Editor: Expat News will be traveling next week, July 12-16. We wil try to keep you up to date on the news during this time, but our reports may be fewer and at a different time. We will return to full service next Friday, July 17.
- Phuket teen rocks AGT/Top 5 Beachfront Pool Villas in Hua Hin/Hua Hin videos/Airport rail deal faces review/CP Group confirms rail commitment/DSI Raids Nominee Networks/Bangkok underground tunnel problems/Four monks missing/Thailand’s heroin trafficking network
- ECONOMY: Price Hikes Hit Lunch Staples/Consumers upbeat, businesses cautious/IMF raises Thai GDP forecast/Foreign film boom
- TOURISM: Thailand Needs to Soak Its Own Rich/Ministry restructure a tourism priority/China Tourist Numbers Still Trail/New Sadao checkpoint/Luxury cruise line debut
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand’s Automatic Rice Planting Machine/Thai Craft Heritage Being Redesigned/Witchcraft lands in Bangkok
- HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Phuket teen Nene Royal transforms from shy girl to rock star on AGT
(Editor: This article also includes a video of the entire performance – and it is not something you want to miss, even if you don’t like the song selection. This Thai girl is talented! Today’s moment of pure joy.)
When the 15-year-old girl from Phuket introduced herself to the four judges of America’s Got Talent, she looked shy, almost overwhelmed, and admitted it was her first time performing on a stage of that scale.
But the moment she struck the opening chords of The Cranberries’ Zombie, the room changed. The audience roared, the judges leaned in, and Nene Royal was no longer the nervous newcomer. She had transformed into a young rock star in full command of the stage. Continued …
Top 5 Beachfront Pool Villas in Hua Hin For a Luxury Escape
Sometimes, you just need to pack a bag, leave the traffic behind, and head straight to where the waves hit the sand. Hua Hin has lately become the ultimate spot for this exact kind of escape. It offers a slower, calmer rhythm than other beach towns, making it a favorite for quick weekend getaways.
If you want to wake up to the ocean breeze and step directly from your bed into a private pool, a beachfront villa is the only way to go. Here is a curated look at the top five luxury beachfront sanctuaries in the area that deliver total privacy and coastal bliss. Continued …
Try These Thai Seafood Dishes in Hua Hin
If you are looking for great and tasty seafood where tourists don’t go to then this is the place to go. It is one of my favorites in Hua Hin. Bring your best translator along as there is no English script menu but that means that great Thai dishes are going to be served. Video …
Is Hua Hin Soi 94 the new heart of city’s nightlife?
Take a walk through Soi 94, Hua Hin’s fastest-growing entertainment zone. While Soi Bintabaht is the classic choice, Soi 94 offers a massive variety of themed bars, live music venues, and some of the friendliest spots in town. Explore the entire length of the street after dark, checking out the bar scene, the local “bar girl” culture, and why so many expats and tourists are choosing this area over the town center. Video …
Airport rail deal faces July 15 review after eight-year delay and 21.8-billion-baht investment
Thailand’s long-delayed high-speed railway linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports is heading toward a crucial review on July 15, after more than eight years without construction beginning and combined public and private investment exceeding 21.8 billion baht.
The project has remained stalled since the invitation to tender was issued on May 30, 2018. Its progress has been held back by prolonged negotiations over revisions to the public-private partnership agreement, including requests by the private concessionaire for relief following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Continued …
CP Group confirms rail commitment after PM warns against unilateral withdrawal
PMAnutin Charnvirakulhas insisted that the three-airport high-speed rail project must continue under its existing agreement, warning that a private concessionaire cannot unilaterally terminate a contract with the state.
His remarks followed reports that a company within CP Group had submitted a letter to the State Railway of Thailand seeking to end the contract for the rail link connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports. Continued …
DSI Raids Nominee Networks in Surat Thani
Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI), together with the Ministry of Justice and multiple government agencies, announced yesterday the results of coordinated raids at five locations on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, as part of an investigation into suspected nominee companies allegedly used by foreign nationals to own land and operate restricted businesses.
Investigators said they uncovered luxury villa developments, land holdings and corporate structures worth billions of baht linked to the probe. The first target was a Chinese-owned luxury villa development in Bo Phut. The project covers more than 14,000 square meters and was found to include 15 land plots totaling 97 rai, 3 ngan and 88.4 square wah, with an estimated land value of 1.567 billion baht. Continued …
Bangkok underground tunnel causes subsidence and cracks in buildings and roads
A widening underground engineering emergency beneath one of Bangkok’s busiest intersections has forced evacuations, road closures and round-the-clock repairs after a leaking Purple Line MRT tunnel triggered ground subsidence and fresh cracking around Wongwian Yai, reviving memories of the capital’s 2025 sinkhole disaster.
