- Foreign property owners in Hua Hin face scrutiny/Huahin Surf Paradise/Swedish Drug Suspect Arrested in Hua Hin/Rama II Road sinkhole repair/ITD faces mounting pressure/Bangkok crime rates drop
- ECONOMY: Blueprint for 14th plan to lift GDP/Waiting game on US tariffs/40 million workers ‘getting a poor deal’/The new global power
- TOURISM: Chaos as 121 flights cancelled or delayed/Fake news on visa-free entry rules/Phuket Airport Soars/Cable car project moves ahead/Nudist resort sparks controversy/Borders, barriers, and business
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Bangkok’s Chinatown brims with art/Sakon Nakhon: Thailand’s quiet soul
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Incense used to start cane fires/Changan ramps up battery EV production
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
Foreign property owners in Hua Hin face scrutiny under nominee crackdown
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.
The seminar, titled “2026 Expat Crackdown: What Every Expat Must Understand”, was organized by MBMG Group and Hua Hin Accounting & Law at the G Hotel. It brought together long-term foreign residents, legal advisers, and accountants to explain how enforcement has shifted from periodic checks to sustained, data-driven investigations. Continued …
Huahin Surf Paradise set for February 21-22
Huahin Surf Paradise 2026 will return to Hua Don Beach on Feb. 21-22, with organizers in Hua Hin promoting the weekend as a mix of surf competition, community activities, and live entertainment aimed at drawing both residents and visitors.
Now in its fifth consecutive year, Huahin Surf Paradise 2026 is being presented by Rising Creation and organized by Pineapple Surf Club, a local group that began the event in 2021 with the aim of building a surfing community and highlighting Hua Don–Hua Hin Beach as a spot for board sports. Continued …
Swedish Drug Suspect on Interpol List Arrested in Hua Hin
Immigration police have arrested a Swedish national wanted under an Interpol Red Notice on serious drug charges after locating him at a condominium in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
The suspect, identified as Mr Noa, had been hiding in Thailand for about one year after fleeing Sweden, according to authorities. His arrest led to the immediate revocation of his permission to stay in the Kingdom and his detention under immigration law. Continued …
Rama II Road sinkhole repair advances, one lane reopened
Repairs to Rama II Road were nearly complete after a burst water main caused a subsidence on the inbound frontage lane to Bangkok, and one of the closed lanes was expected to reopen later yesterdayy afternoon. Full access was expected to have been restored by midday today.
The Samut Sakhon district highway office said it was coordinating with Highway Police in filling the hole and stabilizing the damaged section near kilometer marker 29+300 on the inbound frontage road in Muang district. Continued …
ITD faces mounting pressure as projects stall, debentures extended and credit cut
Italian-Thai Development Public Co. (ITD) is facing its heaviest pressure in years, following a string of serious incidents on major construction projects, alongside a large debenture debt burden, an operating recovery that has yet to prove sustainable, and credit risks reflected in rating downgrades. The company’s financial position and market confidence are now being closely watched by both the capital market and regulators.
On Jan. 14, a construction crane accident occurred on the Thai-China high-speed rail project in Sikhio district, Nakhon Ratchasima, when a crane lifting a concrete segment dropped it onto a train, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. Continued …
Bangkok crime rates drop 17% in 2025, arrests increase
Bangkok recorded a 17% decline in crime rates in 2025, alongside increased arrest rates. This reflected more proactive and targeted policing by the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), according to MPB Commissioner Siam Boonsom. He reported a significant year-on-year reduction in overall criminal cases across the capital.
In total, 76,744 criminal cases were reported in Bangkok in 2025. This marked a decrease of more than 16,000 cases, or approximately 17%. This was in comparison with the previous year. Police solved nearly 90% of all cases and arrested more than 85% of suspects. Continued …
Blueprint for 14th plan to lift GDP and break low-growth trap
Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), has outlined Thailand’s economic direction, as the agency drafts the 14th National Economic and Social Development Plan, which is scheduled to take effect from 2028 to 2032.
He said the central objective of the 14th plan is to boost national economic growth, arguing that without sufficient growth the country will struggle to distribute benefits and welfare effectively across different groups. Continued …
Waiting game on US tariffs takes a toll
As the US Supreme Court holds off on a ruling on the Trump tariffs, the world waits and analysts anticipate trade with the US will continue despite some importers being skittish about placing large orders.
