High tides again, and a protest closes roads by Government House

High tides on the Chao Phraya again November 9–17; riverside areas at risk of overflow

What happened

Bangkok · Nov 8 · The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has warned Bangkok and six nearby provinces of high tides on the Chao Phraya from November 9 to 17, based on a Royal Thai Navy Hydrographic Department notice issued November 5. Near the Navy headquarters in Bangkok, water is expected to reach 1.70–2.00 meters above mean sea level between about 7:30am and 1:30pm on November 9–16, close to the 2-meter level flood barriers are built for. At Phra Chulachomklao Fort near the river mouth, levels of 1.80–1.90 meters are expected between about 6am and noon on November 9–17, above the 1.70-meter critical level. Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram and Nakhon Pathom are also on alert.

Why it matters

This is a tide warning, not a citywide flood warning. The risk is to riverside and canal-side areas, especially low-lying spots outside the flood walls, where water can come up through piers, gaps in barriers and drains during the morning high tide. Heavy rain at the same time would make drainage slower.

Who it affects

People who live or work along the Chao Phraya or its canals, especially outside the flood walls; anyone using river piers, ferries or riverside restaurants in the mornings of November 9–17; residents of Nonthaburi, Pak Kret and Phra Pradaeng.

What you should do

If you're by the river, move valuables and electrical items off the ground floor and expect wet piers and short closures around the morning high tide. Check river water levels on the Navy Hydrographic Department site (hydro.navy.mi.th). For flood help, call the DDPM hotline 1784 (24 hours) or LINE @1784DDPM.

Source: The Nation (DDPM alert) · Verified Nov 8, 2026

Bangkok's 45-baht train fare cap starts January 1, but only for Thai citizens

What happened

Bangkok · Nov 8 · The Cabinet on November 3 approved a one-year scheme that caps fares on Bangkok's urban rail lines at 17 baht to enter and 45 baht per trip, with no extra charge for changing lines, from January 1 to December 31, 2027. It covers lines including the BTS Green and Gold lines, MRT Blue, Purple, Yellow and Pink, the Airport Rail Link and the SRT Red Line, and is budgeted at about 5.8 billion baht. Riders pay the normal fare and get the difference refunded to the government's Paotang app. Only Thai nationals who register in Paotang and pay by tapping a Visa or Mastercard can claim refunds.

Why it matters

Foreigners, including residents on long-term visas, will keep paying the normal fare on each line, so a trip that crosses lines can still cost well over 45 baht. Rabbit cards won't work with the scheme at launch.

Who it affects

Foreign residents and visitors who commute by BTS, MRT or the Airport Rail Link; Thai partners and family members, who can sign up.

What you should do

Don't expect cheaper fares on January 1 unless you hold Thai citizenship. If you have Thai family members who ride the trains, they can register a contactless bank card in Paotang. The current 40-baht day cap on the Purple and Red lines ends November 30 unless it's extended.

Source: Thaiger · Also: The Nation, Khaosod English · Verified Nov 8, 2026

Fuel-price protest at Government House; Phitsanulok Road partly closed from November 8

What happened

Bangkok · Nov 8 · A convoy led by a Krabi subdistrict headman, calling itself the People's Revolution Alliance to Protect the Land, is driving from the South to Government House to demand a 10-baht-a-liter cut in diesel prices and action on drugs. It was due to arrive Sunday, November 8, and says it will stay until its demand is met. Police said they would close part of Phitsanulok Road next to Government House, between the Phanitchayakan and Suan Misakawan intersections, from 12:01am on November 8, with no reopening time given. A separate police order bans gatherings within 50 meters of the Government House compound until midnight on November 20. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the group can stay overnight as long as it doesn't cause trouble for others.

Why it matters

This is a protest about fuel prices, not a sign of unrest. Expect slower traffic and closed lanes in the Dusit government area for as long as the rally lasts. Taking part in Thai protests can put foreigners' visas at risk.

Who it affects

Anyone driving or taking taxis around Dusit, Government House, Phitsanulok and Ratchadamnoen Nok roads this week.

What you should do

Avoid the Phitsanulok Road stretch by Government House and allow extra time near Dusit. Watch, don't join: stay away from the rally itself. The Metropolitan Police Bureau posts traffic updates on its Facebook page; the traffic police hotline is 1197.

