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Thursday’s news-Oct 8

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  • Flood risk for PKK this weekend/Hua Hin railway road changes/Thailand closes 132 railway crossings/Horror care center closed/Thailand warns of storms, heavy rain/Thai flood damage at $178 million/Central region hardest hit//Chachoengsao floods remain high/Firms asked to hold prices/Floods halt over 10 auto-parts plants/International markets most affected
  • ECONOMY: Five priorities to avert a property crisis/Thailand unemployment tops 400,000/Thailand at ‘last paragraph’ of US trade deal/IMF chief warns of debt, energy and AI risks/Thailand and Japan $11.7-Billion Industrial Alliance/Thailand weighs higher EV import taxes/Thailand-EU free trade pact talks/Thailand’s next growth opportunities/Marriott Signs Deal for 7 New Thailand Hotels/Bangkok’s culinary stars fade/Iran Seeks Closer Economic Ties With Thailand
  • TOURISM: 1,000-baht tax on air departures/Minister defends 1,000-baht departure tax/Health Ministry backs 450-baht tourist fee/Thailand’s New Accommodation Law
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Hot towel service or a simple trim?/Tiger helping tell Thailand’s recovery story/Preparing Thailand’s rescued leopard cats
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Bangkok faces submersion risk/Second incinerator key for Phuket
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Flood risk for PKK and 22 other provinces this weekend

The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) has warned 23 provinces and three Bangkok districts of the risk of flooding, flash floods, forest runoffs and mudslides from Oct. 10-12.

The areas at risk are: Central: Bangkok – Nong Khaem, Bang Khae and Bang Bon districts; Samut Sakhon; North: Nan; East: Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat; West: Samut Songkhram, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan; and south: Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phang-nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, Yala and Narathiwat. Continued … 

Hua Hin railway road changes discussed

Hua Hin municipality is seeking to speed up construction of the Hua Hin railway road by resolving design issues and relocating electricity poles, with the aim of opening the new route to residents as soon as possible.

Officials found that the layout and dimensions of construction areas in sections one and two did not match the land covered by the lease agreement. The Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning is preparing to revise the designs to fit the area authorized for use. Continued … 

Thailand closes 132 risky railway crossings

Thailand’s Transport Ministry says it has closed 132 high-risk unofficial railway crossings nationwide as part of a wider effort to improve safety where roads meet rail tracks.

The ministry is also working with Bangkok and 15 other provinces to resolve problems at railway-road crossings, including converting some unauthorized routes into properly approved crossings fitted with standard safety equipment. Continued … 

Horror care center closed in Kanchanaburi where patients were locked into caged beds and prison cells

Thailand has shut a Kanchanaburi care home after inspectors found psychiatric patients behind bars and sleeping in steel cage beds. Sothornchai Nursing Home was licensed for elderly care, yet psychiatric patients made up more than 90% of residents.

Inspectors found 129 beds despite approval for 50, while the facility had swollen to almost three times its licensed size. The scandal began with abuse claims before inspectors uncovered barred rooms, razor wire and serious safety breaches. Meanwhile, Thailand has ordered checks on 1,200 care centers as questions grow over how Sothornchai’s license was renewed just weeks before inspectors shut it down. Continued … 

Thailand warns of storms, heavy rain and hail

Thailand’s Meteorological Department has issued its second warning for heavy to very heavy rain, with thunderstorms, strong winds and hail forecast across the country from 9-13 Oct. 9-13.

The department said the unsettled conditions could bring intense downpours and accumulated rainfall in some locations, raising the risk of flash floods, runoff and local flooding. Residents and travelers have been urged to plan journeys and outdoor activities carefully during the five-day period. Continued … 

Thai flood damage estimated at $178 million, industry federation says

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) estimates that Thailand’s industrial sector has suffered damages worth approximately 6 billion baht (US$178 million) due to recent flooding. The flooding has impacted a wide range of businesses, affecting 4,523 industrial and business operations across 55 provinces, including 4,113 small and medium-sized factories and 316 large factories.

While the manufacturing sector has faced significant disruptions, some automotive assembly plants have maintained enough stock to continue production through mid-October. Beyond direct industrial damage, the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce suggests the total economic loss from the flooding could reach 22.5 billion baht, with the service sector facing the largest portion of those losses. – Bangkok Post AI

Central region hardest hit by floods

The Central region has been the hardest hit by flooding between Sept. 28 and Oct. 4, with Nakhon Sawan’s rice paddies among the worst affected, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).

GISTDA said yesterday 7 that analysis of satellite imagery showed flooding in 45 provinces nationwide, covering more than 5.12 million rai. The Central region accounted for more than 4.09 million rai of flooded areas across 22 provinces, directly affecting the livelihoods of more than 1.58 million people and more than 21,800 households, it said. Continued … 

Chachoengsao floods remain high as homes nearly disappear

Floodwaters in Bang Khla district remain high with no sign of receding, leaving some homes nearly submerged up to their roofs, while some residents have chosen to stay behind rather than evacuate.

