- Hua Hin waterfront demolition to begin/New road through Hua Hin/Hua Hin reviews wild elephant problems/All Thai provinces on five-day flood alert/Thailand to replace names and addresses on parcels/Nene Royal vows to give her all
- THE IRAN WAR: Thailand plans diesel subsidy cuts/New gas suppliers sought as prices spike
- ECONOMY: Thailand warned of fiscal collapse/Restaurants fear surge in costs/Thailand pushes US tariff deal/2,200 firms suspected of nominee land holding/Ministry to clamp down data center power requests/Gastech energy deals reach US$40 billion/New oil, gas onshore concessions/Thailand could tax EV imports 30%
- TOURISM: Tourism stimulus likely to be postponed/Thailand denies hotels exemption/Israel envoy urges tourists to respect Thai culture/Thailand Privilege Card strengthens checks/Chiang Mai police lieutenant caught extorting Chinese tourist
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: How to stay in Thailand longer/Solo traveler’s guide to Koh Lanta/Phu Kradueng hiking opens October 1
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin waterfront demolition to begin September 25
Demolition of waterfront buildings between Hua Hin’s fishing pier and Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine is scheduled to begin on Sept. 5. Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul said the municipality had appointed a contractor after owners failed to comply with a 30-day deadline to remove the buildings.
The mayor held a meeting to review preparations before joining officials at the fishing pier to post demolition notices outside affected properties. Officials also explained the legal position to building owners and sought their cooperation. Continued …
New road through Hua Hin under review
A major Hua Hin road project is intended to ease congestion by creating an alternative route along the eastern side of the railway, parallel to Phetkasem Road and behind Market Village and Bluport.
The road will be seven meters wide and carry traffic in both directions. Formal start and completion dates are expected to be announced soon. The project covers approximately eight kilometers across three sections. Continued …
Hua Hin reviews Kui Buri wild elephant problems
Officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan have reviewed efforts to address wild elephant problems in Hua Hin and Kui Buri, including assistance and compensation for affected residents.
At a meeting Tuesday, a committee reviewed reports on prevention work and the activities of operational teams in Hua Hin and Kui Buri. It also heard reports on elephants straying outside protected areas in Khao Chao subdistrict, Pranburi, and the impact on surrounding communities. Continued …
Heavy rain puts all Thai provinces on five-day flood alert
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has warned all provinces nationwide, including Bangkok, to prepare for very heavy rain during Sept. 16-20, with risks of flash floods, forest run-off, landslides, waterlogging and rough seas.
All provinces should remain alert for flash floods, forest run-off, landslides and waterlogging. In Bangkok, particular attention is needed in urban areas prone to recurring flooding or where drainage cannot keep pace with rainfall. Continued …
Thailand to replace names and addresses on parcels with a digital delivery code
Thailand is piloting a system that replaces the name, address and phone number on a parcel with a six-digit code and QR code, in an attempt to stop personal data leaking to scam gangs.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, Thailand Post and the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) agreed to push the scheme, called Digital Post ID or D/ID, at a meeting on 10 September chaired by digital minister Chaichanok Chidchob. Continued …
Nene Royal vows to give her all to win AGT final
Thai teenage rocker Nene Royal says she is 100% confident ahead of the America’s Got Talent (AGT) final, after stepping up her training to about four hours a day and setting her sights on winning the competition.
“I’m still practicing every day, from around 5 pm until 9.30 pm, to prepare myself as well as possible for this important round,” she said. The final will take place on Sept. 22 in the US. Continued …
Thailand plans diesel subsidy cuts as fund deficit could hit 100 billion baht in October
Energy concerns have resurfaced in Thailand as the Middle East war becomes more complex. Traders are assessing regional supply risks, particularly the shutdown of a major Saudi Arabian oil pipeline following an attack, while shipping conditions through the Strait of Hormuz have failed to improve.
Global crude prices remain above US$100 a barrel. Diesel prices last closed above US$195 a barrel and are expected to remain elevated toward the end of 2026. Continued …
New gas suppliers sought as prices spike
Thailand is accelerating its energy diversification to mitigate risks from extreme global market volatility and geopolitical instability. Specifically, the country is seeking to reduce its heavy reliance on Middle Eastern energy imports following surges in crude oil prices and significant spikes in liquefied natural gas costs driven by ongoing regional conflicts.
