- Buddhist Ceremony in Hua Hin/PKK part of tourist rail trips/International migration from West to East /Immigration Struggles to Act on overstayers/B20 billion needed to lift road lights power bill off households/Affordable advanced cancer treatment/Chadchart Wins Second Bangkok Term/Two rangers hurt by wild elephant/Fake Cannabis Prescriptions/Three petrol stations bombed
- THE IRAN WAR: US and Iran agree to pause attacks/More aid for airlines/Plastic shortages causing anxiety
- ECONOMY: ‘Expat Economy’ gathers pace/Gen Z’s penchant for debt worrying/$4 trillion ‘pink economy’ boom/Thailand Opens Rail Network/ASEAN rises as beauty economy hub/Thai cocoa and chocolate products
- TOURISM: Elephant ride ends with mahout death/Thailand tourism yet to recover/365-day tourism strategy/Foreign travelers drive hotel bookings/Thailand Tourism Slowdown/Pattaya bar streets turn to discounts/Short summer trips surge/Airports of Thailand Cuts Growth
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Kai yok krok-Thai Street Food
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Rooftop solar power purchases/Community Forest Restoration
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
PM Anutin Presides Over Buddhist Consecration Ceremony in Hua Hin
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over a Buddhist consecration ceremony for Luang Pu Thuat commemorative amulets at Huay Mongkol Temple in Hua Hin district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, on Saturday.
The ceremony was led by the abbot of Huay Mongkol Temple on behalf of the monastic community. Attendees included Minister of Public Health Pattana Promphat, senior ministry officials, Permanent Secretary for the Interior Unsit Sampuntharat, Prachuap Khiri Khan Gov. Sittichai Sawatsan, government representatives, private-sector guests, and Buddhist devotees. Continued …
PKK part of new nine rainy-season tourist rail trips across Thailand
The State Railway of Thailand is turning the rainy season into a new travel window, launching nine special rail-tourism programs across the country from July to September. The programs are designed to promote rail-based tourism while connecting travelers with nature, local culture, religious traditions, history, and lesser-known destinations in several provinces.
Included is “Sea & Serenity Journey” in Prachuap Khiri Khan on Aug. 15-16, combining beaches, temples, and a rare sugar-palm-wood ordination hall. The trip is priced at 4,499 baht. Continued …
International migration from West to East is a rising phenomenon
Western men and indeed families are moving to Thailand in growing numbers, turning holiday romances into marriages, businesses and permanent new lives as high living costs, remote work, COVID-19 controls, and anger over Western dating culture drive a quieter migration east.
The trend, amplified by Passport Bro influencers, has ignited fierce criticism over sexism and stereotypes. However, interviews from rural Thailand to Pattaya and Bangkok show a broader shift involving families, digital entrepreneurs, falling birth rates, and younger Western men questioning the social settlement and economic policies of the last 60 years. Continued …
Thailand Immigration Flags Overstayers But Struggles to Act
Thailand’s immigration system holds detailed records of foreign arrivals and overstayers but continues to struggle to consistently act on that information, meaning some long-term overstayers are only detected during raids, at departure points, or after unrelated criminal investigations.
The gap between digital records and enforcement has become a recurring issue, with known violations sometimes left unaddressed for months or years despite being visible in official systems. Continued …
B20 billion needed to lift road lights power bill off households
Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee will request a 20-billion-baht budget for the state to pay the power bill for road and government organization lighting, as the government moves to end the decades-long practice of passing the cost of public lighting onto householders.
Polapee said he would first discuss budgetary preparation with the energy minister, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, and the Provincial Electricity Authority. He would then present a proposal to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Continued …
Thai university develops affordable advanced cancer treatment
The Faculty of Medicine at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has developed CAR-T cell therapy, a highly effective and affordable treatment for patients diagnosed with lymphoma, leukemia, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
CAR-T cell therapy is an advanced, locally developed cancer immunotherapy that programs a patient’s own immune cells to precisely target and destroy cancer cells, providing a highly effective and affordable alternative to imported treatments. Continued …
Chadchart Wins Second Bangkok Term
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has declared victory in the Bangkok governor election after unofficial results showed the independent incumbent heading for a landslide second term.
With 89.9% of ballots counted last night, Chadchart had received around 1.444 million votes, compared with 288,171 for his nearest rival, Mallika Boonmeetrakool Mahasuk. The result, pending official certification by the Election Commission, gives him another four years to continue his administration of the capital. Continued …
Two rangers hurt as injured wild elephant charges team in Kui Buri
Two national park rangers were injured after an injured wild elephant charged at a rescue team attempting to provide emergency treatment in Kui Buri National Park, officials said. Officials received an urgent report on Friday that a male wild elephant with small tusks had suffered a serious foot injury.
