- Turning point for expats in Thailand/PKK prepares for drought/Hua Hin Racer Marina Jazz Festival/Princess coming to Hua Hin/Mutating influenza is spreading/Microplastics: Bottled Water Is a Problem
- ECONOMY: Thailand enters technical deflation/Thai Exports Face Double Threat/Industrial decline forcing Thais into service jobs/Consumer confidence hit by turbulence
- TOURISM: Disneyland to Thailand?/Phuket crackdown on illegal operations
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Khao Yai: Wineries, Wildlife and Organic Farms
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Reduce agricultural burning by 15%/Is Thailand Losing the EV War?/Grab to deploy 20,000 electric vehicles
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
Global uncertainty a critical turning point for expats in Thailand
The opening months of 2026 have brought a level of global uncertainty rarely seen in recent years. Escalating geopolitical tensions, volatile currency movements, and tightening immigration enforcement are reshaping the international landscape.
For expatriates living in Thailand, these developments are no longer distant headlines. They are increasingly shaping everyday decisions from household budgets to visa planning and long-term residency choices. Continued …
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province prepares for drought
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province has begun preparations for a potential drought and domestic water shortages after authorities reported low water reserves and a forecast of below-average rainfall in the coming months.
A meeting of the provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Center was held yesterday at the provincial hall to assess the water situation and coordinate response measures. As of yesterday, Pranburi Reservoir, the largest in the province, held 174.82 million cubic meters of usable water, or 44.7% of its total capacity of 391 million cubic meters. The province’s eight medium-sized reservoirs together contained 45.14 million cubic meters of usable water, equivalent to 42% of their combined capacity. Continued …
Hua Hin Racer Marina Jazz Festival tomorrow
The owners of Why Not are behind the second edition of the Hua Hin Racer Marina Jazz Festival, which will be held south of Hua Hin in Pranburi tomorrow.
‘It’s an amazing venue, the marina is located between the river, the mountains and sea,’ says Eliot Nielsen, who organized the festival last year with his wife Surassawadee Phumbua and Philippe Oursel. This year’s event begins at 4 pm with the Swing Mother Funky Quintet and concludes with a fire show finale, finishing at 11 pm. Continued …
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Princess coming to Hua Hin tomorrow
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is scheduled to visit Hua Hin tomorrow to attend a commemorative ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of Queen Rambhai Barni’s establishment as queen consort in the reign of King Rama VII.
The ceremony will take place at Phra Tamnak Chom Dong and is being organized to honor the legacy of Queen Rambhai Barni, a significant historical figure closely associated with Hua Hin. Continued …
Virologist warns mutating influenza is spreading
Well-known virologist Yong Poovorawan has warned that a mutating influenza strain A H3N2 is spreading in Thailand. It is more resistant to vaccines but does not increase in severity.
Yong, who heads the Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University, said yesterday that influenza was spreading widely and A H3B2 raised concerns because the mutation proved to seriously reduce the efficacy of existing vaccines. Continued …
Microplastics Are Increasingly Contaminating Our Bodies and Bottled Water Is a Major Route
Sarah Sajedi was walking along a beach on Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands when she noticed plastic fragments mixed into the sand beneath her feet. “I was standing there looking out at this gorgeous view of the Andaman Sea, and then I looked down and beneath my feet were all these pieces of plastic, most of them water bottles,” she recalls.
The moment stayed with her. After decades in business as a co-founder of an environmental software company, Sajedi returned to academia to study plastic waste. Her focus shifted from shorelines to something far more personal: the water people drink every day. Continued …
Thailand enters technical deflation after nine months of falling prices
Assoc. Prof. Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, said Thailand has entered “technical deflation” after headline inflation stayed negative for nine consecutive months. He said economists typically define technical deflation as a sustained fall in prices for more than six months.
He attributed the current bout mainly to lower production costs, particularly cheaper fuel and persistently low agricultural prices. However, he noted that core inflation, which strips out energy and fresh food, remains positive, suggesting underlying purchasing power has not yet reached crisis levels. Continued …
Thai Exports Face Double-Threat as US Tightens Grip on ‘Strategic Goods
Despite a recent surge in trade with the United States, Thailand’s economic outlook for 2026 is overshadowed by two looming “high-stakes” risks. Supanutt Sasiwuttiwat, a leading researcher at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), warns that new American trade enforcement could see Thai goods slapped with tariffs as high as 40%.
The primary threat stems from “circumvention tariffs.” Washington is increasingly suspicious of the correlation between rising Chinese imports into Thailand and Thailand’s subsequent export spike to the US. Continued …
Industrial decline forcing Thais into service jobs
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has expressed concern over the weakening income outlook in the labor market, as an industrial slowdown continues to push workers into the service sector.
