- Thailand Pickleball Open in Hua Hin/Thai juniors at Hua Hin/Don Mueang airport transport guide/Violent storms, heavy rain forecast/Torrential rain pounds Phuket/Thailand urges emergency bag preparations/Makro Online Targets 110 Billion Baht/Social Security Act will extend insured age
- ECONOMY: Trade Boom Pushes Port Past Capacity/Benefits from US midterms/US Midterms Unlikely Game Changer for Thailand/Industrial depth anchors Thailand’s edge/Tokyo and Thailand Pioneer Digital Finance
- TOURISM: Thailand records 25.46 million arrivals/Suvarnabhumi plans to double capacity/11 million long-haul tourists in 2027/Southeast Asia Medical Tourism Market/Chiang Mai tops Asia-Pacific booking growth/Luxury travel demand boosts hotels
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Increased presence of elephants causes concern/Making Thai architecture tangible
- CLIMATE THAILAND: The Heat They’ll Inherit/Level the solar field/Small modular reactors/EV use in state sector/Green Destinations honors
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
7th Thailand Pickleball Open in Hua Hin
A category for everyone: from relative beginners and casual players to seasoned court veterans. Entries are open HERE.
Thai juniors rule world meet at Hua Hin
Thailand’s young golfers claimed several titles at the Singha Thailand Junior World Golf Championship, which concluded at Royal Hua Hin Golf Course in Prachuap Khiri Khan on Sunday.
The four-day event attracted 144 players from 14 countries, split into four age groups: Class A (15-17), Class B (13-14), Class C (11-12) and Class D (9-10). Individual and team honors were contested. Continued …
Don Mueang airport transport guide covers buses, taxis and trains
Don Mueang International Airport has published a transport guide outlining the public transport services available to passengers, including airport buses, taxis, trains, car hire and intercity coaches.
The airport’s infographic provides information on fares, operating hours and boarding locations for travel into Bangkok, transfers to Suvarnabhumi Airport, and onward journeys to Pattaya and Hua Hin. Continued …
Violent storms, heavy rain forecast for Thailand Nov 5-9
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued its fourth advisory warning of volatile weather, severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across northern and southern Thailand from Nov. 5-9.
According to the TMD, a strong high-pressure system from China is spreading southward, pushing a cold air mass over northern Thailand and the South China Sea. This atmospheric shift will strengthen easterly winds across the country and the Gulf of Thailand, triggering widespread and unseasonably turbulent weather. Continued …
Torrential rain pounds Phuket, with some areas flooded again
Phuket was lashed by heavy rain again last night, leading to several parts of three districts, including Patong seaside town, getting flooded.
The intense downpour started at 5.30 pm, leading to floods swamping Mueang Phuket, Kathu, and Thalang districts, while a flash flood that originated from the Khao 50 Pi (50-Year Hill) area gushed down to Na Nai road in Patong, making travel difficult. Continued …
Are you ready for 72 hours? Thailand urges emergency bag preparations
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has urged households to prepare emergency bags containing enough food, water, medicine and essential supplies to survive for at least 72 hours, citing international concerns over conflicts in the Middle East and the need for disaster preparedness.
Nirat Pongsitthithavorn, director-general of the DDPM, said several countries had advised their citizens to stockpile essential supplies for three days amid concerns over the situation in the Middle East. Continued …
Makro’s Online as Makro PRO Targets Up to 110 Billion Baht
CP Axtra is reshaping Makro from a store-based wholesaler into an omni-channel retailer. Its branches draw business customers in, while its online platform takes a growing share of their orders. Makro PRO, the online arm, is heading for annual sales of between 100 billion and 110 billion baht this year.
Tanit Chearavanont, group chief executive officer of the wholesale business at CP Axtra, told reporters in Bangkok that customer behavior had changed faster than expected. Continued …
Draft of Social Security Act will extend insured age to 65, adjust numerous benefits
The Cabinet has approved the draft Social Security Act as proposed by the Ministry of Labor. This amendment aims to revise the law to align with the current context, accommodate an aging society, and provide more comprehensive protection for insured persons.
This draft expands the age of insured persons and increases benefits by raising the maximum age for employees insured under Section 33 from 60 years to a maximum of 65 years, in order to accommodate older workers. Continued …
Trade Boom Pushes Thailand’s Biggest Port Past Capacity
Thailand’s Port Authority is considering a fourth development phase for Laem Chabang, the country’s largest deep-sea port, after cargo volumes rose beyond its existing capacity.
