- Beach Life festival/Huahin50 Trail Run/Rethinking Private Health Insurance/Preparations for PM2.5 pollution/Diesel, petrol and gasohol prices rise/Soaring delivery app fees/Facebook accounts for 74% of online shopping scams/CP Axtra adds to Makro and Lotus/Flood victims to get 10.5 billion baht
- ECONOMY: High energy prices create multiple crises/Young Thai graduate unemployment/Plan to Become Regional Logistics Hub/Thailand luxury market
- TOURISM: Outbound tax faces axe/Culture and local gains first/Tourism groups play down Chinese scam alert/45 passengers abandoned at Bangkok airport
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Can Sato Become Thailand’s Answer To Sake?/Learning to walk and use their trunks
- CLIMATE THAILAND: 50,000 baht for solar panels/Energy measures being proposed/China-made EV taxis gain ground/Illegal waste factories/’Doomsday Glacier’ melting faster
- IRAN WAR: Iran says no talks until demands are met
- UKRAINE WAR: US intelligence sharing ‘works now’
- HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Beach Life festival coming December 18-20
Hua Hin Beach Life 2026 will take place at Hua Don Beach in Khao Takiab Dec. 18-20, featuring stand-up paddleboarding competitions, seaside concerts and local food, with free admission.
The three-day event is being organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) as part of its “Amazing Multi-racing Festival 2026” series, which brings sport, music and lifestyle activities to coastal destinations in three provinces. Continued …
Huahin50 Trail Run set for January 16-17
The Huahin50 Trail Run returns on Jan.16-17, with three trail races and a family event showcasing the hills and countryside surrounding Hua Hin.
Organised by Sports Republic Thailand as part of The Legendary Trail Series, the event is expected to attract 2,500 participants across the weekend. All races will start and finish at Thapthai Obotor Public Park. Continued …
The Medical Inflation Trap: Rethinking Private Health Insurance
Rising healthcare expenditure is placing increasing strain on private health insurance across Southeast Asia. Population aging, chronic disease, greater healthcare utilization, provider charges, and advances in medical treatment are contributing factors to this pressure.
Premium adjustments may be needed when claims expenditure exceeds projected costs and threatens insurers’ financial stability. However, repricing alone does not address the underlying causes of expenditure growth. Repeated premium increases without improvements in healthcare management may weaken affordability for employers and households. The major challenge is therefore not simply to reduce healthcare expenditure but to obtain better value from it. Continued …
Thailand ramps up preparations for PM2.5 pollution
Thailand is stepping up preparations to tackle potential PM2.5 fine particulate pollution, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul directing relevant agencies to put response measures in place amid reports of pollution in neighboring countries.
Government spokesperson Dr. Ekkapob Pianpises said the prime minister had instructed deputy prime ministers and ministers overseeing various areas to prepare appropriate measures and ensure local authorities were ready to respond. Continued …
Regular diesel, petrol and gasohol 91 and 95 prices rise by 60 satang
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR), which operates PTT Station, and Bangchak Corp. have raised selected retail fuel prices in Thailand by 0.60 baht per liter. The changes took effect today.
PTT Station and Bangchak have kept E20 gasohol, B20 diesel and their listed premium fuels unchanged. Bangchak’s E85 gasohol price is also unchanged. Continued …
Thailand questions soaring delivery app fees, platforms tight-lipped
Thailand is preparing new rules requiring major ride-hailing and delivery apps to justify service fee increases, after regulators found that some platforms’ charges had risen by as much as 400% over five years.
The Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) is scheduled to open a public consultation on the proposed rules today, with the regulations expected to take effect in December if approved. Continued …
Facebook accounts for 74% of online shopping scams in Thailand
Facebook accounted for nearly 74% of reported online shopping scams in Thailand last week.
The Anti-Cyber Scam Center reported that Facebook was the primary platform used by scammers, followed by LINE at 47.4% and TikTok at 16.5%. These scams frequently targeted specific categories such as clothing, vehicles, and travel services. – Bangkok Post AI
CP Axtra to roll out five food chains across Makro and Lotus
Thai retailer CP Axtra has partnered with Minor Food Group to introduce five global restaurant brands across select Makro and Lotus stores.
Under a corporate franchise model, the rollout will include Dairy Queen, Swensen’s, Gaga Cafe, Bonchon, and The Steak & More. Continued …
Flood victims to get 10.5 billion baht
The Thai cabinet has approved 10.5 billion baht in central budget funding for fiscal 2027 to provide compensation for flood victims. This allocation is intended to support affected households, farmers, and businesses through various financial, tax, and insurance measures.
