Nene Royal reaches AGT final/From Phuket markets to the AGT final
THE IRAN WAR: US warns China, all other nations to cut Iran ties/Could force Thailand to choose sides/Markets shrug off Iran sanctions/US carrier plans Thailand port call
ECONOMY: Social security cover to farm, street, domestic workers/Southern projects worth 57 billion baht/Thai car production up
TOURISM: Thai tourism attacked on three fronts/Extra insurance for risky activities/Foreigners on tourism fee/984 billion baht from foreign tourists /Ezy Airlines halts northern flights
Phuket singer and guitarist Nene Royal has secured a place in the America’s Got Talent final after receiving Mel B’s Live Golden Buzzer during the quarter-finals.
The 16-year-old performed Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, prompting the crowd to rise to its feet as she delivered the rock classic. Cheers broke out during the performance. Continued and video of performance …
From Phuket markets to the AGT final: Meet Nene Royal
Thai teenage singer and guitarist Nene Royal has advanced directly to the final of America’s Got Talent Season 21 after judge Mel B awarded her the Live Golden Buzzer during the program’s second live quarter-final.
The 16-year-old from Phuket performed her own version of Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun during the live broadcast last night in the United States. Mel B praised Nene’s voice, guitar playing, overall image, energy and stage presence before pressing the buzzer, sending her straight to the final without requiring a public vote or a place in the semifinals. Continued …
US warns China, all other nations to cut Iran ties or face sanctions
The United States on Monday warned that China and all other countries now face an increased risk of secondary sanctions if they do business with Iran, as Washington launches a fresh campaign aimed at severing crucial economic lifelines for Tehran.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the campaign, dubbed Operation Economic Outcast, will focus on five sectors – digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping. Continued …
US economic pressure could force Thailand to choose sides
A widening US campaign to isolate Iran economically could expose Thailand to higher energy costs and unstable capital flows, while Washington’s scrutiny of Beijing may create a difficult foreign-policy choice for Bangkok, a CIMB Thai Bank economist has warned.
Amonthep Chawla, assistant managing director and head of research at CIMB Thai Bank, said Thailand had relatively little direct trade with Iran. The greater risk would emerge if the United States extended its measures to Iran’s partners, particularly China, one of Thailand’s most important trading partners. Continued …
Oil falls more than 3% as markets shrug off Iran sanctions
US oil prices extended their losses in early trading today, as renewed discussions between Iran and Oman raised hopes that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen.
Iran said it had restarted talks with neighboring Oman over managing the strategic waterway as Tehran faced increased economic pressure from US President Donald Trump. Continued …
USS Abraham Lincoln plans Thailand port call
The USS Abraham Lincoln is expected to make a port call in Thailand in early September after its crew spent around 250 days at sea, according to messages sent by sailors to family members.
The US aircraft carrier is now sailing home following an extended, record-setting deployment in the Middle East during the US war in Iran. The Navy has not publicly confirmed the planned Thai stop, citing operational security. Continued …
Cabinet to extend social security cover to farm, street, domestic workers
The Labor Ministry will propose an expansion of social security coverage under Section 33 to include agricultural workers, street vendors and domestic workers. Labor Minister Julapun Amornvivat said before going into yesterday’s cabinet meeting he would submit two proposals for approval.
The first concerns Thailand’s participation in the Global Coalition for Social Justice, an initiative launched by the director-general of the International Labor Organization (ILO). More than 400 academic institutions have joined the network. Continued …
Nearly 200 southern projects worth 57 billion baht head to mobile Cabinet
The government’s mobile Cabinet meeting in Songkhla is expected to consider 199 development proposals from five southern provinces with a combined preliminary value of more than 57 billion baht.
The proposals cover Songkhla, Satun, Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat and will be presented to the mobile Cabinet meeting in Songkhla on Sept. 1. However, Phiphat stressed that the proposals remained preliminary and would undergo further screening before being submitted to the Cabinet. Continued …
Thai car production up 6.1% in July
Car production in Thailand rose 6.1% in July from a year earlier to 117,383 units, the Federation of Thai Industries said yesterday. The reading follows a year-on-year fall of 7.5% in June. The FTI has previously forecast a 3.33% drop in car production for the whole of 2026.