The Chon Buri port is already being expanded under a third-phase project. Officials are now examining the potential size, cost and timetable for further works as trade through the gateway continues to grow. Continued …
Analysts see benefits from US midterms
Thes US midterm elections could benefit Thailand and global trade, as stronger checks and balances between Congress and President Donald Trump could reduce US policy uncertainty and ease market volatility, analysts say.
Apichart Phubanjerdkul, senior director of the strategic analysis division at Tisco Securities, expects the Nov. 3 US midterm elections to have a positive impact on financial markets, potentially easing policy uncertainty and supporting a recovery in Thai equities later this month. Continued …
US Midterms Unlikely to be a Game Changer for Thailand, says KKP Economist
The US midterm elections are unlikely to be a “game changer” for Thailand, though a weaker Republican grip on Congress could unsettle global sentiment and make life harder for emerging markets, according to Pipat Luengnaruemitchai, chief economist at KKP Research.
Pipat said markets had largely priced in the likelihood that President Donald Trump’s Republican Party would lose control of the House of Representatives. The real surprise, he said, would be a Republican sweep. Continued …
Industrial depth anchors Thailand’s edge
Thailand’s industrial systems and seasoned workforce are its strongest competitive advantages as companies look to diversify production across Southeast Asia.
But infrastructure bottlenecks in grid capacity, green energy and high-end technical skills need to be addressed to help drive future investment, according to Jan Metzger, global head of coverage banking at Standard Chartered. Continued …
Tokyo and Thailand Pioneer Digital Finance
The architecture of global finance is undergoing a profound transformation. As tokenized assets, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and stablecoins reshape traditional boundaries, regional hubs are seeking innovative ways to connect capital markets and streamline cross-border payments.
At a media roundtable at the IMF-World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, leading economists, financial authorities, and fintech experts convened to explore how Tokyo and Thailand can together build ASEAN’s next financial corridor through advanced digital finance and tokenization. Continued …
Thailand records 25.46 million arrivals, down 4.6%
Thailand’s long-haul tourist arrivals rose 13.6% week on week, extending growth to a fifth consecutive week ahead of the winter holiday season, while total foreign arrivals reached 25.46 million in the first 10 months of 2026.
However, January–October arrivals remained 4.59% below the same period last year, according to preliminary figures released by Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul. Continued …
Suvarnabhumi plans to double capacity to 120 million
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport could double its annual passenger capacity to 120 million within seven years under an Airports of Thailand (AOT) plan for a new terminal, a proposed fourth runway and expanded processing areas.
The state-owned airport operator is preparing to submit its fifth development plan for Suvarnabhumi, in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok, to the cabinet. It includes a southern terminal, a fourth runway and an east expansion project. Continued …
TAT targets 11 million long-haul tourists in 2027 despite rising costs
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is targeting 11 million long-haul international visitors and 730 billion baht in tourism revenue in 2027, despite rising oil prices, prolonged conflict in the Middle East and economic pressures affecting European travelers.
Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT deputy governor for international marketing covering Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa, expects the long-haul market to maintain its growth momentum next year, with an anticipated expansion of approximately 4%. Continued …
Southeast Asia Medical Tourism Market Size, Share, Growth Trends
The Southeast Asia Medical Tourism Market reached USD 6.1 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 35.5 Billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 21.68% during 2026-2034. This growth rests on Thailand’s established leadership attracting over a million medical tourists annually, Malaysia’s dedicated medical tourism year in 2026, Indonesia’s push to retain patients currently traveling abroad, and Vietnam’s formal medical tourism development plan through 2030 .
Thailand was ranked the world’s second-leading medical tourism destination in the Top 50 Medical Tourism Destinations for 2026 by Travel and Tour World, behind Turkey but ahead of India, Mexico, and South Korea . The country attracted over one million medical tourists annually, with its medical tourism market valued at USD 17.8 billion in 2025 and projected to reach USD 76.5 billion by 2035. Continued …
Chiang Mai tops Asia-Pacific autumn booking growth
Chiang Mai saw autumn flight bookings rise 84.3% year-on-year, the largest increase recorded by any city in the Asia-Pacific region, according to online travel company Trip.com Group.
The northern Thai city led a group of destinations whose booking growth was driven largely by travelers from mainland China. Trip. com said the trend reflected demand for affordable, short-haul trips and a growing willingness to explore destinations beyond the best-known tourism hubs. Continued …
Luxury travel demand boosts hotels in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia remains a growth pillar for luxury travel amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, as more travelers shift to the region, including Thailand, viewing it as a safe haven, according to global hospitality brand Accor.
