- End of Bangkok Street food/Your go-to street food/Hua Hin Jazz City/Suvarnabhumi-Hua Hin flights/Hua Hin Fire Wave Fest/Hua Hin Red Cross Fair/Hua Hin water-sports safety rules/Bombshell report shakes government/Police Held Over Extortion/Private sector pushes national anti-corruption/Bangkok collision train/End to Hidden School Fees/Redefining Life Beyond 60
- THE IRAN WAR: Thailand urges safe passage of 8 vessels/Oil touches 2-week high
- ECONOMY: DSI Probes 21 Suspected Nominee Firms/Haven for foreign-owned businesses?/CEOs push six-point reform plan/Government faces cost-of-living test /Thai Q1 GDP grows 2.8% /War on the economy/Land Bridge Faces Investor Doubts/Chinese supermarkets expand/45-billion-baht influencer economy/Saab eyes Thailand as defense production hub
- TOURISM: Tourism wrestles with war’s impact/Bangkok nightlife raids
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Inside Chiang Mai’s Ethical Elephant Haven/Most beautiful hotels in Thailand
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Preparing for Climate-Related Losses
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
We hope you enjoy today’s news from Hua Hin Expat News. But first something we never do – an editorial on a topic that has been eating at us as we watch Bangkok morph into Singapore 2.0.
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.
So why then is the Bangkok government trying to kill it? Why is Bangkok trying to emulate Singapore’s food courts, usually located inside office towers, often in the basement. Singapore does not have street food, It has office nuilding food courts, sometimes called “hawker centers”. That is the direction Bangkok is headed.
Already, the city claims to have moved 10,000 vendors off the streets and into food courts located in office buildings or converted warehouse spaces. These relocations usually move the vendors from their normal locations, where customers are used to finding them, far away from those customers, and hidden behind concrete walls. Continued …
What your go-to street food in Thailand says about you
Perhaps you’re loyal to moo ping before 9 am, emotionally attached to luk chin, or convinced assorted fruits count as a proper meal. While we acknowledge that street food dining usually involves more than one dish, we’re focusing on your go-to top choice.
To clarify, by “street food” we mean food one can munch on the move, so we’re excluding main dishes from the list. So, in our latest attempt to playfully psychoanalyze you from behind a screen, here’s what your go-to Thai street food says about you. Continued …
Hua Hin Jazz City Event set for 40 venues with live music
Hua Hin Jazz City Event 2026 will bring jazz performances to more than 40 locations across the city from May 29-June 1, as organizers look to create a citywide music festival that supports tourism and local businesses.
The event will be held under the concept “Celebrating Music, Starting Sustainability” and aims to position Hua Hin as a destination for jazz lovers while encouraging visitors to explore different parts of the city. Continued …
Suvarnabhumi-Hua Hin flights to start in June
EZY Airline is preparing to launch a Suvarnabhumi-Hua Hin route, with the service tipped to begin in June as part of plans to improve air links to secondary cities.
According to information released following the meeting, EZY Airline plans to operate the route using Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft, which seat around 10 to 12 passengers. Continued …
Hua Hin Fire Wave Fest 2026 set for May 29-30
Hua Hin will host the Hua Hin Fire Wave Fest 2026 May 29-30 with fireworks, music, and beachside activities planned as part of efforts to support tourism during the low season. The event will take place at Hua Don Beach in Khao Takiab. Admission is free.
The Hua Hin Fire Wave Fest 2026, officially billed as a “Fireworks & Music Beach Festival”, is being organized to promote tourism and help stimulate the local economy during the quieter low-season period. Continued …
Hua Hin Red Cross Fair on June 5-14
The 28th Hua Hin Red Cross Fair will take place from June 5-14 at the 25-rai activity area on Hua Hin Soi 102, behind Bluport Hua Hin. The annual event, officially known as the Hua Hin District Red Cross and Local Products Fair, is organized by the Hua Hin District Red Cross Branch to raise funds for relief and charity work in Hua Hin and nearby areas.
This year’s fair will help raise money for disaster relief, support for low-income residents, people with disabilities, disadvantaged groups, and other public charity activities. Funds raised will be used to provide assistance, including consumer goods, survival bags, kitchen equipment, bedding, mosquito nets, medicine, home repairs for low-income residents, support for bedridden patients, and wheelchair donations. Continued …
Hua Hin water-sports safety rules tightened after fatal accident
Hua Hin City Municipality has ordered tighter water-sports safety measures after a person died following an accident involving a water ride in the district earlier this month. The measures were agreed during a meeting of the beach committee on Friday.