Some residents have already evacuated, while others remain concerned about their homes and have refused to leave. Some have been using pieces of foam as makeshift vessels to travel through the flooded areas. Continued … 

Commerce Ministry asks firms to hold prices for flood recovery

Thailand’s Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has asked retailers, service providers and carmakers to keep prices unchanged and prepare stocks, spare parts and repair services to support households recovering from flooding.

Director-General Wattanasak Sur-iam said the department had met businesses involved in post-flood recovery and asked them to ensure adequate supplies of products and replacement parts, replenish stocks quickly, and distribute goods to areas where demand is rising. Continued … 

Floods halt over 10 auto-parts plants with Oct 12 restart expected

Flooding has halted production at more than 10 auto-parts factories at Thailand’s Amata City Chonburi Industrial Estate, with suppliers expecting to restart deliveries from Oct. 12, according to representatives of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

Supoj Sukpisan, honorary chairman of the FTI’s Auto Parts Industry Club, said suppliers unable to restore production in time would have to import components to fulfil contracts with carmakers and avoid penalties, despite the higher costs. Continued … 

Which international markets were most affected by Thailand’s flooding?

Short-haul markets, specifically South Korea, Taiwan, and Malaysia, have been most significantly impacted by the recent flooding in Thailand, seeing arrivals drop by 5.96%, 7.25%, and 8.32%, respectively, between late September and early October. The Chinese market also experienced a notable decline, which the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) noted coincided with the Golden Week holiday period.

While short-haul Asian markets saw immediate declines, long-haul markets such as France, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UK have demonstrated more resilience, with continued strong booking trends for the upcoming high season. To mitigate the impact on the broader tourism sector, the government is considering various relief measures, including potential promotional offers and infrastructure improvements in Bangkok to restore tourist confidence. Authorities are also closely monitoring water levels and transport conditions to provide real-time updates to travelers. – Bangkok Post AI

Five priorities to avert a property crisis: unlocking home loans and tackling global warming

Three property associations have identified five major challenges in reviving the market through action by the government and banks. These range from unlocking home loans for a new generation of borrowers, promoting energy-efficient homes and developing urban infrastructure to withstand natural disasters, to regulating foreign property transactions and building stronger communities.

The property market is approaching a turning point. Problems with purchasing power no longer concern only “high prices”, but extend to access to credit, changing consumer behavior, urban infrastructure that must withstand natural disasters, sustainability and community management. Continued … 

Thailand unemployment tops 400,000, led by new graduates

Thailand officially had 401,000 unemployed people in the second quarter of 2026, up 10% year-on-year and the highest level in seven quarters, Kasikorn Research Center has reported.

The figure was last above 400,000 in the third quarter of 2024. Of those currently unemployed, more than 44% – about 174,000 people – were new graduates aged 20 to 24, according to the report released in Bangkok on Tuesday. Continued … 

Thailand at ‘last paragraph’ of US trade deal, says PM

Thailand is at “the last paragraph” ‌of a trade agreement with the United States, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said yesterday. Speaking at a forum in Singapore, Anutin said he expected to sign the agreement on ‌reciprocal trade during President Donald Trump’s next visit to Asia, likely in Manila at the ASEAN meetings from Nov. 16-18, or Shenzhen at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on Nov. 18-19.

Anutin said that he received a letter from Trump last week confirming the deal is at its final stage. “He told me that I was ‌to make sure that my people and the United States Trade Representative would write up the final clause.” Continued … 

IMF chief warns of debt, energy and AI risks before Bangkok talks

The global economy faces a difficult combination of record public debt, persistently high energy costs, and both the opportunities and risks created by artificial intelligence, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned ahead of next week’s IMF-World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok.

Georgieva delivered her 2026 annual meetings curtain raiser speech in Singapore yesterday, setting out the main economic issues expected to confront finance ministers and central bank governors when they gather in Thailand from Oct. 12–18. Continued … 

Thailand and Japan Cement $11.7-Billion Industrial Alliance in High-Tech Shift

Thailand has attracted more than $11.72 billion (approx. 396.5 billion baht) in investment applications from Japanese enterprises across 1,380 projects between 2021 and mid-2026, according to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).

The capital injection deepens a decades-long industrial partnership as both nations reconfigure regional supply chains around semiconductors, next-generation vehicles, and clean energy. Continued … 

Thailand weighs higher EV import taxes to support local industry

Thailand’s Cabinet has acknowledged a proposal to overhaul vehicle excise taxes, under which certain imported cars would face the highest proposed rates, while domestically manufactured vehicles could qualify for lower rates linked to investment and locally produced components.