The government is seeking this additional funding to cover approximately 1,481,401 households. This follows a previous allocation of 5.28 billion baht from the 2026 central budget, of which nearly all funds have already been utilized to assist victims across 66 provinces and Bangkok. To expedite relief, authorities are working with the Government Savings Bank to process payments for verified claims once cabinet approval is secured. – Bangkok Post AI
High energy prices create multiple crises
Rising energy prices create inflationary pressures primarily by increasing the production and transport costs of goods, which then bleeds into the wider economy. As global energy supplies face shocks — such as those caused by the US-Israeli war with Iran — the increased cost of fuels like diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG) forces businesses and households to cope with higher living costs.
This phenomenon is further intensified as soaring energy costs can drive up the prices of other essential commodities, including fertilizers and food. In Thailand, the country’s status as a net energy importer makes it particularly vulnerable to these global price spikes, which can increase electricity generation costs and weaken consumer purchasing power. Additionally, central banks often respond to these supply-driven price increases by raising interest rates to maintain price stability, which can impact overall economic activity. – Bangkok Post AI
Young Thai graduate unemployment reaches 14% as AI reshapes jobs
Thailand’s labor market is facing growing pressure as artificial intelligence transforms jobs and skills, while young people with university degrees are experiencing much higher unemployment than the national average, speakers at Nation Forum 2027 warned.
The issues were discussed during “The Lifelong Workforce Pivot” session by Korn Chatikavanij, a Democrat Party-list MP and deputy party leader; Jennifer Chavanovanich, associate dean of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Psychology; and Tanpong Sukhonpanich, chief enterprise officer at FutureSkill for Business. Continued …
Thailand Unveils Plan to Become Regional Logistics Hub
Thailand will knit its road, rail, water and air networks into a single economic system to become the region’s center of trade and logistics, Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said yesterday.
Speaking at the Nation Forum 2027 dinner talk, “Thailand’s Agenda”, under the theme “Infrastructure Blueprint for the Future”, Phiphat said the global turmoil was a chance for the country to act. Continued …
Thailand luxury market tipped for 5% annual growth
Thailand’s US$4.4-billion luxury retail market is expected to grow by around 5% a year through 2028, according to property consultancy CBRE, as the country gains influence beyond its role as a destination for international brands.
Bangkok hosted the Financial Times’ Business of Luxury Summit – Asia Edition for the first time, bringing global industry figures to Capella Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River Oct. 19-20. Continued …
Outbound tax faces axe if economic woes linger
The introduction of a tax on outbound travel in Thailand could be postponed if economic conditions are deemed inappropriate. Specifically, the Fiscal Policy Office has indicated that the timing of the measure depends on the outcome of public consultations and the assessment of the prevailing economic situation.
The government is evaluating several factors to ensure fiscal stability and avoid placing an unnecessary burden on the public during periods of economic spending slowdowns. Decision-makers must consider the impact on businesses, public sectors, and general economic activities, as well as the potential for the tax to increase the cost of living. Additionally, officials aim to ensure that any new revenue collection is cost-effective and does not outweigh the expected benefits. – Bangkok Post AI
Thailand tourism leaders put culture and local gains first
Thailand must turn its cultural strengths into higher-value tourism while spreading economic opportunities beyond established destinations, speakers told Nation Forum 2027: Thailand’s Agenda in Bangkok yesterday.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool and former Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat delivered separate opening talks during the “Sawasdee, Thai Rising” session. Executives from The Mall Group and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) also outlined how retail and international business events could extend tourism’s benefits. Continued …
Thai tourism groups play down Chinese scam alert
Thailand’s tourism authorities expect a renewed warning from the Chinese embassy over job scams to have only a limited effect on Chinese holidaymakers, with 5-5.5 million arrivals still forecast this year.
The alert was directed particularly at high-profile Chinese people and those working in entertainment, including influencers, artists and celebrities, who may be vulnerable to offers of highly paid work. It was not primarily aimed at ordinary tourists, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Continued …
Promised China trip, 45 passengers abandoned at Bangkok airport
An investigation has been launched after 45 Thai passengers were left abandoned at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport when they discovered that no flight tickets had been booked for a planned trip to China, despite them having paid for the tour program.
Parents of the student passengers filed complaints with airport police on Oct. 15, reporting losses of 1.795 million baht (US$53,414) after paying 39,900 baht per person for a short course scheduled for Oct. 15-26. Continued …
Can Sato Become Thailand’s Answer To Sake?
