- Prachuap Khiri Khan video/Thailand faces heavy rain and flood risks/December deadline for foreign land nominee probes/New Cold War tests Thai choices
- ECONOMY: France unrest offers Thailand lesson/Data centers and AI to fuel investment/World where there might be more people than jobs/Prepare for AI pain points/What do jobseekers need in the age of AI?
- TOURISM: Thailand’s foreign arrivals fall 4.12%/French protests threatening Thai tourism/Travel subsidies for tour groups/Virgin Atlantic lands in Phuket
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Chiang Mai’s iconic elephant camp/Bangkok ranked best culinary city in Asia
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Toyota investing in pickup plant
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
A Secret in Paradise – Prachuap Khiri Khan
A collaboration of the Hua Hin community reveals why “Prachuap Khiri Khan” is the peoples’ choice in Thailand. A group of local residents, together with schools supported by ex-minister of Tourism and Sports Weerasak Kowsurat and local government tell the story of “A Secret in Paradise – Prachuap Khiri Khan”. Continued …
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Thailand faces heavy rain and flood risks until Sunday
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its seventh heavy-rain warning today, alerting parts of Thailand to heavy to very heavy downpours through Sunday. The warning also forecasts waves above three meters in thunderstorm areas of the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand.
South, east coast: Thunderstorms will cover 70% of the area, with isolated heavy rain in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Pattani and Narathiwat, and isolated very heavy rain in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Songkhla. Minimum temperatures will be 23–24°C and maximum temperatures 31–33°C. Continued …
Thailand sets December deadline for foreign land nominee probes
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered officials to complete investigations into suspected nominee arrangements used by foreigners to hold Thai land by December.
Anutin said enquiries must not stop with the name on a land title deed or company share certificates. Authorities must identify the person exercising real control and benefiting from the land, trace assets and examine those connected with any suspected network. Continued …
New Cold War tests Thai choices
Scholars and experts advise Thailand to maintain strategic flexibility and avoid picking sides to preserve its ability to balance relations between the United States and China. This approach is intended to help the nation navigate the complexities of a new Cold War and avoid the risks associated with being caught in a direct geopolitical confrontation.
The advice emphasizes the importance of preserving strategic balance and flexibility to manage the competing interests of both superpowers. Experts suggest that choosing a side could trigger economic or security-related repercussions, as the competition spans critical sectors like trade, finance, technology, and outer space. Furthermore, maintaining a balanced stance allows Thailand to better manage its diverse relationships, which include navigating US trade policies and managing significant economic ties with China. – Bangkok Post AI
France unrest offers Thailand lesson in debt and fiscal discipline
France’s latest wave of unrest is drawing attention to the financial pressure on one of Europe’s largest welfare states, prompting Thai economists to warn that persistent budget deficits and weak fiscal discipline can eventually constrain public services and leave governments with fewer options during a crisis.
More than 500,000 people joined nationwide demonstrations in France after protests that began among secondary-school students over deteriorating school conditions and teacher shortages broadened into anger over living costs and underfunded public services. Continued …
Data centers and AI to fuel digital investment boom
The Thai government is prioritizing investments in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure to transform the country into a regional leader and an intelligent nation. These investments are designed to strengthen national economic competitiveness, enhance digital sovereignty, and unlock new sources of economic growth through improved productivity.
By focusing on these areas, the government aims to transition from a fragmented digital presence to a unified, AI-driven backbone that supports both public and private sectors. Key strategic goals include building a robust foundation of data centers, cloud services, and advanced networking to support high-quality data and computing resources. Additionally, the strategy emphasizes developing a skilled local workforce and creating a globally competitive domestic AI industry to ensure that Thailand can effectively utilize emerging technologies rather than merely relying on imported solutions. – Bangkok Post AI
Where will young people stand in a world where there might be more people than jobs?
As young people hone their skills to enter the labor market, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we work, and in 15 years, there may be more job seekers than available positions. How will they prepare, and will the labor market create enough opportunities for this new generation?