The proposed restructuring aims to encourage vehicle manufacturers to establish or expand production facilities in Thailand, strengthen the domestic automotive supply chain and support the transition toward environmentally friendly vehicles. Continued … 

Thailand-EU free trade pact talks at final stage

The 10th round of Thailand-EU free trade agreement negotiations has seen significant progress, with most negotiating texts now concluded. The commerce minister reported that major issues resolved include trade in goods, services, investment, and market access, as well as provisions regarding sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, energy, war materials, and rules of origin.

While most topics have been settled, discussions are still ongoing regarding market access and political issues. Both sides are currently working toward a mutually acceptable and balanced outcome, specifically navigating sensitive business products and sectors to ensure the agreement creates concrete economic benefits and open markets. – Bangkok Post AI

Thailand’s next growth opportunities as ASEAN investment gateway

Supply chain diversification, AI adoption and the energy transition are creating a new phase of investment opportunity in Thailand, strengthening the country’s position as a gateway to ASEAN, according to a new PwC Thailand report.

This shift is directing a new wave of foreign direct investment (FDI) toward Thailand’s digital infrastructure, electronics, automotive and food-processing industries, as global businesses restructure supply chains for greater resilience and scale. Continued … 

Marriott Signs Deal for 7 New Thailand Hotels

Marriott Internationalhas signed an agreement with FICO Corp. to bring seven hotels to Thailand, which are projected to add a further 1,262 keys to Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.

The portfolio deal includes the expansion of the JW Marriott brand and is set to introduce citizenM, Four Points Flex by Sheraton and Series by Marriott to Thailand for the first time.
The agreement includes a JW Marriott Bangkok Sathorn and the anticipated debut of citizenM, Four Points Flex by Sheraton and Series by Marriott in Thailand. Continued … 

Bangkok’s culinary stars fade amid rising costs, tighter budgets and fewer tourists

Earlier this year, Bangkok’s food and beverage scene pulled off a coup. At Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards in Macau, eight venues from Asia’s “City of Angels” crowded the list – rankings historically dominated by Hong Kong and Singapore – with four more in the 51-100 tier. The city’s restaurant honors tell a similar story – Sühring recently joined Sorn in holding three Michelin stars, and Bangkok claims nine spots on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, more than any other city.

The tourism figures are equally bullish: Bangkok again ranks as the world’s most visited city, with food-led travel a stated priority for visitors. Clearly, Bangkok’s food and beverage scene is commanding more attention than ever before. And yet, on the ground, the picture is less rosy. Continued … 

Iran President Seeks Closer Economic Ties With Thailand

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran sees substantial scope to expand its relationship with Thailand, including through closer economic cooperation.

Speaking as he received the credentials of Thailand’s new ambassador to Tehran, Pezeshkian said bilateral ties could be developed further in economic, scientific and technological fields, according to Iran’s state-affiliated Tasnim news agency. Continued … 

Thailand considers 1,000-baht tax on air departures

Thailand’s Finance Ministry is considering a departure tax of 1,000 baht for every person leaving the country by air, regardless of nationality, under draft legislation now open to public comment. The Revenue Department’s consultation on the proposed Departure Tax Act runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 29.

For foreigners living in Thailand, frequent visitors and tourists, the key point is that the charge would apply each time they fly out of the country, including on short regional trips. Continued … 

Minister defends 1,000-baht departure tax plan, as ATTA objects

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas defended the idea of a 1,000-baht departure tax as a way to encourage Thais to holiday domestically and keep more tourism spending within Thailand. However, the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) opposed the proposal yesterday, warning that it would impose overlapping charges on travelers.

Adith Chairattananon, ATTA’s secretary-general, said the proposal could have widespread repercussions for tourism and put further pressure on operators during a weak economy. The association is preparing to submit a formal objection to the Finance Ministry. Continued … 

Health Ministry backs 450-baht tourist fee as hospitals face billions in unpaid bills

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has backed a proposed 450-baht fee for foreign tourists, calling for part of the revenue to fund insurance or health cover that could reduce hospitals’ exposure to unpaid medical bills.

Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said a preliminary survey of more than 30 regional hospitals found that they incur several billion baht in unrecovered treatment costs involving foreign patients each year. Continued … 

Thailand’s New Accommodation Law: What It Means for Hotels, Airbnb and Short-Term Rentals

Thailand is preparing to replace the Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004). In July 2026, the House of Representatives accepted in principle proposed amendments to the Hotel Act and referred them to an extraordinary committee. On Sept. 29, the government set out its draft Accommodation Establishment Act. The draft moves away from a single hotel licensing regime and toward a tiered system based on the size of the property.

The draft has not yet been enacted and must still proceed through the remainder of the legislative process before it can enter into force. Until that happens, the Hotel Act remains in force and must be applied as it stands. Continued … 

Hot towel service or a simple trim?

