- Songkran 2026 Prophecy/Nakhon Hua Hin Run/Health warning issued/Foreign man helps during fire/Bangkok schools digital device control/First-ever Cancer Act proposed/Notorious Hitman Arrested
- THE IRAN WAR: Few easy ways out for US/War risk to Thai growth/Bangkok street food price hikes/Refiners assure oil supply adequate/Oil price forecasts rise/Cathay Pacific to nearly double fuel surcharge/Measures to curb medicine price rises/Fading hopes of quick end to war/3 Thai crew on attacked ship ‘still alive’/Cambodia to shut 2,000 petrol stations
- ECONOMY: Thailand Condo Sector Liquidity Risk/Foreign Buyers by Market Share/Thai Economy Faces Stagflation
- TOURISM: TAT pushes domestic travel
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Journey of Healing and Wellness/Ayutthaya marks Thai Elephant Day/Chiang Mai Zoo marks National Elephant Day
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Ko Lanta, Chiang Khan , Uthai Thani recognized
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Songkran 2026 Prophecy Warns of Water Scarcity and Harvest Risks
As the Thai New Year approaches, the Brahmanical Astrology Division of the Royal Ceremonial Bureau and the Department of Cultural Promotion have officially unveiled the prophecy for Songkran 2026.
The Year of the Horse (Fire element) marks the transition into the Lesser Era 1388. According to the traditional solar calendar, the Maha Songkran day — the moment the sun enters Aries — falls on Tuesday, April 14, at 10:34 am. Continued …
Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026 to take place in Khao Tao March 29
The “Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026” event in Hua Hin will take place on March 29 at the Khao Tao Reservoir area.
The event will feature several race categories, including a VIP category for distinguished guests and heads of government agencies over a distance of 3 km, and general categories for men and women covering distances of 5 km and 10.5 km. Continued …
Health warning issued over five summer diseases as heat fuels outbreaks
The Department of Disease Control has warned the public to take extra care of their health during periods of extreme heat, which is a major factor allowing many kinds of germs to thrive, particularly those causing food- and water-borne illnesses.
It said there are five major diseases that commonly spread more heavily during the summer season. Continued …
Foreign man praised for helping residents evacuate during fire
A foreign man helped Thai residents escape a Bangkok house fire by waking people up, urging them to evacuate, and assisting a disabled resident out of a building.
The fire broke out on the second floor of a two-story commercial building in Phra Nakhon district at about 4.55 am on Wednesday. The buildings were part of a row of interconnected units, causing the fire to spread to nearby properties quickly. Continued …
Bangkok expanding digital device control to all its schools
After a trial at 10 schools showed controling use of digital devices improved student concentration and increased parental satisfaction, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is gearing up to expand the clampdown at all its schools from the next academic year.
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said in introducing the “Phone Off, Learning On: Focus on Learning, Leave Mobile Phones with Teachers” project at Wat Suttharam Secondary School in Khlong San district that some other countries had already prohibited or controled use of digital devices in schools because they reduced interaction with peers, decreased interest in learning, increased time spent in virtual world, and raised obesity rates due to lack of exercise. Continued …
First-ever Cancer Act proposed as Thailand faces rising caseload
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is preparing to draft the country’s first Cancer Act, as officials seek to respond to a continuing rise in the number of patients, with around 140,000 new cancer cases and 86,000 deaths recorded each year.
Speaking at the Public Health Ministry on Thursday, Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said the newly established National Cancer Policy Board had been set up to bring together all agencies involved in cancer care, in both the public and private sectors, so they can share data and jointly determine policy and operations. Continued …
Notorious Hitman Arrested in Mountain Treehouse
Police have arrested a suspected contract killer known as “Mee Changklang” after tracking him to a remote mountain hideout where he had built a concealed treehouse to evade capture.
The 51-year-old suspect was detained on Thursday while coming down from the mountain to buy supplies. Officers said he is linked to multiple killings and is wanted under a murder warrant issued by the Wiang Sa Provincial Court in Surat Thani province. Continued …
Few easy ways out for US as Iran war drags on
US-Israeli strikes killed Iran’s leader but have not toppled the government, which now, from its perch on the Strait of Hormuz, has put the entire world economy on the frontlines of the war.
