- EZY Airlines Hua Hin-U-Tapao flights/Fish along Hua Hin beaches/Bintabaht to host Halloween parade/Run with the Flow event/Video of the panthers and leopards/You’re an alien/Thailand targets 10,000 visa overstayers/Phuket flash floods/Seven-language 7-Eleven worker
- ECONOMY: Thai hotel closures rise/Thai farm exports weaken/4 new investment zones/AI top worldwide concern
- TOURISM: Nok Air suspends 3 southern routes/15-day visa waiver for 3 nations/Thailand’s visa processing delays
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival/High-value nature tourism/Naga Fireballs: Thailand’s unexplained lights/Doi Luang Chiang Dao opens bookings
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Solar for households scheme/Nuclear study accelerated
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
We have this video for you just for fun. This is actor Jackie Chan filming the movie Skiptrace in 2014, as he sang Rolling in the Deep, only to discover the Mongolian extras in the film knew the lyrics. Video …
EZY Airlines Hua Hin-U-Tapao flights to start Oct 23
EZY Airlines has announced that scheduled services on its Hua Hin–U-Tapao route would begin on Oct. 23. The airline plans to launch flights between Hua Hin and Surat Thani in November.
‘Nam biat’ phenomenon leaves fish along Hua Hin beaches
Fish washing ashore in Hua Hin may be linked to changing coastal water conditions known locally as “nam biat”, a phenomenon that can leave marine life struggling for oxygen.
The seawater at Hua Hin and Khao Takiab beaches turned a murky red on Sunday, as large shoals gathered close to shore. Residents and local fishermen arrived with nets and other equipment, while some took small boats offshore to herd fish toward their nets. Continued …
Bintabaht to host Halloween parade
Hua Hin’s first-ever Halloween parade will take place on Saturday, Oct. 31, with residents and visitors invited to dress up and join the celebrations on Soi Bintabaht.
The Hua Hin Ghost Parade will begin at 8.30 pm at Hua Hin Walking Street, bringing a night of Halloween costumes, spooky fun and entertainment to the town’s nightlife district. Continued …
Run with the Flow event draws 1,700 runners
More than 1,700 Thai and international runners took part in Run with the Flow 2026 in Hua Hin on Sunday, supporting heart and brain health, and raising funds to help disadvantaged patients access medical treatment.
The charity run, presented by Bangkok Hospital, returned to Suan Son Pradiphat for its third year. Participants competed over distances of 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers and 21 kilometers, with the half marathon introduced for the first time at the Hua Hin event. Continued …
Video of the panther and leopard at Kaeng Krachan
You’re an alien
I’ve been coming to Thailand for 30 years and have lived here since 2014. Over the years, the word has come to play an increasingly absurd role in my life. I’m an alien in Thailand, and I see little prospect of that changing.
And honestly, before coming to Thailand, I had never thought of myself as an alien. It took the Thai authorities to inform me that I was one. Officially, I’m an alien, but to most Thais I’m a farang, which, incidentally, is also the Thai word for guava. Bottom line, I am different and will remain different. An alien in a country I now call home. Continued …
Thailand targets 10,000 visa overstayers nationwide
Thai immigration police have been ordered to track down more than 10,000 foreigners believed to be overstaying their visas, in a nationwide operation stretching from Bangkok to tourist islands and border provinces.
For foreigners living in or visiting Thailand, the message is straightforward: immigration checks are being intensified, and officers are increasingly using international wanted-person databases and criminal intelligence when screening people entering or staying in the country. Continued …
Phuket flash floods damage hotels and block roads
Heavy rain triggered flash flooding and runoff from Khao 50 Pi hill, into Patong, Phuket, early yesterday, damaging homes, hotels, shops and vehicles across the resort town.
Officials are clearing roads and assessing losses, while Phuket authorities prepare to move tourists from affected hotels to safer accommodation. Visitors in Patong have been advised to avoid routes with fast-flowing water or debris and to follow official weather warnings closely. Continued …
Seven-language 7-Eleven worker goes viral in Thailand
A 48-year-old 7-Eleven assistant store manager in Bangkok has gone viral for his ability to communicate in seven languages, drawing attention to how he uses his multilingual skills to welcome and assist international customers.