Municipal officials said the meeting was called after an incident in early May in which a person fell from a water-sports ride in Hua Hin district. The person was later treated by doctors and diagnosed with severe brain trauma before dying from the injuries. Continued …
Private sector’s bombshell report shakes government bureaucracy
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.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking and the Zero Corruption Organization have listed the 10 most corrupt agencies, with the PCD being placed on top of the list. Continued …
Police Held Over Extortion of Chinese in Sa Kaeo
Four Thai police officers and a civilian have been arrested in Sa Kaeo province after allegedly detaining five Chinese nationals and demanding money in exchange for their release.
The arrests were made Saturday at a house in Wang Mai subdistrict, Wang Sombun district, Sa Kaeo. Officers from Wang Sombun Police Station seized four firearms, 24 rounds of ammunition, and two pickup trucks during the operation. Continued …
Private sector pushes national anti-corruption drive as business costs rise
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.
The main reason the private sector raised the issue with the prime minister was the deteriorating situation, which has become an obstacle to business operations and is affecting the country’s competitiveness. Continued …
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Vilhelm International Academy launched in March 2026 and has is campus at “The Hub” in Hin Lek Fai, less than 10 minutes from the center of town. They provide mentor-led academic supervision for students studying through accredited online school programs, whether independently enrolled or through integrated programs offered at Vilhelm. This means that students follow a fixed timetable, complete coursework under supervision, and receive ongoing progress monitoring. They can do this whist studying for their GCSE’s, A-Levels, NCAA approved US courses, or any other online school they choose to use.
Unlike more traditional options, at the academy children can learn at their own pace, not being forced forward before they are ready and also not being held back by the rest of the class. When they are ready to move on they do so. By coming to the academy each day, they are able to complement their studies with activities that develop leadership skills, community service (such as the recent helmet initiative), complemented by daily sports and physical activity to support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
You can visit the website for more details, or you can book an appointment to meet with the academy co-ordinator to discuss what you are looking for and explain what they can offer. There is a completely free five-day trial period that can be taken advantage of by anyone interested in seeing if the academy is the right fit for them.
Website; Email: info@vilhelminternationalacademy.com; Phone: +66 065 991 5500; Facebook; Map location.
Bangkok collision train driver on drugs, unlicensed
The driver of the freight train that hit a passenger bus and other vehicles on a congested Bangkok level crossing on Saturday tested positive for drug abuse and did not have a rail transport license, according to the rail transport chief.
Pichet Kunadhamraks, director-general of the Department of Rail Transport, posted the allegation online last night. He said police reported that Sayomporn Sornkul, driver of Laem Chabang-Bang Sue freight train number 2126, underwent a urine test that returned positive for drug abuse. Continued …
Poll Urges End to Hidden School Fees and Equal Access
A new NIDA poll has found that Thais want the Education Ministry to eliminate hidden school costs and reduce inequality in education quality ahead of the 2026 academic year.
The survey showed that 35% of respondents want free education to involve no additional expenses within one year, while 35% said the most urgent issue was the gap in quality between local schools and well-known urban institutions. Continued …
Redefining Life Beyond 60: Is Thai Society Prepared?
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.
This is not merely a fiscal crisis or a social welfare burden — it is a pivotal moment that calls for a collective effort to revive the potential of an experience-rich human resource and restore it as a core engine of growth. Continued …
Thailand urges Iran to allow safe passage of 8 stranded Thai vessels
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.
Sihasak expressed concern over the Middle East conflict and its global economic consequences, particularly the navigation restrictions imposed on the Strait of Hormuz, where many vessels from numerous countries are stranded. Continued …
Oil touches 2-week high after drone attack on UAE nuclear power plant
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.
Brent crude futures climbed $1.44, or 1.32%, to $110.70 a barrel by 2337 GMT (6.37 a.m. Thailand time) after touching the highest since May 5 earlier in the session. US West Texas Intermediate was at $107.26 a barrel, up $1.84, or 1.75%, following a rise to its highest level since May 4. Continued …
DSI Probes 21 Suspected Nominee Firms in Samui and Phangan
Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is investigating 21 companies on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province over suspected nominee shareholding arrangements linked to foreign ownership violations.
The firms, each holding assets worth more than 100 million baht, are suspected of using Thai nationals to hold shares on behalf of foreign investors in possible breaches of the Foreign Business Act 1999. Continued …
Is Phangan Island becoming a haven for foreign-owned businesses?
Since the 1980s, Phangan Island has been known for full moon parties and its growth from a small beach town to a business-savvy island, but it has recently been in the spotlight due to the high number of foreign-investment companies there using Thai nominees.
In total, there are 4,761 companies, of which at least 3,213 are foreign entities. The non-Thai nationalities with the most shareholders in businesses on Phangan Island are Israeli (22%, 702 people), followed by French (13%, 426 people), British (11%, 359 people), Russian (10%, 306 people), and Germans (6%, 194 people). Continued …
Thailand at turning point — CEOs push six-point reform plan
Thailand’s leading business executives have called for urgent economic reforms ranging from clean energy investment and AI-driven workforce development to anti-corruption measures and faster investment approvals, as the government signaled support for six major proposals aimed at reshaping the country’s future economy.