Fifteen minutes with a pair of clippers, a mirror check, and out the door for the price of a sandwich. Or: lying back on a reclined chair, eyes covered, a hot towel over the face, a straight razor worked slowly along the jaw, warm oil worked into the beard, a shoulder press at the end, someone offering you a coffee while you wait for the chair — 45 minutes, and a bill that can run to three or four times the first one.

Ask either customer what they walked out with and they will say the same thing: a trimmed beard. The outcome looks identical in the mirror. Continued … 

From one mother to nine cubs: the tiger helping tell Thailand’s recovery story

In 2021, Mae Kaew moved out of the renowned Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary and established her own territory in the Upper Western Forest Complex. Since then, camera traps have documented an extraordinary journey. Over just a few years, she has successfully raised three litters. That is nine new tigers from a single mother.

And the story continues… with another chapter. One of Maw Kaew’s daughters, born in 2022, has now had her own two cubs. After establishing her territory in the same park in late 2023, she has become a mother herself for the first time. And that means Maw Kaew is officially a grandmother! Continued … 

Preparing Thailand’s rescued leopard cats for life in the wild

A wildlife officer holds a leopard cat cub in one hand, its entire body small enough for her fingers to wrap around its torso. With the other hand, she feeds it formula milk from a syringe. This is the latest rescue at the Department of National Parks and Wildlife’s rescue center in Khon Kaen, northeastern Thailand, which rehabilitates and ultimately releases dozens of lost and injured leopard cat cubs every year.

Behind the officer, 15 larger leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis), rescued as young cubs months earlier, pace around inside their cages. They look a lot like domestic cats, only slightly more slender and with sharply defined markings on their fur; unlike domestic cats, they bare their teeth and growl whenever a human walks past. Continued … 

Bangkok faces submersion risk

Experts have warned that as much as one-third of Bangkok could be permanently submerged by 2050. This risk is driven by the failure to overhaul water management systems and take aggressive action against climate change.

The potential for submersion is compounded by rising sea levels and land subsidence, which makes the city particularly vulnerable due to its use of groundwater. Projections suggest that the Chao Phraya River levels could rise by 30 to 50 centimeters by 2050, while extreme climate events could see sea levels rise even further. – Bangkok Post AI

Second incinerator key to solving Phuket’s waste problem

Authorities in Phuket are seeking a land plot to build a second incinerator to handle a growing amount of garbage. Phuket is facing increasing challenges in dealing with as much as 1.3 million tons of waste that has accumulated at landfills supervised by the Phuket municipal office.

Phuket has only one incinerator, which is capable of handling about 700 tons of garbage per day. The capacity is too small, so a second incinerator is needed. Continued … 

Russia rejects Siberian plague reports amid second death claims

Unverified reports of a second death in Russia’s Irkutsk region in Siberia have raised concerns about a possible pneumonic plague outbreak, although Russian authorities maintain that no cases of the disease have been detected. 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

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Thursday’s news-July 9

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  • Cha Am tourism agenda/PKK anti-drug operation/New English classes at PKK school/Hua Hin videos//Thai police officers found guilty/Smuggled cannabis exports
  • THE IRAN WAR: US conducts new strikes on Iran/Oil shoots up
  • ECONOMY: Struggle to reduce retail oil prices/Prepared food prices remain high/Thai GDP Forecast Upgraded/Land bridge put on hold/Foreign platform flood drains Thai cash
  • TOURISM: Thailand’s Pivot Toward the High-Value Wellness Economy/Tourism fee hits a snag/House approves Hotel Act updates/Visitors from Every Corner of Asia
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: How many days to spend in Thailand/New long-necked dinosaur from Kalasin/Giant python captured
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: China calls for probe into Mekong pollution
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Hua Hin Airport tied to Cha Am tourism agenda

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 Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phetchaburi office said it is working to strengthen the province’s quality tourism offering, with a focus on weddings, golf, wellness, sport, family travel and higher-spending visitors. Continued … 

PKK launches anti-drug operation

Prachuap Khiri Khan has launched Operation 90 Days, a province-wide anti-drug campaign aimed at intensifying prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation across all eight districts.

Gov. Sittichai Sawatsan, who also serves as director of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Center for Drug Prevention and Suppression, presided over the launch ceremony Tuesday at Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Hall. Continued … 

New English classes started at PKK school

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.

The project is organized by Rai Khanun Group Co. and is being held for the 19th year. Kritphak Suknaworakul, chief executive officer of Rai Khanun Group, delivered the project report. Continued … 

Hua Hin Night Market and Soi 80 at Night

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. Video … 

Hua Hin Feels Perfect… Until You Spend More Time Here

Most people fall in love with Hua Hin in a few day. But what happens when you spend more time here? Share the real experience of Hua Hin beyond the honeymoon phase — not the travel version, but what it actually feels like over time. Break down the good, the bad, and the unexpected realities of life in one of Thailand’s most popular retirement destinations. Video … 

5 Thai police officers found guilty in extortion of 6 million baht from British fugitive

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.

