- Qatari tourist assaults Hua Hin residents/Hua Hin Accommodation Guide/Peace talks put off after attacks
- THE IRAN WAR: Energy sector to purchase oil outside Middle East/Oil prices dip
- ECONOMY: Restaurants push ahead amid cost pressures/Thai June factory output falls/Thailand’s Egg Market and Monopoly Power/Cabinet keeps VAT at 7%/From land bridge to ‘missing link’/Thai vehicle sales rise
- TOURISM: Seven policies for sustainable tourism/Thailand steps up wellness tourism/Thailand’s Luxury Tourism Boom/Thai AirAsia suspends nine routes/Indian Tourists Rescued After Kidnap Ordeal/Four Pattaya Ladyboys Arrested
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Saving Surin’s Elephant/Chiang Mai temples next in line
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Qatari tourist assaults Hua Hin residents, to be deported
A Qatari tourist is accused of injuring five people during a violent outburst that began inside a cannabis shop in Hua Hin, before spilling onto the street and ending with members of the public restraining him.
The incident took place Sunday evening and prompted a response from Hua Hin Police. Witnesses said the man damaged property, assaulted shop staff and attacked several people nearby, including a disabled flower seller using a wheelchair. Continued …
Hua Hin Accommodation Guide: 12 Best Beach Resorts and Budget Hotels
Planning a trip to Hua Hin, and looking for the best accommodation recommendations? Hua Hin, a coastal resort city just a three-hour drive from Bangkok, is famous for its vibrant night markets, unique creative markets, and an impressive range of accommodation options.
(Editor: While we are sure the businesses represented in this listing are all quality resorts or hotels, it should be noted that lists such as these are often a “pay to play” opportunity, and those that do not want to pay are left off the list.)
This Hua Hin hotel guide features 12 carefully selected properties, including luxury sea-view resorts, private pool villas, comfortable suites, and great-value budget hotels. Whether you prefer the bustling Hua Hin city center, the convenient Hua Hin Beach, or the tranquil Cha-am Beach, you will find the perfect base for your luxurious getaway. Continued …
Peace talks with southern insurgency groups put off after Narathiwat attacks
The Thai government has indefinitely postponed peace talks with southern insurgency groups after two attacks last week, with five rangers killed and six civilians injured in one of them, while a police officer was slightly injured in a car bomb blast.
Thanat Suwannanon, director of the National Intelligence Agency and head of the peace talks delegation for southern border provinces, said negotiations had started well but then the attacks suddenly occurred and a statement was issued while the technical team was attending the talks. Continued …
Energy sector to purchase oil outside the Middle East
Energy authorities and oil traders are preparing to import more crude oil from outside the Middle East, as the escalating conflict disrupts two key shipping routes – the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.
Before the war, Thailand relied heavily on the Middle East for crude oil, with 58% of imports coming mainly from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The remaining 42% was sourced from the US and Asia-Pacific. Continued …
Oil prices dip over 6% after US, Iran pause fighting over weekend
Oil prices tumbled more than 6% yesterday after the U.S. and Iran paused strikes over the weekend after two weeks of attacks, raising hopes of a diplomatic solution that would de-escalate the conflict and allow shipping to resume in the Strait of Hormuz. Video …
Restaurants push ahead amid cost pressures
Despite rising costs, the Thai restaurant industry is expected to continue expanding this year, according to an executive of Central Restaurants Group Co . (CRG). Nath Vongphanich, chief executive of CRG, anticipates the government’s “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” co-payment scheme will help lift sales among small restaurateurs in the second half of 2026.
He said the scheme is expected to boost Thai consumers’ purchasing power while it is in effect, supporting industry growth. The scheme runs from June to September and should provide support to the industry during the low season, said Nath. Continued …
Thai June factory output falls 3.1% y/y, weaker than forecast
Thailand’s manufacturing production index dropped 3.1% in June from a year earlier, the Industry Ministry said yesterday, weaker than analysts’ forecasts. The June reading compared with a forecast increase of 0.2% in a Reuters poll. The May reading was revised to a fall of 1.3% from an original figure of a 0.8% drop.
The main drags on the MPI were weaker automobile and petroleum production, while tensions in the Middle East added pressure from volatile energy and freight costs, the ministry said. Continued …
Thailand’s Egg Market and the Hidden Cost of Monopoly Power
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.