The elephant’s right rear foot had partially detached, leaving it unable to bear weight on the leg. A veterinary team was dispatched with antibiotics to provide urgent treatment. Continued …
Thailand Cracks Down on Fake Cannabis Prescriptions
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has launched a strict crackdown on the use of forged cannabis prescription forms after uncovering evidence of identity fraud and the online sale of fake documents used to obtain cannabis for recreational purposes.
The investigation found that fake reporting forms were being used to sell cannabis flowers to members of the public without medical examinations or professional consultations. Officials also discovered cases where healthcare practitioners had allegedly signed blank prescription forms, allowing retailers to add details later. Continued …
Three petrol stations bombed in south
Two PT service stations in Pattani province and another in Yala province were set on fire by what appeared to be coordinated bombings last night. One man was injured.
They each targeted a PT station – one in Muang district of Yala and the two others in Sai Buri and Yaring districts of neighboring Pattani. The blasts started fires at all three stations. Continued …
US and Iran agree to pause attacks before the latest negotiations
The United States and Iran have agreed to halt attacks on each other before peace talks resume this week to discuss the Strait of Hormuz and other issues linked to ending the war. The move is seen as a sign of easing tensions after several days of retaliatory attacks that affected a fragile ceasefire agreement.
The exchange of attacks on a vital shipping route for oil and natural gas trade began last Thursday when the Islamic Republic of Iran attacked a container ship. Washington responded by striking Iran the following day. The US then launched another attack on Saturday night after Tehran targeted a ship carrying Qatari oil. Both sides accused the other of violating the ceasefire agreement. Continued …
More aid for airlines hit by Mideast war
The Transport Ministry will extend measures to support airlines affected by unrest in the Middle East, including a 30% reduction in air navigation service charges for domestic flights during July and August, Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit said.
The ministry instructed the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) to continue assistance for airline operators facing rising costs linked to volatility in global energy markets. Continued …
Plastic shortages causing anxiety among Asian small business owners
One of the key raw materials for the production of plastic products is ethylene, which is produced from naphtha – a byproduct of oil refining. Approximately 60% of Asia’s current naphtha imports come from the Gulf region.
Although the US and Iran have reached an agreement to end the conflict, the market needs more time to recover and supply chains to return to normal. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz – a strategic global shipping route – remains fraught with uncertainty, continuing to put pressure on commodity prices. Continued …
Foreign consumers become new engine of Thai retail as ‘Expat Economy’ gathers pace
Foreign consumers are emerging as a powerful new driver of Thailand’s retail sector, with average spending 1.5 times higher than that of Thai consumers, as more foreigners choose the country not only for holidays, but also for long-term living, according to The 1 Insight.
The trend reflects the rise of what The 1 describes as the “Expat Economy”, in which long-stay foreign residents and frequent visitors are increasingly shaping demand across major retail categories, from beauty and fashion to groceries, children’s products, home improvement, and health-related goods. Continued …
Gen Z’s penchant for debt worrying for the Thai economy
Thailand is experiencing a continuous deterioration in household credit quality amid expanding household debt, which has risen to 86.7%of national gross domestic product.
The secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council, Danucha Pichayanan, revealed recently that total household debt had expanded to 16.44 trillion baht, rising from 16.31 trillion baht in the third quarter of 2025. Continued …
Kingdom targets slice of $4 trillion ‘pink economy’ boom
Thailand is eyeing growth in the “global pink economy” as speakers at a forum highlight rising market value, changing consumer behavior and new investment opportunities. Speaking on the topic of “Pink Economy: From Visibility to Economic Value”, Tanachai Kulsomboonsin, chief executive and co-founder of Canvas Ventures International, said awareness of the pink economy has expanded in Thailand over the past two years.
Pink economy refers to the purchasing power of the LGBTQ+ community. The global market is worth about US$4 trillion (about 133.51 trillion baht) and could grow up to $7 trillion within five years. Continued …
Thailand Opens Rail Network to Private Operators
Thailand has officially opened its state-owned railway network to private operators for the first time, allowing companies to apply for track access to run passenger, tourism, and freight train services.
