Pattaya celebrates the tenth anniversary of the Bikini Beach Race—spooky and sexy this year

 

Pattaya City, the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association (PCBTA), and Central Pattaya will hold the Pattaya International Bikini Beach Race 2026 on Saturday, October 31st, marking its 10th year.

The 5-kilometer evening race on Pattaya Beach in front of Central Pattaya is expected to draw more than 5,000 runners and supporters from over 30 countries.
This year’s theme is “RUN THE WAVE. OWN THE NIGHT.” with a Halloween seaside concept, a planned start around 17:30, and a Glow Party and Beach Concert afterward featuring Thai artist Laem Somphol.

 Deputy Mayor Kritsana Boonsawat chaired a readiness meeting focused on safety, traffic management, and coordination with beach umbrella operators.

The race follows last year’s 9th edition, which drew a similar crowd.

Pattaya: Pattaya City is preparing to host the Pattaya International Bikini Beach Race 2026 on October 31st on Pattaya Beach from 5PM, celebrating the event’s 10th anniversary with a Halloween seaside theme on the same evening as the Pattaya Halloween Festival and Parade also on Pattaya Beach and Walking Street!

Deputy Mayor Kritsana Boonsawat chaired a readiness meeting at Pattaya City Hall. Attendees included PCBTA president Chutima Jiramongkol, a traffic inspector from Pattaya City Police Station, a representative from Central Pattaya, and officials from relevant agencies. Discussions covered safety measures and traffic management along the course.

The race is a joint effort by Pattaya City, the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association (PCBTA), and Central Pattaya. It is scheduled for Saturday, October 31st, 2026, on Pattaya Beach in front of Central Pattaya. The course is 5 kilometers. Organizers expect more than 5,000 runners and accompanying supporters from over 30 countries.

The 2026 edition adopts the concept “RUN THE WAVE. OWN THE NIGHT.” and incorporates a Halloween theme. Runners are set to start at approximately 17:30. After the race, a Glow Party and Beach Concert is planned at the Sunken area on the ground floor of Central Pattaya, with a performance by Thai artist Laem Somphol.

City officials have prioritized safety, especially at road crossings, and will deploy staff to manage traffic and assist participants. Beach umbrella operators in locks 65–73 and lock 74 have been asked to clear equipment after 20:00 on October 29th and 30th and to suspend operations on October 31st. Normal service is expected to resume on the morning of November 1st.

The event continues a long-running beach race that has previously attracted thousands of international participants.October 31st also marks the Pattaya Halloween Festival 2026 on Walking Street and Pattaya Beach, which includes a parade, costume contest, and mini concert!

Source: ThePattayaNews

Thai hotel sector faces rising closures after widespread losses

Thai hotel closures rose 42% in the first nine months of 2026 after 51% of operators posted losses in 2025, with KResearch warning of further pressure in 2027.

Thailand’s hotel and accommodation sector is facing mounting pressure from weak tourism demand, rising competition and high operating costs, with business closures accelerating after more than half of operators reported losses last year.

KASIKORN RESEARCH CENTER (KResearch) said 148 hotel and accommodation businesses registered their closure during the first nine months of 2026, up 42% from the same period a year earlier.

Meanwhile, about 51% of operators recorded losses in 2025, with smaller businesses the most vulnerable. Around 54% of small operators were loss-making, while 42% had accumulated losses for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025. Overall, 38% of hotel and accommodation operators recorded accumulated losses throughout the three-year period.

KResearch warned that the outlook for 2027 remained highly uncertain as the tourism recovery stays uneven, competition intensifies and operating costs face further upward pressure.

Hotel market grows, but recovery remains uneven
Thailand’s hotel and accommodation market is expected to be worth about THB1.1 trillion in 2026, up 2.6% from 2025.

Accommodation accounts for about 77% of sector revenue, with the remaining 23% coming from areas including catering, meetings, seminars, food and beverages.

The industry comprises about 15,000 operators, more than 98% of them small and medium-sized businesses, and employs around 430,000 people. Its market value is equivalent to about 5.7% of Thailand’s gross domestic product at current prices, according to KResearch.