Although a minister says subsidence has slowed and engineers expect to seal the leak within 12 days, residents remain displaced and businesses are closed as investigators race to stabilize the ground and determine what caused the crisis. Continued …
Four monks missing after bamboo raft breaks up in Surat Thani
A search operation has been launched for four Buddhist monks who vanished after a bamboo raft carrying 12 monks broke apart while drifting along a canal in Kaengkrung National Park in Surat Thani province on Thursday night.
Park officials, local community leaders, villagers and rescue workers yesterday joined forces to search for the missing monks after the incident in Khlong Mui, located within Bang Yuan forest of Kaengkrung National Park, which stands in Vibhavadi district of the southern province. Continued …
Police in Thailand and Laos moving to take out heroin trafficking network
The arrest of Thai airline hostess Meena in Melbourne has exposed what investigators now believe is only the outer edge of a far larger international heroin trafficking syndicate stretching from Laos through Thailand to Australia and Taiwan.
As Thai authorities widen their investigation, secure four new arrest warrants, make another arrest, and intensify cross-border operations with Laos, police say those caught so far were merely couriers, while the organization’s leaders remain at large, prompting an increasingly aggressive hunt for the network directing one of the region’s most sophisticated heroin smuggling operations. Continued …
Price Hikes Hit Lunch Staples as Thai Workers Face Living Cost Crunch
Thailand’s urban workforce is facing an escalating squeeze on disposable income as the price of popular ready-to-eat meals climbs across the country, driven by stubborn energy costs and transport inflation.
A market survey conducted by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), under the Ministry of Commerce, revealed that prices have been adjusted upward for 438 items across seven staple one-dish meals — including fried rice, noodles, and the ubiquitous Pad Kra Prow (basil stir-fry). The increases affect 28.5% of all surveyed items. Continued …
Consumers upbeat, businesses cautious
Consumer confidence rebounded for the first time in four months in June, supported by falling oil prices and the implementation of the “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” (Thais Help Thais) co-payment scheme, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). The consumer confidence index (CCI) tallied 50.7 in June, according to a survey by the UTCC’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting.
Meanwhile, the Thai Chamber of Commerce confidence index (TCC-CI), based on a survey of 369 business operators nationwide, was 41.4, down 0.3 points from May and roughly three points below the level recorded before the Middle East conflict began, at 44.5 in February. Continued …
IMF raises Thai GDP growth forecast
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded Thailand’s GDP growth forecast to 1.9% from 1.5%, supported by the government’s stimulus measures.
According to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook Update released on Wednesday, the uptick reflects the emergency fiscal measures and is supported by robust technology-related exports and investment. The lender also raised its 2027 growth forecast for Thailand by 0.1 percentage points to 2.2%. Continued …
Foreign film boom spurs national revenue
Thailand generated just over 4.025 billion baht from foreign film productions during the first half of this year, with 302 overseas projects filmed across the country. The figures reinforce its position as a leading production hub in Asia and put it on course to set another annual revenue record.
The financial figures exceed half of the total investment recorded throughout last year, reflecting continued confidence among international content producers in Thailand as a regional production base, she said. Continued …
Thailand Needs to Soak Its Own Rich, Not Just Wealthy Tourists
Thailand’s government has decided, like Japan and others, that the quality of the tourists it attracts is far more appealing than the quantity. After receiving just 33 million foreign arrivals to the Kingdom this year, far below the record 40 million it recorded in 2019, Thailand is betting that a smaller number of more wealthy tourists can generate the same amount of revenue.
It is seeking to attract them, in part, by providing “meaningful experiences” for the rich in the form of golf resorts, wellness retreats, fine dining, and luxury packages. Thailand is suffering not only from a decline in tourism volume, as a strong baht, a rising Vietnam, and an ugly transnational crime problem have hampered interest, but also from the fact that its solution to the problem is a loser, as there are other wealthy people to “soak” right at home. Continued …
Ministry restructure a tourism priority
Once the Bhumjaithai Party assumed government leadership earlier this year, one of its key tourism priorities was to restructure the Tourism and Sports Ministry, creating a dedicated Sports Ministry and merging the Tourism and Culture ministries.