Maud Bailly, chief executive of Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems at Accor, said that despite global conflicts and soaring travel expenses, the appetite for luxury travel remains positive around the world. Continued …
Increased presence of elephants near communities causes concern
The presence of wild elephants in or near human settlements in several provinces of Thailand is causing concern among villagers living near forests and tourists visiting forest resorts. Park rangers have been deployed to several locations where the pachyderms are reported to have ventured out of their habitats toward communities, apparently to forage for food.
In Trat, for instance, an elephant named Shorty is reported to have strayed into a village and loitered in front of a shop, prompting people in the village to alert officials. Meanwhile, in another village in Bo Rai district of Trat, officials from Klong Kaew Waterfall National Park have been on alert for an elephant reported in a state of musth, to prevent it from harming people. Continued …
From chedi to the classroom: Making Thai architecture tangible
Wat Arun’s soaring chedi, or prang, is a familiar Bangkok landmark. But to someone trained in Thai architecture, its grandeur is only part of the story. Assistant Professor Napat Kwanmuang, an architecture lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, created TORTHAI to help students and children explore that way of seeing. Video …
The Heat They’ll Inherit: A City, a Reef, and the Next Generation
In Bangkok, heat is becoming harder to escape. Concrete roads, glass towers, and dense traffic absorb the sun through the day and release it long after dark, a phenomenon urban planners call the urban heat island effect.
For the young people growing up here, an unbearable afternoon is no longer just weather. It’s becoming a preview of the world they’re set to inherit. The heat doesn’t stop at the city limits. Continued …
Level the solar field
The government’s rooftop solar subsidy scheme should not become a commercial contest that only the biggest installers can afford to enter. Such concerns follow complaints from small operators that the government’s requirements for rooftop solar installers put them at a disadvantage.
The government is offering subsidies of 50,000 baht per household for up to 1 million homes, funded by a 50-billion-baht framework. Installers must provide a 50,000-baht bank guarantee for each job, with a six-month deadline to complete the work. They must also provide a separate 10,000-baht security deposit for after-sales obligations over seven years. Continued …
Small modular reactors: What Thailand needs to assess first
As artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers drive demand for reliable electricity, small modular reactors (SMRs) are emerging as a potential source of round-the-clock, low-carbon power.
For Thailand, however, adopting the technology involves more than choosing a nuclear reactor. Safety, compatibility with the national electricity system and long-term economic value must all be carefully considered. Continued …
EPPO advances EV use in state sector
The Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) has laid out a roadmap to introduce electric vehicles (EVs) and charging stations across government agencies, describing it as a crucial step toward clean energy and the country’s net-zero emissions target.
Under the initiative, EPPO is promoting guidelines for EV adoption and the installation of charging points at public-sector workplaces, designed to lay the foundation for a shift toward cleaner, more efficient transport that fits the way the government operates. Continued …
Six Thai destinations win Green Destinations 2026 honors
Six destinations in Thailand have been recognized in the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2026 awards in Kranj, Slovenia, for locally led projects in sustainable tourism.
The entries, supported by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), cover projects ranging from electric transport in Sukhothai to marine-waste upcycling in Chonburi. DASTA said this was its largest number of recognized entries since it began taking part in the program. Continued …
Living costs, housing, job uncertainty fuel European youth anger
Countries across Europe have been swept by a wave of protests by young people angry at the spiraling cost of living who have little trust in traditional institutions. While local grievances have fueled the fire, the movements that brought hundreds of thousands to the streets of France, Belgium, Spain, Italy and Germany on the weekend are all linked by shared continent-wide issues such as sky-high housing costs, poor pay and the climate crisis. Continued …
Hackers turn up the heat in Europe’s frozen food aisles, again
European supermarket fridges are under cyberattack once again, with stores across a vast swathe of the continent, from Sweden to Belgium, hit by a hack yesterday that turned up their temperatures, echoing an incident in France just last month. Video …
US strategy links Myanmar peace talks to rare-earth access
Washington aims to use peace diplomacy in Myanmar as a way to expand US influence and potentially gain access to the country’s rare-earth deposits, according to a recently published State Department strategy document. Continued …
Bangkok preps for renewed war between Iran and the United States in coming weeks
Thailand is bracing for fresh US strikes on Iran, with oil supplies threatened and fuel prices soaring. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered emergency preparations as Washington weighs attacks after Tuesday’s American midterm elections. Meanwhile, Thai embassies are on alert, with military evacuations under consideration.
