- Thailand in 1946/Cha Am Music Festival/Mini-Balloon Festival/T&C Scholars Begin Hua Hin Camp/Songkla University unveils cancer treatment success/Boy dies after jellyfish stings/Thai deaths overseas/Lost wild elephant calf dies
- THE IRAN WAR: Tehran denies talks/Iranians voice distrust of US/’Last chance before decapitation’/Seafarer recounts Gulf ordeal
- ECONOMY: Thailand GDP claims questioned/Lost due to nominee problems/Extending co-payment scheme/Thailand Post unveils strategy/Second-Largest Pet Food Exporter
- TOURISM: Repeat visitors favor Hua Hin/Foreign tourist arrivals down 3.2%/Short breaks, marathons win over Thai travelers/Sniffer dogs at Suvarnabhumi/Songkhla gastronomy tourism campaign/Indonesia, Thailand launch new flight routes
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand’s Naga serpent/How History Made Thais Obsessed with Sugar
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
What Thailand (Siam) was like in 1946
This is a long video …
Cha Am Music Festival set for August 7–9
The Cha Am Music Festival will be held Aug. 7–9, offering three evenings of free live music, food and fireworks beside Cha Am beach. The festival will take place at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint, with admission free throughout the three-day event.
Phetchaburi province is organizing the festival in partnership with Cha Am municipality, Cha Am District, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Thai Hotels Association Western Chapter, and public and private sector organizations. – HHT
Mini-Balloon Festival returns to Pak Nam Pran
The MiniBalloon Festival Pranburi will return to the Pak Nam Pran beachfront Aug. 7-9, alongside the annual Sun-Dried Squid and Seafood Festival.
The free event will take place from 4 pm to 9 pm each day at Maharaj Field in Pak Nam Pran, with balloon displays, live music and local seafood. Continued …
T&C Scholars Begin Hua Hin Climate Empathy Camp
Scholarship students of the T&C Foundation are embarking on a journey to expand the scope of their empathy by directly facing the climate crisis and ecological environment issues on site.
The T&C Foundation announced that 25 scholarship students from the 28th Fellow and 8th Ami cohorts will participate in the ‘2026 T&C Global Summer Camp’ held in the Hua Hin area of Thailand from Aug. 2-8. This camp is an empathy exploration program planned for scholarship students to directly confirm the impact of climate change on the livelihood and safety of local communities and the lives of the next generation. Continued …
Songkhla University unveils therapy with 90% cancer treatment success rate
The Faculty of Medicine at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has unveiled progress in using locally developed CAR-T Cell therapy to treat blood cancers and autoimmune diseases, reporting that nearly 90% of patients have achieved complete remission.
The treatment uses a patient’s own immune cells, which are genetically modified to recognize and attack targeted cells. The university said treatment outcomes so far have shown nearly 90% of patients achieving complete remission. Continued …
Boy, 13, dies after jellyfish stings
A 13-year-old schoolboy has died after being stung by jellyfish while swimming at Ban Fai Tha beach in Sichon district, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Three people who went to help him were also injured by the stings but are now safe and recovering.
Nantaphat, known as New, was a student at Sichon Kunatharn Witthaya School. The fatal incident happened Saturday evening. The boy had traveled to the area to take part in a charity football competition raising money for the local community. Afterward, he entered the sea with friends, around 10 meters from the shore. Continued …
Thai deaths overseas hit five-year high
Thai embassies and consulates handled reports of 1,320 deaths involving Thai nationals overseas in 2024, based on latest available full year data, the highest figure in five years of data from the Consular Affairs Department.
Annual totals generally range from 1,100 to 1,300, with deaths increasing after Covid-19 restrictions eased and overseas travel and employment resumed. The figures cover assistance cases recorded between 2020 and 2024, as well as notifications from local authorities where deaths occurred. Continued …
Lost wild elephant calf dies after suspected acute kidney failure
Jiew Sai Yok, a lost wild elephant calf being cared for at Sai Yok National Park, died peacefully at around 2am yesterday, leaving veterinarians and park officials deeply saddened.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) said the calf, which had been separated from its herd and cared for at Sai Yok National Park in Kanchanaburi province, had passed away. Veterinarians initially suspected acute kidney failure as the cause of death. Continued …
Oil falls sharply as Trump cancels Iran strikes, but Tehran denies talks
Global oil prices fell sharply after US President Donald Trump said he had cancelled planned attacks on Iran and claimed talks were under way, raising hopes that tensions in the Middle East could ease and the Strait of Hormuz may reopen more fully.