The initial US victory in killing supreme leader Ali Khamenei has given way to a conflict that Washington cannot completely control, sharply limiting President Donald Trump’s options. Two weeks into a bloody air war, Iran holds many cards as it chokes the world’s oil supply and strikes US allies in the Middle East, including Gulf states who had for years staked their reputations on political and economic stability. Continued …
Center flags war risk to Thai growth
A worst-case scenario for the Middle East conflict, which is war dragging on without a clear end, would reduce Thai GDP by 2.31 percentage points, according to the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
The center identified three scenarios for the potential impact of the war. The first is a short-term conflict expected to be contained and resolved quickly within a month. Continued …
Bangkok street food vendors may raise meal prices by 5 baht as costs climb
Street food vendors in Bangkok are preparing for possible price increases of around 5 baht per dish this month, as higher energy, transport, and food input costs continue to bite, according to the Bangkok Vendors Assn.
Yada Pornpetrampa, president of the association, said the recent rise in oil and energy prices, along with transport costs, has begun to affect prices across multiple categories — particularly among small and medium-sized operators whose products are not covered by government price controls. She said these businesses are likely to adjust prices within the month. Continued …
Refiners assure oil supply adequate amid panic buying
Thailand’s oil refiners have sought to allay public concerns by confirming that the country’s oil reserves remain sufficient despite reports of motorists rushing to filling stations in provincial areas.
The Petroleum Refinery Industry Group, under the Federation of Thai Industries, said in a statement that it has adjusted oil-management plans to strengthen energy security, including diversifying crude oil imports beyond the Middle East. Continued …
Oil price forecasts rise as Mideast war rages
Analysts are lifting their oil price estimates for this year and 2027 amid transport disruption in the Middle East, even though the potential release of reserves by the G7 and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) could help temporarily alleviate supply pressures.
Tris Ratings raised its 2026 annual average oil price forecast to US$70 a barrel, from $63, for Brent in a base-case scenario, with the Hormuz Strait remaining effectively closed for around a month. In its Global Economic Outlook released on March 11, the credit rating agency expects oil prices to remain in the $90-100 range through March before falling to the mid-$60s by the second half of the year in a “fundamentally oversupplied market”. Continued …
Cathay Pacific to nearly double fuel surcharge on Wednesday as costs surge
Cathay Pacific Airways will nearly double its fuel surcharges starting from Wednesday, following a similar move by another Hong Kong carrier amid rising fuel prices driven by conflict in the Middle East.
Cathay Pacific’s move, announced on Thursday and applicable to tickets issued on or after March 18, came on the same day the higher fuel surcharge rate introduced by Hong Kong Airlines took effect. Continued …
Health Ministry signals measures to curb medicine price rises as freight costs climb
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has signaled readiness to manage potential medicine price increases stemming from rising transport costs, and has asked pharmaceutical manufacturers to temporarily slow or stop exports so domestic needs are met first amid uncertainty linked to the Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz.
Dr. Somruek Chuengsaman, permanent secretary for public health, said several drug manufacturers have confirmed there are no problems with production sources, but transport costs could rise, increasing the likelihood that medicine prices may climb in line with freight costs. Continued …
Fading hopes of quick end to war depress stocks
Asian stocks retreated yesterday as dwindling hopes of a resolution to the war with Iran kept oil prices aloft, though a US waiver allowing purchases of Russian crude helped keep a floor under losses.
The Thai bourse fell by nearly 1.5% yesterday as optimism about the new government set-up was not enough to support sentiment while global markets remained under pressure. Continued …
3 Thai crew on attacked ship ‘still alive’
Three Thai sailors remain alive aboard the damaged cargo ship MV Mayuree Naree after it was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Adm. Thadawut Thatphithakkul, chief of staff of the Royal Thai Navy. The vessel caught fire after being struck on Wednesday while sailing near waters off Oman. The blaze was later extinguished.
Twenty crew members were rescued from the ship and brought ashore to the Omani port city of Khasab, where they are being cared for while awaiting repatriation. The remaining three sailors are still on board the vessel. According to the ship’s owner, they are alive, Thadawut said yesterday. Continued …
Cambodia to shut 2,000 petrol stations amid energy crisis
Cambodia is bracing for fuel supply disruptions, with plans to temporarily close around 2,000 of its 6,300 petrol stations amid an energy shortage linked to ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts, commerce minister Cham Nimol announced yesterday.
Cham Nimol said the ministry is developing a formula to adjust retail fuel prices, taking into account the current pressures on petrol station operators. Some owners may choose to shut down temporarily and wait to sell fuel at a higher price if costs rise quickly. Continued …
Thailand Condo Sector Faces 150-billion-baht Liquidity Risk
Thailand’s condominium sector is facing a potential liquidity crisis, as nearly 150-billion-baht worth of new units are scheduled for transfer in 2026, coinciding with more than 180 billion baht in corporate bonds that property developers must repay within the same year.
