- Beachfront demolition to start tomorrow/More public loudspeakers for Hua Hin/Thai teen Nene Royal wins AGT 2026 title/Nene revisits ‘Seven Nation Army’/Nene Royal’s ‘Rock Strong — Red Commander’ look/PTT Station and Bangchak raise standard diesel/Sitthichai bids farewell as PKK governor/Heavy rain likely across Thailand/86% of Thais dream of a luxurious retirement
- THE IRAN WAR: Brent rises 3.86%/Navy says 8 sailors attempted suicide
- ECONOMY: Investing in Thai secondary cities could lift GDP/ADB raises Thailand’s forecast /ASEAN urged to unite and build resilience/Mars makes Thailand Pringles export hub
- TOURISM: Thai budget airlines squeezed/AirAsia’s Thai carriers plan 53 routes/Americans Are Leaving the U.S. for Medical Care/Khao San Road faces glum high season
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Where to Stay in Chiang Rai
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Environmental impact assessment for data centers/’Super’ El Niño could cause 451,000 excess deaths/Bangkok Car Free day
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Beachfront buildings demolition to start tomorrow
Demolition work is scheduled to begin tomorrow on a stretch of Hua Hin’s waterfront, between the fishing pier and Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine. The planned demolition is the latest stage in a dispute dating back at least to 2002. It concerns homes, seafood restaurants, guesthouses and other buildings along a roughly 400-meter stretch of beachfront, with some structures extending over the sea.
According to the municipal demolition notice, the buildings stand on state-owned public land designated for common use. Its owner challenged orders prohibiting the building’s use and requiring its demolition, but the Supreme Administrative Court dismissed the claims. Those judgments are final. – HHT
More public loudspeakers planned for Hua Hin
The Hua Hin municipality is considering installing more wireless loudspeakers to help local news and announcements reach communities without the system and areas where residents have requested additional coverage.
The proposal was discussed at a meeting chaired by Deputy Mayor Atichat Chaisri at Hua Hin Municipal Office yesterday. The meeting followed visits to all 30 existing loudspeaker locations, where officials gathered residents’ views and adjusted the direction of the speakers to better meet local needs. Continued …
Thai teen Nene Royal wins AGT 2026 title
Nene Royal, the 16-year-old Thai rocker from Phuket, has been crowned the winner of America’s Got Talent (AGT) 2026, claiming a million-dollar first prize after an unforgettable run that captured hearts worldwide.
A day after setting the stage alight with Seven Nation Army in the final round, Nene prevailed over nine other contestants in online fan voting to capture the prize, a potential launching pad for an international career. Continued …
Whether you like heavy metal rock or not, you can’t deny this girl’s talent. Nene Royal’s AGT finals performance
Nene revisits ‘Seven Nation Army’, the White Stripes hit that became a global stadium anthem
Thai singer and guitarist Nene Royal gave The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” a heavier interpretation in the America’s Got Talent (AGT) season 21 final in the United States. The 16-year-old from Phuket brought forceful vocals and guitar playing to a song whose journey began at an Australian soundcheck more than two decades ago.
Nene’s AGT final performance drew a standing ovation from the audience and judges. Guest judge KSI described the performance as “out of this world” and “insane”. Continued …
Nene Royal brings her mother’s vision to life in her ‘Rock Strong — Red Commander’ look
Nene Royal brought Bangkok’s Ban Krua handwoven silk to the America’s Got Talent (AGT) 2026 final in a red costume inspired by her mother’s imagination. The Thai performer, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, wore the outfit during the final performance show broadcast.
Named “Rock strong – red commander”, the costume combined Thai textile craftsmanship with leather and metal details, translating a family idea into a stage look designed to convey strength, confidence and elegance. Continued …
PTT Station and Bangchak raise standard diesel by 0.75 baht a liter
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.
PTT Station’s price notice confirms the 0.75-baht increase for standard diesel and B20, while premium diesel remains unchanged. The following Bangkok retail prices apply from today and exclude local maintenance tax. Continued …
Sitthichai bids farewell as governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan
Sittichai Sawatsaen, the governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, summarized his achievements over the past nearly two years before retiring from public service, highlighting success in five dimensions of comprehensive quality of life development.
