- Reader Feedback: Taxi fare increases/Swedes arrested in Hua Hin/What your old phone is worth
- WAR IN IRAN: Middle East war escalates/Cheap Thai meals at risk/Public transport fares capped/Thailand Bans Fuel and LPG Exports/Thailand oil reserves revised to 95 days/Oil surges toward $100/To curb price shocks/Asia’s options to diversify energy sources/Iran Conflict Could Reshape Energy Strategies/Thai Embassy in Iran to Temporarily Relocate/42 flights at Bangkok airport canceled/Gulf carriers resume limited flights/Thailand speeds Middle East evacuations/Alleged Assault by Israeli in Phuket/Say no to the US-led rule of the jungle
- ECONOMY: Thailand–China Investment Forum
- TOURISM: Immigration Tightens Visa Rules/Thailand Denies Airport Extortion/Luring tourists with gastronomy and wellness/Global Wellness Summit in Phuket
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Phetchaburi showcases gastronomy/Hat Yai is back in business/Top 5 getaways this March
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand’s low-carbon rice model
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Re: Taxi fare increases
“Although the government had legally prohibited fare increases for taxis, Bolt, and other ride-hailing services, I was confronted with a 66% price hike on Thursday. What cost 108 baht on Monday was now 180 baht! And that was even for a fully electric vehicle.” – RBM
3 Swedes arrested, two in Hua Hin, over drug trafficking network
Police have launched “Operation PANDORA”, targeting foreign fugitives and illegal residents suspected of links to international organized crime networks. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested three Swedish nationals believed to be connected to a major online drug trafficking platform operating on the darknet.
Authorities arrested Robert, 47, a Swedish national, at a residence in Soi Lat Phrao 87 in Wang Thonglang district, Bangkok. Two other Swedish nationals, Daniel, 39 and John, 33, were detained in Hua Hin district. Both were considered prohibited persons under Thailand’s Immigration Act B.E. 2522, Section 12 (7) and (8), due to suspicions that they posed a threat to public safety or were wanted by foreign authorities. Continued …
Mobile trade-in values for 2026: What your old phone is worth now
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.
In response to these major releases, current trade-in valuations across Thailand have been updated to reflect the shifting second-hand market. This guide aims to provide consumers with a clear understanding of the trade-in credits available for their existing hardware as they look to upgrade to the latest technology. Continued …
Middle East war escalates
Fresh strikes rocked Iran and Lebanon yesterday, as Israel vowed to escalate to a new phase in the Middle East war that has spiraled rapidly throughout the region and beyond. Images from Beirut’s southern suburbs showed mangled buildings and burned-out vehicles after heavy Israeli bombing overnight, with tens of thousands fleeing the destruction.
The war, which has now entered its eighth day, has dragged in global powers, upended the world’s energy and transport sectors, and brought chaos to even usually peaceful areas of the volatile region. Continued …
Cheap Thai meals at risk as global oil tensions threaten food prices
For many visitors, Pattaya’s biggest everyday pleasure has always been simple and affordable: a plate of rice and curry for a few baht, a quick noodle bowl on a street corner, or a late-night snack after the beach. But that long-standing bargain may soon come under pressure.
Thai officials are warning that escalating conflict in the Middle East — and the resulting surge in global oil prices — could push up the cost of everyday meals across the country, a change that tourists may soon feel directly in their wallets. Continued …
Public transport fares capped amid Mideast tensions
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 ministry has set up a monitoring “war room” to track developments and oversee transport operators nationwide, aiming to ensure fares and freight charges remain within legally permitted levels. Authorities have also asked service providers to freeze fares while the government maintains the domestic diesel price cap. Continued …
Thailand Bans Fuel and LPG Exports Amid Supply Fears
The Royal Gazette has published a prime minister’s order temporarily banning exports of refined petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to prevent a potential domestic fuel shortage. The measure comes amid escalating conflict in the Middle East that has disrupted key shipping routes. The order took effect immediately upon its publication yesterday.
The export suspension applies to refined petroleum products, including gasoline, gasohol or base gasoline, high-speed diesel, and Jet A-1 aviation fuel, as well as LPG. Oil traders governed by Thailand’s fuel trade law must halt exports of these fuels outside the Kingdom until further notice. Continued …
Thailand oil reserves revised to 95 days after new supply confirmed
Thailand is preparing to tighten fuel exports and bolster domestic stockpiles, with Energy Minister Attapol Ruekpibul saying that Thailand’s oil reserves and confirmed incoming supply should be enough for about 95 days.
Attapol said the earlier estimate of 60 days’ oil reserves had been revised to reflect the real figures. Thailand currently holds about 65 days of reserves, plus an additional 30 days of supply from sources outside the Middle East, which would bring total cover to roughly 95 days when combined with existing reserves. Continued …
Oil surges toward $100 as Iran war disrupts supply
Crude oil prices surged toward $100 per barrel as the escalating conflict involving Iran triggered major disruptions to global fuel supplies. CNBC reported that US crude prices yesterday recorded their biggest weekly gain in the history of the futures market, as intensifying conflict in the Middle East caused significant turmoil in global energy supply.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude jumped 12.2%, or $9.89, to close at $90.90 per barrel. Brent crude, the global benchmark, rose 8.5%, or $7.28, to settle at $92.69 per barrel. Continued …
Commerce Ministry moves to curb price shocks from oil surge
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.