Half of Thailand’s crude oil imports come from the Middle East, while Brent has topped $113 a barrel. Iranian attacks reportedly targeted 25 ships in October, threatening further disruption. Continued …
Iran says contacts over ending war continue after talks finish with no breakthrough
Contacts between Iran and the United States to end their eight-month war are continuing, Tehran said yesterday, after days of Iranian talks with Qatari mediators ended with altered proposals but no breakthrough.
“Consultations through mediators are very intensive. We have presented our conditions and proposals and everything depends on the political rationality of Washington,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said. Continued …
Trump’s Iran threat renews Gulf fears of a war it didn’t choose
US President Donald Trump’s threat to strike Iran again confronts America’s Gulf allies with a stark prospect: another war decided in Washington in which the US bases built to protect them could instead make them targets for harsh Iranian reprisal.
Iranian missiles that struck US military bases and Gulf energy facilities in the last round of fighting exposed a vulnerability at the heart of Washington’s decades-old security architecture. Continued …
Oil falls over 7% amid Iran peace hopes
Prospects of a negotiated end to the US-Israeli war with Iran drove oil prices more than 7% lower yesterday, as Qatari mediation and signals from Tehran raised expectations of more stable crude supplies from the Middle East. Continued …
Hacked emergency alert apps spread fear in Ukraine and Russia
Ukraine and Russia said their emergency alert apps had been hacked overnight, sending false warnings to citizens about impending air raids, chemical and nuclear attacks. Video …
Russian bombing kills 26 people at Ukraine aid center, Kyiv says
At least 26 people were killed after Russian bombs hit an aid distribution center, in an attack that Ukraine’s leader has called “utterly horrific”. Five people were injured and 27 initially reported missing after at least nine 3,000-kilogram aerial bombs hit the village of Komyshuvakha in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. 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
Hua Hin ready to clear beach after decades-long dispute
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Those darn elephants! Being the smallest means you’re never walking alone
How the ‘Three-Water City’ is rewriting the rules of travel
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.
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.
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.
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. 
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. 
The Hua Hin Ship to Sea Ceremony will return on Saturday, Sept. 26, offering residents and visitors the chance to witness one of the town’s longstanding fishing community traditions.
Prachuap Bay coastal defenses reviewed
Thailand recorded 220 deaths and 19,316 injuries in road accidents during the latest week, according to figures from the ThaiRSC accident reporting centre released on Sunday.
From heartbreak to history as Thailand finally reaches the Olympics
The Department of Local Administration terminated the employment of 3,868 officials nationwide yesterday, suspecting them of rigging their recruitment examination results late last year.
Oil prices settled more than 2.5% higher yesterday after renewed military action between the United States and Iran revived concerns about disruption to global supplies.
The headlines across Southeast Asia read like an economic renaissance: multibillion-dollar pledges, sprawling server farms, and a digital transformation drive reshaping the region’s economy.
Thailand has formally ended its 60-day visa-exemption scheme for 93 countries and territories, with a new 30-day visa-free entry rule taking effect on Sept. 15.
Pattaya authorities have designated Soi 6, Soi 6/1 and Soi 7 as “off-limits” areas for US Navy personnel during the upcoming visit of the USS Abraham Lincoln and two accompanying vessels to Chon Buri.
The Legacy of Thai Elephants
Celebrating 50 Years of Thailand’s Dinosaur Renaissance
PM Anutin Presides Over Buddhist Consecration Ceremony in Hua Hin
The State Railway of Thailand is turning the rainy season into a new travel window, launching nine special rail-tourism programs across the country from July to September. The programs are designed to promote rail-based tourism while connecting travelers with nature, local culture, religious traditions, history, and lesser-known destinations in several provinces.
Western men and indeed families are moving to Thailand in growing numbers, turning holiday romances into marriages, businesses and permanent new lives as high living costs, remote work, COVID-19 controls, and anger over Western dating culture drive a quieter migration east.
Thailand’s immigration system holds detailed records of foreign arrivals and overstayers but continues to struggle to consistently act on that information, meaning some long-term overstayers are only detected during raids, at departure points, or after unrelated criminal investigations.
The Faculty of Medicine at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has developed CAR-T cell therapy, a highly effective and affordable treatment for patients diagnosed with lymphoma, leukemia, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has declared victory in the Bangkok governor election after unofficial results showed the independent incumbent heading for a landslide second term.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has launched a strict crackdown on the use of forged cannabis prescription forms after uncovering evidence of identity fraud and the online sale of fake documents used to obtain cannabis for recreational purposes.
