- Returning sponsor: Anantasila Beach Restaurant Hua Hin/Frenchman arrested in Cha Am/Hua Hin Table Tennis Championship/Hua Hin land titles explained/Foreign buyers hit pause on villas/Thailand Driving Out Foreigners/Police Seize Land in Nominee Crackdown /Tighten Foreign Condo Ownership Rules/Bid-Rigging Claims at Suvarnabhumi/Tunnel Collapse Kills Two/Wild Elephant Kills Mushroom Forager/Can a person outrun an elephant?/Medical cannabis enforcement
- THE IRAN WAR: US and Iran conclude high-level talks/Still a long way to go
- ECONOMY: Deficit and baht risks/Foreign investment tops 154-billion-baht/FastPass Expansion Targets Investment/Can Land Bridge Challenge Malacca?/Exports face slower growth/Pressure on Thai exporters/Export window for Thai pet food/Bangkok Faces Japan-Style Housing Crisis/$800-million wellness hub in Bangkok/Italy wants Thai workers/Defend farmland from data centers
- TOURISM: International departure fee rises/Green season tourism shift/Phuket may triple hotel tax/Phuket hotel demolitions/Pattaya operators turn pushy/Culture means more than tourism/War in Middle East pushing tourists to Asia
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Horrifying methods to make elephants rideable /Ordering Som Tum Like a Thai Local/Southern springboard to growth/The Great Hornbill
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Accelerate energy transition/Shift away from fossil fuels/Mekong wildlife trafficking
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Please welcome returning sponsor
Anantasila Beach Restaurant Hua Hin
The Anantasila Beach Restaurant Hua Hin beach bar and restaurant veranda give access to beautiful, unobstructed views of the sea and Khao Takiab shoreline. The restaurant’s tree-canopied outdoor dining area offers a casual, yet sophisticated dining experience.
The restaurant offers a taste of local specialties, but also a wide choice of European dishes. Diners hoping for something a little more personalized can enjoy a fresh custom-made pizza. Wine drinkers are invited to visit the wine pantry, which stocks a handpicked selection of Old World and New World wines. For those looking to enjoy a refreshing seaside cocktail or an evening aperitif, the bar serves a menu of classic and signature drinks.
The restaurant is open seven days a week from 7.00-23.00 hrs. and welcomes all residents and non-residents. For reservation, Tel : +66 32 527 638; Email : fb@anantasila.com
Frenchman arrested in Cha Am over alleged 8-billion-baht Ponzi scheme
Thai immigration police have arrested a 33-year-old French man in Cha Am, who is alleged to be a key figure in a transnational pyramid investment scam causing damages of more than 200 million Euros. The suspect, identified by authorities only as Mr. Dogan, was found hiding in a villa and is wanted by authorities in France, Turkey, and by Interpol.
On Saturday, investigators received intelligence that the suspect was hiding in a luxury villa in the Cha Am area. Officers moved in to inspect the property, requested to check his passport, and confirmed his identity against international arrest records. He was subsequently detained on site. Continued …
Hua Hin Table Tennis Championship held at Bluport
The first Hua Hin Table Tennis Championship was held at Bluport Hua Hin over the weekend, with Jetphat Phetsanthad and Wiranchana Srichak winning the men’s and women’s singles titles. The tournament was organized by the Lions Club of Raspakdi Hua Hin, in cooperation with the Fantastic Hua Hin Table Tennis Club.
The final day featured the general singles categories, with 46 players competing in the men’s singles and 13 in the women’s singles. Players first competed in the group stage before progressing to the knockout rounds. Continued …
Hua Hin land titles explained for foreign buyers
Hua Hin land titles and property ownership can be confusing, especially for foreign buyers trying to understand leases, title deeds, and what is legally safe. Many people have seen the recent crackdowns on nominee company ownership (see below), with more than 46,900 companies reportedly under investigation across Thailand.
