- Minor Hotels to Rebrand Hua Hin Property/PKK reports one death in holiday accidents/New Year Road Deaths Reach 241/Nearly 4,000 Drink-Drive Cases/Cold air returns, stronger monsoon for south/Giant Waves Hit Gulf
- ECONOMY: US Invasion of Venezuela Strengthens Baht/Finance minister aims for 2% GDP growth/Thailand faces below-potential growth/Thai exports to ‘normalize’/Cannabis shops face clampdown
- TOURISM: Thailand targets tourist growth of over 10%/Visitor numbers to national parks surge/Phuket arrivals fail to lift revenue/Thailand Medical Tourism Market/French Tourist Falls to Death/Swedish man drowns in Chon Buri/Rude photographers under fire
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Immigration waiting line in Pattaya/Nine-route ‘The Soul of Thailand’/Hidden Bangkok Secrets
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Surge in ‘Green’ Exports to EU/Solar Energy Poised for Strong Growth
- HUA HIN LINKS
Minor Hotels to Rebrand Hua Hin Property as NH Hua Hin
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.
NH Hua Hin will offer 152 modern rooms and suites with city and mountain views, starting from 30 sqm. The property provides accommodation options for leisure and business guests, designed for comfort and functionality, including deluxe rooms, family rooms with bunk beds, and one-bedroom suites. Continued …
PKK reports one death, 3 injured in holiday traffic accidents
Prachuap Khiri Khan road accident prevention figures for the New Year 2026 holidays show a relatively low number of fatalities in the province, according to officials who met today to review the annual safety campaign.
At a meeting yesterday at the provincial hall, the Road Accident Prevention and Reduction Operations Center reported that one person was killed and 36 others injured in 35 accidents over the six-day period from Dec. 30 to Jan. 4. Continued …
New Year Road Deaths Reach 241 After 6 Days
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 figures bring the cumulative toll over six days to 241 deaths, 1,313 injuries and 1,364 accidents nationwide. Authorities have instructed all provinces to continue strict law enforcement and traffic management as return travel continues. Continued …
New Year Crackdown Sees Nearly 4,000 Drink-Drive Cases in 6 Days
Thailand’s New Year road safety crackdown has recorded nearly 4,000 cases entering the probation system over six days, with drink-driving accounting for the vast majority and Nonthaburi, Bangkok, and Samut Prakan topping the provincial rankings.
The figures underline the continued scale of alcohol-related offenses during the festive travel period and the immediate burden on law enforcement and probation authorities. Continued …
Cold air returns, stronger monsoon ahead for south
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.
A high-pressure system from China is currently covering upper Thailand and parts of the upper south. This has led to “cool to cold” conditions in the north and northeast, while the central, eastern, and Greater Bangkok regions are experiencing cool mornings. Continued …
Giant Waves Hit Gulf of Thailand; Boaters Urged to Remain Ashore
Giant waves are forecast to hit the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, prompting warnings for seaside residents to prepare to move to safer areas and for small boats to remain ashore from Jan. 6–9. The Eastern Southern Meteorological Center issued its third advisory today on strong winds and waves in the Gulf of Thailand, effective from today through Friday.
The warning said a fairly strong new high-pressure system, or cold air mass, from China is spreading south over Thailand and the South China Sea. Combined with a strengthening northeast monsoon covering the Gulf of Thailand, southern Thailand and the Andaman Sea, the conditions are expected to intensify during the period. Continued …
US Invasion of Venezuela Shock Lends Strength to Thai Baht
The Thai baht is experiencing a strong rally this week, trading between 31.00 to 31.85 to the US dollar. This strength comes amid a surge in global gold prices, prompted by the US invasion of Venezuela. The move has created a ripple effect in markets, attracting capital inflows to Thailand’s bond sector.
Kanjana Chockpisansin of Kasikorn Research Center notes that by midday yesterday, foreign purchases of Thai bonds reached 1.4 billion baht. The Stock Exchange of Thailand has also seen increased foreign interest, with the index rising 1.8% to 1,282 points. “The gold price surge, influenced by US military operations in Venezuela, boosted the baht from 31.55 to 31.30 against the dollar,” she said. Continued …
Finance minister unveils 2026 plan, aims for 2% GDP growth
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 economy faces heightened risks from both domestic and external factors this year, while the scope for new fiscal stimulus is more limited because parliament has been dissolved and the country is preparing for a general election on Saturday, Feb. 8. Continued …
Thailand faces below-potential growth in 2026–2027
The Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has issued a stark warning about Thailand’s economic outlook, according to the minutes of a meeting held on Dec. 12 and 17.
The committee unanimously voted to cut the policy interest rate by 0.25 percentage points, from 1.50% to 1.25%, with immediate effect, in response to a clearly slowing economy and rising risks on multiple fronts. Continued …
Thai exports to ‘normalize’ in 2026 with 2%-4% growth forecast, shippers warn
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.
Thanakorn Kasetsuwan, chairman of the TNSC, said the council expects export growth in 2026 to be lower than 2025’s double-digit rebound. He described 2026 as a period of normalization after a strong recovery in 2025, which was boosted by a low base and the acceleration of orders in some periods. Continued …
Cannabis shops face clampdown
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.
The regulation, recently forwarded for legal scrutiny, would mark a major shift in the cannabis sector by restricting sales to designated venues such as hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, herbal shops, and authorized folk-healer premises. Sellers would be required to obtain licenses from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, which also provides mandatory training. Continued …
Thailand targets tourist growth of over 10% in 2026, foreign tourist arrivals fall by 7.23% in 2025
Thailand this week confirmed a 7.23% fall in foreign tourist arrivals from 2024. At the same time, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool is projecting a strong rebound in 2026, targeting a 10.35% rise to 36.7 million arrivals.
However, the same forces that dragged numbers down last year still exist. Crime concerns, a regional war with Cambodia, and a strengthening baht continue to weigh on demand. Meanwhile, Thailand now faces sharper competition from faster-moving rivals such as Vietnam, which is selling cleaner, safer and better-organized travel experiences. Continued …
Visitor numbers to national parks surge during New Year holiday period
More than 926,000 people visited national parks across Thailand during the New Year holiday period, generating over 31 million baht in revenue, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) reported.
The surge in tourism reflected strong public interest in natural attractions during the festive season, with entry fees waived for Thai citizens, said DNP Director-General Atthapol Charoenchansa. Continued …
Record Phuket arrivals fail to lift revenue
Despite a record number of arrivals through Phuket immigration last year, tourism operators’ revenue remained flat due to an increase in supply, while tourists shortened their length of stay, according to the Tourism Council of Phuket.
In 2025, more than 5.41 million passengers arrived in Thailand via Phuket airport, up from 5.29 million recorded in 2024. The figure exceeded the 5.36 million and 5.29 million arrivals recorded in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Continued …
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Thailand Medical Tourism Market to Reach $9.54B by 2035
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.
The Thailand Medical Tourism Market was valued at USD 3.30 Billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.2%, reaching USD 9.54 Billion by 2035. This growth is driven by the rising demand for affordable, yet advanced medical treatments, government initiatives promoting healthcare tourism, and a thriving hospitality industry that complements patient experiences. Continued …
French Tourist Falls to Death at Samui Waterfall
A 22-year-old French tourist died tragically yesterday morning after a fatal fall at a waterfall on Koh Samui.
The incident occurred while he was taking photos at the top of Na Muang 2 Waterfall, leaving local authorities scrambling to investigate the circumstances. The victim’s distraught wife alerted police to the accident at 11:30 am yesterday. Continued …
Swedish man drowns in Chon Buri while swimming after drinking beer
A Swedish tourist drowned in the sea off Somprasong Beach in the Na Jomtien subdistrict of Sattahip district, Chon Buri province, on Sunday, despite efforts by rescuers and bystanders to revive him.
When police arrived, they found beachgoers and witnesses attempting to help the victim, who was later identified as 59-year-old Swedish national Stefan Peter Karzal. He was wearing swimwear and lying unconscious on the sand. Continued ...
Rude photographers under fire at Wat Arun
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.
Krisda “Pond” Witthayakhajorndet, CEO of Be On Cloud entertainment, gave details on the X platform of his encounters with local photographers at the famous temple. He said photographers were consistently driving away foreign tourists with their rude manners. Continued …
Immigration waiting line in Pattaya
Nine-route ‘The Soul of Thailand’ drive for sustainable tourism
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.
The campaign aims to encourage both Thai and international tourists to better understand local cultural capital, while helping to spread tourism income more widely to secondary cities. Continued …
Hidden Bangkok Secrets for an Unforgettable Authentic Adventure
Bangkok has claimed the title of the world’s most visited city, attracting a record-breaking 30.3 million international visitors in 2025. As the city continues to soar in popularity, travelers are increasingly searching for ways to explore beyond the typical tourist traps and experience an authentic side of this bustling metropolis.
With this surge in visitors, however, comes the challenge of overtourism. Popular landmarks and attractions are often overcrowded, making it difficult to discover the true essence of Bangkok. Continued …
Thai Industry Defies Odds with 54% Surge in ‘Green’ Exports to the EU
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%.
During the first 10 months of 2025, Thai exports falling under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) grew by 54.7%. Continued …
Solar Energy Market Poised for Strong Growth
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.
The market’s expansion is further accelerated by the integration of advanced energy storage solutions, corporate procurement of renewable energy, and the growing demand for distributed generation systems across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Continued …
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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.
With global and domestic headwinds pressuring the Thai economy this year, the new government should consider “focused domestic intervention” measures to enhance tourism and attract foreign investments in specific sectors, says the Thai unit of German insurer Allianz.
The so-called “medical economy” championed by the government is being positioned as a new growth engine for Thailand. Policymakers describe it as a potential game changer for state-owned hospitals struggling under mounting financial pressure.
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.
The first time I ever spent a night in the hospital was in Bangkok. A CT scan during my annual check-up revealed a condition requiring the opinion of a specialist. I was panic-stricken.
Thai food businesses in the United States are poised for growth in 2026, fueled by an increasing trend of dining out. Director-General Sunanta Kangvalkulkij of the Commerce Ministry’s Department of International Trade Promotion cited recent consumer behavior surveys as proof of this surge.
The “large-scale” invasion and abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Saturday, under the order of US President Donald Trump, marks a return of American unilateralism and exceptionalism with a bang.
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.
In a situation where the Thai economy faces challenges on all sides, especially the high level of household debt, reaching 90% of GDP, and the slowdown in nationwide residential property transfers, projected to fall by 6% in 2026, the Thai real estate market is inevitably dependent on foreign investment.
Phuket’s tourism industry is calling on the government to urgently resolve what it describes as a deepening infrastructure crisis, warning that the island’s rapid tourism growth is outstripping its ability to cope.
Direct international flights between Singapore and Chiang Rai have officially begun, marking the first such service since the Covid-19 pandemic and strengthening air connectivity to northern Thailand.
At least nine people have died and more than 200 ?have been hospitalized in the central Indian city of Indore after a diarrhea outbreak that officials said was linked to contaminated drinking water, according to a lawmaker and local ?health authorities. 
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.
Since the last general election in May 2023, Thailand has been in the throes of political turbulence. Two prime ministers have served short terms in office while the third PM would have had barely four months in office. The country is now preparing for its next general election, scheduled for Feb. 8.
Pongnakorn Pochakorn, assistant spokesperson for the Finance Ministry, said preliminary figures showed spending under the Khon La Khreung Plus scheme reached 84.19 billion baht before it ended on Dec. 31. A total of 19.76 million people used the scheme.
The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has released its 2025 Thailand Water Quality Situation Report, revealing positive trends. Most coastal and surface water resources nationwide remain in “fair to good” condition.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s decision to dissolve the House adds challenges to the state push for a transition to clean energy in 2026.
Dozens were killed and over 100 injured when a fire ripped through a crowded bar in the luxury Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana early Thursday, as young revellers rang in the New Year. Horrified bystanders described “panic” as people tried to break the windows of the bar to escape, and others, covered in burns, poured into the street. 
Police Smash Illegal Hua Hin Factory Rebranding Expired Milk for Sale
BoT flags prolonged manufacturing slump as competitiveness fades
The best New Year’s eve dinners around Thailand
U Power signs deal for up to 1,000 electric truck tractors in Thailand
Expat Thailand 2025: Open Doors, Uneven Rules
AIS launches simple SMS scam reporting service via 1185
Indian Boycott Calls Grow After Hindu Statue Damage Near Thai Border
Thailand offers 39 free camping sites for new year holidays
Brigitte Bardot, the French 1960s sex symbol who became one of the greatest screen sirens of the 20th century and later a militant animal rights activist and far-right supporter, has died. She was 91. 
Thailand’s Chearavanont Family Among World’s Top 25 Wealthiest
Thailand rewrites SEA Games history with record-breaking gold rush
Temples, tanks, and landmines: Thailand and Cambodia’s deadliest border year
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
Thailand Targets 6.7 Million Chinese Tourists in 2026
Brit visiting Hua Hin learns Thai ‘escorts’ can play pool
Israeli visitors to Thailand plummet as ‘Unwelcome’ signs come out
Call for speedy passage of clean air bill
Bangkok Chokes: Dangerous Smog Levels Grip City Again
Deadly Asian floods are no fluke. They’re a climate warning, scientists say
Passenger service charge to increase from 730 to 1,120 baht starting 2026