- Hua Hin beachfront land hits 160 million baht a rai/Hair Therapy for Hair Loss/Raids target Pattaya nominees /Aussie job scam hits Thais/One trip, no more than 45 baht?/Loan to upgrade five Thai public hospitals/Make Longer Lives Better Lives
- ECONOMY: Warning over $200 diesel price crisis/Measures to rescue Oil Fuel Fund/Google defends its data centers/Thailand in Chinese expansion plans/Thailand urged to focus on chipmaking/Nestlé breaks ground on coffee factory/Thai rice exports fall
- TOURISM: Forum highlights local Thai cuisine/Ministry advises against travel to Europe/Phuket visitors bring in nearly 400 billion baht
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Khao Sok: Living beneath an ancient landscape/Insider Guide for Thailand’s Best Meals/Why you should visit Thailand’s heritage-rich coastal towns
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Chiang Mai unveils Thailand’s first electric tram/World losing ground on climate
- IRAN WAR: US orders some diplomats out of Saudi Arabia/High oil prices permeate daily life
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Easier travel lifts Hua Hin property prospects as beachfront land hits 160 million baht a rai
Uthai Uthaisangsuk, president of Sansiri Public Co., sees improving travel from Bangkok supporting a recovery in Hua Hin’s property market, where he puts beachfront land prices at 160 million baht per rai. Uthai’s assessment follows a prolonged slowdown after the Covid-19 pandemic. Better transport connections and infrastructure development are beginning to restore confidence, although the recovery remains uneven.
Large beachfront plots of five to nine rai are increasingly difficult to find in Hua Hin, according to Uthai. Many remain in the hands of families that have owned them for generations and face no pressure to sell. Continued …
Hair Therapy for Hair Loss: What to Check Before You Commit to a Program
Most people notice thinning hair long before they do anything about it, and when they finally act, the first move is usually a trip to the pharmacy for a shampoo or serum that promises the fastest results.
The problem is that none of those products can tell you why your hair is thinning in the first place. Genetics is the usual suspect, but hormones, prolonged stress and scalp inflammation all play a part, and nothing off the shelf is built to work out which one is actually driving your case. Continued …
Chonburi raids target Pattaya nominee addresses
Chonburi police and land officials searched 12 properties in the Pattaya area yesterday as part of an investigation into suspected foreign nominee ownership of land and buildings worth more than 800 million baht.
The early-morning operation in Banglamung district identified 12 companies, 11 houses and 16 land plots covering around 50 rai. Authorities said 85 people from eight nationalities are under investigation. Continued …
Aussie job scam hits Thais
Victims of an alleged Australian job scam have filed a complaint with the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, seeking an urgent investigation into losses exceeding 10 million baht.
Tankhun Jitt-itsara, accompanied by the BSJ Law Firm legal team, brought the victims to the Central Investigation Bureau on Tuesday to submit evidence against a network accused of recruiting Thai workers via social media. Continued …
One trip, no more than 45 baht? Bangkok rail plan heads to Cabinet
The Transport Ministry will seek Cabinet approval on Oct. 26 for a unified fare scheme covering eight electric rail lines in Bangkok and surrounding areas, with fares capped at 45 baht per trip, a deputy transport minister said yesterday.
Siripong Angkasakulkiat, deputy transport minister said the proposal would eliminate duplicate entry fees when passengers transfer between lines, with an initial fare capped at 17 baht. The scheme is scheduled to begin on Jan. 1 and would be available to Thai nationals who register through the Paotang application and pay using EMV contactless cards. Continued …
ADB approves $212-million loan to upgrade five Thai public hospitals
The Asian Development Bank is providing $212 million to upgrade five public hospitals and improve access to specialist medical care for about 14 million people living outside Bangkok.
It marks the bank’s first health-sector loan to the Thai government, building on earlier support for the country’s COVID-19 response and regional health initiatives. Plans for the project include the expansion of cancer, cardiac, surgical, and trauma services across five health regions. Continued …
Thailand Sets Out Plan to Make Longer Lives Better Lives
Thailand is committing to build a sustainable longevity society in which people live not merely longer but better, a senior health official told a Bangkok forum on Tuesday.
