- Sam Roi Yot video/How to Stop Drinking Alcohol/Unpaid traffic fines/Thailand able to cope with fuel prices//Russian siblings’ bodies recovered/Three more bodies in Chonburi/Thailand Set to Limit Cannabis/Wild elephant calf rescued
- ECONOMY: Navigating a ‘New World Disorder’/Business registration checks to curb nominees/Thailand details US tariff exemptions/Thailand Deploys Culinary ‘Soft Power’/More business-friendly laws
- TOURISM: Low-season travel schemes
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Four Thai cultural contrasts/Eats to Try in Bangkok
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand Green Manufacturing Hub/Court upholds ban on toxic farm chemicals/Bangkok considers petrol tuk tuk ban/Electric Vehicles Transforming Transport/10 billion bottles collected worldwide
- HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Sam Roi Yot
How to Stop Drinking Alcohol: A Practical Guide to Quitting
Stopping alcohol is often presented as a simple decision, but in reality, learning how to stop drinking alcohol isn’t the same for everyone. At one end, some people can reduce their drinking with structure and support. At the other, those dependent on alcohol may face withdrawal symptoms and serious risks without medical guidance.
Approaching this decision with the right level of awareness is essential. The safest way to stop drinking depends on your body, your drinking patterns, and the level of support you may need. Continued …
Unpaid traffic fines now affect vehicle tax renewals
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) will begin linking unpaid traffic fines to annual vehicle tax renewals starting today. DLT Director-general Sorapong Paitoonpong said the measure will only apply to traffic offenses committed on or after Aug. 1.
Approximately 16 million outstanding tickets issued before this date will not be considered when processing tax renewals. Under the new system, motorists who fail to pay their traffic fines will still be permitted to renew their annual vehicle tax, but they will not receive the official tax sticker until all fines are paid in full. Continued …
Thailand able to cope with oil and LNG price volatility
Amid volatility of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices globally, the Energy Ministry confirmed that as of July 30 Thailand has sufficient oil reserves for 101 days, with several measures being implemented to mitigate the impact of higher oil prices and electricity costs on the public.
Veerapat Kiattifuengfu, deputy permanent secretary and spokesperson for the Energy Ministry, said the global oil market is facing significant volatility due to the unpredictable US-Iran conflict directly impacting energy supply. Continued …
Russian siblings’ bodies recovered in Chon Buri forest
Police in Chon Buri have recovered the bodies of two Russian siblings who were reported missing after two suspects led officers to a burial site in a forest in Huay Yai, Bang Lamung.
Thana Kerdthong, known as “Pong”, and Thongchai Srinil, known as “Thong”, were arrested in Wang Sombun district, Sa Kaeo, under Pattaya Provincial Court warrants on theft-related charges. Police later took them to Huay Yai police station for questioning. Continued …
Russian siblings murder inquiry uncovers three more bodies in Chonburi
Two suspects are being questioned over the deaths of five people in Chonburi, while police pursue two alleged accomplices believed to have been involved in the killing of a Thai family.
The investigation expanded after officers found the bodies of two Russian siblings buried together in a wooded area of Huai Yai subdistrict. Police identified the pair as Diana Nazimova, 22, and her 17-year-old brother, Roman Nazimova. Continued …
Thailand Set to Limit Cannabis Strictly to Medical Use
Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has unveiled a comprehensive draft bill aimed at reining in the country’s cannabis sector, establishing a strict regulatory framework focused purely on health and wellness.
The draft Cannabis Control Act introduces six primary measures designed to end recreational consumption and restore legal clarity following the plant’s removal from the official narcotics list. Continued …
Lost wild elephant calf rescued in Sai Yok National Park
A baby wild elephant, believed to have become separated from its mother, has been rescued in Kanchanaburi province after being found exhausted and alone near a stream.
When officials arrived at the scene on Thursday, they found the calf exhausted and believed it had been separated from its mother for about two days. Rangers remained at the site overnight to observe the calf, hoping the herd would return. Throughout the night, the calf repeatedly called for its mother, but there was no response from the herd. Continued …
PM says Thailand is navigating a ‘New World Disorder’, sets out new economic agenda
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has unveiled an ambitious blueprint to reshape Thailand for what he calls a chaotic “New World Disorder,” arguing that only sweeping government reform, rapid AI adoption, stronger research investment, regional economic expansion and a smarter civil service can keep the country competitive.
In a wide-ranging address, he outlined a new 4P framework for artificial intelligence, backed major infrastructure spending, pledged welfare reform and declared that Thailand must rely on “political engineering” to navigate growing global uncertainty while building a more resilient, technology-driven economy capable of determining its own future. Continued …
Thailand sets business registration checks to curb nominees
Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of theDepartment of Business Development (DBD) under the Ministry of Commerce, disclosed yesterday that the department had issued Order No. 2/2026 of the Office of the Central Company and Partnership Registration. The order sets criteria and supporting-document requirements for applications to incorporate partnerships and limited companies or amend their registrations.