Known as Tony, or Phi Tho among his younger colleagues, Teerawat Wanichkam works at a 7-Eleven branch at BITEC Bang Na. He has been with the convenience store chain for more than three years and also works as an interpreter and master of ceremonies. Continued …
Thai hotel closures rise 42% as 2027 outlook darkens
Thailand’s hotel and accommodation sector recorded 148 business closures in the first nine months of 2026, a 42% increase on the same period last year, according to the Kasikorn Research Center.
The increase follows a difficult 2025, when about 51% of operators reported losses. Smaller businesses were hardest hit: 54% experienced losses, while 42% had accumulated losses for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025. Across the sector, 38% reported accumulated losses over those three years. Continued …
Thai farm exports weaken as electronics power record September shipments
Thailand’s agricultural and agro-industrial exports fell 1.9% in the first nine months of 2026 as high production costs and intense global competition weighed on key products, even as booming electronics shipments pushed the country’s overall exports to record levels.
Exports in September reached a record US$38.44 billion, up 24% year-on-year and marking a 27th consecutive month of growth. Imports, however, surged 50.4% to an all-time high of US$44.30 billion, leaving Thailand with a trade deficit of US$5.86 billion for the month. Continued …
EEC board approves 4 new investment zones
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee approved in principle yesterday the designation of four new special economic promotion zones worth 25.66 billion baht, aiming to attract global technology enterprises and artificial intelligence investments.
The largest project in the newly approved batch is the E-Tech Smart Park in Baan Bueng district, Chonburi province, covering over 610 rai with an estimated investment of 19.75 billion baht. It targets modern automotive, smart electronics, aviation, logistics, digital, and comprehensive medical sectors, with an expected creation of 3,500 to 5,500 jobs upon full development. Continued …
AI replaces climate change as top worldwide concern
Artificial intelligence has overtaken climate change as the top global risk, according to a 2026 report from French insurer Axa. This shift is driven by concerns that technological advancements are progressing faster than the ability of regulators to prepare for the potential consequences.
Experts and the general public are increasingly wary of technology-related risks, particularly as AI development accelerates. While climate change remains a leading concern, particularly in Thailand, the rapid rise of AI and big data has created a new era of risk assessment. Some researchers have even warned that advanced AI could pose an existential threat to humanity, with some estimates suggesting a greater than 10% chance of such an outcome within the decade. – Bangkok Post AI
Nok Air suspends 3 southern routes due to fuel costs
Budget carrier Nok Air has temporarily suspended its domestic services from Don Mueang International Airport to Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Hat Yai, effective yesterday through Dec. 20, amid soaring jet fuel expenditures.
Wutthiphum Jurangkool, chief executive officer of Nok Air, confirmed the suspension, stating that the airline is buckling under extreme fuel cost pressures. Continued …
Tourism Ministry proposes 15-day visa waiver for 3 nations
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is preparing to propose a 15-day visa exemption for travelers from Colombia, Mexico, and Uzbekistan, aiming to resolve severe processing delays and boost long-haul arrivals, officials announced yesterday.
The initiative comes in response to mounting logistical hurdles faced by international carriers. Emirates airline recently lodged an official complaint with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) after experiencing 20 to 30 passenger no-shows per flight from Mexico because travelers failed to receive their Thai visas in time for departure. Continued …
What actions is Thailand’s Tourism Authority taking to resolve visa processing delays?
Tourism Minister Surasak Phanakarn has acknowledged the ongoing issue of slow visa processing and stated that a committee will meet on Nov. 9 to discuss the matter. The discussions are expected to address both security and economic factors to help resolve the disruptions that have caused many travelers to opt for alternative destinations like Vietnam.
While the minister has acknowledged the problem, specific details on the exact technical or administrative actions being implemented to resolve the delays have not yet been released. The current situation has already led to significant consequences, including a reported 3%-4% increase in no-show passengers for airlines like Emirates following the withdrawal of visa-free privileges in certain countries. – Bangkok Post AI
Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival set for March
The Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival will return to Phetchaburi from March 5–14, bringing 10 days and 10 nights of celebrations to the historic hilltop landmark better known as Khao Wang.
Celebrations will center on Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park, with the main venues expected to include the Phra Nakhon Khiri National Museum, King Mongkut Memorial Park and surrounding areas. Continued …
Thailand promotes high-value nature tourism while protecting national parks
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) are enhancing cooperation to modernize national park services, promote high-value nature tourism, and uphold environmental conservation standards.