In Thailand’s northeastern Isan region, sato was once part of rural life. Rice was grown, harvested, eaten, and some of it fermented into sato, a low-alcohol drink shared at festivals and family gatherings.
Today, sato appears on drinks lists and tasting menus across Bangkok. Producers are experimenting with indigenous rice varieties and controlled fermentation, while chefs are exploring how its sweetness, acidity, and texture work with food. The evolution is unexpected for a drink long dismissed as a rustic, homemade brew. Continued …
Elephant calves: Learning to walk and use their trunks
Elephant calves might look like miniature giants, but they’re surprisingly unsteady on their feet, with legs, ears, and a trunk that they haven’t quite worked out how to use. Weighing over 100 kilograms at birth (the weight of an adult giant panda!) and standing almost a meter tall, elephant calves are the world’s largest mammal born on land.
In the first few months of life, a baby elephant calf flails at basic tasks more than functions. It takes time, and plenty of trial and error, for them to master drinking, feeding, and even walking, leading to adorable tumbles and awkward splashes at waterholes. Continued …
One million homes could get 50,000 baht for solar panels
Thailand is moving closer to introducing a 50,000-baht solar panel subsidy for up to one million households after a government screening committee approved a proposed 50-billion-baht funding package.
The scheme is expected to go before the Cabinet on Oct. 26, with registration potentially opening in mid-November. Thailand’s solar subsidy would help eligible households install solar panels on their roofs or on the ground, allowing them to generate electricity for domestic use and sell surplus power to the electricity distribution network. Continued …
What measures is Thailand’s Energy Regulatory Commission proposing?
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is focusing on several key initiatives to modernize Thailand’s energy market and facilitate a transition to clean energy. One primary measure involves the progress of a Direct Power Purchase Agreement framework through Third Party Access (TPA), which enables companies to buy renewable electricity directly from producers.
Additionally, the ERC is working on a new policy framework designed to attract investment in advanced technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), and to facilitate the participation of businesses in the renewable energy sector. To support corporate sustainability goals, the ERC is also coordinating with utilities to offer options like the Utility Green Tariff Type 2 (UGT2), a service specifically designed to meet RE100 technical criteria. These efforts aim to transform the electricity sector into a more flexible and decarbonized market, allowing both large corporations and households to better access and manage renewable power sources. – Bangkok Post AI
China-made EV taxis gain ground in Thailand
Chinese-made electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly common choice for taxi operators in Thailand, as imports rise and fleet owners look for lower-cost alternatives to ICE-powered cars.
Thai government figures show around 2,600 new EV taxis were registered between January and September this year, more than 20% higher than in the same period a year earlier. Continued …
Illegal waste factories face crackdown
The government is targeting illegal industrial waste operations to combat toxic pollution, prevent forest encroachment, and protect public health. Authorities are coordinating across multiple ministries to crack down on factories in Prachin Buri that have been accused of polluting water sources and operating on protected land without proper documentation.
Beyond environmental protection, the crackdown addresses suspected financial crimes and irregular business structures, such as the use of nominee companies to hide foreign ownership. Officials are also investigating potential links between industrial waste and suspicious land ownership through the Anti-Money Laundering Office. Furthermore, the government is seeking to tighten industrial regulations and increase penalties to ensure that recycling and waste-management facilities comply with environmental standards and do not become major dumpsites. – Bangkok Post AI
‘Doomsday Glacier’ melting faster than expected, pushing sea levels up by 3 meters
The Thwaites Glacier, also known as the ” Doomsday Glacier ,” is located on the Walgreens Coast in the Marybirdland region of West Antarctica. Covering approximately 192,000 square kilometers, it’s roughly the size of Senegal and is one of the largest and most important glaciers for stabilizing global sea levels. However, this glacier is currently melting rapidly, causing sea levels to rise by about 4%.
This glacier has lost more than one trillion tons of ice since 2000 and continues to lose an average of 50 billion tons per year. If this glacier were to collapse completely, it would directly cause global sea levels to rise by about 65 centimeters. Continued …
Iran tells Pakistan army chief no talks with Washington until demands are met
Iran told Pakistan’s army chief yesterday there would be no talks with Washington until Tehran’s demands were met, Iranian media reported, underscoring its hardening stance despite mediation efforts by key interlocutor Pakistan. President Masoud Pezeshkian discussed mediation efforts and regional developments with Field Marshal Asim Munir in Tehran.
