• Thailand Entering Its Second Lost Decade/Rules for ride-hailing and delivery apps/Country with gun problems/Phang Nga school shooting threat/Nan braces for more rain/Heavy flooding submerges Wiang Sa/Flash floods in Mae Sot/TikTok defense against online scams/American father reunited with son
• ECONOMY: KResearch keeps growth forecast at 2% /Thai consumers taking charge/Anutin denies Japanese firms are leaving
• TOURISM: Launch of ‘Thai Tiew Thai Plus’/Hotels expect Q3 revenue fall/Chao Phraya express boat fares to rise
• THAILAND EXPERIENCE: A Guide to Phang Nga/Bangkok eighth in global attractive city index
• CLIMATE THAILAND: Bangkok’s EV bus transition/115 EVs for Grab’s ride-hailing fleet/Global EV Sales to Hit 27%
• FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/Court fines Israeli man over Koh Samui zoo threatHUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

A Preliminary Case for Thailand Entering Its Second Lost Decade

Here is why Thailand might be entering a second consecutive lost decade. The first lost decade, between May 2014 and August 2023 was largely brought about by coup leader Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, who ushered in a period of relative economic stagnation and uncertainty.

Fast-forward to the present: August 2026. Consider these news items. ​Thailand has just registered the lowest economic growth among major ASEAN economies. The economy grew by just 1.9% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026. Tourist arrivals have declined by nearly 3% so far this year, while tourism is growing in Vietnam and Japan. Continued … 

Thailand plans rules for ride-hailing and delivery apps

Thailand’s competition regulator is preparing new rules for ride-hailing and on-demand delivery platforms amid concerns over market concentration, unfair commission structures, opaque algorithms and unequal operating conditions.

The proposed requirements would regulate platform fees, commercial terms and safety standards before being developed into a formal code of practice for the industry. Continued … 

The U.S. isn’t the only country with gun problems

Nine people were gunned down after a 14-year-old took his grandfather’s gun and opened fire at a school just outside Bangkok. Within days, Thailand saw two more different but deadly shootings.

The tragedies have reignited the gun control debate in a country where people are estimated to collectively own more than 10 million firearms. In response, the government is proposing tighter regulation, but critics are questioning whether the approach even gets to the heart of the problem. Video … 

Panic at Phang Nga school after online shooting threat

A school in Phang Nga was terrified yesterday) after a man brandishing a gun threatened to mount an attack in an online post, with the motive apparently stemming from a family dispute.

The school is located in Takua Pa district of the southern coastal province with the suspect displaying a firearm as he specifically threatened this school in his social media post, causing significant concern among parents and the public over the safety of their children and teachers, as well as other staff. Continued … 

Nan braces for more heavy rain, with saturated soil increasing flood risk

The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) has warned Nan residents to prepare for another spell of heavy rain on Sunday, with saturated soil increasing the risk of further flash floods and rapid run-off even as river levels begin to stabilize and fall.

Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri chaired a meeting yesterday to review flooding across the Nan River basin, coordinate assistance for affected communities and develop measures to address the province’s recurring flood problems over the longer term. Continued … 

Heavy flooding submerges Wiang Sa, marooning over 1,000 Nan households

Floodwaters flowing down the Nan River inundated five subdistricts in Wiang Sa district of Nan province overnight, with water levels reaching between 1.5 and 3 meters and marooning over 1,000 households.

As the final bottleneck for mass runoffs originating from Pua, Tha Wang Pha and Muang districts before heading downstream into the Sirikit Dam reservoir, Wiang Sa remains under close watch. Continued … 

Heavy rain triggers flash floods in Mae Sot as Moei River overflows

Torrential rain throughout the night triggered sudden flash floods in Mae Sot, inundating the city’s major commercial areas and forcing residents and traders to scramble to move their belongings to higher ground.

At about 4 am today, heavy rain that had continued through the night caused a huge volume of runoff to surge from waterways in the Mae Sot area, flooding communities across Mae Sot Municipality. Many residents were asleep when emergency announcements warned them to wake up and move their belongings immediately. Continued … 

TikTok builds three-layer defense against online scams in Thailand

TikTok has expanded its ThaisAware campaign as it enters its third year, bringing together 13 public-sector and civil-society partners to strengthen online-scam awareness in Thailand.

First launched in 2024 with eight partners, the initiative expanded to 12 in its second year and now involves 13 organizations. The 2026 campaign comes as online fraud continues to cause substantial losses. Continued … 

American father reunited with son after nearly 2 years of searching

An American mother wanted in an alleged parental kidnapping case in the US was arrested in Bangkok after allegedly taking her eight-year-old son from his father and remaining in hiding for nearly two years.

The 45-year-old American woman, identified as Linda, was arrested at an accommodation in Prawet district of Bangkok on Wednesday 19 following a parental kidnapping warrant issued by an Oregon court in the United States. Immigration officials also found her son at the location and arranged for his protection and welfare. Continued … 

KResearch keeps Thailand’s 2026 growth forecast at 2% as US trade risks rise

Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch) has maintained its forecast for Thailand’s economy to grow by 2% in 2026, despite second-quarter GDP expanding by a stronger-than-expected 1.9%.

The research house warned that the economy’s underlying momentum was weakening because much of the better-than-expected growth came from inventory accumulation, while several other economic drivers slowed. Continued … 

Thai consumers taking charge of their wallets and spending despite low growth

Thai consumers are raiding savings, borrowing and turning to deferred payments as six years of economic weakness squeeze household finances. A new Milieu Thailand survey found 77% recently needed savings or borrowing to cover expenses, while 71% expect to become even more cautious. Yet, consumers are refusing to shut their wallets.