On Oct. 22, TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool attended the second 2026 National Parks Committee meeting, chaired by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin. DNP Director-General Yongyut Nakawiroj, committee members, and representatives from relevant agencies participated both in person and via video conference. Continued …
Naga Fireballs: Thailand’s unexplained lights draw crowds
Under the scorching afternoon sun, visitors spread mats, unfold chairs and open umbrellas along the Mekong River in northeastern Thailand, waiting for nightfall and a phenomenon that has fascinated believers and puzzled observers for generations.
They had come to witness the Naga Fireballs, glowing reddish-pink orbs said to rise silently from the river on the night marking the end of Buddhist Lent. At Wat Thai in Phon Phisai district, Nong Khai province, one of the main gathering points for the annual event, residents and tourists secured places along the riverbank yesterday, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious lights. Continued …
Doi Luang Chiang Dao opens online bookings for 2026–27 treks
Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chiang Mai begia accepting online rewildlifesanctuaryfca16.com/chiangdaoservations yesterday for nature-study treks and overnight stays at Doi Luang Chiang Dao during the 2026–27 season.
Bookings will be available exclusively through the sanctuary’s official website, , through 4 pm on Oct. 30. Visitors will be permitted to explore the designated nature trail between Nov. 16 and Feb. 12. Continued …
Expanded solar for households scheme set for cabinet approval today
The government’s proposed 50,000-baht subsidy to encourage up to one million households to install a solar power system will be presented to the cabinet today for approval. The proposed scheme also involves three state-owned banks which would provide low-interest loans, eliminating the need for upfront capital.
The government would provide direct financial support of 50,000 baht per household, with one million eligible slots. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), both under the interior ministry, would serve as one-stop-service centers assisting with the registration process. Continued …
Nuclear study accelerated in bid to install reactors by 2037
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has accelerated a study on nuclear energy adoption, setting a target to launch Thailand’s first commercial small modular reactor (SMR) by 2037.
The initiative forms a core part of the nation’s 2026 Power Development Plan, aiming to secure clean, stable energy while mitigating exposure to volatile global liquefied natural gas prices. Continued …
Israeli arrested on drug and sex charges threatens police
Israeli Tomer Kahiri, 54, was arrested in Bangkok on Friday over claims he drugged women with cake and secretly filmed sex encounters. During the raid, he reportedly threatened to kill prominent police investigator Inspector Jae, boasting that powerful friends would free him within two hours. Continued …
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Foreign tourist caught on CCTV taking necklaces in Krabi – Continued …
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Laem Chabang customs seizes 3.1 tons of ivory – Continued …
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan hold Iran talks as Houthi attacks escalate
Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have held talks with Iranian leaders in Tehran in an effort to reduce regional tensions, as Yemen’s Houthis intensified attacks on Saudi targets and the wider Middle East conflict showed little sign of easing.
The meeting yesterday) marked the first high-level contact between Iran and the three countries since the war that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran spread to Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the Mecca mutual defense pact in August. Continued …
Houthis say they attacked Saudi oil pumping stations, Riyadh airport as fighting intensifies
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis said yesterday they had attacked Saudi Arabia’s east-west crude oil pumping stations and Riyadh airport, as rising hostilities choke oil supplies and threaten to erupt into a larger conflict.
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said earlier it had destroyed two ballistic missile launchers in the capital Sanaa, including one used to fire a missile toward Riyadh that the coalition said it had intercepted. Continued …
Houthi attacks have grounded flights across Saudi Arabia
Attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis have nearly emptied the skies over Riyadh this month, aviation data showed yesterday, with cancellations grounding almost nine out of every 10 scheduled flights at the Saudi capital’s airport.
About 86% of scheduled flights at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, or 4,071 out of 4,736, were canceled between Oct. 8 and Oct. 25, according to the latest data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. Continued …
Trump blasts Norway over Nobel Peace Prize snub
US President Donald Trump attacked Norway during a campaign rally, calling it a “shit house country,” and said that Norwegian immigrants were not welcome in the United States because its Nobel Committee had not awarded him the Peace Prize. Continued …
Microsoft offers voluntary exit packages to 60,000 staff
Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees, the company said yesterdayy, roughly a quarter of its workforce, as the tech giant seeks to cut costs while pouring money into artificial intelligence. 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
Appeal denied, beachfront demolitions to proceed
Health authorities in lower northeastern Thailand have recorded 570 cases of melioidosis and 45 deaths in four provinces so far this year. The figures, covering Jan. 1 to Oct. 22, were released yesterday.
