- Stepfather Arrested for Killing of Boy in Cha-am/19 Rai park makeover/WARN Asia Conference on Wildlife/Western Seaboard & Christmas Dinner/Dusit Ajara Hua Hin Targeting World-Class Standards/Thailand’s Air Pollution Worsens/Surge in Non-Communicable Disease/Rainfall filling up many dams/Turning leftovers into new dishes/Army says Cambodia violated peace/PM suspends activities with Cambodia/Growing Demand for Long-Term Visa
- ECONOMY: Upcoming electricity tariff/E-commerce group weighs new duty rules/Thai Investment Board Launches ‘FastPass’/Turning neutrality into opportunity/$3.1 billion data center investments
- TOURISM: White Temple to Double Entry Fee for Foreigners/Baht swings don’t deter tourists/Nakhon Phanom Becomes Spiritual Tourism Powerhouse
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Vijit Chao Phraya 2025/Thailand’s iconic three-wheeled legend/Bangkok’s Vibrant Flower Market/5-Star Thai Noodle Recipe
- CLIMATE THAILAND: ERC updates community solar plan/Hydrogen and nuclear strategy
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
Indian Stepfather Arrested for Killing of 8-Year-Old Boy in Cha-am
Police in Cha-am have arrested an Indian man suspected of brutally killing his eight-year-old stepson at their home in Hua Sai Tai community. The man, identified as Kanthoran Singh, aged 33, was taken into custody on suspicion of assaulting the boy, who was found dead with multiple injuries. The suspect has denied all charges.
The child’s body was discovered on Sunday inside the house he shared with Singh. Police responding to the scene found the boy lying motionless with foam around his mouth, bruising on his body and bloodstains on the bed. His body was sent to Phra Chom Klao Hospitalfor a detailed autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Continued …
19 Rai public park to get a makeover
Hua Hin City Municipality has announced plans to upgrade the 19 Rai public park at Suan Luang Queen’s Park. The park, widely used by residents for walking, exercise, and leisure, is considered an important green space in the city.
According to the municipality, the project will prioritize maintaining existing trees to preserve shade throughout the park. Additional trees will also be planted to expand green coverage. The two existing beach access pathways, which have been damaged by coastal erosion, will be repaired, while three more access points are planned to provide safer and more convenient entry to the beachfront. Continued …
WARN Asia Conference on Wildlife opens in Hua Hin
The WARN Asia Conference opened in Hua Hin yesterday, bringing together more than 50 organizations from 20 countries working in wildlife rescue, protection, conflict mitigation, and habitat conservation.
The three-day event, held through tomorrow and hosted by Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), is taking place with the theme “To Protect and Manage Wildlife.” The program features presentations, case studies, and discussions focused on practical solutions to challenges facing wildlife across Asia, including urban expansion, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal wildlife trade. Continued …
Dusit Ajara Hua Hin: Asia’s First Low-Rise Residential Project Targeting World-Class Standards
Dusit Ajara Hua Hin, a low-rise, low-density residential development in Hua Hin, offers multi-generational living. The development integrates well-being and sustainability as core principles. It aims to become the first real estate project in Asia designed in alignment with the globally recognized low-rise residential standard.
La-ead Kovavisaruch, managing director of Dusit Estate Co., said, “Dusit Ajara Hua Hin is developed with a singular vision: to create a new way of life centered on ‘happiness’ and high-quality living in every dimension. The project ensures that families from children to adults, elderly residents, and pets can live and spend meaningful time together in an environment that fosters physical, mental, and social well-being.” Continued …
Thailand’s Air Pollution Worsens Amid Continued Crop Burning
Air pollution across Thailand is intensifying as open-field burning of farm waste persists, marking the onset of another smog-heavy winter. Despite public warnings, the practice remains prevalent due to its cost-effectiveness and convenience for farmers.
(Editor: Expat News publishes a link daily to Thailand’s air pollution index. It can be found at left for PC/laptopn users, and in the Hua Hin Links section.)
The recurring air pollution crisis is closely tied to Thailand’s cool season. Over the past decade, seasonal winds have consistently transported a mix of dust and fine particulate matter from surrounding regions into Thailand’s airspace. As the winds weaken early in the year, pollutants become trapped in low-lying areas, leading to a range of respiratory health issues for millions. Continued …
Thailand Faces Surge in Non-Communicable Disease Risks
Thailand is witnessing a concerning rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), according to the latest National Health Examination Survey (NHES). Health experts emphasize the urgent need for early prevention, particularly among the youth, to mitigate long-term health and economic consequences. The survey indicates significant increases in obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes across the country.
The study, conducted between August 2024 and April 2025 by Mahidol University in collaboration with Thai Health and the Health Systems Research Institute, involved 30,057 participants nationwide. The data reveals alarming growth in NCD risk factors since 2004: obesity rates have escalated from 28.6% to 45%, hypertension from 22% to 29.5%, high cholesterol from 16.5% to 19.8%, and diabetes from 6.6% to 10.6%. Continued …
Excessive rainfall filling up many dams nationwide
Many large dams and reservoirs across Thailand are currently close to or exceeding their full water-storage capacities due to continuous rainfall, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) announced yesterday.