For Thailand, although its trade value with the countries involved in the conflict in the Middle East is not particularly high, the indirect impact of soaring oil prices remains a major risk factor. Continued …
Asia’s options to diversify energy sources limited
Asian energy buyers are scrambling to find alternatives as the Iran war creates unprecedented supply disruption, but the region has limited longer-term options to reduce its heavy reliance on Middle Eastern oil.
The world’s top crude importing region buys 60% of its oil and petrochemical feedstock from the Middle East, where the war that started with Israeli and US attacks on Iran nearly a week ago has pushed up global energy prices and threatens to drive inflation and hurt economic growth. Continued …
How the Iran Conflict Could Reshape Energy Strategies, Supply Chains, and Market Entry Plans in ASEAN
The escalation involving Iran introduces a new risk factor for companies considering investment or expansion in Southeast Asia. Immediate effects include rising crude oil prices, increased maritime insurance premiums, and disruptions along key shipping routes linking the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
These factors heighten overall costs and introduce volatility into supply chains, requiring renewed project risk assessments and strategic adjustments. ASEAN countries vary significantly in energy dependence, export focus, fiscal health, and currency management. Energy-importing nations face inflation and fiscal strain, while export-centric economies endure longer transit times and cash flow challenges. Continued …
Thai Embassy in Iran to Temporarily Relocate to Turkey
Thailand’s embassy in Tehran will temporarily relocate to Turkey as t,he escalating US–Israel war against Iran raises safety concerns for Thai nationals living in the country. The move follows growing risks to life and property as the conflict intensifies across the region.
Thai authorities say the embassy will suspend operations in the Iranian capital and reopen in the Turkish city of Van on Tuesday, March 10. Officials determined that the ongoing conflict had significantly increased the danger for Thai staff and citizens residing in the country. As a precaution, diplomatic operations are being transferred across the border to Turkey while the situation is monitored. Continued …
42 flights at Bangkok airport canceled by Mideast conflict
More than 42 flights on the Bangkok-Middle East routes were disrupted yesterday due to the closures of airspace after the war against Iran by the United States and Israel. Suvarnabhumi International Airport office said 20 departing flights to Middle East destinations and 22 arriving flights operated by seven airlines were canceled as yesterday.
The latest report brings the total number of disrupted flights at Suvarnabhumi airport, in both directions, to 292 since Washington and Tel Aviv unleashed the first wave of air strikes on Iran on Saturday. Continued …
Gulf carriers resume limited flights, but missile fire fuels uncertainty
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.
With most airspace in the Middle East still closed over missile and drone concerns since the start of the US-Israel war against Iran, authorities have been arranging charter flights and securing seats on limited commercial services to evacuate tens of thousands of people. Continued …
Thailand speeds Middle East evacuations
Thailand is accelerating the evacuation of its nationals from the Middle East, with plans under way to move 125 people out of Iran.
The government has established the Middle East Situation Management and Monitoring Center to closely track the fighting and coordinate assistance for Thai nationals affected both in the region and elsewhere. Officials stressed that there have so far been no reports of Thai nationals being injured or killed. Continued …
Middle Eastern Conflict Argument Leads to Alleged Assault by Israeli in Phuket
An Israeli national allegedly assaulted a European man on Bangla Road, Phuket, following a dispute related to the escalating Middle Eastern conflict. The confrontation reportedly involved aggressive behavior toward a Thai police officer who attempted to intervene.
The dispute between the Israeli man and the older European arose over disagreements on Middle Eastern tensions, escalating into a physical altercation. Despite police presence, the Israeli continued aggressive behavior, allegedly pushing the officer. Continued …
Why it matters for Thailand to say no to the US-led rule of the jungle
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.
The civilian death toll has surpassed one thousand, according to both US-based and Iranian sources, including 168 schoolgirls reportedly killed in a still-disputed strike on an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran. Eleven people in Israel have been killed so far. The Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed. Continued …
Thailand–China Investment Forum Draws 800+ Investors
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.
The event attracted more than 800 Chinese investors currently based in Thailand and aimed to highlight investment opportunities in targeted industries while explaining key regulations and best practices for operating in the country. Over 20 partner agencies also set up consultation booths to provide guidance to businesses. Continued …
Immigration Tightens Visa Rules to Combat Transnational Crime
Thailand is intensifying its border security and visa extension screenings to deter transnational criminals. Following orders from Deputy National Police Chief Samran Nuanma, the Immigration Police will enforce stricter measures at entry points and scrutinize visa applications linked to Middle East unrest. This initiative aims to prevent exploitation of legal loopholes by criminals seeking refuge in the country.
