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Thursday’s news-Aug 6

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  • Thailand fourth in retirement index/Weather warning issued for PKK/Huay Mongkol robe ceremony/9-day festival opens Monday/PKK takes o human-elephant conflicts/PKK event targets B5 million in trade/“Friends of Chiva-Som 2026”/Stone Head Rock Fest Hua Hin/Handicrafts competition in PKK/Thai petrol prices fall/Universal healthcare program needs overhaul/Tiger kills ranger/Footballer dies after lightning strike/Two suspects in police killings shot dead
  • ECONOMY: Prepared food prices to increase/July inflation rises 1.95%/’Missing links’ the smarter choice/Rice exports fall 18.8%/Thailand has AI talent shortage/Data centers public infrastructure, not buildings/Home improvement spending
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Before relocating to Thailand/Isan postcards
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand opens rooftop solar vendor registration
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Thailand ranks fourth in global retirement index

Thailand has been named the world’s fourth best retirement destination in a new index comparing all 192 UN member states. Malaysia, Panama and Portugal took the top three places in RUMAVI’s inaugural Global Relocation Index, published in July.

The ranking adds to two other retirement surveys released this year which placed Thailand close to the top internationally. The Expatriate Group’s Retirement Abroad Index put Thailand second among 20 countries, while International Living ranked it ninth worldwide and first in Asia in its 24-country Global Retirement Index. Continued … 

Weather warning issued for PKK through Sunday

A weather warning has been issued for Prachual Khiri Khan Province for today through Sunday, with heavy rain, flash flooding, landslides and rough sea conditions possible across the province.

The unsettled weather is being caused by a monsoon trough that extends across the upper north and upper northeast, while the southwesterly monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand strengthens. Rainfall is expected to increase through Sunday, with heavy to very heavy rain forecast across many parts of Thailand. – HHT

Huay Mongkol robe ceremony to be held this weekend

Wat Huay Mongkol will hold its 13th Luang Pu Thuat robe ceremony on Saturday and Sunday, with activities beginning at 5 pm each day.

Visitors can join merit-making activities, sign their names on the ceremonial robe cloth and take part in religious ceremonies. The main robe-wrapping ceremony around the large Luang Pu Thuat statue will be held on Sunday. – HHT

9-day festival opens Monday at Hua Hin railway station

The “Under the Royal Patronage: Discover Si Khiri Khan” festival will open at Hua Hin Railway Station on Monday, and continue until Aug. 18. The free festival will feature concerts, cultural performances, exhibitions, decorative lighting, a Thai textile fashion show and more than 100 stalls.

Free community tourism trips covering four routes will also be available on Aug. 13, 14, 17 and 18, although advance booking is required. – HHT

PKK takes on human-elephant conflict problems

Provincial authorities are considering drones, improved warning systems and closer coordination between agencies to reduce human-elephant conflict in Hua Hin after 189 residents were affected between 2023 and 2026.

A meeting on Monday at the Nong Phlap Subdistrict Administrative Organization office discussed the growing impact of wild elephants on communities and agricultural land. Continued … 

PKK event targets B5 million in trade

A Prachuap trade event connecting local businesses with overseas buyers is expected to generate commercial deals worth at least 5 million baht. The “Prachuap Khiri Khan to Global Trade Business Matching 2026” event was held yesterday at Prachuap Grand Hotel in Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan district.

More than 30 provincial businesses presented products to representatives from over 30 companies in China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos and the Middle East. Continued … 

Chiva-Som Hua Hin launches “Friends of Chiva-Som 2026”

A new initiative connecting wellness with community and environmental sustainability, “Friends of Chiva-Som 2026” brings together industry advocates, including Global Wellness Day Founder Belgin Aksoy, to support healthcare outreach and conservation efforts.

Highlights include an annual medical mission to a remote Karen hill tribe village in Hua Hin and the planting of 500 mangrove trees, extending Chiva-Som’s holistic approach to wellbeing beyond the spa. For more information … 

Stone Head Rock Fest Hua Hin set for Sept 5

The Stone Head Rock Fest Hua Hin will bring six leading Thai rock and alternative bands to Royal Hua Hin Golf Course on Saturday, Sept. 5.

The festival will feature Silly Fools, Sweet Mullet, Hard Boy, Bedroom Audio, Only Monday and Aliz. Details of the event were announced at a press conference at Royal Hua Hin Golf Course Aug. 2, chaired by Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul. Continued … 

Thai textiles and handicrafts competition being held in PKK

Prachuap Khiri Khan has begun screening entries for a provincial Thai textiles and handicrafts competition aimed at preserving traditional skills while supporting local producers.

The opening of the provincial judging committee meeting was held Tuesday at Prachuap Grand Hotel in Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan. Kulnis Sriwachirawat, chief of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Community Development Office, joined members of the committee responsible for reviewing entries in the 2026 competition. Continued … 

Thai petrol prices fall 0.70 baht as diesel holds

Petrol and gasohol prices at major filling stations across Thailand fell by 0.70 baht per liter from today, while diesel prices remained unchanged.

The updated retail prices cover PTT Station, Bangchak, PT, Shell and Caltex. Standard diesel was listed at 36.69 baht per liter across all five operators, with diesel B20 at 31.69 baht. Continued … 

Thailand’s universal healthcare program needs overhaul before it collapses

The “gold card” universal healthcare program is in need of revamp to improve the efficiency of spending in the wake of budgetary cuts, but the program will definitely not be scrapped, Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Somlerk Jeungsmarn said Tuesday.

The program, which ensures access to free healthcare services for all Thai nationals not covered by the social security system, is facing a financial crisis after spending has exceeded budgetary allocations. Many state hospitals providing free medical services at point of delivery to patients are operating in the red, forcing several of them to slash medical expenses or downgrade services for non-essential cases in order to remain operational. Continued … 

Tiger kills ranger, wildlife sanctuary closed

Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani has temporarily closed to tourists after a staff member died while on duty in what officials believe was a tiger attack.

Reports indicate that authorities went searching for a government employee attached to the sanctuary after he failed to show up at the designated meeting point for his youth camp assignment. Continued … 

Footballer dies after lightning strike in Narathiwat

A recent Yala FC signing and former Pattani FC player has died after lightning struck during a match in Sungai Kolok district, Narathiwat. The fatal incident happened Tuesday evening during the Golok FA Cup football competition. The player suffered severe injuries and later died, while 12 others were also injured. (aseannow.com)

Two suspects in Tak Bai police killings shot dead

Two suspects linked to the fatal shooting of two Tak Bai police officers were killed in a gunfight with security forces in this southern province yesterday, while authorities later apprehended another suspect believed to have helped the duo evade arrest earlier.

The operation was launched at about 2 am after security agencies tracked the movements of the suspects to a hut in Ban Nam Tok village in Sukhirin district. Continued … 

Prepared food prices expected to increase

Prices of prepared food are expected to increase as certain ingredients and vegetable prices rise, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).

Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the TPSO, attributed the increase to elevated domestic fuel prices, as prolonged tensions in the Middle East continued to affect global energy markets. Higher fuel costs also pushed up public transport fares. Continued … 

Thailand’s July inflation rises 1.95%

Thailand’s headline consumer price index rose 1.95% in July from a year earlier, slowing from 2.42% in June and coming in below market expectations, the Ministry of Commerce said yesterday.

The result was below the 2.55% increase forecast in a Reuters poll, but remained within the Bank of Thailand’s target inflation range of 1% to 3%. Nantapong Chiralerspong, head of the ministry’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office, said lower oil prices had contributed to the slower increase in the index. Continued … 

Ranong port

‘Missing links’ called the smarter choice

Academics support the development of “missing links” in the country’s transport network, as these projects can deliver quick results and clearly address economic needs.

Sumet Ongkittikul, vice president for internal systems and research director for transport and logistics policy at Thailand Development Research Institute, said the proposed land bridge project faces several constraints, particularly uncertainty over whether international shipping lines would actually use the route. Continued … 

Thai first-half rice exports fall 18.8%

Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, reported that Thailand exported 3.28 million tons of rice in the first six months of 2026, from January to June, down 18.8% from the same period a year earlier. Shipments were worth more than US$1.911 billion.

She attributed the decline to ample rice supplies on the global market, which intensified price competition, as well as conflict in the Middle East, which had disrupted Thai rice exports to Iraq since March. Continued … 

Thailand bets big on AI despite talent shortage

Thailand is emerging as Asia’s most ambitious artificial intelligence (AI) market, with local enterprises planning the region’s largest increase in AI investment despite an acute shortage of skilled talent, according to a survey by Alibaba Cloud.

The AI Business Application Readiness and Accessibility Survey, commissioned by Alibaba Cloud and conducted by NielsenIQ across eight Asian markets, found that 79% of Thai enterprises plan to increase AI investment by at least 50%, the highest proportion among the countries surveyed. Continued … 

Southeast Asia’s data centers need to be planned like public infrastructure, not buildings

A generation ago, airports were largely viewed as transport assets. Success was measured by the number of flights they handled and passengers they moved. Today, that view feels incomplete.

The world’s leading airports are understood as economic ecosystems. Their success and value depend not only on runways and terminals, but also on the transportation networks, power systems, logistics infrastructure, workforce availability and commercial activity that intrinsically supports and surrounds them. The same is becoming true of data centers. Continued … 

Home improvement spending to stay subdued in H2

Home Product Center, the operator of HomePro, expects trading conditions to remain challenging in the second half of 2026, as rising energy costs, geopolitical tensions and cautious consumer spending continue to weigh on demand for home-improvement products.

Rakpong Aroonwatdhana, senior vice president of investor relations, strategy and sustainability, said higher diesel prices are lifting transport costs across supply chains, while volatile oil prices are increasing raw material costs for products such as plastics, chemicals and construction materials. Continued … 

Everything you need to decide, and do, before relocating to Thailand

The 60-day visa exemption is still on the books, but the shortcuts around it are closing. Land border crossings are now capped at two visa-exempt entries per calendar year, and immigration officers are actively enforcing proof of onward travel, confirmed accommodation, and a 20,000 baht cash reserve at the border. If your plan for staying in Thailand long-term was another border run, that plan no longer works.

None of that changes why people want to move here. It changes how carefully you need to set it up: visa rules have tightened, the baht has strengthened against most Western currencies, a new foreign income tax rule is in its third year of enforcement, and a widely reported July 2026 safety incident in Pattaya was a reminder that “it’ll be fine” is not a relocation strategy anywhere. Continued … 

Isan postcards

Video … 

Thailand opens rooftop solar vendor registration for 500,000 homes

Thailand has opened registration for businesses installing rooftop solar power systems and for approved equipment from Aug. 3 to Sept. 30, as it seeks to strengthen safety standards and prepare for wider household adoption nationwide under its clean-energy transition policy.

The initiative forms part of a policy led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to prepare for the expansion of rooftop solar in the residential sector. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) are accepting vendor applications and registrations for key equipment, including solar panels and inverters. Continued … 

How Asia Can Reverse Rising Inequality in its Cities

Asia and the Pacific is urbanizing faster than any other region. By 2050, its cities will be home to 3.4 billion people, up from 2.2 billion today – the equivalent of adding around two Delhi-sized cities every year. The region’s future will depend on how this urban expansion is managed – whether it delivers shared prosperity and well-being or deepens exclusions and vulnerability. 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

exports, hua hin, immigration, medical tourism, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, thailand festivals, thailand wellness, tourism

Wednesday’s news-March 25

  • Gas price hike/Thailand Raises Diesel Price/Government eyes fuel tax reduction/Thailand braces for blistering/Cambodia is stockpiling weapons
  • THE IRAN WAR: Crackdown on fuel and goods prices/Bracing for price rises/20 items added to price controls/To keep food prices unchanged/Thai crude oil tanker clears Strait of Hormuz/Oil prices expected to stay high/Conflict delays auto exports/Conflict threatens rice exports/Cambodia hit by LPG shock/Philippines first to declare energy emergency/Gold Just Had Its Worst Week
  • ECONOMY: Rules to Curb Foreign Nominee Firms/Shipments rise in February/Man behind Thailand’s first beer
  • TOURISM: 2.97% Arrival Decline/Visa-free stay cut will not affect tourism/Fed up with visa-free tourists/Phuket Faces Water Crisis/Thailand lands Tomorrowland and EDC
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Rookie Mistakes To Avoid/Thailand’s Erawan National Park/Wellness Tourism Surge
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Villagers Win Against Gold Mine/ASEAN could meet new power needs with solar
  • INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

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Gas price hike to push up Thai power bills

The new government is bracing for a surge in electricity bills, as liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices climb in the wake of conflict in the Middle East, according to an energy official who requested anonymity.

The official said subsidies similar to those used to cap oil prices are unlikely, given the heavy financial burdens carried over from the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. Continued … 

Thailand Raises Diesel Price to 33 Baht Per Liter

Thailand has raised the retail price of diesel to 33 baht per liter, as authorities seek to ease mounting pressure on the state Oil Fuel Fund. The move follows a decision by the Oil Fuel Fund Management Committee to reduce diesel price subsidies.

The adjustment is expected to have an immediate impact on transport costs and fuel expenses nationwide. The decision comes amid a sharp rise in global energy prices, driven in part by escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly following attacks involving Iran. Continued … 

Government eyes fuel tax reduction

The government may be forced to implement fuel tax reductions if the Oil Fuel Fund proves insufficient to stabilize domestic prices, Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has warned.

Ekniti, who also serves as the finance minister, said the Finance Ministry has already prepared contingency plans for a reduction in fuel taxes should the situation deteriorate. However, he stressed that any final decision would rest with the incoming government. “If the fund is no longer able to maintain price stability, tax measures will become necessary,” he said. Continued … 

Thailand braces for blistering heat as temperatures top 40C in North and Central regions

Thailand will continue to experience generally hot weather through March 30, with very hot conditions expected in parts of the north and central regions where temperatures may exceed 40C, according to the Meteorological Department.

The department said upper Thailand would remain hot overall, with some areas facing extreme heat and hazy conditions during the day. Isolated thunderstorms are also expected in some provinces as a heat-induced low-pressure system continues to cover upper Thailand. Continued … 

Army intelligence warns Cambodia is stockpiling weapons

The Thai army intelligence chief has warned that the border conflict with Cambodia could reignite, pointing out that Phnom Penh has placed large orders for weaponary. Lt. Gen. Teeranan Nandhakwang said tensions along the border with Cambodia currently appear to be easing, with a shift from military combat to international legal and diplomatic manoeuvring.

However, risks remained. Cambodia has bought a large quanitiy of armaments from countries in eastern Europe, in the lead-up to a general election in 2027. This could trigger another round of border conflict. Continued … 

Interior Ministry orders nationwide crackdown on fuel and goods prices

The Interior Ministry has ordered provincial authorities nationwide to intensify controls over fuel and consumer goods prices, warning that those who hoard supplies, manipulate prices, or violate emergency measures could face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to B100,000.

The Department of Provincial Administration has raised its response level as part of a broader effort to contain the impact of the energy and consumer goods crisis. Under the directive, provinces have been told to integrate the work of four main agencies to strengthen oversight in all areas. Provincial commerce offices will inspect the prices of goods and services, while provincial energy offices will supervise petrol stations. Continued … 

Transport, airlines, restaurants and e-commerce brace for price rises

The surge in global oil prices triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East is rippling through Thailand’s economy, raising costs across water transport, road transport, and aviation, and pushing up input and logistics expenses for food businesses and retailers — from small operators to major e-commerce platforms.

Charoenporn Charoentham, managing director of Chao Phraya Express Boat Ltd (CPX), said the operator has been hit by higher fuel costs and uncertainty over future supply volumes. He warned that sustained high diesel prices could force CPX to reduce services or even suspend operations. Continued … 

Commerce ministry adds 20 items to price control list

The Commerce Ministry is adding 20 more items to the list of controlled products to help cushion the impact of the current oil crisis on consumers, as the war in the Middle East drags on.