Some analysts speculate the court is likely to rule against US President Donald Trump, though the administration is expected to explore alternative approaches to impose tariffs on select products. Continued …
40 million workers said ‘getting a poor deal’
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.
The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) teamed up with Thammasat University, the Friends of Women Foundation, and a broad network of civil society organizations to press parties to place labor and health rights high on their agenda ahead of the general election, during an academic forum held yesterday at Thammasat University. Continued …
Energy, critical minerals, semiconductors the new global power
In the 21st century, global power is no longer measured primarily by troop numbers or nuclear warheads. Instead, it is increasingly defined by control over scarcity energy, critical minerals, and the semiconductor supply chains that underpin modern economies.
The United States, as the world’s dominant power, is actively reshaping the global order by redesigning supply chains to secure strategic advantage. The objective is clear: reduce dependence on geopolitical rivals, particularly China, while locking access to key resources within trusted alliances. This is not economic policy in the traditional sense. It is geopolitics by other means. Continued …
Chaos as 121 flights cancelled or delayed
On Saturday, Thailand experienced 121 flight cancellations and delays, hitting Suvarnabhumi Airport (393 delays, 5 cancellations), Don Mueang Airport (366 delays), Phuket Intl Airport (170 delays), Chiang Mai Intl Airport (93 delays), Samui Airport (48 delays, 2 cancellations), and Krabi Intl Airport (44 delays).
The most affected airlines included Thai AirAsia (273 delays), Thai Lion Air (146 delays), Thai VietJet Air (109 delays), Thai Airways (102 delays, 2 cancellations), and Bangkok Airways (84 delays, 6 cancellations). Other popular carriers not among the worst hit but still impacted included Malaysia Airlines, Scoot, IndiGO, China Eastern, Vietnam Airlines, and AirAsia. Continued …
Thai ministry warns of fake news on visa-free entry rules
Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has warned the public about a false claim circulating online that new rules limit visa-free entry for foreign nationals to twice a year.
Wetang Puangsup, spokesman for the ministry, said the warning followed monitoring and reports handled by the Anti-Fake News Center of Thailand, in line with government policy to prevent and address security and social threats. The ministry has prioritized raising public awareness of technology-related crime, fake news, and disinformation. Continued …
Phuket Airport Soars with Booming Tourism and Flights
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.
In 2025, the airport managed 106,581 flights, including 48,762 domestic and 57,819 international services, marking a 2.8% rise from 103,675 flights the previous year. Passenger traffic also climbed to 17.4 million, including 6.6 million domestic travelers and 10 million international visitors, which represents a 1.5% increase over 2024. Continued …
Phu Kradueng cable car project moves ahead, set for completion in 2028
The Phu Kradueng cable car project is on the move despite decades of debate, after memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed. With the environmental impact assessment (EIA) expected by mid-year, the cable car is tentatively set for completion in 2028.
Two MoUs were signed on Friday by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), together with the faculty of architecture of Chulalongkorn University, to support the systematic development of tourism areas and academic research in Phu Kradueng National Park. Continued …
Unnamed nudist resort sparks controversy
An online buzz erupted as netizens scrambled to locate a mysterious nudist resort in Thailand after a woman shared her experience there. The resort, previously unknown to many Thais, is a naturist haven where guests are required to be nude at all times during activities. The woman’s post, paired with photos and videos, has opened many eyes to this unusual escape.
The woman revealed that strict rules govern this resort. Guests must remain unclothed while walking, swimming, sunbathing, and using communal spaces. Harsh regulations are in place to ensure safety, including bans on photography without consent and prohibitions of sexual activities in public areas. Continued …
Borders, barriers, and business
The decision by the administration of US President Donald Trump to suspend or significantly tighten US immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, including Thailand, has triggered widespread concern across the global travel, tourism, and meetings industries.
Although the policy has been described as temporary, the absence of a defined end date has fueled uncertainty and raised more profound questions about trust, reliability and the future direction of international mobility. Continued …
Bangkok’s Chinatown brims with succulent food and even better art
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.
However, in recent times, queues have developed next to the shop, for photos with Steamed Buns, a vibrant mural depicting Gu Long Bao’s specialties. This isn’t a one-off; Chinatown is now known as much for its art as it is for its food. Continued …
Sakon Nakhon: Thailand’s quiet soul beyond the familiar
Sakon Nakhon is a city rooted in ancient traditions. Temples here do not just exist as places of worship; they tell stories from history. The famed indigo dyeing industry, organic farm-to-table food, and produce sourced straight from local farms form the backbone of everyday life.