Fortunately, for most buyers in the Hua Hin region, this has not been as common as in some other parts of the country. The problem is that some buyers were previously advised to set up nominee company structures and told: “Don’t worry, it will be fine.” In many cases, these advisers were not lawyers. They were often accountants creating an annual income stream. Continued …
Foreign buyers hit pause on villas as nominee loophole closes
Thailand’s crackdown on a loophole that effectively bypasses its restrictions on land ownership by foreigners is causing prospective buyers to delay purchase decisions on luxury villas in resort destinations such as Phuket and Koh Samui, according to agents.
Bangkok has stepped up its scrutiny of business and property ownership in the country, with the Department of Business Development (DBD) flagging 11,426 companies on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui where foreigners hold stakes, accounting for nearly 68% of all registered firms on the two islands, which are districts in the southern Thai province of Surat Thani. Continued …
Thailand Driving Out Foreigners It Once Courted
Thailand is pursuing two major policy directions that appear to conflict with one another: opening its economy to foreign business while intensifying enforcement against foreign-linked property ownership structures.
The contrast has become increasingly visible following reforms to the Foreign Business Act. In April 2025, the Cabinet approved the most significant overhaul of the law in 25 years. In January 2026, it confirmed plans to remove 10 business categories, including software development, from restricted lists, allowing foreign companies to operate without local partners or special licenses. The reforms form part of the Thailand 4.0 strategy aimed at improving competitiveness and attracting investment. Continued …
Police Seize Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga Land in Nominee Crackdown
Thai police have seized 49 rai of land worth more than B1.05 billion in Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga as part of the latest operation targeting alleged foreign nominee business networks. The coordinated raids on Saturday involved more than 500 officers and resulted from 59 arrest warrants, 60 search warrants, and investigations into 89 land plots linked to suspected illegal ownership structures.
Authorities said the investigation focused on companies suspected of using Thai nationals as nominees to hold shares on behalf of foreign investors, allowing them to control land and businesses in violation of Thai law. Across Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi, investigators identified 29 companies allegedly operating as nominees and 48 companies holding land while having foreign shareholders in the majority. Continued …
Government Urged to Tighten Foreign Condo Ownership Rules
Thailand is facing renewed calls to tighten regulations governing foreign condominium ownership as the government considers raising the foreign ownership quota in condominium projects to attract overseas investment and support a property market still struggling with a slowdown.
The proposal is viewed as a way to improve liquidity in the real estate sector and help developers clear unsold inventory. However, concerns have emerged over housing affordability for Thai citizens, property speculation, and the long-term impact of increased foreign ownership. Continued …
DSI Probes AOT Bid-Rigging Claims at Suvarnabhumi
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has ordered a preliminary investigation into allegations of bid rigging linked to projects at Airports of Thailand (AOT) worth 74.9 million baht. The inquiry follows a complaint submitted by a lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd, who alleged that a former deputy prime minister and a major news organization were involved in coordinating work for individuals and companies under scrutiny.
Sittra, secretary-general of the People’s Lawyer Team Foundation, submitted evidence to the DSI on June 16. He asked the agency to investigate whether offenses related to bid rigging had occurred and requested that his tip-off letter be treated as a formal criminal complaint if evidence of wrongdoing is found. Continued …
Tunnel Collapse Kills Two at Chiang Rai Rail Project
Two workers were killed and two others injured after a section of wall collapsed inside the Doi Luang railway tunnel on the Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong railway project in Doi Luang district, Chiang Rai, on Saturday. The collapse occurred in an area of the tunnel that had not yet been lined with concrete, with debris falling onto workers inside the construction site.
The Doi Luang tunnel is 3.4 kilometers long and was successfully bored through last year. Construction is currently focused on installing a permanent concrete lining to protect the tunnel walls, with more than three-quarters of the work already completed. The collapse occurred in an exposed section that was awaiting protective treatment as part of the normal construction process. Continued …
Wild Elephant Kills Mushroom Forager in Buriram Forest
A 58-year-old man was found dead in Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary in Buriram province after apparently being attacked by a wild elephant while foraging for mushrooms in the forest. The victim was discovered on Saturday in a remote forest area near Nong Bon village in Lam Nang Rong subdistrict, Non Din Daeng district.
