Just a reminder that there are no alcohol sales from 6 pm today until 6 pm tomorrow.
- Thailand reforms business, visa, and social laws/Theft suspect dies in Cha Am/Nipah airport screening ineffective/WHO says Nipah virus risk low/Most Thai workers aware of PM2.5 risks/‘Dead’ son walks back home
- ECONOMY: Four parties propose tax reform plans/The Rise of Thailand’s ‘Beef Commanders’
- TOURISM: See elephants without harming them/Pattaya requires color-coded beach umbrellas/Illegal group tours face crackdown
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: 15 New Things To Do In Bangkok/Celebrate 244 years of Rattanakosin with stunning exhibitions, performances
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand EV Charging Price Rise/Stricter power rules for data centers/Bringing the Climate Action to Life
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
Thailand reforms business, visa, and social laws to attract global expats
Thailand is undertaking its most comprehensive expatriate policy overhaul in decades, introducing reforms across business law, visa regulations, property ownership, and civil rights that collectively aim to position the country as Southeast Asia’s premier destination for foreign residents and investors.
Announced progressively throughout 2024 and early 2025, these reforms respond to regional competition for foreign talent and investment, particularly as neighboring countries like Vietnam and Malaysia enhance their own expatriate frameworks. Continued …
Theft suspect dies in Cha Am police custody
A young theft suspect was found dead inside a holding cell at the Cha Am Police Station yesterday, just hours before police were due to take him to court for a remand hearing. The incident is being treated as a death in custody, pending further investigation.
Police said an investigating officer at police station was alerted to the incident and immediately reported it to the station superintendent. Authorities then coordinated with local administrative officials, prosecutors, medical staff from Cha Am Hospital, provincial forensic officers, and rescue workers to examine the scene. Continued …
Nipah airport screening ineffective, say experts
Airport screening for Nipah virus, which has been stepped up across Asia this week after two cases were identified in India, are more about reassurance than science, several leading experts said yesterday.
Countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Pakistan put in place temperature screening at airports after India announced that two cases of the deadly Nipah virus had been found in West Bengal. Continued …
WHO says Nipah virus risk low in India with no sign of spread
A World Health Organization official said yesterday that the risk of the spread of the Nipah virus is low, saying that none of the over 190 contacts of the two people infected in India had tested positive or developed symptoms of the disease.
Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are among the Asian locations that tightened airport screening checks this week to guard against such a spread after India confirmed infections. Continued …
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Most Thai workers aware of PM2.5 risks but shun N95 masks
Most Thai working people are aware of the health risks posed by PM2.5 airborne pollution but are reluctant to buy quality N95 face masks to protect themselves, claiming that they are too expensive, according to Arkhom Praditsuwan, director general of the Health Service Support Department.
The department conducted an online opinion survey of 6,787 working people aged 15 to 59 on their awareness of PM2.5 pollution and its health risks. The survey shows that 93.3% are aware of the serious health threats posed by PM2.5 pollution, 86.9% know that they may have to stop working and lose income, and 85.9% admit that PM2.5 pollution may disrupt their lives. Continued …
Chiang Rai family exhumes body after ‘dead’ son walks back home
A Thai man believed to be dead returned to his home in Chiang Rai province on Jan. 24, leaving his family stunned and forcing them to exhume a body they had already buried, only to discover it was his friend, not him.
Rescuers from the Thap Yang Sataranakusol Foundation were asked to assist a family in the Mae Fah Luang district after they realized a serious identification error occurred. The body in question was buried on Jan. 9. Continued …
Four parties propose tax reform plans to tackle Thailand’s low taxpayer base
At the “Thailand Redesign 2026 The Next Level” debate, four major political parties — the People’s Party, Democrat Party, Pheu Thai, and Thai Kao Mai Party — presented their proposals to tackle the pressing issue of Thailand’s 40 million workers, with only 4 million currently paying taxes. The debate focused on the wealth protocol and the urgent need for tax reform to drive economic sustainability and fairness.
Karndee Leopairote, deputy leader of the Democrat Party, argued that increasing the income and wages of Thai people is the key to expanding the tax base. They propose raising the minimum tax-exempt income threshold to align with rising living costs, as well as creating a supportive environment for SMEs through tax relief, access to markets, and state procurement. Continued …
The Rise of Thailand’s ‘Beef Commanders’: A New Soft Power Frontier
Thailand is sharpening its culinary edge on the global stage, not through its world-famous sauces or spices, but through a new wave of premium home-grown beef. The National Innovation Agency (NIA) has identified four “Beef Commanders” — Ko Dam Lam Takhong, Surin Wagyu Salakdai, Nong Sung, and Kamphaeng Saen — as the flagship models of Thai soft power destined for the international market.