The proposals emerged during “The Listening Forum: Voices to the PM”, held at Government House on Friday, where Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul invited chief executives and business leaders to share ideas on boosting Thailand’s competitiveness and accelerating economic transformation. Continued …
Anutin government faces cost-of-living test as public confidence weakens
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.
The nationwide survey, conducted by Suan Dusit University, found that 78% of respondents want the government to urgently reduce the cost of living, energy costs, and goods prices. Continued …
Thai Q1 GDP grows 2.8% y/y, above forecast
Thailand’s economy grew by 2.8% in the first quarter of 2026 from a year earlier, official data showed today, higher than the median forecast of 2.2% in a Reuters poll of analysts
On a seasonally adjusted quarterly basis, Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy expanded 0.7% in the January-March period, data from the National Economic and Social Development Council showed, beating the poll forecast of 0.1% growth. Continued …
War on the economy
Nearly three months have passed since the US-Israeli air strikes on Iran began, with no resolution to the war in sight, while almost two months have elapsed since the Thai government took office.
Economic stimulus measures were issued, with a further round scheduled for next month via the emergency loan decree for 400 billion baht drawing criticism. Critics question the justification for the emergency loan decree and whether stimulus efforts will be sufficient to address the prolonged crisis. The massive stimulus could also accelerate the inflation risk for a fragile economy. Continued …
Thailand Land Bridge Faces Investor Doubts
Thailand’s proposed “land bridge” linking the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand has regained attention amid tensions over shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca.
The project, which would create a 90-kilometer road and rail corridor between Ranong and Chumphon provinces, is being promoted as a way to strengthen Thailand’s geostrategic role and boost its weak economy. Continued …
Chinese supermarkets expand in Thailand on low prices
Chinese investment continues to make inroads into Thai retail, with “Chinese supermarkets” expanding into Huai Khwang, Rama 9, and tourist cities. The stores stock Chinese goods ranging from snacks, drinks, tea, soft drinks, mala sauces, and instant noodles to ready-to-eat food, responding to strong online trends.
The expansion of Chinese supermarkets in Thailand is becoming another significant phenomenon in modern retail. After a steady rise in branch openings in Bangkok, tourist cities, and Chinese community areas, stores that were once small niche shops are now increasingly moving into shopping centers and community malls. Continued …
Thailand urged to regulate booming 45-billion-baht influencer economy
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.
The Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (TPSO), under the Commerce Ministry, said Thailand now has more than 3 million influencers, who generate 38.9 billion baht in digital advertising value. This accounts for around one-third of the country’s total digital advertising market. Continued …
Saab eyes Thailand as regional defense production hub after Gripen deal
Swedish defense company Saab plans to expand investment in Thailand following the Royal Thai Air Force’s decision to procure Gripen E/F fighter jets, with ambitions to develop the country into a regional defense technology and production hub.
Fredrik Lindblom, vice president and country manager of Saab Thailand, said the company was seeking Thai industrial partners to jointly manufacture certain Gripen aircraft components locally under Thailand’s offset policy framework. Thailand recently approved the first phase of a procurement project for four Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter jets valued at around 19.5 billion baht. Continued …
Tourism wrestles with war’s impact
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.
Disruptions to air travel hobbled the industry in the first few weeks, as Middle Eastern airlines could not operate as usual. As the conflict dragged on and hindered the global tourism market, airlines worldwide reduced services as jet fuel prices more than doubled. Continued …
Bangkok nightlife raids signal broader sweep across Thai tourist hotspots
Internal Security Operations Command Region 1 (ISOC Region 1), in coordination with multiple agencies, carried out inspections of entertainment venues in the Huai Khwang area of Bangkok last week as part of ongoing nationwide efforts to enforce legal compliance in nightlife and tourism zones.
Authorities said similar operations have been intensified in key tourist destinations across Thailand, including Pattaya and other major nightlife hubs, as part of broader measures to prevent illegal activity, ensure licensing compliance, and maintain public order in high-traffic entertainment districts. Continued …
Elephant Nature Park: Inside Chiang Mai’s Ethical Elephant Haven
(Editor: I know, I know. We’ve posted articles about Chiang Mai’s Elephant Nature Park before. But here’s another one. We’re a former “customer” of the park and a big fan of its founder, Sangdeaun “Lek” Chailert shown above), who has done so much for Thailand’s embattled elephant population. So here’s another one.)
Morning mist hangs over the Mae Taeng Valley as a small herd of rescued elephants pads silently toward the river, their footsteps muffled on the red earth. At Elephant Nature Park (often simply called ENP), about an hour from Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, the soundtrack is not circus music or shouting handlers, but birdsong, splashing water, and the low rumble of elephants finally allowed to move at their own pace.
