• Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi flights/Hua Hin half marathon/Tourism road to Sam Roi Yot/Lao Cave Search Ends/Woman Dies After Centipede Bite/Thailand Consumers Council sues Facebook
• THE IRAN WAR: Airlines face insolvency, mergers/Iranian missiles over Israel
• ECONOMY: Thai Baht Slides/B14 billion spent in co-payment scheme/Thailand Airports Rail Project Delayed/Thailand’s 100-billion-baht shrimp sector/Thai industrial estate land demand/Opportunities in Russia
• TOURISM: Foreigners Challenge Local Traditions/Tourism Growth Challenges/Thailand Tests THIM App/Dead cubs found at tiger temple/Khon Kaen Airport Upgrade
• THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Where street food shapes the region/7 things illegal in Thailand
• CLIMATE THAILAND: Data center demand pressures power capacity
• FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi small plane flights in the works

Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi flights could begin soon after EZY Airlines posted a short update about the proposed route on its official Facebook page. The airline said the “gateway to the beach is opening soon”, referring to a planned Suvarnabhumi-Hua Hin service.

As of Saturday, EZY Airlines had not announced further details about the planned service, including ticket prices, flight times, frequency, booking channels, or an exact launch date. Continued … 

Hua Hin half marathon registration opens for July event

Registration has opened for the Hua Hin International Half Marathon 2026, with runners invited to sign up for the event, which will take place on Sunday. July 19.

The race will start at Market Village Hua Hin and will include three distances: a 21km half marathon, a 10km mini marathon and a 5km walk and run. Early Bird registration rates are available through June 16, offering discounted entry fees during the initial registration period. Continued … 

Tourism road to Sam Roi Yot discussed

The first public consultation on the Bueng Bua tourism route has been held in Sam Roi Yot, as officials begin a feasibility study and environmental impact assessment for a proposed road linking Bueng Bua with Sam Roi Yot beach.

Preeda Sukjai, deputy governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, chaired the meeting on Friday at the Sam Roi Yot District Office auditorium in Sala Lai subdistrict. The meeting served as the project orientation for the study, which will examine the feasibility of the proposed tourism road and prepare an environmental impact-assessment report. Continued … 

Lao Cave Search for Two Men Ends

International rescue teams have ended their search for two men still missing inside a partially flooded cave in Laos after more than two weeks of operations, citing growing safety concerns and an increasing risk of collapse.

The decision was announced on Saturday after rescuers concluded that the cave’s structure had become unstable and that the chances of finding the two men alive were rapidly diminishing. The men were among seven villagers trapped in a cave in Xaisomboun Province in central Laos after a flash flood blocked the entrance on May 20. Continued … 

Woman Dies After Centipede Bite in Si Racha

A 42-year-old former factory worker died after being bitten by a centipede in Si Racha, Chon Buri, with her partner claiming they could not afford treatment after discovering her social security coverage had expired.

Last Thursday, rescue volunteers from the Pure Yiang Tai Foundation in Si Racha were alerted to a death at a rented room. Police from Bo Win Police Station attended the scene and found the body of Mrs. Uthai, 42, a traditional Thai massage therapist who had previously worked in a factory. Continued … 

Thailand Consumers Council sues Facebook over scam adverts

The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) today filed a lawsuit against Meta, the owner of Facebook, covering both its Thailand office and headquarters. The council accused the platform of allowing scam advertisements and online fraud to spread continuously, despite discussions and repeated calls for stronger preventive measures over more than a year.

The move followed a press conference titled “Why sue Facebook?” on June 4, when the TCC said it had received 6,164 complaints about online purchases of goods and services from 2024 to March 2026. Continued … 

Airlines face insolvency, mergers as fuel and fares surge

More airlines could face insolvency or be taken over by stronger rivals as jet fuel prices rise because of the conflict in the Middle East, Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Assn. said on Saturday.