Industry leaders warn that failure to complete the planned transfers could create a severe cash shortfall for developers, threatening their ability to meet debt obligations and potentially triggering a wave of financial distress across the property market. Continued …
Foreign Buyers: A Deep Dive into the Top Countries by Market Share
The real estate market in Thailand continues to attract strong interest from foreign buyers. While Chinese buyers still dominate the market, accounting for approximately 31% of the foreign ownership transfer value in 2025, the overall buyer demographic is becoming more diverse.
Data from the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) indicates a significant increase in buyers from Myanmar, who have risen to the second position, alongside ongoing interest from buyers from Russia, Taiwan, the United States, and Europe. Continued …
Thai Economy Faces Stagflation Risk Amid Oil Price Fears
Thailand could face a period of stagflation if energy prices surge sharply amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to an economist at Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Center (EIC).
The warning comes as attacks on vessels and oil terminals in the region raise concerns over global oil supply disruptions. Higher fuel costs could weaken household purchasing power while slowing economic growth, creating a difficult economic environment. Continued …
TAT pushes domestic travel to cushion Middle East fallout
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is joining forces with the private sector to set up a war room to manage the impact of the Middle East crisis, while also preparing to propose the revival of a buy-one-get-one campaign to stimulate foreign arrivals.
Under the scheme, international tourists who purchase tickets to Thailand would receive domestic flight tickets from the government. At the same time, TAT is pushing domestic tourism alongside the “Let’s go halves Plus” program to encourage Thais to travel within the country. Continued …
A Journey of Healing and Wellness Through Five Curated Routes
Luxury travel has evolved, and Thailand’s “Healing is the New Luxury” campaign invites you to experience the country in a way that nurtures your soul and spirit. Through its new Thailand Co-Creator initiative, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) presents five carefully curated travel routes, each designed to rejuvenate, heal, and connect visitors with authentic experiences across the kingdom.
The initiative brings together more than 20 celebrities, creators, and influencers from Thailand and 10 international markets, including China, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Viet Nam, the Republic of Korea, and India. This collaborative effort builds a credible, safe narrative, inviting the world to witness Thailand’s readiness to care for the modern soul. Continued …
Ayutthaya marks Thai Elephant Day with feast for 70 elephants
Elephant handlers in Thailand’s historic city of Ayutthaya held religious rites and prepared a large fruit banquet for 70 elephants yesterday to mark Thai Elephant Day and honor elephants that have died. The ceremony took place at the Royal Elephant Kraal Village in Suan Phrik subdistrict of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province.
Laitongrian Meephan, owner of Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Kraal, and chairman of the Phra Kochaban Foundation, led mahouts in a ritual offering at the Pa Kam elephant shrine, which is revered by elephant handlers. Continued …
Chiang Mai Zoo marks Thai National Elephant Day with feast and parade
Chiang Mai Zoo celebrated Thai National Elephant Day yesterday with a traditional “Khantoke” fruit feast and a parade to promote the conservation of Thailand’s national animal.
The event featured a colorful parade led by the “Chaiyo” elephant mascot, youth groups, and zoo staff at the Asian Elephant Exhibit. The celebration aimed to highlight the historical, cultural, and ecological significance of elephants in Thailand. Continued …
Ko Lanta, Chiang Khan And Uthai Thani Put Thailand’s Sustainable Tourism In The Global Spotlight
The ITB Berlin 2026 event recognized community-based environmental achievements of Thailand, which created new attractions for eco-friendly travelers to discover Thailand’s three destinations of Ko Lanta, Chiang Khan, and Uthai Thani.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) achieved multiple victories at the Green Destinations Story Awards and Green Destinations Awards 2026, which demonstrated how local communities and protected areas and heritage towns create sustainable tourism practices for the Kingdom. Continued …
- Russian National Arrested for Illegal Hotel Operations via Thai Nominee – Continued …
- French National Wanted for Attempted Murder Arrested in Phuket – Continued …
- German Captain Arrested for Illegal Yacht Tours in Phuket – Continued …
- South Korean Scam Suspect Arrested in Thailand – Continued …
- Chinese Suspect Arrested in Pattaya Drug Sting – Continued …
- Teen Killed in Pattaya Crash as Chinese Driver Flees – Continued …
Indonesia to ban social media for children under 16
The Indonesian government is preparing to enforce a landmark law banning children under the age of 16 from using social media, joining a growing global movement to shield minors from digital harms. Under the new regulations, platforms will begin shutting down accounts held by users under the age of 16 starting on March 28. The crackdown targets tech giants including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and the gaming platform Roblox. 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
At a sanctuary in Thailand, hundreds of rescued creatures are given a second chance after suffering from illegal trade, neglect, or captivity. But saving wildlife is never easy. A sun bear must be darted for treatment, a monkey terrorizing a school must be captured safely, and a fragile falcon fights to survive after a serious head injury leaves him blind in one eye. Each rescue is a reminder of how fragile wildlife truly is. 
