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The World Bank has urged Thailand to “play a new game”, breaking free from the middle-income trap to unlock new growth engines.

Thailand must ‘dare to play a new game’ if it wants to escape the middle-income trap and achieve high-income status by 2037, noted the global lender, calling for bold structural reforms, smarter investment in human capital, and a new economic model centred on innovation and competitiveness.

Speaking at the ‘Thailand Economic Outlook 2026’ seminar, Melinda Good, division director for Thailand and Myanmar at the World Bank, said the nation’s traditional growth engines, once hailed for transforming Thailand from a low-income agrarian economy into an upper-middle-income nation within a generation, have stalled for more than a decade.

‘What got Thailand here will not get it there,’ Ms Good said.

‘The growth model that once delivered success is no longer sufficient in a world driven by digital transformation, innovation, and fast-changing global dynamics.’

She said Thailand’s economy has struggled to sustain strong growth in recent years, with GDP expanding by only around 2% in 2025, well below the 5% annual rate needed to achieve high-income status by 2037.

Despite these challenges, the World Bank still believes Thailand has significant potential to regain momentum.

Ms Good urged the country to capitalise on its existing strengths including a strategic location in Southeast Asia, robust digital infrastructure, and a strong global reputation for quality products, channelling these advantages into five key future industries: digital services, advanced and green manufacturing, agribusiness (‘Kitchen of the World’), sustainable and wellness tourism and the creative economy.

To unlock these growth engines, she said Thailand must focus on three versions of competitiveness: green, digital and services.

Ms Good said Thailand’s structural transformation has been frozen for more than a decade, with the share of agricultural employment remaining high and the economy yet to transition meaningfully towards high-value manufacturing or technology-driven farming.

‘Investment in flood management, water management and sustainable agriculture is just as crucial,’ she said. ‘For instance, Thailand’s green water management initiatives in the Eastern Economic Corridor will yield long-term benefits for both sustainability and investment.’

Ms Good said Thailand’s investment in research and development (R and D) and education for future-ready skills remains far below that of economies that have successfully escaped the middle-income trap, such as South Korea, or rapidly advancing peers like Vietnam.

‘Thailand already has many tools in place – from widespread mobile broadband and PromptPay to the Thai ID system and growing foreign direct investment in data centres,’ she said. ‘However, while Thais are highly connected digitally, only about 5% possess intermediate-level digital skills.’

Thailand’s digital startups could attract as much as US$1.8 billion in venture capital annually. To seize this opportunity, the country must urgently invest in digital skill upgrades, said Ms Good.

She also emphasised the need to open up and enhance competitiveness in the services sector by removing regulatory bottlenecks, improving infrastructure and pursuing trade agreements with deeper commitments to services.

‘Thailand’s service sector remains more closed than many of its regional peers, even though it’s among the fastest-growing sectors globally,’ said Ms Good.

‘Liberalising this sector would attract more foreign investment and empower Thai entrepreneurs to compete in digital innovation.’

Thailand has strong advantages in health and wellness tourism, while ‘green services’ offer further potential to drive sustainable growth, she said.

‘Thailand must turn global megatrends into opportunities, especially by going green, going digital, becoming the ‘Kitchen of the World’, leading in digital services and building high-value service sectors,’ said Ms Good.

In October 2026, Thailand is scheduled to host the IMF-World Bank Group annual meetings for the first time since 1991, where global investors and large corporations will gather to discuss precisely these challenges and opportunities, she said.

The Finance Ministry is preparing to review tax deductions and exemptions as part of efforts to address concerns over public debt raised by credit rating agencies.

According to Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, the ministry is scheduled to review the medium-term fiscal framework (MTFF), which serves as the government’s fiscal discipline guideline, in November.

Several issues are under consideration, including adjusting the criteria for various tax deductions (which do not require amendments to the Revenue Code), reviewing previously granted tax exemptions, and promoting the use of digital systems for tax filing.

‘Although we have not yet made digital filing mandatory, I believe transitioning to a digital system – while allowing exceptions for those with limited access – will significantly expand our tax base and demonstrate the government’s fiscal discipline,’ Mr Ekniti said on Thursday.

