PHUKET: Phuket officials have assured residents and tourists there is no cause for alarm after a moderate earthquake in Indonesia was felt in parts of the island today (July 22).
PHUKET: Phuket officials have assured residents and tourists there is no cause for alarm after a moderate earthquake in Indonesia was felt in parts of the island today (July 22).
Thailand will host the World Travel & Culture Expo in Bangkok from October 29-31, 2026, aiming to boost tourism, trade and investment while positioning the country as an ASEAN tourism hub.
Bangkok, 22 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) and Guangdong Grandeur International Exhibition Group, today announced the World Travel & Culture Expo 2026 (WTCE 2026), scheduled to take place from 29–31 October at IMPACT Mueang Thong Thani. The event aims to drive tourism, trade and investment while reinforcing Thailand’s role as an ASEAN hub for tourism and entertainment.
Presiding over the launch, Mr. Pasakorn Rangsiwatanasak, Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, said, “WTCE 2026 demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to harnessing tourism, culture, sport, entertainment and creative industries as engines of economic growth. The event will stimulate investment, deepen international cooperation and strengthen Thailand’s position as a gateway connecting ASEAN with global markets.”
Joining the launch were Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor; Lieutenant Anek Nurak, Committee Member of the TCT; Mr. Wang Zhaoyun, CEO of Grandeur Exhibition Group; Police Major General Pongsiam Meekanthong, Deputy Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau; TAT executives; and representatives of partner organisations.
WTCE 2026 reflects the Thai-Chinese partnership behind the event and builds on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. It also aligns with China’s “Thousands of Sails Go to Sea” policy encouraging Chinese enterprises to expand internationally into Thailand, China and ASEAN for tourism, business and investment cooperation.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “TAT’s Value over Volume direction, supported by Healing is the New Luxury campaign, places meaningful experiences, sustainability and quality tourism income at the centre of tourism development. WTCE 2026 advances this direction by connecting tourism with culture, sport, and the creative industries, while opening new channels for investment, knowledge exchange, and business cooperation. As an official partner, TAT will promote international participation and help connect Thai businesses with investors, technology providers and creative-industry partners across regional and global markets.”
WTCE 2026 builds on the 2025 edition, which featured 300 exhibition booths showcasing leading global brands from 23 countries, welcomed participants from 36 countries and achieved a 98 per cent success rate in business negotiations and partnerships, according to the organisers.
Held under the theme “Smartly Link the World”, the 2026 expo will unite culture, innovation and commercial opportunity. The expo will feature five specialised expositions:
The Thailand Amusement and Attraction Parks Expo (TAAPE) will focus on amusement and water parks, family entertainment and safety standards.
The Thailand (Bangkok) Billiards Expo (TBE) will showcase billiards, snooker and indoor leisure sports.
The ASEAN LED Display, Prolight, Sound and Entertainment Technology Expo (ASE) will present LED displays, professional lighting, sound systems and entertainment technologies.
The Asia Film, Television and Equipment Technology Expo (APE) will cover production equipment, virtual production, extended reality and intellectual-property licensing.
The ASEAN Global IP Expo will expand business opportunities across the intellectual property (IP) and the creative industries.
The launch also featured a “Future Trends of Tourism” panel discussion with Lieutenant Anek Nurak; Mr. Jeerayu Jarukittivorakan, TCT Secretary-General and a member of the TAT Board of Directors; Ms. Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific; and Police Major General Pongsiam Meekanthong. The session addressed tourism safety, sustainability and visitor experience, with an emphasis on risk management, environmentally responsible practices and immersive technologies.
China remains Thailand’s leading international visitor market. From 1 January to 20 July 2026, Thailand recorded 2,877,039 arrivals from China, up 14.76 per cent year-on-year. TAT forecasts more than 5.13 million Chinese visitors and at least 288.385 billion Baht in tourism revenue in 2026. WTCE 2026 will provide a strategic platform to convert this market strength into broader tourism, investment and business partnerships across the region.
