- Forest fires near Cha Am/Prachuap Khiri Khan burning ban/Unsafe levels of smog/Two alcohol ban days/Theft suspect arrested in Cha Am/Hua Hin reviews homeless policies/Third round of fighting ‘will happen’/Hospitals ready for Nipah virus/Nipah Virus: What It Is
- ECONOMY: Deep divide over Thailand’s strong baht/Small-business support/Federation eyes 1.5M auto units/‘A bigger threat than US tariffs’/New Thai tech trends
- TOURISM: China targeting over 1.5 million Thai visitors/Two tourists killed/AirAsia leaves 23 passengers behind
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Rescued elephant had her babies ripped away/Being a digital nomad in Thailand/Mistakes That Ruin a Thailand Trip/Thailand’s traditional musical instruments
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Cheap plug-and-play solar panels/Rice Department Pushes Carbon Farming
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
Forest fires near Cha Am threaten air quality
Authorities are tackling forest fires near Hua Hin after satellite data detected multiple hotspots over two consecutive days in forest areas toward Cha Am, prompting concern among local residents about air quality.
Protected Area Management Office 3 (Phetchaburi Branch) confirmed that ground teams and aircraft were deployed to contain the fires in the Sam Phraya area, with smoke visible from parts of Hua Hin, including the Hin Lek Fai and Black Mountain areas. Continued …
Prachuap Khiri Khan burning ban in force from Feb 1
Prachuap Khiri Khan has announced a province-wide burning ban, prohibiting all forms of open burning from Feb. 1 (Sunday) to May 31, as authorities move to curb PM2.5 pollution and protect public health.
The Prachuap Khiri Khan burning ban applies to all open areas across the province. It covers the burning of sugarcane fields, rice stubble, household waste, agricultural materials, and any other open-air fires. The prohibition will remain in place for 120 days. Anyone found violating the ban may face legal action, including fines and possible imprisonment under relevant laws. Continued …
Unsafe levels of smog in Bangkok and 57 provinces
Unsafe levels of ultrafine dust has blanketed 57 provinces and Bangkok and one province, Samut Songkhram, faced a red level of harmful smog.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported this morning that unsafe levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and less in diameter (PM2.5) ranged from 38.4 to 75.8 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) of air in the capital and 57 provinces. The government-set safe threshold for PM2.5 is 37.5µg/m³. Continued …
Upcoming elections include two alcohol ban days, including this Sunday
Thailand will see two nationwide alcohol sales bans linked to the upcoming parliamentary elections, covering all provinces.
Following an announcement by the Election Commission of Thailand, the sale, distribution, free provision, or hosting of events involving all types of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited during the following periods: Continued …
Residential, temple theft suspect arrested in Cha Am
Cha Am police have arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with a series of thefts at temples and private homes in Cha Am district and nearby areas, seizing a large cache of stolen property, including more than 100 Buddhist amulets.
Police said the suspect was arrested yesterday at Cha Am Police Station under a warrant issued by the Phetchaburi Provincial Court. He is accused of attempted theft at a public place of worship and burglary at residential properties during the night. Continued …
Hua Hin reviews policies for homeless people
Local authorities in Hua Hin are looking at clearer, coordinated ways to support homeless people in the city, following a multi-agency workshop held this week at Hua Hin Police Station.
The meeting yesterday brought together municipal officials, police, health authorities, and social welfare agencies to discuss how homeless individuals in the district should be assessed, assisted, and, where necessary, referred for further support. Continued …
Ex-deputy commander of Second Army Area warns third round of fighting ‘will happen’
Lt. Gen. Kanok Netrawatthanasena, former deputy commander of the 2nd Army Area and former commander of the Suranaree Task Force, said he believes a third round of fighting is inevitable, pointing to what he described as clear signs of defensive preparations along the border.