Despite overall revenue growth supported by international meetings and conferences and continued domestic travel, the recovery has not been evenly distributed.

New business registrations also slowed. A total of 779 hotel and accommodation businesses were established during the first nine months, down 31.2% year on year, although the figure remained above the comparable level in 2024.

Source: TheNation 

Thailand launches nationwide operation targeting 10,000 visa overstayers

 Knock on the door coming for 10k visa overstayers now in Thailand as police launch new crackdown

Thailand launches a nationwide hunt for over 10,000 visa overstayers as police arrest fraud suspects and fugitives. An Israeli is nabbed after 2,095 days illegally in Thailand. Meanwhile, drug raids seized 17.8 million meth tablets and tonnes of ice.

Thailand’s police have launched a nationwide dragnet for more than 10,000 visa overstayers as immigration chief Lieutenant General Nopasin Poolsawat orders officers to hunt down foreigners illegally resident for years. Raids have already netted South Korean fraud suspects, Chinese gang organisers and an Israeli who overstayed 2,095 days. Meanwhile, over 81,000 foreigners have been refused entry since October 2025. The crackdown comes alongside a massive drugs offensive led by police chief General Samran Nuanma. Officers have seized over 17.8 million methamphetamine tablets, 2.3 tonnes of crystal meth and assets exceeding ฿550 million. Drug financiers and international criminal networks are now firmly in police sights as Thailand’s big clean up proceeds.

Thailand’s police have launched a major nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking, international criminal gangs and immigration offenders. More than 10,000 foreigners with expired visas are now being targeted.

National Police Commissioner General Samran Nuanma and Immigration Bureau chief Police Lieutenant General Nopasin Poolsawat are directing the offensive. Meanwhile, police have seized millions of methamphetamine tablets and tonnes of crystal methamphetamine.

International fraud suspects and foreigners illegally resident for years have also been arrested. The operation extends from Bangkok to tourist islands, commercial centres and border provinces.

Police widen nationwide hunt for 10,000 visa overstayers as drug and international crime raids intensify

Source: 

Thaiexaminer

Thai Baht falls to three-month low

The Thai baht is nearing its lowest level in three months. On October 22, the currency was trading at 33.73 baht to the US dollar. In the coming days, interest rate decisions in Thailand, the United States, and Europe could trigger further volatility—a point particularly relevant if you are planning to transfer a large sum of money to Thailand soon.

A week earlier, the baht was trading at around 33.50 to the dollar, but it subsequently lost ground due to a combination of rising oil prices, unrest in the Middle East, and a stronger US dollar. Developments in the international gold market also played a role. By the close of trading on October 22, the baht stood at 33.72 to the dollar.

For the week of October 26–30, the Kasikorn Research Center projected an exchange rate range of 33.30 to 33.80 baht per dollar. Within this range, the currency could see rapid fluctuations, as several central banks are set to announce key interest rate decisions this week. Furthermore, the release of new economic data could impact the currency market, thereby indirectly affecting the euro-baht exchange rate.

Rising oil prices put pressure on Thailand

Thailand is a major energy importer and is therefore sensitive to increases in oil prices. Tensions in the Middle East have driven up prices and heightened uncertainty in financial markets over the past few weeks. This could have a negative impact on the baht, as higher energy costs may put pressure on Thailand’s trade balance.

At the same time, the US dollar has strengthened. During periods of instability, investors often seek refuge in the dollar, which can lead to the weakening of currencies from emerging markets. Sell-offs in the international gold market have also been a contributing factor. In Thailand, the gold trade plays a relatively significant role in the daily supply and demand for foreign currency.
Bank of Thailand to make a decision on October 28
The Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Thailand is set to meet on Wednesday, October 28. The outcome is being closely watched, as interest rate expectations can directly influence the attractiveness of the baht to international investors.

In addition, Thailand’s export figures for September, along with new economic data, are due to be released. Strong export figures could provide sustained support for the baht, while disappointing numbers could exert further pressure. Meanwhile, foreign capital flows remain a key factor; between October 19 and October 22, foreign investors were net buyers of Thai stocks and bonds, which provided some support to the financial markets.

