- Hospitality Classic to support Hua Hin Heroes/Thailand is still an expat favorite/Parliament elects Anutin Prime Minister/Thai gold tumbles 3,400 baht/Netherlands Embassy to Relocate/Embassy sites and Bangkok’s property market
- THE IRAN WAR: Baht may fall to 35 per dollar/Consumer goods prices to rise soon/Time to rethink what needs to be done/Allies vow to protect Hormuz shipping/US, Israel seek to ease concerns/Fuel shortages continue/Energy woes dent Songkran/Penalties for gas gouging/Impacts of Iran war on Southeast Asia
- TOURISM: 6 reasons you can be denied entry/War, oil and the future of tourism/Foreigner Criticizes Thai Tourism
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand Cat Lovers Fair/Red ant eggs sell at 500 baht a kilo
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Hat Yai’s floods are a warning/EV boom erases oil need/Electric boat taxi service
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hospitality Classic tees off at Royal Lakeside June 12 to support Hua Hin Heroes
Fore Management Group has announced the inaugural Misthos Group Hospitality Classic, a one-day charity golf tournament to be held at Royal Lakeside Golf Club on June 12, with proceeds supporting Hua Hin Heroes Foundation.
The event will be played in a four-man team Texas Scramble format and is expected to attract more than 120 expat golfers living in Thailand, including individual players and corporate teams. Fore Management Group said 100% of funds raised on the day will be donated to Hua Hin Heroes. Continued …
Thailand is still an expat favorite, only if you play by the new rules
Thailand ranked fourth in the InterNations Expat Insider survey in 2025, its best result ever, thus reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s most appealing places for foreigners to live. But in the same period, the cost of living here rose, the tax rules changed, and informal visa workarounds have become far harder to rely on.
Thailand hasn’t become a worse place to live, it merely has become a more selective one. The country that housed many long-term expats, living through a patchwork of gray-area arrangements, has made a deliberate shift toward formal pathways, targeted incentives, and stricter enforcement. Continued …
Parliament elects Anutin as Thailand’s 32nd Prime Minister
Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul was elected Thailand’s 32nd prime minister (PM) during a Parliamentary vote held yesterday. Anutin previously served as PM after former PM Partongtar Shinawatra was removed from office over a leaked phone conversation with Hun Sen.
He later announced the dissolution of Parliament on Dec. 11 last year, leading to the General Election on Febr. 8 this year. Anutin and Bhumjaithai Party secured victory in the election. Ahead of today’s prime ministerial vote, Bhumjaithai Party announced the formation of a coalition government with 16 other political parties, including the Pheu Thai Party. Continued …
Thai gold tumbles 3,400 baht
Thailand’s gold market came under heavy pressure yesterday, with the Gold Traders Assn. revising prices 53 times during the day before bullion closed sharply lower, reflecting a steep global sell-off in the precious metal.
By the close, local gold prices had dropped by 3,400 baht from the previous day. Gold bullion was quoted at 72,900 baht per baht-weight for buying and 73,100 baht for selling, while gold ornaments were quoted at 71,449.08 baht for buying and 73,900 baht for selling. Spot gold was last reported at US$4,707 an ounce. Continued …
Netherlands Embassy in Thailand to Relocate to Dusit Central Park in August
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Thailand will relocate to Dusit Central Park in Bangkok in August, without disrupting consular services for Dutch citizens and businesses across Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.
The announcement was made by Ambassador Remco Johannes van Wijngaarden, ensuring that emergency consular assistance will remain available during the move. The new location is within Bangkok’s central business district and will provide convenient access through private and public transportation. Continued …
How former embassy sites helped reshape Bangkok’s prime property market
Embassy land in Thailand has become a prime target for investors, not only because many plots are located in high-potential central business districts, but also because they carry a historical legacy for future generations to remember. In recent years, several embassy land sales in Thailand have significantly boosted the value of surrounding areas.
Surachet Kongcheep, head of research and consultancy at Cushman & Wakefield Thailand, said that looking back at embassy sites that have already been sold and redeveloped into major projects in the city center, the trend began in 2007. Continued …
Baht may fall to 35 per dollar if war persists
The baht is expected to weaken to 34-35 to the US dollar if the Middle East conflict drags on for two months, pushing oil prices above US$100 per barrel, according to Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research).
