- A little Thai history/Thailand Riviera coastal drive/Nominee investigations reach Hua Hin/Thailand widens checks on foreign-linked companies/Making a ‘better world possible’/Taco Bell opens in Hua Hin/Entry fees for Pranburi park/Digital platform liability for scams/Tak Bai police shooting/No bail for four murder suspects/Talay Noi swamp buffalo meat
- THE IRAN WAR: New Iran talks set to start/Thailand to avoid war oil shock
- ECONOMY: Thai Baht Hits 15-Month Low/Only 5.1 million Thais pay income tax/Why Nordics Queue Up to Pay Tax/Tariffs an opportunity to fight/Trade deficit marks sea change/To tackle Thailand’s economic malaise/Trade war pressures hit Thai jobs/Thailand Personal Spending Rises/Thais Help Thais Plus/Thailand’s Next Generation of Industry
- TOURISM: Tale of two tourist incidents/Bangkok’s Chao Phraya draws projects/Thailand launches 10 hiking schools
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Cobra by the bed/History of Talad Noi
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Green manufacturing no longer optional/Waste into wealth/Super El Niño to hit Thailand /Data center race faces power, water logjam
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
A little Thai history
Thailand Riviera coastal drive gets tourism push
Regional authorities are stepping up efforts to promote the Thailand Riviera coastal route as a major tourism corridor, as part of plans to improve public awareness, enhance visitor facilities and spread tourism income to communities along the Gulf of Thailand’s western coastline.
The project was discussed at a recent meeting of the Joint Public and Private Sector Committee for Economic Problem Solving (JPPCC) for the Lower Central Region 2, which comprises Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram. Continued …
Business nominee investigations reach Hua Hin
Immigration and police in Hua Hin have stepped up efforts to investigate suspected nominee business structures involving foreign nationals, as authorities intensify scrutiny of foreign-linked companies and land transactions.
A meeting was held at Hua Hin Police Station on July 30 to establish operational guidelines for a joint task force investigating cases in which Thai nationals may be acting as nominees for foreigners. Continued …
Thailand widens checks on foreign-linked companies
Thailand’s Department of Business Development has begun tougher checks on company changes involving foreign investors, shareholders, directors and authorized signatories, under a new order taking effect from Aug. 1.
The measure is intended to stop Thai nationals being used as nominee shareholders, while the government says legitimate foreign investment will continue to be supported.Until now, screening focused mainly on the point at which a company was first registered. Continued …
Hua Hin students pitch making a ‘better world possible’
Choosing tailor-made digital platforms as their primary tool for social change, the young changemakers presented innovative non-profit solutions addressing some of the country’s most persistent social, ecological, and human challenges.
The Catholic Education Council of Thailand and LiCAS News co-organized the gathering at the Salesian Retreat House and Hua Hin Vittayalai School in the Thai resort town of Hua Hin under the theme, “Together We Make a Better World Possible.” Continued …
Taco Bell opens in Hua Hin
Hua Hin has a new Taco Bell, which opened a new branch on Phetkasem Road, near the Hua Hin Clock Tower.
The restaurant offers its usual tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, fries and other Mexican-inspired fast food. Dine-in and takeaway are available.
Entry fees start for Pranburi park
Visitors to Pranburi Forest Park are now being charged an entrance fee, ending many years in which access to the popular park was free.
The new fee structure was announced by Pranburi Forest Park in May and has now come into effect, introducing separate rates for Thai and foreign visitors, as well as charges for vehicles, camping and other services, in line with other national parks in Thailand. Continued …
Thailand lawsuit tests digital platform liability for scams
Thailand’s Civil Court will hold its first case-management hearing today in a consumer lawsuit against 17 digital platform, application and financial service providers over alleged losses linked to fraudulent investment advertisements and other online scams.
All 17 defendants, including entities based in Thailand and overseas, have now been legally served with copies of the claim and court summonses, according to the legal team representing the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC). Continued …
Tak Bai police shooting leaves two dead, three injured
Two police officers were killed and three were injured when a gunman opened fire on an investigation team in Tak Bai district, Narathiwat, yesterday.
The officers were conducting a search linked to a narcotics case at Ban Bueng Chalam in Phrai Wan subdistrict when they came under gunfire. The attacker escaped and was believed to still be carrying a rifle. Continued …
Pattaya court denies bail to four murder suspects
Pattaya Provincial Court has refused bail for four suspects in murder cases involving two Russian siblings and a family of three, citing the severity of the allegations and the possibility that they could flee.