It is intended to verify actual investment capacity and close loopholes in juristic-person registration involving Thai nominees, and took effect today. Continued …
Thailand details US tariff exemptions and duties across key exports
A review conducted after the United States imposed a 12.5% tariff under Section 301 because Thailand lacked measures banning imports of goods produced with forced labor found that a total of 2,120 items under Annex II – Part A were exempt, with a value of US$56.201 billion, or 61.6% of Thailand’s total exports to the United States.
Non-exempt goods were valued at US$35.034 billion, or 38.4%. Of the non-exempt goods, about US$7 billion worth were also covered by Section 232 and would therefore not face an additional Section 301 tariff. Continued …
Thailand Deploys Culinary ‘Soft Power’ to Boost Global Exports
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce is leveraging the country’s culinary heritage as a strategic “soft power” tool to expand international trade, support overseas Thai businesses, and boost export revenue.
Speaking following the conclusion of the THAI SELECT Festival 2026 in New York, Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun announced targeted measures to scale up the global reach of Thai gastronomy. Continued …
100 laws to be made more business-friendly
The government is accelerating plans to overhaul more than 100 laws identified by the private sector as obstacles to doing business, with reforms aimed at lowering costs and strengthening Thailand’s competitiveness.
Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt, who oversees legal affairs, said yesterday the government has begun working with the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) to review regulations that hinder business operations and economic growth. Continued …
Thailand races to launch three low-season travel schemes
Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry is accelerating plans for three tourism stimulus programs in an attempt to launch them during the low season in September and October, rather than waiting until the end of the year.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said yesterday the ministry planned to discuss funding with the Finance Ministry under an emergency borrowing decree authorizing loans of up to 400 billion baht. Continued …
Indian influencer highlights four Thai cultural contrasts
An Indian travel influencer’s video describing four aspects of life in Thailand that surprised her has drawn mixed reactions online, after being highlighted by the Hindustan Times.
Shreya Mahendru, a content creator, shared her impressions after recently traveling around Thailand, focusing on women’s roles at work, dress standards at temples, the visibility of nightlife districts and freedom of clothing. Continued …
4 Affordable Eats You Need to Try in Bangkok
From comforting Hainanese-style noodles and bold peppery goat soup to southern Thai family recipes, intimate home-style cooking, and regional specialties from Phetchaburi, these four Bib Gourmand restaurants from The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2026 showcase some of Bangkok’s best-value dining.
Wondering where to start? Peppery goat soup for breakfast at Kolun.h, punchy shrimp dip at Keawloon for lunch, a home-cooked southern Thai feast at Jaan by dinner, or palm-shoot curry in a traditional teak house at SANN in Nonthaburi? Continued …
Thailand Targets Advanced Green Manufacturing Hub Status
Thailand possesses substantial latent capability to become a major regional hub for green manufacturing, provided the country accelerates its transition toward advanced eco-friendly industries, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), stated that transitioning to advanced green manufacturing is a strategic imperative to ensure long-term competitiveness as global trading partners tighten environmental standards and non-tariff measures. Continued …
Court upholds Thailand’s ban on toxic farm chemicals
The Central Administrative Court has upheld the government’s ban on the toxic agricultural chemicals paraquat and chlorpyrifos, ruling the measure is lawful because it protects public health and the environment.
The court, however, ruled that manufacturers and importers should not bear the full cost of recalling and destroying the banned chemicals, saying the requirement places an excessive burden on businesses without state compensation. Continued …
Bangkok considers petrol tuk tuk ban in inner city
Thailand’s Department of Land Transport is seeking public views on a proposal to ban petrol-powered tuk tuks in central Bangkok, particularly around major historic and tourist sites.
Officials say the proposal is intended to reduce air and noise pollution in the inner city. The area under consideration includes locations close to Wat Phra Kaew and several royal temples, among Bangkok’s most visited landmarks. Continued …
How Electric Vehicles Are Transforming Transport in Developing Countries
Electric vehicles are often viewed as a technology reserved for wealthy nations, but new analysis suggests this perception is rapidly becoming outdated. Research supported by the World Bank shows that EV adoption in developing countries is not only feasible — it is increasingly economically advantageous, especially for public transport systems and the millions who rely on two- and three-wheelers for daily mobility.
