- Hua Hin murder suspect arrested/Incoming PM2.5 crisis/Laos enforces nationwide burn ban/Thailand Raises Foreign Income Repatriation Limit/Wildlife thrives in Kaeng Krachan/Park Ranger Killed by Wild Elephant
- ECONOMY: FTI Calls for Accelerated FTAs/Thai industrial sentiment retreats/New business registrations declined/IHG to add nearly 40 hotels/Petroleum law changes on hold
- TOURISM: Foreign tourist arrivals down/Chasing away Western tourists?
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Friendliest Thai cities for foreigners
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Racing to save Thailand’s dugongs
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
Hua Hin murder suspect arrested
Police investigators last night arrested a 36-year-old man suspected of killing a female hotel employee in Hua Hin before stealing property. He was found curled up in grass at the end of Soi Hua Hin 42, about 300 meters from the railway line, and is being taken into custody for questioning.
Earlier, Police Maj. Gen. Teeradej Thamsuthee, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau and deputy spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, said urgent orders had been issued for Provincial Police Region 7 and the Crime Suppression Division to track down the suspect in the Hua Hin hotel robbery killing in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Continued …
Incoming PM2.5 crisis heightens health concerns
Thailand is bracing for an air pollution crisis, with authorities warning that fine dust (PM2.5) levels are expected to rise nationwide through Jan. 25, heightening health concerns.
The Bangkok Air Quality Information Center and the Pollution Control Department (PCD) said forecasts for Jan. 19–25 point to widespread increases in fine particulate matter, with Bangkok, the Central Plains, the north, and the northeast facing the highest risk. Continued …
Laos enforces nationwide burn ban as air pollution worsens
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.
Air quality in the capital, Vientiane, stood at an air quality index (AQI+) reading of 127 this morning, according to monitoring group IQAir, while the tourist town of Vangviang recorded a reading of 80. An AQI above 100 is generally considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Continued …
Thailand Raises Foreign Income Repatriation Limit to $10 Million
The Bank of Thailand has significantly eased its rules on foreign income repatriation to alleviate the upward pressure on the baht. The Bank of Thailand has increased the transaction cap from $1 million to $10 million per transaction.
This move aims to provide Thai individuals and businesses with greater flexibility in managing their US dollar earnings without the immediate need for conversion, the central bank announced yesterday. Continued …
Wildlife thrives in Kaeng Krachan as panther and bears spotted
A black panther and an Asiatic black bear with its cub were spotted on Monday, strolling along a road inside Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi, highlighting the rich biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
The sighting occurred along the Ban Krang–Phanoen Thung route, a mountainous area frequented by nature enthusiasts. A tourist managed to capture clear photos of the animals in their natural habitat, which were later shared with park officials. Continued …
Park Ranger Killed in Wild Elephant Attack in Phetchabun
A park ranger was killed after being attacked by a wild elephant during a patrol operation in Nam Nao district, Phetchabun province. The incident occurred Monday morning when a four-member patrol team from National Park Protection Unit No. 10 (Phu Hin Lek Fai) was operating in tambon Nam Nao. One officer suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
According to the report, the patrol team was carrying out routine duties when a lone wild elephant suddenly charged at the officers without warning. As the team attempted to run for cover, a government employee attached to the unit, lost his footing and fell to the ground. The elephant then moved directly toward him and attacked. Continued …
FTI Calls for Accelerated FTAs and Structural Reforms Amid 2026 Uncertainty
Thailand’s economy in 2026 is projected to face significant uncertainty and potential stagnation, risking a decline in competitiveness. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is urging the government to accelerate free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations and implement structural reforms to navigate these challenges.
Economic forecasts are pessimistic, with the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) expecting 1.6%–2.0% growth, and the Siam Commercial Bank Economic Intelligence Center (SCB EIC) predicting a low of 1.5% – potentially the weakest in over 30 years. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also warns of a global slowdown impacting Thailand’s export-dependent economy and projects Thailand’s GDP ranking in ASEAN could fall from second to fifth by 2030. Continued …
Thai industrial sentiment retreats after 7-month high
Thailand’s industrial sentiment index fell in December, after hitting a seven-month high in November, over concerns about the border conflict with Cambodia and uncertainties about government policies, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported today.
The strong baht and slow manufacturing were also among the concerns, the group said. The baht has gained about 1.5% against the dollar so far this year, making it Asia’s best performing currency. It rose around 9% against the greenback last year. Continued …
New business registrations declined in 2025
The Department of Business Development (DBD) at the Ministry of Commerce said yesterday that 5,187 new businesses were registered in December 2025, up 18.5% year-on-year, though registered capital fell 41.5% to 13.385 billion baht.
DBD Director-general Poonpong Naynabhakorn said that for 2025 as a whole (January–December), Thailand recorded 85,251 new business registrations, down 2.7%, with cumulative registered capital of 264.237 billion baht, down 7.5%. Continued …
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IHG to add nearly 40 hotels to Thai portfolio in 3-5 years
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.
He said Thailand and other Southeast Asian destinations already have strong fundamentals that support the travel industry, including a growing middle class, infrastructure development, and an extensive airline network. IHG operates two hotel resorts in Hua Hin – Holiday Inn Resort Vana Nava amd Intercontinental Hua Hin Resort. Continued …
Petroleum law changes put on hold
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.
Setbacks in domestic gas production force Thailand to import more costly liquefied natural gas (LNG) to fuel power generation, thus driving up production costs. While the amendment draft was completed by the DMF, it must wait for a new elected government to be implemented. Continued …
Foreign tourist arrivals down 18% in January
Thailand’s foreign tourism sector has started 2026 badly, already under strain from security scares, the Thai-Cambodian conflict, and catastrophic flooding in the south in 2025. Figures released yesterday by Tourism and Sports Minister Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn indicate that arrivals in January 2026 could total about 3 million, roughly 18% lower than January 2025.
The latest setback comes as media observers point to damaging international coverage, including reports of construction disasters such as a crane crashing onto an express train and a vehicle on a motorway, incidents cited as undermining confidence in Thailand as a safe holiday destination. Continued …
Is Pattaya chasing away Western tourists?
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?
Long-time residents and repeat visitors argue that the resort city is in visible decline, citing soaring prices, environmental issues, and a nightlife scene they say no longer offers value. Complaints range from unpleasant odors in key nightlife zones and aggressive motorbike riding to what many describe as unchecked price inflation — bar fines, drinks, and companionship all costing far more than before, with far less satisfaction. Continued …
The friendliest Thai cities for foreigners
Thailand is often called the Land of Smiles, but some cities feel especially welcoming to foreigners. Places like Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Chiang Rai, Koh Samui, and Khon Kaen are known for friendly locals, relaxed lifestyles, and strong community spirit. Expats often say these areas make it easy to settle in, connect with people, and feel at home, whether in the north, by the sea, or in the heart of Isaan.
Hua Hin is known for its calm pace, polite local culture, and well-established expat community. Many foreigners, especially retirees and families, choose Hua Hin because locals are respectful, patient, and welcoming. Daily life feels unhurried, whether chatting at fresh markets, walking along the beach, or meeting neighbors. Continued …
The influencer racing to save Thailand’s most endangered sea mammal
A solitary figure stands on the shore of Thailand’s Tang Khen Bay. The tide is slowly rising over the expanse of sandy beach, but the man does not seem to notice. His eyes are not fixed on the sea, but on the small screen clutched between his hands.
About 600 meters offshore, past the shadowy fringe of coral reef, his drone hovers over the murky sea, focused on a whirling gray shape: Miracle, the local dugong, is back. Continued …
Running red lights remains a deadly habit on Pattaya roads, putting tourists directly in harm’s way
A motorcycle collision at the Central Pattaya intersection this week has once again highlighted a long-standing and dangerous problem on the city’s roads: routine disregard for red traffic lights.
