Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul has signed an order establishing a task force to advance government tourism policy and accelerate economic and tourism stimulus measures for the second half of 2025. The task force will coordinate with the Public-Private Joint Committee for Economic Solutions, chaired by the Prime Minister, and welcomes active private sector participation in developing guidelines and measures.

The task force will gather data and proposals from businesses to present to the Tourism and SME Sub-Committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Suthammaphand. Representatives from major tourism industry associations—including the Domestic Tourism Business Association, Thai Tour Operator Association, Thai Tourism Business Association (ATTA), Thai Tourism Industry Association, Thai Tour Guide Association, Hotel Association, and Transportation Operator Association—will be invited to provide input ensuring measures address all stakeholders.

Minister Surasak emphasized that stimulus measures will not be limited to meal and accommodation support alone. They will also cover transportation costs, such as assistance for bus operators and tour coaches, to distribute revenue more widely across the tourism supply chain. The approach will consider the number of benefits, benefit value proportions, promotion of both major and secondary cities, and appropriate incentives for both weekdays and weekends to maximize public accessibility.

The task force will meet with relevant agencies and the private sector within the coming week to finalize all measure details before submitting to the government's Tourism Sub-Committee for consideration. The ministry will prioritize input from all business sectors.

Regarding implementation, the Tourism Ministry has decided not to develop a new application for registration and benefits. Instead, it will use existing platforms that the public already knows, reducing confusion and improving accessibility. The "Pao Tang" mobile application system may be adapted for benefit distribution.

On the same day, Minister Surasak announced enforcement measures to strengthen tourism confidence and law enforcement. The ministry is preparing to establish a task force to combat illegal businesses and nominalism in tourism through tourism police and related agencies. "Rapid-response teams" will conduct ongoing operations at major tourist destinations nationwide to eliminate nominal businesses, influential figures, and illegal activities damaging Thailand's tourism image.

The ministry has directed tourism police to intensify scrutiny of foreign tourists committing offenses, overstaying visas, or using Thailand as a base for illegal activities. Airport security and passenger screening remain under the jurisdiction of relevant agencies, with the government directing enhanced coordination.

BANGKOK — 1 July 2026, Thailand has been ranked the best country in Asia and ninth globally as a retirement destination in the Global Retirement Index 2026, according to the government, which said it will continue promoting the country as a leading destination for retirees from around the world.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Perisvivatana said on Wednesday that Thailand was ranked ninth worldwide and first in Asia by International Living, a leading US media outlet specializing in overseas living and retirement, receiving an overall score of 80.0 points.

The ranking evaluates seven key factors: housing, visas and retirement benefits, cost of living, development and governance, climate, healthcare, and overall lifestyle suitability. The assessment is based on input from experts, correspondents and expatriates living in each country.

The results reflect Thailand's potential as a global retirement destination, citing its quality of life, healthcare system and welcoming living environment.

Lalida said Thailand received its highest score in the cost-of-living category, earning 96 points, reflecting the value it offers relative to the quality of life provided. It was followed by 84 points for development and governance, demonstrating the country's readiness in infrastructure and public administration. Thailand also scored 79 points each for healthcare and retirement visas and benefits, highlighting its internationally recognized medical standards and policies that make the country an attractive destination for retirees from around the world.

The ranking aligns with the government's policy of elevating Thailand into a global Medical and Wellness Hub. The administration is moving forward with developing the medical and wellness industry while promoting wellness tourism, elderly care and high-value medical services.

It also pledged to improve healthcare services, strengthen infrastructure and create a supportive living environment for both Thai citizens and foreigners, while promoting the country as a regional centre for the health economy.

The government said it would continue efforts to position Thailand as a global retirement destination, with the aim of generating tourism and healthcare revenue, attracting investment and sustainably distributing economic opportunities to the public.

BANGKOK — Thailand's Department of Mineral Resources has warned of possible landslides and flash floods in 13 provinces over the next two to three days due to persistent heavy rain.

The Department's Geohazard Operations Center issued the alert, urging its volunteer monitoring network and residents in at-risk areas to remain vigilant between 1–3 July 2026.

The provinces under the warning are Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Tak, Nan, Phitsanulok, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi and Trang.

The department said a monsoon trough stretching across northern Thailand and the upper Northeast, combined with a strengthening southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand, is expected to bring continued heavy rainfall.

Rainfall has already exceeded 100 millimetres in some areas over the past 24 hours, with flash floods beginning in several locations, increasing the risk of landslides.

Authorities have instructed geohazard monitoring volunteers to closely monitor rainfall, remain on alert, warn local communities of any landslide or flash flood threats, notify relevant agencies and follow established emergency response plans.

"Wave" Wirephol Wichumma, Thailand's national weightlifting team athlete, received the royal award from General Surayut Chulanont, Chairman of the Privy Council and representative of His Majesty the King, recognized as the outstanding amateur male athlete for National Sports Day 2025. His Majesty graciously appointed General Surayut Chulanont to receive the Tourism and Sports Minister and ten distinguished national athletes at Chitralada Palace's Dusit Hall to present royal trophies as inspiration and blessing for Thai sports.

Thailand's Sports Authority held the national outstanding athletes awards ceremony on February 9, 2025, at the Huamark Indoor Stadium to honor athletes and sports personnel with exceptional performance over the past year. Wirephol received the outstanding amateur male athlete award. Other recipients included: outstanding amateur female athlete Chudatip Kanthathong (Takraw), outstanding youth amateur male Suriyan Bunsorn (Athletics), outstanding youth amateur female Anymphat Phichit Preechasak (Badminton), outstanding professional male Muhammad Usmanmusa (Futsal), outstanding professional female Athaya Thitikhul (Golf), outstanding professional Muay Thai male Tosaporn Sripromma "Khun Suk Noi Grapao Ling Kee" (Muay Thai), outstanding professional Muay Thai female Arisara Nunniad "Mongkut Phet" (Muay Thai), outstanding male disabled athlete Phongsagorn Payoa (Wheelchair Racing), and outstanding female disabled athlete Saisunee Chana (Wheelchair Fandab).

Government advisor Wan Muhammad Nor Matha announced that the full peace committee will convene in Malaysia in September to discuss southern border stability. The Prime Minister's July 9-10 visit to Malaysia, while primarily focused on ASEAN matters, may include discussions about the southern situation and requests for Malaysia to accelerate sustainable peace efforts. Preliminary sub-committee meetings will continue before the main committee gathering. Officials expect meaningful progress in September's talks, though they note that ongoing violence in the south continues to occur with considerable frequency, though fatalities remain relatively limited.

Orlando Valkyriesof Major League Volleyball (MLV) have officially announced the departure of Phornprawin Gaetprachaya, captain and setter for the Thai national women's volleyball team, concluding her two-season stint in the US league.

Phornprawin, nicknamed "Chompoo," joined Valkyriesin 2024 and became instrumental in leading the Florida-based team to capture the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) championship in the 2025 season by defeating Indy Ignite 3-1 in the finals. She delivered exceptional performances with 37 assists and 12 digs, earning the prestigious MVP (Most Valuable Player) award.

The club recently announced on Facebook the parting ways with Phornprawin and over 10 other players following their two years at Adelphia Financial Arena, offering her well-wishes for future success. The statement read: "Thank you for your dedication, commitment, and the positive contributions you have made to this organization. We wish you success on your new path ahead," the Valkyriesposted.