He expressed delight at attracting over 5.7 million tourists in the first half of 2026, ranking the province among the top six in the country. He also announced plans to improve pineapple prices and proceed with the permanent opening of the Singkhon border crossing, laying the foundation for Prachuap Khiri Khan to become a sustainable and livable tourist destination. Continued …
Heavy rain likely across Thailand until weekend
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”.
An active low-pressure cell over Vietnam’s central coast is expected to move over the lower northeast, east and central plains of Thailand, including Bangkok and vicinity, while the monsoon trough lies across upper Thailand. Continued …
86% of Thais dream of a luxurious retirement, but 75% risk running out of money before they die
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.
An in-depth analysis shows that over half of Thais want to retire early, driving a surge in “micro-retirement” and “unretirement” trends. However, a shocking gap emerges – 75% still cling to cash and savings accounts, lacking investment knowledge and risking running out of money before death. Continued …
Brent rises 3.86% as Iran rejects surrender
Brent crude settled 3.86% higher at US$103.08 a barrel after volatile trading yesterday, as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected surrender to the United States while maintaining his support for diplomacy.
Brent futures gained US$3.83 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose US$1.64, or 1.81%, to finish at US$92.16. Both benchmarks had traded at lower levels as increased Middle Eastern supplies and hopes of a US-Iran peace agreement weighed on prices. Continued …
Navy says 8 sailors attempted suicide aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln
Acting U.S. Navy Secretary Hung Cao said that eight sailors assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group attempted suicide during its lengthy deployment in the Middle East.
The Lincoln, currently en route to its home port of San Diego after a five-day port call in Bangkok, has been deployed for more than 300 days and will likely remain at sea for another two weeks before returning to the United States. The aircraft carrier’s current deployment began on Nov. 21, 2025. Continued …
World Bank says investing in Thai secondary cities could lift GDP per capita 12.4% by 2050
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 World Bank launched “Thailand Cities of the Future: Urban Foundations for a High-Income Economy”. whuch examines how urban development can support Thailand’s economic transformation. Continued …
ADB raises Thailand’s 2026 growth forecast to 2% on tech exports
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.
The September 2026 update of the Asian Development Outlook also raises growth projections to 5.0% for developing Asia and the Pacific and 4.7% for developing Southeast Asia. Continued …
ASEAN urged to unite and build resilience as global trade shifts
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.
Speaking at the forum yesterday, Supachai Panitchpakdi warned that economic policy was increasingly being used as an instrument of geopolitical competition, while Piyanuch Wuttisorn, vice minister for commerce, set out three priorities for helping ASEAN respond to the changing global environment. Continued …
Mars makes Thailand Pringles export hub
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.
This expansion involves a significant investment of more than 7 billion baht to support the company’s long-term commitment to the region. The Chon Buri facility, which covers 37,000 square meters, serves as the second production line launched by the company to boost capacity and support new export markets. This strategic move is designed to allow Mars to respond more flexibly to demand and streamline product lines across various global markets.
Thai budget airlines squeezed as jet fuel jumps 7.4% to US$194.90 a barrel
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.
The latest price was 116.5% above its level a year earlier, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States recorded the highest regional average, at US$207.56 a barrel. Continued …
AirAsia’s Thai carriers plan 53 routes to 46 cities for high season
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.
Tansita Akrarittipirom, head of commercial at Thai AirAsia, said the airlines were preparing for the October-December high season after reducing frequencies and temporarily suspending some routes during the third quarter. Those adjustments reflected travel demand and rising fuel prices, helping to keep operating costs under control. Continued …
Americans Are Leaving the U.S. for Medical Care. Here’s Where They’re Going
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.
Thailand is one option destination where medical tourism is booming. Americans are traveling to Southeast Asia to get full-body checkups, dental treatments, and highly specialized cardiac or hip replacement surgeries. Multi-specialty hospitals in Bangkok cater to an international clientele, so language is not a barrier, and many are accredited internationally, minimizing risks for foreign patients. Continued …
Bangkok’s Khao San Road faces glum high season
The Middle East conflict is hindering the long-haul tourism market, specifically affecting backpackers who frequent Khao San Road. This disruption is causing lower-than-expected forward bookings for accommodations in the area, leading to fears of an unproductive high season for local operators.
In addition, the new cannabis control bill threatens Khao San Road businesses by introducing strict regulations that could force more than 50% of local operators out of business. The Khao San Road Business Assn. expects these measures to significantly impact the area, which typically sees a high occupancy rate during the third quarter.
