- PKK officials: No shortage of fuel/200,000 Baht Solar Tax Relief/PKK energy-efficiency program/Soi 112 motorcycle accidents/Cha Am water shortage/New water production system for Bor Fai/New road near Yarm Saad School
- IRAN INVASION: Airfare Surge/Thailand to secure new oil supplies/Plan to cushion oil and power bills/Fuel price rises start to bite/To ban fare hikes for taxis/Impact on medical supplies/War to hobble supply chain/Cash is king as war lifts oil and dollar/US Senate fails/US sinks Iranian warship
- ECONOMY: Inflation negative for 11th straight month/Business group keeps 2026 GDP growth forecast/China Tops Thai Condo Market/Global import tariff to 15% this week
- TOURISM: Mideast conflict a blow to long-haul tourism/Foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand down/Top Songkran travel destinations
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Growing cost of elephant intrusions/Nan Province a Slow-Travel Dream
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS visa
PKK officials: No shortage of fuel – currently
The governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan has confirmed that fuel supplies in Prachuap Khiri Khan remain sufficient and urged residents not to panic buy, following concerns about potential price increases linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking during an inspection of petrol stations yesterday afternoon, Gov. Sitthichai Sawat Saen said authorities were closely monitoring the situation and reassured the public that there is currently no shortage of fuel in the province. Continued …
Royal Gazette Confirms 200,000 Baht Solar Tax Relief
The Royal Gazette has published a royal decree granting income tax relief of up to 200,000 baht for individuals who install on-grid rooftop solar power systems at home. The measure, effective from March 3 until Dec. 31, 2028, allows eligible taxpayers to claim the exemption once in the tax year their system is successfully connected to the electricity grid.
The exemption applies to individuals, excluding ordinary partnerships, non-juristic groups, and undivided estates, for actual payments made to purchase and install a solar electricity generation system on a roof, rooftop terrace or any part of a building used for occupation. The system must be connected to the grid of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) or the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), with total relief capped at 200,000 baht. Continued …
PKK officials propose energy-efficiency program
The governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan has accelerated plans to improve energy efficiency as part of efforts to position the province as a model environmentally friendly tourism city.
Sitthichai Sawat Saen, governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, chaired a meeting Monday to discuss policies under the “Smart and Sustainable Industry” initiative. The discussions focused on improving energy efficiency, expanding the use of renewable energy, and reducing environmental impacts. Continued …
Soi 112 motorcycle accidents leave one dead, one seriously injured
Two Soi 112 motorcycle accidents occurred within hours of each other in Hua Hin on Monday, leaving one person dead and another seriously injured on the same stretch of road in Nong Kae. The incidents both took place in front of the Moo Kratha 154 restaurant on Soi Hua Hin 112, prompting responses from the Sawang Hua Hin Rescue Foundation and local police.
The first accident was reported at approximately 7.30 am, when the radio center of the Sawang Hua Hin Rescue Foundation received a call from a member of the public reporting that a motorcycle rider had fallen from the vehicle. Continued …
Cha Am water shortage: city installs pumps to restore supply
Cha Am Municipality is taking urgent steps to address a growing water shortage after construction works on an irrigation canal disrupted the flow of raw water used to produce tap water for residents.
The water shortage began after the Royal Irrigation Department carried out a project to excavate two canals and merge them into a single larger canal. The project was intended to improve flood management and support agricultural water use across Cha Am district. However, the work also affected the flow of raw water feeding the municipality’s water-production system. Continued …
New water production system for Bor Fai area discussed
A new water production system planned for the Bor Fai area was the focus of a meeting chaired by Hua Hin City Municipality officials this week, as authorities reviewed design proposals and the next steps for the project.
Nopporn Wutthikul, mayor of Hua Hin City Municipality, presided over the meeting on Tuesday. The discussion brought together municipal leaders, technical officials, and representatives from Asian Engineering Consultants Co., who are advising on the project. Continued …
New road being constructed near Yarm Saad School
Construction of a reinforced concrete road near Yarm Saad School is under way as part of a 15.37-million-baht project aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing local flooding.
