Just a reminder that there are no alcohol sales from 6 pm today until 6 pm tomorrow.
- Thailand reforms business, visa, and social laws/Theft suspect dies in Cha Am/Nipah airport screening ineffective/WHO says Nipah virus risk low/Most Thai workers aware of PM2.5 risks/‘Dead’ son walks back home
- ECONOMY: Four parties propose tax reform plans/The Rise of Thailand’s ‘Beef Commanders’
- TOURISM: See elephants without harming them/Pattaya requires color-coded beach umbrellas/Illegal group tours face crackdown
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: 15 New Things To Do In Bangkok/Celebrate 244 years of Rattanakosin with stunning exhibitions, performances
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand EV Charging Price Rise/Stricter power rules for data centers/Bringing the Climate Action to Life
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
Thailand reforms business, visa, and social laws to attract global expats
Thailand is undertaking its most comprehensive expatriate policy overhaul in decades, introducing reforms across business law, visa regulations, property ownership, and civil rights that collectively aim to position the country as Southeast Asia’s premier destination for foreign residents and investors.
Announced progressively throughout 2024 and early 2025, these reforms respond to regional competition for foreign talent and investment, particularly as neighboring countries like Vietnam and Malaysia enhance their own expatriate frameworks. Continued …
Theft suspect dies in Cha Am police custody
A young theft suspect was found dead inside a holding cell at the Cha Am Police Station yesterday, just hours before police were due to take him to court for a remand hearing. The incident is being treated as a death in custody, pending further investigation.
Police said an investigating officer at police station was alerted to the incident and immediately reported it to the station superintendent. Authorities then coordinated with local administrative officials, prosecutors, medical staff from Cha Am Hospital, provincial forensic officers, and rescue workers to examine the scene. Continued …
Nipah airport screening ineffective, say experts
Airport screening for Nipah virus, which has been stepped up across Asia this week after two cases were identified in India, are more about reassurance than science, several leading experts said yesterday.
Countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Pakistan put in place temperature screening at airports after India announced that two cases of the deadly Nipah virus had been found in West Bengal. Continued …
WHO says Nipah virus risk low in India with no sign of spread
A World Health Organization official said yesterday that the risk of the spread of the Nipah virus is low, saying that none of the over 190 contacts of the two people infected in India had tested positive or developed symptoms of the disease.
Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are among the Asian locations that tightened airport screening checks this week to guard against such a spread after India confirmed infections. Continued …
Your Turnkey Energy Provider
As Hua Hin’s longest-running solar installer serving the expat community, we’ve built our reputation on something rare in Thailand: we’re still here, and so are our 2,000+ customers. We’re not just installing solar systems – we’re your long-term partner in achieving true energy self-sufficiency.
And now, we’ve been recognized by Asia Business Outlook as one of the Top 10 renewable energy companies in Southeast Asia.
Our fully employed local team (never subcontractors) designs every system bespoke to your home and lifestyle, sources premium components directly from trusted Thai suppliers for unbeatable value, then walks alongside you through every stage of your journey to energy independence. With comprehensive aftercare including maintenance contracts, responsive call-out service, and 24/7 support through our Line official store, we ensure your path to self-sufficiency is smooth from day one through year ten and beyond. We speak your language, understand expat needs, and provide the hands-on guidance that turns a solar installation into lasting energy freedom.
Choose Solar Solution Ltd:,your committed partner in the journey to self-sufficiency, for the long haul. Call Clark today at +66 80825 2413, or Clive at +66640528172.
Most Thai workers aware of PM2.5 risks but shun N95 masks
Most Thai working people are aware of the health risks posed by PM2.5 airborne pollution but are reluctant to buy quality N95 face masks to protect themselves, claiming that they are too expensive, according to Arkhom Praditsuwan, director general of the Health Service Support Department.
