• Primary International School to move/Thai Jet Ski Championship/PKK Kite and Art Festival/Community dance event in Hua Hin/Man killed by wild elephant/El Niño danger rises/New Rail Lines in Bangkok/Pattaya weapons cache/Crackdown on beach extortion in Phuket
• THE IRAN WAR: Trump rejects Iran’s response/Who Pays the Bill for a Blocked Strait?/Oil jumps as US and Iran disagree/Thai housing sector latest victim
• ECONOMY: ‘Single-Dish’ Prices Surge/’Thai Helps Thai’/Land bridge faces uphill battle/Why land bridge project is going nowhere/Thai poultry exports face crisis/AIS, True report healthy profits
• TOURISM: Tourists Monitor Declining Thai Baht/Hoteliers ask government to help/Indian Tourist Dies After Four Collapse/3,000 cases in Surat Thani crackdown/Inspect Resorts on Koh Phangan/Thailand Bets on Revamp of Hot Springs
• THAILAND EXPERIENCE: How Thailand Revived the Tiger/Thailand’s Next Vacation Hotspot?/One of Thailand’s most beautiful island escapes
• CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand Fast-Tracks Green Energy/Thailand turns solar power to economic necessity/Solar financing push
• FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

BECC Primary International School to move to new campus on Soi 112

The BECC Primary International School has begun construction on a new purpose-built campus off Soi 112 in Hua Hin, with the school scheduled to open at the site in August 2027.

The school held a groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday, marking the official start of construction. The new campus will be located about eight minutes from BECC’s current site and is planned as an expanded 10-rai facility with 18 air-conditioned classrooms, a library, computer suite, Thai culture room, outdoor play areas, office facilities, and a dedicated car park. Continued … 

Thai Jet Ski Championship in Hua Hin May 28-31

The Thai Jet Ski Championship will return to Hua Hin May 28-31, with round two of the TOYOTA – WGP#1 Waterjet Pro Tour Thailand 2026 to be held at Suan Son Pradipat Beach.

The four-day event is part of Thailand’s main national jet ski championship, which is being staged across four rounds in different parts of the country. Hua Hin has been selected as the venue for the second round, following the opening round of the 2026 season, which took place in Nong Khai from in April. Continued … 

PKK Kite and Art Festival Set for May 15-16

The Kite and Art Festival Prachuap Khiri Khan will take place at Saran Withi Pier from May 15-16, bringing two evenings of kite displays, art and family-friendly activities to the seafront.

What to expect: Kite shows, LED kite shows, art, craft and handmade products, an exhibition on the history of Thai kites. The event will be held at Saran Withi Pier, one of Prachuap Khiri Khan’s most popular check-in spots. Continued … 

Community dance event planned at Hua Hin railway station

Preparations are underway for the Beat on Track Zumba event at Hua Hin Railway Station, with Hua Hin City Municipality planning a large outdoor exercise activity later this month. The event, officially titled “Beat on Track: Dance Fun on the Rails”, will take place on Saturday, May 23, at 5 pm.

The municipality said the event follows the growing popularity of aerobic dancing and other dance-based exercise activities across Thailand. The activity is intended to bring together exercise groups from across the city and encourage more people to take part in group fitness. Continued … 

Man killed by wild elephant near Pa La-U

A 56-year-old man was killed by a wild elephant near Pa La-U after entering the forest to collect vegetables and forest products. The man was an ethnic Karen Thai resident and the father of a Kaeng Krachan National Park official.

The Department of National Parks has been ordered to provide urgent assistance to the family and improve monitoring in areas used by local communities. Officials said the area is covered by permission under Section 65 of the National Parks Act B.E. 2562, which allows traditional communities to collect renewable seasonal natural resources in designated areas. Continued … 

Thailand may face dual water risks as El Niño danger rises

Thailand could face a “dual water crisis” in 2026 after the Thai Meteorological Department forecast that El Niño could occur during May to July, putting many areas at risk of water shortages and prompting the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) to accelerate nationwide response plans and monitor 20 branches at risk of shortages.

Climate experts have warned that Thailand is facing its most severe and difficult-to-predict climate variability in several years, creating the possibility of heavy rain, flooding, and runoff at the same time. Continued … 

MRTA Pushes Four New Rail Lines in Bangkok

Thailand’s Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) is pushing ahead with four new rail projects in Bangkok, while accelerating tram developments in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima, with all three provincial tram systems targeted to open by 2032.

