- PKK officials: No shortage of fuel/200,000 Baht Solar Tax Relief/PKK energy-efficiency program/Soi 112 motorcycle accidents/Cha Am water shortage/New water production system for Bor Fai/New road near Yarm Saad School
- IRAN INVASION: Airfare Surge/Thailand to secure new oil supplies/Plan to cushion oil and power bills/Fuel price rises start to bite/To ban fare hikes for taxis/Impact on medical supplies/War to hobble supply chain/Cash is king as war lifts oil and dollar/US Senate fails/US sinks Iranian warship
- ECONOMY: Inflation negative for 11th straight month/Business group keeps 2026 GDP growth forecast/China Tops Thai Condo Market/Global import tariff to 15% this week
- TOURISM: Mideast conflict a blow to long-haul tourism/Foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand down/Top Songkran travel destinations
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Growing cost of elephant intrusions/Nan Province a Slow-Travel Dream
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS visa
PKK officials: No shortage of fuel – currently
The governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan has confirmed that fuel supplies in Prachuap Khiri Khan remain sufficient and urged residents not to panic buy, following concerns about potential price increases linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking during an inspection of petrol stations yesterday afternoon, Gov. Sitthichai Sawat Saen said authorities were closely monitoring the situation and reassured the public that there is currently no shortage of fuel in the province. Continued …
Royal Gazette Confirms 200,000 Baht Solar Tax Relief
The Royal Gazette has published a royal decree granting income tax relief of up to 200,000 baht for individuals who install on-grid rooftop solar power systems at home. The measure, effective from March 3 until Dec. 31, 2028, allows eligible taxpayers to claim the exemption once in the tax year their system is successfully connected to the electricity grid.
The exemption applies to individuals, excluding ordinary partnerships, non-juristic groups, and undivided estates, for actual payments made to purchase and install a solar electricity generation system on a roof, rooftop terrace or any part of a building used for occupation. The system must be connected to the grid of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) or the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), with total relief capped at 200,000 baht. Continued …
PKK officials propose energy-efficiency program
The governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan has accelerated plans to improve energy efficiency as part of efforts to position the province as a model environmentally friendly tourism city.
Sitthichai Sawat Saen, governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, chaired a meeting Monday to discuss policies under the “Smart and Sustainable Industry” initiative. The discussions focused on improving energy efficiency, expanding the use of renewable energy, and reducing environmental impacts. Continued …
Soi 112 motorcycle accidents leave one dead, one seriously injured
Two Soi 112 motorcycle accidents occurred within hours of each other in Hua Hin on Monday, leaving one person dead and another seriously injured on the same stretch of road in Nong Kae. The incidents both took place in front of the Moo Kratha 154 restaurant on Soi Hua Hin 112, prompting responses from the Sawang Hua Hin Rescue Foundation and local police.
The first accident was reported at approximately 7.30 am, when the radio center of the Sawang Hua Hin Rescue Foundation received a call from a member of the public reporting that a motorcycle rider had fallen from the vehicle. Continued …
Cha Am water shortage: city installs pumps to restore supply
Cha Am Municipality is taking urgent steps to address a growing water shortage after construction works on an irrigation canal disrupted the flow of raw water used to produce tap water for residents.
The water shortage began after the Royal Irrigation Department carried out a project to excavate two canals and merge them into a single larger canal. The project was intended to improve flood management and support agricultural water use across Cha Am district. However, the work also affected the flow of raw water feeding the municipality’s water-production system. Continued …
New water production system for Bor Fai area discussed
A new water production system planned for the Bor Fai area was the focus of a meeting chaired by Hua Hin City Municipality officials this week, as authorities reviewed design proposals and the next steps for the project.
Nopporn Wutthikul, mayor of Hua Hin City Municipality, presided over the meeting on Tuesday. The discussion brought together municipal leaders, technical officials, and representatives from Asian Engineering Consultants Co., who are advising on the project. Continued …
New road being constructed near Yarm Saad School
Construction of a reinforced concrete road near Yarm Saad School is under way as part of a 15.37-million-baht project aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing local flooding.