K-Research views a prolonged two-month conflict as the most likely scenario. Under this outlook, global crude oil prices would rise beyond $100 per barrel, putting downward pressure on the baht and increasing currency volatility, said Burin Adulwattana, the center’s chief economist. Continued …
Consumer goods prices to rise soon as production costs soar
Major consumer product manufacturers and distributors are warning customers of possible price increases in April due to the Middle East war disrupting the oil supply chain.
In letters to customers, companies cited the war’s impact on the oil-related supply chain, resulting in difficulty sourcing raw materials, decreased packaging availability, and rising prices, higher transport costs, and delivery delays. Continued …
As the war against Iran is felt economically in Thailand, it’s time to rethink what needs to be done
The psychological irony of telling the public not to worry about Thailand running out of petrol and other forms of energy — due to the ongoing, unjust war by Israel and the United States against Iran — is that people feel even more uncertain and panicked by the “reassurance”. By simply following the news, they can conclude that the Strait of Hormuz is effectively choking global fuel supplies due to the conflict and, by extension, the world econom.
Whether you like it or not, and regardless of which side you root for in the Middle East, the global economic impact is undeniable and increasingly reverberating around the world. This includes Thailand, where several provinces report long queues at petrol stations and acute fuel shortages. Continued …
Allies vow to protect Hormuz shipping, urge Iran to halt attacks
The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada have declared their readiness to support appropriate efforts to ensure the safe passage of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while urging Iran to halt attacks on vessels and energy infrastructure.
The leaders condemned what they described as recent Iranian attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces. Continued …
Oil declines as US, Israel seek to ease concerns over Iran war
Oil dropped from its highest close since July 2022, as the leaders of the United States and Israel sought to reassure investors rattled by damage to major Persian Gulf energy facilities.
Brent crude fell toward $107 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate for May was around $94. President Donald Trump told reporters he’s “not putting troops anywhere” after being asked about the possibility of deploying US ground forces, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would refrain from more attacks on Iranian energy facilities. Continued …
Fuel shortages continue despite adequate reserves
Fuel remains scarce at many service stations across Thailand, even though reserves are more than adequate, amid continuing problems with delivery and unusually high demand, officials said yesterday.
The Ministry of Energy surveyed 2,649 service stations from Sunday to Tuesday and found that 1,912 had completely or nearly run out of some kinds of fuel. The survey found 241 stations were temporarily closed, while 496 remained fully open. Continued …
Energy woes dent Songkran travel sentiment
Tourism operators are increasingly concerned about declining energy confidence, fearing it could dampen their high expectations for the upcoming Songkran holiday.
Wasuchet Sophonsathien, adviser to the Thai Transportation Operators Assn., said that in the short term rising fuel prices could affect next month’s Songkran holiday. Some tourists have already booked cross-provincial trips, but many have yet to decide, as they are monitoring fuel prices until they feel more confident. Continued …
Penalties vowed for gas gouging
Caretaker energy minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon has vowed to take action against petrol station operators who charge prices that exceed government-regulated, subsidized levels, while pledging to intensify efforts to ensure smooth oil distribution nationwide.
He told the public yesterday they will be able to buy oil at affordable prices, and the nation will have sufficient fuel for transport and business. “Officials found oil retailers in some areas sell fuel at high prices, claiming they do not receive subsidies from the government,” said Auttapol. Continued …
Impacts of Iran war on Southeast Asia
For the most part, Southeast Asia as a region has taken a neutral stance toward the joint attack between the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Even the Philippines and Thailand, two formal US treaty allies, have distanced themselves, calling for restraint and de-escalation.
As Southeast Asia is trade- and export-dependent, the war will have severe repercussions for the region as oil prices rise and international commerce is disrupted. The longer the war goes on, the more regional economies will suffer. Continued …
6 reasons you can be denied entry into Thailand
Thailand has significantly tightened its border controls since 2024, and what used to be casual entry procedures have become strict enforcement checkpoints. While most travelers enter without issues, understanding what can get you denied entry into Thailand and detained at the airport is essential for anyone planning a trip to the kingdom.