Transport already accounts for around 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and this share is rising fastest in developing cities as populations grow and mobility demand accelerates. Without a shift toward cleaner transport, these countries risk locking in decades of additional emissions at a time when climate pressures are intensifying. Continued …
Plastic Bank collects 10 billion bottles worldwide
Plastic Bank has recovered 200 000 tons of plastic since launching in 2013, marking a new collection milestone of 10 billion plastic bottles. The Vancouver-based social enterprise announced that more than 68, 500 collectors have contributed to the effort across six countries.
They have recovered an average of 2.1 million plastic bottles every day over the past 13 years. Plastic Bank operates collection networks in Brazil, Cameroon, Egypt, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand. The organization exchanges collected plastic for income and benefits, aiming to reduce plastic pollution while supporting local communities. 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 cinemas/Emergency numbers
Thailand has been ranked the best country in Asia and ninth globally as a retirement destination in the Global Retirement Index 2026. Thailand was ranked ninth worldwide and first in Asia by International Living, a leading US media outlet specializing in overseas living and retirement.
Located in the heart of Thailand, Hua Hin offers a unique blend of traditional Thai culture and modern amenities, making it an attractive option for those looking to live in Thailand. From its stunning beaches to its vibrant nightlife, Hua Hin has something to offer for everyone.
Hua Hin has long been one of Thailand’s favorite beach getaways, known for its royal history, relaxed atmosphere, and easy access from the capital. But beyond the beach, the city has a lot more going on than you might expect.
A private pool villa in Hua Hin costs far less than the same home would on Phuket or Samui, and for many buyers it delivers more: quiet, space, a real community, and Bangkok two and a half hours up the road.
The most useful AI gadget for expatriates in Thailand may not be a robot, a smart speaker or a laptop priced like a small motorbike. It may be the smartphone already sitting beside their morning iced coffee, quietly judging their screen time while helping them translate Thai messages, plan trips, manage work calls, read banking alerts and understand condominium notices that seem to have been written by a committee in a hurry.
Bangchak Corp. (BCP) reduced the retail prices of two premium fuel products by 5 baht per liter from 5 am today. The price cut applies to:
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of heavy rain in parts of Thailand, with very heavy downpours possible in some areas of the east and the western side of the south today.
Thais genuinely enjoy playing the lottery. Even though the chances of winning the grand prize are staggeringly low, only one in a million, they buy more and more tickets every day.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday that 10 out of 11 Thai-flagged vessels and vessels chartered by Thai operators stranded in the Strait of Hormuz area after the closure announcement on Feb. 28, had now safely left the area.
Thailand’s total dependence on imported fertilizer has left its 16 million farmers dangerously exposed to global geopolitical shocks, according to industry leaders, state officials, and academics who gathered for a roundtable yesterday.
Thailand’s Cabinet has extended ultra-low property transfer and mortgage registration fees for another year, keeping a key housing stimulus measure in place as the government seeks to ease costs for homebuyers and support a fragile real estate recovery.
Thailand’s property market may be moving cautiously, but at the very top end developers are racing in the opposite direction. A new wave of branded residences — backed by global hotel, fashion, design and automotive names — is turning Bangkok, Phuket and resort destinations into a regional test ground for luxury homes sold not merely as places to live, but as managed, long-term collectible assets.
Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) decreased by 0.8% year-on-year to 101.18 points in May, due mainly to a slowdown in the domestic automotive sector, said the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE). The index increased from 92.76 points in April, however, when global conflicts and domestic challenges weighed on industrial activity.
Prachuap Khiri Khan is moving ahead with its wellness tourism strategy, with model communities selected across all eight districts as part of plans to develop the province as a wellness city. At a meeting yesterday at the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Public Health Office, officials reviewed work being carried out in each district to strengthen health services and support sustainable wellness tourism.
Bangkok was named the world’s most visited city for 2025 by Euromonitor International, drawing an estimated 30.3 million international arrivals, ahead of Hong Kong, London, Macao, and Istanbul. Thailand expects that number to climb further in 2026, with 34.9 million foreign visitors forecast and tourism revenue projected at 1.63 trillion baht, an 8% increase year on year.
These 3 Small Thai Towns Could Stretch Your Budget Further
“The future is fully electric,” the president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (Thailand), Christian Schell, declared, expressing his confidence in the automobile’s future path. This was emphasized in the first half of 2026 by the oil crisis, when people turned to buying electric vehicles (EVs) in fear of fuel shortages.
Global investment in the energy sector continued to expand, with total investment reaching US$3.3 trillion in 2025, the highest level on record. Of this, US$2.3 trillion went into clean energy, helping lift the share of renewables and nuclear power in global electricity generation to 42%. 
Andrea Canonico focused on her breathing to stay calm as she lay trapped under a building that had crumbled during the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week. Just 23 years old, Canonico spent almost 48 hours in the same position before being pulled out – alive.