Thailand and Cambodia will hold rare talks at an ASEAN summit in the Philippines as a ceasefire continues following last year's border clashes, though no formal peace deal has been reached.
CEBU: The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia are preparing to meet in the Philippines for rare talks following deadly fighting between the neighbours last year, as a ceasefire holds but with no formal resolution in sight.
Taiwan-Thailand bilateral trade surged 47.8% year-over-year in Q1 2025 to reach record levels, driven by expanded recruitment, tech training programs, and manufacturing partnerships across Thailand's regions.
Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs revealed that Taiwan-Thailand bilateral trade in Q1 2025 increased significantly by 47.8% year-over-year, setting an all-time record. This demonstrates Taiwan's importance as an indispensable partner for Thailand in advancing industrial upgrading and developing advanced technology talent.
Taiwan's Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand has launched the Taiwan-Thailand Tech Talent Service Platform since late 2024, with concrete progress in Q1 2025 including:
1. Campus recruitment expansion: The office partnered with Taiwan businesses to conduct recruitment activities in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, and Chachoengsao, reaching approximately 3,000 students.
2. Regional technology transfer: Taiwan established specialized curriculum programs and the Taiwan International Personnel Cooperation and Exchange Center in Thailand's northern and northeastern regions, expanding professional development courses beyond Bangkok to provide Thai youth nationwide access to Taiwan's vocational training.
3. Industry linkage initiatives: The office facilitated connections between the PCB (printed circuit board) industry and Thai industrial parks to enhance employment matching and enable graduates to secure jobs immediately upon completion.
Economic collaboration: Taiwan ranks as Thailand's 4th trade partner and 6th foreign investment source. In 2024, Taiwan invested in 131 projects worth 27.35 billion baht, primarily in electronics, ICT, and PCB manufacturing.
Education: Over 2,000 Thai students studied in Taiwan in 2024, a 5% increase from 2023, reflecting growing appreciation for Taiwan's educational quality and internship opportunities.
Peter Lan, Director-General of Taiwan's Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand, stated that Taiwan-Thailand cooperation has evolved from traditional manufacturing to AI and smart technology. Taiwan aims to develop Thailand's local talent through comprehensive services rather than focusing solely on trade and investment. Taiwan seeks to encourage more potential Thai youth to join "Team Taiwan" as part of this collaborative effort.
Kasikornbank and Visa are offering Kasikornbank Visa cardholders chances to win free fine dining vouchers at eight prestigious restaurants by spending 1,000 baht monthly through December 2026. The campaign awards 400 total prizes worth over
Kasikornbank and Visa are transforming ordinary meals into world-class moments through the 'World-Class Dining MOREMENT*' campaign, offering exclusive fine dining experiences at eight prestigious restaurants. Kasikornbank Visa credit cardholders can enter monthly draws by registering through K PLUS and spending at restaurants across the country. For every 1,000 baht spent at restaurants from May 1 to December 31, 2026, cardholders earn one entry to win free fine dining vouchers (two seats per prize). A total of 50 prizes will be awarded monthly, totaling 400 prizes worth over 4.2 million baht throughout the campaign period.
Participating restaurants include: Wana Yook (Thai fine dining), Coda (modern Thai with contemporary techniques), Le Du (innovative seasonal Thai cuisine), Lan (holistic Thai dining), Resonance (boundless international cuisine), GOAT (fusion of Thai, Chinese, and Western), Juksunchae (modern Korean), and 80/20 (creative Thai using local ingredients).
Beyond exclusive experiences, Kasikornbank Visa cardholders enjoy additional benefits including up to 15% cashback using K Points, special discounts, and complimentary menu items at participating restaurants nationwide.
New vehicle registrations in Thailand dropped 16.55% to 191,547 units in April 2026, with motorcycles making up over 71% of all new registrations and electric vehicles accounting for nearly 14% of new cars.
The Land Transport Department reported that new vehicle registrations totaled 191,547 units in April 2026, down 16.55% from the previous month, while emphasizing its commitment to public service. Somphong Paiturpongse, the department's director-general, stated that the agency's primary mission is to regulate and oversee Thailand's land transport system to ensure quality and safety, while also providing comprehensive public services including vehicle registration, annual tax payment through multiple channels such as online platforms (eservice.dlt.go.th, DLT Vehicle Tax Plus, kiosks, and service counters), drive-thru tax payment, the DLT Smart Queue app for appointment booking, and an e-learning driver's license training system at dlt-elearning.com.