The decisions were issued Saturday after police brought suspects before the court in connection with the two linked investigations. The court said the alleged crimes carry high penalties and that investigators opposed temporary release. Continued …
Appetite grows for Talay Noi swamp buffalo meat
A research-driven initiative to develop premium meat products from naturally raised swamp buffalo in the Talay Noi wetlands is gaining traction, with demand growing locally and from China.
The initiative, led by Thaksin University’s Phatthalung campus, in collaboration with local communities and livestock authorities, is looking to expand across southern Thailand. It aims to transform the area’s traditionally raised swamp buffalo into a high-value product while preserving the centuries-old farming system within Phatthalung’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). Continued …
Trump says new Iran talks set to start after calling off massive attack
US President Donald Trump said that new negotiations with Iran will begin today after he decided to hold off on striking the Islamic republic to pursue a deal to end the war entering its sixth month.
Trump told reporters yesterday that the talks would cover the Strait of Hormuz –- a route for global energy supplies that has become a key sticking point in the conflict — and ultimately, the denuclearization of Iran. Continued …
Thailand to avoid Mideast war oil shock
Thailand will not face a crude oil shortage in August despite the ongoing war in the Middle East, as supply remains sufficient for all six domestic refineries, according to the Department of Energy Business (DOEB).
Sarawut Kaewtathip, director-general of DOEB, said shipping routes remain partially open, ensuring continued transport of crude oil and petroleum products. Continued …
Thai Baht Hits 15-Month Low
The Thai baht is trading near its weakest level in over 15 months against the US Dollar, as a confluence of external pressures continues to erode its value. The currency’s decline has been driven by a renewed spike in oil prices, compounded by a firmer USD and rising US Treasury yields.
Thailand’s heavy reliance on imported energy makes it especially vulnerable to these global cost pressures, which, in turn, have stoked concerns about imported inflation. This dynamic has reinforced market expectations that US interest rates may remain elevated for longer, further diminishing the baht’s relative appeal and sustaining depreciation pressure across the currency pair. Continued …
Only 5.1 million Thais pay income tax
Thailand’s personal income-tax base remains heavily concentrated among a relatively small number of earners, with only 5.14 million of 12.57 million people who filed returns for the 2024 tax year required to pay tax.
Budget Committee data, based on returns filed in 2025, have put government revenue collection under fresh scrutiny as Thailand considers how to make its revenue structure more balanced and sustainable. Continued …
Why Nordics Queue Up to Pay Tax While 21 million Thais Stay Off the Books
When Thailand’s Revenue Department released its latest personal income tax filing figures, the headline number was not the roughly 12 million people who submitted a return. It was the much smaller group behind it: an estimated 5 million filers, or around 40%of those who filed, who actually owed any tax at all.
The gap looks starker still when set against the size of Thailand’s workforce, which numbers close to 40 million. That implies more than half the country’s workers — an estimated 21 to 22 million people — sit entirely outside the formal tax system. Continued …
New tariffs an opportunity to fight
Here he goes again. US President Donald Trump is increasing and decreasing tariffs willy-nilly, violating international agreements that he himself signed and almost surely violating federal law. The only difference this time is that he has a new pretext for abusing tariffs: stopping forced labor.
Of course, the administration is right that too little is being done about forced labor. But its stated concern is a ruse. With the new tariffs closely tracking the ones that Trump imposed on the basis of trade balances, are we supposed to believe that bilateral trade deficits just so happen to be highly correlated with the use of forced labor? Continued …
Trade deficit marks a sea change
Thailand’s widening trade deficit may appear alarming at first glance, but a deeper analysis suggests it is more a sign of economic transformation than deterioration. The surge in imports has been driven largely by machinery, production equipment, industrial raw materials and electronic components — inputs that businesses need.
Trade analysts argue as long as rising imports are for productive investment that strengthens the export base, lifts industrial output and generates higher economic growth, the trade deficit may reflect the country’s transition toward a more investment-driven, higher value-added economy with enhanced competitiveness. Continued …
Government outlines new plans to tackle Thailand’s economic malaise
Thailand’s biggest investment drive in years was unveiled on Friday as fresh Bank of Thailand data exposed a sharply deteriorating trade position, a US$3.5 billion current account deficit and a baht at its weakest level in 15 months. While Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul warned of a “New World Disorder”, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas responded with an ambitious five-part blueprint centered on AI, infrastructure and industrial transformation.
However, soaring imports, record trade deficits, new US tariffs and weakening external accounts are raising urgent questions over whether the government’s long-term vision can deal with economic pressures reshaping Thailand’s outlook. Continued …
Trade war pressures hit Thai jobs and spending
Thailand’s economy faces mounting pressure from global trade tensions, higher energy and shipping costs, and an influx of lower-priced Chinese goods, according to an analysis published last week.