The move follows the publication of the State Railway of Thailand’s 2026 network statement and is intended to make use of unused track capacity while creating new transport options, strengthening logistics, and generating additional revenue for the state. Continued …
ASEAN rises as a new beauty economy hub for global cosmetics
The global beauty industry is no longer being shaped only by Western markets. Southeast Asia, once seen largely as a follower of K-Beauty, J-Beauty, and European brands, is now positioning itself as a beauty economy hub with growing influence over the direction of the global industry.
According to Statista, ASEAN’s beauty and personal-care market is expected to grow strongly, with market value projected at US$7.4 billion in 2026 before rising to more than US$9 billion by 2031. Continued …
Growing global niche market seen for Thai cocoa and chocolate products
Thai cocoa and chocolate products are expected to benefit from a growing but niche global market, particularly for high-value, environmentally friendly, and health-focused products.
Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the Commerce Ministry’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), said the global cocoa and chocolate market is projected to grow from more than US$55.8 billion in 2025 to more than US$86.5 billion by 2034. Continued …
Elephant ride ends with mahout death, tourist injured
A 20-year-old male elephant used for tourist rides killed its mahout and injured an Omani tourist after becoming agitated in Phang Nga on Saturday. The fatal attack occurred after the elephant reportedly became distressed during a tour carrying two foreign tourists.
Authorities said the elephant attempted to enter a stream, but its mahout used a hook to prevent it from doing so. According to witnesses, the elephant became aggressive, throwing one of the tourists from its back. The injured tourist, a 33-year-old man from Oman, was taken to Phang Nga Hospital for treatment. Continued …
Thailand tourism yet to recover despite 15 million foreign visitors
Thailand’s tourism recovery has yet to fully rebound despite welcoming more than 15 million foreign visitors this year, with international arrivals still falling short of last year’s levels, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Between Jan. 1 and June 20, Thailand welcomed 15,447,571 foreign tourists, generating more than 745.39 billion baht in visitor spending, although arrivals were down 2.8% from the same period in 2025. Continued …
Thailand pushes 365-day tourism strategy
The government is moving ahead with its “Thailand 365 Days” policy to position the country as a year-round, high-value tourism destination, using rising interest in natural attractions and local experiences to spread income beyond major tourist cities and support sustainable growth.
Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the prime minister’s office, said the strategy is in line with changing global travel trends, as tourists increasingly seek destinations that offer a wide range of experiences, including nature, culture, food, and local lifestyles. Continued …
Foreign travelers drive 96.6% of Thailand’s mid-year hotel bookings
Thailand’s hotel industry is seeing resilient mid-year demand from international travelers, who now account for 96.6% of forward bookings and are reserving rooms earlier than last year, giving operators more room to manage pricing, promotions, and guest experiences.
According to SiteMinder’s mid-year Hotel Booking Trends report, which analyzed hotel stays between June and September across 22 major travel markets in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas, Thailand’s share of forward hotel bookings from international travelers rose from 95.8% in the same period last year. Continued …
Thailand Tourism Slowdown: Why the Extended Green Season Won’t Last
Having lived and worked in Thailand’s hospitality and tourism industry for more than 35 years, I have learned one simple truth: tourism rarely moves in a straight line.
If you were to plot Thailand’s hotel occupancy throughout a typical year, the graph would resemble a series of rolling waves — rising to predictable peaks before settling into seasonal troughs. Today, Thailand finds itself in one of those troughs. Continued …
Pattaya bar streets turn to discounts as June low season bites
Pattaya‘s nightlife strip is leaning hard on discounts and happy hour deals this June, as bar operators describe a slow season where every customer counts. As the sun sets, colored lights flick on and staff step outside with familiar routines: smiles, greetings, and quiet invitations to passing tourists and hotel guests. Behind the lively atmosphere, though, June has become what many in the trade call a “survival month”.
With the low season firmly in place, bars can no longer count on steady walk-ins. Survival now depends on visibility, flexibility, and pricing. Extended happy hours, discounted drinks, and bundled offers have become the main tools for stopping customers who might otherwise walk past. Continued …
Trip.com sees short summer trips surge
Short breaks are becoming one of the defining travel trends of summer 2026, as travelers look for quicker, more flexible escapes without giving up the sense of a rewarding holiday, according to Trip.com Group.
Global travel continued to grow strongly in the first half of 2026, with data from Trip.com Group showing that travelers from mainland China, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia recorded some of the longest cumulative travel distances. Continued …
Airports of Thailand Cuts Growth Forecast
Airports of Thailand (AOT) has sharply reduced its passenger growth forecast for the 2026 fiscal year to possibly below 1%, citing global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, while maintaining expansion plans to meet long-term demand.
