TOURISM: US aircraft carrier arrives/US servicemen return to Pattaya/Cannabis, watersports ban for US sailors/New visa regime hits Western visitors and expats/’Lisa Effect’ Real Search Demand
CLIMATE THAILAND: Power build-out for green economy
Drug syndicate ‘crippled’ after US$1 million of meth seized in Hua Hin
Malaysian police have crippled a cross-border drug syndicate with the seizure of 86.2 kilograms of methamphetamine worth 4.31 million ringgit (US$1 million) in Penang and Selangor.
The bust resulted from intelligence sharing between Malaysian and Thai police after Thai authorities seized 166 kilograms (370 pounds) of suspected methamphetamine from a Malaysian man in Hua Hin on Aug. 8. Continued …
OR, Bangchak raise fuel prices by up to 0.75 baht
Fuel prices at PTT Station and Bangchak outlets rose today, with most petrol and gasohol products increasing by 0.60 baht per liter. PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Co. (OR) and Bangchak Corp. (BCP) announced the new retail rates.
Their general notice put the increases for regular diesel and diesel B20 at 0.75 baht per liter, while other diesel prices were unchanged. The listed prices apply to retail sales in Bangkok and exclude local maintenance tax. Continued …
Siam PGA Pairs Classic held in Hua Hin
The 2026 Siam PGA Pairs Classic brought 104 golfers to Hua Hin for two days of competition at Black Mountain Golf Club and Pineapple Valley Golf Club. Held on Aug, 15-16, the tournament marked its ninth staging since launching in 2017.
The event was presented by Thai Luxury Property and hosted by The Marrakesh Resort Hua Hin. Organizers said good weather helped both days run smoothly, while feedback from players had been positive. Continued …
Two Hua Hin youth win karate bronze
Hua Hin karate athletes Hin Palmer, 10, and Ava Cook, 8, representing Thailand,d won bronze medals at an international tournament in Bangkok, just four months after their success at a national championship.
The pair were selected for the Thailand National Karate Team before competing at the 16th Thailand Karate Open, held in Bangkok Aug. 14-16. The international tournament brought together more than 1,000 athletes from 26 countries. Continued …
Health coverage law changes face backlash
Civil society groups have come out against proposed changes to the universal healthcare law, warning the amendments could erode rights to public health coverage.
They have urged policymakers to consider merging Thailand’s three health insurance funds instead of introducing a co-payment system. The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) and civil society groups held a forum recently at which they said health rights “must not go backwards”. Continued …
Oil prices jump over US$4 on renewed US-Iran fighting
Oil prices jumped more than US$4 a barrel to five-week closing highs yesterday, after renewed fighting between the United States and Iran intensified concerns over Middle East supply disruptions.
Brent crude futures rose US$4.16, or 4.6%, to settle at US$94.65 a barrel, their highest close since July 24. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained US$4.46, or 5.2%, to US$90.22, its strongest settlement since July 23. Continued …
Nominee crackdown continues with additional 14,000 companies being probed
The intensive crackdown on nominee companies nationwide is now targeting 14,000 more firms suspected to have used Thai nationals to circumvent restrictions under Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999).
Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee said at Songkhla University’s Hat Yai campus during a roving cabinet meeting that nationwide there are 2,314 companies holding over 5,800 plots of land worth 65 billion baht, while government agencies are currently further investigating another 14,000 companies suspected of being nominees. Continued …
767 illegal factories found, most in EEC
Thailand has identified 767 factories operating unlawfully nationwide so far this year, with 53% of the violations found in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the government said on Monday.
Of the factories identified, 131 have been ordered to halt operations, while 636 were told to take corrective action. Legal proceedings have been launched against 391 factories. Continued …
Cabinet approves double-track rail expansion
The cabinet has approved six railway projects under the second phase of double-track expansion, with three southern line projects receiving full funding worth 106.7 billion baht.
