• 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 … 

• Chinese man held in Bangkok over gun, drugs and 586-day overstay – Continued … 

• 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