O Visa Undergoes Consolidation/ITF World Tennis begins Monday/Vegetarian Festival to begin Monday/Thundershowers and rough seas/Universal health coverage for 2026 fiscal year/Digital meter for taxi services/ECONOMY: ‘Phoney trade war’ may be ending/Online Earners: Declare All Income/Asia remains resilient despite tariffs/Thai fashion exports soar/TOURISM: Fake Arrival Card Websites/TAT promotes medical tourism/Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges/Penalty for Banned Sunscreens/Suvarnabhumi Ranks 12th in Global Connectivity/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand No.1 for best food/What your go-to Thai dish says about you/CLIMATE THAILAND: 200 new charging stations/US Continues To Export Garbage Overseas/BYD reaches 100,000th car deliveries/BYD recalls over 115,000 cars/Dugong numbers plummet/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
Thailand’s Non-Immigrant O Visa Classification Undergoes Consolidation
Thailand’s Department of Consular Affairs has restructured its non-immigrant visa system by consolidating the existing 17 categories into seven broader groups.” The changes are intended to reduce redundancy and simplify the classification process.
The new categories are F (official), B (business), ED (education), M (mass media), O ( thers), L-A ( abor), and O L-A (combined others and labor). Others (O) merges O, O-A (long-stay one year), and O-X (long-stay 5ive + five years). Continued …
ITF World Tennis Tour Hua Hin 2025 begins Monday
Tennis fans in Hua Hin can look forward to world-class action later starting Monday when the ITF World Tennis Tour Hua Hin 2025 comes to Arena Hua Hin, under the name Cal-Comp & CCAU Industry 4.0 ITF World Tennis Tour 2025. The series of four men’s and women’s tournaments will take place in October and November, offering world ranking points and nearly 2 million baht in prize money.
The first two weeks will feature men’s tournaments, scheduled from Oct. 20–26 and Oct. 27–Nov. 2. These will be followed by two women’s tournaments from Nov.10-16 and Nov. 17-23. Each tournament will offer US$15,000 in prize money, amounting to around 2 million baht across the four events. Continued …
Vegetarian Festival to begin Monday
The annual Vegetarian Festival, which is rooted in Chinese-Thai heritage, is taking place Oct. 20-29 this year, with this observed as a period of spiritual purification, merit-making and blessings for prosperity, good fortune, and longevity.
During the period, travelers can witness grand processions of Chinese deities, striking rituals of spiritual devotion, and an impressive variety of vegetarian dishes. The celebration takes place across the country in communities with strong Thai-Chinese traditions. Each location offers a distinctive atmosphere, while sharing the unifying theme of purity, health, and renewal. Continued …
Thundershowers and rough seas hit Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned that southeasterly and easterly winds continue to prevail across Thailand, the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, fueling widespread thundershowers and the threat of isolated heavy rain, particularly in the south.
The northern and central provinces, along with the northeast, are expected to experience scattered thunderstorms. While these are not forecast to be severe, officials have urged the public to take caution, particularly in areas prone to flooding and water accumulation. Continued …
Gold card holders get universal health coverage for 2026 fiscal year
A budget of over Bt265 billion has been officially set for Thailand’s Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) “gold card” holders, under the National Health Security Office (NHSO), for the 2026 fiscal year.
The NHSO’s deputy secretary-general, Dr. Atthaporn Limpanyalert, told the media this week that a notice from the NHSO board endorsing the budget has been published in the Royal Gazette, giving gold card holders nationwide access to UCS benefits from Oct. 1, 2025, to Sept. 30, 2026. Continued …
Ministry plans digital meter for taxi services
The Transport Ministry plans to introduce a digital taximeter program — a GPS-enabled system that calculates fares based on distance, traffic conditions, and peak-hour surcharges — to ensure fairer pricing.
Deputy Transport Minister Mallika Jiraphanwanich said yesterday that while previous policies mainly focused on passengers, it was now time to also address the needs of drivers. Continued …
‘Phoney trade war’ may be ending, 2026 to be worse
After a period of relative calm through the northern summer, businesses are bracing for a nervier winter, a return of trade and economic uncertainty, and higher financial market volatility to boot.
In some respects, the last few months may have been a bit of a phoney trade war — not unlike the eight-month “Phoney War” after the start of World War II in 1939, when no major military activity actually took place. Continued …
Thailand Reminds Online Earners to Declare All Income
Thailand’s Revenue Department has issued a reminder for all earners, including online influencers and sellers, to declare and pay taxes on their income. This announcement comes in light of increased scrutiny following singer Ratchanok “Janey” Suwannaket’s significant earnings from livestream sales.
Deputy Director-general Panuvat Luangvilai emphasized that every income, whether from product sales, livestream commissions, or promotions, should be declared. Earners should assess their total income, apply deductions based on actual expenses or a standard 60% allowance, and pay personal income tax, which varies from 5% to 35%. Continued …
Asia remains resilient despite tariffs and global uncertainty, says IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has assessed that Asia’s economy remains strong and continues to serve as a key driver of global growth, according to its report “Asia’s Economic Growth Is Weathering Tariffs and Uncertainty.”
