- Alcohol sales ban/Phon Kingphet Park upgrade/InterContinental Hua Hin best resort hotel/Thailand’s new police chief/What Thai Locals Really Eat in Hua Hin/Pump prices rise again/Health insurance before 60/Origin of the Word ‘Farang//Gunmen kill five rangers/Bangkok shuts 56 venues/Fire death toll rises to 35/Cambodia border fence/Thailand’s universal healthcare crisis
- THE IRAN WAR: Saudi oil routes face new uncertainty/Oil hits six-week high/Thailand on alert
- ECONOMY: Why Thailand faces economic contraction/Baht Slides to 15-Month Low/Section 301 probe raises tariff risk/Land bridge plan to be revised/Thai Airways sees aviation recovery
- TOURISM: Thai travelers embrace ‘run-cation’/Chon Buri tourism presses for reforms
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Why ‘2’ Means 8 PM in Thailand
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Environmental rules tighten/Thai SMEs Must Go Green/PM to press Myanmar on river pollution
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Alcohol sales ban set for July 29-30
Thailand will observe three consecutive public holidays from Tuesday, July 28 to Thursday, July 30, with alcohol sales restricted during the final two days.
The holidays are His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday on July 28, Asalha Bucha Day on July 29, and Khao Phansa, or Buddhist Lent Day, on July 30. Government offices will be closed throughout the three-day period. Continued …
Phon Kingphet Park upgrade: 22.7 million baht
Hua Hin Municipality has reviewed key electrical and structural works under the 22.7 million baht Phon Kingphet Park upgrade in central Hua Hin. The project’s procurement inspection committee on Tuesday examined progress on the redevelopment of the city activity plaza on Damnoen Kasem Road, commonly known as Phon Kingphet Park.
The project has a total budget of 22,673,890.97 baht, with Process Engineer and Consultant Co., appointed as the contractor. Continued …
InterContinental Hua Hin Resort named Thailand’s best resort hotel
InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has been recognized as Thailand’s Best Resort Hotel at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Awards, celebrating the resort’s dedication to exceptional hospitality and guest experiences.
Recognized through guest feedback, the Haute Grandeur Global Awards celebrate hotels that consistently deliver outstanding experiences. This achievement further strengthens InterContinental Hua Hin Resort’s position as one of Thailand’s leading luxury beachfront destinations. Continued …
Thailand’s new police chief is a Cha-am native
A Cha-am native has been named Thailand’s incoming national police chiefs. Police Gen.Samran Nuanma, who was born in Bang Kao subdistrict, Cha-am district, was selected as the 16th commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police yesterday.
The Police Commission voted unanimously, 12–0 to appoint him as successor to Police Gen. Kitrat Phanphet, who is due to retire on Sept. 30. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Four senior officers were considered for the post. Continued …
What Thai Locals Really Eat in Hua Hin
Discover where locals truly eat in Hua Hin. Visit five stops spanning 3.5 hours, sampling 18 different dishes: First, a 100-year-old, three-generation noodle shop serving Gaolao beef soup with multiple cuts, including tender gristle (nature’s collagen supplement!) Next, Yum Naem Khao Tod – fermented pork sausage wrapped in betel leaves with herbs, peanuts, and ginger, eaten like tiny flavor-packed tacos. Video …
Pump prices rise again, this time by 90 satang
Thailand’s retail prices for most petrol, gasohol and diesel products increased by 0.90 baht per liter todat, following a decision by the Fuel Fund Executive Committee.
The adjustment pushed the retail price of standard high-speed diesel to 36.69 baht per liter, while diesel B20 rose to 31.69 baht. Gasohol 95 also climbed to 36.69 baht, gasohol 91 to 36.32 baht and gasohol E20 to 31.69 baht per liter. Continued …
5 moves to make with your expat health insurance in Thailand before 60
Expat health insurance in Thailand gets harder to buy the closer you get to 60. If that birthday is creeping up on you, you’ve probably already wondered whether your current coverage will actually hold up when you need it most.
Insurers don’t just charge more as you age; they also treat your medical history very differently depending on when you buy. Get covered before a diagnosis, and that condition is treated as new and covered like anything else on the policy. Continued …
The Origin of the Word ‘Farang’ Did Not Begin in Thailand
Many People assume that the Thai word “Farang” originated in Thailand, but its history actually stretches far beyond Thai borders.
The word comes from the Persian term Farang or Farangi, which were originally used to refer to the Franks, a group of people from Western Europe. As contact between different cultures increased, the meaning gradually expanded to include Europeans as a whole and later Westerners in general. Continued …
Gunmen kill five rangers at Narathiwat checkpoint
Five paramilitary rangers were killed and five civilians, including children, were injured when six armed men attacked the Buketa Sami checkpoint in Ra-ngae district, Narathiwat, yesterday. The assailants fled after firing weapons and throwing pipe bombs, authorities said.
