- Hua Hin’s new municipal building/Food sanitation standards under scrutiny/Provinces search for sand/Mövenpick Hua Hin hotel and spa/Harvest Wine Run Festival returns/Why Thailand’s enforcement is suddenly feeling very real/Bhumjaithai in landslide victory/Shift Toward Nationalism and Monarchy/PM2.5 pollution rises/Thailand’s burned area hits 2.26-million rai/Choosing the right air purifier/Thai–Cambodian Border Residents Brace/Thai Navy Intercepts Cambodian Fishing Boats/Buri Ram’s Airport terminal/Attack Raises Urgent Wildlife Safety Questions
- ECONOMY: Bhumjaithai’s economic policy roundup/Business urges swift economic action/Bhumjaithai export plan/Infrastructure key for Thai growth/Turning local beef into premium product/U.S. Proposes 25% Tariff on AI Chips/Strengths to Attract Global Chip Giant/Thailand as global halal hub
- TOURISM: Thailand’s tourism reality check/Chiang Mai tourism in flux/Tourists use hands to remove ice
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: One of Thailand’s Oldest Organic Tea Farms/Ayutthaya Travel Guide/Learn how to cook Thai food/Bangkok’s oldest Thai restaurants
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Climate change discourse takes a new turn/Cargo ship sinks near Phuket
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT AND LINKS
Hua Hin to get new 7-story municipal building
Hua Hin City has approved the design for a new seven-story municipal office building, marking the next stage of a major infrastructure project that will combine a comprehensive medical service hub and a city museum, alongside an expanded disaster-prevention center.
The plans were reviewed on Friday during a meeting chaired by Nopporn Wutikul, mayor of Hua Hin. The seven-story building will be constructed behind the current Hua Hin City Municipality office. Once completed, it is expected to serve as an integrated public service center, with a strong focus on health and community facilities. Continued …
Food sanitation standards under scrutiny
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.
The meeting of the western central regional network was held on Friday at the Phetchaburi Provincial Public Health Office. The event brought together 120 participants from the restaurant, street food, and fresh market sectors to discuss how to improve food sanitation standards and strengthen cooperation between operators and public health authorities. Continued …
Provinces search for sand as beaches erode
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.
Officials said beach nourishment is considered one of the most effective non-structural measures for stabilizing shorelines affected by coastal erosion. The approach involves adding sand to restore balance to the coastline and improve beach conditions. Continued …
Mövenpick to open new hotel and spa in Hua Hin
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing for a new hotel and spa in Thailand. The Swiss company will open a new beach resort in Hua Hin.
the new 190-room Mövenpick Resort & Spa, Hua Hin, will be located on the West Coast of the Gulf of Thailand – a leisure destination famous for its pristine beaches, golf courses, and hill hiking. The new hotel will take its inspiration from the Thai beach resort atmosphere and offer landscaped gardens, a luxury spa, two restaurants, a lobby lounge, ballroom, pool, and function rooms. – sportsmanagement.co.uk
Harvest Wine Run Festival returns to Monsoon Valley March 7
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.
This one-of-a-kind wine run through Monsoon Valley Vineyardis perfect for runners, joggers, walkers, wine lovers, and families. To join the event, complete the registration form. Continued …
Nominees, Bank Accounts, and Border Checks: Why Thailand’s enforcement is suddenly feeling very real
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.
Over the past few days, Phuket has become a very public reminder that Thailand’s authorities are no longer content with rules existing on paper. They are enforcing them on the ground, across agencies, and with consequences that are no longer theoretical. Continued …
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.
The unofficial vote result dashboard of the EC reported the results after 94% of ballots was counted at 3.57 am on Monday. There are 400 House seats for constituency MPs. Continued …
Thailand’s Election Reflects Shift Toward Nationalism and Monarchy
Thailand’s election marked a significant shift as the nation embraced nationalism and the monarchy, moving away from a progressive movement that had gained traction in recent years. The election results are a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape.
The outcome indicates a return to traditional values, with voters favoring candidates who support the monarchy and national identity over progressive reforms. This election result underscores the complex dynamics within Thailand’s political environment, where traditional and modern influences continue to vie for dominance. – binance.com
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PM2.5 pollution rises for fifth day amid illegal agricultural fires
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.
