- Fire threatens Cha-am homes/Cha-am included in flood mitigation project/USS Abraham Lincoln closed to visitors/US sailors warmly welcomed/US Navy returns to its old stomping ground/Pattaya as Thailand’s ‘Sin City’
- THE IRAN WAR: Iran Fires On Its Gulf Neighbors/Two Filipinos killed on Saudi oil tanker/Thailand braces for higher oil prices/Strait of Hormuz as ‘Trump Strait’
- ECONOMY: Thai GDP outlook rises/Thailand’s US$35-billion deficit/Economic growth projections at 1.5% to 2.5%/Thai retailers urge more stimulus/Bangkok halts three planned data centers/To close data center regulatory gap/Data center faces action over diesel storage/Zero tariffs for Thai shrimp
- TOURISM: Indian tourist arrivals fall 11.6%/Thai Airways 66-route winter schedule/AirAsia in Codeshare With Pegasus/Free 10-kilogram fruit check-in
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Homegrown coffee is fueling Thailand’s specialty boom
- CLIMATE THAILAND: EGAT explores SMRs/1,520 electric buses in Bangkok/World will miss its climate target
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Fire threatens Cha-am homes
A Cha-am fire burned more than 200 rai of reed beds and came close to nearby homes last night, as crews battled for more than three hours to bring it under control.
The fire started beside the railway near Saeng Sawang Cha-am Church before spreading rapidly through a large area of reeds in strong winds. Thick black smoke rose above the town and could be seen from several kilometers away. Continued …
Cha-am included in Phetchaburi River Basin flood mitigation project
Phetchaburi is moving ahead with a 14.7-billion-baht flood project that includes a 38-kilometer drainage route between Tha Yang and Cha-am.
The lower Phetchaburi River Basin flood mitigation project, approved by the Cabinet under a royal initiative, is intended to reduce recurring flooding and improve long-term water management. Construction is scheduled to take place over 10 financial years, from 2027 to 2036. Continued …
USS Abraham Lincoln closed to visitors
The USS Abraham Lincoln docked at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri yesterdsy morning, but members of the public will not be allowed into the port to see the US Navy aircraft carrier.
Port authorities have increased patrols and tightened existing security arrangements around the nuclear-powered vessel, which is expected to remain under high-level protection throughout its stay. Continued …
US sailors warmly welcomed in Pattaya
More than 5,000 US Navy personnel from the USS Abraham Lincoln have begun making their way into Pattaya, where they are expected to pour about 100 million baht into the local economy during five days of long-overdue shore leave.
Groups of sailors arrived at the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya aboard buses and vans at around 2 pm yesterday after disembarking earlier in morning at private piers in Laem Chabang and Sri Racha ports in Chon Buri province. Continued …
Cash is the name of game as the US Navy returns to its old Pattaya stomping ground
The boys are back in town, and Pattaya is humming again. Mobile ATMs were bused to the Hard Rock Hotel as 5,000 American sailors swept into the resort. The hotel became their shore-leave headquarters following disembarkations at Laem Chabang and Sri Racha.
After more than 200 operational days, the sailors arrived with months of accumulated wages and four nights to unwind. Each could spend US$100 to US$300, pushing Pattaya’s windfall beyond ฿100 million by Sunday. However, Navy discipline still shadows the party. Soi 6, Soi 7, cannabis outlets, pharmacies and water activities remain off limits. Walking Street, its go-go bars and Pattaya girls, however, are open for business. Continued …
The history behind Pattaya as Thailand’s ‘Sin City’
There’s no getting around the fact that Thailand’s seaside resort of Pattaya has a lingering reputation for sex tourism, even though that’s only part of the story for the city that’s a major shore leave destination of crew members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Social media ahead of the Lincoln’s visit has been awash with jibes about lusty sailors, but recent visitors say the development of more family-friendly attractions means the new, more wholesome Pattaya overshadows its former seedy self. Continued …
Iran Fires On Its Gulf Neighbors, Retaliating For U.S. Strikes After A Wedding Was Hit
Iran fired on U.S. allies in the Gulf early yesterday following a night of American bombardment that Iranian state media says included a deadly strike on a wedding party.
Sirens sounded in Kuwait, where air defenses were intercepting missile and drone attacks during a “blatant Iranian aggression,” the country’s Ministry of Defense said. Continued …
Two Filipinos killed in Monday attack on Saudi oil tanker in Hormuz
Two Filipino sailors were killed when a Saudi oil tanker was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week, Saudi Arabia’s national shipping company said yesterday.