Dr. Ekachai Piensriwatchara, deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, said the ministry would pursue an action plan over the next five years, built on integrated primary care, long-term care and a larger care workforce, to support a fast-aging society. Continued …
Warning over $200 diesel price crisis
Analysts predict diesel prices could surge to $200 per barrel due to worsening supply disruptions in the Middle East. This potential crisis is driven by a new wave of geopolitical conflicts that have thrown the global energy market into turmoil.
Specific factors contributing to this volatility include attacks by Yemen-based Houthis on Saudi energy infrastructure and disruptions in the Red Sea, which force tankers to take longer, more expensive routes around Africa. Additionally, ongoing conflicts between Iran and Israel, alongside the war in Ukraine, continue to threaten global supply chains and refinery capacities. Experts note that if these geopolitical tensions persist, they could drive prices to unprecedented levels, complicating global inflation outlooks and placing significant strain on national energy funds like Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund. – Bangkok Post AI
Five measures proposed to rescue Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan has been presented with five urgent proposals, including fuel excise tax cuts of 1–2 baht a liter, to shore up Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund before further borrowing is considered.
The Oil Fuel Fund’s deficit stood at 103.561 billion baht as of Oct. 18. This comprised a 62.359-billion-baht deficit in its oil account and a 41.202-billion-baht deficit in its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) account. Continued …
Google insists its data centers do not compete for water and electricity resources
Data centers are a new industry attracting significant investment in Thailand, but they are also under public scrutiny. It’s well known that data centers consume vast amounts of resources, including electricity and clean water, and also release heat and generate noise pollution, causing concern for communities located near them.
Brian Yu, senior vice president of global infrastructure at Google for the Asia Pacific region, was interviewed regarding efforts to understand and alleviate public concerns, as well as the use of resources at Google’s data center currently under construction in the WHA Industrial Estate, Nong Yai District, Chonburi Province. Continued …
Why more Chinese firms have Thailand in their expansion plans
With domestic profits narrowing and production capacity expanding, China’s firms are continuing to widen their overseas footprints in search of new, more lucrative markets. In this series, we examine China Inc’s next phase of “going global” and the complex, challenging international environment its companies have chosen to enter.
A subtle shift is taking place among Chinese businesses as they adopt a “China plus one” outlook and redirect domestic investments to neighboring economies – a strategy largely designed as a hedge against tariffs and geopolitical risks. Continued …
Thailand urged to focus on chipmaking
JPMorgan Chase executives suggest that Thailand should prioritize the production of advanced products such as chips and electronic components. This focus would allow the country to capitalize on the ongoing global supply chain shift and the emergence of power from artificial intelligence.
Executives emphasize that focusing on these high-tech areas could provide a longer manufacturing lifespan for Thailand compared to chasing cutting-edge chip production seen in Taiwan or South Korea. They also note that for these investments to have a significant long-term economic impact, the country needs to maintain government stability and ensure a consistent direction for investors. – Bangkok Post AI
Nestlé breaks ground on US$685 million coffee factory in Thailand
Nestlé has begun construction of a 23-billion-baht (US$685 million) coffee manufacturing facility in Samut Prakan, with the factory expected to begin operations in late 2028 and create more than 500 jobs.
The facility will produce soluble coffee, coffee mixes and ready-to-drink coffee beverages, using advanced production technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and automated systems. Continued …
Thai rice exports fall as India and Pakistan compete
Thailand exported 4.99 million tons of rice in the first nine months of 2026, down 19.3% year-on-year, as stronger competition from India and Pakistan and a sharp fall in Iraqi demand weighed on sales.
Export value between January and September fell 16.8% to US$2.962 billion, according to figures discussed by the Commerce Ministry and the Thai Rice Exporters Assn. Continued …
Forum highlights local Thai cuisine to boost tourism growth
Government representatives and leading figures in Thailand’s food industry discussed how to modernize local cuisine while preserving its original identity at Nation Forum: Thailand’s Agenda. “Gastronomy Tourism Boosts Creative Economy”, explored that balance through the concept of “Root to Rich”.
Saratsanun Unnopporn, secretary to the culture minister, described Thai food as tourism’s “star attraction”. Preserving its distinctive character, flavors and the stories behind local ingredients was essential to encouraging foreign visitors to travel to Thailand to experience those dishes. Continued …
Ministry advises against travel to Europe
The Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry has advised travelers to postpone non-essential trips to several European countries, specifically France, Italy, and Spain, due to ongoing unrest and rapidly changing conditions. The ministry recommends that those planning to travel to these regions closely monitor updates from the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Thai embassies to ensure safety amid the protests.
The travel advisory is prompted by widespread protests and civil unrest linked to rising living costs, employment, and education issues. In France, the situation involves mass demonstrations and instances of urban violence, including looting and clashes with police, which have created significant security concerns. Similar instability has been reported in Italy and Spain, where the ministry is tracking developments to provide guidance to Thai nationals in the area. – Bangkok Post AI
Phuket visitors bring in nearly 400 billion baht
Phuket generated nearly 400 billion baht in tourism revenue in the first nine months of 2026 despite a slight decline in visitor numbers, as four international airlines prepare to launch direct routes ahead of the high season.
The island welcomed 10.25 million visitors between January and September, down 1.6% year-on-year. Tourism revenue fell about 1% to 399.96 billion baht. Thai visitors increased 1% to 2.65 million, generating 30.5 billion baht, up 1.8%. Foreign arrivals declined 2.4% to 7.6 million, while revenue slipped 1.2% to 369.49 billion baht. Continued …
Khao Sok: Living beneath an ancient landscape
There are places where the landscape provides a backdrop to the journey, and there are places where the landscape is the journey. Khao Sok belongs firmly in the latter category.
From the moment we entered this extraordinary corner of Surat Thani, the great limestone mountains seemed to be everywhere. They rose beyond the road, appeared unexpectedly through breaks in the forest and towered above the river. Even from our accommodation, they formed a dramatic natural skyline. Continued …
Travel Expert Unveils Insider Guide for Thailand’s Best Meals
Travel content creator David Mondore, a New York-based entrepreneur, is publishing a guide to eating well and cheaply across Thailand, which he calls one of the best value destinations for adventurous eaters anywhere in the world.
Over two months in the country, Mondore ate his way through restaurants, markets, and street carts, often for an average meal that landed somewhere between roughly $1.20 and $1.60. The combination of quality and affordability, he says, is almost impossible to find elsewhere at the same level. Continued …
Here’s why you should visit Thailand’s heritage-rich coastal towns
Thailand is often imagined in neon nights and island escapes. Yet, step a little away from the usual routes and you’ll find towns where heritage lingers in facades painted in pastel shades, in flavors shaped by Thai kitchens, and in waterfronts that once welcomed travelers from across the seas. These coastal towns carry stories in their architecture, in the morning markets where languages mingle, and in the evening light that falls over lakes and shorelines.
Phuket, Trang and Songkhla show this side of Thailand in their own ways. In one place, the morning might begin with the scent of fresh noodles drifting through the old town, and in another with a boat ride into the Emerald Cave, while elsewhere the day winds down beside the lake. Each place is best savoured at an unhurried pace. Each place is best enjoyed without trying to pack too much into a day. Continued …
Chiang Mai unveils Thailand’s first electric tram
Chiang Mai has unveiled what is described at the launch as Thailand’s first electric sightseeing tram, intended to connect more than 40 major attractions across the city. The announcement followed the signing of a sustainable urban-development agreement on Tuesday.
Known as the Chiang Mai Tram By Lannatique, the electric vehicle is part of the Lannatique Destination project. It is powered entirely by clean energy and combines a contemporary design with Lanna cultural identity, according to the provincial authorities. Continued …
World losing ground on climate as US emissions rise, UN warns
The world is heading for more warming than scientists projected a year ago, and the United States is a big reason, the United Nations Environment Program said in its annual assessment.
If all countries deliver on their promises to cut heat-trapping emissions, Earth will still warm by about 2.6 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times by 2100, yesterday’s report calculated – a tenth of a degree worse than last year’s projection. On its current path, the world is heading for 2.8 degrees. Continued …
Brent rises to US$110.11 a barrel as US orders some diplomats out of Saudi Arabia
Brent crude rose to US$110.11 a barrel today after fresh Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia prompted the United States to order some diplomats and family members to leave its missions in the kingdom.
Brent futures gained US$1.29, or 1.2%, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased by 97 US cents, or 1%, to US$98.12 a barrel. Continued …
From groceries to home loans, high oil prices permeate daily life
The shock of oil prices at a five-month high of $110 a barrel and gas prices in Asia and Europe hitting their highest levels since December 2022 is making its mark on household budgets. As well as raising the costs of transport and heating, it adds to pressure on food, clothing and packaging prices, and contributes to elevated levels of inflation and borrowing costs.
The Iran war has already pushed global diesel prices to record highs. Average British diesel pump prices hit £2.00 ($2.64) per liter for the first time this month and US prices hit a record of $6.53 a gallon in September. Continued …
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Chinese Red Notice suspect arrested in Pattaya – Continued …
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French man wanted by Belgium held in Phuket – Continued …
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Norwegian teen held in Samut Prakan over Norway stabbing – Continued …
‘Behemoth’ El Niño to upend global weather, UN warns
The warnings about El Niño continue to roll in. The United Nations’ weather agency weighed in yesterday, calling the potent climate pattern a “behemoth” and a “wrecking ball.” “It will tear through Latin America, eastern and southern Africa, Asia and the Pacific with extreme heat, droughts and flood,” the U.N.’s Tom Fletcher said, warning of profound humanitarian consequences. Continued …
US court orders Meta to pay $25bn in data-harvesting case
A New Mexico judge ruled yesterday that Meta must pay $25 billion to the state after a jury found last month that the social media giant had deceived users in a case related to the Cambridge Analytica scandal, according to media reports. 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
Thailand is about to remove work from what a visa-exempt visitor is allowed to do. Under the framework taking effect on Sept. 15, entering without a visa covers tourism and nothing else.
Thai superstar Lisa, Lalisa Manobal, released the music video for her latest single, “SaWaDiKa”, yesterday, showcasing Thai identity through Muay Thai, tuk-tuks, Chula kites and energetic choreography.
Thailand is forecast to become wetter from September 8–10, with isolated very heavy rain expected in Bangkok and surrounding provinces, the lower North, lower Northeast, Central region, East and the South’s west coast, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD).
Thailand’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are struggling to maintain cash flow as sales weaken, customers take longer to pay and banks tighten lending, prompting calls for further government support.
Thailand and the United States have reached agreement on the main terms of a reciprocal trade pact, with Washington offering assurances on tariff competitiveness while negotiators work to resolve the remaining details, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said.
Thailand must move past the binary debate of either welcoming data center investment unconditionally or shutting the door entirely, and instead establish rigorous regulations, clear data visibility, and a strategy that treats the sector as a shared national investment.
Thailand’s trade deficit with China has surged to US$55.13 billion, alarming even the Thai-Chinese business community. Imports from China jumped 38.5%, while the bilateral deficit widened 59.3% in seven months.
Phuket’s foreign arrivals by air rebounded in July, with more than 379,000 travelers recorded as the impact of the Middle East conflict eased, according to Travel Link data.
Electricity tariffs in Thailand could reach 4.11–4.58 baht per unit in 2050 under four scenarios in the draft Power Development Plan, as planners weigh the cost of integrating renewable energy and capturing carbon emissions.
Former Twitter employees have launched a new social media platform called Twitter.now, featuring an automated artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to detect misinformation and fake news, alongside the revival of the iconic blue bird logo and signature blue-and-white theme amid an ongoing trademark dispute with X Corp. 
The day after Volkswagen management, shareholders and unions agreed to cut a total of 100,000 jobs over the coming years, automotive workers said yesterday they were feeling a mix of fury and disappointment. The 10-brand group, which apart from its namesake also includes the likes of Skoda, Audi, Seat and Porsche, said late Thursday it would cut an additional 50,000 jobs, bringing total planned reductions to 100,000. 
Thailand is preparing for a historic step in space exploration, with a Thai-designed and developed scientific payload set to travel to the Moon as part of China’s Chang’e 7 mission on Aug. 24.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has intensified enforcement against cannabis businesses, inspecting 1,326 shops since October 2025 and seizing products worth more than 109 million baht.