The legal framework comes from the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979), specifically Section 12, which lists 11 grounds for refusing entry. Immigration officers have broad discretion to deny entry if they believe you fall under any prohibited category. Here are the six most common reasons travelers face denial, detention, and deportation. Continued …
Shockwaves in Asia: War, oil and the future of tourism
Global power shifts do not remain confined to geopolitics. They travel quickly, and often invisibly, through economic systems. For Asia, and particularly for Thailand, the consequences of the Gulf War are immediate. The most direct transmission channel is energy.
Any sustained disruption in Middle Eastern supply routes pushes oil prices higher. This feeds directly into aviation fuel costs, which in turn drives airfares upward. The result is predictable. Long-haul travel demand weakens, particularly from Europe, where consumers are already sensitive to economic uncertainty. Continued …
Foreign Tourist Criticizes Thai Tourism as Overrated
A foreign tourist has publicly criticized Thai tourism in a video, labeling the country “overrated” and pointing to high accommodation costs, poor food hygiene, crowded attractions, and unfriendly locals. The video highlights her two-week experience in Thailand, which she felt was unlike positive reviews she had read before her visit.
She compared Thailand unfavorably with other Asian destinations, noting that even the cheapest hostel was priced at 600 baht per night, which she found expensive for a backpacker. She was also critical of Thai food, citing instances where her friends suffered from food poisoning. She expressed dissatisfaction with the food, describing it as sweet, oily, and causing her to feel bloated. Continued …
Thailand Cat Lovers Fair is back at Muang Thong Thani
A troupe of Thailand’s ancient cat breeds will take center stage during Thailand Cat Lovers Fair 2026, which will kick off on March 27 and run daily from 10 am to 8 pm until March 29. The venue is Bangkok’s Impact Exhibition Hall 5, Muang Thong Thani.
The fair will transform over 5,000m² space into a “Meow Land” where visitors will be amazed by the beauty of legendary and rarely-seen ancient Thai cats, namely the lotus petal-colored cat – an auspicious and extremely rare-colored breed that will make its first appearance in Thailand at the event. Continued …
Dry season turns profitable as red ant eggs sell at 500 baht a kilo
Villagers in Ban Don Tat Ruea, Non Daeng district, are turning to harvesting red ant eggs as a source of food and income during the dry season, when farming activities have slowed.
Residents in Non Daeng subdistrict said they have been collecting the eggs from nests built by red ants on roadside trees, particularly along the route linking Ban Don Tat Ruea and Ban Don Udom in Don Yai subdistrict. The seasonal activity has drawn many villagers seeking both household consumption and supplementary earnings. Continued …
Hat Yai’s floods are a warning for cities built against nature
Every year, Chinese New Year festivals in southern Thailand’s Hat Yai attract tourists, mostly from neighboring Malaysia, generating a significant proportion of annual income for a city dependent on tourism. But not this year.
Three months after the November 2025 flood disaster, the new year is being celebrated with continuing cleaning, scrubbing mud from people’s homes and shops, and clearing away piles of water-damaged vehicles, furniture and rotting rubbish. More than 40% of hotels, shops, and restaurants remain shut. Some might not reopen at all. Continued …
EV boom replaces millions of oil barrels
In 2025, electric vehicles displaced between 1.7 million barrels per day (Ember estimate) and 2.3 million barrels per day (BloombergNEF scenario) of oil demand, a volume close to 70% of Iran’s daily exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
This marks a sharp rise from 2024’s 1.3 million barrels per day displacement, driven by expanding charging networks, falling battery costs, and cumulative policy incentives. The oil savings are now visible in refinery balances and fuel-tax receipts across multiple economies. Continued …
Electric boat taxi service launches on Bangkok’s historic canals
TTA Mariner Co. (TMC) and MuvMi have introduced a new electric boat taxi service for commuting within Bangkok’s old town waterways. Operating daily from 9 am to 5 pm, the current fleet consists of eight electric boats. Each vessel accommodates up to six passengers and travels at an average speed of 12 kilometres per hour.