Two PT service stations in Pattani province and another in Yala province were set on fire by what appeared to be coordinated bombings last night. One man was injured.
The Transport Ministry will extend measures to support airlines affected by unrest in the Middle East, including a 30% reduction in air navigation service charges for domestic flights during July and August, Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit said.
One of the key raw materials for the production of plastic products is ethylene, which is produced from naphtha – a byproduct of oil refining. Approximately 60% of Asia’s current naphtha imports come from the Gulf region.
Thailand is experiencing a continuous deterioration in household credit quality amid expanding household debt, which has risen to 86.7%of national gross domestic product.
Thailand is eyeing growth in the “global pink economy” as speakers at a forum highlight rising market value, changing consumer behavior and new investment opportunities. Speaking on the topic of “Pink Economy: From Visibility to Economic Value”, Tanachai Kulsomboonsin, chief executive and co-founder of Canvas Ventures International, said awareness of the pink economy has expanded in Thailand over the past two years.
Thailand has officially opened its state-owned railway network to private operators for the first time, allowing companies to apply for track access to run passenger, tourism, and freight train services.
The global beauty industry is no longer being shaped only by Western markets. Southeast Asia, once seen largely as a follower of K-Beauty, J-Beauty, and European brands, is now positioning itself as a beauty economy hub with growing influence over the direction of the global industry.
Thai cocoa and chocolate products are expected to benefit from a growing but niche global market, particularly for high-value, environmentally friendly, and health-focused products.
The government is moving ahead with its “Thailand 365 Days” policy to position the country as a year-round, high-value tourism destination, using rising interest in natural attractions and local experiences to spread income beyond major tourist cities and support sustainable growth.
Thailand’s hotel industry is seeing resilient mid-year demand from international travelers, who now account for 96.6% of forward bookings and are reserving rooms earlier than last year, giving operators more room to manage pricing, promotions, and guest experiences.
Short breaks are becoming one of the defining travel trends of summer 2026, as travelers look for quicker, more flexible escapes without giving up the sense of a rewarding holiday, according to Trip.com Group.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has launched a solar rooftop power purchase program for the public sector. Applications to sell electricity from solar rooftops can begin on July 1.
Rescue teams raced yesterday to find more survivors of the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week, with signs of life bringing occasional relief to a grim quest to whittle down a list of tens of thousands missing. The death toll from Wednesday’s twin earthquakes rose to at least 1,450 as of Saturday. 
Europe faced temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F) yesterday as storms swept other areas, with France reporting 1,000 excess deaths in a record-breaking heatwave. Its public health agency said most heat-related fatalities involved older people and warned the toll was expected to rise as more details emerged from residential care and private homes. 
The Department of Lands is raising scrutiny of landholding on behalf of foreign nationals, by both individuals and juristic persons, particularly in high-value land transactions.
Thailand remains one of the most attractive destinations in Asia for foreign investors, retirees, entrepreneurs, and long-term residents. In 2025 alone, Thailand welcomed more than 32.9 million foreign visitors, while tourism continued to contribute enormously to the national economy.
Thailand’s Consumer Council (TCC) and the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) are pushing for a major overhaul of Bangkok’s traffic-management system after a deadly train–bus collision exposed critical weaknesses at railway crossings.
Rescuers are racing against time to free seven people who have been trapped for nearly a week in a flooded cave in Laos. The seven were part of a group of villagers from the central province of Xaysomboun who had gone into the cave last Wednesday in search of gold and wildlife, but could not get out as rain and landslides blocked the cave’s entrance.
Sentient Animals Like Elephants Deserve More Respect
The economic relationship between Thailand and Vietnam, neighboring ASEAN countries, is shifting from trade partners to direct rivals on the global economic stage amid production relocation and changes in global supply chains.
Thailand is accelerating efforts to become a top 10 global food exporter, leveraging its agricultural richness, manufacturing strength, and innovation in food technology. As part of this ambition, THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2026 is being held this week in Bangkok. The event is expected to generate over 130 billion baht in trade value, attracting 90,000 visitors from 130 countries.
The US and Thailand are in talks on new long-term supply of US-produced liquefied natural gas, two sources said yesterday, negotiations that have accelerated since the US-Israeli-led war on Iran led to LNG production damage in key exporter Qatar.