Home-grown rice varieties and handcrafted alcohol, locally known as white spirit, distilled from coconut flowers, are not just products, but proud symbols of Sakon Nakhon’s identity. Continued …
Slow-burn incense used to start deniable, illegal cane fires
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.
Officials reported numerous incidents of burning-off sugarcane fields, including a major fire on 50-rai of land in Koh Manoa subdistrict of Bamnet Narong district. Bundles of burned incense sticks were later found at the scene. They were believed to have been used as slow-burning igniters to delay detection, officials said. Continued …
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Changan ramps up battery EV production in Thailand
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 company set an annual production capacity for the second phase of 100,000 units, matching the output target of the first phase, which ran through 2025. Continued …
- Bangkok Police Arrest Three Vietnamese Men With Guns and Drugs – Continued …
- Wat Pha Lat Urges Respect After Tourists Perform Yoga Poses – Continued …
- Chinese National Arrested in Pattaya E-Cigarette Sting – Continued …
Surging billionaire wealth a political threat, Oxfam warns as Davos opens
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. Continued …
Hua Hin Links
Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
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.
Transport Minister Suspends Elevated Road and Rail Projects
The deadly Rama 2 Road: Why Thailand’s ‘Seven-Generation Road’ keeps claiming lives
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.
Thailand’s finance minister has outlined an economic restructuring program centered on fast-tracking stalled investments and developing new industrial sectors, as the government seeks to reverse declining growth potential that has dragged the economy to its weakest performance in decades.
China has shattered global records with a staggering trade surplus of approximately $1.2 trillion for 2025, fueled by a relentless export boom that has flooded international markets with everything from electronics to machinery. While this achievement underscores Beijing’s manufacturing prowess amid domestic headwinds, it poses both opportunities and significant challenges for Thailand, its largest trading partner in ASEAN.
Thailand was once the ultimate value-for-money destination. Cheap eats, affordable hotels, unforgettable experiences. That era is over. A soaring Thai baht is pushing travelers away — just as Thailand is fighting to revive its tourism-driven economy.
It’s been just over a year since I took the leap and made Thailand my home. Moving from regular visitor to someone who lives and works here has let me fully embrace what I love about the country — and given me a front-row seat to the same tourist mistakes playing out again and again.
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.
PM2.5 fine dust pollution has surged this week nationwide, prompting the government to call for stricter controls and work-from-home arrangements. Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana warned that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels have risen sharply since Wednesday and are expected to also rise today.
The government has tightened controls on agricultural burning as part of a broader effort to address PM2.5 pollution, setting a nationwide target to reduce burned farmland by at least 15%. The measures prioritize major economic crops, for which reductions must be clearly demonstrated.
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.
Tech giants have blocked 4.7 million accounts under Australia’s world-first social media ban for under-16s, the country’s online safety watchdog said today. Initial figures showed platforms were taking meaningful action to remove underage users, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said. 
Two people were killed after a construction crane collapsed onto vehicles on Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon province this morning, prompting road closures and warnings for motorists to avoid the area.
The Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 has officially confirmed a strategic move to March 19-20, promising a larger, more refined evolution of the event that has become part of the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
Amazing Three Bays City Prachuap Khiri Khan festival set for late April
The Thai real estate market is experiencing its most severe downturn in nearly three decades, since the 1997 financial crisis. The stock of unsold residential properties has skyrocketed, with new project launches falling sharply. Consumer purchasing power has weakened due to high household debt, and the mortgage lending situation is tighter than ever before.
Chartsiri Sophonpanich, president of Bangkok Bank, pointed out that in 2026 the world will continue to face risks, volatility, and uncertainty, driven by five key factors that will serve as both obstacles and opportunities in shaping ASEAN’s future. He made this remark during the opening of the AEC Business Forum 2026 yesterday.
Thai business giants Saha Group and Central Restaurants Group (CRG) are aggressively expanding their restaurant portfolios. Despite a competitive landscape, both groups see the Thai food market, valued at Bt572 billion, as a high-growth sector where “Capital, Brand, and Culture” create long-term value.
Thailand has set a target to increase revenue from foreign film productions by at least 10% in 2026, building upon a record-breaking performance in the previous year, the Department of Tourism said yesterday.
Gold and silver prices reached historic highs yesterday, driven by mounting geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. Gold surged to a record $4,641.40 per ounce, and silver followed with a 5.2% rise, touching $92.23 per ounce.
Riding on a record-breaking 2024 and strong momentum in 2025, Thailand is setting an ambitious target of welcoming 2.5 million Indian visitors this year. With more than 1.3 million Indians having already traveled to the country by July, the market is emerging as one of Thailand’s most important growth drivers, underpinned by a strategic shift from volume-led recovery to value-focused tourism.
Three political parties – the People’s Party, Democrat, and Pheu Thai – have pledged to put cannabis back on the narcotics list and allow its use only for approved medical purposes, while operators urged the future administration to eliminate foreign businesses using nominees and unfair competition from illegal businesses.
Thailand dominates global night market rankings with 3 markets in the top 10
Bangkok has been ranked 12th in the world for the worst air quality, as PM2.5 levels soar to dangerous levels. According to the IQAir real-time air quality index on Wednesday, the capital’s air quality index (AQI) hit 161, marking it in the red zone, which is unhealthy for all groups.
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.
3 Beachside Cities Where You Can Retire On US Social Security Alone
The Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Election Commission has reported strong voter turnout in the latest elections for subdistrict administrative organizations (SAO), with more than 72% of eligible voters casting their ballots.
Unsafe levels of ultrafine dust covered 59 provinces, while red and seriously harmful levels of smog blanketed Greater Bangkok this morning, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
Thai exports are expected to grow by 2%-4% this year due to foreign investment, particularly in the electronics sector, according to the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC).
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.
Bangkok or Singapore: which megacity should be next on your travel list?
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.
US President Donald Trump has drawn a wave of criticism for his actions in Venezuela, violations of international law, disdain for longstanding norms, and threats against other countries – not least allies like Denmark and Canada. Around the world, there is a palpable sense of uncertainty and foreboding. But it should already be obvious that things will not end well, neither for the United States nor the rest of the world. 
The European Union’s defense and space commissioner, Andrius Kubilius, has warned that any attempt by the United States to seize Greenland by military force would effectively mark the end of NATO and trigger serious consequences for transatlantic relations. 
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. 
In 2026, Thailand is expected to complete one of the most significant transformations in its immigration system, the abolition of passport stamping and the full adoption of a 100% digital immigration platform.
International Living magazine has identified the five most affordable places to live or retire in 2026, which scored the highest in the cost-of-living category of its 2026 Global Retirement Index. It evaluated retirement destinations across climate, healthcare, visa and lifestyle, along with cost.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has detailed a high-stakes strategy to revitalize the nation’s economy, appointing global icon Lalisa Manobal — known professionally as LISA — as its ‘Amazing Thailand Ambassador’ for 2026. The partnership is the cornerstone of an ambitious plan to attract an additional five to 10 million ‘high-quality’ international travelers.
A grayscale sky is showing signs of life over slumbering waves, with sunshine breaking through clouds that had earlier brought steamy tropical rain to the northeast coast of Koh Samui.
Southeast Asia’s solar energy market is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by falling technology costs, strong national climate commitments, and an increasing need for energy security. Recent industry forecasts indicate that the region’s solar capacity is expected to grow from around 38.29 gigawatts in 2025 to over 92.77 gigawatts by 2030, reflecting an annual growth rate of nearly 19.4%. This surge highlights a clear shift away from fossil fuels toward cleaner, renewable energy sources.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. will seize control of Greenland “the easy way” or “the hard way” and warned that he won’t miss out on the opportunity to Russia or China. “We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not,” he said. 
Expat Thailand 2025: Open Doors, Uneven Rules
AIS launches simple SMS scam reporting service via 1185
Fiscal decline expected to pressure Thailand over the medium term
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. 
Strong baht threatens Thailand’s tourism price competitiveness
Thailand rewrites SEA Games history with record-breaking gold rush
Hun Sen’s war is his last gasp
Big C shuts 170 Big C Mini outlets as growth falters
Thai brands eye China’s booming premium health and beauty market
AI, English top skills Thai employers are seeking
Foreign Tourists Cancel 40% of Trat Bookings After Clashes
China remains highest-spending arrivals market
GULF Commences Operation of 2 Solar Farms with 145 MW Capacity