Archaeologists believe the structure dates to a period when Phitsanulok served as a major royal and military center. King Borommatrailokkanat resided in the city for approximately 25 years while conducting military campaigns against the Lanna Kingdom.

Historical accounts indicate that the Sukhothai-era earthen defenses of Phitsanulok were later replaced with brick walls. Much of the structure disappeared after partial demolition in the early Rattanakosin period and later urban development. A surviving section of the ancient wall remains visible at Wat Pho Yan.

The municipality has temporarily suspended excavation at the site while officials consult with the Fine Arts Office and the Phitsanulok Area Treasury Office on conservation measures. One proposal is to display historical information on the road surface to mark the wall's location. Authorities hope to preserve the archaeological remains while allowing essential infrastructure improvements to proceed.

Koh Tao Tourism Association President Rumluek Assavachin and Thailand Green Coach Radda Larpnun represented the island at the conference and accepted the honors. The Bronze award recognizes progress in sustainable tourism management, while the Top 100 Stories selection acknowledges good practices in responsible tourism. Both distinctions recognize the collective efforts of residents, businesses, volunteers, and partner organizations to protect the island's natural resources.

Representatives from other Thai destinations, including Mae Hong Son, Takua Pa, Ban Chiang, and Uthai Thani Old Town, also attended the conference. Delegates from the Department of Tourism, the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), Mahidol University, and Silpakorn University also joined, highlighting nationwide cooperation in promoting environmentally responsible tourism.

The Koh Tao Tourism Association expressed appreciation to those who contributed to the island's achievements and congratulated other Thai destinations that received international recognition. The awards are expected to encourage continued cooperation among local communities and tourism operators to preserve Koh Tao's natural environment while supporting long-term tourism development that benefits both residents and visitors.

The approved zones include E-Tech Smart Park, New Horizon City, and Phanat Nikhom in Chon Buri, along with Next-Generation Automotive (Pluak Daeng) in Rayong. These areas will accommodate industries such as next-generation automotive manufacturing, smart electronics, robotics, digital technology, aviation, logistics, biotechnology, food processing, and healthcare.

Anutin stated that Thailand must look beyond low labor costs to attract international investors, placing greater importance on advanced technology, infrastructure, and workforce development. He also called for expanded education, research, and skills training to prepare Thai workers for modern industries while encouraging environmentally responsible investment.

The prime minister directed relevant agencies to coordinate with the Thailand Board of Investment and ensure that EEC development complies with national laws and regulations.

The Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT) survey found that respondents spent an average of 64 minutes a day reading, about five days a week. However, competing activities such as social media and streaming, along with limited free time, remain key obstacles to reading more frequently.

The findings come as Rakuten Kobo and MEB Corporation expand their partnership to develop Thailand’s e-reader market. Officially launched in early 2026, the collaboration combines Kobo’s e-reader technology and global catalog with MEB’s local expertise and distribution network.

The partnership comes as reading habits shift, with electronic devices becoming an increasingly popular way to access books. The industry's challenge is to turn this growing preference into more consistent reading habits, despite increasing competition for people’s time and attention.

On October 26, 2026, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan reported that continuous rainfall on October 25–26 caused flooding in several areas of Phuket due to limited drainage capacity. Runoff from Khao Ha Sip Pi brought rocks, soil, and mud onto roads and into residential areas.

​The Prime Minister instructed all relevant agencies to deploy personnel, machinery, and equipment to clear debris, clean affected areas, and support residents.

As of the latest provincial assessment at 8 a.m., floodwaters had receded, but mud and rocks remained, which officials were working to clear. Authorities cautioned that heavy rainfall, flash floods, forest runoff, and landslides remain possible. Residents were advised to move belongings to higher ground and closely monitor official updates.

The Prime Minister also directed authorities to expedite damage assessments and provide compensation as outlined in government regulations.

​Residents needing assistance may contact Patong Municipality's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Division at 076-342600, available 24 hours, or the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation hotline at 1784.