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.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the three best areas to stay in Chiang Rai, including what’s nearby and the hotels we recommend at different price points. Whether you want to be right in the center or somewhere quieter, we’ll help you choose the best base for your trip. Continued …
Thai bill to require environmental impact assessment for data centers
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.
For data centers, the proposals cover project locations, environmental and health impact assessments, electricity and water supplies, and data storage in Thailand. The draft leaves several key numerical thresholds unspecified, so secondary legislation will need to be examined before the costs for individual projects can be assessed. Continued …
‘Super’ El Niño could cause 451,000 excess deaths, researchers say
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.
The country likely to suffer the most excess heat-related fatalitiesis Nigeria with 31,400, followed by Indonesia with 19,300 and Sudan with 17,600. The researchers project the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia to see an additional 19,400 deaths combined. Continued …
Bangkok Car Free 2026 encourages residents to switch travel modes
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) joined forces with all sectors on Tuesday, inviting network partners to adopt new ways of traveling under the concept “Car keys stay at home; leave home without a car”.
It encouraged people to enjoy a range of travel options through “Let’s Shift Modes”, bringing together road and rail transport, boat services, cycling and walking throughout the week. Continued …
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Canadian held in Chiang Mai Brit’s rape case – Continued …
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Chinese men arrested on rape and extortion charges after Pattaya raid – Continued …
Trump and Xi meet after two-month trade truce extension
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. Continued …
Thousands still missing a month after Nepal floods
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. 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’s national police chief has ordered a nationwide drive against illegal firearms, ammunition and explosives, alongside increased security at schools, shopping centers, parks and other public spaces.
Heavy rain is forecast across northern, northeastern, central and eastern Thailand today, with authorities warning of flash floods and forest run-off after a monsoon trough moved across the upper north.
Thai singer Nene Royal is heading to the Live Shows of America’s Got Talent Season 21 after winning yes votes from all four judges in the Judges’ Callbacks round. The official AGT auditions page confirmed her advance, posting “NENE ROYAL is heading to the live shows!”
Thailand’s digital economy is projected to expand by 5.6% in 2026, reaching a valuation of 5.7 trillion baht ($171.8 billion). According to forecasts released by the National Board of Digital Economy and Society Office (BDE), the sector is set to grow 2.2 times faster than the country’s overall gross domestic product (GDP), establishing itself as a vital engine for national growth.
The online debate over whether restaurants in Thailand should accept orders only in Thai highlights an underlying issue in the industry: a persistent labor shortage, as many Thais do not want to work in the sector.
Southeast Asia faces interconnected challenges from economic pressure, geopolitical rivalry, and technological disruption. The region’s diversity means these forces impact economies unevenly. Leaders must balance short-term stability with long-term autonomy amid trade shifts and global competition.
Thai Airways International (THAI) reported a net profit of 1.54 billion baht for the second quarter of 2026, down from 12.13 billion baht in the same period last year, as the Middle East conflict drove jet fuel prices sharply higher.
Six foreign tourists, including Russians, Indians and Israelis, were swept away from Nai Thon beach in Phuket yesterday morning after entering the sea despite red warning flags, according to local lifeguards.
Agoda has released data on travel interest among European travelers for summer 2026, showing that Thailand remained the Asian destination attracting the strongest interest for a second consecutive year. The result reflects the strength of Thailand’s tourism market among European travelers.
Asia Pacific commercial real estate investment reached a record USD $92.5 billion in the first half of 2026, a 35% year-on-year increase, according to JLL data. Japan led the region with USD $10.6 billion in the second quarter, while Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong all posted sharp volume gains driven by large portfolio and landmark transactions. 
Jorge Gonzalez searches with his bare hands for his aunt under the ruins of a four-story building in Pereira, one of the cities hardest hit by the powerful earthquake in Colombia that has left at least 240 dead. Like hundreds of volunteers and rescuers, he has spent hours clinging to the faintest hope there may be survivors in the rubble, despite the 7.4 magnitude quake that struck this coffee capital on Monday morning. 
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Thailand is widely perceived as a relatively safe destination compared with many countries at similar income levels, yet risk profiles vary considerably between cities. For expats and digital nomads planning a medium to long-term stay, understanding which Thai cities offer the most predictable and manageable safety environment is critical.
