Dusit Ajara Hua Hin expected in 2028/Thailand’s shift in population structure/100% cancer surgery success rate/1,000-baht Koh Samui bridge toll/New Mines in Thai Territory/Security Tightened in Yala/’Extinct’ No More- ECONOMY: Thai economy beats estimates/VAT Rise to 10% Proposed/Restaurant Association Demands Stimulus/Japanese restaurant numbers fall/Thai–Chinese High-Speed Rail/Government eyes B990-billion land bridge/Nine things foreign investors should know/Top Cybersecurity Trends for 2026
- TOURISM: Thailand Tourism Challenges/Pattaya crackdown on prostitution/Phuket Shop charges 40-Baht Entry Fee/Hat Yai tourism reels
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Elephants need space
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Arsenic exceeds safety limit
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Dusit Ajara Hua Hin completion expected in 2028
The Dusit Ajara Hua Hin project is moving forward with full-scale development after receiving approval for its environmental impact assessment (EIA) report from the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONREP). Construction has now commenced as planned, with the expected completion of residential units in 2028,
Dusit Ajara Hua Hin is an ultra-luxury, low-rise, low-density residential project, with 96 units on 20 rai of land. The project focuses on sustainable living in all aspects, in collaboration with experienced and expert partners in both building design, interior and exterior, creating a new living experience amid the urban forest surrounding the project.
Thailand experiencing significant shift in population structure
Thailand is facing a significant shift in population structure as the growth rate has decelerated to only 0.42%, according to the National Statistical Office. The figure represents the lowest growth rate since the census began in Thailand, according to the office’s preliminary results of the 2025 population and household census.
This is the 12th population census and the sixth household census. The country has a population of 70.3 million people and 26.3 million households. Continued …
Kalasin hospital boast 100% cancer surgery success rate
A district hospital in northeastern Thailand has reported a 100% success rate in laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer after screening more than 1,200 people over the past three years.
Yang Talat Hospital in Kalasin said it had carried out free colonoscopy screenings on 1,222 people since the 2023 fiscal year, detecting 19 cases of colorectal cancer. All 19 patients underwent successful laparoscopic surgery and have since returned to normal daily life, hospital officials said. Continued …
Could the public handle 1,000-baht Koh Samui bridge toll?
As the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is now proceeding with a feasibility study of building a bridge connecting mainland Surat Thai to Koh Samui, a politician raised the question whether the public will be able to cope with 1,000-baht toll fee per trip, with this rate being more expensive than some world-class bridges.
Samart Ratchapolsitte, former deputy leader of the Democrat Party and former deputy governor of Bangkok, asked whether this steep toll is appropriate and fair to the public. “If you had to shell out 1,000 baht to drive across a bridge to Koh Samui, taking only 20 minutes instead of the usual two hours by ferry… would you pay?” he asked. Continued …
Thai Navy Finds New Mines in Thai Territory
Thai authorities say they have found clear evidence that Cambodia secretly planted landmines inside Thai territory, describing the act as a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
The Royal Thai Navy confirmed that newly laid anti-personnel mines were discovered during operations to secure and clear border areas. Officials said the discovery has heightened security concerns along the frontier. Continued …
Security Tightened in Yala After Seven Bombings
Security has been raised to the highest level in Yala following a coordinated wave of seven bomb attacks in neighboring Narathiwat over the past 48 hours.
The incidents, which took place Saturday and Sunday, prompted authorities to intensify screening measures for residents and travelers. Although no injuries were reported, officials remain on high alert to prevent further violence. Continued …
‘Extinct’ No More: Predatory Legend Rediscovered in Southern Thailand’s Peatlands
In a discovery that has stunned the international conservation community, researchers have confirmed the first official sighting in decades of the False Gharial in the Thai wild. The legendary reptile, which many experts feared had vanished from the kingdom’s natural habitats, was captured on film in a remote canal in Narathiwat province.
