Category: Thailand

Politics

Lawrence Wong Heads to Bangkok as Singapore, Thailand Revive Leaders’ Retreat After 11 Years — But the Bigger Test Comes Next

SINGAPORE/BANGKOK — Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will travel to Bangkok on Wednesday, September 2, for a meeting that looks like a routine bilateral summit on paper but could have wider consequences for Southeast Asia’s economic and strategic direction. Wong will meet Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for the fifth Singapore-Thailand Leaders’ Retreat—the first such gathering between the two countries in 11 years and the first between the two current leaders. The last

September 1, 2026

Thailand

Thailand Just Cut Visa-Free Stays in Half — And Singapore Tourists Are Among Those Affected

Thailand has tightened its visa-exemption rules, cutting the maximum visa-free stay for tourists from 60 days to 30 days for citizens of 60 countries and territories, including Singapore, the United States, India, the United Kingdom, Australia and much of the European Union. The change marks a significant rollback of Thailand’s expanded 60-day visa-exemption policy, which was introduced in 2024 as part of efforts to encourage international tourism. The latest rules were published by Thailand’s

September 1, 2026

Thailand

MANY DATA CENTRES IN BANGKOK BUILT WITHOUT PERMISSION. SAYS DIGITAL MINISTER

Bangkok’s Data-Centre Boom Faces a New Test as Officials Flag Unpermitted Facilities Thailand’s race to become Southeast Asia’s digital and AI hub is colliding with a growing regulatory problem: authorities say some data centres in Bangkok have been operating or developing without the required permissions. Bangkok’s booming data-centre industry is facing tougher scrutiny as Thailand tries to balance billions of dollars in digital investment with electricity security, environmental concerns and

September 1, 2026