Moon x Moonlight Party/Air pollution fight a priority/Over 10 million Thais affected by PM 2.5/Thailand ready for SEA Games/Updated schedule for 33rd SEA Games/Severe Livestock Disease Outbreak
- THAILAND FLOOD NEWS: Flood death toll rises to 267/Anutin cancels emergency in Songkhla/Travel Conditions in Southern Thailand/Flood Damage Wipes Out Tourism Revenue/Thailand thanks international partners/Heavy Rain in the South/2 Million Baht for All Flood Deaths/Bt175 million to revive MICE sector
- ECONOMY: Prices dip again in November/Economy Shows Moderate Improvement/ESG: The New ‘Path to Survival’/Key trends for job market/Samsung tops Thai smartphone market
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Samui Thailand Travel Guide/CLIMATE THAILAND: 3 new floating solar farms/Eco-friendly tax measures
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
Moon x Moonlight Party at Hua Don Beach tomorrow
The To the Moon x Moonlight Party will be held on Hua Don Beach in Khao Takiab tomorrow , transforming the beachfront into a lively dance arena from 4 pm to midnight.
The party will feature a line-up of well-known Thai and international DJs, each bringing their unique sound to the stage. Early evening sets will start with DJ Leebreee, followed by DJ Plearnplreng, and DJ Ben.G. As the sun sets, DJ Uccello and DJ Sunday will keep the crowd moving, leading into the headline performances by DJ Evan Pierin, DJ Roxy June & MC Lexize, and DJ Chilee & MC. Continued …
PM tells northern governors to make air pollution fight a priority
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the governors of all provinces in northern Thailand to tackle seasonal air pollution, while signaling flexibility on work-from-home arrangements for government employees.
The premier said he had instructed governors to step up measures against the renewed spike in PM2.5 fine-dust pollution, stressing stringent enforcement against open burning, similar to last year. Continued …
Over 10 million Thais affected by PM 2.5 dust, with severe health impacts
Supakorn Tultrairatana, a senior physician at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, shared concerning statistics about the impact of PM 2.5 dust in Thailand. He reported that over 10 million people have been affected by the fine particulate matter in 2025, based on data from public hospitals nationwide, excluding those treated at private hospitals or clinics.
Although this figure represents a slight decrease from the 12 million affected in 2024, it remains significant. Respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, have been the most prevalent among those affected. Continued …
Thailand ready for SEA Games
Ayrin Phanrit, deputy government spokesperson, revealed thatThailand is 100% ready to host the 33rd SEA Games from Dec. 9-20. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, alongside other relevant agencies, has finalized preparations as the country counts down to the biggest sporting event of the year. The games will feature 50 sports across 574 gold medals, plus three demonstration sports and one value-creating sport.
On Dec. 9, BamBam – Kunpimook Bhuwakul from the popular K-pop group GOT7 will take center stage at the opening ceremony at Rajamangala National Stadium, alongside several other Thai artists, with a surprise performance planned for the event. Continued …
Thailand announces updated schedule for 33rd SEA Games as floods affect southern provinces
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) has announced the updated schedule for the 33rd SEA Games, which will take place from through Dec. 20. Some of the events, originally scheduled to be held in Songkhla, have been relocated to Bangkok and other venues due to the ongoing severe floods in southern Thailand. As a result, several events have been rescheduled.
The opening ceremony will take place on Dec. 9 at Rajamangala National Stadium, with the closing ceremony on Dec. 20, also at Rajamangala. Continued …
Surin Hit by Severe Livestock Disease Outbreak, 900 Animals Dead
A major livestock disease outbreak in Surin province has killed more than 900 cattle and buffaloes, prompting urgent containment measures and emergency assistance for affected farmers. The crisis has caused significant economic damage to households reliant on livestock, with local officials warning farmers not to consume dead animals and to bury them properly.
Authorities say the spread of foot-and-mouth disease and blood parasite infections continues to threaten the province’s 600,000 cattle and buffaloes, though efforts to control the situation are now accelerating. Continued …
Flood death toll in Thailand rises to 267
The death toll from severe flooding in southern Thailand last month rose to 267, a health ministry spokesman said Wednesday.