Montri Kiatphaophan, director of the regional office, said authorities have detected repeated illegal burning of rice stubble and agricultural waste across four provinces under its jurisdiction — Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Buri Ram, and Surin. The burning is being carried out to clear land for new planting cycles, as well as through open fires that have triggered wildfires and widespread smoke, worsening air pollution. Continued …
Thailand’s burned area hits 2.26-million rai in January
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.
The agency said the scale of burning reflects the severity of the problem and has a clear link to surging PM2.5 levels in many parts of the country, particularly early in the year when weather conditions can trap pollution and limit air circulation. Continued …
Choosing the right air purifier for Thailand’s rising air pollution
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.
Air purifiers are designed to remove microscopic dust and PM2.5 particles that accumulate indoors, offering immediate relief for those sensitive to respiratory irritation. During peak pollution seasons, when haze blankets major cities, these devices help residents breathe more easily and reduce the strain on their lungs. Continued …
Thai–Cambodian Border Residents Brace for Possible Third Clash
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.
The concerns surfaced after reports that the Japanese government had urged Thailand and Cambodia to reopen border crossings quickly, following closures that have reportedly affected several Japanese companies operating in the area. Continued …
Thai Navy Intercepts Cambodian Fishing Boats Near Koh Kood
The Royal Thai Navy’s First Naval Area Command deployed patrol vessels yesterday to intercept approximately 25 Cambodian fishing boats that were found illegally operating in Thai territorial waters south of Koh Kood. The incident prompted an immediate security response, though no arrests were ultimately made as the vessels fled back into Cambodian waters.
According to the First Naval Area Command Operations Center, naval authorities received intelligence reports from maritime sources indicating that a group of Cambodian-flagged fishing boats had crossed into Thai waters and were actively fishing. The vessels were detected around 2 kilometers inside Thai territorial waters, an area under routine naval surveillance. Continued …
Buri Ram’s Airport terminal begins trial run
The Department of Airports (DOA) has held a soft opening of the new passenger terminal at Buri Ram airport, marking a major upgrade to regional transport infrastructure.
The trial service processed passengers from four Thai AirAsia flights on the Don Mueang–Buri Ram route to test systems and readiness before the MotoGP 2026 Grand Prix of Thailand later this month. Continued …
Thailand Park Elephant Attack Raises Urgent Wildlife Safety Questions
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.
It is tempting to frame this as a single “dangerous elephant” story. However, the bigger picture is about rising pressure where people and wildlife overlap. Thailand’s park agency has reported more than 220 deaths from wild elephants since 2012. At the same time, wild elephant numbers have grown sharply in the past decade, which increases the chances of conflict, especially in places where tourism, roads, campsites, and farms push deeper into elephant territory. Continued …
Bhumjaithai’s economic policy roundup
The Bhumjaithai Party’s economic policy under the “Thailand 10 Plus” strategy focuses on driving Thailand’s economy out of a slowdown, with a targeted “GDP growth of 3% plus”, broken down into the following areas:
- Policies for inclusive growth (Inclusive Growth): The Bhumjaithai Party emphasizes supporting people on low incomes and reducing inequality, including Small People Plus (Kon Tua Lek Plus), with its measures to ease household costs and reduce the cost-of-living burden, such as an electricity tariff of below 3 baht per unit for the first 200 units. Continued …
Stability first: Business urges swift economic action
In January, Thailand weathered baht appreciation, volatile gold prices, and the likelihood of a temporary halt in government spending as the country awaits the formation of a new government following yesterday’s election.
Businesses expect that once a new government is formed, the leadership will promptly implement measures to prevent a fragile economy from facing further risks in the aftermath of the power vacuum. Continued …
Bhumjaithai export plan: cut US, China reliance
Bhumjaithai has outlined an export policy aimed at reducing reliance on traditional markets and strengthening SMEs to compete globally.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said Thai exports face risks from heavy dependence on the United States and China, which together account for around one-third of Thailand’s total export value. She stressed the need to accelerate expansion into new markets and reduce concentration across markets, exporters, and product categories, while upgrading SMEs and promoting “Made in Thailand” to build a stronger and more sustainable long-term economic base. Continued …
Infrastructure key for Thai growth
Short-term economic stimulus measures introduced by the next government are expected to provide temporary relief, though sustainable growth will depend on continued infrastructure investment and policies that encourage long-term savings, says InnovestX Securities.
Piyasak Manason, head of economic research at InnovestX, said populist stimulus schemes such as cash handouts, debt relief, consumption incentives, tax rebates for domestic tourism, and receipt-based lottery programs may help support consumption in the near term, but their impact typically fades quickly. Continued …
How Thailand is turning local beef into a global premium product
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.