The revised forecast marks a significant downgrade from AOT’s earlier projections of 6% growth, later cut to around 3%. The latest reduction follows the impact of conflict in the Middle East, which has driven up aviation fuel prices, increasing operating costs for airlines. Continued …
Kai yok krok-Thai Street Food
Energy Regulatory Commission to open registration for rooftop solar power purchases July 1
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has launched a solar rooftop power purchase program for the public sector. Applications to sell electricity from solar rooftops can begin on July 1.
The purchase price is 2.20 baht per unit, with a 10-year contract. The production capacity is limited to 5 kilowatts per meter. A total of 500 megawatts will be accepted, using a “first come, first served” principle until the quota is reached. Continued …
Mitsubishi Electric Thai Foundation Continues Community Forest Restoration
The Mitsubishi Electric Thai Foundation, together with the Mitsubishi Electric Group companies in Thailand, continues its commitment to natural resource and environmental conservation through the “Community Forest Partnership for Climate Action Project”, now entering its 9th consecutive year.
The project aims to restore community forests, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen the long-term carbon sequestration capacity of the ecosystem at Ban Nong Khro community forest, Wang Dan subdistrict, Kabin Buri District, Prachin Buri Province. Continued …
Australian man confesses to killing teen girl and hiding body
An Australian man has confessed to killing a 17-year-old girl in Pattaya before stuffing her body into a suitcase and dumping it near railway tracks. The victim was found dead in a suitcase abandoned in a grass area beside railway tracks in the Khao Makok area, about 4.2 kilometers from a condominium on Jomtien Second Road where the incident allegedly took place. Continued …
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Chinese woman linked to huge 20 billion baht fraud arrested in Chiang Mai – Continued …
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Turk Held With Cocaine at Suvarnabhumi – Continued …
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Hong Kong Beautician Admits Thailand Scam Lure – Continued …
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Taiwanese man caught smuggling protected tortoises from Thailand – Continued …
Death Toll From Venezuela Earthquakes Climbs To 1,450
Rescue teams raced yesterday to find more survivors of the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week, with signs of life bringing occasional relief to a grim quest to whittle down a list of tens of thousands missing. The death toll from Wednesday’s twin earthquakes rose to at least 1,450 as of Saturday. Continued …
Europe heatwave disrupts power, transport and healthcare systems
Europe faced temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F) yesterday as storms swept other areas, with France reporting 1,000 excess deaths in a record-breaking heatwave. Its public health agency said most heat-related fatalities involved older people and warned the toll was expected to rise as more details emerged from residential care and private homes. Continued …
Putin acknowledges fuel shortages after Ukraine strikes
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the country was suffering from “a certain shortage” of fuel in an interview published by the Kremlin yesterday, after repeated Ukrainian strikes in their four-year war. 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
The Kite and Art Festival Prachuap Khiri Khan will take place at Saran Withi Pier today and tomorrow, bringing two evenings of kite displays, art, and family-friendly activities to the seafront.
Ren Lexander, PhD, gave a timely talk, “Taking Stock in Uncertain Times: What Global Shifts Mean for Us in Thailand,” at a meeting of the Pattaya City Expats Club. He invited his audience to “take stock” of the rapidly changing global situation. Although the current Middle East conflict is less than two months old, its ripple effects are already being felt worldwide.
Thailand will officially enter the rainy season today, but with less rain than usual in the forecast, the Meteorological Department announced yesterday.
Thailand’s Transport Ministry has given ride-hailing platforms one month to improve passenger safety measures or risk license suspension, as new rules are prepared for app-based taxi services. The planned measures include requiring drivers to hold public driving licenxes, installing CCTV cameras in vehicles, and providing passenger insurance coverage.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul criticized corrupt officials in Phuket for facilitating land encroachment at Freedom Beach, describing the actions as “disgusting”. The Freedom Beach encroachment case gained national attention after People’s Party MP Chaloempong “Sam” Saengdee claimed he received death threats while investigating illegal occupation on Freedom Beach and surrounding land under the Khao Nak Kerd National Forest in Kathu district.
The Thai baht is projected to depreciate further, potentially reaching 33.50 per US dollar this week. This forecast follows a recent testing of a nine-month low at 33.04 on Monday. The primary driver for this expected weakening is the heightened uncertainty stemming from the conflict in the Middle East, which is bolstering the US dollar as a safe-haven asset.