Municipal officials said the project has entered the stage of pouring concrete for the road surface. The road is being built to a width of about 7.20 meters, with a length of about 790 meters and a thickness of 0.15 meters, covering at least 5,613 square meters of road surface. Continued …
Airfare Surge: Bangkok–London Economy Reaches 70,000 Baht
Airfares from Thailand to Europe have surged by up to 100% due to airspace closures in the Middle East caused by the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). The suspension of flights by eight Middle Eastern airlines has significantly reduced seat availability on these critical international routes.
Previously handling over 10,000 passengers daily, Gulf carriers’ suspension has led to soaring ticket prices for remaining flights. For example, one-way economy fares on Thai Airways International from Bangkok to London have jumped to over 70,000 baht, significantly higher than the usual 30,000 baht. Singapore Airlines has seen fares rise to around 58,000 baht, with many flights fully booked through the next week. Continued …
Thailand to secure new oil supplies within one week to cut Middle East reliance
Ekniti Nitithanprapas, deputy prime minister and finance minister, said at Government House yesterday that the impact of the Middle East war on Thailand’s economy remained limited at present.
On the overall economy, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) presented the latest situation on Tuesday, noting that average crude oil prices across three benchmark markets and natural gas prices rose 12.9% and 6.8%, respectively, compared with Feb. 27. Continued …
Thailand unveils plan to cushion oil and power bills, cap diesel prices
The war involving Iran in the Middle East remains protracted, with the United States and Israel continuing to strike Iran, while Iran insists it will exercise its right to self-defense to the fullest extent.
The impact on energy prices has become clearer after the announcement of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, affecting shipments of crude oil and natural gas from Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Bloomberg reported that liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices in Asia surged to their highest level in three years, or since 2023, due to the Middle East conflict. Continued …
Fuel price rises start to bite
Fears of a prolonged Middle East conflict disrupting global energy supplies are rippling across Thailand, triggering price anxieties, panic buying, and warnings of logistical strain.
Tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, particularly the risk of disruption through the Strait of Hormuz, have heightened concerns over oil availability and costs. While Thailand maintains strategic reserves, regional leaders and businesses warn that extended conflict could test supply chains and inflate prices nationwide. Continued …
Transport Ministry to ban fare hikes for taxis, riders, and motorcycle taxis from today
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the Transport Ministry will ban fare increases for taxis, ride-hailing riders, and motorcycle taxi services from today, warning of legal action against profiteering.
He added the government can keep transport costs capped for as long as the prime minister maintains the fuel price freeze, with the Oil Fund used as a buffer if crude prices stay high. Continued …
Thailand monitors war impact on medical supplies
The Ministry of Public Health is closely monitoring potential drug price inflation amid unrest in the Middle East, with possible intervention in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce if necessary.
The public health system has yet to experience any direct impact from the escalating conflict in the region, acting Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said yesterday. Continued …
War to hobble supply chain as trade costs soar
Thai business and industry leaders are concerned that the Mideast war could significantly disrupt logistics and transport costs, with ripple effects for manufacturing in Thailand and other countries.
Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), said the war threatens to destabilize global supply chains by disrupting shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime passages for oil and gas. Continued …
Cash is king as war lifts oil and dollar, sinks stocks, gold, bonds
“Cash” has become the most prized asset in global markets as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, triggering a rare sell-off in gold, bonds, and equities at the same time and reshaping what investors see as traditional hedges.
The US dollar has stood out as the preferred safe haven, while Brent crude climbed to US$83.60 a barrel. Gold slid as much as 4% after hitting a four-week high on Monday, reflecting what traders described as “indiscriminate” selling. Continued …
US Senate blocks bid to curb Trump’s Iran war powers
The US Senate yesterday voted 53-47 to block a bipartisan war powers resolution aimed at requiring Congress to authorize any further US hostilities against Iran, a move that effectively backs President Donald Trump’s military campaign as the conflict escalates.