Kittipong Prapattong, TAT deputy governor for Asia and South Pacific marketing, presided over the opening of the Thailand Pavilion, joined by Chonlatee Chanrachakul, representing the Thai ambassador to Singapore. Participating for the 19th consecutive edition, TAT is promoting its 4 NEWs marketing strategy to reach new traveler segments. The pavilion features the Thai Sanctuary: The Layer of Well-Being theme, showcasing Thai culture and wellness experiences, alongside an AI-powered photo booth introducing visitors to Thailand's attractions, cuisine, and recreational activities.

Singapore remains an important tourism market for Thailand, with 673,114 arrivals recorded between January 1 and October 19, 2026. According to TAT, more than 86% were repeat visitors, with average spending exceeding 45,000 baht per trip and an average stay of 4.7 days. The authority is targeting more than 1.12 million Singaporean arrivals by the end of 2026.

TAT is also preparing joint promotions with Singapore Airlines, KKday, Klook, and Trip.com to encourage travel through late 2026 and early 2027. The campaigns will cover special airfares, wellness experiences, adventure activities, sports tourism, and family travel.

Fourth Army Area Commander Lt. Gen. Chakrit Ucharatana presented the plan during a meeting in Pattani province on October 20, attended by senior military, police, and administrative officials. The six priorities cover multicultural coexistence, district-level problem-solving, community safety, youth development, coordination between security and development agencies, and constructive relations with neighboring countries.

The commander stressed the importance of understanding local conditions, engaging directly with residents, and addressing the underlying causes of conflict. Authorities will work to improve community protection, encourage young people to participate in peacebuilding, and ensure that legal measures are applied fairly and without discrimination. Development programs will also be tailored to local needs to support long-term stability.

With more than two decades of experience addressing challenges in the southern border provinces, the Fourth Army Area calls for closer coordination among government agencies to achieve lasting peace through stronger cooperation between authorities and local communities.

FTI Chairwoman Pimjai Leeissaranukul and TCEB President Dr. Supawan Teerarat signed the agreement on October 20. Pimjai presented plans to use FTI's network of more than 16,000 businesses across 48 industrial groups and 76 provincial industrial councils to expand market access and generate new commercial opportunities.

Dr. Supawan also detailed TCEB's role in attracting international business events and connecting Thai enterprises with global partners. The cooperation will cover trade exhibitions, business matching, access to financing and technology, and sharing industry information. Regional exhibitions are also planned for 2027, supported by Thailand's 16 designated MICE cities.

Thailand welcomed 27.18 million business event travelers during fiscal year 2026, generating approximately 150.9 billion baht in revenue. Both organizations expect the partnership to create more export and investment opportunities while supporting regional businesses and environmentally responsible events.

At a press conference at Government House on October 19, 2026, the Prime Minister stated that the Department of Lands has identified 1,397 legal entities suspected of holding land for foreign nationals. These entities control 2,360 plots valued at approximately 14.01 billion baht. The holdings are subject to compulsory disposal under Thai law. Authorities are also prioritizing investigations and enforcement actions involving 13,088 entities and individuals.

Anutin emphasized that investigations should go beyond registered landowners and shareholders to identify beneficial owners, related financial transactions, assets, and individuals connected to suspected nominee networks.

​He outlined three priorities: complete nominee investigations by December 2026, strictly enforce relevant laws, and close regulatory loopholes to prevent new nominee arrangements. The Department of Lands and provincial governors have been instructed to prioritize cases, assign clear responsibilities, and coordinate investigations with relevant agencies.

The Prime Minister stressed that enforcement must be based on evidence and individual conduct, regardless of any influence involved. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting legitimate domestic and foreign investors while ensuring transparent, fair, and consistent law enforcement.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Perisvivatana reported that the Asia-Pacific region’s share of global gross domestic product (GDP) has increased from approximately 25% in 1991, when Thailand last hosted the meetings, to 43%. Trade, investment, manufacturing, and greater integration into global supply chains have driven this expansion.

Scheduled for October 12–18 in Bangkok, the IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings will provide a forum for international economic and financial discussions. Thailand’s return as host after 35 years comes amid a major shift in global economic activity toward the Asia-Pacific region.

The Thai government views the event as an opportunity to showcase the country’s capabilities, boost international confidence, and develop economic partnerships. Lalida added that discussions with global financial leaders could open new avenues for cooperation and support Thailand’s long-term economic growth.