Four Dead in Prachuap Crash/Hua Hin father shoots son dead/Tea vs. coffee – Which is healthier?/Illegal Fishing Tours Busted/Diesel price frozen/Hot days, thunderstorms forecast/72 tigers die at Chiang Mai tiger parks/Meta to end Messenger.com- ECONOMY: US Supreme court throws out Trump’s tariffs/Trump furious/Trump signs temporary 10% global tariff/10% global tariff eases pressure on Thailand/Tariff refunds unclear/K-Research upgrades Thai outlook/Additional Flood Relief Funds/Thailand is Reforming the Seafood Industry
- TOURISM: Thailand to raise international passenger fee/Thai airports more expensive than world’s best/Thai hoteliers forecast flat foreign arrivals/Pattaya pays the price/Buriram Set For 2026 MotoGP
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Has Thailand lost its edge?/Where to go to escape the crowds
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Fast-tracking to a green future
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Four Dead as SUV Hits Pole in Prachuap Crash
Four people, including a two-year-old boy, were killed when a Toyota Fortuner driver lost control and struck a roadside electricity pole in Prachuap Khiri Khan province yesterday. The crash occurred at around 10.30 am on Phetkasem Road, inbound to Bangkok, in Bang Saphan district.
Police said the vehicle overturned and was severely damaged, with one victim thrown from the car. The Toyota Fortuner, registration from Bangkok, was found crushed against the pole with its roof torn open. Nearby, the body of a 66-year-old man was discovered outside the vehicle. Continued …
Depressed Hua Hin father shoots son dead and cites disappointment
A Thai man with depression shot and killed his 30-year-old son at their home in Hua Hin district Thursday, telling police he was disappointed in his son.
Officers from Hua Hin Police Station were called to a house on Soi Hua Hin–Huay Mongkhon 15 to investigate the shooting. At the scene, police found the suspect, the 63-year-old father of the family, sitting outside the home. He appeared shocked and was barely able to walk, requiring support to reach a police vehicle. Continued …
Tea vs. coffee – Which is healthier for you and why?
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.
Both drinks have centuries of tradition behind them, and decades of modern research examining how they affect the heart, brain, metabolism and long-term health. Continued …
Illegal Fishing Tours Busted in Park
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.
Officials reported that a Facebook and TikTok page under the name “A Suk Samran” was advertising paid trips to catch snakehead and giant snakehead fish within the park. The alleged activities took place in the Ban Phu Sai area, Pong Daeng, Moo 3, Huai Mae Phriang subdistrict, Kaeng Krachan district, Phetchaburi province. Continued …
Diesel price frozen at 30 baht amid Middle East tensions
The Fuel Fund Executive Committee decided today to freeze the retail price of diesel at 30 baht per liter by cutting refiners’ contributions to the fund by a further 15 satang per liter. Additionally, the committee agreed to provide a 30 satang per liter subsidy from the fund to maintain the domestic diesel price at 30 baht per liter.
The move is intended to cushion the impact on domestic diesel prices in the event of an armed conflict with Iran, as threatened by US President Donald Trump, said Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon, in his capacity as chair of the Fuel Fund Executive Committee. Continued …
Hot days, thunderstorms forecast across Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts for today and tomorrow, the high-pressure system or cold air mass covering the northeast and the South China Sea will weaken.
Meanwhile, southerly and southeasterly winds will bring moisture over upper Thailand, meaning thunderstorms will continue in upper parts of the country. In the south, isolated thunderstorms are also possible. Continued …
Probe underway after 72 tigers die at Chiang Mai tiger parks
The Department of Livestock Development is expediting post-mortem examinations after 72 tigers at Mae Rim Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai and a second facility in Mae Taeng district were reported to have died unusually since early February. The Mae Rim site has announced a temporary 14-day closure.
According to a report by Protected Area Regional Office 16 (Chiang Mai), between Feb. 8 and Feb. 19, a total of 72 tigers died across the two facilities — 21 at the Mae Rim site and 51 at the Mae Taeng site. Continued …
Meta to end Messenger.com web chat, move users to Facebook
Meta has announced it will officially end the Messenger.com website for messaging in April, effectively pushing users to chat on the web via Facebook instead.
In its Help Center update, Meta said it will discontinue messaging on messenger.com from April onward. After that, anyone who wants to send and receive messages in a web browser will need to use Facebook’s messaging interface. Continued …
US Supreme court throws out Trump’s tariffs
The U.S. Supreme Court has handed down a landmark ruling in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump (No. 24-1287), deciding yesterday that the president has no authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose import tariffs unilaterally.