Under the concept “Thai Innovative Beef, Global Taste,” the festival highlights the role of agricultural and food innovation in upgrading Thai beef to international standards and expanding opportunities in the global premium market. Continued …
Global Supply Chains at Risk as the U.S. Proposes 25% Tariff on AI Chips
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.
The tariff increase is expected to disrupt the global semiconductor supply chain, raising production costs and encouraging investment to return to the U.S. This could cause ripple effects in Thailand, particularly in electronic exports and component supply chains to economies like China and Taiwan. Although Thailand’s direct exports of advanced chips to the U.S. remain limited, indirect impacts and investment volatility in the region may occur. Continued …
Thailand’s 4 Strengths to Attract Global Chip Giant: Grand Strategy Needed
Thailand possesses four key strengths that make it an attractive location for ASML, the world’s leading chip machinery manufacturer: a strong electronics industry, reliable electrical infrastructure, low risk of conflict, and a trusted production base that respects intellectual property.
Academics suggest that the government should develop a clear “grand strategy” to link the semiconductor industry with other sectors, ensuring quick returns on investment and attracting long-term foreign investments. Continued …
Push for development of Thailand into global halal hub
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.
He said halal tourism can potentially drive growth. Heurged stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors to develop the halal industry, noting the private sector’s robust presence in production, exports, and education. Continued …
Thailand’s tourism reality check as China forecast misses and new risk emerges from India
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.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand originally forecast around eight million Chinese arrivals for 2025, expecting a strong post-pandemic recovery supported by restored air capacity. In reality, Chinese arrivals reached approximately 5.5 million, a shortfall of about 2.5 million visitors and a decline of roughly 30% year on year. Continued …
Chiang Mai tourism in flux
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.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the province set a new record in 2025 with 12 million visitors, including 4 million from overseas. Among the top five markets, the US ranked fifth after China, South Korea, Malaysia, and Taiwan. Continued …
Tourists use hands to remove ice, fear it will make them sick on Koh Samui
A foreign tourist has sparked online backlash after posting a video of herself removing ice from a drink at a restaurant on Koh Samui, prompting debate over hygiene and cultural awareness.
In the clip, the woman is seen dipping her hand into a glass, taking out the ice and throwing it away, accompanied by captions suggesting concern about being in Thailand and fearing illness from unsafe water. She later clarified in comments that she and her friend were worried the ice might be unclean and could make them sick. Continued …
I Visited One of Thailand’s Oldest Organic Tea Farms
Scanning the yellow-green bushes lining the foothills of Chiang Mai, I looked up in defeat. With an oversized bamboo basket strapped over my shoulders, I had been instructed to pluck tea leaves that bore a specific pattern: one big and one small leaf sandwiching an unfurled one.
The combo seemed so specific and impossible to find among the endless clusters of shrubs. Growing restless, I turned around, when … jackpot! Snapping off the perfect formation with glee, I proudly marched it over to the resident plucker. She smiled gently and nodded slightly in approval. Continued …
Ayutthaya Travel Guide: Explore Thailand’s Most Fascinating UNESCO Day Trip
Once Thailand’s capital, Ayutthaya is about 90 minutes (80 kilometers) from Bangkok and feels like a different country altogether, quieter, slower, and filled with ruins that reward unhurried wandering. It took me about 90 minutes on a local bus from the Bangkok Bus Terminal (aka Chatuchak or Mochit 2) to turn back the clock and travel back to a different world.
Ayutthaya was once one of the power centers in Southeast Asia, a city that housed a million residents. If the name has a familiar ring to it, it’s because this former capital took its name from Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram. Continued …
Don’t just eat in Thailand, learn how to cook Thai food, too
The air is alive with the mouth-watering aromas of lemongrass, coriander, and freshly grated ginger. We can almost taste them, and taste them we will, because today we’ll be preparing traditional Thai fare – in Thailand, no less.
A group of 10 culinary-curious tourists have gathered at the Zabb E Lee Cooking School in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai. There are two five-hour courses to choose from, in the morning and late afternoon, held in an airy bamboo pavilion surrounded by tropical greenery. Continued …
Bangkok’s oldest Thai restaurants you should visit
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.