Thailand’s crackdown on nominee structures used to hold property on behalf of foreign interests is creating new pressure on the luxury housing and condominium markets, as authorities intensify checks on ownership arrangements in the real estate sector.
Phantong Loykulnanta, director-general of the Customs Department, reported that Thailand’s international trade reached B21.4 trillion in the first 10 months of fiscal 2026. The figure was close to the full-year total of B22 trillion recorded the previous year.
Robot Supply Chain Comes to Thailand: Inside China’s Humanoid Push into the EEC
As the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to introduce a 3% hotel tax to increase revenue, the Thai Hotels Association (THA) has urged the authority to begin with a lower rate of 0.5%-1% and provide additional support to help tourism operators affected by the Middle East conflict.
Twelve people were injured after an Air India Airbus A320 flying from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence yesterday, forcing some passengers who were not wearing seatbelts into the cabin ceiling.
Thailand is strengthening its tourism links with Indonesia through agreements with TransNusa Airlines and Traveloka, as it seeks to attract 890,000 Indonesian visitors in 2026.
Edwin Salas watched as the first of 20 solar panels was installed on the roof of his home, joining a Philippine solar energy boom sent into overdrive by the Middle East war. The country’s eye-watering electric bills – the highest in the region – were the primary driver of his decision, he said. Regular brownouts were a factor, too. 
Retail fuel prices in Thailand remained unchanged yesterday, despite the Oil Fuel Fund reducing subsidies for several diesel and gasohol products and raising the contribution collected from petrol.
Best known as Viagra, the erectile dysfunction drug sildenafil started off as a treatment for reduced blood flow but soon saw its value spike after its other effects became clear.
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.
Out of the blue, the Anutin government has made an abrupt policy U-turn by announcing it will abandon the 1-trillion-baht land bridge project. The reversal follows an official review that found the original project carried significant financial risks and uncertain economic returns.
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
Thailand will enforce a ban on alcohol sales for two consecutive days this week to mark the Buddhist holidays of Asalha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent Day, with many shops, convenience stores and restaurants prohibited from selling alcoholic drinks, unless in areas falling under current exemptions.
Samui water rationing begins Monday after drought
Thailand Schools Struggle to Break Children’s Phone Addiction
Bangkok authorities have ordered 79 entertainment venues and similar establishments to halt operations after inspecting 865 premises across the capital in a week-long safety and licensing campaign.
The Thai baht has slid to 33.640 per US dollar, its 2026 high, marking an 8.% decline since February. This weakness stems primarily from the 250–275 basis point policy rate gap between the Fed (3.5%–3.75%) and the Bank of Thailand (1.00%), which sustains a strong carry advantage for dollar assets.
The United States recently announced Section 301 tariff rates for 60 countries that had not introduced and enforced bans on imports of goods produced with forced labor, with Thailand placed in the highest rate band of 12.5%.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun says Thailand is two-thirds of the way through concluding a free trade agreement with the European Union and is pressing Beijing on three fronts to correct an increasingly lopsided trade relationship — all part of a wider strategy to reduce Thailand’s reliance on any single major power.
More tourists are good news for Thailand. But not if the country cannot cope with the pressures they bring. Tourism is one of Thailand’s biggest sources of income. For decades, success was measured by the number of visitors. That yardstick no longer tells the whole story.
Phuket generated 263 billion baht in tourism revenue during the first six months of this year, attracting nearly seven million visitors, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Thailand’s Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) has issued a warning that an impending El Niño phenomenon could prove more severe than the country’s 2015 drought crisis, with prolonged dry spells potentially stretching well into 2027.
The era in which global order rested on a US monopoly over military and economic power and values has finally come to an end, taking Europe’s long period of stability with it. The world has become significantly more turbulent and uncertain, and the near future will bring even more instability. 
Commerce officials have stepped up Cha Am fresh market price checks as part of efforts to ensure vendors clearly display prices and to prevent consumers from being overcharged.
A Thai billionaire, Worawat Narknawdee, is being sought by police following complaints from over 30 Thai investors. They claim to have been deceived into cryptocurrency investments, resulting in losses estimated at around B1.3 billion.
Thailand’s Commerce Minister, Suphajee Suthumpun, is urging calm as the government closely tracks energy prices amid the ongoing conflict in Iran. An operations center has been established to coordinate across ministries, aiming to implement protective measures when necessary.