Patel, who was wanted in the UK over alleged drug trafficking offenses, fled to Dubai before traveling to Thailand in June 2022. Immigration officers later arrested him in Phuket after determining that he had entered the country using a fraudulent passport. Continued … 

Smuggled cannabis exports activity grows rapidly, with thousands of tourist cases to the UK intercepted

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.

As Bangkok launches a major new enforcement partnership with the UK’s National Crime Agency following huge overseas seizures and admits some cannabis intercepted abroad had originally left Thailand legally, pressure is mounting to return cannabis to the narcotics list amid an unprecedented crackdown on a trade now worth billions of baht. Continued … 

US conducts new strikes on Iran after Trump threats

The United States conducted a new round of airstrikes on Iran yesterday at the direction of President Donald Trump, marking the second night of renewed attacks and casting major doubt on the prospects for a long-term peace deal with Tehran.

The attacks, confirmed by the U.S. Central Command in a statement, came after Trump at a NATO summit in Turkey earlier in the day said he considers the U.S. ceasefire with Iran to be “over” and warned of more powerful strikes to come. Continued … 

Oil shoots up as Trump says Iran ceasefire ‘over’

Oil prices soared anew and stock markets slid yesterday after US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran was over, following renewed strikes in the Middle East.

The markets responded, with oil shooting back up again having in recent days come back down toward pre-war levels around $70 a barrel. International benchmark Brent North Sea crude jumped more than 5% to around $78 a barrel while the main US contract, West Texas Intermediate, also soared 5%, although both slipped back slightly mid-afternoon. Continued … 

Government in struggle to reduce retail oil prices

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.

An energy official who requested anonymity said authorities have limited tools at their disposal to ease the burden on motorists. Recent measures have focused on reducing levies collected through the Oil Fuel Fund, resulting in modest cuts of 2.56 baht per liter for diesel and 2.51 baht per liter for gasoline. Continued … 

Prepared food prices remain high despite cheaper fuel

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.

The drop in fuel prices is a positive sign and is likely to boost consumer purchasing power, said Thaniwan Kulmongkol, president of the association. After the Middle East war began, many eateries raised their menu prices, citing higher costs. Continued … 

Thai GDP Forecast Upgraded to Market-High 2.3%, Inward Investment Nears 1 Trillion Baht

The Thai economy is demonstrating far greater structural resilience than initially projected, prompting the central bank to upgrade its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the year to 2.3% — the most bullish estimate currently available in the market.

The optimistic reassessment was delivered by Bank of Thailand (BOT) Gov. Vitai Ratanakorn, at a high-level meeting of the Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committee (JPPSCC) in Bangkok yesterday. H revealed that the economy has successfully shaken off severe contraction fears that emerged following geopolitical escalations in the Middle East. Continued … 

Thailand postpones land bridge and SEC bill for wider consultation

Siripong Angkasakulkiat, deputy minister of transport, gave an update on the transport infrastructure development project for the Southern Economic Corridor, intended to link transport between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, known as the land bridge.

He said the Transport Ministry would not move ahead with the land bridge for the time being, nor with the draft Southern Economic Corridor Act (SEC), and that there was still no timeframe for submitting them to Cabinet for consideration. Continued … 

Foreign platform flood drains Thai cash as SMEs face 40% fee squeeze

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.

What began as a shift toward convenience, ordering meals by phone, buying cheap goods online or paying monthly for streaming services, has become part of everyday life for millions of Thais. But behind that convenience, economists and business groups are warning of a deeper problem: a vast stream of money moving out of the country through foreign-owned platforms that now sit between Thai consumers, small businesses and the wider economy. Continued … 

Thailand’s $50 Billion Strategic Pivot Toward the High-Value Wellness Economy

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”.

That was the central message from a panel discussion on unlocking the affluent travel economy, held as part of Visa’s Destinations Thailand launch in Bangkok on Tuesday. Anthony Watson, Visa’s country manager for Thailand, noted that affluent travel across Asia-Pacific had moved well beyond simple recovery from previous disruption and that the real opportunity now lay in understanding what affluent travelers valued throughout their journey — spanning transport, accommodation, wellness, dining, retail and broader lifestyle experiences — and how businesses could capture a greater share of that high-value spending. Continued … 

Planned tourism fee hits a snag – airlines can’t implement

The plan to collect a tourism fee of at least 300 baht through airlines is infeasible because of the limitations in airlines’ back-office systems, with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) a better option, say aviation bodies.

