Changes to Thai Airport Screening/‘Beach Art’ exhibition ends Saturday/Ride-share drivers must register/Mystery Behind Chiang Mai Tiger Deaths/Total lunar eclipse on March 3- ECONOMY: Thailand braces for Trump tariffs/Baht breaks below 31 per dollar/’No plan’ for VAT rate hike/10-billion-Baht Chinese Project Approved/Thai Exports Surge 24.4%/Top printed circuit board manufacturing base/Retailers call for more help/Asia’s Social-Driven Shopping Revolution
- TOURISM: TikToker says most Thai locals are rude/Thailand’s Hotel Reality Check/Thailand’s 2026 micro-travel shift
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: How to Make Som Tum
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Upcoming Changes to Thai Airport Screening Procedures
Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) plans to revise airport screening procedures, transitioning from handheld metal detectors to manual searches by October. This change aims to enhance safety following recommendations from the United States of Aviation (USAP). However, airport workers have expressed concerns about passenger reactions to the new process.
The revised screening, planned for full implementation by January 2027, follows the USAP’s recommendations for improved security standards. Reportedly, the CAAT has yet to announce these changes officially. The new approach will include manual searches performed by officers of the same gender as passengers, in addition to walk-through metal detectors and body scanners. Continued …
Artist Village Hua Hin ‘Beach Art’ exhibition ends Saturday
The Beach Art exhibition Hua Hin at Artist Village Hua Hin, featuring works by Swiss artist Frederic Waelti, will conclude this Saturday. The exhibition brings together a body of work created from discarded materials and objects collected along the shoreline, including driftwood and other remnants shaped by the sea.
Waelti’s pieces explore how materials often seen as worthless can be transformed into artworks with visual impact and meaning, while also encouraging reflection on coastal environments and human responsibility toward them. Continued …
Ride-share drivers must register vehicles by Saturday
Ride-sharing drivers operating through mobile applications must register their vehicles under categories Ror Yor 17/18 with the Department of Land Transport by Saturday, the government has warned.
Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said the move will formally integrate app-based services into the legal public transport system and close legal loopholes caused by the use of private vehicles for commercial passenger transport. Continued …
Mystery Behind Chiang Mai Tiger Deaths Investigated
The death of 72 tigers at Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai last week has raised concerns about the source of the virus and bacteria responsible. Raw chicken meat from a private farm is suspected, as it was fed to all tigers at the two facilities in Mae Rim and Mae Taeng districts.
The tiger carcasses have been disposed of, either through cremation or burial. Each burial site is marked with identification numbers, and no parts were taken for sale. Despite strict protocols, the origin of canine distemper virus, Mycoplasma bacteria, and feline parvovirus remains undetermined, causing public speculation. Continued …
Total lunar eclipse on March 3; brick-red Moon visible nationwide in Thailand
Get ready for a major astronomical event to close out the first quarter of the year, as a total lunar eclipse will take place on the night of Makha Bucha Day, March 3. This one is special: the Moon is expected to appear brick-red from the moment it rises above the eastern horizon, allowing people in Thailand to enjoy the spectacle with the naked eye nationwide.
The event is expected to run from around 3:44 pm–9.23pm (Thailand time, Bangkok). The Moon will enter Earth’s penumbra at 3:44 pm, then move into Earth’s umbra, creating a partial lunar eclipse at 4:50 pm, before reaching the total lunar eclipse phase from 6:04 pm–7:02 pm. Continued …
Thailand braces for Trump tariffs, steps up US talks and FTAs
The collection of Donald Trump’s retaliatory customs tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) was ruled unlawful by the US Supreme Court on Feb. 20. Following the ruling, the US president signed an executive order to enforce a new global customs tariff of 10% under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, effective at 12:01 am today.
On Feb. 21, the US president announced a 15% tariff rate, describing it as a legally permitted and legally reviewed level, effective immediately, although it had not yet been issued as an executive order. Continued …
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Baht breaks below 31 per dollar
The baht has strengthened again, breaking below 31 per US dollar and marking its strongest level in a week, after Donald Trump’s global 15% tariff move weighed on the US dollar. Kasikornbank and Krungthai Bank said the baht could continue to strengthen on capital inflows, the export outlook, and a surge of investment flowing into Thailand.
The latest movement in the exchange rate showed the baht strengthening and breaking below 31 per dollar yesterday, supported by two key factors: a sharp rise in gold prices amid geopolitical uncertainty, and a weaker US dollar. Continued …
‘No plan’ for VAT rate hike
The incoming Bhumjaithai-led administration will not raise the value-added tax (VAT) rate to 10% over the next three years, a BJT executive said, adding that the party’s immediate focus is economic recovery.
BJT deputy leader Siripong Angkasakulkiat gave the assurance yesterday in response to a proposal floated by a Senate subcommittee on economic, monetary, and fiscal affairs last week. Continued …
10-billion-Baht Chinese Humanoid Robot Parts Project Approved
The Board of Investment (BOI) has approved investment promotion for five major Chinese firms to establish what it describes as the country’s first production base for humanoid robot components.
The projects carry an initial investment value of more than 10 billion baht. The move is intended to strengthen Thailand’s high-tech supply chain and support so-called “industries of the future”. Continued …
Thai Exports Surge 24.4% on AI Electronics Boom
Thailand’s exports rose 24.4% year-on-year in January, marking the fastest growth since late 2021, driven by a surge in outbound electronic products linked to artificial intelligence and data centers.
Imports climbed 29.4% over the same period, also reaching a four-year high, according to Commerce Ministry data released yesterday. Both figures exceeded even the most optimistic estimates in a Bloomberg survey of economists. Continued …
Thailand becomes ASEAN’s top printed circuit board manufacturing base
The printed circuit board (PCB) industry is becoming a major magnet for large-scale investment flows into Thailand, amid the global expansion of AI, data centers and advanced electronics. This has helped Thailand move up to become ASEAN’s number one PCB manufacturing base, with a longer-term goal of rising into the world’s top five.
Data from the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) shows that between 2022 and June 2025, more than 180 PCB investment projects applied for investment promotion, with a combined value of more than B200 billion. This reflects ongoing production relocation and foreign investor confidence in Thailand as a strategic base in the region. Continued …
Retailers call for more help than just spending stimulus
As the Bhumjaithai Party prepares to lead the next government, one significant campaign pledge was to revive the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme. However, people in the wholesale and retail sectors view this initiative as a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution to the country’s sluggish economy.
The Khon La Khrueng Plus program allowed registered individuals to pay only half the price of goods purchased from local shops, with the government subsidizing the remainder. Continued …
The Social-Driven Shopping Revolution in Asia
The social-driven shopping revolution in Asia represents a seismic shift in consumer behavior, where social media platforms have evolved from mere communication tools into powerful e-commerce ecosystems. This phenomenon, often termed “social commerce,” integrates entertainment, community interaction, and seamless purchasing, blurring the lines between scrolling and shopping.
Driven by high mobile penetration, a young, digitally native population, and innovative platforms, Asia — particularly China and Southeast Asia (SEA) — leads the world in this space. As of 2026, social commerce is not just a trend but a core driver of retail growth, with projections indicating explosive expansion amid AI integration and live streaming dominance. Continued …
TikToker says most Thai locals are rude for not speaking English or using translation
Social media influencer Farah Shams, who has more than 2.4 million followers on TikTok, has sparked controversy after posting a video criticizing what she described as rude behavior by the majority of Thai locals during her visit.
In the clip, which has drawn nearly 400,000 views, Shams said she “genuinely” loves Thailand and called it a “lovely place”, but questioned why “the majority” of locals were, in her view, disrespectful toward foreigners and tourists. She said that when she spoke English to local people, many did not understand her and appeared to ignore her rather than attempt to communicate. Continued …
Thailand’s Hotel Reality Check: More Rooms, Tougher Competition
Thailand’s hotel industry has expanded almost continuously for close to five decades since the “Visit Thailand* boom in the 80’s. The latest Asia Pacific construction pipeline data confirms that this trend remains firmly in place.
Across the region (excluding China), hotel development reached a record 2,323 projects with 433,241 rooms by the end of Q4 2025. Within this total, Thailand recorded 167 active projects comprising 43,067 rooms, reinforcing its position as one of Asia’s most competitive hotel markets. Continued …
Airbnb highlights Thailand’s 2026 micro-travel shift
The Thailand micro-travel trend 2026 is gaining momentum, with new data from Airbnb indicating a structural shift in how Thai and Asian travelers are reshaping domestic and regional tourism patterns.
According to Airbnb insights, one- to two-day domestic trips among Thai travelers increased by almost 40% in 2025 compared to 2023 levels, while short international trips grew by nearly 15% over the same period. The rise of shorter, more frequent getaways reflects evolving work patterns, including hybrid and remote models, allowing travelers to integrate weekend breaks and quick overseas visits more seamlessly into their lifestyles. Continued …
How to Make Som Tum, the Famous Thai Papaya Salad, Like a MICHELIN Restaurant
If there’s one dish that could rival pad Thai for national icon status, it’s som tam — or som tum. This punchy papaya salad shows up everywhere in Thailand, from roadside carts to family tables, and has become an international star.
No two versions taste quite the same. But among the many riffs, som tam Thai remains the crowd-pleaser: sweet, sour, spicy, and unapologetically bold. The classic som tam thai is the gateway version — bright, balanced and finished with peanuts and dried shrimp. Continued …
Ukraine marks four years since Russian invasion
Ukraine today marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, with a show of solidarity from its staunchest allies and no immediate end in sight to Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II. Tens of thousands of lives have been lost since the Kremlin ordered troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, confident of a quick victory but not expecting the fierce resistance that followed. Continued …
Despite drop in 2025, Russian oil exports exceed pre-war volumes
While Russian oil exports dropped last year, Russia is still exporting higher volumes than before its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, researchers said today, calling for stricter sanctions enforcement. The volume of Russian crude oil exports remained 6% above pre-invasion levels in the fourth year of the war, despite Western sanctions aimed at curbing Russia’s “shadow fleet”. Continued …
Australian PM seeks removal of UK’s Andrew from line of succession
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government is writing to Commonwealth realms about its backing for former prince Andrew to be axed from the line of royal succession. Albanese said he had communicated with his British counterpart Keir Starmer about Andrew, who is being investigated for alleged misconduct in public office following revelations about his dealings with the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Continued …
Indonesia’s elephant ride ban now taking effect
Indonesia’s nationwide ban on elephant riding is being rolled out across conservation and tourism facilities in Bali, Sumatra, and Borneo following a government directive issued in December. The directive requires licensed zoos, safari parks, and wildlife attractions to stop offering elephant rides and shift toward observation-based experiences. Continued …
Hua Hin Links and Transport
Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Hua Hin City Municipality has stepped up its sexual health education efforts ahead of Valentine’s Day, holding a campaign on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention for local secondary school students.
Addressing economic problems tops the public’s wish list for a new government led by the Bhumjaithai Party, with measures to reduce the cost of living ranking highest among expectations, according to a KPI poll released yesterday.
The Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) has issued new guidelines for the Trade Competition Act of 2017, expected to be published in the Royal Gazette next month, aiming to curb unfair trade practices and prevent monopolistic behavior in multi-sided platform businesses, with a focus on e-commerce.
Tourism operators are urging the government to reform law enforcement and regulation, as businesses and tourists suffer from worsening bribery issues, hampering the nation’s tourism reputation.
The number of daily passengers using Chiang Mai Airport as reached a new post-pandemic high, underlining the city’s status as a tourist hub in northern Thailand.
There is a type of foreigner in Thailand most tourists never notice. They don’t hang out in sports bars, don’t argue online about beer prices, and don’t complain that “Thailand isn’t what it used to be.” You won’t find them on Soi 6 or Walking Street, and if you do pass them somewhere local, you might not even realize they’re foreigners at all.
Bangkok is famous for many things – incredible street food, stunning temples, and a wellness scene that draws visitors from around the world. With so many spas scattered across the city, finding the right spa package in Bangkok can feel overwhelming.
Chiang Mai food tour: Must-try eats, street food, hidden cafes
Discover Kaeng Ko’s sunken temple and giant rain tree in Lamphun
The US military is preparing for the possibility of extended operations lasting weeks against Iran, if President Donald Trump orders an attack, according to two US officials. This raises the stakes significantly in the ongoing diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran. 
Passengers in Thailand can now utilize QR codes for enhanced taxi ride safety and convenience. This new feature allows users to verify driver details, real-time track their journey, share trip information, and rate their experience. The Department of Land Transport plans to equip around 70,000 taxis with these QR codes by June.
A ride-hailing driver posted a touching experience on the “Grab Car Driver Club Thailand” Facebook group, declaring: “I want 10 more jobs like this”. The first image showed the journey details – from Huai Khwang to Phra Khanong. The second revealed the adorable passenger: what appeared to be a long-coat Chihuahua.
The cabinet has been instructed to start preparing to void a 25-year-old memorandum of understanding (MoU) used by Thailand and Cambodia as a framework to settle their overlapping maritime boundaries.
Chula Researchers Transform Thai Silk into Medical Innovation
Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to seek approval from Thailand’s next cabinet for two major airport expansion projects worth a combined 269 billion baht, covering Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports.
Thailand’s once-robust manufacturing sector is facing a protracted slowdown, with factory capacity utilization hovering below 60% for the past two years, raising concerns about the country’s economic competitiveness and industrial policy effectiveness.
Arada Fueangthong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT), said Thailand’s utilization of trade preferences under free trade agreements (FTAs) continued to expand in January–November 2025.
If the incoming coalition government implements its IT policies as pledged during the campaign, it should increase revenue growth of system integrator and data center businesses by 5.8% year-on-year to 260 billion baht this year, says Krungthai Compass, a research unit under Krungthai Bank.
The cabinet yesterday endorsed a comprehensive visa package proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to boost tourism, attract long-stay visitors, and stimulate the economy.
Chinese New Year in Thailand: A National Celebration and a Regional Travel Magnet
As Thailand enters the post-election period, many foreign tourists and long-term visitors say their expectations are not focused on political personalities or campaign rhetoric, but on practical changes that shape daily life, travel decisions, and confidence in Thailand as a long-stay destination. Conversations among foreign residents and repeat visitors consistently return to the same themes: clarity, fairness, and predictability.
If people used to talk about tourism in the past, it may have meant a short break and a change of scenery from everyday life, a brief moment of happiness that recharged the body before returning to normal routines. Today, however, tourism is shifting from “temporary rest” to “a long-term investment in health”.
With Chinese New Year approaching next week, Pattaya tourism operators expect similar conditions as last year. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation, said Pattaya operators expect a large number of foreign tourists for the holiday, particularly from long-haul markets, accounting for 80% and helping the occupancy rate near 90%.
Phuket is preparing to welcome a surge of visitors during the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, with a month-long program of events beginning today aimed at stimulating early-year tourism and generating more than 600 million baht in revenue.
Picture this for a moment. You’ve worked decades, paid into Social Security your entire adult life, and when retirement finally arrives, the monthly check lands somewhere around $1,800. In many parts of the United States, that barely covers rent. It’s frustrating, I know.
13 Mouth-Watering Thai Dishes You Need To Try
Kintetsu World Express has taken another step toward cleaner operations by installing a solar power generation system at its warehouse in Prachinburi Province. The project has been carried out by its local subsidiary, KWE-Kintetsu World Express (Thailand) Co., as part of the group’s wider push toward decarbonized and sustainable business practices.
Planned or under-construction solar and wind projects slowed last year, analysis showed yesterday, casting doubts on whether countries will hit a goal of tripling renewable capacity by 2030. Dozens of nations agreed in 2023 to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 as part of efforts to limit global warming.
At least 10 people died yesterday in a remote part of western Canada, including seven who were shot at a secondary school and two others found dead at a residence, federal police said. Twenty-seven people were injured. An individual believed to be responsible for the killing in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, was found deceased with what appears to be a self-inflicted injury. 
Noise pollution is affecting bird behavior across the globe, disrupting everything from courtship songs to the ability to find food and avoid predators, a large-scale new analysis showed today. 
Efforts to raise food sanitation standards across the western central region were the focus of a regional network meeting attended by representatives from eight provinces, including Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Authorities in Prachuap Khiri Khan are studying new sand sources as part of plans for beach nourishment to address coastal erosion along the central Gulf of Thailand. The Regional Marine Office, Prachuap Khiri Khan Branch, held a public consultation on Friday morning to outline a project to survey potential sand reserves for use in reinforcing beaches in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Chumphon.
The Harvest Wine Run Festival Hua Hin returns to Monsoon Valley Vineyard on March 7, inviting runners, walkers and wine lovers to combine fitness, food, and vineyard fun in one unique event.
Bhumjaithai in landslide victory with counting nearly complete
The Bhumjaithai Party of caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has won 174 House constituency seats, followed by the People’s Party with 87, and 58 for the Pheu Thai Party, according to the Election Commission.
Thailand’s election marked a significant shift as the nation embraced nationalism and the monarchy, moving away from a progressive movement that had gained traction in recent years. The election results are a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape.
PM2.5 pollution across northeastern Thailand continued to worsen for a fifth consecutive day, as authorities reported daily illegal agricultural burning, with satellite data showing multiple fire hotspots despite air quality in some areas remaining within official limits.
Thailand recorded a cumulative burned area of 2.26 million rai between Jan. 1–31, according to an analysis of Sentinel-2 satellite imagery by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, or GISTDA. One rai equals 1,600 square meters, 0.4 acres, or 10,764 square feet.
As Thailand continues to battle worsening PM2.5 pollution and persistent urban smog, air purifiers have quickly shifted from optional home appliances to essential health safeguards, especially for expatriates adjusting to the country’s environmental conditions. Understanding how these machines improve indoor air quality can make a substantial difference to daily comfort and long-term well-being.
Residents near the Chong Chom border crossing in Surin province say they are preparing for a possible third round of fighting, citing daily provocations by Cambodian troops and rising insecurity, with some households ready to evacuate. The comments came as uncertainty along the Thai–Cambodian border continued to affect local communities and cross-border trade.
A tragic encounter in Thailand is sparking renewed debate about how we share space with large wild animals in popular parks. A 65-year-old Thai tourist was killed on Feb. 2 after being trampled during a morning walk in Khao Yai National Park. Officials said the bull elephant, Oyewan, has now been linked to three deaths, and they will meet to decide next steps, including relocation or attempts to change the animal’s behavior.
Bhumjaithai has outlined an export policy aimed at reducing reliance on traditional markets and strengthening SMEs to compete globally.
Thailand is strengthening its food soft power by transforming local beef into a premium global product. The National Innovation Agency, or NIA, has launched Thailand Beef Fest 2026, showcasing how innovation can raise the quality and international competitiveness of Thai beef.
Thailand’s 4 Strengths to Attract Global Chip Giant: Grand Strategy Needed
The Thai halal industry, which includes food and tourism, has strong growth potential, according to the Thai Muslim Trade Assn. (TMTA). Marut Mekloy, president of the TMTA, said Thailand has a wide range of halal-certified products across various sectors, positioning the country as a prospective global halal trade hub.
Thailand’s tourism industry enters 2026 at a complex and delicately balanced moment. The long-anticipated rebound in Chinese arrivals has fallen short of official forecasts, while breaking news of a virus outbreak in India and Nepal now threatens to disrupt one of Thailand’s fastest-growing source markets. Together, these developments point to a tourism sector moving beyond recovery and into a period of structural adjustment.
Chiang Mai, once dominated by Chinese visitors, has gradually changed as the foreign market diversifies, with more arrivals from South Korea and Japan, as well as a notable resurgence of long haul tourists.
I Visited One of Thailand’s Oldest Organic Tea Farms
Don’t just eat in Thailand, learn how to cook Thai food, too
They say mother knows best, so mother’s mother must know even better, and what about her mother? Perhaps these historic Thai restaurants can tell us; the ones that have been in Bangkok for so long that our parents can reminisce along with us.
What a difference a single year makes. The once-dominant push to radically reshape society to avert climate catastrophe has collapsed. Look at Davos – the talkfest long dominated by climate advocacy. That consensus has been abandoned by its once strongest proponents.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s coalition swept to a landslide election win yesterday, paving the way for her tax cuts that have spooked financial markets and increased military spending aimed at countering China. 
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is holding the “Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2026” to promote sports tourism and elevate Muay Thai as a cultural heritage on the international stage.
From Feb. 8 to 11, a moderate to strong high-pressure system, or cold air mass, from China will cover the upper parts of Thailand, leading to thunderstorms initially, followed by a decrease in temperature and strong winds.
Air quality in Bangkok has worsened, with PM2.5 levels exceeding safe standards, causing respiratory issues. Eastern Bangkok records the highest levels.
Two timebombs were defused at the Pattani bus terminal in Muang district yesterday after they were found hidden a toilet, with authorities saying they resembled previous finds at several petrol stations in the province.
The president of Thailand’s fifth-largest bank has acknowledged the country’s economic challenges following its recent characterization as the “sick man of Asia”, arguing the malaise requires deep structural reforms rather than temporary stimulus, while unveiling a strategy to bolster sustainable finance by 40% to 350 billion baht (US$10.1 billion) by 2030.
TikTok has confirmed its long-term investment plan in Thailand worth 270 billion baht, according to caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.
The Gold Traders Assn. reported that gold prices were adjusted 101 times throughout yesterday, with prices falling by Bt2,300 compared with trading on Feb. 4.
Bangkok restaurateur Sorathep Steve said he was told off last Saturday by customers who had just flown in from the United States and ordered a bottle of wine, only to be told of Thailand’s election-linked ban on alcohol.
The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) conducted a “Tourism Business Confidence Index” survey in Q4 2025, involving 302 foreign tourists in Bangkok and Chonburi. The survey revealed that while overall safety concerns were moderate, specific issues like scams were highly problematic, and the strength of the Thai baht significantly influenced 90% of visitors’ travel decisions.
Thailand’s Hat Yai picks up the pieces in wake of devastating floods
B.Grimm Power (BGRIM) is positioning clean energy as a game changer for Thailand’s energy transition, accelerating its push into renewables as the country and global industry move toward a low-carbon future.
Bitcoin sank in early Asia trading today, extending a selloff that had already erased all the gains booked by the token since US President Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory. The original cryptocurrency fell as much as 4.8% to a fresh low of US$60,033 this morning, after hours earlier plunging to its lowest level since October 2024, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. It later pared those losses and was up by more than 2% to over $64,400 by 9.12 am in Singapore. 
Australian undercover inspectors have found pubs fail to pour enough beer and other alcohol into customers’ glasses for nearly a third of the drinks they serve. The government sent “secret shopper” officials to 436 licensed venues across the country in October to check if they were filling glasses high enough. Preliminary findings showed 32% of the drinks they served failed to deliver the “correct amount”, said the National Measurement Institute’s audit report released this week. 
Airport screening for Nipah virus, which has been stepped up across Asia this week after two cases were identified in India, are more about reassurance than science, several leading experts said yesterday.
A World Health Organization official said yesterday that the risk of the spread of the Nipah virus is low, saying that none of the over 190 contacts of the two people infected in India had tested positive or developed symptoms of the disease.
Most Thai working people are aware of the health risks posed by PM2.5 airborne pollution but are reluctant to buy quality N95 face masks to protect themselves, claiming that they are too expensive, according to Arkhom Praditsuwan, director general of the Health Service Support Department.
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.
Pattaya has introduced new rule assigning specific umbrella colors to beach chair operators, saying the move will improve orderliness and create a more attractive seaside view for visitors.
Think you’ve already done everything there is to do in Bangkok? Hate to break it to you, but probably not. Even if you’ve lost count of how many times you’ve visited, the city always finds new ways to surprise, including new attractions with thrilling rides and aesthetic shopping malls in BKK.
The Ministry of Culture has revealed plans for a major cultural celebration from April 22-26, marking the 244th Anniversary of the Foundation of Rattanakosin. The events will take place in three central locations in Bangkok and aim to bring the rich history of Thailand to life through a series of activities, exhibitions, and performances.
Thailand’s electric vehicle sector is facing fresh uncertainty after government proposals to sharply raise public EV charging prices, a move that could erase the cost benefits that have driven rapid adoption.
Thailand plans to tighten the rules for investors in data centers and other businesses that use a large amount of electricity, requiring them to provide a bank guarantee or collateral to secure power purchases.
Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract threat; it is part of everyday life. From unpredictable weather patterns to rising air pollution, communities across Thailand and around the world are already experiencing its impacts. As these challenges intensify, education is emerging as one of the most powerful starting points for meaningful climate action.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 
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.
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).
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. 