The measure — led by Sen. Tim Kaine (Democrat, Virginia) and backed by Sen. Rand Paul (Republican, Kentucky) — fell largely along party lines. Paul was the only Republican to vote in favor, while Sen. John Fetterman (Democrat, Pennsylvania) voted against it. Continued …
US sinks Iranian warship off Sri Lanka, NATO destroys Iranian missile heading for Turkey
The US–Iran war widened sharply yesterday after a US submarine sank an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka, killing at least 80 people, and NATO air defenses destroyed an Iranian ballistic missile fired toward Turkey.
The escalation came as the powerful son of Iran’s slain supreme leader emerged as a frontrunner to succeed him, suggesting Tehran was not about to buckle to pressure, five days after the United States and Israel launched a military campaign that has killed hundreds and convulsed global markets. Continued …
Thai inflation negative for 11th straight month
Thailand’s headline consumer price index (CPI) dropped 0.88% in February from a year earlier, following an annual fall of 0.66% in the previous month, the Ministry of Commerce said today.
The decline marked the 11th consecutive month that headline inflation has been negative. The reading compared with a forecast decline of 0.5% in a Reuters poll, and remained well below the Bank of Thailand’s target inflation range of 1% to 3%. Continued …
Thai business group keeps 2026 GDP growth forecast at 1.6% to 2.0%
A leading business group maintained its forecast for Thailand’s economic growth this year at 1.6% to 2.0%, but said yesterday a prolonged conflict in the Middle East would hit activity.
The group’s forecast for exports, a key driver of Thai growth, was kept at a fall of 0.5% to 1.5%, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) reported. Continued …
China Tops Thai Condo Market, Myanmar Rises to 2nd
Foreign buyers remained a significant force in Thailand’s condominium market in 2025, with Chinese nationals retaining the top position despite a decline in purchases, while buyers from Myanmar recorded the strongest growth to rank second.
According to Narongpol Prabhanirin, acting director of the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), foreign condominium transfers totalled 14,899 units for the year, up 2.2% from 2024. However, total transfer value fell 10.7% to 60.92 billion baht. Continued …
US to raise global import tariff to 15% this week
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said yesterday that President Donald Trump’s plan to raise a worldwide import tariff from 10% to 15% is likely to be implemented within this week, telling CNBC there is a strong possibility it will happen during the week.
The plan follows the Supreme Court’s ruling that Trump’s earlier “reciprocal” tariff measures were unlawful. After the court decision in February, Trump invoked Section 122 to impose a global import tariff at 10%, and later said the rate would be increased to 15%. Continued …
Mideast conflict a blow to long-haul tourism
As the conflict in the Middle East weighs on global travel prices and travelers’ pocketbooks, tourism operators in Thailand project arrivals from long-haul markets in 2026 will fall short of the 10.8 million seen last year.
“Thailand’s tourism sector will definitely be hit by this new storm of events,” said Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Business Assn. “Tourism arrivals this year could dip even more severely than last year.” Continued …
Foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand down in first two months of 2026
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has reported that Thailand welcomed a cumulative 6,541,710 foreign visitors in the first two months of 2026, covering Jan. 1–Feb. 28. That figure was down 4.2% year on year.
Cumulative international-market revenue totaled B322,595 million, down 0.6% from the same period last year. The largest inbound market was China, with 1,078,089 visitors. February was supported by the Chinese New Year, when many Chinese travelers took extended holidays in Thailand. Continued …
Traveloka reveals top Songkran travel destinations
Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Krabi have emerged as the top travel destinations for Thai travelers during the upcoming Songkran holiday, according to new data from Traveloka. The insights highlight a continued preference for festive coastal escapes and culturally rich city celebrations, as the festival evolves into a globally recognized event.