The encounter began with a pair of “mysterious eyes” reflecting the beam of a torch above the ink-black waters of a Tak Bai waterway. As the creature emerged, it revealed a prehistoric form over three meters in length — a living testament to a species the world feared had been lost to history. Continued …
Thai economy beats Q4 growth estimates
Thailand’s economy grew more than expected in the fourth quarter, supported by rising exports, a rebound in tourism, and government stimulus measures.
Gross domestic product in the three months through December rose 2.5% from a year earlier, the National Economic and Social Development Council said today. That exceeds the 1.3% median estimate in a Bloomberg News survey and the 1.2% pace in the third quarter. Continued …
VAT Rise to 10% Proposed to Fund Elderly Benefits
A proposal to increase Thailand’s value-added tax (VAT) to 10% aims to boost government revenue and enhance welfare benefits for senior citizens. The plan, reported on Saturday, suggests the higher rate could generate an additional 200–300 billion baht annually.
The extra funds would help raise monthly pensions for elderly citizens from the current 600–1,000 baht to 3,000 baht. VAT currently accounts for around 30% of total government income, generating approximately 900 billion baht each year. Continued …
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Thai Restaurant Association Demands Emergency Stimulus
The Thai Restaurant Assn. has issued an urgent mandate to the incoming administration, calling for a decisive “90-day rescue plan” to prevent a widespread collapse across the hospitality sector.
Industry leaders are demanding a swift injection of liquidity and a seat at the policy-making table as businesses grapple with a toxic combination of surging costs and weakened consumer spending. Continued …
Japanese restaurant numbers fall in Thailand for first time in 20 years
Japanese restaurants have long remained one of Thailand’s most popular dining segments, ranging from small eateries to premium venues. However, in 2026, the Japanese restaurant market is facing a major turning point, after the number of outlets fell for the first time in nearly 20 years.
Abe Ichiro, president of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Bangkok, cited the 2025 survey of Japanese restaurants in Thailand, which found a total of 5,781 outlets nationwide, down 135 outlets, or 2.2%, from 5,916 the previous year. Continued …
Thai–Chinese High-Speed Rail Project Reaches 51%
The first phase of the Thai–Chinese high-speed rail project has reached 51.7% completion, according to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). TActing SRT Gov. Anan Phonimdaeng said progress is continuing across multiple contracts.
Phase 1 links Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima and carries a total investment value of 179.41 billion baht. The phase consists of 14 construction contracts and one train system contract. Two contracts covering the Klang Dong–Pang Asok and Sikhiu–Kut Chik sections have been completed, while construction is under way on 10 others. Continued …
New government eyes B990-billion land bridge
Attention is turning to the Bhumjaithai-led government’s push to advance the land bridge project, valued at B990 billion, with the Transport Ministry expressing confidence that it can move to tender and attract private-sector partners within four years of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s administration. Officials said both Thai and overseas investors have shown interest in joining the project.
Bhumjaithai has set out plans to drive major infrastructure in the south, particularly transport and logistics projects aimed at developing the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) and linking freight movement between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea through the land bridge. Continued …
Nine things foreign investors should know about Thailand
Over the years, many people from foreign companies ask me what they should know before doing business in Thailand. From my experience, some businesses thrive in Thailand while others struggle, and it usually comes down to a few differences I have seen time and again.
- Relationships come first: In Thailand, you cannot rush into business. Major deals are built on trust and long-term relationships. Investing time to genuinely connect with business partners is essential for success. In Thailand, business often moves at the speed of trust, with multiple meetings, conversations, and even dinner or social gatherings taking place before an agreement is reached. Continued …
Gartner Unveils Top Cybersecurity Trends for 2026
The convergence of autonomous “agentic” AI, heightened geopolitical tensions, and extreme regulatory volatility is set to redefine the global cybersecurity landscape in 2026.