The controlled items include: Pork; chicken; eggs; rice; paddy; wheat; garlic; fresh coconut; oil palm seeds; latex; dried food and seasoning; canned fish; instant noodles; palm oil; sugar; salt; fresh milk and powdered milk; fertilizer; pesticides; animal feeds; farm machinery; uel; LPGf; cement; iron rods, sheets and structural iron; electrical cables; PVC pipes, floor and wall tiles; sanitary ware; tissue paper; printing and writing paper; detergent; soap; shampoo; sanitary towels; diapers; face masks; hand sanitizers; medicines and medical services; rubber gloves; antigen test kits. Continued … 

CPF vows to keep food prices unchanged

Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF), a leading integrated agro-industrial and food conglomerate, says it will keep its meat and food prices unchanged for at least two months, as the company uses local sources for most of its raw materials.

The company is reinforcing its position as “Kitchen of the World” by transforming from a traditional meat exporter into a global leader in innovative ready-to-eat food, after becoming the world’s seventh-largest meat producer with exports worth 600 billion baht in 2025. Continued … 

Bangchak says crude oil tanker safely clears Strait of Hormuz

Bangchak Corp. said that its crude oil tanker from the Middle East, which had been anchored in the Persian Gulf since March 11, recently passed safely through the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel is currently traveling across the Indian Ocean and is scheduled to deliver crude oil to Thailand in early April.

The company thanked the Thai government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for discussions and coordination with relevant agencies, as well as the governments of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Sultanate of Oman, to facilitate the vessel’s passage under international law. Continued … 

Oil prices expected to stay high after Middle East energy attacks

Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), in his capacity as secretary of the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East, said the situation in the Middle East remained highly uncertain and global oil prices were likely to stay at elevated levels for some time.

As a result, any assessment of where the diesel price cap should be set would have to track world market prices, as the global market was now highly volatile. Refined diesel prices in Singapore were currently above US$200 a barrel, compared with a peak of about US$135 a barrel during the Russia-Ukraine war, when many countries had to manage prices similarly. Continued … 

Middle East conflict delays auto exports to key market

Thailand’s automotive industry is facing mounting pressure as the Israel-US war on Iran disrupts shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, delaying vehicle exports to the Middle East, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

The situation is forcing a review of the FTI’s car manufacturing projections for this year. The Middle East is Thailand’s third-largest export market for vehicles, after Asia and Australia, with strong demand for pickup trucks. Continued … 

Middle East conflict threatens Thailand’s rice export target

Tensions in the Middle East have pushed up transport costs, energy costs, oil prices, freight charges and insurance premiums. Freight rates for March 15-30 have been raised by more than 40%, with shipping lines citing special surcharges and higher fuel costs.

The situation has also affected shipping routes and delivery times, prompting some importers to delay orders while they assess the situation. The situation has affected Thai rice exports to key markets, especially the Middle East, which is Thailand’s third-largest market. Continued … 

Cambodia hit by LPG shock as major supplier halts sales

Cambodia is facing fresh energy turmoil after Sokimex, one of the country’s largest fuel suppliers, announced that it would temporarily suspend LPG sales from April 1 after failing to import the fuel since the beginning of March, citing transport disruption linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Sokimex operates about 500 service stations nationwide, making the move a significant blow to fuel confidence in a country that depends almost entirely on imports for its energy needs.

The disruption marks a new phase in Cambodia’s energy crisis. After sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices, pressure is now spreading to LPG, a fuel widely used for cooking in urban households and for vehicles such as tuk-tuks and taxis. Continued … 

Philippines first to declare energy emergency over oil crisis

The Philippines has formally declared a national energy emergency, becoming the first country to take such action in response to the escalating global energy crisis triggered by conflict in the Middle East.

The decision follows reports that more than 400 petrol stations across the country have suspended operations due to the sustained rise in fuel prices, underscoring the severity of the situation. Continued … 

Gold Just Had Its Worst Week Since 1983

Gold has long been the asset investors reach for when the world feels dangerous. Wars, economic shocks, political chaos — historically, any of these tends to send the price of bullion climbing. So why, in the middle of an active and intensifying Middle East conflict, has gold just suffered its worst week in over 40 years?

Gold dropped roughly 11% last week, posting its biggest weekly loss since 1983. The metal is now down more than 14% since the war began. As of today, the spot price sits at approximately $4,357 per ounce — a sharp reversal from the record highs above $5,500 that defined the early weeks of 2026. Continued … 

Thailand Tightens Rules to Curb Foreign Nominee Firms

Thailand’s Department of Business Development (DBD) will enforce stricter company registration rules from April 1, requiring Thai shareholders in foreign-linked businesses to certify that their investments are genuine.

The move aims to clamp down on the long-standing issue of “nominee” arrangements, where Thai nationals act as proxies for foreign investors. Authorities warn that non-compliance could lead to criminal penalties and deeper investigations. Continued … 

Shipments rise in February on industrial demand

Exports surged by 9.9% year-on-year to US$29.4 billion in February, driven by strong industrial goods shipments, while imports jumped by 31.8% to $32.3 billion, mainly due to machinery and gold purchases, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO). The trade deficit was $2.83 billion for the month.

For the first two months, exports increased by 17% to $61.0 billion and imports surged by 30.5% to $67.2 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $6.14 billion. Continued … 

The man behind Thailand’s first beer and a B100-billion empire

The Bhirombhakdi family heirs recently held a merit-making ceremony on March 23, 2026, to mark the anniversary of the death of Phraya Bhirombhakdi, the man behind the legend of Thailand’s first beer and the founder of Thai food and beverage giant Boon Rawd Brewery.

The family business empire, now worth more than 100 billion baht, has been passed down through generations and has stood firm in Thailand for more than 90 years. Continued … 

Thailand Sees 8.5M Tourists Amid 2.97% Arrival Decline

Thailand has welcomed 8.54 million foreign tourists from Jan. 1 to March 22, generating approximately 417.216 billion baht in revenue. However, the total arrivals reflect a 2.97% decrease compared to the same period last year. Despite the decline, short-haul markets have shown significant improvement, enhancing inbound tourism numbers recently.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported cumulative foreign arrivals at 8,544,484, with China as the top source of tourists at 1,377,750 visitors. Malaysia follows with 854,438 visitors, Russia with 668,479, India with 566,337, and South Korea with 391,040. Continued … 

Visa-free stay cut will not affect tourism, Thai foreign minister says

Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkaew said yesterday a proposal to cut the visa-free stay for tourists from 60 days to 30 days will not affect tourism, saying the change is intended to address misuse of the visa-free period.

Sihasak said the previous government approved a 60-day visa-free stay for tourism. He said the current situation has seen some foreign nationals using the visa-free period for other purposes, prompting the Foreign Ministry to propose reducing the stay. Continued … 

Why Thais are fed up with visa-free tourists

Sitting in a Nimman cafe in Chiang Mai, a Thai local notices a good-looking foreigner working on a laptop next to them for hours. Having ordered just one cup of coffee, this person is clearly not a tourist, nor are they here to relax. They sit quietly, working as if the cafe were their own personal office.

You might start wondering how they entered the country. If they hold a work visa, or if they pay taxes to Thailand. The sad answer is they entered for free, hold no work visa, paying absolutely no taxes. Continued … 

Phuket Faces Water Crisis, Awaits Rainy Season Relief

Phuket is on the brink of a water shortage if the anticipated rainy season is delayed and doesn’t bring substantial rainfall within three months. The island currently possesses 12 million cubic meters of raw water across its reservoirs, only slightly over half their full capacity.

According to Gov. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, this amount should suffice until the end of June, with hopes that the upcoming rains will replenish the reservoirs. The Southern Meteorological Center on the Andaman Coast forecasts that this year’s rainy season in the south should begin around April 20 or by early May at the latest. Continued … 

Thailand lands Tomorrowland and EDC for five years

Thailand is positioning itself as a major global hub for EDM festivals, after securing full-scale, multi-year plans for Tomorrowland and Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) — two of the world’s biggest electronic music brands.

The country is being billed as the first and only destination to host both mega-festivals in the same year, with organizers planning five consecutive years of full-scale events. Backers say Thailand’s strengths go beyond accessibility as an Asian gateway, highlighting its soft power appeal — from food, attractions, and culture to Thai hospitality — supported by a strong hotel and service sector. Continued … 

Rookie Mistakes To Avoid When Visiting Thailand

From temple-dotted cities to island-fringed seas and night markets that hum well past midnight, Thailand offers the sort of allure that makes sticking to your plan to explore somewhere entirely new surprisingly difficult.

It’s why that internet saying “the one where you’re supposed to be exploring the world but somehow find yourself back in Thailand for the nth time”, lands a little too close to home. But what’s even more relatable is those first-visit jitters and the head-scratching moments that come with it, especially when local customs and everyday travel norms aren’t immediately obvious. Continued … 

Thailand’s Erawan National Park — Where Green and Growth Combine

March 21 marked the International Day of Forests, established by the United Nations to call upon nations worldwide to protect and sustainably manage forest resources. The theme for 2026 is “Forests and Economies,” emphasizing that the value of forests extends far beyond the trees themselves — it is deeply intertwined with economic development, employment opportunities, sustainable practices, and ecotourism.

In Thailand, Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi Province offers a vivid illustration of this theme through its meticulous and steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship. Established in 1975 as Thailand’s 12th national park, Erawan spans approximately 550 square kilometers, renowned for its lush mountain forests, striking karst landscapes, and a stunning seven-tiered waterfall. Continued … 

Wellness Tourism Surge: Discover the Hidden Treasures of Thailand

Thailand is experiencing a significant transformation in its travel landscape with the launch of the “Healing Journey Thailand” wellness campaign by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in January. This initiative aims to attract high-value, wellness-seeking travelers and highlights the country’s natural beauty intertwined with rich cultural experiences.

The campaign emphasizes the concept that “Healing is the New Luxury”, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in traditional Thai healing practices and explore tranquil settings. Targeting those searching for a purposeful travel experience, it offers a blend of relaxation, self-reflection, and cultural immersion across various scenic locations. Continued … 

Chatree gold mine

Villagers Win Court Battle Against Gold Mine

A civil court has ruled in favor of villagers in Phichit and Phetchabun provinces, ordering Akara Resources to pay compensation to 382 people affected by contamination linked to its gold mining operations. The judgement, delivered yesterday at the Civil Court’s Environmental Division, mandates payments for health impacts, mental distress, and loss of livelihood, as well as environmental rehabilitation.

The case, filed in 2016 as a class action by Suekanya Theerachatdamrong and three others representing local residents, alleged that the company’s Chatree gold mine caused the spread of toxic heavy metals. Villagers claimed exposure to substances including cyanide, arsenic, manganese, and iron through air, water, and agricultural resources over a period of more than 20 years. Continued … 

ASEAN could meet new power needs with solar at US$67 billion savings

Solar power could help Southeast Asian nations avoid a costly gamble on imported gas, as the Gulf crisis sends shockwaves through global energy markets, a new analysis has found.

Replacing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN)’s planned gas power expansion with solar could save the region up to US$67 billion at today’s and projected liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices, according to London-based energy think tank Ember. Continued … 

Stolen dogs trek 17km along motorway to return home

A remarkable story of loyalty and resilience has captured hearts online. Seven stolen dogs reportedly traveled more than 17 kilometers along a motorway in finding their way back home, in northeastern China. The incident occurred in Changchun, in Jilin province, where footage emerged showing the pack of dogs walking together along the Changchun–Shuangyang Expressway, and the video quickly went viral. Continued … 

Vietnam to build first nuclear plant with Russia

Vietnam and Russia have agreed to build Vietnam’s first nuclear power plant, as Hanoi seeks to strengthen energy security amid global fuel disruptions. The deal was signed during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to Russia, though no timeline for construction was announced. 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

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Thursday’s news-Feb 26

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  • Alcohol Sales Prohibited March 3/Anantara Hua Hin Resort celebrates 25 years
  • ECONOMY: Second-hand homes lead/Bank of Thailand slashes rate/Thai Rice Exports Fall/U-Tapao Airport project/Thai border trade value up/Lazada rides trade-up trend
  • TOURISM: 6 million foreign tourists/‘Don’t Go to Thailand’ Video/Australian Tourist Dies After Phuket Assault
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand’s street food makeover/10 things you absolutely cannot bring into Thailand/Thai coffee becoming premium product/What’s the point of luxury gyms?/Thai Coconut Pancake Among World’s Top Desserts
  • HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS

Alcohol Sales Prohibited in Thailand for Makha Bucha Day March 3

Thailand will enforce a ban on alcohol sales for Makha Bucha Day, which falls on March 3 this year. According to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, sales are prohibited on specific Buddhist holidays.

Makha Bucha Day is celebrated by Buddhists to honor a significant assembly of 1,250 monks who gathered spontaneously during the Buddha’s lifetime. This ban forms part of a broader regulation established in 2008, targeting several key Buddhist holidays, including Visakha Bucha Day and Asalha Bucha Day. Exceptions exist for international airport terminals, hotels, and entertainment venues in popular tourist areas, allowing them to sell alcohol under specific conditions. Continued …

Anantara Hua Hin

Anantara Hua Hin Resort celebrates 25 years

The Anantara story didn’t begin in Phuket, Bangkok, or Koh Samui – three of the most famous places in Thailand – but in the more low-key coastal town of Hua Hin. It was in Hua Hin that the Anantara brand was born in 2001 with the opening of Anantara Hua Hin Resort.

Known as Thailand’s first beach holiday destination, Hua Hin became a popular vacation spot among well-to-do locals after King Rama VII chose it as the location of his summer palace in the 1920s. Continued …

Property past its low point; second-hand homes lead, 2026 seen steady

Thailand’s housing market in 2025 was like a ship battling rough seas all year, only beginning to see a glimmer of light in the final quarter. Data from the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) show that in Q4 2025, the market started to recover quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) after short-term stimulus measures, or a “Quick Big Win”, including cuts to transfer and mortgage registration fees and relaxed loan-to-value (LTV) criteria.

The momentum immediately lifted nationwide ownership transfers. Transfer transactions totaled 89,198 units, up 5.7% from the previous quarter. Transfer value reached B247.145 billion, up 9.3%. Continued …

Bank of Thailand slashes rate in surprise move to support economy

The Bank of Thailand says the cycle of policy rate cuts has ended, with yesterday’s reduction deemed sufficient to support the Thai economy. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted 4-2 yesterday to cut the policy rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 1%, effective immediately.

Two members voted to keep the policy rate unchanged at 1.25%, according to the MPC secretary Don Nakornthab. He said if the Thai economy progresses in line with the committee’s assessment, the downward interest rate cycle can be considered over. Continued …

Thai Rice Exports Fall 17.5% as Baht Strengthens

Thai rice exports fell by 17.5% in January compared with the same month last year, as a strong baht reduced the country’s price competitiveness. Export volume totaled 530,287 tons, down from 643,144 tons a year earlier. Export value dropped to B9.707 billion, a 30.7% decrease.

Charoen Laothamatas, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Assn., said the appreciation of the Thai baht to around 31 THB per US dollar was the main cause. For every 1 THB the baht strengthens, Thai rice becomes US$12–15 more expensive per ton. Compared with the same period in 2025, the stronger currency has pushed prices up by US$40 per ton. Continued …

U-Tapao Airport project to kick off on April 3

Chula Sukmanop, secretary-general of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO), provided an update on the B290-billion U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City development, saying the EECO will issue a notice to proceed (NTP) to U-Tapao International Aviation Co., (UTA) on April 3, 2026. The date will mark the official start of the 50-year project timeline, with the concession due to end in 2076.

This progress came after the EECO signed a contract management agreement for the joint investment project with UTA, the concessionaire, on Jan.29, under which UTA agreed to waive certain contractual conditions precedent related to the construction plan and the operation of the high-speed rail link connecting the three airports — resolving the deadlock that had delayed the project for nearly five and a half years. Continued … 

Thai border trade value up 11% in January

Thailand’s overall border and transit trade in January reached a total value of 161.1 billion baht, a 10.9% increase year-on-year, with China remaining a leading transit market, said deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana.

Exports totalled 87.9 billion baht, up 12.6%, while imports stood at 73.1 billion baht, rising 9.0%. The figures resulted in a trade surplus of 14.8 billion baht for the month. Continued …

Lazada rides trade-up trend in Thai market

Lazada Thailand is shifting its strategy to “confidence commerce”, prioritizing trust and reliability over price or delivery speed. The strategy aims to strengthen LazMall in response to the continued growth of Thailand’s e-commerce market.

