- Fuel prices to rise today/Two PKK beaches recognized/Super El Niño could bring food shock
- THE IRAN WAR: Middle East war will weaken baht/Fuel frustration mounts/Oil Shortage Threatens Thai Tourism/Conflict threatens Thai growth/Trump signals possible wind-down/Israel-Iran strikes hit energy hubs/Qatar blast doubles LNG prices/War jolts six Thai industries/Coal units restarted/Thinning Suvarnabhumi taxi ranks/Hospitals limit drug dispensing
- ECONOMY: Consumer giants eye April price rises/Tax schemes to benefit SMEs/Vietnam preferred by European investors/Booming wellness economies
- TOURISM: Tourism eyes B15-billion stimulus/Suvarnabhumi 36th best airport
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand Falls to 52nd/Wild elephant raids kitchen
- CLIMATE THAILAND: When the ocean cannot speak
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Fuel prices to rise today as PTT and Bangchak adjust rates
Petrol prices will rise today, with PTT and Bangchak service stations announcing their latest price adjustments. Gasohol 95, Gasohol 91, Gasohol E85, Gasohol E20, Super Power Gasohol 95, and petrol will all increase by 1 baht per liter, while diesel and Super Power diesel will rise by 70 satang per liter. Effective from 5 am today, fuel prices for tomorrow will be as follows: Continued …
Two PKK beaches win 4.5-star environmental ratings, Koh Kradan and Bileh 5-star winners
The Pollution Control Department has announced the results of its 2025 Beach Star environmental assessment, with Koh Kradan in Trang and Bileh Beach on Koh Hong in Krabi receiving the highest five-star rating. Khao Kalok Beach and Sam Phraya Beach, both in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, received 4.5 stars.
The results showed that 10 beaches achieved environmental quality ratings ranging from very good to excellent, or 4.5 to five stars. The department said these beaches demonstrated an outstanding environmental quality and could serve as models for sustainable beach management in Thailand. Continued …
Super El Niño could bring drought, food shock
Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, or GISTDA, has warned that a possible “super El Niño” could trigger severe climate disruption across Thailand and the wider ASEAN region, bringing heightened risks of drought, food insecurity, soaring agricultural prices and a worsening PM2.5 crisis.
GISTDA said the region could face much greater volatility than under a normal El Niño event if the phenomenon intensifies. According to information posted by GISTDA, a normal El Niño already tends to bring hotter and drier conditions. But if it strengthens into a super El Niño, with sea-surface temperatures rising more than 1.5-2 degrees Celsius above average, the effects on climate systems, the economy and people’s daily lives could become much more severe. The agency said clearer signs may begin to emerge in early May 2026. Continued …
Escalating Middle East war will likely further weaken Thai baht
The Thai baht is set to weaken further as the Middle East war is intensifying and dragging on, while the US Federal Reserve also may not be in a rush to cut interest rates.
Wachirawat Banchuen, senior financial market strategist at Siam Commercial Bank, said the Thai baht’s plunge stopped just above 32.80 to the dollar, its weakest level in five months, and will likely continue weakening in the short term. Continued …
Fuel frustration mounts
Public frustration is mounting across Thailand over restricted access to fuel, despite repeated government assurances that national reserves remain ample. Officials insist there is no overall shortage, citing combined reserves sufficient for 104 days, yet scenes on the ground tell a more complicated story.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, demand remains intense. Lorry driver Kriangkrai said he stops at multiple stations each day, as purchases are capped at 1,000 baht per visit. “I have to refuel at up to 10 stations a day; this disrupts transport schedules.” Other motorists report similar difficulties. Continued …
Oil Shortage Fears Threaten Thai Tourism Confidence
Thailand’s tourism sector is facing renewed concern after warnings that a potential oil shortage could disrupt travel and damage visitor confidence more severely than rising fuel prices. Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun said a lack of fuel supply would create immediate uncertainty, leaving tourists unsure whether they could complete their journeys. He cautioned that such disruption could undermine the overall travel experience and deter both domestic and international visitors.