For decades, premium beef in Thailand was synonymous with imports: Japanese Wagyu, Australian Angus, or American Prime. However, a significant shift in consumer behavior is driving a local revolution. Continued …
The best ways to see elephants without harming them
More and more travelers seek unforgettable wildlife experiences — but traditional tourism often puts the very animals we admire at risk. Captive elephants, in particular, face daily threats from harmful interactions, overcrowded attractions, and exploitative practices that compromise elephant welfare.
Here, we shine a light on elephant cruelty in tourism and explore alternative ethical elephant experiences that allow you to see these majestic animals while respecting their natural behaviors. Here’s how to say yes to ethical wildlife tourism. Continued …
Pattaya requires color-coded beach umbrellas to boost seaside views
Pattaya has introduced new rule assigning specific umbrella colors to beach chair operators, saying the move will improve orderliness and create a more attractive seaside view for visitors.
Under the new scheme, umbrellas are divided into three color sets based on location: white-and-blue umbrellas for northern Pattaya beaches, white-and-green umbrellas for central Pattaya beaches, and white-and-purple umbrellas for southern Pattaya beaches. Continued …
Illegal group tours face Thai government crackdown
Illegal tours targeting foreign markets are spreading rapidly in Thailand, prompting the Tourism Department to prepare for more inspections of tour companies this year.
Vathanachai Chatrirath, vice president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), said that despite strong demand from Indian tourists to visit Thailand, there are concerns that revenue from this market has not been fully distributed to local operators, instead going to illegal tour companies. Continued …
15 New Things To Do In Bangkok
Think you’ve already done everything there is to do in Bangkok? Hate to break it to you, but probably not. Even if you’ve lost count of how many times you’ve visited, the city always finds new ways to surprise, including new attractions with thrilling rides and aesthetic shopping malls in BKK.
So, no, visiting the city again doesn’t mean having to repeat the same old itinerary, because we’ve got you covered with new things to do in Bangkok, along with a few IG-worthy hotels to consider on your next getaway. Continued …
Celebrate 244 years of Rattanakosin with stunning exhibitions, performances
The Ministry of Culture has revealed plans for a major cultural celebration from April 22-26, marking the 244th Anniversary of the Foundation of Rattanakosin. The events will take place in three central locations in Bangkok and aim to bring the rich history of Thailand to life through a series of activities, exhibitions, and performances.
Prasop Riangngoen, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Culture, revealed that the purpose of this event is to celebrate the 244th anniversary of the founding of Rattanakosin and to pay tribute to the benevolence and honor of King Phutthayotfa Chulalok, the first monarch of the Chakri dynasty, who established Rattanakosin as the capital of Thailand on April 21, 1782. Continued …
Thailand EV Charging Price Rise Threatens Cost Advantage
Thailand’s electric vehicle sector is facing fresh uncertainty after government proposals to sharply raise public EV charging prices, a move that could erase the cost benefits that have driven rapid adoption.
Proposed electricity rate adjustments could push charging costs as high as 11 baht per unit, bringing EV running costs close to those of petrol-powered vehicles. The announcement has raised concerns about a potential slowdown in EV uptake and wider impacts on environmental and industrial policy. Continued …
Thailand plans stricter power purchase rules for data centers
Thailand plans to tighten the rules for investors in data centers and other businesses that use a large amount of electricity, requiring them to provide a bank guarantee or collateral to secure power purchases.
Energy officials said the measure is designed to prevent investors from shifting projects to rival Southeast Asian countries competing for data center investment. Continued …
How Education Is Bringing the Climate Action to Life in Thailand
Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract threat; it is part of everyday life. From unpredictable weather patterns to rising air pollution, communities across Thailand and around the world are already experiencing its impacts. As these challenges intensify, education is emerging as one of the most powerful starting points for meaningful climate action.
One innovative response is Climate Box, a set of interactive climate education tools developed by the United Nations Development Program. Climate Box uses games, quizzes, and hands-on activities to connect global climate challenges with students’ daily lives. Rather than treating climate change as a theoretical topic, it encourages learners to understand, question, and act. Continued …
- Assault on Thai Vendor Leads to Dutch Man’s Arrest in Phuket – Continued …
- Police Raid Pattaya Scam Setup, Arrest Two Chinese Men – Continued …
- More Chinese scammers caught sneaking into Thailand – Continued …
Maersk to take over Panama Canal port operations from HK firm
Danish firm Maersk will temporarily take over operation of two ports on the Panama Canal from Hong Kong company CK Hutchison, whose concession has been annulled, the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) said yesterday. Continued …
Hua Hin Links
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
Thailand is bracing for an air pollution crisis, with authorities warning that fine dust (PM2.5) levels are expected to rise nationwide through Jan. 25, heightening health concerns.