The department conducted an online opinion survey of 6,787 working people aged 15 to 59 on their awareness of PM2.5 pollution and its health risks. The survey shows that 93.3% are aware of the serious health threats posed by PM2.5 pollution, 86.9% know that they may have to stop working and lose income, and 85.9% admit that PM2.5 pollution may disrupt their lives. Continued …
Chiang Rai family exhumes body after ‘dead’ son walks back home
A Thai man believed to be dead returned to his home in Chiang Rai province on Jan. 24, leaving his family stunned and forcing them to exhume a body they had already buried, only to discover it was his friend, not him.
Rescuers from the Thap Yang Sataranakusol Foundation were asked to assist a family in the Mae Fah Luang district after they realized a serious identification error occurred. The body in question was buried on Jan. 9. Continued …
Four parties propose tax reform plans to tackle Thailand’s low taxpayer base
At the “Thailand Redesign 2026 The Next Level” debate, four major political parties — the People’s Party, Democrat Party, Pheu Thai, and Thai Kao Mai Party — presented their proposals to tackle the pressing issue of Thailand’s 40 million workers, with only 4 million currently paying taxes. The debate focused on the wealth protocol and the urgent need for tax reform to drive economic sustainability and fairness.
Karndee Leopairote, deputy leader of the Democrat Party, argued that increasing the income and wages of Thai people is the key to expanding the tax base. They propose raising the minimum tax-exempt income threshold to align with rising living costs, as well as creating a supportive environment for SMEs through tax relief, access to markets, and state procurement. Continued …
The Rise of Thailand’s ‘Beef Commanders’: A New Soft Power Frontier
Thailand is sharpening its culinary edge on the global stage, not through its world-famous sauces or spices, but through a new wave of premium home-grown beef. The National Innovation Agency (NIA) has identified four “Beef Commanders” — Ko Dam Lam Takhong, Surin Wagyu Salakdai, Nong Sung, and Kamphaeng Saen — as the flagship models of Thai soft power destined for the international market.
For decades, premium beef in Thailand was synonymous with imports: Japanese Wagyu, Australian Angus, or American Prime. However, a significant shift in consumer behavior is driving a local revolution. Continued …
The best ways to see elephants without harming them
More and more travelers seek unforgettable wildlife experiences — but traditional tourism often puts the very animals we admire at risk. Captive elephants, in particular, face daily threats from harmful interactions, overcrowded attractions, and exploitative practices that compromise elephant welfare.
Here, we shine a light on elephant cruelty in tourism and explore alternative ethical elephant experiences that allow you to see these majestic animals while respecting their natural behaviors. Here’s how to say yes to ethical wildlife tourism. Continued …
Pattaya requires color-coded beach umbrellas to boost seaside views
Pattaya has introduced new rule assigning specific umbrella colors to beach chair operators, saying the move will improve orderliness and create a more attractive seaside view for visitors.
Under the new scheme, umbrellas are divided into three color sets based on location: white-and-blue umbrellas for northern Pattaya beaches, white-and-green umbrellas for central Pattaya beaches, and white-and-purple umbrellas for southern Pattaya beaches. Continued …
Illegal group tours face Thai government crackdown
Illegal tours targeting foreign markets are spreading rapidly in Thailand, prompting the Tourism Department to prepare for more inspections of tour companies this year.
Vathanachai Chatrirath, vice president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), said that despite strong demand from Indian tourists to visit Thailand, there are concerns that revenue from this market has not been fully distributed to local operators, instead going to illegal tour companies. Continued …
15 New Things To Do In Bangkok
Think you’ve already done everything there is to do in Bangkok? Hate to break it to you, but probably not. Even if you’ve lost count of how many times you’ve visited, the city always finds new ways to surprise, including new attractions with thrilling rides and aesthetic shopping malls in BKK.
So, no, visiting the city again doesn’t mean having to repeat the same old itinerary, because we’ve got you covered with new things to do in Bangkok, along with a few IG-worthy hotels to consider on your next getaway. Continued …
Celebrate 244 years of Rattanakosin with stunning exhibitions, performances
The Ministry of Culture has revealed plans for a major cultural celebration from April 22-26, marking the 244th Anniversary of the Foundation of Rattanakosin. The events will take place in three central locations in Bangkok and aim to bring the rich history of Thailand to life through a series of activities, exhibitions, and performances.