A Greek security firm earlier said “unknown projectiles” hit the ship on Monday. Fresh violence has flared between the US and Iran this week. Continued …
Thailand braces for higher oil prices as fund deficit tops 80 billion baht
Thailand’s Energy Ministry has warned that global oil prices could remain highly volatile and continue rising after renewed fighting between the United States and Iran, while the country’s Oil Fuel Fund is running a deficit of more than 80 billion baht.
Veerapat Kiatfuengfoo, deputy permanent secretary and spokesman for the Energy Ministry, said the ministry was closely monitoring the conflict because the latest escalation was directly affecting the stability of global energy markets and pushing crude prices higher. Continued …
Trump floats renaming Strait of Hormuz as ‘Trump Strait’
US President Donald Trump yesterday suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz as “Trump Strait,” asserting US control of the vital waterway even as fighting raged there with Iran.
It is the latest in a series of geographical name changes floated by Trump, and comes after he claimed US sovereignty over the strait that Tehran has effectively shut for six months. Continued …
Thai GDP outlook rises but SMEs face widening divide
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has raised its 2026 economic growth forecast for Thailand to 2.1%-2.5%, from 1.6%-2.0%, but warned that stronger exports and private investment are producing increasingly uneven benefits across the economy.
The committee also lifted its export growth forecast to 12%-16%, up from its previous projection of 8%-10%, after both exports and private investment expanded more strongly than expected. Continued …
Thailand’s US$35-billion trade deficit: 73% is for production
Thailand recorded a trade deficit of US$35.3545 billion in the first seven months of 2026, according to the Commerce Ministry. However, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said more than 70% of imports were materials and capital goods used in production.
Machinery, electronic components and chemicals accounted for a combined 72.9% of all imports during the period, she said. Consumer goods made up only 9.2%. Continued …
Survey: Economic growth projections at 1.5% to 2.5%
Narongsak Putthapornmongkol, president of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, released the findings of the chamber’s confidence index survey for the fourth quarter of 2026. Conducted from Aug. 18-20, the survey covered 503 respondents and found that 46.2% expected Thailand’s economy to grow by 1.5%-2% this year, while 37.8% forecast growth of 2%-2.5%. The results pointed to an outlook below the government’s midpoint forecast of 2.2%.
The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reported that the Thai economy expanded by 1.9% in the second quarter of 2026, slowing from 2.8% in the same quarter a year earlier. Private investment across the technology, digital and new-industry sectors, together with exports of technology products and electronic components, were key drivers. Continued …
Thai retailers urge more stimulus to boost spending
Thailand’s retail sector is calling for stronger economic stimulus, including the revival of the Easy e-Receipt scheme, with an eligible spending ceiling of 100,000 baht, as household debt and accumulated living costs continue to squeeze consumers’ purchasing power.
The fourth quarter is normally the year’s peak shopping season and a period of optimism for businesses. This year, however, Thai retailers face severe challenges as consumers tighten their budgets amid weakening real purchasing power and a series of economic pressures that leave limited room for growth. Continued …
Bangkok halts three planned data centers pending tighter safety rules
Bangkok has suspended three planned standalone data center projects and ordered them to undergo a fresh review, as authorities prepare tighter regulations covering fuel storage, land use, safety, and pressure on electricity and water supplies.
The Energy Ministry has separately halted the issuance of new permits for backup-fuel tanks at data centers pending clearer safety and environmental standards. Continued …
Thailand moves to close data center regulatory gap
The government is moving to address a regulatory gap in the data center sector, with the Data Center Business Policy Committee preparing an urgent meeting to develop a coordinated oversight framework.
A source at the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) said Thailand currently had no single law directly and comprehensively governing every aspect of data center operations. Continued …
Rama IX data center faces action over 200,000-liter diesel storage
The Department of Energy Business plans to file a police complaint today against the operator of a data center on Rama IX Road over the alleged unlicensed storage of more than 200,000 liters of diesel.
Thitipat Chotidechachainan, secretary to the energy minister, inspected the facility next to Rama 9 Hospital after residents and nearby shop operators complained about an oil-like smell that they said had persisted for more than two months. Continued …
U.S. Shrimp Coalition seeks zero tariffs for Thai shrimp
The U.S. Shrimp Coalition is urging the Trump administration to include shrimp and other seafood among products receiving zero-tariff treatment as the United States and Thailand work toward a reciprocal trade agreement.
