- Hua Hin foreign property owners warned/Irish fugitive sentenced in Hua Hin/Massage industry set for overhaul/Shell and Caltex cut diesel to 29.94 baht
- IRAN INVASION: Iran’s new supreme leader/Netanyahu’s war, Trump’s big gamble/tourist cancels trip to Hua Hin/conflict threatens B60-billion Thai export hit/Thai exporters spooked/Thailand Among Hardest Hit by Hormuz Closure/unjustified price hike warning/Fragile oil and gas dependency/ US Navy could escort ships in Gulf/Thailand to Evacuate Nationals/Thailand Eyes New Oil Sources/Asia-Europe airfares soar/11 places seen as safest
- ECONOMY: Thailand-US trade after the tariff ruling
- TOURISM: Skip the dreaded immigration queue/Updated LTR Visa Thailand Requirements/Pattaya tourists raise concerns/Nude Sunbathing at Phuket Beach
- HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin foreign property owners warned about nominee legalities
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.
For many years, purchasing land or a villa “in a company name” was widely used by foreigners as a way to secure property in Thailand. In some circles, it was regarded as the safest available option. However, recent enforcement changes suggest that this assumption no longer applies. Continued …
Irish ‘mafia’ fugitive sentenced in Hua Hin
An Irish mafia figure has been jailed for 18 years after posing as a dead man and secretly entering and leaving Thailand 28 times while evading drug and money-laundering charges abroad.
The Hua Hin Provincial Court sentenced Irish national Paul Noel Casey to 218 months in prison, or about 18 years, for forging and using a fake passport and for offenses under Thailand’s Immigration Act. The ruling followed a lengthy investigation that uncovered how Casey used the identity of a deceased person to travel undetected for years. Continued …
Thai massage industry set for overhaul
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) says it is working on a comprehensive upgrade of the country’s traditional Thai massage industry. The upgrade will cover its image and reputation, as well as professional standards and a shortage of human resources, according to the department’s deputy director-general, Somsak Krichai.
He said although Thailand’s massage and wellness industry is valued at around 200 billion baht annually, regulatory gaps and unequal service quality are key challenges. Continued …
Shell and Caltex cut diesel to 29.94 baht, matching PTT and Bangchak
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.
However, both brands have now lowered domestic diesel prices after pressure mounted from public opinion and the government team, which announced that PTT Public Co. and PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Co. would cap diesel at 29.94 baht per liter. Continued …
Mojtaba Khamenei picked as Iran’s new supreme leader
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.
Reports said Khamenei himself did not include this son’s name on a list of potential successors he prepared last year, and within Iran’s Shi’ite clerical establishment, succession from father to son is not viewed positively. Continued …
Netanyahu’s war, Trump’s big gamble
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.
Trump has a helpless fascination for decisive political strongmen like North Korea’s Kim Jong-un and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, but only Netanyahu has persuaded Trump to go to war for him – not once, but twice. Last June, it was only one day’s air strikes on Iran, but this time it could be the start of a “forever war”. Continued …
German tourist cancels trip to Hua Hin because of flight cancellation
A 68-year-old German tourist said he was heartbroken after his flight to Thailand was canceled due to Middle East airspace closures linked to the conflict between the United States, Iran and Israel.
Rolf Kollrep, who visits Thailand twice a year, had planned to spend the entire month of March holidaying in the country. He was scheduled to depart Germany Monday on a Qatar Airways flight transiting through Doha before continuing to Bangkok. Accommodation in Pattaya and Hua Hin had been booked since last year. Continued …
US–Iran conflict threatens B60-billion Thai export hit, spilling into tourism, property, and retail
Associate Professor Aat Pisanwanich, an independent academic and specialist in international and ASEAN economics, says the US–Israel conflict with Iran has escalated into a full-scale war after Iran retaliated by attacking US bases in 11 countries, including some economic areas. The aim, he said, is to use economic weapons to pressure the opposing side alongside an official closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
No shipping lines dare to pass through due to safety fears. This week, he said, is a “make-or-break” moment that will determine whether the war ends quickly or becomes protracted, and could even lead to political change in Iran. Continued …
Thai exporters spooked as carriers halt bookings and sea freight rates surge
Fighting in the Middle East, which began on Feb. 28, when the United States and Israel attacked Iran, has escalated into Iranian strikes on US bases in several countries and an Iranian announcement to close the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for transporting oil and natural gas from major producing sources such as Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
The transport fallout is not limited to energy. Rerouting by oil tankers, changes to insurance pricing, and the expansion of maritime risk zones are likely to push up freight rates for bulk commodities and containerized cargo, with knock-on effects for global logistics. Continued …
Thailand Among Hardest Hit by Hormuz Closure
Thailand has been named among Asia’s most exposed economies after Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, threatening global crude and LNG flows. A CNBC report yesterday said Thailand is likely to face severe fallout from higher oil prices. Brent crude was trading at around US$81 a barrel yesterday, having climbed more than 10% since the conflict erupted.