Thailand’s private sector has warned that corruption remains a structural crisis undermining the business environment, after a new survey found nearly nine in 10 businesses see graft as an obstacle and, for the first time, identified state agencies with the highest alleged bribery risks.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived on Koh Phangan on Wednesday as hundreds of police, DSI investigators and land officials launched one of Thailand’s biggest crackdowns on suspected illegal foreign business networks, raiding companies and land plots amid allegations of nominee ownership, hidden foreign control and proxy shareholders across the island’s tourism economy.
Geoeconomics of Thai ‘land bridge’
Thailand’s visa-free entry for nationals of 93 countries is set to be cut from 60 days to 30 days after government officials confirmed plans to end the policy introduced in July 2024. The proposal, confirmed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Foreign Ministry, is expected to go to Cabinet next week, and an official start date will be announced after approval.
Flag carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) plans to add European flights, yet still maintain proactive fuel cost and route network management amid short-term concerns about spillover impacts from the war in the Middle East and geopolitical tensions.
Erawan-Wasserfall: Thailand’s Seven-Tiered River Escape
The government has ordered the Office of the Consumer Protection Board to urgently investigate unsafe solar rooftop installations linked to fire risks and consumer losses exceeding 500,000 baht, following complaints about substandard equipment and improper electrical work.
Electric vehicles are selling faster across Southeast Asia than at any point in history. Thailand is manufacturing them at scale. Vietnam has produced a homegrown brand bold enough to challenge in global markets. Indonesia is betting its vast mineral wealth on becoming the world’s battery supplier. By nearly every headline metric, the region’s clean transport revolution is on track.
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting US President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday, as both leaders sought to set a new direction for relations between the world’s two most powerful countries. Xi said the world was facing changes unseen in a century, with the international situation marked by volatility and turbulence. 
Russian forces launched waves of missiles and drones at Kyiv and several other Ukrainian regions for a third consecutive day yesterday, killing at least nine people, including a 12-year-old girl, according to Ukrainian officials. 
Plans for a Hua Hin Smart City development are moving forward, with proposals including free public WiFi, a pet registration platform, and smart drinking water dispensers currently under consideration by local authorities.
A mangrove restoration plan has been approved for the Sirinart Rajini Mangrove Forest, with officials proposing a 4.9-million-baht budget to address water system issues and support long-term ecological recovery.
Two decades after declaring an official war on air pollution, Thailand is losing the battle. Despite a flurry of committees and high-profile promises, crucial indicators show that the sources of the smog and its deadly health impacts are rising once again. What began as a seasonal nuisance in the northern highlands has metastasized into a year-round national health crisis that threatens the very fabric of Thai society.
The heat index in Bangkok today entered the “extreme danger” zone for the first time this season, with “feels like” temperatures higher than or equal to 52 degrees Celsius, City Hall has warned.
As the global order fractures and major powers like China, Russia, and the United States drift toward the precipice of open conflict, the very definition of “wealth” is undergoing a radical transformation.
Global oil markets are entering a new phase of volatility, caught between immediate supply shocks in the Middle East and a structural shift that could reshape production dynamics in the years ahead.
For decades, the economic heartbeat of South Asia has been inextricably linked to the pulse of the Persian Gulf. From the crude oil that fuels its growing industries to the billions in remittances that prop up its foreign exchange reserves, the region has long been the primary beneficiary of Gulf stability.
The Thai Food Processors’ Assn. is calling on the government to reduce energy costs, pursue negotiations on free-trade agreements (FTAs), and explore new market opportunities. The association said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is pressuring logistics, raw materials, and packaging costs.
Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), said that against the backdrop of global volatility and shifts in production bases, Thailand had continued to attract investor interest.
Known for its pungent aroma and rich, custard-like texture, the durian has recently become a focal point of Thai national discourse. However, the current debate centers not on its flavor, but on its role as a litmus test for the government’s ability to engineer sustainable solutions for the nation’s agricultural sector.
Hotels nationwide across all segments, including luxury, have reported a significant drop in bookings from May, with provinces dependent on European markets such as Phangnga facing a 50% decline, according to the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA).
Traveling the Road to Ordination on an Elephant
Chef Pam is putting Thai cuisine back into the global conversation
The National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) has approved a new electricity tariff structure that will help millions of Thai households save money, along with sweeping measures to unlock residential rooftop solar development.
Senior officials from Laos and Thailand met in Vientiane yesterday for consultations on cross-border smog, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to cleaner air and stronger pollution-control cooperation.