A conference a the recent IMF-World Bank meetings in Bangkok featured a key panel discussion under the session Small AI, More and Better Jobs”. The main focus was on sharing data indicating that over the next 15 years, 1.2 billion young people will turn 18 and enter the labor market. The key question is whether the global economy at that time will be able to create enough jobs for these people, especially when AI is transforming work processes, from data searching and analysis to tasks that previously required human skills and experience. Continued …
Employees warned to prepare for AI pain points as organizations prepare to downsize
Thanit Sorat , vice president of the Thai Employers’ Confederation of Trade and Industry, drew lessons and reflected on the perspectives of global financial leaders at the IMF – World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, pointing out that both the IMF and the World Bank share grave concerns about the impact of AI and advanced technologies, which will have an unprecedented and widespread effect on labor markets and employment.
A report by the IMF and the International Labor Organization (ILO) indicates that businesses in Europe and the United States have adopted AI in more than one-third of their operations to enhance competency and productivity. This has already impacted employment in the West by 34%, and it is projected that this impact will expand globally, both directly and indirectly, by an average of 40% in the future. Continued …
What do jobseekers need in the age of AI?
Artificial intelligence is changing how people work across a wide range of professions, from researching information and writing content to preparing reports and conducting basic data analysis. Tasks that once took hours can now be completed much faster with AI tools. But for jobseekers, an important question remains: as AI becomes capable of doing more, what skills do employers still need from people?
An analysis by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), presented during the IMF-World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok found that hiring demand in occupations highly exposed to AI fell by about 10% before beginning to stabilize, even as AI capabilities continued to advance. The analysis drew on millions of online job advertisements across Asia. Continued …
Thailand’s foreign arrivals fall 4.12%
Thailand’s foreign tourist arrivals totaled 24,423,680 from Jan. 1 to Oct. 17, down 4.12% year-on-year, according to preliminary figures released by Tourism and Sports Ministry. Foreign visitors spent 1,189.555 billion baht in Thailand during the period.
Thailand recorded 487,410 foreign arrivals during Oct. 11–17, up 4,035, or 0.83%, from the previous week. The weekly total represented an average of 69,630 arrivals a day. Continued …
French protests seen threatening Thai tourism
Tourism operators in Thailand are concerned that mass protests in France could weaken inbound travel from Europe, a key source market for the country. These protests, driven by cost-of-living concerns and student demonstrations, threaten to disrupt the economy and further reduce European arrivals, which are already being impacted by unrest in the Middle East.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has noted that French tourists remain a strong source of demand, but prolonged unrest could lead to a gradual economic decline for travelers in the region. While Thailand has not seen an immediate impact on bookings due to recent demonstrations, industry experts worry that continued instability and high costs of living in France may influence the travel decisions of budget-conscious families and long-haul travelers. This situation adds pressure to a Thai tourism sector that is already navigating various global challenges. – Bangkok Post AI
New travel subsidies for tour groups
The Amazing Thailand campaign, specifically the Around Thailand with Tours initiative, aims to generate at least 208.8 million baht in tourism revenue. The government launched the domestic travel subsidy initiative to encourage group travel.
The program aims to reduce transportation costs for domestic tour groups through various subsidies, such as up to 40,000 baht per trip for groups traveling by van with at least six passengers. Additionally, tour groups traveling by bus can receive a subsidy of up to 10,000 baht per day, capped at 40,000 baht per trip for groups of at least 30 people. – Bangkok Post AI
Virgin Atlantic lands in Phuket
Thailand welcomed Virgin Atlantic’s inaugural direct flight from London Heathrow to Phuket yesterday, as advance bookings from the UK rose 17.5% ahead of the high season.
Virgin Atlantic launched the service to eliminate the need for passengers to connect through the Middle East. This seasonal route, which operates three times weekly from Oct. 18 to March 26, 2027, is the airline’s first service in both Thailand and Southeast Asia.