Laos has tightened controls on outdoor burning, as air pollution continued to affect major cities yesterday, with the government warning that forest fires and agricultural burning remain the main drivers of seasonal haze and health risks.
Thailand’s economy in 2026 is projected to face significant uncertainty and potential stagnation, risking a decline in competitiveness. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is urging the government to accelerate free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations and implement structural reforms to navigate these challenges.
Thailand still has an undersupply of hotel rooms, according to international chain IHG Hotels & Resorts, which aims to add nearly 40 hotels here in 3-5 years. Elie Maalouf, chief executive at IHG, said Thailand is still “under-penetrated” in terms of hotel rooms per person, as many hotels have very high occupancy rates for much of the time.
The Department of Mineral Fuels (DMF) has finished drafting amendments to the Petroleum Act to ensure the continuity of petroleum production when licenses expire, avoiding delays that can result in expensive electricity bills.
A wave of blunt, often frustrated comments from readers has reignited a long-running question: is Pattaya intentionally — or unintentionally — pushing away its traditional Western visitor base?
The friendliest Thai cities for foreigners
The influencer racing to save Thailand’s most endangered sea mammal
The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting 2026 in Davos has begun in a notably heated atmosphere, after Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney used a major address to declare that the so-called “rules-based order” is effectively “dead” in practice and urged the world’s middle powers to unite against growing coercion by larger states. 
If the US and the European Union (EU) implement tariff barriers against each other, it could cause severe disruptions to global trade, as both are crucial players in the global supply chain and major consumer markets, say economic analysts. Tensions are escalating after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs ranging up to 25% on eight European allies that oppose his demands for control of Greenland. 
Foreign visitors to Japan reached a record estimated 42.7 million in 2025, the government said yesterday, with their spending also at a new all-time high of 9.5 trillion yen (1.8 trillion baht), thanks to a weaker yen and increased flights to Japan. 
The world is entering an era of “global water bankruptcy”, with rivers, lakes, and aquifers depleting faster than nature can replenish them, a United Nations research institute said yesterday. It argues that decades of overuse, pollution, environmental destruction, and climate pressure had pushed many water systems so beyond the point of recovery that a new classification was required. 
Global gold prices surged to another record high yesterday, rising above US$4,700 an ounce and moving closer to the US$4,800 mark, as escalating geopolitical tensions drove demand for safe-haven assets. Silver also hit an all-time high, briefly breaking above US$95 an ounce. 
The body of a Canadian tourist has been found off the coast of Sam Roi Yot, three days after he went missing while swimming in rough sea conditions near Khao Takiab Temple.
The Chatt Hua Hin–Pranburi Pool Villa has been launched by Chatt Asset Co., featuring 78 Thai-style homes on a 43-rai site with a total investment value of more than 1 billion baht.
The Hua Hin Championship Road Race 2026 will take place on Sunday, March 1, bringing competitive and recreational cyclists to the roads around Huay Mongkol for a full day of racing and touring in the Hua Hin area.
A coordinated wave of bombings and arson attacks struck 11 PTT petrol stations across three southern Thai provinces in the early hours yesterday, causing widespread property damage but no reported casualties.
The Customs Department in Thailand is considering a significant increase in import duty rates on low-value goods. The Customs Department deems the current variable rates, averaging around 10%, insufficient to ensure fair competition with domestically produced goods. There are plans to increase the rate to up to 30% in order to establish a more equitable market.
E-commerce entrepreneurs support the Customs Department’s suggestion to raise the import duty rate on low-value goods to promote fairer competition between domestically produced goods and imported products, according to Paul Srivorakul, group chief executive of aCommerce, a Southeast Asia e-commerce enablement company.
Thailand’s experiment with cannabis liberalization is undergoing a profound and contentious recalibration. The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) is advancing a new draft ministerial regulation designed to impose stringent oversight on the sector, a decisive pivot away from the largely unregulated commercial free-for-all that emerged post-2022 and back towards a strictly medical framework.
Effective Jan. 1, the export of fishery products from 12 major Vietnamese fishing grounds to the United States has been officially suspended.
Contractors for rooftop solar installation must register with the Council of Engineers Thailand to enhance consumer confidence on safety, according to the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT).
Thailand needs a new law to help it handle around 400,000 tons of electronic waste a year — including used mobile phones — by recycling the waste for valuable materials, the Pollution Control Department (PCD) said.
A biomass fuel factory in Phrae province has been found to be operating without a required health hazard license, despite ongoing complaints that pollution from the site has caused illness among dozens of nearby residents.
