Feedback Re: Bank accounts locked/Public Urges Parliament Dissolution/Bangkok, four provinces declared ‘pollution control zones’/Beachgoers beware: Venomous jellyfish spotted/Heavy to very heavy rain forecast/Central bank to curb baht swings/Gold surges to record high/Cannabis at crossroads/Thailand’s sexual harassment crackdown/ECONOMY: Business community bewildered by political infighting/Thailand’s Export Outlook/TOURISM: Co-payment stimulus set to return/Operators Urge Cash Coupon Plan/Paradox in Thailand’s Tourism/Tourists stranded by flash floods/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Islands I would never visit again/Top 10 Travel Destinations in Thailand/CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand’s Top 10 Green Cities/INTERNATIONAL/NEW PAGE – HUA HIN LINKS
Re: Expats in Hua Hin left stranded as bank accounts locked without warning
“Even though this fiasco hasn’t affected me YET, I’ve been following this very closely and to say it’s scandalous is an understatement. How in the name of reason, is a country that claims to be a first world nation, think it’s right and proper to do this without any warning whatsoever. Yes, I know there are Farang that buck the Thai system, but do your digging and find out who they are instead picking on the extremely legal Farang who pump millions into the Thai economy year upon year. Leave those of us who are here legally alone!” – Peter
Thai Public Urges Immediate Parliament Dissolution
In a recent surge of public sentiment, a majority of Thais are calling for the swift dissolution of parliament, going against the four-month timeline outlined in a political agreement. This sentiment was captured in a poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), which surveyed 1,310 people across the nation earlier this month.
The poll reveals that 59.2% of respondents want parliament dissolved as soon as possible, a clear indication of the public’s impatience with the current political climate. In contrast, 27.2% support the existing timetable, while a smaller fraction would like to wait until 2027. Continued …
Bangkok, four provinces declared ‘pollution control zones’ to tackle PM2.5 crisis
Bangkok has been officially declared a “pollution control zone” as part of a systematic effort to curb rising PM2.5 levels, with four northern provinces also placed under tighter measures to address toxic haze.
A meeting of the National Environment Board (NEB) yesterday resolved to designate Bangkok, along with Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, and Mae Hong Son, as pollution control zones to deal with worsening air pollution. Continued …
Beachgoers beware: Venomous jellyfish spotted in Thai waters
Tourists enjoying Thailand’s beaches are being warned to watch out for venomous marine life, especially during the monsoon season when jellyfish and other dangerous creatures drift closer to shore.
While most jellyfish found in Thai waters are harmless, the venomous box jellyfish, known for their potentially fatal sting, have occasionally been spotted near popular beaches during windy, rainy months. Other sea creatures posing risks include the Portuguese Man ‘O War (Bluebottle), the venomous but beautiful Blue Dragon sea slug, Stonefish, Weever fish, and sea urchins. Continued …
Heavy to very heavy rain forecast
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reported today that the monsoon trough extends across the north and upper northeast, while a moderate southwest monsoon dominates the Andaman Sea, southern Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Heavy rain is expected in isolated areas nationwide, with very heavy rainfall likely in the eastern provinces.
South (east coast): Scattered thundershower mostly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Minimum temperature 23-25 °C. Maximum temperature 32-34 °C. Continued …
Thailand’s central bank to curb baht swings as currency hits 4-year high
Thailand’s central bank vowed to take steps to ease baht volatility and limit the influence of gold prices after the local currency rallied to a four-year high. The baht rallied to its highest level since June 2021 otoday, extending its gains this year to around 8%.
The surge is seen as a body blow to trade-reliant Thailand as it deals with the fallout of a 19% US tariff on its exports. The baht strength also discourages foreign tourists, a key source of revenue for the Southeast Asian nation. Continued …
Gold surges to record high above US$3,600 as Fed rate cut looms
Gold prices soared to a historic peak above US$3,600 per ounce yesterday, driven by expectations that the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates next week following weak US jobs data, according to Reuters.
Spot gold jumped 1.3% to US$3,634.25, touching an all-time high of US$3,646.29. US gold futures for December delivery settled 0.7% higher at US$3,677.40. Continued …
Cannabis at crossroads
Cannabis advocates in Thailand are calling on the new government to deliver legislation that protects users, businesses, non-users, and minors, following concerns that recent regulatory changes have created monopolistic industry conditions.
At the “Drugs Community Forum”, recently organized by the Health & Opportunity Network, Thai cannabis activist Chokwan “Kitty” Chopaka said the current amendments risked excluding smaller players and undermining consumer protection. Continued …
Inside Thailand’s sexual harassment crackdown
Thailand is taking concrete steps to better protect women and transgender people from sexual harassment, ending decades of impunity where abuse was dismissed as teasing.