The department said the dams and reservoirs include Mae Ngat Sombun Chon Dam in Chiang Mai – 102.5% of capacity, Mae Kuang Udom Thara Dam in Chiang Mai – 94.1% of capacity, Kiew Kho Ma Dam in Lampang – 115.3% of capacity, Thap Salao Dam in Uthai Thani – 93.3% of capacity, and Pasak Jolasid Dam in Lop Buri – 96.9% (ofcapacity. Continued …
Thai restaurants are turning leftovers into new dishes
“Gaeng Ho,” a traditional northern Thai dish made from combining leftover curries after religious offerings and turning them into a new meal priced at 120-200 baht per plate, is an example of how the food upcycling business model is reshaping Thailand’s restaurant industry.
The concept focuses on reusing surplus ingredients and adding value by transforming what would otherwise be discarded into new, marketable products that enhance both profitability and sustainability. Continued …
Army says Cambodia violated peace agreement by laying landmines
The Thai army has condemned Cambodia for newly laying landmines that seriously injured Thai soldiers in Thailand’s Si Sa Ket province, breaching a peace agreement both countries recently signed.
Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree said that forensic officials inspected the landmine explosion site near the Huai Ta Maria stream in Kantharalak district, Si Sa Ket, yesterday afternoon and found an explosion pit and three more anti-personnel mines nearby. Continued …
Thai PM suspends activities with Cambodia following landmine blast
Thailand’s prime minister has suspended all work with Cambodia under KL declaration, following yesterday morning’s landmine blast and serious injuries caused to Thai soldiers.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the immediate suspension of all activities and cooperation with Cambodia under the Joint Declaration signed in Kuala Lumpur. Continued …
Phuket Law Firm Reports Growing Demand for Thailand Long-Term Visa Services
Siam Legal Phuket reports a steady rise in visa consultation services due to increasing interest from international retirees choosing Thailand’s Phuket. The island’s tropical climate, modern healthcare, and vibrant expatriate community attract clients from Europe, Australia, and North America. Many are drawn by affordable living costs, stunning beaches, golf courses, and quality medical facilities.
The firm notes strong demand for retirement visas, including the popular Thai Retirement Visa and Long-Term Resident Visa, which offer flexible options for long-term stays. Continued …
Public opinion sought on upcoming electricity tariff
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is seeking public input on whether to maintain the current electricity tariff at 3.94 baht per kilowatt-hour or raise it to 4.58 baht, with the new rate set to take effect from January to February.
The tariff consists of a base rate of 3.78 baht and a fuel tariff (Ft), which adjusts for fuel costs and policy-related expenses. The ERC reviews the Ft every four months to align electricity prices with economic conditions. Continued …
E-commerce group weighs new duty rules
There are two sides concerning the Customs Department’s preparations for the imposition of import duties on goods valued less than 1,500 baht on Jan. 1, according to Kulthirath Pakawachkrilers, president of the Thai e-Commerce Assn.
On the one hand, it will benefit Thai manufacturers and domestic sellers who have been paying full import duties and value-added tax (VAT) on higher-value goods, she added. This change enables fairer competition with foreign sellers, especially those shipping low-value items from China or other countries that previously entered Thailand duty-free. Continued …
Thai Investment Board Launches ‘FastPass’ to Unlock $8.2 Billion in Major Projects
The Thai Board of Investment (BOI) has secured approval for the first phase of its ‘FastPass’ system, a major initiative aimed at accelerating investment in large-scale projects across the country. The core objective is to rapidly propel investment under the government’s “Quick Big Win” policy by tackling persistent bureaucratic hurdles.
The initial phase of the FastPass system involves a collaborative effort between seven crucial government agencies: the BOI, the Department of Industrial Works, the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), the Immigration Bureau, the Department of Employment, and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) office. Continued …
Thailand’s future: turning neutrality into opportunity
Thailand stands at a defining moment. The world around us is changing fast – in trade, technology and geopolitics. Yet amid this flux, Thailand’s enduring strengths remain clear: a strategic location at the heart of Asia, strong logistics and industrial networks and a steady hand in diplomacy.
These qualities have long underpinned our success. Now, they can become the foundation for our next phase of growth — if we use them wisely. Continued …
Thailand approves $3.1 billion of data center investments
Thailand yesterday approved four data center projects worth $3.1 billion in investment, as well as new measures to kickstart projects that have already been approved, the Board of Investment said.
The investments include an 84-megawatt (MW) data center valued at 26.7 billion baht from Dubai’s DAMAC Digital and another hyperscale data center project with an IT load of 200 MW from a local investor valued at 54.9 billion baht. Continued …
White Temple in Chiang Rai to Double Entry Fee for Foreigners
The White Temple in Chiang Rai, officially known as Wat Rong Khun, will raise admission fees for foreign visitors from 100 baht to 200 baht starting Jan. 1. Temple officials said the increase will support maintenance, facility upgrades and preservation efforts at one of northern Thailand’s most visited cultural landmarks.
