- Thailand temps to reach over 42°C/Poverty and aging society are threats/Support for sex workers ahead of election/Bangkok PM 2.5 levels surge/1,800 Chinese held in Cambodian raid/Man Admits Burning Dog
- ECONOMY: Adapting to a new world order/Thailand’s economy experienced growth/Personal Spending Largest Since 2022/Instant commerce reshaping Thai retail/Wellness industry poised for growth/Thai Baht to Strengthen Until Mid-Year/FTI eyes new export markets/Durian market hit by labor shortages/Thai gold prices plunge
- TOURISM: Is tourism industry at a turning point?/AOT to raise passenger service charge
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: A canal journey in Bangkok
- CLIMATE THAILAND: 6 Sustainability Trends/Nationwide charging network for Grab
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
Thailand’s 2026 summer forecast to reach temperatures over 42°C
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has predicted that the summer of 2026 will be hotter than the previous year. The summer season is expected to begin later than usual, around the end of February (approximately two weeks later than typical), and will last until mid-May 2026.
The weather will alternate between scorching heat and thunderstorms, with some areas experiencing extremely high temperatures. This is expected mainly during April to May. Continued …
Report flags poverty and aging society as threats
Thailand is facing a “perfect storm”, as a low birth rate, persistent poverty, and a rapidly aging society place mounting pressure on the tax base, welfare system, and social structure, says the Equitable Education Fund (EEF).
The report says Thailand is at its most critical turning point in the past 40 years. The birth rate has fallen sharply, from about one million births a year four decades ago to just 410,000 today. Continued …
Thai parties pledge support for sex workers ahead of election
Ahead of the Feb. 8 election, various political parties in Thailand have expressed their support for sex workers, pledging to enhance protection and dignity under the law in a nation where prostitution remains illegal.
The Service Workers in Group (Swing) Foundation recently organized a forum titled “Sex (Worker) and the City” to explore policies related to sex work. Representatives from the Pheu Thai, People’s, Movement, Thai Sang Thai, and Democrat parties convened at Cowboy 2 bar in Soi Cowboy, a well-known night entertainment area, to engage in this discussion. Continued …
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Bangkok faces health risks as PM 2.5 levels surge across all districts
The Bangkok Air Quality Information Center reported yesterday that PM 2.5 levels in Bangkok have exceeded the safety limits in all districts.
The highest levels were recorded in the northern areas, with dust particles reaching 45–54.1 µg/m³, affecting respiratory health. The average PM 2.5 level in Bangkok is 44.8 µg/m³ (the standard limit is 37.5 µg/m³). Continued …
Nearly 1,800 Chinese among thousands held in huge Cambodian raid on scam compound
Cambodia has carried out a massive raid on scammer gangs, detaining more than 2,000 people amid pressure from China to crack down on its online fraud industry. Nearly 1,800 Chinese nationals were among those held, according to the Cambodian Interior Ministry.
A Cambodian Interior Ministry statement said that Cambodian police had conducted a large-scale enforcement operation on Saturday morning at an online fraud compound in Bavet, the largest city in the southeastern province of Svay Rieng, which borders Vietnam. Continued …
Man Admits Burning Dog After It Ate His Fried Eggs
A man in Mukdahan province has admitted to killing a dog on Friday by throwing it into a fire, allegedly after becoming angry when the animal ate his fried eggs. The case came to light yesterday after the owner filed a police complaint supported by video evidence.
The owner said he returned home at about 7.30 pm Friday and did not find his dog, which usually waited for him at a nearby junction. After searching the area, he went to the house of a neighbour with whom he had previously argued and discovered his dog being burned on a fire. Continued …
Adapting to a new world order
As the global order shifts rapidly to geopolitical tensions, evolving trade rules, and technological competition that is reshaping economics, business leaders and analysts are urging Thailand to adapt to these changes.