Wellness tourism has become one of the most dynamic sectors within global travel. Many travelers now prefer holidays that combine relaxation, nature, and wellbeing experiences. The Global Spa Awards 2026 recognized exceptional spa resorts, wellness retreats, and spa hotels across different regions of the world.
Thailand attracts a wide spectrum of potential relocators, from long-stay retirees to remote workers and corporate transferees. However, the country’s structural realities around environment, governance, infrastructure, and social norms mean it is far better suited to some profiles than others.
Signs of higher prices in 2026 are emerging, with Thai Beverage (ThaiBev) notifying retailers — particularly agents who play a key role in distribution — of beer price adjustments.
As geopolitical tensions continue to drive up oil prices and push the country’s energy costs higher, Thailand’s Energy Ministry has launched measures to reduce electricity consumption in government agencies and encourage households to save power, as the country prepares for further volatility linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Some Asian buyers of liquefied natural gas are struggling to find prompt cargoes after a war-related outage at the world’s largest export facility in Qatar tightened global supplies.
Economist warns Thailand could encounter stagflation
MR. D.I.Y. Holding (Thailand) plans to invest 4 billion baht this year, aiming to open 210 new stores and build an automated warehouse to support its expansion.
The government has reaffirmed that no new Cambodian migrant workers will be allowed into the country due to security concerns, despite pressure from the private sector. Labor Minister Treenuch Thienthong said the government understands the concerns raised by businesses over labor shortages.
Thailand’s tourism industry is struggling with the sudden impact from the Middle East conflict on long-haul travel, with weekly arrivals down 13% due to flight disruptions. In light of emerging trends, the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) says arrivals to Thailand from long-haul source markets could fall by as much as 50% this year.
Solar power is Thailand’s master key in the fight against global warming. It is cheap, popular, and even promoted by the state. But beneath the success story lies a big question: What happens when millions of panels begin to die? Without proper measures, Thailand’s clean energy rush risks dumping a toxic legacy for the next generation.
Thai customs authorities have confiscated 284 tons of electronic waste at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri, and are preparing to send the illegal shipment back to the United States where it originated.
Wind Energy Holding has announced a five-year investment budget of 20-billion baht for the period 2026–2030, advancing three strategic workstreams aimed at expanding its renewable energy portfolio to 2,000 megawatts.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin presided over a signing ceremony establishing a cooperation framework to address marine waste and support the sustainable management of Thailand’s marine resources. The effort aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 14, which promotes the protection and sustainable use of oceans and marine ecosystems.
The Thai premium smartphone market has entered a high-stakes season following the official debut of the Samsung Galaxy S26 on Feb. 26. With a starting price of 41,900 baht, the flagship’s arrival has set a new benchmark for the high-end segment this year, closely followed by the March 2 launch of the iPad Air M4, which entered the market at 21,900 baht and iPhone 17e, which entered the market at 22,900 baht.
Cheap Thai meals at risk as global oil tensions threaten food prices
The Ministry of Transport has ordered a cap on public transport fares as tensions in the Middle East threaten to drive up global energy prices, warning operators not to raise rates beyond legal limits.
The war in the Middle East has intensified, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key strategic route for global oil shipments, has caused world oil prices to surge rapidly. This has raised concerns over energy shortages and wider repercussions for the global economy.
Emirates and Etihad Airways were resuming limited flight schedules to key global cities from their United Arab Emirates hubs yesterday, though the ongoing threat of missile fire piled pressure on airlines as they scramble to accommodate travelers.
It has been six days since the deadly joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, followed by Iran’s retaliatory strikes against mostly American targets in half a dozen Gulf states and against Israel, as people around the world grapple with the economic and geopolitical repercussions.
