- 10 Corrupt State Agencies Exposed/Agencies deny graft claims/True cost of Thailand’s ‘free’ education/First wife leads wedding procession/Thai Surgery Ordeal/Brit Faced Large Bill
- THE IRAN WAR: US-Iran impasse fuels inflation fears/Financially weak airlines at risk/Crisis shows clean energy is key
- ECONOMY: MICE Industry Braces for Revenue Hit/10-baht noodles survive/The AI hype train/Thailand, India expand ties
- TOURISM: Decade-Long Deal to Bring Tomorrowland to Thailand/Similan, Surin Islands Close/Thailand Selected for Visa Destinations
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Traps for leopard cat cubs/Asia Dominates Global Green Tech Boom
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Thai Commitee Report Exposes 10 Corrupt State Agencies
Thailand’s Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) and the Zero Corruption Organization have identified the top 10 most corrupt state agencies, highlighting serious bribery issues.
According to the findings, 89.1% of business respondents view corruption as a significant obstacle to conducting business in the country. The report details bribes ranging from 67,500 baht to 102,160 baht for various “special services”. Continued …
State agencies deny graft claims
Several state agencies have refuted allegations of corruption and launched internal investigations after a business sector survey identifying high bribery risks prompted the government to pledge sweeping anti-graft reforms.
The controversy erupted after the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) released a nationwide survey of 401 business executives and representatives, conducted between March 26 and April 10, which found that 89.1% viewed corruption as a major obstacle to doing business in Thailand. Continued …
The true cost of Thailand’s ‘free’ education
Flaws in Thailand’s “free education” policy are back under the spotlight as schools reopen for the new term. Hidden fees remain a problem for low-income families already struggling with rising living costs, placing millions of children at risk of dropping out.
For many parents, the promise of “15 years of free education” is merely a slogan, not a reality. “I have already spent more than 6,000 baht on my son’s schooling this term,” said one mother, a construction worker. The school had presented her with a bill of 5,050 baht for an “academic foundation adjustment” course. She also had to pay for books and uniforms. Continued …
First wife leads wedding procession for husband’s second marriage
A wedding ceremony in northeastern Thailand has drawn widespread attention online after a wife personally organized and led the traditional procession for her husband to marry another woman.
The unusual ceremony took place yesterday in Ban Nong Phai village in Chaiyaphum, where villagers and social media users were captivated by the openly arranged second marriage. Continued …
Brit Couple Return Home After Thai Surgery Ordeal
A Norfolk couple have returned home to the UK after being stranded in Thailand for two months following emergency spinal surgery that was not covered by their travel insurance.
Jo and Stu Ingram, from Belton, had traveled to Krabi in southwest Thailand for what was meant to be a two-week holiday celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary. However, on March 8, Jo, 56, broke her back in three places after falling during a pony trek on the beach near their hotel. Continued …
Brit Faced Large Bill After Thailand Bike Crash
A British traveler was left facing medical costs of around GBP23,000 after suffering serious injuries in a motorbike crash just six days into a planned two-month trip to Thailand. Jude O’Connor required urgent surgery after another rider reportedly pulled out in front of him, throwing him into a parked car.
Jude suffered a broken shoulder, broken arm, broken nose and a shattered elbow in the crash, which happened in March. He was taken to hospital and told he urgently needed surgery, but said his insurance company later refused to cover the costs. Continued …
Stocks tumble, oil rises as US-Iran impasse fuels inflation fears
Global stocks slumped and oil prices rose yesterday with worries about sustained inflation driving up bond yields with no conclusion to the Iran war in sight. The international oil benchmark Brent crude contract rose more than 3% to $109.26 a barrel.
On Wall Street, both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite slumped from fresh all-time highs set Thursday. The Dow was down around 1%. Continued …
Financially weak airlines at risk from rising fuel prices
Financially weak airlines, particularly those that avoided hedging on fuel costs and focus on leisure travel, are more exposed to financial distress amid persistently high fuel costs, according to consultancy Alton Aviation.
John Mowry, managing director of Alton Aviation, said the energy crisis is the “first bump in the road” for aviation since the pandemic. Jet fuel prices more than doubled after the Iran war started, leading to massive flight cuts and driving Lufthansa CityLine and Spirit Airlines out of business. Continued …
Hormuz crisis shows clean energy is key to reducing the economic cost of fossil fuel dependence
The Energy Transitions Commission is warning the political reflex to expand fossil fuel infrastructure risks reinforcing the same vulnerabilities that caused this crisis. Its report calls on governments to accelerate the clean energy transition as the most effective response to fossil fuel price volatility, import dependence, and geopolitical disruption.
The Hormuz closure has disrupted 18.4 million barrels per day of oil — the largest supply shock on record, exceeding the 1973 Arab oil embargo — alongside 20% of global LNG trade and one-third of all globally traded fertilizers. The effects are most acute in emerging and import-dependent economies. Around 84% of crude oil and more than 80% of LNG transiting Hormuz is destined for Asian markets. Continued …
Thailand’s MICE Industry Braces for $550 million Revenue Hit
Thailand’s business travel and exhibition sector is facing a severe downturn as the protracted conflict in the Middle East sends shockwaves through global energy and aviation markets. Industry leaders warn that the escalating crisis could prove more damaging to the economy than the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pornpailin Julapun said MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) industry is uniquely vulnerable. Beyond simple travel, the sector is intricately linked to trade, logistics, and catering — all of which are highly sensitive to the “energy crisis” currently unfolding. Continued …
10-baht noodles survive in Ratchaburi despite rising costs
A noodle vendor in Ratchaburi has continued selling bowls for 10 baht despite rising ingredient and fuel costs, offering one of the cheapest meals still available as inflation continues to affect household spending in Thailand.
