Mpox Cases Rise in Thailand

Airbnb has included Rawai Beach in Phuket among its top 10 global food destinations for 2025, highlighting a travel shift toward authentic local experiences over crowded urban centers. The area is celebrated for its fresh seafood markets and beachside restaurants supplied daily by local fishermen. While the recognition has been welcomed by local businesses, some tourists criticize Rawai for high prices and aggressive vendors, comparing costs to international destinations like London. Despite mixed reviews, nearly half of travelers prioritize authentic local food, solidifying Rawai’s appeal. The listing reflects a growing trend of seekers opting for cultural gems rather than traditional tourist hotspots.

Thailand reserves 40 occupations exclusively for its nationals, prohibiting foreigners from these roles unless granted specific exemptions. The restricted jobs are divided into four categories, including traditional crafts like silk weaving and wood carving, as well as modern roles like tour guiding and legal services. Certain professions in engineering, accounting, and architecture are only open to foreigners from countries with special treaties. Manual and skilled labor jobs are partially accessible under strict employment conditions or bilateral agreements. These laws aim to protect local employment and preserve cultural trades unique to Thailand.

Akasa Air has launched a new non-stop flight route connecting Mumbai, India, directly to Phuket, Thailand, starting September 20. This service eliminates the need for layovers and significantly reduces travel time between the two destinations. The route targets both tourists seeking Phuket’s beaches and nightlife and business travelers leveraging Mumbai’s economic hub. It is expected to boost tourism and local economies while intensifying competition in the regional aviation market. The move reflects growing demand for affordable, convenient travel options between India and Southeast Asia.

A recent nationwide survey in Thailand has uncovered disturbing trends in e-cigarette use among youth, with the youngest reported user being just six years old. The study found that the largest user group is aged 19-25, followed by 16-18 and 13-15-year-olds, while the average starting age for vaping is 13. Peer pressure and social media influence were identified as key factors, with Facebook and TikTok being major platforms for e-cigarette promotions. Many young users are unaware of the health risks associated with vaping, exacerbating the public health crisis. Health officials are now urgently calling for stricter regulations and awareness campaigns to address this growing epidemic.

Thai social media influencer Aniwat “Nara Crepe Katoey” Prathumthin received an 18-month suspended prison sentence on Wednesday for violating lèse-majesté laws and the Computer Crimes Act via Facebook posts in 2020. The court reduced her initial three-year term due to her confession and expression of remorse. She was placed on two years’ probation with requirements including 24 hours of community service on royal anniversaries and quarterly check-ins. This marks her second legal issue involving royal defamation, though she was acquitted in a 2022 case. Nara expressed gratitude for the suspended sentence and apologized for her actions in a social media post following the verdict.

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Phuket has been chosen as the pilot province for Thailand's first project to convert traditional petrol tuk-tuks into electric vehicles. The initiative aims to reduce air pollution and lower operating costs for drivers facing high fuel prices. A prototype electric tuk-tuk was formally handed over to the Phuket Small Four-Wheeled Cooperative, which manages 2,000 vehicles. If successful, the program will expand to other tourism hubs like Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen. This move aligns with growing demand for eco-friendly travel and could modernize Thailand’s public transport sector.

The Department of Rural Roads is constructing a new all-season road through Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi to improve transport and living standards for local communities. The project, currently 15% complete, is scheduled for completion in 2027 and will replace unpaved dirt tracks that become impassable during rainy seasons. Funded with a budget of 64.97 million baht, the road will connect four villages and three schools, enhancing access to education, healthcare, and agricultural transport. It aligns with royal initiatives aimed at sustainable community development in protected forest areas. Once finished, the road is expected to support tourism, safety, and economic stability for residents.

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