The service utilizes a Boeing 787-9 aircraft with 258 seats, and the inaugural flight saw a 98% passenger load factor. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the new route is expected to add approximately 3,096 seats to the monthly capacity as the country prepares for the high season. – Bangkok Post AI
Chiang Mai’s iconic elephant camp marks golden anniversary with major transformation
Mae Sa Elephant Camp, one of Chiang Mai’s longest-established tourist attractions, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with plans to revitalize its facilities, expand community partnerships and embrace a more sustainable approach to elephant tourism.
Founded in 1976 by the late Choochart Kalmapijit, Mae Sa Elephant Camp has played an important role in shaping Chiang Mai’s tourism industry for five decades. Now, under the leadership of his eldest daughter, Anchalee Kalmapijit, the camp is preparing to enter its 51st year with renewed ambitions for the future. Continued …
Bangkok ranked best culinary city in Asia
Bangkok was named Asia’s Best Culinary City Destination at the 2026 World Culinary Awards, marking its second consecutive win.Bangkok has now won three of the past four editions, with the Vietnamese capital Hanoi interrupting its run in 2024.
Bangkok’s food scene extends from street stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, offering both traditional Thai cooking and contemporary interpretations. A food walk here can move from a bowl of rolled rice noodles in peppery pork broth to crab fried rice to noodles topped with homemade fish balls. Continued …
Toyota allots 1.49 billion baht for pickup plant
Toyota Motor Thailand is investing 1.49 billion baht to establish the country’s first production line for fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) pickup trucks.
This project, which is expected to begin commercial production in the fourth quarter of 2027, will have an annual production capacity of 3,000 units. The FCEV technology utilizes a hydrogen fuel cell system to generate electricity, emitting only water as a byproduct, which supports Thailand’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. To support this new line, Toyota plans to upgrade its plant in Chachoengsao with specialized workstations for assembling critical FCEV components, including fuel cells, electric motors, batteries, and hydrogen storage tanks. – Bangkok Post AI
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Thai police raid Bangkok Chinese-Korean scam network – Continued …
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5 foreigners held with 5 tons of cannabis in Bangkok raid – 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 has eliminated rubella as a public health problem, an achievement the World Health Organization described as a “major milestone”.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported today that floods continued in Bangkok and 20 provinces, mostly in the central plains, but their levels were declining.
Thailand has blocked 945,075 URLs linked to online gambling during the 2026 fiscal year, according to the government, as it steps up action against illegal online content and cybercrime.
AGT 2026 champion Nene Royal fulfilled a dream by performing alongside metal giants Avenged Sevenfold during their concert in Singapore last night, delivering a 13-minute set that had fans rocking out.
Thailand records about 120 foreign tourist deaths on its roads each year, with 91 killed and 9,668 injured in crashes during the first nine months of 2026, according to insurance-sector figures highlighted by road safety campaigners.
Thailand’s Finance Ministry is facing a coordinated backlash over plans for a new 1,000-baht tax on international air departures, which would apply to Thai citizens and foreign nationals leaving the country.
Another jet-ski excursion involving foreign tourists was cut short last week after riders repeatedly ignored safety warnings and alarmed other participants with risky manoeuvers, Phuket Tourist Police have confirmed. 
Mu Koh Similan National Park reopens
Phetchabun authorities face calls to review adventure tourism safety rules and compliance after two foreigners were injured in a fall from a cliff while abseiling over the weekend.
Phuket Festival Devotees Pierce Cheeks With Swords and Guns
Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer during surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital yesterday, when doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican said. The operation on the 71-year-old pontiff lasted about 90 minutes and was successful, with no complications. 
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued Warning No. 5 today, forecasting isolated heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Thailand during Oct. 9–13. Thundershowers, gusty winds and hail are also expected during the five-day period.
The global oil market is becoming increasingly vulnerable to supply shocks, as readily accessible inventories shrink following heavy withdrawals during conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, according to leading energy executives.
Oil prices settled 4% higher yesterday in Houston as revived concerns over the ongoing Middle East war and growing supply disruptions from Hurricane Isaias approaching the US Gulf Coast drove intense market volatility.
