26,540 Newsletter Subscribers

THE NEWS Proudly brought to you by SHURFSHARK

Farmers Hit Hardest as Incomes Plummet

Thailand’s poverty rate increased to 4.89% in 2024, affecting 3.43 million people who earn below 3,078 baht monthly, with 879,000 classified as "very poor" surviving on just 615 baht per month. Farmers comprise nearly half of the poor due to unstable weather-dependent incomes and price fluctuations. The NESDC reported sharp spending inequalities, where the poorest allocate half their income to food while the wealthiest invest in non-essentials like travel and healthcare. Educational disparities exacerbate the issue, with uneducated citizens facing a 14.21% poverty rate compared to 3% for secondary graduates. The council urges centralized welfare databases, agricultural reforms, and targeted subsidies to address systemic gaps.

Trang Airport Opens New Terminal After Delays

Trang Airport has officially opened its new 1.07-billion-baht domestic terminal after years of construction delays, following a soft launch and operational testing. The facility doubles passenger capacity to 600 per hour and features upgraded systems, bilingual signage, and parking for 700 vehicles. A future 1.77-billion-baht expansion will extend the runway to nearly 3,000 meters by 2028, enabling service for wide-body aircraft and potential long-haul flights. Despite earlier contractor issues, the terminal now supports regional growth with airlines like AirAsia and Thai Lion Air operating daily flights. This development aims to position Trang as a key aviation hub for southern Thailand’s tourism and economy.

Cambodians Dismantle Thai Border Fence

Cambodian soldiers conscripted villagers, including disabled individuals, to cross into Thailand’s Ban Nong Ya Kaeo border area in Sa Kaeo and dismantle sections of a barbed-wire fence. The villagers were used as human shields while some took the wire for resale or personal use, escalating tensions. Thai forces, led by Col. Chainarong Kasee, negotiated with Cambodian officials, asserting the fence was on Thailand’s original boundary. Cambodian troops withdrew after failing to provide evidence of encroachment, avoiding violence. The incident highlights ongoing border fragility and the use of civilians in territorial disputes.

Woman Dies After Fall from Bangkok Mall

A woman aged approximately 45-50 died after falling from the second floor of a shopping mall parking structure in Bangkok’s Lat Phrao area. The incident occurred on September 16, with emergency responders attempting CPR but unable to revive her. Police found no identification documents on her and are reviewing CCTV footage to determine the circumstances. Witnesses initially mistook her for fainting before realizing the severity of the fall. The body has been sent for autopsy as the investigation continues.

Nakhon Ratchasima Man Wins 12 Million Baht Lottery

Photo: Siamrath

A 53-year-old man from Nakhon Ratchasima won 12 million baht in the national lottery after spending only 200 baht on tickets, far less than his usual investment. Samruay Phangkonrak, a long-time lottery enthusiast, had never won a major prize before this unexpected victory. He plans to use the winnings to buy land and fund his family’s education, securing their future. The win sparked local celebrations and widespread congratulations on social media. In a coincidental twist, another man from Khon Kaen also won 12 million baht in the same draw, doubling the regional excitement.

Chao Phraya Dam Increases Discharge, Flood Warning Issued

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation issued a Cell Broadcast alert warning residents in eight districts of increased water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam, raising outflow to 2,500 cubic meters per second. Low-lying areas outside flood barriers in Chainat, Sing Buri, and Ang Thong provinces may experience water level rises of 10-30 centimeters. Affected districts include Sapphaya, In Buri, Mueang Sing Buri, Phrom Buri, Mueang Ang Thong, Wiset Chai Chan, Pa Mok, and Chaiyo. Residents are urged to relocate belongings to higher ground, protect vulnerable groups, and monitor official updates. Emergency assistance is available via the DDPM hotline (1784) or Line account @1784DDPM.

HYATT REGENCY BANGKOK

Having made the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit my home away from home on countless trips, I can personally vouch for its unique blend of seamless convenience and genuine hospitality. For me, its greatest asset is the unparalleled location: a skybridge directly connects the hotel to the Nana BTS station, making navigating Bangkok's thrilling chaos an absolute breeze. Whether you're heading to a meeting in the central business district, diving into the retail therapy at Terminal 21, or simply wanting to explore, you're perfectly positioned. Beyond the logistics, you're greeted by a team whose warm, attentive service makes you feel genuinely welcomed back every single time.

The facilities consistently elevate a great stay into an exceptional one. My non-negotiable ritual is starting my day with the superb and varied breakfast spread at the Market Café and ending it with sunset cocktails at the Spectrum Lounge & Bar on the 29th floor—the panoramic views are simply unmatched. For those of you with status or a Club Access Award, the Regency Club is a true sanctuary, offering impeccable service, all-day refreshments, and evening canapés that are substantial enough to be a light dinner. And after a long day, the free-form outdoor pool on the 6th floor is a lush, tropical oasis that feels worlds away from the city buzz, yet right in the heart of it all.

I keep returning because it masterfully balances vibrant energy with serene retreat. It’s a hotel that truly understands the needs of a modern traveler, offering both pulse-quickening access to the city and a calm, comfortable haven to return to. If you're looking for a reliably excellent base for your Bangkok adventures, this is it.

WEATHER FORECAST

Thailand will experience widespread thunderstorms and heavy rainfall due to a strong monsoon trough across the central, eastern, and southern regions, combined with a moderate southwesterly monsoon over the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Flash floods and runoff are possible in vulnerable areas .

🌡️ Temperature Range

  • Northern Thailand: 22–35°C

  • Northeastern Thailand: 23–35°C

  • Central Thailand (including Bangkok): 25–34°C

  • Eastern Thailand: 23–34°C

  • Southern Thailand (East Coast): 23–34°C

  • Southern Thailand (West Coast): 23–33°C

COMPETITION

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. Imagine yourself exploring golden temples, savouring incredible street food, and creating unforgettable memories.

Don't miss out—enter now before the competition ends on September 30th for your shot at a dream tropical getaway

THAI RECIPE

Pad Pak Boong Fai Daeng

Pad Pak Boong is a stir-fry made with fresh morning glory, garlic, chilies, and a savory soybean paste sauce. It’s a fast-cooked, healthy meal served with steamed jasmine rice.

THAI EXCHANGE RATE

As of September 17, 2025, the Thai baht (THB) exhibits moderate stability against major global currencies, reflecting a mixed performance in the foreign exchange market. The exchange rate for the US dollar (USD) stands at 31.745 THB per USD , indicating a marginal decline of 0.063% from the previous day. Meanwhile, the Thai baht's rates against other top currencies are as follows:

  • Euro (EUR): 0.0266 EUR per THB

  • British pound (GBP): 0.0231 GBP per THB

  • Japanese yen (JPY): 4.6125 JPY per THB

  • Australian dollar (AUD): 0.0472 AUD per THB

Over the past week, the baht has experienced slight fluctuations, with a 0.173% appreciation against the USD but minor depreciations against the euro (-1.074%) and pound (-0.660%) . These movements highlight the baht's sensitivity to regional economic trends and global currency dynamics.

We are so close to reaching 10,000 followers on our new Facebook page and we would love you to join us HERE

See you tomorrow,

Keep Reading

No posts found