Senior commanders in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have warned that any ship attempting to transit the waterway would be attacked. CNBC, citing energy consultancy Kpler, said the Strait of Hormuz, between Oman and Iran, carried about 13 million barrels a day of crude oil in 2025, or roughly 31% of global seaborne crude flows. Continued …
Government warns of up to 7 years in jail for unjustified price hikes
The government yesterdayon Tuesday warned businesses against taking advantage of tensions in the Middle East by raising prices, saying violators face up to seven years in prison and fines of up to 140,000 baht.
Authorities are closely monitoring unrest in the Middle East and have instructed all relevant agencies to prepare response measures, particularly to ensure adequate supplies of essential consumer goods. They said retailers and business operators must not exploit the situation by increasing prices without justification and are required by law to clearly display prices for goods and services. Continued …
Mideast war exposes fragile oil and gas dependency
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 Russian invasion in 2022 triggered a massive energy crisis, particularly in Europe, where gas prices — then largely dependent on imports from Russia — soared. Continued …
Trump orders oil tanker insurance support, says Navy could escort ships in Gulf
The U.S. Navy could begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary, President Donald Trump said yesterday, adding he had ordered the U.S. International Development Finance Corp. to provide political risk insurance and financial guarantees for maritime trade in the Gulf.
The move marks one of the administration’s most aggressive steps yet to attempt to contain soaring energy prices amid escalating conflict in the Middle East that has raised risks to shipping through key waterways. Continued …
Thailand to Evacuate Nationals From Iran Via Turkey
Thailand is evacuating its nationals from Iran to Turkey before arranging flights back to Thailand, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said yesterday. He confirmed that the Thai embassy in Iran remains safe despite being located in a potential target area.
Speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak said embassies across the region are coordinating with host governments and preparing safe areas for citizens. Thailand is closely monitoring the escalating conflict in the Middle East and is assessing available air routes for repatriation. Some airspace in the United Arab Emirates has reopened, with airlines gradually resuming services and Bahrain is also being considered as a transit option. Continued …
Thailand Eyes New Oil Sources as Middle East Tensions Grow
Thailand is looking to diversify its oil imports from Africa and the Americas due to potential disruptions in Middle Eastern supplies. Energy Minister Atthapol Rerkpiboon stated that the first shipments from these new regions are expected by April.
This decision aligns with concerns over rising global oil prices, which have increased by about 7% to between $75 and $85 per barrel. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, focusing on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, pivotal for global oil transit. Although not closed, tensions could lead to further supply challenges. Continued …
Asia-Europe airfares soar after Gulf airport closures
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. Video …
11 places seen as safest if World War III erupts, based on remoteness and resources
Amid escalating tensions between the United States and Israel and Iran — which many fear could spiral into a wider war — overseas media, along with security commentators, have published a list of “11 safest places” in the event of a full-scale conflict or a nuclear disaster.
The assessment is based on geographic distance, resource availability, and political neutrality. Here are the territories often cited as more likely to avoid the direct shockwaves of a global war: Continued …
Navigating new currents: Thailand-US trade after the tariff ruling
The recent decision by the US Supreme Court that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act in imposing broad tariffs marks an important institutional clarification in US trade governance. The court reaffirmed that tariff powers ultimately reside with Congress.
Yet, this is not the end of US tariff activism. The administration has already moved to rely on other statutory tools to impose temporary across-the-board tariffs. In practical terms, this means policy volatility remains. The legal basis may shift, but protectionist impulses persist. Continued …
Fast track arrival pass: The clever way to skip the dreaded immigration queue at Bangkok Airport
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.
Before leaving Sydney, I booked a Fast Track Arrival pass, promising a streamlined process with a personal escort through the terminal, access to a premium immigration lane, help collecting bags, and assistance to a waiting taxi. I figure anything that makes travel easier is worth it, and at $88, it seemed reasonable. Continued …
Siam Legal International Outlines Updated LTR Visa Thailand Requirements
Siam Legal International has issued enhanced guidance for foreign nationals seeking Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa following recent regulatory adjustments aimed at improving accessibility qualification criteria, while maintaining strict compliance standards.