He said current deductions are too scattered and lack a clear framework. The ministry must set an annual ceiling for total deductions to define a clear maximum limit, he said.

The review is expected to be completed by November, and a study team is already working on it, said Mr Ekniti.

Improving tax deductions and abolishing certain tax exemptions would increase government revenue by a considerable extent, he said.

Regarding proposed revisions to tax deductions, Mr Ekniti said he was interested in the Stock Exchange of Thailand’s proposal for an Individual Saving Account system.

Under this approach, individuals are allowed to choose their own investments within a specified limit – whether in stocks, bonds or other instruments. This creates a personal investment framework, eliminating the need to constantly launch new products such as long-term equity funds (LTFs), retirement mutual funds or ESG funds, which often overlap.

He said all these could be combined into a single system, giving people greater flexibility and choice: some may prefer to invest in government bonds, others seeking higher risk can choose equities, while others may invest abroad.

Investors would have greater freedom to select products suiting their preferences and risk appetite.

‘In the past, when the LTF scheme was introduced, everyone rushed to buy units just for tax benefits, but later many of those funds suffered losses. If people are allowed to choose where to invest independently, it would better match their interests and risk preferences,’ said Mr Ekniti.

These reforms are part of the MTFF revisions scheduled for November, aimed at addressing the government’s debt overhang, he said.

Rating agencies adjusted Thailand’s outlook due to three main concerns, including political issues, which the minister said are beyond the ministry’s control.

The second issue is Thailand’s economic growth potential, which the government aims to strengthen by focusing on human capital development and investment in new industries, such as data centres, digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI), areas in which Thailand can compete globally.

The third issue is public debt and the fiscal deficit. He said the government intends to examine the government’s revenue structure to identify where the gaps or leakages lie, as well as review expenditures to determine which areas are overspending.

The administration also wants to emphasise investment spending, said Mr Ekniti.

These steps are likely to be implemented within four months, he said.

The Revenue Department provides several tax deduction categories, covering both personal deductions and investment-related deductions supported by the government.

Examples include investments in Super Savings Fund units, which allow taxpayers to deduct up to 30% of their assessable income, not exceeding 200,000 baht a year; investments in ESG funds, deductible up to 30% of assessable income, not exceeding 300,000 baht; mortgage interest, deductible up to 100,000 baht; and life insurance premiums for policies with a minimum term of 10 years, deductible for the actual amount paid, not exceeding 100,000 baht.

Some 2,457 hotels across the globe were recognised for their hospitality, out of more than 7,000 hotels. The most outstanding ones are awarded One, Two, or Three Michelin Keys.

Sixty-two hotels in Thailand have been awarded Michelin Keys in 2025, including six Three Keys, 21 Two Keys and 35 One Key. Among the Thai hotels awarded are:

Three Michelin Keys

The Siam, Bangkok.

Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Krabi.

Two Michelin Keys

New: Aman Nai Lert Bangkok.

Sala Samui Choengmon Beach, Koh Samui.

One Michelin Key

New: Dusit Thani Bangkok.

137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai.

In addition to the Keys, The Michelin Guide presented four special awards, recognising hotels for achievements that transcend traditional categories and celebrating excellence and uniqueness in specific areas of hospitality.

Michelin Architecture And Design Award: Atlantis The Royal (Dubai, UAE).

Michelin Wellness Award: Brgenstock Resort Switzerland.

Michelin Local Gateway Award: La Fiermontina Ocean (Larache, Morocco).

Michelin Opening of the Year Award: The Burman Hotel (Tallinn, Estonia).

Thailand’s Department of Disease Control has sounded the alarm over a sharp rise in influenza cases, which have now surpassed 700,000 nationwide, with 61 deaths reported.

As the country transitions into the cooler season, officials are urging vulnerable groups to get vaccinated immediately to curb further spread.

Dr Taweechai Visanuyothin, director of Disease Control Office 9 in Nakhon Ratchasima, said the situation is becoming increasingly worrisome. Between Jan 1 and Oct 8, a total of 702,238 flu cases were recorded across the country, with an incidence rate of 1,081.83 per 100,000 people. The death toll has reached 61, with most of the fatalities occurring among the elderly and young children.