LazMall is Lazada’s curated online mall within its main platform, dedicated to offering authentic, branded, and authorized products. Lazada Thailand recorded the highest growth in Southeast Asia last year among Lazada’s regional platforms. Continued …

6 million foreign tourists so far this year

Thailand welcomed nearly six million foreign tourists since the start of this year, generating almost 300 billion baht in revenue, with Chinese, Malaysians, and Russians among the top visitors, the government says.

Deputy government spokeswoman Aiyarin Phanrit yesterday said the government was pleased with the overall tourism performance between Jan. 1 and Feb. 22, which saw 5.94 million foreign visitors enter the country, generating 293 billion baht in tourism income. Continued …

Foreigner’s ‘Don’t Go to Thailand’ Video Goes Viral

A foreign TikTok user has gone viral after posting a tongue-in-cheek video warning people not to visit Thailand, only to reveal that the country made him fall in love with it. The clip, published yesterday, quickly attracted widespread attention online. Thai and foreign viewers responded in large numbers, sharing their reactions and travel plans.

In the video, the man repeatedly says, “Do not go to Thailand. Do not do it,” presenting his remarks as a warning. He then jokes that travelers who book a one- or two-week holiday will eventually have to return home and, once back, will “hate” their jobs and normal lives because they cannot stop thinking about Thailand. Continued …

Australian Tourist, 58, Dies After Phuket Assault

A 58-year-old Australian tourist has died after being seriously assaulted in Patong, Phuket, prompting police to launch an urgent manhunt for the attacker. The victim succumbed to severe head injuries at Patong Hospital late yesterday.

Police were alerted at 11 pm yesterday after the injured tourist was pronounced dead at Patong Hospital. Authorities confirmed the deceased had sustained critical head wounds consistent with a violent physical assault. Continued …

Thailand’s street food makeover, and why it is the street food capital of the world

In Thailand, food is frequently in a paper bowl, handed across a metal cart right near a tattle of pigeons and the glow of a street lamp. Street food in Bangkok is a cultural language — one that continues to define the country’s identity even as its global dining prestige rises.

For decades, Thailand’s capital has been celebrated for its pavement kitchens: open-air stalls where recipes are refined through repetition, instinct, and memory. These spaces operate outside the formalities of restaurant culture, and represent something far more enduring. Street food is daily life made visible, an edible expression of community and shared lives. Continued …

10 things you absolutely cannot bring into Thailand

Your vape just got you arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport. You thought it was fine, legal in your home country, tucked discreetly in your carry-on. But Thailand does not care if what you bring is legal back home. The customs officer is now holding your device, citing a 2014 import ban, and you are facing up to 10 years in prison and a 500,000 baht fine.

Thailand’s import restrictions catch thousands of travelers off guard every year, and the consequences range from confiscation and fines to arrest, prosecution, and deportation. Some items on this list are obvious, but the other things that you cannot bring into Thailand will surprise you. Continued …

Thai coffee becoming global premium product

Thailand’s coffee landscape is being rewritten. Once seen mainly as a local staple or bulk commodity, Thai coffee is evolving into a globally recognized premium product.

A major driver is the Geographical Indication (GI) framework — GI is a form of intellectual property protection that identifies goods as originating in a specific place, where their quality, reputation, or characteristics are essentially linked to that origin. Continued …

What’s the point of luxury gyms?

Luxury gyms are expanding across Bangkok at a pace that feels less like a passing trend and more like a structural shift in how urban space is being used. From private Pilates studios tucked into Thonglor side streets to padel courts embedded within mixed-use developments, these spaces are multiplying in neighborhoods that already signal affluence, and they do so with a distinct confidence.

Their membership fees are high, their interiors deliberately restrained, and their access often limited. What they offer extends well beyond fitness. The growth of these spaces reflects a quiet reorganisation of social life. A decade ago, nightlife functioned as one of Bangkok’s most visible arenas of belonging. Continued … 

Thai Coconut Pancake Ranks Among World’s Top Desserts

Khanom khrok, a traditional Thai coconut pancake, has been ranked 24th in TasteAtlas’s list of the 100 best desserts in the world for 2026. This achievement highlights the dessert’s global appeal, surpassing mango sticky rice, which placed 64th. The survey was conducted online with participation from consumers and food critics worldwide.

Khanom khrok is a beloved Thai street food made from rice flour and coconut milk, cooked in large iron pans with small indentations. The process involves creating a crispy batter base topped with a sweet coconut filling often enhanced with scallions, taro, corn, or pumpkin. Continued …

Hua Hin Links and Transport

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Thursday’s news-Jan 22

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  • The Real Reason We Stay/Thailand’s expats face new digital reality/K9 dog rewarded after murder arrest/Bail denied to murder suspect/Hua Hin tourist police conduct drug tests/Swedish drug dealer defeated by distinctive tattoos/Citywide checks of homeless groups/Smog levels unsafe in most of Thailand/Enforcement of open burning rules/Tracks repaired after crane collapse/Regulatory Outlook for Foreign Residents/Thailand Privilege Extends Bronze Membership
  • ECONOMY: World Bank Predicts Thailand’s 2026 Growth/Baht breaks 31 per dollar/November Exports Rise/Thailand Seeks Investor Confidence/11 Thai banks post profits/E-commerce growth eases/Thai Rice Exports Beat Target/Marketing and advertising in Thailand
  • TOURISM: Shaping Thailand’s tourism future/Strong baht may crimp bookings/Backlash over Lisa tourism promotion
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand’s 5 ancient cat breeds/Wild elephants enjoy human-made water source/Singha Park Chiang Rai balloon fiesta
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Solar Energy: Myths, facts, and challenges
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS 

We found this online and thought it was worth posting …

The Real Reason We Stay (It’s Not the Cheap Beer)

It’s easy to get cynical in Thailand. We complain about the heat, the traffic, the dual pricing, and the scams. But then, something happens that stops you in your tracks.

You break down on a motorbike in the middle of a rainstorm in a rural province. Back in London, New York, or Berlin, people would speed past you, eyes locked on the road, too busy to care. In the West, we have become efficient, but we have also become cold.

Here, a pickup truck pulls over. A grandmother you have never met offers you shelter under her awning. Someone brings you a glass of water. A local mechanic fixes your tire and tries to refuse your money.

They call it Nam Jai (Water of the Heart). It is kindness that flows without being asked for, and without expecting anything in return. It is a reminder that while the West has “standards” and “safety,” it has often lost its sense of community.

We tell our friends we stay for the weather or the cost of living. But the truth is, we stay for the Nam Jai. In a world that is forgetting how to be kind, Thailand remembers. – My Thailand

From visa runs to QR codes, Thailand’s expats face new digital reality

Thailand has long been a haven for those seeking tropical sun, beaches and a laidback lifestyle. It’s host to communities of expats, long-term freelancers, and foreign residents, some of whom have existed in a legal gray zone, taking advantage of visa runs to extend their stay indefinitely. Those days of extended stays in The Land of Smiles could be coming to a definitive end with the digital transformation of the immigration system.

Victor Wong, a legal expert in finance and tax, discusses the implications of the transition to a fully digital system. “It represents a fundamental shift in how the Thai state monitors, manages, and regulates foreign residents, and it will inevitably become part of Thailand’s new normal.” Continued …

K9 dog and team rewarded after quick Hua Hin murder arrest

A police dog and an investigative team in Hua Hin were awarded 30,000 baht yesterday after swiftly apprehending a murder suspect linked to the killing of a hotel worker.

The reward was presented at Hua Hin Police Station in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Provincial Police Chief Artorn Chinthong and Hua Hin police superintendent Police Col. Kampanat Na Wichai handed over the cash prize to the K9 unit and its star member, Praewa, for their role in the capture of the suspect. Continued …

Bail denied to Hua Hin murder suspect

The Hua Hin Provincial Court has denied bail to “Sam”, the suspect in the brutal murder of a female hotel employee in central Hua Hin, citing the seriousness of the charges and concerns that he could flee if released.

Investigators from the Hua Hin Police Station brought Rattikan Yingyot, also known as Sam, before the court today following his arrest in connection with the killing. Police allege that the suspect attacked the victim with a metal pipe, striking her on the head at a hotel counter in central Hua Hin during a robbery, causing her death at the scene. Continued …

Hua Hin tourist police conduct drug tests

Hua Hin tourist police have stepped up their Drug-free Tourism Community campaign, carrying out fresh inspections this week aimed at strengthening confidence in drug-free tourist areas during the peak travel season.

Yesterday, officers from Hua Hin Tourist Police conducted operations under the initiative at key locations across the city. The program focuses on raising safety standards in tourist zones through screening and random drug testing of workers in the tourism sector. Random checks were carried out at Hua Hin Night Market and several hotels within the Hua Hin City Municipality area. No illegal substances were detected. Continued …

Swedish drug dealer defeated by distinctive tattoos as he tried to claim mistaken identity in Hua Hin

A Swedish national lying low in Hua Hin was arrested on Sunday after a task force from Immigration Bureau Division 3 surprised him at a luxury apartment building in the seaside town popular with Western foreigners. The man insisted they had the wrong person. He claimed he was slimmer than the suspect shown in police files.

However, police used biometrics and tattoo images, especially a marking on the wanted man’s neck, to defeat his protests. He then dressed and was escorted by police down in the lift and taken into detention. Continued … 

Hua Hin police plan citywide checks of homeless groups

Hua Hin police are preparing a citywide operation to regulate homeless and other vulnerable groups, as authorities seek to boost confidence among residents and tourists following recent public safety concerns.

Kampanat Na Wichai, superintendent of Hua Hin Police Station, yesterday said the measures will be carried out proactively and in coordination with local administrative bodies and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. Police will focus on locations identified as higher risk, with the stated aim of maintaining public order and reassuring the public. Continued …

Smog levels unsafe in most of Thailand

Unsafe levels of ultrafine dust at the orange level (starting to harm health) shrouded Bangkok and 53 provinces, mostly in the Central Plains and the northeast, late this morning.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency reported that orange levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and less in diameter (PM2.5) ranged from 38.3 to 55.5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) of air in the capital and 53 provinces. Continued …

Enforcement of rules against open burning stepped up

The Pollution Control Department has ordered stepped-up surveillance of open burning as the seasonal risk of haze and dust pollution rises, according to Director-general Surin Worakitthamrong.

More hotspots are being reported in agricultural and forest areas, he said. Local authorities in many provinces have issued formal notices and been instructed to strictly enforce laws against open burning, alongside designating controlled burning zones. Continued …

State Railway of Thailand finishes repairing tracks after crane collapse

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has finished repairing a stretch of railway track in Sikhiu district of Nakhon Ratchasima province in the wake of a fatal crane collapse that struck a passenger train on Jan. 14, killing 30 people, while a parallel technical investigation moves toward identifying the causes and accountability.

The SRT said the damaged and twisted rails had been replaced with 36 meters of new track after the contractor, Italian-Thai Development Plc, removed all remaining crane debris from above the line on Tuesday. Continued …

Law Firm Provides Regulatory Outlook for Foreign Residents and Businesses

Siam Legal International, a full-service law firm with over 22 years of experience advisinginternational clients in Thailand, has released its comprehensive guidance for foreign nationals and businesses navigating Thailand’s regulatory environment in 2026. The firm highlights several national developments that may influence administrative procedures, compliance expectations, and regulatory focus throughout the year.

The Bangkok-based firm notes that 2026 is expected to include significant national events and state activities that may influence administrative focus and public conduct standards. While Thailand remains open and welcoming to foreign residents, investors, businesses, and visitors, the firm emphasizes that awareness of broader national developments is essential for maintaining compliance and supporting effective long-term planning. Continued … 

Thailand Privilege Extends Bronze Membership and Family Promotion

Thailand Privilege has announced the official extension of two of its most in-demand offers, the Bronze Membership and the Next Member Family Promotion, giving prospective long-term residents additional time to plan their move to Thailand.

The extension follows feedback from applicants and authorized agents requesting greater flexibility, as interest in long-stay residency options continues to grow. Both offers will now remain available until March 31, or until further notice. Continued …

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World Bank Predicts Thailand’s 2026 Growth at 1.8%, ASEAN’s Lowest

The World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report indicates that Thailand’s GDP is predicted to grow by 1.8% in 2026, a slight revision upward by 0.1 percentage point from an earlier projection. Despite this increase, Thailand’s growth remains the lowest among major ASEAN countries.

The report foresees global economic challenges due to continuous trade tensions and policy uncertainties, which might hinder job creation as 1.2 billion young adults enter the workforce over the next decade. Continued …

Baht breaks 31 per dollar; Bank of Thailand to curb app gold trades

The baht has again become a growing concern after strengthening rapidly. Yesterday, the baht continued to appreciate and broke below the 31.00 level against the US dollar, reaching a strong level of THB30.88 per US dollar.

This marked its strongest level since March 2021, or the strongest in about 4 years and 10 months. Meanwhile, the Thai stock market closed up 21.19 points at 1,317.56, or 1.63%, with trading value (volume) of Bt68,148.65 million. Continued …

November Exports Rise for 17th Month but Risk 2026 Contraction

In November, Thai merchandise exports reached USD 27.45 billion, growing 7.1% year-on-year (YOY), slightly above SCB EIC’s 7% forecast but below the Reuters median of 8.3%. Despite solid expansion, seasonally adjusted exports showed signs of slowdown, declining 2.3% month-on-month.

This slowing trend comes after cumulative export growth of 12.6% over the first 11 months. Electronic products and exports to the US led growth, while gold exports contracted sharply for the second consecutive month due to a high base effect and slowed gold prices. Continued …

Thailand Seeks Investor Confidence at Davos 2026

Thailand is participating in the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos to boost investor confidence and promote its economic policies, with a focus on digital economy investments. The event in Switzerland from Jan. 19–23 sees around 3,000 participants, including 64 heads of state.

Leading the Thai delegation, Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas aims to strengthen ties with international organizations and tech companies. Continued …

11 Thai banks post Bt265-billion profit in 2025; Kasikornbank tops chart

Thailand’s commercial banking sector posted solid results in 2025, with the combined performance of 11 banks remaining at a healthy level: SCBX, Bangkok Bank (BBL), Kasikornbank (KBANK), Bank of Ayudhya (BAY), TMBThanachart Bank (TTB), Kiatnakin Phatra Bank (KKP), TISCO Financial Group (TISCO), Land and Houses Bank (LHFG), CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT), Thai Credit Bank (CREDIT) and Krungthai Bank (KTB).

Overall, the 11 banks reported combined net profit of 265.396 billion baht in 2025, up 3.6%. The highest profit was recorded by Kasikornbank, at 49.604 billion baht, followed by Krungthai Bank at 48.229 billion baht, SCBX at 47.488 billion baht, and Bangkok Bank at 46.007 billion baht. Continued …

E-commerce growth eases as brands rethink operating models

Thailand’s e-commerce market is projected to post normalized growth this year, expanding by 7% to reach 1.15 trillion baht, as the maturing landscape is characterized by heightened complexity and fierce competition. To emerge as winners, brands must transition toward commerce operating systems, according to Priceza.

Success depends on the ability to manage all channels through a single integrated operating system, seamlessly bridging marketplaces, direct-to-consumer websites, offline retail, agentic commerce, and social/video platforms, e-commerce gurus said during the ECOM TALK 2026 seminar held yesterday by Priceza. Continued …

Thai Rice Exports Beat 2025 Target as 2026 Outlook Weakens

Thailand’s rice exports exceeded official targets in 2025, but the Ministry of Commerce has lowered its projection for 2026 amid intensifying global competition, currency volatility, and geopolitical risks. Officials say the focus next year will be on defending existing markets while expanding into selected new destinations to support farmer incomes and stabilize export volumes.

Yesterday, Arada Fueangtong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, said Thailand exported 7.9 million tons of rice in 2025, surpassing the target of 7.5 million tons. The shipments were valued at 148.204 billion baht, or about US$4.515 billion. Continued … 

How to do marketing and advertising in Thailand? Top 7 tips

The marketing landscape has evolved at a remarkable pace. By early 2026, Thailand is expected to have around 67.8 million internet users, representing nearly the entire population (DataReportal). This level of digital penetration places Thailand among the most connected markets in the region.

The way Thai consumers interact with brands has fundamentally shifted. Conversations about going digital have moved on to a reality where AI underpins daily operations, “Shop-tainment” drives purchasing behavior, and long-held spiritual beliefs coexist with modern technology. Continued …

Shaping Thailand’s tourism future

The era of volume is dead. The next decade of Thai tourism will and must be shaped not by the number of arrivals, but by the economic value generated by those arrivals.

Thailand’s tourism industry has long thrived on its core strengths: genuine hospitality, generosity, and cultural attractions. For decades, these qualities allowed us to rely on pure scale. Yet, the tourism landscape has changed fundamentally. Continued …

Strong baht may crimp bookings

With the baht strengthening against the US dollar, surpassing 31 to the greenback for the first time in almost five years, it should impact forward bookings for the next few months and during the low season, discouraging tourist spending.

Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourist Assn., said travel agents have expressed concern about the strong baht, which has been an obstacle since last year for many markets, including the US, Russia, Europe, and Japan. Continued …

TAT faces backlash over Blackpink’s Lisa tourism promotion

The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) latest promotional campaign, featuring pop icon Lisa of Blackpink, has drawn mixed reactions online, with critics arguing that the TAT has secured a “precious gem” but undermined her value through poor  presentation.

Critics have also questioned why artificial intelligence was used to depict Lisa, rather than filming or photographing her at the actual location. Continued …

Discover Thailand’s 5 ancient cat breeds

From the iconic Siamese cat with its stunning blue eyes to the lucky Korat, these cats have been beloved in Thai culture for centuries. Suphakluk, Khao Manee, and the mysterious Konja each bring their own charm, believed to bring good fortune, wealth, and prosperity. Discover the legacy of these fascinating breeds and learn why they are cherished by cat lovers worldwide. Video … 

Wild elephants enjoy human-made water source in Khao Yai

A herd of wild elephants has been spotted enjoying a newly dug pond in Khao Yai National Park, signaling that the initiative to prevent the animals from straying and damaging local residents’ properties is yielding tangible results.

Video … 

The herd was seen yesterday on video recorded by a camera trap installed near the supplemental water source in the Pha Ta Bak area to observe the animals’ behavior and assess the effectiveness of the initiative, said Yossawat Thiansawat, director of the Office of Conservation Area 1. Continued …

Singha Park Chiang Rai marks 10 years of balloon fiesta

Singha Park Chiang Rai is set to light up the northern skies this Valentine’s season as it celebrates the 10th anniversary of its international balloon festival, positioning the province as a “World Class Love Destination.”

The Singha Park International Balloon Fiesta 2026, scheduled for Feb. 11-15, will feature more than 30 hot air balloons from 13 countries, making it the largest balloon festival in ASEAN. The event aims to transform Chiang Rai into a global destination for romance, culture, and world-class entertainment. Continued …

Solar Energy: Myths, facts, and challenges

Solar energy is the most abundant of all energy resources on planet Earth. Solar energy is also one of the most powerful tools available to reduce air pollution and cut greenhouse gas emissions at their source.

Yet, despite its promise, solar energy is often misunderstood. Persistent myths about cost, reliability, and feasibility have slowed adoption, even as technology improves and prices fall. Understanding what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what challenges remain is key to scaling solar responsibly and equitably. Continued … 

  • Krabi Raids Israeli-Linked Cannabis Farm Using Thai Nominees – Continued …
  • 13 Africans Arrested in Muang Thong Thani Romance Scam Bust – Continued …
  • Norwegian Tourist Warned After Nude Incident on Pattaya Beach – Continued …

Trump drops Feb 1 tariffs, but vows no force on Greenland

US President Donald Trump has withdrawn his threat to impose new tariffs on multiple countries that oppose US control of Greenland, saying he has now reached an outline framework agreement with NATO. “Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1,” Trump wrote online, without providing details. He posted the message after meeting Mark Rutte, secretary-general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), in Davos, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. Continued …

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Saturday’s news-Dec 27

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  • Prachuap Khiri Khan top-rated winter destination/Plan to Axe 1,000 and 500 Baht Notes/Eateries slam new alcohol law/Dec 26 tsunami victims remembered/Harrowing scenes 21 years/Bangkok issues PM2.5 warning/Flat-Headed Cat Return
  • THAILAND-CAMBODIA CONFLICT: Thailand agrees to ceasefire/Border Clashes Intensify/F-16s Strike Cambodian Military Area/Three Thai Soldiers Killed/Cambodia stockpiling weapons
  • ECONOMY: Pressure on condo market/Thailand’s Stock Market Crisis/Gold, silver and platinum surge/Thai rice exports may fall
  • TOURISM: Thailand’s Air Travel Booms/What will power Southeast Asia?
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Inside return to medical-only cannabis/How to See Thailand’s Wonders
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Year of environmental upheaval/Plastic waste is choking the planet//Thailand’s top 10 cleanest coasts and rivers/Hospitality leaders commit to 100% cage-free eggs
  • HUA HIN LINKS

Prachuap Khiri Khan makes it onto the list of top-rated winter destinations worldwide

Prachuap Khiri Khan has made the list of top global winter destinations, reflecting the new trend of easily accessible cities close to nature. According to an Airbnb survey, the 2025 winter travel trend highlights “Gateway Travel,” where travelers worldwide choose destinations that are conveniently located, easily accessible, yet offer beautiful natural surroundings and a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere ideal for true relaxation.

Given Prachuap Khiri Khan’s unique blend of convenient travel and immersive nature— including tranquil beaches, beautiful national parks, and diverse activities — it’s no surprise it’s a rising star destination. It also reinforces the fact that the charm of Thai tourism— its simplicity, warm atmosphere, and accessible experiences — are key reasons why international travelers “want to come back again.” Continued …

Thai Party Plans to Axe 1,000 and 500 Baht Notes

The Thai Pakdee Party has announced a plan to cancel the 1,000 and 500 baht banknotes throughout Thailand. This move aims to combat corruption and disrupt illicit cash flows. Warong Dechgitvigrom, the party leader, asserted these notes enable gray money operations to disguise illegal wealth.

Warong says eliminating these notes will restrict corrupt networks from using physical cash for storing, transferring, and paying bribes, which are difficult to trace. Unlike digital transfers, cash transactions in large amounts leave no record, making them ideal for underhand deals. Continued …

Eateries slam new alcohol law

The Restaurant Assn. opposes the new alcohol law requiring restaurant operators to share some responsibility for any issues caused by drunk patrons. The revised Alcoholic Beverage Control Act of 2025 prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to people under 20, as well as those who are already drunk.

Under the new legislation, alcoholic beverage sellers must verify a buyer’s age when there is reasonable doubt, using a national ID card or other officially issued identification. Continued …

Dec 26 tsunami victims remembered 21 years on

Phuket, Krabi, and Phangnga marked the 21st anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami yesterday with solemn remembrance ceremonies, interfaith prayers, and tributes to the thousands who died.

In Phuket, a memorial service at Mai Khao Cemetery was begun by Boonchu Chanwong, chief judge of the Phuket Administrative Court, with local officials, residents and visitors gathering to honor victims and reflect on the disaster that devastated six Andaman provinces. Continued … 

Harrowing scenes remembered 21 years on from Boxing Day tsunami

The catastrophic tsunami that killed at least 228,000 people in 15 countries across Indonesia, Thailand, India, and Sri Lanka, was triggered by an undersea 9.2–9.3 earthquake in the Indian Ocean on Dec. 2, 2004.

Entire communities were wiped out from 30-meter-high waves travelking at 800 kilometers per hour and Peter Baines, a former New South Wales Police forensic investigator, was in Thailand as part of the international recovery team. Continued …

Bangkok issues PM2.5 health warning

Bangkok has issued a public health warning from tomorrow to Jan. 3, as weather conditions are expected to increase the risk of PM2.5 pollution across the capital. Weak winds and low atmospheric ventilation, most pronounced from nighttime through early morning, are forecast to trap airborne particles and allow pollution levels to build.

City officials have urged residents, farmers, and business operators to avoid all forms of open burning, including agricultural-residue burning, waste incineration, and other outdoor burning, as such activities would significantly worsen air quality during the high-risk period. Continued … 

Flat-Headed Cat Deemed ‘Possibly Extinct’ Has Returned After 29 Years

Conservationists in Thailand are celebrating a surprising discovery. On Christmas day, Panthera, a global wild cat conservation organization, announced that the endangered flat-headed cat has returned to southern Thailand for the first time in 29 years. Flat-headed cats are some of the world’s rarest felines, with just 2,500 remaining in the wild worldwide.

Panthera shared the news alongside Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation ahead of the country’s Wildlife Protection Day. Continued …

Thailand agrees to ceasefire, rejects pre-clash position return

Thailand says it is prepared to enter a short ceasefire with Cambodia but will not accept any deal that requires Thai forces to retreat from areas they have secured during the latest border clashes.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the National Security Council has approved a 72-hour ceasefire proposal and authorized Defense Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit to represent Thailand at talks in Chanthaburi today. Continued …

Thai–Cambodian Border Clashes Intensify with BM-21 Rocket Fire

Fighting along the Thai–Cambodian border intensified today, as Cambodian forces launched BM-21 multiple rocket fire into Thai territory through the early morning, prompting Thai counterattacks using artillery, drones, and air power.

The Second Army Region reported that Thai forces retained control of all key strategic areas, despite injuries to personnel and damage reported in civilian zones in several provinces. Continued … 

Thai F-16s Strike Cambodian Military Area Ahead of Ceasefire

Thai Air Force F-16 fighter jets carried out an airstrike on a Cambodian military area in Banteay Meanchey province this morning, shortly before a planned ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia was due to take effect.

The strike targeted the Phong Ro–Kong Wa military zone in Serei Saophoan district, marking a sharp escalation in fighting just hours before hostilities were expected to pause. Continued …

Three Thai Soldiers Killed Defending Border in Sa Kaeo

Three Thai soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, King’s Guard, were killed while on duty defending Thailand’s sovereignty along the Thai–Cambodian border in Sa Kaeo province yesterday.

According to the First Army Region, the incident occurred in the area of Ban Nong Chan, Khok Sung district, Sa Kaeo, during an operational mission to secure the border. Continued …

First Army Area reports Cambodia building positions and stockpiling weapons

The First Army Area, through the Burapha Task Force, yesterday reported detecting movements by Cambodian forces in Poipet, a strategic area and a key Cambodian stronghold. The army said it observed the establishment of military positions, preparations involving supporting weapons, and the use of the area as a site to store and stockpile military equipment.

A security source said relevant agencies are closely monitoring and assessing developments, with Thai forces also moving into the area, with the stated aim of targeting Cambodian military objectives if required. Continued …

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Strong baht adds pressure on condo market

A stronger baht is emerging as another major headwind for Thailand’s property sector, particularly the condominium market that relies heavily on foreign high-spending buyers, with signs some are delaying both title transfers and new deals amid exchange-rate uncertainty.

Industry assessments say the baht’s appreciation against major currencies such as the US dollar and the yuan makes Thai condominiums instantly more expensive for foreign investors — even if developers do not raise prices — reducing investment yields, especially for buyers planning to rent out units or hold them for medium- to long-term gains. Continued …

Thailand’s Stock Market Crisis: Corporate Fraud Shatters Investor Confidence

Corporate scandals, executive flight, and delayed enforcement have left Thailand’s bourse struggling to restore credibility. Yesterday, Thailand’s Stock Exchange witnessed an extraordinary convergence of corporate disgrace.

As JKN Global Group’s shares traded for the final time before delisting, a Bangkok court delivered its verdict in the fraud case against the company’s founder, Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip. Continued …

Gold, silver and platinum surge to fresh peaks

Gold, silver, and platinum surged to new all-time highs after markets reopened yesterday, with gold reaching US$4,530.60, silver US$75.14, and platinum US$2,429.98 per ounce.

The rally was driven by a combination of momentum-based speculation, thin year-end trading liquidity, and expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will continue cutting interest rates. Continued …

Thai rice exports may fall as much as 12.5% in 2026

Thailand’s rice exports are projected to fall to 7 million tons next year from about 8 million in 2025, with the strong baht making it harder to compete with plentiful ‌supplies of India, the Ministry of Commerce said yesterday.

“If the baht continues in this direction, it will pose a major challenge for Thai agricultural products,” Arada Fuangtong, head of the Department of Foreign Trade, told a press conference. Continued …

Thailand’s Air Travel Booms Ahead of New Year with Increased Seats and Reduced Fares

Air travel across Thailand has surged ahead of the 2026 New Year holiday, with passenger numbers climbing steadily throughout December, prompting the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the Ministry of Transport to expand seat capacity and lower fares to support public travel.

As of Dec. 21, about 479,979 passengers had passed through Thai airports, including roughly 208,040 domestic travelers and 271,939 international passengers, bringing traffic close to pre-pandemic levels. Passenger volumes are expected to peak between Dec. 27 and Jan. 4. On international routes, travel between Thailand and China reached about 19,852 passengers, around 75% of pre-COVID levels, while arrivals from India totaled 10,616, exceeding pre-pandemic figures by about 10%. Continued …

What will power Southeast Asia in the coming year? 5 trends to watch

Fears of a major trade slowdown in 2025 following a barrage of US tariffs turned out to be less destructive than expected, as Southeast Asia’s growth remained relatively resilient.

Front-loaded shipments, electronics exports, and foreign direct investment (FDI) turned out to be the engines behind the region’s resilience this year. This was even as domestic spending and consumer confidence struggled in some economies. Continued …

Inside Thailand’s return to medical-only cannabis

In June 2022, Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize marijuana. What followed was a “gold rush” of sorts, as entrepreneurs, farmers, and investors rushed to open shops, plant fields, and invest in what then seemed like a booming new industry.

Just seven months later, over 18,000 cannabis shops lined Thailand’s streets. Tourists flocked to the country for a taste of what was banned back home, while locals in rural communities cultivated cannabis alongside rice and corn. Continued …

Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park

How to See Thailand’s Wonders Without Feeling Like a Tourist

Some incorrectly assume that Thailand is synonymous with full moon–partying backpackers, over-the-top resorts, crowded beaches, and tourist-thronged temples. In reality, there’s a collective desire among Thais I’ve spoken to across the country for travelers to discover what their homeland is truly about: diverse cultures, a symphony of food, remarkable landscapes, mountainscapes and seascapes, and mind-boggling artisanship and architecture.

Smiling Albino travel company founder Dan Fraser, a Bangkok resident for 26 years, emphasizes the thrill of going off the grid in the country. “You get that high adrenaline rush feeling that you’re one of the first (travelers) to ever walk this trail or bike that route or hang out in this little curry shop in a riverside fishing village,” he says. “Thailand has that kind of opportunity in spades — it’s around every corner, even in Bangkok.” Continued …

Thai year of environmental upheaval

In 2025, Thailand faced a convergence of challenges that laid bare its vulnerability to environmental degradation, natural disasters, and complex regional dynamics.

From polluted rivers and hazardous air quality to seismic disturbances, destructive floods, and sensitive diplomatic disputes, these developments have tested the nation’s preparedness, governance, and capacity for cross-border cooperation. Together, they underscore mounting pressures on ecosystems, public safety, and national values amid an increasingly volatile regional landscape. Continued …

Plastic waste is choking the planet — recycling won’t be enough

If the world continues with business as usual and fails to make urgent systemic changes, plastic pollution leaking into the environment — on land, in water, and in the air — will more than double by 2040, reaching an estimated 280 million metric tons a year. The scale is likened to dumping a truckload of plastic waste into the environment every single second, nonstop.

The economic damage caused by the plastics system is also rising to shocking levels — especially when “hidden costs” that are not reflected in material prices are included. The report estimates that health impacts from chemicals in plastics alone cost the world as much as US$1.5 trillion a year. Continued …

Thailand’s top 10 cleanest coasts and rivers

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has reported that coastal seawater quality nationwide in 2025 was rated “good” at 31%, “fair” at 60%, “degraded” at 6%, and “severely degraded” at 3%, based on monitoring at 210 sampling points.

PCD Director-General Surin Worakijthamrong said the monitoring covered six categories of coastal water use under national seawater-quality standards. The assessment used the Marine Water Quality Index (MWQI). Continued …

Three Thai hospitality leaders commit to 100% cage-free egg sourcing

Three of Thailand’s leading hospitality companies have announced new commitments to source only cage-free eggs for their dining operations, policy improvements that will benefit millions of guests across Thailand and tens of thousands of egg-laying hens.