July domestic car sales rose 20.1% versus a rise of 17.3% in June, the federation said. Exports in July rose 2.4% compared to a drop of 7.4% in the previous month, according to the FTI. Continued …
Thai tourism attacked on three fronts
Thailand has revoked an Israeli tourist’s visa after a Koh Samui zoo dispute triggered nationalist protests and reported death threats from Paris. Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul also ordered airlines to brief all Thailand-bound passengers on Thai laws and culture.
The unprecedented move comes as weekly foreign arrivals plunge 9.2% and the 2026 total falls 2.9%. Meanwhile, a Chinese tourist’s kidnapping threatens Thailand’s largest market, while southern unrest places vital Malaysian arrivals at risk. Continued …
Thailand weighs tourist fee and extra insurance for risky activities
Thailand is considering a three-tier insurance system for foreign tourists, under which visitors taking part in high-risk activities or renting vehicles could be required to purchase additional cover beyond a proposed 450-baht tourism fee.
Weerasak Kowsurat, a former tourism and sports minister and chairman of the advisory team to Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, said the proposed fee, commonly referred to as the tourist entry levy, was undergoing a consultation process lasting at least 30 days. Continued …
Foreigners given a say on tourism fee
The government is conducting an online public hearing for both Thais and foreigners on the proposed 450-baht tourism fee for foreign tourists and the fund’s budget usage, insisting the procedures must be transparent and open to assessment.
“We need to listen to as many perspectives as possible in order to implement the foreign tourism fee efficiently,” said Weerasak Kowsurat, advisor to Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun and chairman of the working group on creative economy and visitor economy development. Continued …
Thailand earns 984 billion baht from foreign tourists
Thailand generated 984.32 billion baht in tourism revenue from 20.32 million foreign arrivals between Jan. 1 1 and Aug.22, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said. However, the visitor total was 2.96% lower than during the corresponding period last year, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul.
China remained Thailand’s largest overseas market, supplying 3,440,752 visitors during the period. Malaysia followed with 2,559,676 arrivals, ahead of India with 1,494,003, Russia with 1,158,680 and South Korea with 749,202. Continued …
Ezy Airlines halts northern flights over high fees
Ezy Airlines has suspended a plan to fly in northern Thailand, reportedly due to high parking fees at Chiang Mai airport, prompting the governor of Mae Hong Son to seek a review of the fees to support tourism.
The small-aircraft operator had previously announced a plan to operate flights between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, and Chiang Mai and Pai. A trial period was scheduled in September, with full services to follow in October. Continued …
Thailand revokes Samui Israeli’s visa over bounty
An Israeli national accused of offering a bounty against the owner of an open zoo on Koh Samui has had their permission to stay in Thailand revoked, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul. Continued …
Chinese fugitive held in Chiang Mai after 549-day overstay – Continued …
Foreign customer flees Patong phone repair shop bill – Continued …
German tenant sought after Krabi rental home wrecked – Continued …
Climate change becomes a scorching reality for Europe
For generations, summer in Europe has been languid and dreamy, bringing fine weather and lengthy days on sunny beaches and terraces. But in 2026, the brutal reality of climate change forced its way into daily life. “I felt a sense of the apocalypse this summer,” said Cyril Chedeville, a 59-year-old from Bordeaux in southwestern France. He was not alone. Continued …
India wanted better food label warnings, then Big Food fought back
A can of Fanta sold in London has 63 calories. Buy the same brand in India, and it contains three times as much sugar. It also includes artificial dye, whose presence in food products in Europe requires a prominent health warning. Reuters India Co. News Editor Aditya Kalra explains why Big Food in India has resisted efforts to mandate nutritional warnings on the front of packaged products. Video …
Canadians say Trump’s threat to rename Lake Ontario is ‘unnecessary’
