• UK Pension Freeze for Expats in Thailand/Petrol and diesel prices fall/FIFA denies price cut for Thailand/UK ambassador to Thailand/Monsoon brings heavy rain and flood risks/Nominee structures in the spotlight
• ECONOMY: May inflation back in focus/Thais Help Thais Plus spending/April Thai Exports Surge/Land Bridge push/Land bridge hits new snag/Thailand’s film incentive/Aviation, clean energy draw French
• TOURISM: TAT launches ‘Wild Awake Journey’/Thai Airways to resume Amsterdam flights
• THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Shining beacon or failed city?
• CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand pushes climate action/Renewables key to Asia prosperity/Constant Energy inaugurates rooftop system/7-Eleven campaign to cut plastic waste
• FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

UK Confirms Pension Freeze for Expats in Thailand

UK Pensions Minister Torsten Bell has updated MPs on the impact of the frozen state pension policy on British retirees living overseas, including thousands based in Thailand. The policy affects nearly half a million UK pensioners who live in countries where annual state pension increases under the triple lock do not apply.

For those in Thailand and other affected nations, including Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa, pension payments remain fixed at the rate first received after leaving the UK. Some individuals are reported to be receiving as little as £20 a week, compared with the current full new state pension of £241.30 a week. Continued … 

Petrol and diesel prices fall by up to 1 baht

Fuel prices fell across major petrol, gasohol, and diesel products today, after PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp. announced a fresh round of retail price cuts.

The reductions took effect today, with petrol, gasohol, and all diesel products lowered by 70 satang per liter. Premium diesel prices were cut more sharply, by 1 baht per liter. Following the adjustment, Bangkok retail prices, excluding local maintenance tax, were listed as follows: Continued … 

FIFA denies World Cup broadcasting price cut for Thailand

The Federation Internationale de Football Assn. has so far declined to meet Thailand’s persistent call for a substantial cut in price of the broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026, whereas Vietnam, a fellow ASEAN member country, has been reportedly offered a relatively low price.

Jasmine International has quietly negotiated in vain with the FIFA for a sizeable reduction in the broadcasting rights for the world soccer tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada between June 12 and July 20 local time, which had been reportedly offered at 1.3 billion baht for Thailand, compared to less than 500 million baht for Vietnam. Continued … 

UK names new ambassador to Thailand

Nicola Pollitt has been appointed as the next UK ambassador to Thailand and will take up the post in August, the British government has announced. Pollitt will succeed Mark Gooding as ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand. Gooding will move to another diplomatic service appointment.

The ambassador represents His Majesty The King and the UK government in Thailand. The role includes overseeing the work of the British Embassy and its consulates, including political relations, trade and investment, press and cultural affairs, and consular services. Continued … 

Monsoon brings heavy rain and flood risks across Thailand

Thailand is facing widespread rain and possible flash floods, as a relatively strong southwest monsoon continues to cover the Andaman Sea, the country, and the Gulf of Thailand, while a low-pressure cell remains over upper Myanmar.

Thunderstorms are forecast in 60% of the southern east coast region, mostly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Minimum temperature: 24-25C. Maximum temperature: 33-36C. Continued … 

Nominee structures thrust into the spotlight

The recent crackdown on alleged nominee structures linked to foreign land ownership on Koh Phangan has reignited debate over long-standing concerns in Thailand’s property sector, particularly in resort destinations popular with overseas buyers.

According to Surachet Kongcheep, head of research at property consultancy Cushman & Wakefield Thailand, the issue extends far beyond a single island or nationality. Continued … 

Fuel, fares, and food put May inflation back in focus

Thailand’s inflation rose again in May, as high domestic fuel prices, transport fares, and prepared food costs continued to feed into household expenses, while the Commerce Ministry said the government’s “Thais Help Thais Plus” measure had not created significant price pressure.

Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office under the Commerce Ministry, said headline inflation increased by 2.79% in May. The rise was driven partly by domestic fuel prices remaining high amid tensions in the Middle East. Continued … 

Thais Help Thais Plus spending tops 10-billion baht

The Thais Help Thais Plus 60/40 co-payment scheme has continued to draw strong public response, with total spending exceeding 10 billion baht just five days after the Finance Ministry opened the program for public use on June 1.

The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO), under the Finance Ministry, reported that total spending under the scheme had reached 10.81 billion baht as of yesterday. Of the total, the government’s co-payment contribution accounted for 6.30 billion baht, while members of the public spent 4.51 billion baht. Continued … 

April Thai Exports Surge on Electronics Boom as Trade Deficit Hits Record

Thailand’s export engine is running hot — powered by electronics, AI-related demand, and a rebound in agriculture. But imports are running even hotter, especially in energy and electronic components, pushing the trade deficit to unprecedented levels.

Thai exports surged to USD 31.6 billion in April, expanding by 23.1% year-on-year and accelerating from 18.7% the previous month. This growth exceeded expectations, driven primarily by electronics, which grew 64.6%, benefiting from the global technology upcycle and strong demand from key markets like the US. Agricultural exports also rebounded with a 17.9% increase, especially fresh fruits like durian. Continued … 

Land Bridge push aims to put Thailand on global trade routes

Thailand is moving ahead with its long-debated land bridge project, with the government arguing that the plan offers a timely opportunity to strengthen the country’s logistics position and improve transport links between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.