From the post-coronavirus-pandemic period in 2022 to the third quarter of 2025, Thailand’s average GDP growth tallied 2.4%, driven mainly by the services sector, which now accounts for 60% to 61% of Thai gross domestic product (GDP), noted the regulator. Continued …
Consumer confidence hit by war and political turbulence
The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) dipped for the first time in four months in December, attributed to the border dispute with Cambodia and domestic political instability, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
The CCI dropped from 53.2 in November to 51.9 in December. Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the UTCC, said economic recovery remains slow, while the cost of living is high. Consumers are aware of the disparity between their current income and rising expenses. Continued …
Government looks at bringing a Disneyland to Thailand
The government is exploring the possibility of attracting a Disneyland theme park to Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) as a flagship project to boost tourism and strengthen transport infrastructure.
Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, also transport minister and chairman of the EEC policy board, said yesterday that the idea was intended to create a powerful tourism magnet that would help increase passenger numbers for the high-speed rail project linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-tapao airports, as well as support the long-delayed development of the latter airport and the surrounding aviation city. Continued …
Phuket nightspot operators want crackdown on illegal operations
With the recent bribery case regarding entertainment operators in Phuket resurfacing, the private sector urged a crackdown on illegal operations such as staying open late for nightlife venues, as well as unlicensed accommodations, which tarnish the tourist island’s reputation and deprive the government of tax revenue.
Earlier this week, a group of entertainment venue operators in Patong and Phuket submitted a complaint to Phuket’s Damrongdham Center, asking the provincial governor to investigate officers collecting bribes from operators during the past New Year holiday. Continued …
Khao Yai: Wineries, Wildlife and Organic Farms
Just under three hours north of Bangkok by car, Khao Yai is one of those places locals escape to when the city gets too much. A fast train is due to launch in 2026, but for now it remains refreshingly low on international itineraries. Part national park, part agricultural heartland, part wine country, it’s a pocket of Thailand that feels unexpectedly calm and rather continental.
For Bangkok residents, it’s a weekend break. For visitors, it’s a chance to see a different side of the country entirely. The cooler mountain climate and higher elevation mean rolling vineyards, organic farms, bakeries, café-restaurants and some of the best wine Thailand produces. Continued …
Ministry wants to reduce agricultural burning by 15%
The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has set a target to reduce burning in agricultural areas by 15% this year to address the PM2.5 dust problem, as well as emphasizing a prohibition on importing crops produced using the burning method, especially corn, from neighboring countries to prevent cross-border PM2.5 pollution.
According to deputy government spokeswoman Airin Phanrit, wildfires, haze, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) continue to be a problem during the 2025/2026 production season, especially in Thailand’s agricultural areas. Continued …
Is Thailand’s “Detroit of the East” Losing the EV War to Vietnam?
For 50 years, the automotive sector has been the crown jewel of Thai industry, accounting for roughly 10% of the nation’s GDP. But as the world pivots to electric vehicles (EVs), Thailand’s traditional dominance is being challenged by a leaner, faster neighbor.
While Thailand remains the region’s largest auto producer by volume, Vietnam is no longer just “catching up” — it is rewriting the rules of the game. Here is a breakdown of the specific sectors where Thailand’s industrial lead is under the most pressure. Continued …
Grab to deploy 20,000 electric vehicles across Southeast Asia
Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, and GAC, a global pioneer in smart electric mobility, have forged a strategic partnership to deploy an initial 20,000 high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) across the region.
