- Forest fires near Cha Am/Prachuap Khiri Khan burning ban/Unsafe levels of smog/Two alcohol ban days/Theft suspect arrested in Cha Am/Hua Hin reviews homeless policies/Third round of fighting ‘will happen’/Hospitals ready for Nipah virus/Nipah Virus: What It Is
- ECONOMY: Deep divide over Thailand’s strong baht/Small-business support/Federation eyes 1.5M auto units/‘A bigger threat than US tariffs’/New Thai tech trends
- TOURISM: China targeting over 1.5 million Thai visitors/Two tourists killed/AirAsia leaves 23 passengers behind
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Rescued elephant had her babies ripped away/Being a digital nomad in Thailand/Mistakes That Ruin a Thailand Trip/Thailand’s traditional musical instruments
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Cheap plug-and-play solar panels/Rice Department Pushes Carbon Farming
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
Forest fires near Cha Am threaten air quality
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.
Protected Area Management Office 3 (Phetchaburi Branch) confirmed that ground teams and aircraft were deployed to contain the fires in the Sam Phraya area, with smoke visible from parts of Hua Hin, including the Hin Lek Fai and Black Mountain areas. Continued …
Prachuap Khiri Khan burning ban in force from Feb 1
Prachuap Khiri Khan has announced a province-wide burning ban, prohibiting all forms of open burning from Feb. 1 (Sunday) to May 31, as authorities move to curb PM2.5 pollution and protect public health.
The Prachuap Khiri Khan burning ban applies to all open areas across the province. It covers the burning of sugarcane fields, rice stubble, household waste, agricultural materials, and any other open-air fires. The prohibition will remain in place for 120 days. Anyone found violating the ban may face legal action, including fines and possible imprisonment under relevant laws. Continued …
Unsafe levels of smog in Bangkok and 57 provinces
Unsafe levels of ultrafine dust has blanketed 57 provinces and Bangkok and one province, Samut Songkhram, faced a red level of harmful smog.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported this morning that unsafe levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and less in diameter (PM2.5) ranged from 38.4 to 75.8 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) of air in the capital and 57 provinces. The government-set safe threshold for PM2.5 is 37.5µg/m³. Continued …
Upcoming elections include two alcohol ban days, including this Sunday
Thailand will see two nationwide alcohol sales bans linked to the upcoming parliamentary elections, covering all provinces.
Following an announcement by the Election Commission of Thailand, the sale, distribution, free provision, or hosting of events involving all types of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited during the following periods: Continued …
Residential, temple theft suspect arrested in Cha Am
Cha Am police have arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with a series of thefts at temples and private homes in Cha Am district and nearby areas, seizing a large cache of stolen property, including more than 100 Buddhist amulets.
Police said the suspect was arrested yesterday at Cha Am Police Station under a warrant issued by the Phetchaburi Provincial Court. He is accused of attempted theft at a public place of worship and burglary at residential properties during the night. Continued …
Hua Hin reviews policies for homeless people
Local authorities in Hua Hin are looking at clearer, coordinated ways to support homeless people in the city, following a multi-agency workshop held this week at Hua Hin Police Station.
The meeting yesterday brought together municipal officials, police, health authorities, and social welfare agencies to discuss how homeless individuals in the district should be assessed, assisted, and, where necessary, referred for further support. Continued …
Ex-deputy commander of Second Army Area warns third round of fighting ‘will happen’
Lt. Gen. Kanok Netrawatthanasena, former deputy commander of the 2nd Army Area and former commander of the Suranaree Task Force, said he believes a third round of fighting is inevitable, pointing to what he described as clear signs of defensive preparations along the border.
Kanok said recent activity — particularly the digging of trenches and the construction of bunkers — suggests an effort to build stronger fortified positions. He said the trenches appear to be an initial stage of establishing a defensive line and are not yet complete. Once finished, he said, soil would be piled in front to provide protection from gunfire. Continued …
Hospitals ready for Nipah virus
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.
