Thailand's tourism industry anticipated a revival following the end of China's zero-COVID policy, with over 517,000 Chinese tourists visiting in the first quarter of 2023. Despite initial lower-than-expected numbers, tourism is projected to boost sectors like restaurants and services. Analysts have mixed views on the economic benefits, with concerns about zero-dollar tourism and potential money laundering. Law enforcement has noted an increase in crimes by Chinese nationals, prompting a crackdown on illegal businesses. The return of Chinese tourists presents both opportunities and challenges for Thailand's economy and security.

The revival of Thailand's tourist industry with the return of Chinese travelers post-zero-COVID policy has brought mixed reactions. Over 517,000 Chinese tourists visited Thailand in early 2023, a significant increase from the previous year. While tourism is expected to boost Thailand's GDP and benefit sectors like hospitality and medical tourism, concerns have been raised about the sustainability and impact of this growth. Issues such as zero-dollar tourism, potential money laundering, and an increase in crimes related to Chinese tourists have been highlighted. Authorities are cracking down on illegal businesses operated by Chinese nationals. Experts from various organizations provided insights into the current situation and future expectations.

Sunisa Lee’s Olympic gold in gymnastics has brought significant attention to the Hmong community in the U.S., a refugee group from Southeast Asia. Lee's homecoming parade in St. Paul, Minnesota, was a proud moment for the Hmong community, showcasing their cultural pride and unity.

Southeast Asia is facing a severe outbreak of dengue fever, exacerbated by an early rainy season and higher-than-average temperatures, which are believed to be influenced by global warming. These conditions have led to increased mosquito breeding earlier in the year. Health experts are also concerned about the mutation of the dengue virus due to existing immunity in the population. The spread of the virus by travelers is causing worries that the outbreak may extend to more countries. Efforts are underway to control the mosquito population and address the health crisis.

A new disease has significantly impacted shrimp production in Thailand, leading to a substantial decrease in the country's shrimp exports to the United States. The disease, which previously affected shrimp stocks in China in 2009 and Vietnam, emerged in Thailand late last year. As a result, U.S. shrimp imports from Thailand have seen a sharp decline, with a 27% drop last year and a further 23% decrease from January through April. This has caused shrimp prices in the U.S. to rise by 20% recently, as reported by Thailand's leading shrimp exporter. The situation is also affecting Western restaurants and retailers, which are facing higher prices for shrimp.

Thailand faced a series of cyberattacks in response to the ruling junta's increased internet censorship. Government websites, including those of the Defense Ministry and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, were blocked. Authorities acknowledged warnings of planned cyberattacks aimed at overwhelming websites with traffic, and at least one group on social media vowed to continue the attacks.

Thailand’s former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra criticized the current military government’s $1 billion-plus rice price support plan, comparing it to her own failed subsidy program for which she is on trial. She argued that the principles of both programs are similar, while denying any wrongdoing in her handling of the previous scheme.

Coordinated bomb-and-gun attacks in Thailand's southern region resulted in at least three deaths, occurring during a period of national mourning for King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The attacks, believed to be retaliation for increased security measures against insurgents, are part of a long-standing insurgency by Muslim separatists that has claimed around 7,000 lives since 2004.