Don't Make Weekend Plans Without Checking This.

🌡️ Weather: 26-30°C (79-86°F). Heavy to very heavy rain. Bangkok at 70% thunderstorm coverage today and tomorrow. Flash flood warnings active. A low-pressure system in the South China Sea is expected to intensify into a tropical storm during September 11-13. Plan accordingly.

🌫️ Air Quality: 60-70 (Good to Moderate). Recent rain has cleared much of the pollution in recent days. Morning is still the cleaner window.

BANGKOK FACES 70% STORM COVERAGE THIS WEEKEND. YOUR OUTDOOR PLANS MAY NEED A BACKUP.

The Thai Meteorological Department is forecasting thunderstorms across 70% of Bangkok and surrounding provinces on Saturday and Sunday, with isolated heavy to very heavy rain. Flash flood warnings remain active across the Central region, the East and the upper South. The monsoon trough has shifted southward into the Central region and Bangkok, bringing the heaviest rain directly over the capital. Communities near foothills, waterways and low-lying areas are at the highest risk. The TMD is advising residents to avoid routes that repeatedly flood and plan daily activities carefully.

The bigger concern is what is forming offshore. A low-pressure system over the central South China Sea is expected to intensify into a tropical storm between September 11 and 13, with the storm forecast to approach northern Vietnam around September 14-15. Thailand is not directly in its path, but the system is strengthening the southwest monsoon that drives Bangkok's rainfall. That means the rain could stay heavy through mid-September. For anyone with weekend plans, the practical advice is simple: assume rain, carry an umbrella, avoid low-lying roads during downpours, and have an indoor backup. The rain is not going anywhere for the next few days.

Bottom line: 70% coverage. Heavy to very heavy rain. A tropical storm forming offshore. If you're planning outdoor activities, markets, rooftop dinners or day trips, build some flexibility into the schedule. The rain will decide.

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Thailand announced a three-tier EV tax structure designed to reward companies that manufacture electric vehicles domestically, use locally made components and export right-hand-drive vehicles. The policy shift comes as Chinese EV brands continue gaining market share in Thailand while many vehicles are still assembled in China. The original EV incentive program included import duty reductions and buyer subsidies to attract manufacturing investment. The problem was that it also helped attract sales of imported vehicles.

The new system is designed to close that gap. EVs built in Thailand using locally sourced parts will receive the lowest tax burden, while EVs assembled abroad and sold in Thailand will face higher rates. EVs exported from Thai factories in right-hand-drive configurations will receive additional incentives. Thailand already has a deep automotive supply chain built over decades of Japanese investment, with Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi and Isuzu manufacturing here. The question now is whether Chinese brands like BYD, MG and Great Wall Motor will make the same move. Thailand wants to be an EV manufacturing hub, not simply a showroom.

Bottom line: Build here, pay less. Ship here, pay more. Thailand is pushing Chinese EV makers toward local factories and local jobs. The message is simple: if you want the tax advantage, build in Thailand.

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Police found over ฿100 million in cash and gold inside the arrested monk's quarters. He was only accused of stealing ฿92 million. The search of Luang Pho Atichot's quarters at Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya turned up more money than the embezzlement charges alleged. Investigators believe additional funds may have been diverted through other channels. The investigation is widening to include additional bank accounts, assets and individuals connected to the case. The former abbot, who disrobed before being taken for questioning, and his 47-year-old associate Punyawee remain in custody.

Bangkok police arrested a man caught on CCTV breaking into a private property to abuse valuable koi fish. The suspect was identified through security footage showing him entering the property at night and interfering with the fish in an ornamental pond. When officers tracked him down, they discovered he had previously served jail time for a similar animal abuse incident. Strange headline, but the repeat-offender detail makes this more than just a bizarre story.

Thailand's National Disaster Warning Centre accidentally broadcast the wrong emergency message to the entire country during its routine weekly test. The test normally sends an M99 signal that plays the Thai national anthem once through warning towers and satellite-linked EVAC receivers every Wednesday at 8AM. Instead, the wrong signal was sent on September 9. The centre apologized, but the incident raised an obvious question: what happens if the system sends the wrong message during a real emergency?

Thailand is targeting 33 million foreign visitors in 2026. New airline routes and year-end festivals are supporting a forecast of 32.6 to 32.7 million arrivals. The target would bring tourism close to pre-pandemic levels and make 2026 one of Thailand's strongest tourism years.

🍰 SPOT OF THE DAY

THE LITTLE PRINCE CAFE (SUAN PHLU)

The Little Prince Cafe sits on Suan Phlu Road in Sathorn and is built entirely around the world of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's beloved novella. Everything from the wall art to the latte designs to the star-shaped cookies follows the story of the Little Prince, his rose and the planets he visits. The cafe is part of the Lenvol Bangkok concept, and the attention to detail is enough to keep fans of the book staring at the walls before they even look at the menu. Signature drinks include the Creme Brulee Latte, Strawberry Rose Latte and Prince Latte Art.

The 4.9-star rating across 2,025 Google reviews at ฿200-400 is an impressive score at serious volume. "Amazing vibe, very beautiful cafe, tasty desserts and delicious coffee," one reviewer wrote. Another called it "a hidden gem in the area" and said Little Prince fans would love it. A third praised the "lovely vibe, excellent service" and chocolate mousse. The cafe opens early and stays open until 1:30AM, making it an easy rainy-day escape when you want somewhere comfortable to wait for the sky to clear.

→ See their menu and find them here ←

Insider tip: The Star Cookies and Creme Brulee Latte are the pairing. Reserve via WhatsApp. The themed latte art is the photo everyone takes. Go in the afternoon for the calmest atmosphere.

📍 180 Thanon Suan Phlu, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120
📞 089 897 7065
🕐 Open daily, closes 1:30AM
⭐ 4.9 stars (2,025 Google reviews) | ฿200-400
🌐 lenvolbkk.com/the-little-prince-cafe

Always check opening times before heading out.

📅 WHAT'S ON

THIS WEEKEND

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER & BEYOND

See you tomorrow morning.

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