At least 267 people across eight provinces from Nov. 22-27, with more than half – 142 – recorded in tourist hub Hat Yai district, health ministry spokesman Ekachai Piensriwatchara said. – bssnews.net
Anutin cancels emergency situation in Songkhla
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed a decree to cancel the emergency situation declaration in Songkhla province, with the order taking effect today.
The declaration, originally issued on Nov. 25, was made in response to the severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall in the province, which had created an urgent public emergency. Continued …
Travel Conditions in Southern Thailand Return to Normal
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced that southern Thailand has largely returned to normal after recent floods. Airports, major transportation, and attractions have resumed operations across the region. Areas like Hat Yai, Yala, and Pattani are progressively restoring accessibility.
Most main roads and airports are functional, although some attractions and minor routes are under repair. In Nakhon Si Thammarat and Trang, conditions stabilized quickly, with major transport services operational and most attractions open. Continued …
Flood Damage Wipes Out Hat Yai’s Year-End Tourism Revenue
Severe flooding in southern Thailand has dealt a heavy blow to Hat Yai’s tourism industry, leaving hundreds of hotels damaged and wiping out the city’s most profitable travel period ahead of the 2025 peak season, local business leaders said this week.
The Hat Yai–Songkhla Hotel Assn. said about 90% of the city’s 300 hotels suffered damage when floodwaters inundated the commercial hub of Songkhla province earlier this month. Losses are estimated at more than 50 billion baht ($1.56 billion), with hotel operators warning that the city will miss out on year-end revenue, including anticipated bookings tied to the Southeast Asian Games. Continued …
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Thailand thanks international partners for flood aid
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed gratitude to nations and international organizations that are helping Thailand respond to the severe flooding across its southern provinces, noting that more partners have signaled their readiness to assist the kingdom.
Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said yesterday that although Thailand did not formally request international assistance, several countries and organizations had voluntarily stepped forward. Continued …
Heavy Rain in the South
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts increased rainfall in the south today, with some areas experiencing heavy rain. Ten provinces are advised to monitor for potential flooding and other hazards.
Southern Thailand will see heavy rain, particularly in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Phang Nga, Phuket, Trang, and Satun. The north and central Thailand will experience cooler temperatures and light fog, while some areas in the northeast and east may see rain or thunderstorms. Continued …
Government to Pay 2 Million Baht for All Southern Flood Deaths
The government has confirmed that families of flood victims across all eight affected southern provinces will receive 2 million baht in funeral compensation, matching the rate previously applied only in areas under the Emergency Decree.
The announcement was made yesterday by Prime Minister’s Office Minister Phumtham Prisanananthakul, who chairs the Emergency Flood Situation Operations Center (ESC), during a meeting with governors of the flood-hit provinces. The decision aims to ensure equal assistance after weeks of severe flooding that has led to dozens of deaths and left many households waiting for relief funds. Continued …
Bureau seeks Bt175 million to revive MICE sector in south
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has asked the cabinet to allocate 175 million baht to revive the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) sector in flood-affected southern Thailand.
Supawan Teerarat, president of the TCEB, said restoring confidence among foreign and domestic MICE visitors is the bureau’s first priority for Hat Yai, which was inundated. Continued …
Prices dip again in November
Headline inflation was negative for an eighth consecutive month in November due to falling energy prices and government measures to reduce the cost of living, according to the Commerce Ministry.
Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), said the headline consumer price index fell by 0.49% year-on-year to 100.5 in November. While energy prices declined, food and non-alcoholic beverage prices rose after three consecutive months of declines, driven by fresh vegetables and prepared food. Continued …
Thai Economy Shows Moderate Improvement in October
The Thai economy moderately improved in October. Merchandise exports excluding gold expanded, led by electronic products. Foreign tourist receipts also increased in line with higher arrivals. Private consumption improved, partly supported by government measures, which also boosted the service-sector activities.