The three projects are: Chumphon-Surat Thani, costing 36.9 billion baht and taking seven years; Surat Thani-Hat Yai Junction, costing 61.5 billion baht over eight years; and Hat Yai-Padang Besar, costing 8.4 billion baht over six years. Continued …
DES Ministry probing data centers located in non-permissible areas
Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaichanok Chidchob said yesterday that there are some data centers in Bangkok that are located in restricted areas where permission cannot be granted.
He admitted that he is not aware of the real objectives of these “illegal” data centers, which have been modified from non-profitable businesses to take advantage of the government’s push for data centers as a model for the future economy. Continued …
US aircraft carrier arrives in Thailand
US Navy aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln steamed into Thailand’s Laem Chabang deep-sea port this morning after more than 200 days at sea, including a long deployment in the Middle East, amid reports of mental health concerns and deteriorating conditions aboard.
The Lincoln, with roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard, has set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea, according to Democratic lawmakers. Typically, naval deployments are for between six and nine months, but during times of conflict that can be extended. Continued …
US servicemen return to Pattaya, a town they helped create for wartime R&R
The boys are back in town. Up to 5,400 American sailors and Marines will descend on Pattaya, the resort transformed by US military R&R during the Vietnam War. Now, the Yanks are returning after more than 250 grueling days at sea supporting the war against Iran.
Their four-day shore leave could unleash a 100-million-baht spending bonanza across struggling hotels, bars and restaurants. Forty buses will run for 21 hours daily as sailors flood into hotels, Walking Street and Koh Larn. However, a huge security operation is already tightening around ports, roads, beaches and nightlife districts. Continued …
Cannabis, watersports ban for US sailors visiting Pattaya
Cannabis and most watersports are on the “banned” list for the thousands of US navy personnel from the carrier group visiting Chon Buri and Pattaya this week.
The first of the visitors would reach Pattaya around noon today. Their main accommodation centers would be the Hard Rock Hotel and the Hilton. Forty buses would operate shuttle services from 5 am to 2 am daily. Continued …
New visa regime hits Western visitors and expats in Thailand hard
Thailand is slashing visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days while imposing tough new worldwide restrictions on its five-year Destination Thailand Visa. From Sept. 15, long-haul Western visitors face shorter stays, uncertain extensions and tighter land-border limits.
Meanwhile, new DTV applicants may be forced home for police clearances, turning a quick Laos visa run into a costly intercontinental journey. The immigration clampdown comes alongside an intensifying campaign against foreign-controled companies, nominee shareholders, villas, landholdings and questionable long leases. Continued …
‘Lisa Effect’ Turns Thailand’s Travel Dreams into Real Search Demand
Thailand’s latest tourism soft-power play is beginning to show something more valuable than online buzz: measurable traveler intent. Traveloka’s latest platform data points to a clear link between destinations featured in the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s Lisa-led campaign and rising search and booking interest, suggesting that the “Amazing Thailand: Feel All the Feelings” strategy is converting pop-culture attention into real travel planning.
The data highlights Red Lotus Sea in Udon Thani, Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai, Wat Arun in Bangkok and Koh Thalu in Rayong as among the hot Thai destinations gaining attention in 2026. Continued …
Energy plan maps 50.9GW power build-out for green economy
Thailand’s draft Power Development Plan for 2026–2050, or PDP 2026, sets out a major restructuring of the country’s energy system, including about 50,900 megawatts of new capacity in its first phase and a substantial increase in clean power.