CCTV footage reportedly showed a co-ordinated convoy. A red motorcycle acted as a lead vehicle, followed by a black four-door pickup carrying six men in black clothing and black wide-brimmed hats in its rear section. Continued …
Bangkok shuts 56 venues after Lat Phrao brewery fire
Bangkok has suspended 56 entertainment-related premises after finding safety shortcomings during a three-day inspection drive following a fire in the Lat Phrao area. City Hall is tightening inspections across the capital, using a new 17-point safety checklist and powers under the 1992 Public Health Act alongside other relevant laws.
Of 1,091 premises similar to entertainment venues under Bangkok Metropolitan Administration responsibility, officials inspected 824 in the past three days. A total of 217 met the required standards, while 551 were ordered to make improvements. Continued …
Na Ladprao fire death toll rises to 35
The death toll from the fire at the Na Ladprao entertainment venue in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district has risen to 35 after a further victim died from her injuries early yesterday.
Bangkok’s Erawan Emergency Medical Center said 23-year-old Thitichaya Krutwichit died at Siriraj Hospital at 2.20 am. She was being treated in the hospital’s burn unit. Her death was the eighth recorded in hospital following the blaze at the Lat Phrao venue. Continued …
Thailand presses on with Cambodia border fence
Thailand has completed the first section of a permanent border fence along parts of its frontier with Cambodia, the military said yesterday, as tensions persist between the two Southeast Asian neighbours following two rounds offighting last year.
Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Ukrit Boontanon described the 1.3-kilometer stretch of reinforced concrete panels topped with steel mesh and concertina wire in Pong Nam Ron district as “stable, strong and durable”, saying it had been designed for long-term security. Continued …
Is co-payment the answer for Thailand’s universal healthcare crisis?
Barely two decades since its introduction, Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme is tottering on the brink of collapse under a growing financial burden. Radical reforms now seem unavoidable.
Four hundred of the 903 public hospitals under the scheme have recorded an accumulated loss of 12.21 billion baht. This deficit results mainly from the National Health Security Office (NHSO)’s failure to devote budgets that actually reflect operational costs. Continued …
Saudi oil routes face new uncertainty after Houthi tanker claims
Saudi Arabia’s principal alternative route for bypassing the Strait of Hormuz was drawn deeper into the conflict today, after Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis claimed missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
The group described the operation as part of its naval blockade of the kingdom, raising concern that global oil supplies could face a second squeeze at Bab el-Mandeb alongside Iran’s effort to control Hormuz. Continued …
Oil hits six-week high as risks mount in two key straits, Thai pump prices rise
Oil prices settled at their highest level since June 11 yesterday as escalating US-Iran hostilities and growing threats to shipping through two major waterways heightened fears of global supply disruption.
Brent crude futures gained US$3.06, or 3.36%, to close at US$94.07 a barrel after touching US$95.47 during the session. The gap between prompt Brent and contracts for delivery three months later widened to US$9.26 a barrel, its largest since May 22. Continued …
Thailand on alert over Middle East tensions, ready for evacuations
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow says that he has ordered close monitoring of the situation in the Middle East and instructed officials to prepare for the possible evacuation of Thai nationals if necessary.
The permanent secretary for the Foreign Ministry had held a meeting to assess developments and review preparations for all possible scenarios, including the evacuation of Thai citizens from affected areas. Continued …
Why Thailand faces economic contraction
I have a monumental task: convincing readers that Thailand’s economy is performing poorly and is likely to contract this year. My strongest evidence is not the abundance of statistics or economic theories at my disposal. It is far simpler: people are spending much more on energy and, inevitably, less on everything else.
If readers remain unconvinced, they need only look inside their wallets or check their bank balances. The evidence is there. Continued …
Baht Slides to 15-Month Low
The Thai baht has fallen to its weakest level in 15 months, depreciating by more than 6% since the start of the year, as soaring global energy costs and lingering Middle East tensions push Thailand’s current account into deficit.
The baht’s first-half weakness reflects Thailand’s structural exposure to energy imports rather than any deterioration in underlying fundamentals, according to Roong Sanguanruang, senior vice president of Krungsri’s Global Markets Planning Division. Continued …
Thailand on alert as US Section 301 probe raises tariff risk up to 25%
Thailand’s trade relationship with the United States is entering a critical new phase as Washington prepares to use Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 to examine countries accused of unfair trade practices.
