- Hua Hin ready to clear beach/Satellite images show high flood risks/Price checks in flood-hit areas/All 50 Bangkok districts flood disaster areas/Eastern Bangkok under water/Khao Yai closes fover heavy rain/Nene Royal lands US TV interviews/Phuket prepares grand welcome for Nene Royal
- THE IRAN WAR: Iran proposes Hormuz plan/Houthi attacks aise risk of wider conflict/Renewable energy policies accelerate in ASEAN
- ECONOMY: Thailand’s August exports rise/Thailand Pushes for Global South Voice/China’s Innovation Drives Thailand’s Economy/Thailand eyes global energy majors/Thailand’s new AI regulations
- TOURISM: Thailand launches THIM app/Phuket named top wellness choice
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Those darn elephants!/‘Three-Water City’ is rewriting the rules/Thailand expat urges Aussies to consider a cheaper life/Vegetarian Festival in Phuket
- CLIMATE THAILAND: $5-billion low-carbon industrial hub/Thailand leads ASEAN-6 EV sales
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin ready to clear beach after decades-long dispute
Authorities in Hua Hin are stepping up their efforts to clear all houses and buildings encroaching on a public beach to resolve a decades-long dispute, in the face of defiance from some owners.
Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul yesterday led a team of 100 city officials to the disputed area to inform owners about the structures targeted for demolition, after the municipality signed a contract with a demolition contractor on Thursday. Continued …
GISTDA’s Satellite images show high flood risks across Thailand
Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) has released satellite imagery showing widespread high-risk flood areas across several provinces following continued heavy rain, urging residents in areas marked red to closely monitor the situation.
GISTDA said yesterday that it was using satellite technology and geospatial data to monitor water conditions across Thailand in real time through its “Check Nam” application. The latest data showed areas already affected by flooding, as well as locations at high risk from continued heavy rainfall. Continued …
Commerce orders supply and price checks in flood-hit areas
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has ordered commerce agencies to monitor essential supplies and prices in flood-affected areas, aiming to prevent shortages and keep goods affordable.
Suphajee said the Ministry of Commerce was closely monitoring heavy rain and flooding, directing relevant agencies and coordinating with businesses to deliver goods and essential supplies to affected communities. Continued …
Bangkok declares all 50 districts flood disaster areas
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has extended its flood-disaster declaration to cover all 50 districts, providing a framework for assistance under the applicable criteria. District offices have been instructed to advise residents on documenting damage, including keeping photographs taken before and after flooding, to support requests for assistance.
The governor called for close coordination between district offices and central agencies to ensure Bangkok’s flood response delivered assistance quickly and reached affected residents comprehensively. Continued …
Eastern Bangkok under water
Eastern Bangkok is heavily flooded, with all local canals full and 15 main roads deeply inundated this morning, according to Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt.
Chadchart said rain in the capital began at 4 pm on Thursday, with accumulated rainfall nearing 300 millimeters in Min Buri, Klong Sam Wa and Saphan Sung districts by ths morning. Continued …
Khao Yai closes for two days as heavy rain raises landslide risk
Khao Yai National Park will close temporarily for two days on today and tomorrow because of persistent heavy rain and concerns over visitor safety. The park announced yesterday that continuous rainfall had caused flash floods in several areas, leaving some routes impassable.
Officials also warned of the risk of landslides, rockfalls and falling trees, which could endanger tourists and members of the public traveling through the park. Continued …
AGT winner Nene Royal lands US TV interviews and global rock gigs
Thai teenage rock musician Nene Royal is extending her breakthrough on America’s Got Talent into US television appearances and major concert opportunities, days after becoming the first Thai contestant to win the competition.
Nene, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, 16, won America’s Got Talent Season 21 and the US$1 million grand prize after a run built around her vocals and guitar performances. She has since been invited to speak about her victory on three US television outlets. Continued …
Phuket prepares grand welcome for AGT winner Nene Royal
Phuket is preparing to welcome home 16-year-old Nene Royal after the young singer and guitarist from the province won the America’s Got Talent 2026 title.
The provincial administration congratulated Nene on her victory, describing it as a source of pride for Phuket and Thailand, particularly as the 16-year-old took her talent to an international stage and brought recognition to her hometown and country. Continued …
Iran proposes Hormuz plan, Trump reportedly refuses
Iran offered a plan to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Tehran said yesterday, but within hours reports indicated that US President Donald Trump rejected the proposal.
