- Amazing Muay Thai Festival in Hua Hin/Sam Roi Yot, A Cradle of Bird Life/Hua Hin Heroes Charity Golf/Hua Hin Marathon May 23/Artist Village Hua Hin ‘Beach Art’ exhibition/Chiva-Som Hua Hin wins awards/Thailand hotspots surge
- ECONOMY: Japanese Investment Applications Jump/Small egg farmers in crisis/Have US Tariffs Missed Their Mark?/Chevron sells offshore gas block
- TOURISM: Wild Elephant Tramples Tourist/Yaowarat Chinese New Year 2026 canceled/Banking on Muay Thai Festival/Pattaya Bar Guards Accused
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: 12 “Lisa trail” landmarks/The Woven Heritage of Thai Fabrics/Thailand’s love for urban gardening
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Hubs to reduce agricultural burning/Thailand’s electric rail network/Pollution off Jomtien Beach in Pattaya
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
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TAT to host Amazing Muay Thai Festival Tomorrow in Hua Hin
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will organize the “Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2026” to promote sports tourism and elevate Muay Thai as a cultural heritage on the international stage.
TAT’s Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business Nat Kruthasoot announced that TAT, together with Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and partner agencies, will host the festival under the theme “Ultimate Muay Thai Experience” from tomorrow to Saturday, at Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan. Continued …
Wetlands Like PKK’s Sam Roi Yot, A Cradle of Birdlife
Let us take you to Sam Roi Yot National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan—one of Thailand’s most important wetlands and a sanctuary for diverse birdlife. These birds are deeply connected to local livelihoods, culture, and nature-based economic activities that support surrounding communities.
Paddling through the park’s wetlands, visitors may encounter the Oriental Pied Hornbill, Yellow Bittern, Purple Swamphen, Eastern Cattle Egret, Great Egret, and Black-winged Stilt. These species are living indicators of healthy wetlands, relying on clean water, natural food sources, and balanced ecosystems. Their presence reflects the overall health of the environment—and when their numbers decline, it often signals that wetlands are under threat. Continued …
Hua Hin Marathon set for May 23
The inaugural Hua Hin Ultra Marathon 2026 will take place on Saturday, May 23, marking the first time the city has hosted an ultra-distance running event of this scale. The race will start and finish at Rajabhakti Park and will offer four distances, ranging from a 10-kilometer evening run to a 100-kilometer ultra marathon.
Registration opened yesterday with an early-bird period running until Saturday, Feb. 7. Regular registration will then be available from Feb. 8 to April , or until race quotas are filled. Continued …
Artist Village Hua Hin to present ‘Beach Art’ exhibition
The Beach Art exhibition Hua Hin will run from Feb. 14–28 at Artist Village Hua Hin, featuring works by Swiss artist Frederic Waelti, who has been living in Hua Hin for several years.
The exhibition brings together a body of work created from discarded materials and objects collected along the shoreline, including driftwood and other remnants shaped by the sea. Waelti’s pieces explore how materials often seen as worthless can be transformed into artworks with visual impact and meaning, while also encouraging reflection on coastal environments and human responsibility toward them. Continued …
Chiva-Som Hua Hin wins an array of awards for wellness and sustainability
Chiva-Som Hua Hin has been celebrated for its unique approach to wellness, commitment to excellence, and heartfelt care,. These awards recognize excellence not only in personal transformation but also in its pioneering commitment to corporate responsibility, environmental wellness, and strong local community engagement.
Among the 2025 Chiva-Som Hua Hin awards and recognitions are: Condé Nast Traveller Germany Wellness & Spa Awards 2025 – Winner, Traditional Healing; Tatler Best Thailand 2025 – Winner, Best-in-Class and Best Wellness Retreat; Tatler Best Asia Pacific 2025 – Listed in the Best 100 Hotels in Asia Pacific; andResponsible Thailand Awards 2025 – Winner, Responsible Tourism Accommodation Award, Continued …
Thailand hotspots surge to 573, signaling cross-border PM 2.5 alert
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, or GISTDA, reported the latest hotspot index on Sunday, based on data from the Suomi NPP satellite via the VIIRS system.