Dr. Nattapong Wongwiwat, director-general of the Department of Medical Services, said state-run hospitals, including Rajavithi, Nopparat Rajathanee, and Lerdsin, along with specialized institutes, have been instructed to strengthen readiness. Preparations cover staffing, medical supplies, hospital beds, operating rooms, and isolation wards. Continued …
Nipah Virus: What It Is, Where It’s Found, and How It Spreads
The Nipah virus (NiV) is a severe infectious zoonotic disease, primarily affecting South and Southeast Asia, that presents a high mortality rate, estimated between 40% and 75%. First identified in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore, NiV is a priority pathogen due to its fatality rate and the current lack of approved vaccines or specific treatments.
Two confirmed cases of the deadly Nipah virus in West Bengal, India, have prompted a rapid and coordinated response across several Asian nations, leading to enhanced airport screenings and health measures. While the virus is highly fatal and listed as a priority pathogen by the WHO, experts emphasize that the risk to the general population remains low due to its limited person-to-person transmissibility and the timely containment efforts by Indian authorities. Continued …
Reader backlash exposes deep divide over Thailand’s strong baht
What began as yet another debate over Thailand’s strong baht has spiraled into something far more revealing — a raw, sometimes hostile clash between tourists, long-term visitors, retirees, and those pointing to deeper economic damage beyond beer prices and bar bills.
Concerns about the baht showed little consensus, but plenty of emotion. On one side are voices dismissing complaints outright. For them, Thailand remains “good value,” and those struggling with exchange rates are simply being cheap, entitled, or unrealistic. Continued …
Small-business support to generate at least Bt260 billion
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).
According to TCG President Sittikorn Direksoonthorn, ongoing government stimulus packages aimed at enhancing liquidity for SMEs comprise three main programs. Continued …
Federation of Thai Industries eyes 1.5M auto units as domestic demand increases
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).
According to the FTI’s Automotive Industry Club, the target includes 950,000 units for export and 550,000 units for the domestic market. While the export figure remains unchanged, domestic production is set to increase by 50,000 units. Continued …
Chinese goods called ‘a bigger threat than US tariffs’
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).
Speaking at a seminar on tariffs hosted by the Stock Exchange of Thailand yesterday, Somkiat said a TDRI study found the impact of US tariffs on Southeast Asia and on Thailand, in particular, has not been especially severe. Continued …
New Thai tech trends revealed
Tech consulting firm Bluebik foresees three megatrends that will transform organizations into intelligent enterprises amid a volatile economy and intense competition.
“We continue to see a shift in technology spending from traditional business transformation to AI transformation. Within the enterprise, AI is becoming core infrastructure used to increase competitiveness, reduce costs and drive revenue generation,” said Pochara Arayakarnkul, chief executive of Bluebik Group. Continued …
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China targeting over 1.5 million Thai visitors in 2026
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.
The Thai Travel Agents Assn. projected China was the top destination for Thai travelers with more than 1 million visitors last year, and Zhang Ruoyu, chief of the Chinese National Tourist Office (CNTO) Bangkok, said it’s possible Thai arrivals could reach more than 1.5 million this year. Continued …
Two tourists killed in separate traffic accidents
Chinese and Turkish nationals were killed in separate traffic accidents in Pattaya and Phuket early yesterday morning.
In Pattaya, Li Borui, 40, was crushed to death by a Mitsubishi Pajero driven by his friend, Tian Hangyu, 36, at about 5 am. In Phuket, 23-year-old Turkish national Yunus Acar was killed when his motorcycle collided with a van on Patak Road in Muang district at 12.35 am. Continued …
AirAsia leaves 23 passengers behind on tarmac bus, cites miscommunication
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.
A passenger later described the situation, explaining that she and her group had already boarded the aircraft when an elderly passenger notified the cabin crew that her friend had not yet boarded, despite having checked in. Continued …
Rescued elephant Pun had every one of her babies ripped away
Pun has endured a lifetime of heartbreak, trapped in a hideous elephant breeding program. She was forced to become pregnant over and over again, having her babies stolen from her and sold into the Thai tourist industry, to be used for rides and photo opportunities.
To make the elephants submissive for this industry, young calves have their spirits broken and are brutally beaten so they obey commands out of fear. Thailand is notorious for such programs, which are horribly cruel and cause trauma no mother or baby should ever endure. Continued …
What no one tells you about being a digital nomad in Thailand
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.