The waterway key to the world’s oil supply is central to the conflict between the United States and Iran, which is at a stalemate after nearly seven months. But new mediation efforts at the UN’s gathering of world leaders in New York this week offered some optimism of progress toward a deal. Continued …
Why new Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia raise risk of wider conflict
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan will hold an urgent, high-level meeting under a joint defense pact to discuss ways to support the kingdom amid attacks by Yemen’s Houthis. But could the latest escalation push the region to the brink of an all-out-war? Video …
Long-term renewable energy policies accelerate in ASEAN as a result of Iran war
With the Iran war causing energy prices to spike across most of Southeast Asia, governments in this region are accelerating the roll-out of renewable energy policies, according to report by Zero Carbon Analytics, a research group focused on energy transition.
The report noted that six major ASEAN economies – Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – have introduced a total of 37 renewable energy and electrification policies since the start of the Iran war, compared with 29 fossil fuel policies. Continued …
Thailand’s August exports rise 24.3%, led by US
Thailand’s customs-cleared exports rose 24.3% in August from a year earlier, driven by strong shipments to the United States and continuing demand for electronics, the Commerce Ministry said yesterday.
The increase was slightly below the 24.9% rise forecast by analysts in a Reuters poll, but followed export growth of 21.6% in the previous month. Imports increased by 25.1% year-on-year in August. Thailand recorded a trade deficit of $2.48 billion during the month, smaller than the $3.9 billion deficit forecast by analysts. Continued …
Thailand Pushes for Global South Voice, Trade Expansion, and Regional Stability at UN Assembly
Speaking at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a statement under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All,” marking 80 years of Thai membership in the organization.
Addressing shifting global geopolitics, power fragmentation, and heightened strategic competition, the prime minister emphasized the urgent need to rebuild trust through consistent adherence to international law and equitable global governance. Continued …
How China’s Innovation Drives the Transformation of Thailand’s Economy
For most of the past two decades, the Thailand-China relationship was defined by trade volume and Chinese manufacturing relocation. Increasingly, it is defined by something else: the transfer of Chinese technology, standards, and industrial know-how directly into the operating base of the Thai economy.
The factory floors of Rayong and the boardrooms of Bangkok are where that shift is now visible, and it is reshaping what Thai competitiveness looks like for the rest of this decade. This integration carries risks, including US scrutiny over transshipment and tariff evasion, currency dependency as yuan-baht settlements expand, and data governance concerns as Chinese platforms embed in Thai operations. Continued …
Thailand eyes global energy majors for Andaman gas exploration
Thailand is preparing to open its 26th petroleum exploration and production bidding round in the Andaman Sea as part of efforts to increase domestic gas supplies, reduce dependence on costly liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and strengthen long-term energy security.
Worakorn Prommobol, director-general of the Department of Mineral Fuels (DMF), said applications for exploration and production rights were expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2026 or, at the latest, early 2027. Continued …
What are the key measures in Thailand’s new AI regulations?
Thailand is developing a risk-based legal framework for artificial intelligence that focuses on enhancing digital accountability, consumer protection, and ethics. These regulations aim to establish safeguards for AI adoption and development while addressing potential risks such as bias, security, and privacy.
The government’s strategy is built upon a four-pronged National AI Action Plan, which prioritizes digital sovereignty, AI governance, skilled talent development, and the creation of a globally competitive domestic AI industry. To bolster trust, the National AI Board is working on governance sandboxes and frameworks that emphasize human oversight, particularly for high-risk applications like automated decision-making. Additionally, the Electronic Transactions Development Agency is focusing on AI governance as a key pillar for strengthening digital trust in the country by 2027.
Thailand launches THIM app for foreign visitors
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has officially launched the THIM app, a digital platform intended to bring immigration and travel services for foreign nationals into one place.
The application, available since Aug. 1 through the App Store, Google Play Store and Huawei AppGallery, currently gives users access to the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) and travel promotions. It has recorded more than 600,000 downloads and over 580,000 users, or 97.2% of total downloads, according to the bureau. Continued …
Phuket named top wellness choice by Canadian travelers
Phuket has been voted the leading wellness destination by Canadian travelers in Air Canada Vacations’ 2026 Travelers’ Top Picks Awards. The result was announced at the company’s Toronto Product Launch at Universal Event Space in Toronto, Canada.
This was the second year Air Canada Vacations has held the Travelers’ Top Picks Awards. Canadians were invited to vote through the Travellrs’ Top Picks website in 10 categories, with more than 1.3 million votes cast this year. Continued …
Those darn elephants! Being the smallest means you’re never walking alone
How the ‘Three-Water City’ is rewriting the rules of travel
As a group of visitors walks deep into the fruit orchard, they’re shown different fruits and vegetables along the way. At one stop, they’re offered a taste of mahatsajan — the “miracle berry” or Synsepalum dulcificum — said to turn any sour flavor sweet. Most take the bait, popping the berry before reaching for a wedge of lime, only to find the promise true.