Munir also met Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who said Washington could not regain Tehran’s trust until it fulfilled seven conditions Iran set last month for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to an Iranian readout of the meeting. Continued …
Zelensky says US intelligence sharing ‘works now’ after talks with Trump envoy
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said US intelligence sharing on deadly Russian missile attacks “works now” after talks with President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff.
The meeting in Oslo came after accusations by Kyiv that Washington was withholding key intelligence – a claim rejected as “scandalous” by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. 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
Authorities in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been ordered to closely monitor heavy rain and water conditions and prepare to assist residents if flooding or other disasters occur.
Residents and visitors gathered at Hua Hin’s Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine on Saturday for the traditional Ship to Sea ceremony.
Recognizing the warning signs of blood clots, strokes and poor circulation was the focus of a Hua Hin seminar held by Be Well Medical Center and Bangpakok 9 International Hospital on Saturday.
Bangkok bears brunt of estimated 25.3-billion-baht Thai flood losses
Thai global icon LISA, Lalisa Manoban, made history at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards yesterday, becoming the first K-pop solo artist to win the coveted Best Pop award.
Nene Royal returns home to a grand Phuket welcome
Some 6,000 kilometers separate the anchorage off Hormuz from a petrol station forecourt in Nonthaburi. In 2026, that distance has counted for very little.
Thailand is attracting billions of baht in investment into data centers, electronics and advanced industries, while household finances remain under pressure. A government survey found that 32.8% of respondents had reduced the number of meals they eat or were eating less. Almost two-thirds were buying cheaper food or waiting for discounts.
Thailand and the United States have reached an agreement in principle on tariff negotiations, with the remaining work focused on reviewing technical details and the wording of the agreement, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun confirmed today.
Thailand’s high season test begins as tourism numbers rise
Five hotels in Phuket have been ordered to suspend operations after failing to secure licenses and complete required improvements, provincial authorities said.
The Thai government has defended its domestic solar industry by emphasizing the need to maintain national safety and quality standards for electrical installations and components. This defense follows reports that China supplied 99.3% of solar panel imports to Thailand during the first seven months of 2026.
JustPow is calling for stronger environmental oversight of waste-to-energy plants because they believe the current regulatory framework is too weak to ensure the safety of local communities and the surrounding environment. The advocacy group argues that current regulations lack sufficient environmental impact assessments, particularly for smaller facilities that generate less than 10 megawatts of capacity.
Hua Hin-Cha-am among six new MICE Cities
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau ((TCEB), has certified six new destinations across the country as official “MICE Cities”, a network that is now expanded to 16 destinations. It is a network that gives event organizers and international clients a wide choice of destinations, while enabling more cities across Thailand to leverage MICE as a driver of local economic development.
AGT winner Nene Royal gifted Bangkok home
Oil prices settled about 3% higher yesterday, as a Houthi missile attack on Saudi Arabia revived fears of supply disruptions. Reports of US-Iran talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz subsequently tempered the gains.
Diesel prices at pumps across the European Union (EU) have hit a new high of €2.23 per liter, up from €2.16 the previous week, an Agence France-Presse (AFP) analysis of European Commission data published yesterday showed.
Thailand’s Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has not approved reported 5%–10% increases in consumer goods prices scheduled for Oct. 1, 2026, Director-general Wittayakorn Maneenetr said yesterday. Some manufacturers had submitted applications, but the department had not authorized the increases.
Thailand is positioning itself as a strategic gateway to the ASEAN regional market, which consists of approximately 700 million people, to provide US businesses with access to broader Southeast Asian trade and investment opportunities.
Thailand has suffered from sluggish economic growth, with only 2% GDP growth, while regional peers have reached higher growth.
Thailand’s six hospitals are expected to post an 11% year-on-year (YoY) increase in aggregate net profit to $243.9 million (8.16 billion baht) in the third quarter (Q3), according to CGS International. CGS International attributed the growth to the recovery of foreign patient traffic and rising demand during influenza and COVID-19 outbreaks.
Bangkok is approaching a major turning point in urban development, as its expanding rail network pushes growth beyond the city center and into suburban areas. Location is therefore becoming less about distance from central Bangkok and more about connectivity, access to services and the quality of life an area can offer.
The appeal of the Thai DTV is obvious – you get up to five years of multiple entry access to Thailand so you can do more without relying on short tourist stays. However, before you apply, you’ll need to check the financial eligibility requirements, what remote work does and does not cover, and the documents and application process that applies.
Thailand aims to welcome 1.5 million Americans in 2026 as it shifts its tourism strategy to draw higher-spending visitors to boost international tourism. Last year, 1.08 million Americans visited Thailand, with 716,983 Americans arriving between January and September of this year.