To bolster energy security and stabilize power generation costs, the government is pursuing several strategic shifts, including the development of a new power development plan to increase renewable energy adoption. Efforts are also focused on promoting biofuels to lower emissions in the transport sector and exploring waste-to-energy technologies, such as pyrolysis, to transform plastic waste into fuel. – Bangkok Post
Thailand warned of fiscal collapse
Professor Watcharapong Kasaree, a political scientist from Chulalongkorn University, warns that Thailand’s fiscal system could face a severe crisis within a decade if urgent reforms are not undertaken. He expresses concern that the current trajectory of increasing public debt, which could reach 80%-90% of GDP within 5-10 years if revenue is not significantly increased, could lead to a loss of economic stability.
The expert highlights that the government currently lacks sufficient revenue to cover its growing expenses, forcing it to rely on annual borrowing. He suggests that reforms should focus on improving revenue collection efficiency, such as by reviewing unnecessary tax expenditures and broadening the tax base, to build long-term fiscal sustainability. – Bangkok Post
Restaurants fear surge in costs for new welfare fund
The new Employee Welfare Fund is expected to increase operating costs for restaurants due to mandatory monthly contributions from both employers and employees. These contributions are set at a rate of 5% of employee wages, beginning on Oct. 1.
Restaurant associations have expressed mixed reactions to the fund, with some members feeling overwhelmed by the additional expenses. Beyond the direct wage contributions, businesses may also face increased costs related to tax registration and value-added tax. For example, a restaurant with 70 employees could see monthly contributions of 12,000 baht, while an operator with a monthly salary of 210,000 baht would face an additional annual cost of 126,000 baht. – Bangkok Post
Thailand pushes US trade deal amid 12.5% tariff
Thailand is accelerating talks on a reciprocal trade agreement with the United States amid concerns that a separate US investigation into excess production capacity could lead to higher tariffs on Thai exports. Department of Trade Negotiations Director-general Chotima Iemsawasdikul said there was still no firm timetable for concluding the deal.
Thailand is seeking tariff conditions comparable with those granted to its regional neighbors, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expected to discuss the negotiations with US President Donald Trump by telephone today or tomorrow. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said Washington had yet to select the date. Continued …
2,200 firms suspected of nominee land holding
Thai authorities have identified about 2,200 companies suspected of illegally holding land through foreign-majority ownership as part of a crackdown on nominee businesses.
Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee said after a meeting with the Justice and Commerce ministries that agencies were sharing information on nominees, foreign capital and scam operations. Continued …
Energy Ministry to clamp down on data center power requests
The Ministry of Energy is clamping down on inflated electricity capacity requests from data centers, from which it can be inferred that they have reached an unprecedented 35 gigawatts (GW), a figure nearly matching Thailand’s national peak electricity consumption of 40GW.
To prevent wasteful infrastructure spending, the ministry has started vetting applications to identify actual capacity needs. Consequently, Thailand’s draft Power Development Plan (PDP 2026) will cap baseline capacity for the data center sector at a conservative 8.8GW. Continued …
Gastech 2026 energy deals and investment plans reach US$40 billion
Gastech 2026 has seen energy agreements and investment plans with an estimated combined value of US$40 billion announced during its first three days, turning international energy discussions into commercial cooperation.
The announcements include memoranda of understanding (MOUs), sales contracts and investment plans. They reflect the event’s role as a forum for negotiations and partnerships across the energy value chain, supporting diverse energy needs, industrial expansion, and the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital economy. Continued …
Cabinet approves new oil, gas onshore concessions
The cabinet has granted oil and gas exploration concessions to two companies following the Round 25 onshore petroleum auction. The winning companies are PETTP International and Pan Orion Energy (Siam) Co., which were awarded concessions for areas in the central and northeastern regions.
These concessions aim to bolster Thailand’s domestic energy supply as natural reserves decrease, specifically supporting critical facilities such as the Nam Phong power plant. The selection process for these concessions was conducted by the Department of Mineral Fuels (FMD) using a merit-based system to ensure energy security and reduce dependence on imports. – Bangkok Post
Thailand could tax EV imports around 30%, finance chief says
Thailand could impose an excise tax of around 30% on fully imported electric vehicles, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, revealing for the first time the potential rate of a levy designed to steer automakers toward local production.
The government is working with the auto industry to finalize the rate and expects to decide on it as soon as this month, Ekniti said Tuesday. Asked whether the tax could be around 31% to 32%, he said it “should be around” the 30% level. Continued …
Tourism stimulus likely to be postponed until April
The government’s planned “Thai Tiew Thai Plus” domestic tourism stimulus scheme is likely to be postponed until April next year, amid concerns that staging a promotion during the high season starting in October would have limited economic benefits.
The move followed discussions among cabinet members and representatives of relevant ministries. Most agreed on the need for tourism stimulus but expressed concerns over the program’s timing, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said. Continued …
Thailand denies hotels exemption from foreign business license
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry has rejected claims that foreigners can now operate hotels, restaurants or tour businesses without a license under a new Foreign Business Act regulation.
The new rule removes licensing requirements for eight service businesses in three groups, but hotels, tour operators, restaurants, souvenir shops, sports services and language schools are not included, according to Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Department of Business Development. Continued …
Israel envoy urges tourists to respect Thai culture
Israel’s ambassador to Thailand, Alona Fisher-Kamm, has again urged Israeli visitors to respect Thai laws and culture after protests and a series of disputes involving tourists. Fisher-Kamm said both countries needed to ensure the Middle East conflict was not brought into Thailand. She nevertheless pushed back against describing recent protests as antisemitic.
“We have to work together to make sure that the conflict in the Middle East is not imported here to Thailand,” she said. “It’s still very hard for me to use the word antisemitic here in Thailand. It’s really, really far from their mentality, from their tolerance, from what they think.” Continued …
Thailand Privilege Card strengthens checks against foreign scammers
To deter scammers and support a policy aimed at building confidence and safety for foreign tourists and Thai citizens, the Thailand Privilege Card Co. has tightened background screening under the Thailand Privilege Card program, formerly known as the Elite Card, through a 4+1 agency mechanism.
This represents a significant tightening from two to three years ago, when checks involved only the Immigration Bureau and the Department of Consular Affairs, and closes more security loopholes. Continued …
Chiang Mai police lieutenant, 3 others caught extorting Chinese tourist
A police lieutenant colonel and three other men were arrested Tuesday after they allegedly extorted 200,000 baht from a Chinese national in San Kamphaeng district, Chiang Mai province.
San Kamphaeng Police Station officers arrested the lieutenant colonel, who served as an inspector with the Special Operations Subdivision of Provincial Police Region 5. Three others were arrested in connection with the case on the same day. Continued …
How to stay in Thailand longer than 30 days
If your 30 days in Thailand are nearly up and you are not ready to leave, the first option to check is usually a Thailand visa extension. For eligible travelers on the current 30-day visa exemption, Immigration can grant up to another 30 days, subject to approval, without requiring you to leave the country.
If you want to stay for several months or make Thailand a longer-term base, another extension may only postpone the real decision about the type of visa you want. Tourist visas, the Destination Thailand Visa, work and education visas, marriage and retirement routes, the LTR Visa and Thailand Privilege all serve different purposes. Continued …
A solo traveler’s guide to Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta truly is a magical place. It feels like stepping back in time, allowing you to experience the essence of what Thailand is all about. Located on the Andaman Sea, it’s a collection of rugged islands in the Krabi province. The biggest and most inhabited is Koh Lanta Yai, which is highlighted by nine golden sand beaches and lush, palm tree jungles.
There isn’t much infrastructure. Instead, motorbikes are the main mode of transportation for tourists, while gas is sold on the roadside in reusable 1L bottles. Ultimately, the biggest priority is finding a spot to relax, until you finish the day with a world-famous Thai sunset. Continued …
Phu Kradueng hiking and camping season opens October 1
Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province has announced that its 2026-27 season for mountaintop visits and overnight stays will run from Oct. 1 to May 31, 2027.
The park has set hiking hours and access arrangements for several attractions, with some routes requiring visitors to be accompanied by park staff. The permitted hiking hours are 6 am to noon for the ascent and 7 am to 1 pm for the descent. Continued …
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Chinese fugitive held over Samut Sakhon nominee firms – Continued …
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Patong stylist chases tourist who skipped 4,000 baht braiding bill – Continued …
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Chinese Interpol red notice suspect held in Pattaya – Continued …
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Vietnamese woman held over Suvarnabhumi baggage theft – Continued …
Fed raises US rates to tackle ‘too high’ inflation, irking Trump
The US Federal Reserve yesterday raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, defying President Donald Trump’s demand for cuts, as central bank chief Kevin Warsh stressed the need to combat inflation that has been “too high” for “too long.” The Federal Open Market Committee voted unanimously to raise rates by 25 basis points to between 3.75% and 4.00%. Continued …
Airbus sees Asia-Pacific driving 45% of global jet demand by 2045
Asia-Pacific will account for 45% of global demand for new passenger aircraft between 2026 and 2045, requiring 19,120 aircraft as passenger traffic grows faster than the worldwide average, Airbus forecasts. Airbus’s Global Market Forecast (GMF) for 2026–2045 puts worldwide demand at 42,060 new aircraft. 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
Planning a trip to Hua Hin, and looking for the best accommodation recommendations? Hua Hin, a coastal resort city just a three-hour drive from Bangkok, is famous for its vibrant night markets, unique creative markets, and an impressive range of accommodation options.