The decision is widely seen as a major legal setback for Donald Trump and carries direct implications for how future presidents can use executive power in international trade policy. Continued …
Trump furious after Supreme Court upends tariffs, vows new levy
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. Video …
Trump signs temporary 10% global tariff after Supreme Court ruling
Trump announced a new 10% global customs tariff after expressing anger toward US Supreme Court justices who ruled that his retaliatory tariffs were void because they were unlawful.
CNBC reported that President Donald Trump announced yesterday he would sign an executive order to enforce a new “global” tariff at a rate of 10%. Trump made the announcement only a few hours after the US Supreme Court ordered the cancellation of his worldwide “reciprocal” import tariffs — seen as a major setback to his trade agenda. Continued …
10% global tariff eases pressure on Thailand for now; tougher moves may follow
Commentary in Thailand has picked up after the US Supreme Court struck down the earlier IEEPA-based tariffs, prompting President Donald Trump to switch tactics, starting with a new 10% global import tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This is a temporary measure limited to 150 days (with a statutory cap of 15% for this type of surcharge).
Former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij aid the new 10% global tariff is “good news” for Thai trade and world trade because it replaces the earlier tariff framework and applies the same rate to every country. He argued this effectively lowers Thailand’s exposure compared with the 19% rate Thailand had still been discussing, meaning Thailand would now face 10% like everyone else. Continued …
Court ruling leaves tariff refunds unclear, triggering scramble by US importers
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 court did not give clear guidance on whether those tariffs will be refunded, or how refunds would be handled. For American companies and the broader economy, that means significantly greater trade uncertainty. Continued …
K-Research upgrades Thai growth outlook
Following a surprise growth result for the fourth quarter of 2025 and an improved performance over the past year, Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research) has upgraded its outlook for the Thai economy.
The research house raised its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 1.9% from 1.6%, while its 2027 projection increased to 2.4% from 2.0%. The improved outlook is supported by greater political stability under the new government and stronger prospects for foreign direct investment (FDI). Continued …
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Disaster Agency Allocates Additional Flood Relief Funds to 140,000 Households
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.
The decision to transfer extra funds follows comprehensive assessments conducted by field teams, highlighting the extensive damages and the necessity for increased assistance. The agency is working collaboratively with local governments and humanitarian organizations to ensure the funds reach those most in need swiftly and efficiently. Continued …
How Thailand is Reforming the Seafood Industry to Prevent Exploitation
Every day, as dawn breaks, hundreds of fishing vessels leave Thailand’s ports for days at sea. For the thousands of migrant fishers who contribute to this industry, and the workers who process and package the catch onshore, the distance from port has meant distance from safety and protection.
Thailand’s seafood sector is a vital part of the country’s economy and supports the livelihoods of many households. It is also a cornerstone of the global supply chain and contributes to a secure food system. But behind the products on supermarket shelves is a workforce, dominated by migrants, that faces serious risks: unpaid or underpaid wages, forced labor, limited access to social protection, and limited feedback mechanisms. Continued …
Thailand to raise international passenger fee in June
Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced yesterday the passenger service charge (PSC) on outbound international travelers will rise to 1,120 baht per person from 730 baht from June 20.
The 53% increase will apply at the six airports run by the company: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. The domestic passenger fee remains unchanged at 130 baht, AOT said. Continued …
Tax hike will make Thai airports more expensive than world’s best
After Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced an increase in the international departure passenger service charge (PSC) from 730 baht to 1,120 baht per person, effective June 20 onward, it has been noted that Thailand thenceforth would be charging more than leading airports worldwide.
A comparison of last year’s PSC as ranked by Skytrax shows that Suvarnabhumi Airport’s PSC will be higher than many world-class airports, even though it only ranks 39th globally. Continued …
Thai hoteliers forecast flat 2026 foreign arrivals, cite safety concerns
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.
The latest Hotel Business Operator Sentiment Index for January, conducted by the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) and the Bank of Thailand, points to a cautious outlook among 99 respondents. While four-star and above properties anticipate growth from European markets, the wider industry warns that Thailand’s lingering negative safety image and the absence of new tourism stimulation projects are weakening its competitiveness against lower-priced regional rivals. Continued …
Thailand polishes its image while Pattaya pays the price
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 disconnect is becoming harder to ignore. Airports report strong earnings, official statements boast of “quality tourists”, and marketing campaigns emphasize a cleaner, more family-friendly image. Yet, in Pattaya, shop owners, bar operators, and small service businesses say foot traffic is thinner, spending is weaker, and uncertainty is growing. Continued …
Buriram Set For 2026 MotoGP Season Opener
Authorities in Buriram say preparations are complete for the 2026 MotoGP season opener, with safety, traffic and tourism plans in place ahead of upcoming pre-season testing. The first shipment of racing equipment has arrived at the Chang International Circuit, where infrastructure installation is under way.