Officers and rescue workers found the victim lying face down on a mound of earth. The body had significantly decomposed. Investigators also found extensive elephant footprints around the scene, with the surrounding ground appearing heavily trampled. Continued …
Can a person outrun an elephant?
Elephants can certainly shift. African elephants can reach top speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour, albeit over short distances only. This is more than twice as fast as the average human runner, so it seems like an open and shut case.
Elephants win. Humans lose. Only not so fast. Unleash your inner pedant, and let’s think, for a moment, about what running actually is. Continued …
Thailand steps up medical cannabis enforcement with more than 1,200 inspections nationwide
Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) says it has intensified oversight of medical cannabis businesses nationwide, carrying out more than 1,200 inspections in recent weeks as authorities seek to ensure cannabis is used strictly for medical purposes.
According to figures released by DTAM and cited by government and health-sector media outlets, authorities inspected more than 1,247 cannabis establishments across the country, resulting in enforcement actions including arrests, license suspensions, and the seizure of suspicious items. Continued …
US and Iran conclude high-level talks in Switzerland
The first round of talks between high-ranking US and Iranian officials in Switzerland ended today, mediators said, after a tense opening marked by Tehran’s announcement it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz and US President Donald Trump repeating his threats to resume attacks on Iran.
A joint statement from mediating nations Qatar and Pakistan said the United States and Iran agreed to a roadmap toward a final deal within 60 days. Technical talks will continue for the rest of the week in the Qatari-owned Swiss mountain resort of Buergenstock, according to the statement, which was released by the Qatari Foreign Ministry. Continued …
Still a long way to go
During the past week, global attention focused on the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, bringing months of protracted conflict to a halt.
While crude oil prices fell sharply in response to signs of progress toward peace, most businesses remain cautious, preferring to reassess the outlook once tangible results emerge and all trade restrictions have been fully removed. Continued …
Thailand faces deficit and baht risks
Thailand is entering the second half of 2026 with a mixed economic signal: S&P Global Ratings has maintained the country’s sovereign rating at BBB+ with a stable outlook, but economists warn that pressure from oil prices, rising imports, fiscal deficits, and global uncertainty could keep the current account and the baht under strain.
The concern has sharpened even after the United States and Iran signed a ceasefire agreement last week. Markets remain focused on the 60-day negotiation period, during which both sides must seek a final settlement, as well as the possible commercial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Continued …
Foreign investment in Thailand tops 154-billion-baht in first five months, up 73%
Foreign investment in Thailand exceeded 153.56 billion baht in the first five months of 2026, surging 73% from the same period last year.
Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Department of Business Development under the Commerce Ministry, in his capacity as secretary of the Foreign Business Committee, said foreign investment during the first five months of 2026 saw 528 foreign investors approved to operate businesses in Thailand under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999). Continued …
FastPass Expansion Targets B223 billion in Investment
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is set to launch the Thailand FastPass program at Government House tomorrow, aiming to accelerate major investment projects by removing regulatory barriers and streamlining approvals.
The initiative currently covers 25 projects with a combined investment value of 223.216 billion baht, reflecting the government’s efforts to convert approved investments into real economic activity. Continued …
Can Thailand’s Land Bridge Challenge Malacca and Redefine Asian Trade Routes?
For decades, Thailand has occupied a strategic location between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, yet much of the economic value generated by regional maritime trade has flowed through neighboring shipping hubs such as Singapore. The proposed land bridge project seeks to change that equation.
The government’s plan involves building deep-sea ports on both coasts of the southern peninsula, Ranong on the Andaman Sea and Chumphon on the Gulf of Thailand, and connecting them through rail and road infrastructure. The goal is to create an alternative logistics corridor that allows cargo to move across Thailand instead of passing entirely through the Strait of Malacca. Continued …
National shippers warn Thai exports face slower growth as risks mount
Thailand’s exporters are heading into a more uncertain second half of 2026, with growth expected to slow as global trade risks pile up across energy, logistics, and major export markets.