The Thai government has indefinitely postponed peace talks with southern insurgency groups after two attacks last week, with five rangers killed and six civilians injured in one of them, while a police officer was slightly injured in a car bomb blast.
Thailand’s manufacturing production index dropped 3.1% in June from a year earlier, the Industry Ministry said yesterday, weaker than analysts’ forecasts. The June reading compared with a forecast increase of 0.2% in a Reuters poll. The May reading was revised to a fall of 1.3% from an original figure of a 0.8% drop.
In economics, few indicators of food security are as simple — and as powerful — as the price of eggs. Affordable, accessible, and nutritious, eggs should be the most democratic source of protein in any society. Yet, in Thailand, a single egg tells a far more complex story — one of market power, distorted incentives, and a system that may no longer serve the public interest.
The Cabinet yesterday decided to retain the 7% value-added tax (VAT) rate for another year, until Sept. 30, 2027. Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said maintaining the 7% VAT rate will help ease the cost-of-living burden, stimulate domestic consumption and stabilize the economy.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday defended the government’s decision to scale back the land bridge megaproject, saying it had been adapted – not abandoned – in response to financial, environmental and geopolitical realities.
Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Phancharoenworakul at a meeting with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) board and senior executives yesterday delivered key policies to drive Thailand’s tourism industry.
Thailand is positioning itself as a leading destination for wellness and longevity in Asia within three years, combining modern medical technology, world-class tourism and traditional Thai medicine.
Thailand has never had more to offer the luxury traveler. New flagship properties are opening across Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui. The country generated $48.5 billion in tourism revenue in 2024 alone. The Southeast Asia luxury travel market reached $91.6 billion in 2025 and is projected to more than double to $205.8 billion by 2034, according to IMARC Group.
Thai AirAsia has announced it will temporarily suspend services from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) from July 15 to Sept. 30, then resume operations on Oct. 1. During the period, the airline will suspend all flights on the nine routes it had operated from Suvarnabhumi.
Surin lies about 450 kilometers from Bangkok, in Thailand’s lower northeast. It is flat, agricultural country: rice paddies stretching to the horizon, sugar palms standing like sentinels along the roads, and the occasional water buffalo chewing at overgrown grass.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin said Thailand will seek UNESCO World Heritage status for seven temples in Chiang Mai. The move follows the inscription of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat as a cultural World Heritage site.
Deer trapped by walls of flame, lizards unable to escape the heat, habitats reduced to charred wood and ash: wildlife are paying a steep price as France’s forests burn. Some 42,000 hectares (103,000 acres) of forest west of Bordeaux has burned since Wednesday and authorities fear a heatwave forecast this week could breathe fresh fury into the blaze. 
Thinking about retirement in Thailand and wondering where to live in Hua Hin? This video breaks down the truth about Hua Hin’s best and worst areas in 2026 — based on real-life retirement factors, not holiday impressions. One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning to retire in Hua Hin is choosing an area based on a short holiday instead of long-term lifestyle. The neighborhood that feels perfect for two weeks can be completely wrong for the next 10–20 years. 
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, through the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with AirAsia Group to elevate mutual tourism promotion under the concept “Amazing Thailand: Feel All the Feelings.” The agreement encompasses marketing collaborations, communications, aviation route connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia, and market intelligence exchanges to drive short-haul travel — particularly from the Malaysian market.
The Cha Am Squid Festival will return Sept. 12–19, with the annual event taking place at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint. The festival is officially known as the 25th Eat Shellfish, Catch Squid @ Cha Am Festival.
Prachuap Khiri Khan has launched a vaping campaign to improve awareness among young people about the dangers of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and nicotine addiction. Deputy Gov. Prateep Boriboonrat opened the training program at Hadthong Hotel in Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday.
A recent wedding controversy involving a Thai bride and a foreign groom has renewed attention on Sin Sod, the Thai marriage custom in which the groom or his family presents money, gold or other valuables during the ceremony.
Nearly a year after border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia were shut, intermittent diplomatic overtures have yet to produce the political trust needed to reopen them, leaving border communities and businesses facing an increasingly prolonged economic standstill.
The fallout from Thailand’s decriminalization of marijuana in 2022 is spreading rapidly beyond its borders, with large shipments of smuggled Thai weed threatening to overwhelm customs officials across the world.
Iran attacked a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz early today, forcing its crew to abandon the ship even as the United States conducted yet-another round of airstrikes targeting the Islamic Republic over control of the key waterway.
The baht is expected to continue weakening against the US dollar this week after falling to a nearly 15-month low, driven by renewed tensions in the Middle East.
The Thai Restaurant Assn. is asking the government to connect raw material wholesalers with restaurants to lower ingredient costs, rather than providing subsidies for each dish.