The Family-Run Restaurants Preserving Southern Thailand’s Culinary Heritage
The Best Places to Eat During Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival
Thai Basil Vs. Italian Basil: What’s The Difference?
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has held talks with Google executives in New York on developing environmentally friendly data-center standards in Thailand, alongside plans for an open data institute to improve Thai digital skills.
Thailand’s nuclear power ambitions have been repeatedly delayed by concerns over safety and radioactive waste management following major international accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima. Additionally, the country faces significant challenges in developing the necessary infrastructure, technical expertise, and regulatory frameworks required to manage nuclear technology safely.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing a difficult reelection campaign at home, delivered a fiery UN speech yesterday assailing enemies and allies alike – and sparking uproar in the chamber. Netanyahu used the global platform at the UN General Assembly to attack everyone from the leaders of Iran to New York’s first Muslim mayor and partners Britain, France and Turkey. 
Canada is answering US President Donald Trump’s obsession with renaming things by unveiling a name change of its own – Trump Avenue in Ottawa will soon be history. The city is hitting back at the US leader, who among other things insists Canada should cease to exist as a country and instead become the 51st US state. 
InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has been named The Most Favorite Pet-Friendly Hotel at the 16th AROUND AWARDS 2026. The annual awards, organized as part of AROUND Magazine’s 16th anniversary, recognize hotels, restaurants and lifestyle businesses across Thailand.
Thai police say they arrested suspects in 7,261 firearms-related cases and seized 7,872 guns during a nationwide 15-day crackdown between Aug. 12-26.
Pattaya is preparing for the influx of US Navy personnel when the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and two accompanying vessels are scheduled to dock at Laem Chabang from Sept. 2-6.
American money, military spending and technical assistance helped Thailand build roads, airports and modern institutions while neighboring states faced wars. The transformation brought rapid growth, but also strengthened military rule and widened social inequality.
Data centers have dominated the discourse in Thailand over the past year, becoming a symbol of technological advancement and innovation and evidence that Thailand is capturing a valuable component of the AI value chain.
New vehicle sales in Thailand increased by over 20% to 59,196 units in July, up from 49,102 units a year earlier, according to the latest data released by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
For two decades, Thailand was regarded as a sure-fire success story in the Asian travel industry. In 2019, the last year before the pandemic, just under 40 million international visitors traveled to the country, generating revenue of around three trillion baht.
Passengers heading to Suvarnabhumi Airport face seven months of traffic diversions on the elevated roads serving the passenger terminal, starting on Aug.31. The maintenance program will run until April 7, 2027, affecting elevated access routes to and from the terminal, which connect with Motorway No. 7, the Bangkok-Chonburi route.
Thailand’s passport has been ranked 99th worldwide by Passport Reports, with a mobility score of 93. The assessment places Thailand fifth among the 11 ASEAN countries and 21st among 50 Asian countries assessed.
A Glimpse of Solar Energy in Thailand
Thailand’s move toward cleaner energy is putting greater pressure on the country’s electricity network to accommodate more renewable power while maintaining reliability, affordability and system stability.
Since Aug. 12, any Thai exporter shipping packaged goods into the EU has technically fallen under the bloc’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) – whether they know it or not.
As the world shifts toward a greener future, Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) is stepping up to ensure Thai businesses don’t just survive, but thrive.
Thailand is facing a double crisis: an overwhelming volume of illegally dumped hazardous waste and a deadly climate of intimidation against activists trying to stop it.
The collapse of the lower section of a Himalayan glacier may have unleashed the ice, rock and sediment that caused catastrophic flooding near Nepal’s border with Tibet, although experts have not established why the glacier failed. Satellite images indicated that part of the glacier broke away at an altitude of about 5,200 meters before plunging approximately 1,200 meters onto the valley floor. 
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s commercialhub, is proposing to gradually restrict gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles from its downtown area from mid-2027 as part of a planned low-emission zone (LEZ). Under the proposal, the city would pilot the LEZ from July 2027 in its core downtown area and the new Thu Thiem urban area, which covers roughly 930 hectares (3.59 square miles). 
Heavy rain and flash floods threaten upper Thailand
Bangkok gun dealers say Thailand’s long-running firearms import ban is forcing some businesses to seek other income, while proposed new restrictions could further reduce legal sales.