According to initial reports, a local rider ran a red light and collided with another motorcycle legally crossing the intersection. Several people were injured and taken to hospital. As is often the case, speculation quickly followed online — about who was at fault, whether alcohol was involved, and why traffic laws seem optional to some road users. Continued …
- Lopburi Police Arrest Korean Golf Tour Operators – Continued …
- Iranian Man Arrested for Illegally Selling Medicines in Pattaya – Continued …
- Russian Wanted for Construction Fraud Arrested in Phuket – Continued …
- Malaysian Call Scam Suspect Arrested Over 1.5-million Fraud – Continued …
- CCTV Shows German Tourist Stealing From Phuket Spa – Continued …
Davos 2026 opens in turmoil as Canada warns world order is ‘dead’
The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting 2026 in Davos has begun in a notably heated atmosphere, after Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney used a major address to declare that the so-called “rules-based order” is effectively “dead” in practice and urged the world’s middle powers to unite against growing coercion by larger states. Continued …
US-EU trade war fears grow amid tariff threat
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. Continued …
Japan 2025 foreign visitors at record 42.7 million, spending at all-time high
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. Continued …
UN report declares global state of ‘water bankruptcy’
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. Continued …
Gold hits record above $4,700
Global gold prices surged to another record high yesterday, rising above US$4,700 an ounce and moving closer to the US$4,800 mark, as escalating geopolitical tensions drove demand for safe-haven assets. Silver also hit an all-time high, briefly breaking above US$95 an ounce. 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
Hua Hin water supply issues were the focus of an urgent meeting held yesterday as city officials moved to address ongoing problems affecting residents, including supply interruptions, low water pressure, and concerns over water quality.
A planning meeting has been held to prepare for the Hua Hin City Creates Happiness, Healthy Hua Hin Residents festival, a community wellness event scheduled to take place Feb. 2 in Hua Hin.
Rising treatment costs, combined with Thailand’s medical inflation in 2025 (estimated at 14%–15%), have prompted major insurers such as AIA and Krungthai-AXA to reduce the share of new lump-sum (all-inclusive) health plans for new customers.
Thailand is on high alert as authorities warn of an impending air pollution crisis. Forecasts predict rising PM2.5 levels nationwide through to Jan. 25, sparking serious health concerns.
Thailand’s Transport Ministry plans to include travel insurance in train ticket fares, aiming to provide automatic passenger coverage in accidents. This follows the fatal Nakhon Ratchasima crash, which resulted in 30 fatalities.
Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) is intensifying efforts to ensure a fair election on Feb. 8 after a survey indicated that over a quarter of voters might accept cash for their votes. Allegedly, payments range from 3,000 to 7,500 baht per person.
Marathon Teaching: The strained tasks of small school teachers
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released an updated World Economic Outlook (WEO), raising its forecast for global growth in 2026 to 3.3%, up 0.2 percentage points from its earlier projection.
How is Thailand’s Dining Landscape Set to Shift?
Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has announced that 1,520 conventional buses will be converted into electric vehicles (EVs) as part of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority’s (BMTA) ongoing modernization program.
The future of the electric vehicle Asia Pacific market is set for robust expansion, as the green mobility revolution transforms the regional automotive ecosystem. The Asia Pacific EV market was valued at USD 221.95 billion in 2022 and is forecast to grow to approximately USD 459.06 billion by 2029, registering a CAGR of around 10.94% over this period.
Germany’s finance minister, Lars Klingbeil, said in Berlin yesterday that Europe was “constantly facing new provocations and hostility” that President Trump was seeking, and that Europeans needed to make clear “this is the limit”. 
The Trump administration has ordered nearly 30 ambassadors in embassies around the world to return to the United States within weeks, a move that would leave a large gap in the American diplomatic corps even as President Donald Trump has said he wants to resolve conflicts through diplomacy. 
Spanish police said yesterday that at least 39 people are confirmed dead in a high-speed rail collision the previous night in the south of the country, when the tail end of a train jumped the track, causing another train speeding past in the opposite direction to derail. 
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.
Italian-Thai Development Public Co. (ITD) is facing its heaviest pressure in years, following a string of serious incidents on major construction projects, alongside a large debenture debt burden, an operating recovery that has yet to prove sustainable, and credit risks reflected in rating downgrades. The company’s financial position and market confidence are now being closely watched by both the capital market and regulators.
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.
In the 21st century, global power is no longer measured primarily by troop numbers or nuclear warheads. Instead, it is increasingly defined by control over scarcity energy, critical minerals, and the semiconductor supply chains that underpin modern economies.
Phuket International Airport recorded a significant boost in flight movements and passenger numbers in 2025, signaling a robust recovery in aviation and tourism. According to Monchai Tanod, the airport director, last year’s performance outshone 2024 and edged closer to the peak year of 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The decision by the administration of US President Donald Trump to suspend or significantly tighten US immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, including Thailand, has triggered widespread concern across the global travel, tourism, and meetings industries.
The tiny shopfront of Gu Long Bao in Bangkok’s Chinatown has seen a lot of history unfold over its century of operation, from the creation of Thailand as a nation to its rise as a cultural and tourism hotspot. The shop has a fan following for its pillowy buns, with fillings such as barbecued pork and black sesame.
Sugarcane farmers are using bundled incense sticks as slow starters to illegally burn off cane trash in their fields when they are not there, in a ploy to deny accountability for the resulting increase in air pollution.
Chinese electric vehicle maker Changan Automobile is gearing up to launch the second phase of its battery electric vehicle (BEV) production in Thailand in the first quarter of 2026, reinforcing its ambitions in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing EV markets.
The collective wealth of the planet’s billionaires soared to a record level in 2025, charity Oxfam reported today, warning of “highly dangerous” political consequences as the global elite gathers for the World Economic Forum. 
The idea of what a “home” should be is quietly but powerfully changing. Homes are no longer just places to rest, entertain guests, or escape the heat. They are becoming active partners in how people live, move, breathe, and age well.
Italian-Thai Development Public Co. secured seven government construction projects worth a combined 26 billion baht following the collapse of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) building, according to procurement records on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
Authorities are closely monitoring developments after a road collapse on Rama II Road caused major disruption this morning, with traffic at a standstill and a citywide water outage declared in Samut Sakhon.
This year’s rainy season is expected to arrive earlier and bring heavier rainfall than usual, Deputy Prime Minister Borwornsak Uwanno has warned, urging agencies to step up preparedness for major flooding.
One police officer has been dismissed and four others face criminal and disciplinary action for their alleged involvement in corruption linked to the unlawful release of Chinese detainees, the Royal Thai Police said yesterday.
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).
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. 
A proposal to support Hua Hin smart city development was presented to Hua Hin City Municipality yesterday, outlining a technology-led vision to improve transport, tourism services, and urban safety as the city plans its next stage of growth.
Transport Minister Suspends Elevated Road and Rail Projects
The deadly Rama 2 Road: Why Thailand’s ‘Seven-Generation Road’ keeps claiming lives
Sihasak Phuangketkeow, minister of foreign affairs, addressed the recent announcement by the US Department of State to suspend the processing of immigrant visas (permanent visas) for 75 countries, including Thailand.
Thailand’s finance minister has outlined an economic restructuring program centered on fast-tracking stalled investments and developing new industrial sectors, as the government seeks to reverse declining growth potential that has dragged the economy to its weakest performance in decades.
China has shattered global records with a staggering trade surplus of approximately $1.2 trillion for 2025, fueled by a relentless export boom that has flooded international markets with everything from electronics to machinery. While this achievement underscores Beijing’s manufacturing prowess amid domestic headwinds, it poses both opportunities and significant challenges for Thailand, its largest trading partner in ASEAN.
Thailand was once the ultimate value-for-money destination. Cheap eats, affordable hotels, unforgettable experiences. That era is over. A soaring Thai baht is pushing travelers away — just as Thailand is fighting to revive its tourism-driven economy.
It’s been just over a year since I took the leap and made Thailand my home. Moving from regular visitor to someone who lives and works here has let me fully embrace what I love about the country — and given me a front-row seat to the same tourist mistakes playing out again and again.
Bangkok was named the third best city to visit in the world today in The New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2026 list, praised for its green spaces, vibrant art scene, and recent innovations in public transport.
Tourists and locals are raising alarms over the open sale of sex stimulants, sex toys, and illegal cigarettes along Pattaya Beach Road – without proper tax stamps.
On vacation in Thailand, my family and I visited Bangkok’s majestic Wat Pho, marveling at the temple’s 150-foot-long reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf. In Chiang Mai, we rode ATVs through the rugged Mae Taeng Valley, then rafted in challenging whitewater rapids while elephants roamed the river banks. We spotted pigs on Koh Madsum and bright-orange clown fish while snorkeling Koh Samui. But nothing compares to the thrills we found in 7-Eleven.
Thailand is stepping up efforts to support research and development in alternative energy, with officials preparing to allocate more financial resources to projects that advance clean technologies such as hydrogen.
Tech giants have blocked 4.7 million accounts under Australia’s world-first social media ban for under-16s, the country’s online safety watchdog said today. Initial figures showed platforms were taking meaningful action to remove underage users, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said. 
Two people were killed after a construction crane collapsed onto vehicles on Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon province this morning, prompting road closures and warnings for motorists to avoid the area.
The Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 has officially confirmed a strategic move to March 19-20, promising a larger, more refined evolution of the event that has become part of the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
Amazing Three Bays City Prachuap Khiri Khan festival set for late April
The Thai real estate market is experiencing its most severe downturn in nearly three decades, since the 1997 financial crisis. The stock of unsold residential properties has skyrocketed, with new project launches falling sharply. Consumer purchasing power has weakened due to high household debt, and the mortgage lending situation is tighter than ever before.
Chartsiri Sophonpanich, president of Bangkok Bank, pointed out that in 2026 the world will continue to face risks, volatility, and uncertainty, driven by five key factors that will serve as both obstacles and opportunities in shaping ASEAN’s future. He made this remark during the opening of the AEC Business Forum 2026 yesterday.
Thai business giants Saha Group and Central Restaurants Group (CRG) are aggressively expanding their restaurant portfolios. Despite a competitive landscape, both groups see the Thai food market, valued at Bt572 billion, as a high-growth sector where “Capital, Brand, and Culture” create long-term value.
Thailand has set a target to increase revenue from foreign film productions by at least 10% in 2026, building upon a record-breaking performance in the previous year, the Department of Tourism said yesterday.
Riding on a record-breaking 2024 and strong momentum in 2025, Thailand is setting an ambitious target of welcoming 2.5 million Indian visitors this year. With more than 1.3 million Indians having already traveled to the country by July, the market is emerging as one of Thailand’s most important growth drivers, underpinned by a strategic shift from volume-led recovery to value-focused tourism.
Three political parties – the People’s Party, Democrat, and Pheu Thai – have pledged to put cannabis back on the narcotics list and allow its use only for approved medical purposes, while operators urged the future administration to eliminate foreign businesses using nominees and unfair competition from illegal businesses.
Thailand dominates global night market rankings with 3 markets in the top 10
Bangkok has been ranked 12th in the world for the worst air quality, as PM2.5 levels soar to dangerous levels. According to the IQAir real-time air quality index on Wednesday, the capital’s air quality index (AQI) hit 161, marking it in the red zone, which is unhealthy for all groups.
Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr. Somruek Chungsaman said yesterday that resolving the shortage of medical personnel is one of the ministry’s top priorities, as emphasized by Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat. A three-phase management plan has been set out to address the problem.
More than 110 Cambodian soldiers and police were killed during the December border clashes with Thailand, according to a review of official social media posts and government announcements compiled by Nikkei Asia.
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.
On long weekends, the road from Bangkok to Hua Hin resembles a faulty production line. City dwellers racing to beat the rush, often end up cooled by car air conditioning instead of ocean winds.
3 Beachside Cities Where You Can Retire On US Social Security Alone
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).
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.
Bangkok or Singapore: which megacity should be next on your travel list?
Guided by the Ministry of Energy of Thailand, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the ASEAN Smart Energy & Energy Storage Expo 2026 will return from March 25–27 at the IMPACT Exhibition Center, Bangkok.
US President Donald Trump has drawn a wave of criticism for his actions in Venezuela, violations of international law, disdain for longstanding norms, and threats against other countries – not least allies like Denmark and Canada. Around the world, there is a palpable sense of uncertainty and foreboding. But it should already be obvious that things will not end well, neither for the United States nor the rest of the world. 
President Donald Trump said yesterday any country that does business with Iran will face a tariff rate of 25% on trade with the United States, as Washington weighs a response to the situation in Iran, which is seeing its biggest anti-government protests in years. 
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.
E-commerce entrepreneurs support the Customs Department’s suggestion to raise the import duty rate on low-value goods to promote fairer competition between domestically produced goods and imported products, according to Paul Srivorakul, group chief executive of aCommerce, a Southeast Asia e-commerce enablement company.
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.
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.
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.
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.