However, Iran denied that negotiations with the United States were taking place or scheduled, leaving markets to balance optimism over a possible diplomatic opening against continuing uncertainty over the five-month conflict. Continued …
Iranians voice distrust of US after previous deal ‘betrayals’
Iranians yesterday expressed deep distrust of the United States, saying any future agreement must guarantee Tehran’s rights after a history of what they described as broken promises by Washington. Video …
Trump says Iran facing ‘last chance before decapitation’
US President Donald Trump said yesterday that negotiations with Iran were ongoing despite Tehran’s denials and the Islamic Republic was facing a “last chance before decapitation.”
Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, said he agreed to continue to pursue talks with Iran at the request of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other countries. Continued …
Trapped by war, Bangladesh seafarer recounts Gulf ordeal
For 115 days, captain Mohammad Shafiqul Islam was stranded on the high seas of the Gulf, watching missiles light up the night sky and rationing food and water for his crew.
“I tried to stay calm because I was responsible for 31 lives, a ship worth $40 million, and cargo valued at US$8.2 million,” the 51-year-old Bangladeshi mariner told Agence France-Presse (AFP), back home after the ordeal. Continued …
Thailand GDP claims questioned as households cut spending
A Thai analysis published Sunday has challenged government claims of a strong GDP recovery, arguing that headline growth is failing to reach ordinary households and small businesses.
The analysis says the gap between positive official economic reports and daily financial pressures has become increasingly stark. It cites polls and public sentiment suggesting that nearly 90% of people feel financially vulnerable, with many cutting spending, including on food. Continued …
What Thailand has lost due to nominee problems
Government considers extending co-payment scheme
The government has not ruled out extending the Thais Help Thais Plus co-payment scheme following positive public feedback. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the government would consider any measure that benefits the public while taking into account economic conditions and fiscal constraints.
Under the co-payment scheme, the government subsidizes 60% of spending on food, beverages, goods and services, while consumers pay the remaining 40%. The subsidy is capped at 200 baht per person per day and 1,000 baht a month. The current program runs until Sept. 30. Continued …
Thailand Post unveils transformation strategy
Thailand Post is repositioning itself as a key driver of Thailand’s digital economy, unveiling a new corporate strategy dubbed “RelationSHIFT” as it seeks to transform from a traditional postal operator into a lifestyle logistics brand that connects people, businesses, communities and government services through its nationwide network.
The announcement coincided with the state-owned enterprise’s 144th anniversary, with executives highlighting the company’s role in supporting inclusive economic growth while reporting continued revenue growth in the first half of 2026, following total revenue of 22.1 billion baht in 2025. Continued …
Thailand Retains Rank as World’s Second-Largest Pet Food Exporter
Thailand has solidified its standing as the world’s second-largest exporter of pet food, trailing only Germany, as a global shift toward health-focused pet nutrition continues to drive robust overseas demand.
Data released by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) confirms the country’s pet food industry is maintaining strong momentum, recording an export value of $3.28 billion (107.47 billion baht) in 2025. Continued …
Thailand’s repeat visitors favor Hua Hin and Pattaya over Phuket
Thailand’s repeat visitors are showing stronger loyalty to Hua Hin and Pattaya than to Phuket, according to a new analysis by travel platform 12Go.
The company’s Destination Devotion Index (DDI) analyzed 3.6 million bookings from 1.46 million international travelers between 2023 and 2025. The index ranks destinations based on how often first-time visitors return within two years. Continued …
Thailand’s foreign tourist arrivals down 3.2%
Thailand’s foreign tourist arrivals dropped 3.2% year-on-year in the Jan. 1 to Aug. 1 period to 18.51 million visitors, the Tourism and Sports Ministry said yesterday.
Tourism, a key driver of Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, had a record of nearly 40 million visitors in 2019, before the pandemic. – Bangkok Post
Short breaks, marathons and hidden cities win over Thai travelers
Thai travelers are increasingly choosing short restorative breaks, marathon-related holidays and more in-depth visits to secondary cities as travel patterns shift in 2026.