The post Bangkok to host World Travel & Culture Expo 2026 in October appeared first on TAT Newsroom.
Thailand's Government Housing Bank disbursed 123 billion baht in new loans during the first half of 2025, a 14.85% increase year-over-year, with over half going to low- and middle-income borrowers seeking homes under 3 million baht.
The Government Housing Bank (GHB) has exceeded 123 billion baht in new loan disbursements during the first half of 2025 (January–June), covering 114,184 customer accounts, according to Managing Director Mahattana Ampornpisit. The figure represents a 14.85% increase compared to the same period last year and accounts for 49.90% of the bank's 246.8 billion baht annual target. These new loans primarily serve low- and middle-income earners with loan amounts not exceeding 3 million baht, totaling 58,685 accounts and marking a 7.39% increase. The bank's non-performing loan ratio stands at 5.54%, with provisions against doubtful debts at 150.76% of NPL and a capital adequacy ratio (BIS Ratio) of 15.47%, well above the central bank's minimum requirement of 8.50%.
As of end-2024, the GHB's total outstanding loans reached 1.93 trillion baht, up 2.14%, with total assets of 2.10 trillion baht (up 4.41%) and total deposits of 1.85 trillion baht (up 5.10%). The bank has successfully helped over 1.01 million customers, or 80.68% of those in its income-support programs, restructure their debts and maintain their homes. For the second half of 2025, the GHB plans to leverage digital technology, artificial intelligence, and real estate data to enhance service delivery under its "Beyond Housing Bank" concept, including five strategic pillars: supporting clean energy transition through green loans with preferential rates for energy-efficient homes; introducing flexible lending strategies tailored to customer segments; and expanding sustainable housing finance options such as solar roof financing, which already generated 8.54 billion baht (40.65% of target) in the first half.
Hai Ti Lao Thailand launched a new film featuring oversized hotpot utensils symbolically pulling busy family members away from work and social media back to the dinner table, celebrating the importance of shared meals and togetherness.
On July 12, 2025, Hai Ti Lao Thailand unveiled a new brand film that tells the story of a modern family where each member lives at their own pace—caught up in work, social gatherings, or social media—rarely finding time together. The film cleverly uses familiar hotpot elements—chopsticks, ladles, and soft noodles—to convey its heartwarming and humorous narrative, symbolically "scooping" busy family members back to the dinner table.
The film opens with the mother enjoying time with friends when giant chopsticks suddenly appear on screen and whisk her away. It then shifts to the father absorbed in work, caught by a giant ladle that lifts him from his desk. Next, a child livestreaming on a phone is swept away from their social media world by the ladle. The tone shifts when we meet grandmother, who has no work, social obligations, or online distractions—only her quiet routine at home. As a long soft noodle appears and gently pulls her along, it brings all family members back together around the hotpot table.
The film's message is that despite everyone's hectic lives, the simple act of sitting down to eat, talk, and spend time together as a family holds deep meaning and joy. The oversized utensils serve not just as visual metaphors but as symbols of bringing loved ones back to each other's side. Around a table filled with delicious food and Hai Ti Lao's signature soft noodles and distinctive puppet performances, the family members gradually set aside their busy lives and reconnect, creating a warm and joyful moment of togetherness.
Thailand's world heritage sites maintained full conservation compliance as none were proposed for the endangered list at the World Heritage Committee's July session, reflecting effective management and monitoring efforts.