Canadians yesterday said U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to change the name of Lake Ontario to “Lake America” is “unnecessary” and “just a matter of attention”. Video …
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
Rama II Road projects/Hua Hin move to ‘city’ status/Thailand Celebrity Masters/Pink Ribbon Scramble/Hua Hin’s Chom Dong Palace/Thailand Leads Infidelity Statistics/54-year sentence for lese majeste/Private sector fears worse flooding/Thailand braces for heavy rain/Thailand boosts Social Security benefits/Attack by Wild Elephant Calf/Stricter controls on dangerous dogs/Luxury prison stays/Dengue fever jab prices/Compromised servers in Thailand/Thailand’s oldest hippo Mae Mali/Thailand’s strategic role in MyanmarAlternative to China’s Pressure-Cooker Schools/Economy: Inflation up slightly/Focus on economic problems/Impact of Temu/Chinese Embassy Clarifies Issues/Moving ahead with casinos/Digital wallet needs adjustment/New business registrations increased/Tops CEO sees bright future/Property developers seek proactive measures/Developer predicts higher hotel revenue/Content creator market/AIS Expands into Cloud Services/Tourism: Aussies now need an ETA/Thailand Experience: Hidden gem in the north/How Bangkok’s Le Du Earned a Michelin Star/Thailand’s ‘dancing shrimp’ dish/Climate Thailand: PHIST calls for sustainable development/Focus on Thai solar expansion/Burning an alarming amount of plastic/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
Rama II Road projects set for full launch by June next year
Caretaker Transport Minister Suriya Juengrungreangkit announced a firm deadline for three ongoing construction projects on Rama II Road, setting their full launch by June next year.
Suriya addressed the media yesterday, detailing the status of the projects on Highway 35, commonly known as Rama II Road, which serves as a crucial link between Bangkok and the southern provinces of Thailand. Continued …
Low public interest may deter Hua Hin move to ‘city’ status
Ever wondered how your country fared in a worldwide study of unfaithfulness? A report recently identified the 25 countries where infidelity tends to occur most.
It’s vital to note that living in one of the top 10 countries with high infidelity rates doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll marry a cheater. Conversely, living where cheating rates are low doesn’t secure a happy marriage. Still, deciphering these trends can provide useful insights into global behavior and norms. Continued …
Chiang Rai vendor receives 54-year sentence for lese majeste
A Chiang Rai clothing vendor has had his prison sentence extended to a record 54 years and 6 months for lese-majeste offenses, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR).
The appeal court’s decision yesterday upheld Mongkol Thirakot’s earlier conviction, adding to his existing sentences to make it the longest ever under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to royal defamation. Continued …
Private sector fears worse flooding in September and October
The Thai private sector is expressing concern that the flooding seen in August, which has already caused damage estimated at about 8 billion baht, may get worse this month and into October, due to tropical storms which could hit Thailand, said Payong Srivanich, president of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking.
To prevent a repeat of the devastating floods in 2011, he said that the joint committee has submitted its long-term plan to the government for mitigating the risk of flooding. Continued …
Thailand braces for heavy rain and floods as Typhoon Yagi nears
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued its seventh warning about Typhoon Yagi. Northern and northeastern Thailand are expected to experience heavy rain and strong winds, with potential flash floods and landslides. Coastal areas face high waves.
Forecasts predict that Typhoon Yagi will pass over Hainan Island, China, and reach northern Vietnam between tomorrow and Saturday. Subsequently, it is expected to weaken gradually. This weather pattern will result in heavy rainfall and strong winds in the northern and upper northeastern regions of Thailand from tomorrow through the day after tomorrow. Continued …
Thailand boosts Social Security benefits, extends maternity leave to 98 days
The Ministry of Labor announced significant improvements to benefits for Social Security Fund (SSF) members, which will kick off next year. These enhancements include an increased allowance during maternity leave and extended periods for receiving various social security benefits.
Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn revealed new guidelines for managing the SSF, including a legal amendment under the Social Security Act aimed at extending the benefit period for subscribers. One notable change involves extending the contribution period for subscribers from the current age cap of 60 to 65 years old, allowing members to accrue larger benefits. Continued …
Elderly Man Survives Attack by Wild Elephant Calf Thanks to His Six Dogs
A 65-year-old man narrowly escaped death after being attacked by a wild elephant calf in a remote area of Chachoengsao Province. The man, who sustained many injuries, credits his survival to the brave actions of his six loyal dogs, which managed to scare off the elephant and save his life.
The incident occurred on the edge of Ban Ang Tabaek forest, near a rubber plantation that had been converted into a “Khon Nong Na” agroforestry project. There, the rescue team found Pornchai, a resident of Moo 13, Tha Takiap subdistrict, writhing in pain after being attacked by the young elephant. Continued …
Urgent calls for stricter controls on dangerous dogs after deadly attacks
While most dogs live up to their reputation as man’s best friend, some may turn against or even kill their owners, underlining the urgent need for stricter control of dangerous pets.
On Aug. 30, two bulldogs fatally attacked an 18-year-old boy at home in Lop Buri. The powerful pets had moved into the house with the victim’s elder brother, a junior policeman, just a week earlier. Continued …
Police probe luxury prison stays
Provincial Police Region 7 launched an investigation into a hotel-style service provided to inmates at a prison in the central province of Samut Sakhon, following revelations from two former prisoners about their comfortable lives in jail.
A male inmate and a female inmate, from Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station, reached out to social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Jompalang to expose alleged corruption among police officers in the province. Continued …
Thai Red Cross slashes dengue fever jab prices
The Thai Red Cross Society’s Immunization and Travel Medicine Clinic is rolling out a dengue fever vaccination campaign.
For a limited time, the life-saving jab is available at a slashed price of 1,600 baht per dose, with the full two-dose course set at 3,200 baht. This special offer runs until October, giving ample time for people to safeguard themselves against this potentially deadly disease. Continued …
Compromised servers in Thailand cause nearly 200k malicious incidents in Q2
In a recent report, internet security firm Kaspersky observed a huge increase in malicious incidents caused by servers hosted in Thailand. In the second quarter of 2024 (April-June), Kaspersky detected 196,078 incidents, which is 203.5% higher than the same period last year, when Kaspersky logged 64,609 incidents.
When considering quarter by quarter, Kaspersky detected 196,078 incidents in Q2 of 2024 (April-June), which is 24.2% higher than the previous quarter (January-March) where Kaspersky logged 157,935 incidents. Continued …
Thailand’s oldest hippo Mae Mali to celebrate 59th birthday
Khao Kheow Open Zoo is preparing a special celebration fo Mae Mali, Thailand’s oldest hippopotamus, as she turns 59 this weekend. Scheduled for Sept. 7 to 8, the event will feature various activities dedicated to this cherished animal.
Mae Mali has been a beloved figure at the zoo, drawing generations of children and visitors with her cheerful demeanor. Despite her age, which is equivalent to a human aged between 85 and 90 years, Mae Mali remains in excellent health and active, weighing around 1,500 kilograms. Continued …
Thailand’s strategic role in Myanmar’s future
Thailand is uniquely positioned to play a crucial role in resolving the Myanmar crisis, a fact recognized by both domestic and international policymakers and experts.
As Myanmar’s neighbor with the longest shared border, profound mutual economic and security interests, and as a key ASEAN member, Thailand has significant potential to influence peace building in Myanmar. Continued …
Seeking an Alternative to China’s Pressure-Cooker Schools, Families Move to Thailand
The competition started in second grade for DJ Wang’s son. Eight-year-old William was enrolled at a top elementary school in Wuhan, a provincial capital in central China. While kindergarten and first grade were relatively carefree, the homework assignments started piling up in second grade.
By third grade, his son was regularly finishing his day around midnight. “You went from traveling lightly to carrying a very heavy burden,” Wang said. “That sudden switch, it was very hard to bear.” Continued …
Inflation up slightly in August, below forecast
Thailand’s annual headline inflation rate slowed in August, as food prices rose and energy prices fell, the Commerce Ministry said today, and remained below the Bank of Thailand’s (BoT) target range of 1% to 3%.