Prasop Riangngoen, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Culture, revealed that the purpose of this event is to celebrate the 244th anniversary of the founding of Rattanakosin and to pay tribute to the benevolence and honor of King Phutthayotfa Chulalok, the first monarch of the Chakri dynasty, who established Rattanakosin as the capital of Thailand on April 21, 1782. Continued …
Thailand EV Charging Price Rise Threatens Cost Advantage
Thailand’s electric vehicle sector is facing fresh uncertainty after government proposals to sharply raise public EV charging prices, a move that could erase the cost benefits that have driven rapid adoption.
Proposed electricity rate adjustments could push charging costs as high as 11 baht per unit, bringing EV running costs close to those of petrol-powered vehicles. The announcement has raised concerns about a potential slowdown in EV uptake and wider impacts on environmental and industrial policy. Continued …
Thailand plans stricter power purchase rules for data centers
Thailand plans to tighten the rules for investors in data centers and other businesses that use a large amount of electricity, requiring them to provide a bank guarantee or collateral to secure power purchases.
Energy officials said the measure is designed to prevent investors from shifting projects to rival Southeast Asian countries competing for data center investment. Continued …
How Education Is Bringing the Climate Action to Life in Thailand
Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract threat; it is part of everyday life. From unpredictable weather patterns to rising air pollution, communities across Thailand and around the world are already experiencing its impacts. As these challenges intensify, education is emerging as one of the most powerful starting points for meaningful climate action.
One innovative response is Climate Box, a set of interactive climate education tools developed by the United Nations Development Program. Climate Box uses games, quizzes, and hands-on activities to connect global climate challenges with students’ daily lives. Rather than treating climate change as a theoretical topic, it encourages learners to understand, question, and act. Continued …
- Assault on Thai Vendor Leads to Dutch Man’s Arrest in Phuket – Continued …
- Police Raid Pattaya Scam Setup, Arrest Two Chinese Men – Continued …
- More Chinese scammers caught sneaking into Thailand – Continued …
Maersk to take over Panama Canal port operations from HK firm
Danish firm Maersk will temporarily take over operation of two ports on the Panama Canal from Hong Kong company CK Hutchison, whose concession has been annulled, the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) said yesterday. 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
Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia have each carved out their own space in the long-term expat landscape. Thailand offers dependable healthcare and a well-established expat infrastructure. Vietnam stands out for rock-bottom costs and relentless urban energy. Malaysia brings modern living standards, cultural diversity, and an English-speaking environment that makes settling in remarkably smooth.
Following recent media coverage highlighting the Thai authorities’ increasing scrutiny of nominee company structures, MBMG Group and Hua Hin Accounting & Law have released further insights from their recent seminar, which examined the broader tax, business, and compliance framework now facing expatriates and foreign business owners in Thailand.
Red levels of PM2.5 cover about one-third of Thailand, including PKK
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) searched the residences of three active and one former officials of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) and seized thousands of illegal crypto mining rigs, cash, laptops, phones, and bank passbooks.
Thailand has, for the first time, administered contraceptive vaccines to female wild elephants, as part of an initiative to control the elephant population safely and promote sustainable coexistence between humans and elephants.
Thailand’s economy is expected to grow 2.0% this year, the Finance Ministry reported yesterday, maintaining its previous forecast. Exports, a key driver of Thai growth, are also expected to rise 1.0% this year, compared with an earlier forecast of a 1.5% decline, Vinit Visessuvanapoom, head of the Finance Ministry’s Fiscal Policy Office (FPO), told a press conference.
Ekniti Nitithanprapas, deputy prime minister and finance minister, said he was assigned by the prime minister to lead “Team Thailand” to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. He said the meeting’s core purpose was to serve as a platform for leaders to discuss and help shape global directions on the economy, trade, finance, and investment.
Singapore Airlines plans a new service linking the island state with Chiang Mai, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
Suvarnabhumi Airport is Bangkok’s major international gateway. Here’s how to reach the city center upon arrival or travel to the airport for departure.