The warning comes amid broader concerns over global energy instability and its potential impact on Thailand. Although the government has stated that oil reserves are sufficient for more than 90 days, Thienprasit urged authorities not to become complacent. He stressed that even with reassurances, any misstep in managing supply could escalate into a wider crisis of confidence, particularly if reports spread suggesting fuel shortages across the country. Continued …
Mideast conflict threatens Thai growth
The Bank of Thailand is warning the war in the Middle East could weigh on Thailand’s economy across multiple fronts, potentially dragging GDP growth below its 2% forecast for this year.
The conflict has heightened downside risks, with impacts expected through several channels, including energy prices, financial market volatility, and broader economic activity, said Chayawadee Chai-anant, assistant governor for corporate relations at the central bank. Continued …
Trump signals possible wind-down in Iran
US President Donald Trump said today he was considering winding down US military operations against Iran, saying Washington was close to achieving its objectives as the conflict approached its fourth week.
In an online post on, Trump wrote: “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the terrorist regime of Iran.” Continued …
Israel-Iran strikes hit global energy hubs
Israel and Iran have launched a series of intense retaliatory strikes targeting energy infrastructure across the Middle East, pushing the region into a deeper and more dangerous phase of conflict with global economic consequences.
Reuters reported yesterday that the situation escalated sharply, with both sides focusing attacks on critical energy facilities in their own territories and across the region. Continued …
Qatar blast doubles LNG prices, pressures Thailand’s power tariff
Global energy markets have been shaken once again after an explosion at a natural gas production site in Qatar triggered a sharp surge in global liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices, placing direct pressure on Thailand’s electricity cost structure, particularly the fuel adjustment charge (Ft) for the second 2026 period (May-August), which is due to be announced soon.
Poonpat Leesombatpaiboon, secretary-general of the Energy Regulatory Commission (OERC), said geopolitical factors, especially tensions in the Middle East linked to the Iran war, have significantly increased uncertainty in global energy markets and have already begun to affect Thailand. Continued …
Iran war jolts six Thai industries, possible B12-billion GDP hit
The escalating tensions surrounding the Iran war in the Middle East have become a major source of pressure on the global economy, with significant repercussions for Thailand’s industrial sector amid rising risks from energy prices and logistics costs.
Supakit Boonsiri, director-general of the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE), said the key issue requiring close monitoring is the risk of a closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, accounting for around 20% of global daily oil consumption. Continued …
Coal units restarted to curb electricity costs
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has ordered the restart of two decommissioned units at the Mae Moh coal-fired power plant in a bid to contain rising electricity bills.
ERC Secretary-general Poonpat Leesombatpiboon said the commission’s board resolved that state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) should bring units 9 and 10 back online. Continued …
Fuel shortage thinning Suvarnabhumi taxi ranks
A fuel shortage is severely disrupting taxi services at Suvarnabhumi Airport, with large SUV taxis gradually suspending operations and only about 2,500 vehicles currently in active service, out of a fleet estimated at more than 5,000, operators say.
Drivers of the larger vehicles favored by families and travelers with bulky luggage have had to stop working, as they’re struggling to secure fuel supplies, Panlop Chayinthu, president of the Suvarnabhumi Taxi Coordination Assn., said yesterday. Continued …
Hospitals limit drug dispensing
Three major hospitals have adjusted outpatient drug dispensing as a precaution to prevent potential shortages amid energy-related disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis, while the Ministry of Public Health says national stocks remain sufficient.
Siriraj Hospital, Ramathibodi Hospital, and Maharaj Nakhon Chiang Mai Hospital said the measures are intended to manage medicines and medical supplies prudently to ensure availability for patients amid heightened supply chain risks. Continued …
Five consumer giants eye April price rises on cost surge
Five major consumer goods manufacturers are signaling possible price increases from April, as the global energy crisis drives up costs across supply chains and puts fresh pressure on the retail market.