The plan is aligned with Thailand’s third Nationally Determined Contribution, or NDC 3.0, which brings forward the country’s target for net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 15 years to 2050. Continued …
700-baht Phuket Barber Bill Row Turns Physical With Jordanian Tourist – Continued …
Man wanted in Germany arrested in Mae Hong Son – Continued …
Euro zone inflation hits three-year high at 3.3%
Euro zone inflation jumped to 3.3% in August, the highest level in three years, as the war in the Middle East kept pushing up energy costs, official data showed yesterday. Well above the European Central Bank’s 2% target, the figure from the EU’s statistical office was up sharply from 2.9% in July and in line with forecasts by analysts. Continued …
Global bond sell-off deepens on inflation concerns
A sell-off of bonds from key countries worldwide deepened yesterday, sending government borrowing costs soaring and equities lower as investors fretted that energy-driven inflation would force central bankers to hike interest rates. The latest bout of fighting between the United States and Iran has pushed oil prices higher, stoking the fears of tighter monetary policy that could weigh on economic growth. Continued …
Solar outpaces coal for the first time in China
China has seen an explosive growth in its renewable installation, with coal’s share in its energy mix edging down in recent years. Now, China’s solar energy capacity has surpassed that of coal-fired power for the first time ever. Continued …
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
Jazz Festival back at beach/First phase of ‘Moon Curve Roundabout’/Work on Nong Kae–Takiab Road.19 Rai road resurfacing/Hua Hin to host snooker tournament/Centara World Masters Golf Championship/Withdrawal from government coalition/Dissolution of parliament sought/Tensions Between Cambodia and Thailand/Thunderstorms forecast/Swedish Embassy to stop issuing certificates/14-Year-Old Boy Starves to Death/ECONOMY: Threat to economy/Business confidence slumps/Wage hike a test for restaurateurs/Same basic wage for all/Exports in May grow 18.4%/Thai stock market drops/Crackdown on Illegal Factories/Beijing Haoyang to Invest $2.2 Billion/’Jurassic World Rebirth’ boosting south economy/TOURISM: Alarm Over Casino Bill/THAILANDEXPERIENCE/Expats Leaving Thailand/Retire safely in Thailand/Retirement in Thailand/CLIMATE THAILAND: Thais prioritize environment/Bold Course for Green Transformation/$2 Billion Green Infrastructure Investment/Copenhagen’s waste-to-energy model/Phuket’s sustainable transport revolution/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/Sting Breaks Up Fraud Ring/LINKS: 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
Hua Hin Jazz Festival to return to the beach November 28-29
The Hua Hin Jazz Festival is set to return to the beach in front of the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin on Nov. 28 and 29, organizers have confirmed. The announcement marks a return to what many consider the festival’s original and most iconic location, with jazz performances once again taking place on the sands of Hua Hin beach.
First held in 2001, the Hua Hin Jazz Festival has become one of the city’s most well-known music and social events. However, in recent years, changes in format and venue have seen the festival take on different forms. Continued …
First phase of ‘Moon Curve Roundabout’ project completed
Hua Hin City municipality has confirmed the completion of the first phase of construction on the “Moon Curve Roundabout”, a project designed to ease long-standing traffic congestion at one of the town’s busiest junctions.
On Tuesday, Jirawat Phrammanee, municipal clerk and chairman of the Project Acceptance Committee, led an inspection of the site alongside committee members and supervising engineers. The visit focused on reviewing progress at the roundabout, located at the Klong Prachan curve on Chomsin Road. Continued …
Resurfacing work on Nong Kae–Takiab Road from June 23–29
Hua Hin City municipality has advised motorists to avoid Nong Kae–Takiab Road between June 23-29 while resurfacing work is carried out. Officials said the resurfacing will involve laying asphalt concrete along a designated section of the road.
The work will be conducted by a private contractor, with resurfacing taking place on one side of the road per day, alternating between the left and right lanes. The municipality said the work is scheduled to progress at a rate of around 100 meters per day. Continued …
Road resurfacing project at 19 Rai now complete
The resurfacing of the road running through Suan Luang Queen’s Park 19 Rai in Hua Hin has been completed, following a final inspection carried out on Tuesday.