The Middle East conflict has unsettled global oil markets and disrupted shipping routes, posing risks for energy-dependent Thailand. After experiencing prolonged low inflation, the country now faces a potential inflation rebound driven by rising oil and freight costs.
RealWatch Lab, the research and data analytics unit of Real Smart Public Co/, has disclosed the findings of a survey on the concerns of Thai netizens regarding the Iran war. The survey collected opinions from Feb. 28, after the attacks started, to March 10, across all social media platforms, covering 34,009 messages discussing concerns arising from the conflict.
Banks are urging prospective homebuyers to make purchasing decisions within the first half of the year before costs rise further, amid concerns that inflation could increase under wartime conditions.
The war in the Middle East, which has caused oil prices to fluctuate and remain high, has led the government to continue capping diesel at no more than B30 per liter. As of March 11, the Oil Fuel Fund was subsidizing diesel by B16.97 per liter, a sharp increase from just B0.74 per liter on Feb. 27, one day before the United States and Israel attacked Iran.
Thai hospitality leaders are doubling down on 2026 expansion plans, committing billions in capital expenditure to navigate a tightening global travel market. Despite a projected 32.9 million foreign arrivals in 2025, the industry faces headwinds from prolonged conflict in the Middle East, which threatens to dampen high-spending “long-haul” traffic from Europe and the Americas.
Do you think gender equality is still an issue in Thailand? Whether the answer is yes or no, explaining why can be surprisingly difficult.
Weight Loss Injections in Thailand/Thailand Riviera road construction/Thailand’s Yaba Crisis/Healthcare system faces crisis/Storms expected across country/Tigers killed by canine distemper virus/Students Clash with Weapons
Thailand Riviera road construction boosted
The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a warning for today, announcing a “stormy day” in Thailand. The northern and northeastern regions will be the hardest hit, with heavy rainfall expected in 40% of these areas.
Canine distemper caused the deaths of 72 tigers at two animal parks in Chiang Mai earlier this month, not avian influenza, and there was no transmission to humans, it was announced yesterday.
The statistics of the kingdom have shown for 10 months inflation results lower than the experts’ statistical forecasts (these being on average negative for the whole of 2025 with -0.13% annual average, according to Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Economic and Trade Forecast Center .
The Bank of Thailand is upbeat about the country’s growth prospects, projecting GDP expansion of 1.9% this year, up from its previous estimate of 1.5%, after the economy grew stronger than forecast in the fourth quarter of last year.
The Thai automotive industry has kickstarted the “Year of the Horse” with a 53.8% surge in year-on-year sales for January. The growth was primarily propeled by a record-breaking influx of electric vehicle (EV) deliveries, though the heavy-duty pickup sector continues to flounder amid tightening credit conditions.
The industrial and logistics property sector continues to outperform other segments, supported by robust demand and ongoing government backing despite prevailing uncertainties, according to property consultancy CBRE Thailand.
The planned new waste-management plant for Phuket is still at least two years away because of delays in receiving approval from state agencies, according to the provincial governor. Gov. Nirat Pongsitthithavorn aired his frustration over the delay in construction of the second waste incinerator,
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to India this week pushing to double trade and mend fractured ties, his first stop on an Asia-Pacific tour that also includes Australia and Japan, as he seeks to reduce reliance on the United States. 
Passengers in Thailand can now utilize QR codes for enhanced taxi ride safety and convenience. This new feature allows users to verify driver details, real-time track their journey, share trip information, and rate their experience. The Department of Land Transport plans to equip around 70,000 taxis with these QR codes by June.
A ride-hailing driver posted a touching experience on the “Grab Car Driver Club Thailand” Facebook group, declaring: “I want 10 more jobs like this”. The first image showed the journey details – from Huai Khwang to Phra Khanong. The second revealed the adorable passenger: what appeared to be a long-coat Chihuahua.
The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows Thailand scored 33/100 and ranked 116th globally — below the world average of 42. The index, released by Transparency International, placed Thailand 116th out of 182 countries and territories, down one spot from 2024 when it scored 34.
The cabinet has been instructed to start preparing to void a 25-year-old memorandum of understanding (MoU) used by Thailand and Cambodia as a framework to settle their overlapping maritime boundaries.