The global influencer economy is experiencing explosive growth, evolving from simple online content into a complex commercial ecosystem. This sector now encompasses advertising, e-commerce, brand promotion, digital services, and consumer engagement.
Thailand’s rainy season has a reputation it doesn’t entirely deserve. Yes, it rains, sometimes heavily, but the idea that monsoon months mean washed-out days and ruined plans is largely a myth.
Thai food manufacturer and exporter Thai Choice says resilience, product innovation, and easier-to-cook authentic meals are helping transform Thai cuisine from a niche export into an everyday global food category.
Thailand’s household debt reached 86.7% of GDP at the end of 2025, among the highest ratios in Asia. The Bank of Thailand’s own data shows that debt for consumption is rising; debt based on income-generating assets such as property or housing loans is contracting. The data reflects bread-and-butter issues and the rising cost of living.
Local residents have raised concerns that a proposed coastal highway could damage mangrove forests and threaten oyster-farming livelihoods, despite government claims the project would boost tourism and the local economy.
I followed Thailand’s Royal Coast/Children removed from Cha Am forest shelter/Thailand to enter hot season/Provinces told to prepare for drought/Online Driving License Applications Fake/Government ramps up gun controls/Thailand 9th in Cybercrime Losses/British ASOS Co-Founder Dies/Light rail tram in Khon Kaen
Facing a fabulous ocean isn’t enough these days for an ambitious coastline. A glittery tag, like Gold, Sapphire, Emerald or d’Azure, is a branding imperative. Thailand came up with a real winner for its Gulf shoreline – the Royal Coast. And then forgot to tell the world.
The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command (NDPMC) has ordered all provinces to step up preparedness to prevent and address drought in 2026, stressing efficient water management — especially securing reserves for household consumption. Provinces have been instructed to draw up contingency plans and survey backup water sources to minimize impacts on the public.
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has issued a warning to the public about a fraudulent Facebook page using its initials to trick individuals into paying for driving licenses without the need for exams or in-person applications.
The government has ordered nationwide enforcement of stricter firearm regulations, instructing registrars to more rigorously scrutinize gun license applications and suspending the issuance of carry permits.
Thailand is ranked ninth globally for online fraud losses, with more than 27 billion baht lost in 2025 and victims suffering average losses of 37,000 baht per person. The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) has warned that cybercrime will become more complex in 2026, particularly through the use of AI Deepfake technology.
Thailand Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun announced ongoing negotiations with the US regarding tax agreements. The talks aim to reach a joint conclusion on complex issues, although both countries currently have differing needs and expectations.
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has reported on the progress of the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023-2027). Particularly in the first two years of the plan, despite efforts to drive various initiatives, the distribution of economic opportunities across sectors has not effectively reduced regional disparities, especially in addressing poverty.
Thailand needs an economy that delivers better wages, secure jobs, and real competitiveness. But today’s trade and investment rules stand in the way. Without reform, the country risks falling behind in an increasingly cut-throat global economy.
The Thai economy could continue its growth trajectory and expand by 3% a year if the incoming Bhumjaithai-led coalition administration can complete its four-year term, say economists, though they warned any disruption in government formation might cause GDP growth to slide below 1.5% this year.
Yesterday, the Department of Tourism, through its Thailand Film Office, participated with an exhibition booth at the European Film Market 2026 (EFM 2026) in Berlin. The aim was to promote Thailand’s potential as an international filming destination, while pushing for continued foreign film production in Thailand to generate sustained income for the country.
Siamese freshwater crocodiles released in Kaeng Krachan
Thailand’s automotive industry is navigating its most profound transformation in 0 years, as the nation moves away from its traditional reliance on internal combustion engines (ICE). While the country remains the “Detroit of Asia” and holds a prestigious production rank of 10th globally, its domestic market was historically defined by the dominance of 1-ton pickup trucks.
Dusit Ajara Hua Hin expected in 2028/Thailand’s shift in population structure/100% cancer surgery success rate/1,000-baht Koh Samui bridge toll/New Mines in Thai Territory/Security Tightened in Yala/’Extinct’ No More
Thailand is facing a significant shift in population structure as the growth rate has decelerated to only 0.42%, according to the National Statistical Office. The figure represents the lowest growth rate since the census began in Thailand, according to the office’s preliminary results of the 2025 population and household census.
A district hospital in northeastern Thailand has reported a 100% success rate in laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer after screening more than 1,200 people over the past three years.