Thailand studies Bangkok Port closure and entertainment complex plan
Thailand is entering a new phase of trade uncertainty as the United States shifts its strategy from broad-based reciprocal tariffs to targeted investigations under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974.
Thailand’s use of export privileges under free-trade agreements continued to expand in April, with the value of shipments claiming preferential treatment reaching US$31.77 billion.
The Industry Ministry is drafting a landmark law aimed at regulating data center investments in Thailand, as the country grapples with the environmental and infrastructural challenges posed by the sector’s rapid growth.
Thai Beverage, the maker of Chang beer and SangSom rum, is considering a potential sale of its KFC restaurant franchise business in Thailand, according to people familiar with the matter.
New partnerships with seven large corporations in China are expected to help Thailand attract a new, younger customer segment and generate total revenue of nearly 300 billion baht, despite limited flight capacity, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Thailand’s rich culture, beautiful landscapes and distinctive cuisine aren’t the only reasons why tourists keep flocking to the country. Thailand has been leading Asia in medical tourism, with more than a million foreigners travelling to the country every year for medical and surgical procedures.
Bangkok is preparing to host its largest HYROX event yet, as the global fitness race returns for four days of competition, bringing together more than 20,000 athletes from Aug. 13–16.
Korat Buddhist Lent candle festival returns with grand parade
Thailand is leaning hard into solar and wind power, and households are beginning to see the payoff: lower electricity bills. A report says cleaner energy and more competitive long-term contracts are pushing down the average cost of power, an important signal in a region where air-conditioning demand can hammer family budgets.
Heavily reliant on pesticides, Thai agriculture is ‘trapped in a vicious cycle’
French lawmakers are expected to approve a bill banning social media access for children under 15 today, putting France at the forefront of similar efforts in the European Union (EU). 
The government will cut electricity tariffs to no more than 3 baht per unit for the first 200 units, starting from the June billing cycle, in a cost-of-living relief measure expected to benefit more than 20 million households nationwide.
Egg prices in Thailand have risen by 20 satang per egg from yesterday, as poultry farmers come under growing pressure from higher feed and maize costs. The Central Region Small-Scale Egg-Layer Farmers Trade Assn. said the latest price movement reflects rising production expenses rather than an increase in the recommended farm-gate ceiling.
Laos has secured the broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing viewers across the country to watch all 104 matches free of charge, while negotiations over television rights in Thailand remain unresolved.
One in three Thai children cannot read properly by the age of ten. Youth unemployment is rising. And the workforce needed to power Thailand’s next decade of growth is simply not being trained. Against this backdrop of mounting urgency, a roundtable yesterday brought together some of the country’s foremost voices in education, policy, academia, and student leadership to confront what many are now calling a systemic crisis.
Thaniwan Kulmongkol, president of the Thai Restaurant Assn., said the association submitted a letter directly to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, asking him to consider expanding eligibility or introducing additional measures for small restaurant operators with annual revenue above 1.8 million baht, who are currently unable to join the Thais Help Thais Plus scheme.
The outlook for the restaurant industry in the third quarter remains pessimistic, with high costs, weak consumer spending power, and a potential drop in tourist numbers continuing to loom over the industry.
Grab and Line Man Wongnai are competing strongly to become market leaders in a duopolistic market amid a challenging economy, with the latter slashing fees to attract merchants.
Multiple Thai airlines have canceled approximately 3,800 flights due to skyrocketing jet fuel prices, spurred on by the prolonged crisis in the Middle East. The crisis has led to jet fuel becoming 2 to 3 times more expensive than normal, thereby pushing up the airlines’ fuel costs and other operating costs.
Luxury Golf Escapes: The Finest Courses in Hua Hin
Every year, Time Out publishes the results of its international survey ranking the world’s best cities. To get there, we surveyed thousands of city dwellers and asked them to rate their city’s food scene across 18 different criteria, including quality, affordability and diversity.
The plan to allocate 200 billion baht toward energy transition, focusing on rooftop solar systems and battery-powered vehicles, has raised concerns among economists and lawmakers over transparency and feasibility.
China’s landmark environmental code is set to raise the green compliance bar for Thai exporters and manufacturers, turning carbon footprints and environmental performance from optional CSR into conditions for staying in Chinese supply chains and securing green finance at home.
Oceans are in a “deepening crisis” that demands urgent global action, a major UN report warned yesterday, with seas warming and rising faster, ice cover shrinking, and marine ecosystems under mounting strain.
Hong Kong will soon open its first convenience store operated by a humanoid robot as part of the city’s push to integrate AI into everyday life and deepen residents’ understanding of the technology, the finance chief has said. 