The prolonged tension in the Middle East has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with higher oil prices and rising logistics costs beginning to feed into production expenses. Some product categories are also starting to face shortages of imported raw materials, leaving manufacturers to absorb significantly higher costs. Continued …
Ministry preps tax schemes to benefit SMEs
The Finance Ministry is preparing tax reduction measures for large businesses that help bring small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into their supply chains, in a bid to help upgrade local SMEs.
Speaking at a Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) seminar yesterday, caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said SMEs are a key pillar of the government’s “Quick Big Win” policy, which aims to transform SMEs by enhancing their competitiveness. Continued …
Vietnam, not Thailand, preferred by European investors in ASEAN
European companies are increasingly favoring Vietnam over Thailand for future investments in Southeast Asia, according to Chris Humphrey, executive director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council.
Business sentiment surveys conducted by the council show Vietnam has ranked as the top destination for European investment. Humphrey said Vietnam’s extensive network of trade agreements has given it a clear advantage. Continued …
Philippines and Thailand have booming wellness economies
The Philippines and Thailand’s wellness economies have each surged in value in recent years, according to the latest data published by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI).
The Philippines’ wellness economy is valued at US$47.3 billion, which is an increase of 31% on figures from 2019 (US$36 billion). Wellness contributes 10.2% of the country’s GDP. The year-on-year growth shows a robust rate of 7.3%. Thailand’s wellness market reached US$43.7 billion in 2024, ranking number seven among the world’s top 25 wellness markets for growth between 2023 and 2024 – achieving a 10% increase. Continued …
Tourism groups eye B15-billion stimulus
Seven tourism associations under the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA) have called for stimulus projects worth a combined 15 billion baht, including cash handouts to local tourists, to prevent an industry downturn due to the Gulf war.
Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), said cancellation rates ballooned during three weeks of strikes in the Middle East, while new bookings for April slowed, including from Chinese travelers. Visitors from the mainland recorded promising signs the first two months of the year, but forward bookings have faded to 60% of available seats in April. Continued …
Changi Named World’s Best Airport, Suvarnabhumi 36th
Singapore Changi Airport has been named the world’s best airport for 2026 by Skytrax, extending its long-running dominance, while Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport climbed to 36th place in the latest global rankings. The annual list highlights continued strong performance by leading Asian hubs and steady improvement in Thailand’s main international gateway.
The rankings are based on passenger surveys conducted worldwide between 2025 and 2026, assessing service quality and overall airport experience. Changi retained the top spot, followed by Incheon International Airport and Tokyo Haneda Airport. Other airports in the top 10 include Hong Kong International Airport and Narita International Airport. Continued …
Thailand Falls to 52nd in ‘World Happiness’ rankings
Finland has ranked as the world’s happiest country for the ninth consecutive year in the World Happiness Report 2026, while Thailand dropped from 49th to 52nd place. The report, released by the Wellbeing Research Center at the University of Oxford on Thursday, highlighted that the top three countries were Finland, Iceland, and Denmark. Costa Rica saw significant improvement, climbing to fourth place, the highest among Latin American nations.
Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands were ranked fifth, sixth, and seventh, respectively. Israel, Luxembourg, and Switzerland followed, securing the eighth, ninth, and 10th positions. The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom were ranked 23rd, 25th, and 29th, respectively, with Thailand falling to 52nd. Continued …
Wild elephant raids kitchen, devours rice in Chachoengsao
A wild elephant broke into a rural home in eastern Thailand overnight, rummaging through a kitchen and eating stored rice, officials said yesterday. The incident occurred late in Tha Takiab district, where local officials and rangers inspected damage at a house in Ban Khlong Mahat village.
