Admiral Cholathit Nawanukroh leads full combat readiness inspection of Thai naval forces, July 25. PATTAYA, Thailand – Admiral Cholathit Nawanukroh, Commander of the Royal Thai Fleet, has conducted a full-scale inspection of naval forces at Sattahip Naval Base, reinforcing Thailand’s maritime defense posture amid rising tensions along the eastern border. The inspection assessed personnel, weapons systems, and operational capabilities across key units under the Royal Thai Fleet, including fleet squadrons, the Naval Air Division, and the elite Naval Special Warfare Command (SEALs). The exercise was part of the navy’s Jakrapong Phuwanat Operational Plan, which ensures national security during crisis scenarios. Admiral Cholathit stressed the importance of comprehensive preparedness — encompassing trained personnel, functional equipment, and seamless inter-unit coordination — to safeguard sovereignty and peace. “The Royal Thai Navy is fully ready to defend the sovereignty of the nation,” he stated. “We have dedicated, capable personnel with the warrior spirit. We are prepared to face any challenge to ensure Thailand remains peaceful and secure.” Naval SEALs, fleet units, and air divisions tested in drill under Thailand’s critical Jakrapong Phuwanat plan. Meanwhile, the Thai government has imposed martial law in eight districts along the Thai-Cambodian border — seven in Chanthaburi province and one in Trat — citing the need to protect sovereignty and maintain internal stability. The declaration, issued by the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command, took effect July 25. The order grants military personnel expanded authority to conduct searches, restrict movement, seize property, and evacuate civilians if necessary. Officials described the move as preventive and emphasized that it is not aimed at civilians, but rather intended to bolster coordination between military, police, and civil agencies. Although no explicit threats were disclosed, the declaration comes amid increased troop deployments and growing concerns about unrest near the border. Martial law in the affected areas will remain in effect until further notice. “We are ready to face any challenge,” says Royal Thai Fleet Commander amid rising regional tensions.   Thai Navy showcases combat strength and rapid emergency response capability during nationwide readiness check. Martial law declared along Thai-Cambodian border — government cites sovereignty and security concerns.

Pattaya businesses buckle under pressure as tourism slumps, say 2028 recovery timeline feels out of reach amid soaring costs and fewer visitors. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – As Thailand’s tourism slump drags on, few places feel the impact more acutely than Pattaya’s famed nightlife and bar scene. Once a magnet for foreign tourists, the city is now grappling with thinning crowds, shuttered shops, and rising despair among small business owners. “We’re barely making enough to cover rent,” said Nok, a longtime manager of a popular beer bar on Soi Buakhao. “If it wasn’t for a few regulars and long-term guests, we’d have closed already.” The numbers reflect the reality: entertainment venues nationwide recorded the highest closure rate in Q2 2025 at 13%, but in Pattaya, insiders estimate it could be even higher — especially among unregistered venues and informal operators. Bar staff reductions, dimmer lights, and quieter nights have become common. “This used to be the low season. Now it just feels like no season,” one venue owner said. “Even during the pandemic, we had some government support. Now we’re invisible.” Others pointed to rising operating costs, from electricity bills to security fees and the high cost of imported alcohol. “And with the baht so strong, Europeans are spending less. They come for one beer, not ten,” added Jib, who runs a bar catering to German retirees. The slump has also changed visitor behavior. Operators say many tourists now travel in groups, spend less per head, and avoid nightly entertainment in favor of cheaper daytime excursions or food delivery at their hotels. “They don’t even walk around anymore,” Nok said. The Tourism Council of Thailand projects a gradual rebound by 2028, but for small operators, that’s too long to wait. “If we don’t see a real pickup this high season — I mean real tourists, not just transit passengers or selfie-takers — I’ll have to shut down,” said another bar owner. Until then, the neon signs stay lit, the music plays on — but the mood on the ground is anything but upbeat.