A new draft law will broaden the definition of sexual harassment to cover not just physical abuse but leering, obscene remarks, and sexually suggestive messages that leave victims feeling threatened and unsafe. With House approval already secured, the new law is poised to take effect soon. Continued …
Business community bewildered by the country’s 25 years of political infighting
Thailand’s economy is facing major headwinds and the looming threat of severe political instability following last week’s election of Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister, with the new short-term interim government sparking deep concern among business leaders, as the previous Pheu Thai-led administration had finally mapped a coherent path forward, only for that momentum to risk collapse. O
Yesterday at an economic forum in Bangkok, Thai Chamber of Commerce Chairman Poj Aramwattananon warned that 24–25 years of relentless political infighting have crippled the nation’s growth and hurt its people, while the removal of the Pheu Thai government has already sent shockwaves and analysts fear the country’s political divisions will deepen, splintering power and dragging the already troubled economy further into uncertainty. Continued …
Thailand’s Export Outlook 2025: New Sectors, New Growth
Thailand’s export landscape is poised for a transformative year in 2025, with emerging sectors offering fresh opportunities amid ongoing global trade uncertainties.
Despite facing headwinds from international tariff disputes and geopolitical tensions, the kingdom’s strategic diversification into new growth areas promises to reshape its economic trajectory. Continued …
Co-payment stimulus set to return
The potential reintroduction of the “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme is expected to support Thai businesses amid the current sluggish economy, while an academic says the scheme could boost GDP growth to 2%-2.5% this year.
Launched during the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration, Khon La Khrueng subsidized 50% of the cost of food, beverages, and general goods for participants, with a daily subsidy limit of 150 baht per person. Continued …
Tourism Operators Urge Cash Coupon Plan for Foreign Visitors
Tourism operators in Thailand are urging the new tourism minister to entice foreign visitors with cash coupons to spend throughout the country, mirroring successful strategies used in other nations.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to propose extending the domestic tourism co-payment scheme with remaining funds from the first phase, ending on Oct. 31. Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, vice president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, points out that Thailand requires quick-win incentives to compete with other Asian destinations, such as travel cash coupons for foreign tourists. Continued …
Paradox in Thailand’s Tourism: Declining arrivals and soaring aviation growth
Thailand’s tourism sector is facing significant headwinds, with a notable 7.2% drop in foreign arrivals between January and August. This downturn comes despite robust performance from the country’s aviation industry, highlighting a growing disconnect between air traffic and actual tourism revenue.
According to figures from Thailand’s Tourism Ministry, the country welcomed 21.9 million foreign visitors during the first eight months of the year, a decline from the same period in 2024. This resulted in a more modest 5.4% dip in tourism revenue, which totaled approximately Bt1.014 trillion (around US $27.8 billion). Continued …
Tourists stranded as flash floods swamp Pattaya streets
Heavy overnight rain caused flash floods in Pattaya, disrupting traffic and stranding tourists, as local officials rushed to inspect and manage the situation.
Chon Buri Gov. Thawatchai Srithong sprang into action with an emergency inspection of the worst-hit zones after over 50 millimeters of overnight rain swamped the popular resort city. Continued …
‘I went to one of Thailand’s most photographed islands and would never visit again’
Like many twenty-somethings, I set off on a backpacking trip around Thailand, not necessarily with the cliché hopes of “finding myself” but definitely with the intention of seeing some of the world’s most heavenly beaches across its tropical islands.
As I traveled across the country for a month, I couldn’t help but feel like this one tiny island was not only overhyped but also the most overtaken by tourists. Ko Phi Phi Don is the main island forming part of Thailand’s famous Phi Phi Islands and is popular with fellow backpackers traveling from across the world. Continued …
Top 10 Travel Destinations in Thailand
Thailand is a country that never sleeps. The cities are buzzing, the markets are alive with the sound of vendors, and the roads are filled with an endless stream of scooters. Yet, unlike what many first-time visitors expect, driving here can be surprisingly easy.
Roads are in good condition, traffic flows more smoothly than in many Asian countries, and most drivers are calm and respectful. This is one of the reasons why so many travelers feel confident exploring Thailand on two wheels. Continued …
Discover Thailand’s Top 10 Green Cities
Thailand is a country that welcomes millions of visitors each year, and has long championed responsible travel – pioneering initiatives that deliver meaningful experiences while protecting the environment, culture, and communities that make it so special.
Building on these efforts, the country recently unveiled its 10 Green Cities, shining a spotlight on destinations leading the way in sustainable tourism. From cultural immersion and local homestays to eco-friendly transport and wildlife conservation, they are places redefining what it means to “travel well”. Continued …
Nepal Police Shoot and Kill At Least 17 People Protesting a Social Media Ban
Police in Kathmandu opened fire yesterday on protesters demonstrating against a government ban on social media, killing at least 17 people and wounding 145, officials said. Continued …
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