Thai authorities say they have found clear evidence that Cambodia secretly planted landmines inside Thai territory, describing the act as a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
Thailand’s economy grew more than expected in the fourth quarter, supported by rising exports, a rebound in tourism, and government stimulus measures.
A proposal to increase Thailand’s value-added tax (VAT) to 10% aims to boost government revenue and enhance welfare benefits for senior citizens. The plan, reported on Saturday, suggests the higher rate could generate an additional 200–300 billion baht annually.
The Thai Restaurant Assn. has issued an urgent mandate to the incoming administration, calling for a decisive “90-day rescue plan” to prevent a widespread collapse across the hospitality sector.
Japanese restaurant numbers fall in Thailand for first time in 20 years
Over the years, many people from foreign companies ask me what they should know before doing business in Thailand. From my experience, some businesses thrive in Thailand while others struggle, and it usually comes down to a few differences I have seen time and again.
The convergence of autonomous “agentic” AI, heightened geopolitical tensions, and extreme regulatory volatility is set to redefine the global cybersecurity landscape in 2026.
In the early hours Saturday, a coordinated effort by Tourist Police and Immigration Police took place along Pattaya Beach to tackle suspected prostitution activities and enhance the city’s tourism reputation.
Elephants need space
Berlayar Estate, a boutique property developer specializing in refined, lifestyle-driven living, has announced the official launch of its newest premium villa collection under the theme “The Journey to Serenity.” This latest portfolio introduces a curated selection of private residential projects in Hua Hin and Pranburi.
Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said after chairing a meeting of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee that the meeting had considered an agenda on relaxing controls on alcohol sales hours in the Eastern Aviation City Promotion Zone yesterday at the Ministry of Public Health.
High-street coffee chains across Thailand are set to undergo a radical transformation next week as the Department of Health launches a new nationwide standard for freshly brewed drinks. Beginning Feb. 11, any customer ordering a “normal sweetness” beverage will automatically receive a drink containing only 50% of the original sugar recipe.
The Ministry of Public Health has intensified preventive and surveillance measures against the Nipah virus, even as authorities stress that the risk of infection in the country remains very low.
Thailand is well-known for its wats (Buddhist temples), breathtaking beaches and islands, and vibrant night bazaars. Yet, one feature often overlooked is our convenience stores. Although not one of our cultural monuments, with more than 14,000 outlets nationwide as of 2024 – among the highest densities per capita globally – these stores have become iconic landmarks in their own right.
Park rangers are trying to keep wild elephants away from communities and tourist attractions during the dry season. The measures cover a bull elephant that has killed three people, including a camper, in this Nakhon Ratchasima province.
Krungthai researchers are warning that Thailand’s economy in 2026 could record its weakest growth outlook in three decades, as the country remains stuck in a low-growth trap with no new engines of expansion. They also caution that SMEs could remain mired in difficulties, with shrinking profits and mounting debt, risking a broad-based “downgrade” across the sector unless business structures are reshaped quickly.
Fresh research from MoneyTransfers.com has unveiled the planet’s most jam-packed tourist hotspots. The team’s findings reveal that Phuket in Thailand stands as the globe’s most congested tourist magnet. This Thai paradise boasts a staggering 118 tourists for every local inhabitant.
The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) has released its “Tourism Business Confidence Index in Thailand, Q4 2025”, based on a survey of 302 foreign tourists using accidental sampling: 200 respondents in Bangkok and 102 in Chonburi.
A Thai family in Nakhon Si Thammarat province mistakenly hosted foreign tourists at a funeral, providing them with food when they believed it to be a restaurant. The tourists apologized after realizing they were at a funeral, not a dining venue.
Chinese New Year celebrations in the island province are expected to be particularly vibrant this year. The upbeat outlook is driven by a strong rebound in the Chinese tourism market and an increase in direct flights from China, according to the Phuket Tourist Business Assn. (PTBA).
Mae Hong Son officials on Monday launched a joint campaign aimed at preventing wildfires and reducing air pollution in the province, with multiple key leaders participating in a kick-off event held in front of the municipal office. The campaign was led by Mae Hong Son Gov. Wiboon Waewbandit, alongside Deputy Gov. Udomsak Khaonoona and Mae Hong Son Mayor Mallika Jeenakham.
Drainage contractor discharged black water into Jomtien sea
From field to forest, restoring rice in Ubon Ratchathani
The last Russia-U.S. nuclear arms control treaty, known as New START, is due to expire tomorrow. We look at what the treaty does, what its expiration would mean, and what it may take to establish a new treaty. 