But once you’ve lived the dream for a little while, there are administrative tasks you can’t ignore. The visas, the healthcare, the insurance, the costs that never show up on Instagram. This is the part that you need to pay attention to to make sure you’re digital nomading well. Continued …
Mistakes That Ruin a Thailand Trip (And How to Avoid Them)
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.
These things were certainly preventable, and I’d like to share them here so you can come to Thailand better informed than I was. Most of these mistakes are small, but stacked together, they can quietly ruin an otherwise incredible trip. Continued …
The sounds of Thailand’s traditional musical instruments
The musical traditions of Southeast Asia have long captivated the world with their intricate melodies, fascinating stories, and deep cultural significance. The rich expression of historical influences, diversity, and spiritual elements makes Southeast Asian musical traditions truly unique in both artistry and complexity.
With its wide range of styles and heritage, the traditional music of Thailand captures the hearts of music enthusiasts around the world. Continued …
Surprisingly cheap plug-and-play solar panels may soon take over
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.
“For years, solar power at home was mostly limited to people who own their rooftops and could afford the steep upfront costs, but that’s changing,” the PBS newscaster explains in the video. “A new generation of small, affordable systems, often called plug-in solar, are making clean energy more accessible.” Video …
Rice Department Pushes Carbon Farming to Green Rice Sector
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.
Yesterday, Director-General Anont Nontree chaired a meeting highlighting new systems and technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while creating fresh income opportunities for rice farmers. Continued …
- Backlash as Danish-Arab Influencer Insults Locals in Pattaya – Continued …
- Police Bust Laughing Gas Network, Arrest Five Chinese – Continued …
- Koh Phangan Police Bust Transnational Cocaine Ring – Continued …
- Police Arrest Three Chinese Scam Suspects in Bangkok – Continued …
- Dane held for theft of safe on Koh Samui – Continued …
Britain and China meet for talks on trade, security
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. Continued …
Gold tops $5,400/oz as Fed holds rates
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. Continued …
Springsteen releases fiery ode to Minneapolis shooting victims
American rock hero Bruce Springsteen dived into the outrage over the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown with a fiery song released yesterday that pays tribute to two protesters fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis. Springsteen said the song “Streets of Minneapolis”,was a response to “state terror” in the northern US city, rocked by the actions of armed federal officers that have stoked vociferous local protests. Continued …
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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.
Ekniti Nitithanprapas, deputy prime minister and finance minister, said he was assigned by the prime minister to lead “Team Thailand” to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. He said the meeting’s core purpose was to serve as a platform for leaders to discuss and help shape global directions on the economy, trade, finance, and investment.
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.
The Thai super app Line Man has partnered with ITPP Co., which provides taxis on both a lease and hire-purchase basis, to develop an electric taxi service under the Line Man EV taxi program. Under this program, ITPP is providing the BYD e6 electric taxis to drivers operating on the Line Man platform on five-year lease agreements.
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.
As 2026 unfolds, Thailand’s tourism industry faces a complex and delicately balanced moment. The long-expected rebound in Chinese arrivals has fallen short of official forecasts, while breaking news of a new virus outbreak in India and Nepal now threatens to disrupt one of Thailand’s fastest-growing source markets.
Agoda, a digital travel platform, says Bangkok ranked second among the most popular Asian destinations for international travelers during the Chinese New Year period. Tokyo topped the list, followed by Bangkok, Taipei, Osaka, and Seoul.
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. 
More than 850,000 customers in the United States as far west as New Mexico were without electricity and over 10,000 flights were canceled yesterday during a monster winter storm that paralyzed eastern and southern states with heavy snow and ice. As snow, freezing rain and dangerously frigid temperatures swept into the eastern two-thirds of the nation, the number of power outages continued to rise. 
The Nipah virus is a dangerous infectious disease with a 50%-70% fatality rate and no specific cure. It can be transmitted from animals to humans, with fruit bats being the primary carriers, and can also spread from person to person through close contact with the infected person’s bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine, and feces.
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
It’s easy to get cynical in Thailand. We complain about the heat, the traffic, the dual pricing, and the scams. But then, something happens that stops you in your tracks.