Tourists enjoy a vibrant beach day in Pattaya, where authorities assure visitors the city remains safe and welcoming despite regional border tensions. PATTAYA, Thailand — The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has reassured travelers that major tourist destinations—including Pattaya—remain safe and secure, even as tensions continue along the Thai-Cambodian border. Natthariya Taweewong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, stated on July 26 that despite increased military activity in border provinces, tourism numbers nationwide have remained consistent. This sustained flow indicates that border unrest has had minimal impact on Thailand’s overall tourism industry. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has issued advisories encouraging tourists to travel safely within the country. The government recommends avoiding only certain border provinces such as Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Buriram, and Surin, while confirming that travel to areas like Chanthaburi and Trat remains normal and largely unaffected—though visitors are advised to stay informed and avoid restricted zones. Transportation services by land, sea, and air continue without disruption, as do hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Officials are working closely across ministries—including Interior, Transportation, Culture, and Natural Resources—to provide accurate information, ensure safety, and assist visitors. Natthariya emphasizes steady tourism numbers and ongoing safety measures amid heightened military activity near border provinces. However, despite these official assurances, many travelers remain cautious given the recent clashes and the ongoing martial law in parts of Chanthaburi and Trat. “The government may say it’s safe to uphold tourism numbers, but who would risk traveling to border provinces right now?” said one tour operator in Pattaya. Some potential visitors prefer to wait until the situation stabilizes before making travel plans. This gap between official messages and public perception is heightened by the constant presence of military operations and daily news coverage of clashes, which many see on TV and social media from their own homes. For many, the frequent images of troop movements and alerts make the situation feel closer and more uncertain than official statements suggest. As the ongoing long weekend (Saturday through Monday, coinciding with the King’s birthday) unfolds, it will serve as a crucial test of Pattaya’s resilience. It will reveal whether the current travel mood endures among both Thai holidaymakers and incoming foreign visitors. Tourist numbers and spending patterns during these days will provide early insights into how tourism in the region might recover—or falter—amid ongoing security concerns. For those seeking a place to unwind away from the constant flood of media reports, Pattaya offers a potential refuge—a peaceful spot to relax while staying connected to the wider world. If visitors can find reassurance here, it could be a good time to visit. Meanwhile, the ministry continues to build confidence with frequent updates via TAT channels and the Tourist Police hotline (1155). Ultimately, the future recovery of tourism in Pattaya and the border provinces will depend not only on improved security but also on how public perception evolves in the coming weeks. Holidaymakers zip across the Gulf on a speedboat to Koh Larn, with island excursions from Pattaya running at full pace despite border tensions further east.

Beach Calm Amid National Storms — A foreign tourist stands under clear blue skies along Pattaya Beach, where sunshine and cool breezes offer a peaceful escape from Thailand’s turbulent weather elsewhere. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – While much of northern and northeastern Thailand is grappling with heavy downpours, Pattaya remains bathed in sunlight and cooled by gentle sea breezes, offering foreign tourists and locals a serene escape from the national weather alerts. On the city’s popular beaches, visitors have been spotted soaking in the good weather — including foreign tourists enjoying the clear skies along Pattaya’s shoreline, a stark contrast to the stormy conditions affecting other parts of the country. As night falls, the coastal resort town continues to enjoy cooler temperatures and light winds, ideal for beach strolls, open-air dining, and night market outings. Residents and tourists alike have welcomed the tranquil conditions. Meanwhile, the Thai Meteorological Department warns that heavy rain continues in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Tak, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan, where flash floods, forest runoff, and overflowing rivers remain possible — especially in foothill and low-lying areas. This severe weather is being driven by a strong southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam. Waves in the upper Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand may reach 2 meters or more in storm zones, prompting the Meteorological Department to advise small boats to stay ashore. Elsewhere, Tropical Storm “Co-May” in the Pacific is currently moving toward southern Japan and is not expected to impact Thailand. Other Regions on Alert — While Pattaya stays bright and breezy, northern and northeastern provinces face flood threats from intense rainfall fueled by a strong monsoon and low-pressure system.

