- Hua Hin–Chiang Mai flights/Hua Hin BluesFest/Halloween at Soi Bintabaht/Bang Saphan floodwaters recede/Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Recognized/Kaeng Krachan’s Khao Phanoen Thung reopens/Ban Pa Mak celebrates Karen culture/Thailand’s Most Famous Snake Catcher/Thai political confidence falls/Robot used in heart surgery
- ECONOMY: Government eyes high-income economy/Thailand as AI medical hub/Betting big on small AI
- TOURISM: $118.6 billion in tourism revenue/Suvarnabhumi to shrink duty-free shops
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: TAT’s 100-baht vouchers
- CLIMATE THAILAND: ‘Four Doubts’ on Solar Rooftops/Plans to strike an energy balance
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin–Chiang Mai flights now daily until March 2027
Thai AirAsia’s Hua Hin–Chiang Mai flights are now operating daily, with the increased frequency scheduled to continue until March 27, 2027.
The additional flights are intended to meet high-season demand, giving residents of Hua Hin and neighbouring provinces more options for traveling north. The route also provides visitors from Chiang Mai with direct access to Hua Hin and surrounding destinations without connecting through Bangkok. Continued …
Hua Hin BluesFest 2026 returns December 6
Hua Hin BluesFest 2026 will take place at The Kaset Hua Hin on Sunday, Dec. 6, bringing Thai and international musicians together for seven and a half hours of live music over Thailand’s Father’s Day long weekend.
The festival returns for its fourth edition at a new open-air venue, with Khao Takiab providing the backdrop. Doors open at 4 pm, with live music continuing until 11.30 pm. Continued …
Halloween at Soi Bintabaht draws crowd
Bang Saphan floodwaters recede as pumping continues
Bang Saphan floodwaters have begun to recede following heavy rain Oct. 28-29, although low-lying areas remain flooded and officials have installed a pump to speed up drainage.
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Residents reported falling water levels Friday morning, after earlier footage showed fast-moving water rising almost to the edge of a bridge. Large volumes of accumulated floodwater were still draining into the sea through coastal areas. Continued …
Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Recognized for Sustainable and Nature-Positive Tourism
Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas has received a certificate of recognition from the Biodiversity-Based Economy Development Office (BEDO) for its participation in projects promoting environmentally responsible tourism and the sustainable use of biodiversity.
Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas was recognized for beach and roadside clean-ups and mangrove planting. It also promotes Kui Buri National Park and Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park as must-visit destinations for guests. Recently, the resort collaborated with Kui Buri National Park to sponsor a wildlife photography competition held in celebration of Thai Elephant Day.
Kaeng Krachan’s Khao Phanoen Thung reopens Nov 1
Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi reopened Khao Phanoen Thung yesterday, with two designated uphill travel windows each day and access restricted to roadworthy four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Khao Phanoen Thung had been closed during the rainy season to allow nature to recover. The reopening gives visitors access to cool weather, sea-of-mist views and opportunities to learn about the ecosystems of the World Heritage forest. According to the park, the mist phenomenon can be seen throughout the year. Continued …
Ban Pa Mak celebrates Karen culture with river raft procession
Rafts carrying Buddha images formed a procession along the river at Ban Pa Mak on Saturday, as residents and visitors gathered for a celebration of the Karen community’s culture and Buddhist traditions. The event highlighted a village that remains little known to many visitors, despite being around 90 minutes’ drive from Hua Hin.
The procession gave those attending an opportunity to pay their respects to the Buddha images and seek blessings. It also reflected the community’s longstanding relationship with the river and surrounding forest. Continued …
Meet Thailand’s Most Famous Snake Catcher
The top snake catcher in Bangkok, Pinyo Pukpinyo, wrangles more than 20 snakes a day and trains fellow firefighters to do the same. He refuses to kill the snakes, and he’s running out of containers. Video …
Thai-Cambodian border to remain closed for foreseeable future
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Saturday that the Thai-Cambodian border will remain closed because there remain several conflicting issues between the two countries that are yet to be resolved.
Speaking during the “Talk with Anutin’s Cabinet” TV program, the prime minister said that he could not state when the border can reopen, because the relations between the two countries cannot be restored until pending issues are resolved, such as the land border, the maritime dispute, the scammer problem and the security of Thai people. Continued …
Thai political confidence falls again in October poll
Thailand’s political confidence index fell to 3.52 out of 10 in October, with ratings for the government and prime minister also declining, according to a nationwide Suan Dusit Poll released yesterday.
The survey of 2,036 people, conducted online and in the field between Oct. 27-30, found the index had slipped from 3.56 in September. Government performance fell from 3.46 to 3.40, while the prime minister’s score dropped from 3.37 to 3.27. Continued …
Robot used in new heart surgery
Rajavithi Hospital has become the first hospital under the Ministry of Public Health to perform minimally invasive, multi-vessel coronary artery bypass surgery using robotic assistance.
The hospital, overseen by the Department of Medical Services (DMS), achieved the breakthrough through a procedure known as robotic internal mammary artery harvest with total coronary revascularization via anterior thoracotomy. Continued …
Government eyes high-income economy status ‘by 2037’
Thailand aims to become a high-income economy by 2037, with a new five-year science and innovation strategy targeting annual GDP growth of 5%.
Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat announced the goal after chairing a meeting of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council last week. Continued …
Thailand eyes status as AI medical hub
Thailand wants to become a regional artificial intelligence (AI) medical hub by developing AI models tailored to Southeast Asian populations and turning decades of clinical research into advances in precision medicine, drug discovery and cancer treatment.
The strategy seeks to combine the country’s clinical expertise, diverse patient data and research archives with private investment to bring innovations to commercial usage, said Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat at the Global Medical AI Summit 2026 yesterday, co-hosted by the AI Entrepreneur Association of Thailand (AIEAT) and the Technology and Innovation in Life Sciences National Agency. Continued …
Betting big on small AI
Thailand is keen to leverage small artificial intelligence (AI) to create a big impact in many sectors. Small AI solutions are focused applications designed to solve specific, practical problems, often using less data, computing power and money than large, general purpose systems.
They could deliver significant gains in productivity and competitiveness, help narrow social inequalities and support economic growth. Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, said the small AI concept is crucial for Thailand, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that cannot afford to invest in big AI systems. Continued …
Thailand targets $118.6 billion in tourism revenue
The Thai government is pressing ahead with efforts to upgrade the country’s tourism industry and make it a key driver of sustainable economic growth, deputy government spokesperson Lalida Periswiwatana announced on Saturday.
At its second meeting of 2026, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, the National Tourism Policy Committee discussed the approach to drafting the Fourth National Tourism Development Plan (2028–2032), which aims to increase the economic value of tourism. Continued …
Suvarnabhumi to shrink duty-free shops for pick-up counters, premium service
Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to cut the floor space given to duty-free shops in Suvarnabhumi International Airport, moving more sales to pick-up counters and handing part of the area to automated gates. The airport operator also expects to announce details of a new paid premium service for arriving and departing passengers this month.
AOT President Paweena Jariyathitipong said the duty-free model had not performed as well as it should have, so the company would review how it uses the space to match what passengers actually do and want. Continued …
Explore Thailand for less with TAT’s 100-baht vouchers
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to offer tourism vouchers priced at 100 baht under a nationwide campaign running from Dec. 15 to Feb. 9, 2027, with voucher use restricted to travel from Monday to Thursday.
TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the ““100 Baht, Travel Across Thailand!” campaign would encourage Thai travelers and foreign residents of Thailand to take more domestic trips during the week. Continued …
‘Four Doubts’ on Solar Rooftops Shake the Government
The accusation of “favoring tycoons” continues to haunt the Bhumjaithai government after the Cabinet meeting on Oct. 27 approved the solar power project for the public, with the government incentivizing Thais to install “solar rooftops” with a subsidy of 50,000 baht per household.
The goal is to cover one million households nationwide, with a set purchase rate for excess electricity by the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) at 2.20 baht per unit for a period of 20 years. Continued …
Plans to strike an energy balance clarified
As Thailand accelerates its transition to a low-carbon economy, energy policymakers are revising the country’s oil strategy to balance decarbonization goals with energy security.
Sarawut Kaewtathip, director-general of the Department of Energy Business (DOEB), is outlining how the revised 2026 oil plan aims to expand biofuel use, modernize oil infrastructure and prepare the industry for declining fossil fuel demand. Continued …
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Phuket police target Rawai nominee networks – Continued …
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Bangkok cannabis warehouse raid nets 14 foreigners – Continued …
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Seven Vietnamese women held over Sukhumvit solicitation – Continued …
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Three Chinese suspects arrested over China drug warrants – Continued …
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Indian fugitive held in Ranong for deportation – Continued …
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Japan arrests three over tortoises smuggled from Thailand – Continued …
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Chinese Red Notice suspect held at Chiang Saen border – Continued …
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Russian fined 10,000 baht for driving on Bang Tao Beach – Continued …
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Chonburi Immigration arrests three foreigners in Sriracha – Continued …
Iran, Qatari mediators hold third day of talks to end US-Iran war
Iranian negotiators were in Doha yesterday for a third consecutive day of talks with Qatari mediators aimed at pushing for a deal to end the US-Israeli war on Iran, an official briefed on the discussions said. The talks come amid concerns that the conflict could escalate again after the Nov. 3 US midterm elections. 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
As part of the Nihao Month 2026 campaign, Amazing Thailand Mid-Autumn Celebration 2026 is being organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Bangkok. This festival will help Thailand and China strengthen their ties in culture, wellness and experiential travels. A total of 31 Chinese travel bloggers will take part in the program, themed “Healing is the New Luxury”, and visit various places in Thailand.