Industry groups said Thai entrepreneurs must collaborate with government agencies to navigate new tariffs, regulations, and supply chain disruptions, while maximizing the country’s free trade agreements (FTAs) to stay competitive. Continued …
Thailand’s economy experienced growth in Q4
Thailand’s economy in December expanded from the previous month, supported by higher merchandise exports, particularly technology-related and agricultural products. Private consumption, especially in services, improved following government support measures.
Private investment also expanded, led by increased investment in machinery and equipment and vehicles, reflecting accelerated registrations of electric vehicles ahead of the expiration of the EV 3.0 scheme. These developments contributed to stronger activity in related service sectors. Continued …
Thailand Personal Spending Largest Since 2022
Private consumption indicators in Thailand climbed 2.5% month-on-month in December, rebounding from a 0.3% fall in November and marking the sharpest rise since April 2022. Gains were broad-based across all spending categories, with growth in services spending led by hotels and restaurants, partly supported by government stimulus measures.
Durable goods consumption also strengthened, driven by higher vehicle sales, including accelerated electric-vehicle purchases ahead of the EV 3.0 scheme expiration and new model launches at the Motor Expo. Continued …
Instant commerce reshaping Thai retail
The rapid emergence of instant commerce in Thailand, a retail evolution defined by delivery within a few hours, will become the new battlefield for on-demand players and e-commerce platforms, say brands.
This reflects a shift in consumer expectations toward hyper-convenience, forcing brands to transition from physical shelf space to digital screen visibility. The move comes as traditional e-commerce matures, with instant commerce offering massive growth potential through data-driven insights and the ability to capture impulsive “micro-moments”. Continued …
Thailand’s wellness industry poised for growth, targeting top 5 global hubs
According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the global wellness economy has been continuously growing. In 2024, it was valued at US$6.8 trillion, increasing to US$7.3 trillion in 2025, and expected to reach US$7.9 trillion in 2026.
Dr.Tanupol Virunhagarun, CEO of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services, stated that 2026 will be the most prosperous year for wellness in Thailand. This is due to various sectors laying the foundation and preparing for this growth over the past 3-4 years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Continued …
K Research: Thai Baht to Strengthen Until Mid-Year, Then Weaken
Gold prices hit a record high above $5,500 due to US-Iran tensions, with expectations of the Federal Reserve moving to rate cuts, pushing the baht to strengthen below 31 baht per dollar, the strongest in almost five years.
The Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch) forecasts that the Thai baht could continue to strengthen, testing 31.00 and 30.70 baht per dollar during the first 3-6 months of 2026. This is primarily driven by the rise in gold prices and external factors. Continued …
FTI eyes new export markets for growth
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is calling for Thailand to expand into new high-potential markets to support the country’s export and manufacturing sectors, as key trading partners face economic weakness amid a global slowdown.
FTI Vice-chairman Apichit Prasoprat said Thailand must diversify its export destinations to sustain growth, as traditional partners such as China and Japan are struggling with sluggish economies. Continued …
Durian market hit by labor shortages
Thai durian exports are expected to face several hurdles due to labor shortages and a lack of collection centers during the harvest season. Durian supply is forecast to reach 1.78 million tons this year, with the eastern region contributing 1.06 million tons, or 59.5% of total output.
The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) highlighted challenges for the durian sector, including shortages of farm workers and fruit packers, as the number of skilled Cambodian workers declines. Continued …
Thai gold prices plunge another 1,200 baht
Thai gold prices on Saturday were down by 1,200 baht per baht-weight (15.2 grams), as a global and local correction continued after a surge to record highs earlier in the week.
The Gold Traders Assn. on Saturday morning announced buying prices of 72,616.40 baht per baht-weight for gold ornaments and 74,100 baht for gold bars. Selling prices were set at 75,000 and 74,200 baht, respectively. Continued …
Is Thailand’s tourism industry at a turning point?
Thailand’s tourism industry ended 2025 with mixed results. Official data released in early 2026 revealed a 7.2% decline in international arrivals, bringing the total to 32.97 million visitors.
