw seafood. The condition caused swelling that moved across the body, as parasites migrated under the skin.
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Thailand’s Ministry of Energy is preparing to propose a new electricity pricing scheme to the cabinet, aimed at reducing costs for households that use no more than 200 units per month. Under the plan, these users would pay less than 3 baht per unit, with lower consumption leading to progressively cheaper rates, potentially benefiting around 14 million people.
At least 80% of governments will deploy AI agents to automate routine decision-making, enhancing efficiency and service delivery by 2028, according to the business and technology insights company Gartner Inc.
Thailand’s economic outlook is under increasing strain as uncertainty surrounding the Middle East conflict continues, with authorities warning that a prolonged war could extend into 2027, dragging down growth and pushing inflation higher.
Nine out of 10 ships that once passed through the Strait of Hormuz are not going anywhere. The consequences are already shaping Asia’s next harvest and the one after that.
The US-Iran conflict, which erupted two months ago, has triggered an oil price shock, sharp rises in the cost of living, and widespread flight cancellations worldwide.
As temperatures climb across Thailand, households are feeling more than just the heat. This year’s hot season has brought a sharp rise in living costs, particularly fuel prices, tightening budgets and amplifying financial strain. In this environment, effective financial management has become essential to easing the burden.
Government Outlines B1.38-trillion Transport Plan
Thailand’s famed massage industry is getting a reset. Last month, the government rolled out sweeping reforms to raise standards, improve training, and reshape its global image. In 2024, Thailand’s wellness tourism spending hit US$14 billion, up 36% from the previous year. This video looks at whether the changes will lift the sector or price it out of reach. 
The water has dried, the streets have cleared, and the music has faded, but for many long-term visitors in Pattaya, the aftermath of this year’s Songkran has left behind more frustration than fond memories.
10 high-sodium Thai dishes that may quietly harm your kidneys
The government’s renewed focus on rooftop solar in early 2026 stems from overlapping economic pressures, described by policymakers as a “crisis on crisis”. Global energy costs have surged amid the war in the Middle East, affecting fuel used for electricity generation. This has pushed up the fuel tariff, with further increases expected between May and August.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with strategic partners, successfully concluded the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC) 2026 in Phuket last week.
Phuket has been selected as the pilot province for a new nationwide push to transform Thailand’s hotel sector into a model of sustainable tourism, with the Bank of Thailand launching a major green financing initiative aimed at reshaping the industry.