The path into the orchard doesn’t look like much of a tourist route. It’s a dirt track cutting between raised-bed orchards, the soil mounded and channeled by hand to work with the freshwater that floods this part of Samut Songkhram every year. Getting there is part of the experience: participants move through the routes by bicycle and sa-leng (sidecar motorcycle), on foot and by boat, switching pace and vantage point as the landscape itself evolves from orchard to canal to open water. Continued …
Thailand expat urges Aussies to consider a cheaper life
Australian expat Jay Houston says he has cut his rent to a quarter of what he paid in Australia after moving to Thailand, and is now running an online business to help other Australians make the move.
Houston, 50, said he can live what he describes as a luxury lifestyle for $1,800 a month, as rising living costs and pressure on household budgets prompt more Australians to consider working or living overseas. Speaking while sitting beside a pool at his condominium, Houston said: “This is my office, I’m in no hurry to leave it.” Continued …
Vegetarian Festival in Phuket to net 1.4 billion baht
Phuket expects this year’s Vegetarian Festival to generate at least 1.4 billion baht in economic activity. Visitors from Thailand, China, Malaysia, and Singapore are expected to be the primary groups attending the festival.
The festival is forecast to attract more than 140,000 visitors, with activities scheduled to run from Oct. 9 to 18 across more than 40 businesses on the island. Local officials expect this to provide a significant boost to tourism spending, noting that hotel occupancy rates in Phuket have already seen increases compared to last year.
PTT eyes $5-billion low-carbon industrial hub
PTT Plc is transforming the Map Ta Phut industrial zone into a low-carbon hub to drive new business growth and improve the competitiveness of Thai manufacturers in export markets. This transformation is being executed through the I-Spark initiative, which aims to attract climate-focused investors and international customers by offering access to green industrial development.
The initiative involves a planned investment of up to US$5 billion by 2035 and focuses on providing clean energy solutions and decarbonization technologies. Key components of this development include the creation of a carbon-neutral training center, the development of shared low-carbon infrastructure, and the implementation of advanced technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS). Additionally, the project will support high-value industries like sustainable aviation fuel and bio-based products through the development of specialized facilities and circular economy practices.
Thailand leads ASEAN-6 EV sales as volumes jump 47% in H1
Thailand recorded the highest electrified vehicle (xEV) sales among ASEAN-6 markets in the first half of 2026, with volumes rising 47% year on year to 206,000 units, according to PwC. Sales outpaced Vietnam at 127,000 units and Indonesia at 114,000 units, reinforcing Thailand’s position as a leading regional hub for electric mobility.
PwC’s overview of the ASEAN-6 automotive market: 6th market snapshot shows that electrified vehicles accounted for 32% of total ASEAN-6 vehicle sales in the first half of 2026. Thailand’s xEV penetration climbed from 32% in the first half of 2024 to 53% in the same period of 2026, signaling a rapid shift in consumer demand toward battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Continued …
Pentagon Evaluating Sending Personnel To Cuba Within 4 Months
The U.S. Army Reserve has been asked to evaluate if it could furnish police forces, a medical brigade and a support batallion with logistics expertise for possible deployment under the military’s Southern Command, according to internal documents reviewed by CBS News. – huffpost.com
What happened when Trump met Xi: big fanfare, but no breakthrough
US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday for a lavish summit that was heavy on symbolism but light on substance, with no sign of breakthroughs on thorny issues such as AI, trade, Taiwan and the war with Iran. Video …
UN delegates walk out as Netanyahu defends Israel’s actions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a combative speech at the 81st United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, defending Israel’s actions in the region as dozens of delegates walked out of the chamber in protest. Continued …
Desolate Greenland outpost could host US troops
At a windswept gravel airstrip in eastern Greenland, a small Danish military detachment has quietly kept watch for decades. Now, under under a new US defense agreement, the outpost at Mestersvig could soon become a key American military foothold in the Arctic. Video …
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
Experience a mouthwatering journey in Hua Hin, with cheap eats and local street food to upscale dining at beachfront restaurants and everything in between. We’ll try appetizing Thai foods like creamy khao soi, delicious pad thai, fresh seafood, crispy pork belly, fried bananas and more in this Hua Hin food tour. 
Thailand is promoting its road-safety strategy on the world stage despite recording one of Asia’s worst motorcycle death tolls, as new figures reveal more than 14,000 riders died last year, British tourists remain under official travel warnings and two high-profile fatalities on Koh Samui have intensified international scrutiny.
Global energy supplies are being squeezed across three major shipping fronts, with conflicts threatening the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea route through Bab el-Mandeb and Russia’s Black Sea oil infrastructure at the same time.
Oil prices surged to $100 a barrel yesterday as Tehran-backed Houthi rebels targeted Red Sea shipping and US President Donald Trump threatened to strike them in return.
The United States will impose a 12.5% tariff on goods from Thailand from today as part of a new system of duties targeting 60 trading partners over what Washington describes as inadequate enforcement against forced labor.
