- Coffee In Hua Hin/Retire On US Social Security Alone/Hua Hin Wine Expo/Harmony Family Festival/PKK subdistrict election turnout/Unsafe levels of smog in 59 provinces/Thai Satellite Fails
- ECONOMY: US Supreme Court tariff ruling/Exports set to expand
- TOURISM: Parties Push Tourism Overhaul/Tourist Scams at Grand Palace
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Bangkok or Singapore?/Best Airbnbs in Thailand
- CLIMATE THAILAND: ASEAN Smart Energy & Energy Storage Expo
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
The Sprudge Guide To Coffee In Hua Hin
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.
Once they eventually arrive, what awaits them is sun, sea, and superb coffee. That weekend-bump helps keep many small businesses afloat, fostering a market for people with discerning tastes. Continued …
3 Beachside Cities Where You Can Retire On US Social Security Alone
According to the latest figures from US Social Security Administration, the average Social Security income for a couple is $3,208 a month. Look overseas, and you can find havens where your social security dollars will not only cover your monthly expenses but also get you serious bang for buck.
In these three beachside cities (in luding Hua Hin), not only can you enjoy the good life on a monthly budget of $3,208 — in some cases far less — but you’ll also have access to world-class health care, a wealth of entertainment and recreational options, and enjoy abundant sunshine, sea views, and laidback living. Continued …
Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 Jan. 15-16
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 expo will serve as a platform for the Thai hospitality industry, culminating in “The Grand Evening Tasting 2026” public event, where over 150 wine labels from more than 15 international and local exhibitors will be available for public tasting and retail sales. Continued …
Harmony Family Festival Saturday
Hua Hin will host the Harmony Family Festival on Saturday, a new event designed to celebrate creativity, community spirit, and family-friendly activities. Designed as a joyful day for all ages, the festival will bring together live music, a human circus, art, workshops, local schools, and family-friendly fun in a beautiful outdoor setting.
The festival is built around the belief that happiness grows when we share it, and every ticket sold or sponsorship pledged helps extend that spirit. Continued …
PKK subdistrict election turnout above 72%
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.
According to the Election Commission of Thailand, voter participation in the SAO elections held Sunday reached 72.6%, reflecting a high level of public engagement in local governance. Continued …
Unsafe levels of smog in 59 provinces, red levels in Greater Bangkok
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).
GISTDA reported that unsafe levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and less in diameter (PM2.5) ranged from 38.1 to 85.7 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) of air in Bangkok and 59 provinces. The government-set safe threshold for PM2.5 is 37.5µg/m³ in Thailand. There are 76 provinces. Continued …
Thai Satellite THEOS-2 Fails to Reach Orbit After Launch
Thailand’s first domestically built Earth observation satellite, THEOS-2A, failed to reach its intended orbit after launching from India yesterday. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) confirmed that an anomaly occurred during the launch sequence, impacting the rocket’s flight path and preventing the satellite from achieving its goal.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency led the launch at the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, India. The satellite aimed to enhance data collection for disaster response and environmental protection. Continued …
Thai exporters brace for US Supreme Court tariff ruling
Thailand’s exporters are closely watching a US Supreme Court ruling due tomorrow on President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal tariff” policy, with officials warning the decision could become a turning point for global trade conditions and Thailand’s 2026 outlook.
Lavaron Sangsnit, permanent secretary for finance, said Thailand has prepared for both scenarios. If the Supreme Court allows the policy to continue, he said conditions would remain broadly unchanged because both government and the private sector have already adapted and put mitigation plans in place. If the court blocks the tariffs, he said it would immediately become a positive factor for Thailand’s economy and exports. Continued …
Exports set to expand by 4%
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).
Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, chairman of the TNSC, said exports would reach roughly US$340 billion in 2026, with the electronics sector estimated to grow by 20%-25%. Continued …
Parties Push Tourism Overhaul Ahead of Thai Election
With the general election just weeks away, Thai political parties are unveiling strategies to boost the economy, taking aim at the tourism industry’s long-standing structural issues.
As concerns mount over declining arrivals, parties are eyeing tourism reforms to reignite growth, especially since the sector declined by 7.2% in visitors last year, with revenue falling by 4.7% to 1.53 trillion baht. Historically crucial to the Thai economy, tourism once contributed 17% to GDP before the pandemic struck. Continued …
Tourist Police Crack Down on Tourist Scams at Grand Palace
The Thai Tourist Police have launched an effort to improve services to visitors around the Grand Palace, aiming to tackle issues of overcharging and passenger refusals. This comprehensive strategy involves coordination with multiple government sectors and seeks to boost the image of this key national attraction.
Yesterday, Police Lt. Gen. Saksira Phueak-am presided over a workshop aimed at preventing tourist exploitation, including 80 local taxi drivers and vendors. Continued …
Bangkok or Singapore: which megacity should be next on your travel list?