In 2025, Songkran generated over $800 million (28.7 billion baht), marking a 17% increase in tourism revenue. This growth is expected to continue into 2026, driven by large-scale events and increased festival participation. Charles Wong, VP of Commercial Traveloka, emphasized the significance of Songkran, stating, “Songkran is Thailand’s most cherished season, a time for homecoming, tradition, and new beginnings.” Continued …
The growing cost of elephant intrusions
The death of a 20-year-old wild elephant during relocation in Loei has intensified scrutiny of the government’s handling of escalating human-elephant conflict in the northeast. Seedor Hu Pub died during a translocation operation intended to return it to its original habitat in the Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary. The incident has prompted public concern over wildlife protection and exposed mounting tensions between rural communities and roaming herds.
The relocation followed a ruling by the Khon Kaen Administrative Court last November ordering the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to remove four aggressive wild elephants, including Seedor Hu Pub, from farmland in Khon Kaen’s Phu Wiang district. Continued …
Nan Province in Thailand Is a Slow-Travel Dream Come True
“You could see on your flight that you are the only Westerners here,” laughed Sunee Jaurueng, our private guide with the luxury travel outfitter Red Savannah, as she greeted us, smiling, at Nan Nakhon Airport, northern Thailand. “Nan is unseen. It’s not on the way anywhere,” she said. “You have to come here on purpose.”
And we had — for exactly that reason. Jaurueng, it turned out, foreshadowed the five days in Nan Province that were to come, blissfully embedded in local culture with hardly a foreigner in sight — we ran into just one Kiwi couple the whole time — and instead a host of the friendliest, sweetest people I’ve met anywhere. Continued …
- 94 Vietnamese arrested in Bangkok raid linked to gambling network – Continued …
- Naked Foreigner Arrested in Pattaya Linked to Speedboat Theft Attempt – Continued …
- Foreigner “Dine n Dash” caught on camera in Phuket – Continued …
Hua Hin Links and Transport
Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Foreign residents in Hua Hin who own property through Thai-registered companies using nominee shareholders are being urged to review their legal position as enforcement intensifies across Thailand.
Thai massage industry set for overhaul
Today, amid escalating unrest linked to the Iran war in the Middle East, Shell and Chevron — which markets fuel under the Caltex brand — were cited as having sharply raised retail fuel prices yesterday.
Foreign media cited a report by Iranian International yesterday saying Iran’s Assembly of Experts has chosen Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as Iran’s new supreme leader, ending days of speculation after his father was killed in Israeli and US strikes on Saturday. However, Mojtaba’s selection could raise questions because the Islamic Republic of Iran has often criticized hereditary rule and portrayed its system as fairer.
Donald Trump is not just Benjamin Netanyahu’s glove puppet, but it is remarkable how much influence the Israeli prime minister has over the American president. If you are seeking a reason why Trump felt the need to attack Iran again, only nine months after he declared that he had eliminated any nuclear threat from that country, you need look no further.
As in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, the new war in the Middle East is exposing once again how far Europe and others lag in replacing imported fossil fuels with domestic solar and wind power, specialists say.
The price of flights between Asia and Europe has soared after the closure of key Middle Eastern hubs due to the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, with airline websites showing tickets on many popular routes booked out for days. 
The immigration queue certainly takes the edge off the excitement of a new adventure into the world’s most visited city. This time, I threw some dollars at the problem. The result? It was just 30 minutes from the plane reaching the gate to me sitting in a taxi heading into the city. On my previous visit, the immigration queue alone took 70 minutes.
The Cha Am crab festival will take place from March 1-21 at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint, celebrating the town’s well-known blue swimming crab and its coastal food culture.
Developer AP Thailand is sharpening its focus on provincial expansion this year, increasing launches outside Greater Bangkok by entering at least five new provinces, despite maintaining a cautious rollout plan.
Thai energy officials are intensifying measures to shield the country from a crisis reminiscent of the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, as mounting tensions between Iran, Israel, and the US raise fears of global oil supply disruptions and economic instability.
PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) has increased natural gas extraction in the Gulf of Thailand to its maximum possible levels to safeguard national energy security. The move comes in response to potential global energy supply disruptions caused by instability in the Middle East.