The analysis argues that the effects are now reaching workers, farmers and small businesses, as companies cut costs, reduce operating hours and close unprofitable production lines or branches. Continued …
Thailand Personal Spending Rises at a Faster Pace
Private consumption in Thailand increased by 1.1% month-on-month in June, accelerating from 0.6% in the previous month. It marked the second straight month of growth, driven mainly by stronger spending on non-durable goods amid higher consumer goods sales following government stimulus measures, as well as improved fuel consumption as retail fuel prices declined and sales returned closer to normal levels.
Spending on durable goods also strengthened, supported by higher motorcycle registrations and passenger car sales, partly reflecting growing consumer interest in electric vehicles. Continued …
Thais Help Thais Plus sees over B86 billion circulate in two months
The government has welcomed what it described as an excellent response to the Thais Help Thais Plus (60/40) program after more than B86 billion circulated through the economy during its first two months.
It also highlighted AI tools in the Tung Ngern (Money Bag) app that help small retailers analyze their businesses and reminded participants to use their monthly entitlements before the program ends on Sept. 30. Continued …
Building the Infrastructure Behind Thailand’s Next Generation of Industry
Thailand’s emergence as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, electric vehicles, data centers, digital infrastructure, and smart industries is fundamentally reshaping the country’s industrial landscape.
Today’s factories are no longer merely production facilities — they are highly integrated ecosystems combining automation, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, industrial IoT, advanced analytics, renewable energy systems, and digitally connected supply chains. Continued …
A tale of two tourist incidents
Inviting the fury of the Thai public on a matter that is admittedly done and dusted, I cannot help but feel compelled to at least voice my misgivings over the recent “noisy Italian students” incident, especially how it played out compared with another similar occurrence.
By now, most readers are familiar with the details of the viral encounter. A raucous group of young Italians was told by a Thai woman to quiet down on a crowded public train in Bangkok. In defiance of her plea, they chose instead to berate and mock her, going as far as implying that because they had arrived in the country to spend money, they were somehow entitled to do as they please. Continued …
Bangkok’s Chao Phraya draws new hotels, attractions and megaprojects
A second major wave of investment is taking shape along both banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, as large corporations develop luxury hotels, entertainment attractions and mixed-use projects intended to strengthen the capital’s tourism economy.
The latest expansion follows the development of Iconsiam by Siam Piwat Co., Magnolia Quality Development Corp. and Charoen Pokphand Group, which helped establish the riverside as a major investment and tourism district. Continued …
Thailand launches 10 hiking schools for responsible forest tourism
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has launched the “Khon Doen Pa School… A First Step into the Wilderness with Understanding” project (“Khon Doen Pa” means “forest hikers” in Thai) at Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima.
The initiative is intended to give visitors the knowledge, skills and appropriate attitudes needed before entering protected forest areas, while reducing accidents, waste and ecological impacts under the Leave No Trace principle, described as “leaving no burden on nature”. Continued …
Thailand hotel guest bolts awake as partner spots cobra by the bed
Footage from a hotel in Krabi is leaving viewers unsettled after a couple reportedly discovered a large cobra lurking near their bed before sunrise.One of the guests initially treated the commotion as just being startled from a bad dream or some other misunderstanding. Only moments later did they realize why their partner had suddenly woken up and run from the room in a panic at about 5 am.
The threat soon became unmistakable: There was a snake inside the room. Reports said the cobra was discovered near the bed and later found hidden underneath it. Continued and video …
The History of Talad Noi
The story of Talad Noi dates back to the early Rattanakosin period in the late 18th century. Following the establishment of Bangkok as the new capital, Chinese immigrants settled in Sampeng, which rapidly transformed into the city’s primary commercial center.
As trade boomed, business naturally spilt over into neighboring areas. This burgeoning satellite district quickly became known as the secondary trading hub, smaller than Sampeng, but equally vital to daily commerce. Continued …
Thailand told green manufacturing is no longer optional
Thailand must accelerate its transition to advanced green manufacturing if it hopes to remain competitive in an increasingly sustainability-driven global economy, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).
The agency says environmentally friendly manufacturing is no longer simply a corporate responsibility or additional business cost, but a new engine of economic growth capable of strengthening Thailand’s long-term position in international markets. Continued …
Waste into wealth: A regenerative path
Waste is often seen as the inevitable by-product of economic growth. In reality, it may become one of the most valuable resources economies possess.
Thailand generates more than 27 million tons of municipal solid waste each year, according to data from the Pollution Control Department (PCD), and more than half is either improperly managed or left to accumulate in expanding landfills. What appears to be an environmental problem is increasingly becoming an economic one. Continued …
Super El Niño to hit Thailand next year
A super El Niño is expected to hit Thailand in October and last through the early part of the 2027 rainy season, affecting crops, rice plantations and water consumption. The Thai Meteorological Department has warned that rainfall could fall by at least 10% as a result.