Viral posts of an Australian street dubbed the country’s “most beautiful” have enticed coachloads of visitors to a picturesque seaside town — and locals have had enough of it. Just a two-hour drive south of Sydney, Gerringong is much like many other photogenic hamlets along Australia’s east coast, with multi-million-dollar properties set against stunning views of the azure blue sea. 
Buckets of blooms adorn Yuvita Anggi Prinanda’s sidewalk flower stall in Bali, but their perfume can’t mask the stench of accumulating trash bespoiling parts of the resort island famed for its natural beauty. Bali’s largest landfill was declared off-limits for organic waste from the beginning of April, as the government moves to enforce a longstanding ban on open pits. 
Thailand is widely perceived as a relatively safe destination compared with many countries at similar income levels, yet risk profiles vary considerably between cities. For expats and digital nomads planning a medium to long-term stay, understanding which Thai cities offer the most predictable and manageable safety environment is critical.
The Ministry of Energy is pressing ahead with a major overhaul of the entire electricity tariff structure for the first time in more than 20 years. Its plan to introduce a new tiered tariff structure is creating ripples for households using more than 400 units a month and for the business sector.
The baht closed last week, on April 24, at a fresh two-week low of 32.51 baht per US dollar, as markets awaited the outcomes of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting and the US Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting.
The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has unveiled a nationwide contingency plan to mitigate the potential impact of a looming Super El Nino, warning that hotter temperatures and below-normal rainfall could threaten crops, water supplies, and rural incomes this year.
The rapid increase in energy prices caused by the prolonged war in the Middle East is taking a toll on Thai consumers, who are already reeling under high household debt. The prices of crude oil and natural liquid gas have risen sharply since the US-Israel war on Iran broke out in late February.
Dramatic developments unfolded in Islamabad on Saturday as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi landed, held talks, and departed without meeting a US delegation. Soon after, US President Donald Trump canceled a planned flight by his two envoys to the Pakistani capital.
International trade between Thailand and China remains brisk, but the overall picture points to structural fragility as the trade deficit continues to widen. A review of data from the Information and Communication Technology Center found that Thailand-China trade totaled B1.278 trillion in the first three months of 2026, up 18.% from the same period a year earlier.
Thailand’s automotive industry showed fresh signs of recovery in March, as total vehicle production rose to 133,413 units and domestic sales were boosted by strong demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, according to the Federation of Thai Industries.
The information center of LWS Wisdom and Solutions Co. has pointed to a new picture of the property market in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), saying it is moving from growth driven by investment and infrastructure stimulus toward a housing market powered by “real demand” from the workforce and industrial sector. This has significantly changed the equation for project development and property investment in the area.
Searches for short-haul travel destinations have risen sharply ahead of Thailand’s upcoming long weekend from April 30 to May 4, covering Labor Day and Coronation Day. The trend reflects growing demand for convenient, budget-conscious holidays, with Thai travelers showing stronger interest in both domestic destinations close to Bangkok and nearby international cities.
Call it a different kind of sticker shock. The Beijing Auto Show that opened to the public this week is a showcase for how hypercompetition in China has driven new car prices in the world’s largest car market to a fraction of the level of the next-largest market, the United States.
The industrial sector in Bangkok is seeing a noticeable shift as factories and warehouses begin turning their rooftops into productive financial assets through solar power installations. This change is being driven by rising electricity costs and supportive government policies, making solar energy an increasingly attractive option for businesses in Thailand’s capital and nearby areas.
Representatives of about 50 governments meet in Colombia today for the first international talks on phasing out planet-heating fossil fuels, against a backdrop of the Iran war and a global energy crunch.
Police have arrested two Chinese tourists accused of carrying out a gold shop robbery in Nakhon Ratchasima, stealing rings worth about 300,000 baht before fleeing. The suspects were detained later the same day in Bangkok after investigators traced their getaway vehicle. The stolen items were recovered and authorities are preparing legal proceedings. 
The man who authorities say tried to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner with guns and knives was charged yesterday with the attempted assassination of US President Donald Trump, as federal authorities suggested an attack that disrupted one of Washington’s glitziest events had been planned for at least several weeks. 
Phuket villa scam leaves Thais and foreigners with over 100-million-baht loss
UTCC estimates southern flood damages at 40 billion baht
Thailand’s Economy Set to Slow Further in 2026, UTCC Warns
Floods Wipe Out 42% of Thailand’s Key Malaysian Tourism Market
Italian Drug Suspect Caught in Bangkok on DTV
Thailand pushes for free trade deal with Gulf nations
Unlocking Solar Potential: Thailand’s Regulatory Shift on Rooftop Solar Systems