This proposal is not new, raised by previous governments to promote tourism and sports more effectively. There are several approaches to managing and developing the tourism industry that depend on a strategic vision and long-term objectives. Continued …
China Tourist Numbers Still Trail in Thailand
Thailand’s tourism sector continues to feel the impact of a sharp decline in Chinese visitors, despite China regaining its position as the country’s largest source market in 2026. Between Jan. 1 and July 4, Thailand welcomed 16,210,890 foreign visitors, down 3.1% year on year, generating 782.57 billion baht in tourism revenue, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
China accounted for 2,654,728 arrivals during the period, ahead of Malaysia with 2,109,956, followed by India with 1,239,023, Russia with 1,022,483 and South Korea with 596,673. In one recent summer week, Continued …
New Sadao checkpoint linking Malaysia opens today
A new Sadao checkpoint compound and road linking southern Thailand and northern Malaysia has been slated to open for users today after the prime ministers of both nations officiated its launch yesterday.
The new, larger checkpoint is located about six kilometers east of the present office in Sadao district of Songkhla. Construction began in 2016 with a budget of 1.5 billion baht and an aim to ease congestion for trucks, cars and buses at the border. The checkpoint connects Songkha with Kedah state through the Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint. Continued …
Luxury cruise line debuts in Thailand
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, one of the world’s leading ultra-luxury travel and cruise brands, has officially launched its brand in Thailand for the first time through a strategic partnership with World Travel Designer (WTD), a specialist in luxury travel marketing and distributor of leading global cruise brands.
The partnership aims to capture the growing demand among Thailand’s high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), whose travel preferences are shifting beyond traditional luxury toward exclusive, meaningful experiences that cannot easily be found elsewhere. Continued …
Thailand’s Automatic Rice Planting Machine
Thailand’s automatic rice transplanter can plant rice seedlings with incredible speed and precision. This smart farming technology helps farmers save time, reduce labor, and increase efficiency. Video …
How Thai Craft Heritage is Being Redesigned for Foreign Lifestyles
For centuries, the identity of Thai textiles and handicrafts has been explicitly clear: vibrant, multi-colored regional weaves, intricate gold ornamentation, and complex motifs. These are not merely everyday materials but historic cultural artefacts reflecting local wisdom passed down through generations. Yet, a hard truth has loomed over the loom.
Without adapting to the shifting habits of modern consumers, these ancient practices risk fading into obsolescence. Enter the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand (SACIT). Continued …
Glastonbury-style witchcraft lands in Bangkok
Voralapa “Pyn” Lochaya, a “green witch” and Destiny Matrix coach, says witchcraft is a lifestyle rooted in the five elements and herbal healing.
After studying Thai, Chinese and Yunani herbal medicine and training in Glastonbury, she’s opening a “witch shop” in Thailand to promote healing, astrology and a new, less fearful view of witchcraft. Video …
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
UK Pensions Minister Torsten Bell has updated MPs on the impact of the frozen state pension policy on British retirees living overseas, including thousands based in Thailand. The policy affects nearly half a million UK pensioners who live in countries where annual state pension increases under the triple lock do not apply.
Fuel prices fell across major petrol, gasohol, and diesel products today, after PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp. announced a fresh round of retail price cuts.
The Federation Internationale de Football Assn. has so far declined to meet Thailand’s persistent call for a substantial cut in price of the broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026, whereas Vietnam, a fellow ASEAN member country, has been reportedly offered a relatively low price.
Thailand is facing widespread rain and possible flash floods, as a relatively strong southwest monsoon continues to cover the Andaman Sea, the country, and the Gulf of Thailand, while a low-pressure cell remains over upper Myanmar.
Thailand’s inflation rose again in May, as high domestic fuel prices, transport fares, and prepared food costs continued to feed into household expenses, while the Commerce Ministry said the government’s “Thais Help Thais Plus” measure had not created significant price pressure.
The Thais Help Thais Plus 60/40 co-payment scheme has continued to draw strong public response, with total spending exceeding 10 billion baht just five days after the Finance Ministry opened the program for public use on June 1.
Thailand’s export engine is running hot — powered by electronics, AI-related demand, and a rebound in agriculture. But imports are running even hotter, especially in energy and electronic components, pushing the trade deficit to unprecedented levels.
Thailand’s flagship land bridge project has suffered a significant setback after an expert review committee ordered fresh Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (EHIA) studies for planned deep-sea ports in Ranong and Chumphon. The ports are key components of the proposed transport corridor linking the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with François Corbin, vice president of the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF) International and chairman of the France–Thailand Business Forum (FTBF), along with French Ambassador to Thailand HE Jean-Claude Poimboeuf and representatives from 16 French companies on Thursday.
