• Food festival returns/Turkish man arrsted in Hua Hin/Turtle found on Cha Am beach/Cha Am drug seizure/Road works on Soi 102/Briton Details Thai Prison Ordeal/Vaping and erectile dysfunction/Lisa Performs at World Cup/Underage prostitution ring
• THE IRAN WAR: US and Iran Reach Agreement
• ECONOMY: 10 proposals for Thai economy/Thai Baht Weakens/Safety and health risks in the workplace/Koh Phangan Property Investment/Thailand’s AI Optimism/AI layoff trap raises wider risks/How China is replacing Japan/Thailand urged to close trade loopholes/Four influencer groups stay in demand
• TOURISM: CAAT Allocates Winter Slots/Krabi set for 126 winter flights/India visa-free review
• THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Sunday at Khlong Tan
• CLIMATE THAILAND: Waste-to-Energy Drives Clean Power Shift/Green Revolution in the Paddy Fields/Warning when EVs subsidies end
• FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Food festival returns Aug 28-30

The Hua Hin Food Festival will return to Hua Don Beach Aug. 28-30, bringing together leading hotels, restaurants, and food vendors for one of the town’s best-known annual events. The festival is one of Hua Hin’s most popular food events and has gained national recognition over the years for showcasing the town’s dining scene in a beachfront setting.

The event is being organized following a meeting between Hua Hin officials and the Cha Am-Hua Hin Chefs’ Club. The aim is to promote local food, support restaurants and hotels, and help stimulate the local economy. Continued … 

Turkish man arrsted in Hua Hin over 274-day overstay

A Turkish national has been arrested in Hua Hin for overstaying his visa by 274 days, Prachuap Khiri Khan Immigration announced on Friday.

Immigration officers said the man was found in Hua Hin District and charged with remaining in Thailand after the expiry of his visa. Continued … 

Dead green turtle found on Cha Am beach

A green turtle weighing more than 50 kilograms has been found dead after washing ashore on Cha Am beach, with officials preparing to carry out a necropsy to determine the cause of death.

Tourists discovered the carcass near the Cha Am beach viewpoint on June 11 and alerted officers from Cha Am Police Station. Police then coordinated with officials from the Marine and Coastal Resources Office 3 in Phetchaburi to inspect the scene. Continued … 

Prison tip-off leads to Cha Am drug seizure

A Cha Am drug seizure involving more than 8 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 10,000 methamphetamine pills followed a tip-off from inside Phetchaburi Central Prison, officials said.

Officials said the operation began after prison officers monitoring a visitation room noticed suspicious behavior during a visit to an inmate. According to authorities, the inmate allegedly used the prison communication system to give coded instructions to relatives, telling them to go to a location in Cha Am district and dig up drugs that had been buried before his arrest. Continued … 

Road works to begin on Soi 102

Roadworks on Hua Hin Soi 102 will begin near Laguna Village tomorrow. The project will involve the construction of a reinforced concrete road and drainage system in the Laguna Village area of Soi 102.

During the works, traffic and access to the area may be affected at certain times. Motorists are advised to avoid the route where possible while construction is taking place. – HHT

Briton Details Thai Prison Ordeal in Bangkok

British national Oliver Hardy has described his experiences inside Thai prisons after serving one year and four months following convictions related to visa fraud and forged immigration documents.

Hardy, 27, a heating engineer from Croydon, said he traveled to Thailand in January 2023 after saving for five years for what he described as the holiday of a lifetime. He was later convicted of remaining in Thailand after permission to stay had expired, leaving through an unauthorized route without immigration inspection, forging immigration stamps used for international travel, forging official seals and official documents, and using forged immigration stamps and documents. Continued … 

Vaping and E-Cigarettes said sharply increase chances of erectile dysfunction

A new Thai health study has linked regular e-cigarette use to a sharply higher risk of erectile dysfunction, finding users face double the risk even without underlying medical conditions.

The findings add to concerns over nicotine’s impact on blood vessels as Thailand enforces some of the world’s toughest anti-vaping laws, with heavy fines and possible prison terms for offenders. Continued … 

Lisa Performs at World Cup 2026 in Los Angeles

Underage prostitution ring run from a Kanchanaburi hotel busted

An elite Royal Thai Police raid smashed a hidden child-trafficking ring operating inside a Kanchanaburi hotel, exposing the sexual exploitation of children under 15 and leading to the arrest of two hotel workers accused of arranging children for paying guests.

The anti-trafficking probe uncovered a commission-based operation in which a cashier and housekeeper used their access to rooms, guests, and payments to broker the abuse in a rural border region near Myanmar and Laos. Continued … 

US and Iran Reach Agreement to End War, Signing Set for Friday

US and Iranian officials said yesterday they had agreed on a framework to end their war, halt the US blockade of Iran, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The preliminary pact sent oil prices falling but leaves the fate of Iran’s nuclear program to further negotiations.