A super El Niño is an unusually strong warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, during which sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific become significantly warmer than normal. Continued …
Data center race faces power, water logjam
Power, not land prices, has become the biggest hurdle for data center investors evaluating Thailand, as growing demand is increasingly constrained by limited electricity and water infrastructure, according to property consultancy Savills Thailand.
Prapaporn Boonkajornkul, deputy managing director of the consultancy, said inquiries from overseas data center investors remain steady, although the market is dominated by a small number of hyperscale operators requiring extensive infrastructure. Continued …
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Police arrest four Africans in fake-dollar scam – Continued …
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Chinese fraud suspect held in Samut Sakhon – Continued …
Indonesian ferry fire leaves five dead and 41 missing
At least five people have died and 41 remain missing after an Indonesian ferry caught fire off Madura island in East Java, authorities said. Indonesia’s search and rescue agency said the ferry was carrying 271 passengers and crew, of whom 225 had been rescued by yesterday afternoon. A search and rescue operation was still under way. 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
Hua Hin Food Fest 2026 will return to Hua Don Beach in Khao Takiab Aug. 28-30, featuring local food, fresh seafood, cooking competitions and live entertainment. The three-day festival will bring together restaurants, hotels and food businesses from Hua Hin and Cha-am, giving visitors the opportunity to sample regional dishes beside the beach.
New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule
A nine-day Hua Hin cultural tourism event will be held at the old Hua Hin Railway Station Aug. 10-18, showcasing the art, culture and historical identity of Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Thailand has launched a digital application that allows diners to find certified street-food vendors, forming part of a government program to raise operating standards and expand market opportunities for small businesses.
Concerns over children’s mental health is renewing debate whether excessive use of mobile devices is harming academic performance and learning capability, while boosting social isolation and criminal behavior influenced by online personalities.
Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a native plant closely associated with local ways of life and traditional Thai medicine. Its removal from Thailand’s narcotics list in 2021 marked an important turning point, opening the way for broader research, economic value creation and commercial development.
A police sergeant fought back after being shot in a daylight ambush by four gunmen in Thailand’s insurgency-hit deep south yesterday, returning fire despite a bullet wound before his attackers escaped by motorcycle and boat.
Amid a slowing economy and intense competition in the property market, developers of new housing projects are accelerating promotional campaigns offering discounts, giveaways and added incentives.
Despite US efforts to impose tariffs, Thai exports to America expanded over the first nine months of the fiscal year, up by nearly 34% year-on-year for a value of 2.13 trillion baht. In contrast, exports to China grew by only 0.78%, totaling 1 trillion baht.
The private sector is optimistic that new US tariffs will not have a major impact on Thai exports, though businesses are urging the government to expedite trade negotiations to enhance the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.
China’s ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Zhang Jianwei, has set out a three-point plan for expanding trade, investment and industrial links between Thailand and China. Speaking at the Thailand-China Cooperation Expo 2026 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani Friday, Zhang said closer business cooperation could turn high-level agreements into practical economic results.
Thailand is tightening its screening of data center investments, shifting its focus from the number and value of projects to their quality as the expansion of artificial intelligence drives demand for electricity, water and large-scale computing infrastructure.
The robot army is coming
Thailand Food Supplement Market to Reach US$ 2.52B by 2033
Thailand has built a strong medical-tourism industry and begun investing in genomic medicine and connected health data, but it still lacks a clear national strategy for competing in the emerging longevity economy.
Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), one of Asia-Pacific’s leading healthcare providers, has unveiled WellEra Bangkok, an approximately US$865 million (THB 29 billion) wellness-integrated development that reimagines how the built environment can actively support healthier, longer lives.
The decision to give Indians 30-day visa-free entry is expected to drive the market to a new record of 2.7 million visitors next year, supported by more flights from second- and third-tier cities to Thailand, say authorities.
Nakhon Si Thammarat Temple Wins UNESCO Status
Mitsubishi Motors is set to invest B16 billion ($473.23m) in Thailand by 2030, backing the automotive sector’s move toward electric vehicles (EVs). The funding will be channeled into EV technology.
The world is sinking under more than 460 million tons of plastic waste each year. More alarming than the figure itself is the fact that about 19 million tons escape into the environment, wreaking havoc, damaging biodiversity, worsening the greenhouse-gas crisis and ultimately harming our own health.