Thai and Australian Prime Ministers Anutin Charnvirakul and Anthony Albanese yesterday signed two joint statements on upgrading strategic partnership in four areas, across trade, law enforcement, defense and innovation, after their full-scale bilateral meeting at Parliament House in Canberra.
Thailand’s industrial sentiment index rose for a second straight month in July due to strong electric vehicle (EV) sales and government support measures, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported yesterday. The federation’s industrial sentiment index rose to 90.0 in July from 88.2 in June.
Data from CBRE Research showed that the downtown Bangkok condominium market recorded more new project launches in the first half of 2026 than in the same period a year earlier. Luxury and super-luxury developments were the main drivers, with both segments again attracting developers’ attention.
Southeast Asian nations are close to finalizing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), a landmark regional pact designed to govern their digital economy, projected to reach $2 trillion by 2030.
Foreigners arriving in Thailand may be asked by immigration to show they have enough money to support themselves during their stay. Depending on the entry route, the stated requirement is between 10,000 and 20,000 baht per person.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has ordered urgent measures to reduce delays for arriving passengers at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, focusing on immigration, baggage collection and public transport.
“Oh, we’re on the wrong side of the road,” I blurted out as I hopped into our van after landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. “It’s not the wrong side,” said Lisa, the journalist I was traveling with. “It’s a different side.”
Inside Wat Phra Kaew Wang Na, a rare window into Bangkok’s royal past
Thai police launched a sweeping operation against foreign business networks suspected of using Thai citizens as nominee shareholders to conceal foreign ownership of companies, land and restricted businesses, with arrest warrants issued for 20 Israelis on Koh Samui. 
The US gross national debt has surged past $40 trillion for the first time, government data showed yesterday, outstripping earlier forecasts at a pace fueled in part by President Donald Trump’s invalidated tariffs. 
Portugal’s president has enacted a law pushed by the far right banning the concealment of faces in public, a measure widely seen as targeting Muslim women wearing a full-face veil. 
Thinking about retirement in Thailand and wondering where to live in Hua Hin? This video breaks down the truth about Hua Hin’s best and worst areas in 2026 — based on real-life retirement factors, not holiday impressions. One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning to retire in Hua Hin is choosing an area based on a short holiday instead of long-term lifestyle. The neighborhood that feels perfect for two weeks can be completely wrong for the next 10–20 years. 
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, through the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with AirAsia Group to elevate mutual tourism promotion under the concept “Amazing Thailand: Feel All the Feelings.” The agreement encompasses marketing collaborations, communications, aviation route connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia, and market intelligence exchanges to drive short-haul travel — particularly from the Malaysian market.
The Cha Am Squid Festival will return Sept. 12–19, with the annual event taking place at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint. The festival is officially known as the 25th Eat Shellfish, Catch Squid @ Cha Am Festival.
Prachuap Khiri Khan has launched a vaping campaign to improve awareness among young people about the dangers of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and nicotine addiction. Deputy Gov. Prateep Boriboonrat opened the training program at Hadthong Hotel in Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday.
A recent wedding controversy involving a Thai bride and a foreign groom has renewed attention on Sin Sod, the Thai marriage custom in which the groom or his family presents money, gold or other valuables during the ceremony.
Nearly a year after border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia were shut, intermittent diplomatic overtures have yet to produce the political trust needed to reopen them, leaving border communities and businesses facing an increasingly prolonged economic standstill.
The fallout from Thailand’s decriminalization of marijuana in 2022 is spreading rapidly beyond its borders, with large shipments of smuggled Thai weed threatening to overwhelm customs officials across the world.
Iran attacked a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz early today, forcing its crew to abandon the ship even as the United States conducted yet-another round of airstrikes targeting the Islamic Republic over control of the key waterway.
The Thai Restaurant Assn. is asking the government to connect raw material wholesalers with restaurants to lower ingredient costs, rather than providing subsidies for each dish.
Thailand studies Bangkok Port closure and entertainment complex plan
Thailand is entering a new phase of trade uncertainty as the United States shifts its strategy from broad-based reciprocal tariffs to targeted investigations under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974.
Thailand’s use of export privileges under free-trade agreements continued to expand in April, with the value of shipments claiming preferential treatment reaching US$31.77 billion.
Thai Beverage, the maker of Chang beer and SangSom rum, is considering a potential sale of its KFC restaurant franchise business in Thailand, according to people familiar with the matter.
New partnerships with seven large corporations in China are expected to help Thailand attract a new, younger customer segment and generate total revenue of nearly 300 billion baht, despite limited flight capacity, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Thailand’s rich culture, beautiful landscapes and distinctive cuisine aren’t the only reasons why tourists keep flocking to the country. Thailand has been leading Asia in medical tourism, with more than a million foreigners travelling to the country every year for medical and surgical procedures.