The move has put Thai exporters on alert, with experts warning that Thailand could face additional tariffs of up to 25% if the United States proceeds with action on two issues: forced labor controls and structural excess production capacity. Continued …
Land bridge plan to be revised, China-Singapore route accelerated
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered officials concerned to revise the land bridge project of the government while speeding up other transport projects linking Thailand, China, Laos, Malaysia and Singapore, according to the government spokesman.
Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said yesterday that Anutin instructed relevant government organizations to revise the land bridge project and speed up road and rail projects ready for implementation to remedy “missing links” and complete transport networks. Continued …
Thai Airways sees aviation recovery in H2 despite fuel uptick
The financial results of Thai Airways International (THAI) are expected to bottom out in the second quarter, while recently approved tourism stimulus efforts should help airlines in the second half even as renewed US-Iran tensions cause jet fuel prices to rise, say analysts.
Thanapol Jiratanakij, an analyst at CGS International Securities (Thailand), said the flag carrier’s management acknowledged that advance bookings softened in the second quarter amid the Middle East war, yet underlying travel demand remained resilient based on consistently high cabin factors despite industry-wide fare increases. Continued …
Thai travelers embrace ‘run-cation’ as marathon trips surge across Asia
Thai travelers are increasingly turning marathon weekends into full travel experiences, as the “run-cation” trend — traveling while joining running events — gains momentum across Asia.
According to accommodation search data from Agoda, Thai travelers are planning more trips around major marathon events, not only in Thailand but also in popular race destinations across the region. The trend reflects a growing appetite for travel with a purpose, combining sport, health and discovery in one journey. Continued …
Chon Buri tourism sector presses for regulatory reforms
Chon Buri tourism operators are urging the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to address persistent issues affecting the low season and safety, including unlicensed hotels, illegal tour operators and unregulated entertainment venues.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul visited Chon Buri and Pattaya last Friday to discuss tourism measures with operators, including the Association of the Chonburi Tourism Federation (ACTF). Continued …
Confusing Thai Time-Counting Method: Why ‘2’ Means 8 PM in Thailand
If you’ve ever had a conversation with a Thai person, you might have encountered their unique way of telling time.
For example, they might say, “Let’s get dinner at 2!” leaving you confused for a moment until we realize our mistake and say, “Oh, I meant 8 PM.” Even if a Thai person speaks fluent English, growing up in a Thai household means this slip-up happens all the time. Continued …
Thai exporters risk losing orders as environmental rules tighten
Thai exporters risk losing orders and access to major markets unless they accelerate compliance with tightening environmental and sustainability rules, EXIM Thailand has warned, as the state-owned bank prepares ESG-reporting assistance and green loans carrying interest rates from 2.75%.
The United States, European Union and China, which together account for more than 40% of Thailand’s export value, are steadily raising environmental, carbon and sustainability standards, according to Charat Rattanaboonniti, president of the Export-Import Bank of Thailand. Continued …
Thai SMEs Must Go Green to Survive the Low-Carbon Economy
A new set of trade rules is sweeping through the business world. This time, it is not about price or quality. It is about carbon reduction — and whether companies can keep up.
Environmental pressures are rocking global trade and its supply chains to the core. Businesses are expected to take responsibility for their environmental impact, not as a choice, but as a condition of market access. Continued …
PM to press Myanmar on river pollution
Thailand will hold talks with Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing next month on cross-border environmental and security issues, including toxic contamination in the Kok River, agricultural burning and narcotics production, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said yesterday.
Anutin said environmental protection featured prominently in his discussions with Chinese leaders, including green economic development, clean energy and environmentally friendly manufacturing aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Continued …
Thai police probe Chinese nominee luxury home network
Thai police have raided 20 locations in an alleged nominee-property network said to have acquired 33 luxury homes worth more than 1.275 billion baht for a Chinese national. the homes were held through 33 Thai companies, with Thai nationals named as shareholders and directors. The properties were in high-end estates around Pattanakarn Road and Krungthep Kreetha Road in Bangkok. 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
Direct flights between Hua Hin and Kuala Lumpur are expected to resume as transport officials move to restore an international route that carried more than 130,000 passengers before the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Thailand Riviera coastal road project is set to move forward again, with the Ministry of Transport seeking budget approval for fiscal year 2027 to study and design an extension from Chumphon to Songkhla.
The government has welcomed Thailand being ranked the world’s eighth-best healthcare system in 2026 by the Numbeo website, saying the result reflects the country’s efficient healthcare management and broad access to medical services.
Nine monks were killed and 13 other people injured after a pickup truck driven by an 11-year-old boy plowed into a morning pilgrimage in Muang district of Mukdahan province yesterday.