Asset World Corp. (AWC), one of Thailand’s largest integrated lifestyle developers operating a diverse portfolio of hotels and serviced apartments, has committed to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs across all properties by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, S Hotels & Resorts, operating the SAii Hotels & Resorts brand across premium beach destinations and other well-known brands, has set a 2028 target for complete cage-free egg implementation across all operations in Thailand and the Maldives. Shangri-La Group has similarly committed to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs across its Thailand operations — including properties in Bangkok and Chiang Mai — by the end of 2029. Continued …

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Tuesday’s news-Dec 9

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Hua Hin World Cup/Hua Hin Jazz Festival schedule/Heavy rain in the south/Pet owner floats cats to safety/Surge Reported in MS Scams/Banning social media to under 16s?/SEA Games hit by chaos

  • THAILAND BORDER CONFLICT: Rocket and Gunfire Exchanges Continue/Thailand destroys Cambodian drone control center/PM rules out negotiations/Thailand Vows Military Action/Thai Navy acting in self defense/Inside Anutin’s ‘war room’/Clashes Devastate Border Trade/Border War and US Tariff Talks/Cambodia Joins SEA Games
  • ECONOMY: Thailand Deindustrialization Accelerates/Foreign investors upbeat/Technology megatrends/Thailand’s “Exquisite Rice” Strategy/Thai shrimp industry recovery
  • TOURISM: Tourist Denied Entry Over Funds Requirement
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Songkhla waste-to-energy plant/Climate change threatens water and power systems
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN LINKS

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Hua Hin World Cup set this weekend

The Hua Hin World Cup 2025, one of Thailand’s most popular amateur football tournaments, will take place Dec. 13-14 and is expected to draw hundreds of visitors to the city. Now in its 13th year, the event is forecast to generate between 4 million and 5 million baht for the local economy and further strengthen Hua Hin’s reputation as a destination for sports, wellness, and recreation.

Organized by the Viking Club Hua Hin, the two-day tournament will feature more than 250 players from Thailand and abroad, competing on FIFA-standard 7-a-side grass pitches at the new Arena Hua Hin Soccer Pitch Branch 2. Continued … 

Dec. 19-20 Hua Hin Jazz Festival schedule released

The Hua Hin International Jazz Festival 2025 has been rescheduled for Dec. 19-20, following a change from its original dates of Nov. 2-29.

This year, the festival serves as the headline event of Hua Hin Jazz Month, a month when the city is filled with the sound of jazz. A series of smaller performances and community events will run throughout December, including Jazz Weekend at CICADA Market every Friday to Sunday; Jazz You More at Amara Resort every Monday and Thursday; Jazz at Monsoon Valley on Dec. 20; and a Christmas Jazz Night at Bluport Hua Hin on Dec. 24. Continued …

Heavy rain in the south, chilly winds in the north

Many provinces in the south will experience torrential rain from Thursday into Tuesday next week, with a warning for people in risk areas to prepare for flash floods and forest runoff.

The upper part of Thailand will also see rain in some areas, which will come with colder temperatures and strong winds, the Meteorological Department forecast this morning. Continued …

Thai pet owner floats cats to safety in plastic tub during Songkhla floods

A pet owner in Songkhla refused to abandon his pets as catastrophic flooding hit the region on Nov. 25 amid the nation’s monsoon season. The man put his cats into a plastic tub and floated them through flood waters to a safer area. Video …

Surge Reported in E-Wallet and Fake SMS Scams

Thailand’s Anti-Online Scam Center (ACSC) has warned of a sharp rise in new scam tactics over the past week, including the use of fake e-wallet reward messages and spoofed SMS alerts claiming to be from major brands.

Officials said criminals are now targeting victims with high-volume, lower-value fraud attempts, while impersonation scams continue to cause severe financial losses. One of the most serious cases involved a newly graduated nurse whose family was tricked into paying more than 800,000 baht after scammers posed as state officials. Continued …

Will Thailand join Australia in banning social media to under 16s?

Australia is set to become the first country to implement a minimum age for social media use tomorrow, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube forced to block more than a million accounts, marking the beginning of an expected global wave of regulation.

From midnight (1300 GMT), 10 of the biggest platforms will be required to block Australians aged under 16 or be fined up to A$49.5 million (US$33 million). The law received harsh criticism from major technology companies and free speech advocates but was praised by parents and child advocates. Continued …

Thailand’s SEA Games hit by chaos and criticism

With the 33rd SEA Games beginning today, Thailand should have been swept up in hype and excitement. The whole nation has, instead, been gripped by a sense of apprehension that this year’s Games, running until Dec. 20, may be remembered as the worst the kingdom has ever hosted.

Thailand has hosted the region’s biennial multisport tournament six times before, in 1959, 1967, 1975, 1985, 1995 and 2007, but never have its preparations and organization been under such intense scrutiny. Continued … 

Rocket and Gunfire Exchanges Continue on Thai-Cambodian Border

Clashes on the Thai-Cambodian border have continued to erupt for a third day since Sunday, with new exchanges occurring this morning. No additional casualties have been recorded in the latest skirmishes. The conflict further exacerbates regional tensions as military forces from both nations exchange rockets and gunfire.

Yesterday, escalated Cambodian military activities were reported across provinces neighboring Cambodia, notably Ubon Ratchathani, Buriram, Si Saket, and Sa Kaeo. In Buriram’s Ban Kruad district, Cambodian forces allegedly launched BM-21 rockets into residential zones, leading to armed exchanges at Chong Sai Taku. Continued …

Thailand destroys Cambodian drone control center, targets rocket bases

Thailand has destroyed a casino used as Cambodia’s drone control station and is now targeting rocket bases that threaten Thai communities, according to the Royal Thai Army.

Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said yesterday that the casino served as a command center operating drones. His comments followed reports that a Thai fighter jet had bombed a casino building near Chong An Ma in Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani earlier in the day. Continued …

PM rules out negotiations with Cambodia

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared that Thailand will end diplomatic negotiations with Cambodia and reassured that the conflict will not derail the Trump tax agreement. He emphasized that the military will confront any invasion with force, if necessary.

When asked whether this issue should now be resolved decisively, Anutin reiterated that the Thai armed forces follow protocols to preserve national sovereignty, dignity, and the safety of Thai citizens. He said the government does not expect further attempts from neighboring countries to attack, given Thailand’s strength. Continued …

Thailand Vows Military Action Aainst Cambodia Until Sovereignty Secured

Thailand will persist with military action against Cambodia until its sovereignty is fully secured, as stated by Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow to the foreign diplomatic corps. The announcement was made during a briefing attended by 73 representatives from numerous countries and international organizations to discuss escalating tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border.

Tensions have risen due to repeated claims of violations by Cambodia, including breaches of a ceasefire and aggressive actions such as alleged landmine planting. Despite Cambodia’s public call for peace, Sihasak claims its actions tell a different story, citing Cambodian gunfire into Thai territory and the use of long-range weaponry near the border. Continued …

Thai Navy acting in self defense against Cambodian troops on Thai territory in Trat

The Thai Navy insists that its military operations against Cambodia, in the eastern province of Trat, are in self-defense and are in full compliance with international rules of engagement, after Cambodian troops re-entered Thai territory with heavy weapons.

Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Parat Rattanachaipan, said aerial photographs clearly show Cambodian forces establishing a new operational base inside Thai sovereign territory, near Ban Nong Ri in Chamrak subdistrict, Muang district of Trat. Continued …

A look inside Anutin’s ‘war room’

The decision by the Thai government to take all necessary military measures to defend Thai sovereignty following new border clashes with Cambodia was reached in what was described as a “war room” presided over by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

It was an emergency meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) – the top decision-making government agency on security issues. As prime minister, Anutin is chairman of the council, whose members include the supreme commander and the ministers of defense, finance, foreign affairs, interior, justice, communications, and digital economy. Continued …

Thai–Cambodian Clashes Devastate Border Trade By 99.5%

Thai–Cambodian border clashes have led to a dramatic collapse in trade flows, cutting 99.5% of transactions, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reports. The violence has virtually shut down commerce across the border, resulting in losses of approximately 500 million baht every day.

The conflict reignited on Dec. 7 from the Phu Pa Lek–Phlan Hin Paet Kon area and spread to other parts of Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani. In response, the Thai government evacuated tens of thousands of residents from four provinces. Continued …

Commerce Chief Defiant: Border War Will Not Undermine US Tariff Talks

Thailand Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has expressed confidence that the United States will not exploit the escalating border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia to exert pressure on ongoing trade tariff negotiations.

Speaking at Government House today, Minister Suthumpun dismissed speculation that the talks, which have been complicated by the new round of fighting, would definitely fail to conclude this year. Continued …

What conflict? Cambodia Joins SEA Games Despite Border Tensions

Fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces along the border has overshadowed the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, set to be hosted by Thailand from today until Dec. 20. Despite border clashes starting over the weekend, which each country blames on the other, Cambodia proceeded with its flag-raising ceremony at Bangkok’s Indoor Stadium Huamark, confirming its participation.

Thana Chaiprasit, head of the Thai delegation, confirmed that about 170 Cambodian athletes have arrived. The athletes and officials are staying in the same hotel, ensuring extra precautions for their security. Thana advised them to remain indoors and urged Thai spectators to maintain courtesy, emphasizing peaceful support rather than hostility. Continued …

Thailand Risks Falling to Fifth in ASEAN as Deindustrialization Accelerates

Thailand faces the prospect of sliding from second to fifth place among ASEAN economies within years as its industrial base shrinks faster than it can develop alternative growth engines, economists at Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group warned yesterday.

Chief economist Pipat Luengnaruemitchai painted a sobering picture of an economy caught between fading traditional strengths and absent new drivers, forecasting GDP growth of just 1.6% in 2026, down from an estimated 2.0% this year. Continued …

Foreign investors upbeat despite political uncertainty

Foreign investors remain upbeat about expanding their businesses in Thailand, even as political uncertainty surrounds Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s government, according to the Board of Investment (BoI).

The BoI insists Thailand continues to provide a clear legal framework for business establishment and a stable, investor-friendly environment despite looming changes in the government. Continued …

True highlights technology megatrends

Upcoming technology megatrends driven by artificial intelligence (AI) in 2026 consist of tech convergence, practical innovation at scale, and the faster delivery of the results of tech adoption, according to True Corp.

All enterprises are urged to urgently upgrade their digital infrastructure to cope with these trends, otherwise they may lose their competitiveness. According to Ekaraj Panjavinin, chief digital officer of True Corp., 2026 will be a crucial year for Thai organiZations to seriously accelerate the development of new digital infrastructure. Continued …

Thailand’s “Exquisite Rice” Strategy Yields 16-Million-Baht Export Deal

The Thai Ministry of Commerce has initiated a major push to elevate the nation’s rice industry by shifting away from bulk exports and focusing on high-value, niche markets.

The strategy, led by Commerce Minister Supajee Suthumpan, centers on the concept of “Exquisite Rice” (Khao Praneat), which brands rice based on detailed flavor profiles, geographical origin, unique identity, and producer stories — similar to the marketing of specialty coffee or wine. Continued …

Aerial view of shrimp farm and air purifier in Thailand

Thai shrimp industry urging government to declare its recovery a “national agenda”

Thailand’s shrimp industry is urging the nation’s government to declare the sector’s recovery a “national agenda” in hopes of significantly boosting production and seizing a major trade opportunity in the U.S. market in 2026.

The Thai Shrimp Assn. is seeking sweeping policy changes to raise annual shrimp output from between 250,000 and 270,000 metric tons (MT) to a targeted 400,000 MT. This goal is primarily driven by a market shift in the U.S., where high import tariffs are currently hindering competitive shrimp-producing nation India and potentially creating a market gap of up to 300,000 MT. Continued …

Tourist Denied Entry at Don Mueang Over Funds Requirement

A foreign tourist recently warned travelers on social media about entry challenges at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok after immigration officers barred her due to insufficient funds.

Despite past visits to Thailand without issues, the tourist was surprised by the enforcement of this rule. She expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding the financial requirement and advised others to consider entering through different airports. Continued … 

Songkhla waste-to-energy plant fast-tracked to tackle garbage crisis

Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon has moved to tackle Songkhla’s mounting garbage crisis by ordering an early start-up of a waste-to-energy plant, which can burn 500 tons of waste per day and generate 9.9 megawatts of electricity.

Auttapol said that after floodwaters in Songkhla receded, they left behind extensive damage to homes and communities, with more than 50,000 tons of waste expected. The Energy Ministry recognizes that the garbage crisis is causing serious problems for residents — from foul odors and hygiene risks to blocked roads — and has therefore instructed the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to coordinate with operators of ready waste-to-energy plants to bring them online ahead of schedule. Continued …

Climate change threatens Asia’s water and power systems

Climate change is battering Asia’s water and power systems and putting millions in harm’s way, forcing countries to pour billions into shoring up basic services, according to two recent reports.

Water-related disasters are rising across the region even as spending to protect communities falls short. Asian nations will need $4 trillion for water and sanitation between 2025 and 2040 — about $250 billion a year, the Asian Development Bank said. Continued …

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Tuesday’s news-Sept 30

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Soi 51 businesses told to free up sidewalks/Cha-am park receives tourism award/Prachuap Khiri Khan develops biodiversity-based tourism/How much does it cost to see a doctor?/Police Enforce Immediate Suspensions/Storm leaves 17 provinces flooded/Gold Price Shatters Record/ECONOMY: Economic decline deepens/Dark days ahead for the economy/Premier Unveils 15-Point Urgent Agenda/Strong Baht Threatens Economic Edge/Border Trade Slumps in August/Thai rice exports slump/Online sellers hit by large increases in fees/TOURISM: Tourism at a crossroads/Weak China market dents eatery sector/Suvarnabhumi flies high/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: I was banned from Thailand for a year/CLIMATE THAILAND: Direct Power Purchase Agreement/SolarUnit powers villa community/UOB Thailand is mentoring next-gen green leaders/Thailand accelerates EV hub ambitions/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS 

Soi 51 businesses told to free up sidewalks, pavement

Yesterday, Hua Hin City Municipality held a meeting with business operators and building owners along Soi Hua Hin 51 to discuss regulations on the use of pavements and public areas.

The meeting, chaired by Mayor Nopporn Wuttikul, was attended by Deputy Mayor Bussaba Choksuchart, Police Col. Samer Yusamran, municipal officials, and representatives from relevant agencies. A total of 24 participants joined, including business operators and property owners from the street. Continued …

Cha-am park receives tourism award

Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park in Cha-am has received national recognition after being awarded the Thailand Tourism Outstanding Award in the natural attraction category at the 15th Thailand Tourism Awards 2025.

Phattanaphan Chueachan, head of Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park, accepted the award from Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi during a ceremony held Saturday at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, Bangkok. Continued …

Prachuap Khiri Khan develops biodiversity-based tourism

Authorities in Prachuap Khiri Khan have launched a drive to develop biodiversity-based tourism across all eight districts, aiming to create new economic value for the province while ensuring environmental conservation.

Yesterday, provincial Gov. Sitthichai Sawatsan chaired the first meeting of the Committee and Working Group for Driving Biodiversity-Based Tourism for Sustainable Development at the Prachuap Grand Hotel. More than 120 participants attended, including provincial officials, community representatives, and experts from the Biodiversity-Based Economy Development Office (BEDO). Continued …

How much does it cost to see a doctor in Thailand?

(Editor: This is a sponsored article in another media outlet, but contains useful information.)

Thailand is known for its high-quality, yet affordable, healthcare system, but how much does it really cost to see a doctor? As an expat, this question might be crucial for budgeting your health needs. The answer depends on whether you have health insurance or not, and the difference can be significant.

If you’re living in Thailand without health insurance, you will pay out of pocket for all your medical services. While healthcare in Thailand is generally more affordable than in many Western countries, it can still add up. Continued …

Dirty Cops Out: Thai Police Enforce Immediate Suspensions

The Metropolitan Traffic Police inThailand has announced a crackdown on corrupt practices within its ranks. In a move aiming to maintain order and integrity, officers found guilty of misconduct will face immediate suspension. Severe disciplinary action will follow any proven corruption, officials confirmed.