During the 48th ordinary session of the World Heritage Committee on July 22, Thailand received positive news as none of its world heritage sites were proposed for inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger. This reflects that Thailand's conservation work, area management, and monitoring of world heritage site status continue to comply with World Heritage Convention obligations and successfully preserve the outstanding universal values of these sites. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, led by Minister Suchat Chomklin and Permanent Secretary Dr. Raviwan Puridej, has driven efforts to elevate world heritage conservation in tandem with sustainable development. The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, serving as Thailand's central coordinating agency for the World Heritage Convention, has integrated cooperation with relevant stakeholders and area management authorities in closely monitoring and assessing conservation status while promoting management measures aligned with international standards to maintain outstanding universal values. World heritage designation is not an endpoint but the beginning of long-term conservation responsibility. State parties and responsible agencies must develop efficient area management plans covering conservation, appropriate land use, tourism management, disaster risk management, community participation, and regular monitoring and reporting of conservation status. If management is inadequate or values are severely compromised, the World Heritage Committee may list a site as being in danger, and if conditions do not improve and universal values are irreversibly lost, the Committee may remove the site from the World Heritage List. Historical examples include Dresden Elbe Valley in Germany, delisted in 2009 due to a large concrete bridge construction that significantly reduced landscape integrity, and Liverpool – Maritime Mercantile City in the United Kingdom, delisted in 2021 due to large-scale development projects in the area.
Police arrested three individuals in a local administration exam fraud investigation after tracing leaked documents ordered by state officials, with evidence gathering expected within days for prosecution.
On July 22, Deputy Police Commander Nattasak Chouvanasai disclosed progress in the corruption investigation into the Department of Local Administration examination fraud. The main case remains under the National Anti-Corruption Commission's jurisdiction, while the Police Central Investigation Bureau has received formal complaints from the Interior Ministry and the Department of Local Administration regarding leaked exam documents. Investigators traced the document distribution and identified those who ordered the alterations, leading to arrest warrants for three individuals, all of whom have been apprehended.
Chouvanasai stated that evidence indicates state officials were involved in the document leak and requested 2–3 additional days to gather evidence for prosecution. The eleven individuals arrested in connection with this matter are being held as witnesses by the Anti-Corruption Commission, which has already interrogated them. Police are focusing on those who planned and executed the alterations.
Regarding reports of higher-ranking officials involved, Chouvanasai clarified that a previously arrested sergeant was a state employee but had no direct role in the examination process. In this case, however, the suspects are state officials with direct involvement in the scheme. A special investigation committee has been established to review the matter. A report to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister is expected by August 5. Chouvanasai confirmed that the Police Central Investigation Bureau had no involvement in the Department of Local Administration's sudden meeting cancellation and was merely fulfilling its duty as a fact-finding committee to recommend measures preventing future examination fraud.
A 25-year-old former engineering student was shot dead by two armed suspects near Bangkok in an apparent institutional rivalry killing. His mother vowed never to forgive the gunmen and called for strict legal prosecution.
A 25-year-old former mechanical engineering student was shot dead by two armed suspects from a rival institution near an apartment in Khlong Kluea subdistrict, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province on the morning of July 21. A religious merit-making ceremony was held on July 22 at Sanam Noi Temple, with the atmosphere heavy with grief as the family and friends mourned. Many of the victim's friends attended the ceremony, and most believe the shooting resulted from institutional rivalries, as the victim had previously been a student at a competing institution.
Nari, the victim's mother, revealed that she lit incense at the ceremony asking her son's spirit to help police identify and pursue the two suspects. She stated firmly that she will never forgive the two gunmen for brutally killing her son, and if police arrest them, they should not bother seeking her forgiveness—she demands the case proceed strictly according to the law. When asked whether any government agency has offered assistance to the family, Nari responded that no organization has yet provided any support or compensation to them.
Phuket authorities are working to restore public access to Nui Beach after it was blocked off, highlighting Thailand's broader struggle with coastal land encroachment and enforcement of public access rights.
The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Phuket – The recent government-led effort to reopen public access to Nui Beach in Phuket may appear at first glance to be a local dispute over land use. Yet, the case has quickly become emblematic of a broader national challenge: how Thailand manages its natural resources, enforces the law, and protects the public’s right to […] Phuket Nui Beach: A Model for Thailand’s Coastal Encrochment Reform -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.
Thailand's men's volleyball team swept Myanmar 3-0 in the SEA V Cup 2026 in Jakarta, maintaining strong form heading into week two of the regional tournament.
