- Another delay for waterfront demolition/More rain is on the way/Highest rates of road deaths/Alleged official collusion in human trafficking
- ECONOMY: Anutin targets ‘exponential’ Thai growth/Floods deepen Thai shrimp crisis/AI demand drives Thai electronics earnings/Thailand, Germany investment
- TOURISM: Departure tax is the death kiss
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: 13 Foods Under $1 In Bangkok
- CLIMATE THAILAND: ‘Extreme climate’ crisis has reached its peak/Climate adaptation could create or protect 150 million jobs/Virtual power plants/PEA grilling on EEC solar farm
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Another delay for Hua Hin waterfront demolition
Planned clearance work along Hua Hin’s waterfront did not go ahead yesterday as planned, after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) asked the municipality to delay demolition while it examines residents’ complaints.
Work had been expected to begin on vacant plots and premises between Hua Hin Fishing Pier and the Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine, including the removal of building extensions projecting into the sea, non-residential sections and signs. No demolition took place yesterday. Continued …
More rain is on the way
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a fresh warning today for heavy to very heavy rain across parts of Thailand during Oct. 18–25, with accumulated rainfall raising the risk of flash floods, rapid run-off and landslides.
The eight-day outlook covers a new spell of unsettled weather during the transition from the rainy season toward the cool season. The TMD forecasts persistent rain in the south and east Oct. 18–20, with heavy to very heavy falls in some areas. Continued …
Why does Thailand have one of the highest rates of road deaths?
Thailand has some of the most dangerous roads in Asia, with thousands of people killed every year and motorcycles involved in the vast majority of fatal crashes. But why is the problem so severe?
In this video, we take a deep dive into Thailand’s road-safety crisis — from motorcycle dependence and dangerous road design to speeding, helmet use, drink-driving, weak enforcement, licensing problems and gaps in government policy. We also look at why road deaths remain so high despite decades of safety campaigns, what Thailand is doing to improve the situation, and what changes could actually save lives. Video …
Investigation launched into alleged official collusion in human trafficking
The Interior Ministry has ordered an investigation into possible involvement by government officials in a human trafficking network accused of forcing children from Myanmar to sell flowers and juice on Khaosan Road and at other locations in Bangkok.
The probe began after messages found on a suspect’s phone suggested that a government official had tipped off the network about planned inspections, allowing children to be moved. Continued …
Anutin hails 191-country IMF–World Bank meetings, targets ‘exponential’ Thai growth
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said yesterday that Thailand’s hosting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank annual meetings had strengthened international confidence and could help drive faster economic growth. The gathering brought together representatives from 191 countries, Anutin said.
Anutin described the meetings as an opportunity to demonstrate Thailand’s logistics readiness, infrastructure and economic stability amid geopolitical challenges. Continued …
Floods deepen Thai shrimp crisis amid disease and export setbacks
Severe flooding in 2026 has compounded longstanding structural problems in Thailand’s shrimp industry, becoming a “catalyst” that exposes the sector’s vulnerability rather than simply a temporary natural disaster.
Conventional compensation payments may no longer be enough. The challenge for the government and private sector is to work together to “overhaul Thailand’s shrimp production chain” and build long-term economic resilience. Continued …
AI demand drives Thai electronics earnings in Q3
Thai electronics companies are projected to see varying levels of revenue growth in the third quarter of 2026, with some seeing significant increases driven by artificial intelligence demand. Specifically, Delta Electronics (Thailand) is expected to see revenue rise by 16% quarter-on-quarter and 24% year-on-year, reaching 7.57 trillion baht. KCE Electronics is forecast to grow its revenue by 150% year-on-year and 16% quarter-on-quarter, reaching 594 million baht.
Other major players also show positive growth projections. Hana Microelectronics is expected to see revenue rise by 378% year-on-year and 173 million baht for the quarter. Additionally, analysts from SGC Securities suggest that core earnings for many listed electronics firms could rise by 33%-133% year-on-year and 50%-100% quarter-on-quarter due to AI-related investments. This momentum is being supported by increased capacity utilization and component demand for AI technologies, though analysts caution that weak demand in non-AI sectors remains a factor. – Bangkok Pos AI
Thailand, Germany back high-tech investment drive
Thailand and Germany have agreed to pursue closer trade, investment and financial links, with a focus on high-technology industries, workforce skills and Thailand’s bid to join the OECD.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met German Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil yesterday. Government spokesman Ekkaphon Pearnpary stated that both sides reaffirmed the strong relationship between the two countries, built on economic cooperation, mutual confidence among private-sector businesses and people-to-people ties. Continued …
Departure tax pushed by the Ministry of Finance is the death kiss for the tourist sector, say top execs
Thai AirAsia chief Tassapon Bijleveld warns that Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas’s proposed 1,000-baht departure tax threatens international flights and Thailand’s ailing tourism industry. Travel agents fear losses of up to 150 billion baht annually against projected tax collections of just 45.9 billion baht.