Floodwaters were still affecting several Bangkok communities yesterday despite reduced rainfall, as officials continued drainage work and moved some residents to temporary shelters.
Flooding has disrupted logistics operations by making roads impassable and forcing companies to adjust delivery routes and service timing. Major parcel operators have warned of delays because local road accessibility and water levels directly dictate when and how safely deliveries can be made.
Thailand has approved its first national strategy for the semiconductor and advanced electronics industry, targeting about $80 billion in cumulative investment and $150 billion in annual industry revenue by 2050. The long-term “Made in Thailand” initiative also aims to create more than 230,000 jobs.
Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport handled 59,626,075 passengers from October 2025 to August 2026, up 2.43% from the same period a year earlier, according to airport director Kittipong Kittikachorn. The airport is upgrading passport checks and passenger facilities to accommodate growing traffic.
Even on a slow news day, a recent incident in Thailand hardly merited mention, let alone sustained media coverage. But because Israelis were involved, it became headline news for days. Anything negative about Israelis now does so, going instantly viral in the Buddhist nation with no history of antisemitism.
Thailand’s best street food is not confined to any one city. It can be found across the country, from Ayutthaya’s richly flavored noodles and Khon Kaen’s fiery lab to Chiang Mai’s aromatic khao soi and a standout plate of phad thai in the heart of Bangkok.
This week, we’re spending a few days exploring Bangkok, cafe-hopping, wandering through vintage and ceramic shops, visiting beautiful temples, and trying all the amazing Thai food.
Central Tokyo today registered 34 consecutive days of rain, marking the longest streak on record, according to the weather agency. The area has seen precipitation since Aug. 27, with typhoons approaching. The previous record was 33 consecutive days from June 27 to July 29 in 2019. 
Indonesia is considering Chinese investment to help build a massive 2,772 kilometer railway network through the vast, resource-rich region of Kalimantan, following the completion of Southeast Asia’s first high-speed line between Jakarta and Bandung, state media and analysts said. 
Sam Roi Yot Run Ep.7 will offer distances of 2.7km, 5km and 10km along scenic coastal routes through local communities. Entry fees vary depending on registration period, with general registration open until May 31. 
Authorities in Krabi have launched an investigation into alleged illegal land acquisitions through nominee companies, uncovering extensive violations of Thailand’s Land Code. The operation targeted companies suspected of using Thai nationals to conceal foreign ownership of land and businesses.
The Commerce Ministry is preparing action against 140 “grey accountants” as part of a nationwide crackdown on the use of Thai nominees to conceal foreign ownership in restricted businesses.
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has issued new penalty guidelines that include license suspensions or revocations for cannabis businesses found to breach the department’s requirements.
The price of fertilizers is trending downward, with shipments from the Middle East currently en route to Thailand, says the Commerce Minister.
The Thai baht opened the week at 32.94 per US dollar yesterday, drifting toward the psychologically significant 33 threshold as a confluence of external headwinds and domestic vulnerabilities battered sentiment.
Thailand’s exports posted double-digit growth in May but at a slower pace than April, a Commerce Ministry official said yesterday. Customs-cleared exports rose by 23.1% in April from a year earlier. May data is due later this week.
Thailand’s property market is seeing a major shift as developers move beyond simply delaying new launches and begin selling land and ready-to-develop projects to preserve liquidity.
Thailand’s luxury hotel sector is emerging as one of the country’s most attractive investment assets, as global economic uncertainty pushes investors toward properties seen as resilient, scarce, and capable of generating long-term returns.
Thailand’s world heritage-level performing arts have taken center stage in Europe and South Korea, as Khon, Nora, Songkran traditions, and Thai classical dance were showcased in Frankfurt and Seoul as part of a wider push to promote Thai cultural soft power overseas.
Tha Phra Chan clings to Thai herbal traditions
Thailand’s government is advancing its green hospital policy by promoting clean and renewable energy in public health facilities to reduce operating costs, improve energy efficiency, and support the country’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced yesterday that he was resigning, paving the way for what is expected to be an orderly transfer of power to frontrunner Andy Burnham.