Kanok said recent activity — particularly the digging of trenches and the construction of bunkers — suggests an effort to build stronger fortified positions. He said the trenches appear to be an initial stage of establishing a defensive line and are not yet complete. Once finished, he said, soil would be piled in front to provide protection from gunfire. Continued …
Hospitals ready for Nipah virus
The Department of Medical Services has confirmed that Rajavithi Hospital and other major medical facilities are fully prepared to handle suspected or confirmed cases of Nipah virus infection, even though no cases have yet been reported in Thailand.
Dr. Nattapong Wongwiwat, director-general of the Department of Medical Services, said state-run hospitals, including Rajavithi, Nopparat Rajathanee, and Lerdsin, along with specialized institutes, have been instructed to strengthen readiness. Preparations cover staffing, medical supplies, hospital beds, operating rooms, and isolation wards. Continued …
Nipah Virus: What It Is, Where It’s Found, and How It Spreads
The Nipah virus (NiV) is a severe infectious zoonotic disease, primarily affecting South and Southeast Asia, that presents a high mortality rate, estimated between 40% and 75%. First identified in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore, NiV is a priority pathogen due to its fatality rate and the current lack of approved vaccines or specific treatments.
Two confirmed cases of the deadly Nipah virus in West Bengal, India, have prompted a rapid and coordinated response across several Asian nations, leading to enhanced airport screenings and health measures. While the virus is highly fatal and listed as a priority pathogen by the WHO, experts emphasize that the risk to the general population remains low due to its limited person-to-person transmissibility and the timely containment efforts by Indian authorities. Continued …
Reader backlash exposes deep divide over Thailand’s strong baht
What began as yet another debate over Thailand’s strong baht has spiraled into something far more revealing — a raw, sometimes hostile clash between tourists, long-term visitors, retirees, and those pointing to deeper economic damage beyond beer prices and bar bills.
Concerns about the baht showed little consensus, but plenty of emotion. On one side are voices dismissing complaints outright. For them, Thailand remains “good value,” and those struggling with exchange rates are simply being cheap, entitled, or unrealistic. Continued …
Small-business support to generate at least Bt260 billion
Government measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are expected to help increase monetary circulation in the economy by at least 260 billion baht this year, says the chief of Thai Credit Guarantee Corp. (TCG).
According to TCG President Sittikorn Direksoonthorn, ongoing government stimulus packages aimed at enhancing liquidity for SMEs comprise three main programs. Continued …
Federation of Thai Industries eyes 1.5M auto units as domestic demand increases
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has announced a vehicle manufacturing target of 1.5 million units for 2026, a modest increase from 1.45 million units last year, driven by expectations of stronger domestic demand and growing production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
According to the FTI’s Automotive Industry Club, the target includes 950,000 units for export and 550,000 units for the domestic market. While the export figure remains unchanged, domestic production is set to increase by 50,000 units. Continued …
Chinese goods called ‘a bigger threat than US tariffs’
The influx of low-priced goods from China has a far more severe impact than US tariffs on Thai products, says Somkiat Tangkitvanich, president of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
Speaking at a seminar on tariffs hosted by the Stock Exchange of Thailand yesterday, Somkiat said a TDRI study found the impact of US tariffs on Southeast Asia and on Thailand, in particular, has not been especially severe. Continued …
New Thai tech trends revealed
Tech consulting firm Bluebik foresees three megatrends that will transform organizations into intelligent enterprises amid a volatile economy and intense competition.
“We continue to see a shift in technology spending from traditional business transformation to AI transformation. Within the enterprise, AI is becoming core infrastructure used to increase competitiveness, reduce costs and drive revenue generation,” said Pochara Arayakarnkul, chief executive of Bluebik Group. Continued …
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China targeting over 1.5 million Thai visitors in 2026
China aims to attract at least 1.5 million Thai visitors this year, up from more than 1 million in 2025, while the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects to generate 35.4 billion baht from 1.25 million foreign tourists during the 10-day Chinese New Year holiday next month.
