Thailand on the move

Andaman Coast Provinces Ordered to Inspect High-Risk Areas and Activate Flood Plans

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 19:46:00 +0700

Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit has directed Andaman coastal provinces to inspect high-risk locations, mobilize local authorities and disaster response agencies, and make sure contingency plans can be put into action effectively.

Speaking after the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command meeting in Phuket on 12 October, he also relayed directives for agencies to:
• Improve water management and drainage
• Issue public warnings faster
• Deploy personnel and emergency equipment
• Plan evacuations for vulnerable groups
• Speed up recovery and compensation in areas where conditions have improved

He was also scheduled to inspect drainage facilities in Phuket to check readiness for further heavy rain.

Heavy rainfall is forecast for southern Thailand. Travelers in the region should monitor local weather updates, follow guidance from local authorities, and check with their hotel or tour operator before heading out, especially near coastal and low-lying areas.

PM Orders Flood-Hit Areas to Begin Recovery, Shifts Focus to Southern Thailand

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 19:45:00 +0700

After reviewing the ongoing flood situation, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul instructed authorities to begin rehabilitation immediately in areas where floodwaters have receded. Priorities include infrastructure repairs, community cleanups, and the restoration of transport routes to ensure public safety.

In areas still affected by flooding, cabinet ministers and senior officials have been assigned to oversee response operations and coordinate assistance. Authorities will continue monitoring conditions and addressing local needs as the situation develops.

In Bangkok, flood management efforts are shifting toward recovery and the restoration of public utilities. The Prime Minister also encouraged public and private organizations in the capital to make greater use of work-from-home arrangements to ease traffic congestion during the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings.

With the flood situation stabilizing in many provinces, the Prime Minister said daily central command meetings could be scaled back. The government's focus will now turn to Southern Thailand, where a forward command center may be set up to monitor conditions and coordinate responses to forecast heavy rainfall.

Phetchabun's 400-Year-Old Um Phra Dam Nam Festival Celebrates Buddhist Faith and Local Traditions

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 19:44:00 +0700

Phetchabun Province is holding its annual Um Phra Dam Nam festival from 8 to 17 October 2026. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the opening ceremony on 11 October, continuing a tradition that stretches back more than 400 years.

At the heart of the festival is Phra Buddha Maha Thammaracha, a revered Buddha image regarded as the spiritual symbol of the province. The highlight is a ceremony in which the image is carried into the Pa Sak River at Wang Makham Faeb, in front of Wat Bot Chana Man, as local residents gather to honor their faith and keep a cherished tradition alive.

According to local legend, the custom began when fishermen, after an unsuccessful day of fishing, discovered a Buddha image emerging from the water. The image later vanished and was found once again in the river, prompting local rulers to establish the annual ceremony.

The ritual is traditionally believed to bring timely rainfall, fertile soil, abundant harvests, and protection from disease. Today, Um Phra Dam Nam remains one of Phetchabun's most distinctive cultural events, reflecting the province's deep Buddhist faith and enduring community spirit.

Come witness the sacred Buddha image meet the waters of the Pa Sak River, and experience a living tradition that has united Phetchabun for generations. The festival runs through 17 October, so there's still time to join in.

Thailand Pavilion Set to Showcase "The Story of Thai Agriculture" at GREENxEXPO 2027 Yokohama

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 19:42:00 +0700

Thailand's Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is set to launch the "Thailand Pavilion" at the International Horticultural EXPO 2027 (GREENxEXPO 2027) in Yokohama, Japan, running from 19 March to 26 September 2027. Under the theme "Collaboration with Nature: Caring for Life, Cultivating the Future," the pavilion will take "The Story of Thai Agriculture" to the global stage.

Beyond showcasing produce, the exhibition honors the roots of Thai agriculture. It connects fertile land, farming communities, and heritage herbs with modern innovations to demonstrate the quality, diversity, and sustainable future of Thai farming.

A major highlight is the "Living Exhibition," which blends Thai identity with modern agricultural innovation. Inspired by traditional Thai art, its narrative draws on the continuous cycle of nature through the concepts of "Fallen Flower" and "Blooming Flower," symbolizing decay, nutrient rebirth, and unending life. This dynamic showcase reflects hope, resilience, and adaptability in the face of global environmental challenges.

The event also marks the 140th anniversary of Thailand-Japan diplomatic relations, creating an opportunity to expand trade, boost tourism, and strengthen future cooperation.

Bangkok Sets Special Holiday and WFH Measures for IMF Meetings 2026 to Ease Traffic and Welcome Global Participants

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:03:00 +0700

Thailand will host the 2026 World Bank Group and IMF Annual Meetings from 12-18 October 2026, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. With over 15,000 participants from 190 countries attending, the event is a key opportunity to showcase Thailand’s potential and build economic confidence.

To support transportation, ensure security, and ease traffic congestion in Bangkok during the meeting week, the government has announced:
∙ Work from home (WFH) for government agencies in Bangkok on 12, 14, and 15 October
∙ A special public holiday on 16 October, in Bangkok only

**Note that 13 October is already a national public holiday (King Rama IX Memorial Day).

What this means for key services in Bangkok:
∙ Banks and financial institutions: Closed on 13 and 16 October
∙ Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET): Open as usual, except on the public holidays of October 13 and 16
∙ Hospitals, police stations, and essential services: Staff remain on duty and operate as scheduled

These measures aim to ensure a smooth and successful event for all participants. Visitors to Bangkok during 12-16 October, please note that banks and some government offices in Bangkok will be closed on certain days that week. Plan your errands and money exchange in advance.