Over the past two decades, Thailand’s egg industry has undergone a profound transformation. What was once a sector consisted of smallholder farmers has gradually evolved into a vertically integrated system, where big large firms control the supply chain — from breeding stock and feed production to distribution and retail. This structural shift has not only changed how eggs are produced, but benefits sharing within the whole system. Continued …
Cabinet keeps VAT at 7% for another year
The Cabinet yesterday decided to retain the 7% value-added tax (VAT) rate for another year, until Sept. 30, 2027. Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said maintaining the 7% VAT rate will help ease the cost-of-living burden, stimulate domestic consumption and stabilize the economy.
She also said the measure will boost private-sector confidence in the Thai economy, encourage greater domestic investment and further support economic growth. Continued …
PM defends shift from land bridge to ‘missing link’
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday defended the government’s decision to scale back the land bridge megaproject, saying it had been adapted – not abandoned – in response to financial, environmental and geopolitical realities.
His remarks came after the government announced last week that it would replace the land bridge proposal with a narrower “missing link” transport strategy after a formal review found low financial viability, increased budget risks and environmental concerns. Continued …
Thai vehicle sales rise 17% in June
New vehicle sales in Thailand expanded by 17% to 58,724 units in June, up from 50,079 units a year earlier, according to the latest data released by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
The market was driven higher by continued strong demand for passenger battery electric vehicles (BEVs), sales of which surged by 140% year-on-year to 22,275 units last month, while sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger vehicles declined by 34% to 8,114 units. Continued …
Thailand sets out seven policies for sustainable tourism growth
Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Phancharoenworakul at a meeting with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) board and senior executives yesterday delivered key policies to drive Thailand’s tourism industry.
The policies aim to elevate the country as a meaningful, high-value and sustainable tourism destination, The minister set out seven key policies and operational guidelines under the concept “Tourism for All, Tourism for the Future: Thai tourism for everyone, toward a sustainable future”. Continued …
Thailand steps up wellness tourism growth ambitions
Thailand is positioning itself as a leading destination for wellness and longevity in Asia within three years, combining modern medical technology, world-class tourism and traditional Thai medicine.
Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat announced the government’s ambitious plan to transform the nation’s medical and wellness sector into a major health economy, citing strong infrastructure development as a key driver of growth. Continued …
Thailand’s Luxury Tourism Boom Is Creating a New Problem
Thailand has never had more to offer the luxury traveler. New flagship properties are opening across Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui. The country generated $48.5 billion in tourism revenue in 2024 alone. The Southeast Asia luxury travel market reached $91.6 billion in 2025 and is projected to more than double to $205.8 billion by 2034, according to IMARC Group.
By every measure, Thailand is at the center of one of the most significant luxury travel expansions in the world. And yet the traveler who sits down to plan a high-end trip to Thailand in 2026 faces a problem that has grown alongside the market itself: there is simply too much to evaluate, too many conflicting sources to consult, and no single structured framework for making decisions that actually reflect how a person wants to travel. Continued …
Thai AirAsia temporarily suspends nine routes from Suvarnabhumi
Thai AirAsia has announced it will temporarily suspend services from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) from July 15 to Sept. 30, then resume operations on Oct. 1. During the period, the airline will suspend all flights on the nine routes it had operated from Suvarnabhumi.
The move follows Thai AirAsia’s earlier reduction of average capacity by 30% in May and June because of sharply higher aviation fuel costs and slower travel demand in the middle of the year. Continued …
Indian Tourists Rescued After Kidnap Ordeal in Pattaya
Three Indian tourists have been rescued by Thai police after being kidnapped, tortured and held for ransom for five days in Pattaya in what investigators believe is a new form of scam targeting foreign visitors.
The rescue took place yesterday after officers from Pattaya City Police, Chonburi Immigration, Nong Prue Police and investigators from all three agencies surrounded a townhouse in Moo 13, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district. Police said the suspected kidnappers fled on motorcycles moments before officers entered the property. Inside, they found three Indian men bound with their hands tied behind their backs and their mouths taped shut. Continued …
Four Pattaya Ladyboys Arrested Over Australian Tourist Robbery
Four ladyboys have been arrested in connection with the violent robbery of an Australian tourist in Pattaya, more than seven months after the alleged attack took place. Tourist Police announced the arrests yesterday following a lengthy investigation into the incident involving a 53-year-old Australian national.