Thai nationals will continue to enjoy free entry, maintaining the government’s practice of encouraging citizens to engage with national heritage sites. Continued …
Baht swings don’t deter tourists, as food and hotels bite harder
While the Thai baht has fluctuated over the past decade, foreign tourists say the currency swings rarely impact their vacations. One long-time visitor recalls arriving in Thailand in 2015 when the exchange rate was about 30 baht to the USD. Today, it hovers around 32. Over the years, it has peaked at 38 and dropped as low as 29.
“I find it hard to believe that baht fluctuations significantly impact tourism,” the visitor said. “You’d have to be a broke backpacker staying in a hostel to worry about a few percentage points when planning a vacation, especially considering airfare from Europe or the States. Once you get here, everything is a bargain compared to home.” Continued …
Thai Border City Nakhon Phanom Becomes Spiritual Tourism Powerhouse
Once considered a quiet, transitional province on Thailand’s border, Nakhon Phanom has rapidly emerged as one of the country’s most significant destinations for “Mū Tourism” (spiritual travel and seeking blessings).
A surge in visitors, driven in part by a desire for spiritual solace following the pandemic, is generating a huge economic boom, leading to packed hotels, flourishing restaurants, and an explosion in local commerce. Continued …
Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 transforms Bangkok’s river into 45-night light spectacle
Attakorn Sirilatthayakorn, minister of tourism and sports, presided over the opening ceremony of “Vijit Chao Phraya 2025” on Sunday. The grand riverfront spectacle is organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with public- and private-sector partners, running nightly from 6 pm–10 pm between Nov. 9 and Dec. 23.
The 45-night festival features dazzling light, color, and sound shows at 15 iconic riverside locations, turning the Chao Phraya into a world-class stage under the theme “The Light of Siam: Mother of the Land.” The event pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, for her lifelong contributions to the nation and celebrates Bangkok as a global creative city. Continued …
Tuk-tuk tales: Thailand’s iconic three-wheeled legend
When you picture Thailand, chances are the bustling streets of Bangkok, the smell of street food, the magnificent temples, and of course, the tuk-tuk, that colorful, three-wheeled motorized rickshaw, come to mind.
But did you know that the tuk-tuk didn’t originally hail from Thailand? Its journey from Italy to the streets of Bangkok is as fascinating as the ride itself. The story begins in 1948, in post-war Italy, with the Piaggio Ape, a small, three-wheeled vehicle designed to help Italian shopkeepers transport goods in the aftermath of the war. Continued …
Explore Pak Khlong Talad: Bangkok’s Vibrant Flower Market
Nestled by the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the heart of Bangkok, Pak Khlong Talad stands as Thailand’s largest wholesale flower market and the fourth largest in the world.
Known for its vibrant blooms, fresh produce, and bustling atmosphere, it has become an essential destination for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re in search of the perfect bouquet, curious about the local culture, or simply looking for an Instagram-worthy shot, Pak Khlong Talad offers something for everyone. Continued …
The 5-Star Thai Noodle Recipe You Need to Save
Craving a fast, flavorful dinner with serious staying power? This version of drunken noodles (known in Thailand as pad kee mao, which translates to “drunkard’s stir-fry”) brings bold, spicy comfort to the table.
Originally crafted by Thai street vendors, pad kee mao is a beloved stir-fried noodle dish known for its balance of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors. Traditionally made with fresh rice noodles, chilies, Thai basil, and a mix of sauces, it’s the kind of meal that satisfies late-night cravings and morning-after hunger alike — hence the “drunken” name, not because it contains alcohol, but because it’s said to revive even the most bleary-eyed eaters. Continued …
ERC updates community solar plan, eyes power below 2.25 baht
Poolpat Leesombatpaiboon, secretary-general of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), provided an update on the progress of the 1,500-megawatt community solar farm project under the Energy Ministry’s “Quick Big Win” policy.
He said the project is currently in the stage of technical, pricing, and community consultations, pending the ministry’s final decision on how to proceed, including assessments of advantages, disadvantages, and feasibility. Continued …
Energy minister pushes ahead with hydrogen and nuclear strategy
Thailand Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon says he will pursue long-term clean energy projects, including hydrogen and nuclear development, despite the limited time under the current government’s term.
Auttapol said he aims to lay the groundwork for initiatives that may not be completed before the administration steps down. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has pledged to dissolve Parliament early next year, leaving only four months for immediate policy rollouts. Continued …
- German Fugitive Arrested on Koh Phangan After Reckless Driving – Continued …
- Chinese man arrested for fatally stabbing friend in Bangkok condo – Continued …
5 More Bodies Recovered After Migrant Boat Sinks off Malaysia
Malaysian rescuers searching for dozens of people still missing after a boat carrying migrants from Myanmar capsized last week recovered five more bodies yesterday, bringing the death toll to 12. An estimated 70 people were on board the capsized boat. Of those, 13 have been rescued over the past two days, with dozens still missing. Continued …
Typhoon Fung-wong Leaves Damage in the Philippines, 1.4 million Displaced
Typhoon Fung-wong blew out of the northwestern Philippines yesterday after setting off floods and landslides, knocking out power to entire provinces, killing at least eight people, and displacing more than 1.4 million others. Continued …
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