The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) expects exports to expand by around 2%-4% year on year in the second half of the year, while full-year growth could still reach 3%-5% if global trade avoids any major new disruption. Continued …
Vietnam FTA push raises pressure on Thai exporters in Gulf markets
Vietnam is moving aggressively to expand its global trade reach through a new generation of free trade agreements (FTAs) targeting the Middle East and South Asia, a strategy that could increase competitive pressure on Thai exporters in markets where both countries sell similar goods.
Thailand’s Office of Commercial Affairs in Ho Chi Minh City, under the Ministry of Commerce, has urged Thai businesses to closely monitor developments in Vietnam’s trade policy and new regulatory requirements under its latest FTAs. Continued …
China’s pet-friendly boom opens new export window for Thai pet food makers
China’s growing pet-friendly culture is creating a new export opening for Thailand, as demand for premium and health-focused pet food rises among Chinese consumers who increasingly treat pets as family members.
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), through the Thai Trade Center in Shanghai, reported that China is seeing notable changes in its social structure and consumer behavior, with pets no longer viewed merely as household animals but increasingly regarded as part of the family. Continued …
Bangkok Area Faces Japan-Style Housing Crisis as Unsold Stock Tops 213,000 Units
A toxic mix of record household debt, strict lending criteria, and a severe demographic slowdown leaves Bangkok’s property market heavily oversupplied. The accumulated inventory of unsold residential properties in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces is projected to surge to an unprecedented 213,000 units by the end of 2026, triggering warnings that Thailand is on the brink of a chronic, Japan-style vacant housing crisis.
Industry analysts attribute the looming property glut to a severe contraction in consumer purchasing power. This downturn has been exacerbated by historically high levels of household debt, sluggish economic growth, and significantly tightened lending criteria imposed by commercial banks. Continued …
Largest Thai hospital group plans $800-million wellness hub in Bangkok
Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) has announced plans for WellEra, a wellness-integrated development in the city’s Lumphini district that will redefine the relationship between healthcare, residential living, hospitality, and lifestyle.
Scheduled for completion in 2030, the project represents one of Thailand’s most ambitious investments in the growing global wellness economy and reflects the country’s wider aspirations to become an international wellness hub. Continued …
Italy wants up to 30,000 Thai workers a year
Italy has offered to employ 20,000-30,000 Thai workers a year to remedy labor shortages in three sectors, deputy government spokeswoman Patdarat Thongsaluaykorn said yesterday.
She said Labor Minister Julapun Amornvivat was advised of the offer by the Italian ambassador. Italy was interested in employing 20,000-30,000 Thai workers a year in the farming, health, and service sectors. Continued …
State promises to defend farmland from data centers
The government has reiterated that investments in data centers must not adversely affect local communities or the agricultural sector. According to government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek, the data center investment boom reflects the country’s potential to become a regional digital infrastructure hub, supporting the growth of cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce, fintech, and other digital services.
The government, however, is monitoring site readiness and the potential impacts on local communities, particularly regarding water resources, energy consumption, and environmental concerns. Continued …
International departure fee rises at six Thai airports
Thailand has raised the passenger service charge for international departures at six major airports to 1,120 baht per person from Saturday. The increase applies to outbound international passengers and raises the charge by 390 baht, from the previous rate of 730 baht.
The six airports covered by the new rate are Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai. The passenger service charge is already included in the price of air tickets, meaning travelers do not need to pay it separately at the airport. Continued …
Green season tourism shift focuses on wellness and nature experiences
Thailand is redefining its annual green season, promoting the rainy months as a prime opportunity for wellness, nature-based experiences, and meaningful travel. Through its “Healing is the New Luxury” campaign, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is encouraging travelers to view the season not as an off-peak period, but as a time for restoration, reflection, and deeper connections with nature and local communities.
The green season transforms much of Thailand into a landscape of lush rice fields, mist-covered mountains, and thriving forests. While the period has traditionally been considered part of the low season, this period is an ideal time to visit, thanks to fewer crowds, attractive travel offers, and some of the country’s most dramatic natural scenery. Continued …
Phuket considers tripling hotel tax rate
Authorities in Phuket are considering a proposal to raise the provincial tax on hotels from 1% to 3% of room rates to generate additional revenue for local development and tourism promotion.
