Feedback Re: Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin expansion/Updated Visa Extension Regulations/Thailand to Lift 2–5pm Alcohol Ban/Hair transplants in Bangkok/Digital Future for Health System/Songkhla prepared for SEA Games/
- ECONOMY: Business leaders optimistic about 2026/2025 GDP growth forecast at 2.2%/GDP growth at 1.6% in 2026/Thai rice sector in crisis/Co-pay scheme’s 2nd phase
- TOURISM: Thailand’s food trade to top $20B/Tourism stimulus efforts/Pattaya jet ski insurance crackdown
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: See the best of northern Thailand/Bangkok Climbs in Best Cities List
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Is it cheaper to drive electric vehicles?
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
Re: Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin expansion
“Does anyone actually know the 100% real reason that they closed the Premium Clinic at Hua Hin Government Hospital? It was an absolute godsend.” – Peter
Official Announcement: Updated Visa Extension Regulations
Effective Nov. 13, 2025, the Immigration Bureau has introduced new regulations regarding visa extensions. The key changes are as follows:
- Visa extensions are now limited to two (2) times per calendar year.
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The first extension grants an additional 30 days of stay.
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The second extension grants an additional 7 days of stay.
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Foreign nationals entering Thailand via land border checkpoints are not eligible for visa extensions.
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Visa extensions will not be granted to individuals who depart and re-enter Thailand on the same day.
Thailand to Lift 2–5pm Alcohol Ban
The Ministry of Public Health extended permitted drinking hours from midnight to 1am and launched a six-month pilot program to lift the afternoon alcohol sales ban between 2pm and 5pm.
(Editor: Three different sources for this story had different information, so we recommend waiting for the dust to settle to learn exactly what has been decided.)
Yesterday, the National Alcohol Policy Committee met to discuss the controversial drinking-hours regulations and the proposed cancellation of the afternoon sales ban. Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Sarum told the media after the meeting that the committee had reviewed the alcohol sales policies with the aim of supporting tourism and stimulating the economy during festival periods. He noted that the existing ban, which prevents the sale of alcohol between 2pm and 5pm, is outdated. Continued …
Hair transplants in Bangkok are gaining international recognition
Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide, and while there are countless temporary solutions, many are now turning to surgical options that offer permanent results. Among these, FUT hair transplants in Bangkok hves emerged as a popular choice for those seeking effective, long-lasting restoration at competitive prices without compromising quality.
Follicular unit transplantation (FUT), also known as strip harvesting, is a proven surgical method for treating hair loss by transplanting healthy hair follicles into thinning or balding areas. The procedure involves carefully extracting a strip of scalp from the donor area, typically the back of the head, where hair is genetically resistant to balding. The strip is then dissected under microscopic magnification to obtain individual follicular units. Continued …
A Digital Future for Thailand’s Health System
Thailand is taking major steps to modernize its healthcare system by moving toward a unified national health data platform. The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has approved key initiatives aimed at streamlining and integrating healthcare data across the country.
This move is a part of Thailand’s broader strategy to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of healthcare services through digital technologies, and it is set to play a crucial role in supporting the nation’s universal healthcare system. Continued …
Songkhla fully prepared for SEA Games
Songkhla, one of three host cities for the forthcoming 33rd SEA Games, announced yesterday it is fully ready to co-host Southeast Asia’s most prestigious sporting event next month.
The 33rd edition of the biennial tournament is the seventh time the Games, which began as ‘The Southeast Asian Peninsular Games’ back in 1959, will take place in Thailand, where Songkhla was selected along with Bangkok and Chon Buri, to host the event from Dec. 9-20. Continued …
Business leaders optimistic about Thailand’s 2026 outlook
Despite several challenges, particularly those arising from digitalization driven by artificial intelligence (AI), Thailand’s economy still has room to expand in 2026, several experts said at the Thai Economy Forum hosted by the SMBC Group on Wednesday. The forum brought together more than 600 business leaders to discuss sustainable growth, digital innovation, and Japan–Thailand economic collaboration.
Kalin Sarasin, president of the Thai–Japanese Assn. and honorary chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, said the world is undergoing rapid and simultaneous change in many areas, including technology, supply chains, geopolitics, climate change, and demographics. Continued …
JSCCIB keeps 2025 GDP growth forecast at 2.2%
Poj Aramwattananont, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), chaired a meeting with Kriangkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), and Kobsak Duangdee, secretary-general of the Thai Bankers’ Assn. (TBA), to assess the economic outlook and policy recommendations for the government.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has maintained its forecast for Thailand’s 2025 GDP growth at 1.8% to 2.2%, despite expectations that exports could grow by 9.5% to 10.5%. Continued …
IMF sees Thai GDP growth at 1.6% in 2026, 2.1% this year
Thailand’s economic growth is projected to reach 2.1% this year and then slow to 1.6% in 2026 in the face of increasing economic headwinds, the International Monetary Fund said.
Economic conditions suggest there is room for further monetary easing, it said, after a staff visit to Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy. Continued …
Thai rice sector in crisis as yields fall, costs rise, and export prices hit 15-year low
Thailand’s long-running rice crisis has resurfaced, with new data showing that yields per rai continue to decline, production costs are rising, domestic paddy prices are collapsing, and export prices have fallen to their lowest level in more than 15 years. Analysts warn these are clear signs that the competitiveness of Thailand’s rice industry is steeply deteriorating in the global market.