Airlines worldwide are facing higher costs after the US and Israel’s war with Iran squeezed jet fuel supplies and disrupted major air routes, forcing carriers to take expensive detours. Continued … 

Iranian missiles streak across sky over Israel

Iranian rockets and Israeli interceptors streaked through the night sky after Tehran yesterday fired volleys of missiles in what it said was retaliation for recent Israeli attacks on a Beirut suburb. Video … 

Thai Baht Slides as Record April Trade Deficit Hits USD 10 Billion

Commerzbank’s FX analysts note that the USD/THB exchange rate experienced a decline to 32.55, primarily attributed to portfolio inflows. This movement occurred despite Thailand’s April trade deficit widening significantly to a record USD10.0 billion.

This substantial deficit, considerably exceeding the Bloomberg consensus of USD5.3 billion, represents the seventh consecutive monthly deficit and marks the largest on record. The widening gap between imports and exports is a key concern for the Thai currency’s stability in the coming period. Continued … 

B14 billion spent in first week of 4-month co-payment scheme

About 14 billion baht was spent in the first week of the government’s Thais Help Thais Plus co-payment scheme, which began on June 1, according to a government spokeswoman.

Deputy spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said yesterday 26.04 million people registered for the scheme and 21.85 million, 84%, had already benefitted from it. Continued … 

Funding Dispute Delays Thailand Airports Rail Project

Thailand’s 224.5-billion-baht high-speed railway linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports remains stalled, as disagreements over financing and risk-sharing continue between the government and private concessionaire Asia Era One.

Despite the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) clearing a draft contract amendment, key policy differences remain unresolved, delaying one of the flagship projects within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Continued …

Government urged to restore Thailand’s 100-billion-baht shrimp sector

The Thai Shrimp Assn. has urged the government to revive Thailand’s shrimp industry in a bid to restore export earnings that once exceeded 100 billion baht a year, calling for urgent action on shrimp disease and wider export access to China and the European Union.

The association has also asked the government to resolve the closure of shrimp export routes to neighboring Malaysia and stimulate domestic consumption through measures such as the “Thais Help Thais Plus” program. Continued … 

Three factors drive Thai industrial estate land demand to five-quarter high

Thailand’s industrial estate market showed strong signs of recovery in the first quarter of 2026 despite global economic volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, according to the latest report from Colliers Thailand.

The market absorbed a total of 1,914 rai of industrial land, up 16.7% from the same period last year, marking the highest level in five quarters. The occupancy rate also rose to 82.5%. Continued … 

Thai businesses eye opportunities in Russia despite sanctions

Thai businesses are increasingly exploring opportunities in Russia despite concerns over sanctions, payment restrictions, and potential repercussions for companies with links to Western markets, as Thai delegates attended the St. Petersburg International Economic (SPIEF).

While Russia’s economy remains under extensive Western sanctions following the Ukraine conflict, some Thai executives view the departure of many Western firms as creating openings for new opportunities. However, uncertainty surrounding financial transactions and so-called “secondary sanctions” continues to weigh on investment decisions. Continued … 

Foreigners Challenge Local Traditions on Koh Phangan

Local residents on Koh Phangan have voiced frustration over what they describe as increasing pressure from some foreign residents to restrict traditional community activities, including religious festivals, weddings, and ordination ceremonies.

The complaints center on objections to noise from legally permitted events, with some organizers claiming activities have been forced to end early, causing disruption and financial losses. Continued …

Thailand, Vietnam Face Tourism Growth Challenges

Thailand and Vietnam are pursuing different tourism strategies, as both countries respond to changing travel trends and economic pressures, according to Yuthasak Supasorn, chairman of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) and former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Thailand’s tourism sector entered a difficult adjustment phase after strong growth in 2024. International arrivals reached 35.54 million visitors that year, up 26.% from the previous year. However, in 2025, arrivals fell to 32,974,321, a decline of 7.2%, while total spending by foreign tourists dropped 4.7% to B1.53 trillion, largely due to fewer Chinese visitors. Continued … 

Thailand Tests THIM App for Foreign Arrivals

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau is testing a new mobile application called THIM (Thailand Immigration Management) that will allow foreign nationals to register their arrival information before traveling to the country. The system is designed to streamline entry procedures, reduce congestion at airports, and improve access to immigration services.