The project involved improvements to the asphalt concrete overlay on the road adjacent to Wang Nuea. As part of the upgrades, the contractor also added marked parking spaces for people with disabilities and installed distance markers for runners every 100 meters along the route. Continued …
Hua Hin to host snooker tournament July 7-12
Hua Hin is set to welcome some of the country’s top snooker players next month as the city hosts the “TKC Hua Hin Cup 2025”, a professional-ranking snooker tournament. The event, officially the sixth in the 2025 Division 1 professional-ranking snooker series, will be held from July 7-12 at the Hua Hin Grand Hotel & Plaza.
More than 300 players, including professional and international competitors, have registered to take part. Only the top 16 will qualify for the final stages of the tournament, which will be broadcast live nationwide via the Tsport 7 channels on Facebook and YouTube. Continued …
Centara World Masters Golf Championship attracted 500 golfers from 29 countries
The 10th Centara World Masters Golf Championship concluded last Sayurday, having attracted 500 amateur golfers from 29 countries. Golfasian and Go Golfing hosted the event, which was supported by Centara Hotels & Resorts and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Tournament rounds were held at three of Thailand’s finest championship courses — Black Mountain Golf Club, Pineapple Valley Golf Club, and Springfield Royal Country Club. Continued …
Bhumjaithai party announces withdrawal from government coalition
The Bhumjaithai Party has announced its withdrawal from the government coalition, calling on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to take responsibility for the audio clip involving a conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.
According to the statement yesterday, the party pointed out that the phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen had impacted Thailand’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interests, and the Thai military. Continued …
People’s Party demands dissolution of parliament, calls for government reset
Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, an MP and leader of the People’s Party, held a press conference at Parliament today to make several demands of the prime minister. He called on PMto take political responsibility and dissolve the parliament, returning power to the people.
He stated that the situation, following the leaked audio clip of a conversation between Prime Minister Paetongtarn and Hun Sen, president of the Cambodian Senate and former prime minister, has led to a breakdown in public confidence. The leaked clip, combined with Bhumjaithai Party’s withdrawal from the government, has heightened concerns. Continued …
A Look at Soaring Border Tensions Between Cambodia and Thailand
Tens of thousands of people gathered in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh yesterday for a march to show their solidarity with the government and military, amid soaring tensions with neighboring Thailand following a border row that erupted last month.
The recent dispute was triggered in May after armed forces of Thailand and Cambodia briefly fired at each other in a relatively small “no man’s land” constituting territory along their border that both countries claim as their own. Continued …
Thunderstorms forecast for 52 Thai provinces amid monsoon
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has sounded an urgent warning for 52 provinces, as a southwesterly monsoon barrels its way across the Andaman Sea, sweeping into Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand. Forecasters are predicting wild thunderstorms, with churning seas set to whip up waves topping 2 meters.
The southern region (eastern coast) will have thunderstorms in 40% of the area, notably in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Temperatures will range from 24 to 26°C, with highs of 34 to 36°C. Continued …
Swedish Embassy in Bangkok to stop issuing seven types of certificates
From Sept. 1, 2025, the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok will no longer issue several certificates that many Swedes in Thailand have previously relied on for administrative purposes.
The embassy announced the discontinuation of seven specific types of certificates, including: Certificate of family relationship for visa applications for spouse or children; certificate for registration in Thailand (yellow house book); certificate of name or surname change in Sweden; certificate of divorce from Sweden; certificate of Swedish marriage for notification to Thai authorities; certificate of cohabitation (samboförhållande); and certificate of death. Continued …
14-Year-Old Boy Dies After Family Starves for Weeks, Surviving Only on Tap Water
A 14-year-old boy was found dead in his home in Pak Kret in Nonthaburi province, having reportedly succumbed to prolonged starvation. His parents, found severely emaciated and barely conscious, were rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.
Emergency responders, accompanied by officers from Pak Kret Police Station, arrived at the family’s two-story concrete home, where they were met with a grim scene. The residence, surrounded by overgrown vegetation, showed signs of long-term neglect. Continued …
Coalition split a threat to economy
As political instability unfurls between the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partner Bhumjaithai Party, it is likely to further dampen investor sentiment, compounding concerns amid the looming threat of a 36% U.S. tariff on Thai exports.