Thinking about retirement in Thailand and wondering where to live in Hua Hin? This video breaks down the truth about Hua Hin’s best and worst areas in 2026 — based on real-life retirement factors, not holiday impressions. One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning to retire in Hua Hin is choosing an area based on a short holiday instead of long-term lifestyle. The neighborhood that feels perfect for two weeks can be completely wrong for the next 10–20 years. 
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, through the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with AirAsia Group to elevate mutual tourism promotion under the concept “Amazing Thailand: Feel All the Feelings.” The agreement encompasses marketing collaborations, communications, aviation route connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia, and market intelligence exchanges to drive short-haul travel — particularly from the Malaysian market.
The Cha Am Squid Festival will return Sept. 12–19, with the annual event taking place at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint. The festival is officially known as the 25th Eat Shellfish, Catch Squid @ Cha Am Festival.
Prachuap Khiri Khan has launched a vaping campaign to improve awareness among young people about the dangers of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and nicotine addiction. Deputy Gov. Prateep Boriboonrat opened the training program at Hadthong Hotel in Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday.
A recent wedding controversy involving a Thai bride and a foreign groom has renewed attention on Sin Sod, the Thai marriage custom in which the groom or his family presents money, gold or other valuables during the ceremony.
Nearly a year after border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia were shut, intermittent diplomatic overtures have yet to produce the political trust needed to reopen them, leaving border communities and businesses facing an increasingly prolonged economic standstill.
The fallout from Thailand’s decriminalization of marijuana in 2022 is spreading rapidly beyond its borders, with large shipments of smuggled Thai weed threatening to overwhelm customs officials across the world.
Iran attacked a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz early today, forcing its crew to abandon the ship even as the United States conducted yet-another round of airstrikes targeting the Islamic Republic over control of the key waterway.
The baht is expected to continue weakening against the US dollar this week after falling to a nearly 15-month low, driven by renewed tensions in the Middle East.
The Thai Restaurant Assn. is asking the government to connect raw material wholesalers with restaurants to lower ingredient costs, rather than providing subsidies for each dish.
Thailand studies Bangkok Port closure and entertainment complex plan
Thailand’s use of export privileges under free-trade agreements continued to expand in April, with the value of shipments claiming preferential treatment reaching US$31.77 billion.
The Industry Ministry is drafting a landmark law aimed at regulating data center investments in Thailand, as the country grapples with the environmental and infrastructural challenges posed by the sector’s rapid growth.
Thai Beverage, the maker of Chang beer and SangSom rum, is considering a potential sale of its KFC restaurant franchise business in Thailand, according to people familiar with the matter.
Thailand’s rich culture, beautiful landscapes and distinctive cuisine aren’t the only reasons why tourists keep flocking to the country. Thailand has been leading Asia in medical tourism, with more than a million foreigners travelling to the country every year for medical and surgical procedures.
Bangkok is preparing to host its largest HYROX event yet, as the global fitness race returns for four days of competition, bringing together more than 20,000 athletes from Aug. 13–16.
Korat Buddhist Lent candle festival returns with grand parade
Thailand is leaning hard into solar and wind power, and households are beginning to see the payoff: lower electricity bills. A report says cleaner energy and more competitive long-term contracts are pushing down the average cost of power, an important signal in a region where air-conditioning demand can hammer family budgets.
Heavily reliant on pesticides, Thai agriculture is ‘trapped in a vicious cycle’
Re: Odd-even parking signs installed on soi 94
Power bills set to rise in final four months
AGT sensation Nene says fame came too fast
It’s a shame the US and Iran can’t both lose
Gold tumbles below $4,000 as oil surge fuels rate fears
BOT warns weak investment is eroding Thailand’s growth
Local e-marketplace players enter fray
Visa-free period halved, many countries dropped
Largest local solar roof opens in Korat
Content fight shapes Thailand’s EV future
Thailand’s industrial green shift gains momentum with Seagate solar mega project
The recent call by more than 1,200 doctors urging the government to halt the approval of new medical degree programs proposed by Rajabhat universities must prompt policymakers to examine a more fundamental question than whether Thailand needs more medical schools.
Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit has instructed Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) to develop an upgraded air traffic-management system to support the growth of the country’s regional airports and strengthen tourism links across Thailand’s lower northern provinces.
The Rise of Plai: How an Ancient Thai Root Became a Modern Pharmaceutical Heavyweight
Thailand must act quickly to stem its mounting current account deficit before it spirals into a current account crisis, says Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas. Ekniti said that while the government’s emergency borrowing decree would increase public debt, the loans are necessary to accelerate Thailand’s transition from fossil fuels to clean and renewable energy.
Thailand’s inflation rate is showing signs of moving past its sharpest point, as production costs and global oil pressure begin to ease, but households may still face a more lasting rise in daily living expenses.