CCTV footage showed a large elephant quietly approaching the rear of the house before forcing its way through a wooden kitchen door. Once inside, it searched for food, opening cupboards and using its trunk to scoop rice from a storage jar. Continued …
When the ocean cannot speak
The ocean has always felt like home to Claire Narida Charanachitta. Long before she spoke at international forums or produced award-winning documentaries, the Thai teenager spent her childhood exploring forests, coastlines, and environmental camps that introduced her to the delicate balance of nature.
Those early encounters would quietly shape a path that now places her among a new generation of youth advocates working to protect the planet’s oceans. Today, at just 17 years old, Claire has become an emerging voice in marine conservation — one whose work has reached audiences from coastal communities in Thailand to the United Nations (UN). Continued …
- Police Smash Chinese Call Center Gang, Seize B14-million Assets – Continued …
- Chinese Suspect in Call Center Scam Held in Bangkok Continued …
- Phuket Nabs Four in Major South Korean Drug Bust – Continued …
- Brit ‘Mum on the Run’ Jailed Over Drug Offenses – Continued …
- Foreign Biker Kills Finnish Pedestrian in Pattaya Crash – 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
A gas station in Hua Hin has introduced a 500-baht fuel limit as operators respond to increased demand linked to tightening global energy supplies amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Following PTT’s announcement on Saturday regarding fuel sales at PTT Station service stations and limits on refueling volumes, motorists became concerned about the possibility of a repeat of an energy crisis.
The Ministry of Commerce has urged businesses to hold prices on consumer goods until tomorrow, the same day the Energy Ministry’s 15-day diesel price support measure is set to expire.
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.
The Hua Hin 100K Ultra Marathon 2026 has been officially launched, with organizers aiming to strengthen the town’s reputation as a sports tourism destination while inviting runners to sign up for the endurance event.
The Thailand Professional Golf Assn. (TPGA) announced its partnership with the Asian Tour to organize an Asian Development Tour (ADT)-level event — the Singha-SAT ADT Hua Hin Championship 2026 — between April 23-26 at Royal Hua Hin Golf Course.
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has announced a policy restricting the use of mobile phones and electronic devices during lessons at 437 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
Thailand is facing a burgeoning literacy crisis, with approximately 65% of 15-year-olds unable to comprehend or analyze the content they read, despite being technically literate.
Thai health officials are sounding the alarm over a growing trend of adopting American dietary habits, warning that the latest “Upside-Down Pyramid” model from the United States may be ill-suited to the Thai physique and could lead to chronic health issues.
Thailand’s economy and equity market could face mounting pressure if tensions between the US-Israel alliance and Iran escalate, with risks evolving from short-term financial market volatility to a deeper economic slowdown, says InnovestX Securities.
The Ministry of Commerce held a meeting last week to draw up Thailand’s 2026 proactive international trade promotion plan, chaired by Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun together with directors of Thailand’s overseas trade promotion offices — commercial attachés in 58 offices across 43 economic areas worldwide — to take an in-depth look at global trade and set strategies to drive Thai exports.
Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face a wall of negative sentiment this year, as geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, and tighter access to loans weigh on the sector, raising questions about how businesses can navigate these tumultuous times.
The egg farmers’ cooperative network has raised the farm-gate price of mixed chicken eggs from 3.20 baht to 3.40 baht per egg, or six baht more per tray, effective today.
Chinese automaker BYD has denied allegations from the United States that its manufacturing facility in Thailand is being used to bypass American trade tariffs. The company said its Rayong plant is focused on domestic demand and exports to other regions, confirming that no vehicles from the site have been shipped to the United States.
Thailand has strengthened its position as a leading global destination for medical tourism, with new data showing the country is now among the top three worldwide for international patients seeking treatment abroad. The surge has been driven largely by Russian travelers, who are increasingly choosing Thailand for elective procedures, preventative care, and wellness treatments.
Middle East conflict hits tourism in Phangnga
This abandoned floating hotel in Thailand is straight out of a horror film
Activists in the Mekong region have called on governments and agencies to take urgent action to protect the river from worsening environmental damage caused by hydropower dams and mining activities.