Korat Buddhist Lent candle festival returns with grand parade
Thailand is leaning hard into solar and wind power, and households are beginning to see the payoff: lower electricity bills. A report says cleaner energy and more competitive long-term contracts are pushing down the average cost of power, an important signal in a region where air-conditioning demand can hammer family budgets.
Heavily reliant on pesticides, Thai agriculture is ‘trapped in a vicious cycle’
French lawmakers are expected to approve a bill banning social media access for children under 15 today, putting France at the forefront of similar efforts in the European Union (EU). 
Re: Odd-even parking signs installed on soi 94
Power bills set to rise in final four months
AGT sensation Nene says fame came too fast
Gold tumbles below $4,000 as oil surge fuels rate fears
Thailand Approves $3.1 Billion Investment for Seven Data Centers
Local e-marketplace players enter fray
Visa-free period halved, many countries dropped
Thailand remains one of the most attractive destinations in Asia for foreign investors, retirees, entrepreneurs, and long-term residents. In 2025 alone, Thailand welcomed more than 32.9 million foreign visitors, while tourism continued to contribute enormously to the national economy.
Thailand’s Consumer Council (TCC) and the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) are pushing for a major overhaul of Bangkok’s traffic-management system after a deadly train–bus collision exposed critical weaknesses at railway crossings.
Rescuers are racing against time to free seven people who have been trapped for nearly a week in a flooded cave in Laos. The seven were part of a group of villagers from the central province of Xaysomboun who had gone into the cave last Wednesday in search of gold and wildlife, but could not get out as rain and landslides blocked the cave’s entrance.
Sentient Animals Like Elephants Deserve More Respect
Thailand is accelerating efforts to become a top 10 global food exporter, leveraging its agricultural richness, manufacturing strength, and innovation in food technology. As part of this ambition, THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2026 is being held this week in Bangkok. The event is expected to generate over 130 billion baht in trade value, attracting 90,000 visitors from 130 countries.
The US and Thailand are in talks on new long-term supply of US-produced liquefied natural gas, two sources said yesterday, negotiations that have accelerated since the US-Israeli-led war on Iran led to LNG production damage in key exporter Qatar.
The global influencer economy is experiencing explosive growth, evolving from simple online content into a complex commercial ecosystem. This sector now encompasses advertising, e-commerce, brand promotion, digital services, and consumer engagement.
Thailand has long captured the imagination of travelers seeking more than just a holiday — it calls to those yearning for transformation. From the mist-draped mountains of the north to the turquoise-fringed islands of the south, the country offers a rare alchemy of natural splendor, centuries-old healing wisdom, and world-class hospitality.
Thailand’s rainy season has a reputation it doesn’t entirely deserve. Yes, it rains, sometimes heavily, but the idea that monsoon months mean washed-out days and ruined plans is largely a myth.
Thai food manufacturer and exporter Thai Choice says resilience, product innovation, and easier-to-cook authentic meals are helping transform Thai cuisine from a niche export into an everyday global food category.
Local residents have raised concerns that a proposed coastal highway could damage mangrove forests and threaten oyster-farming livelihoods, despite government claims the project would boost tourism and the local economy.
Phetchaburi, Cha Am and Hua Hin are being touted as increasingly attractive locations for buy-to-rent investment, as Thailand’s wider property market faces pressure from household debt, tighter lending rules, and weaker demand from domestic homebuyers.
Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental threats to human health. Every day, 99% of the global population breathes in invisible microparticles from dirty air, which enter our bloodstream and cause damage to our cells and organs.
Muay Thai Saturday Superfight returned to The Legend Arena at Bluport Hua Hin on Saturday, with organizers saying the monthly event is aimed at promoting Muay Thai and creating more opportunities for fighters in Hua Hin.
The Disease Control Department has reported a rise in COVID-19 infections over the past month, but the rate of increase is still far below the median level recorded five years ago.
The train-bus crash at the Makkasan railway crossing in Bangkok on May 16, which killed eight people and injured 32 others, continues to put Thailand’s rail safety standards into question, as level crossings pose a risk nationwide.
A Thai masseuse from Nakhon Si Thammarat has won a gold medal in the oil massage category at the Wellness World Championship 2026 in Bangkok. Soraya Thaoram secured the top prize during the international competition held at TK Palace & Convention Hotel on Chaeng Watthana Road.