As of April 30, 2026, the country had a cumulative total of 45,789,589 registered vehicles, comprising 44,415,476 motor vehicles and 1,374,113 commercial transport vehicles. Electric vehicles numbered 1,199,140 units or 2.62% of all vehicles (including 665,034 HEVs, 447,398 BEVs, and 86,708 PHEVs), showing a 2.24% increase overall.
In April 2026, 3,747,025 vehicles underwent registration and tax transactions, down 16.39% from the previous month, with 2,918,410 primarily paying annual vehicle tax. Of these tax payments, 84.07% were processed at transport offices, 11.13% through drive-thru facilities, and 3.77% through online channels. New vehicle registrations numbered 191,547 units, down 16.55%, with motorcycles comprising 71.52% and passenger cars (up to 7 seats) accounting for 22.01%.
Electric vehicles among new registrations totaled 26,498 units or 13.83% of all new vehicles, down 8.40%, consisting of 12,704 HEVs, 12,514 BEVs, and 1,280 PHEVs, predominantly passenger cars (23,887 units) followed by motorcycles (2,500 units).
Cumulatively, 35,309,188 driver's licenses and transport operator permits have been issued nationwide, comprising 33,501,316 automobile driver's licenses and 1,807,872 commercial transport operator permits. In April 2026, 180,912 new licenses and permits were issued, down 3.40%, with Bangkok issuing the most at 34,802, followed by Chonburi with 8,573 and Chiang Mai with 7,065. International driving permits numbered 17,900, of which 7,952 (44.42%) were processed through the Pao Tang application.
The department encourages the public to utilize online channels for vehicle tax payment and license application bookings for convenience and time savings. Citizens with questions about vehicle taxes can call hotline 1584, available 24/7. Additional transport statistics are available on the Land Transport Department's statistics website at web.dlt.go.th/statistics/.
Thailand's Education Ministry established a new center to protect student and teacher rights, appointing Deputy Minister Akkhananth as its director to coordinate legal and psychological support across schools.
On May 7, 2025, Education Minister Prasert Chantharangtong issued Ministry of Education Order No. 324/2569 establishing the Center for Protecting Rights and Freedoms under the Ministry of Education. The order reflects the ministry's policy commitment to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of students, teachers, and education personnel, ensuring schools and educational institutions become truly "safe spaces." The center will serve as an information hub coordinating lawyers, psychologists, and relevant agencies. The center's primary responsibilities include developing policy recommendations and strategic plans to protect rights and freedoms, serving as a clearinghouse for information and cooperation among legal and psychological professionals, implementing programs to protect rights and build safety and welfare, and collaborating with other relevant organizations. Deputy Minister Akkhananth Kankhittinanth has been appointed as the center's director, with the Education Ministry Permanent Secretary serving as deputy director. The working committee includes the secretaries of the Basic Education Commission, Vocational Education Commission, Education Council, the Director-General of Learning Promotion Department, the secretary of the Private Education Promotion Commission, the Civil Service Commission secretary, and the Thai Teachers Council secretary, along with representatives from the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
Thailand faces a 1.5 billion baht price tag to broadcast the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with no broadcaster secured yet despite government efforts to attract private sector partnerships.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico approaches in just over a month—scheduled for June 11 to July 19—Thailand remains without a broadcaster for the tournament. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister previously stated that while the government cannot purchase broadcasting rights independently, they would work to secure private sector partnerships and support. However, acknowledging the current economic challenges facing the private sector, they have shown understanding of their constraints. Thailand's broadcasting rights are estimated to cost approximately 1.5 billion baht. International news agencies report that even China and India—the world's two most populous nations—have not yet acquired broadcasting rights. FIFA reportedly seeks 3.2 billion baht from India for rights to both the 2026 and 2030 tournaments, but India has countered with an offer of only 640 million baht for this edition alone.
Sam Phan Bok in Ubon Ratchathani features dramatic rock formations sculpted by river erosion, offering Thailand's answer to the American Grand Canyon with a uniquely surreal landscape.
Discover Thailand’s very own Grand Canyon vibes, at the breathtaking Sam Phan Bok in Ubon Ratchathani, dramatic rock formations carved by river create a surreal landscape unlike anywhere else. http...
Tourist Police arrested a Nigerian and a Belgian national in Phuket's Patong area for cocaine trafficking and visa overstay after receiving intelligence about foreigners illegally selling drugs to tourists.
On May 7, 2026, Lieutenant General Saksira Phuakthum, commander of the Tourist Police, ordered strict enforcement and crackdown on criminal activities by foreigners in their jurisdiction. Officers under the investigation unit arrested two foreign nationals engaged in illegal drug trafficking in the Patong area who were also staying beyond their authorized period.
Investigators had received intelligence that foreigners were illegally selling drugs to tourists in the area, prompting them to plan and execute arrests of two suspects. The first arrest was Samuel, a Nigerian national, who was apprehended with cocaine weighing approximately 10.45 grams on Phra Mettanimit Road in Patong District, Kathu, Phuket. He was transferred to Patong Police Station for processing on charges of drug trafficking and entering and residing in the kingdom without valid authorization.
The second arrest was Brumo, a Belgian national, who was apprehended with 2.90 grams of cocaine near a convenience store on Ratsadornuthit 200 Pi Road in Patong District, Kathu, Phuket. He was also transferred to Patong Police Station for prosecution on charges of drug trafficking and illegal overstay.
Unexplained fatigue and body pain may signal chronic inflammation caused by stress, poor diet, and inadequate sleep, according to nutritionist Gao Minmin, who recommends avoiding sugary drinks, fried foods, and processed items while eating
Many people today experience unexplained fatigue, body pain, and frequent sleep problems. Renowned nutritionist Gao Minmin points out these symptoms may signal that the body is experiencing chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation stems from stress, insufficient rest, and unbalanced eating habits, causing the immune system to enter a heightened state and continuously release inflammatory substances.
In a Facebook post on May 4th, Gao Minmin explained that chronic inflammation can be rebalanced through proper dietary choices. Key nutrients that reduce inflammation include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids from mackerel, flaxseeds, and walnuts, which strengthen cell membranes and reduce inflammation - Vitamin D from salmon, egg yolks, and dairy products, which helps regulate immune function - Colorful vegetables and fruits like berries and broccoli, rich in phytonutrients that eliminate free radicals - Whole grains and legumes that stabilize blood sugar and energy levels - Healthy fats from olive oil and avocado that fight free radicals and reduce bad cholesterol
Meanwhile, the nutritionist warns against five groups of "inflammatory foods" to avoid: sugary drinks and sweets, alcohol, fried foods, refined carbohydrates like white rice and biscuits, and high-sodium processed foods such as sausages and bacon. These foods can spike blood sugar and insulin levels, burden the liver, and trigger free radical and inflammatory substance production.
Beyond diet, mental stress directly contributes to chronic inflammation. Gao Minmin recommends six daily inflammation-reduction strategies: maintaining consistent sleep schedules, avoiding phones before bed to reduce blue light effects, practicing deep breathing, listening to music, meditation, and spending time in nature to lower stress hormones and restore body balance.
She acknowledges that even she cannot always avoid stress or late nights, but has found that symptoms improve dramatically when she returns to eating well and getting adequate rest. She emphasizes that chronic inflammation doesn't develop overnight but is a warning signal from the body worth heeding. Adjusting lifestyle and eating habits is the key to long-term health recovery.
The Similan Islands in Phang Nga Province offer world-class diving and snorkeling among pristine coral reefs and clear Andaman waters, making them a premier tropical destination.
Welcome to the stunning Similan Islands, Phang Nga Province, Thailand, in the Andaman Sea, where vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear seas create a true tropical paradise. https://www.facebook.com/s...
Bolt has introduced facial recognition technology for drivers and pledged stricter compliance measures following Thai government warnings about safety standards on its platform.
The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Bangkok, Thailand Bolt Thailand has reaffirmed its commitment to operating fully in accordance with Thai laws and regulations, while working closely with government authorities to continuously raise safety and compliance standards on its platform. This comes after a viral incident prompted Thai government officials to warn that standards must be improved or licenses to operate […] Bolt Strengthens Compliance and Safety Measures, Introduces Driver Facial Recognition, Following Thai Government Concerns -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.