Sonite Innovative Surfaces Co. has opeed its factory in Bangkok, showcasing recyclable materials like rice husks, coconut fiber, eggshells, discarded bottled water, and even old money., Sonite President Nitiphan Darakananda said that people have become more conscious of the environment, with many customers asking for sustainable items to be used in their hotels and restaurants.
The Cha Am Blue Swimming Crab Festival will take place from March 14-21 at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint, featuring fresh seafood, conservation activities, and nightly live music.
Thailand marks National Elephant Day amid a crisis of coexistence
Bangkok Ranked 8th Best City in the World for 2026
Crude oil prices closed above the $100-a-barrel mark yesterday after Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz shut, signaling that markets may be facing a prolonged supply disruption.
For the second time in four years, energy markets in Asia dependent on imported fossil fuels find themselves at the mercy of global commodity markets. Although each country’s immediate exposure to the Iran conflict varies, all face the indirect threat of higher costs driven by tighter fossil fuel markets and elevated geopolitical risk premiums.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, has confirmed that the government is prepared to challenge a looming US investigation into “unfair trade practices.” Working in close coordination with the Ministry of Commerce, the Thai government has developed a robust strategic framework to address the Section 301 probe initiated by the Trump administration.
The foundation of modern employment – study hard, secure a job, build a stable life – is eroding fast. Technological progress, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, is breaking down the old economic model that tied individual effort to secure, long-term work.
Medical tourism has gained attention as a growing segment within the travel market, with high potential for expansion. According to the Medical Tourism Assn. (MTA), it is estimated that over 14 million people travel abroad for medical services annually.
Cheap Thai meals at risk as global oil tensions threaten food prices
Crude oil prices surged toward $100 per barrel as the escalating conflict involving Iran triggered major disruptions to global fuel supplies. CNBC reported that US crude prices yesterday recorded their biggest weekly gain in the history of the futures market, as intensifying conflict in the Middle East caused significant turmoil in global energy supply.
Emirates and Etihad Airways were resuming limited flight schedules to key global cities from their United Arab Emirates hubs yesterday, though the ongoing threat of missile fire piled pressure on airlines as they scramble to accommodate travelers.
It has been six days since the deadly joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, followed by Iran’s retaliatory strikes against mostly American targets in half a dozen Gulf states and against Israel, as people around the world grapple with the economic and geopolitical repercussions.
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI), in cooperation with the Chinese Embassy in Thailand and partners from the public and private sectors, hosted the “Thailand-China Investment Forum: Keys to Success & Sustainable Growth for Chinese Enterprises” on Thursday at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), a gathering of leaders in the global wellness economy, has announced that its 20th annual conference will take place in Phuket from Nov. 10-13. The event,which will be the largest Global Wellness Summit to date, will convene CEOs of leading wellness companies, physicians and academics, investors, technology innovators, and policymakers for four days examining the forces transforming all eleven sectors of the wellness economy, from wellness tourism and physical activity to mental wellness, beauty, spas, and wellness real estate, with a lens on the evolving longevity landscape.
Hat Yai is back in business, and now is the time to visit
Thailand’s top 5 getaways this March
Thailand’s low-carbon rice model emerges from Central Plains farmers
US President Donald Trump said y esterday Cuba was next on his agenda after Iran, predicting that the communist-run island, crippled by a US energy blockade, is “gonna fall pretty soon”. “They want to make a deal so badly,” Trump said, a day after suggesting that he would turn to an unspecified project for Cuba after the war against Iran. 
Four years ago, NASA purposely smashed a spacecraft into a small asteroid to see if they could deflect it – a test to prove humanity could protect Earth from threatening space rocks. The experiment pushed the moonlet asteroid Dimorphos into a smaller, faster route around its sibling Didymos – and according to new research out yesterday, it also pushed the pair into a slightly different orbit around the Sun. 
A rare astronomical event, a total lunar eclipse, will take place tomorrow, which also falls on Makha Bucha Day. The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand says the Moon will appear brick-red across the entire disk.