MRTA Gov. Kajpajorn Udomthamphakdee said the agency remains committed to the 22.1-kilometer Brown Line between Khae Rai and Lam Sali (Bueng Kum). The project is currently undergoing construction redesigns at two locations, including an overlap with an Expressway Authority of Thailand project near Hua Mum Market and adjustments around Kaset intersection. Continued … 

Police expand probe into Pattaya weapons cache

Police are expanding an investigation into a suspected illegal arms network linked to a Chinese national arrested in Pattaya, with three suspects – including a navy officer – now in custody for questioning.

Police are also expected to summon two additional suspects: an active-duty military officer and a former serviceman. Investigators believe both men were involved in procuring and selling assault rifles found at the Pattaya residence of Chinese suspect Sun Mingchen. Continued … 

Anutin orders crackdown on beach extortion in Phuket

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul paid an unannounced visit to Phuket yesterday to meet local officials over vendors encroaching on public beaches by paying protection money to influential figures.

The prime minister and his delegation first visited Bang Tao Beach, where many vendors complained of being threatened by “heavies” demanding protection fees or else facing forced eviction. Continued … 

Trump rejects Iran’s response to US peace proposal

President Donald Trump yesterday rejected Iran’s response to a U.S. proposal for peace talks to end the war, as two ships were allowed to pass through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. Video … 

From Epic Fury to Project Freedom: Who Pays the Bill for a Blocked Strait?

Operation Epic Fury and Project Freedom may sound like chapters in a military campaign. For the global economy, they have become shorthand for a simpler question: what happens when the world’s most important energy chokepoint ceases to function normally?

The Strait of Hormuz is not merely a waterway. It is an economic artery. The International Energy Agency reports that an average of 20 million barrels per day of crude oil and oil products moved through it in 2025 — equivalent to roughly 25% of global seaborne oil trade, with 80% destined for Asia. Continued … 

Oil jumps as US and Iran disagree on peace proposal

Oil prices jumped $3 a barrel today as the United States and Iran failed to agree to a peace proposal drafted by Washington, while the Strait of Hormuz remained largely closed, keeping global energy supplies tight.

Brent crude futures climbed $3.18 ‌or 3.14% to $104.47 a barrel, extending a 1.23% gain on Friday. US West Texas Intermediate was at $98.51 a barrel, up $3.09, or 3.24%, after settling 0.64% ⁠higher in the previous session. Continued … 

Thai housing sector latest victim of war

Given the sagging economy and conflict in the Middle East, the residential market is expected to contract for a fourth consecutive year in 2026, weighed down by persistent high household debt, rising living costs, and tight lending, according to Siam Commercial Bank Economic Intelligence Center (EIC).

Total nationwide housing transfers in 2026 are forecast to decline by 5% year-on-year to 824 billion baht. In a prolonged conflict scenario, the contraction could deepen to 10%-15%, reflecting fragile purchasing power and heightened uncertainty. Continued … 

Thais Feel the Pinch as ‘Single-Dish’ Prices Surge Amid Fuel Price Crisis

Thai consumers are facing a sharp increase in the cost of living as popular “single-dish” meals — the backbone of the nation’s daily diet — see significant price hikes driven by a perfect storm of soaring fuel costs and extreme weather.

According to the latest data from the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), headline inflation in April surged to 2.89%, a dramatic leap from the 0.08% recorded in March. This represents the highest inflationary level in three years and two months, fueled primarily by a 30% spike in energy prices linked to ongoing instability in the Middle East. Continued … 

‘Thai Helps Thai’ gets good reception

The government says the second round of its “Thai Helps Thai: Reducing Expenses and Cost of Living” campaign has attracted strong public participation, with more than 200,000 people joining the program and over 27 million baht circulating in local economies.

A total of 217,619 people took part in the event, which featured 9,721 participating shops, including modern retail and wholesale outlets, OTOP stores, and community-based SMEs. More than 153,856 essential consumer products were offered at discounted prices. Continued … 

Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students

Vilhelm International Academy launched in March 2026 and has is campus at “The Hub” in Hin Lek Fai, less than 10 minutes from the center of town. They provide mentor-led academic supervision for students studying through accredited online school programs, whether independently enrolled or through integrated programs offered at Vilhelm. This means that students follow a fixed timetable, complete coursework under supervision, and receive ongoing progress monitoring.  They can do this whist studying for their GCSE’s, A-Levels, NCAA approved US courses, or any other online school they choose to use.