Yesterday, Police Major Gen. Damrongsak Sawang-ngam led a pivotal meeting at the Saengsingkaew Room, Traffic Police headquarters. Attended by deputy commanders and inspectors overseeing key traffic divisions, the session focused on enhancing operational transparency. Continued …

Storm Bualoi leaves 17 provinces flooded, 269,351 affected, 7 dead

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) is expediting relief efforts in 17 provinces still inundated by storm Bualoi, while warning that heavy rainfall will persist through today.

The department said it is closely monitoring the flood situation, urging all affected provinces to provide full support to residents. As of 6am yesterday, floods remained in 17 provinces, affecting 269,351 people across 82,222 households, with seven confirmed deaths. Continued …

Gold Price Shatters Record, Soaring Past $3,800 on US Shutdown Fears

The global gold price hit a new record high yesterday, smashing through the $3,800-per-ounce barrier as political turmoil in Washington drove investors toward the safe-haven metal.

The precious commodity was buoyed by intense market anxiety over a looming US government shutdown this week, compounded by firm speculation that the Federal Reserve (Fed) is committed to further aggressive interest rate cuts. Continued …

Economic decline deepens as consumer confidence dives

Thailand’s economy remained sluggish in August as private consumption slowed, farm incomes declined, and exports softened due to the impact of US tariffs, according to the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO).

Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the FPO, reported yesterday that private consumption in August decelerated compared to the corresponding period last year, particularly in durable goods. Continued …

Dark days ahead for the economy, ominous warning signs on employment

Warning lights are flashing for the Thai economy. The Economic Intelligence Center (EIC) of Siam Commercial Bank still projects 1.8% GDP growth this year, but the signals are grim. Unemployment among social security workers has hit 2%, an unprecedented level for Thailand.

Meanwhile, 17% of new graduates are stuck, unable to find jobs. Manufacturing barely keeps ticking over. Consumer confidence in August plunged sharply, signaling that dark days may lie ahead. Continued …

Thai Premier Unveils 15-Point Urgent Agenda to Parliament

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led his Cabinet in delivering the new government’s policy statement to the Parliament yesterday setting out a comprehensive 15-point urgent agenda aimed at immediately addressing the nation’s core challenges.

The policy list heavily features economic stimulus, notably through the continuation of the “Kon La Krueng” (co-payment) scheme, alongside key measures to reduce the cost of living by lowering essential prices, including energy and transportation fares. Continued …

Strong Baht Threatens Thailand’s Economic Edge

Thailand faces economic challenges as the Thai baht continues to strengthen against the US dollar, raising concerns over the country’s competitiveness in tourism and exports. The SCB EIC, a research center under Siam Commercial Bank, has warned that this might dampen Thailand’s economic prospects compared to its regional peers.

Yunyong Thaicharoen, chief economist at EIC, highlighted the disconnect between the baht’s strength and Thailand’s economic fundamentals. He cautioned that this could magnify external shocks, harming both export competitiveness and the recovery of the tourism sector. Continued … 

Thailand’s Border Trade Slumps 23.6% in August

Thailand’s border trade fell sharply in August, plunging 23.6% year-on-year to 63.9 billion baht, with trade with Cambodia almost collapsing, according to the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT).

Exports to Cambodia dropped 99.9% to just 10 million baht, reflecting the severe disruption in cross-border movement. Overall, combined border and transit trade stood at 150.1 billion baht in August, down 3.1% compared to the previous year. Continued …

Thai rice exports slump 23.9% in first eight months

Thailand’s rice exports in the first eight months of 2025 fell sharply, with both volume and value dropping due to oversupply in the global market, weak import demand, and the impact of a stronger baht.

Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT), said exports between January and August totaled 5.04 million tons, down 23.9% from 6.63 million tons in the same period last year. Continued …

Online sellers hit by large increases in fees

Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop have all raised their sales transaction fees and introduced additional service charges, leading to higher costs for merchants.

This trend signals the platforms’ drive to increase profitability, while also reflecting their dominant market power by placing a greater financial burden on sellers. Continued …

Tourism at a crossroads

China’s Golden Week starts tomorrow, when over a billion mainland Chinese people return to their homes to celebrate with their families or go traveling abroad. In the lead-up to this, the Thai government, especially the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has been working hard to urge Chinese travelers to visit the Land of Smiles.

This comes as many Chinese no longer see Thailand as a desired destination. The number of Chinese visitors has fallen by 35% year-on-year. The TAT predicts the number of Chinese tourist arrivals during Golden Week will drop 24% year-on-year. Continued …

Weak China market dents eatery sector

Restaurant operators don’t expect the upcoming eight-day Chinese Golden Week to supercharge the industry’s mood, as the number of Chinese customers might not reach as high a level as last year. China’s National Day holiday and the Mid-Autumn Festival this year run from Oct. 1–8.

China’s state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday, citing the Ministry of Transport, that travel demand during the period is expected to be robust, with a substantial increase in the number of Chinese nationals traveling abroad. Continued …

Suvarnabhumi flies high with booming flights and upgrades

Suvarnabhumi Airport has reported a rise in flights and passengers, as officials reveal strong growth and outline expansion plans for the year ahead. The airport has recorded a strong recovery in air travel, with 58.1 million passengers passing through its gates in the first 11 months of fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to August 2025).

Kittipong Kittikachorn, general manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport, revealed the airport handled 340,670 flights operated by 126 scheduled airlines —up 7% compared to last year. Passenger numbers also jumped 4.9%, reflecting renewed global confidence among travelers and airlines alike. Continued …

I was banned from Thailand for a year — here’s the innocent mistake that cost me everything

On a warm Tuesday in Chiang Mai — the kind of 3 pm that smells like durian and rain — I handed my passport to a man I’d met at a co-working space. He wore a crisp polo with a logo I didn’t recognize and spoke with the calm certainty of someone who’s seen a thousand confused travelers before me. “Two-week turnaround,” he promised. “No need for you to queue at Immigration. I’ll handle everything.”

I’d already fallen into a gentle rhythm that made the city feel like a second home: morning soy lattes at the cafe that played The Cure, afternoons writing in a corner desk under a whirring fan, sunset bike rides along the moat, dinners of khao soi that somehow tasted like warm, savory nostalgia. The only thing that didn’t fit was the thought of a bureaucratic line under fluorescent lights. So when the “visa helper” explained that he could extend my tourist stay while I kept working, I did what too many digital nomads do when convenience winks — I said yes. Continued …

Thailand Prepares to Launch First Direct Power Purchase Agreement Pilot

Thailand’s Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has confirmed that the country’s first pilot project for the Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) is in its final review phase and is expected to launch by the end of 2025.

The scheme is aimed at attracting international data center developers to invest in Thailand, with officials considering raising the current 2 GW trading cap if industry response proves strong. Continued …

DAH Solar SolarUnit powers villa community in Thailand

DAH Solar’s integrated PV system, SolarUnit, has achieved a key milestone in Thailand’s high-end residential market. A total of 200 sets of SolarUnit systems having been successfully installed in the “I-Leaf” brand villa project, including single houses, duplex homes, and townhouses.

Developed by Thai developer Kanda Property, as DAH’s first large-scale villa project in Thailand, it highlights the solution’s ability to simplify installation, boost efficiency and secure long-term returns. Continued …

How UOB Thailand is mentoring Thailand’s next-gen green leaders

UOB Thailand has embedded sustainability into both its business and community agenda, aligned with its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Its efforts earned recognition from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration as a waste-management leader – a milestone that set the stage for an even greater ambition: empowering young Thais to drive change.

That belief inspired “Wonder Lab: Youth For A Greener Tomorrow”, a new platform inviting youth to turn ideas into projects that directly address environmental problems in their communities. Open to participants aged 15–25 nationwide, the inaugural year drew 453 applicants across 102 teams. Ten finalists were selected to develop their projects. Continued …

Thailand accelerates EV hub ambitions with $6.5-billion boost

Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) ambitions are shifting into high gear, with favorable government policies, foreign investment, and surging demand for industrial real estate driving the country’s rise as Southeast Asia’s EV hub. What began with tax exemptions and subsidies has quickly evolved into a wave of investment and land development, fueling a transformation in both the automotive and property sectors.

Analysts forecast that Thailand’s EV industry will generate an addressable real estate market worth at least $6.5 billion (THB 220 billion) by 2030, according to Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). This growth is underpinned by the government’s 30@30 policy, which aims for 30% of all vehicles produced domestically to be electric by 2030, supported by the EV 3.5 incentive package covering 2024–2027. Continued …

Chinese court hands death sentences to 16 linked to Myanmar crime family

A Chinese court sentenced 16 people linked to a notorious Myanmar-based telecoms fraud group to death yesterday for crimes including fraud, drug trafficking, and prostitution. Continued …

US to impose 100% tariff on movies made outside the country

The United States will impose a 100% tariff on all movies made outside the country, US President Donald Trump said in a post yesterday. “Our movie making business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other countries, just like stealing ‘candy from a baby’,” he said. Continued …

Hua Hin Links

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

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Tuesday’s news-April 22

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Feedback/Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule/PKK to host Red Cross Fair/Scorching heat across Thailand/On a budget in Thailand/Drop ‘Farang’ if ‘Ni Hao’ Offends/Thai directors of China Railway No 10/Company Denies Flouting Safety Measures/Myanmar drops bombs near Kanchanaburi border/Thailand Bans Corporal Punishment/Pattaya cop scales new heights/Arrest warrant issued for Swiss man/ECONOMY: Delay in Thai-US Tariff Talks/Thailand Braces for Blowback/China warns Thailand not to ‘please’ US/ASEAN’s tariff strategy/375% tariff on Thai solar cells/Thai rice exports fall/Massive increase in revenue growth/Banks post marginal profit/Strong recovery seen for Thai energy companies/TOURISM: Thailand Eyes European Tourists/Unlocking Thailand’s Festival Potential/Tour operators seek bribe probe/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thin Line Between Madness and Tradition/CLIMATE THAILAND: Today is Earth Day/Sustainable Development in Chiang Mai/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: 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

Re: Koh Phayam Island

“Phayam is indeed a beautiful, tranquil, ecological paradise. However, when chatting with locals, all were anxious about the impact of the ‘land-bridge’ and deepwater port at Ranong on their island, their lives and livelihoods.” – AB

New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

  • Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm
  • Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am

PKK to host Red Cross Fair April 25-May 4

Continued …

Scorching heat and isolated thundershowers expected across Thailand

A heat low-pressure system over upper Thailand is causing hot to very hot conditions during the day, while the prevailing southerly and southwesterly winds bring isolated thundershowers and gusty winds, the Thai Meteorological Department forecast today.

South (east coast): Hot day with isolated thundershowers mostly in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat; minimum 24-26°C, maximum 33-36°C; waves about a metre high and above 2 metres high in thundershowers. Continued … 

Living on a budget in Thailand? Here’s how to stay healthy without breaking the bank

Thailand is a popular place for people who want to enjoy a good life at a lower cost or even on a budget. Many expats, retirees, and digital nomads choose to live here because daily expenses are cheaper than in most Western countries.

But staying healthy while saving money is just as important. This guide shares simple and practical tips to help people eat well, find low-cost housing and transport, and get healthcare coverage without spending too much. Continued …

Russian Teacher to Thais: Drop ‘Farang’ if ‘Ni Hao’ Offends

A Russian language teacher in Thailand has sparked debate with his call for Thais to reconsider using the word “farang” for foreigners if they find “Ni Hao” racist.

The topic ignited on Thai social media after Siranudh “Sai” Scott, a Thai-Scottish former ranger, highlighted an incident where a tourist’s “Ni Hao” greeting was deemed disrespectful. Sai claims he confronted the tourist and demanded their expulsion from the Krabi park for the perceived slight. Continued …

Three Thai directors of China Railway No 10 Company surrender to the DSI

Three Thai shareholders and directors of China Railway No 10 (Thailand) reported to the Department of Special Investigation today, to acknowledge charges of being nominees of foreign business.

According to the DSI, the three Thai nationals are neither financially sound enough to own 51% of the equity in the major construction firm, nor are they construction engineers. Continued …

Thai-Chinese Company Denies Flouting Safety Measures in Skyscraper Collapse

A Thai-Chinese company yesterday denied allegations its steel rods did not pass safety standard tests after nationwide criticism prompted an investigation into the collapse of a high-rise building under construction after an earthquake last month in Bangkok.

Authorities are probing Xin Ke Yuan Steel and another Chinese contractor involved in the construction to find out why the building crumbled following a quake centered in Myanmar, more than 800 miles (1,200 kilometers) away. It was the only building that completely collapsed that day. Continued …

Myanmar ignores Thai warning, drops bombs near Kanchanaburi border

Yesterday, Myanmar soldiers flew Y-12 aircraft to drop bombs in the Tiki village area, Myanmar, located next to the permanent border checkpoint of Ban Pu Nam Ron, Kanchanaburi Province.

Initially, about 10 bombs were heard. In addition, 3 Mi-17 aircraft transporting soldiers landed at the Tiki base, with about 60 soldiers, to prepare for a major clash with the Karen forces of the 4th Infantry Division, Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). Continued …

Thailand Bans Corporal Punishment

Thailand has taken a pivotal step toward safeguarding children’s rights by amending its Civil and Commercial Code to ban all forms of corporal punishment. This legal reform, published in the Royal Gazette on March 24, has been lauded by child rights advocates as a crucial shift toward changing societal attitudes on parenting.

The amendment specifically modifies Section 1567 (2) of the Civil Code, which now clearly states that “disciplining or behavior correction of a child must not involve violence, physical or psychological harm, or any inappropriate actions.” This replaces previous vague language that permitted punishment “in an appropriate manner for education,” which many experts argued left room for abuse. Continued …

Pattaya cop scales new heights in daring rescue of helpless child

A courageous Pattaya cop yesterday pulled off a daring rescue mission straight out of an action film, scaling a fourth-floor balcony to save a terrified seven-year-old girl trapped alone in a locked flat.

The drama unfolded at a block on Phratamnak Soi 4 when the panicked girl, locked inside with no way to contact her guardian, tried to climb across the balcony to a neighboring flat. Continued …

Arrest warrant issued for Swiss man after his no-show in Phuket

Yesterday, Swiss national Uli Fehr failed to turn up at Phuket Provincial Court to hear a judgment. This was for an appeal against the dismissal of charges against him earlier in September by the lower court.

Afterward, the court issued a warrant for his arrest and adjourned the case until 9 am on May 23. At that time, the latest judgment in the matter will be read. Continued …

Delay in Thai-US Tariff Talks: Minister’s Trip Canceled

The much-anticipated Thai-U.S. trade negotiations, set to confront the hefty 36% tariff imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Thailand, face an unexpected delay. Initially slated for tomorrow, the talks are now postponed, with no new date confirmed by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

Meanwhile, members of Thailand’s Board of Investment have already traveled stateside, launching an advance roadshow despite the postponement. Their mission: to gather vital investor insights and promote investment as part of the broader negotiation strategy. Continued …

Thailand Braces for Blowback From US-China Trade War

Thailand’s trade and export sectors are on high alert as the U.S.-China trade war escalates, with potential repercussions set to ripple through the country’s economy.

Economists warn that global trade uncertainties, fueled by the rift between the two powerhouse nations, could challenge Thailand’s economic stability. Nattawat Onratn from CGS-CIMB Securities hints that the trade war might drag on, keeping Thailand in a state of flux. Continued …

China warns Thailand not to ‘please’ the United States at its expense

China has fired a shot across its trade partners over its escalating trade war with the United States. In brief, the Communist power said it would retaliate against any country that “pleases” the United States in furthering the trade war. In particular, any agreement that compromises or threatens China’s interests.

While Beijing insists it supports nations resolving their disputes, it stated it would never accept deals reached at its expense. “Compromise cannot bring peace, and compromise cannot bring respect,” a ministry spokesperson added. Continued …

ASEAN’s strategy against US tariffs

On April 2, U.S. President Donald Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” quickly morphed into “Solidarity Day” for all 10 members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Within 72 hours, the bloc’s chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, had held a conference call with his ASEAN colleagues to discuss and coordinate a potential collective response to the president’s signature move. Over the past three weeks, there has been a flurry of activity among members and across continents with dialogue partners to respond to the worldwide tariffs. Continued …

US sets 375% tariff on Thai solar cells

U.S. trade officials finalized steep tariff levels on most solar cells from Southeast Asia, a key step toward wrapping up a year-old trade case in which American manufacturers accused Chinese companies of flooding the market with unfairly cheap goods.