Thailand’s government and Huawei set out a shared roadmap for the country’s artificial intelligence ambitions yesterday as the Huawei Thailand Digital & AI Summit 2026 opened in Bangkok under the theme “Advancing ALL Intelligence Thailand” — with the two sides using the occasion to launch a new national AI ecosystem initiative alongside fresh economic and talent figures.
Thailand should recognize its LGBTQ+ economy as a new growth engine that requires legal and structural reforms to attract investment and enhance global competitiveness, according to several speakers.
Thailand and India agreed to strengthen transport links and boost tourism during talks between Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and Indian ambassador to Thailand Puneet Agrawal yesterday.
Culture Ministry selects 76 cultural highlights for Unseen Thai
If yesterday morning’s opening speeches at the Huawei Thailand Digital & AI Summit 2026 in Bangkok were about ambition, the address that followed was about plumbing. Poonpat Leesombatpaiboon, secretary-general of Thailand’s Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), used his keynote — titled “Green Technology for AI Thailand: Powering the Foundation of the AI Era” — to argue that Thailand’s AI future will be decided as much in power plants and transmission lines as in data centers.
The Renewable Energy Industry Club, under the Federation of Thai Industries, has called on the government to allow renewable power producers with expired adder tariffs to sell electricity to businesses, which require vast amounts of clean energy.
Thailand is reviewing a 24-billion-baht ($714 million) plan to help replace up to 80,000 aging transport vehicles with EVs and evaluating whether it should be extended to cover all electric vehicle purchases as part of its energy-transition efforts.
Hua Hin’s Most Atmospheric Night Markets? Tamarind & Cicada Walking Tour
Oil prices jumped today, with Brent crude rising above US$90 a barrel, as intensified attacks between the United States and Iran deepened concern over energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
A total of 7,024 businesses ceased operations in the first half of this year, up 12.5% year-on-year, with total registered capital of 98.9 billion baht, an increase of 224%, according to the Department of Business Development (DBD).
Thailand expects more than B70 billion in investment from four leading Chinese electric vehicle and advanced-technology companies, following talks in Chengdu yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the commitments followed a Thailand investment roadshow led by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in the Chinese city.
Corrupt government officials are seen as the leading reason foreigners can illegally run businesses in Thailand, according to a nationwide NIDA Poll. Some 67.1% of respondents blamed corruption or misconduct among state officials for businesses directly operated by foreigners or run through Thai nominees.
Pet ownership creates a new economic opportunity
Thailand plans to halve visa-free entry from 60 to 30 days for citizens of 54 countries, including Switzerland, a move likely to affect those seasonal retirees who spend much of the European winter in the kingdom. The change has not yet appeared in the Royal Gazette. It will take effect 15 days after publication. Until then, Swiss visitors and other eligible nationals can still enter visa-free for 60 days.
Thailand advances B12-billion Koh Samui cruise terminal project
How to Ride MRT: Easy Thai Phrases for Asoke and Sukhumvit Transit
It’s no secret that Thailand is home to some of the world’s most stunning stays. Beyond breezy beachfront resorts, Thailand is also home to stunning art-filled hotels where art takes center stage — whether through paintings, sculptures, bold design, traditional Thai craftsmanship, or contemporary installations.
Russia battered Ukraine’s capital Kyiv overnight with one of its biggest ballistic missile barrages of the war, killing at least one person and wounding 16 others, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said yesterday. 
The Phetchaburi Half Marathon on Sunday at Chao Samran Beach will feature a 21km half marathon (790 baht), 10km mini marathon (690 baht), and 5km race (590 baht). A VIP category priced at 1,500 baht will allow participants to compete across distances. Registration has now closed. 
The Danish Embassy in Thailand has announced that Danish Ambassador to Thailand Danny Annan will host an informal gathering for Danes in Hua Hin on Thursday. The event will take place from 2 pm to 4 pm at Ferior Interior in Hua Hin and is open to all Danes in the area. No registration is required.
Dear Doctors: I’m a 55-year-old man, and I have been active all my life. I know target heart rates are based on age and was surprised that my heart rate while running is often between 150 and 195. Should I slow down a bit?
Fuel prices dropped by 1 to 1.20 baht per liter at PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp. petrol stations nationwide this morning.
Domestic oil prices in Thailand are expected to remain elevated until the final quarter of this year, even though global crude benchmarks have eased and the US is set to sign a peace deal with Iran this Friday to end nearly four months of conflict in the Middle East.
Thai FDA warns over 20 illegal meatball and Vietnamese pork loaf brands
Reflecting on data from Thai households, it is evident that a significant portion of individuals over 50 years old have low incomes, accounting for about 42% of Thai households. This indicates a lack of readiness for retirement in Thai society.