While high-end tourists relax in rooftop pools, others enjoy the baht bus ride and make every coin count — reflecting Pattaya’s dual reality under a strong currency. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand — The Thai baht opened Friday at 32.28 per U.S. dollar, barely budging from Thursday’s close of 32.26. For currency traders, it’s just another quiet day. But down on Pattaya’s sun-soaked streets? It’s a different story. For your average visitor juggling beach days, spicy noodles, and bar tabs — that strong baht feels anything but calm. Every decimal point up seems to stretch the bill at your favorite beachfront beer shack. And if your income’s still coming from euros, pounds, or Aussie dollars? Ouch. Add in rising inflation and Pattaya starts looking a little less like a budget paradise and a little more like a pricey getaway. From motorbike rentals to mango sticky rice, nothing feels as cheap as it once did. More than a few long-timers are muttering, “Remember when 1,000 baht actually meant something?” But it’s not doom and gloom for everyone. Enter the other Pattaya — the one with rooftop cocktails, sea-view condos, and brunches that cost more than a roundtrip minivan to Bangkok. For wealthier tourists and well-heeled expats with diversified incomes and passive investments, the strong baht is more of a background hum than a roadblock. Their dollars stretch just fine — or they’ve got other currencies to swap in. No stress. “These guys aren’t sweating over exchange apps,” joked one condo agent. “They’re debating between yachts.” Still, economists are urging caution. The baht isn’t flexing its muscles by accident — it’s backed by Thailand’s gold reserves, a strong export sector, and capital inflows that keep the currency sturdy even as tourism stumbles. But the longer it stays strong, the harder it gets for Pattaya’s mid-range and budget tourism markets. Some visitors are shortening their trips. Others are skipping the massages, the souvenirs, or even the second beer. “Currency strength is great for national pride,” one analyst noted, “but if your target market is backpackers and budget retirees, it’s worth asking — will they still come?” Meanwhile, regional rivals like Vietnam and the Philippines are watching closely — with softer currencies and aggressive tourism campaigns, they’re quietly wooing travelers looking for better value. Back in Pattaya, the divide is real: some are popping champagne, others are cutting corners. But some foreign tourists simply love the simple joys — the warm open-air breeze on baht buses rolling along beach routes, counting coins while soaking in the excitement and sun. For many, that’s still the best way to experience Pattaya without breaking the bank. The city’s challenge is figuring out how to welcome both — and not let the exchange rate write the script.

Local tourists boost economic activity in Pattaya and other resort cities, but rising costs and limited government programs temper growth expectations. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – Amid today’s challenging tourism landscape, what is Thailand’s tourism industry facing, and how should it move forward? Yutthasak Supasorn, former Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), offers insights and answers. Thailand’s tourism sector faced a 4.6% decline in international arrivals in the first half of 2025, with only 16.7 million visitors compared to 17.5 million during the same period last year. A key factor driving this drop is the slowdown in Chinese tourists. Daily arrivals from China fell from an average of 21,380 in January to just 10,000 by the end of June, averaging 12,657 visitors per day during the first six months. Before the pandemic, in 2019, Thailand welcomed 11.1 million Chinese tourists — accounting for 28% of total foreign arrivals that year, which stood at 39.8 million. This averaged around 925,000 Chinese visitors per month or more than 30,000 daily. The current proportion of Chinese tourists has dropped to just 13.58% of total arrivals. If this trend continues, 2025 may mark the first year in over a decade (excluding the pandemic and recovery years 2020-2023) where Chinese arrivals fall below 5 million — a significant blow given their high spending and longer stays. Chinese visitors typically stay an average of 7.36 days and spend about 42,428 baht per trip, more than double the stay and spending of Malaysian tourists, who average 4.17 days and 21,450 baht respectively. Despite some gains from other international markets such as South Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East, the overall foreign tourist count for 2025 is expected to miss targets. Forecasts estimate 34.2 million foreign arrivals this year — down 3.8% from 35.6 million in 2024. Tourism revenues are similarly expected to fall short, impacted by reduced arrivals and global economic pressures. In major tourist hubs like Pattaya, where Chinese tourists once filled hotels and beaches, the drop is clearly felt. Hotels report lower occupancy, and many businesses reliant on Chinese visitors are struggling. Efforts to attract tourists from other regions have yet to compensate fully. Yutthasak Supasorn, former TAT governor, stresses urgent need for proactive marketing to revive Chinese tourism and secure Thailand’s economic future. Given these challenges, experts emphasize that the Chinese market should not be neglected. An aggressive marketing push to win back just one million Chinese visitors could inject 40-50 billion baht into Thailand’s economy. A recent survey by Dragon Trail International, a Chinese travel consultancy, found that 42% of Chinese respondents plan to travel abroad this year but have yet to make bookings, highlighting untapped potential. Key strategies include rebuilding Thailand’s image and safety reputation, introducing new attractions, and promoting value-driven offers to attract cautious Chinese travelers. These efforts could help Thailand avoid larger shortfalls in tourist arrivals and revenues compared to last year. Domestic tourism meanwhile shows modest growth. In the first six months of 2025, domestic travel registered 102 million trips generating about 574 billion baht in revenue — a slight increase. The government’s “Thai Travel Half-Price” program, launched on July 1, 2025, aims to boost domestic tourism further but offers only 500,000 discounted spots, limiting its overall impact. Economic pressures and rising household debt are expected to temper domestic tourists’ spending, making “Thai travel” less able to compensate for lost international revenue. To maximize domestic tourism potential, stakeholders are encouraged to promote frequent short-distance trips within regions, rather than long-haul travel across provinces, to reduce travel costs. Highlighting and developing secondary cities as attractive destinations aligns with government policies and may help sustain tourism revenues close to last year’s levels.