The case was brought last year by Korea’s Hanwha Qcells, Arizona-based First Solar Inc. and several smaller producers seeking to protect billions of dollars in investments in U.S. solar manufacturing. Continued …

Thai rice exports fall 30% as Trump tariff fears grow

Rice exports dropped by 30% year-on-year in the first quarter to 2.1 million tons, an industry association said. Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Assn. attributed this decline to India’s renewed white rice exports and Indonesia, a key importer, temporarily suspending its orders.

This year, Indonesia is expected to import less than 1 million tons, with potential resumption of imports expected in the latter half of the year. These circumstances contributed to a 53% drop in white rice export volumes. However, exports of Thai jasmine rice and parboiled rice saw an uptick. Continued …

Treasury targets massive increase in revenue growth

The Treasury Department is aiming for a leap in its revenue growth, targeting a 20% increase in 2026, compared to the current average annual revenue growth rate of 3%.

According to the director-general of the Treasury Department, one approach to increasing the department’s revenue is to maximize underused land with high potential, be it state land under the supervision of various government agencies or unused or vacant land directly overseen by the Treasury Department, which altogether amounts to as much as 1 million rai. Continued …

Banks post marginal profit growth in Q1

The banking industry reported marginal growth in net profit for the first quarter of 2025, primarily due to lower net interest income (NII), aligning with a contraction in loans.

Ten of the 11 SET-listed banks, excluding Thai Credit Bank, reported a combined net profit of 67.4 billion baht for the first quarter of 2025, representing a 4.96% year-on-year increase. Continued …

Strong recovery seen for Thai energy companies in Q2

Thai energy firms are expected to see a strong recovery in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, thanks to seasonal demand growth.

According to UOB Kay Hian, electricity demand in Thailand usually peaks in Q2, driven by the summer hot season (April-May) and increased consumption during the Songkran holidays. This, along with the rebound in tourism and commercial activities post-first quarter, will fuel electricity sales volume in Q2. Continued …

Thailand Eyes European Tourists Amid Asian Visitor Decline

Thailand is grappling with a significant decline in tourist numbers, pushing the Tourism and Sports Ministry to task the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) with revamping its 2025 strategy.

The emphasis is to adjust foreign receipt targets from Bt2.3 trillion to Bt2 trillion due to a disappointing 17% drop in the Asian market in the first quarter. Despite this, international arrivals were up slightly by 2% year-on-year, with total revenues climbing 7% to Bt471 billion. Continued …

Unlocking Thailand’s Festival Potential through Songkran and Loy Krathong

Thailand’s globally renowned festivals, Songkran and Loy Krathong, possess immense cultural and tourism potential — yet remain underleveraged in driving international travel. Despite high levels of global awareness, participation remains low due to concerns over safety, festival management, and infrastructure.

A recent study by Sasin Management Consulting (SMC), Sasin School of Management, Chulalongkorn University reveals that only a fraction of international tourists visits Thailand specifically for these celebrations. To transform Songkran and Loy Krathong into world-class attractions, Thailand must enhance safety, improve infrastructure, and integrate deeper cultural storytelling with engaging experiences — positioning its festivals not just as spectacles, but as meaningful, must-see global events. Continued …

Krabi tour operators seek bribe probe

The Krabi Tourism Assn. has urged the relevant authorities to investigate allegations concerning cases allegedly involving park officials collecting bribes from tour companies, as this issue, which has been circulated widely on social media, could harm the province’s tourism sector.

The controversy came to light among netizens after Siranudh Bhirombhakdi, a former adviser to the director of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, quit his post and publicly criticized certain officials who he alleged had failed to fulfill their responsibilities, pointing out bureaucratic loopholes, such as allowing contracted staff to carry out risky jobs at sea without providing insurance. Continued …

A Thin Line Between Madness and Tradition – Songkran

In the heart of Pattaya, where sun-drenched beaches meet a restless city spirit, Songkran unfolds each April with two very different faces — one serene and spiritual, the other soaked in chaos.

Local media recently highlighted the city’s more respectful side, reporting on the community-led traditional water blessing ceremonies, where residents gently poured fragrant water over the hands of the elderly and monks in a gesture of respect and renewal. “The way it should be,” said one longtime resident watching the ceremony at a local temple, palms pressed together in wai. “Get rid of the madness.” Continued …

As we celebrate Earth Day today, it’s tempting to believe that the world is on the brink of environmental collapse. We are constantly inundated by dire predictions of climate catastrophe and warnings about the planet’s imminent destruction. But this is misleading. Rather than panic, we should take a moment to appreciate the remarkable progress we’ve made in improving the environment — and acknowledge that a key factor is prosperity.

When Earth Day was first marked 55 years ago, the world faced some grim environmental challenges. Rivers were catching fire, and cities were choked with smog. Air and water pollution were rampant, especially in the industrialized West. Continued …

Jing Jai Market and Sustainable Development in Chiang Mai

It isn’t easy being truly committed to social and environmental responsibility, especially in Chiang Mai, where there is little infrastructure to support such efforts. In fact, many businesses have tried and failed, due to either prohibitive costs or lack of resources and know-how, to attain such goals. It takes money, time and a rather large amount of effort to do — and maintain doing — the right thing.

And that is why eyes are currently being drawn toward Jing Jai Market and Jing Jai Village, with their rather humble, yet potentially mighty, projects under the vast umbrella of Thailand’s mega conglomerate, Central Group. Continued …

Pope Francis, 266th occupant of the throne of St. Peter, has died

Pope Francis, the former Argentinian cardinal who often bucked age-old Vatican traditions in favor of more modern yet humble approaches, died yesterday after an extended respiratory illness, the Vatican confirmed. He was 88 years old. Continued …

Wall Street And The Dollar Tumble As Investors Retreat Further From The US

Wall Street weakened yesterday as investors worldwide get more skeptical about U.S. investments because of President Donald Trump’s trade war and his criticism of the Federal Reserve, which are shaking the traditional order. The S&P 500 sank 2.4% in another wipeout. That yanked the index 16% below its record set two months ago. Continued …

Investors pour into European equity funds, flee US on tariff woes

European equity funds drew massive inflows in the week ended April 16, while U.S. funds faced hefty outflows, as investors continued to shift capital on concerns over U.S. trade tariffs and mounting worries over the strength of the U.S. economy. Continued …

Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 10 am and 3 pm
  • From Don Meaung to Hua Hin: depart 3pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

(We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
baht, bangkok, cha am, exports, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism

Saturday’s news-April 5

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Hua Hin Jazz Festival expands/Hua Hin considers solar power/Concrete firm using electric vehicle/Theft at Cha Am hotel project/Hua Hin rabies-free zone/Improvements on Khao Takiab road/China Defends Companies Behind Building Collapse/Bangkok’s ‘Disaster Lady’/Chatuchak rescuers daunted/Quakes reported in Myanmar/Thailand’s Cell Broadcast system ready/Myanmar quake death toll/Thailand Post Data Breach/Arrest warrant for American academic/Two Monks Electrocuted/ECONOMY: The rich get richer/Inflation moves higher/Thai Households’ Spending/Thai stock market index nosedives/Thai rice to be hit hard/Tariffs Could Cut Thai SME Exports/TOURISM: Weak baht not enough/Thailand’s ‘Half-Price Travel’ Scheme/6 Foreign Tourists Injured/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Freed From Chains After 55 Years/Thailand’s April 2025 Festivals/Journey of faith and tradition/Buddhist temple’s dark history/CLIMATE THAILAND: EV Battery Swapping Expands/EV swap battery ecosystem/43,000 Tons of Hazardous Dust/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: 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

Hua Hin Jazz Festival expands to 4 days, 7 venues, May 1-4

Continued … 

 

Hua Hin considers solar power for municipal office

Continued … 

 

PKK concrete firm using electric vehicle

Continued … 

Two arrested for theft at unfinished Cha Am hotel project

Continued … 

Hua Hin certified as rabies-free zone

Continued … 

 

Improvements made on Khao Takiab road

Continued … 

 

China Defends Companies Behind Bangkok Building Collapse

The Chinese embassy has implored against defaming Chinese firms following the collapse of an unfinished State Audit building during last week’s earthquake in Bangkok. The contractor, ITD-CREC, is a joint venture between Italian-Thai Development Plc and China’s Railway Number 10 Engineering Group, with the latter holding a 49% stake.

The calamity spurred criticism of Chinese companies involved, especially after the incident claimed lives. The incident prompted a swift investigation by the Thai government to uncover the causes. Continued … 

Bangkok’s ‘Disaster Lady’ takes charge of quake rescue efforts

The 7.7-magnitude Myanmar earthquake that rippled through Thailand has thrust Deputy Bangkok Gov. Tavida Kamolvej into the spotlight as rescue workers search for victims buried by the collapse of a high-rise under construction.

Tavida first made headlines by demanding silence as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her entourage arrived to inspect the disaster site in Bangkok. Paetongtarn’s visit had attracted a large crowd of local and international reporters, but the PM left soon after Tavida called for silence to aid rescue efforts. Continued … 

Chatuchak rescuers daunted after frantic work to extract 40,000 tons of rubble

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt gave two updates to the press yesterday, both contained devastating news. He said that despite excavating 40,000 tons of rubble from a spot where a voice was heard yesterday, teams were still confronted by insurmountable obstacles. Indeed, he said that experts have suggested it may take 30-60 days to completely excavate the structure.

In the meantime, the rescue leadership has sought help from Japan to try to find some new technology to address the daunting challenges teams face. Later yesterday, Chadchart revealed that international rescue teams were leaving the site. Despite this, he vowed that the mission would continue. Continued … 

Several quakes reported in Myanmar

A total of eight earthquakes were recorded in Myanmar from midnight yesterday to 9 am today, according to the Thai Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Observation Division. The earthquakes ranged from 1.7 to 3.8 in magnitude, with depths of 3 to 10 kilometers, and epicenters located 353 to 40 kilometers to the northeast of Mae Hong Son province, the division said.

In Thailand, a mild 2.1-magnitude earthquake was recorded at around 6 am in Pai district of Mae Hong Son province, at a depth of 1 kilometer. Continued … 

Better late than never? Thailand’s Cell Broadcast system ready for emergency notifications

Thailand’s Cell Broadcast (CB) system is ready to send notifications to Thai citizens and foreign tourists in the event of natural disasters, relevant agencies confirmed. True Corp., the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC), and the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry conducted CB testing yesterday.

This testing follows the 8.2-magnitude earthquake centered in Myanmar’s Mandalay, which hit Bangkok and several provinces on March 28, causing damage to lives and property in both countries. Continued … 

Myanmar quake death toll at 3,354, general promises ‘free’ election

The death toll from Myanmar’s devastating earthquake climbed to 3,354, with 4,850 injured and 220 missing, state media said today, as the visiting United Nations (UN). aid chief praised humanitarian and community groups for leading the aid response.

The leader of the military government, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, was back in the capital Naypyitaw after a rare foreign trip to attend a summit in Bangkok of South and Southeast Asian nations, where he also met separately with the leaders of Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and India. Continued … 

Thailand Post Confirms Major Data Breach, 19 Million Records Leaked

Thailand Post has confirmed a significant data breach in which 19 million user records were stolen and leaked onto the dark web. The organization has since taken immediate action to seal the vulnerability and enhance its data protection measures.

In an official statement, the state enterprise admitted that customer information had been accessed without authorization. However, it clarified that no financial transaction data was compromised in the breach. Continued … 

Arrest warrant issued for American academic on royal insult charges

A Thai court issued an arrest warrant for an American academic on charges of insulting the monarchy, a rare use of the country’s “lese majeste” law against a foreigner, according to a document reviewed yesterday.

The army filed the charges, including violations of the computer crimes act, against Paul Chambers, a lecturer at Thailand’s Naresuan University, and the arrest warrant was issued on Monday, according to the document, a letter sent by police to the university informing it of the move. Continued … 

Two Monks Electrocuted While Preparing for Songkran Festival in Buriram

Yesterday at Wat Pho Yoi in Ban Yang subdistrict, Lam Plai Mat District, Buriram Province, three monks received electric shocks while helping to set up decorations for an upcoming Songkran celebration. Two monks lost their lives, and one was injured.

The monks were working with local villagers to erect bamboo poles intended to hold decorative flags and lighting around the temple’s floating pavilion. Eyewitnesses say the incident happened when a bamboo pole came into contact with a high-voltage power line. The pole, which may have still been damp from residual moisture and conducted electricity. Continued … 

The rich get richer: 25 Thai tycoons among the world’s wealthiest

Forbes has released its annual World’s Billionaires List 2025, featuring 3,028 individuals with a net worth of at least $1 billion. Their combined wealth stands at $16.1 trillion (approximately 550 trillion baht), marking an increase of nearly $2 trillion from the previous year.

Among them are 25 Thai billionaires, one fewer than last year. However, their total wealth has grown, with only a few experiencing a decline, mirroring global trends. Continued … 

Inflation moves higher for 12th straight month in March

Headline inflation rose by 0.84% year-on-year in March, marking the 12th consecutive monthly uptick, according to the Commerce Ministry. The increase was driven by rising prices of non-alcoholic beverages, meat, and ready-to-eat meals, along with increases in diesel fuel and housing rental costs.

Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), said the consumer price index in March was 100.35. He said the headline inflation rate in the second quarter is expected to decrease from the first quarter. Continued … 

Thai Households Spending Over Bt20,000 Monthly, Driven by Rent and Transport Costs

Thai households are spending an average of 21,027 baht (approximately $US 615.54) per month, with rent and transportation costs consuming the largest portion of their budgets, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).

Data from the TPSO’s Economic and Trade Index Division reveals that non-food and non-alcoholic beverage expenses accounted for a substantial 60.9% of average monthly household spending. Rent, construction materials, electricity, cooking gas, and household appliances averaged 5,183 baht ($US151.73) per month, representing 24.7% of total spending. Continued … 

Trump tariffs on Thailand at 36%; Thai stock market index nosedives

The U.S. administration has readjusted tariff rates on Thailand back to the original figure, as fears of a trade war caused Thai shares to decline yesterday. The latest tariff annex released by the White House on Thursday indicated that reciprocal tariffs imposed on Thailand are set at 36%, down one percentage point from the previous figure.

The U.S. trade retaliation campaign caused the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) to plunge yesterday, mirroring the decline in global markets following the tariff announcement. Continued … 

Thai rice to be hit hard by US tariffs

The rice export sector is being told to brace for impacts caused by the 36% tariff on imports from Thailand announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, while the government is being urged to negotiate for a lower tariff rate.

Chadchawan Phaethayathai, a Roi Et MP of the opposition Thai Sang Thai Party, yesterday predicted a massive impact from the high tariff rate on Thailand’s rice export sector, saying hom mali rice, which is very popular in the U.S., would be particularly hard hit. Continued … 

Trump Tariffs Could Cut Thai SME Exports $1.1 Billion

A report by the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) shows concern over the impact of a renewed trade war under U.S. President Donald Trump, who has announced new import tariffs affecting several countries, including Thailand, set to take effect on April 9.

In 2024, Thai SMEs relied heavily on the U.S. market, which accounted for 20% of their total exports worth $7.634 billion, or 14% of Thailand’s total exports to the U.S. In contrast, SME imports from the U.S. amounted to $2.563 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $5.070 billion. Continued … 

Weak baht ‘not enough to drive tourism’

A weak baht is not enough to offset the other negative factors affecting Thailand’s tourism industry, as most Asian currencies are facing similar declines following news of U.S. tariff increases, say travel agents.

After U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imports from Thailand and other Asian markets, the baht plunged on Thursday to a three-month low. While it recovered to around 34.15 to the U.S. dollar yesterday, forecasters expect it to remain relatively weak over the next few months. Continued … 

Thailand’s ‘Half-Price Travel’ Scheme Revamped to Boost Regional Tourism

The Thai government is set to overhaul its “Half-Price Thai Travel” scheme, introducing revised conditions designed to stimulate tourism in secondary cities and encourage weekday travel. The initiative, which offers a 50% subsidy on accommodation costs, aims to distribute the benefits of tourism more evenly across Thailand’s 77 provinces.

Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham, Tourism vice minister, confirmed that the proposed changes are currently under review by the Bureau of the Budget, with a budget of approximately 3 billion baht allocated to the project. Continued … 

6 Foreign Tourists Injured as Tour Bus Skids Off Highway in Surat Thani

A tour bus crashed yesterdayin Surat Thani, which left six foreign tourists injured while en route to Koh Samui. The crash occurred  along Southern Seaboard Highway 44 in the Phra Saeng district. The bus, operated by Rittichai Tourism, had departed from Ao Nang in Krabi and was heading toward the island destination when it veered off the road, reportedly due to wet surface conditions.

According to police, the vehicle was carrying 40 international tourists, along with three Thai staff members. Six passengers sustained injuries. Among them, British and Malaysian nationals were treated for more serious injuries including cervical spine fractures and facial trauma. Continued … 

Watch The Moment This Elephant Is Freed From Chains After 55 Years

For 55 years, an elephant named Tiny spent his days with chains wrapped around his body, hauling heavy logs through the woods of Thailand. “From sun up, to sun down, seven days a week, his job was to pull trees behind him,” Aaron, a rescuer from Planting Peace, said.

Video 

For decades, loggers in Thailand used elephants to help harvest heavy tree trunks, forcing the animals to suffer under harsh conditions. According to the Southern Thailand Elephant Foundation, this practice is now mostly banned across the country. But some loggers, like the ones who owned Tiny, continue to use this dangerous and inhumane method, despite warnings. Continued … 

Thailand’s April 2025 Festivals: Songkran and More

April 2025 lights up Thailand with a variety of vibrant festivals and events. Central to these celebrations is the Maha Songkran World Water Festival, marking the Thai New Year with grandiose parades, cultural performances, and exhilarating water fights.

Beyond Songkran, the Thailand Coffee Hub in Chiang Mai, the Kite Festival in Surat Thani, and the Phanom Rung Festival in Buri Ram offer diverse experiences ranging from ancient ceremonies to contemporary gatherings, catering to all interests. Continued … 

A Journey of faith and tradition

Nestled in the misty mountain valleys of northern Thailand, Mae Hong Son province comes alive between April and May with the vibrant spectacle of the Poi Sang Long Festival. A centuries-old rite of passage among the Tai Yai (Shan) people, this spiritual event is as much a celebration of culture as it is a sacred Buddhist tradition.

For a few days, Poi Sang Long Festival transforms local villages into dazzling displays of color, music, and devotion, as young boys embark on their first steps into monastic life. Continued … 

Secluded Buddhist temple’s dark history

Wat Krachai, an isolated Buddhist temple, has a haunting history that dates back to the second fall of Ayutthaya in 1767. It is known for unsettling reports of suicides involving both Thai nationals and foreigners, adding to its eerie reputation. Video … 

EV Battery Swapping Expands in Thailand

U Power Limited, a company specializing in EV battery-swapping technology, has entered a joint venture with its Thai subsidiary, U SWAP, and SUSCO. This partnership will bring U Power’s UOTTA EV battery-swapping system to SUSCO fueling stations throughout Thailand.

SUSCO, a publicly traded energy provider, will integrate battery-swapping capabilities across its fueling network. The rollout will target high-utilization fleets like taxis and ride-hailing services. Continued … 

1.2 million baht invested to create EV swap battery ecosystem

UNEX EV Thailand is launching the first fully integrated electric mobility platform in Thailand, aiming to become a leader in various types of electric vehicle platforms, including personal cars, commercial vehicles, land, water or air transportation systems.

Equipped with a network of battery-swapping stations, energy supply chains and future clean energy, UNEX EV is revolutionizing the electric vehicle industry with an intelligent platform based on cutting-edge technology for complete energy utilization and creating sustainability in the future. Continued … 

Authorities Seize 43,000 Tons of Hazardous Dust from Chinese Steel Factory

The Ministry of Industry in Thailand has launched an investigation into Sin Ke Yuan Steel Co., after the company was found to have illegally stockpiled more than 43,000 tons of hazardous red dust (slag), a byproduct of steel smelting, in a significant violation of environmental and industrial regulations.

On Thursday, the ministry, in collaboration with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), the Environmental Crime Division (Bok Pattha), and the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), discovered the massive stockpile at the company’s factory in Ban Khao, Rayong Province. Continued … 

China retaliates against Trump with 34% tariff on US goods

China said Friday it will impose reciprocal 34% tariffs on all imports from the United States, in the first retaliatory action against President Donald Trump’s worldwide tariffs plan. The move escalates a trade war between the world’s two largest economies. The levies will be effective April 10. Continued … 

Trump goads China after Beijing retaliates in global trade war

U.S. President Donald Trump goaded a “panicked” China yesterday after the chief U.S. economic rival retaliated against his tariffs and he dismissed stock market panic over the growing global trade war, touting the chance to “get rich.” For a second day, markets plunged, wiping vast sums off investment and retirement portfolios alike. Continued … 

US stocks plunge, suffer biggest losses since Covid-19 crash

Wall Street nosedived for a second straight day yesterday, after China said it would strike back at U.S. President Donald Trump with additional tariffs of 34% on American goods, escalating a trade war that has rattled investors and fed fears of a coming recession. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite posted their largest two-day declines since the emerging Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 caused global panic. Continued …

Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, climate change, exports, healthcare, hua hin, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s news-Jan 29

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Hua Hin Chinese New Year Festival/’Dogs illegally on PKK beach’ saga/PM2.5 levels expected to rise/Hotels insist on government action/Bt620 million to tackle forest fires, smog/Children highly exposed to PM2.5/Bangkok train ridership surges/5 hidden healthcare costs/Stray dogs face starvation/Elephants wreak havoc/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: ‘Logistics hub of Asia’/Record-Breaking Export Levels/Thai aviation industry/Suvarnabhumi leads Southeast Asia/Rice exports hit six-year high/Thai rice exports seen falling/Car output at 1.5 million/Thai gold demand/TOURISM: Chinese Tourism Rises 20%/Bangkok’s Chinatown celebrates/Top spots for Thai tourists/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: 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

Experts break down the new tax on expats – HERE

 

 

Hua Hin Chinese New Year Festival schedule

Continued …

‘Dogs illegally on PKK beach’ saga continues with restaurant confrontation

A Thai-Irish couple lodged a complaint yesterday with Bang Saphan Police Station in Prachuap Khiri Khan following an alleged verbal assault by a Swiss national at a local restaurant.

Panicha, 55, and her Irish husband, 71, who reside in Phong Prasat subdistrict, reported the incident, which they believe is linked to an ongoing dispute over unleashed dogs on a local beach. Continued …

PM2.5 levels expected to rise in February

The health ministry predicts that air quality will remain good until tomorrow, with PM2.5 levels expected to return by early February. Residents are advised to prepare for potential pollution, particularly when engaging in outdoor activities and should monitor air quality levels regularly.

Yesterday at the Ministry of Public Health’s Health Information Center, Dr. Warat Chotipitayasunont, the government spokesperson on PM2.5 air pollution issues, provided a daily update on the air quality situation. He stated that PM2.5 levels were very good or in the blue range in six provinces: Surin, Sa Kaeo, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Nayok, Suphan Buri, and Bueng Kan. Continued …

Hotels insist on government action to address PM2.5

Hotel operators are urging the government to work with the entire supply chain to solve the air pollution issue before it severely hampers tourism, while hostels cry foul over the high cost burden of having clean air for guests.

Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, executive vice president of Sukosol Hotels, said hotels have not reported any cancellations or delays attributed to smog during the high season or the Chinese New Year festival this week. Continued …

Cabinet approves Bt620 million to tackle forest fires, smog

The cabinet has approved a central fund allocation of 620 million baht to tackle the forest fires and PM2.5 dust haze that regularly pollute much of the country.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said yesterday the cabinet meeting approved the 620 million baht fund to deal with forest fires and toxic smog this year, as proposed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Continued …

Estimated 13.6 million children in Thailand highly exposed to PM2.5

UNICEF is concerned about the escalating levels of PM2.5 air pollution in Thailand, which is putting the health of approximately13.6 million children across Thailand at risk. This situation demands urgent action to safeguard children’s health and well-being, the organization says.

According to UNICEF’s Over the Tipping Point report in 2023, the number of children in Thailand highly exposed to PM2.5 is greater than those affected by other climate hazards, such as floods, heatwaves, and droughts. Continued …

Bangkok train ridership surges 60% amid free transport initiative

Train ridership across greater Bangkok experienced a significant 60% rise on Sunday, marking the second day of the government’s week-long initiative of free public transport aimed at combating air pollution, as reported by the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) yesterday.

DRT Director-general Pichet Kunathammarak noted that the city’s electric train network saw a 60.9% increase in ridership on Sunday, reaching 1,549,622 trips compared to the average of the three previous Sundays in January. This figure surpassed the 45.3% growth recorded on Jan. 25, the first day of the free transport initiative. Continued …

5 hidden healthcare costs in Thailand and how to avoid them

Thailand’s healthcare system is affordable and supported by the  niversal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme, offering essential services to most citizens. However, hidden healthcare costs can surprise patients and lead to unexpected expenses.

These include specialist fees, insurance gaps, emergency services, and overpriced medications. This article highlights five hidden healthcare costs in Thailand and shares simple ways to avoid them for better financial planning. Continued …

Over 700 stray dogs face starvation at Chachoengsao landfill

A concerning situation has emerged in Chachoengsao province, where over 700 stray dogs are reportedly starving at a local landfill, raising worries about potential rabies outbreaks as the hot season approaches. Residents are urging government intervention to address the issue.

Yesterday, reporters were alerted to the condition of these stray dogs at a landfill in Mueang Hua Samrong, Plang Yao district, covering an area of approximately 5 to 10 rai. Upon arrival, the reporters found the area surrounded by forest, accessible by dirt roads, and populated by dogs gathered in groups of about 20 to 30. Continued …

Elephants wreak havoc on Prachin Buri sugarcane farms

Farmers in Prachin Buri’s Kabin Buri district face significant challenges as wild elephants from the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary in Chachoengsao province have invaded their sugarcane fields.

The elephants have caused substantial damage to the crops and are residing in the sugarcane fields in Wang Tha Chang. This situation has rendered workers unable to harvest fresh sugarcane due to safety concerns. The farmers are left with limited options, as burning the sugarcane, a method they prefer not to use could result in losing government aid for three years and facing legal repercussions. Continued …

  • Russian couple accused of dining and dashing at many Phuket restaurants – Continued …
  • Illegal Daycare Center Run by Russians and Ukrainians Busted on Koh Phangan – Continued …
  • Vietnamese national arrested for illegal cannabis farm in Bangkok – Continued …

‘Logistics hub of Asia’ efforts prioritized

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered the high-speed rail, double-track railway, and land bridge projects be expedited to position Thailand as the “logistics hub of Asia”.

According to Jirayu Huangsab, spokesman for the prime minister’s office, during the weekly cabinet meeting yesterday the premier said Thailand has a strategic geographic advantage, as well as political stability and neutrality. Continued …

Thailand Achieves Record-Breaking Export Levels in 2024

In 2024, Thailand‘s exports reached a landmark $300.5 billion (10.5 trillion baht), growing 5.4% from the previous year. December alone saw an 8.7% increase, marking six months of continuous growth. Major markets included the U.S., China, Japan, and the EU, with notable expansion in South Asia, the Middle East, and Russia.

Experts attribute this success to strategic government policies, including trade agreements with major economies and incentives for exporters. Additionally, investments in infrastructure and digital transformation have streamlined logistics and enhanced efficiency across supply chains. Continued …

Thai aviation industry expected to return to pre-Covid-19 levels

The Thai aviation industry is expected to recover to pre-Covid-19 levels this year as the number of passengers surged by 15.1% in 2024, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).

The aviation industry saw 140 million passengers in 2024, up 15.1% compared with 2023. Meanwhile, 880,000 flights were conducted last year, up 11.9% year on year. Continued …

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi leads Southeast Asia aviation industry

Southeast Asia’s aviation industry is taking off this year, with major airports and emerging destinations recording impressive growth in seat capacity. Fueled by surging travel demand, expanded airline networks, and strategic connectivity upgrades, the region is cementing its position as a global aviation powerhouse.

Leading the charge is Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, adding 407,000 seats in January — a 16% increase from last year. Its dual role as a major tourist gateway and transit hub, combined with Thailand’s booming tourism recovery, solidifies its dominance in the region. Continued …

Thailand’s rice exports hit six-year high last year

Thailand exported 9.95 million tons of rice in 2024, increasing 13% from the previous year, and the highest number in six years, the Commerce Ministry reported yesterday. The value of exported rice last year also rose 27% year on year to 225.65 billion baht.

White rice is responsible for 60% of the total export or 5.99 million tons, followed by jasmine rice at 1.74 million tons, steamed rice at 1.27 million tons, fragrant rice at 0.63 million tons, sticky rice at 0.3 million tons and brown rice at 0.02 million tons. Continued …

Thai rice exports seen falling over 20% this year

Thailand’s rice exports are seen falling about 24% to 7.5 million metric tons this year, the Commerce Ministry reported on Tuesday. The lower forecast was due to the resumption of exports from India and improved volumes from other rice producers, Arada Fuangtong, head of the ministry’s Foreign Trade Department, told a media conference.

Easing drought conditions are supporting yields, and major importers such as Indonesia may have less demand, the ministry said. Continued …

Federation of Thai Industries keeps car output at 1.5 million

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is maintaining its car production target at 1.5 million units this year, though high household debt, weak purchasing power and strict lending conditions are projected to challenge the industry.

The output target comprises 1 million units for export and 500,000 units for the domestic market, said Surapong Paisitpatanapong, FTI vice chairman and spokesman for its Automotive Industry Club. Continued …

Thai gold demand still powerful

Thailand’s gold demand remains robust thanks to investor buying during times of economic and political uncertainty, while inflation and risks posed by Donald Trump’s America-first agenda could drive demand for bullion further in 2025, says the World Gold Council (WGC).

In contrast to a 9% global decline, Thailand’s consumer bar and coin demand increased 15% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2024, with the country the largest buyer of bars and coins in Southeast Asia, said Shaokai Fan, head of Asia-Pacific (ex-China) and global head of central banks at the WGC. Continued …

Chinese Tourism to Thailand Rises by 20% Despite Safety Concerns

Despite growing safety concerns, Thailand has seen a substantial 20.3% increase in Chinese tourist arrivals year-on-year this past week. This boost underscores the enduring allure of Thailand’s diverse attractions even amid apprehension about certain safety issues that have circulated recently.

Tourism and Sports Minister, Sorawong Thienthong, announced that during the week of Jan. 20 to 26, tourist arrivals experienced a 16% growth compared to the same period last year, with the increase driven largely by short-haul visitors. Continued …

Video: Bangkok’s Chinatown celebrates Year of Snake

The Yaowarat Road in Bangkok’s Chinatown is now lit up with decorative lights, celebrating the 2025 Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake. The celebration marks the 50th anniversary of cultural cooperation between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and China. The themed decorations will last until Feb. 9. Video …

Japan and China remain top spots for Thai tourists

Japan and China are anticipated to continue being the leading destinations for Thai tourists this year, with at least 2.5 million people expected to visit due to visa exemptions, weaker currencies, and a variety of tourism options.

Charoen Wangananont, president of the Thai Travel Agents Assn. (TTAA), noted that these countries were the most popular at the Thai International Travel Fair held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre last week. Tour packages, air tickets, and tourism services related to Japan and China were in high demand. Continued … 

Migration set to drive UK population to 72.5 million by 2032

The United Kingdom’s (UK) population is set to hit 72.5 million by mid-2032, according to new official projections, an upward revision of more than 100,000 people that will pile pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to crack down on immigration. Continued …

Trump foreign-aid freeze leaves millions without essential drugs

The Trump administration has moved to stop the supply of lifesaving drugs for HIV, malaria and tuberculosis, as well as medical supplies for newborn babies, in countries supported by USAID around the globe, a memo reviewed by Reuters shows. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590