Data from Agoda and Traveloka indicate that holidays are becoming easier to fit around work, study and personal schedules, while cost, wellbeing and local experiences are playing a greater role in destination choices. Continued …
Sniffer dogs permanently deployed at Suvarnabhumi airport
Sniffer dogs have been deployed on permanent basis at Suvarnabhumi international airport to help officials in drug trafficking interdiction operations.
The deployment of the K-9 units is a joint operation by the Customs Department, the Border Patrol Police, the Airports of Thailand Co. and other relevant security agencies. Continued …
Songkhla serves up new gastronomy tourism campaign
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thailand Gastronomy Network and HUG – Hatyai University Gastronomy Lab will launch a new campaign to position Songkhla as a gastronomy destination through an international livestream tomorrow.
The livestream, titled “World Kitchen of Spices: Thailand × Indonesia”, will bring together chefs, educators, tourism professionals, students and food enthusiasts from Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong and other markets. Participants can either cook along or join a watch-and-learn session. Continued …
Indonesia, Thailand launch new flight routes to boost tourism
Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the launch of new direct air routes connecting key cities in Indonesia and Thailand, highlighting expanded aviation connectivity as a vital driver for strengthening people-to-people ties and boosting regional tourism.
“In terms of connectivity, we welcome the opening of new direct flight routes from Jakarta to Bangkok and Denpasar to Phuket, which are expected to further strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries,” Prabowo said in a joint press statement with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta yesterday. Continued …
Some history behind Thailand’s Naga serpent
How History Made Thais Obsessed with Sugar
Thailand’s love affair with sugar began centuries ago in the Ayutthaya royal court. During the 17th century, Marie Guimar introduced Portuguese-inspired egg-and-sugar sweets, embedding heavy sugar consumption into traditional Thai desserts.
In 19th-century Siam, refined white sugar had become an expensive imported luxury reserved exclusively for royalty and elites, while commoners still relied solely on local palm sugar. As refined sugar gradually became more accessible, commoners began adding it to their everyday cooking to emulate royal palace cuisine, believing that sweetness represented sophisticated, high-class food rather than unrefined rural cooking. Continued …
North Korea advises citizens to eat dog meat to beat the summer heat
North Korea’s state media has recommended dog meat soup as protection against summer heat, reviving Pyongyang’s long-running effort to promote the controversial dish as record high temperatures grip both sides of the Korean peninsula. Continued …
South Korea’s heat wave kills 16
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged authorities to step up support for people affected by a record heat wave in the country, saying the death toll had risen to 16 and warning that extreme weather was becoming more frequent. Continued …
Myanmar’s Suu Kyi meets Red Cross: Son says first proof of life in years
Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross yesterday, her son Kim Aris said, who has not heard from her directly in years. Video …
After dark, Malaysia’s crocodile hunters go to work
Searchlights sweep across the rivers of Malaysia’s Sarawak state as licensed hunters track crocodiles in the dark. Their work is part of a broader effort to manage a tension between wildlife and the communities that rely on the water every day. 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
Immigration and police in Hua Hin have stepped up efforts to investigate suspected nominee business structures involving foreign nationals, as authorities intensify scrutiny of foreign-linked companies and land transactions.
Hua Hin has a new Taco Bell, which opened a new branch on Phetkasem Road, near the Hua Hin Clock Tower.
Thailand’s Civil Court will hold its first case-management hearing today in a consumer lawsuit against 17 digital platform, application and financial service providers over alleged losses linked to fraudulent investment advertisements and other online scams.
Appetite grows for Talay Noi swamp buffalo meat
Thailand will not face a crude oil shortage in August despite the ongoing war in the Middle East, as supply remains sufficient for all six domestic refineries, according to the Department of Energy Business (DOEB).
The Thai baht is trading near its weakest level in over 15 months against the US Dollar, as a confluence of external pressures continues to erode its value. The currency’s decline has been driven by a renewed spike in oil prices, compounded by a firmer USD and rising US Treasury yields.
Thailand’s personal income-tax base remains heavily concentrated among a relatively small number of earners, with only 5.14 million of 12.57 million people who filed returns for the 2024 tax year required to pay tax.
When Thailand’s Revenue Department released its latest personal income tax filing figures, the headline number was not the roughly 12 million people who submitted a return. It was the much smaller group behind it: an estimated 5 million filers, or around 40%of those who filed, who actually owed any tax at all.
Here he goes again. US President Donald Trump is increasing and decreasing tariffs willy-nilly, violating international agreements that he himself signed and almost surely violating federal law. The only difference this time is that he has a new pretext for abusing tariffs: stopping forced labor.
Trade deficit marks a sea change
Private consumption in Thailand increased by 1.1% month-on-month in June, accelerating from 0.6% in the previous month. It marked the second straight month of growth, driven mainly by stronger spending on non-durable goods amid higher consumer goods sales following government stimulus measures, as well as improved fuel consumption as retail fuel prices declined and sales returned closer to normal levels.
Inviting the fury of the Thai public on a matter that is admittedly done and dusted, I cannot help but feel compelled to at least voice my misgivings over the recent “noisy Italian students” incident, especially how it played out compared with another similar occurrence.
Bangkok’s Chao Phraya draws new hotels, attractions and megaprojects
Thailand launches 10 hiking schools for responsible forest tourism
Footage from a hotel in Krabi is leaving viewers unsettled after a couple reportedly discovered a large cobra lurking near their bed before sunrise.One of the guests initially treated the commotion as just being startled from a bad dream or some other misunderstanding. Only moments later did they realize why their partner had suddenly woken up and run from the room in a panic at about 5 am.
The History of Talad Noi
Thailand must accelerate its transition to advanced green manufacturing if it hopes to remain competitive in an increasingly sustainability-driven global economy, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).
Waste is often seen as the inevitable by-product of economic growth. In reality, it may become one of the most valuable resources economies possess.
Data center race faces power, water logjam
Hua Hin’s Most Atmospheric Night Markets? Tamarind & Cicada Walking Tour
Thailand’s government has ordered nationwide inspections of electric vehicle dealers and showrooms, tightening scrutiny of a market that has grown faster than the regulatory and after-sales infrastructure built to support it.
Oil prices jumped today, with Brent crude rising above US$90 a barrel, as intensified attacks between the United States and Iran deepened concern over energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
A total of 7,024 businesses ceased operations in the first half of this year, up 12.5% year-on-year, with total registered capital of 98.9 billion baht, an increase of 224%, according to the Department of Business Development (DBD).
Thailand expects more than B70 billion in investment from four leading Chinese electric vehicle and advanced-technology companies, following talks in Chengdu yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the commitments followed a Thailand investment roadshow led by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in the Chinese city.
Corrupt government officials are seen as the leading reason foreigners can illegally run businesses in Thailand, according to a nationwide NIDA Poll. Some 67.1% of respondents blamed corruption or misconduct among state officials for businesses directly operated by foreigners or run through Thai nominees.
Pet ownership creates a new economic opportunity
Thailand plans to halve visa-free entry from 60 to 30 days for citizens of 54 countries, including Switzerland, a move likely to affect those seasonal retirees who spend much of the European winter in the kingdom. The change has not yet appeared in the Royal Gazette. It will take effect 15 days after publication. Until then, Swiss visitors and other eligible nationals can still enter visa-free for 60 days.
Thailand advances B12-billion Koh Samui cruise terminal project
How to Ride MRT: Easy Thai Phrases for Asoke and Sukhumvit Transit
It’s no secret that Thailand is home to some of the world’s most stunning stays. Beyond breezy beachfront resorts, Thailand is also home to stunning art-filled hotels where art takes center stage — whether through paintings, sculptures, bold design, traditional Thai craftsmanship, or contemporary installations.
Russia battered Ukraine’s capital Kyiv overnight with one of its biggest ballistic missile barrages of the war, killing at least one person and wounding 16 others, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said yesterday. 
The past week saw tensions mount among Thais who are becoming increasingly alarmed about China’s growing influence and role in Thailand. Four issues have emerged that patriotic Thais should, at the very least, be concerned about and contemplate within the larger context of Sino-Thai relations.
Suvarnabhumi arrivals face 2-3 hour immigration queues
Gastronomy Tourism Tipped to Spread Wealth Beyond Bangkok
The Thai government is preparing to support Phuket singer-guitarist Nene Royal in the next stage of her America’s Got Talent journey and involve her in promoting the country’s tourism, international image and soft power.