Thailand must strengthen anti-corruption efforts, improve law enforcement and reform regulations to restore investor confidence and maintain its competitiveness, according to Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) Chairwoman Vibeke Lyssand Leirvag.
True Corp. is urging businesses to look beyond artificial intelligence as a standalone technology and instead combine AI with data-driven human insights to better understand increasingly complex consumer behavior and strengthen their competitiveness in the digital economy.
Bangkok is emerging as Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing hub for ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals, reinforcing Thailand’s appeal as a destination for global wealth despite persistent economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
Thailand’s landmark cannabis revolution is on the brink of collapse after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the architect of Asia’s first cannabis decriminalization policy, warned he is prepared to recriminalize the drug and shut down the industry following a wave of major international cannabis seizures linked to Thailand.
Seaplane takeoff grounded by regulations
Countries laser-focused on attracting the next wave of investment may soon find that tax breaks and affordable labor may not be enough to keep investors engaged. The new criteria for raising funds may very well be in the energy space, and more specifically, which country has clean, stable, and scalable energy, with credible governance to ensure that the landscape is ready for future industries.
After years in darkness, this Thai village is finally seeing the light
Hua Hin’s long-running push for international flights is now being tied to a wider plan to reposition the city as a year-round destination, rather than one reliant mainly on weekend visitors and domestic tourism.
Go bar hopping across some of the town’s best nightlife spots, including Hard Rock Cafe, the Hilton Rooftop Bar, Soi Bintabaht, Soi 94, Soi 80, Khao Takiab and more! From rooftop sunset drinks and live music to DJ bars and hidden local spots, this vlog captures the atmosphere of Hua Hin after dark. Also check out drink prices along the way to see what a night out in Hua Hin actually costs in 2026. 
Individual customers and businesses in Thailand are set to benefit from lower service fees charged by commercial banks and other financial institutions under a new regulation issued by the Bank of Thailand (BOT).
Thailand’s Egg Farmers’ Co-operative Network has announced a 20-satang increase in the farm-gate price of mixed-size eggs to 3.80 baht each, raising the cost of a 30-egg tray by six baht from today. The rate will remain in force until further notice.
Thailand’s real estate sector faces mounting pressure, as a prolonged property downturn, weak purchasing power, tight credit and higher energy costs continue to weigh on production, investment and employment.
Thailand is positioning itself as a resilient, neutral hub in a fracturing global economy, leveraging its geography and gold’s growing strategic value to navigate the deepening rivalry between the United States and China.
The European Union’s new €3 customs fee on low-value e-commerce parcels may deal a blow to Chinese online giants such as SHEIN, Temu and AliExpress, but for Thailand the bigger question is whether the measure will create a new export opportunity — or trigger a fresh influx of cheap Chinese goods into ASEAN.
Koh Tao arrivals set to top 800,000
Pattaya’s tourism sector is experiencing a particularly weak low season, with tourist numbers falling in Pattaya and Chon Buri, leaving many hotels unable to reach break-even occupancy levels. Many properties are reporting occupancy rates of just 15% to 20%, below the estimated break-even threshold of 40% to 50%.
A Thai man was arrested at Suvarnabhumi International Airport Saturday after police received complaints from 150 travelers who alleged they had paid for a pilgrimage tour to Saudi Arabia that never departed, with reported losses exceeding 4 million baht.
Ranong touted as premier destination for eco-tourism and wellness
It looked like a string bean at first. Wrapped around a branch behind a clutch of parked motorcycles, the snake’s chartreuse skin was just a few swatches brighter than the tall foliage it was trying to blend into. Thai-American snake expert Christopher Shannon caught it in the beam of his flashlight, quickly identifying it as an Asian long-nosed vine snake. Its pointy snout and slit-like pupils gave it, in his words, “binocular vision.”
Traveling in Thailand requires awareness of cultural etiquette, legal restrictions, and environmental factors. Key considerations include respecting local customs such as removing shoes, dressing modestly in temples, and avoiding gestures like touching heads or pointing feet.
Householders with solar rooftops can now apply to sell their excess power to electricity authorities. People in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan can file application to the Metropolitan Electricity Authority via the 
The Thai government says it is accelerating the restructuring of the country’s energy sector to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, expand renewable energy and strengthen energy security, while making Thailand more attractive to investors. The announcement comes as global demand for clean electricity continues to grow and governments compete to secure investment linked to low-carbon energy.
If you’re an expat living in Thailand and you’ve had the same health insurance policy for years, it’s easy to assume you’re set. You pay your renewal, you stay covered, and that’s that.
When did the first smartphone appear? The first mobile phone prototype came from Motorola in 1973. The first one approved, affectionately called The Brick, came out in 1983. In 1992 an IBM engineer created the Sweetspot but it didn’t hit the market until 1994, as the IBM Simon Personal Communicator.