The report revealed a total of 573 hotspots in Thailand, with agricultural areas being the most concerning group, while neighboring Cambodia remains critical with over 1,200 hotspots, signaling a need to monitor transboundary PM 2.5. Continued …
Japanese Investment Applications Jump 146% to Bt119 billion
The Board of Investment (BOI) says Japanese investment applications surged 146% in 2025 to more than 119 billion baht, signaling growing confidence in an economic rebound in early 2026. The sharp rise reflects stronger sentiment among Japanese firms operating in Thailand and reinforces the country’s position as a key production base in ASEAN.
The data were released yesterday alongside the results of a JETRO Bangkok survey showing that Japanese companies expect Thailand’s economy to improve in the first half of 2026. This marks the first positive outlook after six consecutive survey periods of weaker sentiment. Continued …
Small egg farmers in crisis, seek inquiry into dumping
Small-scale egg farmers are facing a growing economic crisis after large commercial farms and wholesalers began selling eggs below average production costs, pushing market prices to unsustainable levels.
Producers have filed complaints with the Central Region Small-Scale Egg Farmers Trade Assn., calling on authorities to investigate alleged dumping that has distorted market prices. Continued …
Have US Tariffs Missed Their Mark? China’s Trade Surplus Reaches Record $1.2 Trillion
In 2025, China achieved a historic trade surplus of US$1.2 trillion, a figure that defies expectations set against the backdrop of US tariffs aimed at diminishing its economic influence.
Despite a notable decline in exports to the United States, which fell by 20%, China successfully oriented its trade toward Africa, ASEAN nations, Latin America, and the European Union, resulting in robust export growth. In December alone, China’s surplus reached US$114 billion, augmented by significant export growth of 6.6% and import growth of 5.7%. Continued …
Chevron sells offshore gas block to Thailand’s PTT in $450M deal
Thailand’s PTT Exploration and Production said Friday it acquired full ownership of Block A-18 in the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area from Chevron in a $450M deal. The Thai company said it signed the deal with Hess and Hess Asia Holdings, both now owned by Chevron following the recently closed merger deal with Hess.
PTTEP said natural gas from Block A-18 is fundamental to power generation for southern Thailand, producing ~600M cf/day of gas, which is equally distributed to Thailand and Malaysia. Continued …
Wild Elephant Tramples Tourist in Third Fatal Khao Yai Incident
A wild elephant from Khao Yai National Park fatally attacked a 69-year-old tourist yesterday. The incident happened early morning at the Khlong Pla Kang ranger unit campsite, Wang Nam Khiao district. The victim was on a morning walk when he encountered the elephant, known as Plai Oi Wan.
Authorities reported that Plai Oi Wan, in a state of musth, attacked and trampled the man about 20 meters from his tent. This marks the third fatal attack linked to the same bull elephant. Park officials arrived promptly and managed to drive the elephant away, while medical personnel examined the victim’s body. Continued …
Yaowarat Chinese New Year 2026 canceled during mourning period
Chinese New Year celebrations in Yaowarat, Bangkok, will be canceled during the mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, according to the Samphanthawong District Office yesterday.
The Yaowarat Chinese New Year Organizing Committee for 2026 resolved to cancel the “Yaowarat Chinese New Year” event, originally scheduled for Feb. 17–18, as the dates fall within the period of mourning for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. Continued …
TAT banking on Muay Thai Festival
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is optimistic about sports tourism growth this year as it hosts the Amazing Muay Thai Festival this week, expecting more than 18,000 visitors.
Nat Kruthasoot, deputy governor for tourism products and business at the TAT, said Muay Thai is increasingly popular among both Thais and foreigners, with a growing number of gyms overseas attracting visitors to travel to Thailand. Continued …
Pattaya Bar Guards Accused of Beating Tourist Over Unpaid Bill
A video showing bar security guards allegedly assaulting a tourist in Pattaya has gone viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism. The incident reportedly occurred on Soi 6, a popular nightlife area in Pattaya, and has prompted police to launch an investigation.
One security guard who claimed to have been present during the incident said it took place. He stated that while patroling the area, he noticed a tourist having a dispute with a group of guards wearing blue uniforms. According to the guard, discussions failed to resolve the issue, after which the tourist attempted to flee, prompting the guards to chase and restrain him. Continued …
12 “Lisa trail” landmarks from Feel All the Feelings film to inspire travel across Thailand
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled 12 landmarks featured in the advertising film “Feel All the Feelings”, inviting travelers to follow in the footsteps of Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal, TAT’s Amazing Thailand ambassador.
The film presents striking destinations across Thailand, unfolding “postcard-like” stories revealing Thai nature, culture, and everyday life through a contemporary lens, and capturing “every feeling” in Thailand. It reflects the charm of Amazing Thailand, ready to welcome travelers from everywhere. Continued …
The Woven Heritage of Thai Fabrics: Tradition Meets Modern Identity
Thai fabrics, especially Thai silk, are not just beautiful textiles but integral parts of the nation’s history and identity. These intricately woven cloths are more than mere commodities — they are living records of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, with every motif and color telling a unique story.
From the famous mudmee silk of the northeast to the stunning textiles of ethnic hill tribes, Thailand’s fabric traditions offer a deep insight into its diverse cultural tapestry. Thai weaving dates back thousands of years, with communities crafting textiles for daily use and special occasions. In the Lanna Kingdom (14th-16th centuries), vibrant cotton fabrics were traded with neighboring kingdoms, while during the Sukhothai Kingdom, Benjarong Cotton became famous. Continued …
Thailand’s love for urban gardening
Walk down nearly any street in Bangkok, and you’ll notice something that doesn’t quite match the usual portrait of a Southeast Asian megacity. Between the concrete shophouses and glass towers, beneath the elevated train tracks and along the motorcycle-clogged pavements, plants are everywhere.
Not manicured landscaping or municipal flower beds, but an unruly profusion of potted trees, herbs in plastic buckets, flowering shrubs squeezed into the margins between buildings and roads. On balconies five storys up, tomatoes ripen in old paint tins. At ground level, chilli plants guard doorways, their bright red fruits catching the afternoon light. Continued …
Thailand launches 30 hubs to reduce agricultural burning and turn waste into income
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DOAE) has announced the establishment of 30 “Green Gain Hubs” across Thailand, aimed at tackling air pollution caused by agricultural burning. This initiative addresses the severe impact on public health, the economy, and the environment, and is also aimed at reducing the negative effects on agricultural production, including soil degradation, high production costs, and lower yields.
The project is a key priority for the government, focusing on the northern, northeastern, and central regions, as well as Bangkok and its surrounding areas. The goal is to add value to agricultural waste materials, and the Green Gain Hub project will connect farmers with biomass buyers, processors, energy producers, and end-users. Continued …
Thailand’s electric rail network to cover 550+ kilometers
Thailand’s electric mass transit rail network in Bangkok and its surrounding areas is progressing according to the master plan. With a goal of 33 routes spanning 553.41 kilometers, the country is making significant strides in urban transport development.
As of now, 50.57% of the planned network, covering 279.84 kilometers, is already operational, according to the Department of Rail Transport. The existing operational rail network includes several key lines, serving a growing number of commuters in Bangkok. Continued …
Foreign man flags sea pollution off Jomtien Beach in Pattaya
A foreign man drew widespread attention on social media after posting footage showing wastewater being discharged into the sea off Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, prompting an investigation by Thai authorities.
In the video, a yellow truck can be seen discharging dark liquid into a pond on the beach. Several wastewater ponds were visible in the area, with hoses apparently carrying the polluted water directly into the sea. Beachgoers were seen watching the situation in confusion, and no one entered the water nearby. Continued …
- French couple deported and blacklisted after sex on Phuket tuk tuk – Continued …
- Russian man jumps from plane after landing at Bangkok airport – Continued …
- Foreign Tourist Sought Over Spray-Paint Vandalism on Koh Phangan – Continued …
Rome starts charging for Trevi Fountain
Italy’s Trevi Fountain launched a new ticketing system yesterday, making the famous Rome landmark the latest tourist site to charge entry in a bid to raise funds and battle overcrowding. People posed in the sunshine in front of the Baroque masterpiece after paying the €2 (US1.68) fee to access the now largely crowd-free area next to the basin. Continued …
Trump’s Fed nominee sparks global sell-off
US President DonaldvTrump’s recent announcement that he would nominate Federal Reserve critic Kevin Warsh to run the US central bank has sparked sharp turbulence across financial markets, particularly in precious metals. Gold prices fell by around 9% last Friday, while silver plunged as much as 28%, marking one of the steepest short-term corrections after months of record highs. 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
Authorities are tackling forest fires near Hua Hin after satellite data detected multiple hotspots over two consecutive days in forest areas toward Cha Am, prompting concern among local residents about air quality.
Unsafe levels of ultrafine dust has blanketed 57 provinces and Bangkok and one province, Samut Songkhram, faced a red level of harmful smog.
Thailand will see two nationwide alcohol sales bans linked to the upcoming parliamentary elections, covering all provinces.
Lt. Gen. Kanok Netrawatthanasena, former deputy commander of the 2nd Army Area and former commander of the Suranaree Task Force, said he believes a third round of fighting is inevitable, pointing to what he described as clear signs of defensive preparations along the border.
The Department of Medical Services has confirmed that Rajavithi Hospital and other major medical facilities are fully prepared to handle suspected or confirmed cases of Nipah virus infection, even though no cases have yet been reported in Thailand.
The Nipah virus (NiV) is a severe infectious zoonotic disease, primarily affecting South and Southeast Asia, that presents a high mortality rate, estimated between 40% and 75%. First identified in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore, NiV is a priority pathogen due to its fatality rate and the current lack of approved vaccines or specific treatments.
What began as yet another debate over Thailand’s strong baht has spiraled into something far more revealing — a raw, sometimes hostile clash between tourists, long-term visitors, retirees, and those pointing to deeper economic damage beyond beer prices and bar bills.
Government measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are expected to help increase monetary circulation in the economy by at least 260 billion baht this year, says the chief of Thai Credit Guarantee Corp. (TCG).
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has announced a vehicle manufacturing target of 1.5 million units for 2026, a modest increase from 1.45 million units last year, driven by expectations of stronger domestic demand and growing production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
The influx of low-priced goods from China has a far more severe impact than US tariffs on Thai products, says Somkiat Tangkitvanich, president of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
Tech consulting firm Bluebik foresees three megatrends that will transform organizations into intelligent enterprises amid a volatile economy and intense competition.
China aims to attract at least 1.5 million Thai visitors this year, up from more than 1 million in 2025, while the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects to generate 35.4 billion baht from 1.25 million foreign tourists during the 10-day Chinese New Year holiday next month.
AirAsia issued an apology following a coordination issue that left 23 passengers on a shuttle bus during boarding for a domestic flight from Bangkok to Hat Yai. The incident occurred on Jan. 17 on a flight scheduled to depart Don Mueang International Airport.
Bangkok ranks first as the world’s favourite city for digital nomads, with Chiang Mai close behind. It’s easy to see why. Thailand has a magnetic charm that pulls people in. You come for a short stay, rent a scooter, find a café with fast Wi-Fi, and before you know it, you are talking about “base cities” and lease renewals.
I like to think I’m a pretty cautious and attentive person. So, when I first came to Thailand, I did some homework to avoid any social faux pas. Despite my efforts, there were still some things I didn’t catch until after I arrived.
New plug-and-play solar panels are making home solar more accessible for both homeowners and renters. A “PBS NewsHour” segment showcased how plug-and-play solar panels work and how they have made solar power affordable for many people who previously thought that home solar was unattainable.
The Rice Department is advancing carbon farming as a nationwide strategy to make rice production more sustainable and to support the country’s long-term carbon neutrality goals.
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing today, seeking closer trade ties while balancing sensitive issues of national security and human rights. This is the first visit to China by a UK prime minister since 2018 and follows a slew of Western leaders seeking support from Beijing recently, pivoting from an increasingly unpredictable United States. 
Global gold prices jumped to a fresh all-time high, breaking above $5,400 an ounce, after former US President Donald Trump warned Iran to reach a nuclear deal and the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged, as expected. 
Thailand is bracing for an air pollution crisis, with authorities warning that fine dust (PM2.5) levels are expected to rise nationwide through Jan. 25, heightening health concerns.
Laos has tightened controls on outdoor burning, as air pollution continued to affect major cities yesterday, with the government warning that forest fires and agricultural burning remain the main drivers of seasonal haze and health risks.
Thailand’s economy in 2026 is projected to face significant uncertainty and potential stagnation, risking a decline in competitiveness. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is urging the government to accelerate free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations and implement structural reforms to navigate these challenges.
Thailand still has an undersupply of hotel rooms, according to international chain IHG Hotels & Resorts, which aims to add nearly 40 hotels here in 3-5 years. Elie Maalouf, chief executive at IHG, said Thailand is still “under-penetrated” in terms of hotel rooms per person, as many hotels have very high occupancy rates for much of the time.
The Department of Mineral Fuels (DMF) has finished drafting amendments to the Petroleum Act to ensure the continuity of petroleum production when licenses expire, avoiding delays that can result in expensive electricity bills.
A wave of blunt, often frustrated comments from readers has reignited a long-running question: is Pattaya intentionally — or unintentionally — pushing away its traditional Western visitor base?
The friendliest Thai cities for foreigners
The influencer racing to save Thailand’s most endangered sea mammal
The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting 2026 in Davos has begun in a notably heated atmosphere, after Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney used a major address to declare that the so-called “rules-based order” is effectively “dead” in practice and urged the world’s middle powers to unite against growing coercion by larger states. 
If the US and the European Union (EU) implement tariff barriers against each other, it could cause severe disruptions to global trade, as both are crucial players in the global supply chain and major consumer markets, say economic analysts. Tensions are escalating after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs ranging up to 25% on eight European allies that oppose his demands for control of Greenland. 
Foreign visitors to Japan reached a record estimated 42.7 million in 2025, the government said yesterday, with their spending also at a new all-time high of 9.5 trillion yen (1.8 trillion baht), thanks to a weaker yen and increased flights to Japan. 
The world is entering an era of “global water bankruptcy”, with rivers, lakes, and aquifers depleting faster than nature can replenish them, a United Nations research institute said yesterday. It argues that decades of overuse, pollution, environmental destruction, and climate pressure had pushed many water systems so beyond the point of recovery that a new classification was required. 
Global gold prices surged to another record high yesterday, rising above US$4,700 an ounce and moving closer to the US$4,800 mark, as escalating geopolitical tensions drove demand for safe-haven assets. Silver also hit an all-time high, briefly breaking above US$95 an ounce. 
The idea of what a “home” should be is quietly but powerfully changing. Homes are no longer just places to rest, entertain guests, or escape the heat. They are becoming active partners in how people live, move, breathe, and age well.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the Ministry of Transport to terminate construction contracts with Italian-Thai Development (ITD) and blacklist the contractor, following a series of deadly infrastructure accidents that sparked intense public backlash.
Italian-Thai Development Public Co. secured seven government construction projects worth a combined 26 billion baht following the collapse of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) building, according to procurement records on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
Authorities are closely monitoring developments after a road collapse on Rama II Road caused major disruption this morning, with traffic at a standstill and a citywide water outage declared in Samut Sakhon.
This year’s rainy season is expected to arrive earlier and bring heavier rainfall than usual, Deputy Prime Minister Borwornsak Uwanno has warned, urging agencies to step up preparedness for major flooding.
One police officer has been dismissed and four others face criminal and disciplinary action for their alleged involvement in corruption linked to the unlawful release of Chinese detainees, the Royal Thai Police said yesterday.
Excessive workloads, long teaching hours, and a worsening work-life balance are raising concerns about teachers’ wellbeing and the quality of education, especially at Thailand’s small schools, a new study finds.
Chonburi’s tourism sector faces mounting challenges in 2026, with a strengthening baht weighing on long-haul markets and Asian arrivals remaining weak, according to Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Chonburi Tourism Federation Assn. (ACTF).
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
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.
Business executives warn of renewed turbulence if the US Supreme Court eventually rules against President Donald Trump in a high-profile case challenging the legality of his global import tariffs, saying uncertainties would mar economic sentiment.
Bangkok was named the third best city to visit in the world today in The New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2026 list, praised for its green spaces, vibrant art scene, and recent innovations in public transport.
Tourists and locals are raising alarms over the open sale of sex stimulants, sex toys, and illegal cigarettes along Pattaya Beach Road – without proper tax stamps.
On vacation in Thailand, my family and I visited Bangkok’s majestic Wat Pho, marveling at the temple’s 150-foot-long reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf. In Chiang Mai, we rode ATVs through the rugged Mae Taeng Valley, then rafted in challenging whitewater rapids while elephants roamed the river banks. We spotted pigs on Koh Madsum and bright-orange clown fish while snorkeling Koh Samui. But nothing compares to the thrills we found in 7-Eleven.
Thailand is stepping up efforts to support research and development in alternative energy, with officials preparing to allocate more financial resources to projects that advance clean technologies such as hydrogen.
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. 
Thailand’s economy is facing significant structural challenges that extend beyond short-term issues, according to Vitai Ratanakorn, governor of the Bank of Thailand (BOT). Speaking at the KKP Year Ahead 2026 seminar, Vitai highlighted concerns about low productivity, a lack of new investment, and the rising levels of both household and corporate debt.
Thailand’s incoming government must abandon populist handout policies and implement radical structural reforms if the country is to escape its low-growth trap, leading economists warned at a major economic forum yesterday.
Pattaya is undergoing a metamorphosis, shifting from a party hotspot to a thriving residential hub as part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development. High-speed rail and industrial growth are beckoning a steady influx of skilled professionals, redefining the city’s identity as a prime living destination.
Vendors affected as price of fresh chillis soars
Thailand’s GI-registered coffee products generated total sales of 1.497 billion baht in 2025, with the top five items alone accounting for 1.318 billion baht, according to the Department of Intellectual Property.
The planet experienced its third-warmest year on record i n 2025, and average temperatures have exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius of global warming over three years, the longest period since records began, European Union (EU) scientists said today.
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.
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.
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 has implemented a new car excise tax structure effective from Jan. 1, reshaping vehicle prices across the market. Petrol-p owered vehicles, especially large-engine and high-emission models, have become more expensive, while electric vehicles (EVs) and some hybrids now face lower tax rates.
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.
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.
Climate change is no longer limited to shifting weather patterns, but is a growing force reshaping Thailand’s economic outlook in 2026, according to Treethep Palakavong Na Ayudhya, chief executive of Global Carbon Corp., a local greenhouse gas-management consultancy.
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.
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. 
Denmark called on the United States to stop “threatening” Greenland yesterday as President Donald Trump told US media he “absolutely” needed the territory, a day after Washington seized the leader of Venezuela. 
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.
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. 
China’s BYD has surpassed Tesla to become the world’s largest seller of electric vehicles (EVs) in annual sales. This marks the first time BYD has outpaced its American competitor, with BYD’s sales increasing by nearly 28% to over 2.25 million vehicles in 2025. Meanwhile, Tesla’s sales dropped by almost 9% to 1.64 million vehicles globally. 
Thailand puts on stunning fireworks show in Bangkok
The microplastics derived from bottles represent an invisible risk to human health, according to a recent study. The most alarming data from the analysis reveals that those who consume bottled water daily can incorporate up to 90,000 plastic particles more per year than those who drink from the tap.
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.