The memorandum of understanding is scheduled to be officially signed on Friday in Switzerland. The precise terms were not immediately known. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the pact called for “the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.” Continued … 

Thai Chamber lists 10 proposals to pull Thai economy out of ICU

Poj Aramwattananont, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, led the Board of Trade of Thailand’s executive committee to meet Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the government’s economic agencies at Government House last week.

At the talks, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand presented a survey report based on opinions from members and business networks nationwide. It found that Thai business operators were facing a confidence crisis and cost pressures across the board. Continued … 

Thai Baht Weakens as April Trade Deficit Hits Record USD 10 Billion

Thailand’s economy is currently facing a significant challenge, as its currency, the baht, weakens despite the presence of portfolio inflows. A record USD 10.0 billion trade deficit in April, primarily driven by robust import activity, is exerting considerable downward pressure on the baht.

This widening gap between exports and imports has surpassed expectations, marking the seventh consecutive monthly deficit and representing the largest on record. The concerning trade imbalance is a central factor influencing the baht’s stability in the near future, overshadowing other economic indicators. Continued … 

Thai trade unions address reduction of safety and health risks in the workplace

Thai trade unions are strengthening their role in helping workers prevent occupational accidents and diseases, as Thailand advances efforts to enhance occupational safety and health (OSH), with support from the ILO and the government of Japan.

In today’s evolving work landscape, which is causing multiple challenges in both physical and mental health and safety of workers, stronger worker participation in OSH management is becoming more important for preventing accidents and diseases. Continued …

Israel, Europe, and Australia Driving Koh Phangan Property Investment Past B7.9B

The international real estate landscape in the Gulf of Thailand is undergoing a profound structural shift. Koh Phangan, long celebrated as a world-renowned holiday destination, has successfully transitioned into a mature international property market. Inflows into residential developments have soared past 7,940 million baht, propelled by robust purchasing power from Israel, Europe, and Australia.

According to a comprehensive market analysis, the island is rapidly shedding its singular identity as a tourism hotspot. Instead, it is emerging as a premier investment center and a highly sought-after “second home” destination for expatriates seeking long-term residency. Continued … 

Thailand’s AI Optimism Signals Robust Investment Potential

Thailand is emerging as one of the world’s most promising markets for AI-driven investment, as artificial intelligence in global finance moves beyond experimentation and into serious real-world use.

The country has ranked sixth globally in the Global Wealth AI Optimism Index, according to BridgeWise’s State of AI for Wealth in 2026 report, underlining strong confidence among Thai investors in AI’s role in wealth creation. Continued … 

AI layoff trap raises wider risks for workers, firms, and demand

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is sending another tremor through the economy, as organizations around the world continue to cut jobs and adopt AI to replace workers and reduce costs. But when workers are laid off and lose income, consumer purchasing power also falls, affecting sales of goods and services across the wider economy.

The study, The AI Layoff Trap, indicates that while AI can raise productivity and reduce costs for businesses, broad labor replacement may cause people’s income and purchasing power to decline, creating a new risk that affects not only workers but also businesses and the economy as a whole. Continued … 

How China is replacing Japan as Thailand’s dominant industrial partner

For more than half a century, Thailand held a proud title: the “Detroit of the East.” This economic engine was built almost entirely on Japanese blueprints. Beginning in the 1960s, Japanese auto giants like Toyota, Honda, and Isuzu constructed vast industrial networks across the country, establishing a seemingly unshakeable dominance.

But a profound structural shift is rewriting the rules of Southeast Asian industry. Driven by a global transition toward electrification and high-tech supply chains, China is structurally replacing Japan as Thailand’s dominant industrial partner. Continued … 

Thailand urged to close trade loopholes as US tariff talks intensify

Thailand is being urged to close legal loopholes and revise its import strategies as the country seeks to secure a lower tariff rate under Section 301 in negotiations with the United States.

Along with 46 countries, including China, Thailand would face a higher tariff rate of 12.5%, while another 14 economies, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan, would be subject to a lower tariff rate of 10%. Continued … 

Four influencer groups stay in demand as brands chase sales over likes

Foodie, mom and kids, lifestyle, and beauty influencers remain the four groups most sought after by businesses as Thailand’s influencer marketing industry enters a more performance-driven era, according to IdeasLabs.