Thailand is preparing its toughest tourism and immigration crackdown in years as ministers move to slash visa-free stays, tighten screening across all visa categories, impose new tourist charges, and openly discuss limiting foreign arrivals.
The global gold market has reached a critical crossroads. Following a record-breaking rally in early 2026, prices have entered a significant consolidation phase, caught between the opposing forces of aggressive monetary policy and heightening systemic fragility.
Lisa joins FIFA World Cup 2026 opening show in LA
Six stray dogs were found dead after being poisoned in Pathum Thani, with some also showing gunshot wounds to the head, according to local residents and animal carers.
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said Thailand is accelerating negotiations on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States in a bid to reduce tariff risks ahead of a Section 301 review.
Thai rice exporters are forecasting a significant recovery in the latter half of the year, driven by the intensifying Super El Niño phenomenon. As weather patterns threaten global harvests, major importing nations have begun aggressive stockpiling to ensure domestic food security, providing a much-needed boost to Thai export volumes.
Bangkok’s street food stalls threatened by citywide crackdown
Thai tea emerged as one of the most sought-after items at the Thai Festival in Tokyo over the weekend, with visitors reportedly waiting up to 30-40 minutes for a single cup. Japanese social media users posted photos and comments about long queues at the ChaTraMue booth during the 26th Thai Festival, held at Yoyogi Park.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to discuss Iran, Taiwan, artificial intelligence, and nuclear weapons as they weigh extending a critical minerals deal, according to U.S. officials previewing Trump’s two-day visit to China this week. 
Myanmar claimed yesterday that “discriminatory measures” are shutting it out of the ASEAN bloc after a summit last week saw the organization continue to blacklist the country’s post-coup leadership. 
When we talk about foreigners moving abroad, the loudest voices and the biggest egos usually grab all the attention. But today, let’s talk about the absolute pinnacle of expat achievement: The Seamless Neighbor.
New research is looking at the positive effects of coffee on the gut-brain connection. In the small study, published Tuesday in Nature Communications, researchers found regularly drinking coffee − both caffeinated and decaffeinated versions − can affect the gut microbiome, influencing mood and stress.
Thailand is facing another burst of summer-storm weather, with the Thai Meteorological Department warning that the north and northeast will bear the brunt first, bringing thunderstorms, strong winds, hail and isolated heavy rain. Some areas may also see lightning as the latest system moves in.
The Smart Water Operation Center (SWOC) of the Royal Irrigation Department recently outlined Thailand’s water situation and outlook for 2026, saying the country is likely to enter an El Niño period in the middle of the year, which could bring below-normal rainfall.
The Trump administration is nearing a deal to rescue low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines that could include up to $500 million in government-backed financing to help it keep operating through bankruptcy, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Thailand’s economic managers have downgraded growth expectations for the next two years as global uncertainty intensifies, while the government moves forward with a tightly constrained fiscal plan that pushes public debt close to its legal ceiling.
Thailand’s property sector is being hit by overlapping pressures, from soaring construction costs to weakening purchasing power, prompting developers to slow new project launches and switch into “liquidity first” mode, with survival taking priority over growth.
Thailand’s industrial sentiment index dropped in March, weighed down by higher oil prices and the conflict in the Middle East, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported yesterday. The federation said its industrial sentiment index slipped to 88.6 in March from 90.0 in the previous month.
Restaurant-related associations have collaborated to tackle surging energy costs, fluctuations in raw material prices, and digital transformation. A memorandum of understanding was signed by representatives from the Restaurant Assn., the Night Restaurant Business Trade Assn., the Digital Technology Entrepreneur Trade Assn., the Thai Fresh Market Assn., and the Federation of Thai Chefs.
According to the latest analysis by Future Market Insights (FMI), the medical tourism industry in Thailand is undergoing a significant transformation, evolving from a cost-driven destination for elective procedures into a premium global healthcare hub focused on complex and high-acuity treatments.
Places to Avoid in Thailand
Heavy rains lure frogs out of hiding and villagers out of homes
Asia’s Clean Energy Boom Reshapes the Global Power Sector
Private schools in Thailand face an unprecedented wave of closures this year, with up to 80 institutions expected to shut, reflecting mounting financial and structural pressures across the sector.
Police have arrested a man for stealing water meters across Prachuap Khiri Khan, with investigators alleging he sold burnt components for scrap to fund drug use. Officers from Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan Police Station detained a 38-year-old suspect Tuesday.
A new overpass is set to be built at Nong Phai intersection on Highway 37 after the Department of Highways signed a contract for the project in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Air quality in Thailand has worsened dramatically, with PM2.5 levels surpassing safety thresholds in 42 provinces, including regions from the north, northeast, and central areas. The Air Pollution Resolution Communication Center reported early on Tuesday that these unsafe levels could intensify over the next week.