Bangkok diner sued 1 million baht over 260-baht basil rice review
The outlook for the Thai economy for the remainder of 2026 remains uncertain, facing fragile household purchasing power, high debt burdens, uneven recovery, and the impact of the floods.
Thai export growth is projected to slow to 7.4% in 2027 as a result of several economic headwinds, most notably risks associated with US tariff policies. These trade risks are expected to impact various sectors, potentially weakening export competitiveness and adding pressure to overall economic growth.
Thailand’s fiscal deficit for fiscal year 2026 stood at 3.4% of gross domestic product (GDP), below the earlier forecast of 4.4%, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, citing the latest Fiscal Policy Office figures.
Ten listed banking companies recorded combined net profit of approximately 198.96812 billion baht in the first nine months of 2026, according to figures compiled by Thansettakij.
This Stunning Island Has Some of the Best Snorkeling in the World
Thailand has secured 15 million euros in German grant funding for climate and biodiversity work linked to its Net Zero 2050 target. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin said the Department of Climate Change and Environment – known as the “Department of Global Warming Reduction” – had won support through two major projects.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said yesterday that four vessels involved n illegal oiltransfers in the northern Persian Gulf were simultaneously hit and caught fire after being tracked by its forces on Wednesday.
Brent crude reached its highest closing price since May 4 yesterday, rising 4% as Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia intensified concerns about further disruption to Middle East energy supplies.
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.
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. 
Thailand has published new regulations setting out how foreign nationals can be deported for immigration, employment and other offenses, as well as conduct considered contrary to public order, morality or public wellbeing. The regulation was published in the Royal Gazette on yesterday and takes effect today.
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said flash floods and landslides struck areas along Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River on Wednesday, with deaths reported and more than 600 Nepalis and foreign nationals missing. No Thai nationals have been reported injured or killed.
Suvarnabhumi Airport has postponed planned repair and maintenance work on expansion joints along the elevated road serving the passenger terminal following widespread criticism over potential disruption during the tourism high season.
Nene Royal, the young Thai performer who has captured hearts on America’s Got Talent (AGT), is heading back to Thailand with her family after receiving a warm send-off from fans in Los Angeles.
A rare 10-baht Thai coin minted in 1990 has sold for 2.54 million baht at an online auction, despite its face value being just 10 baht. The coin was made for the 16th Mint Directors Conference, held in the United Kingdom in 1990. Only 100 examples were produced, making it one of Thailand’s rarest circulating coin issues.
Myanmar’s civil war is increasingly becoming Thailand’s problem. Violence has crossed the border, criminal networks are exploiting the instability, and Thailand continues to shelter tens of thousands of refugees.
The housing market shook off a downturn in the first half of this year with transfers reaching 167,000 units, a 17.6% increase, driven by government measures. Sales of second-hand homes soared, accounting for 63% of the total, reflecting a focus on value for money.
The United States’ national debt has surpassed $40 trillion, potentially having a significant impact on global financial markets, including Thailand’s economy.
Bouygues Construction, through its Thai subsidiary Bouygues-Thai, was selected in June by developer Honour Thailand to design and build the ONCE Wongamat. Standing 239 meters tall, this 56-story tower project in Pattaya will be one of the tallest buildings in Thailand.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing to embrace rail tourism as a new vehicle to revive Thailand’s fading appeal. Its plans span low-cost heritage excursions, packaged journeys, premium charters and possible luxury routes developed with Belmond.
A group fight involving rival speedboat operators broke out on Tawaen Beach road on Koh Larn, off Pattaya, yesterday. Video shared online showed men who operate the Pattaya-Koh Larn tourist speedboats arguing before punches were thrown in front of beachgoers.
Bangkok’s Loha Prasat: The world’s third ‘Iron Castle’
Betong, a small town in Thailand with some good surprises
Thailand is staring at the dire consequences of the El Niño phenomenon and below-average rainfall on the economy, as well as the wider impact on society, many experts have warned.