Meta has banned advertisements from TikTok owner ByteDance on Facebook and Instagram in Thailand, the United States and five other markets, escalating competition between the two social-media groups.
Thailand stands at a pivotal junction where it must rapidly modernize its infrastructure, expand artificial intelligence adoption, and bridge a widening digital skills gap to avoid being left behind in the new global economy.
Thailand’s consumer confidence fell for the first time in four months in September, with the index dropping to 52.1 as widespread flooding and rising living costs weighed on households. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) released the findings yesterday, drawing on a nationwide survey of 2,241 respondents.
Thailand identifies 10 emerging technologies for future growth
Bangkok voted world’s best city for tourists
ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), finalized on May 30, represents a landmark achievement as the world’s first regional digital economy agreement. It establishes common rules for cross-border data transfers, e-commerce, cybersecurity, AI, and talent mobility, targeting a projected $1 trillion digital economy by 2030.
Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program has approved 12,010 foreign nationals in its first four years, the Board of Investment (BOI) says.
Thailand’s government has denied claims that proposed legal changes would end taxes on alcohol and tobacco or dismantle four public bodies funded through levies linked to those products.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has assured protesters that universal healthcare benefits will not be cut. He stated that instead of being reduced, these benefits can only be expanded, arguing that such rights should only increase.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul prioritized urgent payments to ensure that affected households receive relief funds as quickly as possible. He stated that it is important for people to receive their money as soon as possible, ordering authorities to distribute the first batch of payments this week based on verified claims without waiting for the entire nationwide processing to conclude.
The government has ordered a comprehensive review of its flood-risk maps to ensure they provide the highest possible accuracy and completeness. Additionally, officials have instructed all relevant agencies to utilize a single, unified data set to manage water and coordinate responses.
Insurance companies are expected to suffer the most significant and long-lasting impact on their earnings due to the current flooding. This prolonged recovery period is driven by the high volume of severe claims and losses that insurers must process as floodwaters recede.
Heavy overnight rain left roads flooded across parts of Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom early today, slowing traffic and forcing motorists to take extra care or avoid several affected routes.
Southeast Asian energy ministers meeting in Manila this week face the prospect of a prolonged Middle East war that has exposed the region’s vulnerabilities to imported energy.
Thailand is struggling to reach its 7 million ton rice export goal because several key trading partners have reduced their import volumes. The shortfall is driven largely by decreased demand from Malaysia and the Philippines, with the latter citing concerns over relatively high prices for Thai rice.
Thailand is seeking to turn its food, entertainment, wellness sector and recognizable cultural symbols into longer-lasting economic influence, as competition for visitors across Southeast Asia intensifies.
Thailand is advancing a 10-year strategy for 2025–2034 to become an international center for medical and wellness industries through five areas of development, extending its ambitions beyond hospital treatment to health products, research, training and international events.
Siam Legal International, a Thailand-based law firm, has published a step-by-step arrival checklist for first-time visitors to Thailand, covering the entry process from passport condition and pre-arrival paperwork to the documents immigration officers may request at the counter. The guide reflects entry procedures as of October 2026 and sets out each stage in the order travelers generally encounter it.
Bangkok’s Yaowarat is preparing for the 2026 Vegetarian Festival, with the traditional nine-day vegetarian observance running from Oct. 10–18, while the main Yaowarat festival runs from Oct. 9–18.
Laos, Myanmar and Thailand have launched a joint action plan to tackle seasonal haze and forest fires that cause serious air pollution across the Mekong sub-region. The trilateral initiative was launched by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs alongside the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the governments of Lao PDR and Myanmar.
Vietnamese police have arrested 12 men accused of stealing nearly 2,700 cats during night raids into residential neighborhoods, taking the pets to be slaughtered for food, police and state media said yesterday. Consumption of dogs and cats is legal in Vietnam, where many restaurants openly advertise the meat, but vendors are required to obtain certificates showing the origin of the animals. 