A thunderstorm warning has been issued for Prachuap Khiri Khan, with officials urging residents to prepare for thunderstorms and strong winds across the province from tomorrow through Friday.
Food safety training was the focus of a workshop held in Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday, as local food business operators gathered to strengthen hygiene standards and protect consumer health.
Since the government canceled the long-standing prohibition on selling alcoholic beverages between 2-5 pm, in a move aimed at stimulating the economy and tourism, the early assessments indicate the change is likely to increase restaurant revenues by more than 20%, after aligning sales hours more closely with tourist behavior.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned yesterday that combat operations in Iran were continuing and would carry on until all of Washington’s objectives are achieved.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Air Force commander to prepare aircraft to evacuate Thai nationals stranded in Iran, placing all relevant agencies on 24-hour standby. The order was issued yesterday as tensions in the Middle East escalate.
Thailand’s exports to Iran, led by canned and processed fruit and rubber-related products, could face disruption risks as fighting involving Iran, the United States, and Israel escalates, raising concerns over logistics, insurance costs, and payment channels for trade with the region.
A new wave of uncertainty is sweeping through global trade as US President Donald Trump has announced a 10% global tariff, with a potential increase to 15%. This move follows the Supreme Court ruling Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs, started last year, are unconstitutional.
Medical Tourism Corp. (MTC), a Dallas-based international healthcare facilitation organization, has released its Thailand Dental Tourism Market Research Report 2026, a comprehensive analysis of patient demand patterns, competitive positioning, and strategic growth opportunities across six major Thai cities.
Essential Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Summer Vacation in Thailand
Run Khan Do event/Pone Kingphet Park renovation/Royal Hua Hin Course hosts Thai LPGA/Meth arrest in Prauchap Khiri Khan/Road Accidents, Deaths Decreased/EC announces 71% voter turnout/Masked Gang Raid Brit’s Pattaya Home/AI-Driven Traffic Lights in Bangkok/Prices of new Samsung Galaxy to rise/Keep their hair in check/Bomb on husband’s mistress’ car
Royal Hua Hin Golf Course hosts first Thai LPGA event of year
Road accidents in Thailand fell in 2025, according to new data released yesterday at the Royal Thai Police headquarters. Police Gen. Samran Nuanma, deputy commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police and director of the Traffic Management Center, said statistics show a decline in crashes, fatalities, and injuries. However, speeding remains the leading cause of accidents nationwide.
The Election Commission (EC) has announced the final voter turnout for the 2026 general election, with 37.8 million voters (71.4%) participating on Feb.8. 
The operator of the BTS Skytrain has called on passengers to refrain from flicking or tossing their hair while traveling during peak hours, warning that loose locks could accidentally strike fellow commuters in the face, shoulders, eyes, or mouth.
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) expects the baht to gradually weaken against the US dollar, reaching 33 baht per dollar in the fourth quarter of this year, driven by a combination of domestic and external factors.
TRIS Rating has raised its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 2.1% from 1.7%, following stronger-than-expected momentum in the fourth quarter of 2025, when the economy expanded 2.4%. Despite the upward revision, growth is still projected to moderate from last year, reflecting persistent structural constraints.
Factory activity in Thailand picked up in January, driven by heightened political activity during the election campaign and strong demand in the automotive sector, according to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).
The global semiconductor industry is entering an increasingly strategic phase, driven by accelerated investments in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, and electric vehicles (EV).
Suphajee Suthumpun, minister of Commerce, has revealed that the Thai government and the government of the People’s Republic of China have reached a government-to-government rice-trading agreement for a volume of 40,000 tons.
Over the past few weeks, local news headlines have been dominated by complaints from some foreign tourists claiming that Thailand is becoming too expensive, while some Thais are being perceived as unfriendly — or even rude — to visitors.