Unlike more traditional options, at the academy children can learn at their own pace, not being forced forward before they are ready and also not being held back by the rest of the class. When they are ready to move on they do so. By coming to the academy each day, they are able to complement their studies with activities that develop leadership skills, community service (such as the recent helmet initiative), complemented by daily sports and physical activity to support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

You can visit the website for more details, or you can book an appointment to meet with the academy co-ordinator to discuss what you are looking for and explain what they can offer. There is a completely free five-day trial period that can be taken advantage of by anyone interested in seeing if the academy is the right fit for them.

Website; Email: info@vilhelminternationalacademy.com; Phone: +66 065 991 5500; Facebook; Map location.

Land bridge faces uphill battle

The land bridge project was initially promoted under the Pheu Thai government led by former prime minister Srettha Thavisin as both a bold geopolitical vision and a new national economic strategy aimed at helping Thailand escape the middle-income trap.

The project was presented as a transformative shortcut linking the Indian and Pacific oceans, one that could reduce dependence on the Strait of Malacca, reposition Thailand at the center of global trade routes, and potentially reshape economic geography for decades to come. Continued … 

Why Thailand’s land bridge project is going nowhere

Thai economists are expressing concern that the government’s much-touted-but-stalled land bridge project will neither be a success nor boost the economy as they hope. Some suggest that the Thai government should first revive existing economic projects left unfinished.

The land bridge project is Thailand’s proposed mega-infrastructure project, which will connect Chumphon province, on the Gulf coast, with Ranong province on the Andaman coast, with a road and rail system for the transport of goods between the two ports. Continued … 

Thai poultry exports face crisis over China ban and conflicts

Kukrit Areepakorn, manager of the Thai Broiler Processing Exporters Assn., revealed that the export situation and prices of chicken are currently declining due to two main reasons: China suspending exports from 17 processing plants, and the Middle East war.

For China, Thailand previously exported from 22 processing plants, but currently can export from only five. This is because China has increased the strictness of its production standards and hygiene inspections for export plants. Continued … 

AIS, True report healthy profits based on 5G growth

Advanced Info Service (AIS) and True Corp. posted strong net profits in the first quarter this year. AIS reported total revenue of 58.2 billion baht, up 3.4% year-on-year, in the first quarter, with net profit of 13.5 billion baht, a gain of 28%.

True Corp. posted a fifth consecutive quarter of profitability, with net profit after tax of 6.6 billion baht, a gain of 303% year-on-year. The profit was driven by sustained subscriber momentum, improving customer experience following network modernization, and disciplined cost management. Continued … 

Thailand Tourists Monitor Declining Thai Baht Against US Dollar

Foreign tourists in Thailand are actively observing the Thai baht’s depreciation against the US dollar, a trend that directly impacts their vacation budgets. The currency opened at 31.77 per dollar, a slight weakening from 31.60, and analysts foresee continued fluctuation within the range of 31.55 to 31.95 as global economic conditions evolve.

This shift significantly benefits international visitors, enhancing their purchasing power for essential travel expenditures such as accommodation, dining, and entertainment. The current economic climate, marked by global uncertainties, makes this currency movement a key consideration for tourists planning their trips. Continued …

Hoteliers and leading foreign tourism entrepreneurs ask government to help

Thailand’s tourism industry is coming under severe pressure as foreign arrivals fall, visitor spending weakens, and operating costs surge across key destinations. In Pattaya, hotel occupancy has collapsed to as low as 30%, while bookings on Bangkok’s Khao San Road remain more than 20% below last year following Songkran.

Meanwhile, tourism operators say travelers are spending far less after arrival, as businesses battle rising fuel, food, and packaging costs linked to global instability and soaring energy prices. Industry leaders are now demanding urgent government intervention, including airfare subsidies, major event support, and free broadcasts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid growing fears Thailand’s tourism slowdown could sharply worsen during the rainy season and the second half of the year. Continued … 

Indian Tourist Dies After Four Collapse at Phuket Cafe

One Indian tourist has died and three others were hospitalized after four men suddenly lost consciousness at a cafe near Kamala Beach in Phuket during the early hours Saturday. Emergency responders from Kamala transported three unconscious men to Patong Hospital and one to Thalang Hospital after they collapsed.

According to the cafe’s head security guard, the group arrived at the venue at about 11 pm on Friday. At around 2 am, four members of the group reportedly began losing consciousness one after another for unknown reasons. Continued … 

3,000 cases so far in Surat Thani foreign crime crackdown

Surat Thani authorities say they are continuing a sustained crackdown on illegal foreign activity on the province’s tourist islands, with nearly 3,000 cases involving foreign nationals recorded in the past seven months. The renewed focus follows growing public concern over the presence of Israeli communities on Koh Phangan and allegations of illegal business operations, land ownership through nominees, and unlicensed activities.