Thai financial institutions may face higher-than-average risks from AI-driven fraud as artificial intelligence reshapes financial crime and makes scams faster, more automated, and harder to detect, according to a new survey by BioCatch.
The Real Estate Information Center (REIC) of Government Housing Bank has released data on transfers of condominium ownership to foreign nationals nationwide in the first quarter of 2026, showing that the overall market continued to face pressure from economic conditions both in Thailand and overseas.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has unveiled a plan to position Thailand as ASEAN’s hub for advanced chip manufacturing, with the goal of producing “Made in Thailand” semiconductors by 2050.
Tisco Financial Group expects the global economy to face mounting challenges in the second half of 2026, warning that stagflation risks, elevated energy prices, and geopolitical tensions could create a more volatile environment for investors.
Krabi International Airport is attracting growing interest from international airlines, with new routes from Finland and Scandinavia expected to strengthen tourism and support local development, the Ministry of Transport says.
Tourism killed Thailand’s most famous bay. Here’s how it was brought back to life
This video catalogs signature Thai street foods and explains their ingredients and regional contexts, offering a concise culinary overview. Dishes include Pad Thai with rice noodles, egg, tamarind, fish sauce, and toppings, and Pad Kra Pao served over rice with a fried egg.
About 153,000 new electric vehicles (EVs) are predicted to appear on the roads of Thailand this year, prompted mainly by the ongoing energy crisis triggered by the prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
The World Bank Group is supporting Thailand’s use of natural capital accounting (NCA) as a tool to help policymakers balance economic growth with environmental protection. NCA measures the stocks and flows of natural assets and translates them into data that can be used alongside existing national accounting systems.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said yesterday he would ban social media sites for under-16s and impose restrictions on gaming and livestreaming platforms, in some of the world’s most far-reaching online restrictions to date. 
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has introduced a new mobile application aimed at reducing arrival processing times for international visitors, while maintaining security checks at the country’s borders. The new system, known as the Thailand Immigration Management System (THIM), allows foreign travellers to complete arrival card information digitally before reaching Thailand.
Tourism leaders in Prachuap Khiri Khan are pushing for more Hua Hin flights to connect the city with Chiang Mai, Isaan, and southern Thailand, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen the role of Hua Hin Airport.
Thailand will enforce a nationwide alcohol ban on Sunday, as the country observes Visakha Bucha Day, one of the most important dates in the Buddhist calendar.
The Royal Gazette website yesterday published an announcement by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee on the revised prohibited hours for alcohol sales in 2026, updating the rules to reflect current conditions. Under the announcement, no person may sell alcoholic beverages outside the hours of 11am to midnight, except in several cases.
The Energy Policy Management Committee decided yesterday to maintain the ex-refinery price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at 20.9179 baht/kg for two more months, from June 1 to July 31, so that the retail price will be kept at 423 baht a 15Kg cylinder.
Thailand is currently among four out of a total of 11 ASEAN countries where the broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 have not yet been bought, while Thais may be more or less anticipating to view the world football tournament live and free as usual anyway.
A foundation advocating for sex workers has put forward a draft bill in parliament to decriminalize sex work and extend labor protections to those in the industry. Submitted by the Empower Foundation yesterday, tthis move aims to replace the outdated 1996 Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act, which criminalizes voluntary sex workers.
Thailand’s app-based drivers have become part of everyday life. But as ride-hailing and delivery platforms continue to grow, so does the conflict with traditional taxi operators.
Thai authorities are preparing to investigate the business records of Israeli nationals who obtained Thai citizenship after concerns emerged over alleged nominee business activities on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui in Surat Thani province.
Several officials at Ban Huad subdistrict office in Lampang experienced stomach pain, diarrhea, and dizziness after consuming insects collected from a tree outside the office. The incident, which prompted a public warning, led to several individuals requiring hospital treatment.
In the first quarter of 2026, Thailand’s economy expanded by 2.8%, beating analyst expectations. But the economic outlook for the full year remains modest, with the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) forecasting between 1.5% and 2.5% growth. The World Bank is more cautious, forecasting 1.6% growth.
Thailand’s foreign condominium market is entering a new phase, with Chinese buyers pulling back sharply while Russian demand rises and keeps the luxury segment in key tourism destinations alive.
Factory output in Thailand remains weak, with the manufacturing production index in April falling 0.36% from a year earlier, the Ministry of Industry said yesterday.
Continental has officially inaugurated the expansion of its tire plant in Rayong. The investment of more than 300 million euros, or 13 billion Thai baht, boosts the facility’s production capacity by an additional 3 million passenger car and light truck tires per year.