Dark clouds over Thai tourism — A once-bustling shopping street in Chiang Mai sees fewer tourists amid safety concerns and economic slowdown. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s tourism industry faced major headwinds in the first half of 2025, prompting growing concerns across the sector. A string of alarming events — including the high-profile abduction of Chinese actor Xing Xing and a devastating earthquake that caused building collapses — triggered a near 50% drop in Chinese tourist arrivals. The impact is expected to linger through mid-Q3. Adding to the woes is a global economic slowdown, forecasted to hit its lowest in 16 years, driven by retaliatory tariff hikes from the U.S. This has led global tourists to seek greater value for money, favoring closer destinations to minimize travel expenses. Meanwhile, arrivals from Malaysia, another key market, have dropped significantly due to safety concerns in Thailand’s southern border provinces amid ongoing insurgent attacks. In beach cities like Pattaya and Phuket, where low- to mid-tier Chinese and Russian tourists once filled hotel blocks and seafood restaurants, the effect has been immediate and visible. Empty tables, closed signs, and shuttered nightlife venues now pepper previously bustling entertainment areas, with operators reporting revenues down over 40% compared to the same period in 2024. Pakakrong Thepparak, lecturer at RMUTSV, noted that Thailand’s Tourism Business Confidence Index plummeted to 70 in Q2 2025 from 83 in Q1 — and even further compared to 79 in Q2 last year. She described the decline as “falling off a cliff,” with the low season arriving earlier than usual in April instead of May. Q3 forecasts are even grimmer, with the index expected to drop to 65. Business revenues across the sector have fallen sharply — averaging only 45% of pre-COVID levels in 2019. Restaurants are faring slightly better at 54%, followed by accommodations at 48%, while souvenir shops and entertainment venues are struggling at just 38%. “The current economic climate in Thailand is as severe as it was during the peak of the COVID crisis,” one expert stated. In Pattaya, long dependent on nightlife and short-haul international tourism, bar owners report foreign foot traffic dwindling by the day — with many shifting to local Thai clientele or downsizing staff to stay afloat. Chai Arunanonchai, TCT chairman, says Thailand will welcome just 33.3 million international tourists in 2025, a sharp 16.5% drop from pre-COVID 2019 levels. With Chinese arrivals stagnating and revenue still trailing, Chai predicts full recovery to 40 million visitors may not come until 2028. A closer look at business operations reveals more closures. In Q1, 97% of tourism businesses remained fully open. By Q2, that number fell to 94%, with 2% shutting down permanently, 3% closing temporarily, and 1% reducing their scale of operations. Entertainment venues saw the highest closure rate at 13%, followed by man-made attractions (9%) and souvenir shops (5%). The trend has been especially acute in Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach area, where several boutique hotels and Western-run bars have closed or are up for sale. Hotel occupancy rates also dipped, averaging 48% in Q2, down from 56% in Q1. The western region fared best at 53%, followed by the east — which includes Pattaya — at 50%. Analysts warn that smaller hotel closures are likely if the trend continues. Chai Arunanonchai, Chairman of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), estimates 33.3 million international tourists will visit Thailand in 2025 — a 16.5% drop from 2019 and 6.2% down from 2024. Revenue from international markets is forecast at 1.75 trillion baht, down 8.3% from 2019. The Chinese market is expected to contribute just 4.5 million tourists and 225 billion baht in revenue this year. Looking ahead, TCT projects 34–35 million international arrivals in 2026, still below the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) target of 36 million. TCT remains hopeful that a full rebound to the 40-million mark — the peak pre-COVID figure in 2019 — is possible by 2028.