In an Aug. 25 letter to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, the coalition argued that exempting Thai shrimp from tariffs would help maintain affordable seafood supplies while supporting U.S. businesses and jobs tied to processing, transportation, retail, restaurants and food service. Continued …
Indian tourist arrivals to Thailand fall 11.6%
Indian tourist arrivals to Thailand fell 11.6% year-on-year between Aug. 1-22, making India the only one of the country’s four main overseas markets to record a decline during the period.
The Bank of Thailand said the drop followed proposed revisions to visa-exemption rules affecting foreign visitors, including Indian nationals. The decline was nevertheless an improvement on the 20.2% contraction recorded in July. Continued …
Thai Airways sets 66-route winter schedule for peak season
Thai Airways International (THAI) will operate 66 domestic and international routes during its winter 2026/27 timetable, covering destinations across Europe, Australia and Asia. The schedule will run from Oct. 25 to March 27, 2027), coinciding with Thailand’s peak tourism season.
THAI announced the program yesterday, saying selected services and frequencies had been increased in response to passenger bookings and travel demand. Continued …
AirAsia Seals First Codeshare With Pegasus, Bridges Asia and Europe
AirAsia has signed its first-ever codeshare agreement, teaming up with Turkey’s largest low-cost carrier, Pegasus Airlines, to open seamless connections between Southeast Asia and Europe through Istanbul, the two airlines announced at AirAsia’s headquarters in Sepang, Malaysia, yesterday.
The partnership will progressively open access to more than 100 routes between Asia and Europe, combining AirAsia’s Southeast Asian network with Pegasus’s reach across Europe from its hub at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Continued …
Seven airlines offer free 10-kilogram fruit check-in at 20 airports
Seven airlines will allow passengers to check up to 10 kilograms of fresh fruit into the aircraft hold free of charge under a year-long program covering 20 airports across Thailand.
The Commerce Ministry, through the Department of Internal Trade, has signed a cooperation agreement with the Transport Ministry’s Department of Airports and seven airline partners: Thai Airways International, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet Air and EZY Airlines. Continued …
Homegrown coffee is fueling Thailand’s specialty boom
Thailand currently ranks as the world’s 20th-largest coffee producer, down from the top 15 a decade ago. The country grows mainly robusta, although arabica production is growing, highlighting a sharper focus on quality.
Domestic demand consistently outpaces the country’s supply, which is why the majority of Thailand’s speciality coffee stays within the country. But Thai drinking habits weren’t always coffee-centric. For much of the country’s history, people consumed herbal drinks, then tea, before coffee entered the picture. Continued …
EGAT explores SMRs to bolster Thailand’s energy security
Amid global efforts to achieve the net zero emission transition, the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles (EVs) and data centers is driving enormous demand for electricity — the fundamental infrastructure underpinning the digital economy and requiring exceptional reliability and stability.
Small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) are emerging as a potential solution to meet these growing energy needs, offering the prospect of reliable baseload power, more competitive investment costs and lower carbon emissions. Continued …
1,520 electric buses set for rollout in Bangkok
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) is preparing 1,520 electric buses to replace aging vehicles, with deliveries expected to begin in March 2027. Kittikan Chomdoung Charuworapolkul, BMTA director, said the transition would improve passenger convenience, safety and environmental performance while reducing the organization’s fuel and maintenance costs by an estimated 4.1 billion baht annually.
The buses feature rooftop batteries, three emergency exits and universal-design features. The BMTA is developing 12 depots and charging stations, with each bus requiring about three hours to charge. Two prototype buses will soon undergo testing by BMTA drivers to assess safety before wider deployment. Continued …
UN says world will miss its climate target, warming must be reversed
The world has failed in its goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times, the United Nations (UN) said yesterday, in a sober assessment that laid out a new goal for fighting climate change that would set the world on an uncertain path.