Children aged 5 to 9 years old are the most affected group, followed by those aged under 4 and from 10 to 14. The highest mortality rates were found among people aged 60 and above, followed by those in the 50-59 and 40-49 age brackets, as well as children under four.

‘The changing weather during the end of the rainy season and the beginning of winter is a key factor,’ Dr Taweechai said. ‘It increases the risk of respiratory infections, especially influenza, which is spreading more easily this year.’

Influenza is transmitted through coughing, sneezing or contact with droplets from an infected person. Common symptoms include high fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, fatigue and muscle aches. The virus can affect people of all ages and often spreads rapidly in crowded environments such as schools, prisons, military camps and workplaces.

To reduce transmission, health officials recommend avoiding crowded places, wearing masks, and washing hands frequently. Vaccination is strongly advised for seven high-risk groups: pregnant women (from four months’ gestation), children aged six months to two years, individuals with chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and diabetes.

Also included in the high-risk category are people aged 65 and older, those with thalassaemia or weakened immune systems, individuals with obesity, and people with neurological disabilities who cannot care for themselves. These groups are urged to receive an annual flu shot to lower the risk of severe illness and death.

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are working to ensure vaccine access across the country. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and take preventive measures seriously as flu season intensifies.

Ramayana Water Park in Chon Buri will transform into a world of spooky fun and thrilling adventures, allowing everyone in the family to celebrate Halloween with spectacular shows, exciting activities and magical moments, this month.

All the fun will be presented on three consecutive long weekends. The programme for Saturday to Oct 13 includes an EDM foam party with DJ at Monkey Beach Club, a fire show and a limbo dance at the Double Wave Pool and Halloween workshops for making bags and bracelets.

Adorable mascots will show up for a meet and greet with children on all three days, while delicious Halloween-themed treats and drinks will be available.

The weekends of Oct 23-26 and Oct 31 to Nov 2 will feature a ghost dance show, a Kids Kingdom Game Zone and, of course, a haunted house.

There will also be a Haunted House Mini Challenge offering exclusive Hanuman and Mermaid keychains as prizes, while sweet treats will be given away to kids in the Game Zone.

Ramayana Water Park is located around 20 minutes from South Pattaya and 90 minutes from Bangkok. It is open daily from 11am to 6pm, except Wednesdays.

Kunlavut Vitidsarn eased into the second round of the US$475,000 (approx 15.2 million baht) BWF Arctic Open in Finland on Wednesday.

The Thai top seed cruised past Ayush Shetty of India 21-15, 21-16 in his opening match of the World Tour Super 500 event on Wednesday.

Kunlavut will face Yushi Tanaka of Japan in the last 16 on Thursday.

Women’s doubles pair Benyapa Aimsaard and Sabrina Sophita Wedler made an early exit after losing to eighth seeds Hsu Yin-Hui and Lin Jhih-yun of Taiwan 12-21, 13-21.

Women’s singles hopes Ratchanok Intanon and Busanan Ongbamrungphan both reached the last 16 after winning their first round matches on Tuesday.

Second seed Ratchanok defeated Romane Cloteaux-Foucault of France 21-5, 21-12 and will play Tanya Hemanth of India in the last 16.

Fourth seed Busanan defeated Polina Buhrova of Ukraine 21-15, 21-13 in the first round and will next meet Line Christophersen of Denmark.

The two could face each other in the semi-finals.

Mixed doubles world No.3 pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran also came through their opener on Tuesday, beating Dutch players Andy Buijk and Meerte Loos 21-7, 21-12 in only 23 minutes.

The third seeds will play Czech pair Ondrej Kral and Tereza Svabikova in the last 16.

Dechapol and Supissara won the China Masters last month, their fourth title this year and sixth overall.

Another mixed pair, Pakkapon Teeraratsakul and Sapsiree Taerattanachai, ended a string of first-round exits after an upset win over fourth seeds Guo Xinwa and Chen Fanghui of China 21-7, 21-15 on Tuesday.

They will play Mads Vestergaard and Christine Busch of Denmark in the last 16 on Thursday.