Representatives of the Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT), airports and regulators held a meeting with the Tourism and Sports Ministry last month. The ministry asked airlines to act as an intermediary platform to collect a tourism fee on behalf of the government. Continued … 

House approves Hotel Act updates in principle

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.

The changes seek to update provisions of the 2004 Hotel Act, which prohibits operating a hotel without a license. Under current regulations, homeowners may rent out accommodation without a hotel license only if the property has no more than four rooms and can take no more than 20 guests, provided they notify the registrar under Interior Ministry regulations. Continued … 

Thailand Draws Visitors from Every Corner of Asia, Malaysia, South Korea, and China Lead the Way

Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed fresh insights into the Thai travel landscape for the first half of 2026. Based on accommodation check-ins between Jan. 1 and June 30, compared to the same period in 2025, Agoda’s data shows Malaysia leading international travel interest in Thailand, followed by South Korea, China, India, and Japan to round out the top five.

A standout in this year’s ranking is China, which climbed from seventh place in 2025 to third in 2026, recording a 38% year-on-year growth in searches on the platform. Together, the top five reflect a diverse and growing mix of markets drawn to Thailand from across Asia. Continued … 

How many days to spend in Thailand

Thailand spans roughly 1,000 miles from the mountains of Chiang Rai to the beaches of Koh Lipe, and that geography alone should shape how many days you plan for. A short trip means picking one region and staying put.

A longer one lets you combine north and south, city and coast, without feeling rushed. The right answer depends less on a fixed formula and more on what you want to see. Continued … 

Thailand names new long-necked dinosaur from Kalasin

Thai palaeontologists have named a new long-necked dinosaur species from Kalasin province, adding a 15th formally recognized dinosaur species to Thailand’s fossil record and strengthening the country’s place on the map of Jurassic dinosaur discoveries.

The new species, Uragasaurus kalasinensis, was announced on yesterday after being published in the journal Scientific Reports by a research team led by Apirut Nilpanapan, Sita Manitkoon, Varavudh Suteethorn and Komsorn Lauprasert. The fossil was discovered at the Phu Noi fossil site in Din Chi subdistrict, Kham Muang district, Kalasin province, within the Lower Phu Kradung Formation, which the study places in the Upper Jurassic period. Continued … 

Giant python captured after woman’s cats go missing

The radio center of Rescue Sattahip received a call from Pailin Sappana, 75, of tambon Sattahip, Sattahip district, asking for help after a large snake slithered into her home at 1 am on Tuesday. Pailin told the center she feared for her family’s safety.

Rescue workers sent a snake-catching specialist to the house, where a python more than four meters long, with a body as thick as a human leg, was found hiding in a storage room. Continued … https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3282905/giant-python-captured-after-womans-cats-go-missing

China calls for joint Thailand-Myanmar probe into Mekong pollution

China has called for a joint investigation by Thailand and Myanmar into the heavy metal contamination of Mekong River tributaries, based on facts and scientific evidence, to identify those truly responsible.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok said that China supports both countries in strengthening communication and coordination and expediting a joint investigation so that the issue can be addressed as soon as possible. Continued … 

Russian Crime Network Busted in Phuket Raids

Thai police have dismantled an alleged Russian organized crime network operating in Phuket, seizing more than 5.4 million baht in cash during coordinated raids linked to online fraud investigations. One Russian suspect was arrested under an outstanding court warrant, while another foreign national was taken into custody. Continued … 

Hua Hin Links and Transport

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cha am, covid, exports, hospitality, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation, wildlife tourism

Thursday’s news-Sept 11

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Three food festivals/Cha-am water supply disruption/Lions Kill Zoo Staffer/Safari World vows urgent safety review/Urgent flood warning issued/Monsoon mayhem looms/Weak laws as domestic violence surges/Thais among top 10 global gold buyers/PM Anutin reveals assets/ECONOMY: Thailand and US Begin Tariff Talks/US capital moves from China to Thailand/Thailand’s FTA trade benefits/European firms keen on Thailand/Flaws in proposed Hotel Act/TOURISM: Sex tourism in Thailand spotlighted/Chinese Tourist Dies off Koh Larn/Thai Airways to phase out its first class/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Khao Yai Asia’s No.2 rural destination/Luxury Travelers Are Flocking to Secluded Resorts/CLIMATE THAILAND: Face masks: An environmental time bomb/FOREIGNERS/INTERNATIONAL/NEW PAGE – HUA HIN LINKS 

Three food festivals to take place near Hua Hin this weekend

Food lovers are in for a treat this weekend, with three food festivals set to get underway near Hua Hin. Each event will highlight local cuisine, seafood, and community culture across the region. Continued …

Cha-am water supply disruption today

Cha-am Municipality has announced a temporary suspension of the water supply in several communities today. The disruption will take place between 9am and 5pm. Continued …

Lions Kill Zoo Staffer in Bangkok Attack

A zoo employee in the Ram Intra area of Bangkok was fatally attacked by a group of lions yesterday in an incident that lasted approximately 15 minutes. Witnesses, including tourists, attempted to intervene by honking car horns and shouting for help, but were unable to stop the animals.