The headline consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.35% in August from a year earlier, after July’s annual increase of 0.83%, to come in just under a forecast rise of 0.40% in a Reuters poll. Continued …
Paetongtarn’s government to focus on tackling economic problems
The policy statement that the new cabinet under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will announce to the Parliament next Wednesday (Sept. 11) will focus on tackling economic problems, with the digital wallet scheme among the urgent policies, a Pheu Thai source said yesterday.The source said other urgent policies include improving the public’s quality of life and the prices of agricultural products, as well as suppressing narcotics.
In terms of mid- and long-term policies, the new government would focus on key infrastructure projects such as entertainment complexes with legal casinos, Ranong Port development, land reclamation in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district, and water resource management, the source added. Continued …
Impact of Temu on Thailand’s e-commerce market remains unclear
Chinese e-commerce giant Temu’s entry into Thailand is causing a stir, but its long-term impact on the local market remains uncertain, according to a study by market analytics firm Cube Asia. Sellers brace for potential price wars, similar to shifts seen with competitors like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.
Simon Torring, co-founder of Cube Asia, notes that Temu, the cross-border platform of China’s PDD Holdings, launched in Thailand last July, following its expansions in the Philippines and Malaysia in 2022. The platform has already made significant strides in Western markets, notably in the U.S., where it recently surpassed Amazon in app downloads. In less than two years, Temu entered 70 global markets. Continued …
Chinese Embassy Clarifies Investment and E-Commerce Issues in Thailand
The Chinese Embassy has addressed the issue of Chinese capital and e-commerce Entering Thailand. The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok published a statement from the spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in Thailand, responding to questions from Thai media about Chinese investment in Thailand. This includes the issue of Chinese e-commerce, which is currently under tax scrutiny by Thai authorities.
The Chinese embassy spokesperson explained that almost 80% of the goods that Thailand imports from China are capital goods and intermediate goods that are used for value-added production and then exported. The so-called low-cost goods that attract public attention are mostly daily necessities, food, health products, clothing and accessories, which account for less than 10 percent of the total import value from China. Continued …
Thailand to move ahead with casinos plan, official says
The government will move ahead with plans for a mega entertainment complex that would house casinos in Thailand, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said today. A public hearing has concluded and 80% of those who attended agreed with the plan, Julapun said.
Most forms of gambling are currently illegal in the kingdom, though underground betting is rampant. The casinos are expected to attract primarily Thai gamblers, accounting for up to 90% of customers. Continued …
Minister admits digital wallet plan needs adjustment
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has conceded that the government’s 10,000-baht handout program needs some adjustment, including giving cash instead of digital money to some recipients.
Numerous petitions lodged against the government’s flagship policy were partly to blame for the need for certain changes, he said on Wednesday. Other changes are being adopted in response to the many useful opinions offered for improving the program, he said. Continued …
New business registrations increased by 14% in July
Thailand’s business sector saw significant growth in July, with a 14% increase in new business registrations compared to the same period in 2023. This marks a continuing trend of expansion, fueled by government economic stimulus measures and improvements in tourism.
A total of 7,837 new businesses were established in July, with registered capital reaching 237.04 billion baht, a 42% increase from the previous year. Continued …
Tops CEO sees bright future for bricks and clicks
CEO of Central Food Group Stephane Coum was appointed chief executive in 2019 with a particular focus on driving the group’s digital strategy. He wasted no time in implementing organizational changes. When he arrived, CFG was an aggregation of companies, but Coum sought to create a more open, unified structure. He also led a focus on building the retailer’s online channels.
Both moves helped the company to navigate the turmoil that ensued in 2020 with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Looking back on what was a tumultuous time for physical retail in general, Coum is philosophical. Continued …
Property developers seek proactive measures from new government
Thai real estate developers are calling on the newly formed government to implement additional measures to boost their industry, which they claim requires careful attention to remain a key driver of the country’s economic growth.
Athip Bijanonda, director of Supalai Australia Holdings and honorary president of the Housing Business Assn., revealed plans to meet with the new government once the new ministers take the oath of office. Atip said that the meeting aimed to follow up on proposals for economic stimulus measures through the real estate sector. Continued …
Phuket resort developer predicts higher hotel revenue
Laguna Phuket, an integrated resort operator, is expecting a stronger revenue per available room (RevPar) and higher room rates for hotels this year, thanks to rebounding tourism, with the upcoming pipeline and property development mostly targeting luxury and upscale segments.
Paul Wilson, vice president and deputy managing director of Laguna Phuket, said the improvement in its hotel segment this year should be stronger than the performance in 2023, as this year is regarded as the “best year” for several hotels, including Laguna’s flagship Banyan Tree Phuket. Continued …
Content creator market set for growth
Tellscore Co., a Thai influencer marketing platform, values the local content creator market at 45 billion baht this year, up by 25%-30% year-on-year, with surges in news, science, education and family content.
Suvita Charanwong, chief executive and co-founder of Tellscore, said Thailand’s economy is sluggish but the public and private sectors are addressing this challenge by leveraging digital media platforms to create impactful marketing campaigns. Continued …
AIS Expands into Cloud Services and Renewable Energies
Thailand’s Advanced Info Service (AIS), established by ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is diversifying its business by venturing into cloud computing and renewable energy. This shift aims to enhance its growth beyond traditional telecom services.
In early August, AIS revealed a collaboration with Oracle, a leading U.S. cloud services provider. This partnership is poised to accelerate AIS’s entry into the cloud market. Continued …
Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com
Aussies now need an ETA to enter Thailand
Australians planning a getaway to Thailand will soon have an extra step to complete before boarding their flight. The Thai government is introducing a mandatory electronic travel authorization (ETA), which must be obtained ahead of travel.
This new system, introduced by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is designed to enhance the screening and tracking of foreigners entering the country. Continued …
A hidden gem in the north
In the northern town of Nan, the rainy season provides vacationers a chance to experience a slower pace of life amid picturesque mountainous landscapes. Boundless stretches of rice fields sprout and become verdant as gentle winds chase away the heat.
Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Nan, the Bo Suak community is welcoming visitors with a program of leisure activities designed to soothe the mind and soul. To boost income during the off-season, villagers worked with local authorities to develop community-based itineraries that would highlight the local way of life and unique ethnic customs. Along the way, visitors can discover more about ancient kilns, handwoven textile traditions, and historic sugarcane presses once driven by buffaloes. Continued …
How Bangkok’s Le Du Earned a Michelin Star Six Years in a Row
After honing his skills at NYC hot spots like Eleven Madison Park and Jean-Georges, chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn brought his culinary expertise back to Thailand with the launch of Le Du. This modern Thai-inspired restaurant has proudly held onto its Michelin star for six years running. A six-course tasting menu showcases the best of local flavors, including grilled river prawn with black sticky rice and grouper with seablite, and Thai wagyu served with sweet chile sauce. Video …
Thailand’s ‘dancing shrimp’ dish: A culinary delicacy or controversial meal?
Thailand’s famous street food, ‘dancing shrimp’, has sparked debate among food enthusiasts and critics alike. The dish, made with live freshwater shrimp that jump around as diners attempt to eat, has become a culinary spectacle, particularly in northern Thailand.
Known locally as ‘Goong Ten’, the dish consists of live shrimp mixed with a spicy blend of crushed chillies, lime juice, fish sauce, mint, sliced shallots, and lemongrass. It is often served alongside sticky rice and is considered one of the freshest delicacies in Thai cuisine. Continued …
PHIST 2024 calls for sustainable development in Thailand
“They paved paradise and put up a parking lot,” Joni Mitchell once sang — a line that now eerily echoes the over-development plaguing Thailand’s top tourist hotspots. With the recent catastrophic floods in Phuket raising alarm bells, are these disasters a grim glimpse of the future? And is anyone paying attention to the growing environmental crisis?