Poonyawat Sreesing, senior economist at Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Center (SCB EIC), said the Thai economy has been pressured by political uncertainty for some time, but cannot withstand the severe shock from a House dissolution. Continued …
Thai business confidence slumps to 7-month low
The Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) fell to 88.1 points in May, the lowest level in seven months, as business confidence remains low, partly attributed to the impact of new geopolitical conflicts on the economy, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
The indicator decreased for a third consecutive month after tallying 89.9 points in April. “This shows that entrepreneurs’ confidence in the economy has not improved,” said Nava Chantanasurakon, vice chairman of the FTI. Continued …
Wage hike to pose a test for restaurateurs
Raising the daily minimum wage to 400 baht will add pressure to struggling Thai restaurateurs, says the Thai Restaurant Assn. On Tuesday, the national wage committee agreed to increase the daily minimum wage to 400 baht for all workers in Bangkok from July 1.
The 400-baht minimum daily rate also applies to workers in most hotels and entertainment venues nationwide. In general, restaurant operators already pay more than the minimum wage to attract workers, especially Thais, according to the association. Only a few unskilled positions are still paid the minimum wage. Continued …
Give same basic wage for all, government told
The People’s Party (PP) and the Thai Labor Solidarity Confederation have called on Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn to reconsider the latest minimum wage rise, arguing all workers across Thailand should receive the uniform rate of 400 baht per day.
Effective from July 1, the new rate will apply to businesses in Bangkok, hotels rated two stars and above with at least 50 rooms, and entertainment venues such as karaoke bars, pubs, and cocktail lounges across the country. Continued …
Thailand’s exports in May grow 18.4%
Thailand’s exports in May rose by 18.4%, marking the highest growth in 38 months, with a value of 31 billion U.S. dollars, or 1.025 trillion baht, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said yesterday.
Pichai stated that the export growth rate was the highest in 38 months since March 2022, and the May export value was the highest monthly export value for Thailand in recent history. Continued …
Thai stock market drops 1.71% amid political tensions, foreign investors sell off
The Thai stock market plummeted by 19 points yesterday, closing at 1,094.58 points, a 1.71% drop, with 36.04 billion baht in trading volume. Foreign investors net sold 1.13 billion baht amid rising political tensions.
The sharp decline follows escalating tensions over the Thai-Cambodian border, worsened by a leaked audio clip of a conversation between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Hun Sen, which increased concerns among both Thai and foreign investors, leading to a heavy sell-off. Continued …
Thailand Cracks Down on Illegal Factories
Thailand’s Ministry of Industry, led by Minister Akanat Promphan, is intensifying efforts to shut down illegal factories, primarily targeting those owned by Chinese investors.
This crackdown, known as the “Sud Soi” initiative, aims to combat unlawful industrial practices harming both the economy and environment. This movement has garnered support from civil society and NGOs, who have long voiced concerns about “gray businesses” operating unchecked. Continued …
Beijing Haoyang to Invest $2.2 Billion in Building a Data Center in Thailand
Beijing Haoyang Cloud & Data Technology Co. is investing $2.2 billion to build a 300-megawatt hyperscale data center in Thailand’s WHA industrial park in Rayong province.The project supports Thailand’s ambition to become a regional data center hub, competing with Malaysia and Singapore to attract tech investments amid rising demand for AI-powered applications.
The data center, Beijing Haoyang’s first overseas facility, is expected to be operational in 2026, strengthening Chinese enterprises’ overseas expansion.Global tech giants, including TikTok, Google, and Microsoft, are building digital facilities in Thailand. Continued …
‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, filmed in Thailand, boosting south economy
The Department of Tourism is celebrating the release of a blockbuster movie, Jurassic World: Rebirth, filmedin Thailand from June to July 2024 with a production budget exceeding 400 million baht.