Thailand’s state-owned Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank) has triggered an emergency rescue package for domestic businesses caught in the crossfire of the escalating Middle East conflict. The bank has moved to freeze debt repayments for up to a year and slash interest rates as the regional crisis begins to choke vital shipping lanes.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas convened an urgent meeting yesterday with Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun. Joined by Thailand’s ambassador in Washington and private-sector representatives, the meeting aimed to set a national strategy in response to the United States’ new tariff policy and trade-restricting measures.
Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok will open its new 24-hour Automated Border Control (ABC) passport gates for departures on Thursday, to reduce queues for the convenience of passengers. The opening follows a trial period in mid-February when the gates were available only from 7 am to 7 pm.
Two key renewable energy projects pushed by the caretaker government of Anutin Charnvirakul need to be delayed until a new government is formed, says energy Permanent Secretary Veerapat Kiatfuengfoo.
A rare astronomical event, a total lunar eclipse, will take place tomorrow, which also falls on Makha Bucha Day. The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand says the Moon will appear brick-red across the entire disk.
A thunderstorm warning has been issued for Prachuap Khiri Khan, with officials urging residents to prepare for thunderstorms and strong winds across the province from tomorrow through Friday.
Food safety training was the focus of a workshop held in Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday, as local food business operators gathered to strengthen hygiene standards and protect consumer health.
Since the government canceled the long-standing prohibition on selling alcoholic beverages between 2-5 pm, in a move aimed at stimulating the economy and tourism, the early assessments indicate the change is likely to increase restaurant revenues by more than 20%, after aligning sales hours more closely with tourist behavior.
Crude oil prices jumped more than 10% on Monday, surging about 13% at the market open as the escalating war in the Middle East rattled global markets. US stock index futures opened sharply lower, while gold climbed alongside oil as investors moved into perceived safe havens.
The rapid escalation of conflict in the Gulf region is once again reminding the world how closely geopolitics, markets, and tourism are intertwined. As military action involving the United States and Israel against Iran reverberates across the Middle East, reports of retaliatory strikes and heightened security alerts have created understandable concern well beyond the immediate region.
Thailand’s exports to Iran, led by canned and processed fruit and rubber-related products, could face disruption risks as fighting involving Iran, the United States, and Israel escalates, raising concerns over logistics, insurance costs, and payment channels for trade with the region.
Medical Tourism Corp. (MTC), a Dallas-based international healthcare facilitation organization, has released its Thailand Dental Tourism Market Research Report 2026, a comprehensive analysis of patient demand patterns, competitive positioning, and strategic growth opportunities across six major Thai cities.
Essential Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Summer Vacation in Thailand
Hua Hin 4th for Chinese tourists/PROUD posts record revenue/Centara Hua Hin owner sets growth target/Red Cross urges urgent blood donations/Repair of Bangkok sinkhole/Coconut Crisis: Prices Crash
Centara Hua Hin owner sets robust growth target
A working group of the European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC) has expressed strong interest in supporting Thailand’s expanding logistics and rail sectors, citing the country’s 2,400-kilometer double-track railway network as a key driver of lower regional transport costs and stronger supply-chain efficiency.
Despite early signs of a rebound in Chinese arrivals during the first two months, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is downplaying expectations for a strong recovery, preferring to wait until May to assess whether demand has stabilized.
The MotoGP 2026 season has officially kicked off with the PT Grand Prix of Thailand at Chang International Circ uit in Buriram through March 1. Fans gathered to witness the season’s first race featuring the world’s top riders.
Explore Thailand’s 9 UNESCO Creative Cities
A Thai holiday used to be easy to stereotype: a family trip at Songkran, a beach weekend when the heat bites, a once-a-year splurge overseas. But AirAsia MOVE’s latest behavioral data suggests Thailand’s travelers are now split into three distinct camps — each with its own rhythm, priorities, and idea of what counts as “worth it”.
Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged cross-border attacks overnight in a dramatic escalation of tensions that led Pakistan’s defense minister to say yesterday that the two countries are in a state of “open war.” 