Also, men’s third seed Christo Popov of France, fifth seed Kodai Naraoka of Japan and Lee Chia-hao of Taiwan all won their opening matches on Wednesday.

The Toronto Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees 5-2 on Wednesday to send the Yankees packing in the Major League Baseball playoffs, as the Cubs and Tigers stayed alive.

Toronto won the-best-of-five American League division series 3-1 to advance to the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2016.

They’ll face either the Seattle Mariners or Detroit Tigers for a place in the World Series.

Detroit downed the Seattle Mariners 9-3 to level their American League series at two games apiece.

The Chicago Cubs edged the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 to pull within 2-1 in their National League division series.

The reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers were vying for a series sweep when they hosted the Phillies later Wednesday after taking the first two games of their National League series in Philadelphia.

The Yankees, winners of 27 World Series titles, had rallied from five runs down to fend off elimination on Tuesday, but they couldn’t find another win against the Blue Jays – who had pipped them to the American League East division title.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr singled in a run to put Toronto on the board in the first inning.

Ryan McMahon pulled New York level with a home run in the third, but the Blue Jays inched back in front with a run in the fifth on George Springer’s sacrifice fly after Ernie Clement and Andres Gimenez led off the inning with singles.

Nathan Lukes gave the Blue Jays a bit of breathing room with a two-run single up the middle off Yankees reliever Devin Williams with two outs in the seventh that pushed Toronto’s lead to 4-1.

The Blue Jays added one run in the eighth and survived a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the inning, the Yankees plating one run in the ninth before Toronto closed it out.

The Yankees, who fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series last year, haven’t lifted the crown since 2009.

‘We believe’

In Detroit, Riley Greene and Javier Baez both homered in a four-run sixth inning as the Tigers rallied to beat the Mariners.

Gleyber Torres added a home run in the seventh inning for the Tigers, who fended off elimination in a series that now heads to Seattle for a decisive game five on Friday.

‘We believe,’ Greene said. ‘We’re never out of the game no matter what and we always believe in ourselves.’

National League top seeds Milwaukee made a promising start in Chicago with a run in the top of the first.

But Michael Busch’s leadoff homer ignited a four-run Cubs first inning and Chicago held on.

‘I thought we were just locked in from the beginning,’ Busch said. ‘They happened to give us four runs to win it, but I thought right off the bat, all nine of us kind of gave really good at-bats.’

Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers drove in a run with a single in the fourth inning and homered in the seventh to make it a one-run game.

But the Brewers left the bases loaded in the eighth as Cubs pitcher Brad Keller struck out Bauers to end the inning.

Keller retired three straight in the ninth for the four-out save and the Cubs will host game four at Wrigley Field on Thursday aiming to level the series.

The Bank of Thailand claims it has not observed deflation in the Thai economy, even as it lowered its inflation forecast for this year to 0%, driven by declines in energy and fresh food prices.

Speaking after the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) meeting on Wednesday, committee secretary Sakkapop Panyanukul said the Thai economy shows no indication of entering a deflationary phase. He said deflationary risks remain low as most goods and services continue to see stable or rising prices.

“Price increases have not been broad-based, occurring mainly in energy and raw food items. Despite tighter financial conditions in the business sector due to slower bank loan growth, there are still no signs of deflationary risk,” he said.

Mr Sakkapop said the central bank will continue to monitor goods and services prices to assess potential deflation risks going forward.

The MPC lowered its headline inflation forecast on Wednesday to 0% for 2025, down from a previous outlook of 0.5%, and expects inflation of 0.5% in 2026. The inflation rate is projected to gradually return to the target range of 1-3% by early 2027.

The lower inflation outlook is mainly driven by supply-side factors, including falling global crude oil prices, government measures to reduce domestic retail fuel prices, and lower raw food prices following favourable weather conditions that increased supply, he said.

Meanwhile, core inflation is expected to remain steady at 0.9% in both 2025 and 2026, while medium-term inflation expectations among the private sector remain well-anchored within the central bank’s target range.

In addition, the MPC cut Thailand’s GDP growth forecast for this year to 2.2%, down from 2.3%, and lowered the 2026 projection to 1.6% from 1.7%, citing slower growth momentum in the third quarter and the impact of US tariffs on Thai exports.

However, Mr Sakkapop said the actual impact of US tariffs on Thai exports has been less severe than anticipated.

The MPC projects exports to grow by 10% this year before contracting by 1% in 2026. Under this scenario, the central bank plans to maintain an accommodative monetary policy stance throughout 2026.

The panel also voted 5-2 at the meeting to maintain the policy rate at 1.50%. Two members voted to reduce the rate by 0.25 percentage points to 1.25%, arguing a more accommodative policy would better support economic recovery, ensure favourable financial conditions, and ease debt burdens for small and medium-sized enterprises and vulnerable households.

The Bank of Thailand’s policy rate remains the third-lowest in the world, behind only Switzerland and Japan.

AS EXPECTED

Nuttaporn Triratanasirikul, deputy managing director of Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research), said the MPC’s decision aligned with its forecast as economic conditions have not significantly diverged from the central bank’s earlier assessment.

She said the new government’s stimulus measures are expected to bolster economic growth in the final quarter, which was previously forecast to remain relatively flat year-on-year with exports contracting following the US tariff measures.

“Considering the impact of the government’s stimulus, the likelihood of a technical recession in the last quarter is very low,” Ms Nuttaporn told the Bangkok Post.

She said Kasikornbank maintains its projection for a Thai policy rate trim in December, down to 1.25% by year-end.

“However, if the stimulus package substantially lifts GDP growth in the final quarter, the MPC may opt to keep the rate unchanged at its December meeting,” said Ms Nuttaporn.

K-Research projects another Thai interest rate reduction in the first half of 2026, as overseas shipments are expected to feel the full-year impact of US tariffs, including sector-specific duties on products such as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, she said.

Veeravat Virochpoka, head of research at FSS International Investment Advisory Securities, said after three consecutive rate cuts, the Bank of Thailand likely believes it can manage economic conditions at the existing rate.

Given the expected slowdown in the global economy in the fourth quarter and early 2026, the central bank may be reserving its policy space for a potential rate cut in December, said Mr Veeravat.

On the occasion of ‘World Sight Day,’ a leading ophthalmologist is highlighting two major but often overlooked eye conditions: age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). These conditions pose a serious risk to vision, particularly among individuals aged 50 and older and those living with diabetes. With new treatments that make care more convenient and less frequent, early diagnosis remains the best defence against preventable blindness.

To raise awareness, Bayer Thai Co., Ltd. hosted a seminar titled ‘Understanding Eye Diseases: Preserving Vision for a Better Quality of Life,’ featuring Dr Thanapong Somkijrungroj, retina specialist at Chulalongkorn Hospital.

‘The retina lets us see clearly and recognise details. When it’s damaged by diseases like nAMD or DME, central vision loss can severely affect daily life,’ said Dr Thanapong.

The Situation of Eye Diseases in Thailand

Thailand’s ageing population and rising diabetes rates are driving an increase in retinal diseases. A study involving more than 10,788 participants estimates that approximately 25,500 cases of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) affect individuals aged 50 and older. The overall prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the elderly is 3.0%, with wet AMD accounting for 74.1% of late-stage cases. Diabetic macular edema (DME) is also a growing concern, with an estimated 750,000 cases nationwide. This figure is based on findings that approximately 34.78% of diabetic retinopathy patients are affected by DME, combined with Thailand’s estimated 6.4 million diabetes patients (1,2,3).

Understanding DME and nAMD

Diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) are two leading causes of central vision loss, especially among older adults and people with diabetes. DME results from fluid leaking into the macula due to damaged retinal blood vessels-a complication of diabetic retinopathy. nAMD, common in those over 50, involves abnormal blood vessels growing under the retina, leading to rapid and severe vision loss if untreated.

Dr Thanapong advises patients to watch for four key symptoms: distorted vision (e.g. straight lines appearing wavy), dark spots obscuring central vision, reduced clarity requiring more light or difficulty seeing colours, and sudden vision deterioration.

‘Some patients may not notice symptoms early on or may mistake them for normal ageing. Without timely screening and treatment, patients face a high risk of permanent vision loss.’

Advanced Diagnostics and Longer-Acting Treatments Ease Burden and Protect Vision

Advanced tools such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA), and AI-powered retinal imaging now enable earlier and more precise detection of retinal diseases, supporting timely intervention and better patient outcomes. These technologies not only support timely diagnosis but also help patients better understand their condition and the importance of prompt treatment to prevent irreversible vision loss.

Standard care involves intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents to reduce macular swelling and preserve vision. For diabetic patients, managing underlying health conditions such as blood sugar and blood pressure is also essential for long-term treatment success.

‘The key to treatment is long-term disease control, but frequent hospital visits for injections can be a major burden,’ said Dr Thanapong. ‘Previously, patients needed injections every one to two months, which was challenging for many.’

Today, new therapeutic innovations allow ophthalmologists to extend treatment intervals significantly, reducing the frequency of injections while maintaining effective disease control. This means fewer hospital visits, less disruption to daily life, and improved overall patient experience. Clinical data shows that treatment intervals can now be extended by nearly 50%, with some patients receiving injections only every four to five months.

A new generation of anti-VEGF therapy with extended intraocular durability is transforming retinal care. This innovation enables retina specialists to significantly lengthen treatment intervals while maintaining disease control comparable to more frequent injections. It offers greater convenience for patients, especially those who must travel from other provinces, and allows more time for family and daily life.

‘This advancement helps reduce the burden of ongoing treatment,’ said Dr Thanapong. ‘Patients no longer need to visit the hospital as frequently, and many can maintain stable vision with injections spaced up to four or five months apart. Recent data shows that approximately 47% of patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) and 53% of those with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) are able to extend their treatment intervals to 20 weeks or longer.’

Dr Thanapong also emphasised the importance of early detection, recommending annual eye exams for individuals over 50 and diabetic patients-even if they do not have any abnormal symptoms. Diabetic patients are at the highest risk for developing diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, so they should undergo detailed retinal examinations at least once a year, alongside maintaining good blood sugar control.

Bayer Thai’s Commitment to Eye Health

Ms Chatchaya Chatratanarak, Head of Focus Brand in the Pharmaceuticals Division at Bayer Thai Co., Ltd., said ‘Bayer is committed to addressing major health challenges that impact quality of life. We are proud to support the World Sight Day campaign and raise awareness about retinal diseases, especially among at-risk groups. New treatment options that allow for extended intervals between injections represent a meaningful advancement in retinal care. They help reduce the burden of frequent hospital visits and support better long-term disease management. We encourage individuals to prioritise regular eye screenings and consult with ophthalmologists to explore appropriate treatment plans. Preserving vision is essential to maintaining independence and overall well-being.’

References:

Jenchitr W, Ruamviboonsuk P, Sanmee A, Pokawattana N. Prevalence of age-related macular degeneration in Thailand. Ophthalmic Epidemiol. 2011 Feb;18(1):48-52. doi: 10.3109/09286586.2010.545502. PMID: 21275595.

Boonsaen T, Choksakunwong S, Lertwattanarak R. Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus at Siriraj Hospital – Thailand’s Largest National Tertiary Referral Center. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2021 Dec 29;14(null):4945-57.

Surawongsin A. Prevalence and Risk factors affecting centre involved diabetic macular edema in patients with diabetic retinopathy Mahasarakham Hospital. Mahasarakham Hospital Journal. 2023;20(3):23-33.

Tourists are being warned to stop putting stickers over a big road sign in Kanchanaburi’s Thong Pha Phum district that has become an unofficial ‘check-in’ point for visitors travelling the highway.

Local officials issued the warning on Wednesday, saying the culprits could face legal action.

The sign is on a tall frame above highway 3272 and tells motorists they are approaching Ban Pilok.

Tourists have attached stickers to the poles and also climbed up to attach more on the Ban Pilok sign itself, officials said.

After passing the sign motorists must drive 399 curves over the next 63 kilometres of road to visit Ban E-Tong, where there is a popular old mine.

The local highway office will put up signs prohibiting attaching stickers and climbing up to the sign.

Officials said the tourists are damaging government property, obscuring the sign and breaking the highway law. Offenders were liable to up to six months in prison and/or a fine of 10,000 baht.