Spain will ban access to social media for minors under 16 and hold company CEOs criminally liable for illegal content, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said yesterday, as he announced several measures to guarantee a safe digital environment. 
France summoned billionaire Elon Musk to a “voluntary interview” as cybercrime authorities yesterday searched the French offices of his social media network X, the Paris public prosecutor’s office said. The operation, which involves the EU police agency Europol, is part of an investigation opened in January 2025 into whether X’s algorithm was used to interfere in French politics. 
Most Thai working people are aware of the health risks posed by PM2.5 airborne pollution but are reluctant to buy quality N95 face masks to protect themselves, claiming that they are too expensive, according to Arkhom Praditsuwan, director general of the Health Service Support Department.
At the “Thailand Redesign 2026 The Next Level” debate, four major political parties — the People’s Party, Democrat Party, Pheu Thai, and Thai Kao Mai Party — presented their proposals to tackle the pressing issue of Thailand’s 40 million workers, with only 4 million currently paying taxes. The debate focused on the wealth protocol and the urgent need for tax reform to drive economic sustainability and fairness.
Thailand is sharpening its culinary edge on the global stage, not through its world-famous sauces or spices, but through a new wave of premium home-grown beef. The National Innovation Agency (NIA) has identified four “Beef Commanders” — Ko Dam Lam Takhong, Surin Wagyu Salakdai, Nong Sung, and Kamphaeng Saen — as the flagship models of Thai soft power destined for the international market.
Pattaya has introduced new rule assigning specific umbrella colors to beach chair operators, saying the move will improve orderliness and create a more attractive seaside view for visitors.
Think you’ve already done everything there is to do in Bangkok? Hate to break it to you, but probably not. Even if you’ve lost count of how many times you’ve visited, the city always finds new ways to surprise, including new attractions with thrilling rides and aesthetic shopping malls in BKK.
The Ministry of Culture has revealed plans for a major cultural celebration from April 22-26, marking the 244th Anniversary of the Foundation of Rattanakosin. The events will take place in three central locations in Bangkok and aim to bring the rich history of Thailand to life through a series of activities, exhibitions, and performances.
Thailand’s electric vehicle sector is facing fresh uncertainty after government proposals to sharply raise public EV charging prices, a move that could erase the cost benefits that have driven rapid adoption.
Thailand plans to tighten the rules for investors in data centers and other businesses that use a large amount of electricity, requiring them to provide a bank guarantee or collateral to secure power purchases.
Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract threat; it is part of everyday life. From unpredictable weather patterns to rising air pollution, communities across Thailand and around the world are already experiencing its impacts. As these challenges intensify, education is emerging as one of the most powerful starting points for meaningful climate action.
Prachuap Khiri Khan has announced a province-wide burning ban, prohibiting all forms of open burning from Feb. 1 (Sunday) to May 31, as authorities move to curb PM2.5 pollution and protect public health.
Unsafe levels of ultrafine dust has blanketed 57 provinces and Bangkok and one province, Samut Songkhram, faced a red level of harmful smog.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has announced a vehicle manufacturing target of 1.5 million units for 2026, a modest increase from 1.45 million units last year, driven by expectations of stronger domestic demand and growing production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
The influx of low-priced goods from China has a far more severe impact than US tariffs on Thai products, says Somkiat Tangkitvanich, president of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
Tech consulting firm Bluebik foresees three megatrends that will transform organizations into intelligent enterprises amid a volatile economy and intense competition.
Bangkok ranks first as the world’s favourite city for digital nomads, with Chiang Mai close behind. It’s easy to see why. Thailand has a magnetic charm that pulls people in. You come for a short stay, rent a scooter, find a café with fast Wi-Fi, and before you know it, you are talking about “base cities” and lease renewals.
New plug-and-play solar panels are making home solar more accessible for both homeowners and renters. A “PBS NewsHour” segment showcased how plug-and-play solar panels work and how they have made solar power affordable for many people who previously thought that home solar was unattainable.
The Rice Department is advancing carbon farming as a nationwide strategy to make rice production more sustainable and to support the country’s long-term carbon neutrality goals.
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing today, seeking closer trade ties while balancing sensitive issues of national security and human rights. This is the first visit to China by a UK prime minister since 2018 and follows a slew of Western leaders seeking support from Beijing recently, pivoting from an increasingly unpredictable United States. 
Global gold prices jumped to a fresh all-time high, breaking above $5,400 an ounce, after former US President Donald Trump warned Iran to reach a nuclear deal and the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged, as expected.