The immediate focus is on ensuring operational readiness before official activities begin later this month. Marshals and medical teams have completed intensive training on updated race regulations, safety procedures, and emergency response protocols. Provincial officials, circuit executives, and representatives from the Sports Authority of Thailand met to coordinate operations for the “PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2026”. Discussions centred on traffic management, security, transport and visitor services. Continued …
Has Thailand lost its edge? Comparing expat life across Southeast Asia
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.
But Thailand climbed to 4th globally for expat satisfaction in the InterNations Expat Insider 2025 survey, its best-ever placement, up from 6th in 2024. Has Thailand genuinely declined, or has the competition simply improved? Continued …
Where to go to escape the crowds in Thailand
Thailand is a huge country and a lot of tourists are still excited by the headline destinations — Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, and the Phi Phi islands, to name a few.
Fortunately, if you know where to look, there are so many other places to discover — delve a little deeper and you can be sure to find a little corner of the country away from the crowds. Continued …
Ratchaburi factory fast-tracking to a green future
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.
Due to environmental concerns, Schle Wood-Thanan, managing director of Satin Textiles and founder of Pasaya, announced that Pasaya is set to spend over 150 million baht on transforming its Ratchaburi factory into a zero-emission factory by 2030. Continued …
Trump’s new Iran threats rattle markets
Most Asian equities fell and oil prices rose yesterday after Donald Trump ratcheted up Middle East tensions by hinting at possible military strikes on Iran if it did not make a “meaningful deal” in nuclear talks. The remarks put the brakes on a rebound in markets following an AI-fueled sell-off earlier. Continued …
Hua Hin Links and Transport
Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
The Hua Hin property market is emerging as a relative bright spot in Thailand’s challenging real estate sector, supported by sustained foreign demand that is helping to offset weak domestic purchasing power.
Forest fires, suspected to have been caused by human activity, have been raging uncontrollably in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, and Mae Hong Son, driving PM2.5 levels beyond the 37.5-micron safety threshold, according to reports from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The Department of Disease Control (DDC), in collaboration with the Department of Corrections, visited a prison to investigate an Mpox outbreak following a reported fatality. Most recently, two additional close contacts tested positive.
A group of foreign residents in Pattaya has lodged a complaint with the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) after allegedly losing more than 300 million baht in a fraudulent gold-trading investment scheme branded “King Power Gold”.
Thailand’s Industrial Confidence Index rose marginally to 88.7 in January, up from 88.2 in December, as the manufacturing sector returned to full swing following the New Year holiday and demand picked up ahead of the Lunar New Year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Thai hotel operators are forecasting stable foreign tourist arrivals in 2026, particularly from short-haul markets excluding China, while urging the government to strengthen safety measures and boost traveler confidence.
Thailand is steadily cementing its reputation as one of the leading global destinations for medical tourism, attracting millions of international patients each year with its high-quality healthcare services, affordability, and attractive recovery options.
Two listed firms, PTT Oil and Retail (OR) and Central Plaza Hotel (Centel), announced a joint venture that will run budget hotels at PTT petrol stations. OR, oil trade flagship of national oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc, reported on Tuesday night that its board of directors approved the establishment of the joint venture.
Chiang Mai International Airport has recorded a new post-Covid high in passenger traffic, with daily numbers surpassing 36,000, as airlines added 69 extra and charter flights to accommodate Lunar New Year demand.
Puphaman National Park, located in Loei and Khon Kaen provinces, has called on the public to stop feeding wild elephants by leaving fruit and other edible items for them, warning that such well-intentioned acts could ultimately harm the animals and increase the risk of human-elephant conflict.
Three Israeli citizens in their 20s were attacked Tuesday night while spending time at a bar on the island of Koh Samui in southern Thailand. One of them sought medical treatment at a hospital, and another apparently managed to flee but has not been heard from since.
The partial closure of Rama 2 road for four months 24 hours a day from Feb. 15 to June 15 to install beams for a new expressway is expected to have widespread impact on the traffic flow.
The Ministry of Finance is preparing a proposal for the new government to restructure the excise tax system, aiming for a 7.6% increase in revenue for fiscal year 2026, reaching 578 billion baht.
Thailand approved B33.779 billion in foreign investment from 113 investors in January, marking a 46% increase in total investment value and a 10% rise in permitted investors.
So many Chinese tourists are heading to Thailand for Lunar New Year holidays that many tour packages offered by travel agencies are completely sold out, according to Chinese media.