TAT launches ‘Wild Awake Journey’ to promote green-season conservation travel
Thai Airways International (THAI) has confirmed it will resume direct Bangkok-Amsterdam flights from July 1, expanding its international network as the carrier works to strengthen links between Thailand and Europe.
Shining beacon or failed city? Next four years could reveal Bangkok’s fate
Thailand pushes climate action at World Environment Day
As the war in the Strait of Hormuz continues to create havoc, Asia remains the worst hit by the global energy crisis. Whether it’s a large economy like Japan or China, or a struggling economy like Sri Lanka or Pakistan, the same fate holds.
CP ALL is inviting consumers across Thailand to take part in its environmental campaign, “Heal the World, Heal the Heart 24 Hours at 7-Eleven,” running from now until the end of 2026. The initiative encourages customers to adopt simple eco-friendly habits, such as reducing plastic consumption, in exchange for special rewards and loyalty points at 7-Eleven stores nationwide.
Authorities launched a multi-agency operation in Pai, Mae Hong Son province, targeting suspected foreign nominee business networks accused of concealing ownership structures and depriving local residents of business opportunities. The operation resulted in the arrest of three foreign nationals and searches at five locations linked to suspected illegal business activities. 
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a US$518-million emergency action plan to control the Ebola outbreak in Africa over the next six months, amid concerns that the outbreak is spreading rapidly and has become the fourth-largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded. 
A Thai massage training program has opened in Hua Hin as part of Prachuap Khiri Khan’s push to develop wellness-related services, including alternative medicine, spa treatments, and Thai massage.
The first week of June is off to a somewhat unproductive start. Unless you are a self-motivating powerhouse with productivity bursting out at the seams, starting the week on Monday, June 1, with a public holiday (a substitute for Visakha Bucha), makes it a bit harder to assess your Google calendar and plan for deep work. It’s even harder when today is also a public holiday to celebrate Queen Suthida’s birthday.
Thai Airways International marked a historic milestone yesterday when a female pilot operated a commercial flight for the national carrier for the first time in its 66-year history.
The property markets on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are entering a major turning point, shifting from tourism destinations into Thailand’s new “investment hub” after receiving continuous support from foreign investment and rising purchasing power among international investors.
The Thai real estate sector is facing a quiet but catastrophic crisis, described by industry experts as a “slow-motion tsunami” driven by chronic economic stagnation and an aging population.
The Ministry of Commerce has been ordered to accelerate negotiations with the United States on trade and tariff issues, aiming to reach a conclusion swiftly to safeguard Thailand’s export sector.
Ask a senior Thai official which country Thailand considers its most important strategic partner, and you will receive a carefully constructed non-answer — a fluent recitation of Thailand’s commitment to balanced relationships, multilateral frameworks, and ASEAN solidarity.
In economics, few indicators of food security are as simple – and as powerful – as the price of eggs. Affordable, accessible, and nutritious, eggs should be the most democratic source of protein in any society. Yet in Thailand, a single egg tells a far more complex story – one of market power, distorted incentives, and a system that may no longer serve the public interest.
Pride celebrations have evolved from simple parades to major economic drivers through tourism. For example, the NYC Pride March attracts millions, boosting local tourism, though as an open-access event, spending per attendee is limited.
The Industry Ministry plans to announce an industrial standard for solar rooftop panels and related equipment within three months. Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said at Government House yesterday he would accelerate the introduction of an industrial standard to ensure the safety of the increasing number of households switching to home solar power.
Thailand has set a target for electric vehicles (EVs) to account for 50% of total car production by 2035, as officials warn that more than 110,000 workers could face disruption from the industry transition.
As the world pursues decarbonization, the concept of a “just transition” has become ubiquitous, particularly when describing the shift away from fossil fuels in emerging and developing economies.
Russian drones and missiles pounded Ukrainian cities such as Kyiv and Dnipro early yesterday, killing at least 10 people and wounding about 100, authorities said, following days of warnings about Moscow’s plans for a major assault. 
The World Meteorological Organization has warned that El Niño conditions are likely to develop in the coming months, raising concerns that global weather patterns could become more extreme at a time when the planet is already under pressure from human-driven climate change. 