Police said the robbery occurred on Dec. 27 when the victim reported that a group of ladyboys attacked him and stole his belongings in the resort city. Continued …
Saving Surin’s Elephants, One Herbal Block at a Time
Surin lies about 450 kilometers from Bangkok, in Thailand’s lower northeast. It is flat, agricultural country: rice paddies stretching to the horizon, sugar palms standing like sentinels along the roads, and the occasional water buffalo chewing at overgrown grass.
The elephant village I had come to visit sat a few kilometers outside the main town. A mahout — the traditional term for an elephant keeper — met me at the roadside, and we drove along a red dirt path between rows of palms until it opened onto a clearing where three elephants stood beneath rain trees. Continued …
7 Chiang Mai temples next in line for UNESCO listing
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin said Thailand will seek UNESCO World Heritage status for seven temples in Chiang Mai. The move follows the inscription of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat as a cultural World Heritage site.
Suchart described the inscription, approved on Saturday at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, as a major cultural achievement and a source of pride for the country. Continued …
Wildlife face ‘catastrophic’ losses as France’s forests burn
Deer trapped by walls of flame, lizards unable to escape the heat, habitats reduced to charred wood and ash: wildlife are paying a steep price as France’s forests burn. Some 42,000 hectares (103,000 acres) of forest west of Bordeaux has burned since Wednesday and authorities fear a heatwave forecast this week could breathe fresh fury into the blaze. 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
Hua Hin Food Fest 2026 will return to Hua Don Beach in Khao Takiab Aug. 28-30, featuring local food, fresh seafood, cooking competitions and live entertainment. The three-day festival will bring together restaurants, hotels and food businesses from Hua Hin and Cha-am, giving visitors the opportunity to sample regional dishes beside the beach.
New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule
A nine-day Hua Hin cultural tourism event will be held at the old Hua Hin Railway Station Aug. 10-18, showcasing the art, culture and historical identity of Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Thai authorities have expanded an enforcement campaign targeting suspected nominee-owned businesses in Phuket, with more than 361 companies now facing inspection following a confrontation at Chabad House in Patong.
Thailand has launched a digital application that allows diners to find certified street-food vendors, forming part of a government program to raise operating standards and expand market opportunities for small businesses.
Concerns over children’s mental health is renewing debate whether excessive use of mobile devices is harming academic performance and learning capability, while boosting social isolation and criminal behavior influenced by online personalities.
Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a native plant closely associated with local ways of life and traditional Thai medicine. Its removal from Thailand’s narcotics list in 2021 marked an important turning point, opening the way for broader research, economic value creation and commercial development.
Amid a slowing economy and intense competition in the property market, developers of new housing projects are accelerating promotional campaigns offering discounts, giveaways and added incentives.
Despite US efforts to impose tariffs, Thai exports to America expanded over the first nine months of the fiscal year, up by nearly 34% year-on-year for a value of 2.13 trillion baht. In contrast, exports to China grew by only 0.78%, totaling 1 trillion baht.
The private sector is optimistic that new US tariffs will not have a major impact on Thai exports, though businesses are urging the government to expedite trade negotiations to enhance the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.
China’s ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Zhang Jianwei, has set out a three-point plan for expanding trade, investment and industrial links between Thailand and China. Speaking at the Thailand-China Cooperation Expo 2026 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani Friday, Zhang said closer business cooperation could turn high-level agreements into practical economic results.
Thailand is tightening its screening of data center investments, shifting its focus from the number and value of projects to their quality as the expansion of artificial intelligence drives demand for electricity, water and large-scale computing infrastructure.
The robot army is coming
Thailand Food Supplement Market to Reach US$ 2.52B by 2033
Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), one of Asia-Pacific’s leading healthcare providers, has unveiled WellEra Bangkok, an approximately US$865 million (THB 29 billion) wellness-integrated development that reimagines how the built environment can actively support healthier, longer lives.
The decision to give Indians 30-day visa-free entry is expected to drive the market to a new record of 2.7 million visitors next year, supported by more flights from second- and third-tier cities to Thailand, say authorities.
Nakhon Si Thammarat Temple Wins UNESCO Status
Mitsubishi Motors is set to invest B16 billion ($473.23m) in Thailand by 2030, backing the automotive sector’s move toward electric vehicles (EVs). The funding will be channeled into EV technology.
The world is sinking under more than 460 million tons of plastic waste each year. More alarming than the figure itself is the fact that about 19 million tons escape into the environment, wreaking havoc, damaging biodiversity, worsening the greenhouse-gas crisis and ultimately harming our own health.