The Thai Travel Agents Assn. projected China was the top destination for Thai travelers with more than 1 million visitors last year, and Zhang Ruoyu, chief of the Chinese National Tourist Office (CNTO) Bangkok, said it’s possible Thai arrivals could reach more than 1.5 million this year. Continued …
Two tourists killed in separate traffic accidents
Chinese and Turkish nationals were killed in separate traffic accidents in Pattaya and Phuket early yesterday morning.
In Pattaya, Li Borui, 40, was crushed to death by a Mitsubishi Pajero driven by his friend, Tian Hangyu, 36, at about 5 am. In Phuket, 23-year-old Turkish national Yunus Acar was killed when his motorcycle collided with a van on Patak Road in Muang district at 12.35 am. Continued …
AirAsia leaves 23 passengers behind on tarmac bus, cites miscommunication
AirAsia issued an apology following a coordination issue that left 23 passengers on a shuttle bus during boarding for a domestic flight from Bangkok to Hat Yai. The incident occurred on Jan. 17 on a flight scheduled to depart Don Mueang International Airport.
A passenger later described the situation, explaining that she and her group had already boarded the aircraft when an elderly passenger notified the cabin crew that her friend had not yet boarded, despite having checked in. Continued …
Rescued elephant Pun had every one of her babies ripped away
Pun has endured a lifetime of heartbreak, trapped in a hideous elephant breeding program. She was forced to become pregnant over and over again, having her babies stolen from her and sold into the Thai tourist industry, to be used for rides and photo opportunities.
To make the elephants submissive for this industry, young calves have their spirits broken and are brutally beaten so they obey commands out of fear. Thailand is notorious for such programs, which are horribly cruel and cause trauma no mother or baby should ever endure. Continued …
What no one tells you about being a digital nomad in Thailand
Bangkok ranks first as the world’s favourite city for digital nomads, with Chiang Mai close behind. It’s easy to see why. Thailand has a magnetic charm that pulls people in. You come for a short stay, rent a scooter, find a café with fast Wi-Fi, and before you know it, you are talking about “base cities” and lease renewals.
But once you’ve lived the dream for a little while, there are administrative tasks you can’t ignore. The visas, the healthcare, the insurance, the costs that never show up on Instagram. This is the part that you need to pay attention to to make sure you’re digital nomading well. Continued …
Mistakes That Ruin a Thailand Trip (And How to Avoid Them)
I like to think I’m a pretty cautious and attentive person. So, when I first came to Thailand, I did some homework to avoid any social faux pas. Despite my efforts, there were still some things I didn’t catch until after I arrived.
These things were certainly preventable, and I’d like to share them here so you can come to Thailand better informed than I was. Most of these mistakes are small, but stacked together, they can quietly ruin an otherwise incredible trip. Continued …
The sounds of Thailand’s traditional musical instruments
The musical traditions of Southeast Asia have long captivated the world with their intricate melodies, fascinating stories, and deep cultural significance. The rich expression of historical influences, diversity, and spiritual elements makes Southeast Asian musical traditions truly unique in both artistry and complexity.
With its wide range of styles and heritage, the traditional music of Thailand captures the hearts of music enthusiasts around the world. Continued …
Surprisingly cheap plug-and-play solar panels may soon take over
New plug-and-play solar panels are making home solar more accessible for both homeowners and renters. A “PBS NewsHour” segment showcased how plug-and-play solar panels work and how they have made solar power affordable for many people who previously thought that home solar was unattainable.
“For years, solar power at home was mostly limited to people who own their rooftops and could afford the steep upfront costs, but that’s changing,” the PBS newscaster explains in the video. “A new generation of small, affordable systems, often called plug-in solar, are making clean energy more accessible.” Video …
Rice Department Pushes Carbon Farming to Green Rice Sector
The Rice Department is advancing carbon farming as a nationwide strategy to make rice production more sustainable and to support the country’s long-term carbon neutrality goals.
Yesterday, Director-General Anont Nontree chaired a meeting highlighting new systems and technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while creating fresh income opportunities for rice farmers. Continued …
- Backlash as Danish-Arab Influencer Insults Locals in Pattaya – Continued …
- Police Bust Laughing Gas Network, Arrest Five Chinese – Continued …
- Koh Phangan Police Bust Transnational Cocaine Ring – Continued …
- Police Arrest Three Chinese Scam Suspects in Bangkok – Continued …
- Dane held for theft of safe on Koh Samui – Continued …
Britain and China meet for talks on trade, security
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing today, seeking closer trade ties while balancing sensitive issues of national security and human rights. This is the first visit to China by a UK prime minister since 2018 and follows a slew of Western leaders seeking support from Beijing recently, pivoting from an increasingly unpredictable United States. Continued …
Gold tops $5,400/oz as Fed holds rates
Global gold prices jumped to a fresh all-time high, breaking above $5,400 an ounce, after former US President Donald Trump warned Iran to reach a nuclear deal and the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged, as expected. Continued …
Springsteen releases fiery ode to Minneapolis shooting victims
American rock hero Bruce Springsteen dived into the outrage over the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown with a fiery song released yesterday that pays tribute to two protesters fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis. Springsteen said the song “Streets of Minneapolis”,was a response to “state terror” in the northern US city, rocked by the actions of armed federal officers that have stoked vociferous local protests. Continued …
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The Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2026 will be held Feb. 4-7 at Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin, with the Royal Thai Army working alongside tourism and provincial authorities to showcase Muay Thai as a key part of Thailand’s cultural heritage.
Seriously harmful levels of ultrafine dust, three times the safe limit, were reported in Greater Bangkok this morning, while most of Thailand was blanketed with unsafe smog.
Thai gold shops face closures as prices top 70,000 baht
Thailand’s export outlook for 2026 could improve if reforms accelerate, but speakers at a trade forum warned that global competition is intensifying and domestic growth may remain subdued.
Suphajee Suthumpun, minister of commerce, opened a seminar and delivered a special keynote on yesterday, titled “Mission to Win for The Game Changer”, organized by the Department of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Commerce.
Thailand’s hotel sector is shifting toward a more mature phase, which will see more of the country’s hotel assets repositioned to accommodate changing market dynamics.
As 2026 unfolds, Thailand’s tourism industry faces a complex and delicately balanced moment. The long-expected rebound in Chinese arrivals has fallen short of official forecasts, while breaking news of a new virus outbreak in India and Nepal now threatens to disrupt one of Thailand’s fastest-growing source markets.
Agoda, a digital travel platform, says Bangkok ranked second among the most popular Asian destinations for international travelers during the Chinese New Year period. Tokyo topped the list, followed by Bangkok, Taipei, Osaka, and Seoul.
Can Southeast Asia keep the lights on for solar projects as costs rise?
Phuket has long been synonymous with tropical splendor thanks to its world-famous beaches, emerald rainforests, and waters teeming with life. This profound natural beauty is the very soul of its allure. Yet, for years, the pressures of overtourism, relentless development, and pervasive pollution have threatened to unravel the delicate ecological balance that sustains this paradise.
French lawmakers have passed a bill that would ban social media use by under-15s, a move championed by President Emmanuel Macron as a way to protect children from excessive screen time. 
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 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 World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report indicates that Thailand’s GDP is predicted to grow by 1.8% in 2026, a slight revision upward by 0.1 percentage point from an earlier projection. Despite this increase, Thailand’s growth remains the lowest among major ASEAN countries.
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 is participating in the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos to boost investor confidence and promote its economic policies, with a focus on digital economy investments. The event in Switzerland from Jan. 19–23 sees around 3,000 participants, including 64 heads of state.
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.
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. 
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.
Thailand’s best beach towns for long-term living
Italian-Thai Development Public Co. secured seven government construction projects worth a combined 26 billion baht following the collapse of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) building, according to procurement records on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
Authorities are closely monitoring developments after a road collapse on Rama II Road caused major disruption this morning, with traffic at a standstill and a citywide water outage declared in Samut Sakhon.
This year’s rainy season is expected to arrive earlier and bring heavier rainfall than usual, Deputy Prime Minister Borwornsak Uwanno has warned, urging agencies to step up preparedness for major flooding.
One police officer has been dismissed and four others face criminal and disciplinary action for their alleged involvement in corruption linked to the unlawful release of Chinese detainees, the Royal Thai Police said yesterday.
Excessive workloads, long teaching hours, and a worsening work-life balance are raising concerns about teachers’ wellbeing and the quality of education, especially at Thailand’s small schools, a new study finds.
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).
Crane falls onto tracks, causing deadly train crash in Nakhon Ratchasima
Thailand’s economy is facing significant structural challenges that extend beyond short-term issues, according to Vitai Ratanakorn, governor of the Bank of Thailand (BOT). Speaking at the KKP Year Ahead 2026 seminar, Vitai highlighted concerns about low productivity, a lack of new investment, and the rising levels of both household and corporate debt.
Thailand’s incoming government must abandon populist handout policies and implement radical structural reforms if the country is to escape its low-growth trap, leading economists warned at a major economic forum yesterday.
Pattaya is undergoing a metamorphosis, shifting from a party hotspot to a thriving residential hub as part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development. High-speed rail and industrial growth are beckoning a steady influx of skilled professionals, redefining the city’s identity as a prime living destination.
Vendors affected as price of fresh chillis soars
Thailand’s GI-registered coffee products generated total sales of 1.497 billion baht in 2025, with the top five items alone accounting for 1.318 billion baht, according to the Department of Intellectual Property.
The planet experienced its third-warmest year on record i n 2025, and average temperatures have exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius of global warming over three years, the longest period since records began, European Union (EU) scientists said today.
The body of a Canadian tourist has been found off the coast of Sam Roi Yot, three days after he went missing while swimming in rough sea conditions near Khao Takiab Temple.
A leading luxury drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Hua Hin is set to expand its services with the opening of a new outpatient mental health clinic in the city. Diamond Rehab Thailand, fully licensed by the Thai Ministry of Public Health and founded by Theo de Vries and his wife, Panwadee de Vries, will begin offering outpatient counseling and psychological services at The Hub Hua Hin from January.
The Hua Hin Championship Road Race 2026 will take place on Sunday, March 1, bringing competitive and recreational cyclists to the roads around Huay Mongkol for a full day of racing and touring in the Hua Hin area.
A coordinated wave of bombings and arson attacks struck 11 PTT petrol stations across three southern Thai provinces in the early hours yesterday, causing widespread property damage but no reported casualties.
The Customs Department in Thailand is considering a significant increase in import duty rates on low-value goods. The Customs Department deems the current variable rates, averaging around 10%, insufficient to ensure fair competition with domestically produced goods. There are plans to increase the rate to up to 30% in order to establish a more equitable market.
Thailand’s experiment with cannabis liberalization is undergoing a profound and contentious recalibration. The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) is advancing a new draft ministerial regulation designed to impose stringent oversight on the sector, a decisive pivot away from the largely unregulated commercial free-for-all that emerged post-2022 and back towards a strictly medical framework.
Effective Jan. 1, the export of fishery products from 12 major Vietnamese fishing grounds to the United States has been officially suspended.
Contractors for rooftop solar installation must register with the Council of Engineers Thailand to enhance consumer confidence on safety, according to the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT).
Thailand needs a new law to help it handle around 400,000 tons of electronic waste a year — including used mobile phones — by recycling the waste for valuable materials, the Pollution Control Department (PCD) said.
A biomass fuel factory in Phrae province has been found to be operating without a required health hazard license, despite ongoing complaints that pollution from the site has caused illness among dozens of nearby residents.