The proposal was raised on Friday during a workshop on tourism management amid the global energy crisis. The law already allows provinces to collect local development taxes from hotels at rates of up to 3%, outgoing governor Nirat Pongsitthithavorn told the gathering. Continued …
Minister warns of Phuket hotel demolitions
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin has vowed to permanently reclaim Phuket’s beaches from illegal occupation, promising sweeping enforcement action from next month and warning that more demolitions of illegally built structures, including well-known hotels, are imminent. Continued …
Pattaya operators turn pushy as tourist numbers fall
Pattaya’s tourism businesses are fighting for every customer, as falling walk-in numbers push vendors to take a more direct approach with visitors. Along the resort city’s busiest streets, shop owners and staff are increasingly stepping out to call to passersby, and in some cases gently guiding them toward their shops, as competition for tourist spending intensifies.
The trend is most visible in high foot-traffic areas, where massage parlors, bars, and retail shops line the walkways. Vendors say visibility and direct engagement have become essential just to secure enough daily income. Continued …
Culture means more than tourism
The recent proposal to merge the Ministry of Culture with the Ministry of Tourism should be treated with great caution. This idea may appear to be just a bureaucratic restructuring. But the two ministries have distinct missions, functions and skill sets that should not be combined.
The Ministry of Culture protects cultural heritage and supports the arts. The Ministry of Tourism promotes and regulates tourism as a key driver of economic growth. Culture might attract tourists or generate revenue, but that is not why it is valuable. Continued …
How the war in the Middle East is pushing tourists to Asia
Catalina Agudelo “couldn’t wait” to escape the Melbourne winter and travel overseas. While she repeatedly checked the latest travel advice about the war in Iran, she was confident she picked the right destination.
“All those countries around Europe and the Middle East wouldn’t be a good place to go at the moment, I would be scared about going,” she said. “But since we are traveling to Thailand, it hasn’t changed our plans.” Continued …
The horrifying methods used to make elephants rideable
In the opening sequence of episode seven of The Life of Mammals, Sir David Attenborough rides an Asian elephant along an empty beach of white sand in Thailand. At a gesture from Attenborough, the elephant turns into the turquoise water and animal and rider go for a dip. It’s an experience that many tourists seek out when visiting countries where elephants are native.
Since that sequence aired, filmed in 2002, Attenborough has publicly condemned elephant riding and the use of these sensitive animals as entertainment for tourists. His 2017 documentary, Attenborough and the Giant Elephant revealed some of the suffering elephants undergo in captivity and the damage and distress riding, dancing, and performing tricks can cause the animals. Continued …
Master the Art of Ordering Som Tum Like a Thai Local
Som Tum is far more than a staple of Thai street gastronomy; it represents the culinary heartbeat of an entire nation. For anyone exploring the profound depths of Thai cuisine, this vibrant green papaya salad remains the definitive baseline of flavor symmetry.
To truly comprehend its brilliance, one must journey to Som Tum Khun Kan. This revered establishment secured the national championship title in 1999, and it continues to safeguard an unmatched gastronomic legacy. Continued …
Phangnga: Southern springboard to growth
Phangnga is transforming itself from a seasonal beach destination into a fast-growing premium tourism market, supported by strong visitor spending, niche attractions, and growing investor confidence.
