• Two jailed in Hua Hin nominee cases/The Standard and Sansiri in Hua Hin/Remembrance Day in Hua Hin/Sheraton Hua Hin properties appoint executive chef./Amazing Multi-Racing Festival/Winter alert for seven diseases/To phase out gasohol 91 and 95/Gasohol changes spark debate/New gun licenses suspended/Animal welfare foundation embezzlement
• ECONOMY: Thailand flags 1,932 companies over nominee risks/Corruption biggest barrier to economic growth/Industrial sentiment falls/Consumer confidence falls/AI literacy urged/AI digital assistants to reshape online shopping/Agreements on trade and security
• TOURISM: Bangkok-Chiang Mai fares hit 28,000 baht/450-baht tourist fee delayed
• THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Winter Rail Getaways
• CLIMATE THAILAND: EGCO’s 11 Solar Projects/One of the World’s Biggest Floating Solar Farms/B20 biodiesel being promoted
• FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Two jailed in Hua Hin nominee shareholding cases

A British national and a French national were taken to Prachuap Khiri Khan Prison on Monday, after Hua Hin Court sentenced each to six months in prison without suspension in separate cases involving nominee shareholding.

Two independent sources familiar with the proceedings confirmed the sentences and prison transfers Both requested anonymity. Neither defendant was granted bail at the hearing. Any release on bail would require approval from the Court of Appeal, one of the sources said. Continued … 

The Standard and Sansiri unveil branded luxury residences in Hua Hin

The Standard, in partnership with the Thai luxury property developer Sansiri, has launched The Standard Residences, Hua Hin, a 4.5-billion-baht beachfront residential development that marks the hospitality brand’s first branded residences in Thailand.

Located on a freehold beachfront site covering nine rai in tambon Nong Kae, just south of Hua Hin town, the project comprises 251 residences, with prices ranging from around 11 million to 49 million baht. Two beachfront pool villas, priced above 100 million baht each, have already been sold. Continued … 

Remembrance Day event held in Hua Hin

Former military personnel, former members of the Merchant Navy, friends and well-wishers gathered at Cheers Restaurant & Bar to mark Remembrance Day in Hua Hin yesterday. Those attending paid tribute to people who lost their lives in the two world wars and in conflicts since. – HHT

Sheraton Hua Hin Appoints New Multi-Property Executive Chef

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa and Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas have appointed Khun Sahapat Sakuntahan (Chef Tor) as their new multi-property executive chef.

Sakuntahan brings over 25 years of culinary and hospitality experience to the position. Throughout his career, he has managed kitchen operations for various international hotel brands across Thailand and has received several industry awards for his culinary work. Continued … 

Amazing Multi-Racing Festival set for Hua Don Beach December 18-20

Hua Hin City municipality officials met with the Tourism Authority of Thailand on Monday to discuss co-hosting the Amazing Multi-Racing Festival, which will take place at Hua Don Beach Dec. 18-20. Admission is free.

The Amazing Multi-Racing Festival is part of the Hua Hin Beach Life 2026 series. The tourism authority says the event is intended to encourage domestic travel and bring more spending to local businesses and communities. Continued … 

Winter alert for seven diseases and two health risks

Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) has issued a winter health advisory covering seven infectious diseases and two potentially fatal hazards, urging particular care for young children, older people and those with underlying medical conditions.

The department’s 2026 winter advisory sets out precautions against respiratory infections, food- and waterborne illness, vector-borne diseases and other seasonal health risks. Continued … 

Government seeks to phase out gasohol 91 and 95

The Thai government is considering a plan to phase out Gasohol 91 and 95 to promote the use of E20 gasohol and B20 biodiesel, though a fixed timeline for this transition has not been established. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the transition will take place gradually and will not happen immediately.

Energy Minister Anaka Tanakorn noted that while Gasohol 91 could potentially be phased out first, Gasohol 95 might remain available for a period of time. The government is currently working with car manufacturers to confirm which vehicle models can safely use E20 to ensure the transition does not negatively affect engine performance or consumer confidence. This strategy aims to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and support domestic agricultural producers by increasing demand for ethanol and methyl ester. – Bangkok Post AI

Gasohol changes spark industry debate

Fuel retailers could face potential operational challenges and storage concerns due to the government’s plan to phase out gasohol 91 and 95 in favor of E20 gasohol. Specifically, fuel station operators have expressed concerns regarding their limited storage capacity during this transition.