These places are proud of their recipes. After all, they have been serving the same since their shops opened. It’s the peak definition of “tried-and-true.” Continued …
Climate change discourse takes a new turn
What a difference a single year makes. The once-dominant push to radically reshape society to avert climate catastrophe has collapsed. Look at Davos – the talkfest long dominated by climate advocacy. That consensus has been abandoned by its once strongest proponents.
Emblematic of the shift: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen didn’t mention the climate transition once in her 2026 Davos talk – after putting it front and center in preceding years. Continued …
Oil spill cleanup underway after cargo ship sinks near Phuket
- Colombian Suspect Arrested Over Iraqi National Killing in Patong – Continued …
- Two Turkish Men Arrested at Phuket Airport Over Fake Stamps – Continued …
Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’ Takaichi forges stunning election win
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. Video …
Bad Bunny celebrates Puerto Rico in joyous Super Bowl halftime show
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny yesterday turned the Super Bowl into a giant street party, delivering his hits on one of the world’s biggest stages – and becoming the first-ever halftime show headliner to sing only in Spanish. Anticipation was high for the 31-year-old’s set, amid rampant speculation about whether he would use his platform to renew his criticism of President Donald Trump’s administration in front of tens of millions of viewers. 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 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.
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).
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 Bangkok Air Quality Information Center reported yesterday that PM 2.5 levels in Bangkok have exceeded the safety limits in all districts.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 
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. 
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.
Thailand will see two nationwide alcohol sales bans linked to the upcoming parliamentary elections, covering all provinces.
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
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. 
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.
The deadly crane accident in Nakhon Ratchasima province last week was caused by on-site staff “failing to notify” that construction was underway, despite the contract requiring notice before trains pass, Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said yesterday.
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. 
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.
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.
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 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.
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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. 
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.
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Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has announced that 1,520 conventional buses will be converted into electric vehicles (EVs) as part of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority’s (BMTA) ongoing modernization program.
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”. 
U.S. President Donald Trump’s intensified push to wrest sovereignty over Greenland from fellow NATO member Denmark has prompted the European Union to weigh hitting back with its own measures. 
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 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. 
A proposal to support Hua Hin smart city development was presented to Hua Hin City Municipality yesterday, outlining a technology-led vision to improve transport, tourism services, and urban safety as the city plans its next stage of growth.
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Italian-Thai Development (ITD) has won 213 state projects worth 130 billion baht in 11 years. However, recent crane collapses involving ITD raise questions about safety.
Sihasak Phuangketkeow, minister of foreign affairs, addressed the recent announcement by the US Department of State to suspend the processing of immigrant visas (permanent visas) for 75 countries, including Thailand.
Bangkok was named the third best city to visit in the world today in The New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2026 list, praised for its green spaces, vibrant art scene, and recent innovations in public transport.
Tourists and locals are raising alarms over the open sale of sex stimulants, sex toys, and illegal cigarettes along Pattaya Beach Road – without proper tax stamps.
On vacation in Thailand, my family and I visited Bangkok’s majestic Wat Pho, marveling at the temple’s 150-foot-long reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf. In Chiang Mai, we rode ATVs through the rugged Mae Taeng Valley, then rafted in challenging whitewater rapids while elephants roamed the river banks. We spotted pigs on Koh Madsum and bright-orange clown fish while snorkeling Koh Samui. But nothing compares to the thrills we found in 7-Eleven.
Thailand is stepping up efforts to support research and development in alternative energy, with officials preparing to allocate more financial resources to projects that advance clean technologies such as hydrogen.
On long weekends, the road from Bangkok to Hua Hin resembles a faulty production line. City dwellers racing to beat the rush, often end up cooled by car air conditioning instead of ocean winds.
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The ultimate event for wine lovers and industry professionals is set to return as the Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 announces its official schedule and line-up. Hosted at the Amari Hua Hin, the two-day event Jan. 15-16, will offer an immersive experience, combining high-level wine education with an extensive showcase of global vintages.
The Thai Tourist Police have launched an effort to improve services to visitors around the Grand Palace, aiming to tackle issues of overcharging and passenger refusals. This comprehensive strategy involves coordination with multiple government sectors and seeks to boost the image of this key national attraction.
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Guided by the Ministry of Energy of Thailand, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the ASEAN Smart Energy & Energy Storage Expo 2026 will return from March 25–27 at the IMPACT Exhibition Center, Bangkok.
President Donald Trump said yesterday any country that does business with Iran will face a tariff rate of 25% on trade with the United States, as Washington weighs a response to the situation in Iran, which is seeing its biggest anti-government protests in years.