Thailand Promotes Regional Aviation Development with SianWings Charter Flights from Russia

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:02:00 +0700

Thailand is advancing its "Airport for Regional Development" policy to strengthen international air connectivity and bring more visitors directly to regional tourism destinations.

From 2-15 October 2026, SiamWings Airlines is operating nine charter flights between Krabi Airport and four Russian cities: Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Moscow, and Yekaterinburg. The service is expected to bring more than 3,000 Russian visitors to Krabi, boosting tourism and local businesses along the Andaman coast.

According to the Department of Airports, the flights show Krabi Airport is ready to handle international services, backed by its new passenger terminal. SiamWings flies Airbus A330-200 aircraft with a capacity of 345 passengers, and the inaugural flight on October 2 carried 345 passengers from Krabi to Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport.

The service supports the strategy of Thailand’s Ministry of Transport to develop regional airports as gateways to tourism destinations and local economies. By improving direct access from overseas markets like Russia, the policy aims to create opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport providers, and community businesses, while spreading tourism income more widely across the Andaman region.

To attract more airlines and expand regional routes, the Department of Airports is also running its “New Route-New Airline" incentive program from 10 August 10 2026 to 9 August 2027:
∙ New routes: 50% off landing and aircraft parking fees for one year
∙ Airlines newly serving an airport: the same 50% reduction for six months

These incentives aim to encourage new domestic and international services, give travelers more choices, and support tourism-led economic growth across Thailand's regions.

Thailand Weather Alert: Heavy Rain, 9-13 October

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:45:00 +0700

Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has warned 53 provinces, plus Bangkok, to brace for heavy to very heavy rainfall from 9 to 13 October. Flash floods, mountain runoff, landslides, and strong winds are possible.

■ Areas covered: 5 northern provinces, 9 northeastern provinces, 25 central provinces, Bangkok, and all 14 southern provinces.

■ Waves in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand may exceed 2 meters in stormy areas, so avoid boat trips and beach activities where warnings are issued.

Authorities are monitoring water levels, preparing shelters and supplies, and may close hazardous natural attractions. Emergency teams are on 24-hour standby.

■ What to do:

● Follow official weather updates and local instructions
● Check your travel plans, especially if you’re heading to waterfalls, mountains, or the coast

■ Need help? Call the DDPM 24-hour hotline at 1784 or message LINE: @1784DDPM

Stay safe, everyone!

Bangkok Voted World's Best City 2026 by Condé Nast Traveler UK Readers

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:06:00 +0700

Bangkok has been crowned the number one "Best City in the World" in Condé Nast Traveler's 2026 UK Readers' Choice Awards, scoring 97.68 from nearly 300,000 UK readers.

Bangkok has been ranked the number one "Best City in the World" for 2026 in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 UK Readers’ Choice Awards, scoring 97.68 from nearly 300,000 UK readers. Rising from outside the top 20 last year, this achievement highlights the city's remarkable charm, which blends architecture, history, and culinary culture.

Climbing from outside the top 20 last year, the city won over voters with its unique blend of architecture, history, and culinary culture.

Thailand also shone elsewhere in the awards:
Ranked 8th in the "Best Countries for Food" category
Six leading Thai hotels named among the finest in Southeast Asia, with the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok taking the top spot in the region.

This success reinforces Thailand's global appeal as a travel destination, and the government remains committed to strengthening the country's position as a premier destination for UK travelers.

Thai PM Urges Nationwide Readiness as New Rain Spells Approach

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:39:00 +0700

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has urged all agencies to step up flood preparedness as the Thai Meteorological Department warns of a possible increase in rainfall, with heavy to very heavy downpours in some areas, from 9-13 October. The affected regions include the East, Central, Bangkok and its vicinity, and the South.

● Main concerns:
- Rain in the upper regions is easing, but the coming days are a critical window to speed up drainage and prepare water-retention areas before the next wave of rain.
- Vulnerable groups, including bedridden patients and the elderly, must be kept safe and separated from the general population in shelters to reduce infection risks.

● Key Directives:
- Early warning and communication: Use the TMD's heavy-rain impact maps and "Nowcast" system to give people clear, timely alerts and prepare evacuations in advance, especially for vulnerable groups.
- Bang Pakong River Basin: Install water-pushing machines at the river mouth in Prachin Buri and Chachoengsao to speed up drainage.
- Southern provinces: Rehearse emergency plans and ensure resources and personnel are fully ready.
- Public health: Prepare for health issues and infections that often follow receding floodwaters, and manage dead animals and disease control properly.
- Waterway clearance: Survey and remove obstructions to improve drainage.
- Provincial readiness: Governors must closely monitor rainfall 3-6 hours ahead and keep response teams on standby.

Agencies needing support can raise their needs at the daily meeting of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Center, enabling the government to respond without delay.

Commemorative Coins for 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings Available for Exchange from 9 October

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:37:00 +0700

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas announced the release of commemorative coins to mark Thailand's hosting of the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings. The coins also honor Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand and help promote Thailand's image on the global stage.

Two types of coins are available for public exchange:
1) Polished white metal coins: 700 baht each, with 30,000 coins produced
2) Standard white metal coins: 100 baht each, with 200,000 coins produced

Exchanges begin on 9 October 2026 at designated locations in Pathum Thani and Bangkok, as well as at 76 provincial Treasury offices.

The coins will also be available for online exchange through the department’s website - www.treasury.go.th, or the “TRD e-Commerce” application on iOS and the Google Play Store.

A keepsake of a historic moment for Thailand.