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America” for US federal purposes, escalating an increasingly hostile trade dispute with Canada. The order applies to references used by the US federal government and does not determine what Canada, international bodies, state authorities, private companies or map providers call the lake. 
Large crowds gathered at Wat Huay Mongkol in Hua Hin yesterday for the 13th Luang Pu Thuat robe-draping ceremony, one of the region’s main faith-based tourism events.
Prachuap Khiri Khan officials are reviewing preparations for the possible reopening of the Singkhon border crossing, as authorities look to resume trade between Thailand and Myanmar.
Thailand’s Deputy Interior Minister Polphir Suwanchawee led a raid on suspected nominee businesses and unlicensed hotels in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district yesterday.
People in Thailand lost nearly B9 billion to online scam networks during the first six months of 2026, when more than 170,000 online fraud cases were recorded. Average losses exceeded B52,000 per case.
Thailand is bracing for a worsening wave of corporate liquidations in the second half of the year, following fresh government data showing that major corporations are shutting down at an unprecedented rate alongside struggling small enterprises.
Thailand’s small and medium-sized enterprises have emerged as one of the most vulnerable parts of the economy, as financial and business indicators point to rising bad debt, prolonged credit contraction, weaker profitability and an increasing number of factory closures.
The Thai economy in June remained broadly stable from the previous month. Private consumption increased, supported in part by government measures and continued growth in electric vehicle sales.
Putting the spotlight on an open secret
The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok has urged Chinese citizens attending cultural performances, sporting events and fan meetings in Thailand to comply strictly with local laws and venue regulations, following several incidents involving Chinese tourists.
Pattaya Bay moves to cap tour boat operators
When Lynda Lazaridis gets dressed, she chooses her clothes carefully. The Melbourne grandmother’s breasts were virtually removed, and her nipples relocated up near her armpits.
12 mythical giants watch over Suvarnabhumi Airport
Bangkok ranks ninth on Time Out’s 2026 street food list
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has reaffirmed that the remaining 200 billion baht ($6.05 billion) from the government’s 400 billion baht ($12.1 billion) emergency loan decree will be strictly prioritized for Thailand’s clean energy transition.
When 35% of a year’s rainfall falls within a single week, as it did in parts of Thailand last year, the failure is not simply meteorological. It is a failure of design, of coordination, and — increasingly — of economics.
Western Europe experienced its hottest June-July on record as climate change fuels an historic summer of heat, drought and wildfires across the region, the EU’s global warming monitor said today. 
Chinese start-ups and researchers are racing to bring brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to market that can be implanted in just a few minutes, as Beijing pushes to nurture home-grown players in the sector to compete with Elon Musk’s Neuralink. 
Thailand is preparing for a historic step in space exploration, with a Thai-designed and developed scientific payload set to travel to the Moon as part of China’s Chang’e 7 mission on Aug. 24.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has intensified enforcement against cannabis businesses, inspecting 1,326 shops since October 2025 and seizing products worth more than 109 million baht.
Thailand’s crackdown on nominee structures used to hold property on behalf of foreign interests is creating new pressure on the luxury housing and condominium markets, as authorities intensify checks on ownership arrangements in the real estate sector.
Phantong Loykulnanta, director-general of the Customs Department, reported that Thailand’s international trade reached B21.4 trillion in the first 10 months of fiscal 2026. The figure was close to the full-year total of B22 trillion recorded the previous year.
Robot Supply Chain Comes to Thailand: Inside China’s Humanoid Push into the EEC
As the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to introduce a 3% hotel tax to increase revenue, the Thai Hotels Association (THA) has urged the authority to begin with a lower rate of 0.5%-1% and provide additional support to help tourism operators affected by the Middle East conflict.
Twelve people were injured after an Air India Airbus A320 flying from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence yesterday, forcing some passengers who were not wearing seatbelts into the cabin ceiling.
Thailand is strengthening its tourism links with Indonesia through agreements with TransNusa Airlines and Traveloka, as it seeks to attract 890,000 Indonesian visitors in 2026.
The Thai government is drafting a new regulation to oversee data center operations, aiming to manage the sector’s impact on national resources and improve control over investment-related risks.The planned regulation would allow authorities to monitor data center activities more comprehensively, particularly their use of national resources such as electricity and water.