Thailand is every wanderer’s dream: temples rising into brilliant blue skies, tuk-tuks zipping past street carts sizzling with spice, and tropical beaches that seem to glow at sunset. But because the kingdom stretches from misty northern hills to two distinct coastal systems, deciding when to go is almost as important as where you go.
A Short-Stay Guide to Koh Tao — Thailand’s Tiny Gulf Escape
Technology giants, including Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta, have in recent months announced plans to spend over US$600 billion on AI in 2026 alone. The investment wave has already fueled unease among some investors about the profitability of this strategy. They have reason to be worried, as the ambitious US AI expansion plans are likely to be hobbled by severe power-infrastructure bottlenecks, including turbine shortages, slow grid expansion, and regulatory red tape. 
The Hua Hin property market is emerging as a relative bright spot in Thailand’s challenging real estate sector, supported by sustained foreign demand that is helping to offset weak domestic purchasing power.
Forest fires, suspected to have been caused by human activity, have been raging uncontrollably in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, and Mae Hong Son, driving PM2.5 levels beyond the 37.5-micron safety threshold, according to reports from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
A group of foreign residents in Pattaya has lodged a complaint with the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) after allegedly losing more than 300 million baht in a fraudulent gold-trading investment scheme branded “King Power Gold”.
Thailand’s Industrial Confidence Index rose marginally to 88.7 in January, up from 88.2 in December, as the manufacturing sector returned to full swing following the New Year holiday and demand picked up ahead of the Lunar New Year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Thai hotel operators are forecasting stable foreign tourist arrivals in 2026, particularly from short-haul markets excluding China, while urging the government to strengthen safety measures and boost traveler confidence.
Two listed firms, PTT Oil and Retail (OR) and Central Plaza Hotel (Centel), announced a joint venture that will run budget hotels at PTT petrol stations. OR, oil trade flagship of national oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc, reported on Tuesday night that its board of directors approved the establishment of the joint venture.
Chiang Mai International Airport has recorded a new post-Covid high in passenger traffic, with daily numbers surpassing 36,000, as airlines added 69 extra and charter flights to accommodate Lunar New Year demand.
Puphaman National Park, located in Loei and Khon Kaen provinces, has called on the public to stop feeding wild elephants by leaving fruit and other edible items for them, warning that such well-intentioned acts could ultimately harm the animals and increase the risk of human-elephant conflict.
The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) is holding its first networking event of 2026 in Hua Hin, hosted at the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort.
Recently, a couple posted on the social media forum about their experience near Chiang Mai. They found a puppy being bullied by other strays and felt compelled to help. With only two days before leaving the northern province and embarking on a two-week trip around Thailand, they wondered whether bringing the dog to the US was feasible within their timeframe.
The prices of computers and some IT products have skyrocketed as a result of rising rates for memory chips in the global market. Memory chip prices have increased by 80%-90% quarter-on-quarter in 2026, according to the February issue of Memory Price Tracker, marking an unprecedented surge.
A cluster of nine earthquakes measuring between 1.9 and 3.2 on the Richter scale struck tambon Khao Phang in Ban Ta Khun district of the southern province of Surat Thani between Wednesday and Thursday morning, the Department of Mineral Resources reported.
Many Thai small and medium-sized businesses — often run from homes, co-working spaces or cafés — face rising cyber risks that can be as harmful as a flooded shop or a lost delivery. From careless clicks to old software, a single mistake can stop a small team’s operations.
Thailand’s position as a strategic hub for investors targeting the ASEAN region continues to strengthen, supported by record investment inflows, future-ready national strategies, major connectivity upgrades and rising international confidence in the country’s economic direction.
The highly volatile price swings of gold, which is impacting many Thais obsessed with the yellow metal, has forced the Bank of Thailand (BOT) to step in to regulate the large volume of trading affecting the baht’s rate.
The Bangkok Air Quality Information Center reported today that PM2.5 levels have surged, with the citywide average hitting 38.7 µg/m³ at 7 am, above the safe threshold of 37.5 µg/m³. The worst affected areas include Nong Chok, where PM2.5 levels hit 50.6 µg/m³.