The Federation of Thai Industries has urged authorities to address the specific impacts this policy shift will have on retailers, alongside motorists and state revenue. While new vehicles are generally compatible with E20, the phaseout may require adjustments for owners of older vehicles that are not as easily compatible. Additionally, the energy transition is being managed alongside efforts to modernize infrastructure, such as expanding fuel storage and shifting tax collection to destination terminals to improve cash flow for operators. – Bangkok Post AI

Interior Ministry suspends new gun licenses for one year

The Ministry of Interior has imposed a one-year suspension on the issuance of new firearms licenses nationwide, granting exceptions only for national security, sports, inheritance transfers, and previously purchased guns.

Published in the Royal Gazette on Monday and effective immediately, the order bars local registrars from issuing new P2, P3, P4, and P5 licenses for importing, purchasing, possessing, or commercially trading firearms, ammunition, and imitation firearms. Existing commercial license renewals are unaffected. Continued … 

Animal welfare foundation alleges 13 million baht embezzled

The president of the Watchdog Thailand Foundation (WDT), a non-profit animal welfare organization, has accused her predecessor of embezzling about 13 million baht in public donations for personal use.

The foundation said yesterday it had reported the alleged embezzlement to the police Central Investigation Bureau on Aug. 28 and submitted supporting evidence. Continued … 

Thailand flags 1,932 companies for checks over nominee risks

Kittiwat Patchimnan, director-general of the Department of Business Development at the Ministry of Commerce, said Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun had ordered the department to tighten checks on businesses at risk of using nominee arrangements.

The checks will focus particularly on legal entities in which foreign nationals who have acquired Thai citizenship hold shares alongside foreign investors operating businesses in Thailand, to prevent Thai citizens from being used as nominees for illegal business activities. Continued … 

Thai business leaders identify corruption as biggest barrier to economic growth

Corruption has emerged as the leading obstacle to Thailand’s economic development in a survey of 80 business executives and policymakers, with 65% expecting the economy to grow by no more than 2% or contract in 2027.

The Go Thailand 2027 survey, conducted by Thansettakij between Oct. 21 and Nov. 7, also revealed limited confidence in the government’s economic targets. Respondents gave its economic performance over the previous 12 months an average score of just 4.1 out of 10. Continued … 

Industrial sentiment falls amid high energy costs

The Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) fell to 89.9 points in October from 90.7 in the previous month due to rising manufacturing and operating costs. These increased costs were primarily driven by volatile global energy prices and escalating geopolitical conflicts.

Beyond energy, the industrial sector faced significant challenges from rising material costs and concerns regarding material availability. The food processing industry was specifically impacted by flooding in agricultural areas, which led to higher production and transport costs. Additionally, the sector continues to navigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions and logistics issues, such as delayed container shipments at Laem Chabang port. – Bangkok Post AI

Consumer confidence falls in October

The Consumer Confidence Index fell to 50.9 in October, marking its second decline in five months. This drop was attributed to consumer concerns regarding the ongoing effects of recent flooding and rising prices for fuel and agricultural products.

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce noted that while the index decreased, the situation is considered temporary. Higher fuel prices have been a significant factor in recent economic pressures, contributing to headline inflation reaching a 45-month high in October. Additionally, flooding in key cultivation areas led to increased vegetable prices, though these costs began returning to normal by the end of the month. – Bangkok Post AI

AI literacy urged for 20 million Thais

Yodchanan Wongsawat, minister of higher education, science, research and innovation, outlined plans yesterday to build artificial intelligence literacy among 20 million people in Thailand, linking education reform and scientific investment to new sources of economic growth.

Yodchanan argued that education must move beyond preparing graduates for existing vacancies and equip them to build new businesses and industries. Universities needed to break down the divisions between subjects such as physics, chemistry and biology, using artificial intelligence (AI) to connect knowledge across disciplines. Continued … 

AI digital assistants set to reshape online shopping

AI shopping assistants serve a wide range of functions designed to simplify the consumer experience, from hunting for bargains and scrutinizing product reviews to waiting for better deals to emerge. These digital agents can also manage complex tasks such as researching products, comparing specific specifications, and analyzing reviews to understand buyer preferences.