“The structure of the green season market has shifted, with Thai travelers helping fill rooms alongside arrivals from Australia, Europe, Britain, and Italy,” said Uthit Limsakul, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phangnga office. Continued …
The Great Hornbill, one of the largest birds in Thailand
The Great Hornbill forages in the treetops, usually living in pairs. Outside the breeding season, they can sometimes gather in flocks of up to 150, roosting in trees in valleys. However, they occasionally descend to the ground to forage. Their loud call, “Kok Kok Kok, Kahang Kahang Kahang” or “Kawa Kawa Kawa,” is the origin of their name. Great Hornbills are found in moist evergreen forests, dry evergreen forests, or mixed deciduous forests. Video …
Thailand urged to accelerate energy transition as US-Iran sign MoU
Thailand needs to accelerate its transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) and expand the use of renewable energy to strengthen long-term energy security, according to Areeporn Asawinpongphan, a researcher at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
While the United States and Iran have signed a 60-day memorandum of understanding aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Areeporn warned that geopolitical risks remain unpredictable and could continue to threaten global energy markets. Continued …
Analyst urges shift away from fossil fuels
Thailand must accelerate its transition to renewable energy if it is to reduce dependence on imported oil and gas and avoid repeating the painful consequences of global conflicts, according to Praipol Koomsap, economist at Thammasat University and former assistant to ex-energy minister Narongchai Akrasanee.
Praipol said even if peace negotiations between the US and Iran succeed in stabilizing crude oil prices at around US$70-80 per barrel, refined oil prices are expected to remain high. Continued …
Laos exposes notorious Mekong wildlife trafficking
A series of high-profile seizures of endangered animals and wildlife products along the borders of Laos and Thailand has exposed a thriving black market that is harming countless species in the wild.
Lao authorities rescued animals and seized wildlife products in Luang Prabang and Champasak provinces last week, which signaled that traffickers are active in the region. The animals were being transported on an international passenger bus traveling between Pakse and Bangkok. Continued …
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Foreign Nationals Defecate Outside Phuket Shop – Continued …
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Chinese Capital Network Linked to Crypto Mining Probe – Continued …
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Drunk Foreigner Sparks Chaos in Pattaya Brawl, 10 Cops Needed – Continued …
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American DJ Arrested for Illegal Work in Chiang Mai – Continued …
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Australian man arrested after crashing into Phuket police checkpoint, injuring officer – 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
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.
The Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has reported the success of Thailand’s film incentive measures for foreign productions. Since 2017, a total of 100 foreign film productions from 12 countries and special administrative regions around the world have joined Thailand’s cash rebate scheme.
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.
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. 
Thailand remains one of the most attractive destinations in Asia for foreign investors, retirees, entrepreneurs, and long-term residents. In 2025 alone, Thailand welcomed more than 32.9 million foreign visitors, while tourism continued to contribute enormously to the national economy.
Thailand’s Consumer Council (TCC) and the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) are pushing for a major overhaul of Bangkok’s traffic-management system after a deadly train–bus collision exposed critical weaknesses at railway crossings.
Rescuers are racing against time to free seven people who have been trapped for nearly a week in a flooded cave in Laos. The seven were part of a group of villagers from the central province of Xaysomboun who had gone into the cave last Wednesday in search of gold and wildlife, but could not get out as rain and landslides blocked the cave’s entrance.
Sentient Animals Like Elephants Deserve More Respect
The economic relationship between Thailand and Vietnam, neighboring ASEAN countries, is shifting from trade partners to direct rivals on the global economic stage amid production relocation and changes in global supply chains.
Thailand is accelerating efforts to become a top 10 global food exporter, leveraging its agricultural richness, manufacturing strength, and innovation in food technology. As part of this ambition, THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2026 is being held this week in Bangkok. The event is expected to generate over 130 billion baht in trade value, attracting 90,000 visitors from 130 countries.
The US and Thailand are in talks on new long-term supply of US-produced liquefied natural gas, two sources said yesterday, negotiations that have accelerated since the US-Israeli-led war on Iran led to LNG production damage in key exporter Qatar.
The global influencer economy is experiencing explosive growth, evolving from simple online content into a complex commercial ecosystem. This sector now encompasses advertising, e-commerce, brand promotion, digital services, and consumer engagement.
Thailand welcomed 13,428,857 foreign tourists from Jan. 1 to May 24, down 2.8%, generating an estimated B653.986 billion in tourism spending, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. China remained the largest source market, followed by Malaysia, and India.
Thailand has long captured the imagination of travelers seeking more than just a holiday — it calls to those yearning for transformation. From the mist-draped mountains of the north to the turquoise-fringed islands of the south, the country offers a rare alchemy of natural splendor, centuries-old healing wisdom, and world-class hospitality.