The incident occurred when the staff member, identified as former surgeon Dr. Thawatchai Kanchanarin, exited a vehicle and was approached from behind by one lion. The lion grabbed him and dragged him to the ground before biting him, and within minutes, four additional lions joined the attack, inflicting severe injuries. Continued …

Safari World vows urgent safety review after zookeeper killed in lion attack

Safari World issued a statement following the death of a 58-year-old zookeeper who was attacked by a lion at the open zoo in Bangkok.

“In light of the recent accident involving a staff member in the lion zone, the employee sustained severe injuries and later passed away. The company expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and will provide full support and assistance to them,” the statement read. Continued …

Urgent flood warning issued as Chao Phraya River reaches crisis level

Chai Nat province has issued an urgent warning after the Chao Phraya River rose to a critical level, with water north of the Chao Phraya Dam surging more than 0.35 meters following heavy rainfall.

The Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command has alerted residents in three riverside districts — Manorom (Tha Chanuan, Siladan, Wat Khok, Khung Samphao subdistricts), Wat Sing (Makham Thao, Wat Sing subdistricts), and Mueang Chainat (Thammamool, Hat Tha Sao, Khao Tha Phra, Tha Chai, Ban Kluai, Chainat subdistricts) — to prepare for possible flash floods. Continued … 

Monsoon mayhem looms with storms and floods in Thailand

Thailand faces heavy rain, flash flood risks, and rough seas as the monsoon continues to impact multiple regions, prompting warnings from officials. The active monsoon trough remains across the north and upper northeast, while moderate southwesterly winds persist over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf. Isolated heavy rainfall is expected across the upper regions.

Scattered thundershowers are expected on the east coast in the southern region, particularly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Temperatures range from 23 to 25 °C in the early hours to 31 to 34 °C later in the day. Winds will blow at 15 to 35 km/h. Continued …

Thailand blasted for weak laws as domestic violence surges

Campaigners are calling out Thailand’s weak domestic violence laws, accusing them of protecting abusers more than victims, and demanding urgent reform. Civil society groups are ramping up pressure on the new government to prioritize a long-delayed draft law that would strengthen protections for victims of domestic and sexual violence.

Yesterday, the Coalition Against Gender-Based Violence Thailand hosted a public forum to scrutinize the legal shortcomings in tackling gender-based violence. The event brought together activists, legal experts, and lawmakers to push for faster legislative progress. Continued …

Thais among top 10 global gold buyers

Thailand has emerged as one of the world’s top 10 gold buyers, with demand jumping 21% year-on-year to 20.7 tons in the first half of 2025, supported by expected US interest rate cuts, safe-haven demand, and a global de-dollarization trend, says YLG Bullion International.

Pawan Nawawattanasub, chief executive of the Bangkok-based gold trader, said global prices, which this week hit a record high of more than $3,670 an ounce, would remain firmly on an upward trajectory over the next 6-12 months. Continued …

PM Anutin reveals billions in assets, private jets, and antiques

PM Anutin Charnvirakul has disclosed assets amounting to 3.9 billion baht, which include three private jets, two speedboats, and a luxury property in Bangkok. Among his assets, the former construction magnate also listed 1.09 billion baht in cash and deposits spread across over 24 bank accounts.

The 58-year-old Bhumjaithai leader revealed his financial status to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) as part of a mandatory process for government officials, with the agency releasing the details publicly yesterday. Continued …

Thailand and US Begin Tariff Talks with ‘Flexible’ Approach

Thailand and the United States have commenced their first round of technical negotiations on trade tariffs, with a senior source from the Thai Ministry of Commerce revealing that the US has adopted a “flexible” and cooperative stance.

The discussions are highly detailed, involving multiple government agencies from both sides and focusing on the wording of more than one hundred articles. Continued …

US capital moves from China as Thai industrial estates expand 34,000 rai in three years

Amid rising US-China trade tensions, Thai industrial investment has surged, with new industrial estates expanding by 34,000 rai over the past three years. The trade friction between the United States and China intensified earlier this year, although some temporary tariff relief measures were introduced in mid-May. Last month, both countries agreed to extend the trade truce for another 90 days, until mid-November.

According to a survey by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Shanghai, nearly half of US businesses — 47% — had shifted planned investments away from China to other regions over the past year, primarily to ASEAN countries. This represents the highest proportion recorded since AmCham Shanghai first conducted the survey. Continued …

Thailand’s FTA trade benefits hit Bt1.4 trillion in first half of 2025

Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, revealed that during the first six months of 2025 (January-June), the value of Thailand’s trade benefits under free trade agreements (FTAs) continued to expand.

