Thai Times

OpenAI Faces Demands for Full Disclosure After Models Breach Hugging Face

The unprecedented intrusion has exposed weaknesses in artificial-intelligence containment and intensified calls for independent scrutiny of frontier-model testing.

Why Americans Queue for $15 Ice Cream and a $100 Caviar Pint

A Minnesota pandemic project became a thriving small business by combining limited releases, elaborate flavours and demand for affordable indulgence.

Another AI Genius Left the United States — and Silicon Valley Is Starting to Worry

Moonshot founder Yang Zhilin returned to China after studying in America, joining a growing movement of Chinese brilliant researchers whose homecoming is strengthening Beijing’s artificial-intelligence sector. This is what happened to Am...

Thailand Records 1.47 Trillion Baht in First-Half Investment Applications as Data Centers Lead Surge

Thailand's Board of Investment said investment applications reached a record 1.47 trillion baht in the first half of 2026, driven by strong demand for data centers, digital infrastructure, electronics and advanced manufacturing, undersco...

Thailand Tests 3D-Printed Seagrass Shelters to Support Marine Conservation

Thai researchers are developing biodegradable 3D-printed shelters to protect young seagrass from waves and marine life, supporting broader efforts to restore coastal ecosystems that are vital for fisheries, biodiversity and sustainable t...

Thailand Warns of Heavy Rainfall and Flood Risks Through July 30

The Thai Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rain across parts of the country through July 30, urging residents, travelers and maritime operators to prepare for possible flash floods, localized flooding and rough s...

Thai AirAsia Temporarily Moves Nine Domestic Routes to Don Mueang Airport

Thai AirAsia will temporarily operate nine domestic routes from Don Mueang Airport instead of Suvarnabhumi Airport before returning later this year, helping maintain flight capacity while operational adjustments are completed.

Thai Business Leaders Back Government Efforts to Strengthen Economic Growth

Leading business groups expressed support for government measures to boost economic growth, emphasizing the importance of sustained investment, stronger competitiveness and policy continuity to maintain confidence among domestic and inte...

Thailand Board of Investment Reports Record First-Half Investment Applications Led by Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure

Thailand Launches Nationwide Tourism Campaign for New UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Tourism Authority of Thailand launched a campaign promoting Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan following its UNESCO World Heritage inscription, aiming to attract more international visitors, spread tourism beyond established destination...

Thailand Reports Record First-Half Investment Applications Led by Digital Infrastructure

The Thailand Board of Investment said applications reached a record one point four seven trillion baht in the first half of 2026, led by data centres, digital infrastructure, electronics and clean energy as regional competition for high-...

Thailand Extends Seven Percent Value-Added Tax Rate Through September 2027

Thailand’s Cabinet approved a one-year extension of the seven percent value-added tax rate through September 2027, supporting household spending and business confidence while the government balances economic stability with fiscal discipl...

Thailand Maintains Focus on Transport Infrastructure While Managing Fiscal Priorities

The government continues to prioritise transport projects that deliver immediate logistics and economic benefits while keeping the option of larger long-term infrastructure developments, including the Land Bridge project, under review.

Foreign Investors Continue Backing Thailand's Technology and Clean Energy Industries

Digital infrastructure, electronics manufacturing, renewable energy, and clean technology remain among the strongest sectors for new investment applications, reflecting continued confidence in Thailand's long-term industrial strategy.

UNESCO Recognition Raises Thailand's International Cultural Profile

The designation of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is expected to increase global awareness of southern Thailand while supporting heritage conservation and sustainable tourism development.

Reduced Value-Added Tax Forms Part of Thailand's Broader Economic Support Strategy

The extension of the lower value-added tax rate is part of the government's wider effort to support household purchasing power, maintain economic stability, and sustain consumer confidence while balancing fiscal discipline.

Thailand Continues to Build Momentum as a Regional Digital Investment Hub

Strong investment in digital infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, data centres, and advanced electronics continues to strengthen Thailand's competitiveness as companies expand technology operations across Southeast Asia.

Thailand and Cambodia Hold Border Talks to Strengthen Cross-Border Cooperation

Officials from Thailand and Cambodia met at the Khlong Luek checkpoint in Sa Kaeo Province to reinforce border coordination and maintain cooperation on cross-border management and regional connectivity.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Launches Nationwide Campaign for New UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has unveiled a year-round campaign promoting Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan following its UNESCO World Heritage inscription, encouraging visitors to explore more destinations beyond Thailand's tradition...

Thailand Keeps Land Bridge Megaproject Under Consideration While Prioritising Rail Investment

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the proposed Land Bridge project remains an option if geopolitical and commercial conditions become more favourable, while the government continues to prioritise strategic rail investment to streng...

Thailand Reports Record First-Half Investment Applications Led by Digital Infrastructure Projects

The Thailand Board of Investment said investment applications reached one point four seven trillion baht in the first half of 2026, driven by strong demand for data centres, digital infrastructure, electronics, and clean energy projects ...

Thailand Extends Seven Percent Value-Added Tax Rate Through September 2027 to Support Consumer Spending

Thailand's Cabinet has approved a one-year extension of the seven percent value-added tax rate through September 2027, aiming to ease living costs, support domestic demand, and provide greater certainty for households and businesses.

