"Low-Quality Tourists" Prompt Visa Policy Concerns

Prime Minister Anutin has ordered provincial authorities to accelerate flood relief efforts and maintain readiness throughout the ongoing emergency response. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reports that recent flooding has affected 18,647 people across 14 provinces, with 10 provinces still inundated and one confirmed fatality. Residents in risk areas can seek assistance 24/7 through the hotline 1784 and LINE account @1784DDPM, with emergency warnings distributed via cell broadcast. Relief teams with heavy machinery are actively operating in affected regions, prioritizing both public and responder safety. With more rainfall forecast from a new low-pressure system around October 5, all agencies are coordinating to enhance public communication and evacuation preparedness.

Bangkok's Pata Zoo has released its first close-up photo of "Auntie Bua" in over four years, showing the gorilla calmly eating nuts after a long period of behavioral adjustment and trust-building with her caretakers. The 33-year-old western lowland gorilla, Thailand's last remaining gorilla, will now be viewable by visitors on a limited schedule to ensure she gets adequate rest. Bua Noi has been at the zoo since 1992 and became the country's sole gorilla after her mate died, making her relocation impossible under CITES regulations. Animal rights groups and celebrities like Cher have campaigned for years to move her to a sanctuary, arguing her concrete enclosure is inadequate. The zoo maintains she is well cared for and should remain, citing adjustment difficulties and legal ownership status.

Phuket officials have initiated a 48-million-baht project to upgrade lighting systems in five key underpasses across the island, beginning immediately under a 210-day timeline. The improvements will install modern, energy-efficient lighting to enhance visibility and meet national safety standards, directly addressing long-standing concerns about accident risks. Governor Sophon Suwannarat emphasized the project's importance for building confidence among both residents and tourists regarding travel safety. The Darasamut Underpass, specifically noted for its poor lighting and recent multi-vehicle collision, is a primary focus of the renovation. This infrastructure enhancement comes as provincial authorities face increasing pressure to improve road safety in Phuket's busy transit corridors.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has begun implementing a new garbage collection fee structure to encourage household waste separation. Residents who do not participate in the "This House Separates Garbage to Reduce Fees" program now pay 60 baht monthly, while registered participants continue paying the original 20 baht fee. The program requires households to sort waste into four categories: food waste, recyclable waste, general waste, and hazardous materials. Registration is available through the BKK Waste Pay mobile application, official website, or local district offices. This initiative aims to promote environmental responsibility while providing financial incentives for proper waste management practices.

A 14-year-old boy suffered severe hand injuries when a firecracker exploded prematurely while he was attempting to light it on Pattaya Beach, shocking nearby tourists and locals. Emergency responders found the teenager with badly damaged fingers and heavy bleeding before rushing him to Pattaya City Hospital for urgent treatment. Initial investigations revealed the spherical firecracker detonated unexpectedly as the boy was handling it. Officials issued urgent warnings to parents about firecracker dangers, particularly during the upcoming Loy Krathong festival and school holidays. The incident has prompted calls for stricter enforcement against illegal fireworks sales and increased public awareness about safety risks.

Terminal 21 is a unique shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand, where each floor is decorated to look like a famous city from around the world. As you walk through the mall, you’ll see fun and creative designs inspired by London, Paris, Tokyo, Istanbul, San Francisco, and Rome—even the bathrooms follow the city themes! The mall is named Terminal 21 because the signs and layout are similar to an airport, and it even has the longest escalator in Thailand.

Shopping at Terminal 21 offers something for everyone. There are many small shops selling modern Thai brands, alongside well-known international stores like H&M, Levi’s, and Mango. Whether you’re looking for fashion, electronics, cameras, art, or beauty products, you’ll find each floor is dedicated to a different type of shopping and has its own unique style based on a world city.

One highlight of Terminal 21 is the food. On the fifth floor, the Food Court Pier 21 is known as one of the best and cheapest places to eat in Bangkok, with tasty dishes at low prices in a comfortable, air-conditioned space. Besides Pier 21, there are also many other dining spots on the higher floors, and you can relax in the green Sky Garden or enjoy activities like visiting the cinema, bowling, or bouncing at the trampoline park on the entertainment floor. Terminal 21 is a great place to have fun, try new foods, and experience a little bit of the world in Bangkok.

Tomorrow in Thailand, the weather will be mostly cloudy with periods of sunshine and a chance of brief rain showers in many areas, especially during the afternoon. Some regions may also experience thunderstorms, so it’s a good idea to have an umbrella ready if you’re heading outside. Humidity levels will remain high, making the air feel warm and sticky throughout the day.

Escape to the land of smiles! Our Love Thailand giveaway is your chance to win a free return flight to the breathtaking beaches and vibrant culture of Thailand. Don't miss out—enter now before the competition ends on September 30th for your shot at a dream tropical getaway

As of October 1, 205, the Thai baht's rates against other top currencies are as follows: