- Amazing Muay Thai Festival in Hua Hin/Sam Roi Yot, A Cradle of Bird Life/Hua Hin Heroes Charity Golf/Hua Hin Marathon May 23/Artist Village Hua Hin ‘Beach Art’ exhibition/Chiva-Som Hua Hin wins awards/Thailand hotspots surge
- ECONOMY: Japanese Investment Applications Jump/Small egg farmers in crisis/Have US Tariffs Missed Their Mark?/Chevron sells offshore gas block
- TOURISM: Wild Elephant Tramples Tourist/Yaowarat Chinese New Year 2026 canceled/Banking on Muay Thai Festival/Pattaya Bar Guards Accused
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: 12 “Lisa trail” landmarks/The Woven Heritage of Thai Fabrics/Thailand’s love for urban gardening
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Hubs to reduce agricultural burning/Thailand’s electric rail network/Pollution off Jomtien Beach in Pattaya
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
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TAT to host Amazing Muay Thai Festival Tomorrow in Hua Hin
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will organize the “Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2026” to promote sports tourism and elevate Muay Thai as a cultural heritage on the international stage.
TAT’s Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business Nat Kruthasoot announced that TAT, together with Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and partner agencies, will host the festival under the theme “Ultimate Muay Thai Experience” from tomorrow to Saturday, at Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan. Continued …
Wetlands Like PKK’s Sam Roi Yot, A Cradle of Birdlife
Let us take you to Sam Roi Yot National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan—one of Thailand’s most important wetlands and a sanctuary for diverse birdlife. These birds are deeply connected to local livelihoods, culture, and nature-based economic activities that support surrounding communities.
Paddling through the park’s wetlands, visitors may encounter the Oriental Pied Hornbill, Yellow Bittern, Purple Swamphen, Eastern Cattle Egret, Great Egret, and Black-winged Stilt. These species are living indicators of healthy wetlands, relying on clean water, natural food sources, and balanced ecosystems. Their presence reflects the overall health of the environment—and when their numbers decline, it often signals that wetlands are under threat. Continued …
Hua Hin Marathon set for May 23
The inaugural Hua Hin Ultra Marathon 2026 will take place on Saturday, May 23, marking the first time the city has hosted an ultra-distance running event of this scale. The race will start and finish at Rajabhakti Park and will offer four distances, ranging from a 10-kilometer evening run to a 100-kilometer ultra marathon.
Registration opened yesterday with an early-bird period running until Saturday, Feb. 7. Regular registration will then be available from Feb. 8 to April , or until race quotas are filled. Continued …
Artist Village Hua Hin to present ‘Beach Art’ exhibition
The Beach Art exhibition Hua Hin will run from Feb. 14–28 at Artist Village Hua Hin, featuring works by Swiss artist Frederic Waelti, who has been living in Hua Hin for several years.
The exhibition brings together a body of work created from discarded materials and objects collected along the shoreline, including driftwood and other remnants shaped by the sea. Waelti’s pieces explore how materials often seen as worthless can be transformed into artworks with visual impact and meaning, while also encouraging reflection on coastal environments and human responsibility toward them. Continued …
Chiva-Som Hua Hin wins an array of awards for wellness and sustainability
Chiva-Som Hua Hin has been celebrated for its unique approach to wellness, commitment to excellence, and heartfelt care,. These awards recognize excellence not only in personal transformation but also in its pioneering commitment to corporate responsibility, environmental wellness, and strong local community engagement.
Among the 2025 Chiva-Som Hua Hin awards and recognitions are: Condé Nast Traveller Germany Wellness & Spa Awards 2025 – Winner, Traditional Healing; Tatler Best Thailand 2025 – Winner, Best-in-Class and Best Wellness Retreat; Tatler Best Asia Pacific 2025 – Listed in the Best 100 Hotels in Asia Pacific; andResponsible Thailand Awards 2025 – Winner, Responsible Tourism Accommodation Award, Continued …
Thailand hotspots surge to 573, signaling cross-border PM 2.5 alert
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, or GISTDA, reported the latest hotspot index on Sunday, based on data from the Suomi NPP satellite via the VIIRS system.
The report revealed a total of 573 hotspots in Thailand, with agricultural areas being the most concerning group, while neighboring Cambodia remains critical with over 1,200 hotspots, signaling a need to monitor transboundary PM 2.5. Continued …
Japanese Investment Applications Jump 146% to Bt119 billion
The Board of Investment (BOI) says Japanese investment applications surged 146% in 2025 to more than 119 billion baht, signaling growing confidence in an economic rebound in early 2026. The sharp rise reflects stronger sentiment among Japanese firms operating in Thailand and reinforces the country’s position as a key production base in ASEAN.
The data were released yesterday alongside the results of a JETRO Bangkok survey showing that Japanese companies expect Thailand’s economy to improve in the first half of 2026. This marks the first positive outlook after six consecutive survey periods of weaker sentiment. Continued …
Small egg farmers in crisis, seek inquiry into dumping
Small-scale egg farmers are facing a growing economic crisis after large commercial farms and wholesalers began selling eggs below average production costs, pushing market prices to unsustainable levels.
Producers have filed complaints with the Central Region Small-Scale Egg Farmers Trade Assn., calling on authorities to investigate alleged dumping that has distorted market prices. Continued …
Have US Tariffs Missed Their Mark? China’s Trade Surplus Reaches Record $1.2 Trillion
In 2025, China achieved a historic trade surplus of US$1.2 trillion, a figure that defies expectations set against the backdrop of US tariffs aimed at diminishing its economic influence.
Despite a notable decline in exports to the United States, which fell by 20%, China successfully oriented its trade toward Africa, ASEAN nations, Latin America, and the European Union, resulting in robust export growth. In December alone, China’s surplus reached US$114 billion, augmented by significant export growth of 6.6% and import growth of 5.7%. Continued …
Chevron sells offshore gas block to Thailand’s PTT in $450M deal
Thailand’s PTT Exploration and Production said Friday it acquired full ownership of Block A-18 in the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area from Chevron in a $450M deal. The Thai company said it signed the deal with Hess and Hess Asia Holdings, both now owned by Chevron following the recently closed merger deal with Hess.
PTTEP said natural gas from Block A-18 is fundamental to power generation for southern Thailand, producing ~600M cf/day of gas, which is equally distributed to Thailand and Malaysia. Continued …
Wild Elephant Tramples Tourist in Third Fatal Khao Yai Incident
A wild elephant from Khao Yai National Park fatally attacked a 69-year-old tourist yesterday. The incident happened early morning at the Khlong Pla Kang ranger unit campsite, Wang Nam Khiao district. The victim was on a morning walk when he encountered the elephant, known as Plai Oi Wan.
Authorities reported that Plai Oi Wan, in a state of musth, attacked and trampled the man about 20 meters from his tent. This marks the third fatal attack linked to the same bull elephant. Park officials arrived promptly and managed to drive the elephant away, while medical personnel examined the victim’s body. Continued …
Yaowarat Chinese New Year 2026 canceled during mourning period
Chinese New Year celebrations in Yaowarat, Bangkok, will be canceled during the mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, according to the Samphanthawong District Office yesterday.
The Yaowarat Chinese New Year Organizing Committee for 2026 resolved to cancel the “Yaowarat Chinese New Year” event, originally scheduled for Feb. 17–18, as the dates fall within the period of mourning for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. Continued …
TAT banking on Muay Thai Festival
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is optimistic about sports tourism growth this year as it hosts the Amazing Muay Thai Festival this week, expecting more than 18,000 visitors.
Nat Kruthasoot, deputy governor for tourism products and business at the TAT, said Muay Thai is increasingly popular among both Thais and foreigners, with a growing number of gyms overseas attracting visitors to travel to Thailand. Continued …
Pattaya Bar Guards Accused of Beating Tourist Over Unpaid Bill
A video showing bar security guards allegedly assaulting a tourist in Pattaya has gone viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism. The incident reportedly occurred on Soi 6, a popular nightlife area in Pattaya, and has prompted police to launch an investigation.
One security guard who claimed to have been present during the incident said it took place. He stated that while patroling the area, he noticed a tourist having a dispute with a group of guards wearing blue uniforms. According to the guard, discussions failed to resolve the issue, after which the tourist attempted to flee, prompting the guards to chase and restrain him. Continued …
12 “Lisa trail” landmarks from Feel All the Feelings film to inspire travel across Thailand
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled 12 landmarks featured in the advertising film “Feel All the Feelings”, inviting travelers to follow in the footsteps of Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal, TAT’s Amazing Thailand ambassador.
The film presents striking destinations across Thailand, unfolding “postcard-like” stories revealing Thai nature, culture, and everyday life through a contemporary lens, and capturing “every feeling” in Thailand. It reflects the charm of Amazing Thailand, ready to welcome travelers from everywhere. Continued …
The Woven Heritage of Thai Fabrics: Tradition Meets Modern Identity
Thai fabrics, especially Thai silk, are not just beautiful textiles but integral parts of the nation’s history and identity. These intricately woven cloths are more than mere commodities — they are living records of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, with every motif and color telling a unique story.
From the famous mudmee silk of the northeast to the stunning textiles of ethnic hill tribes, Thailand’s fabric traditions offer a deep insight into its diverse cultural tapestry. Thai weaving dates back thousands of years, with communities crafting textiles for daily use and special occasions. In the Lanna Kingdom (14th-16th centuries), vibrant cotton fabrics were traded with neighboring kingdoms, while during the Sukhothai Kingdom, Benjarong Cotton became famous. Continued …
Thailand’s love for urban gardening
Walk down nearly any street in Bangkok, and you’ll notice something that doesn’t quite match the usual portrait of a Southeast Asian megacity. Between the concrete shophouses and glass towers, beneath the elevated train tracks and along the motorcycle-clogged pavements, plants are everywhere.
Not manicured landscaping or municipal flower beds, but an unruly profusion of potted trees, herbs in plastic buckets, flowering shrubs squeezed into the margins between buildings and roads. On balconies five storys up, tomatoes ripen in old paint tins. At ground level, chilli plants guard doorways, their bright red fruits catching the afternoon light. Continued …
Thailand launches 30 hubs to reduce agricultural burning and turn waste into income
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DOAE) has announced the establishment of 30 “Green Gain Hubs” across Thailand, aimed at tackling air pollution caused by agricultural burning. This initiative addresses the severe impact on public health, the economy, and the environment, and is also aimed at reducing the negative effects on agricultural production, including soil degradation, high production costs, and lower yields.
The project is a key priority for the government, focusing on the northern, northeastern, and central regions, as well as Bangkok and its surrounding areas. The goal is to add value to agricultural waste materials, and the Green Gain Hub project will connect farmers with biomass buyers, processors, energy producers, and end-users. Continued …
Thailand’s electric rail network to cover 550+ kilometers
Thailand’s electric mass transit rail network in Bangkok and its surrounding areas is progressing according to the master plan. With a goal of 33 routes spanning 553.41 kilometers, the country is making significant strides in urban transport development.
As of now, 50.57% of the planned network, covering 279.84 kilometers, is already operational, according to the Department of Rail Transport. The existing operational rail network includes several key lines, serving a growing number of commuters in Bangkok. Continued …
Foreign man flags sea pollution off Jomtien Beach in Pattaya
A foreign man drew widespread attention on social media after posting footage showing wastewater being discharged into the sea off Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, prompting an investigation by Thai authorities.
In the video, a yellow truck can be seen discharging dark liquid into a pond on the beach. Several wastewater ponds were visible in the area, with hoses apparently carrying the polluted water directly into the sea. Beachgoers were seen watching the situation in confusion, and no one entered the water nearby. Continued …
- French couple deported and blacklisted after sex on Phuket tuk tuk – Continued …
- Russian man jumps from plane after landing at Bangkok airport – Continued …
- Foreign Tourist Sought Over Spray-Paint Vandalism on Koh Phangan – Continued …
Rome starts charging for Trevi Fountain
Italy’s Trevi Fountain launched a new ticketing system yesterday, making the famous Rome landmark the latest tourist site to charge entry in a bid to raise funds and battle overcrowding. People posed in the sunshine in front of the Baroque masterpiece after paying the €2 (US1.68) fee to access the now largely crowd-free area next to the basin. Continued …
Trump’s Fed nominee sparks global sell-off
US President DonaldvTrump’s recent announcement that he would nominate Federal Reserve critic Kevin Warsh to run the US central bank has sparked sharp turbulence across financial markets, particularly in precious metals. Gold prices fell by around 9% last Friday, while silver plunged as much as 28%, marking one of the steepest short-term corrections after months of record highs. Continued …
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The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has predicted that the summer of 2026 will be hotter than the previous year. The summer season is expected to begin later than usual, around the end of February (approximately two weeks later than typical), and will last until mid-May 2026.
Thailand is facing a “perfect storm”, as a low birth rate, persistent poverty, and a rapidly aging society place mounting pressure on the tax base, welfare system, and social structure, says the Equitable Education Fund (EEF).
Ahead of the Feb. 8 election, various political parties in Thailand have expressed their support for sex workers, pledging to enhance protection and dignity under the law in a nation where prostitution remains illegal.
The Bangkok Air Quality Information Center reported yesterday that PM 2.5 levels in Bangkok have exceeded the safety limits in all districts.
Cambodia has carried out a massive raid on scammer gangs, detaining more than 2,000 people amid pressure from China to crack down on its online fraud industry. Nearly 1,800 Chinese nationals were among those held, according to the Cambodian Interior Ministry.
Thailand’s economy in December expanded from the previous month, supported by higher merchandise exports, particularly technology-related and agricultural products. Private consumption, especially in services, improved following government support measures.
Private consumption indicators in Thailand climbed 2.5% month-on-month in December, rebounding from a 0.3% fall in November and marking the sharpest rise since April 2022. Gains were broad-based across all spending categories, with growth in services spending led by hotels and restaurants, partly supported by government stimulus measures.
The rapid emergence of instant commerce in Thailand, a retail evolution defined by delivery within a few hours, will become the new battlefield for on-demand players and e-commerce platforms, say brands.
According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the global wellness economy has been continuously growing. In 2024, it was valued at US$6.8 trillion, increasing to US$7.3 trillion in 2025, and expected to reach US$7.9 trillion in 2026.
Gold prices hit a record high above $5,500 due to US-Iran tensions, with expectations of the Federal Reserve moving to rate cuts, pushing the baht to strengthen below 31 baht per dollar, the strongest in almost five years.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is calling for Thailand to expand into new high-potential markets to support the country’s export and manufacturing sectors, as key trading partners face economic weakness amid a global slowdown.
Thai durian exports are expected to face several hurdles due to labor shortages and a lack of collection centers during the harvest season. Durian supply is forecast to reach 1.78 million tons this year, with the eastern region contributing 1.06 million tons, or 59.5% of total output.
Thai gold prices on Saturday were down by 1,200 baht per baht-weight (15.2 grams), as a global and local correction continued after a surge to record highs earlier in the week.
Thailand’s tourism industry ended 2025 with mixed results. Official data released in early 2026 revealed a 7.2% decline in international arrivals, bringing the total to 32.97 million visitors.
This year is being seen as a “structural turning point” in business, as the combined pressures from the climate crisis, technological advancements, and demographic changes make the concept of “sustainability” no longer just a policy for improving image. It has become the new foundation for growth, competitiveness, and long-term survival for businesses.
Thai EV charging service provider Sharge has partnered with Grab to build a dedicated charging network for the company. It plans to invest over 400 million baht in the project.
Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman has warned that the rest of the world is starting to pull away from the United States, driven by frustration with President Donald Trump’s threats, and that the shift will ultimately leave Americans poorer. 
Airport screening for Nipah virus, which has been stepped up across Asia this week after two cases were identified in India, are more about reassurance than science, several leading experts said yesterday.
A World Health Organization official said yesterday that the risk of the spread of the Nipah virus is low, saying that none of the over 190 contacts of the two people infected in India had tested positive or developed symptoms of the disease.
Most Thai working people are aware of the health risks posed by PM2.5 airborne pollution but are reluctant to buy quality N95 face masks to protect themselves, claiming that they are too expensive, according to Arkhom Praditsuwan, director general of the Health Service Support Department.
At the “Thailand Redesign 2026 The Next Level” debate, four major political parties — the People’s Party, Democrat Party, Pheu Thai, and Thai Kao Mai Party — presented their proposals to tackle the pressing issue of Thailand’s 40 million workers, with only 4 million currently paying taxes. The debate focused on the wealth protocol and the urgent need for tax reform to drive economic sustainability and fairness.
Thailand is sharpening its culinary edge on the global stage, not through its world-famous sauces or spices, but through a new wave of premium home-grown beef. The National Innovation Agency (NIA) has identified four “Beef Commanders” — Ko Dam Lam Takhong, Surin Wagyu Salakdai, Nong Sung, and Kamphaeng Saen — as the flagship models of Thai soft power destined for the international market.
Pattaya has introduced new rule assigning specific umbrella colors to beach chair operators, saying the move will improve orderliness and create a more attractive seaside view for visitors.
Think you’ve already done everything there is to do in Bangkok? Hate to break it to you, but probably not. Even if you’ve lost count of how many times you’ve visited, the city always finds new ways to surprise, including new attractions with thrilling rides and aesthetic shopping malls in BKK.
The Ministry of Culture has revealed plans for a major cultural celebration from April 22-26, marking the 244th Anniversary of the Foundation of Rattanakosin. The events will take place in three central locations in Bangkok and aim to bring the rich history of Thailand to life through a series of activities, exhibitions, and performances.
Thailand’s electric vehicle sector is facing fresh uncertainty after government proposals to sharply raise public EV charging prices, a move that could erase the cost benefits that have driven rapid adoption.
Thailand plans to tighten the rules for investors in data centers and other businesses that use a large amount of electricity, requiring them to provide a bank guarantee or collateral to secure power purchases.
Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract threat; it is part of everyday life. From unpredictable weather patterns to rising air pollution, communities across Thailand and around the world are already experiencing its impacts. As these challenges intensify, education is emerging as one of the most powerful starting points for meaningful climate action.
Thailand and Cambodia have failed to make any headway on the joint management of the common border area in Sa Kaeo province after two days of talks between the secretariats of the Regional Border Committee (RBC), held at the permanent border checkpoint in the Cambodian border town of Poipet on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Thailand’s economic growth this year is set to sink to a decade-long low, excluding the Covid-19 shock, as deep-seated structural problems, corruption, and gray capital continue to weigh on the economy, Bank of Thailand Gov. Vitai Ratanakorn has warned.
Thailand’s manufacturing production index rose 2.52% in December from a year earlier, the industry ministry said yesterday, stronger than analysts’ forecasts.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) anticipates a bustling Chinese New Year in 2026, with an estimated tourism revenue of 42.23 billion baht, marking a 13% increase compared to the previous year. The improving trend in Chinese tourists visiting Thailand is evident, with daily arrivals ranging from 13,000 to 14,000 individuals.
Thailand has launched its new tourism campaign, “Feel All the Feelings,” with global superstar Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal as the face of the initiative. The announcement took place at Wat Arun Ratchawararam, seeking to reposition Thailand as a top leisure destination by promoting its scenic beauty and deep cultural values.
Thailand’s biggest tourism concern is infrastructure delays, as Vietnam is quickly developing its accommodation, airports, and plans to grow tourism clusters, says a hospitality firm.
A simple convenience store snack has become an unlikely food highlight for foreign tourists visiting Thailand, with a viral TikTok video showing a visitor raving about a hot ham and cheese sandwich from 7-Eleven.
Authorities are tackling forest fires near Hua Hin after satellite data detected multiple hotspots over two consecutive days in forest areas toward Cha Am, prompting concern among local residents about air quality.
Unsafe levels of ultrafine dust has blanketed 57 provinces and Bangkok and one province, Samut Songkhram, faced a red level of harmful smog.
Thailand will see two nationwide alcohol sales bans linked to the upcoming parliamentary elections, covering all provinces.
The Department of Medical Services has confirmed that Rajavithi Hospital and other major medical facilities are fully prepared to handle suspected or confirmed cases of Nipah virus infection, even though no cases have yet been reported in Thailand.
Government measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are expected to help increase monetary circulation in the economy by at least 260 billion baht this year, says the chief of Thai Credit Guarantee Corp. (TCG).
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has announced a vehicle manufacturing target of 1.5 million units for 2026, a modest increase from 1.45 million units last year, driven by expectations of stronger domestic demand and growing production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
The influx of low-priced goods from China has a far more severe impact than US tariffs on Thai products, says Somkiat Tangkitvanich, president of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
Tech consulting firm Bluebik foresees three megatrends that will transform organizations into intelligent enterprises amid a volatile economy and intense competition.
China aims to attract at least 1.5 million Thai visitors this year, up from more than 1 million in 2025, while the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects to generate 35.4 billion baht from 1.25 million foreign tourists during the 10-day Chinese New Year holiday next month.
AirAsia issued an apology following a coordination issue that left 23 passengers on a shuttle bus during boarding for a domestic flight from Bangkok to Hat Yai. The incident occurred on Jan. 17 on a flight scheduled to depart Don Mueang International Airport.
Bangkok ranks first as the world’s favourite city for digital nomads, with Chiang Mai close behind. It’s easy to see why. Thailand has a magnetic charm that pulls people in. You come for a short stay, rent a scooter, find a café with fast Wi-Fi, and before you know it, you are talking about “base cities” and lease renewals.
I like to think I’m a pretty cautious and attentive person. So, when I first came to Thailand, I did some homework to avoid any social faux pas. Despite my efforts, there were still some things I didn’t catch until after I arrived.
New plug-and-play solar panels are making home solar more accessible for both homeowners and renters. A “PBS NewsHour” segment showcased how plug-and-play solar panels work and how they have made solar power affordable for many people who previously thought that home solar was unattainable.
The Rice Department is advancing carbon farming as a nationwide strategy to make rice production more sustainable and to support the country’s long-term carbon neutrality goals.
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing today, seeking closer trade ties while balancing sensitive issues of national security and human rights. This is the first visit to China by a UK prime minister since 2018 and follows a slew of Western leaders seeking support from Beijing recently, pivoting from an increasingly unpredictable United States. 
Global gold prices jumped to a fresh all-time high, breaking above $5,400 an ounce, after former US President Donald Trump warned Iran to reach a nuclear deal and the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged, as expected. 
Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia have each carved out their own space in the long-term expat landscape. Thailand offers dependable healthcare and a well-established expat infrastructure. Vietnam stands out for rock-bottom costs and relentless urban energy. Malaysia brings modern living standards, cultural diversity, and an English-speaking environment that makes settling in remarkably smooth.
Following recent media coverage highlighting the Thai authorities’ increasing scrutiny of nominee company structures, MBMG Group and Hua Hin Accounting & Law have released further insights from their recent seminar, which examined the broader tax, business, and compliance framework now facing expatriates and foreign business owners in Thailand.
Red levels of PM2.5 cover about one-third of Thailand, including PKK
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) searched the residences of three active and one former officials of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) and seized thousands of illegal crypto mining rigs, cash, laptops, phones, and bank passbooks.
Thailand has, for the first time, administered contraceptive vaccines to female wild elephants, as part of an initiative to control the elephant population safely and promote sustainable coexistence between humans and elephants.
Thailand’s economy is expected to grow 2.0% this year, the Finance Ministry reported yesterday, maintaining its previous forecast. Exports, a key driver of Thai growth, are also expected to rise 1.0% this year, compared with an earlier forecast of a 1.5% decline, Vinit Visessuvanapoom, head of the Finance Ministry’s Fiscal Policy Office (FPO), told a press conference.
Singapore Airlines plans a new service linking the island state with Chiang Mai, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
Suvarnabhumi Airport is Bangkok’s major international gateway. Here’s how to reach the city center upon arrival or travel to the airport for departure.
It’s too early to be sure, but it seems likely that we have just seen “Peak Trump”. Last week, US President Donald Trump arrived at the Davos conference radiating power and menace. Fresh from his attack on Venezuela, he was going to invade and annex Greenland. If his European allies in the NATO alliance tried to protect it, he would crush them with tariffs. And he would launch a rival to the United Nations that would make him World President for Life. 
India and the European Union announced yesterday the “mother of all deals”, a huge trade pact to create a market of two billion people, reached after two decades of negotiations. EU chiefs and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi hope the pact will help shield against challenges from the world’s two leading economies, the United States and China. 
Global gold prices continued to climb, hitting a new all-time high of $5,136 an ounce overnight, as uncertainty boosted demand for safe-haven assets. Markets expect the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates unchanged today. 
The Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2026 will be held Feb. 4-7 at Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin, with the Royal Thai Army working alongside tourism and provincial authorities to showcase Muay Thai as a key part of Thailand’s cultural heritage.
Seriously harmful levels of ultrafine dust, three times the safe limit, were reported in Greater Bangkok this morning, while most of Thailand was blanketed with unsafe smog.
Thai gold shops face closures as prices top 70,000 baht
Thailand’s export outlook for 2026 could improve if reforms accelerate, but speakers at a trade forum warned that global competition is intensifying and domestic growth may remain subdued.
Thailand’s hotel sector is shifting toward a more mature phase, which will see more of the country’s hotel assets repositioned to accommodate changing market dynamics.
Can Southeast Asia keep the lights on for solar projects as costs rise?
Phuket has long been synonymous with tropical splendor thanks to its world-famous beaches, emerald rainforests, and waters teeming with life. This profound natural beauty is the very soul of its allure. Yet, for years, the pressures of overtourism, relentless development, and pervasive pollution have threatened to unravel the delicate ecological balance that sustains this paradise.
French lawmakers have passed a bill that would ban social media use by under-15s, a move championed by President Emmanuel Macron as a way to protect children from excessive screen time. 
As more retirees look beyond Europe for affordable living options, Thailand and Vietnam are emerging as top destinations for those seeking a comfortable and affordable retirement. The rising costs in Europe, coupled with the desire for a relaxed lifestyle, have led many pensioners to explore Southeast Asia.
Train services on the northeastern line affected by the fatal crane collapse in Sikhiu district of Nakhon Ratchasima resumed on Saturday, following safety inspections and certification by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).
Both Thai and Chinese tourism operators are optimistic about a recovery in visitors from the mainland during the Chinese New Year next month.
Amid global economic turbulence, many countries are grappling with geopolitical conflict, heated politics, and armed clashes. Some also face unfavorable weather at certain times of year, especially harsh winters, and increasingly severe disasters.
An opinion survey by the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI) found that more than 88% of Thais say environmental problems have affected them at moderate to severe levels, with PM2.5 air pollution ranking as the top public concern.
Thailand’s wetlands are under increasing pressure from climate change and accelerating human activity, mirroring a global crisis that has already wiped out 22% of wetlands worldwide since 1970.
Integrating innovation and clean energy into food production is not only about technology or cost reduction — it strengthens Thailand’s long-term food security. The Chanthaburi Egg Complex of Charoen Pokphand Foods (CP Foods) exemplifies this approach, combining the waste-to-value concept, renewable energy, and smart energy management to produce food efficiently while protecting the environment.
Immigration officer shoots and kills second American citizen
A violent sell-off in Japanese government bonds has rattled investors worldwide, with traders warning that Japan’s once-stable debt market is entering a far more volatile phase that could push borrowing costs higher across major economies. 
At least 15 people have died and 316 were rescued after a ferry accident in the southern Philippines, with search teams still looking for 28 missing passengers. The vessel had 332 passengers on board along with 27 crew members. 
The Department of Highways says it will wait for the outcome of a formal investigation into the collapse of a concrete beam and construction crane on Rama II Road before deciding whether to terminate its contract with Italian-Thai Development Plc, warning that the incident has already disrupted plans to open a major motorway project.
Thai military and police discovered significant evidence of online scam operations at the Chong Chom–O Smach border crossing in Surin province.
Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), presented a speech Thursday at the Leadership Program on Trade and Development Strategy (LTD), organized by the International Trade and Development Institute (ITD). He discussed five global megatrends that will shape the future of Thailand’s economy in the new global order.
Police in Pai district, Mae Hong Son province, are cracking down on public smoking of cannabis and cigarettes, particularly on the bustling Pai walking street.
We found this online:
Thailand has sharply accelerated its climate ambitions, advancing its net-zero emissions target by 15 years to 2050 in an updated climate pledge released in November. The move signals Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy is positioning itself as a regional climate leader, but experts warn that political turbulence and entrenched fossil fuel interests could complicate execution.
Oil prices surged nearly 3% yesterday following the US decision to send a naval fleet to the Middle East and announce new sanctions on Iranian oil. The price hike was driven by increased geopolitical tensions after US President Donald Trump imposed new sanctions targeting Iranian oil transport vessels and announced the deployment of US warships, including an aircraft carrier and missile destroyers, heading toward the Middle East. 
China has just announced that births in 2025 plunged to 7.92 million, from 9.54 million the previous year, and almost half of what was projected (14.33 million) when the one-child policy was repealed in 2016. In fact, China’s births have fallen to a level comparable to that of 1738, when the country’s total population was only about 150 million. 
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) has announced it will stop selling Gasohol E85, effective Feb. 1, citing a continued decline in consumer demand. The decision has drawn wide attention because Gasohol E85 is used by a significant number of motorists.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) is forecasting a moderate high-pressure system from China to extend into upper Thailand, bringing a decrease in temperature and strong winds. The northeast is expected to experience a drop in temperature by 2-4°C, while other regions, excluding the lower south, will see a temperature decrease of 1-2°C.
Thai global sensation Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban — already an Amazing Thailand Ambassador for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), promoting Thai tourism worldwide — has further cemented her status as a global icon.
Thai netizens condemned a foreign man for ignoring national park regulations and flying a drone near a herd of elephants in Khao Yai National Park, causing the animals to panic and putting both tourists and wildlife at risk.
Thailand’s chicken industry braces for slower growth in 2026
Manat Chavanaprayoon, director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), has outlined Thailand’s aviation outlook for 2025, saying the global industry continued to face heavy external pressures, from international conflicts and geopolitical tensions to airspace restrictions linked to disputes in several regions, including Pakistan–India, Israel–Iran, and Russia–Ukraine. He also cited an ongoing global shortage of aircraft.
The Michelin Guide, first published in 1900 by the French tire company Michelin, was originally created to help motorists find quality eateries — while subtly encouraging them to drive more and, in turn, buy more tires.
The giant reptiles reclaiming the world’s most visited city