Edwin Salas watched as the first of 20 solar panels was installed on the roof of his home, joining a Philippine solar energy boom sent into overdrive by the Middle East war. The country’s eye-watering electric bills – the highest in the region – were the primary driver of his decision, he said. Regular brownouts were a factor, too. 
Thailand will enforce a ban on alcohol sales for two consecutive days this week to mark the Buddhist holidays of Asalha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent Day, with many shops, convenience stores and restaurants prohibited from selling alcoholic drinks, unless in areas falling under current exemptions.
Samui water rationing begins Monday after drought
Thailand Schools Struggle to Break Children’s Phone Addiction
Bangkok authorities have ordered 79 entertainment venues and similar establishments to halt operations after inspecting 865 premises across the capital in a week-long safety and licensing campaign.
The Thai baht has slid to 33.640 per US dollar, its 2026 high, marking an 8.% decline since February. This weakness stems primarily from the 250–275 basis point policy rate gap between the Fed (3.5%–3.75%) and the Bank of Thailand (1.00%), which sustains a strong carry advantage for dollar assets.
The United States recently announced Section 301 tariff rates for 60 countries that had not introduced and enforced bans on imports of goods produced with forced labor, with Thailand placed in the highest rate band of 12.5%.
The US tariff of 12.5% imposed on Thailand could weaken export competitiveness and add pressure to economic growth in the second half, with further US trade measures still looming, warns Asia Plus Securities (ASPS).
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun says Thailand is two-thirds of the way through concluding a free trade agreement with the European Union and is pressing Beijing on three fronts to correct an increasingly lopsided trade relationship — all part of a wider strategy to reduce Thailand’s reliance on any single major power.
More tourists are good news for Thailand. But not if the country cannot cope with the pressures they bring. Tourism is one of Thailand’s biggest sources of income. For decades, success was measured by the number of visitors. That yardstick no longer tells the whole story.
Phuket generated 263 billion baht in tourism revenue during the first six months of this year, attracting nearly seven million visitors, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Hua Hin Food Fest 2026 will return to Hua Don Beach in Khao Takiab Aug. 28-30, featuring local food, fresh seafood, cooking competitions and live entertainment. The three-day festival will bring together restaurants, hotels and food businesses from Hua Hin and Cha-am, giving visitors the opportunity to sample regional dishes beside the beach.
New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule
A nine-day Hua Hin cultural tourism event will be held at the old Hua Hin Railway Station Aug. 10-18, showcasing the art, culture and historical identity of Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Thailand has launched a digital application that allows diners to find certified street-food vendors, forming part of a government program to raise operating standards and expand market opportunities for small businesses.
Concerns over children’s mental health is renewing debate whether excessive use of mobile devices is harming academic performance and learning capability, while boosting social isolation and criminal behavior influenced by online personalities.
Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a native plant closely associated with local ways of life and traditional Thai medicine. Its removal from Thailand’s narcotics list in 2021 marked an important turning point, opening the way for broader research, economic value creation and commercial development.
A police sergeant fought back after being shot in a daylight ambush by four gunmen in Thailand’s insurgency-hit deep south yesterday, returning fire despite a bullet wound before his attackers escaped by motorcycle and boat.
Thailand is tightening its screening of data center investments, shifting its focus from the number and value of projects to their quality as the expansion of artificial intelligence drives demand for electricity, water and large-scale computing infrastructure.
Thailand Food Supplement Market to Reach US$ 2.52B by 2033
Thailand has built a strong medical-tourism industry and begun investing in genomic medicine and connected health data, but it still lacks a clear national strategy for competing in the emerging longevity economy.
The decision to give Indians 30-day visa-free entry is expected to drive the market to a new record of 2.7 million visitors next year, supported by more flights from second- and third-tier cities to Thailand, say authorities.
Nakhon Si Thammarat Temple Wins UNESCO Status
Mitsubishi Motors is set to invest B16 billion ($473.23m) in Thailand by 2030, backing the automotive sector’s move toward electric vehicles (EVs). The funding will be channeled into EV technology.
The world is sinking under more than 460 million tons of plastic waste each year. More alarming than the figure itself is the fact that about 19 million tons escape into the environment, wreaking havoc, damaging biodiversity, worsening the greenhouse-gas crisis and ultimately harming our own health.