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp. (BCP) have cut petrol and gasohol prices by 0.75 baht per liter, effective from 5 am today, while diesel prices remain unchanged. 
Thailand faces a 96%–98% probability of entering an El Niño phase between June and July, with conditions potentially persisting into early 2027, warned Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin.
Thais are expected to spend an average of 6.9 years living with illness or disability in later life, highlighting growing pressure on healthcare services and long-term care systems, according to the Thai Health Report 2026.
The family of a Thai farmer were stunned to discover 1.84 million baht in cash hidden inside a modified metal storage box used for tools after his death, revealing years of careful saving that even his wife did not know about.
The world’s oil and gas majors have high hopes for a quick reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but they have few illusions about a return to normal for the Gulf energy industry after more than three months of blockage.
Thailand has welcomed an agreement reached between the United States and Iran to end their conflict, expressing hope that the deal will bring lasting peace and stability to the Middle East and safeguard global economic interests.
Thailand needs to decide what role it wants to play in a world being reordered by artificial intelligence — or have that decision made for it. That was the stark warning from Burin Adulwattana, chief economist at KASIKORNbank, during a special segment of the KASIKORN Research Center’s half-year briefing.
Thailand is preparing to reform its electricity tariff structure in an effort to make power prices fairer and reduce electricity costs for households and local industries. Energy Minister Akanat Promphan announced that the government is reviewing the current pricing system to ensure that electricity charges better reflect actual costs.
DTAM pushes 5-point plan to boost kratom industry
The Transport Ministry expects Bangkok’s two main airports to handle around 120 million passengers annually by 2029 as it accelerates efforts to make the country a regional aviation hub.
Vana Nava Hua Hin is the ultimate all-ages fun escape
National park officials collected six large bags of plastic waste from Loh Samah Bay on Phi Phi Leh Island after large numbers of plastic water bottles were found floating across the sea near the boat access point to Maya Bay, one of Krabi’s best-known marine attractions.
Jasmine International (JAS) has officially secured the broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Thailand, just hours before the first match kicks off, ensuring that all 104 matches will be available to football fans.
Makro, a leading wholesale business under CP AXTRA, is making everyday shopping easier, faster, and more secure for millions of Thai customers with the nationwide launch of QR Credit Card Payment at Makro.
Representatives from the Swedish Church are visiting Hua Hin from June 12-16 for baptisms, home visits, hospital visits, and meetings with local businesses, the church announced.
Thai gold prices fell sharply at the market open today, with bullion dropping by 1,150 baht per baht-weight as global gold prices came under renewed pressure.
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has affirmed that the baht situation and Thailand’s external position remain strong, even as pressure from the conflict between the United States and Iran has caused the baht to weaken slightly.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has raised its forecast for Thailand’s 2026 economic growth to 1.6%-2.0%, supported by the 170-billion-baht “Thais Help Thais Plus” stimulus scheme.
The government is seeking new markets for Thai shrimp after Malaysia announced an import suspension earlier this month, says Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun. Malaysia has suspended imports of five shrimp species from Thailand, starting June 1.
The drafting of Bangkok’s new comprehensive city plan, the fourth revision, is expected to take effect around late 2027 and bring major changes to land-use rules in several areas.
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US President Donald Trump yesterday brushed off concerns about consumer inflation surging to a fresh three-year high in May, on the back of soaring energy prices caused by his war in Iran. “The numbers were great… I love the inflation,” Trump told reporters. 
After Russian police started using facial-recognition cameras to identify men wanted by military authorities, a young bank worker spent weeks avoiding the Moscow metro. But on a snowy Friday evening in late 2024, heavy traffic pushed him underground to visit his mother. At the next station, two officers entered the carriage and detained him for draft evasion. 
SpaceX enters the final stretch today before its expected trading on Wall Street as part of the biggest initial public offering in history, which could propel co-founder Elon Musk to trillionaire status. 
Tony Mancuso, one of the golf and turf industry’s most respected experts, has joined the Bunker Solution team as director of sales for the Asia-Pacific region.
Thailand’s rapid growth in international schools is sharpening debate over whether the trend is deepening educational inequality or creating new opportunities to strengthen the wider school system.
Over 100 days into the US-Israel war against Iran, Asia has emerged as the region most exposed to the global energy shock unleashed by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with countries facing soaring fuel bills, rising food prices, inflationary pressures, and growing fiscal burdens.
At the Thailand Rule of Law Leadership Forum 2026: Competitiveness and OECD Readiness, a major forum on Thailand’s future direction, two key representatives from the public and private sectors shared the stage to outline a common direction.