Thai Honda, a leading manufacturer and distributor of motorcycles and multipurpose engines, has unveiled its first electric motorcycle in Thailand, marking a major step in the company’s strategy and positioning the country as a key export hub. The new model, UC3, was designed by a Thai engineer and is scheduled for production at Thai Honda’s local factory.
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.
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. 
Iran is currently cut off from the outside world. The government has severed internet and telephone lines nationwide, hoping to blind and deafen the international community to the brutality of its crackdown. Yet, the screams of frustration from the streets echo far beyond the digital blackout. This nationwide uprising is a clear signal: the 40-year-old theocratic regime is facing its most catastrophic crisis of faith yet. 
Authorities in Bangkok plan to delay enforcement of a regulation requiring pet dogs and cats to be fitted with microchips for a year in order to help all sides prepare and ensure broader adoption.
The leadership of Thailand’s three largest commercial banks have issued a unified warning for 2026, describing the upcoming financial year as a period of “all-around exhaustion.”
Average headline inflation is expected to rise slightly in 2026, driven by increasing prices of agricultural products and the recovery of the tourism sector, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).
Leading economists have issued a stark warning over the proliferation of short-term populist campaign pledges, asserting that these policies are laying a “fiscal trap” that threatens Thailand’s long-term economic sovereignty and its international credit standing.
Thailand’s property market is facing another major test in 2026, after new figures from the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) of the Government Housing Bank pointed to a clear slowdown in foreign demand in 2025 — long viewed as a key engine of the condominium market.
The outlook for the restaurant industry in 2026 appears grim as there are no new positive factors. A Thai Michelin-starred chef urged restaurant operators to think carefully about business expansion.
Tourism has surged beyond pre-pandemic levels, placing pressure on popular cities, islands, and natural landmarks. By charging tourists, governments aim to generate dedicated funding to manage crowds, upgrade infrastructure, and preserve destinations, while allowing tourism to continue.
Southeast Asia is accelerating its energy transition with growing momentum from both policy and capital. Stronger regulatory support and expanding clean-energy financing are creating a more predictable investment environment, enabling governments and developers to move from planning to delivery.
Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group with hotels, resorts, and branded residences across 59 countries, has announced the upcoming launch of NH Hua Hin in Thailand’s royal seaside town. Minor Hotels will assume management of the hotel from Jan. 1.
The Road Safety Operation Center (RSOC) has reported 27 deaths and 174 injuries from 175 road accidents on Jan. , marking day six of the New Year road safety campaign.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a fresh weather outlook as another wave of cold air sweeps over upper Thailand, causing temperatures to drop, especially in northern provinces. Meanwhile, strong monsoonal winds are expected to affect the south and coastal areas starting this weekend.
Thailand’s exports are expected to keep expanding in 2026, but at a more modest pace of 2%-4%, as the surge seen in 2025 fades and the sector returns to a more “normalized” growth path, the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) said.
The Ministry of Public Health is pushing to enact a new ministerial regulation on cannabis before the next government takes office, with the draft now under review by the Office of the Council of State.
Thailand has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for medical tourism, attracting millions of international patients every year. Known for its affordable high-quality care, internationally accredited hospitals, and world-class hospitality, Thailand offers a unique combination of healthcare excellence and tourism appeal.
Photographers at Bangkok’s Wat Arun temple have been accused of rudely shooing away tourists to photograph paying customers in rented Thai costumes, leading to social-media complaints and a response from the Tourist Police and temple officials to inspect the site and implement preventive measures for tourist safety and Thailand’s image.
Hidden Bangkok Secrets for an Unforgettable Authentic Adventure
Thailand’s industrial sector has demonstrated resilience in the face of tightening European environmental standards, with exports of carbon-intensive goods to the European Union (EU) surging by nearly 55%.
The solar energy market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period 2025-2031, driven by global commitments to decarbonization, supportive government policies, and significant cost reductions in photovoltaic (PV) technology.
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.