A Khao Tao power outage is scheduled for tomorrow from 9 am to 5 pm, affecting residents and businesses in parts of the area.
Officials to keep tabs on Hua Hin beachfront demolition
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Phetchaburi Province and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) have officially launched Hua Hin–Cha-am MICE City, presenting the neighboring destinations as one choice for meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions.
Water released from Pranburi Reservoir
Erik Brown, Tham Luang cave rescue diver, dies at 44
Canadian cave diver Erik Brown, who helped rescue the Wild Boars football team and their coach from Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai in 2018, has died aged 44. Brown’s family and friends announced his death, but did not give the precise date and cause of death, or any further details.
Chai Nat-Gulf canal plan faces Bangkok flood doubts
Flooding in Thailand has forced Toyota Motor to halt operations at four factories temporarily. A Toyota spokesperson said flooding had disrupted parts deliveries to the company’s factories in Thailand.
Farmers in the Bua Yai district of Nakhon Ratchasima are primarily struggling with severe drought conditions that are threatening their rice crops. This lack of sufficient water has left many rice fields unable to survive, forcing some farmers to release water into their fields to save crops or face losing their entire harvest.
Thailand’s long-awaited US trade deal has hit a serious hiatus as conflicting accounts emerge from Bangkok’s top negotiators. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun says an agreement has been reached in principle. Yet, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow says market access remains the key issue.
Thailand is preparing a new 14th National Economic and Social Development Plan for 2028–2032 that places digital technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced electronics and cleaner energy at the center of the country’s next development cycle. The government seeks to reposition Thailand as a higher-value investment and production base.
Phuket developers are promoting long-term residence visas and registered property-use rights to attract foreign residents and investors, as the island’s property market cools after several years of rapid growth.
Bangkok has recorded one of the strongest increases in luxury residential prices among major global cities over the past decade, with values rising by about 75%, according to Savills Research.
Russia has proposed bilateral cooperation with Thailand on small modular reactors (SMRs), Russian Ambassador Evgeny Tomikhin said yesterday. He added that Moscow wants to build on a run of high-level contacts to lift trade, which he described as far below its potential.
Southeast Asia’s digital economy was valued at $300 billion in 2025 and could reach $1 trillion by 2030. Structural shifts in ASEAN countries drive growth, with e-commerce dominating. Policy, platform evolution, and investment opportunities support this growth potential.
A World Economic Forum report on ASEAN’s digital economy highlights the gap between digital ambition and practical execution, positioning Thailand’s leadership as pivotal. Having chaired negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) across 14 rounds culminating in 2026, Thailand now faces the challenge of translating this agreement into functional cross-border systems for payments, digital identity, and data governance.
Suvarnabhumi Cargo Terminal Stays Open as Thai Airways Clears 8,000 Delayed Bags
When an expatriate dies in Thailand, relatives may have to deal with Thai authorities, the deceased’s embassy, funeral arrangements and an estate spread across several countries. The process is easier when each step is handled in the correct order.
Living in Thailand does not mean your estate exists only in Thailand. An expat may own a Thai condominium, maintain bank accounts offshore, hold US shares through an international platform and have pensions or property in their home country.
A retiree who ditched Australia for a “better life” in Thailand has revealed how he “lives like a king” for roughly $65 a day and is now helping other older Aussies do the same.
US President Donald Trump unveiled what he called a “damn good” AI chatbot, but it quickly drew attention for contradicting some of his contentious political claims. A day later, however, it stopped answering some political questions. 
Japan has toughened requirements for foreigners wanting to obtain permanent residency. Under new rules that will come into effect in stages, foreign residents wishing to stay in Japan permanently will have to prove their annual income is above average and they can carry casual conversations in Japanese. 
Switzerland’s glaciers, which are disproportionately impacted by climate change, have lost nearly 20% of their mass in five years, experts said today, with 2026 registering the second-biggest melt on record. 
Personnel from the USS Abraham Lincoln have reportedly been prohibited from entering Pattaya Soi 6 and Soi 7 after sunset as part of safety rules imposed during the aircraft carrier’s port call in Chonburi.