The Thai super app Line Man has partnered with ITPP Co., which provides taxis on both a lease and hire-purchase basis, to develop an electric taxi service under the Line Man EV taxi program. Under this program, ITPP is providing the BYD e6 electric taxis to drivers operating on the Line Man platform on five-year lease agreements.
It’s too early to be sure, but it seems likely that we have just seen “Peak Trump”. Last week, US President Donald Trump arrived at the Davos conference radiating power and menace. Fresh from his attack on Venezuela, he was going to invade and annex Greenland. If his European allies in the NATO alliance tried to protect it, he would crush them with tariffs. And he would launch a rival to the United Nations that would make him World President for Life. 
India and the European Union announced yesterday the “mother of all deals”, a huge trade pact to create a market of two billion people, reached after two decades of negotiations. EU chiefs and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi hope the pact will help shield against challenges from the world’s two leading economies, the United States and China. 
Global gold prices continued to climb, hitting a new all-time high of $5,136 an ounce overnight, as uncertainty boosted demand for safe-haven assets. Markets expect the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates unchanged today. 
It’s easy to get cynical in Thailand. We complain about the heat, the traffic, the dual pricing, and the scams. But then, something happens that stops you in your tracks.
Thailand has long been a haven for those seeking tropical sun, beaches and a laidback lifestyle. It’s host to communities of expats, long-term freelancers, and foreign residents, some of whom have existed in a legal gray zone, taking advantage of visa runs to extend their stay indefinitely. Those days of extended stays in The Land of Smiles could be coming to a definitive end with the digital transformation of the immigration system.
The Hua Hin Provincial Court has denied bail to “Sam”, the suspect in the brutal murder of a female hotel employee in central Hua Hin, citing the seriousness of the charges and concerns that he could flee if released.
Unsafe levels of ultrafine dust at the orange level (starting to harm health) shrouded Bangkok and 53 provinces, mostly in the Central Plains and the northeast, late this morning.
The Pollution Control Department has ordered stepped-up surveillance of open burning as the seasonal risk of haze and dust pollution rises, according to Director-general Surin Worakitthamrong.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has finished repairing a stretch of railway track in Sikhiu district of Nakhon Ratchasima province in the wake of a fatal crane collapse that struck a passenger train on Jan. 14, killing 30 people, while a parallel technical investigation moves toward identifying the causes and accountability.
Siam Legal International, a full-service law firm with over 22 years of experience advisinginternational clients in Thailand, has released its comprehensive guidance for foreign nationals and businesses navigating Thailand’s regulatory environment in 2026. The firm highlights several national developments that may influence administrative procedures, compliance expectations, and regulatory focus throughout the year.
The baht has again become a growing concern after strengthening rapidly. Yesterday, the baht continued to appreciate and broke below the 31.00 level against the US dollar, reaching a strong level of THB30.88 per US dollar.
In November, Thai merchandise exports reached USD 27.45 billion, growing 7.1% year-on-year (YOY), slightly above SCB EIC’s 7% forecast but below the Reuters median of 8.3%. Despite solid expansion, seasonally adjusted exports showed signs of slowdown, declining 2.3% month-on-month.
Thailand’s commercial banking sector posted solid results in 2025, with the combined performance of 11 banks remaining at a healthy level: SCBX, Bangkok Bank (BBL), Kasikornbank (KBANK), Bank of Ayudhya (BAY), TMBThanachart Bank (TTB), Kiatnakin Phatra Bank (KKP), TISCO Financial Group (TISCO), Land and Houses Bank (LHFG), CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT), Thai Credit Bank (CREDIT) and Krungthai Bank (KTB).
Thailand’s e-commerce market is projected to post normalized growth this year, expanding by 7% to reach 1.15 trillion baht, as the maturing landscape is characterized by heightened complexity and fierce competition. To emerge as winners, brands must transition toward commerce operating systems, according to Priceza.
Thailand’s rice exports exceeded official targets in 2025, but the Ministry of Commerce has lowered its projection for 2026 amid intensifying global competition, currency volatility, and geopolitical risks. Officials say the focus next year will be on defending existing markets while expanding into selected new destinations to support farmer incomes and stabilize export volumes.