Dubai carrier flydubai is pressing ahead with its expansion in Thailand, doubling its daily flights to Bangkok from tomorrow as travel demand between the UAE and Southeast Asia continues to climb despite recent geopolitical uncertainty.
Why Isan Cuisine Is Part of Thailand’s Wellness Food Conversation
Koh Samui named world’s best island
The Future of Krabi’s Quiet Luxury
Saphan Pla Night Market (fishing pier)
BOT Monitors Middle East Tension as Baht Drops 6% Year to Date
New Thai-Malaysian checkpoint a boon for tourism
Thailand buckles to India, restores visa-free scheme
What Americans Get Wrong About Life in Thailand
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. 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 
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.
The recent call by more than 1,200 doctors urging the government to halt the approval of new medical degree programs proposed by Rajabhat universities must prompt policymakers to examine a more fundamental question than whether Thailand needs more medical schools.
Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit has instructed Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) to develop an upgraded air traffic-management system to support the growth of the country’s regional airports and strengthen tourism links across Thailand’s lower northern provinces.
The Rise of Plai: How an Ancient Thai Root Became a Modern Pharmaceutical Heavyweight
Thailand must act quickly to stem its mounting current account deficit before it spirals into a current account crisis, says Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas. Ekniti said that while the government’s emergency borrowing decree would increase public debt, the loans are necessary to accelerate Thailand’s transition from fossil fuels to clean and renewable energy.
Thailand’s inflation rate is showing signs of moving past its sharpest point, as production costs and global oil pressure begin to ease, but households may still face a more lasting rise in daily living expenses.
Thailand must strengthen anti-corruption efforts, improve law enforcement and reform regulations to restore investor confidence and maintain its competitiveness, according to Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) Chairwoman Vibeke Lyssand Leirvag.
Thailand’s data center industry is seeking to recast concerns over resource strain as an economic opportunity, arguing that Thailand’s unused power capacity can be converted into investment, tax revenue and a new industrial growth engine if the government moves quickly and ensures more benefits stay in the country.
True Corp. is urging businesses to look beyond artificial intelligence as a standalone technology and instead combine AI with data-driven human insights to better understand increasingly complex consumer behavior and strengthen their competitiveness in the digital economy.
Bangkok is emerging as Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing hub for ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals, reinforcing Thailand’s appeal as a destination for global wealth despite persistent economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
Thailand’s landmark cannabis revolution is on the brink of collapse after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the architect of Asia’s first cannabis decriminalization policy, warned he is prepared to recriminalize the drug and shut down the industry following a wave of major international cannabis seizures linked to Thailand.
Seaplane takeoff grounded by regulations
Countries laser-focused on attracting the next wave of investment may soon find that tax breaks and affordable labor may not be enough to keep investors engaged. The new criteria for raising funds may very well be in the energy space, and more specifically, which country has clean, stable, and scalable energy, with credible governance to ensure that the landscape is ready for future industries.
After years in darkness, this Thai village is finally seeing the light
Government agencies and the private sector have taken a major step toward bringing international flights to Hua Hin Airport, with Thai AirAsia identifying four potential overseas routes. A Market Insights and Customer Insights Workshop was held on Friday, bringing together more than 60 tourism, hotel and hospitality operators from Hua Hin and Cha Am.
Hua Hin’s long-running push for international flights is now being tied to a wider plan to reposition the city as a year-round destination, rather than one reliant mainly on weekend visitors and domestic tourism.
Go bar hopping across some of the town’s best nightlife spots, including Hard Rock Cafe, the Hilton Rooftop Bar, Soi Bintabaht, Soi 94, Soi 80, Khao Takiab and more! From rooftop sunset drinks and live music to DJ bars and hidden local spots, this vlog captures the atmosphere of Hua Hin after dark. Also check out drink prices along the way to see what a night out in Hua Hin actually costs in 2026. 
Individual customers and businesses in Thailand are set to benefit from lower service fees charged by commercial banks and other financial institutions under a new regulation issued by the Bank of Thailand (BOT).
Thailand’s Egg Farmers’ Co-operative Network has announced a 20-satang increase in the farm-gate price of mixed-size eggs to 3.80 baht each, raising the cost of a 30-egg tray by six baht from today. The rate will remain in force until further notice.