For many travelers, Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is the place that fundamentally changes how they think about elephants. Set in a lush river valley north of the city, the sanctuary is known worldwide as a pioneer of ethical elephant tourism, where riding, tricks, and shows are replaced by quiet observation and hands-off encounters. Continued …
Thailand’s Largest Lake Is A Breathtaking Body Of Water With Islands, Bird Sanctuaries, And Fishing
Thailand has no shortage of beautiful places. In 2025, 32.9 million people came to the Land of Smiles to lie on Ko Samui’s white sand beaches, visit misty temples in Chiang Mai, and hunt for street food beneath Bangkok’s neon lights.
However, Thailand is also home to unsung destinations that few foreign visitors ever hear about, let alone see. One such place is Songkhla Lake, Thailand’s only non-artificial lake and by default the largest. Continued …
Seven of the most beautiful hotels in Thailand
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.
Here we round up a few of the book’s hotel highlights – refined city stays and wellness retreats among them – to help you decide where’s best to rest your head. Continued …
Preparing for Climate-Related Losses
The floods that submerged Hat Yai were not just another natural disaster. They were a warning. Climate change is now hitting harder and faster than Thailand can keep up with.
The challenges ahead are manifold. The country definitely must strengthen measures to mitigate and adapt to the more frequent and more ferocious weather brought by global warming. Equally important, however, is the need to address the loss and damage wrought by the climate crisis. Continued …
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Japanese Man Held After Motorbike Theft in Phayao – Continued …
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Chinese Fugitive Arrested in Yala – Continued …
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Malaysia Drug Gang Held in Nakhon Pathom – Continued …
WHO Declares Global Health Emergency Over Ebola Outbreak
The World Health Organization declared the Ebola disease outbreak caused by a rare virus in Congo and neighboring Uganda a public health emergency of international concern yesterday, after more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths. WHO said the outbreak doesn’t meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency like COVID-19, and advised against the closure of international borders. 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
The BECC Primary International School has begun construction on a new purpose-built campus off Soi 112 in Hua Hin, with the school scheduled to open at the site in August 2027.
The Kite and Art Festival Prachuap Khiri Khan will take place at Saran Withi Pier from May 15-16, bringing two evenings of kite displays, art and family-friendly activities to the seafront.
Thailand could face a “dual water crisis” in 2026 after the Thai Meteorological Department forecast that El Niño could occur during May to July, putting many areas at risk of water shortages and prompting the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) to accelerate nationwide response plans and monitor 20 branches at risk of shortages.
Thailand’s Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) is pushing ahead with four new rail projects in Bangkok, while accelerating tram developments in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima, with all three provincial tram systems targeted to open by 2032.
From Epic Fury to Project Freedom: Who Pays the Bill for a Blocked Strait?
Given the sagging economy and conflict in the Middle East, the residential market is expected to contract for a fourth consecutive year in 2026, weighed down by persistent high household debt, rising living costs, and tight lending, according to Siam Commercial Bank Economic Intelligence Center (EIC).
Thais Feel the Pinch as ‘Single-Dish’ Prices Surge Amid Fuel Price Crisis
Land bridge faces uphill battle
Thai economists are expressing concern that the government’s much-touted-but-stalled land bridge project will neither be a success nor boost the economy as they hope. Some suggest that the Thai government should first revive existing economic projects left unfinished.
Kukrit Areepakorn, manager of the Thai Broiler Processing Exporters Assn., revealed that the export situation and prices of chicken are currently declining due to two main reasons: China suspending exports from 17 processing plants, and the Middle East war.
Foreign tourists in Thailand are actively observing the Thai baht’s depreciation against the US dollar, a trend that directly impacts their vacation budgets. The currency opened at 31.77 per dollar, a slight weakening from 31.60, and analysts foresee continued fluctuation within the range of 31.55 to 31.95 as global economic conditions evolve.
Thailand’s tourism industry is coming under severe pressure as foreign arrivals fall, visitor spending weakens, and operating costs surge across key destinations. In Pattaya, hotel occupancy has collapsed to as low as 30%, while bookings on Bangkok’s Khao San Road remain more than 20% below last year following Songkran.
Thailand Bets on Revamp of Chaing Mai Hot Springs to Spearhead Wellness Drive
Did you know Thailand is actually the first nation in Southeast Asia to successfully revive its tiger population? While most of the world is losing these incredible big cats, Thailand’s jungles are seeing a serious comeback. We’re talking about a massive conservation effort that’s bringing the king of the jungle back to the Western Forest Complex. It’s a huge win for wildlife and shows a side of Thai conservation history that most people completely miss. 
This Unknown City Wants To Become Thailand’s Next Vacation Hotspot
Why Koh Kut remains one of Thailand’s most beautiful island escapes
The Thai government is significantly ramping up its national energy infrastructure and streamlining investment protocols to capitalize on a new wave of global digital and clean energy interest.