Following a free trial run that will conclude in mid-April, standard fares will start at 35 baht (US$1.07) per passenger. Prices increase in a tiered structure based on passenger volume and travel distance, with bookings made through the MuvMi application. Continued …
- Seven Chinese Arrested in Thai Immigration Sweep – Continued …
- Chinese Fugitive Arrested in Bangkok for Fraud, Overstay – Continued …
- Taiwanese Fugitive Arrested in Chon Buri Over Drug Charges – Continued …
- French fugitive nabbed by Immigration Bureau in Phuket – Continued …
Hua Hin Links and Transport
Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
At a sanctuary in Thailand, hundreds of rescued creatures are given a second chance after suffering from illegal trade, neglect, or captivity. But saving wildlife is never easy. A sun bear must be darted for treatment, a monkey terrorizing a school must be captured safely, and a fragile falcon fights to survive after a serious head injury leaves him blind in one eye. Each rescue is a reminder of how fragile wildlife truly is. 
Wellness tourism has become one of the most dynamic sectors within global travel. Many travelers now prefer holidays that combine relaxation, nature, and wellbeing experiences. The Global Spa Awards 2026 recognized exceptional spa resorts, wellness retreats, and spa hotels across different regions of the world.
Thailand attracts a wide spectrum of potential relocators, from long-stay retirees to remote workers and corporate transferees. However, the country’s structural realities around environment, governance, infrastructure, and social norms mean it is far better suited to some profiles than others.
Signs of higher prices in 2026 are emerging, with Thai Beverage (ThaiBev) notifying retailers — particularly agents who play a key role in distribution — of beer price adjustments.
As geopolitical tensions continue to drive up oil prices and push the country’s energy costs higher, Thailand’s Energy Ministry has launched measures to reduce electricity consumption in government agencies and encourage households to save power, as the country prepares for further volatility linked to tensions in the Middle East.
The Ministry of Energy has confirmed that petrol stations across the country are continuing to operate as normal, stressing that there is currently no order for them to close after 10 pm.
Some Asian buyers of liquefied natural gas are struggling to find prompt cargoes after a war-related outage at the world’s largest export facility in Qatar tightened global supplies.
Economist warns Thailand could encounter stagflation
MR. D.I.Y. Holding (Thailand) plans to invest 4 billion baht this year, aiming to open 210 new stores and build an automated warehouse to support its expansion.
The government has reaffirmed that no new Cambodian migrant workers will be allowed into the country due to security concerns, despite pressure from the private sector. Labor Minister Treenuch Thienthong said the government understands the concerns raised by businesses over labor shortages.
Thailand’s tourism industry is struggling with the sudden impact from the Middle East conflict on long-haul travel, with weekly arrivals down 13% due to flight disruptions. In light of emerging trends, the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) says arrivals to Thailand from long-haul source markets could fall by as much as 50% this year.
Solar power is Thailand’s master key in the fight against global warming. It is cheap, popular, and even promoted by the state. But beneath the success story lies a big question: What happens when millions of panels begin to die? Without proper measures, Thailand’s clean energy rush risks dumping a toxic legacy for the next generation.
Thai customs authorities have confiscated 284 tons of electronic waste at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri, and are preparing to send the illegal shipment back to the United States where it originated.
Wind Energy Holding has announced a five-year investment budget of 20-billion baht for the period 2026–2030, advancing three strategic workstreams aimed at expanding its renewable energy portfolio to 2,000 megawatts.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin presided over a signing ceremony establishing a cooperation framework to address marine waste and support the sustainable management of Thailand’s marine resources. The effort aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 14, which promotes the protection and sustainable use of oceans and marine ecosystems.
Traffic nightmare expected on Rama 2/PKK province’s public relations plan
The partial closure of Rama 2 road for four months 24 hours a day from Feb. 15 to June 15 to install beams for a new expressway is expected to have widespread impact on the traffic flow.
The Ministry of Finance is preparing a proposal for the new government to restructure the excise tax system, aiming for a 7.6% increase in revenue for fiscal year 2026, reaching 578 billion baht.
Thailand approved B33.779 billion in foreign investment from 113 investors in January, marking a 46% increase in total investment value and a 10% rise in permitted investors.
So many Chinese tourists are heading to Thailand for Lunar New Year holidays that many tour packages offered by travel agencies are completely sold out, according to Chinese media.