The Department of Medical Services (DoMS) has issued an advisory urging citizens and businesses to prepare for the upcoming summer, which is expected to be more severe than last year.
Prime Minister Mark Carney yesterday launched a multi-billion dollar plan to strengthen the Canadian military and rely less on the United States. Carney’s announcement of Canada’s first defense industrial strategy built on themes he has emphasized throughout his 11-month tenure as President Donald Trump rips through traditional US alliances. 
Google has unveiled a new feature allowing users to request the removal of non-consensual explicit images and sensitive personal information from search results more easily, as part of its latest privacy and safety push. 
Hua Hin City Municipality has stepped up its sexual health education efforts ahead of Valentine’s Day, holding a campaign on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention for local secondary school students.
Addressing economic problems tops the public’s wish list for a new government led by the Bhumjaithai Party, with measures to reduce the cost of living ranking highest among expectations, according to a KPI poll released yesterday.
The Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) has issued new guidelines for the Trade Competition Act of 2017, expected to be published in the Royal Gazette next month, aiming to curb unfair trade practices and prevent monopolistic behavior in multi-sided platform businesses, with a focus on e-commerce.
Tourism operators are urging the government to reform law enforcement and regulation, as businesses and tourists suffer from worsening bribery issues, hampering the nation’s tourism reputation.
There is a type of foreigner in Thailand most tourists never notice. They don’t hang out in sports bars, don’t argue online about beer prices, and don’t complain that “Thailand isn’t what it used to be.” You won’t find them on Soi 6 or Walking Street, and if you do pass them somewhere local, you might not even realize they’re foreigners at all.
Bangkok is famous for many things – incredible street food, stunning temples, and a wellness scene that draws visitors from around the world. With so many spas scattered across the city, finding the right spa package in Bangkok can feel overwhelming.
Chiang Mai food tour: Must-try eats, street food, hidden cafes
Discover Kaeng Ko’s sunken temple and giant rain tree in Lamphun
Efforts to raise food sanitation standards across the western central region were the focus of a regional network meeting attended by representatives from eight provinces, including Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Authorities in Prachuap Khiri Khan are studying new sand sources as part of plans for beach nourishment to address coastal erosion along the central Gulf of Thailand. The Regional Marine Office, Prachuap Khiri Khan Branch, held a public consultation on Friday morning to outline a project to survey potential sand reserves for use in reinforcing beaches in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Chumphon.
The Harvest Wine Run Festival Hua Hin returns to Monsoon Valley Vineyard on March 7, inviting runners, walkers and wine lovers to combine fitness, food, and vineyard fun in one unique event.
For years, there has been a quiet understanding among many foreign business owners in Thailand – as long as nothing goes wrong, nobody looks too closely. That assumption is starting to crack.
Bhumjaithai in landslide victory with counting nearly complete
The Bhumjaithai Party of caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has won 174 House constituency seats, followed by the People’s Party with 87, and 58 for the Pheu Thai Party, according to the Election Commission.
PM2.5 pollution across northeastern Thailand continued to worsen for a fifth consecutive day, as authorities reported daily illegal agricultural burning, with satellite data showing multiple fire hotspots despite air quality in some areas remaining within official limits.
Thailand recorded a cumulative burned area of 2.26 million rai between Jan. 1–31, according to an analysis of Sentinel-2 satellite imagery by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, or GISTDA. One rai equals 1,600 square meters, 0.4 acres, or 10,764 square feet.
As Thailand continues to battle worsening PM2.5 pollution and persistent urban smog, air purifiers have quickly shifted from optional home appliances to essential health safeguards, especially for expatriates adjusting to the country’s environmental conditions. Understanding how these machines improve indoor air quality can make a substantial difference to daily comfort and long-term well-being.
Residents near the Chong Chom border crossing in Surin province say they are preparing for a possible third round of fighting, citing daily provocations by Cambodian troops and rising insecurity, with some households ready to evacuate. The comments came as uncertainty along the Thai–Cambodian border continued to affect local communities and cross-border trade.
A tragic encounter in Thailand is sparking renewed debate about how we share space with large wild animals in popular parks. A 65-year-old Thai tourist was killed on Feb. 2 after being trampled during a morning walk in Khao Yai National Park. Officials said the bull elephant, Oyewan, has now been linked to three deaths, and they will meet to decide next steps, including relocation or attempts to change the animal’s behavior.
Bhumjaithai has outlined an export policy aimed at reducing reliance on traditional markets and strengthening SMEs to compete globally.
Thailand is strengthening its food soft power by transforming local beef into a premium global product. The National Innovation Agency, or NIA, has launched Thailand Beef Fest 2026, showcasing how innovation can raise the quality and international competitiveness of Thai beef.