The partnership will introduce GAC’s AionY, AionES, and Aion V models across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, further enhancing the diversity of Grab’s EV fleets. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of professional ride-hailing, the EVs feature 90-degree door openings and ample rear legroom, ensuring comfort and convenience for both driver-partners and passengers. Continued …
- Thailand–Korea Operation Breaks Cross-Border Call Center Gang – Continued …
- Police Arrest Seven Chinese Scam Suspects in Bangkok – Continued …
- South Korean Woman Arrested With 23kg Cannabis at Airport – Continued …
- Police Arrest Chinese Suspect in IPO Blackmail Case – Continued …
- Japanese Fraud Suspect Arrested After Condo Noise Complaint – Continued …
ICE fatal shooting of Minnesota woman puts US on edge
The fatal shooting of a 37-year-old Minnesota mother by a U.S. immigration agent has put the city of Minneapolis and much of the United States on edge, with the potential of becoming another flashpoint in a polarized country. Continued …
Inside Trump’s ‘energy dominance’ play to reshape global power
A new US “energy dominance” strategy positions Venezuela as a lever over global supply, prices, and geopolitics, prioritizing oil and gas while sidelining net zero goals, analysts warn. Continued …
German president says US is destroying world order
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has strongly criticized US foreign policy under President Donald Trump and urged natio not to let the world order disintegrate into a “den of robbers” where the unscrupulous take what they want. Continued …
Trump withdraws US from key climate treaty
President Donald Trump is withdrawing the United States from a foundational climate treaty as part of a sweeping exit from collective global action, the White House announced on Wednesday. A total of 66 global organizations and treaties — roughly half affiliated with the United Nations — were listed in a White House memorandum as “contrary to the interests of the United States”. Continued …
The end of China’s one-child policy, 10 years later
Jan. 1 marked a decade since China repealed its one-child policy. Just 10 days earlier, Peng Peiyun, who long oversaw the often-brutal enforcement of China’s family-planning rules, died at the age of 96, having never been held accountable for her actions. Some obituaries praised Peng for being “reform-minded”, even though, in practice, she only perpetuated an utterly inhumane policy, whose consequences have barely begun to materialize. Continued …
Hua Hin Links
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A controlled forest-burning operation has begun in Cha Am district to reduce wildfire risk and airborne dust, with authorities saying the initiative is aimed at preventing severe forest fires and limiting PM2.5 pollution during the dry season.
Authorities in Bangkok plan to delay enforcement of a regulation requiring pet dogs and cats to be fitted with microchips for a year in order to help all sides prepare and ensure broader adoption.
The leadership of Thailand’s three largest commercial banks have issued a unified warning for 2026, describing the upcoming financial year as a period of “all-around exhaustion.”
Average headline inflation is expected to rise slightly in 2026, driven by increasing prices of agricultural products and the recovery of the tourism sector, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).
Leading economists have issued a stark warning over the proliferation of short-term populist campaign pledges, asserting that these policies are laying a “fiscal trap” that threatens Thailand’s long-term economic sovereignty and its international credit standing.
Thailand’s property market is facing another major test in 2026, after new figures from the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) of the Government Housing Bank pointed to a clear slowdown in foreign demand in 2025 — long viewed as a key engine of the condominium market.
The outlook for the restaurant industry in 2026 appears grim as there are no new positive factors. A Thai Michelin-starred chef urged restaurant operators to think carefully about business expansion.
Health and wellness are increasingly viewed as a new form of luxury, driving lifestyle changes and fueling rapid growth across global well-being industries this year. Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun, chief executive of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort, said the wellness trend will continue expanding over the next five years worldwide.
Tourism has surged beyond pre-pandemic levels, placing pressure on popular cities, islands, and natural landmarks. By charging tourists, governments aim to generate dedicated funding to manage crowds, upgrade infrastructure, and preserve destinations, while allowing tourism to continue.
Southeast Asia is accelerating its energy transition with growing momentum from both policy and capital. Stronger regulatory support and expanding clean-energy financing are creating a more predictable investment environment, enabling governments and developers to move from planning to delivery.
Living in Thailand means co-existing with a healthcare system that’s brilliant in some ways and frustrating in others. Oftentimes, private hospitals feel like five-star hotels, with doctors trained internationally, and the costs seem reasonable compared to Western countries – until you’re actually sitting in that consultation room without insurance, watching the bill climb.
Thailand’s exports in 2026 could slow sharply — or even contract — as the full-year impact of US tariff policy begins to bite, with weaker momentum also expected in shipments to China, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) said.
Thailand’s inequality is not just unfair, it is unethical. It decides who gets a future and who does not long before effort, talent, or choice has any chance to matter.
Nikkei Asia reports that Vietnam is on track to overtake Thailand in economic size as soon as this year, fueled by a major state-led infrastructure push. While Vietnam targets real GDP growth of 8% in 2025 and over 10% in the following years, Thailand’s growth is slowing.
Entertainment venue operators in Phuket have formally petitioned provincial authorities to investigate allegations of officials demanding illicit payments from nightlife businesses, raising concerns about transparency and confidence in the tourism sector.
Bangkok is a perennial favorite among travelers, and it’s no surprise why! Between the mouthwateringly good local cuisine, unique cultural experiences, and endless shopping destinations that await, visiting Bangkok is a magical experience unlike any other.
The Thai government has officially enforced a pioneering trade mandate requiring all imported animal-feed corn to be certified “burn-free.” The move, effective from Jan. 1, is a cornerstone of the nation’s strategy to tackle transboundary PM2.5 pollution and align its agricultural supply chain with global environmental standards.
The White House has said President Donald Trump and his advisers are weighing “a range of options” to acquire Greenland, including the possibility of using US military force, as European leaders warned that only Denmark and Greenland can decide the territory’s future. 
Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group with hotels, resorts, and branded residences across 59 countries, has announced the upcoming launch of NH Hua Hin in Thailand’s royal seaside town. Minor Hotels will assume management of the hotel from Jan. 1.
The Road Safety Operation Center (RSOC) has reported 27 deaths and 174 injuries from 175 road accidents on Jan. , marking day six of the New Year road safety campaign.
Thailand’s New Year road safety crackdown has recorded nearly 4,000 cases entering the probation system over six days, with drink-driving accounting for the vast majority and Nonthaburi, Bangkok, and Samut Prakan topping the provincial rankings.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a fresh weather outlook as another wave of cold air sweeps over upper Thailand, causing temperatures to drop, especially in northern provinces. Meanwhile, strong monsoonal winds are expected to affect the south and coastal areas starting this weekend.
The Thai baht is experiencing a strong rally this week, trading between 31.00 to 31.85 to the US dollar. This strength comes amid a surge in global gold prices, prompted by the US invasion of Venezuela. The move has created a ripple effect in markets, attracting capital inflows to Thailand’s bond sector.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has set out a plan to steer the economy through the transition period before a new government takes office, saying the administration will rely on pre-approved “quick win” measures to sustain momentum and support growth toward 2% in 2026.
Thailand’s exports are expected to keep expanding in 2026, but at a more modest pace of 2%-4%, as the surge seen in 2025 fades and the sector returns to a more “normalized” growth path, the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) said.
The Ministry of Public Health is pushing to enact a new ministerial regulation on cannabis before the next government takes office, with the draft now under review by the Office of the Council of State.
Thailand has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for medical tourism, attracting millions of international patients every year. Known for its affordable high-quality care, internationally accredited hospitals, and world-class hospitality, Thailand offers a unique combination of healthcare excellence and tourism appeal.
Photographers at Bangkok’s Wat Arun temple have been accused of rudely shooing away tourists to photograph paying customers in rented Thai costumes, leading to social-media complaints and a response from the Tourist Police and temple officials to inspect the site and implement preventive measures for tourist safety and Thailand’s image.
The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration, or DASTA, has launched the “The Soul of Thailand” campaign, inviting visitors to experience the spirit of Thai identity through nine travel routes across nine designated areas for sustainable tourism.
Hidden Bangkok Secrets for an Unforgettable Authentic Adventure
Thailand’s industrial sector has demonstrated resilience in the face of tightening European environmental standards, with exports of carbon-intensive goods to the European Union (EU) surging by nearly 55%.
The solar energy market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period 2025-2031, driven by global commitments to decarbonization, supportive government policies, and significant cost reductions in photovoltaic (PV) technology.
Thailand’s New Year holiday 2026 concluded with more than eight million people traveling across the country, while road accidents and transport disruptions declined compared with the previous year, according to the Ministry of Transport.
As Thailand moves toward its 2026 general election, the future of the country’s tourism industry has become a central issue for investors, operators, and local communities. With tourism accounting for a significant share of national income, the policies adopted by the next government are expected to influence foreign direct investment, public safety, and long-term infrastructure planning, particularly in rail transport.
Thailand’s property sector endured its most punishing year in decades throughout 2025, with household debt, stringent lending conditions, and collapsing purchasing power battering the market. Yet, major developers are unveiling distinct 2026 strategies — from luxury pivots to multinational expansion — while economists warn that structural headwinds will persist.
With Thailand’s economy in 2026 projected to grow modestly at around 1.5%, several business sectors have begun preparing for potential headwinds – some persisting from last year and others emerging as new risks, particularly with a planned general election in February.
With global and domestic headwinds pressuring the Thai economy this year, the new government should consider “focused domestic intervention” measures to enhance tourism and attract foreign investments in specific sectors, says the Thai unit of German insurer Allianz.
The so-called “medical economy” championed by the government is being positioned as a new growth engine for Thailand. Policymakers describe it as a potential game changer for state-owned hospitals struggling under mounting financial pressure.
Thailand’s exports in 2026 are expected to face volatility and challenges due to a global economic slowdown that is dampening demand in key trading nations.
The online shopping sector will be driven by product discounts, the buy now-pay later (BNPL) strategy, and improved operating efficiency among e-commerce platforms powered by artificial intelligence (AI), said Paul Srivorakul, group chief executive of aCommerce, a pioneer in e-commerce enablement services.