Royal Hua Hin Golf Course hosts first Thai LPGA event of year
Road accidents in Thailand fell in 2025, according to new data released yesterday at the Royal Thai Police headquarters. Police Gen. Samran Nuanma, deputy commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police and director of the Traffic Management Center, said statistics show a decline in crashes, fatalities, and injuries. However, speeding remains the leading cause of accidents nationwide.
The Election Commission (EC) has announced the final voter turnout for the 2026 general election, with 37.8 million voters (71.4%) participating on Feb.8. 
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has started upgrading traffic signals at various intersections, incorporating an adaptive system using CCTV and AI technology to adjust in real time. This initiative aims to transition from fixed-timing to automated adaptive control, improving convenience and reducing time on the roads.
Rising memory component costs have pushed up launch prices for Samsung’s latest flagship lineup, with several models in the new Galaxy S26 series debuting up to 20% higher than their Galaxy S25 predecessors in Thailand.
The operator of the BTS Skytrain has called on passengers to refrain from flicking or tossing their hair while traveling during peak hours, warning that loose locks could accidentally strike fellow commuters in the face, shoulders, eyes, or mouth.
This year continues to be a period of high uncertainty for Thai businesses, driven by geopolitical tensions, global economic policies, interest rate directions, and the transition to new technologies. Meanwhile, domestic factors such as a strong Thai baht, high household debt, weak demand, and a fragile economic structure are further intensifying the pressure on the business sector.
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) expects the baht to gradually weaken against the US dollar, reaching 33 baht per dollar in the fourth quarter of this year, driven by a combination of domestic and external factors.
Factory activity in Thailand picked up in January, driven by heightened political activity during the election campaign and strong demand in the automotive sector, according to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).
The global semiconductor industry is entering an increasingly strategic phase, driven by accelerated investments in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, and electric vehicles (EV).
Suphajee Suthumpun, minister of Commerce, has revealed that the Thai government and the government of the People’s Republic of China have reached a government-to-government rice-trading agreement for a volume of 40,000 tons.
Thailand’s wellness market expanded from $38.8 billion in 2023 to $42.7 billion in 2024. According to the latest Global Wellness Economy: Country Ranking Report by GWI, Thailand ranked #7 among the world’s top 25 wellness markets for growth between 2023 and 2024, achieving an impressive 10.1% increase.
Thailand is every wanderer’s dream: temples rising into brilliant blue skies, tuk-tuks zipping past street carts sizzling with spice, and tropical beaches that seem to glow at sunset. But because the kingdom stretches from misty northern hills to two distinct coastal systems, deciding when to go is almost as important as where you go.
A Short-Stay Guide to Koh Tao — Thailand’s Tiny Gulf Escape
Technology giants, including Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta, have in recent months announced plans to spend over US$600 billion on AI in 2026 alone. The investment wave has already fueled unease among some investors about the profitability of this strategy. They have reason to be worried, as the ambitious US AI expansion plans are likely to be hobbled by severe power-infrastructure bottlenecks, including turbine shortages, slow grid expansion, and regulatory red tape. 
Thailand will enforce a ban on alcohol sales for Makha Bucha Day, which falls on March 3 this year. According to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, sales are prohibited on specific Buddhist holidays.
Thailand’s housing market in 2025 was like a ship battling rough seas all year, only beginning to see a glimmer of light in the final quarter. Data from the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) show that in Q4 2025, the market started to recover quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) after short-term stimulus measures, or a “Quick Big Win”, including cuts to transfer and mortgage registration fees and relaxed loan-to-value (LTV) criteria.
The Bank of Thailand says the cycle of policy rate cuts has ended, with yesterday’s reduction deemed sufficient to support the Thai economy. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted 4-2 yesterday to cut the policy rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 1%, effective immediately.