The era of volume is dead. The next decade of Thai tourism will and must be shaped not by the number of arrivals, but by the economic value generated by those arrivals.
With the baht strengthening against the US dollar, surpassing 31 to the greenback for the first time in almost five years, it should impact forward bookings for the next few months and during the low season, discouraging tourist spending.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) latest promotional campaign, featuring pop icon Lisa of Blackpink, has drawn mixed reactions online, with critics arguing that the TAT has secured a “precious gem” but undermined her value through poor presentation.
Singha Park Chiang Rai marks 10 years of balloon fiesta
US President Donald Trump has withdrawn his threat to impose new tariffs on multiple countries that oppose US control of Greenland, saying he has now reached an outline framework agreement with NATO. “Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1,” Trump wrote online, without providing details. He posted the message after meeting Mark Rutte, secretary-general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), in Davos, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. 
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 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. 
A recent seminar in Hua Hin has highlighted growing legal risks for foreign residents who bought property through Thai-registered companies using nominee shareholders, as Thailand intensifies a nationwide crackdown on structures used to bypass land and business ownership laws.
As the US Supreme Court holds off on a ruling on the Trump tariffs, the world waits and analysts anticipate trade with the US will continue despite some importers being skittish about placing large orders.
Academics and activists said over 40 million workers in Thailand remain stuck in low-paid, unsafe jobs with inadequate healthcare and social protection, urging parties to draft policies that ensure labor protection and fair employment.
Phuket International Airport recorded a significant boost in flight movements and passenger numbers in 2025, signaling a robust recovery in aviation and tourism. According to Monchai Tanod, the airport director, last year’s performance outshone 2024 and edged closer to the peak year of 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The decision by the administration of US President Donald Trump to suspend or significantly tighten US immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, including Thailand, has triggered widespread concern across the global travel, tourism, and meetings industries.
The tiny shopfront of Gu Long Bao in Bangkok’s Chinatown has seen a lot of history unfold over its century of operation, from the creation of Thailand as a nation to its rise as a cultural and tourism hotspot. The shop has a fan following for its pillowy buns, with fillings such as barbecued pork and black sesame.
Sugarcane farmers are using bundled incense sticks as slow starters to illegally burn off cane trash in their fields when they are not there, in a ploy to deny accountability for the resulting increase in air pollution.
Chinese electric vehicle maker Changan Automobile is gearing up to launch the second phase of its battery electric vehicle (BEV) production in Thailand in the first quarter of 2026, reinforcing its ambitions in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing EV markets.
The collective wealth of the planet’s billionaires soared to a record level in 2025, charity Oxfam reported today, warning of “highly dangerous” political consequences as the global elite gathers for the World Economic Forum. 
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.
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.
Recently, market analysts pointed out that as Thailand’s economic growth forecast is revised down from 2.2% in 2025 to 1.5% in 2026, the petrochemical and plastics industry, which accounts for about 20% of the country’s GDP, is facing severe challenges. The core difficulties in the industry’s development currently stem from the dual pressures of currency appreciation and trade barriers.
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).
Solar energy has emerged as a central pillar of the European Union’s clean energy transition, with new data highlighting rapid capacity growth, rising consumer adoption, and increasing economic benefits across the bloc. In a historic milestone, solar energy became the EU’s largest source of electricity generation for the first time in June 2025. 
On long weekends, the road from Bangkok to Hua Hin resembles a faulty production line. City dwellers racing to beat the rush, often end up cooled by car air conditioning instead of ocean winds.
3 Beachside Cities Where You Can Retire On US Social Security Alone
The ultimate event for wine lovers and industry professionals is set to return as the Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 announces its official schedule and line-up. Hosted at the Amari Hua Hin, the two-day event Jan. 15-16, will offer an immersive experience, combining high-level wine education with an extensive showcase of global vintages.
The Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Election Commission has reported strong voter turnout in the latest elections for subdistrict administrative organizations (SAO), with more than 72% of eligible voters casting their ballots.