Thailand’s economy is sending two completely different signals. Official figures point to a country recovering faster than expected, with GDP expanding by 2.8%, exports surging by more than 23% in April, and tourism continuing to drive growth, albeit at a falling rate.
The narrowing trade deficit and easing inflationary pressure should support the baht regaining strength against the US dollar late in the third quarter this year, reversing a short-term depreciation trend, says Siam Commercial Bank Financial Markets (SCB FM).
There are growing signs that small and medium-sized Chinese entrepreneurs in auto sectors are interested in investing in Thailand, according to the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
Thailand is on course for another record year in foreign film-production investment, as global streaming platforms and the fast-growing vertical-drama market continue to bring overseas crews and spending into the country.
The Department of Consular Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated its 2026 list of countries and territories offering visa-free entry to holders of ordinary Thai passports. The revised list includes 35 destinations where Thai travelers can enter without applying for a visa, subject to each country’s entry conditions.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has emphasized the development of rail tourism as an important step toward creating new experiential and economic value for Thailand’s tourism industry. TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that Thailand’s tourism sector has long drawn strength from its natural attractions, cultural heritage, and recognized hospitality.
Pattaya’s tourism is facing a particularly weak low season, with tourist numbers falling by around 20% to 30% in Pattaya and Chon Buri, while many hotels are reporting occupancy rates below break-even levels.
The Gulf of Thailand has always sold itself through color: turquoise water, coral gardens, fishing boats and island horizons. Now Thailand is adding another color to the seascape — the clean, clever green of technology.
Since China’s “National Sword” policy took effect in January 2018, banning imports of contaminated plastic and electronic waste, the recycling industry that was once concentrated inside China has scattered across the region. As a result, Thailand has absorbed a large share of it.
Honda Automobile (Thailand) is intensifying its strategy to challenge the Chinese-dominated electric vehicle (EV) market, announcing plans to make next-generation hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) the cornerstone of its lineup.
The first half of 2026 has been marked by a relentless rise in ocean temperatures, with global averages reaching a record 21 degrees Celsius, shattering previous highs recorded in 2023 and 2024.
Living in Thailand means co-existing with a healthcare system that’s brilliant in some ways and frustrating in others. Oftentimes, private hospitals feel like five-star hotels, with doctors trained internationally, and the costs seem reasonable compared to Western countries – until you’re actually sitting in that consultation room without insurance, watching the bill climb.
Thailand’s exports in 2026 could slow sharply — or even contract — as the full-year impact of US tariff policy begins to bite, with weaker momentum also expected in shipments to China, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) said.
Nikkei Asia reports that Vietnam is on track to overtake Thailand in economic size as soon as this year, fueled by a major state-led infrastructure push. While Vietnam targets real GDP growth of 8% in 2025 and over 10% in the following years, Thailand’s growth is slowing.
Entertainment venue operators in Phuket have formally petitioned provincial authorities to investigate allegations of officials demanding illicit payments from nightlife businesses, raising concerns about transparency and confidence in the tourism sector.
Bangkok is a perennial favorite among travelers, and it’s no surprise why! Between the mouthwateringly good local cuisine, unique cultural experiences, and endless shopping destinations that await, visiting Bangkok is a magical experience unlike any other.
The Thai government has officially enforced a pioneering trade mandate requiring all imported animal-feed corn to be certified “burn-free.” The move, effective from Jan. 1, is a cornerstone of the nation’s strategy to tackle transboundary PM2.5 pollution and align its agricultural supply chain with global environmental standards.
The White House has said President Donald Trump and his advisers are weighing “a range of options” to acquire Greenland, including the possibility of using US military force, as European leaders warned that only Denmark and Greenland can decide the territory’s future. 
Air drops of relief supplies begins in Hat Yai
Government denies flood response delays
Hong Kong fire: At Least 44 Dead And 279 Reported Missing
Immigration Denies Reports of Korean Kidnappings
Phuket recognized as one of the world’s top 25 destinations for 2026
Tourist-friendly Guide On How To Behave As Thailand Mourns Her Majesty Queen Sirikit
Mixed response to solar panel bill
Thailand’s Refining Industry Transitioning Toward Clean Energy Goals
Tariff uncertainty drives global food prices to 2-year high
Tourism surveys Chinese market
‘Logistics hub of Asia’ efforts prioritized
Sam Roi Yat water pumping station evaluated
Chinese Celebrities and Tourists Think Twice About Thailand
Local, foreign tourist numbers jumped last year in Chon Buri-Pattaya
BYD, Grab partner to expand EV fleets in Southeast Asia