Municipal officials said the project has entered the stage of pouring concrete for the road surface. The road is being built to a width of about 7.20 meters, with a length of about 790 meters and a thickness of 0.15 meters, covering at least 5,613 square meters of road surface. Continued …
Airfare Surge: Bangkok–London Economy Reaches 70,000 Baht
Airfares from Thailand to Europe have surged by up to 100% due to airspace closures in the Middle East caused by the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). The suspension of flights by eight Middle Eastern airlines has significantly reduced seat availability on these critical international routes.
Previously handling over 10,000 passengers daily, Gulf carriers’ suspension has led to soaring ticket prices for remaining flights. For example, one-way economy fares on Thai Airways International from Bangkok to London have jumped to over 70,000 baht, significantly higher than the usual 30,000 baht. Singapore Airlines has seen fares rise to around 58,000 baht, with many flights fully booked through the next week. Continued …
Thailand to secure new oil supplies within one week to cut Middle East reliance
Ekniti Nitithanprapas, deputy prime minister and finance minister, said at Government House yesterday that the impact of the Middle East war on Thailand’s economy remained limited at present.
On the overall economy, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) presented the latest situation on Tuesday, noting that average crude oil prices across three benchmark markets and natural gas prices rose 12.9% and 6.8%, respectively, compared with Feb. 27. Continued …
Thailand unveils plan to cushion oil and power bills, cap diesel prices
The war involving Iran in the Middle East remains protracted, with the United States and Israel continuing to strike Iran, while Iran insists it will exercise its right to self-defense to the fullest extent.
The impact on energy prices has become clearer after the announcement of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, affecting shipments of crude oil and natural gas from Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Bloomberg reported that liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices in Asia surged to their highest level in three years, or since 2023, due to the Middle East conflict. Continued …
Fuel price rises start to bite
Fears of a prolonged Middle East conflict disrupting global energy supplies are rippling across Thailand, triggering price anxieties, panic buying, and warnings of logistical strain.
Tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, particularly the risk of disruption through the Strait of Hormuz, have heightened concerns over oil availability and costs. While Thailand maintains strategic reserves, regional leaders and businesses warn that extended conflict could test supply chains and inflate prices nationwide. Continued …
Transport Ministry to ban fare hikes for taxis, riders, and motorcycle taxis from today
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the Transport Ministry will ban fare increases for taxis, ride-hailing riders, and motorcycle taxi services from today, warning of legal action against profiteering.
He added the government can keep transport costs capped for as long as the prime minister maintains the fuel price freeze, with the Oil Fund used as a buffer if crude prices stay high. Continued …
Thailand monitors war impact on medical supplies
The Ministry of Public Health is closely monitoring potential drug price inflation amid unrest in the Middle East, with possible intervention in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce if necessary.
The public health system has yet to experience any direct impact from the escalating conflict in the region, acting Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said yesterday. Continued …
War to hobble supply chain as trade costs soar
Thai business and industry leaders are concerned that the Mideast war could significantly disrupt logistics and transport costs, with ripple effects for manufacturing in Thailand and other countries.
Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), said the war threatens to destabilize global supply chains by disrupting shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime passages for oil and gas. Continued …
Cash is king as war lifts oil and dollar, sinks stocks, gold, bonds
“Cash” has become the most prized asset in global markets as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, triggering a rare sell-off in gold, bonds, and equities at the same time and reshaping what investors see as traditional hedges.
The US dollar has stood out as the preferred safe haven, while Brent crude climbed to US$83.60 a barrel. Gold slid as much as 4% after hitting a four-week high on Monday, reflecting what traders described as “indiscriminate” selling. Continued …
US Senate blocks bid to curb Trump’s Iran war powers
The US Senate yesterday voted 53-47 to block a bipartisan war powers resolution aimed at requiring Congress to authorize any further US hostilities against Iran, a move that effectively backs President Donald Trump’s military campaign as the conflict escalates.