Thailand recorded 30 deaths and 202 injuries from 192 road accidents on Tuesday, as authorities intensified safety measures during the Songkran holiday travel period. Officials warned of increased risks, as large numbers of people began returning to Bangkok and other major cities.
Foreign investors are selling Thai assets as an energy shock from the US-Israeli war on Iran threatens to snuff out hopes for an economic revival under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and exposes the policy paralysis that is gripping Bangkok.
Rice prices have surged the most in more than two years on concerns about the supply outlook after the cost of fuel and fertilizer jumped due to the Iran war, prompting some Thai farmers to leave their crop in the ground.
Thailand’s household debt has climbed to 86.7% of GDP, with fresh data pointing to a growing reliance on borrowing for day-to-day expenses as households struggle to cope with a fragile economic recovery.
Michelin-listed restaurant operators expect a gloomy outlook for the dining business this year, hampered by sluggish spending and surging energy costs.
Why April 15 marks Thailand’s true New Year in the ancient tradition
Elephants lead Songkran water pouring in Chiang Mai
Hua Hin City Municipality is moving to address recent low water pressure problems in part of the town after residents in the Hua Hin 55 area complained about weak water flow.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) said in its advance forecast for April 9-14, that Thailand will remain generally hot to very hot, with daytime haze and little rain, as a heat-induced low-pressure area continues to cover upper Thailand, while weak westerly winds prevail.
Iran blocks Hormuz oil traffic as Israel keeps hitting Lebanon
Israel pounded Lebanon with its heaviest strikes yet yesterday, killing hundreds of people and drawing a threat of retaliation from Iran, which suggested it would be “unreasonable” to proceed with talks to forge a permanent peace deal with the United States.
US President Donald Trump bashed NATO and appeared to renew his threats over Greenland after a closed-door meeting with alliance chief Mark Rutte, during which he was expected to discuss possibly leaving the pivotal security bloc.
The government has outlined management guidelines to tackle the ongoing plastic pellet crisis. Key initiatives will focus on identifying high-priority items, promoting the use of alternative materials, and enhancing recycling.
Bangchak said its oil tanker MT.POLA arrived safely in Thailand at Si Racha district, Chon Buri, yesterday, after passing through the Strait of Hormuz and delivering crude oil to the company’s refinery. The voyage followed diplomatic coordination involving Thailand, Iran and Oman, which reportedly allowed Thai cargo vessels to use the route on March 23 to 24.
Thai Trade Office Signals End of Deflation as Q2 Price Hikes Loom
Thailand’s housing market in Q1 remains under sustained pressure from slower purchasing power and an incomplete economic recovery. Condominium developers have scaled back new launches and shifted focus toward low-rise projects to spread risk amid continued uncertainty.
Songkran 2026 travel surge: AOT expects 3.7 million passengers
Suvarnabhumi airport anticipates handling 1.82 million passengers over the 10-day Songkran holiday period (April 10–19), averaging about 182,000 travelers per day, says director Kittipong Kittikachorn. This represents a 1.9% drop compared to the same period last year.
Opposition parties have renewed calls for urgent action on air pollution, pledging to push forward a clean air bill while urging the government to address the wildfire and PM2.5 fine dust crisis through both immediate relief and long-term structural reforms.
The government has added bottled drinking water and seasoning sauces to its price-control list, along with plastic pellets, in order to prevent undue price increases in light of cost pressures arising from the Middle East war.
The Energy Policy and Planning Office has announced updated petrol prices effective from yesterday. This report details current prices at five major service stations: PTT, Bangchak, PT, Caltex, and Shell, providing an overview of costs per liter for various fuel types.
The 15th edition of the Princess Pa’s Cup InterContinental–B.Grimm Beach Polo Hua Hin took place on Saturday, bringing a blend of sport, society, and seaside elegance to the beachfront of InterContinental Hua Hin Resort.
Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Phayao have been declared emergency disaster zones, as persistent hazardous air quality continues to grip northern Thailand, unlocking emergency funds for provincial governors to deploy relief efforts.
Thailand is set to experience widespread hot to extremely hot conditions through April 11, with temperatures in some areas expected to exceed 42°C, according to the Thai Meteorological Department.
Inspectors from the Department of Internal Trade (DIT), under the Commerce Ministry, have been conducting random inspections of outlets selling LPG cooking gas and gas-filling facilities to ensure they are not cheating customers by selling less gas than the tanks’ stated capacity.