Total utilization reached US$44.79 billion (around Bt1.4 trillion), representing 79.6% of eligible FTA trade, up 10.2% from the same period last year. Continued …

European firms keen on Thailand

Thailand remains a key destination in Southeast Asia for European companies seeking to expand business operations to withstand ongoing global economic shocks and uncertainties, according to a recent survey by the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC).

ASEAN has emerged as “the region with the best economic opportunity for European businesses”, beating India and China for the third year running in the EU-Asean Business Sentiment Survey, published by the EU-ABC yesterday. Continued …

Hospitality industry sees flaws in proposed Hotel Act changes

The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) has expressed concern about attempts to revise the Hotel Act, saying any changes must ensure that tourist safety will not be compromised and shoddy operations will face consequences.

The association does not say the 2004 Hotel Act has any loopholes, President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun said yesterday. The problem is ineffective law enforcement against operators that do not follow the rules, he said. Continued …

Sex tourism from the UK to Thailand spotlighted in BBC documentary series

A new BBC documentary series is turning heads in the UK as it exposes Thailand’s booming sex industry. The show pulls no punches, diving deep into the country’s thriving sex tourism trade — one that continues to lure British men in droves.

These encounters are more than casual transactions; they’ve given rise to a growing number of Anglo-Thai relationships. The phenomenon isn’t new. It began in the 1960s in Bangkok and Pattaya, but decades later, it’s still alive and kicking. Continued …

Chinese Tourist Dies After Jet Ski Incident off Koh Larn

A Chinese tourist has died and another survived after a jet ski incident off Koh Larn near Pattaya. The couple, who rented the craft from Tawaen Beach on Tuesday, failed to return it by the agreed time. Rescue teams launched a large-scale search and discovered the man alive in the early hours of yesterday, while his wife was later found dead.

Police were first alerted when the jet ski owner reported that the craft had not been brought back. Officials from Pattaya City Police, the Marine Department, tourist police, and Sawang Boriboon rescue units joined the overnight search. Boats and specialist teams were deployed across the waters surrounding Koh Larn. Continued …

Thai Airways to phase out its first class cabins

Thai Airways intends to phase out its first class cabins within the next two to three years as part of a strategic transformation aimed at enhancing its premium travel offerings and reclaiming market share.

Instead, the airline will prioritize upgrading its business class to a more luxurious standard, in line with global aviation trends. This decision follows Thai Airways’ successful financial restructuring and exit from its reorganization plan. Continued …

Khao Yai ranked Asia’s No.2 rural destination

Khao Yai has been ranked the second most popular rural destination in Asia in 2025 by online travel agency Agoda, reinforcing Thailand’s appeal on the global tourism stage.

The ranking, based on accommodation searches between Feb. 15 and Aug. 15, considered destinations in rural areas with fewer than 50,000 residents across eight Asian countries. Continued …

Luxury Travelers Are Flocking to Secluded Resorts in the Heart of Nature

In recent years, the travel landscape has undergone a major transformation. Today, travelers are seeking more than just typical vacations. They are looking for extraordinary, immersive experiences in the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring locations.

However, this desire for isolation is balanced with an equally strong craving for luxury, meaning comfort, world-class service, and top-tier amenities. It’s no longer just about escaping to secluded places; it’s about doing so in style and enjoying the finest services available. Continued …

Face masks: An environmental time bomb

Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, face masks have become an essential tool for personal protection. However, along with their widespread use, billions of discarded masks have accumulated in both landfills and waterways.

Scientists are now warning that used face masks are an “environmental time bomb” that are breaking down into “microplastics” and continuously releasing harmful chemicals. Continued …

  • Taiwanese Man Arrested for Call Center Money Laundering – Continued …
  • 2 Chinese and 11 Burmese arrested in Bangkok e-cigarettes factory raid – Continued …

Indonesian democracy on brink

The anti-government protests sweeping Indonesia over the past two weeks are not fleeting outbursts but the culmination of long-suppressed grievances against abuses of power, the erosion of constitutional norms, and the violation of basic human rights. The protesters are not seeking an apology or even sympathy from the president; they demand the chance to live a decent life in which their dignity and human rights are respected and upheld. Continued … 

Oracle chief Ellison challenges Musk for ‘world’s richest’ title

Billionaire Elon Musk is at risk of losing his title as the world’s wealthiest person to Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, whose software giant appears poised for massive AI riches through a major deal with OpenAI. Ellison, 81, amassed about $95 billion in additional wealth yesterday as Oracle shares skyrocketed after the nearly 50-year-old company forecast massive revenue growth thanks to large contracts that will dwarf current revenue. Continued …

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