Fed and ECB could also influence the euro-baht exchange rate
The US Federal Reserve is set to meet on October 27 and 28. Financial markets are primarily looking for clarity regarding future interest rate policy. Any shift in expectations concerning US interest rates could trigger a rapid response from the dollar, which would almost immediately affect the dollar-baht exchange rate.
A day later, on October 29, the European Central Bank (ECB) will announce its own interest rate decision. For Dutch and Belgian nationals in Thailand, this particular decision is of special interest. The number of baht one receives for a euro is not determined solely by the Thai currency; the euro’s exchange rate against the US dollar also plays a significant role.

Consider waiting a few days before making a large transfer
Those planning to transfer a substantial sum to Thailand soon will face a week filled with events likely to impact exchange rates. Decisions from the Fed, the Bank of Thailand, and the ECB are all scheduled within a few days of one another. Consequently, the euro-baht exchange rate may experience greater volatility than it would during a typical, quieter week of trading.
You might choose to wait for these decisions to be announced before executing a large transfer. While this offers no guarantee of a more favorable rate—as currency fluctuations are notoriously difficult to predict—you will at least have more information regarding the interest rate policies in Thailand, the United States, and the eurozone by the end of Thursday.

The coming week will be decisive for the baht
The baht begins the new week at its weakest level in approximately three months. The Kasikorn Research Center anticipates an exchange rate in the range of 33.30 to 33.80 baht per US dollar. With three major central bank meetings and new Thai export figures on the horizon, this range could soon be put to the test. For those transferring euros to Thailand, this will therefore be a week to keep an especially close eye on the exchange rate.

Sources:

Pattaya Mail

Federal Reserve

European Central Bank

Thailand Blog 

After a while I go re-active my several Blogs & Sites

https://asiabesthotels.wordpress.com/

https://bangkokbesthotels.wordpress.com/

https://cambodianbesthotels.wordpress.com/

https://pattayabesthotels.wordpress.com

/https://thailandbestehotels.wordpress.com/

ALL BLOGS ARE OUTDATED, BUT GET UPDATED AGAIN VERY SOON

Some Sites are now deleted with to low Rates. 

 

 Not ask me why Phuket not on this list, this about I hate Phuket, with too much corruption.
Even the police not help you properly !

 

Visa Agencies in Thailand: Balancing Immigration Assistance with Challenges

Visa agencies throughout Southeast Asia, including Thailand, have long played a crucial role in easing the complex immigration processes for foreigners. However, changing regulations and technology are presenting new challenges to their operations.

Historically, visa agencies have been pivotal for expatriates in Thailand since the 1980s, often doubling as travel and financial service providers. Over the decades, the landscape of visa options expanded significantly, leading to a surge in demand for agency services to navigate the increasingly complex immigration regulations.

During the 1990s, the introduction of retirement visas and non-immigrant visas for specialized groups bolstered the necessity of visa agencies. They offered relief from lengthy queues and cumbersome paperwork through services such as address verification's and residency certificates.

The early 2000s saw a flurry of new visa categories, including the Thai Elite Visa and the Long Term Residence Visa, further heightening the demand for agency expertise. Yet, this growth has not been without its problems.

Recent visa types, like the Destination Thailand Visa, have added layers of complexity due to varied embassy rules and discretionary extensions, prompting discussions on the efficacy of using agents.

Today, the golden era for Thai visa agencies appears to be waning. The ease of obtaining 60-day tourist visas on arrival reduces the necessity for border runs, traditionally facilitated by these agencies.

Additionally, increased scrutiny and advanced technology have tightened immigration checks, curtailing opportunities for exploiting volunteer or education visas, which were once lucrative pathways. Consequently, smaller agencies are closing down as their services become less essential.

Looking ahead, visa agencies may need to specialize further and offer more than just visa advice. With Thailand's shift towards an online visa system, successful agencies may diversify into offering complementary services like travel insurance and transportation.

Essentially, these agencies must adapt to provide a premium, convenient service if they wish to remain relevant.

Moreover, ongoing regulatory changes present additional obstacles. In February 2025, a ban on agencies opening or managing bank accounts hampered operations due to unrelated scams.