The project, formally designed as transport infrastructure to support the Southern Economic Corridor, is one of Thailand’s largest proposed megaprojects, with total investment value often cited at nearly 1 trillion baht. It has also drawn criticism over investment viability and possible environmental impacts in the affected areas. Continued … 

Land bridge project hits new snag

Thailand’s flagship land bridge project has suffered a significant setback after an expert review committee ordered fresh Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (EHIA) studies for planned deep-sea ports in Ranong and Chumphon. The ports are key components of the proposed transport corridor linking the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.

The decision is expected to delay progress on the project, which has faced growing opposition from environmental groups, marine scientists, and local communities concerned about its potential impact on coastal ecosystems, fisheries, and traditional livelihoods. Continued … 

Thailand’s film incentive reaches 100 foreign productions, generating over 20B baht

The Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has reported the success of Thailand’s film incentive measures for foreign productions. Since 2017, a total of 100 foreign film productions from 12 countries and special administrative regions around the world have joined Thailand’s cash rebate scheme.

The top three countries and territories with the highest number of productions taking part in the rebate measure are: United States — 54 productions; Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China — 10 productions; and United Kingdom — 9 productions. Continued … 

Aviation, clean energy, and digital sectors draw French

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with François Corbin, vice president of the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF) International and chairman of the France–Thailand Business Forum (FTBF), along with French Ambassador to Thailand HE Jean-Claude Poimboeuf and representatives from 16 French companies on Thursday.

The meeting followed up on Anutin’s recent visit to Paris and focused on encouraging investment in future-oriented industries, including aerospace, clean energy, digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing. The government says these sectors will create high-quality jobs, raise incomes, enhance workforce skills, and generate tangible economic benefits for Thailand. Continued … 

TAT launches ‘Wild Awake Journey’ to promote green-season conservation travel

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is transforming Thai tourism by inviting younger travelers to become forest guardians through the “Wild Awake Journey” campaign, promoting responsible travel while offering special deals that help protect the planet and wildlife.

Travel trends this year are no longer just about checking in and taking beautiful photos. Global tourism is increasingly moving toward journeys that create meaning and healing. Continued … 

Thai Airways to resume direct Amsterdam flights

Thai Airways International (THAI) has confirmed it will resume direct Bangkok-Amsterdam flights from July 1, expanding its international network as the carrier works to strengthen links between Thailand and Europe.

Kittiphong Sansomboon, THAI’s chief commercial officer, said the return of the Amsterdam route reflects the airline’s commitment to meeting growing demand while improving passenger convenience. Continued … 

Shining beacon or failed city? Next four years could reveal Bangkok’s fate

As the Bangkok governor race enters its final stretch, the capital’s 11 million-plus residents are focused less on who wins than on whether the next administration can overcome the city’s “mega-challenges”.

According to a recent survey by NIDA Poll, the majority of Bangkokians are “not at all excited” about the June 28 election, convinced that they already know which candidate will be victorious (32.6%) or that whoever wins will make no difference. Continued … 

Thailand pushes climate action at World Environment Day

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment marked World Environment Day 2026 yesterday with a call for stronger national climate action, as Thailand seeks to unite all sectors in tackling the worsening global climate crisis.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin presided over the opening ceremony and announced Thailand’s readiness to drive environmental and climate change policies in a concrete and coordinated manner. Continued … 

Renewables key to Asia prosperity

As the war in the Strait of Hormuz continues to create havoc, Asia remains the worst hit by the global energy crisis. Whether it’s a large economy like Japan or China, or a struggling economy like Sri Lanka or Pakistan, the same fate holds.

Even nations that produce oil, like Indonesia and Malaysia, are struggling as the national energy demand surpasses production. Nearly 90% of oil and gas from the Strait flew to Asia before the conflict. The loss of one of the most critical energy flows is causing significant pain for ordinary people, businesses, and policymakers. Continued … 

Constant Energy inaugurates Meyer rooftop system in Thailand

Constant Energy, a Southeast Asia-based renewable energy developer, has inaugurated a 5.26 MW rooftop project in Thailand. The installation has been deployed at Meyer Industries and Meyer Aluminium facilities in Laem Chabang.

Meyer Industries is a cookware manufacturer, while Meyer Aluminium is engaged in aluminium rolling mill operations. The system is expected to cut Meyer’s annual carbon emissions by approximately 3,200 tons. It will also deliver B360 million in energy cost savings over the contract period. – Solarbytes

7-Eleven launches campaign to cut plastic waste

CP ALL is inviting consumers across Thailand to take part in its environmental campaign, “Heal the World, Heal the Heart 24 Hours at 7-Eleven,” running from now until the end of 2026. The initiative encourages customers to adopt simple eco-friendly habits, such as reducing plastic consumption, in exchange for special rewards and loyalty points at 7-Eleven stores nationwide.

Under the campaign, customers who bring their own reusable cups when purchasing beverages at 7-Eleven receive a 2-baht discount per drink. On World Environment Day, participating customers received a special bonus of 700 points. Continued … 

Police Probe Suspected Foreign Nominee Firms in Pai

Authorities launched a multi-agency operation in Pai, Mae Hong Son province, targeting suspected foreign nominee business networks accused of concealing ownership structures and depriving local residents of business opportunities. The operation resulted in the arrest of three foreign nationals and searches at five locations linked to suspected illegal business activities. Continued … 

• Lao National Arrested for 2,256-Day Overstay – Continued … 

• Chinese Men Arrested After Robbery Attempt in Tak – Continued … 

• Chinese-Run Health Product Warehouse Raided in Bangkok – Continued … 

WHO launches US$518-million plan to contain major Ebola outbreak in Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a US$518-million emergency action plan to control the Ebola outbreak in Africa over the next six months, amid concerns that the outbreak is spreading rapidly and has become the fourth-largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded. 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