Thailand’s real estate sector faces mounting pressure, as a prolonged property downturn, weak purchasing power, tight credit and higher energy costs continue to weigh on production, investment and employment.
Thailand is positioning itself as a resilient, neutral hub in a fracturing global economy, leveraging its geography and gold’s growing strategic value to navigate the deepening rivalry between the United States and China.
The European Union’s new €3 customs fee on low-value e-commerce parcels may deal a blow to Chinese online giants such as SHEIN, Temu and AliExpress, but for Thailand the bigger question is whether the measure will create a new export opportunity — or trigger a fresh influx of cheap Chinese goods into ASEAN.
Investment in data centers, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, remains economically viable and attractive, but it must be evaluated in the context of three fundamental constraints, says Gartner Inc., a business and technology insights company.
Koh Tao arrivals set to top 800,000
A Thai man was arrested at Suvarnabhumi International Airport Saturday after police received complaints from 150 travelers who alleged they had paid for a pilgrimage tour to Saudi Arabia that never departed, with reported losses exceeding 4 million baht.
Ranong touted as premier destination for eco-tourism and wellness
It looked like a string bean at first. Wrapped around a branch behind a clutch of parked motorcycles, the snake’s chartreuse skin was just a few swatches brighter than the tall foliage it was trying to blend into. Thai-American snake expert Christopher Shannon caught it in the beam of his flashlight, quickly identifying it as an Asian long-nosed vine snake. Its pointy snout and slit-like pupils gave it, in his words, “binocular vision.”
Householders with solar rooftops can now apply to sell their excess power to electricity authorities. People in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan can file application to the Metropolitan Electricity Authority via the 
The Thai government says it is accelerating the restructuring of the country’s energy sector to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, expand renewable energy and strengthen energy security, while making Thailand more attractive to investors. The announcement comes as global demand for clean electricity continues to grow and governments compete to secure investment linked to low-carbon energy.
From dishes to furniture, electronics, toys, and even clothing, it feels like everything these days is made of plastic. Most plastics take decades, or even centuries, to break down. This means that even when properly disposed of, plastic items do not just go away.
Is Hua Hin Actually Worth It?
Embark on a culinary journey through Hua Hin with this ultimate food guide featuring the 10 best restaurants in the area. From hidden gems to popular street food spots, explore the authentic and exotic flavors that make Hua Hin a foodie’s paradise. Taste test must-try dishes and sharid top food recommendations.
Thailand has been placed on alert for heavy rain, flash floods and rough seas as Tropical Storm Maysak intensifies monsoon conditions across the country, despite the storm not being expected to move directly into Thailand.
With memory prices surging and new gadgets becoming more expensive, the smartest smartphone buy in Thailand in 2026 may not be the newest flagship but last year’s premium model — still fast and polished and far less likely to make your credit card need a lie-down.
The government’s “Thais Help Thais Plus” co-payment scheme has helped to revive the economy and stimulate spending in the food and beverage sector, according to two online food delivery operators.
Households in the northeast are still struggling, and confidence in the economy remains weak, according to a new poll that gave the government’s economic performance low marks.
Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC), said yesterday that Thailand’s exports in May were worth US$34.333 billion, up 10.6% and expanding for a 23rd consecutive month.
Sky Kanyarat was playing pool in the early hours of the morning in one of Thailand’s most famous red light districts when a middle-aged foreigner with a heavy gait approached her. She had often seen him walking past the bar where she worked in Pattaya, a city about a two-hour drive from Bangkok. But this was the first time Kanyarat had seen him come in.
Thailand will introduce tougher airport security measures based on a zero trust approach after a Thai airline cabin crew member was detained in Australia over alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The government said the case should not be viewed as an isolated incident but as a catalyst to strengthen aviation security across the entire air travel system.
Thailand is moving to strengthen its role as a sportainment destination as interest in fitness travel grows alongside the longevity trend, which is reshaping exercise from a lifestyle choice into part of long-term health and travel planning.
Tourism operators in the south have urged the government to strengthen security measures after Malaysian tourists were injured in a roadside bomb attack in Tak Bai, although the incident has affected only a limited number of tour groups traveling to Hat Yai this weekend.