The LTR Visa Thailand program continues to attract significant interest from professionals, retirees, and investors seeking decade-long residence rights with integrated work authorization. Administered by the Thailand Board of Investment, the LTR provides a structured 10-year renewable residence framework that differs substantially from traditional non-immigrant visa categories and membership-based residence schemes. Continued …
Pattaya tourists raise concerns over drink prices, food quality and traffic congestion
As Thailand works to refine its global tourism image with campaigns highlighting culture, sustainability, and high-value travel, some long-term residents say Pattaya risks being left behind — not by policy, but by pricing and direction.
Recent reader comments reflect a growing frustration among certain expat communities who feel the city’s traditional beach and nightlife zones no longer offer the value they once did. Rising drink prices, inconsistent food quality, and traffic congestion are frequent complaints. Some say they now avoid central beach areas altogether, preferring quieter neighborhoods with easier parking, more moderate pricing, and a calmer atmosphere. Continued …
Locals Call for Action on Nude Sunbathing at Phuket Beach
Residents of Rawai, Phuket, have expressed concerns about foreign tourists sunbathing and swimming naked on a public beach, urging authorities to investigate the issue. Images posted online Monday sparked widespread debate. The post questioned the impact of such activities on morality and Phuket’s tourism image, asking if a “nude beach” is appropriate for the area.
The beach in question is a secluded spot known as “Shadow Beach,” located before Laem Phromthep and accessible via a narrow trail. This area has become popular among Russian and European tourists and expatriates. For nearly a year, individuals have frequented the beach to sunbathe nude or in bikinis, most often from afternoon to evening. 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 Vi
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
Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), delivered a keynote address titled “Thailand’s Sustainomy Context: Capturing New Growth and Mitigating Unprecedented Risks” at the Future Ready 2026 event yesterday. 
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
Thailand’s overall border and transit trade in January reached a total value of 161.1 billion baht, a 10.9% increase year-on-year, with China remaining a leading transit market, said deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana.
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
In towns and cities across Thailand, a small, brightly colored pill is quietly tearing communities apart. Known as yaba — literally “crazy drug” — these tablets of methamphetamine and caffeine have become one of the country’s most pressing public health emergencies, cutting across class, age, and geography.
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. 
Ride-sharing drivers operating through mobile applications must register their vehicles under categories Ror Yor 17/18 with the Department of Land Transport by Saturday, the government has warned.
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.
For many people, the day doesn’t begin until the kettle whistles or the coffee maker hums. After all, tea and coffee aren’t just beverages; they’re rituals, identities and even small acts of comfort. One offers a steady, almost meditative lift, while the other delivers a more immediate, higher-caffeine jolt that feels like flipping on a switch.
Authorities at Kaeng Krachan National Park have arrested a Thai man accused of illegally guiding tourists to fish inside the protected area without permission. The operation was led by park chief Mongkol Chaiphakdee yesterday, following complaints about unauthorized fishing trips promoted on social media.
Probe underway after 72 tigers die at Chiang Mai tiger parks
US Supreme court throws out Trump’s tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump responded with fury to yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling that he did not have the power to unilaterally set tariffs on imports, denigrating individual justices as he vowed to wield a more restrictive law to continue his global trade war. 
The US Supreme Court ruling ordering the cancellation of President Donald Trump’s import-tariff increases has pushed the global trading system back into “confusion and turmoil”, as governments, businesses, and consumers race to find answers to two pressing questions: “How do we get tariff refunds?” and “What happens next?”
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has announced the allocation of additional relief funds to 140,000 households severely impacted by the recent floods. The financial aid aims to assist in securing essential supplies, such as food, clean water, and medical care, to help communities rebuild and recover.
How Thailand is Reforming the Seafood Industry to Prevent Exploitation
Thai hotel operators expect overall foreign tourist numbers in 2026 to remain flat compared with last year, particularly among three-star and below properties reliant on short-haul markets, excluding China. Anticipated growth in long-haul arrivals is expected to be offset by stagnation in short-haul demand.
While Thailand celebrates rising tourism numbers and record profits at major gateways, many businesses on the ground in Pattaya are asking a blunt question: where is the money— and who is it really for?
The “Thailand lost its edge” narrative has become common expat discourse in 2025 and 2026. Bangkok rents climbed 8% to 12% year-on-year, visa enforcement tightened significantly, and a remittance tax shock led 55% of expats to consider leaving, according to a survey.
Pasaya is a sustainable fabric brand and its factory in Ratchaburi is equipped with a wastewater treatment pond, a proper landfill-based waste management method, and a proper working environment with ventilation and growing trees.