Bangkok is set to strengthen its waste-management system with two new waste-to-energy power plants being developed by C&G Environmental Protection (Thailand). The projects, valued at 12 billion baht, are located in Nong Khaem in southwest Bangkok and On Nut on the eastern portion of the capital, said chief executive He Ning.
The administration of US President Donald Trump announced yesterday the revocation of scientific findings that greenhouse gas emissions are harmful to human health, along with the cancellation of vehicle exhaust emissions standards for cars and trucks, This move marks the largest cancellation of climate change policy by this administration to date, following the removal of regulations and actions aimed at promoting fossil fuel development while hindering the growth of clean energy. 
Ongoing efforts to derail multilateral tax cooperation lie at the heart of a global program to replace democratic governance with coercive rule by the extremely wealthy – or what we call 21st-century Caesarism. Any strategy to counter this program, therefore, must recognize that taxing extreme wealth is essential to saving democracy. 
A ride-hailing driver posted a touching experience on the “Grab Car Driver Club Thailand” Facebook group, declaring: “I want 10 more jobs like this”. The first image showed the journey details – from Huai Khwang to Phra Khanong. The second revealed the adorable passenger: what appeared to be a long-coat Chihuahua.
The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows Thailand scored 33/100 and ranked 116th globally — below the world average of 42. The index, released by Transparency International, placed Thailand 116th out of 182 countries and territories, down one spot from 2024 when it scored 34.
The cabinet has been instructed to start preparing to void a 25-year-old memorandum of understanding (MoU) used by Thailand and Cambodia as a framework to settle their overlapping maritime boundaries.
Chula Researchers Transform Thai Silk into Medical Innovation
Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to seek approval from Thailand’s next cabinet for two major airport expansion projects worth a combined 269 billion baht, covering Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports.
Thailand’s once-robust manufacturing sector is facing a protracted slowdown, with factory capacity utilization hovering below 60% for the past two years, raising concerns about the country’s economic competitiveness and industrial policy effectiveness.
The cabinet yesterday endorsed a comprehensive visa package proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to boost tourism, attract long-stay visitors, and stimulate the economy.
Chinese New Year in Thailand: A National Celebration and a Regional Travel Magnet
With Chinese New Year approaching next week, Pattaya tourism operators expect similar conditions as last year. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation, said Pattaya operators expect a large number of foreign tourists for the holiday, particularly from long-haul markets, accounting for 80% and helping the occupancy rate near 90%.
Phuket is preparing to welcome a surge of visitors during the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, with a month-long program of events beginning today aimed at stimulating early-year tourism and generating more than 600 million baht in revenue.
Picture this for a moment. You’ve worked decades, paid into Social Security your entire adult life, and when retirement finally arrives, the monthly check lands somewhere around $1,800. In many parts of the United States, that barely covers rent. It’s frustrating, I know.
13 Mouth-Watering Thai Dishes You Need To Try
Kintetsu World Express has taken another step toward cleaner operations by installing a solar power generation system at its warehouse in Prachinburi Province. The project has been carried out by its local subsidiary, KWE-Kintetsu World Express (Thailand) Co., as part of the group’s wider push toward decarbonized and sustainable business practices.
Planned or under-construction solar and wind projects slowed last year, analysis showed yesterday, casting doubts on whether countries will hit a goal of tripling renewable capacity by 2030. Dozens of nations agreed in 2023 to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 as part of efforts to limit global warming.
At least 10 people died yesterday in a remote part of western Canada, including seven who were shot at a secondary school and two others found dead at a residence, federal police said. Twenty-seven people were injured. An individual believed to be responsible for the killing in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, was found deceased with what appears to be a self-inflicted injury. 
Noise pollution is affecting bird behavior across the globe, disrupting everything from courtship songs to the ability to find food and avoid predators, a large-scale new analysis showed today. 
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.
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.
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.
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.