Hordes of US sailors were up early yesterday as they set out to explore this tourist city on their second day of shore leave. They began their explorations on Wednesday night, with many making a beeline for the famous Walking Street to soak up the atmosphere.
Behind the neon signs of Thailand’s vast nightlife industry, HIV remains a deadly and deeply entrenched threat. Prostitutes and customers increasingly arrange paid sex through websites, applications and private messages. They then meet inside hotels, rented rooms or homes, bypassing medical checks once imposed through established sex venues.
Thailand’s use of trade preferences under free trade agreements reached US$48.069 billion, or approximately 1.57 trillion baht, during the first six months of 2026, rising 7.3% from the same period last year. The Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) reported that preferential treatment was claimed on 80.8% of the value of eligible exports between January and June.
Thailand has formally removed the foreign business license requirement for seven specified service activities, under a new ministerial regulation published by the Royal Gazette yesterday.
Thailand’s ambition to become a global hub for wellness tourism and preventive healthcare is being held back not by a shortage of talent or infrastructure, but by regulation that has failed to keep pace with a rapidly evolving industry, according to senior executives and experts who spoke at the Bangkok Business Summit 2026 yesterday.
Thai Navy schedules four September royal barge rehearsals
Thailand’s ‘Jurassic Park’ shines light on dinosaur evolution
Gallothai: Three Decades of Chocolate Craftsmanship
Baan Khun Por Food Court (Father’s House) on Soi 88, is one of the best places in Hua Hin for authentic local Thai food, international cuisine, great prices, live music and a really relaxed friendly local vibe. Open daily from 5 pm until midnight. If you’re visiting Hua Hin and want to try a variety of dishes all in one place, this is definitely a spot you shouldn’t miss. From sizzling stir-fries and fresh seafood to classic Thai favorites, there’s something here for everyone. 
Roadworks on Hua Hin Soi 102 will begin near Laguna Village tomorrow. The project will involve the construction of a reinforced concrete road and drainage system in the Laguna Village area of Soi 102.
A new Thai health study has linked regular e-cigarette use to a sharply higher risk of erectile dysfunction, finding users face double the risk even without underlying medical conditions.
Thailand’s economy is currently facing a significant challenge, as its currency, the baht, weakens despite the presence of portfolio inflows. A record USD 10.0 billion trade deficit in April, primarily driven by robust import activity, is exerting considerable downward pressure on the baht.
Thai trade unions address reduction of safety and health risks in the workplace
For more than half a century, Thailand held a proud title: the “Detroit of the East.” This economic engine was built almost entirely on Japanese blueprints. Beginning in the 1960s, Japanese auto giants like Toyota, Honda, and Isuzu constructed vast industrial networks across the country, establishing a seemingly unshakeable dominance.
Thailand is being urged to close legal loopholes and revise its import strategies as the country seeks to secure a lower tariff rate under Section 301 in negotiations with the United States.
Foodie, mom and kids, lifestyle, and beauty influencers remain the four groups most sought after by businesses as Thailand’s influencer marketing industry enters a more performance-driven era, according to IdeasLabs.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has allocated airport slots to four new airlines for the winter 2026/2027 schedule, paving the way for additional international services during Thailand’s peak tourism season. The new routes will strengthen air connectivity between Thailand and key markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Krabi set for 126 winter flights as Nordic demand rises ahead of high season
The Thai Hotels Association – Southern Chapter and 12 private-sector tourism and economic organizations in the Andaman provinces of Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga, have submitted a letter to the minister of Tourism and Sports and the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), proposing that the government consider reviewing the measure to end visa-free entry for Indian tourists.
Thailand is increasingly using waste-to-energy projects as part of its drive to reduce landfill, generate electricity, cut pollution, and support the country’s clean-energy transition.
Thailand’s central plains are set to become the frontier for sustainable agriculture as the Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rice Research Center aggressively deploys the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economic Model to pioneer low-carbon rice production.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is concerned that the expiration of the government’s electric vehicle (EV) incentive program in 2027 could leave Thailand vulnerable to a surge of Chinese EV imports and weaken local automotive supply chains.