In a meeting yesterday, the Center for Suppression of Transnational Criminals and Illegal Immigration was mobilized to enhance security nationwide. Unit commanders participated to devise strategies that strengthen existing measures. The focus is on tightening border controls, increasing surveillance at key locations, and closely inspecting travelers from watchlist countries. Continued …
Thailand Denies Airport Extortion Allegations
Thai immigration authorities have rejected reports alleging extortion and improper entry refusals at the country’s international airports, stating that the claims are inaccurate and misrepresent standard immigration procedures. Officials said travelers are only denied entry when they fail to meet established requirements that are widely applied by immigration agencies worldwide.
The clarification was issued yesterday in response to an article published by Cambodian outlet Khmer Times, which alleged that Cambodian and Indian nationals were being detained at Thai airports, forced to book immediate return flights, and charged an illicit “service fee” of 1,000 baht. Continued …
How Thailand is luring tourists with gastronomy and wellness
In hospitality circles, there’s been a lot of chatter about the next big trend in luxury travel, from personalized itineraries to yacht cruises. For Thailand, the answer is simple: Healing, through both gastronomy and wellness.
Thailand is already well known for its dishes, with some of its most popular exports like pad Thai, tom yum goong, and mango sticky rice found in all corners of the globe. But for those who truly want to experience the diversity of Thai cuisine, a gastronomy tour of the country can take you to destinations both well-traveled and little known. Continued …
Global Wellness Summit to Hold 20th Anniversary Event in Phuket
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), a gathering of leaders in the global wellness economy, has announced that its 20th annual conference will take place in Phuket from Nov. 10-13. The event,which will be the largest Global Wellness Summit to date, will convene CEOs of leading wellness companies, physicians and academics, investors, technology innovators, and policymakers for four days examining the forces transforming all eleven sectors of the wellness economy, from wellness tourism and physical activity to mental wellness, beauty, spas, and wellness real estate, with a lens on the evolving longevity landscape.
Among the world’s top 25 wellness markets, Thailand ranked #7 in wellness market growth from 2023 to 2024 (at 10.1%), according to GWI’s latest Global Wellness Economy: Country Ranking Report. Even more striking, its wellness tourism sector expanded by 36.4% — approximately three times the global average — underscoring the country’s growing influence as a premier wellness destination. Continued …
Phetchaburi showcases sweet, salty, sour in UNESCO gastronomy network
Located on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand, about 123 kilometers southwest of Bangkok, Phetchaburi — literally meaning the “City of Diamonds”— is rich in natural resources and culinary expertise, supported by abundant biodiversity and varied ecosystems.
The province was designated a “Creative City of Gastronomy” in November 2021 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Phuket was earlier included in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of gastronomy, followed by Phetchaburi in 2021 and Songkhla in 2025. Continued …
Hat Yai is back in business, and now is the time to visit
Hat Yai – the buzzing southern city recently hit by record-breaking floods – is back on its feet. And thanks to a new wave of young creatives determined to rebuild and reimagine it from the ground up, it’s quickly becoming one of Thailand’s most intriguing comeback stories.
Thailand kicked off 2026 with record-breaking tourist numbers in the first two weeks of 2026, with Malaysians making the second largest source market for visitors after the Chinese, many crossing the southern border in search of a weekend escape. And instead of flying north to Phuket or Bangkok, more are pulling up in Hat Yai. Continued …
Thailand’s top 5 getaways this March
March brings a livelier energy to Thailand’s getaway scene, with food, wine, and travel experiences worth planning around. Khao Yai leads with two distinctive reasons to leave the city – the once-a-month forest bar K-BAR at Khao Yai Art Forest and GranMonte’s hands-on harvest season among the vines.
Phuket draws attention with a one-night chef collaboration at Aulis and crispy Peking duck Fridays at Yue Restaurant & Bar, while Le Méridien Chiang Rai tempts travelers with early-booking travel fair deals. For something more romantic, Silavadee Pool Spa Resort in Koh Samui offers private pool villas and honeymoon indulgence by the sea. Continued …
Thailand’s low-carbon rice model emerges from Central Plains farmers
Thailand’s rice industry is currently facing mounting challenges, particularly in the white rice segment, which has been hit by falling prices and intense competition from rival producers such as India and Vietnam, both of which have lower production costs.
Jasmine rice, particularly Hom Mali 105 and RD15, has continued to hold on to its premium market position. However, a key problem lies in rice farming in the Central Plains, where strong irrigation systems allow farmers to accelerate dry-season production of off-season rice varieties that are not sensitive to photoperiod. Continued …
Trump: Cuba ‘next’ on agenda after Iran
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. Continued …
NASA defense test kicked asteroid off course — and changed its orbit around the sun
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. 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
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.
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 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.
The Department of Disease Control (DDC), in collaboration with the Department of Corrections, visited a prison to investigate an Mpox outbreak following a reported fatality. Most recently, two additional close contacts tested positive.
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.
A family’s day in Thailand can change in an instant when an accident sends a child to the emergency room, with medical bills rising beyond USD 10,000 within hours. While Thailand appeals to many expat families for its safety, lifestyle, and education options, healthcare costs can be high, especially at private hospitals.
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.
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
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.