PM Anutin Presides Over Buddhist Consecration Ceremony in Hua Hin
The State Railway of Thailand is turning the rainy season into a new travel window, launching nine special rail-tourism programs across the country from July to September. The programs are designed to promote rail-based tourism while connecting travelers with nature, local culture, religious traditions, history, and lesser-known destinations in several provinces.
Western men and indeed families are moving to Thailand in growing numbers, turning holiday romances into marriages, businesses and permanent new lives as high living costs, remote work, COVID-19 controls, and anger over Western dating culture drive a quieter migration east.
Thailand’s immigration system holds detailed records of foreign arrivals and overstayers but continues to struggle to consistently act on that information, meaning some long-term overstayers are only detected during raids, at departure points, or after unrelated criminal investigations.
The Faculty of Medicine at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has developed CAR-T cell therapy, a highly effective and affordable treatment for patients diagnosed with lymphoma, leukemia, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has declared victory in the Bangkok governor election after unofficial results showed the independent incumbent heading for a landslide second term.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has launched a strict crackdown on the use of forged cannabis prescription forms after uncovering evidence of identity fraud and the online sale of fake documents used to obtain cannabis for recreational purposes.
The Transport Ministry will extend measures to support airlines affected by unrest in the Middle East, including a 30% reduction in air navigation service charges for domestic flights during July and August, Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit said.
One of the key raw materials for the production of plastic products is ethylene, which is produced from naphtha – a byproduct of oil refining. Approximately 60% of Asia’s current naphtha imports come from the Gulf region.
Thailand is experiencing a continuous deterioration in household credit quality amid expanding household debt, which has risen to 86.7%of national gross domestic product.
Thailand is eyeing growth in the “global pink economy” as speakers at a forum highlight rising market value, changing consumer behavior and new investment opportunities. Speaking on the topic of “Pink Economy: From Visibility to Economic Value”, Tanachai Kulsomboonsin, chief executive and co-founder of Canvas Ventures International, said awareness of the pink economy has expanded in Thailand over the past two years.
Thailand has officially opened its state-owned railway network to private operators for the first time, allowing companies to apply for track access to run passenger, tourism, and freight train services.
The global beauty industry is no longer being shaped only by Western markets. Southeast Asia, once seen largely as a follower of K-Beauty, J-Beauty, and European brands, is now positioning itself as a beauty economy hub with growing influence over the direction of the global industry.
Thai cocoa and chocolate products are expected to benefit from a growing but niche global market, particularly for high-value, environmentally friendly, and health-focused products.
The government is moving ahead with its “Thailand 365 Days” policy to position the country as a year-round, high-value tourism destination, using rising interest in natural attractions and local experiences to spread income beyond major tourist cities and support sustainable growth.
Thailand’s hotel industry is seeing resilient mid-year demand from international travelers, who now account for 96.6% of forward bookings and are reserving rooms earlier than last year, giving operators more room to manage pricing, promotions, and guest experiences.
Having lived and worked in Thailand’s hospitality and tourism industry for more than 35 years, I have learned one simple truth: tourism rarely moves in a straight line.
Pattaya‘s nightlife strip is leaning hard on discounts and happy hour deals this June, as bar operators describe a slow season where every customer counts. As the sun sets, colored lights flick on and staff step outside with familiar routines: smiles, greetings, and quiet invitations to passing tourists and hotel guests. Behind the lively atmosphere, though, June has become what many in the trade call a “survival month”.
Short breaks are becoming one of the defining travel trends of summer 2026, as travelers look for quicker, more flexible escapes without giving up the sense of a rewarding holiday, according to Trip.com Group.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has launched a solar rooftop power purchase program for the public sector. Applications to sell electricity from solar rooftops can begin on July 1.
Rescue teams raced yesterday to find more survivors of the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week, with signs of life bringing occasional relief to a grim quest to whittle down a list of tens of thousands missing. The death toll from Wednesday’s twin earthquakes rose to at least 1,450 as of Saturday. 
Europe faced temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F) yesterday as storms swept other areas, with France reporting 1,000 excess deaths in a record-breaking heatwave. Its public health agency said most heat-related fatalities involved older people and warned the toll was expected to rise as more details emerged from residential care and private homes. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the country was suffering from “a certain shortage” of fuel in an interview published by the Kremlin yesterday, after repeated Ukrainian strikes in their four-year war. 