The stall, operated by 59-year-old Jiraprapa Chulert, known locally as “Jae Tor,” sits beside a road near the Kobkul Bridge crossing the Mae Klong River in Tha Rab subdistrict, Mueang district. The small cart-based shop attracts students, laborers, and local residents seeking low-cost meals. Continued …
A closer look at the AI hype train
As Thailand adopts artificial intelligence (AI), IT specialists warn some government agencies developing AI projects may repeat the mistakes of the app development era, when huge budgets were spent on digital projects that allegedly delivered little benefit to the public.
Critics are concerned that AI risks becoming the latest buzzword exploited by state agencies to justify requests for billion-baht budgets to develop projects, which could become a new avenue for budget corruption. Continued …
Thailand, India expand ties
Thailand and India plan to expand trade, investment, and regional cooperation as both countries prepare to mark 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow outlined the plans during the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi on Thursday and Friday, held under India’s chairmanship ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit in September. Continued …
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Vilhelm International Academy launched in March 2026 and has is campus at “The Hub” in Hin Lek Fai, less than 10 minutes from the center of town. They provide mentor-led academic supervision for students studying through accredited online school programs, whether independently enrolled or through integrated programs offered at Vilhelm. This means that students follow a fixed timetable, complete coursework under supervision, and receive ongoing progress monitoring. They can do this whist studying for their GCSE’s, A-Levels, NCAA approved US courses, or any other online school they choose to use.
Unlike more traditional options, at the academy children can learn at their own pace, not being forced forward before they are ready and also not being held back by the rest of the class. When they are ready to move on they do so. By coming to the academy each day, they are able to complement their studies with activities that develop leadership skills, community service (such as the recent helmet initiative), complemented by daily sports and physical activity to support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
You can visit the website for more details, or you can book an appointment to meet with the academy co-ordinator to discuss what you are looking for and explain what they can offer. There is a completely free five-day trial period that can be taken advantage of by anyone interested in seeing if the academy is the right fit for them.
Website; Email: info@vilhelminternationalacademy.com; Phone: +66 065 991 5500; Facebook; Map location.
Inside the Decade-Long Deal to Bring Tomorrowland to Thailand
In just six months’ time, the global electronic dance music (EDM) community will turn its eyes to Southeast Asia. From Dec. 11-13, the world-renowned Tomorrowland festival will officially make its debut in Thailand at Wisdom Valley, Chonburi.
The arrival of the Belgian-born phenomenon is more than just a win for dance fans; it is a strategic triumph for Thailand. Following a decade of negotiations and fierce competition from regional heavyweights, including Singapore, Vietnam, and China, the deal solidifies the kingdom’s position as a premier global hub for large-scale international events. Continued …
Similan, Surin Islands Close for Rainy Season
Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has announced a five-month closure of tourism activities around the Similan and Surin Islands in Phang Nga Province to allow marine ecosystems to recover during the rainy season.
The closure will run from May 16 to Oct. 15 and affects both Similan National Park and Surin National Park. Authorities said the measure is intended to restore natural balance and reduce risks to tourists caused by unstable weather conditions during the seasonal period. Continued …
Thailand Selected as First Market in Asia Pacific to Launch Visa Destinations
Visa has announced the expansion of its global, passion-led travel program, Visa Destinations, into Asia Pacific, launching in Thailand as the first market in the region.
Currently live in Paris, London, and Dubai, Visa Destinations continues to expand globally, with Thailand joining the platform as the program rolls out across additional destinations. Continued …
In Thailand, burned sugarcane plantations become traps for leopard cat cubs
Nuntita Ruksachat, head veterinarian at the Khon Kaen wildlife rescue center in northeastern Thailand, holds up a feline cub no larger than her hand. Part of a litter rescued just days ago, the cub’s fur is patchy, revealing blistered skin underneath. Its whiskers, clearly singed, are short and stubby.
“They were rescued from a burned sugarcane plantation,” she says. Behind her, cats pace inside rows of cages. More than 50 leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) cubs are currently housed at the rescue center, which is run by Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation’s (DNP). Continued …
Asia Dominates Global Green Tech Boom, Thailand Responds
Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), Ministry of Commerce, has issued a rallying cry to domestic firms of all sizes to aggressively secure intellectual property rights, as new data reveals a global surge in sustainability-driven technologies.
The department reported that “sustainability innovation for quality of life” has solidified into the core pillar of the emerging global economy, offering a critical window for Thailand to transition into a future-proof green hub. Continued …
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British Man Arrested in Pattaya Over Phuket Killing – Continued …
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Indian Fugitive Arrested in Bangkok Hotel – Continued …
Trump leaves Beijing with few wins
U.S. President Donald Trump left China oyesterday with no major breakthroughs on trade or tangible help from Beijing to end the Iran war, despite two days spent heaping praise on his host, Xi Jinping. Video …
Global tech layoffs exceed 100,000 this year
The global technology industry has entered another round of mass layoffs in 2026, with more than 100,000 jobs cut worldwide in the first five months of the year as companies restructure operations, control costs, and shift more resources into artificial intelligence. Continued …
Hua Hin Links and Transport
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