According to the latest insights from Gartner, Inc., cybersecurity leaders are entering a period of unprecedented change that will test the resilience of even the most mature organizations. Continued …
Thailand Tourism Challenges: Rising Baht and Exchange Rate Impacts on Travel Costs for Tourists
Thailand, celebrated for its vibrant culture, lush landscapes, and rich history, continues to be a significant destination for international travelers. However, recent concerns regarding ncreasing travel expenses, especially among visitors from South Korea and the U.S., have emerged.
Many perceive that the rising costs are due to domestic inflation; however, Thailand’s tourism authorities clarify that these perceptions stem from exchange rate fluctuations, not local price hikes. The country remains a top vacation spot despite these challenges, emphasizing the need for potential travelers to understand the underlying economic factors affecting travel costs. Continued …
Pattaya police crack down on prostitution to boost tourism image
In the early hours Saturday, a coordinated effort by Tourist Police and Immigration Police took place along Pattaya Beach to tackle suspected prostitution activities and enhance the city’s tourism reputation.
The operation led to the detention of 20 individuals suspected of engaging in prostitution, most of whom were foreign women. This crackdown was in response to numerous complaints from foreign tourists who expressed shock at being approached, harassed, and solicited for sex by provocatively dressed women, both Thai and foreign. Continued …
Phuket Shop charges 40-Baht Entry Fee
A video showing a shop in Phuket’s Old Town charging visitors 40 baht to enter has triggered widespread criticism on Chinese social media, raising concerns about the potential impact on Thailand’s tourism image. The controversy emerged yesterday after footage filmed inside a shop circulated online, on Chinese social media apps.
The clip spread rapidly on Chinese platforms. The footage allegedly shows an elderly woman inside the shop demanding a 40-baht fee from Chinese tourists to enter and browse products. When the visitors declined to pay, she reportedly used inappropriate language and made gestures perceived as mocking and racially offensive. Continued …
Hat Yai tourism reels as Chinese New Year bookings plunge
The Chinese New Year in Hat Yai has been markedly subdued this year, with room bookings plunging and many businesses still closed months after last year’s flood, local hotel and tourism operators said yesterday.
Sitthipong Sitthiphataraprabha, president of the Hat Yai–Songkhla Hotels Assn., said bookings for the 2026 festival period were hovering around 40%, a sharp decline of 60% from last year. Visitor numbers were expected to reach only 25,000, far below the usual 50,000–60,000 during peak years. Continued …
Elephants need space
Elephants hold a special place in the hearts of Thais. The latest evidence was Wednesday’s protest following the death of Seedor Hu Pab, a male elephant that died on Feb. 3 during a ham-fisted relocation attempt by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).
Angered animal protection activists have demanded the resignation of DNP chief Attapon Charoenchansa over the elephant’s death, which occurred during its relocation from Khon Kaen province to Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary in Loei province. Continued …
Arsenic exceeds safety limit in Kok, Sai rivers
Arsenic levels exceeding the safety threshold of 0.01 milligrams per liter (mg/l) have been detected in parts of the Kok River and its tributaries, says the Pollution Control Department’s (PCD) 15th report on water and sediment quality.
Water and sediment samples collected from Jan. 13–16 in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai followed reports of unusual turbidity and possible contamination. Most heavy metals, including cadmium, copper, nickel, chromium, zinc, and mercury, remained within national standards. Continued …
- Pattaya Immigration Arrest Iranian Over Attempted Murder – Continued …
- Israeli Restaurant Owner Held in 50-million-baht Drugs Bust – Continued …
- Brit caught running illegal operation in national park for more than 10 years – Continued …
- Phuket Russian Bar Raided for Multiple Offenses – Continued …
- Malaysian Held Over 1.93-million-baht Pattaya Fraud – 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
Efforts to raise food sanitation standards across the western central region were the focus of a regional network meeting attended by representatives from eight provinces, including Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Authorities in Prachuap Khiri Khan are studying new sand sources as part of plans for beach nourishment to address coastal erosion along the central Gulf of Thailand. The Regional Marine Office, Prachuap Khiri Khan Branch, held a public consultation on Friday morning to outline a project to survey potential sand reserves for use in reinforcing beaches in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Chumphon.