The Anutin Charnvirakul government’s decision last week to cancel the extended visa-free entry scheme, which allowed stays of up to 60 days instead of 30, was based on the belief that it would strengthen national security, combat transnational crime, and prevent foreigners from exploiting the policy to work illegally, engage in business without permits, or behave unruly.
Thailand’s aviation industry began 2026 with stronger passenger traffic, more flights, and renewed demand from key Asian markets, but the recovery is now facing a fresh test from Middle East disruption, volatile jet fuel prices, and rising operating costs.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) yesterday with Vietnam Airlines to jointly advance marketing and air connectivity, particularly the opening of new routes between Thailand and Vietnam.
It has been 87 days since the energy crisis began on Feb. 28, following the sudden escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Even though the US and Iran extended a tentative ceasefire on April 21, the shockwaves have already fundamentally destabilized global energy markets.
The World Health Organization on May 17 declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a “public health emergency of international concern”, and said there was a high risk it could spread to neighboring countries. The decision has prompted governments to step up travel-related containment measures. Here is a list of screening steps and travel restrictions announced by different countries. 
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the Foreign Ministry would today submit to the Cabinet a proposal to cancel the 60-day visa-free measure, known as P.60, and revise the 30-day visa-free measure, known as P.30.
Thailand has yet to decide whether to buy the broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the asking price of at least 1.3 billion baht is far above the 600-million-baht framework previously used by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, while unfavorable match times in Thailand may reduce viewership, advertising revenue, and wider economic benefits.
The Thai Meteorological Department forecast heavy rain in parts of upper Thailand over the next 24 hours, covering the north, northeast, central region, Bangkok, and surrounding provinces, today.
Consumer confidence in April plunged into crisis territory, recording the sharpest monthly decline globally and across the Asia-Pacific region, as economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, rising living costs, and dissatisfaction with government efforts to address the economy eroded public sentiment, according to the Ipsos Global Consumer Confidence Index.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan has floated a plan to attract Middle Eastern oil producers to invest in a strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) in Thailand, positioning the country as a regional oil distribution hub while strengthening long-term energy security.
The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has launched an influencer-led campaign alongside Thai celebrity couple “Cee” Siwat Chotchaicharin and “Amy” Amika Klinpratoom to showcase the economic and culinary value of the nation’s Geographical Indication (GI) products.
The April 2026 Hotel Business Operator Sentiment Index, jointly prepared by the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) and the Bank of Thailand (BOT), was based on a survey conducted from April 16 to 30, among respondents from 134 accommodation businesses.
Thai tourism operators are looking beyond the sluggish low season and expect healthy bookings, particularly from European tourists, when the high season returns in the third quarter.
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau posted a video on Sunday warning travelers not to trust claims that a paid fast track immigration service is available at Suvarnabhumi Airport through Trip.com.
Chiang Mai On A Budget: Thailand’s Cosy Mountain Escape
Thailand is emerging as Southeast Asia’s most NEV-ready market, with 58% of consumers considering hybrid or electric vehicles — significantly above the regional average of 42.8%. Key purchase motivators include lower fuel costs, charging availability, and longer driving range.
Thailand’s military is pressing ahead with the construction of a new border fence along the Thai-Cambodian frontier in Chanthaburi province, covering the area between boundary markers 52 and 54 in Pong Nam Ron district. The project stretches approximately 1,310 meters and is intended to strengthen border security and improve safety for residents living near the frontier.
The global gold market has reached a critical crossroads. Following a record-breaking rally in early 2026, prices have entered a significant consolidation phase, caught between the opposing forces of aggressive monetary policy and heightening systemic fragility.
Lisa joins FIFA World Cup 2026 opening show in LA
Six stray dogs were found dead after being poisoned in Pathum Thani, with some also showing gunshot wounds to the head, according to local residents and animal carers.
Provincial restaurant associations are calling on the government to provide support for small and medium-sized enterprises during this tough period, as they are seeing a decline in consumer spending power and a drop in traveler numbers in their areas.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said Thailand is accelerating negotiations on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States in a bid to reduce tariff risks ahead of a Section 301 review.
Thai rice exporters are forecasting a significant recovery in the latter half of the year, driven by the intensifying Super El Niño phenomenon. As weather patterns threaten global harvests, major importing nations have begun aggressive stockpiling to ensure domestic food security, providing a much-needed boost to Thai export volumes.
Bangkok’s street food stalls threatened by citywide crackdown
Thai tea emerged as one of the most sought-after items at the Thai Festival in Tokyo over the weekend, with visitors reportedly waiting up to 30-40 minutes for a single cup. Japanese social media users posted photos and comments about long queues at the ChaTraMue booth during the 26th Thai Festival, held at Yoyogi Park.
Myanmar claimed yesterday that “discriminatory measures” are shutting it out of the ASEAN bloc after a summit last week saw the organization continue to blacklist the country’s post-coup leadership. 