Thailand’s energy crisis, sparked by Middle East tensions, has rapidly turned solar power from a green option into an economic necessity. As electricity costs surge, homes and businesses are rushing to install rooftop panels, with demand outpacing supply and installers struggling to keep up.
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) is exploring ways to make loans more accessible for households joining the rooftop solar buyback scheme, aiming to encourage wider adoption of clean energy and help families generate their own electricity.
Hua Hin City Municipality is preparing for possible drought-related problems after a dry spell caused water levels in Pran Buri Reservoir to fall to a low level. A meeting was called yesterday after the Pran Buri Water Transmission and Maintenance Project reported that low rainfall since the start of 2026 had affected water levels in Pran Buri Reservoir.
Prachuap Khiri Khan province is facing severe drought conditions, with more than 512 million liters of water already distributed to households lacking water for daily use. Deputy Governor Prateep Boriboonrat chaired a meeting yesterday to monitor the drought situation.
Airpocalypse Forever: Thailand Gasps for Breath
Airlines worldwide hit by Iran war with fare rises, cuts, and closures
Middle East Conflict Sends Fertilizer Costs Soaring for Asia’s Rice Farmers
Thailand’s inflation rate increased by 2.89% in April compared to last year, driven by rising oil and food prices, reported Nantapong Chiralerspong of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office. The increase is linked to Middle Eastern conflicts causing a blockage in the Strait of Hormuz, which has sharply escalated global oil prices. This surge has impacted public transport and, subsequently, the cost of food and services in the country.
Thailand’s back-to-school season is expected to generate total consumer spending of 66 billion baht in 2026, a 6% increase on the previous year and the fastest rate of growth in 13 years, according to research released yesterday by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). The findings arrive as the broader Thai economy struggles for momentum, with GDP growth forecast at just 1.6% for the year.
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) has approved six major investment projects worth a combined 29.9 billion dollars, led by a large-scale data infrastructure expansion by TikTok. The largest share comes from TikTok Systems (Thailand) Co., which plans to invest 26.3 billion dollars, across Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chachoengsao.
Pattaya and Chon Buri tourism operators are suffering from the government’s work-from-home policies during the low season, expecting only 30%-40% occupancy rates this month, while they compete for markets with high potential such as Chinese and Indian tourists by offering discounts.
Bangkok is set to become the hottest major city in Southeast Asia by 2050, with temperatures projected to rise above 38C as climate change and the urban heat island effect intensify across the region.
Global debt climbed to a record near US$353 trillion by the end of March, with the IIF saying investors are showing growing interest in Japanese and European bonds over US Treasuries. 
Thailand’s Alcohol Control Committee has opened a public consultation on a draft regulation setting days when alcohol sales would be prohibited, with feedback accepted until May 30. The move signals a potential update to existing restrictions, while confirming that recent changes to daytime alcohol sales have not increased accident rates.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday confirmed that Thais will definitely view World Cup 2026 football games to be broadcast live from host countries in North America between next month and July.
Thailand is being urged to promote “active citizens” to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs) after new findings show they account for 70% of all deaths and impose an economic burden of B1.6 trillion.
Even if you don’t drink coffee, you will know that the coffee business has grown tremendously because coffee shops, either small or large, have been mushrooming. Due to the growth of this market, Thailand is set to host one of the world’s most influential coffee events – World Of Coffee Bangkok 2026.
Is 60 truly the perfect endpoint of a working life? This question is becoming ever more pressing as Thailand, and the broader Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, rapidly transform into a “super-aged society” – a definition for a country or society where 20% or more of the population is aged 65 or older.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth downplayed the U.S. military’s new effort to clear the Strait of Hormuz as a “temporary mission” that does not break the ceasefire with Iran, even after the Pentagon said it sank half a dozen small Iranian boats.
U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday he would briefly pause an operation to help ships escape the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran. 
Thailand’s rice exporters say the Iran war has dealt a major blow to shipments to the Middle East, wiping out more than 200,000 tons of exports over the past three months.
The Cabinet yesterday approved a draft emergency decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow up to 400 billion baht to address the impact of the energy crisis and support Thailand’s energy transition. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the decision was necessary because conflict in the Middle East had severely affected energy prices and economic activity worldwide.
Thailand’s condominium market in 2026 is facing pressure from all sides, including the domestic economy and external factors, particularly tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel that have pushed oil prices higher, significantly affecting the cost of goods and services, as well as the cost of living for Thai consumers.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said Thailand and the United States have agreed to move forward with talks on a reciprocal trade agreement after discussions with senior US trade officials. Suphajee made the remarks after meeting US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer on Monday.