Meanwhile, foreign arrivals have reached only 23.94 million, with weekly numbers falling 7.49%. Tourism receipts remain 360 billion baht below 2019 levels, while ASEAN arrivals have plunged 20%. Yet, the government is considering another 450-baht tourist entry fee. Continued …
13 Foods Under $1 In Bangkok
The “extreme climate” crisis has reached its peak: unprecedented rainfall is devastating the world
The massive floods and extreme storms currently devastating major cities around the world are undeniable evidence that humanity has fully entered the era of “climate extremes.”
It’s clear that flooding has increased dramatically, accounting for almost 50% of all disasters worldwide. The most frightening aspect isn’t just the rising water levels, but the fact that existing human-made infrastructure can no longer withstand this level of volatility. Continued …
Climate adaptation could create or protect 150 million jobs: World Bank
Investment in climate adaptation could create or protect the equivalent of up to 150 million jobs worldwide, World Bank Group Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer Paschal Donohoe told a Bangkok forum yesterday, highlighting the economic benefits of strengthening resilience against climate change.
Speaking at “Financing a Resilient Green Economy”, a Thailand-hosted event during the 2026 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, Donohoe emphasized that climate action should support economic development and employment, while reflecting individual countries’ priorities. Continued …
EGAT prepares to develop virtual power plants in Thailand
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is preparing to deploy virtual power plant technologies after successfully testing a relevant project. According to a report, the country is moving toward a more flexible electricity supply system with digital management.
A virtual power plant combines numerous small renewable energy sources, including rooftop solar installations, into a coordinated network capable of supplying electricity to the national power system. This approach differs from Thailand’s traditional model, which has long relied on large centralized power plants. Continued …
PEA grilling on EEC solar farm looms
The House committee on energy has raised several concerns regarding the selection process for a 23-billion-baht solar farm project in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Specifically, the committee has questioned the criteria used to select private companies and whether alternative procurement methods were bypassed to favor certain entities.
Committee chairman Supol Mahrian emphasized the need for transparency to ensure the selection process was fair and not a tool for corruption. He also raised questions regarding whether a non-competitive selection process was utilized and if the state received the greatest possible benefit from the deal. Additionally, the committee is investigating potential links between private companies and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), as well as concerns involving an executive whose spouse is a former permanent secretary for energy interests. – Bangkok Post AI
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US director of a machinery firm arrested in Samut Prakan – Continued …
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Phan police detain 10 Chinese nationals in Chiang Rai – Continued …
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Chinese man arrested in Bangkok over six-year overstay – Continued …
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5 African women held over Koh Samui visa overstays – Continued …
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South Korean held in Pattaya over 274-day overstay – Continued …
UN says food crisis ‘looming’ after global energy shock
Rising energy and fertilizer costs are hitting smallholder farmers and driving up prices of agricultural commodities, fueling fears of a global food crisis, according to the head of the UN agriculture development fund. Continued …
Trump says neither he nor Musk responsible for Ukraine Starlink issues
US President Donald Trump said yesterday that he did not think either he or Elon Musk was responsible for Ukraine losing Starlink access. Video …
Musk Reportedly Suggested Trump Could Slow Starlink Access In Ukraine
Elon Musk approached US President Donald Trump and suggested he restrict Ukraine’s use of a SpaceX-developed military satellite network, sources told The Telegraph. Ukraine officials earlier this week reported issues with the country’s military-grade Starlink receptors, called Starshield, which it uses for onboard guidance systems on drones. – The Telegraph
Trump says he won’t impose sanctions on Russia, thwarting Congress
US President Donald Trump said he will not impose many sanctions on Russia that were due to take effect in the coming days, his latest move to support the Russian economy and relieve pressure on the Kremlin’s dwindling war chest. Trump’s order effectively undermines legislation passed in Congress with bipartisan support to sanction Russia’s trading partners. Continued …
Trump’s new press secretary out after less than week
White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia was pushed out yesterday after less than a week in the high-profile job following a series of blunders that added to distractions for her embattled boss, President Donald Trump. 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