The measure — led by Sen. Tim Kaine (Democrat, Virginia) and backed by Sen. Rand Paul (Republican, Kentucky) — fell largely along party lines. Paul was the only Republican to vote in favor, while Sen. John Fetterman (Democrat, Pennsylvania) voted against it. Continued …
US sinks Iranian warship off Sri Lanka, NATO destroys Iranian missile heading for Turkey
The US–Iran war widened sharply yesterday after a US submarine sank an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka, killing at least 80 people, and NATO air defenses destroyed an Iranian ballistic missile fired toward Turkey.
The escalation came as the powerful son of Iran’s slain supreme leader emerged as a frontrunner to succeed him, suggesting Tehran was not about to buckle to pressure, five days after the United States and Israel launched a military campaign that has killed hundreds and convulsed global markets. Continued …
Thai inflation negative for 11th straight month
Thailand’s headline consumer price index (CPI) dropped 0.88% in February from a year earlier, following an annual fall of 0.66% in the previous month, the Ministry of Commerce said today.
The decline marked the 11th consecutive month that headline inflation has been negative. The reading compared with a forecast decline of 0.5% in a Reuters poll, and remained well below the Bank of Thailand’s target inflation range of 1% to 3%. Continued …
Thai business group keeps 2026 GDP growth forecast at 1.6% to 2.0%
A leading business group maintained its forecast for Thailand’s economic growth this year at 1.6% to 2.0%, but said yesterday a prolonged conflict in the Middle East would hit activity.
The group’s forecast for exports, a key driver of Thai growth, was kept at a fall of 0.5% to 1.5%, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) reported. Continued …
China Tops Thai Condo Market, Myanmar Rises to 2nd
Foreign buyers remained a significant force in Thailand’s condominium market in 2025, with Chinese nationals retaining the top position despite a decline in purchases, while buyers from Myanmar recorded the strongest growth to rank second.
According to Narongpol Prabhanirin, acting director of the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), foreign condominium transfers totalled 14,899 units for the year, up 2.2% from 2024. However, total transfer value fell 10.7% to 60.92 billion baht. Continued …
US to raise global import tariff to 15% this week
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said yesterday that President Donald Trump’s plan to raise a worldwide import tariff from 10% to 15% is likely to be implemented within this week, telling CNBC there is a strong possibility it will happen during the week.
The plan follows the Supreme Court’s ruling that Trump’s earlier “reciprocal” tariff measures were unlawful. After the court decision in February, Trump invoked Section 122 to impose a global import tariff at 10%, and later said the rate would be increased to 15%. Continued …
Mideast conflict a blow to long-haul tourism
As the conflict in the Middle East weighs on global travel prices and travelers’ pocketbooks, tourism operators in Thailand project arrivals from long-haul markets in 2026 will fall short of the 10.8 million seen last year.
“Thailand’s tourism sector will definitely be hit by this new storm of events,” said Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Business Assn. “Tourism arrivals this year could dip even more severely than last year.” Continued …
Foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand down in first two months of 2026
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has reported that Thailand welcomed a cumulative 6,541,710 foreign visitors in the first two months of 2026, covering Jan. 1–Feb. 28. That figure was down 4.2% year on year.
Cumulative international-market revenue totaled B322,595 million, down 0.6% from the same period last year. The largest inbound market was China, with 1,078,089 visitors. February was supported by the Chinese New Year, when many Chinese travelers took extended holidays in Thailand. Continued …
Traveloka reveals top Songkran travel destinations
Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Krabi have emerged as the top travel destinations for Thai travelers during the upcoming Songkran holiday, according to new data from Traveloka. The insights highlight a continued preference for festive coastal escapes and culturally rich city celebrations, as the festival evolves into a globally recognized event.
In 2025, Songkran generated over $800 million (28.7 billion baht), marking a 17% increase in tourism revenue. This growth is expected to continue into 2026, driven by large-scale events and increased festival participation. Charles Wong, VP of Commercial Traveloka, emphasized the significance of Songkran, stating, “Songkran is Thailand’s most cherished season, a time for homecoming, tradition, and new beginnings.” Continued …
The growing cost of elephant intrusions
The death of a 20-year-old wild elephant during relocation in Loei has intensified scrutiny of the government’s handling of escalating human-elephant conflict in the northeast. Seedor Hu Pub died during a translocation operation intended to return it to its original habitat in the Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary. The incident has prompted public concern over wildlife protection and exposed mounting tensions between rural communities and roaming herds.