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI), in cooperation with the Chinese Embassy in Thailand and partners from the public and private sectors, hosted the “Thailand-China Investment Forum: Keys to Success & Sustainable Growth for Chinese Enterprises” on Thursday at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.
Hat Yai is back in business, and now is the time to visit
Thailand’s top 5 getaways this March
Thailand’s low-carbon rice model emerges from Central Plains farmers
US President Donald Trump said y esterday Cuba was next on his agenda after Iran, predicting that the communist-run island, crippled by a US energy blockade, is “gonna fall pretty soon”. “They want to make a deal so badly,” Trump said, a day after suggesting that he would turn to an unspecified project for Cuba after the war against Iran. 
Four years ago, NASA purposely smashed a spacecraft into a small asteroid to see if they could deflect it – a test to prove humanity could protect Earth from threatening space rocks. The experiment pushed the moonlet asteroid Dimorphos into a smaller, faster route around its sibling Didymos – and according to new research out yesterday, it also pushed the pair into a slightly different orbit around the Sun. 
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.
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.
TRIS Rating has raised its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 2.1% from 1.7%, following stronger-than-expected momentum in the fourth quarter of 2025, when the economy expanded 2.4%. Despite the upward revision, growth is still projected to moderate from last year, reflecting persistent structural constraints.
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.
US trading partners, including China and the EU, are responding to Trump’s recent tariff setbacks and warnings of potential new tariffs. They are likely adopting cautious or defensive strategies in light of these developments, reflecting concerns over economic stability and trade relations. The situation underscores ongoing tensions between the US and its trade partners over tariffs and trade policies.
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.
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. 
Facing a fabulous ocean isn’t enough these days for an ambitious coastline. A glittery tag, like Gold, Sapphire, Emerald or d’Azure, is a branding imperative. Thailand came up with a real winner for its Gulf shoreline – the Royal Coast. And then forgot to tell the world.
Thailand will enter its hot season on Sunday. Summer storms could start right away and temperatures in some northern provinces may reach a peak above 42 degrees Celsius, according to the Meteorological Department.
The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command (NDPMC) has ordered all provinces to step up preparedness to prevent and address drought in 2026, stressing efficient water management — especially securing reserves for household consumption. Provinces have been instructed to draw up contingency plans and survey backup water sources to minimize impacts on the public.
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has issued a warning to the public about a fraudulent Facebook page using its initials to trick individuals into paying for driving licenses without the need for exams or in-person applications.
The government has ordered nationwide enforcement of stricter firearm regulations, instructing registrars to more rigorously scrutinize gun license applications and suspending the issuance of carry permits.
Thailand is ranked ninth globally for online fraud losses, with more than 27 billion baht lost in 2025 and victims suffering average losses of 37,000 baht per person. The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) has warned that cybercrime will become more complex in 2026, particularly through the use of AI Deepfake technology.
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has reported on the progress of the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023-2027). Particularly in the first two years of the plan, despite efforts to drive various initiatives, the distribution of economic opportunities across sectors has not effectively reduced regional disparities, especially in addressing poverty.
Thailand needs an economy that delivers better wages, secure jobs, and real competitiveness. But today’s trade and investment rules stand in the way. Without reform, the country risks falling behind in an increasingly cut-throat global economy.
Yesterday, the Department of Tourism, through its Thailand Film Office, participated with an exhibition booth at the European Film Market 2026 (EFM 2026) in Berlin. The aim was to promote Thailand’s potential as an international filming destination, while pushing for continued foreign film production in Thailand to generate sustained income for the country.
A street interview posted online has gone viral after an Israeli tourist shared critical remarks about her experience in Thailand. In the clip, the host asked a female tourist from Israel: “After being here for only two days, what are some things you think Thailand can improve on?”
Siamese freshwater crocodiles released in Kaeng Krachan
Thailand’s automotive industry is navigating its most profound transformation in 0 years, as the nation moves away from its traditional reliance on internal combustion engines (ICE). While the country remains the “Detroit of Asia” and holds a prestigious production rank of 10th globally, its domestic market was historically defined by the dominance of 1-ton pickup trucks.
On the 30th floor of the Chartered Square building in downtown Bangkok, the low-key office of Skyhub Technologies serves as a nexus for a burgeoning and contentious trade. The space, rented out by a serviced office provider, is visited only rarely by the company’s sole director and occasionally by Chinese nationals, according to building staff who asked not to be identified speaking about clients. 