A decade ago, most of the world’s countries agreed in Paris to try to limit global temperature rise to “well below” 2°C while aiming for the more ambitious target of 1.5°C, or 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit. Continued …
Rare train of Pacific cyclones fueled by historic El Nino
Two powerful hurricanes and a strengthening tropical storm yesterday were churning through the Pacific Ocean where waters were being warmed by a historically strong El Nino climate episode. Furthest west is Hurricane Lowell, followed by Hurricane Karina. Both of the Category 4 storms are anticipated to pass well to the south and to the northeast of Hawaii, respectively. Continued …
US energy firms dominate Venezuela deals worth billions
US energy firms yesterday signed a raft of multibillion-dollar deals with Venezuela, days after the South American country agreed to grant the United States control of a huge chunk of its vast oil reserves. Energy Secretary Chris Wright traveled to Caracas to oversee the signing of deals worth “tens of billions of dollars of investment,” seen as a quid pro quo for Washington winning majority control of 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves. Continued …
Dutch shift 86 tons of gold from US and Canada to UK
The Dutch central bank said yesterday it had moved 86 tons of its gold reserves out of the United States and Canada to London, citing “increasing geopolitical unrest”. De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) said gold reserves held in London could be traded more easily than those held in New York and Ottawa. 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 cinemas/Emergency numbers
Thailand offers foreign retirees a clearer legal route to long-term residence than Vietnam, but Vietnam can cost considerably less for those able to manage more complicated visa arrangements. For people deciding where to spend retirement in Southeast Asia, the choice often comes down to predictable paperwork and healthcare versus lower rent and daily spending.
The Department of Business Development (DBD) is preparing to examine 36,277 foreign-linked legal entities found to hold land title deeds nationwide, with particular attention on possible nominee shareholding arrangements.
This is the crowd to hear Nene Royal’s last performance at the Phuket Naka Market before she heads to US for the America’s Got Talent live competition. 
Thailand has warned dentists that pre-signing cannabis prescription forms without personally examining, diagnosing or treating a patient could lead to legal action and professional disciplinary consequences.
A Thai army explosives disposal specialist lost a leg after stepping on a landmine while clearing explosives near Chong An Ma in Ubon Ratchathani yesterday. The accident happened in an area near the border under the responsibility of the 2nd Army Region.
Thailand’s economy is flashing disturbing warning signs beneath headline GDP growth of 1.9% in the second quarter. Output actually fell 0.2% from the previous quarter, while industrial capacity sank to a 24-quarter low.
Thailand’s next industrial upgrade may not be defined only by new roads, railways, factories and smart cities, but by how intelligently they can be designed, operated and maintained.
Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) ranked first in SEAsia Stats Research’s Top Manufacturing Hubs in Southeast Asia by Integrated Industrial Area, with more than 13,000 megawatts (MW) of power capacity in the Chon Buri–Rayong area.
There is a particular kind of traveler who is no longer satisfied with simply visiting a beautiful place. They want to feel it in their body. They want to leave measurably better than they arrived. For this traveler, Thailand is not just a destination. It is beginning to look like a blueprint for how life should be lived.
The Thai government has launched a coordinated push to streamline international passenger processing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, pledging to expand automated passport gates to 31 additional nationalities by the end of August 2026.
Phuket has shut Freedom Beach after German tourist Jannik Jürgen Knobel, 30, was swept away in fierce monsoon seas despite red flags. His companion survived, but rescuers found his body near rocks the next day. Two other foreign tourists died at the secluded beach in 2025.
Discover the giant Buddha at Bangkok’s Wat Paknam
Thailand’s renewable power pipeline is gathering pace, with 449 projects licensed by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and investment expected to reach up to US$2.61 billion.
Dow Thailand Group is producing high-quality post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins from plastic waste collected in Thailand, advancing a local recycling pathway that transforms used plastics into valuable materials for packaging and industrial applications.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has partnered with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to install solar rooftop systems at 25 pilot hospitals, aiming to reduce annual electricity costs by US$1.63 million and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 7,211 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) a year.
US President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to the lowest level of his presidency, with an overwhelming majority of Americans concerned the U.S. war with Iran will last a long time, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that concluded yesterday. 
Scholarship students of the T&C Foundation are embarking on a journey to expand the scope of their empathy by directly facing the climate crisis and ecological environment issues on site.
The Faculty of Medicine at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has unveiled progress in using locally developed CAR-T Cell therapy to treat blood cancers and autoimmune diseases, reporting that nearly 90% of patients have achieved complete remission.
A 13-year-old schoolboy has died after being stung by jellyfish while swimming at Ban Fai Tha beach in Sichon district, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Three people who went to help him were also injured by the stings but are now safe and recovering.
Jiew Sai Yok, a lost wild elephant calf being cared for at Sai Yok National Park, died peacefully at around 2am yesterday, leaving veterinarians and park officials deeply saddened.
The government has not ruled out extending the Thais Help Thais Plus co-payment scheme following positive public feedback. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the government would consider any measure that benefits the public while taking into account economic conditions and fiscal constraints.
Thailand Post is repositioning itself as a key driver of Thailand’s digital economy, unveiling a new corporate strategy dubbed “RelationSHIFT” as it seeks to transform from a traditional postal operator into a lifestyle logistics brand that connects people, businesses, communities and government services through its nationwide network.