Thai rice exports fell by 17.5% in January compared with the same month last year, as a strong baht reduced the country’s price competitiveness. Export volume totaled 530,287 tons, down from 643,144 tons a year earlier. Export value dropped to B9.707 billion, a 30.7% decrease.
U-Tapao Airport project to kick off on April 3
Lazada Thailand is shifting its strategy to “confidence commerce”, prioritizing trust and reliability over price or delivery speed. The strategy aims to strengthen LazMall in response to the continued growth of Thailand’s e-commerce market.
Your vape just got you arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport. You thought it was fine, legal in your home country, tucked discreetly in your carry-on. But Thailand does not care if what you bring is legal back home. The customs officer is now holding your device, citing a 2014 import ban, and you are facing up to 10 years in prison and a 500,000 baht fine.
Thailand’s coffee landscape is being rewritten. Once seen mainly as a local staple or bulk commodity, Thai coffee is evolving into a globally recognized premium product.
Thailand, often celebrated for its vibrant street food and laid-back lifestyle, is also facing a quieter health challenge. The country now ranks second in ASEAN for obesity after Malaysia, with an estimated 48% of the population classified as overweight or obese.
Thailand Riviera road construction boosted
Sen. Veerapun Suvannamai has warned of a looming financial crisis in the healthcare system due to unpaid debts from the National Health Security Office (NHSO) under the universal healthcare scheme.
Canine distemper caused the deaths of 72 tigers at two animal parks in Chiang Mai earlier this month, not avian influenza, and there was no transmission to humans, it was announced yesterday.
The statistics of the kingdom have shown for 10 months inflation results lower than the experts’ statistical forecasts (these being on average negative for the whole of 2025 with -0.13% annual average, according to Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Economic and Trade Forecast Center .
The Thai automotive industry has kickstarted the “Year of the Horse” with a 53.8% surge in year-on-year sales for January. The growth was primarily propeled by a record-breaking influx of electric vehicle (EV) deliveries, though the heavy-duty pickup sector continues to flounder amid tightening credit conditions.
Thailand’s car exports fell in January, dropping 6% year-on-year to 58,405 units – the lowest level since May 2022 – which was attributed to stricter environmental regulations and currency fluctuations, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
The industrial and logistics property sector continues to outperform other segments, supported by robust demand and ongoing government backing despite prevailing uncertainties, according to property consultancy CBRE Thailand.
Phuket’s tourism recovery has surpassed pre-Covid levels, with daily flights setting a new record and visitor numbers reaching around 71,000. Provincial authorities expect arrivals to hold steady and are targeting 14 million tourists this year.
The planned new waste-management plant for Phuket is still at least two years away because of delays in receiving approval from state agencies, according to the provincial governor. Gov. Nirat Pongsitthithavorn aired his frustration over the delay in construction of the second waste incinerator,
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to India this week pushing to double trade and mend fractured ties, his first stop on an Asia-Pacific tour that also includes Australia and Japan, as he seeks to reduce reliance on the United States. 
The death of 72 tigers at Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai last week has raised concerns about the source of the virus and bacteria responsible. Raw chicken meat from a private farm is suspected, as it was fed to all tigers at the two facilities in Mae Rim and Mae Taeng districts.
The baht has strengthened again, breaking below 31 per US dollar and marking its strongest level in a week, after Donald Trump’s global 15% tariff move weighed on the US dollar. Kasikornbank and Krungthai Bank said the baht could continue to strengthen on capital inflows, the export outlook, and a surge of investment flowing into Thailand.
The incoming Bhumjaithai-led administration will not raise the value-added tax (VAT) rate to 10% over the next three years, a BJT executive said, adding that the party’s immediate focus is economic recovery.
The printed circuit board (PCB) industry is becoming a major magnet for large-scale investment flows into Thailand, amid the global expansion of AI, data centers and advanced electronics. This has helped Thailand move up to become ASEAN’s number one PCB manufacturing base, with a longer-term goal of rising into the world’s top five.
As the Bhumjaithai Party prepares to lead the next government, one significant campaign pledge was to revive the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme. However, people in the wholesale and retail sectors view this initiative as a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution to the country’s sluggish economy.