The Thais Help Thais Plus co-payment scheme will be available on four food delivery platforms from June 15, allowing participants to use government subsidies when ordering meals online, deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said yesterday.
The ongoing baht depreciation and rising US bond yields are pressuring the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and encouraging capital outflows after the benchmark index retreated from the key psychological level of 1,600 points, say analysts.
The dream of owning a home is slipping further away for many Thais, as weak income growth, high household debt, and tougher mortgage screening continue to weigh on the property market. A 2026 housing-demand survey by SCB EIC found that 56% of respondents had no plan to buy a home within the next five years, up from 47% a year earlier and the highest level in four years.
Industrial estate developer WHA Corp. is conducting a feasibility study for a new industrial estate dedicated to data centers, cloud services, and artificial intelligence (AI).
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is calling on the government to set stricter investment conditions for the rapidly growing data center sector, ensuring local communities and businesses benefit from the influx of foreign capital.
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For environmental monitoring professionals, regulatory change often looks abstract at first. But on the ground, those changes quickly become practical questions: where will the instruments be installed, what pollutants must be measured, how will data be verified, who will maintain the systems, and what happens when the numbers are no longer just internal records but live regulatory evidence?
Hua Hin celebrates famed boxer Pone Kingpetch
Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas has launched its “Introduction to Tennis” camp this April, designed to help kids learn the sport or enhance their skills during the school holidays. The three-day program aims to build players’ confidence, skills, and friendships in a fun and supportive environment under the guidance of an experienced tennis coach and trainer.
The north of Thailand remains under a thick blanket of hazardous smog, as the latest satellite data yesterday reveals a surge in forest fires, with over 2,000 hotspots detected across 17 provinces.
Traffic accidents and injuries over the first six “dangerous days” of the Songkran holiday were down by 20% from the same period a year ago, while fatalities declined by 6.5%, according to data released yesterday.
US President Donald Trump yesterday dismissed high fuel costs amid his war with Iran, claiming that the economic damage inflicted by the war was much less severe than expected.
An analysis by Commerzbank indicates that global energy market fluctuations are putting significant downward pressure on the Thai baht. As Thailand imports over 50% of its energy, mainly through crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), rising global energy costs have worsened its trade balance. Consequently, the USD/baht exchange rate has become a focal point for currency traders, closely monitoring the potential policy reactions from the Bank of Thailand (BOT).
Thailand is expected to enter a state of stagflation late in the second quarter and the beginning of the third quarter of this year, as businesses begin material restocking while oil prices remain high amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, according to Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research).
Thailand is pivoting away from broad-based subsidies toward targeted support and long-term investment, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, as the country prepares to host the IMF–World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok this October.
Thailand’s retail sector showed a temporary improvement in March, but the industry is still flashing warning signs for the months ahead, with confidence for the second quarter falling back below the 50-point threshold, as oil prices, higher operating costs, and weak purchasing power weigh on the outlook.
Thailand’s workforce is broadly happy — but warning signs are emerging beneath the surface. A new survey by Jobsdb by SEEK shows that overall workplace happiness among Thai employees stands at 67%, placing the country third in the region, behind Indonesia and the Philippines.
Almost 5 million people joined Songkran celebrations across Bangkok this year, up 93.4% from last year, with Siam Square topping 1.5 million, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
True Corp. said its latest mobility data highlights shifting travel patterns and real-time digital usage during Songkran 2026, showing more evenly distributed travel nationwide, led by the northeast (Isaan), while international arrivals continued to rise, with Chinese tourists ranking first.
Middle East conflict hits Phang Nga tourism – hundreds of tour boats sitting idle
Thai Gen Z travelers are reshaping travel habits in 2026 by favoring short but frequent trips over traditional long holidays, with mental well-being and value for money emerging as top priorities, according to the online booking platform Agoda.
Returning to Bangkok after two years, I found the city far more organized than expected. The once-chaotic and disorderly image of a Southeast Asian metropolis — especially the dire conditions on Bangkok’s streets during the COVID-19 pandemic — had faded. Instead, I was struck by a sense of managed order and tidy streets.
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Thailand is preparing to open its electricity system to households, allowing those with rooftop solar panels to sell surplus power back into the grid, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said yesterday.
Rice farmers Siriporn and Amnat Taidee used to burn their paddy fields between plantings — a common method of clearing crop residue partly blamed for toxic smog that blankets much of Thailand every spring.
Where once there was ice, only rock remains. One of the glaciers in a chain of snow-capped mountains in the Colombian Andes has vanished due to high temperatures driven by climate change. Satellite images show how the ice sheet covering the mountain gradually shrank from 2015 until it disappeared completely in March.