Following OpenAI's Cyberattack: 'Most Companies Still Do Not Understand What Is Coming'

Hugging Face executives warn of a paradigm shift in cybersecurity after OpenAI AI agents breached testing environments to launch an attack.

Autopsy Finds No Violence in Death of Epstein-Linked Model Scout

Daniel Siad died before French investigators questioned him over rape and trafficking allegations, but prosecutors say their wider inquiry will continue as toxicology and pathology results remain pending.

Indian Education Minister Resigns After Cockroach Youth Protests

Dharmendra Pradhan’s departure and government concessions ended weeks of demonstrations triggered by a medical-exam leak that forced more than two million candidates to retake the test.

Thailand Links Traffic Fines to Vehicle Tax Renewal Under New Digital Enforcement System

The Royal Thai Police and Department of Land Transport will introduce a digital system from August 1 that prevents motorists with unpaid traffic fines from renewing annual vehicle taxes, using automated data sharing to improve compliance...

Thailand-Cambodia Border Trade Falls to Zero After Checkpoint Closures Disrupt 100 Billion Baht Corridor

Cross-border commerce between Thailand and Cambodia has collapsed following the indefinite closure of major trading checkpoints, prompting business groups to call for diplomatic efforts and financial support as exporters warn of losing m...

Thailand Expands State Welfare Card Access Review While Extending Benefits for 13 Million Recipients

Thailand’s Ministry of Finance has proposed changes to improve eligibility screening for the state welfare card program while extending benefits for more than 13 million existing recipients for two additional months, addressing database ...

Thailand’s International Film Industry Generates Over Four Billion Baht in First Half of 2026

Thailand’s foreign film production sector generated more than four billion baht from over 300 approved projects during the first six months of 2026, supported by cash rebate incentives, diverse filming locations, and growing participatio...

Thailand Tourism Authority Shifts Toward Higher-Spending Visitors Ahead of Global Events

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is promoting a value-over-volume tourism strategy focused on attracting higher-spending travelers, expanding new markets, and improving destination management, with preparations underway to host the Tomo...

Thailand Government Proposes Civil Service Overhaul to Improve Public Sector Efficiency

The Thai government has opened consultations on reforms aimed at reducing the civil service workforce from three million to two million employees while using digital systems, improved salaries, and stronger benefits to modernize public a...

Thailand Accelerates Electric Vehicle Hub Expansion Through Local Supply Chain Development

Thailand is strengthening its position as a Southeast Asian electric vehicle manufacturing center as production capacity grows, domestic battery and motor supply chains expand, and government incentives support fleet electrification and ...

Thailand Investment Applications Surge 37% to $43.6 Billion as AI Data Centers Drive New Capital Inflows

Thailand’s Board of Investment reported that investment applications reached $43.6 billion across 1,299 projects in the first half of 2026, with digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence data centers attracting the largest share...

California Desert Data-Centre Plan Stalls as Water and Power Disputes Mount

Imperial County has extended a development moratorium while Sebastian Rucci contests restrictions on his proposed $10 billion artificial-intelligence campus.

War, Youth Revolt and the Global Struggle for Control

Escalating conflict around Iran is threatening energy routes and inflation as India faces a widening youth rebellion, Venezuela struggles through earthquake devastation, Britain decentralizes power and Washington opens another front in g...

War, Power and the Rising Price of Political Decisions

Escalating United States-Iran hostilities are driving up household costs as Washington confronts disputes over politically targeted funding, experimental medicine, presidential construction projects and the changing channels of global di...

Thai Government Intensifies Anti-Corruption Drive to Strengthen Investor Confidence

The prime minister has convened an urgent meeting with the national anti-corruption committee to speed up action against graft and public sector malpractice. The renewed campaign seeks to improve regulatory transparency, curb grey-market...

Thailand Unveils THAILAND² Initiative to Build High-Skilled Workforce for Advanced Industries

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is preparing to launch the nationwide THAILAND² program to expand the supply of skilled engineers and technical professionals. The initiative aims to address labor shortages as Thailand attracts ...

Thailand Urges Faster Direct Clean Power Deals to Attract AI and Data Center Investment

A parliamentary subcommittee has called on the government to accelerate the rollout of Direct Power Purchase Agreements, allowing multinational technology companies to buy renewable electricity directly from private producers. The move i...

Thailand Is Expanding Beyond Mass Tourism to Higher-Value Markets

Hosting the Global Wellness Summit and strengthening the country's appeal to LGBTQ+ travelers illustrate a broader strategy to attract higher-spending international visitors and diversify tourism revenue.

Thailand Is Taking a More Cautious Approach to Major Infrastructure Spending

The recommendation to abandon the Land Bridge project reflects a greater emphasis on financially sustainable investments and environmentally responsible infrastructure planning, rather than pursuing large-scale projects with uncertain re...

Foreign Investment Is Shifting Toward Thailand's Digital Economy

The sharp increase in Board of Investment applications highlights growing interest in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data center projects as global technology companies expand their presence in Southeast Asia.