An environmental advocacy organization, the Environmental Law Foundation (EnLAW), yesterday launched a nationwide campaign titled “Stop SEC Act & Land Bridge”, calling on the public to oppose the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC), or land bridge project, through an online petition.
More than 50% of farmer debtors are unlikely to fully repay their debts within their lifetime, largely because most of them are elderly, according to the Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research (PIER). The institute says a combination of debt relief measures is needed to address the issue.
A tourist complaint has put photographers at Wat Arun back in the spotlight after visitors claimed they were told to move from public areas to make way for paying photo clients.
Bangkok food vendor curbs push city staple from the streets
Chinatown in Bangkok is one of the world’s most vibrant Chinese districts, famous for its atmosphere and energy. Visitors can explore Yaowarat Road, admire landmarks like China Gate and Wat Traimit, wander through Sampheng Lane, and enjoy a rich variety of street food after dark. 
In 2026, longevity tourism has shifted to focus on maximizing health span, with Thailand at the forefront. The country integrates medical innovation with cultural wisdom, addressing its aging society through proactive health management.
Thailand’s electric pickup market is shifting into high gear, fueled by a mix of global energy pressures and domestic policy support, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Plans for a Hua Hin Smart City development are moving forward, with proposals including free public WiFi, a pet registration platform, and smart drinking water dispensers currently under consideration by local authorities.
A mangrove restoration plan has been approved for the Sirinart Rajini Mangrove Forest, with officials proposing a 4.9-million-baht budget to address water system issues and support long-term ecological recovery.
Two decades after declaring an official war on air pollution, Thailand is losing the battle. Despite a flurry of committees and high-profile promises, crucial indicators show that the sources of the smog and its deadly health impacts are rising once again. What began as a seasonal nuisance in the northern highlands has metastasized into a year-round national health crisis that threatens the very fabric of Thai society.
As the global order fractures and major powers like China, Russia, and the United States drift toward the precipice of open conflict, the very definition of “wealth” is undergoing a radical transformation.
The Thai Food Processors’ Assn. is calling on the government to reduce energy costs, pursue negotiations on free-trade agreements (FTAs), and explore new market opportunities. The association said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is pressuring logistics, raw materials, and packaging costs.
Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), said that against the backdrop of global volatility and shifts in production bases, Thailand had continued to attract investor interest.
Known for its pungent aroma and rich, custard-like texture, the durian has recently become a focal point of Thai national discourse. However, the current debate centers not on its flavor, but on its role as a litmus test for the government’s ability to engineer sustainable solutions for the nation’s agricultural sector.
Traveling the Road to Ordination on an Elephant
Chef Pam is putting Thai cuisine back into the global conversation
The National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) has approved a new electricity tariff structure that will help millions of Thai households save money, along with sweeping measures to unlock residential rooftop solar development.
Senior officials from Laos and Thailand met in Vientiane yesterday for consultations on cross-border smog, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to cleaner air and stronger pollution-control cooperation.
Viral posts of an Australian street dubbed the country’s “most beautiful” have enticed coachloads of visitors to a picturesque seaside town — and locals have had enough of it. Just a two-hour drive south of Sydney, Gerringong is much like many other photogenic hamlets along Australia’s east coast, with multi-million-dollar properties set against stunning views of the azure blue sea. 
Buckets of blooms adorn Yuvita Anggi Prinanda’s sidewalk flower stall in Bali, but their perfume can’t mask the stench of accumulating trash bespoiling parts of the resort island famed for its natural beauty. Bali’s largest landfill was declared off-limits for organic waste from the beginning of April, as the government moves to enforce a longstanding ban on open pits. 
There’s a certain rhythm to life in Hua Hin that’s hard to ignore. Mornings start a little slower, the sea is never far away, and the pace feels more manageable than in larger cities.
Kaeng Krachan forest fire burns 5,000 rai in Phetchaburi
Erawan National Park closes due to forest fires, PM2.5 spike
KKP Research, the economic research unit of Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group, has cut its base-case forecast for Thailand’s 2026 GDP growth to 1.3% from 1.8% and raised its headline inflation forecast to 3.0% from 0.2%, warning that a prolonged oil shock could leave the country exposed to recession risks.
Thailand’s commercial banking sector delivered a resilient performance in the first quarter of 2026, with all 11 major lenders reporting combined net profits of 68.68 billion baht, a modest 0.62% increase from the same period last year and a sharp 20.13% rise from the previous quarter.
The government has firmly denied reports suggesting a planned hike in value-added tax (VAT) from 7% to 10%, describing the claims as misinformation and reiterating its commitment to easing the cost of living for the general public.
Thailand’s tourism industry is beginning to feel the strain from the war in the Middle East, with soaring oil prices pushing up airline costs and prompting some Chinese carriers to scale back international flights.