The war in the Middle East, now dragging on for more than a month, is casting a shadow over travel during the Songkran festival, a global event for Thailand. Hotel, retail, and event operators largely see Songkran tourism in 2026 as either weaker or flat compared with last year, even as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimates domestic spending at 30.35 billion baht, up 6%.
Oil prices opened higher today as the US-Israeli war with Iran continued to disrupt global supply, reinforcing concerns over one of the most severe energy shocks in years, according to Reuters.
The conflict in the Middle East that erupted on Feb. 28, has sent the biggest shock through global energy markets in history. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries more than 20 million barrels a day of crude oil and oil products, or around 20% of global oil consumption, has almost ground to a halt.
Thailand’s rising cost of living is becoming increasingly hard for households to bear, with a new survey showing that most people are already feeling the strain as Songkran approaches.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told shoppers while inspecting prices of goods on sale at a shopping mall in Bangkapi area of Bangkok Saturday that a round of 50:50 co-payment scheme will be implemented after April 30.
Thai manufacturers have been further hit with a double whammy as a severe shortage of microchips has thrown this market into turmoil, while prices of all types of steel products are initially rising by 10%-15% this month.
As Thailand moves to adjust fuel policies and households continue to feel cost-of-living pressures, discussions in online forums have once again highlighted a broader issue: how inflation and inconsistent pricing are impacting both locals and foreign tourists. For visitors arriving in Thailand, the effect of rising costs is increasingly visible across multiple parts of the travel experience.
Thailand is pushing for regulations that would require international tourists to obtain accident insurance before entering the country, as rising unpaid medical bills and accident risks place a mounting strain on public healthcare.
Tourist numbers along Jomtien Beach have dropped noticeably in recent days, leaving normally busy beachfront areas unusually quiet and raising concerns among local operators. A survey of the area found a clear decline in visitors, with long stretches of beach appearing sparse compared to the typically lively atmosphere Pattaya is known for.
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Grab Thailand is accelerating its Grab EV program in response to the ongoing energy crisis by announcing strategic partnerships with nine new partners, including EV manufacturers and distributors, as well as taxi cooperatives.
For the first time in more than half a century, astronauts will fly around the Moon today, marking the high point of the Artemis 2’s lunar mission. The flyby will last around seven hours, starting today around 2:45 p.m. eastern US time (1845 GMT) and ending around 9:20 p.m. (0120 GMT). 
The Heroes Hua Hin Foundation, widely known as Hua Hin Heroes, brought together community leaders, businesses, and supporters at the Hua Hin Heroes Charity Golf Cup 2026, united by a shared goal of improving opportunities for children in Hua Hin and across Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Yesterday, Phailin Kongpan, deputy mayor of Hua Hin Municipality, together with Cheep Suksri, president of the Municipal Council, and Nuengruethai Sukchan, deputy municipal clerk, brought Rungroj Nooklib, a former lecturer from Wang Klai Kangwon Vocational College in Hua Hin, to repair the solar power system at the Khao Takiab Blue Swimming Crab Bank.
The schedule for Run Khan Do 3, a province-wide series of running events across Prachuap Khiri Khan, has been officially announced, with activities set to take place from March to July 2026 in every district of the province.
The number of online-scam complaints rose again over the past week, with investment fraud causing the most damage, according to police.
Global oil prices jumped sharply yesterday, pushing crude back into the $100-a-barrel era for the first time since the Russia-related energy shock of 2022, and briefly spiking to almost $120. Brent hit an intraday high of $119.50 a barrel and WTI $119.48, before prices later eased as markets weighed diplomatic signals and shifting supply risks.
Thailand’s smartphone market is likely to contract amid economic uncertainty, the Middle East conflict, and rising memory component costs, according to Thai Samsung Electronics Co.
Cloud service provider Amazon Web Services (AWS) Thailand has positioned its local cloud region as a future artificial intelligence (AI) hub, targeting enterprises’ rising demand for highly complex, independent “frontier AI agents”. This signals an enterprise shift from basic AI tools toward more advanced, enterprise-grade automation.
Thailand’s already rattled foreign tourism industry, with traffic down 4% since the start of the year, has been dealt a severe blow by the Middle East conflict. After a Monday meeting chaired by Tourism and Sports Minister Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn, officials warned that an eight-week war could cost Thailand 600,000 visitors and strip more than B40 billion from already reduced revenue targets.
Outbound passengers at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport can now opt to use automated passport screening machines installed at immigration checkpoints around the clock.
Foreign tourists in Thailand are closely monitoring the recent weakening of the Thai baht against the US dollar, a trend fueled by global financial uncertainties. As the baht opened at 31.77 per dollar, down from 31.60, many visitors are keenly aware of how this affects their purchasing power in areas like hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.
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