Future hurdles could include the rise of electronic travel gates and the potential phase-out of traditional passports in favor of digital identification.

To survive long-term, Thai visa agencies must evolve alongside technological and regulatory trends, aligning their offerings with the demands of a digital, rapidly shifting landscape, reported Pattaya Mail.

Source: ASIAN NOW

FACEBOOK SCAM / FRAUD

 

I became a Facebook Message from a empty account with a message of a ex-sister in law from the Netherlands
But this was not the real account from my-ex-sister in law.
I think her account is be hacked, with her profile picture
A day later I became a message from Elizabeth Morgan
Picture see here under

And the scam started
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089267148181

Good morning from Bangkok I had an message from a ex-sister in law from the Netherlands, that I stand on a list of IDA winners and she gave me a link from your profile. Can you tell me what this is all about Greetings Gerrit Tienkamp

Fri 00:00

Elizao

Elizabeth Morgan

(Authorized Grant Agent)

ra

Please, hold let me check our Database if you are Eligible to get the Grant Money Okay?

Congratulation!!!This is to let you know that you are Eligible and also among the randomly picked and selected Names let us know if you are ready to claim your cash now?

Claim Requirements: You have to be Honest and open Minded with us here because you will Fill a form , so we can have your details programmed and locate your destination when bringing the Money to you.

And We need you to be active here and quick response as we proceed because you are not the only one making the claim. Are you ready to fill out the information to get your process started now?

Full name………….

Full Home Address..........

Text phone...

Occupation...........

Date of birth......

Monthly income...

Email Address..

Do you want cash or check? And take a picture of your identity send it here

 

Thanks for being as detailed as possible with us. Wait a while to program your information into our Database. It will take up to 10-30 minutes to program your information on our database system and approve your winnings.

: We are keeping all the information we get from you confidential. No reason will it be disclose to anyone is not part of the Awareness team, we are honest and we hope you are honest with us too.

 

What area of assistance and funding are you looking for? <Real Estate <Business <Medical Assistance <1st-time Homebuyer <Rent Assistance <Inventions <Home Improvement <Education / Tuition <Personal Assitance

 

Congratulation once again this is to let you know that your full name is eligible to claim a sum of 250,000 from the IDA Offered for some randomly selected people, CONGRATULATION on your winnings as our verification team alerts that your database verification process was successfully your cash is 250,000 and we are going to forward all your information to the Board of Authority for delivery

Your application has been processed and forwarded to our Administrative department.

 

Your application has been processed and forwarded to our Administrative department. After the details are processed, we'll release your Application Codes. Please stay in touch!!

 

Elizabeth Morgan

Here are your application Codes: Serial Number-(5378/04) Lucky Code-(FG/3572061746) Ticket Number-(77891210/N) Batch Number-(0453) keep the details save and secured to yourself alone. it has a lot to do with your winning money. Let me know when you have it written down or saved on your browsing device.

This is to inform you that your 250,000 winning is on processing for delivery and you’re required to pay for clearance and documentation and note that your delivery is free

WARNING!! for security reason, you're advised to keep the news of your fund confidential and do not share the info with anybody or a group of people to avoid double claiming

ME; It all goes smell on a Nigerian or Ghanaian Scam Why I must pay for a winning ?

Note that this is real and its never a scam you're only required to pay for 2500 to get 250,000 its for documentation and clearance fee and the delivery free

If you don't have it all to pay now you can complete your payment when you're payment delivered

We would like you to be honest with us so that your winnings can easily be delivered to you

Like i told you that we would like you to make a payment of 2500 for the documentation and the clearance fee

Are you ready to make the payment so that we can continue with your delivery

Hello sir I'm still waiting to hear from you

We need a tracking number to deliver your winning that's why you're asked to make the payment

The cashiers are working right now preparing for the next delivery

 

 

You can see your name on the last picture document let us know when you will like to get your winning because i already applied and it as been sign by the administrative department

Hello sir we haven't heard from you today i hope all is well

 

ME; Please stop this Scam, I not pay, and not has the money for delivery cost / Bye

But this is not a scam i hope you should have got your winnings delivered to you