Surat Thani officials have been addressing the issue continuously since October. A special task force was established under former governor Theerut Supawibulpol to investigate and suppress illegal business activities and operations involving foreign nationals, with particular attention given to Israeli groups. Continued … 

Officials Inspect Resorts on Koh Phangan

Thai authorities have raided four resorts in Koh Phangan’s Sri Thanu area as part of a crackdown on illegal hotel operations and suspected foreign nominee business arrangements linked to Israeli groups staying on the island.

Officers from the Department of Provincial Administration, immigration police, and Koh Phangan police carried out coordinated inspections on Saturday, leading to charges against three businesses for allegedly operating hotels without licenses. Continued … 

Thailand Bets on Revamp of Chaing Mai Hot Springs to Spearhead Wellness Drive

Thailand is officially planting its flag in the global wellness arena, earmarking a 400-million-baht budget to transform the historic Sankamphaeng Hot Springs into a premier national model for health tourism.

The initiative comes as the global “wellness economy” shows no signs of slowing down. Research from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) indicates that the sector is projected to reach $7.9 trillion. Continued … 

How Thailand Revived the Tiger Against All Odds

Did you know Thailand is actually the first nation in Southeast Asia to successfully revive its tiger population? While most of the world is losing these incredible big cats, Thailand’s jungles are seeing a serious comeback. We’re talking about a massive conservation effort that’s bringing the king of the jungle back to the Western Forest Complex. It’s a huge win for wildlife and shows a side of Thai conservation history that most people completely miss. Video … 

This Unknown City Wants To Become Thailand’s Next Vacation Hotspot

We all know the astonishment of Thailand with its world-wonder landscapes, vibrant array of wildlife, tangible cultures throughout massive cities and traditional villages, and of course, insanely cheap street food throughout its famous night markets.

But the truth is there’s far more to discover than Bangkok and Phuket — and you can throw in Koh Samui after its wildly successful White Lotus run. In the age of overtourism — which Koh Samui fits the bill — there’s actually one Thai city that wants to welcome more tourists after recovering from disastrous floods that ravaged the region. Continued … 

Why Koh Kut remains one of Thailand’s most beautiful island escapes

Far from the crowds of Phuket and Samui, Koh Kut remains one of Thailand’s quietest and most beautiful island destinations — a place where jungle-covered hills meet crystal-clear seas and life still moves at a slower pace.

Located near the Cambodian border in eastern Thailand’s Trat province, Koh Kut — also spelled Koh Kood — is Thailand’s fourth-largest island, yet it has managed to avoid large-scale development and mass tourism. Continued … 

Thailand Fast-Tracks Green Energy and Infrastructure to Lure Global Investors

The Thai government is significantly ramping up its national energy infrastructure and streamlining investment protocols to capitalize on a new wave of global digital and clean energy interest.

Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek stated that despite the current volatility in the global economy, Thailand remains a “highly resilient” emerging market. She attributed this sustained investor confidence to the nation’s stable policy framework and robust international reserves. Continued … 

Thailand turns solar power from green option to economic necessity amid ongoing Mideast conflict

Thailand’s energy crisis, sparked by Middle East tensions, has rapidly turned solar power from a green option into an economic necessity. As electricity costs surge, homes and businesses are rushing to install rooftop panels, with demand outpacing supply and installers struggling to keep up.

Heavily reliant on imported energy, Thailand is vulnerable to global shocks. Despite abundant sunshine, renewables still make up only about 10% of its power mix. To accelerate adoption, the Thai government has recently introduced tax incentives for residential solar. Continued … 

Banks tapped for solar financing push

The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) is exploring ways to make loans more accessible for households joining the rooftop solar buyback scheme, aiming to encourage wider adoption of clean energy and help families generate their own electricity.

The scheme, approved by the National Energy Policy Council, allows the government to purchase electricity from homeowners who install on-grid solar panels at a rate of 2.20 baht per unit. Continued … 

• Russian Tourists Arrested After Phuket Brawl – Continued … 

• Tourist Police Bust Illegal Laos Tour Operator – Continued … 

• Chinese Tourists Spearfish Protected Fish in Phuket – Continued … 

• China Fugitive Arrested in Bangkok Condo – Continued … 

Hua Hin Links and Transport

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