The Hua Hin property market is emerging as a relative bright spot in Thailand’s challenging real estate sector, supported by sustained foreign demand that is helping to offset weak domestic purchasing power.
Forest fires, suspected to have been caused by human activity, have been raging uncontrollably in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, and Mae Hong Son, driving PM2.5 levels beyond the 37.5-micron safety threshold, according to reports from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
A group of foreign residents in Pattaya has lodged a complaint with the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) after allegedly losing more than 300 million baht in a fraudulent gold-trading investment scheme branded “King Power Gold”.
Thailand’s Industrial Confidence Index rose marginally to 88.7 in January, up from 88.2 in December, as the manufacturing sector returned to full swing following the New Year holiday and demand picked up ahead of the Lunar New Year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Thai hotel operators are forecasting stable foreign tourist arrivals in 2026, particularly from short-haul markets excluding China, while urging the government to strengthen safety measures and boost traveler confidence.
Thailand is steadily cementing its reputation as one of the leading global destinations for medical tourism, attracting millions of international patients each year with its high-quality healthcare services, affordability, and attractive recovery options.
Two listed firms, PTT Oil and Retail (OR) and Central Plaza Hotel (Centel), announced a joint venture that will run budget hotels at PTT petrol stations. OR, oil trade flagship of national oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc, reported on Tuesday night that its board of directors approved the establishment of the joint venture.
Chiang Mai International Airport has recorded a new post-Covid high in passenger traffic, with daily numbers surpassing 36,000, as airlines added 69 extra and charter flights to accommodate Lunar New Year demand.
Puphaman National Park, located in Loei and Khon Kaen provinces, has called on the public to stop feeding wild elephants by leaving fruit and other edible items for them, warning that such well-intentioned acts could ultimately harm the animals and increase the risk of human-elephant conflict.
The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) is holding its first networking event of 2026 in Hua Hin, hosted at the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort.
Recently, a couple posted on the social media forum about their experience near Chiang Mai. They found a puppy being bullied by other strays and felt compelled to help. With only two days before leaving the northern province and embarking on a two-week trip around Thailand, they wondered whether bringing the dog to the US was feasible within their timeframe.
The prices of computers and some IT products have skyrocketed as a result of rising rates for memory chips in the global market. Memory chip prices have increased by 80%-90% quarter-on-quarter in 2026, according to the February issue of Memory Price Tracker, marking an unprecedented surge.
A cluster of nine earthquakes measuring between 1.9 and 3.2 on the Richter scale struck tambon Khao Phang in Ban Ta Khun district of the southern province of Surat Thani between Wednesday and Thursday morning, the Department of Mineral Resources reported.
Many Thai small and medium-sized businesses — often run from homes, co-working spaces or cafés — face rising cyber risks that can be as harmful as a flooded shop or a lost delivery. From careless clicks to old software, a single mistake can stop a small team’s operations.
Thailand’s position as a strategic hub for investors targeting the ASEAN region continues to strengthen, supported by record investment inflows, future-ready national strategies, major connectivity upgrades and rising international confidence in the country’s economic direction.
The highly volatile price swings of gold, which is impacting many Thais obsessed with the yellow metal, has forced the Bank of Thailand (BOT) to step in to regulate the large volume of trading affecting the baht’s rate.
The Bangkok Air Quality Information Center reported today that PM2.5 levels have surged, with the citywide average hitting 38.7 µg/m³ at 7 am, above the safe threshold of 37.5 µg/m³. The worst affected areas include Nong Chok, where PM2.5 levels hit 50.6 µg/m³.
Bangkok is set to strengthen its waste-management system with two new waste-to-energy power plants being developed by C&G Environmental Protection (Thailand). The projects, valued at 12 billion baht, are located in Nong Khaem in southwest Bangkok and On Nut on the eastern portion of the capital, said chief executive He Ning.
The administration of US President Donald Trump announced yesterday the revocation of scientific findings that greenhouse gas emissions are harmful to human health, along with the cancellation of vehicle exhaust emissions standards for cars and trucks, This move marks the largest cancellation of climate change policy by this administration to date, following the removal of regulations and actions aimed at promoting fossil fuel development while hindering the growth of clean energy. 
Ongoing efforts to derail multilateral tax cooperation lie at the heart of a global program to replace democratic governance with coercive rule by the extremely wealthy – or what we call 21st-century Caesarism. Any strategy to counter this program, therefore, must recognize that taxing extreme wealth is essential to saving democracy. 
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.
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
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.