Thailand Retains Rank as World’s Second-Largest Pet Food Exporter
Thailand’s repeat visitors are showing stronger loyalty to Hua Hin and Pattaya than to Phuket, according to a new analysis by travel platform 12Go.
Thai travelers are increasingly choosing short restorative breaks, marathon-related holidays and more in-depth visits to secondary cities as travel patterns shift in 2026.
Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the launch of new direct air routes connecting key cities in Indonesia and Thailand, highlighting expanded aviation connectivity as a vital driver for strengthening people-to-people ties and boosting regional tourism.
Some history behind Thailand’s Naga serpent
How History Made Thais Obsessed with Sugar
North Korea’s state media has recommended dog meat soup as protection against summer heat, reviving Pyongyang’s long-running effort to promote the controversial dish as record high temperatures grip both sides of the Korean peninsula. 
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged authorities to step up support for people affected by a record heat wave in the country, saying the death toll had risen to 16 and warning that extreme weather was becoming more frequent. 
Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross yesterday, her son Kim Aris said, who has not heard from her directly in years. 
Searchlights sweep across the rivers of Malaysia’s Sarawak state as licensed hunters track crocodiles in the dark. Their work is part of a broader effort to manage a tension between wildlife and the communities that rely on the water every day. 
Phetchaburi’s tourism sector is looking to Hua Hin Airport as a potential driver of growth as officials move to position Cha Am and Hua Hin as higher-value wedding destinations, particularly for the Indian market.
The English We Like project opened at Prachuap Wittayalai School yesterday, with Prachuap Khiri Khan Gov. Sittichai Sawatsan presiding over the ceremony for the program, which aims to improve students’ English skills and support university entrance exam preparation.
This walking tour in Hua Hin begins along Soi 80 at night before heading to the famous night market, capturing the vibrant evening atmosphere of this seaside town. As you explore Soi 80 first, you’ll experience real ambient sounds, conversations from open bars, clinking glasses and the natural rhythm of the nightlife crowd. The street feels energetic but welcoming, with restaurants and small venues lighting up the night. From there, the walk continues toward the Hua Hin Night Market, where the focus shifts to street food, seafood grills and rows of illuminated market stalls. 
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) resolved that there are sufficient grounds to pursue criminal and disciplinary action against six people, including five police officers, over the extortion of 6 million baht from a British drug kingpin, Ritesh Patel.
Thailand’s cannabis experiment is facing its strongest international reckoning yet after Thai and British authorities revealed that thousands of cannabis smuggling cases have been intercepted, with the United Kingdom accounting for nearly two-thirds of all seizures and organized crime gangs recruiting British couriers through social media.
The government continues to grapple with the challenge of lowering retail oil prices, which remain stubbornly above 30 baht per liter despite recent declines in global crude markets.
Lower domestic fuel prices are expected to lift consumer confidence, but are unlikely to immediately reduce prepared food prices, according to the Thai Restaurant Assn.
Thailand postpones land bridge and SEC bill for wider consultation
Thailand’s growing dependence on foreign digital platforms is raising fresh concern over whether the country is slowly surrendering economic value to businesses based overseas.
Thailand is no longer competing simply for the highest volume of tourists; it is pivoting deliberately toward the highest value per visitor. Positioning itself as the global “Land of Life”, the kingdom is tapping into a wellness economy that is outperforming global GDP growth and drawing a new generation of “experience collectors”.
The House of Representatives yesterday unanimously approved in principle two bills to amend the Hotel Act, despite opposition criticism they would not adequately address long-standing regulatory problems.
Thailand Draws Visitors from Every Corner of Asia, Malaysia, South Korea, and China Lead the Way
Thailand names new long-necked dinosaur from Kalasin
Thailand has established itself as one of Southeast Asia’s leading destinations for luxury real estate, attracting buyers who appreciate high-quality homes, exceptional lifestyles, and a wide variety of residential options. From dynamic city centers to peaceful coastal communities, the country offers something for every type of buyer.
Hua Hin Municipality has ordered Soi 102 drainage work after residents complained about standing water and foul smells in the Na Ta Chang area.
The Pa La-U Fruit Festival 2026 has opened in Hua Hin, with locally grown GI durians on sale for 200 baht per kilogram, as organisers look to attract visitors and support farmers in Huai Sat Yai.