The region has proved unexpectedly resilient, aided by front-loading of exports, technology investment, and policy support. To sustain strong and durable growth, it must now rebalance more toward domestic demand and deepen regional integration. Continued …
Thai fashion exports soar to 220 billion baht
Thailand’s fashion industry remains a key driver of the national economy, generating exports worth 220 billion baht and employing around 750,000 people. Yet, global economic uncertainty and rapidly shifting consumer behavior have created new challenges for the sector.
According to the Thailand Textile Institute, the fashion industry — both in Thailand and worldwide — continues to face mounting pressure in 2025. Sluggish global growth, rising labor costs, stricter environmental standards, and shifting trade structures have all contributed to a more competitive and complex landscape. Continued …
Thailand Warns Tourists of Fake Arrival Card Websites Charging Fees
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has warned foreign visitors about fraudulent websites posing as the official Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) registration portal and charging illegal fees.
Natreeya Taweewong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, said the sites were scams exploiting the surge in travel to Thailand. “Any website that collects money for TDAC registration is not an official Thai government site,” she said. “The process is completely free of charge.” Continued …
TAT promotes medical tourism to attract Middle Eastern high-net-worth travelers
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is intensifying efforts to promote the country as a global destination for medical and wellness tourism, targeting 125 billion baht in revenue in 2026.
Nat Kruthasoot, deputy governor for tourism products and business at TAT, said Thailand’s strength lies in its internationally accredited healthcare facilities, with 61 hospitals certified by the Joint Commission International (JCI). Medical costs are 30%–70% lower than in Western countries, and more than 500 hospitals and clinics nationwide are ready to serve foreign visitors. Continued …
Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges launches with expanded travel rewards
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges 2025 campaign. The initiative offers exclusive discounts, special privileges, and souvenirs for international visitors, aligning with the government’s Big Impact, Act Fast policy to stimulate travel spending during the year-end high season and reinforce Thailand’s position as a leading tourism hub.
The campaign runs from November to December and reflects the concept of “5 Grands – Grand Moment, Grand Privilege, Grand Invitation, Grand Festivity, and Grand Celebration” – promoting a wide range of travel products and services connected to Thailand’s “5 Must Do” experiences: Must Taste Thai cuisine, Must Try Muay Thai, Must Buy Thai fashion and textiles, Must Seek new destinations and stories, and Must See cultural performances and festivals. Continued …
Tourists Face $3,070 Penalty for Banned Sunscreens in Thai Marine Parks
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has issued a warning to tourists visiting marine national parks: using sunscreens containing chemicals harmful to coral reefs could result in fines of up to 100,000 baht ($3,070).
The enforcement is part of the department’s broader efforts to protect the long-term health of Thailand’s marine ecosystems, which have been increasingly threatened by chemical pollutants. Continued …
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Ranks 12th in Global Connectivity
Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok has been ranked 12th among the world’s 50 most connected airports in 2025, according to the Official Airline Guide (OAG). The airport is also fifth in the Asia-Pacific region for top international hubs.
The OAG rankings, derived from flight seat scheduling between September 2024 and August 2025, underscore the robust network of flight connections at major airports globally. Suvarnabhumi’s improved ranking reflects its expansive flight network and efficient operations, noted AOT. Don Mueang International Airport also made a mark, ranking 22nd in the Low-Cost Carrier Airport Megahubs category. Continued …
Thailand ranked No.1 for best food in the world by Condé Nast Traveler
Thailand has been named the No.1 country for the world’s best food in 2025, according to Condé Nast Traveler, a leading US-based travel magazine. The Kingdom topped the global list with a score of 98.33 out of 100, as revealed in the magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, with votes cast by readers around the world.
Thailand’s culinary excellence, marked by seven Bangkok restaurants ranked among the world’s top 35, helped secure the country’s top spot. The nation’s vibrant night markets, rich diversity of flavors, and simple, yet unforgettable, dishes continue to captivate food lovers worldwide. Continued …
What your go-to Thai dish says about you
Recently published “what your go-to Thai dish says about you”, featured dishes like the fragrant pad kra pao, heat-packed som tam, and flavorful boat noodles. Now, we’re back with a second edition, by popular demand, featuring more beloved Thai dishes like the zesty, herby larb, peppery guay jub, and the globally loved tom yum goong.
Your favourite Thai food order might just reveal more than you think. We’ve listed, once again, the most popular Thai dishes, and what they really mean if you always order them. Continued …
Spark EV to open 200 new charging stations in Thailand by December
Spark EV, a charge point operator (CPO) in Thailand, has inaugurated its 100th charging station in the country. It has announced plans to open 200 more charging stations by December, expanding its network to 300 locations.