The relocation followed a ruling by the Khon Kaen Administrative Court last November ordering the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to remove four aggressive wild elephants, including Seedor Hu Pub, from farmland in Khon Kaen’s Phu Wiang district. Continued …
Nan Province in Thailand Is a Slow-Travel Dream Come True
“You could see on your flight that you are the only Westerners here,” laughed Sunee Jaurueng, our private guide with the luxury travel outfitter Red Savannah, as she greeted us, smiling, at Nan Nakhon Airport, northern Thailand. “Nan is unseen. It’s not on the way anywhere,” she said. “You have to come here on purpose.”
And we had — for exactly that reason. Jaurueng, it turned out, foreshadowed the five days in Nan Province that were to come, blissfully embedded in local culture with hardly a foreigner in sight — we ran into just one Kiwi couple the whole time — and instead a host of the friendliest, sweetest people I’ve met anywhere. Continued …
- 94 Vietnamese arrested in Bangkok raid linked to gambling network – Continued …
- Naked Foreigner Arrested in Pattaya Linked to Speedboat Theft Attempt – Continued …
- Foreigner “Dine n Dash” caught on camera in Phuket – 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
The Cha Am crab festival will take place from March 1-21 at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint, celebrating the town’s well-known blue swimming crab and its coastal food culture.
Developer AP Thailand is sharpening its focus on provincial expansion this year, increasing launches outside Greater Bangkok by entering at least five new provinces, despite maintaining a cautious rollout plan.
Thai energy officials are intensifying measures to shield the country from a crisis reminiscent of the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, as mounting tensions between Iran, Israel, and the US raise fears of global oil supply disruptions and economic instability.
PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) has increased natural gas extraction in the Gulf of Thailand to its maximum possible levels to safeguard national energy security. The move comes in response to potential global energy supply disruptions caused by instability in the Middle East.
Thailand’s state-owned Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank) has triggered an emergency rescue package for domestic businesses caught in the crossfire of the escalating Middle East conflict. The bank has moved to freeze debt repayments for up to a year and slash interest rates as the regional crisis begins to choke vital shipping lanes.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas convened an urgent meeting yesterday with Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun. Joined by Thailand’s ambassador in Washington and private-sector representatives, the meeting aimed to set a national strategy in response to the United States’ new tariff policy and trade-restricting measures.
Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok will open its new 24-hour Automated Border Control (ABC) passport gates for departures on Thursday, to reduce queues for the convenience of passengers. The opening follows a trial period in mid-February when the gates were available only from 7 am to 7 pm.
Two key renewable energy projects pushed by the caretaker government of Anutin Charnvirakul need to be delayed until a new government is formed, says energy Permanent Secretary Veerapat Kiatfuengfoo.
Run Khan Do event/Pone Kingphet Park renovation/Royal Hua Hin Course hosts Thai LPGA/Meth arrest in Prauchap Khiri Khan/Road Accidents, Deaths Decreased/EC announces 71% voter turnout/Masked Gang Raid Brit’s Pattaya Home/AI-Driven Traffic Lights in Bangkok/Prices of new Samsung Galaxy to rise/Keep their hair in check/Bomb on husband’s mistress’ car
Royal Hua Hin Golf Course hosts first Thai LPGA event of year
Road accidents in Thailand fell in 2025, according to new data released yesterday at the Royal Thai Police headquarters. Police Gen. Samran Nuanma, deputy commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police and director of the Traffic Management Center, said statistics show a decline in crashes, fatalities, and injuries. However, speeding remains the leading cause of accidents nationwide.
The Election Commission (EC) has announced the final voter turnout for the 2026 general election, with 37.8 million voters (71.4%) participating on Feb.8. 
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has started upgrading traffic signals at various intersections, incorporating an adaptive system using CCTV and AI technology to adjust in real time. This initiative aims to transition from fixed-timing to automated adaptive control, improving convenience and reducing time on the roads.
Rising memory component costs have pushed up launch prices for Samsung’s latest flagship lineup, with several models in the new Galaxy S26 series debuting up to 20% higher than their Galaxy S25 predecessors in Thailand.