Registration is now open for the AIA One Billion Trail 2026 by TMS, which will take place in Hua Hin on Nov. 21. The event will bring runners to one of Thailand’s best-loved seaside destinations, with routes combining sea views, natural landscapes and plenty of adventure.
Thailand is bracing for another day of widespread rain, with the Thai Meteorological Department warning of heavy downpours in several parts of the country on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are expected to see thunderstorms across 70% of the area, while the North and Northeast face rain over 80% of their areas.
The Dutch embassy will relocate from its historic Wireless Road premises to new offices on Rama IV Road in August, ending nearly 80 years at its current site.
Survey shows economic fears persist
Confidence in the broader economy remains “subdued”, with concerns centering on corruption, inflation, and divided opinions about what direction the country should move in, market research firm Ipsos says.
Three of Thailand’s most senior property executives have delivered a sober assessment of the sector’s prospects for the second half of 2026, warning that sluggish economic growth, tightening credit and a climate of global uncertainty will keep the residential market subdued despite modest bright spots in tourism, branded residences and the luxury segment.
Thai Agriculture & Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said after holding talks with Malaysia’s Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu that the neighboring country will likely lift its temporary ban on import of five Thai shrimp species within 30 says.
The renewed campaign against illegal resorts built on public beaches and protected forests is a welcome sign that authorities are taking conservation more seriously.
Travel And Tour World has released its Top 50 Medical Tourism Destinations for 2026, and Thailand has taken second place, bested only by Turkey and finishing ahead of a global field.
The Thai city of Pattaya is known for a brightly lit strip of go-go bars known as Walking Street frequented by tourists after dark. Its international reputation for seedy nightlife is justified, even if the city’s red light district is confined to only a few streets, according to travel bloggers and Thai tourism experts.
World’s top tourist destinations are done selling sunsets and are betting everything on dinner
Koh Samui shines in Asia-Pacific awards
Despite optimism around the US-Iran ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, it will take time for jet fuel prices to return to pre-crisis levels and airfares could remain high for longer than passengers expect, says the International Air Transport Assn. (IATA).
Minor Hotels has appointed Kanruethai Roongruang as general manager of Avani+ Hua Hin Resort. Originally from Phuket, Kanruethai brings more than 25 years of hospitality experience across Thailand and international markets, with expertise in resort operations, wellness, commercial strategy, business development, and luxury hospitality management.
A major new lifestyle destination is being planned in Hua Hin, with Thai property developer Supalai aiming to create a European-style village beside a lagoon in the Hin Lek Fai area.
Thailand’s Department of Business Development (DBD) is tightening enforcement against “nominee” businesses by requiring Thai shareholders in foreign co-investment firms to submit three months of financial evidence, including bank statements, to prove genuine investment capacity. The move is part of a broader crackdown on concealed foreign ownership structures and is already affecting thousands of companies across high-risk sectors.
OR and Bangchak have announced a reduction in retail fuel prices, cutting petrol and all types of gasohol by 80 satang per liter.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast today that Thailand would continue to see thundershowers over the next 24 hours, with isolated heavy rain in the east and along the south’s west coast.
Lisa’s Instagram Posts Reach 58-million-baht Value Worldwide
Oil prices retreated yesterday to their lowest levels since the start of the United States-Iran war, while tech shares continued to show weakness on a mixed day for global stocks.
The Thai baht is currently facing short-term pressure, with market strategists indicating it could test the 33.00–33.20 resistance band. This weakness is influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the Federal Reserve’s rate-hike expectations.
The Bank of Thailand has upgraded its GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 2.3% from 1.5%, attributed to strong exports, government stimulus, and easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The Bank of Thailand yesterday left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1.00% as widely expected, saying it would continue to monitor inflation trends and expectations.
Thailand is dismantling long-standing barriers to foreign business while simultaneously implementing its most stringent crackdown on foreign property ownership in decades — a paradox that analysts caution is undermining the kingdom’s reputation as a dependable destination for long-term international investment.
Thailand is facing a rapidly escalating medical inflation crisis, raising concerns among insurers and regulators about its long-term implications for the healthcare and insurance sectors.
TikTok Shop flexes muscle in 3-way Thailand tussle
High-net-worth parents across Asia, the Middle East, and Russia are fundamentally rewriting the equation for elite schooling. Facing a volatile matrix of escalating geopolitical friction, erratic financial markets, and skyrocketing living costs in traditional Western markets, affluent families are increasingly asking whether a premium education requires sending children across the globe.