Thailand has long been a haven for those seeking tropical sun, beaches and a laidback lifestyle. It’s host to communities of expats, long-term freelancers, and foreign residents, some of whom have existed in a legal gray zone, taking advantage of visa runs to extend their stay indefinitely. Those days of extended stays in The Land of Smiles could be coming to a definitive end with the digital transformation of the immigration system.
The Hua Hin Provincial Court has denied bail to “Sam”, the suspect in the brutal murder of a female hotel employee in central Hua Hin, citing the seriousness of the charges and concerns that he could flee if released.
Unsafe levels of ultrafine dust at the orange level (starting to harm health) shrouded Bangkok and 53 provinces, mostly in the Central Plains and the northeast, late this morning.
Siam Legal International, a full-service law firm with over 22 years of experience advisinginternational clients in Thailand, has released its comprehensive guidance for foreign nationals and businesses navigating Thailand’s regulatory environment in 2026. The firm highlights several national developments that may influence administrative procedures, compliance expectations, and regulatory focus throughout the year.
The baht has again become a growing concern after strengthening rapidly. Yesterday, the baht continued to appreciate and broke below the 31.00 level against the US dollar, reaching a strong level of THB30.88 per US dollar.
In November, Thai merchandise exports reached USD 27.45 billion, growing 7.1% year-on-year (YOY), slightly above SCB EIC’s 7% forecast but below the Reuters median of 8.3%. Despite solid expansion, seasonally adjusted exports showed signs of slowdown, declining 2.3% month-on-month.
Thailand’s commercial banking sector posted solid results in 2025, with the combined performance of 11 banks remaining at a healthy level: SCBX, Bangkok Bank (BBL), Kasikornbank (KBANK), Bank of Ayudhya (BAY), TMBThanachart Bank (TTB), Kiatnakin Phatra Bank (KKP), TISCO Financial Group (TISCO), Land and Houses Bank (LHFG), CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT), Thai Credit Bank (CREDIT) and Krungthai Bank (KTB).
Thailand’s e-commerce market is projected to post normalized growth this year, expanding by 7% to reach 1.15 trillion baht, as the maturing landscape is characterized by heightened complexity and fierce competition. To emerge as winners, brands must transition toward commerce operating systems, according to Priceza.
Thailand’s rice exports exceeded official targets in 2025, but the Ministry of Commerce has lowered its projection for 2026 amid intensifying global competition, currency volatility, and geopolitical risks. Officials say the focus next year will be on defending existing markets while expanding into selected new destinations to support farmer incomes and stabilize export volumes.
The era of volume is dead. The next decade of Thai tourism will and must be shaped not by the number of arrivals, but by the economic value generated by those arrivals.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) latest promotional campaign, featuring pop icon Lisa of Blackpink, has drawn mixed reactions online, with critics arguing that the TAT has secured a “precious gem” but undermined her value through poor presentation.
Singha Park Chiang Rai marks 10 years of balloon fiesta
US President Donald Trump has withdrawn his threat to impose new tariffs on multiple countries that oppose US control of Greenland, saying he has now reached an outline framework agreement with NATO. “Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1,” Trump wrote online, without providing details. He posted the message after meeting Mark Rutte, secretary-general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), in Davos, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. 
Laos has tightened controls on outdoor burning, as air pollution continued to affect major cities yesterday, with the government warning that forest fires and agricultural burning remain the main drivers of seasonal haze and health risks.
Thailand still has an undersupply of hotel rooms, according to international chain IHG Hotels & Resorts, which aims to add nearly 40 hotels here in 3-5 years. Elie Maalouf, chief executive at IHG, said Thailand is still “under-penetrated” in terms of hotel rooms per person, as many hotels have very high occupancy rates for much of the time.
The Department of Mineral Fuels (DMF) has finished drafting amendments to the Petroleum Act to ensure the continuity of petroleum production when licenses expire, avoiding delays that can result in expensive electricity bills.
A wave of blunt, often frustrated comments from readers has reignited a long-running question: is Pattaya intentionally — or unintentionally — pushing away its traditional Western visitor base?
The friendliest Thai cities for foreigners
The influencer racing to save Thailand’s most endangered sea mammal
The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting 2026 in Davos has begun in a notably heated atmosphere, after Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney used a major address to declare that the so-called “rules-based order” is effectively “dead” in practice and urged the world’s middle powers to unite against growing coercion by larger states. 