The operator of the BTS Skytrain has called on passengers to refrain from flicking or tossing their hair while traveling during peak hours, warning that loose locks could accidentally strike fellow commuters in the face, shoulders, eyes, or mouth.
This year continues to be a period of high uncertainty for Thai businesses, driven by geopolitical tensions, global economic policies, interest rate directions, and the transition to new technologies. Meanwhile, domestic factors such as a strong Thai baht, high household debt, weak demand, and a fragile economic structure are further intensifying the pressure on the business sector.
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) expects the baht to gradually weaken against the US dollar, reaching 33 baht per dollar in the fourth quarter of this year, driven by a combination of domestic and external factors.
Factory activity in Thailand picked up in January, driven by heightened political activity during the election campaign and strong demand in the automotive sector, according to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).
The global semiconductor industry is entering an increasingly strategic phase, driven by accelerated investments in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, and electric vehicles (EV).
Suphajee Suthumpun, minister of Commerce, has revealed that the Thai government and the government of the People’s Republic of China have reached a government-to-government rice-trading agreement for a volume of 40,000 tons.
Over the past few weeks, local news headlines have been dominated by complaints from some foreign tourists claiming that Thailand is becoming too expensive, while some Thais are being perceived as unfriendly — or even rude — to visitors.
Dual-pricing, where foreigners pay more to enter certain places than local visitors, is common at major destinations in Thailand. When the double standard system blurs into confusion and exploitation, it could damage the country’s tourism.
Thailand’s wellness market expanded from $38.8 billion in 2023 to $42.7 billion in 2024. According to the latest Global Wellness Economy: Country Ranking Report by GWI, Thailand ranked #7 among the world’s top 25 wellness markets for growth between 2023 and 2024, achieving an impressive 10.1% increase.
Thailand is every wanderer’s dream: temples rising into brilliant blue skies, tuk-tuks zipping past street carts sizzling with spice, and tropical beaches that seem to glow at sunset. But because the kingdom stretches from misty northern hills to two distinct coastal systems, deciding when to go is almost as important as where you go.
A Short-Stay Guide to Koh Tao — Thailand’s Tiny Gulf Escape
Technology giants, including Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta, have in recent months announced plans to spend over US$600 billion on AI in 2026 alone. The investment wave has already fueled unease among some investors about the profitability of this strategy. They have reason to be worried, as the ambitious US AI expansion plans are likely to be hobbled by severe power-infrastructure bottlenecks, including turbine shortages, slow grid expansion, and regulatory red tape. 
Thailand recorded 839 fire hotspots Saturday, according to satellite data from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), with more than half detected in forest areas. The figures, gathered by the Suomi NPP satellite using the VIIRS system, underline continued concerns over haze and PM2.5 pollution.
The Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital at Mahidol University has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) program to interpret lung and chest X-rays with accuracy above 95%, comparable to specialist radiologists. The system has already been used in more than 500,000 real patient cases. It can deliver results in under 10 seconds per case, significantly speeding up diagnosis.
Police in Songkhla arrested a Thai man for beating and burning a Siberian Husky on Feb. 13. The suspect said he acted in retaliation after the dog attacked his rooster.
Thailand is Rapidly Evolving into a Pet-Friendly Nation
Senior U.S. officials have confirmed that President Donald Trump’s defeat at the U.S. Supreme Court over import tariffs will not cause trade agreements negotiated with U.S. allies to collapse. The officials were defending the administration’s aggressive trade policy.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board has approved a 579,135-million-baht investment framework for fiscal year 2027, advancing three major rail projects, including double-track lines, Red Line extensions, and the Thai–Chinese high-speed railway Phase 2.
A new social media trend has gone viral as foreign tourists conclude their visits to Thailand by posting “Thank you Thailand” videos, drawing widespread attention online. The clips show visitors bowing in gratitude and sharing detailed accounts of their trips.
AllClear, a UK insurance company, has revealed research showing that taxi scams can occur anywhere and at any time, particularly when visitors appear unfamiliar with local fares. Since Decembe, the travel insurer has analyzed more than 450 Reddit posts and over 30,000 comments discussing taxi scams to identify the countries attracting the most complaints.