By the end of next year, the company aims to further grow its presence, offering 500 charging stations across Thailand. Its goal is to ensure EV users can find a charging station every 50 kilometers across the country. Continued …
Waste Colonialism: US Continues To Export Garbage Overseas
In what is called “waste colonialism” the U.S. exports large amounts of trash and recycling overseas, particularly plastic waste. For decades, countries in Asia have received this waste, but growing environmental concerns have led several of them to change their policies.
The biggest shift came in 2018 when China stopped accepting most imported recyclables through its National Sword policy. This left the U.S. scrambling to find new destinations. Since then, countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam have become major importers of American waste. Some of these materials are technically recyclable, but many shipments include contaminated or low-quality plastics that are difficult or impossible to process properly. Continued …
BYD reaches 100,000th car delivery milestone in Thailand
BYD has reached its 100,000th vehicle delivery in Thailand, marking a milestone for the Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) maker in the Southeast Asian market. BYD officially entered the Thai market in 2022, initially selling vehicles in the Southeast Asian nation through imports.
On March 10, 2023, BYD commenced construction of its Thai factory at WHA Rayong 36 Industrial Estate, spanning nearly 960,000 square meters. On July 4, 2024, the facility began production, rolling out the first Thailand-made BYD vehicle — also marking BYD’s 8 millionth global vehicle. Continued …
BYD makes largest recall of over 115,000 cars due to design, battery issues
BYD has recalled over 115,000 Tang Hybrid and Yuan Pro vehicles in China due to design and battery flaws, raising fresh concerns over EV safety and quality.
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced yesterday that the recall covers two major models — one hybrid and one fully electric — following an official investigation. Continued …
Dugong numbers plummet as seagrass vanishes in Andaman
The Thai Coral Reef and Marine Life Conservation Foundation has launched a renewed campaign to restore seagrass beds in the Andaman Sea, after recent drone surveys revealed a drastic decline in dugong numbers, from 248 two years ago to just 114 today.
The biggest dugong populations were once found in Trang and along the Andaman coast. But worsening marine conditions and shrinking seagrass beds have forced the gentle sea mammals to migrate in search of food. Continued …
- Israeli Man Caught Stealing Temple Donations in Pattaya – Continued …
- Taiwanese Trio Caught Smuggling 52 Rare Animals at Airport – Continued …
- Pakistani Man Arrested at Airport Over Phuket Ladyboy Assault – Continued …
- Chinese Fraud Ring Boss Arrested Over ATM Cash Withdrawals – Continued …
- Cambodian Woman Arrested in Patong Child Begging Ring – Continued …
- Immigration Police Arrest Two Chinese Fugitives – Continued …
Bitcoin struggles to find momentum after historic wipeout
After a week-long rout that erased hundreds of billions in digital-asset value, Bitcoin has again failed to live up to its billing as a safe harbor asset. Once cast as a hedge against market turmoil — a “digital gold” for the blockchain age — the original cryptocurrency stabilized yesterday morning in Singapore after sliding alongside global equities and credit to hover near $109,000. Continued …
Kremlin envoy proposes a ‘Putin-Trump tunnel’ to link Russia and US
Russia and the United States should build a “Putin-Trump” rail tunnel under the Bering Strait to link the two countries, unlock joint exploration of natural resources and “symbolize unity”, a Kremlin envoy has suggested. The proposal envisages a construction project costing 8 billion dollars funded by Moscow and “international partners” to build a 70-mile (112-kilometer) rail and cargo link in under eight years. Continued …
Venezuela deploys troops, reports of new US boat strike
Venezuela deployed thousands of troops near the Colombian border on Thursday in response to the US military buildup in the Caribbean, where US media reported a new strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat. The United States has sent several military vessels to the Caribbean Sea and launched a series of deadly naval strikes on boats in recent weeks, a campaign that experts say is illegal. Continued …
Hua Hin Links
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
4 Hua Hin, Cha-am resorts win One MICHELIN Keys
Tensions rise with some Israeli tourists on Koh Phangan
Sweden’s Electrolux highlights sustainability goals in Thailand
Thai Premier Unveils 15-Point Urgent Agenda to Parliament
Online sellers hit by large increases in fees
Tourism at a crossroads
Weak China market dents eatery sector
Online fraud nightmare spreading within Thailand’s digital banking system
PKK vendor nearly dies after shingles treated with folk remedy
Jay Fai Fined 2,000 Baht for Unclear Menu Pricing Dispute
Chinese goods expected to flood Thailand over next three years
Antarctic climate shifts threaten ‘catastrophic’ impacts globally
Mayor outlines future development plans for Hua Hin
Thailand aims for 2.8 trillion baht tourism revenue in 2026
Skyworth Commits $500M to Accelerate ASEAN Solar Push with Thailand as Regional Hub
A guide to local Songkran events
Thailand kicks off Songkran 2025 with grand parades and cultural showcases
I met too many entitled expats in Thailand — here’s why I refused to become one of them
Kingdom hosts 44th Cobra Gold joint drills
Scammer Exodus from Myanmar Border; 7,000 Victims Await Freedom
Government eyes making Songkhla global cruise hub
Students from Thailand Win ‘Best in World’ Cambridge Schools Science Competition