Local airlines have continued to reduce capacity by consolidating less profitable flights into remaining services to stay afloat amid rising jet fuel prices, while Japan Airlines and ANA announced a doubling of fuel surcharges, with Thailand-bound fuel surcharges increasing from about 3,000 baht to 6,000 baht.
Thailand’s cultural triumph
Blackpink’s Lisa brings Thai fashion to tourism
Chinese automaker Chery and its subsidiary Omoda & Jaecoo officially inaugurated their new energy vehicle (NEV) production facility in Thailand on Monday, marking a milestone in expanding their global manufacturing footprint.
The gunman who killed a Canadian tourist and wounded 13 others at Mexico’s famed Teotihuacan pyramids had planned the attack days in advance, officials said yesterday, as evidence pointed to him being inspired by a US massacre. 
Workers load tons of rare earth minerals into bags ready for shipping at a refinery in eastern Malaysia, fueling the global pushback against China’s grip on the critical sector. Rare earths are a key ingredient in products ranging from smartphones to fighter jets, electric cars, and wind turbines – and increasingly for hardware powering the artificial intelligence boom. 
Songkran 2026 safety rules: key bans and penalties you need to know
After the government announced tougher safety measures for Songkran 2026 under the theme “Safe Songkran, alcohol-free”, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) said it is ready to strictly enforce the law to cut accidents and crime. Here are key rules to watch — and the penalties for breaking them.
Hua Hin Songkran 2026 will take place on April 12-13, with city officials planning a mix of large-scale water-based entertainment and traditional Thai New Year activities at Pone Kingphet Park and along Damnoen Kasem Road.
The Songkran Pran Beach Festival 2026 and Bikini Run is set to take place Saturday at the 24 Rai Ground, Pak Nam Pran, in Pranburi district, promising a mix of music, sports, and beachside celebrations during the Songkran holiday.
Thap Sakae will host the Na Hu Kwang Festival 2026 during the Songkran holiday, with organizers aiming to boost tourism and local economic activity through a two-day beachfront event centered around light installations and live entertainment.
Cha Am is preparing for its Songkran celebrations, with local officials confirming a 10-day program of events that will culminate in the Wan Lai Cha-am festival on April 16-17. Nukun Pornsombunsiri recently inspected preparations for the event, with a focus on safety measures and facilities for both residents and visitors.
Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKP) forecasts that a surge in global oil prices will push housing prices up by 10% this year, primarily affecting homebuyers in the mass-market segment.
Newly appointed Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa has vowed to help Thai manufacturers weather the impact of geopolitical conflict and rising energy costs, while steering the country’s industrial sector toward greener, more sustainable practices under the government’s bio-, circular and green (BCG) economic model.
Bangkok authorities have announced that water-splashing events during the Songkran festival will be alcohol-free citywide, wrapping up by 10 pm each night. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has set up a 24/7 command center to ensure safety and operational effectiveness throughout the festival’s duration from April 11-15.
Ferry fares to Koh Chang will increase on Friday due to the soaring price of diesel. The ferry fare surge was approved yesterday by a ferry fare committee chaired by Trat Gov. Piriya Chanthadilok. The committee included representatives from the Marine Department and local ferry operators.
Chiang Mai city retained its crown as having the world most polluted air yesterday, even as the number of “hotspots” in the northern province dropped sharply.
The “Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026” event in Hua Hin will take place on Sunday, March 29, at the Khao Tao Reservoir area.
Last month, a prominent Buddhist abbot in Thailand was defrocked after a video of two women physically fighting over him outside his temple went viral. Soon after, investigators divulged that the abbot of the ancient Wat Bua Kwan temple near Bangkok had maintained long-term relationships with at least six women, regularly sending them explicit messages and spending lavishly on them – for example, paying for their expensive plastic surgeries. Officials are now investigating whether those funds were stolen from his temple.
A rise in global oil prices poses a growing risk to Thailand’s economic outlook, with Tisco Financial Group warning that a 10% increase in crude from a baseline of US$72 per barrel could trim GDP growth by 0.3-0.4 percentage points, while lifting inflation by about 0.8%.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is set to review electricity tariffs for the May–August billing period amid a sharp rise in liquefied natural gas (LNG) costs driven by Middle East tensions.
The outbound side of the highway in Na Kae district, Nakhon Phanom, heading toward Sakon Nakhon and opposite Na Kae Hospital, had residents parking their vehicles in a long queue along the roadside while waiting to refuel at a PTT station in Na Kae district. The queue stretched for more than 3 kilometers after word spread that fuel was available.
The oil crisis has so badly hit the fishing industry that leaders of this sector in Samut Sakhon province, better known as Mahachai,yesterday warned that fishing boats may cease operation nationwide at the end of this month, leading to hundreds of thousands of job losses unless the government reins in soaring oil prices.
The government has decided to lower the proportion of oil reserves to 1% in a bid to ease fuel shortages, while expressing confidence that the fuel situation will stabilize within a week.