While the sector remains a cornerstone of the national GDP, this post-pandemic era has exposed structural vulnerabilities and a profound shift in source markets, forcing the Kingdom to rethink its economic model. Continued …
AOT to raise passenger service charge for international flights from May
Airports of Thailand (AOT) confirmed plans to increase the passenger service charge (PSC) for international departures in May this year. While the increase will largely affect foreign travelers, AOT insisted that it will not reduce the number of international visitors to Thailand.
The chief executive officer of AOT, Paweena Jariyathitipong, told local media that the PSC for passengers departing on international flights will rise from 730 baht per person to 1,120 baht per person. The charge for inbound international flights will remain unchanged. Continued …
A canal journey into Bangkok’s quiet soul
For much of its history, Bangkok was less a city of roads than a city of water. Canals once carried not only goods and people but habits of life — how neighbors greeted one another, how monks moved between temples, how food and ideas circulated. Long before expressways and sky trains defined the urban rhythm, water was the city’s infrastructure.
That earlier tempo is what the Tourism Authority of Thailand, working with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and cultural partners, is trying to recover with a new route called Lad Lor Long Krung — “Explore Bangkok Through the City’s Historic Waterways.” Continued …
6 Sustainability Trends for 2026
This year is being seen as a “structural turning point” in business, as the combined pressures from the climate crisis, technological advancements, and demographic changes make the concept of “sustainability” no longer just a policy for improving image. It has become the new foundation for growth, competitiveness, and long-term survival for businesses.
Amid this context, EGCO Group has identified six important sustainability trends that businesses should watch in 2026, to serve as a compass for strengthening organizations and preparing for the global economic transition in a systematic manner. Continued …
Sharge to establish nationwide charging network for Grab
Thai EV charging service provider Sharge has partnered with Grab to build a dedicated charging network for the company. It plans to invest over 400 million baht in the project.
Sharge will initially set up three charging stations under a pilot program, one each at Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok, and one in Pattaya (Chonburi Province). More than 60% of Grab drivers in these areas have already adopted EVs. Continued …
Russian Man Dismembered in Pattaya Debt-Linked Killing, 2 Russians arrested
Police yesterday arrested two Russian men suspected of murdering a compatriot, dismembering the body and burying the parts in Bang Lamung district. According to police sources, the suspects aged 35 and 38 were arrested at a room in a hotel on Sukhumvit 71 in Watthana district, Bangkok.
Before the arrest, police found from CCTV footage that they had been in the company of Russian man who was reported missing and they had later ridden off on a motorcycle carrying a large bundle. The CCTV camera was in a housing estate about one kilometer from where the body was found. Continued …
Americans warned they will be poorer as world pivots away from US economy
Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman has warned that the rest of the world is starting to pull away from the United States, driven by frustration with President Donald Trump’s threats, and that the shift will ultimately leave Americans poorer. Continued …
Japan expands overtourism measures to 100 areas
Japan will expand overtourism countermeasures from 47 to 100 areas nationwide as it positions inbound tourism as a core strategic industry after foreign visitor spending hit a record 9.5 trillion yen in 2025. Continued …
Hua Hin Links
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
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.
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.
Unsafe levels of ultrafine dust has blanketed 57 provinces and Bangkok and one province, Samut Songkhram, faced a red level of harmful smog.
Thailand will see two nationwide alcohol sales bans linked to the upcoming parliamentary elections, covering all provinces.
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.
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.
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.
Government measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are expected to help increase monetary circulation in the economy by at least 260 billion baht this year, says the chief of Thai Credit Guarantee Corp. (TCG).
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has announced a vehicle manufacturing target of 1.5 million units for 2026, a modest increase from 1.45 million units last year, driven by expectations of stronger domestic demand and growing production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
The influx of low-priced goods from China has a far more severe impact than US tariffs on Thai products, says Somkiat Tangkitvanich, president of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
Tech consulting firm Bluebik foresees three megatrends that will transform organizations into intelligent enterprises amid a volatile economy and intense competition.