Donald Trump has a bright border idea from a Scottish golf course. On a golf vacation in Scotland, Donald Trump has proclaimed that the leaders of both warring countries have promised to hold ceasefire talks at a time and place to be determined. The American president also suggested that a trade deal with either was impossible whilst fighting continues. His catchwords are “ceasefire, peace, prosperity”. Phnom Penh immediately accepted Trump’s suggestion of a ceasefire, whilst Thailand agreed in principle but wanted to see actual commitment by Cambodian troops in the conflict zones. A spokesman for the Thai foreign affairs ministry said Bangkok was keen to begin bilateral talks with Phnom Penh as soon as possible. The total death toll has now reached 32 with 130 injuries and 150,000 border dwellers forced to flee. Both Thailand and Cambodia are threatened separately with American import tariffs of 36 percent by August 1 if no trade deals are struck. Although Cambodia’s biggest trading partner is China, she is none the less heavily dependent on the US to sell huge amounts ready-made clothes. Thailand is at a more advanced stage of negotiations with the US as Lavaron Sangsnit, permanent secretary to the finance ministry, remains confident of a conclusion to the trade talks before the end of this month. Conflict in the border zones has now spread beyond the famous temple complexes. Politically and diplomatically, neither country has a close relationship with the United States. Trump criticizes Phnom Penh for being in China’s pocket, as instanced by the new Seam naval base funded by Beijing in the south of the country. Thailand is certainly a strategic ally of the United States, but Trump has complained bitterly about the Pheu Thai government fraudulently transiting Chinese goods as if they were made in Thailand. He is also demanding zero rate tariffs on virtually all of American exports shipped here. It will be difficult for either Cambodia or Thailand to delay unduly peace talks after Trump’s golf course intervention. China and the regional block ASEAN have both demanded an end to the increasingly numerous border spats, which now include a Thai province facing the sea and far removed from the famous temple complexes. The economies of both nations are suffering and tourist numbers are threatened. But there are dangers for Trump too. If the peace talks begin before August 1, but Trump still imposes the 36 percent tariff on all goods imported from either country, trust in American policy and in Trump personally will inevitably nosedive. As a consequence, both Bangkok and Phnom Penh would be pushed more closely into Chinese arms.

Fire at Bangchak Oil Refinery contained after explosionLegacyA fire broke out at the Bangchak Oil Refinery in Sriracha, Chon Buri, yesterday, July 26, at roughly 12.30pm. This incident led to a loud explosion and sent thick smoke into the sky, surprising nearby residents. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or fatalities. Police at Laem Chabang were quickly informed and coordinated efforts with over 10 fire trucks from Laem Chabang Municipality and surrounding areas to address the fire. Firefighters worked diligently and managed to control the blaze in just over an hour, restoring calm to the vicinity. According to a refinery worker, the incident was preceded by a loud explosion, after which flames engulfed part of the facility. Initial efforts to put out the fire using chemical suppressants were unsuccessful, prompting an evacuation for safety. Eventually, firefighters successfully subdued the flames. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with forensic teams scheduled to examine the site to uncover the exact circumstances. Officials have reassured the public that the situation is now stable, and further updates will be provided as the investigation continues, reported The Pattaya News. Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News In similar news, a fire broke out last night at the Karon Phunaka Resort & Spa in Phuket, prompting an emergency response from staff just before guest check-in. The blaze ignited in the spa lounge’s reception area, reportedly caused by a malfunctioning air conditioning unit. Karon Police Station’s radio centre received an alert around 6.30pm on July 23. By the time police arrived, the resort staff had already managed to contain the flames. Officers found burn marks around the AC unit and scorch damage to a nearby wall. Although the fire did not spread beyond the immediate area and no injuries were reported, smoke and charred plaster marred the spa’s tranquil setting. The story Fire at Bangchak Oil Refinery contained after explosion as seen on Thaiger News.