Hua Hin is exploring the use of CCTV with AI-enabled facial recognition systems as part of plans to strengthen public safety and modernize urban management. The proposal was discussed during a meeting chaired by Nopporn Wutthikul on Friday at Hua Hin City Municipality.
Five stray dogs were found dead after suspected poisoning in a residential area of Cha Am municipality, Phetchaburi, on Friday, prompting concern among local residents and calls for authorities to investigate. The animals were discovered lying on the road and nearby grass, showing signs of severe distress, including foaming at the mouth, bleeding, and loss of bodily control.
The likelihood of a “super El Niño” poses a serious threat to Thailand’s agricultural sector, particularly rice production, potentially increasing food security risks.
A senior doctor has warned that eating raw shrimp can lead to serious parasitic infection, after a case highlighted the risks beyond common food poisoning. Yesterday, Dr. Jessada Bunyawongviroj, deputy director of Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, shared details of a patient who developed gnathostomiasis after consuming raw seafood. The condition caused swelling that moved across the body, as parasites migrated under the skin.
Thailand’s Ministry of Energy is preparing to propose a new electricity pricing scheme to the cabinet, aimed at reducing costs for households that use no more than 200 units per month. Under the plan, these users would pay less than 3 baht per unit, with lower consumption leading to progressively cheaper rates, potentially benefiting around 14 million people.
The US-Iran conflict, which erupted two months ago, has triggered an oil price shock, sharp rises in the cost of living, and widespread flight cancellations worldwide.
As temperatures climb across Thailand, households are feeling more than just the heat. This year’s hot season has brought a sharp rise in living costs, particularly fuel prices, tightening budgets and amplifying financial strain. In this environment, effective financial management has become essential to easing the burden.
Government Outlines B1.38-trillion Transport Plan
Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said the government was pressing ahead with its economic plan to help households and businesses cope with global volatility, while also strengthening Thailand’s medium- and long-term competitiveness.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties with the United States following talks with US Ambassador to Thailand Sean O’Neill on Friday.
Thailand’s famed massage industry is getting a reset. Last month, the government rolled out sweeping reforms to raise standards, improve training, and reshape its global image. In 2024, Thailand’s wellness tourism spending hit US$14 billion, up 36% from the previous year. This video looks at whether the changes will lift the sector or price it out of reach. 
The water has dried, the streets have cleared, and the music has faded, but for many long-term visitors in Pattaya, the aftermath of this year’s Songkran has left behind more frustration than fond memories.
The sights, sounds, and smells of Bangkok hit me immediately and simultaneously. The spiced aromas wafting from street food vendors mixed with the heavy traffic’s gasoline fumes. My head was constantly on a swivel, captured by the neon lights in Chinatown contrasting against the gold facades of the centuries-old wats (temples).
10 high-sodium Thai dishes that may quietly harm your kidneys
The government’s renewed focus on rooftop solar in early 2026 stems from overlapping economic pressures, described by policymakers as a “crisis on crisis”. Global energy costs have surged amid the war in the Middle East, affecting fuel used for electricity generation. This has pushed up the fuel tariff, with further increases expected between May and August.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with strategic partners, successfully concluded the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC) 2026 in Phuket last week.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has introduced a wellness-focused travel experience tailored to modern lifestyles through the “Run with the Rhythm” event. The event forms part of the “Central Rhythm – Fit Body, Relax Mind, Find Your New Life Rhythm in the Central Region” campaign and is presented as a mini-wellness festival.
We often joke that our country has three seasons: hot, very hot, and extremely hot. Last summer, however, the country recorded its highest heat index or “feels-like temperature” of 59.5C, or 41C in actual temperature, a level classified as extreme danger beyond the limits of human endurance.
Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat says he has found the key to unlocking Thailand’s decades-long middle-income trap: human capital development. Yodchanan is now staking the country’s future on an ambitious education roadmap aimed at lifting Thailand into a high-value economy.
Rising living costs are intensifying pressure on families as education reforms ease school dress rules nationwide, yet household spending remains high.
For years, the pattern was always the same. Farmers would wake up to destroyed fields. Crops flattened overnight. Entire harvests gone in hours. The cause wasn’t a mystery.
Thailand’s exports to the United States surged 41.8% in the first quarter of 2026, as US importers accelerated orders following a court ruling that voided retaliatory tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump’s policy.
Reports indicate that Thailand is beginning to face a problem of oil storage tanks nearing capacity, with limited space left, as refineries continue operating at full production. Some refineries are said to be running at more than 100% of capacity, as high as 110%, in order to produce enough fuel to meet public demand in line with government policy.
