Just a reminder that there are no alcohol sales from 6 pm today until 6 pm tomorrow.
- Thailand reforms business, visa, and social laws/Theft suspect dies in Cha Am/Nipah airport screening ineffective/WHO says Nipah virus risk low/Most Thai workers aware of PM2.5 risks/‘Dead’ son walks back home
- ECONOMY: Four parties propose tax reform plans/The Rise of Thailand’s ‘Beef Commanders’
- TOURISM: See elephants without harming them/Pattaya requires color-coded beach umbrellas/Illegal group tours face crackdown
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: 15 New Things To Do In Bangkok/Celebrate 244 years of Rattanakosin with stunning exhibitions, performances
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand EV Charging Price Rise/Stricter power rules for data centers/Bringing the Climate Action to Life
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
Thailand reforms business, visa, and social laws to attract global expats
Thailand is undertaking its most comprehensive expatriate policy overhaul in decades, introducing reforms across business law, visa regulations, property ownership, and civil rights that collectively aim to position the country as Southeast Asia’s premier destination for foreign residents and investors.
Announced progressively throughout 2024 and early 2025, these reforms respond to regional competition for foreign talent and investment, particularly as neighboring countries like Vietnam and Malaysia enhance their own expatriate frameworks. Continued …
Theft suspect dies in Cha Am police custody
A young theft suspect was found dead inside a holding cell at the Cha Am Police Station yesterday, just hours before police were due to take him to court for a remand hearing. The incident is being treated as a death in custody, pending further investigation.
Police said an investigating officer at police station was alerted to the incident and immediately reported it to the station superintendent. Authorities then coordinated with local administrative officials, prosecutors, medical staff from Cha Am Hospital, provincial forensic officers, and rescue workers to examine the scene. Continued …
Nipah airport screening ineffective, say experts
Airport screening for Nipah virus, which has been stepped up across Asia this week after two cases were identified in India, are more about reassurance than science, several leading experts said yesterday.
Countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Pakistan put in place temperature screening at airports after India announced that two cases of the deadly Nipah virus had been found in West Bengal. Continued …
WHO says Nipah virus risk low in India with no sign of spread
A World Health Organization official said yesterday that the risk of the spread of the Nipah virus is low, saying that none of the over 190 contacts of the two people infected in India had tested positive or developed symptoms of the disease.
Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are among the Asian locations that tightened airport screening checks this week to guard against such a spread after India confirmed infections. Continued …
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Most Thai workers aware of PM2.5 risks but shun N95 masks
Most Thai working people are aware of the health risks posed by PM2.5 airborne pollution but are reluctant to buy quality N95 face masks to protect themselves, claiming that they are too expensive, according to Arkhom Praditsuwan, director general of the Health Service Support Department.
The department conducted an online opinion survey of 6,787 working people aged 15 to 59 on their awareness of PM2.5 pollution and its health risks. The survey shows that 93.3% are aware of the serious health threats posed by PM2.5 pollution, 86.9% know that they may have to stop working and lose income, and 85.9% admit that PM2.5 pollution may disrupt their lives. Continued …
Chiang Rai family exhumes body after ‘dead’ son walks back home
A Thai man believed to be dead returned to his home in Chiang Rai province on Jan. 24, leaving his family stunned and forcing them to exhume a body they had already buried, only to discover it was his friend, not him.
Rescuers from the Thap Yang Sataranakusol Foundation were asked to assist a family in the Mae Fah Luang district after they realized a serious identification error occurred. The body in question was buried on Jan. 9. Continued …
Four parties propose tax reform plans to tackle Thailand’s low taxpayer base
At the “Thailand Redesign 2026 The Next Level” debate, four major political parties — the People’s Party, Democrat Party, Pheu Thai, and Thai Kao Mai Party — presented their proposals to tackle the pressing issue of Thailand’s 40 million workers, with only 4 million currently paying taxes. The debate focused on the wealth protocol and the urgent need for tax reform to drive economic sustainability and fairness.
Karndee Leopairote, deputy leader of the Democrat Party, argued that increasing the income and wages of Thai people is the key to expanding the tax base. They propose raising the minimum tax-exempt income threshold to align with rising living costs, as well as creating a supportive environment for SMEs through tax relief, access to markets, and state procurement. Continued …
The Rise of Thailand’s ‘Beef Commanders’: A New Soft Power Frontier
Thailand is sharpening its culinary edge on the global stage, not through its world-famous sauces or spices, but through a new wave of premium home-grown beef. The National Innovation Agency (NIA) has identified four “Beef Commanders” — Ko Dam Lam Takhong, Surin Wagyu Salakdai, Nong Sung, and Kamphaeng Saen — as the flagship models of Thai soft power destined for the international market.
For decades, premium beef in Thailand was synonymous with imports: Japanese Wagyu, Australian Angus, or American Prime. However, a significant shift in consumer behavior is driving a local revolution. Continued …
The best ways to see elephants without harming them
More and more travelers seek unforgettable wildlife experiences — but traditional tourism often puts the very animals we admire at risk. Captive elephants, in particular, face daily threats from harmful interactions, overcrowded attractions, and exploitative practices that compromise elephant welfare.
Here, we shine a light on elephant cruelty in tourism and explore alternative ethical elephant experiences that allow you to see these majestic animals while respecting their natural behaviors. Here’s how to say yes to ethical wildlife tourism. Continued …
Pattaya requires color-coded beach umbrellas to boost seaside views
Pattaya has introduced new rule assigning specific umbrella colors to beach chair operators, saying the move will improve orderliness and create a more attractive seaside view for visitors.
Under the new scheme, umbrellas are divided into three color sets based on location: white-and-blue umbrellas for northern Pattaya beaches, white-and-green umbrellas for central Pattaya beaches, and white-and-purple umbrellas for southern Pattaya beaches. Continued …
Illegal group tours face Thai government crackdown
Illegal tours targeting foreign markets are spreading rapidly in Thailand, prompting the Tourism Department to prepare for more inspections of tour companies this year.
Vathanachai Chatrirath, vice president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), said that despite strong demand from Indian tourists to visit Thailand, there are concerns that revenue from this market has not been fully distributed to local operators, instead going to illegal tour companies. Continued …
15 New Things To Do In Bangkok
Think you’ve already done everything there is to do in Bangkok? Hate to break it to you, but probably not. Even if you’ve lost count of how many times you’ve visited, the city always finds new ways to surprise, including new attractions with thrilling rides and aesthetic shopping malls in BKK.
So, no, visiting the city again doesn’t mean having to repeat the same old itinerary, because we’ve got you covered with new things to do in Bangkok, along with a few IG-worthy hotels to consider on your next getaway. Continued …
Celebrate 244 years of Rattanakosin with stunning exhibitions, performances
The Ministry of Culture has revealed plans for a major cultural celebration from April 22-26, marking the 244th Anniversary of the Foundation of Rattanakosin. The events will take place in three central locations in Bangkok and aim to bring the rich history of Thailand to life through a series of activities, exhibitions, and performances.
Prasop Riangngoen, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Culture, revealed that the purpose of this event is to celebrate the 244th anniversary of the founding of Rattanakosin and to pay tribute to the benevolence and honor of King Phutthayotfa Chulalok, the first monarch of the Chakri dynasty, who established Rattanakosin as the capital of Thailand on April 21, 1782. Continued …
Thailand EV Charging Price Rise Threatens Cost Advantage
Thailand’s electric vehicle sector is facing fresh uncertainty after government proposals to sharply raise public EV charging prices, a move that could erase the cost benefits that have driven rapid adoption.
Proposed electricity rate adjustments could push charging costs as high as 11 baht per unit, bringing EV running costs close to those of petrol-powered vehicles. The announcement has raised concerns about a potential slowdown in EV uptake and wider impacts on environmental and industrial policy. Continued …
Thailand plans stricter power purchase rules for data centers
Thailand plans to tighten the rules for investors in data centers and other businesses that use a large amount of electricity, requiring them to provide a bank guarantee or collateral to secure power purchases.
Energy officials said the measure is designed to prevent investors from shifting projects to rival Southeast Asian countries competing for data center investment. Continued …
How Education Is Bringing the Climate Action to Life in Thailand
Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract threat; it is part of everyday life. From unpredictable weather patterns to rising air pollution, communities across Thailand and around the world are already experiencing its impacts. As these challenges intensify, education is emerging as one of the most powerful starting points for meaningful climate action.