Thailand’s consideration of an expanded foreign ownership quota for condominium units is being viewed as a possible measure to attract overseas investment, support the property sector, and improve liquidity in a market still facing a slowdown.
Warning signs of a “Super El Niño” are becoming clearer, and Thailand may not have much time left to prepare before the situation escalates from dry spells to drought, extreme heat, and a water-shortage crisis that could last until the middle of next year.
The Thai army is closely monitoring reports of Cambodian tank and military hardware movements along the border, Second Army Area commander Weerayuth Raksilp has confirmed, warning that readiness, speed, and equipment would be decisive if a third round of clashes broke out.
Thailand’s cannabis policy is facing fresh scrutiny after the House Public Health Committee convened a tense meeting to examine whether cannabis should be returned to the narcotics list, as concerns grow over widespread sales, legal loopholes, and public health risks.
Residents have raised alarm over what they describe as a growing army of stray dogs roaming the grounds of Chiang Mai City Hall, saying the animals are intimidating visitors, chasing pedestrians, and creating safety concerns at the government complex.
Bypassing Malacca is a bridge too far for Thailand’s ports project
The Finance Ministry is expediting its review of welfare reforms to ensure the benefits target those most in need, minimize duplication across programs, and promote greater participation in the labor force. This approach is based on the concept of a negative income tax (NIT) system.
Is Thailand becoming a welfare state? The answer remains to be seen, given the government’s fiscal constraints. Public debt has risen recently, nearing the statutory ceiling of 70% of GDP.
Chiang Mai’s bid to become UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in jeopardy
For decades, Thailand built its economy on the assumption that energy would remain cheap, stable, and someone else’s responsibility. That assumption is beginning to break. Many see this as a threat. It may also be an opportunity.
Thailand’s rapid solar energy expansion has grown from 2.5 megawatts to nearly 5,000 megawatts, supported by government policy and falling costs. End-of-life panel management remains largely unaddressed, however, with projections estimating between 431,000 and 728,000 tons of solar waste by 2050.
Dusit Ajara Hua Hin expected in 2028/Thailand’s shift in population structure/100% cancer surgery success rate/1,000-baht Koh Samui bridge toll/New Mines in Thai Territory/Security Tightened in Yala/’Extinct’ No More
Thailand is facing a significant shift in population structure as the growth rate has decelerated to only 0.42%, according to the National Statistical Office. The figure represents the lowest growth rate since the census began in Thailand, according to the office’s preliminary results of the 2025 population and household census.
A district hospital in northeastern Thailand has reported a 100% success rate in laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer after screening more than 1,200 people over the past three years.
Thai authorities say they have found clear evidence that Cambodia secretly planted landmines inside Thai territory, describing the act as a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
Thailand’s economy grew more than expected in the fourth quarter, supported by rising exports, a rebound in tourism, and government stimulus measures.
The Thai Restaurant Assn. has issued an urgent mandate to the incoming administration, calling for a decisive “90-day rescue plan” to prevent a widespread collapse across the hospitality sector.
Japanese restaurant numbers fall in Thailand for first time in 20 years
Over the years, many people from foreign companies ask me what they should know before doing business in Thailand. From my experience, some businesses thrive in Thailand while others struggle, and it usually comes down to a few differences I have seen time and again.
The convergence of autonomous “agentic” AI, heightened geopolitical tensions, and extreme regulatory volatility is set to redefine the global cybersecurity landscape in 2026.
In the early hours Saturday, a coordinated effort by Tourist Police and Immigration Police took place along Pattaya Beach to tackle suspected prostitution activities and enhance the city’s tourism reputation.
Elephants need space
Waghor Super Mini Marathon set for Nov 23
Hua Hin holds health festival
Thai consumers prioritize health, embrace food tech
Thai industrial sentiment hits 3-year low
Thai AirAsia X Launches Three New Routes
‘This tiny island airport is one of the best I’ve ever been to’
US Fed makes first rate cut of 2025 on employment risks
Thai banking, health insurance issues leading to DTV’s increasing popularity
Thailand already a tourism powerhouse, no need to follow Vietnam’s visa-free move
VietJet Thailand launches Phuket-Mumbai flights at 1,400 baht
Fuel price freeze approved until Sept 30
All government units to adopt digital systems by 2026
Can Thailand Escape the US Trade Pitfall Sparked by Trump’s Tariffs?
U Power, Sumitomo Mitsui Deliver Battery-Swapping Taxi Fleet in Phuket