Beyond basic search, these assistants can handle practical logistics like managing shopping lists, processing coupons, and tracking shipping details or delivery charges. Some advanced capabilities include assisting with account creation, handling returns, and even assessing customer feedback to provide more personalized recommendations. In a broader business context, AI can also be used for brainstorming new product ideas or flavors by analyzing market trends and consumer data. – Bangkok Post AI

Thailand and China prepare seven agreements on trade and security

Thailand and China are preparing to sign seven cooperation documents during Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s official visit to Thailand from Friday to Sunday, according to reports from Government House.

The Cabinet has endorsed drafts covering agricultural trade, food safety, vocational education, the automotive industry, security and foreign affairs. Continued … 

Bangkok-Chiang Mai fares hit 28,000 baht for Yi Peng

Air fares between Bangkok and Chiang Mai have surged to as much as 28,000 baht for return travel during the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong period, prompting concern from the city’s tourism industry.

A survey of several major ticket-booking websites found little difference in prices for flights departing between 23 and 25 Nov. 23-25. The cheapest return tickets were about 18,000 baht, while the highest reached 28,000 baht. Continued … 

Thailand’s 450-baht tourist fee delayed to mid-2027

Thailand’s proposed 450-baht entry fee for foreign tourists arriving by air will not be introduced before June or July 2027, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said.

The measure, which still requires Cabinet approval, had previously been targeted for the first quarter of 2027. Officials now say the legal process means collection cannot start immediately after approval. Continued … 

3 all-inclusive Winter Rail Getaways for the year-end holidays

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) opened bookings yesterday for three winter rail tours to Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima and Sisaket, with packages starting at 4,999 baht per person. The overnight trips include accommodation, meals, transport during the trip and guided sightseeing.

Under the theme “Three routes, three styles”, SRT’s year-end program combines nature, history and local culture on departures in November and December. Continued … 

EGCO Signs 25-Year PPAs for 11 Solar Projects

Electricity Generating Public Co has informed the Stock Exchange of Thailand that three companies within EGCO Group have successfully executed power purchase agreements (PPAs) for all 11 projects covering five strategic provinces: Ratchaburi, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Rayong and Songkhla.

Each PPA has a term of 25 years, with a fixed feed-in tariff (FiT) rate of 2.1579 baht per kilowatt-hour throughout the contract term. For the five projects located in Songkhla Province, the applicable fixed FiT rate is 2.6579 baht per kilowatt-hour, as announced by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). Continued … 

Thailand Is Building One of the World’s Biggest Floating Solar Farms

Video … 

Why is B20 biodiesel being promoted in Thailand?

The government is promoting B20 biodiesel in Thailand to reduce the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and to support domestic agricultural producers. This initiative is a component of a broader long-term energy transition plan aimed at achieving carbon neutrality and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Increasing the use of B20 biodiesel, which is a blend containing 20% methyl ester derived from palm oil, helps strengthen energy security by utilizing homegrown resources. Furthermore, higher demand for B20 can provide increased income and stability for farmers in the agricultural sector, particularly those producing palm oil and cassava. The government has also implemented excise tax cuts on B20 to encourage motorists to switch from conventional diesel and to lower living costs. – Bangkok Post AI

• Russian woman held in Phuket over 2,221-day overstay – Continued … 

• Chinese suspects held in Pattani over 60-million-baht scam – Continued … 

• Chinese Man Held in Pattaya Over Interpol Gambling Case – Continued … 

• Foreign man held after alleged Jomtien store theft – Continued … 

Tankers burn in the Middle East despite hopes for de-escalation

In the Strait of Hormuz, tankers are still ablaze, oil spills are washing ashore and drones and missiles strike infrastructure across the region, despite expectations of a de-escalation reflected in falling oil prices.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported ‌yesterday another incident involving a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran said an oil tanker caught fire after hitting a naval mine. Continued … 

Oil gains 1% after Iran vows to retain enriched Uranium

Oil prices recovered from two-month lows on 11 November 2026, rising about 1% after Iran’s security chief ruled out allowing enriched nuclear material to leave the country. The statement renewed concerns over supplies and prospects for an agreement to end the war with the United States. Continued … 

Global powers head to Asia with trade, AI, security in focus

Global leaders are set to descend on Asia for a series of high-stakes meetings that will tackle everything from AI to trade to, potentially, nuclear disarmament. The 11-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) opens its final leaders’ summit of the year on Sunday in Manila. 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