Constant Energy, a leading renewable energy developer in Southeast Asia, has announced the successful inauguration of a 5.26 MW solar rooftop installation at the manufacturing facilities of Meyer Industries and Meyer Aluminium (Thailand) Co. in Laem Chabang, Thailand.
Once a lush field of green, the seagrass meadows surrounding Thailand’s Koh Libong are now largely barren stretches of sand, devastating the island’s iconic dugong population.
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela yesterday, collapsing buildings in the capital of Caracas and prompting scientists to warn of potentially heavy casualties and widespread destruction across the South American nation. 
Europe braced yesterday for another day of an unprecedented heatwave that has smashed records in many countries and sent air conditioner sales zooming in a continent unused to and ill-equipped to handle searing heat. 
Jasmine International (JAS) has officially secured the broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Thailand, just hours before the first match kicks off, ensuring that all 104 matches will be available to football fans.
Makro, a leading wholesale business under CP AXTRA, is making everyday shopping easier, faster, and more secure for millions of Thai customers with the nationwide launch of QR Credit Card Payment at Makro.
Representatives from the Swedish Church are visiting Hua Hin from June 12-16 for baptisms, home visits, hospital visits, and meetings with local businesses, the church announced.
Thai gold prices fell sharply at the market open today, with bullion dropping by 1,150 baht per baht-weight as global gold prices came under renewed pressure.
The SCB Economic Intelligence Center (SCB EIC) of Siam Commercial Bank has set out its view on Thai household vulnerability based on findings from the latest nationwide household survey. It found that incomes had shrunk, spending had been cut, and reliance on assistance and debt remained high despite some easing, putting pressure on consumption ahead.
Amid rising global uncertainty, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has urged the government to step up efforts to attract foreign investors and encourage multinational companies to relocate their operations to Thailand.
Thailand is moving closer to introducing its long-delayed foreign tourism levy, with officials targeting a third-quarter launch and considering airline collection alongside visitor insurance coverage.
Return to Khao Yai Reveals Why Thailand’s Nature Escape Keeps Getting Better
Thailand’s best beaches, and when to visit each one
How Thailand’s Highland Communities Are Taking Local Wisdom Global
Thailand is accelerating its transition to a low-carbon economy, rolling out a series of policies, regulatory reforms, and investment incentives designed to align economic growth with environmental sustainability.
US President Donald Trump yesterday brushed off concerns about consumer inflation surging to a fresh three-year high in May, on the back of soaring energy prices caused by his war in Iran. “The numbers were great… I love the inflation,” Trump told reporters. 
After Russian police started using facial-recognition cameras to identify men wanted by military authorities, a young bank worker spent weeks avoiding the Moscow metro. But on a snowy Friday evening in late 2024, heavy traffic pushed him underground to visit his mother. At the next station, two officers entered the carriage and detained him for draft evasion. 
SpaceX enters the final stretch today before its expected trading on Wall Street as part of the biggest initial public offering in history, which could propel co-founder Elon Musk to trillionaire status. 
The end of Bangkok Street food
Bangkok is known for its extensive and varied street food scene. Its presence comes up in virtually any discussion about tourism in Thailand. Techically, some might argue, you haven’t really “visited” Thailand if you have not experienced Bangkok’s street food. Quite simply, it’s a selling point for Thailand’s tourism industry.
What your go-to street food in Thailand says about you
Hua Hin Red Cross Fair on June 5-14
The Thai private sector’s damning report on the 10 most-corrupt state agencies has sent a shockwave through the government bureaucracy, prompting immediate reactions, from Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn to the director general of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), who has demanded to see evidence of the alleged bribe taking.
Thailand’s worsening corruption situation was raised as a key proposal at a joint meeting between the government and the private sector on ways to improve the country’s economic competitiveness, held at Government House on Friday.
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Poll Urges End to Hidden School Fees and Equal Access
Is 60 truly the perfect endpoint of a working life? This question is becoming ever more pressing as Thailand and the broader ASEAN region rapidly transition into a “Super-Aged Society.” The economic and social structures that were once driven by a young workforce are facing mounting pressure.
Thailand has urged Iran to allow the safe passage of eight Thai-flagged ships stranded at either end of the near-closed Strait of Hormuz. The call was made by Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi last week.
Oil prices extended gains today as efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran appeared to have stalled, after a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates came under attack and as US President Donald Trump is expected to discuss military options on Iran.
The Anutin government is under immediate pressure to ease living costs and restore economic confidence, as most respondents to a new Suan Dusit Poll want urgent action on prices and debt, while nearly half expect the economy to worsen over the next three months.