Thailand’s rainy season has a reputation it doesn’t entirely deserve. Yes, it rains, sometimes heavily, but the idea that monsoon months mean washed-out days and ruined plans is largely a myth.
Thai food manufacturer and exporter Thai Choice says resilience, product innovation, and easier-to-cook authentic meals are helping transform Thai cuisine from a niche export into an everyday global food category.
Thailand’s household debt reached 86.7% of GDP at the end of 2025, among the highest ratios in Asia. The Bank of Thailand’s own data shows that debt for consumption is rising; debt based on income-generating assets such as property or housing loans is contracting. The data reflects bread-and-butter issues and the rising cost of living.
Local residents have raised concerns that a proposed coastal highway could damage mangrove forests and threaten oyster-farming livelihoods, despite government claims the project would boost tourism and the local economy.
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
The Hua Hin 100K Ultra Marathon 2026 has been officially launched, with organizers aiming to strengthen the town’s reputation as a sports tourism destination while inviting runners to sign up for the endurance event.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the Foreign Ministry would today submit to the Cabinet a proposal to cancel the 60-day visa-free measure, known as P.60, and revise the 30-day visa-free measure, known as P.30.
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp. (BCP) have raised retail fuel prices in Bangkok, effective today.
Thailand has yet to decide whether to buy the broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the asking price of at least 1.3 billion baht is far above the 600-million-baht framework previously used by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, while unfavorable match times in Thailand may reduce viewership, advertising revenue, and wider economic benefits.
The Thai Meteorological Department forecast heavy rain in parts of upper Thailand over the next 24 hours, covering the north, northeast, central region, Bangkok, and surrounding provinces, today.
Consumer confidence in April plunged into crisis territory, recording the sharpest monthly decline globally and across the Asia-Pacific region, as economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, rising living costs, and dissatisfaction with government efforts to address the economy eroded public sentiment, according to the Ipsos Global Consumer Confidence Index.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan has floated a plan to attract Middle Eastern oil producers to invest in a strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) in Thailand, positioning the country as a regional oil distribution hub while strengthening long-term energy security.
A high-level Thai delegation has robustly defended the kingdom’s trade practices during technical consultations with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), clarifying that Thai supply chains are completely free of forced labor.
The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has launched an influencer-led campaign alongside Thai celebrity couple “Cee” Siwat Chotchaicharin and “Amy” Amika Klinpratoom to showcase the economic and culinary value of the nation’s Geographical Indication (GI) products.
The April 2026 Hotel Business Operator Sentiment Index, jointly prepared by the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) and the Bank of Thailand (BOT), was based on a survey conducted from April 16 to 30, among respondents from 134 accommodation businesses.
Thai tourism operators are looking beyond the sluggish low season and expect healthy bookings, particularly from European tourists, when the high season returns in the third quarter.
Chiang Mai On A Budget: Thailand’s Cosy Mountain Escape
Thailand is emerging as Southeast Asia’s most NEV-ready market, with 58% of consumers considering hybrid or electric vehicles — significantly above the regional average of 42.8%. Key purchase motivators include lower fuel costs, charging availability, and longer driving range.
Transport Co. to adjust bus schedule and add stops on Don Mueang-Hua Hin route starting May 1
Russians seek escape from sanctions, draft on Thailand’s Phuket Island – Not everyone is happy
Opening a Bank Account with a DTV Visa
Australian says ‘wasn’t nice’ sitting with corpse on long-haul flight
Pattaya plans low-carbon future with solar power and clean energy
New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok
Beijing to share air pollution clean-up practices with Bangkok
Myanmar scam center survivors recall torture and coercion
Instant White Lotus Effect: Koh Samui interest surges after popular TV show
What a more sustainable tourism industry could look like
Another black panther sighting in Kaeng Krachan
Regional deal signed to combat PM2.5 pollution
Thailand Debates Costly Move to Relocate Capital from Bangkok
Tourist numbers expected to soar as summer season approaches