Thailand is positioning itself as one of the region’s fastest-growing wealth markets, with Knight Frank’s The Wealth Report 2026 forecasting a 26% rise in the country’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) between 2026 and 2031 — a sign of Thailand’s expanding role as a magnet for global capital.
‘Super dull and boring’: Foreign visitor’s take on Suvarnabhumi
Andaman coastal provinces can expect rain to linger longer this year due to an El Nino impact on the monsoon season, a weather forecaster said yesterday. The moonsoon season along the Andaman Coast from Ranong to Satun is generally from May to October each year.
Westerners in Thailand notice unique street food, vibrant markets, beautiful temples, friendly locals, chaotic traffic, respectful gestures, and cultural practices, all contributing to a richly immersive experience within 30 days.
Decentralized solar microgrids are replacing grid extension in rural Southeast Asia as high infrastructure and fuel costs make traditional power networks uneconomic. “In Northern Thailand, decentralized solar microgrids emerged as the primary alternative, delivering power at 10% of the cost of traditional grid extension,” Colin Peh, founder and CEO at GoRental Global, said.
Venice, the historic city of canals, is facing a deepening crisis from climate change that is putting it at growing risk of permanent submersion, as sea levels rise faster than expected and the city’s flood defensce system may no longer be able to cope indefinitely. 
Tomorrow is the 40th anniversary of the accident at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, one of the largest man-made disasters in human history. The catastrophe that unfolded in 1986 was the result of a reactor experiment carried out under Moscow’s orders, in blatant violation of basic safety protocols. 
Immigration office closures during Songkran and other April public holidays are set to affect Hua Hin, Cha Am and the rest of Thailand, with foreigners being advised to plan ahead for visa extensions, 90-day reporting, and other services.
Cha Am is preparing for its Songkran celebrations, with local officials confirming a 10-day program of events that will culminate in the Wan Lai Cha-am festival on April 16-17. Nukun Pornsombunsiri recently inspected preparations for the event, with a focus on safety measures and facilities for both residents and visitors.
Thap Sakae will host the Na Hu Kwang Festival 2026 during the Songkran holiday, with organizers aiming to boost tourism and local economic activity through a two-day beachfront event centered around light installations and live entertainment.
Cha Am Municipality is asking for cooperation from all agencies and the public to help save energy, in order to prepare for future situations and ensure resources are used efficiently.
Thailand is bracing for another day of intense heat, with the Thai Meteorological Department warning that temperatures could soar to as high as 42C in some parts of the country today.
Eight police officers in Pathum Thani have been removed following allegations they extorted a valuable gold necklace from a local couple. The woman, who runs a snooker club, reported that the incident occurred at her home on March 25. Officers allegedly demanded 200,000 baht, ultimately taking a gold necklace valued at nearly 150,000 baht.
Thailand’s diesel price will rise by B3.50 per liter today after the Oil Fuel Fund Committee reduced its subsidy, pushing the retail price of standard diesel to B44.24 per liter.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has assessed the latest situation and made clear that risks are now spreading from energy prices to the real economy as a whole, while cutting its 2026 outlook for Thailand again amid mounting inflationary pressure and clearer signs of stagflation.
Thailand Post plans to impose a fuel surcharge of 3 baht per item on domestic Express Mail Service (EMS) and e-CoPost services from April 16, citing higher fuel costs.
While the rationale for US President Donald Trump’s Iran war is difficult to decipher, its main beneficiary is far easier to identify: Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Corruption remains a structural problem undermining Thailand’s economy and significantly pushing up business costs, according to a new nationwide survey of industry leaders.
The Ministry of Public Health has begun a full transition to ensuring cannabis use in Thailand will be for medicinal purposes only, allowing dispensaries a three-year timeframe to convert into medical clinics in order to continue operating.
Amid global volatility and surging energy prices, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced a major strategic adjustment to respond to signs of a slowdown among long-haul visitors, shifting greater attention to the domestic market and short-haul travelers through an approach centered on value and world-class experiences.
Northern tourism operators expect a poor showing during the Songkran holiday, as the region remains choked by smog, amid weak spending attributed to the war in the Middle East and the subsequent oil shock.
Authorities in Phuket are being urged to investigate after images surfaced online showing a tour boat crew allegedly dumping rubbish into the sea near Tha Chin canal in Phuket province.
Thailand’s PM2.5 crisis has reached a severe level, with fresh data today from IQAir showing air quality in Chiang Mai Municipality had worsened dramatically, pushing it up to the rank of the world’s second most polluted city.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a system trial of the On Nut waste-to-energy plant to help tackle the city’s waste problem and provide a new source of sustainable power.
NASA launched four astronauts from Florida yesterday aboard Artemis II, sending them on a high-stakes, nearly 10-day journey around the moon and back in the United States’ boldest move yet toward returning humans to the lunar surface later this decade, ahead of China’s first planned crewed landing.