The United States and Israeli military operations against Iran are disrupting global supply chains, hitting semiconductor manufacturing hard and reverberating through chip-dependent industries, particularly the automotive sector, which is watching developments closely.
Thailand’s tightening energy supply and rising oil prices are beginning to ripple through everyday life, pushing up the cost of basic necessities – including something as simple as bottled drinking water.
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is rolling out a three-phase plan to manage medicine supplies and healthcare services as the conflict in the Middle East shows signs of dragging on, with officials warning that drug prices are likely to rise.
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Changes to Thai Airport Screening/‘Beach Art’ exhibition ends Saturday/Ride-share drivers must register/Mystery Behind Chiang Mai Tiger Deaths/Total lunar eclipse on March 3
Ride-sharing drivers operating through mobile applications must register their vehicles under categories Ror Yor 17/18 with the Department of Land Transport by Saturday, the government has warned.
The death of 72 tigers at Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai last week has raised concerns about the source of the virus and bacteria responsible. Raw chicken meat from a private farm is suspected, as it was fed to all tigers at the two facilities in Mae Rim and Mae Taeng districts.
Get ready for a major astronomical event to close out the first quarter of the year, as a total lunar eclipse will take place on the night of Makha Bucha Day, March 3. This one is special: the Moon is expected to appear brick-red from the moment it rises above the eastern horizon, allowing people in Thailand to enjoy the spectacle with the naked eye nationwide.
The collection of Donald Trump’s retaliatory customs tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) was ruled unlawful by the US Supreme Court on Feb. 20. Following the ruling, the US president signed an executive order to enforce a new global customs tariff of 10% under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, effective at 12:01 am today.
The baht has strengthened again, breaking below 31 per US dollar and marking its strongest level in a week, after Donald Trump’s global 15% tariff move weighed on the US dollar. Kasikornbank and Krungthai Bank said the baht could continue to strengthen on capital inflows, the export outlook, and a surge of investment flowing into Thailand.
The Board of Investment (BOI) has approved investment promotion for five major Chinese firms to establish what it describes as the country’s first production base for humanoid robot components.
Thailand’s exports rose 24.4% year-on-year in January, marking the fastest growth since late 2021, driven by a surge in outbound electronic products linked to artificial intelligence and data centers.
As the Bhumjaithai Party prepares to lead the next government, one significant campaign pledge was to revive the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme. However, people in the wholesale and retail sectors view this initiative as a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution to the country’s sluggish economy.
The social-driven shopping revolution in Asia represents a seismic shift in consumer behavior, where social media platforms have evolved from mere communication tools into powerful e-commerce ecosystems. This phenomenon, often termed “social commerce,” integrates entertainment, community interaction, and seamless purchasing, blurring the lines between scrolling and shopping.
Social media influencer Farah Shams, who has more than 2.4 million followers on TikTok, has sparked controversy after posting a video criticizing what she described as rude behavior by the majority of Thai locals during her visit.
Ukraine today marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, with a show of solidarity from its staunchest allies and no immediate end in sight to Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II. Tens of thousands of lives have been lost since the Kremlin ordered troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, confident of a quick victory but not expecting the fierce resistance that followed. 
While Russian oil exports dropped last year, Russia is still exporting higher volumes than before its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, researchers said today, calling for stricter sanctions enforcement. The volume of Russian crude oil exports remained 6% above pre-invasion levels in the fourth year of the war, despite Western sanctions aimed at curbing Russia’s “shadow fleet”. 
The Hua Hin property market is emerging as a relative bright spot in Thailand’s challenging real estate sector, supported by sustained foreign demand that is helping to offset weak domestic purchasing power.
The Department of Disease Control (DDC), in collaboration with the Department of Corrections, visited a prison to investigate an Mpox outbreak following a reported fatality. Most recently, two additional close contacts tested positive.
A group of foreign residents in Pattaya has lodged a complaint with the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) after allegedly losing more than 300 million baht in a fraudulent gold-trading investment scheme branded “King Power Gold”.
Thailand’s Industrial Confidence Index rose marginally to 88.7 in January, up from 88.2 in December, as the manufacturing sector returned to full swing following the New Year holiday and demand picked up ahead of the Lunar New Year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Thailand is steadily cementing its reputation as one of the leading global destinations for medical tourism, attracting millions of international patients each year with its high-quality healthcare services, affordability, and attractive recovery options.
Chiang Mai International Airport has recorded a new post-Covid high in passenger traffic, with daily numbers surpassing 36,000, as airlines added 69 extra and charter flights to accommodate Lunar New Year demand.
Puphaman National Park, located in Loei and Khon Kaen provinces, has called on the public to stop feeding wild elephants by leaving fruit and other edible items for them, warning that such well-intentioned acts could ultimately harm the animals and increase the risk of human-elephant conflict.