The Department of Medical Services (DoMS) has issued an advisory urging citizens and businesses to prepare for the upcoming summer, which is expected to be more severe than last year.
Prime Minister Mark Carney yesterday launched a multi-billion dollar plan to strengthen the Canadian military and rely less on the United States. Carney’s announcement of Canada’s first defense industrial strategy built on themes he has emphasized throughout his 11-month tenure as President Donald Trump rips through traditional US alliances. 
Google has unveiled a new feature allowing users to request the removal of non-consensual explicit images and sensitive personal information from search results more easily, as part of its latest privacy and safety push. 
Passengers in Thailand can now utilize QR codes for enhanced taxi ride safety and convenience. This new feature allows users to verify driver details, real-time track their journey, share trip information, and rate their experience. The Department of Land Transport plans to equip around 70,000 taxis with these QR codes by June.
A ride-hailing driver posted a touching experience on the “Grab Car Driver Club Thailand” Facebook group, declaring: “I want 10 more jobs like this”. The first image showed the journey details – from Huai Khwang to Phra Khanong. The second revealed the adorable passenger: what appeared to be a long-coat Chihuahua.
The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows Thailand scored 33/100 and ranked 116th globally — below the world average of 42. The index, released by Transparency International, placed Thailand 116th out of 182 countries and territories, down one spot from 2024 when it scored 34.
Chula Researchers Transform Thai Silk into Medical Innovation
Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to seek approval from Thailand’s next cabinet for two major airport expansion projects worth a combined 269 billion baht, covering Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports.
Thailand’s once-robust manufacturing sector is facing a protracted slowdown, with factory capacity utilization hovering below 60% for the past two years, raising concerns about the country’s economic competitiveness and industrial policy effectiveness.
Arada Fueangthong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT), said Thailand’s utilization of trade preferences under free trade agreements (FTAs) continued to expand in January–November 2025.
If the incoming coalition government implements its IT policies as pledged during the campaign, it should increase revenue growth of system integrator and data center businesses by 5.8% year-on-year to 260 billion baht this year, says Krungthai Compass, a research unit under Krungthai Bank.
The cabinet yesterday endorsed a comprehensive visa package proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to boost tourism, attract long-stay visitors, and stimulate the economy.
Chinese New Year in Thailand: A National Celebration and a Regional Travel Magnet
If people used to talk about tourism in the past, it may have meant a short break and a change of scenery from everyday life, a brief moment of happiness that recharged the body before returning to normal routines. Today, however, tourism is shifting from “temporary rest” to “a long-term investment in health”.
With Chinese New Year approaching next week, Pattaya tourism operators expect similar conditions as last year. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation, said Pattaya operators expect a large number of foreign tourists for the holiday, particularly from long-haul markets, accounting for 80% and helping the occupancy rate near 90%.
Phuket is preparing to welcome a surge of visitors during the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, with a month-long program of events beginning today aimed at stimulating early-year tourism and generating more than 600 million baht in revenue.
Picture this for a moment. You’ve worked decades, paid into Social Security your entire adult life, and when retirement finally arrives, the monthly check lands somewhere around $1,800. In many parts of the United States, that barely covers rent. It’s frustrating, I know.
13 Mouth-Watering Thai Dishes You Need To Try
Kintetsu World Express has taken another step toward cleaner operations by installing a solar power generation system at its warehouse in Prachinburi Province. The project has been carried out by its local subsidiary, KWE-Kintetsu World Express (Thailand) Co., as part of the group’s wider push toward decarbonized and sustainable business practices.
Planned or under-construction solar and wind projects slowed last year, analysis showed yesterday, casting doubts on whether countries will hit a goal of tripling renewable capacity by 2030. Dozens of nations agreed in 2023 to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 as part of efforts to limit global warming.
At least 10 people died yesterday in a remote part of western Canada, including seven who were shot at a secondary school and two others found dead at a residence, federal police said. Twenty-seven people were injured. An individual believed to be responsible for the killing in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, was found deceased with what appears to be a self-inflicted injury. 
Noise pollution is affecting bird behavior across the globe, disrupting everything from courtship songs to the ability to find food and avoid predators, a large-scale new analysis showed today. 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 
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.
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
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 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.
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. 
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.
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.