The United States will enforce a 25% import tariff on certain advanced AI chips, effective Jan. 15. This applies globally, including imports from Thailand. The tariff targets high-performance processors such as Nvidia’s H200 and AMD’s MI325X, aiming to strengthen domestic chip manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Some exemptions apply, including chips used in U.S. data centers, research, and startups, which will face a 0% tariff initially.
Thailand’s 4 Strengths to Attract Global Chip Giant: Grand Strategy Needed
The Thai halal industry, which includes food and tourism, has strong growth potential, according to the Thai Muslim Trade Assn. (TMTA). Marut Mekloy, president of the TMTA, said Thailand has a wide range of halal-certified products across various sectors, positioning the country as a prospective global halal trade hub.
Thailand’s tourism industry enters 2026 at a complex and delicately balanced moment. The long-anticipated rebound in Chinese arrivals has fallen short of official forecasts, while breaking news of a virus outbreak in India and Nepal now threatens to disrupt one of Thailand’s fastest-growing source markets. Together, these developments point to a tourism sector moving beyond recovery and into a period of structural adjustment.
Chiang Mai, once dominated by Chinese visitors, has gradually changed as the foreign market diversifies, with more arrivals from South Korea and Japan, as well as a notable resurgence of long haul tourists.
I Visited One of Thailand’s Oldest Organic Tea Farms
Don’t just eat in Thailand, learn how to cook Thai food, too
They say mother knows best, so mother’s mother must know even better, and what about her mother? Perhaps these historic Thai restaurants can tell us; the ones that have been in Bangkok for so long that our parents can reminisce along with us.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s coalition swept to a landslide election win yesterday, paving the way for her tax cuts that have spooked financial markets and increased military spending aimed at countering China. 
Thailand will impose a temporary nationwide ban on the sale, distribution and serving of alcoholic beverages during the general election. The restriction will be in force from 6 pm yoday until 6 pm tomorrow. During this period, alcohol will not be legally available in any setting nationwide.
The restaurant industry continues to face several challenges this year, as tourism has not fully recovered, labor shortages persist, and costs remain high. Chanon Koetcharoen, president of the Restaurant Association, said the tourism industry has an uncertain outlook in terms of traveler numbers, contributing to difficulties for eateries this year.
Starting from Jan. 1 this year, all goods ordered online and imported into Thailand are subject to both import duty and value-added tax (VAT). The Customs Department eliminated the minimum tax-exempt value (de minimis value), which was 1,500 baht. The measure is intended to ensure fairer trade competition and improve the efficiency of government revenue collection.
While 786 factories closed in 2025 and 1,220 new ones opened, there were more closures than openings in December for the first time in two years, according to the Kasikorn Research Center. This reflects ongoing structural problems and intense competition in the manufacturing sector, the research center pointed out,
Hesai Technology, a global leader in light detection and ranging (LiDAR) solutions and intelligent vehicle navigation systems, says Thailand will host its first manufacturing base outside China.
The Department of Mineral Fuels (DMF) is preparing to restart oil and gas exploration and production projects once a new government takes office following tomorrow’s general election, in a bid to attract multi-billion-baht investments and strengthen Thailand’s long-term energy security.
Gulf Development Public Co has successfully secured loan facilities totaling 60,000-million baht to support the development of 27 renewable energy power projects with a total contracted generation capacity of 939 MW.
In January, the number of layoffs in the United States surged to 108,435, marking the highest level since the 2009 subprime crisis. This increase, which represents a rise of 118% compared to January 2025 and 205% compared to December 2025, highlights a troubling trend in the job market. In addition to the surge in layoffs, new hiring also dropped to its lowest point in 17 years, with just 5,306 new positions announced in January. 
Canada and France, which both oppose US President Donald Trump’s claim to Greenland, opened consulates in the Danish autonomous territory’s capital yesterday, in a show of support for the local government. Since returning to the White House last year, Trump has insisted that Washington needs to control the strategic, mineral-rich Arctic island for security reasons. 
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.
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.
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.
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. 
Electronics lead export growth of 7% in November
UFO festival on Thailand tourism calendar in 2026
Living Lanna: the craft traditions of the north
Hua Hin Racer Marina Jazz Festival January 10
Agricultural economy to grow despite headwinds
Business leaders optimistic about Thailand’s 2026 outlook
Ministry preps co-pay scheme’s 2nd phase
See the best of northern Thailand this winter on a budget
Bangkok Climbs in 2026 Best Cities List
War-torn Myanmar embraces solar to tackle power crisis