Registration for the government’s Thais Help Thais Plus 60/40 co-payment scheme opens today for up to 30 million eligible people, ahead of the spending rollout on June 1.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has thrown its weight behind the government’s newly launched “Thais Help Thais Plus” initiative, estimating it could boost the country’s small and medium enterprise (SME) GDP by 35% to 40%, provided it is executed thoroughly.
Amid still-fragile economic conditions and geopolitical conflicts weighing on purchasing power worldwide, Thailand’s private hospital business is facing challenges on several fronts, including rising energy costs, patients delaying non-urgent treatment, and the impact on travel by foreign patients.
Thai airlines, which reported mixed financial results in the first three months of 2026, will remain under pressure in the second and third quarters from the oil price spike as the uptick in airfares and fuel surcharges are insufficient to cover the surge in costs.
Thailand’s latest effort to tighten cannabis controls has introduced stricter rules – but on Bangkok’s streets, particularly in tourist areas where cannabis shops thrive, little appears to have changed.
Thailand’s Transport Ministry is offering incentives to airlines to launch new domestic and international routes to airports in secondary cities in a bid to boost tourism and strengthen local economies. The measures include service fee reductions for new routes and a temporary 50% discount on aircraft parking charges at airports managed by the Department of Airports (DOA).
Chinese tourists are losing confidence in traveling in Thailand again as their bookings slow for the coming months, following a recent case involving police officers extorting Chinese nationals in Sa Kaeo, says the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA).
400-Year-Old Lanna Ruins Found in Mae Hong Son Forest
Thailand pushes UNESCO bid for Thai costume heritage status
When “biodiversity” is no longer just about planting forests, but also about “economic capital” and a tool for tackling the global climate crisis, a new sustainability strategy is emerging — one that turns forests into a mechanism for the bioeconomy while pushing Thai community models toward international standards such as OECMs and biodiversity credits.
China launched three astronauts to its Tiangong space station yesterday, beginning a Shenzhou-23 mission that will include the country’s first year-long stay in orbit and support research into how humans cope with extended time in space. The mission is also tied to Beijing’s wider plan for a crewed moon landing by 2030. 
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Thailand is currently undergoing one of its most aggressive and coordinated crackdowns on nominee companies to date. As of May, the Department of Business Development (DBD) has partnered with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to actively investigate and dismantle these structures.
Hua Hin turns into a city of jazz from May 29–June 1. Experience the Hua Hin Jazz City Event 2026 across 40+ locations, featuring Thai and international artists, smooth jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, live improvisation, local culture, cafés, shops, and community vibes. 
Prachuap Khiri Khan authorities have issued a weather warning, as heavy rain, possible flash floods, and strong waves are expected across the province from May 14–18. The warning covers all areas of Prachuap Khiri Khan, including Hua Hin, where thunderstorms are forecast for much of the week.
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a draft exchange of letters between the Thai and Dutch governments allowing the Netherlands to purchase land and buildings on Soi Ruam Rudi in Bangkok for use as the new residence of the Dutch ambassador to Thailand.
Will debt sink Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market?
The Bank of Thailand expects business operators to raise prices for goods and services by no more than 20%, with more frequent price adjustments in response to higher energy costs.
Thailand’s retail sentiment weakened sharply in April, as consumers cut back on spending after panic buying in March, while high fuel prices, rising utility bills, and concerns over product costs continued to weigh on household purchasing power.
Thai Airways International Public Co. (THAI) announced its operating results for the first quarter of 2026 today, showing strength and a continued recovery. Thai Airways recorded a net profit of B10.107 billion, up B268 million (+2.7%) from the same period last year.
Royal Ploughing ceremony predicts low water, stronger trade
Retired Californian finds fulfilment as Lumphini cat caretaker
Prolonged contact with wildfire smoke would increase the risk of developing different types of cancer, according to a study presented at a recent meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping began high-stakes talks in Beijing today, opening a closely watched meeting that could shape the next phase of relations between the world’s two largest economies. 
From her home in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, Anna Sloutskin yearns to expand her country’s borders and one day move to southern Lebanon. And she is not alone. With fighting between Israel and Hezbollah displacing more than a million Lebanese, a far-right fringe of Israel’s settler movement is turning its gaze northward. 
In less than two years, Britain’s governing Labor Party has gonefrom a landslide election victory to a historic rout at last week’s local and regional votes that has put Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s job on the line. While incumbents across Europe face similar difficulties, Britain’s politics have become ever more febrile in the decade since it voted to leave the European Union.