The social-driven shopping revolution in Asia represents a seismic shift in consumer behavior, where social media platforms have evolved from mere communication tools into powerful e-commerce ecosystems. This phenomenon, often termed “social commerce,” integrates entertainment, community interaction, and seamless purchasing, blurring the lines between scrolling and shopping.
Social media influencer Farah Shams, who has more than 2.4 million followers on TikTok, has sparked controversy after posting a video criticizing what she described as rude behavior by the majority of Thai locals during her visit.
Thailand’s hotel industry has expanded almost continuously for close to five decades since the “Visit Thailand* boom in the 80’s. The latest Asia Pacific construction pipeline data confirms that this trend remains firmly in place.
Ukraine today marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, with a show of solidarity from its staunchest allies and no immediate end in sight to Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II. Tens of thousands of lives have been lost since the Kremlin ordered troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, confident of a quick victory but not expecting the fierce resistance that followed. 
While Russian oil exports dropped last year, Russia is still exporting higher volumes than before its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, researchers said today, calling for stricter sanctions enforcement. The volume of Russian crude oil exports remained 6% above pre-invasion levels in the fourth year of the war, despite Western sanctions aimed at curbing Russia’s “shadow fleet”. 
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government is writing to Commonwealth realms about its backing for former prince Andrew to be axed from the line of royal succession. Albanese said he had communicated with his British counterpart Keir Starmer about Andrew, who is being investigated for alleged misconduct in public office following revelations about his dealings with the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. 
Thailand recorded 839 fire hotspots Saturday, according to satellite data from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), with more than half detected in forest areas. The figures, gathered by the Suomi NPP satellite using the VIIRS system, underline continued concerns over haze and PM2.5 pollution.
Police in Songkhla arrested a Thai man for beating and burning a Siberian Husky on Feb. 13. The suspect said he acted in retaliation after the dog attacked his rooster.
Thailand is Rapidly Evolving into a Pet-Friendly Nation
Senior U.S. officials have confirmed that President Donald Trump’s defeat at the U.S. Supreme Court over import tariffs will not cause trade agreements negotiated with U.S. allies to collapse. The officials were defending the administration’s aggressive trade policy.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board has approved a 579,135-million-baht investment framework for fiscal year 2027, advancing three major rail projects, including double-track lines, Red Line extensions, and the Thai–Chinese high-speed railway Phase 2.
A new social media trend has gone viral as foreign tourists conclude their visits to Thailand by posting “Thank you Thailand” videos, drawing widespread attention online. The clips show visitors bowing in gratitude and sharing detailed accounts of their trips.
AllClear, a UK insurance company, has revealed research showing that taxi scams can occur anywhere and at any time, particularly when visitors appear unfamiliar with local fares. Since Decembe, the travel insurer has analyzed more than 450 Reddit posts and over 30,000 comments discussing taxi scams to identify the countries attracting the most complaints.
Pattaya’s beachfront has returned to a lively, international atmosphere as Thailand’s peak tourism season gathers pace, with large numbers of foreign visitors flocking to the city each day. A recent on-site survey by reporters found beaches and public spaces busy with overseas tourists, underscoring renewed momentum in Thailand’s tourism recovery — particularly in major destinations favored by international travelers.
Phuket has secured three major international MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) events in 2026, reinforcing its status as a world-class meetings destination and advancing global agendas on sustainability, wellness, and diversity.
Soon enough, it appears the comfort of Thailand will be as marked up as any other run-of-the-mill overseas getaway. Price gouging and skyrocketing hotel rates are, of course, obvious reasons why tourists may be reconsidering spending the Thai baht. But the shift seems intentional.
The world’s most liveable countries tend to share a similar mix of strengths: impressive architecture, thoughtful urban planning, and cultures shaped by artistic expression. Creating a “liveable” destination is not necessarily tied directly to GDP or military power; instead, a sustained focus on design can play a meaningful role in improving quality of life.