These questions took center stage at the Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism(PHIST), Southeast Asia’s biggest sustainability event for the travel and hospitality sectors, which returned this week to spark conversation and drive a green agenda. At this year’s event, tourism leaders called for an urgent sustainable development masterplan in Thailand’s idyllic islands. Continued …
Super Energy puts focus on Thai solar expansion
Super Energy Corp., a local solar farm operator, is emphasizing expansion in Thailand to benefit from the country’s growing renewable energy development, including the government’s efforts to facilitate clean power usage in the data center business.
The National Energy Policy Council resolved in June to approve a pilot direct power purchase agreement (PPA), enabling foreign investors, especially in data center and cloud service businesses, to directly buy clean electricity from power companies. Continued …
The world is burning an alarming amount of plastic
The world produces around 250 million tons of plastic waste in municipalities in one year — plastic bottles, cigarette butts, plastic packaging and much more. Much of that waste — equivalent to about the weight of 42 Great Pyramids of Giza — is put into landfills; some of it is recycled.
But now, a new study published Wednesday in the journal Nature shows that a large proportion of the plastic waste created across the world is burned in the open air, threatening human health and demonstrating the world’s ongoing struggle to manage its plastic pollution. Continued …
North Korea executes 20-30 officials after floods
North Korea executed multiple government officials after extensive flooding in late July killed thousands in the country’s northern region, according to a report by a South Korean broadcaster. Around 20 to 30 regional government officials in the flood-stricken area were shot by firing squads last month, according to a source. Continued …
Thai teenage singer and guitarist Nene Royal has advanced directly to the final of America’s Got Talent Season 21 after judge Mel B awarded her the Live Golden Buzzer during the program’s second live quarter-final.
A widening US campaign to isolate Iran economically could expose Thailand to higher energy costs and unstable capital flows, while Washington’s scrutiny of Beijing may create a difficult foreign-policy choice for Bangkok, a CIMB Thai Bank economist has warned.
The Labor Ministry will propose an expansion of social security coverage under Section 33 to include agricultural workers, street vendors and domestic workers. Labor Minister Julapun Amornvivat said before going into yesterday’s cabinet meeting he would submit two proposals for approval.
Car production in Thailand rose 6.1% in July from a year earlier to 117,383 units, the Federation of Thai Industries said yesterday. The reading follows a year-on-year fall of 7.5% in June. The FTI has previously forecast a 3.33% drop in car production for the whole of 2026.
Thailand has revoked an Israeli tourist’s visa after a Koh Samui zoo dispute triggered nationalist protests and reported death threats from Paris. Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul also ordered airlines to brief all Thailand-bound passengers on Thai laws and culture.
Thailand generated 984.32 billion baht in tourism revenue from 20.32 million foreign arrivals between Jan. 1 1 and Aug.22, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said. However, the visitor total was 2.96% lower than during the corresponding period last year, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul.
Ezy Airlines has suspended a plan to fly in northern Thailand, reportedly due to high parking fees at Chiang Mai airport, prompting the governor of Mae Hong Son to seek a review of the fees to support tourism.
For generations, summer in Europe has been languid and dreamy, bringing fine weather and lengthy days on sunny beaches and terraces. But in 2026, the brutal reality of climate change forced its way into daily life. “I felt a sense of the apocalypse this summer,” said Cyril Chedeville, a 59-year-old from Bordeaux in southwestern France. He was not alone. Continued … 
A can of Fanta sold in London has 63 calories. Buy the same brand in India, and it contains three times as much sugar. It also includes artificial dye, whose presence in food products in Europe requires a prominent health warning. Reuters India Co. News Editor Aditya Kalra explains why Big Food in India has resisted efforts to mandate nutritional warnings on the front of packaged products. Video … 
Canadians yesterday said U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to change the name of Lake Ontario to “Lake America” is “unnecessary” and “just a matter of attention”. Video … 
Low public interest may deter Hua Hin move to ‘city’ status
Chinese Embassy Clarifies Investment and E-Commerce Issues in Thailand
Thailand to move ahead with casinos plan, official says
How Bangkok’s Le Du Earned a Michelin Star Six Years in a Row
PHIST 2024 calls for sustainable development in Thailand