Source: The Nation · Also: Thaiger · Verified Nov 8, 2026

Airport e-gates now open to UK, French, Canadian and 30 other passports; Americans not included

What happened

Bangkok · Nov 8 · The Immigration Bureau said on November 4 that its automated passport gates now serve passport holders from 33 countries and territories, after an expansion that started September 18. Suvarnabhumi has 39 arrival and 67 departure gates, and the service is being extended to Don Mueang and Phuket. Eligible countries include the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, the Netherlands and most of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UAE, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. The United States isn't on the list. About 94,760 foreign travelers used the gates between September 18 and October 31.

Why it matters

Using an e-gate can cut out the immigration queue, but only if you're entering visa-free on an eligible passport and have entered Thailand before on that same passport, since the gates use biometric data already on file. If you hold any Thai visa, including a DTV or a work, education or retirement visa, go to a staffed counter. First-time visitors and US passport holders also use the counters.

Who it affects

Travelers with British, Canadian, French and other eligible passports flying into Bangkok; dual nationals choosing which passport to use.

What you should do

When you fill in your Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), check the confirmation email: it says whether you can use the gates. If you hold two passports, use the same one at check-in, the TDAC and immigration. If the gate rejects you, go to a staffed counter.

Source: Thaiger (Immigration Bureau) · Also: Time Out Bangkok · Verified Nov 8, 2026

Police raid Bangkok shop selling unlabeled cannabis gummies after a family was hospitalized

What happened

Bangkok · Nov 8 · On November 1, the Central Investigation Bureau, the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine searched a cannabis shop in Wang Mai, Pathum Wan district, near Banthat Thong Road, and seized 90 packs of cannabis gummies worth about 50,000 baht. The raid followed reports that a couple and their 2-year-old son in Chanthaburi were hospitalized after eating cannabis sweets; police said they traced the gummies to this shop. The gummies had no Thai label or FDA number and looked like ordinary children's candy. A shop employee told officers they sold for 80 baht each to Thais and foreign tourists. Lab tests on THC levels are pending, and police are looking for the owner.

Why it matters

Cannabis edibles are not legal to sell in Thailand without FDA approval, even in licensed shops, and many sold to tourists are unlabeled with unknown strength. The adults in this case needed ventilators. Selling controlled herbs without a license can bring up to a year in prison, and mislabeled food a fine of up to 30,000 baht. Police and the FDA are raiding shops that sell them.

Who it affects

Anyone who buys from cannabis shops, especially edibles; parents with young children.

What you should do

Don't buy cannabis gummies, cookies or chocolates without a Thai label and FDA number, and keep any you have away from children. If someone gets sick after eating one, call 1669 for an ambulance. Since June 2025, buying cannabis flower legally also needs a prescription; see our background dossier.

Background: Cannabis in Thailand: what's legal now

Source: Khaosod English · Also: Thaiger, PPTV · Verified Nov 8, 2026

Officials now advise a 72-hour emergency bag: it's disaster preparation, not a war warning

What happened

Bangkok · Nov 8 · The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) is urging every household to keep a 'survival bag' (กระเป๋าต้องรอด) with enough supplies for the first 72 hours of a disaster. On November 4, DDPM Director-General Nirat Pongsitthaworn said this is an international preparedness standard for events like floods, earthquakes and building collapses, and 'not a sign of war'. Some shoppers began stocking up afterward, and the Department of Internal Trade told supermarkets to hold extra stock of rice, canned food, milk and water. It says supplies are normal and there's no need to stockpile. Sales of some goods rose about 5–20%, according to Thai media.

Why it matters

In late October a viral message claimed the National Security Council had told people to stock up for 72 hours because of the Middle East conflict, and the council said it was fake. This new advice is real, but it's general disaster preparation, not a warning that something is about to happen. You don't need to bulk-buy.

Who it affects

All Bangkok residents, especially people living alone or in high-rise condos, and anyone who lived through the September floods.

What you should do

Use a bag you already own. The DDPM checklist covers six groups: medicine, food, drinking water (about 3 liters per person per day), a phone, power bank and flashlight, copies of your passport and visa with some cash, and hygiene items and clothes. Keep it waterproof and easy to grab. The DDPM disaster hotline is 1784.

Source: PPTV (DDPM statement) · Also: Thaiger, Naew Na · Verified Nov 8, 2026