Thailand's men's volleyball team showcased excellent form after defeating Myanmar to open week two of the SEA V Cup 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Southeast Asian volleyball league tournament match occurred on July 22, 2026, at Jakarta International Volleyball Arena in group B, where Thailand's world-ranked 68th team and third-ranked squad from week one faced unranked Myanmar. Coach Park Ki-won, head coach of Thailand's men's volleyball team, fielded his starting lineup featuring Padej Pinijjadee, Anuchit Pakdeekeaw, Chaiwat Tongkham, Thanthat Tavaerat, and Bunnyaritthi Wongthon, with Nattapong Chachamnai as the free player. Thailand dominated decisively, sweeping Myanmar 3-0 in sets with scores of 25-20, 25-9, and 25-18 to earn three points and secure a successful opening in week two. The team's next match will be against Vietnam on July 23, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.
Retired civil servants will receive their full pensions for life without cuts, the government's Comptroller General's Department confirmed, clarifying that pensions are contractual obligations that cannot be reduced.
The Comptroller General's Department has clarified that retired civil servants will not have their pension benefits cut. Both current and former retirees will retain their full pension rights for life without any reduction or cancellation.
Patricia Mongkolvanic, Director-General of the Comptroller General's Department, addressed concerns through the department's official page that pension payments might be terminated due to rising annual budget expenditures. She stated that pensions cannot be cut because they represent contractual obligations established when a person entered civil service. Upon retirement, individuals continue to receive their original entitlements.
"Even current civil servants will keep their rights for life," she affirmed.
Regarding the rising annual healthcare costs, the director-general argued that the issue should not be viewed solely as a medical spending problem. Instead, Thailand should establish a comprehensive health prevention and monitoring system to reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which currently drive the highest proportion of healthcare benefit claims.
Thailand's meteorological department warned of heavy rain across four regions on July 22, driven by a southwest monsoon and a low-pressure system, with the North and Northeast facing the heaviest downpours and mariners advised to avoid roug
The Thai Meteorological Department issued a weather warning for tomorrow, alerting four regions to heavy rain with Bangkok at 60 percent chance of thunderstorms, mostly between afternoon and evening. July 22, 2025—The Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rain in scattered areas across the North, Northeast, Central, and Eastern regions over the next 24 hours, driven by a moderate southwest monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam. Residents in the North and upper Northeast are urged to be vigilant against heavy rainfall and accumulated water.
The upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are expected to see waves 1-2 meters high, with the lower Andaman Sea experiencing around 1 meter. Thunderstorm areas may see waves exceeding 2 meters. Mariners are advised to navigate carefully and avoid areas with thunderstorms.
A low-pressure system over the Pacific Ocean is strengthening and expected to become a depression, moving through the northern Philippines between July 24-25, 2025.
**Northern Region** Thunderstorms expected in 70 percent of areas with heavy rainfall in some places, particularly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, and Phitsanulok. Low 22-26°C, high 29-33°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.
**Northeast Region** Thunderstorms in 60 percent of areas with heavy rainfall possible in Udon Thani, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani. Low 23-25°C, high 29-35°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.
**Central Region** Thunderstorms in 60 percent of areas with heavy rainfall in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lopburi, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Low 24-26°C, high 33-35°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.
**Eastern Region** Thunderstorms in 60 percent of areas with heavy rainfall in Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Low 24-28°C, high 33-35°C. Southwest winds 15-35 km/h. Waves 1-2 meters; over 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.
**Southern Region (East Coast)** Thunderstorms in 30 percent of areas, mainly in Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Low 24-25°C, high 34-36°C. Southwest winds 15-30 km/h. Waves around 1 meter offshore; over 2 meters in thunderstorm zones.
**Southern Region (West Coast)** Thunderstorms in 40 percent of areas, mainly in Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Low 24-27°C, high 32-36°C. From Phang Nga northward: southwest winds 15-35 km/h, waves 1-2 meters, over 2 meters in storms. From Phuket southward: southwest winds 15-30 km/h, waves around 1 meter, over 2 meters in storms.
**Bangkok and Vicinity** Thunderstorms in 60 percent of areas, mostly between afternoon and evening. Low 27-28°C.