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A nationwide survey conducted by Thailand’s National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) has found that most Thais believe corruption within the state system is the primary reason illegal foreign businesses are able to operate in the country. The poll, titled "Illegal Foreigners", was conducted by telephone between July 13 and 15 and included respondents from across Thailand representing different regions, age groups, professions and educational backgrounds. The fi

While the academic year is only beginning in Thai schools, international schools are already reaching the end of theirs. Graduation season marks an important milestone for senior students, many of whom are saying goodbye not only to their school but also to Phuket as they prepare to continue their education in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and other countries. One of the most anticipated events of the school year has already taken pla

Small restaurants in Thailand’s tourist destinations are increasingly facing a frustrating problem: some foreign visitors finish their meals and then refuse to pay, knowing that business owners have limited options for recovering even modest amounts of money. In one widely discussed case, a Russian couple left a restaurant in Mai Khao, Phuket, in April 2024 without paying the full bill, withholding just 120 baht — roughly three US dollars. When confronted by the owner, they r

Nearly half of Thai businesses admit to paying bribes or providing benefits to government officials in order to simplify business procedures, according to a new survey conducted by Thailand’s Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB). The study was carried out by the committee’s analytical division as part of its Zero Corruption campaign during March and April 2026. A total of 401 business executives and company representatives participated in the su

The annual Phuket Baba Wedding Festival transformed Phuket Old Town into a celebration of Peranakan heritage on May 17, bringing together couples, locals, and visitors for traditional Chinese-style wedding ceremonies rooted in centuries of cultural history. This year marked the 13th edition of the event since Phuket’s Peranakan community launched the festival as both a cultural preservation initiative and a tourism attraction. The 2026 theme, translated as “Fragments of a Glo

Thailand’s leading hotel operators have proposed a package of eight measures aimed at stabilising and strengthening the country’s tourism sector amid growing economic and geopolitical pressures. The proposals were presented on May 15 during a meeting between Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and representatives of key business sectors. The tourism industry was represented by the Thai Hotels Association (THA), which used the opportunity to outline major

Thailand’s export sector continues to outperform expectations, reaching new historic highs even as the country’s tourism industry struggles to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels. While tourism remains below its former peak, exports are acting as the primary engine of economic growth. According to data released by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), March marked a record-breaking month, with exports totaling $35.157 billion. This represents an 18.7% year-on-year inc

Phuket is taking further steps toward a circular economy by promoting “Live Like a Local,” a homegrown initiative that converts marine waste into high-quality fashion and souvenir items. The project was highlighted during an April administrative meeting at Phuket City Hall, where officials emphasized its contribution to sustainable tourism. Deputy Governor Teerapong Chuaychu commended the initiative, noting how it transforms so-called “ghost nets”—abandoned fishing gear that

Thailand is gradually entering its low tourism season, and early forecasts suggest a noticeable, though not dramatic, decline in visitor arrivals. Analysts from Kasikornbank estimate that international arrivals between April and June 2026 will reach approximately 6.49 million, marking a year-on-year decrease of 9.2% compared to the same period in 2025. This projection aligns with earlier expectations from the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, both of

Phuket, one of Thailand’s most famous tourist destinations, is facing a growing environmental problem that could impact both public health and its global image. The island produces between 1,000 and 1,300 tons of waste daily, with volumes rising beyond 1,400 tons during peak tourist seasons. However, its waste incineration system is capable of handling only around 700 tons per day, leaving a significant surplus to be dumped in landfills. These landfill sites are increasingly

Thai authorities have arrested the alleged mastermind behind a major drug trafficking network linked to the “Elixir” dive boat case, along with two key accomplices who had evaded capture since last year’s high-profile raid in Phuket. According to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), the suspect, a 47-year-old man known as Sunthorn or “Tainu,” was apprehended on April 14 in Udon Thani province. He was found hiding in a rural area described as a rice field in Ban Chan subdis

Authorities in Phuket have dismantled a large-scale methamphetamine supply network that used household appliances to smuggle drugs onto the island. Nearly 200,000 meth pills were seized, and two suspects were taken into custody. At a press briefing on April 4, Provincial Police Commander Sinlert Sukhum revealed that the investigation began after officers intercepted a shipment of 19,892 pills in Satun province on March 30. The drugs had been concealed inside evaporative air c

His Majesty Maha Vajiralongkorn has officially endorsed a new cabinet proposed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The approved list of ministers was published in the Royal Gazette on March 31. The newly formed administration, often referred to as the “second cabinet of Anutin,” is scheduled to be sworn in on April 6, which coincides with Chakri Day. The government is expected to present its policy agenda to parliament the following day. Observers have noted an unusually h

Thailand’s Minister of Culture, Sabeeda Thaised, has praised the outstanding success of the Thailand Biennale held in Phuket, highlighting its major contribution to both the cultural and tourism sectors. According to official figures, the event attracted more than 2.4 million visitors and generated over 28.9 billion baht in economic activity. This includes spending by international tourists, domestic travelers staying overnight, and day visitors, demonstrating the event’s bro

Fuel prices across Thailand jumped sharply on March 26 after the Oil Fuel Fund (OFFO) reduced subsidies, pushing retail costs up by 6 baht per liter. The updated subsidy rates were announced late on March 25. On the same day, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas stated that the government would no longer impose price caps on fuel, allowing prices to fluctuate according to market forces. Although official pricing tables initially remained unchanged overnight, they were updat

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun informing its diplomatic staff abroad about a possible reduction in visa-free stays from 60 days back to 30 days. The topic was raised during a four-day seminar for consular officials, which started on March 24 in Bangkok and will run through March 27. According to reports, the issue was highlighted on the very first day of discussions, signaling the seriousness of the proposed policy shift. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuang

Thailand’s Ministry of Energy has adjusted subsidies from the Oil Fuel Fund (OFFO) to encourage drivers to switch to gasohol E20, making it more affordable while increasing the price of standard E10 fuel. E20 contains 20% ethanol — double the amount found in E10 — and since the second half of March, the price gap between E20 and regular 95-grade gasohol has widened to about 5 baht per liter. The move is aimed at reducing reliance on petroleum amid rising global oil prices. Ac