As Thailand’s tourism sector enters 2026, some foreign visitors are raising concerns over the rising cost of enjoying Pattaya’s nightlife and attractions. Despite high visitor numbers, local bars and restaurants report low takings, with many international tourists — particularly from India, Korea, and China — spending primarily within their own cultural establishments rather than at local businesses.
The first time I ever spent a night in the hospital was in Bangkok. A CT scan during my annual check-up revealed a condition requiring the opinion of a specialist. I was panic-stricken.
Thai food businesses in the United States are poised for growth in 2026, fueled by an increasing trend of dining out. Director-General Sunanta Kangvalkulkij of the Commerce Ministry’s Department of International Trade Promotion cited recent consumer behavior surveys as proof of this surge.
Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez is known for her anti-imperialist rhetoric, earning her the nickname “the tigress” from toppled leader Nicolas Maduro. A fierce defender of Maduro, who was snatched by US forces in an extraordinary raid early Saturday, Rodriguez is now seeking to portray herself as a steady hand to lead the country’s political transition. 
The demonstrations began again in Iran last week, only two years after the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement convulsed the country for months. However, the current protests are potentially much broader than that episode because they are driven by the collapse in Iran’s currency, the rial (now 1,420,000 to the US dollar), and the explosive rise in the cost of living. 
A 20-year-old Myanmar national has died following a violent assault at Hua Hin fishing pier, with police arresting three teenage suspects within hours of the incident. The victim succumbed to severe injuries at Hua Hin Hospital after being attacked late on New Year’s Eve, prompting a swift investigation by local authorities.
In a situation where the Thai economy faces challenges on all sides, especially the high level of household debt, reaching 90% of GDP, and the slowdown in nationwide residential property transfers, projected to fall by 6% in 2026, the Thai real estate market is inevitably dependent on foreign investment.
Phuket’s tourism industry is calling on the government to urgently resolve what it describes as a deepening infrastructure crisis, warning that the island’s rapid tourism growth is outstripping its ability to cope.
Direct international flights between Singapore and Chiang Rai have officially begun, marking the first such service since the Covid-19 pandemic and strengthening air connectivity to northern Thailand.
At least nine people have died and more than 200 ?have been hospitalized in the central Indian city of Indore after a diarrhea outbreak that officials said was linked to contaminated drinking water, according to a lawmaker and local ?health authorities. 
Thailand puts on stunning fireworks show in Bangkok
Jakarta ranked as the world’s largest city with 41.9 million inhabitants followed by Dhaka, while Tokyo slipped to third, a recent United Nations (UN) report shows.
The Nakhon Pathom–Cha-am Motorway project is among 11 megaprojects, valued at over Bt359.8 billion, that Thailand’s Transport Ministry has prepared for Cabinet approval in 2026.
Pongnakorn Pochakorn, assistant spokesperson for the Finance Ministry, said preliminary figures showed spending under the Khon La Khreung Plus scheme reached 84.19 billion baht before it ended on Dec. 31. A total of 19.76 million people used the scheme.
The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has released its 2025 Thailand Water Quality Situation Report, revealing positive trends. Most coastal and surface water resources nationwide remain in “fair to good” condition.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s decision to dissolve the House adds challenges to the state push for a transition to clean energy in 2026.
Dozens were killed and over 100 injured when a fire ripped through a crowded bar in the luxury Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana early Thursday, as young revellers rang in the New Year. Horrified bystanders described “panic” as people tried to break the windows of the bar to escape, and others, covered in burns, poured into the street. 
Police Smash Illegal Hua Hin Factory Rebranding Expired Milk for Sale
BoT flags prolonged manufacturing slump as competitiveness fades
The best New Year’s eve dinners around Thailand
U Power signs deal for up to 1,000 electric truck tractors in Thailand
Unsafe levels of smog in most of Thailand, including Bangkok
Thailand Post Raises EMS and eCo-Post Fees in 85 Areas
ASEAN-China trade to top US$984 billion as Chinese FDI surges in region
Finance Ministry seeks approval for online gold tax
Exit the Snake, enter the Horse
The Black Sea country on the European Union’s southeast frontier will become the 21st country to join the euro currency zone after it met the formal entry criteria this year, including for inflation, budget deficit, long-term borrowing costs, and exchange-rate stability. 
Expat Thailand 2025: Open Doors, Uneven Rules
AIS launches simple SMS scam reporting service via 1185
Indian Boycott Calls Grow After Hindu Statue Damage Near Thai Border
Thailand offers 39 free camping sites for new year holidays
Brigitte Bardot, the French 1960s sex symbol who became one of the greatest screen sirens of the 20th century and later a militant animal rights activist and far-right supporter, has died. She was 91.