However, manufacturing production was broadly unchanged, as higher electronics production was offset by a decline in petroleum output due to temporary maintenance shutdowns. Meanwhile, private investment contracted, mainly in machinery and equipment, following accelerated investment in the previous period. Continued …
ESG: The New ‘Path to Survival’ for Thai Businesses
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has declared environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance not just a choice but a “path to survival” for Thai companies seeking to compete and grow on the global stage.
SET President Asadej Kongsiri made the announcement at the Sustainability Forum 2026 yesterday, emphasizing that failure to adapt will see certain assets rendered “forgotten” by international investors. He noted that nearly all global funds now avoid sectors like coal. Continued …
Key trends redefining Thailand’s job market
After a tumultuous year, the online job platform Jobsdb by SEEK has compiled a list of the most important trends affecting the hiring landscape in Thailand. From evolving employee expectations and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) to the growing threat of job fraud, this roundup offers employers and job seekers a clear view of both opportunities and challenges moving into 2026.
“In 2025, we saw a clear shift: Gen Z talent who grew up in a fully digital world have become an increasingly influential force in the workplace,” said Duangporn Promon, managing director of Jobsdb by SEEK Thailand. “As a result, organizations are adjusting their structures and work styles to become more flexible, ensuring that all generations can work together smoothly.” Continued …
Samsung tops Thai smartphone market in Q3 with 24% share
Samsung claimed the No. 1 position in Thailand’s smartphone shipments for the third quarter of 2025, securing a dominant 24% market share.
According to figures and analysis from global technology research and consulting firm Omdia, this is most likely due to Samsung pushing premium products, like the Galaxy Z Fold 7, while introducing affordable models such as the Galaxy A07 and Galaxy A17, which have resonated with price-conscious consumers. Continued …
Koh Samui Travel Guide
This video tour of Koh Samui previews the beaches, temples, and nightlife around Chaweng Beach area. Koh Samui is one of the most famous islands in Thailand for its temples and iconic beach vibes. The best time to visit Ko Samui is between December and March after monsoon season. Hotels on Samui are also reasonably priced. Video …
EGAT plans to build 3 new floating solar farms
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is planning to spend a huge portion of its budget supporting Thailand’s transition to clean energy by investing in clean power generation and electricity transmission projects.
EGAT is preparing to build three floating solar farms with a combined capacity of 1,638 megawatts at the Bhumibol dam in Tak province, as well as Srinagarind and Vajiralongkorn dams in Kanchanaburi. Continued …
Thailand unveils six eco-friendly tax measures for 2027
Thailand’s Excise Department plans to roll out six new tax initiatives to promote environmental sustainability and improve public health. Director-General Pornchai Thiraveja said these policies aim to align with shifting global trade standards, which now place more emphasis on climate action and public health.
The first measure expands the tax scope for products harmful to the environment. It also prepares Thailand for the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, a major import tax based on carbon emissions. Continued …
South Korean Court Confirms Sentences in Pattaya Murder Case
The South Korean Supreme Court has upheld the sentences for three men convicted of murdering a fellow South Korean tourist and disposing of his body in a reservoir near Pattaya. A 28-year-old was sentenced to life imprisonment, while a 40-year-old and a 27-year-old received 30 and 25 years, respectively. The decision confirms earlier judgments by the Court of Appeals and Changwon District Court. Continued …
Abortion in Afghanistan: ‘My mother crushed my stomach with a stone’
When Bahara was four months pregnant, she went to a Kabul hospital to beg for an abortion. “We’re not allowed,” a doctor told her. “If someone finds out, we will all end up in prison.” Abortion in Afghanistan is illegal and you can be locked up for having or assisting one. Continued …
Trump’s doubling of tariffs is hitting India hard
US President Donald Trump’s doubling of tariffs on a wide range of Indian goods, from a steep 25% to a catastrophic 50%, is reshaping India’s export economy. Half of what India sells to the United States – its largest trading partner – is now prohibitively expensive, and ordinary Indians are suffering as a result. Continued …
India travel chaos to worsen after 150 IndiGo flights canceled
IndiGo will reduce its flight schedule starting on Monday to ease the disruption triggered by new rules that limit pilots’ duty hours, India’s aviation regulator said after the country’s largest airline canceled hundreds of departures yesterday. Continued …
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