Thai Honda, a leading manufacturer and distributor of motorcycles and multipurpose engines, has unveiled its first electric motorcycle in Thailand, marking a major step in the company’s strategy and positioning the country as a key export hub. The new model, UC3, was designed by a Thai engineer and is scheduled for production at Thai Honda’s local factory.
In 2026, Thailand is expected to complete one of the most significant transformations in its immigration system, the abolition of passport stamping and the full adoption of a 100% digital immigration platform.
International Living magazine has identified the five most affordable places to live or retire in 2026, which scored the highest in the cost-of-living category of its 2026 Global Retirement Index. It evaluated retirement destinations across climate, healthcare, visa and lifestyle, along with cost.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has detailed a high-stakes strategy to revitalize the nation’s economy, appointing global icon Lalisa Manobal — known professionally as LISA — as its ‘Amazing Thailand Ambassador’ for 2026. The partnership is the cornerstone of an ambitious plan to attract an additional five to 10 million ‘high-quality’ international travelers.
A grayscale sky is showing signs of life over slumbering waves, with sunshine breaking through clouds that had earlier brought steamy tropical rain to the northeast coast of Koh Samui.
Southeast Asia’s solar energy market is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by falling technology costs, strong national climate commitments, and an increasing need for energy security. Recent industry forecasts indicate that the region’s solar capacity is expected to grow from around 38.29 gigawatts in 2025 to over 92.77 gigawatts by 2030, reflecting an annual growth rate of nearly 19.4%. This surge highlights a clear shift away from fossil fuels toward cleaner, renewable energy sources.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. will seize control of Greenland “the easy way” or “the hard way” and warned that he won’t miss out on the opportunity to Russia or China. “We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not,” he said. 
Iran is currently cut off from the outside world. The government has severed internet and telephone lines nationwide, hoping to blind and deafen the international community to the brutality of its crackdown. Yet, the screams of frustration from the streets echo far beyond the digital blackout. This nationwide uprising is a clear signal: the 40-year-old theocratic regime is facing its most catastrophic crisis of faith yet. 
Authorities in Bangkok plan to delay enforcement of a regulation requiring pet dogs and cats to be fitted with microchips for a year in order to help all sides prepare and ensure broader adoption.
Thailand’s economy is bracing for its weakest expansion in 30 years, with GDP growth projected at less than 2% in 2026, attributed to sluggish exports, high household debt, and declining competitiveness in global markets, warns the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB).
The leadership of Thailand’s three largest commercial banks have issued a unified warning for 2026, describing the upcoming financial year as a period of “all-around exhaustion.”
Average headline inflation is expected to rise slightly in 2026, driven by increasing prices of agricultural products and the recovery of the tourism sector, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).
Thailand’s property market is facing another major test in 2026, after new figures from the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) of the Government Housing Bank pointed to a clear slowdown in foreign demand in 2025 — long viewed as a key engine of the condominium market.
The outlook for the restaurant industry in 2026 appears grim as there are no new positive factors. A Thai Michelin-starred chef urged restaurant operators to think carefully about business expansion.
Health and wellness are increasingly viewed as a new form of luxury, driving lifestyle changes and fueling rapid growth across global well-being industries this year. Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun, chief executive of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort, said the wellness trend will continue expanding over the next five years worldwide.
Tourism has surged beyond pre-pandemic levels, placing pressure on popular cities, islands, and natural landmarks. By charging tourists, governments aim to generate dedicated funding to manage crowds, upgrade infrastructure, and preserve destinations, while allowing tourism to continue.
Southeast Asia is accelerating its energy transition with growing momentum from both policy and capital. Stronger regulatory support and expanding clean-energy financing are creating a more predictable investment environment, enabling governments and developers to move from planning to delivery.
Expat Thailand 2025: Open Doors, Uneven Rules
AIS launches simple SMS scam reporting service via 1185
Tourism still a stalled engine
Indian Boycott Calls Grow After Hindu Statue Damage Near Thai Border
Thailand offers 39 free camping sites for new year holidays
Brigitte Bardot, the French 1960s sex symbol who became one of the greatest screen sirens of the 20th century and later a militant animal rights activist and far-right supporter, has died. She was 91. 
Hua Hin Racer Marina Jazz Festival January 10
Agricultural economy to grow despite headwinds
Chiang Mai guesthouses pivot to long-haul markets
Air drops of relief supplies begins in Hat Yai
Government denies flood response delays
Hong Kong fire: At Least 44 Dead And 279 Reported Missing
Popular fresh vegetables found contaminated with multiple parasites
Chiang Rai Leads the Way in Responsible Travel