China aims to attract at least 1.5 million Thai visitors this year, up from more than 1 million in 2025, while the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects to generate 35.4 billion baht from 1.25 million foreign tourists during the 10-day Chinese New Year holiday next month.
AirAsia issued an apology following a coordination issue that left 23 passengers on a shuttle bus during boarding for a domestic flight from Bangkok to Hat Yai. The incident occurred on Jan. 17 on a flight scheduled to depart Don Mueang International Airport.
Bangkok ranks first as the world’s favourite city for digital nomads, with Chiang Mai close behind. It’s easy to see why. Thailand has a magnetic charm that pulls people in. You come for a short stay, rent a scooter, find a café with fast Wi-Fi, and before you know it, you are talking about “base cities” and lease renewals.
I like to think I’m a pretty cautious and attentive person. So, when I first came to Thailand, I did some homework to avoid any social faux pas. Despite my efforts, there were still some things I didn’t catch until after I arrived.
New plug-and-play solar panels are making home solar more accessible for both homeowners and renters. A “PBS NewsHour” segment showcased how plug-and-play solar panels work and how they have made solar power affordable for many people who previously thought that home solar was unattainable.
The Rice Department is advancing carbon farming as a nationwide strategy to make rice production more sustainable and to support the country’s long-term carbon neutrality goals.
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing today, seeking closer trade ties while balancing sensitive issues of national security and human rights. This is the first visit to China by a UK prime minister since 2018 and follows a slew of Western leaders seeking support from Beijing recently, pivoting from an increasingly unpredictable United States. 
Global gold prices jumped to a fresh all-time high, breaking above $5,400 an ounce, after former US President Donald Trump warned Iran to reach a nuclear deal and the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged, as expected. 
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.
Suphajee Suthumpun, minister of commerce, opened a seminar and delivered a special keynote on yesterday, titled “Mission to Win for The Game Changer”, organized by the Department of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Commerce.
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.
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. 
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.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has finished repairing a stretch of railway track in Sikhiu district of Nakhon Ratchasima province in the wake of a fatal crane collapse that struck a passenger train on Jan. 14, killing 30 people, while a parallel technical investigation moves toward identifying the causes and accountability.
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 World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report indicates that Thailand’s GDP is predicted to grow by 1.8% in 2026, a slight revision upward by 0.1 percentage point from an earlier projection. Despite this increase, Thailand’s growth remains the lowest among major ASEAN countries.
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 is participating in the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos to boost investor confidence and promote its economic policies, with a focus on digital economy investments. The event in Switzerland from Jan. 19–23 sees around 3,000 participants, including 64 heads of state.
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 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. 
In 2026, Thailand is expected to complete one of the most significant transformations in its immigration system, the abolition of passport stamping and the full adoption of a 100% digital immigration platform.
International Living magazine has identified the five most affordable places to live or retire in 2026, which scored the highest in the cost-of-living category of its 2026 Global Retirement Index. It evaluated retirement destinations across climate, healthcare, visa and lifestyle, along with cost.
Thailand is tightening its grip on gold trading to curb its impact on the baht. Authorities plan to cap daily online gold trading between 100 million and 200 million baht, as announced by the Bank of Thailand. Additionally, a cap on foreign currency transactions at money changers is set at 800,000 baht daily.
A grayscale sky is showing signs of life over slumbering waves, with sunshine breaking through clouds that had earlier brought steamy tropical rain to the northeast coast of Koh Samui.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. will seize control of Greenland “the easy way” or “the hard way” and warned that he won’t miss out on the opportunity to Russia or China. “We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not,” he said. 
Iran is currently cut off from the outside world. The government has severed internet and telephone lines nationwide, hoping to blind and deafen the international community to the brutality of its crackdown. Yet, the screams of frustration from the streets echo far beyond the digital blackout. This nationwide uprising is a clear signal: the 40-year-old theocratic regime is facing its most catastrophic crisis of faith yet. 
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