Chula Researchers Transform Thai Silk into Medical Innovation
Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to seek approval from Thailand’s next cabinet for two major airport expansion projects worth a combined 269 billion baht, covering Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports.
Thailand’s once-robust manufacturing sector is facing a protracted slowdown, with factory capacity utilization hovering below 60% for the past two years, raising concerns about the country’s economic competitiveness and industrial policy effectiveness.
If the incoming coalition government implements its IT policies as pledged during the campaign, it should increase revenue growth of system integrator and data center businesses by 5.8% year-on-year to 260 billion baht this year, says Krungthai Compass, a research unit under Krungthai Bank.
The cabinet yesterday endorsed a comprehensive visa package proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to boost tourism, attract long-stay visitors, and stimulate the economy.
Chinese New Year in Thailand: A National Celebration and a Regional Travel Magnet
If people used to talk about tourism in the past, it may have meant a short break and a change of scenery from everyday life, a brief moment of happiness that recharged the body before returning to normal routines. Today, however, tourism is shifting from “temporary rest” to “a long-term investment in health”.
With Chinese New Year approaching next week, Pattaya tourism operators expect similar conditions as last year. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation, said Pattaya operators expect a large number of foreign tourists for the holiday, particularly from long-haul markets, accounting for 80% and helping the occupancy rate near 90%.
Picture this for a moment. You’ve worked decades, paid into Social Security your entire adult life, and when retirement finally arrives, the monthly check lands somewhere around $1,800. In many parts of the United States, that barely covers rent. It’s frustrating, I know.
Kintetsu World Express has taken another step toward cleaner operations by installing a solar power generation system at its warehouse in Prachinburi Province. The project has been carried out by its local subsidiary, KWE-Kintetsu World Express (Thailand) Co., as part of the group’s wider push toward decarbonized and sustainable business practices.
Planned or under-construction solar and wind projects slowed last year, analysis showed yesterday, casting doubts on whether countries will hit a goal of tripling renewable capacity by 2030. Dozens of nations agreed in 2023 to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 as part of efforts to limit global warming.
At least 10 people died yesterday in a remote part of western Canada, including seven who were shot at a secondary school and two others found dead at a residence, federal police said. Twenty-seven people were injured. An individual believed to be responsible for the killing in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, was found deceased with what appears to be a self-inflicted injury. 
Noise pollution is affecting bird behavior across the globe, disrupting everything from courtship songs to the ability to find food and avoid predators, a large-scale new analysis showed today. 
The Road Safety Operation Center (RSOC) has reported 27 deaths and 174 injuries from 175 road accidents on Jan. , marking day six of the New Year road safety campaign.
The Thai baht is experiencing a strong rally this week, trading between 31.00 to 31.85 to the US dollar. This strength comes amid a surge in global gold prices, prompted by the US invasion of Venezuela. The move has created a ripple effect in markets, attracting capital inflows to Thailand’s bond sector.
The Ministry of Public Health is pushing to enact a new ministerial regulation on cannabis before the next government takes office, with the draft now under review by the Office of the Council of State.
Thailand has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for medical tourism, attracting millions of international patients every year. Known for its affordable high-quality care, internationally accredited hospitals, and world-class hospitality, Thailand offers a unique combination of healthcare excellence and tourism appeal.
Photographers at Bangkok’s Wat Arun temple have been accused of rudely shooing away tourists to photograph paying customers in rented Thai costumes, leading to social-media complaints and a response from the Tourist Police and temple officials to inspect the site and implement preventive measures for tourist safety and Thailand’s image.
The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration, or DASTA, has launched the “The Soul of Thailand” campaign, inviting visitors to experience the spirit of Thai identity through nine travel routes across nine designated areas for sustainable tourism.
Hidden Bangkok Secrets for an Unforgettable Authentic Adventure
Thailand’s industrial sector has demonstrated resilience in the face of tightening European environmental standards, with exports of carbon-intensive goods to the European Union (EU) surging by nearly 55%.
The solar energy market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period 2025-2031, driven by global commitments to decarbonization, supportive government policies, and significant cost reductions in photovoltaic (PV) technology.