The movie utilizes stunning locations across three southern provinces – Krabi, Phang Nga and Trang – showcasing Thailand’s natural beauty. It created jobs for more than 2,245 Thais, including production crews and local service providers. Continued …
Tourism Industry Sounds Alarm Over Casino Bill
The looming dissolution of the House is not the only political storm brewing in Thailand. Tourism operators have sounded a warning against hasty decisions concerning the controversial casino legalization attached to the Entertainment Complex Bill. With street protests a real risk, the fear is that the fragile tourism industry could suffer extensively.
Political instability could not come at a worse time, given the unresolved border dispute with Cambodia. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Assn., has expressed concerns over the government possibly having a short tenure due to coalition rifts. Continued …
Expats Leaving Thailand as Vietnam Steals the Show
For decades, Thailand was the go-to haven for expats seeking a tropical paradise with a friendly vibe and low cost of living. However, times are changing, as many are now leaving due to increased expenses and complicated bureaucratic processes. The welcoming smile for which Thailand is known seems to be fading, and neighboring Vietnam is quickly becoming the new favorite.
Dual pricing in Thailand has escalated into a significant sticking point for foreigners. Guests to the country, whether at national parks, medical facilities, or popular street markets, often see inflated prices simply because they’re not locals. Continued …
How to retire safely in Thailand
Retirement in Thailand has long been a dream for many foreigners seeking warmer weather, affordable living, and a gentler pace of life. Cities like Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are well-known for their vibrant expat communities and healthcare services.
But in 2025, navigating the process of retiring safely in the Kingdom requires more than just buying a plane ticket and applying for a visa. Here are the essential areas every retiree should consider — whether you’re already living in Thailand or just starting your journey. Continued …
A Checklist for Retirement in Thailand
In recent years, Thailand has become one of the most popular destinations for international retirees around the world. With its easy-going lifestyle, low cost of living, quality healthcare system, and warm weather all year round, Thailand has become a “second home” for many expatriates seeking a place to relax and retire, whether it is the quiet beaches of the south, the cultural cities of the north or the convenient life in the capital, Bangkok.
Results from the Global Retirement Index and the website internationalliving.com have ranked the 10 best countries for retirement in 2025, and Thailand is in the top 10, reflecting that Thailand perfectly meets all needs in terms of living, health, and happiness in retirement. Continued …
Thais prioritize environment over rising living costs
Despite growing economic pressures, the environment remains the top concern for Thais. Key findings from the 2025 survey by Marketbuzzz and Thammasat University’s School of Global Studies reveal that:
Forty-four percent of people consider environmental issues, including pollution, more important than economic challenges like the rising cost of living (42%) and the overall state of the economy (30%). Continued …
Thai Industry Minister Charts Bold Course for Green Transformation
Thailand’s industrial sector is set for a major transformation under the leadership of Industry Minister Akanat Promphan, who revealed his vision for the future at the “Road to Net Zero 2025: Thailand Green Action” forum held yesterday.
The minister outlined a strategic path to align the country’s industries with sustainable practices, addressing the urgent need for change amid shifting global dynamics. Continued …
World Bank Chief Calls for $2 Billion Green Infrastructure Investment to Transform Thai Cities
Thailand has the potential to attract up to $2 billion annually in private green infrastructure investment through strategic urban planning reforms, the World Bank’s senior official for the region told a major climate conference in Bangkok yesterday.
Melinda Good, division director for Thailand and Myanmar at the World Bank, outlined an ambitious vision for transforming Thai cities into sustainable urban centers during her keynote address at the “Road to Net Zero 2025: Thailand Green Action” forum. Continued …
BMA explores Copenhagen’s eco-friendly waste-to-energy model
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt and senior executives of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) continued their official visit to Copenhagen, Denmark, on their trip from June 16 to 19. The visit is part of a collaborative initiative between Thailand and Denmark focusing on circular economy development.