Unsafe levels of ultrafine dust covered 59 provinces, while red and seriously harmful levels of smog blanketed Greater Bangkok this morning, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
Thai exports are expected to grow by 2%-4% this year due to foreign investment, particularly in the electronics sector, according to the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC).
Bangkok or Singapore: which megacity should be next on your travel list?
Guided by the Ministry of Energy of Thailand, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the ASEAN Smart Energy & Energy Storage Expo 2026 will return from March 25–27 at the IMPACT Exhibition Center, Bangkok.
US President Donald Trump has drawn a wave of criticism for his actions in Venezuela, violations of international law, disdain for longstanding norms, and threats against other countries – not least allies like Denmark and Canada. Around the world, there is a palpable sense of uncertainty and foreboding. But it should already be obvious that things will not end well, neither for the United States nor the rest of the world. 
President Donald Trump said yesterday any country that does business with Iran will face a tariff rate of 25% on trade with the United States, as Washington weighs a response to the situation in Iran, which is seeing its biggest anti-government protests in years. 
In 2026, Thailand is expected to complete one of the most significant transformations in its immigration system, the abolition of passport stamping and the full adoption of a 100% digital immigration platform.
International Living magazine has identified the five most affordable places to live or retire in 2026, which scored the highest in the cost-of-living category of its 2026 Global Retirement Index. It evaluated retirement destinations across climate, healthcare, visa and lifestyle, along with cost.
A grayscale sky is showing signs of life over slumbering waves, with sunshine breaking through clouds that had earlier brought steamy tropical rain to the northeast coast of Koh Samui.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. will seize control of Greenland “the easy way” or “the hard way” and warned that he won’t miss out on the opportunity to Russia or China. “We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not,” he said. 
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province has begun preparations for a potential drought and domestic water shortages after authorities reported low water reserves and a forecast of below-average rainfall in the coming months.
Well-known virologist Yong Poovorawan has warned that a mutating influenza strain A H3N2 is spreading in Thailand. It is more resistant to vaccines but does not increase in severity.
Sarah Sajedi was walking along a beach on Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands when she noticed plastic fragments mixed into the sand beneath her feet. “I was standing there looking out at this gorgeous view of the Andaman Sea, and then I looked down and beneath my feet were all these pieces of plastic, most of them water bottles,” she recalls.
Assoc. Prof. Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, said Thailand has entered “technical deflation” after headline inflation stayed negative for nine consecutive months. He said economists typically define technical deflation as a sustained fall in prices for more than six months.
Khao Yai: Wineries, Wildlife and Organic Farms
The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has set a target to reduce burning in agricultural areas by 15% this year to address the PM2.5 dust problem, as well as emphasizing a prohibition on importing crops produced using the burning method, especially corn, from neighboring countries to prevent cross-border PM2.5 pollution.
For 50 years, the automotive sector has been the crown jewel of Thai industry, accounting for roughly 10% of the nation’s GDP. But as the world pivots to electric vehicles (EVs), Thailand’s traditional dominance is being challenged by a leaner, faster neighbor.
Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, and GAC, a global pioneer in smart electric mobility, have forged a strategic partnership to deploy an initial 20,000 high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) across the region.
The fatal shooting of a 37-year-old Minnesota mother by a U.S. immigration agent has put the city of Minneapolis and much of the United States on edge, with the potential of becoming another flashpoint in a polarized country. 
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has strongly criticized US foreign policy under President Donald Trump and urged natio not to let the world order disintegrate into a “den of robbers” where the unscrupulous take what they want. 
President Donald Trump is withdrawing the United States from a foundational climate treaty as part of a sweeping exit from collective global action, the White House announced on Wednesday. A total of 66 global organizations and treaties — roughly half affiliated with the United Nations — were listed in a White House memorandum as “contrary to the interests of the United States”. 
Jan. 1 marked a decade since China repealed its one-child policy. Just 10 days earlier, Peng Peiyun, who long oversaw the often-brutal enforcement of China’s family-planning rules, died at the age of 96, having never been held accountable for her actions. Some obituaries praised Peng for being “reform-minded”, even though, in practice, she only perpetuated an utterly inhumane policy, whose consequences have barely begun to materialize. 
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.