They went to war together against Iran, but Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu’s relationship is under strain after the US president reportedly called the Israeli premier “crazy.” Trump unleashed a profane tirade over the phone at Netanyahu over Israel’s threats to bomb the Lebanese capital Beirut, fearing it would undermine talks with Tehran, according to media reports. 
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (No. 2) 2025 has been in force since Nov. 8, 2025. Several sections require subordinate legislation, including rules on places where alcoholic beverages may not be sold or consumed, and rules on advertising and publicity.
The head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that the global oil market could enter a “danger zone” in mid-year, after the Iran war disrupted more than 14 million barrels per day of Middle East supply.
Transport Ministry Accelerates Bangkok Port Overhaul
For years, when people spoke of “Chinese people” and Thailand, the image many had in mind may still have been tour groups, buses, and famous tourist districts. But a closer look shows that the relationship between “Chinese capital” and “Thailand” is now changing significantly.
Thailand fruit exports rebound 17.9% in April as durian surges 109%
Thailand has updated its visa-free entry and visa privilege rules for 2026 after the Cabinet approved the cancellation of the 60-day visa-free scheme for 93 countries and territories.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) says surging global fuel prices have led to the cancellation of more than 200 Chinese charter flights to Thailand, prompting the agency to consider extending its Thailand Summer Blast campaign until September.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is enhancing tourism on both domestic and international fronts by promoting weekday travel through special offers on tourism products and services. The project, titled Workation Paradise Throughout Thailand Season 4, is part of TAT’s Workation Thailand campaign.
Every year produces a new set of travel trend reports, and most of them say roughly the same thing. The 2026 edition from Hilton, built on a survey of over 14,000 travelers across 14 countries conducted by Ipsos, is different in one important respect: its findings align almost point for point with what Thailand already does well.
Leopard sighting ‘sign of thriving habitat’
Thai island community rallies to protect beloved dugongs, revive declining seagrass
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.
Airpocalypse Forever: Thailand Gasps for Breath
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
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 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. 
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.
The government will cut fuel and electricity prices through price restructuring, though supplies may remain costly and occasionally tight, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said late Monday night.
Thailand’s post–COVID-19 economic recovery has been characterized by persistently weak growth, averaging only 2.3% during 2022–2024 — well below its pre-pandemic performance and far from its historical peaks.
Two of Thailand’s most closely watched financial institutions have independently reached the same sobering conclusion: the country’s residential property market is deteriorating on multiple fronts, with no meaningful recovery in sight.
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.
The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) has warned that forward bookings for the second quarter of 2026 are weaker than last year, as airfares surge and uncertainty rises due to the ongoing Middle East crisis. THA President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun highlighted concerns over Q2 performance, noting that while Q1 targets were met, Q3–Q4 markets remain in a “wait-and-see” mode.
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.
Commerce officials have stepped up Cha Am fresh market price checks as part of efforts to ensure vendors clearly display prices and to prevent consumers from being overcharged.
For many people, a fall may seem like a minor accident. But for older adults, a single fall can be life-changing — especially if it results in a hip fracture, one of the most serious and common injuries among older adults. Without proper treatment, a broken hip can lead to long-term disability, loss of independence, the need for ongoing care, and a significant decline in quality of life.
Thailand’s personal income tax filing deadline is April 8, and many expats remain uncertain about whether they must submit a return this year. Since clarification of the rules surrounding foreign income, confusion has persisted. Having little or no tax to pay is not the same as having no obligation to file.
A Thai billionaire, Worawat Narknawdee, is being sought by police following complaints from over 30 Thai investors. They claim to have been deceived into cryptocurrency investments, resulting in losses estimated at around B1.3 billion.
Thailand’s Commerce Minister, Suphajee Suthumpun, is urging calm as the government closely tracks energy prices amid the ongoing conflict in Iran. An operations center has been established to coordinate across ministries, aiming to implement protective measures when necessary.
The Middle East conflict has unsettled global oil markets and disrupted shipping routes, posing risks for energy-dependent Thailand. After experiencing prolonged low inflation, the country now faces a potential inflation rebound driven by rising oil and freight costs.
RealWatch Lab, the research and data analytics unit of Real Smart Public Co/, has disclosed the findings of a survey on the concerns of Thai netizens regarding the Iran war. The survey collected opinions from Feb. 28, after the attacks started, to March 10, across all social media platforms, covering 34,009 messages discussing concerns arising from the conflict.
The United States has announced investigations under Section 301 into 16 key trading partners, including Thailand, as part of an effort to rebuild tariff pressure after the Trump administration’s earlier duties were struck down by the US Supreme Court.