Two Asian megacities dazzle for attention. Both capitals are viscerally experiential visions of the 21st century. Both host UNESCO-listed culture, and an electrifying street life that makes every interaction a story to share back home. So far, so good. The only conundrum is – which city to choose?
(Editor: Not that anyone asked, but like many of our readers, we’ve been to both Bangkok and Singapore – and there is no comparison. First, about the “electrifying street life”. Bangkok has this, including its famous street food scene, which does not exist in Singapore, where “street food” vendors are hidden away in office building basements (a bad idea Bangkok is trying to emulate). And things to see and do? Bangkok offers far and away more interesting choices. Cost? No contest! Bangkok is much less expensive. Shopping opportunies are comparable, except prices are generally lower for the same items in Bangkok. About the only advantage for Singapore is it is sanitized, without the “messiness” that is Bangkok, which some would call Bangkok’s redeeming charm.)
Bangkok and Singapore boast futuristic transportation systems. Bangkok’s SkyTrain is an elevated railroad where air-conditioned cars zip past skyscrapers like a scene from Blade Runner. Singapore’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system mixes underground and elevated sections. It is fully automated, and mostly driverless, as carriages speed around six lines to every major attraction. Continued …
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The Best Airbnbs in Thailand, From Jungle Cabins to Floating Villas
It didn’t require a season of The White Lotus to illustrate Thailand’s appeal, but it certainly had all of us pining for a visit. The Southeast Asian country is the sort of destination that hits all the marks as far as natural beauty and cultural heritage go, from limestone karsts and evergreen rainforests to Buddhist temples and exhilarating spice markets.
The best Airbnbs in Thailand take advantage of these settings by immersing travelers in the thick of it all, whether that’s a floating villa on a river, or a traditional Thai estate perched on the jungle hillside. Continued …
ASEAN Smart Energy & Energy Storage Expo March 25-27
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.
This event will gather industry leaders, innovators, and experts from 80+ countries and regions, including well-known companies such as JA Solar, Bangkok Cable, JJ LAPP, Bangkok Solar Power, LONGi, Solis, Solomon, Ponix, Deye, Sumitra Power, Heliotech, Honeywell, Thai Solar Power, Hithium, AIKO, Prysmian, Zunax Energy, TONEJI, TMDA Electric, SCG Living, RAP/D Solar Cell, Demco Public, Leyden Power, Paddle Power, CYPE Engineering, Dday Solar, and many more. Continued …
- Israeli Drug Gang Busted at Koh Phangan Party – Continued …
- Pattaya Immigration Raid: 37 Foreigners Detained – Continued …
- French Mafia Figure Arrested in Pattaya After Global Manhunt – Continued …
- Uzbek man detained after alleged assault on teenage girl in Phuket – Continued …
- US Paraglider Hits Power Line, Plunging Koh Larn Into Blackout – Continued …
America’s new age of empire dawns
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. Continued …
EU commissioner warns NATO would end if US seized Greenland
The European Union’s defense and space commissioner, Andrius Kubilius, has warned that any attempt by the United States to seize Greenland by military force would effectively mark the end of NATO and trigger serious consequences for transatlantic relations. Continued …
Trump says nations doing business with Iran face 25% tariff on US trade
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. 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
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.
Thailand is tightening its grip on gold trading to curb its impact on the baht. Authorities plan to cap daily online gold trading between 100 million and 200 million baht, as announced by the Bank of Thailand. Additionally, a cap on foreign currency transactions at money changers is set at 800,000 baht daily.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has detailed a high-stakes strategy to revitalize the nation’s economy, appointing global icon Lalisa Manobal — known professionally as LISA — as its ‘Amazing Thailand Ambassador’ for 2026. The partnership is the cornerstone of an ambitious plan to attract an additional five to 10 million ‘high-quality’ international travelers.
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.
Southeast Asia’s solar energy market is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by falling technology costs, strong national climate commitments, and an increasing need for energy security. Recent industry forecasts indicate that the region’s solar capacity is expected to grow from around 38.29 gigawatts in 2025 to over 92.77 gigawatts by 2030, reflecting an annual growth rate of nearly 19.4%. This surge highlights a clear shift away from fossil fuels toward cleaner, renewable energy sources.
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.
Despite a recent surge in trade with the United States, Thailand’s economic outlook for 2026 is overshadowed by two looming “high-stakes” risks. Supanutt Sasiwuttiwat, a leading researcher at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), warns that new American trade enforcement could see Thai goods slapped with tariffs as high as 40%.
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. 
A new US “energy dominance” strategy positions Venezuela as a lever over global supply, prices, and geopolitics, prioritizing oil and gas while sidelining net zero goals, analysts warn. 
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. 
Strong baht threatens Thailand’s tourism price competitiveness
Thailand promotes festivals to global audiences with new campaign
‘US Plus One’ trade strategy gains ground
DayOne to expand Thailand data center, use power from floating solar
Yaowarat Vegetarian Festival Kicks Off
Thailand Warns Tourists of Fake Arrival Card Websites Charging Fees