Pattaya’s beachfront has returned to a lively, international atmosphere as Thailand’s peak tourism season gathers pace, with large numbers of foreign visitors flocking to the city each day. A recent on-site survey by reporters found beaches and public spaces busy with overseas tourists, underscoring renewed momentum in Thailand’s tourism recovery — particularly in major destinations favored by international travelers.
Phuket has secured three major international MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) events in 2026, reinforcing its status as a world-class meetings destination and advancing global agendas on sustainability, wellness, and diversity.
Soon enough, it appears the comfort of Thailand will be as marked up as any other run-of-the-mill overseas getaway. Price gouging and skyrocketing hotel rates are, of course, obvious reasons why tourists may be reconsidering spending the Thai baht. But the shift seems intentional.
The world’s most liveable countries tend to share a similar mix of strengths: impressive architecture, thoughtful urban planning, and cultures shaped by artistic expression. Creating a “liveable” destination is not necessarily tied directly to GDP or military power; instead, a sustained focus on design can play a meaningful role in improving quality of life.
Travelers heading between Hua Hin and Bangkok are being advised to plan ahead following a Rama II Road closure at the Bang Khun Thian Bridge that will last for up to four months.
The Hua Hin Chinese New Year celebration will take place on Monday, Feb. 16, starting at 4 pm, with Hua Hin City Municipality confirming a full program of traditional processions, performances, and cultural activities.
Hua Hin’s electric vehicle master plan moved a step forward yesterday as city officials met with Shinawatra University to discuss EV adoption and charging infrastructure.
Traffic signs and road markings installed on Soi 78 to ease congestion
The economy is expected to expand by 1.51%–1.75% this year, says a public opinion survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). Thanavath Phonvichai, UTCC president and chairman of the advisory board at the university’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, said the survey on public expectations of the new administration shows voters prioritize structural economic reform over short-term populist measures.
Foreign investors are expected to continue investing in advanced technology, healthcare, and sustainability industries this year, following a record high of 324 billion baht in outlays last year, according to the Department of Business Development (DBD) at the Ministry of Commerce.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry insists the government’s plan to reduce visa-free stays from 60 days should not impact tourism, as most foreign tourists, on average, stay for less than a month.
The narrative surrounding Thailand’s tourism appeal has evolved. Visitors no longer come simply because the destination is affordable. Increasingly, travelers choose Thailand for its depth of experience, consistency, and a genuine sense of welcome that remains difficult to replicate elsewhere.
The average daily rate for hotels in Thailand surged by 3% last year to 4,984 baht and they recorded a longer average length of stay, with Booking.com, Agoda, and direct hotel bookings generating the most revenue, according to SiteMinder.
The “Disneyland Thailand” buzz has resurfaced after Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, deputy prime minister and minister of transport, floated the idea of moving ahead with a world-class theme park project in Chonburi under the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) scheme.
Thailand has significant untapped potential to develop advanced green manufacturing as a new engine of growth, with electric vehicles, solar photovoltaic components, and energy-efficient cooling technologies offering opportunities to raise GDP by an additional 2.9% by 2035, according to the World Bank’s latest Thailand Economic Monitor released yesterday.
Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) sales (passenger car and light duty vehicles) more than tripled year-on-year to over 44,000 units in January 2026, a record month for the country. Its penetration rate grew to 48%, another monthly record, surpassing its previous high of 37% set in December.
A record-breaking surge in wealthy people “relocating abroad” is reshaping the global balance of power. Countries are increasingly being treated like assets, while citizenship is becoming a tool for diversifying risk. In an era where state policy can change faster than economic fundamentals, capital moves first — and moves more aggressively than ever before. 
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 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows Thailand scored 33/100 and ranked 116th globally — below the world average of 42. The index, released by Transparency International, placed Thailand 116th out of 182 countries and territories, down one spot from 2024 when it scored 34.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thailand’s Hat Yai picks up the pieces in wake of devastating floods
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. 
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.
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.
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.
Foreign man flags sea pollution off Jomtien Beach in Pattaya
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. 
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.