More than half are spending more, while 69% still make room for personal rewards. Price now dominates purchasing decisions as families protect groceries and utilities while cutting travel and fashion. Despite the squeeze, half expect their finances to improve by 2027. Continued … 

Anutin denies Japanese firms are leaving Thailand amid EV shift

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dismissed reports that Japanese investors are moving their production bases out of Thailand, saying the government will not abandon long-standing investors and will fully support the country’s traditional automotive industry.

Anutin said the government places importance on investors from all countries, particularly Japan, which has used Thailand as a major production base for decades and has become deeply integrated into the country’s industrial sector. The government is prepared to adjust business conditions and remove obstacles to ensure Japanese investors remain confident in Thailand, he said. Continued … 

Ministry prepares launch of ‘Thai Tiew Thai Plus’ tourism program in October

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is gearing up for the launch, tentatively on Oct. 1, of the first phase of the “Thai Tiew Thai Plus” program, aimed at boosting domestic tourism.

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said 1.75 billion baht will be used to fund the first phase of the program, adding that, if it is successful, a second phase would be considered. Continued …

Thai hotels expect Q3 revenue fall

Most Thai hotel operators expect their revenue to decline year on year during the third quarter of 2026, with lower-rated properties and hotels in the south likely to face the greatest pressure during the low season.

The industry is looking to the government’s proposed Thai Tiew Thai Plus domestic-tourism program to stimulate travel and support hotel revenue toward the end of the year. However, the proposed Oct. 1 launch and the scheme’s preliminary benefits remain subject to the Finance Ministry completing its registration and operating systems. Continued … 

Chao Phraya express boat fares to rise by 1 baht from today

Fares for all passengers on Chao Phraya express boat services will be raised by 1 baht from today due to an increase in diesel prices.

The company’s managing director, Charoenporn Charoentham, said that diesel prices had risen to 37.59 baht per liter as of Aug 12. The service provides boat services between Pak Kret and Wat Rajsingkorn piers. Continued … 

A Guide to Phang Nga: Beyond James Bond Island, Where Southern Thailand Slows Down

Phuket may already be on your travel radar, but drive just a little farther, and the crowds begin to fade. Welcome to Phang Nga, where towering limestone cliffs rise from emerald waters and jungle-covered landscapes invite you to slow down.

Best known as the home of James Bond Island, this southern Thai province has far more to offer than its silver-screen fame. Paddle through hidden lagoons, wander laid-back fishing villages, discover farms and fisheries championing sustainable local ingredients, and feast on some of southern Thailand’s boldest flavors. Continued … 

Bangkok eighth in global attractive city index

Bangkok has been ranked eighth worldwide in the 2026 Global Tourism City Attractiveness Index, placing the Thai capital ahead of Okinawa and Chicago but immediately behind Rome.

The study, published by Yanolja Research, assessed 261 cities and issued rankings for the top 200. Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest tourist destination, came 27th overall. The index is based on online traveler discussion and sentiment, not visitor arrival numbers, hotel prices or official safety assessments. Continued … 

Bangkok pushes ahead with 1,520 EV bus transition

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) is preparing for a major operational overhaul, as it transitions to electric buses, with a plan to lease 1,520 electric vehicles (EVs) over seven years under a 14.9-billion-baht contract with Nakhonchai Air Co.

Delivery of the air-conditioned electric fleet will take place in three batches between March and May 2027. The first 500 buses are scheduled for delivery in late March 2027, followed by another 500 in April and the remaining 520 in May. Continued … 

GAC supplies 115 EVs for Grab’s ride-hailing fleet in Thailand

GAC has delivered 115 Aion EVs for use on Grab’s ride-hailing platform in Thailand through two separate partnerships: 100 units under a tie-up with CLVG and ICBC (Thai) Leasing, and 15 units through a collaboration with Siam Taxi Cooperative.

CLVG, a local car rental and mobility solutions provider, has acquired the 100 EVs from GAC and leased them to Grab drivers. ICBC (Thai) Leasing, a subsidiary of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Thai) and part of the broader ICBC Group, is providing the drivers with financing support for the lease. Continued … 

Global EV Sales to Hit 27% of Market in 2026 Despite US Policy Headwinds

Despite US market turbulence from the discontinuation of federal tax credits and supply disruptions caused by on-again, off-again tariffs, electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, according to a new report from BloombergNEF.

BloombergNEF’s annual Electric Vehicle Outlook (EVO) predicts that more than a quarter (27%) of cars sold globally in 2026 will be electric. That is up from 9% five years ago, and more than half (52%) of all passenger vehicles sold worldwide will be electric by 2035. Continued … 

Court fines Israeli man over Koh Samui zoo threat

The Koh Samui Provincial Court has fined an Israeli man 5,000 baht for threatening the life of the owner of Samui Exotic Park, a zoo on the island in Surat Thani. Police had set up a safety checkpoint outside Samui Exotic Park from Aug.15 after learning of the alleged threat. They said they are still seeking another person accused of placing a 500,000-baht bounty on the zoo owner. Continued … 

• Fire probe in France at Samui park manager mother’s home – Continued … 

• Israeli restaurant in Phuket refuses to serve Thai customers – Continued … 

• Koh Tao arrests: Six foreign dive instructors held – Continued … 

• Foreign woman eventually admits Koh Pha Ngan shop theft – Continued … 

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