Thanadol Pittayanuwat, executive director and founder of IdeasLabs, a developer of influencer and MarTech solutions, said brands are shifting marketing budgets away from vanity metrics such as likes, shares, and views toward creators who can prove sales, return on investment, and tangible business results. Continued … 

CAAT Allocates Winter Slots to New Airlines to Thailand

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has allocated airport slots to four new airlines for the winter 2026/2027 schedule, paving the way for additional international services during Thailand’s peak tourism season. The new routes will strengthen air connectivity between Thailand and key markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Under the new allocations, Riyadh Air will operate seven weekly return flights between Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Suvarnabhumi Airport. Virgin Atlantic will launch a new service linking London Heathrow and Phuket with three return flights per week. Continued … 

Krabi set for 126 winter flights as Nordic demand rises ahead of high season

Krabi is attracting fresh interest from international airlines, with new direct routes from Helsinki and Copenhagen planned for the 2026–27 winter schedule as Thailand prepares for the high-season tourism period.

The Ministry of Transport reported strong demand for slots at Krabi Airport following the 158th IATA Slot Conference, organized by the International Air Transport Assn. in Bangkok. Airlines have requested a total of 126 flights to Krabi during the winter schedule. Continued … 

Andaman tourism groups seek India visa-free review

The Thai Hotels Association – Southern Chapter and 12 private-sector tourism and economic organizations in the Andaman provinces of Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga, have submitted a letter to the minister of Tourism and Sports and the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), proposing that the government consider reviewing the measure to end visa-free entry for Indian tourists.

Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourist Assn., said the Cabinet had approved revisions to visa-exemption measures, particularly the cancellation of visa-free entry for India, which would affect Indian tourists traveling to Thailand. Continued … 

Sunday at Khlong Tan: Railside stalls serve rare Thai delicacies

Discover one of Bangkok’s lesser-known gems: the Khlong Tan Railway Market, also known as the Lao Market. Tucked along active tracks in the heart of the city, this lively food hub requires vendors and visitors to stay alert and step back safely whenever a train approaches.

Stalls brim with authentic and rare Thai dishes made from local herbs, fresh seafood, wild vegetables, and other regional produce. The market opens every Sunday from 5 am to 11 am. Video … 

Waste-to-Energy Drives Thailand’s Clean Power Shift

Thailand is increasingly using waste-to-energy projects as part of its drive to reduce landfill, generate electricity, cut pollution, and support the country’s clean-energy transition.

Waste-to-energy is emerging as one of the country’s key approaches to turning municipal waste into a domestic energy resource. The concept allows solid waste to be converted into electricity, making use of materials already available in urban areas while helping strengthen local power generation. Continued … 

Green Revolution in the Paddy Fields

Thailand’s central plains are set to become the frontier for sustainable agriculture as the Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rice Research Center aggressively deploys the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economic Model to pioneer low-carbon rice production.

The state-backed initiative targets a massive 50,000-rai pilot area across eight central provinces, looking to tap into the lucrative international green agriculture market and secure a foothold in the burgeoning global carbon credit ecosystem. Continued … 

Warning over risk to Thai EVs when subsidies end

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is concerned that the expiration of the government’s electric vehicle (EV) incentive program in 2027 could leave Thailand vulnerable to a surge of Chinese EV imports and weaken local automotive supply chains.

The scheme, known as EV3.5, runs from 2024 to 2027 and provides tax cuts and subsidies to automakers in exchange for investment in battery electric vehicle (BEV) assembly plants in Thailand. Continued … 

Indian Tourists Asked to Leave Songkhla Resort

A seaside camper resort in Songkhla has shared details of a dispute with a group of Indian tourists, describing it as the worst experience in its five years of operation. The incident ended with the resort issuing a full refund and asking the guests to leave the property. Continued … 

• Chinese Investor Arrested in Bangkok Property Nominee Probe –  Continued … 

• Chinese Migrants Caught After 120k Chase to Bangkok – Continued … 

• Chinese Fugitive Arrested at Rayong Hotel – Continued … 

• Pattaya Taxi Rider Assaulted by Foreign Men – Continued … 

• South African Woman Arrested With Heroin at Phuket Airport – Continued … 

• Nigerians Held in Bangkok Drug Smuggling Case – Continued … 

• Foreign Tourist Pulled From Sea Again at Patong Beach – Continued … 

• Russian Fugitive Held at Phuket Villa – Continued … 

‘This is our culture’: Japan fans clean up World Cup stadium

Japan fans left the stands spotless after their World Cup opener against the Netherlands in Texas yesterday, saying it was “Japanese culture” to tidy up after themselves. Spectators stayed behind after the 2-2 draw to make sure they left the stadium as they found it, meticulously picking up litter and stuffing it into blue plastic bags. Continued … 

Deadly strikes on Ukraine leave Kyiv cathedral in flames

Russia fired a barrage of missiles at several major Ukrainian cities, setting Kyiv’s historic Dormition Cathedral on fire and killing nine, while Ukraine strikes claimed three lives south of Moscow. Continued … 

Swiss voters set to reject population cap, avoiding EU clash

Switzerland yesterday rejected a proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritized economic stability and ties with the European Union over worries immigration was straining public services and pushing up rents. Video … 

Hua Hin Links and Transport

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