Bangkok Tightens Smoking Ban to Protect Public Health

An unexpected cold spell has arrived early in northern Thailand, with temperatures on Doi Inthanon peak dropping to a chilly 11°C. The sudden cold weather, combined with thick fog, has created ideal conditions for tourists seeking winter-like atmospheres ahead of the long weekend. The cold air has spread throughout the national park, with nearby areas like Kew Mae Pan recording 14°C and the park office at 18°C. While air quality remains excellent and traffic flows smoothly, drivers are being warned to exercise extreme caution due to heavy fog reducing visibility on mountain roads. The early temperature drop signals winter's premature arrival and is expected to boost tourism in Chiang Mai province throughout the coming season.

A newborn baby boy was discovered abandoned in the hallway of a three-story hotel employee residence in Pattaya early Friday morning. Residents were alerted by the infant's cries and found the child, estimated to be only 3-4 hours old, still covered in afterbirth with his umbilical cord attached. The baby was lying on a fertilizer bag and wrapped only in a green shirt, with no known pregnant residents in the building. Police quickly transported the infant to Pattaya Hospital for medical care and are reviewing surveillance footage to identify those responsible. Authorities have confirmed they will pursue legal action against whoever abandoned the child.

An American tourist, 50-year-old Quincy Nguyen Tran, was violently assaulted by a motorcyclist while walking with his family near Pattaya's Walking Street on October 8. The incident began when the Thai motorcyclist allegedly swerved and struck Tran from behind near Soi 16. When Tran attempted to document the incident on his phone for insurance purposes, the situation escalated dramatically. The assailant slapped the phone from his hand, punched him in the face, and fled the scene, leaving Tran unconscious on the ground. Pattaya police are now investigating the assault, reviewing CCTV footage, and have urged witnesses to come forward with any additional evidence.

Thailand's military has declared full readiness for potential conflict along the Cambodian border, with Air Force Chief Seksan Kantha confirming preparedness for any unexpected developments. The alert follows an October 10th deadline for 135 Cambodian households to evacuate from Thai territory in Sa Kaeo province. Thai forces have begun preparing for mine clearance operations in the contested Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaew border areas. Meanwhile, nearly 100 Cambodian civilians, including vulnerable groups, have gathered at Prey Chan village opposite the Thai border. Cambodian troops have been observed reinforcing their positions while Thai residents have gathered to show support for their military.

Global music icon Mariah Carey has arrived in Bangkok ahead of her "The Celebration of Mimi" concert, marking her first performance in Thailand in nearly a decade. The singer was greeted by excited fans and organizers at Don Mueang Airport before heading to prepare for the show. The concert, taking place on October 11 at Impact Challenger Hall, celebrates the 20th anniversary of her landmark album The Emancipation of Mimi. Carey has personally curated the event, featuring hits from the album plus live debuts of new songs from her latest release. With several ticket categories already sold out, the performance is expected to draw fans from across Asia for an evening of signature vocals and glamorous staging.

Wat Phra Kaew, also called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is one of the most important temples in Thailand. Located inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok, the temple was built in 1783 by King Rama I to hold the famous Emerald Buddha statue. Even though many people visit every day, Wat Phra Kaew is not a place for monks or nuns to live; it was once a private chapel for Thailand’s kings and their court.

The temple complex is made up of several buildings, not just one. The main building is the ordination hall, known as the ubosot. This hall is where important religious ceremonies take place and where the Emerald Buddha is kept. Around the complex, there is also a covered walkway decorated with beautiful mural paintings that tell stories from Thai mythology and history.

When visiting Wat Phra Kaew, it is important to respect the rules and dress code, which means covering shoulders and knees and removing your shoes before entering certain areas. Photography is only allowed outside the ordination hall, not inside. To enjoy your visit and learn more about the temple’s history and art, it is a good idea to hire a local guide. The temple is open every day, and the best time to visit is early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat.

A strengthening monsoon will bring unsettled conditions across Thailand tomorrow, with scattered to fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rain expected in the Central, Eastern, and Southern regions. The South will experience rough seas with waves exceeding 2 meters in stormy areas, while Bangkok residents should prepare for potential heavy downpours.

As of October 10, 2025, the Thai baht's rates against other top currencies are as follows: