- Fuel prices to rise today/Two PKK beaches recognized/Super El Niño could bring food shock
- THE IRAN WAR: Middle East war will weaken baht/Fuel frustration mounts/Oil Shortage Threatens Thai Tourism/Conflict threatens Thai growth/Trump signals possible wind-down/Israel-Iran strikes hit energy hubs/Qatar blast doubles LNG prices/War jolts six Thai industries/Coal units restarted/Thinning Suvarnabhumi taxi ranks/Hospitals limit drug dispensing
- ECONOMY: Consumer giants eye April price rises/Tax schemes to benefit SMEs/Vietnam preferred by European investors/Booming wellness economies
- TOURISM: Tourism eyes B15-billion stimulus/Suvarnabhumi 36th best airport
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand Falls to 52nd/Wild elephant raids kitchen
- CLIMATE THAILAND: When the ocean cannot speak
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Fuel prices to rise today as PTT and Bangchak adjust rates
Petrol prices will rise today, with PTT and Bangchak service stations announcing their latest price adjustments. Gasohol 95, Gasohol 91, Gasohol E85, Gasohol E20, Super Power Gasohol 95, and petrol will all increase by 1 baht per liter, while diesel and Super Power diesel will rise by 70 satang per liter. Effective from 5 am today, fuel prices for tomorrow will be as follows: Continued …
Two PKK beaches win 4.5-star environmental ratings, Koh Kradan and Bileh 5-star winners
The Pollution Control Department has announced the results of its 2025 Beach Star environmental assessment, with Koh Kradan in Trang and Bileh Beach on Koh Hong in Krabi receiving the highest five-star rating. Khao Kalok Beach and Sam Phraya Beach, both in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, received 4.5 stars.
The results showed that 10 beaches achieved environmental quality ratings ranging from very good to excellent, or 4.5 to five stars. The department said these beaches demonstrated an outstanding environmental quality and could serve as models for sustainable beach management in Thailand. Continued …
Super El Niño could bring drought, food shock
Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, or GISTDA, has warned that a possible “super El Niño” could trigger severe climate disruption across Thailand and the wider ASEAN region, bringing heightened risks of drought, food insecurity, soaring agricultural prices and a worsening PM2.5 crisis.
GISTDA said the region could face much greater volatility than under a normal El Niño event if the phenomenon intensifies. According to information posted by GISTDA, a normal El Niño already tends to bring hotter and drier conditions. But if it strengthens into a super El Niño, with sea-surface temperatures rising more than 1.5-2 degrees Celsius above average, the effects on climate systems, the economy and people’s daily lives could become much more severe. The agency said clearer signs may begin to emerge in early May 2026. Continued …
Escalating Middle East war will likely further weaken Thai baht
The Thai baht is set to weaken further as the Middle East war is intensifying and dragging on, while the US Federal Reserve also may not be in a rush to cut interest rates.
Wachirawat Banchuen, senior financial market strategist at Siam Commercial Bank, said the Thai baht’s plunge stopped just above 32.80 to the dollar, its weakest level in five months, and will likely continue weakening in the short term. Continued …
Fuel frustration mounts
Public frustration is mounting across Thailand over restricted access to fuel, despite repeated government assurances that national reserves remain ample. Officials insist there is no overall shortage, citing combined reserves sufficient for 104 days, yet scenes on the ground tell a more complicated story.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, demand remains intense. Lorry driver Kriangkrai said he stops at multiple stations each day, as purchases are capped at 1,000 baht per visit. “I have to refuel at up to 10 stations a day; this disrupts transport schedules.” Other motorists report similar difficulties. Continued …
Oil Shortage Fears Threaten Thai Tourism Confidence
Thailand’s tourism sector is facing renewed concern after warnings that a potential oil shortage could disrupt travel and damage visitor confidence more severely than rising fuel prices. Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun said a lack of fuel supply would create immediate uncertainty, leaving tourists unsure whether they could complete their journeys. He cautioned that such disruption could undermine the overall travel experience and deter both domestic and international visitors.
The warning comes amid broader concerns over global energy instability and its potential impact on Thailand. Although the government has stated that oil reserves are sufficient for more than 90 days, Thienprasit urged authorities not to become complacent. He stressed that even with reassurances, any misstep in managing supply could escalate into a wider crisis of confidence, particularly if reports spread suggesting fuel shortages across the country. Continued …
Mideast conflict threatens Thai growth
The Bank of Thailand is warning the war in the Middle East could weigh on Thailand’s economy across multiple fronts, potentially dragging GDP growth below its 2% forecast for this year.
The conflict has heightened downside risks, with impacts expected through several channels, including energy prices, financial market volatility, and broader economic activity, said Chayawadee Chai-anant, assistant governor for corporate relations at the central bank. Continued …
Trump signals possible wind-down in Iran
US President Donald Trump said today he was considering winding down US military operations against Iran, saying Washington was close to achieving its objectives as the conflict approached its fourth week.
In an online post on, Trump wrote: “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the terrorist regime of Iran.” Continued …
Israel-Iran strikes hit global energy hubs
Israel and Iran have launched a series of intense retaliatory strikes targeting energy infrastructure across the Middle East, pushing the region into a deeper and more dangerous phase of conflict with global economic consequences.
Reuters reported yesterday that the situation escalated sharply, with both sides focusing attacks on critical energy facilities in their own territories and across the region. Continued …
Qatar blast doubles LNG prices, pressures Thailand’s power tariff
Global energy markets have been shaken once again after an explosion at a natural gas production site in Qatar triggered a sharp surge in global liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices, placing direct pressure on Thailand’s electricity cost structure, particularly the fuel adjustment charge (Ft) for the second 2026 period (May-August), which is due to be announced soon.
Poonpat Leesombatpaiboon, secretary-general of the Energy Regulatory Commission (OERC), said geopolitical factors, especially tensions in the Middle East linked to the Iran war, have significantly increased uncertainty in global energy markets and have already begun to affect Thailand. Continued …
Iran war jolts six Thai industries, possible B12-billion GDP hit
The escalating tensions surrounding the Iran war in the Middle East have become a major source of pressure on the global economy, with significant repercussions for Thailand’s industrial sector amid rising risks from energy prices and logistics costs.
Supakit Boonsiri, director-general of the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE), said the key issue requiring close monitoring is the risk of a closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, accounting for around 20% of global daily oil consumption. Continued …
Coal units restarted to curb electricity costs
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has ordered the restart of two decommissioned units at the Mae Moh coal-fired power plant in a bid to contain rising electricity bills.
ERC Secretary-general Poonpat Leesombatpiboon said the commission’s board resolved that state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) should bring units 9 and 10 back online. Continued …
Fuel shortage thinning Suvarnabhumi taxi ranks
A fuel shortage is severely disrupting taxi services at Suvarnabhumi Airport, with large SUV taxis gradually suspending operations and only about 2,500 vehicles currently in active service, out of a fleet estimated at more than 5,000, operators say.
Drivers of the larger vehicles favored by families and travelers with bulky luggage have had to stop working, as they’re struggling to secure fuel supplies, Panlop Chayinthu, president of the Suvarnabhumi Taxi Coordination Assn., said yesterday. Continued …
Hospitals limit drug dispensing
Three major hospitals have adjusted outpatient drug dispensing as a precaution to prevent potential shortages amid energy-related disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis, while the Ministry of Public Health says national stocks remain sufficient.
Siriraj Hospital, Ramathibodi Hospital, and Maharaj Nakhon Chiang Mai Hospital said the measures are intended to manage medicines and medical supplies prudently to ensure availability for patients amid heightened supply chain risks. Continued …
Five consumer giants eye April price rises on cost surge
Five major consumer goods manufacturers are signaling possible price increases from April, as the global energy crisis drives up costs across supply chains and puts fresh pressure on the retail market.
The prolonged tension in the Middle East has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with higher oil prices and rising logistics costs beginning to feed into production expenses. Some product categories are also starting to face shortages of imported raw materials, leaving manufacturers to absorb significantly higher costs. Continued …
Ministry preps tax schemes to benefit SMEs
The Finance Ministry is preparing tax reduction measures for large businesses that help bring small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into their supply chains, in a bid to help upgrade local SMEs.
Speaking at a Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) seminar yesterday, caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said SMEs are a key pillar of the government’s “Quick Big Win” policy, which aims to transform SMEs by enhancing their competitiveness. Continued …
Vietnam, not Thailand, preferred by European investors in ASEAN
European companies are increasingly favoring Vietnam over Thailand for future investments in Southeast Asia, according to Chris Humphrey, executive director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council.
Business sentiment surveys conducted by the council show Vietnam has ranked as the top destination for European investment. Humphrey said Vietnam’s extensive network of trade agreements has given it a clear advantage. Continued …
Philippines and Thailand have booming wellness economies
The Philippines and Thailand’s wellness economies have each surged in value in recent years, according to the latest data published by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI).
The Philippines’ wellness economy is valued at US$47.3 billion, which is an increase of 31% on figures from 2019 (US$36 billion). Wellness contributes 10.2% of the country’s GDP. The year-on-year growth shows a robust rate of 7.3%. Thailand’s wellness market reached US$43.7 billion in 2024, ranking number seven among the world’s top 25 wellness markets for growth between 2023 and 2024 – achieving a 10% increase. Continued …
Tourism groups eye B15-billion stimulus
Seven tourism associations under the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA) have called for stimulus projects worth a combined 15 billion baht, including cash handouts to local tourists, to prevent an industry downturn due to the Gulf war.
Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), said cancellation rates ballooned during three weeks of strikes in the Middle East, while new bookings for April slowed, including from Chinese travelers. Visitors from the mainland recorded promising signs the first two months of the year, but forward bookings have faded to 60% of available seats in April. Continued …
Changi Named World’s Best Airport, Suvarnabhumi 36th
Singapore Changi Airport has been named the world’s best airport for 2026 by Skytrax, extending its long-running dominance, while Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport climbed to 36th place in the latest global rankings. The annual list highlights continued strong performance by leading Asian hubs and steady improvement in Thailand’s main international gateway.
The rankings are based on passenger surveys conducted worldwide between 2025 and 2026, assessing service quality and overall airport experience. Changi retained the top spot, followed by Incheon International Airport and Tokyo Haneda Airport. Other airports in the top 10 include Hong Kong International Airport and Narita International Airport. Continued …
Thailand Falls to 52nd in ‘World Happiness’ rankings
Finland has ranked as the world’s happiest country for the ninth consecutive year in the World Happiness Report 2026, while Thailand dropped from 49th to 52nd place. The report, released by the Wellbeing Research Center at the University of Oxford on Thursday, highlighted that the top three countries were Finland, Iceland, and Denmark. Costa Rica saw significant improvement, climbing to fourth place, the highest among Latin American nations.
Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands were ranked fifth, sixth, and seventh, respectively. Israel, Luxembourg, and Switzerland followed, securing the eighth, ninth, and 10th positions. The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom were ranked 23rd, 25th, and 29th, respectively, with Thailand falling to 52nd. Continued …
Wild elephant raids kitchen, devours rice in Chachoengsao
A wild elephant broke into a rural home in eastern Thailand overnight, rummaging through a kitchen and eating stored rice, officials said yesterday. The incident occurred late in Tha Takiab district, where local officials and rangers inspected damage at a house in Ban Khlong Mahat village.
CCTV footage showed a large elephant quietly approaching the rear of the house before forcing its way through a wooden kitchen door. Once inside, it searched for food, opening cupboards and using its trunk to scoop rice from a storage jar. Continued …
When the ocean cannot speak
The ocean has always felt like home to Claire Narida Charanachitta. Long before she spoke at international forums or produced award-winning documentaries, the Thai teenager spent her childhood exploring forests, coastlines, and environmental camps that introduced her to the delicate balance of nature.
Those early encounters would quietly shape a path that now places her among a new generation of youth advocates working to protect the planet’s oceans. Today, at just 17 years old, Claire has become an emerging voice in marine conservation — one whose work has reached audiences from coastal communities in Thailand to the United Nations (UN). Continued …
- Police Smash Chinese Call Center Gang, Seize B14-million Assets – Continued …
- Chinese Suspect in Call Center Scam Held in Bangkok Continued …
- Phuket Nabs Four in Major South Korean Drug Bust – Continued …
- Brit ‘Mum on the Run’ Jailed Over Drug Offenses – Continued …
- Foreign Biker Kills Finnish Pedestrian in Pattaya Crash – 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
Berlayar Estate, a boutique property developer specializing in refined, lifestyle-driven living, has announced the official launch of its newest premium villa collection under the theme “The Journey to Serenity.” This latest portfolio introduces a curated selection of private residential projects in Hua Hin and Pranburi.
Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said after chairing a meeting of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee that the meeting had considered an agenda on relaxing controls on alcohol sales hours in the Eastern Aviation City Promotion Zone yesterday at the Ministry of Public Health.
High-street coffee chains across Thailand are set to undergo a radical transformation next week as the Department of Health launches a new nationwide standard for freshly brewed drinks. Beginning Feb. 11, any customer ordering a “normal sweetness” beverage will automatically receive a drink containing only 50% of the original sugar recipe.
Thailand will hold a general election on Sunday, in a three-way contest of major political parties to decide the leader of the Southeast Asian nation over the next four years.
The Ministry of Public Health has intensified preventive and surveillance measures against the Nipah virus, even as authorities stress that the risk of infection in the country remains very low.
Thailand is well-known for its wats (Buddhist temples), breathtaking beaches and islands, and vibrant night bazaars. Yet, one feature often overlooked is our convenience stores. Although not one of our cultural monuments, with more than 14,000 outlets nationwide as of 2024 – among the highest densities per capita globally – these stores have become iconic landmarks in their own right.
Park rangers are trying to keep wild elephants away from communities and tourist attractions during the dry season. The measures cover a bull elephant that has killed three people, including a camper, in this Nakhon Ratchasima province.
The era of Thailand as a high-growth “economic yiger” has come to an abrupt halt. Once the envy of its neighbors, the country is increasingly being referred to as the “sick man of Asia,” as reported by the Financial Times.
Krungthai researchers are warning that Thailand’s economy in 2026 could record its weakest growth outlook in three decades, as the country remains stuck in a low-growth trap with no new engines of expansion. They also caution that SMEs could remain mired in difficulties, with shrinking profits and mounting debt, risking a broad-based “downgrade” across the sector unless business structures are reshaped quickly.
Fresh research from MoneyTransfers.com has unveiled the planet’s most jam-packed tourist hotspots. The team’s findings reveal that Phuket in Thailand stands as the globe’s most congested tourist magnet. This Thai paradise boasts a staggering 118 tourists for every local inhabitant.
The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) has released its “Tourism Business Confidence Index in Thailand, Q4 2025”, based on a survey of 302 foreign tourists using accidental sampling: 200 respondents in Bangkok and 102 in Chonburi.
A Thai family in Nakhon Si Thammarat province mistakenly hosted foreign tourists at a funeral, providing them with food when they believed it to be a restaurant. The tourists apologized after realizing they were at a funeral, not a dining venue.
Chinese New Year celebrations in the island province are expected to be particularly vibrant this year. The upbeat outlook is driven by a strong rebound in the Chinese tourism market and an increase in direct flights from China, according to the Phuket Tourist Business Assn. (PTBA).
Mae Hong Son officials on Monday launched a joint campaign aimed at preventing wildfires and reducing air pollution in the province, with multiple key leaders participating in a kick-off event held in front of the municipal office. The campaign was led by Mae Hong Son Gov. Wiboon Waewbandit, alongside Deputy Gov. Udomsak Khaonoona and Mae Hong Son Mayor Mallika Jeenakham.
Drainage contractor discharged black water into Jomtien sea
From field to forest, restoring rice in Ubon Ratchathani
Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) expects the domestic electric vehicle (EV) market to gain momentum under the government’s new car tax policy set to take effect in 2026, aimed at promoting cleaner energy.
The last Russia-U.S. nuclear arms control treaty, known as New START, is due to expire tomorrow. We look at what the treaty does, what its expiration would mean, and what it may take to establish a new treaty. 
Spain will ban access to social media for minors under 16 and hold company CEOs criminally liable for illegal content, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said yesterday, as he announced several measures to guarantee a safe digital environment. 
France summoned billionaire Elon Musk to a “voluntary interview” as cybercrime authorities yesterday searched the French offices of his social media network X, the Paris public prosecutor’s office said. The operation, which involves the EU police agency Europol, is part of an investigation opened in January 2025 into whether X’s algorithm was used to interfere in French politics. 
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will organize the “Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2026” to promote sports tourism and elevate Muay Thai as a cultural heritage on the international stage.
The inaugural Hua Hin Ultra Marathon 2026 will take place on Saturday, May 23, marking the first time the city has hosted an ultra-distance running event of this scale. The race will start and finish at Rajabhakti Park and will offer four distances, ranging from a 10-kilometer evening run to a 100-kilometer ultra marathon.
Chiva-Som Hua Hin has been celebrated for its unique approach to wellness, commitment to excellence, and heartfelt care,. These awards recognize excellence not only in personal transformation but also in its pioneering commitment to corporate responsibility, environmental wellness, and strong local community engagement.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, or GISTDA, reported the latest hotspot index on Sunday, based on data from the Suomi NPP satellite via the VIIRS system.
The Board of Investment (BOI) says Japanese investment applications surged 146% in 2025 to more than 119 billion baht, signaling growing confidence in an economic rebound in early 2026. The sharp rise reflects stronger sentiment among Japanese firms operating in Thailand and reinforces the country’s position as a key production base in ASEAN.
Small-scale egg farmers are facing a growing economic crisis after large commercial farms and wholesalers began selling eggs below average production costs, pushing market prices to unsustainable levels.
Thailand’s PTT Exploration and Production said Friday it acquired full ownership of Block A-18 in the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area from Chevron in a $450M deal. The Thai company said it signed the deal with Hess and Hess Asia Holdings, both now owned by Chevron following the recently closed merger deal with Hess.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is optimistic about sports tourism growth this year as it hosts the Amazing Muay Thai Festival this week, expecting more than 18,000 visitors.
The Woven Heritage of Thai Fabrics: Tradition Meets Modern Identity
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DOAE) has announced the establishment of 30 “Green Gain Hubs” across Thailand, aimed at tackling air pollution caused by agricultural burning. This initiative addresses the severe impact on public health, the economy, and the environment, and is also aimed at reducing the negative effects on agricultural production, including soil degradation, high production costs, and lower yields.
Italy’s Trevi Fountain launched a new ticketing system yesterday, making the famous Rome landmark the latest tourist site to charge entry in a bid to raise funds and battle overcrowding. People posed in the sunshine in front of the Baroque masterpiece after paying the €2 (US1.68) fee to access the now largely crowd-free area next to the basin. 
The Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2026 will be held Feb. 4-7 at Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin, with the Royal Thai Army working alongside tourism and provincial authorities to showcase Muay Thai as a key part of Thailand’s cultural heritage.
Seriously harmful levels of ultrafine dust, three times the safe limit, were reported in Greater Bangkok this morning, while most of Thailand was blanketed with unsafe smog.
Thai gold shops face closures as prices top 70,000 baht
Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) expects the baht to continue to appreciate against the US dollar in the first quarter of this year, in line with rising global gold prices. However, the Thai currency is projected to return to its fundamental level in the second half of the year, the bank noted.
Thailand’s export outlook for 2026 could improve if reforms accelerate, but speakers at a trade forum warned that global competition is intensifying and domestic growth may remain subdued.
Suphajee Suthumpun, minister of commerce, opened a seminar and delivered a special keynote on yesterday, titled “Mission to Win for The Game Changer”, organized by the Department of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Commerce.
Thailand must rethink its economic resilience strategies to respond to China’s accelerating outward expansion, which presents both significant opportunities and growing risks for the Thai economy, experts said at a regional forum yesterday.
Thailand’s hotel sector is shifting toward a more mature phase, which will see more of the country’s hotel assets repositioned to accommodate changing market dynamics.
Can Southeast Asia keep the lights on for solar projects as costs rise?
Phuket has long been synonymous with tropical splendor thanks to its world-famous beaches, emerald rainforests, and waters teeming with life. This profound natural beauty is the very soul of its allure. Yet, for years, the pressures of overtourism, relentless development, and pervasive pollution have threatened to unravel the delicate ecological balance that sustains this paradise.
The idea of what a “home” should be is quietly but powerfully changing. Homes are no longer just places to rest, entertain guests, or escape the heat. They are becoming active partners in how people live, move, breathe, and age well.
Thailand’s best beach towns for long-term living
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the Ministry of Transport to terminate construction contracts with Italian-Thai Development (ITD) and blacklist the contractor, following a series of deadly infrastructure accidents that sparked intense public backlash.
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.
Toxic haze continued to blanket Bangkok and large parts of the country, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exceeding safe limits in 45 provinces nationwide, authorities said, warning that unhealthy air conditions could persist until Jan. 23.
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.
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. 
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.
The Chatt Hua Hin–Pranburi Pool Villa has been launched by Chatt Asset Co., featuring 78 Thai-style homes on a 43-rai site with a total investment value of more than 1 billion baht.
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.
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.
A total of 145 people were killed and 769 injured in road accidents during the first three days of the New Year holiday travel period, with Bangkok recording the highest number of deaths and Phuket topping the list for the number of accidents, authorities said yesterday.
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.
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. 
Police Smash Illegal Hua Hin Factory Rebranding Expired Milk for Sale
Co-payment scheme ends today
BoT flags prolonged manufacturing slump as competitiveness fades
The best New Year’s eve dinners around Thailand
PKK launches road safety campaign
Riceberry could help restore hair
Digital systems take on bigger role in Hua Hin operations
Border Clashes Threaten Tourism During Peak Season
Tourism Authorities Launch Massive Plan to Rescue South After Floods
Asia Faces $4-Trillion Water Crisis as Climate Change Ravages Infrastructure
