- 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
The Harvest Wine Run Festival Hua Hin returns to Monsoon Valley Vineyard tomorrow, inviting runners, walkers and wine lovers to combine fitness, food, and vineyard fun in one unique event.
Thai-built drones are being trialed to deliver critical medical supplies, aiming to improve access for patients in remote island hospitals by significantly reducing wait times.
Thailand is grappling with a severe youth drug crisis as narcotics such as cannabis, kratom, and methamphetamine become increasingly accessible, reports the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).
The government has introduced a series of emergency measures to prevent domestic fuel shortages, including increasing oil reserves and suspending most exports, while assuring the public that national energy supplies remain secure.
Thailand is stepping up efforts to secure alternative energy sources, including potential purchases of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States, to reduce risks associated with a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Air quality in this northern border province has deteriorated sharply, with thick haze blanketing the city as forest fires surge across much of the upper north.
US President Donald Trump yesterday fired Kristi Noem as head of the Department of Homeland Security, the agency responsible for carrying out his sweeping immigration crackdown. According to multiple media reports, Trump was upset with Noem’s testimony at a Senate hearing this week where she said the president had approved a $220 million DHS advertising campaign in which she featured prominently. 
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.
Royal Gazette Confirms 200,000 Baht Solar Tax Relief
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand down in first two months of 2026
Traveloka reveals top Songkran travel destinations
The growing cost of elephant intrusions
Foreign residents in Hua Hin who own property through Thai-registered companies using nominee shareholders are being urged to review their legal position as enforcement intensifies across Thailand.
Thai massage industry set for overhaul
Today, amid escalating unrest linked to the Iran war in the Middle East, Shell and Chevron — which markets fuel under the Caltex brand — were cited as having sharply raised retail fuel prices yesterday.
Foreign media cited a report by Iranian International yesterday saying Iran’s Assembly of Experts has chosen Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as Iran’s new supreme leader, ending days of speculation after his father was killed in Israeli and US strikes on Saturday. However, Mojtaba’s selection could raise questions because the Islamic Republic of Iran has often criticized hereditary rule and portrayed its system as fairer.
Donald Trump is not just Benjamin Netanyahu’s glove puppet, but it is remarkable how much influence the Israeli prime minister has over the American president. If you are seeking a reason why Trump felt the need to attack Iran again, only nine months after he declared that he had eliminated any nuclear threat from that country, you need look no further.
As in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, the new war in the Middle East is exposing once again how far Europe and others lag in replacing imported fossil fuels with domestic solar and wind power, specialists say.
The price of flights between Asia and Europe has soared after the closure of key Middle Eastern hubs due to the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, with airline websites showing tickets on many popular routes booked out for days. 
The immigration queue certainly takes the edge off the excitement of a new adventure into the world’s most visited city. This time, I threw some dollars at the problem. The result? It was just 30 minutes from the plane reaching the gate to me sitting in a taxi heading into the city. On my previous visit, the immigration queue alone took 70 minutes.
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.
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.
A rare astronomical event, a total lunar eclipse, will take place tomorrow, which also falls on Makha Bucha Day. The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand says the Moon will appear brick-red across the entire disk.
A thunderstorm warning has been issued for Prachuap Khiri Khan, with officials urging residents to prepare for thunderstorms and strong winds across the province from tomorrow through Friday.
Food safety training was the focus of a workshop held in Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday, as local food business operators gathered to strengthen hygiene standards and protect consumer health.
Since the government canceled the long-standing prohibition on selling alcoholic beverages between 2-5 pm, in a move aimed at stimulating the economy and tourism, the early assessments indicate the change is likely to increase restaurant revenues by more than 20%, after aligning sales hours more closely with tourist behavior.
The rapid escalation of conflict in the Gulf region is once again reminding the world how closely geopolitics, markets, and tourism are intertwined. As military action involving the United States and Israel against Iran reverberates across the Middle East, reports of retaliatory strikes and heightened security alerts have created understandable concern well beyond the immediate region.
Thailand’s exports to Iran, led by canned and processed fruit and rubber-related products, could face disruption risks as fighting involving Iran, the United States, and Israel escalates, raising concerns over logistics, insurance costs, and payment channels for trade with the region.
Medical Tourism Corp. (MTC), a Dallas-based international healthcare facilitation organization, has released its Thailand Dental Tourism Market Research Report 2026, a comprehensive analysis of patient demand patterns, competitive positioning, and strategic growth opportunities across six major Thai cities.
Essential Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Summer Vacation in Thailand
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.
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.
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. 
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. 
As global healthcare costs continue to rise, access to affordable and reliable medical care has become an increasingly important factor in travel decisions. For retirees, digital nomads, long-stay visitors, and medical tourists, healthcare is no longer merely a matter of safety. It is part of the destination value proposition.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has urged the incoming government to prioritize urgent economic and cost-of-living problems as its first agenda, warning that household debt, SME distress, export pressures, and an influx of cheap imports now pose a critical threat to growth and public welfare. T
Unofficial results of the 2026 general election clearly point to the Bhumjaithai Party taking the lead in forming the next government. The party campaigned on its “10 Plus” economic platform, which is set to become the core economic policy of the new administration.
Thailand’s hotel sector will remain highly challenging in 2026, pressured by multiple factors, including uncertainty in key foreign markets amid global geopolitical risks and the continued strength of the baht, according to Kasikorn Research Center.
The Thai Restaurant Assn. is calling for small eateries registered as juristic persons to be included in the anticipated revival of the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme under the new government led by the Bhumjaithai Party.
The public sector under the new government is expected to accelerate the adoption of cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to bridge its legacy bureaucratic systems with advanced digital technology.
Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) expects more than 4.11 million passengers to pass through its six airports during the Chinese New Year holiday period from Feb. 13-22. The surge is driven largely by a continued recovery in the Chinese market, increasing pressure on airport operations nationwide. Authorities are preparing for heavier traffic and longer processing times during peak travel days.
The Election Commission of Thailand has confirmed that the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited across all provinces to ensure order during the voting process. The prohibition begins at 6 pm on Saturday, Feb. 7, and remains in effect until 6 pm on Sunday, Feb. .
The Thai food delivery market recorded significant consolidation and growth between 2024 and 2025.The market is increasingly defined by a duopoly between Grab and Line Man, as smaller competitors exit, according to Singapore-based research firm Momentum Works.
Despite a slowdown in foreign tourist arrivals in 2025, the long-term recovery potential of Thailand’s tourism industry has renewed investor confidence, creating a thriving hotel market. Both Thai and foreign investors are aggressively acquiring assets in high-potential locations to renovate, upgrade, and add long-term value.
Thailand’s electric vehicle industry is struggling to improve after-sales services, which remain unsatisfactory due to the rapid growth of EV sales and growing maintenance demand, says Omoda & Jaecoo (Thailand), a subsidiary of Chinese state-owned automaker Chery Automobile.