Japan fans left the stands spotless after their World Cup opener against the Netherlands in Texas yesterday, saying it was “Japanese culture” to tidy up after themselves. Spectators stayed behind after the 2-2 draw to make sure they left the stadium as they found it, meticulously picking up litter and stuffing it into blue plastic bags. 
Russia fired a barrage of missiles at several major Ukrainian cities, setting Kyiv’s historic Dormition Cathedral on fire and killing nine, while Ukraine strikes claimed three lives south of Moscow. 
Switzerland yesterday rejected a proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritized economic stability and ties with the European Union over worries immigration was straining public services and pushing up rents. 
Starting times for the Hua Hin Marathon 2026 have been confirmed, with organizers expecting more than 3,500 runners to take part in the annual race on Sunday, May 10. The event will include four race distances and aims to raise funds for environmental conservation in the city.
Dear Doctors: I just read about people who are called super-agers and how they don’t have the memory problems that happen when you get older. Supposedly, they have more brain cells. Do you know if that’s true? The idea of super-agers is really interesting, and I want to know more.
Thailand is facing the risk of water shortages after its “source water” reserves, stored supplies used during the dry season, declined due to climate change and El Niño.
Thailand’s economy is being hit by what economists describe as a “cost tsunami”, as the Middle East conflict enters its third month following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, driving up energy prices and placing pressure on both businesses and households.
Thailand’s grassroots economy is facing a critical turning point as a “perfect storm” of soaring energy costs and stagnant consumer demand leaves a significant portion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on the verge of collapse.
Thailand is attracting significant foreign investment from major tech companies, despite recent economic challenges. Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and ByteDance have committed billions to expand digital infrastructure, marking a notable shift in Thailand’s economic landscape.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has been appointed to lead a government committee tasked with studying the proposed land bridge project within a 90-day timeframe, according to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Thailand will benefit from its southern land bridge project, as the Strait of Malacca is to reach full capacity in 10 years, according to Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat.
The housing market in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) continued to soften in 2025, with both demand and supply contracting year-on-year, according to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC).
Thailand is seeking to reposition its healthcare sector as a strategic investment engine, moving beyond a buyer-seller model toward long-term partnerships in clinical research, drug production, medical AI, and advanced healthcare technology.
Thai Union Group expects a positive outlook for the pet food business, although Thailand’s pet food export growth is expected to moderate this year.
The Koh Phi Phi islands in Thailand deliver some of the most breathtaking scenery you’re ever likely to see. Set in the Andaman Sea, they’re made up of dramatic limestone cliffs and white sand bays surrounded by turquoise waters filled with tropical fish.
Video of Railay Beach, Krabi
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Bangkok’s Street Food Scene Is Disappearing
Stronger promotion of solar power by Thai authorities amid an energy crisis holds promise, but still faces challenges, say industry analysts. Clean energy is in the spotlight after global conflicts continue to push electricity prices higher, leaving households and businesses vulnerable to volatility.
Chief government whip Korrawee Prissananantakul yesterday expressed confidence that the Clean Air Bill, which lapsed with the previous House, will be approved by the cabinet within the set timeframe.
As wildfires swept through forests across Thailand, animals fled through smoke and flames. Experts urged the government to act more proactively to tackle the wildfires, particularly by adopting modern technology.
TotalEnergies ENEOS has entered into a long-term agreement with Jintana Intertrade, a garment manufacturer in Thailand, to supply solar power to its production facility. The two companies have signed a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) that will support the installation and operation of a 1.2 MWp solar photovoltaic system at the factory.
Vegetarian Festival Continues Until Wednesday
Over 800 Foreign Nationals Flee to Thailand After Myanmar Raids Scam Compound
Korean kidnappings in Thailand trigger travel safety alarm
After ‘bribe’, Trump pardons Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao
White House warns of chaos at US airports as shutdown drags