If the US and the European Union (EU) implement tariff barriers against each other, it could cause severe disruptions to global trade, as both are crucial players in the global supply chain and major consumer markets, say economic analysts. Tensions are escalating after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs ranging up to 25% on eight European allies that oppose his demands for control of Greenland. 
The world is entering an era of “global water bankruptcy”, with rivers, lakes, and aquifers depleting faster than nature can replenish them, a United Nations research institute said yesterday. It argues that decades of overuse, pollution, environmental destruction, and climate pressure had pushed many water systems so beyond the point of recovery that a new classification was required. 
Hua Hin water supply issues were the focus of an urgent meeting held yesterday as city officials moved to address ongoing problems affecting residents, including supply interruptions, low water pressure, and concerns over water quality.
A planning meeting has been held to prepare for the Hua Hin City Creates Happiness, Healthy Hua Hin Residents festival, a community wellness event scheduled to take place Feb. 2 in Hua Hin.
Rising treatment costs, combined with Thailand’s medical inflation in 2025 (estimated at 14%–15%), have prompted major insurers such as AIA and Krungthai-AXA to reduce the share of new lump-sum (all-inclusive) health plans for new customers.
Thailand’s Transport Ministry plans to include travel insurance in train ticket fares, aiming to provide automatic passenger coverage in accidents. This follows the fatal Nakhon Ratchasima crash, which resulted in 30 fatalities.
Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) is intensifying efforts to ensure a fair election on Feb. 8 after a survey indicated that over a quarter of voters might accept cash for their votes. Allegedly, payments range from 3,000 to 7,500 baht per person.
Marathon Teaching: The strained tasks of small school teachers
How is Thailand’s Dining Landscape Set to Shift?
The future of the electric vehicle Asia Pacific market is set for robust expansion, as the green mobility revolution transforms the regional automotive ecosystem. The Asia Pacific EV market was valued at USD 221.95 billion in 2022 and is forecast to grow to approximately USD 459.06 billion by 2029, registering a CAGR of around 10.94% over this period.
Germany’s finance minister, Lars Klingbeil, said in Berlin yesterday that Europe was “constantly facing new provocations and hostility” that President Trump was seeking, and that Europeans needed to make clear “this is the limit”. 
Spanish police said yesterday that at least 39 people are confirmed dead in a high-speed rail collision the previous night in the south of the country, when the tail end of a train jumped the track, causing another train speeding past in the opposite direction to derail. 
A recent seminar in Hua Hin has highlighted growing legal risks for foreign residents who bought property through Thai-registered companies using nominee shareholders, as Thailand intensifies a nationwide crackdown on structures used to bypass land and business ownership laws.
Academics and activists said over 40 million workers in Thailand remain stuck in low-paid, unsafe jobs with inadequate healthcare and social protection, urging parties to draft policies that ensure labor protection and fair employment.
Phuket International Airport recorded a significant boost in flight movements and passenger numbers in 2025, signaling a robust recovery in aviation and tourism. According to Monchai Tanod, the airport director, last year’s performance outshone 2024 and edged closer to the peak year of 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The decision by the administration of US President Donald Trump to suspend or significantly tighten US immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, including Thailand, has triggered widespread concern across the global travel, tourism, and meetings industries.
The tiny shopfront of Gu Long Bao in Bangkok’s Chinatown has seen a lot of history unfold over its century of operation, from the creation of Thailand as a nation to its rise as a cultural and tourism hotspot. The shop has a fan following for its pillowy buns, with fillings such as barbecued pork and black sesame.
Sugarcane farmers are using bundled incense sticks as slow starters to illegally burn off cane trash in their fields when they are not there, in a ploy to deny accountability for the resulting increase in air pollution.
Chinese electric vehicle maker Changan Automobile is gearing up to launch the second phase of its battery electric vehicle (BEV) production in Thailand in the first quarter of 2026, reinforcing its ambitions in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing EV markets.
The collective wealth of the planet’s billionaires soared to a record level in 2025, charity Oxfam reported today, warning of “highly dangerous” political consequences as the global elite gathers for the World Economic Forum.