Assoc. Prof. Somporn Isvilanonda, senior fellow at the Knowledge Network Institute of Thailand, said that over the past 14 years under four administrations, government rice policy has remained trapped in the same populist cycle — pledging schemes, income guarantees, and direct subsidies such as “1,000 baht per rai”. Continued …
Ministry preps co-pay scheme’s 2nd phase
The Finance Ministry is preparing to allocate a budget for the second phase of the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme. Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit said it will cover individuals unable to register in the first round, which is expected to be a relatively small number.
If the second phase is implemented, he said the ministry expects to provide the same benefits as the first. The phase is expected to begin in January 2026, with cabinet approval sought next month. Continued …
Thailand’s food trade to top $20B next year as country aims to boost gastronomy tourism
Thailand is expected to become a global food hub by 2026, with the value of the nation’s food trade expected to surpass Bt700 billion (US$20 billion) next year as the government seeks to boost gastronomy tourism.
The value of food trade in Thailand is projected to reach Bt690 billion this year, with an anticipated growth rate of 5%, potentially exceeding Bt700 billion in 2025 if no significant external risks emerge, according to Taniwan Koonmongkon, president of the Thai Restaurant Assn. Continued …
PM, tourism operators to discuss stimulus efforts
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to meet tourism operators next week to prepare stimulus measures, while the Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) urged the government to resume the paused scheme of free domestic flights for foreign tourists.
Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, the tourism and sports minister, said the ministry is listening to proposals from tourism and airline operators. The ministry and private sector are scheduled to meet with Anutin next week to share their concerns and solutions to stimulate the tourism industry, particularly during the next low season in 2026. Continued …
Pattaya jet ski operators face bans over insurance crackdown
Marine officials in Pattaya have announced new rules requiring all rental jet skis to carry group insurance, warning operators of strict penalties for violations. The crackdown was announced at a high-level meeting chaired by Bang Lamung Senior District Chief Wanchat Wannaphrahm at the Bang Lamung District Community Hall.
The Ministry of Transport regulation for limited maritime vessels outlines clear insurance requirements. Coverage must include compensation for death, loss of limb, or permanent disability, along with medical treatment costs and damage to the jet ski. The rules apply to both renters and third parties involved in any incidents. Continued …
See the best of northern Thailand this winter on a budget
Northern Thailand in winter (or the cool season) has a charm that catches people by surprise. The air feels cool and refreshing, the skies turn a sharp shade of blue, and the hills look like they’ve been brushed clean.
It’s the season when Chiang Mai glows with lanterns, when Pai’s rice fields shimmer under the sun, and when Chiang Rai’s white temple catches the morning light perfectly. Plus, you don’t need deep pockets to enjoy any of it. Traveling through northern Thailand in winter can be surprisingly affordable if you know when to go, what to skip, and where to save your baht. Continued …
Bangkok Climbs in 2026 Best Cities List
The “World’s Best Cities for 2026” report by Resonance Consultancy announced London as the top city for the 11th consecutive year. The report, presented at the World Travel Market in London, evaluates cities based on livability, prosperity, and cultural appeal. London excelled, earning high marks across all categories, highlighting its blend of heritage and modernity.
The report is recognized for its rigorous analysis, utilizing both quantitative data and responses from over 21,000 participants from 30 countries. New York and Paris ranked second and third, praised for their economic influence and sustainable development, respectively. Other top cities include Tokyo, Madrid, and Singapore, among others, each maintaining significant roles in global economics and culture. Continued …
Is it cheaper to drive electric vehicles in Thailand?
As electric vehicles (EVs) gain traction across Thailand, the conversation has moved beyond environmental benefits to something far more practical: cost. Drivers are wondering: Is it actually cheaper to drive an electric car in Thailand compared to a petrol car?
From upfront purchase prices to the day-to-day running costs, EV ownership is filled with both advantages and surprises. Let’s take a closer look at what really makes financial sense before you make the switch. Continued …
- Two Indonesian Men Arrested With 8kg of Ice, 8,000 Meth Pills – Continued …
- Chinese Fugitive Arrested in Bangkok After 7 Years on the Run – Continued …
- Overstaying Chinese Man Arrested in Pattaya for Tour Work – Continued …
Ukraine capital under ‘massive’ attack: Kyiv mayor
Almost every district in Kyiv was under a “massive” attack this morning, the Ukrainian capital’s mayor said, with journalists reporting explosions in the city center as Russia intensifies its attacks on infrastructure. Moscow, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, has particularly targeted Ukrainian energy facilities and rail systems, as well as residential areas in recent months. Continued …
War-torn Myanmar embraces solar to tackle power crisis
When Thailand cut power supply to Myanmar across its western border this year, it intended to curb online scam centers linked to regional networks trafficking hundreds of thousands of people. However, the move also hit the wider community, pushing hospitals and some offices to install solar panels. Homes, too, made the switch. Continued …
Swiss Gruyere crowned world cheese champ
A Swiss Gruyere was crowned the 2025 World Cheese Champion yesterday, seeing off competition from more than 5,000 rivals from 46 countries. The 18-month-old Vorderfultigen Spezial produced by Bergkaserei Vorderfultigen won the title at the World Cheese Awards, held in the Swiss capital Bern. Continued …
Hua Hin Links
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 cinemas/Emergency numbers
Thailand on flood alert as monsoon brings heavy downpours
Bangkok zookeeper killed by lions highlights risks of wildlife tourism