Thailand Land Bridge Faces Investor Doubts
Thailand’s influencer economy is no longer just about content creation but has become a fast-growing business sector worth 45 billion baht, prompting calls for clearer standards, stronger oversight, and support to help Thai influencers compete internationally.
On Feb. 28, when the US-Israeli war with Iran began, Thailand’s tourism industry was looking forward to reaping the benefits of the final month of the high season.
Elephant Nature Park: Inside Chiang Mai’s Ethical Elephant Haven
Thailand’s Largest Lake Is A Breathtaking Body Of Water With Islands, Bird Sanctuaries, And Fishing
In our latest travel title, Thailand: The Monocle Handbook, we showcase the very best of this sunny nation, including the multitude of excellent hospitality hotspots on offer.
Preparing for Climate-Related Losses
Thai people are being advised to brace for a prolonged and possibly extreme drought, which may last for up to three years due to El Niño weather phenomenon, according to the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) and Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
They die quietly, one by one, doing the forest officials’ job, rewarded with little more than praise that masks state hypocrisy. In early April, Boonma Phadaeng, 56, collapsed and died after days of fighting a forest fire in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai province.
Critics have warned that the military-led approach to handling the conflict in Thailand’s southern border provinces may be prolonging unrest rather than resolving it. Since violence resumed in 2004, the conflict in Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat remains entrenched, rooted in historical, identity, and religious differences involving separatist groups.
The Thai retail landscape has reached a historic tipping point, with e-commerce now established as the sector’s primary engine of growth. Recent data reveals the digital market has surpassed the 1 trillion baht ($30 billion) threshold, accounting for 30% of total national retail value.
Number of Japanese restaurants in Thailand declines
LA Songkran Event Sets Guinness Record with Pad Thai Sales
Bangkok’s heat index has been sitting in the “danger” category since April 1, and as of today, that is nearly four weeks without a break. Actual air temperatures are running at 38 to 40 degrees celsius, with high humidity pushing the feels-like temperature significantly higher.
Twenty-two Sri Lankan Buddhist monks who had just returned from Thailand were arrested on April 25 at an airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka, after customs officers allegedly found cannabis hidden in their luggage. The monks were detained after officers found 110 kilograms of cannabis concealed in secret compartments inside their suitcases. 
The United Arab Emirates has confirmed it will withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the wider OPEC+ alliance from May 1, ending more than five decades of membership and dealing a fresh blow to the producers’ group as the Iran war continues to disrupt global energy flows. 
If the ancestors of Donald Trump and King Charles could see them today, the US president mused yesterday, they “would surely be filled with awe and pride that the Anglo-American revolution in human freedom” had survived to the present day. The White House captioned a photo of the moment, “TWO KINGS”. 
When we talk about foreigners moving abroad, the loudest voices and the biggest egos usually grab all the attention. But today, let’s talk about the absolute pinnacle of expat achievement: The Seamless Neighbor.
Thailand is facing another burst of summer-storm weather, with the Thai Meteorological Department warning that the north and northeast will bear the brunt first, bringing thunderstorms, strong winds, hail and isolated heavy rain. Some areas may also see lightning as the latest system moves in.
The Smart Water Operation Center (SWOC) of the Royal Irrigation Department recently outlined Thailand’s water situation and outlook for 2026, saying the country is likely to enter an El Niño period in the middle of the year, which could bring below-normal rainfall.
Thailand’s industrial sentiment index dropped in March, weighed down by higher oil prices and the conflict in the Middle East, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported yesterday. The federation said its industrial sentiment index slipped to 88.6 in March from 90.0 in the previous month.
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry has advised exporters to coordinate closely with their US trade partners after US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) opened a new system for requesting refunds of import duties collected under President Donald Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Restaurant-related associations have collaborated to tackle surging energy costs, fluctuations in raw material prices, and digital transformation. A memorandum of understanding was signed by representatives from the Restaurant Assn., the Night Restaurant Business Trade Assn., the Digital Technology Entrepreneur Trade Assn., the Thai Fresh Market Assn., and the Federation of Thai Chefs.
Thailand is reviewing its 60-day visa-free entry scheme and is likely to scrap the blanket arrangement for all eligible countries, as the government seeks to tighten screening, curb abuse, and shift its tourism strategy toward higher-quality and longer-stay visitors.
Places to Avoid in Thailand
Heavy rains lure frogs out of hiding and villagers out of homes
Asia’s Clean Energy Boom Reshapes the Global Power Sector