The app is currently available for trial download on both iOS and Android devices, with full implementation scheduled for August. Users can submit passport details and travel plans through the platform to generate a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), a process expected to take less than three minutes. Continued … 

Dozens of dead cubs found at Thai tiger temple

Thai wildlife officials have discovered dozens of dead cubs inside a freezer at a controversial “tiger temple” that has been locked in a long-running dispute with authorities and animal rights groups. The tiger cubs were found during a continuing operation to remove dozens of adult cats from the Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua temple in the western province of Kanchanaburi.

“We found 40 tiger cubs today. They were aged about one or two days when they died but we don’t quite know yet how long they have been dead,” police Col. Bandith Meungsukhum, a local officer, said. Continued … 

Khon Kaen Airport Upgrade Moves Forward

The Thai government has accelerated plans to upgrade Khon Kaen Airport to international standards by moving ahead with the installation of an instrument landing system/distance measuring equipment (ILS/DME), a project aimed at improving aviation safety.

The ILS/DME navigation system enables aircraft to land and take off with greater accuracy and safety, particularly during fog, heavy rain, or low-visibility conditions. The system is also expected to reduce flight delays and minimize aircraft holding patterns before landing. Continued … 

Where street food shapes the region’s top culinary cities

Southeast Asia is shedding its reputation as just a budget holiday stop to emerge as the world’s culinary hub for 2026. The Michelin Guide’s official recognition validates what locals have long known: the region’s vibrant street food ecosystem rivals European fine dining.

Cities like Bangkok, Penang, and Manila prove that traditional, pavement-served recipes meet the highest technical standards and command global attention. Southeast Asia’s culinary rise isn’t born from critics’ curation or corporate strategy; it grew organically from community kitchens. Continued … 

7 things illegal in Thailand: What tourists should know before visiting

Thailand welcomes millions of visitors every year, but some laws in the country can surprise foreign tourists. Activities that may seem harmless or legal elsewhere can carry serious penalties in Thailand.

Before planning your trip to Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, or Chiang Mai, it is important to understand local laws and cultural sensitivities to avoid legal trouble and ensure a smooth holiday. Continued … 

Rising data center demand pressures power capacity

Energy authorities are preparing to expand Thailand’s electricity generation capacity amid mounting concerns that rising demand from resource-intensive businesses, particularly data centers, could strain the national grid.

An energy official who requested anonymity said Thailand’s current installed capacity is 46,191 megawatts, excluding renewable sources. Peak demand during the hot season reached 36,758MW, leaving a reserve margin of less than 30%. Continued … 

Doctor Dies After Brit Rider Crash on Phangan

Associate Professor Dr. Theerasak Kaewamatwong has died after suffering critical injuries in a road collision on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani province. The respiratory and critical care specialist was struck while walking along a roadside by a motorcycle ridden by British national Duncan Wilcock, 51, who police said tested positive for cocaine after being located. Continued … 

• Inspection finds shady Chinese nominee activity in Bangkok – Continued … 

• Pai operation exposes foreign nominee business scheme – Continued … 

• Japanese Call Center Gang Leader Arrested in Bangkok – Continued … 

• Chinese Suspects Arrested While Fleeing to Hat Yai – Continued … 

• Iranian Man Arrested in Phuket Home Invasion Case – Continued … 

• Russian Woman Accused of Running Illegal Phuket Cosmetic Clinic – Continued … 

• 6 Illegal Foreign Workers Found in Chinese Restaurant Raids – Continued … 

Major quake off Philippines triggers tsunami warnings

A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines this morning, killing at least one person, collapsing buildings, and sparking tsunami warnings across the region. Authorities in the Philippines and Indonesia urged residents in affected coastal regions to move to higher ground immediately. Continued … 

Ukraine targets St. Petersburg again after Putin rejects talks offer

Residents of St. Petersburg were told not to leave their homes after a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack targeted Russia’s second-largest city Saturday morning, underscoring Kyiv’s growing ability to hit deep inside Russia. The attack came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin refused an offer to meet his Ukrainian counterpart. Continued … 

Trump storms out of NBC interview after repeating election claims

U.S. President Donald Trump stormed out of an interview with NBC airing yesterday after a heated exchange during “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker”. The interview ended abruptly when Trump – after repeating unsubstantiated claims that U.S. elections are “rigged”- walked out after calling Welker, her show, and other U.S. TV networks “crooked.” Video … 

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