One innovative response is Climate Box, a set of interactive climate education tools developed by the United Nations Development Program. Climate Box uses games, quizzes, and hands-on activities to connect global climate challenges with students’ daily lives. Rather than treating climate change as a theoretical topic, it encourages learners to understand, question, and act. Continued …
- Assault on Thai Vendor Leads to Dutch Man’s Arrest in Phuket – Continued …
- Police Raid Pattaya Scam Setup, Arrest Two Chinese Men – Continued …
- More Chinese scammers caught sneaking into Thailand – Continued …
Maersk to take over Panama Canal port operations from HK firm
Danish firm Maersk will temporarily take over operation of two ports on the Panama Canal from Hong Kong company CK Hutchison, whose concession has been annulled, the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) said yesterday. Continued …
Hua Hin Links
Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Thailand and Cambodia have failed to make any headway on the joint management of the common border area in Sa Kaeo province after two days of talks between the secretariats of the Regional Border Committee (RBC), held at the permanent border checkpoint in the Cambodian border town of Poipet on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Thailand’s economic growth this year is set to sink to a decade-long low, excluding the Covid-19 shock, as deep-seated structural problems, corruption, and gray capital continue to weigh on the economy, Bank of Thailand Gov. Vitai Ratanakorn has warned.
Thailand’s manufacturing production index rose 2.52% in December from a year earlier, the industry ministry said yesterday, stronger than analysts’ forecasts.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) anticipates a bustling Chinese New Year in 2026, with an estimated tourism revenue of 42.23 billion baht, marking a 13% increase compared to the previous year. The improving trend in Chinese tourists visiting Thailand is evident, with daily arrivals ranging from 13,000 to 14,000 individuals.
Thailand has launched its new tourism campaign, “Feel All the Feelings,” with global superstar Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal as the face of the initiative. The announcement took place at Wat Arun Ratchawararam, seeking to reposition Thailand as a top leisure destination by promoting its scenic beauty and deep cultural values.
Thailand’s biggest tourism concern is infrastructure delays, as Vietnam is quickly developing its accommodation, airports, and plans to grow tourism clusters, says a hospitality firm.
A simple convenience store snack has become an unlikely food highlight for foreign tourists visiting Thailand, with a viral TikTok video showing a visitor raving about a hot ham and cheese sandwich from 7-Eleven.
Thailand has implemented a new car excise tax structure effective from Jan. 1, reshaping vehicle prices across the market. Petrol-p owered vehicles, especially large-engine and high-emission models, have become more expensive, while electric vehicles (EVs) and some hybrids now face lower tax rates.
Thailand’s New Year holiday 2026 concluded with more than eight million people traveling across the country, while road accidents and transport disruptions declined compared with the previous year, according to the Ministry of Transport.
There were 1,185 traffic accidents over the first five days of the New Year travel period, claiming 207 people’s lives and injuring 1,141 others. Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said yesterday the figures applied from Dec. 30 to Jan. 3.
The Department of Probation has reported a cumulative total of 2,957 drink-driving cases over five days during the New Year holiday period, with Nonthaburi province recording the highest number nationwide.
As Thailand moves toward its 2026 general election, the future of the country’s tourism industry has become a central issue for investors, operators, and local communities. With tourism accounting for a significant share of national income, the policies adopted by the next government are expected to influence foreign direct investment, public safety, and long-term infrastructure planning, particularly in rail transport.
Thailand’s property sector endured its most punishing year in decades throughout 2025, with household debt, stringent lending conditions, and collapsing purchasing power battering the market. Yet, major developers are unveiling distinct 2026 strategies — from luxury pivots to multinational expansion — while economists warn that structural headwinds will persist.
With Thailand’s economy in 2026 projected to grow modestly at around 1.5%, several business sectors have begun preparing for potential headwinds – some persisting from last year and others emerging as new risks, particularly with a planned general election in February.
With global and domestic headwinds pressuring the Thai economy this year, the new government should consider “focused domestic intervention” measures to enhance tourism and attract foreign investments in specific sectors, says the Thai unit of German insurer Allianz.
The so-called “medical economy” championed by the government is being positioned as a new growth engine for Thailand. Policymakers describe it as a potential game changer for state-owned hospitals struggling under mounting financial pressure.
Climate change is no longer limited to shifting weather patterns, but is a growing force reshaping Thailand’s economic outlook in 2026, according to Treethep Palakavong Na Ayudhya, chief executive of Global Carbon Corp., a local greenhouse gas-management consultancy.
Thailand’s exports in 2026 are expected to face volatility and challenges due to a global economic slowdown that is dampening demand in key trading nations.
The online shopping sector will be driven by product discounts, the buy now-pay later (BNPL) strategy, and improved operating efficiency among e-commerce platforms powered by artificial intelligence (AI), said Paul Srivorakul, group chief executive of aCommerce, a pioneer in e-commerce enablement services.
As Thailand’s tourism sector enters 2026, some foreign visitors are raising concerns over the rising cost of enjoying Pattaya’s nightlife and attractions. Despite high visitor numbers, local bars and restaurants report low takings, with many international tourists — particularly from India, Korea, and China — spending primarily within their own cultural establishments rather than at local businesses.
The first time I ever spent a night in the hospital was in Bangkok. A CT scan during my annual check-up revealed a condition requiring the opinion of a specialist. I was panic-stricken.
Thai food businesses in the United States are poised for growth in 2026, fueled by an increasing trend of dining out. Director-General Sunanta Kangvalkulkij of the Commerce Ministry’s Department of International Trade Promotion cited recent consumer behavior surveys as proof of this surge.
The “large-scale” invasion and abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Saturday, under the order of US President Donald Trump, marks a return of American unilateralism and exceptionalism with a bang.
Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez is known for her anti-imperialist rhetoric, earning her the nickname “the tigress” from toppled leader Nicolas Maduro. A fierce defender of Maduro, who was snatched by US forces in an extraordinary raid early Saturday, Rodriguez is now seeking to portray herself as a steady hand to lead the country’s political transition. 
Denmark called on the United States to stop “threatening” Greenland yesterday as President Donald Trump told US media he “absolutely” needed the territory, a day after Washington seized the leader of Venezuela. 
The demonstrations began again in Iran last week, only two years after the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement convulsed the country for months. However, the current protests are potentially much broader than that episode because they are driven by the collapse in Iran’s currency, the rial (now 1,420,000 to the US dollar), and the explosive rise in the cost of living. 
A 20-year-old Myanmar national has died following a violent assault at Hua Hin fishing pier, with police arresting three teenage suspects within hours of the incident. The victim succumbed to severe injuries at Hua Hin Hospital after being attacked late on New Year’s Eve, prompting a swift investigation by local authorities.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) said yesterday that another moderate to fairly strong high-pressure system from China is extending over upper Thailand and the upper south, bringing cool to cold weather and strong winds in many areas.
In a situation where the Thai economy faces challenges on all sides, especially the high level of household debt, reaching 90% of GDP, and the slowdown in nationwide residential property transfers, projected to fall by 6% in 2026, the Thai real estate market is inevitably dependent on foreign investment.
Thailand’s exports in 2026 are expected to face volatility and challenges due to a global economic slowdown that is dampening demand in key trading nations. High household debt will curb purchasing power, while a sluggish recovery in the global labor market, geopolitical uncertainties, and rising trade protectionism will continue to influence this sector, noted the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC).
Phuket’s tourism industry is calling on the government to urgently resolve what it describes as a deepening infrastructure crisis, warning that the island’s rapid tourism growth is outstripping its ability to cope.
Direct international flights between Singapore and Chiang Rai have officially begun, marking the first such service since the Covid-19 pandemic and strengthening air connectivity to northern Thailand.
At least nine people have died and more than 200 ?have been hospitalized in the central Indian city of Indore after a diarrhea outbreak that officials said was linked to contaminated drinking water, according to a lawmaker and local ?health authorities. 
China’s BYD has surpassed Tesla to become the world’s largest seller of electric vehicles (EVs) in annual sales. This marks the first time BYD has outpaced its American competitor, with BYD’s sales increasing by nearly 28% to over 2.25 million vehicles in 2025. Meanwhile, Tesla’s sales dropped by almost 9% to 1.64 million vehicles globally. 
Thailand’s Chearavanont Family Among World’s Top 25 Wealthiest
Thailand rewrites SEA Games history with record-breaking gold rush
Temples, tanks, and landmines: Thailand and Cambodia’s deadliest border year
Hun Sen’s war is his last gasp
Big C shuts 170 Big C Mini outlets as growth falters
Thai brands eye China’s booming premium health and beauty market
PKK launches road safety campaign
Riceberry could help restore hair
Industrial confidence rises slightly
Hotels call for end to Thai-Cambodian border war as room cancellations mount
Hua Hin golf course may be used for flood control
Tenth Thai soldier killed as clashes intensify
Brit visiting Hua Hin learns Thai ‘escorts’ can play pool
Israeli visitors to Thailand plummet as ‘Unwelcome’ signs come out
Call for speedy passage of clean air bill
10 Million Set to Receive 2,000 Baht Under Khon La Khrueng Plus2
Mazda to sink Bt5 billion into new mild hybrid EV project