Kui Buri – Where the Wild still roams
Scientists and environmental groups warn the land bridge project could threaten fragile marine ecosystems and coastal communities in southern Thailand, while the government promises economic growth. 
Thailand is intensifying its efforts to combat global warming by steering investment toward green manufacturing. At the center of this strategy is the bio-, circular and green (BCG) economic model — a framework that aims to balance growth with sustainability.
Sustainability has moved beyond the language of annual reports. In Thailand, it is becoming something far more tangible: solar panels on factory roofs, biogas from production by-products, lighter packaging, smarter energy systems and industrial discipline that can be measured in tons of avoided carbon.
Thailand’s ambition to become a leading electric vehicle production hub in ASEAN has gained further momentum, with investment promotion approvals in the EV industry reaching 198 projects worth more than 137 billion baht as of May.
Minor Hotels has appointed Kanruethai Roongruang as general manager of Avani+ Hua Hin Resort. Originally from Phuket, Kanruethai brings more than 25 years of hospitality experience across Thailand and international markets, with expertise in resort operations, wellness, commercial strategy, business development, and luxury hospitality management.
A major new lifestyle destination is being planned in Hua Hin, with Thai property developer Supalai aiming to create a European-style village beside a lagoon in the Hin Lek Fai area.
Thailand’s Department of Business Development (DBD) is tightening enforcement against “nominee” businesses by requiring Thai shareholders in foreign co-investment firms to submit three months of financial evidence, including bank statements, to prove genuine investment capacity. The move is part of a broader crackdown on concealed foreign ownership structures and is already affecting thousands of companies across high-risk sectors.
OR and Bangchak have announced a reduction in retail fuel prices, cutting petrol and all types of gasohol by 80 satang per liter.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast today that Thailand would continue to see thundershowers over the next 24 hours, with isolated heavy rain in the east and along the south’s west coast.
The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and the Thai Frozen Foods Assn. began direct purchases of shrimp from farmers yesterday to mitigate the effects of Malaysia’s suspension of Thai shrimp imports.
Lisa’s Instagram Posts Reach 58-million-baht Value Worldwide
Oil prices retreated yesterday to their lowest levels since the start of the United States-Iran war, while tech shares continued to show weakness on a mixed day for global stocks.
The Thai baht is currently facing short-term pressure, with market strategists indicating it could test the 33.00–33.20 resistance band. This weakness is influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the Federal Reserve’s rate-hike expectations.
The Bank of Thailand yesterday left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1.00% as widely expected, saying it would continue to monitor inflation trends and expectations.
Thailand is dismantling long-standing barriers to foreign business while simultaneously implementing its most stringent crackdown on foreign property ownership in decades — a paradox that analysts caution is undermining the kingdom’s reputation as a dependable destination for long-term international investment.
Thailand is facing a rapidly escalating medical inflation crisis, raising concerns among insurers and regulators about its long-term implications for the healthcare and insurance sectors.
TikTok Shop flexes muscle in 3-way Thailand tussle
High-net-worth parents across Asia, the Middle East, and Russia are fundamentally rewriting the equation for elite schooling. Facing a volatile matrix of escalating geopolitical friction, erratic financial markets, and skyrocketing living costs in traditional Western markets, affluent families are increasingly asking whether a premium education requires sending children across the globe.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has organized the “Thailand Surf Therapy Real Experience and Trust Building Journey” in Phang-nga. This initiative precedes the concept’s official unveiling at Thailand Health Excellence 2026 on June 30.
Constant Energy, a leading renewable energy developer in Southeast Asia, has announced the successful inauguration of a 5.26 MW solar rooftop installation at the manufacturing facilities of Meyer Industries and Meyer Aluminium (Thailand) Co. in Laem Chabang, Thailand.
Once a lush field of green, the seagrass meadows surrounding Thailand’s Koh Libong are now largely barren stretches of sand, devastating the island’s iconic dugong population.
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela yesterday, collapsing buildings in the capital of Caracas and prompting scientists to warn of potentially heavy casualties and widespread destruction across the South American nation. 
Europe braced yesterday for another day of an unprecedented heatwave that has smashed records in many countries and sent air conditioner sales zooming in a continent unused to and ill-equipped to handle searing heat.