The day began with a site visit and discussions at the Amager Resource Center (ARC), a world-renowned waste-to-energy plant and recycling hub. ARC representatives explained that their facility releases minimal carbon dioxide. Continued …
Phuket launches ‘City Lab’ for sustainable transport revolution
Phuket is charging ahead in the race for greener cities, with the launch of an innovative new initiative to transform urban mobility.
The City Lab project, a key part of the Thai-German cooperation on energy, transport, and climate change, is set to revolutionize the way locals and tourists get around, starting with the use of electric vehicles (EVs). Continued …
Thai-Australian Sting Breaks Up Fraud Ring, 13 Foreigners Arrested
Thai Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) launched Operation Firestorm to dismantle a transnational scammer network involving Australian, British, Canadian, and South African nationals that had duped people out of at least 2 million Australian dollars (about $1.3 million).
Investigators discovered a criminal group that had been defrauding Australian citizens for 20 years. While some members were recently arrested in Indonesia, the British and Australian gang leaders escaped to Thailand and established a “boiler room” call center operation. Continued …
Dutch Expat Arrested in Phuket for Alleged Fraud in Crime Crackdown – Continued …
Irish Woman Jailed in Norway for Cannabis Smuggling from Thailand – Continued …
Police arrest 50 foreigners in Pattaya raid – Continued …
Singaporean Arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport Linked to Trafficking Ring – Continued …
Police Arrest 23 Illegal Chinese Workers Masquerading as Tourists – Continued …
Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok
The first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.
(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)
Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer two round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.
For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at 9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.
Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.
Fuel prices at PTT Station and Bangchak outlets rose today, with most petrol and gasohol products increasing by 0.60 baht per liter. PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Co. (OR) and Bangchak Corp. (BCP) announced the new retail rates.
The 2026 Siam PGA Pairs Classic brought 104 golfers to Hua Hin for two days of competition at Black Mountain Golf Club and Pineapple Valley Golf Club. Held on Aug, 15-16, the tournament marked its ninth staging since launching in 2017.
Civil society groups have come out against proposed changes to the universal healthcare law, warning the amendments could erode rights to public health coverage.
Oil prices jumped more than US$4 a barrel to five-week closing highs yesterday, after renewed fighting between the United States and Iran intensified concerns over Middle East supply disruptions.
The intensive crackdown on nominee companies nationwide is now targeting 14,000 more firms suspected to have used Thai nationals to circumvent restrictions under Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999).
Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaichanok Chidchob said yesterday that there are some data centers in Bangkok that are located in restricted areas where permission cannot be granted.
Thailand is slashing visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days while imposing tough new worldwide restrictions on its five-year Destination Thailand Visa. From Sept. 15, long-haul Western visitors face shorter stays, uncertain extensions and tighter land-border limits.
‘Lisa Effect’ Turns Thailand’s Travel Dreams into Real Search Demand
Thailand’s draft Power Development Plan for 2026–2050, or PDP 2026, sets out a major restructuring of the country’s energy system, including about 50,900 megawatts of new capacity in its first phase and a substantial increase in clean power.
Euro zone inflation jumped to 3.3% in August, the highest level in three years, as the war in the Middle East kept pushing up energy costs, official data showed yesterday. Well above the European Central Bank’s 2% target, the figure from the EU’s statistical office was up sharply from 2.9% in July and in line with forecasts by analysts. Continued … 
A sell-off of bonds from key countries worldwide deepened yesterday, sending government borrowing costs soaring and equities lower as investors fretted that energy-driven inflation would force central bankers to hike interest rates. The latest bout of fighting between the United States and Iran has pushed oil prices higher, stoking the fears of tighter monetary policy that could weigh on economic growth. Continued … 
China has seen an explosive growth in its renewable installation, with coal’s share in its energy mix edging down in recent years. Now, China’s solar energy capacity has surpassed that of coal-fired power for the first time ever. Continued … 
‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, filmed in Thailand, boosting south economy
World Bank Chief Calls for $2 Billion Green Infrastructure Investment to Transform Thai Cities
Phuket launches ‘City Lab’ for sustainable transport revolution