The Ministry of Energy is pressing ahead with a major overhaul of the entire electricity tariff structure for the first time in more than 20 years. Its plan to introduce a new tiered tariff structure is creating ripples for households using more than 400 units a month and for the business sector.
The baht closed last week, on April 24, at a fresh two-week low of 32.51 baht per US dollar, as markets awaited the outcomes of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting and the US Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting.
The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has unveiled a nationwide contingency plan to mitigate the potential impact of a looming Super El Nino, warning that hotter temperatures and below-normal rainfall could threaten crops, water supplies, and rural incomes this year.
The rapid increase in energy prices caused by the prolonged war in the Middle East is taking a toll on Thai consumers, who are already reeling under high household debt. The prices of crude oil and natural liquid gas have risen sharply since the US-Israel war on Iran broke out in late February.
Dramatic developments unfolded in Islamabad on Saturday as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi landed, held talks, and departed without meeting a US delegation. Soon after, US President Donald Trump canceled a planned flight by his two envoys to the Pakistani capital.
International trade between Thailand and China remains brisk, but the overall picture points to structural fragility as the trade deficit continues to widen. A review of data from the Information and Communication Technology Center found that Thailand-China trade totaled B1.278 trillion in the first three months of 2026, up 18.% from the same period a year earlier.
Thailand’s automotive industry showed fresh signs of recovery in March, as total vehicle production rose to 133,413 units and domestic sales were boosted by strong demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, according to the Federation of Thai Industries.
The information center of LWS Wisdom and Solutions Co. has pointed to a new picture of the property market in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), saying it is moving from growth driven by investment and infrastructure stimulus toward a housing market powered by “real demand” from the workforce and industrial sector. This has significantly changed the equation for project development and property investment in the area.
The battle for Thailand’s skincare market is intensifying as local and international beauty brands race to capture consumers who are spending more on science-based, skin-health-focused products.
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is advancing plans to integrate medical cannabis into the country’s health economy. This initiative aligns with recent changes in U.S. cannabis policy, as the U.S. eases restrictions on certain cannabis products.
Thailand is set to revert to its previous visa-free entry policy, reducing the number of eligible countries and territories from 93 to 57. This decision by the Tourism and Sports Ministry aims to improve visitor screening and promote high-value tourism.
Searches for short-haul travel destinations have risen sharply ahead of Thailand’s upcoming long weekend from April 30 to May 4, covering Labor Day and Coronation Day. The trend reflects growing demand for convenient, budget-conscious holidays, with Thai travelers showing stronger interest in both domestic destinations close to Bangkok and nearby international cities.
Call it a different kind of sticker shock. The Beijing Auto Show that opened to the public this week is a showcase for how hypercompetition in China has driven new car prices in the world’s largest car market to a fraction of the level of the next-largest market, the United States.
The National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) will meet tomorrow to consider a plan to buy more solar power from households and businesses, with the intention of encouraging people to generate their own electricity.
The industrial sector in Bangkok is seeing a noticeable shift as factories and warehouses begin turning their rooftops into productive financial assets through solar power installations. This change is being driven by rising electricity costs and supportive government policies, making solar energy an increasingly attractive option for businesses in Thailand’s capital and nearby areas.
Representatives of about 50 governments meet in Colombia today for the first international talks on phasing out planet-heating fossil fuels, against a backdrop of the Iran war and a global energy crunch.
Police have arrested two Chinese tourists accused of carrying out a gold shop robbery in Nakhon Ratchasima, stealing rings worth about 300,000 baht before fleeing. The suspects were detained later the same day in Bangkok after investigators traced their getaway vehicle. The stolen items were recovered and authorities are preparing legal proceedings. 
The man who authorities say tried to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner with guns and knives was charged yesterday with the attempted assassination of US President Donald Trump, as federal authorities suggested an attack that disrupted one of Washington’s glitziest events had been planned for at least several weeks. 
Australia unveiled draft laws today that would tax tech giants Meta, Google, and TikTok unless they voluntarily strike deals to pay local outlets for news. Traditional media companies around the world are in a battle for survival as readers increasingly consume their news on social media. Australia wants big tech companies to compensate local publishers for sharing articles that drive traffic on their platforms. 
The death toll from a train collision near the Indonesian capital Jakarta has risen to 14, with another 84 injured, the train operator said today, as rescuers worked to extract survivors still trapped in the wreckage. The collision between a commuter train and a long-distance train happened late yesterday in Bekasi, just outside Jakarta.