Phuket has long stood as one of Asia’s most celebrated destinations. Framed by the Andaman Sea, its turquoise waters, rich cultural fabric, and globally recognized hospitality have attracted millions of visitors for decades.
Do you think gender equality is still an issue in Thailand? Whether the answer is yes or no, explaining why can be surprisingly difficult.
The sun had yet to rise at 6 am, but Sarayuth Sonlacksa was already crouched on his wooden jetty, hoisting up plastic crates of crabs from his pond to see if any had reached the size needed to sell to restaurants in Bangkok.
The governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan has confirmed that fuel supplies in Prachuap Khiri Khan remain sufficient and urged residents not to panic buy, following concerns about potential price increases linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Royal Gazette Confirms 200,000 Baht Solar Tax Relief
The governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan has accelerated plans to improve energy efficiency as part of efforts to position the province as a model environmentally friendly tourism city.
Cha Am Municipality is taking urgent steps to address a growing water shortage after construction works on an irrigation canal disrupted the flow of raw water used to produce tap water for residents.
A new water production system planned for the Bor Fai area was the focus of a meeting chaired by Hua Hin City Municipality officials this week, as authorities reviewed design proposals and the next steps for the project.
Construction of a reinforced concrete road near Yarm Saad School is under way as part of a 15.37-million-baht project aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing local flooding.
The war involving Iran in the Middle East remains protracted, with the United States and Israel continuing to strike Iran, while Iran insists it will exercise its right to self-defense to the fullest extent.
Fuel price rises start to bite
Fears of a prolonged Middle East conflict disrupting global energy supplies are rippling across Thailand, triggering price anxieties, panic buying, and warnings of logistical strain.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the Transport Ministry will ban fare increases for taxis, ride-hailing riders, and motorcycle taxi services from today, warning of legal action against profiteering.
Thai business and industry leaders are concerned that the Mideast war could significantly disrupt logistics and transport costs, with ripple effects for manufacturing in Thailand and other countries.
“Cash” has become the most prized asset in global markets as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, triggering a rare sell-off in gold, bonds, and equities at the same time and reshaping what investors see as traditional hedges.
Foreign buyers remained a significant force in Thailand’s condominium market in 2025, with Chinese nationals retaining the top position despite a decline in purchases, while buyers from Myanmar recorded the strongest growth to rank second.
Foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand down in first two months of 2026
Traveloka reveals top Songkran travel destinations
The growing cost of elephant intrusions
The Thai food delivery market recorded significant consolidation and growth between 2024 and 2025.The market is increasingly defined by a duopoly between Grab and Line Man, as smaller competitors exit, according to Singapore-based research firm Momentum Works.
Thailand’s electric vehicle industry is struggling to improve after-sales services, which remain unsatisfactory due to the rapid growth of EV sales and growing maintenance demand, says Omoda & Jaecoo (Thailand), a subsidiary of Chinese state-owned automaker Chery Automobile.
A controlled forest-burning operation has begun in Cha Am district to reduce wildfire risk and airborne dust, with authorities saying the initiative is aimed at preventing severe forest fires and limiting PM2.5 pollution during the dry season.
Authorities in Bangkok plan to delay enforcement of a regulation requiring pet dogs and cats to be fitted with microchips for a year in order to help all sides prepare and ensure broader adoption.
Thailand’s economy is bracing for its weakest expansion in 30 years, with GDP growth projected at less than 2% in 2026, attributed to sluggish exports, high household debt, and declining competitiveness in global markets, warns the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB).
The leadership of Thailand’s three largest commercial banks have issued a unified warning for 2026, describing the upcoming financial year as a period of “all-around exhaustion.”
Leading economists have issued a stark warning over the proliferation of short-term populist campaign pledges, asserting that these policies are laying a “fiscal trap” that threatens Thailand’s long-term economic sovereignty and its international credit standing.
The outlook for the restaurant industry in 2026 appears grim as there are no new positive factors. A Thai Michelin-starred chef urged restaurant operators to think carefully about business expansion.
Health and wellness are increasingly viewed as a new form of luxury, driving lifestyle changes and fueling rapid growth across global well-being industries this year. Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun, chief executive of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort, said the wellness trend will continue expanding over the next five years worldwide.
Southeast Asia is accelerating its energy transition with growing momentum from both policy and capital. Stronger regulatory support and expanding clean-energy financing are creating a more predictable investment environment, enabling governments and developers to move from planning to delivery.