Thailand’s coastal destinations are witnessing a significant rise in staycation bookings, with Krabi leading the charge, according to recent data from Traveloka. Krabi’s bookings have more than doubled year on year, followed by Hua Hin with an increase of over 80%, Pattaya at around 65%, and Phuket nearly 60%.
Thailand’s private hospital sector is facing a new source of competition as the government expands premium services at public hospitals, putting pressure on mid-tier operators that rely on domestic self-pay and insured patients.
Thailand has uncovered one of its biggest suspected cryptocurrency power theft operations after investigators seized 1,900 bitcoin mining machines. Detectives uncovered more than B280 million in stolen electricity and have launched a widening hunt for the financiers behind the organized criminal network.
Thailand shelves Land Bridge plan after study
Thailand’s Finance Ministry has raised its 2026 economic growth forecast to 2.5% from the 1.6% projected in April, after exports, private investment and household consumption performed more strongly than expected.
Thailand is stepping up efforts to strengthen economic ties with Europe by racing to finalize the free trade agreement with the European Union by the end of 2026 the Thai-EU FTA. Experts say, however, that Thai businesses doing trade with the bloc need to prioritize the traceability of their exported goods.
The Cabinet has approved a 12.76-billion-baht fisheries management plan targeting the recovery of aquatic resources, tighter controls against illegal fishing and stronger competitiveness for Thailand’s seafood industry by 2027.
Thailand’s sex industry is illegal under the 1996 Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act, but an analysis on Thursday argues that it remains deeply embedded in the country’s tourism economy, supporting hotels, bars, restaurants, taxis and other businesses.
Thailand plans three tourism-boosting schemes: a 1.75-billion-baht co-payment program covering hotels, restaurants, and attractions nationwide; 200-million-baht domestic airfare discounts for 400,000 seats; and a 500-million-baht international flight initiative targeting 487,000 visitors. All require Cabinet and committee approval before implementation, expected late 2026.
By 5:30 in the morning, the Trok Mor alley in Old Bangkok is already awake. Metal shutters rattle open one by one. A woman arranges bundles of holy basil and Chinese celery beneath a bare light bulb while another vendor lays out bitter beans and kitchen herbs on a wooden table.
Is Hua Hin Actually Worth It?
Embark on a culinary journey through Hua Hin with this ultimate food guide featuring the 10 best restaurants in the area. From hidden gems to popular street food spots, explore the authentic and exotic flavors that make Hua Hin a foodie’s paradise. Taste test must-try dishes and sharid top food recommendations.
Thailand has been placed on alert for heavy rain, flash floods and rough seas as Tropical Storm Maysak intensifies monsoon conditions across the country, despite the storm not being expected to move directly into Thailand.
With memory prices surging and new gadgets becoming more expensive, the smartest smartphone buy in Thailand in 2026 may not be the newest flagship but last year’s premium model — still fast and polished and far less likely to make your credit card need a lie-down.
The government’s “Thais Help Thais Plus” co-payment scheme has helped to revive the economy and stimulate spending in the food and beverage sector, according to two online food delivery operators.
Households in the northeast are still struggling, and confidence in the economy remains weak, according to a new poll that gave the government’s economic performance low marks.
Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC), said yesterday that Thailand’s exports in May were worth US$34.333 billion, up 10.6% and expanding for a 23rd consecutive month.
Thailand will introduce tougher airport security measures based on a zero trust approach after a Thai airline cabin crew member was detained in Australia over alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The government said the case should not be viewed as an isolated incident but as a catalyst to strengthen aviation security across the entire air travel system.
Kui Buri – Where the Wild still roams
Scientists and environmental groups warn the land bridge project could threaten fragile marine ecosystems and coastal communities in southern Thailand, while the government promises economic growth. 
Thailand is intensifying its efforts to combat global warming by steering investment toward green manufacturing. At the center of this strategy is the bio-, circular and green (BCG) economic model — a framework that aims to balance growth with sustainability.
Sustainability has moved beyond the language of annual reports. In Thailand, it is becoming something far more tangible: solar panels on factory roofs, biogas from production by-products, lighter packaging, smarter energy systems and industrial discipline that can be measured in tons of avoided carbon.