The Harvest Wine Run Festival Hua Hin returns to Monsoon Valley Vineyard on March 7, inviting runners, walkers and wine lovers to combine fitness, food, and vineyard fun in one unique event.
For years, there has been a quiet understanding among many foreign business owners in Thailand – as long as nothing goes wrong, nobody looks too closely. That assumption is starting to crack.
Bhumjaithai in landslide victory with counting nearly complete
The Bhumjaithai Party of caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has won 174 House constituency seats, followed by the People’s Party with 87, and 58 for the Pheu Thai Party, according to the Election Commission.
Thailand’s election marked a significant shift as the nation embraced nationalism and the monarchy, moving away from a progressive movement that had gained traction in recent years. The election results are a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape.
PM2.5 pollution across northeastern Thailand continued to worsen for a fifth consecutive day, as authorities reported daily illegal agricultural burning, with satellite data showing multiple fire hotspots despite air quality in some areas remaining within official limits.
Thailand recorded a cumulative burned area of 2.26 million rai between Jan. 1–31, according to an analysis of Sentinel-2 satellite imagery by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, or GISTDA. One rai equals 1,600 square meters, 0.4 acres, or 10,764 square feet.
As Thailand continues to battle worsening PM2.5 pollution and persistent urban smog, air purifiers have quickly shifted from optional home appliances to essential health safeguards, especially for expatriates adjusting to the country’s environmental conditions. Understanding how these machines improve indoor air quality can make a substantial difference to daily comfort and long-term well-being.
A tragic encounter in Thailand is sparking renewed debate about how we share space with large wild animals in popular parks. A 65-year-old Thai tourist was killed on Feb. 2 after being trampled during a morning walk in Khao Yai National Park. Officials said the bull elephant, Oyewan, has now been linked to three deaths, and they will meet to decide next steps, including relocation or attempts to change the animal’s behavior.
Bhumjaithai has outlined an export policy aimed at reducing reliance on traditional markets and strengthening SMEs to compete globally.
Thailand is strengthening its food soft power by transforming local beef into a premium global product. The National Innovation Agency, or NIA, has launched Thailand Beef Fest 2026, showcasing how innovation can raise the quality and international competitiveness of Thai beef.
The United States will enforce a 25% import tariff on certain advanced AI chips, effective Jan. 15. This applies globally, including imports from Thailand. The tariff targets high-performance processors such as Nvidia’s H200 and AMD’s MI325X, aiming to strengthen domestic chip manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Some exemptions apply, including chips used in U.S. data centers, research, and startups, which will face a 0% tariff initially.
Thailand’s 4 Strengths to Attract Global Chip Giant: Grand Strategy Needed
The Thai halal industry, which includes food and tourism, has strong growth potential, according to the Thai Muslim Trade Assn. (TMTA). Marut Mekloy, president of the TMTA, said Thailand has a wide range of halal-certified products across various sectors, positioning the country as a prospective global halal trade hub.
Thailand’s tourism industry enters 2026 at a complex and delicately balanced moment. The long-anticipated rebound in Chinese arrivals has fallen short of official forecasts, while breaking news of a virus outbreak in India and Nepal now threatens to disrupt one of Thailand’s fastest-growing source markets. Together, these developments point to a tourism sector moving beyond recovery and into a period of structural adjustment.
Chiang Mai, once dominated by Chinese visitors, has gradually changed as the foreign market diversifies, with more arrivals from South Korea and Japan, as well as a notable resurgence of long haul tourists.
I Visited One of Thailand’s Oldest Organic Tea Farms
Don’t just eat in Thailand, learn how to cook Thai food, too
They say mother knows best, so mother’s mother must know even better, and what about her mother? Perhaps these historic Thai restaurants can tell us; the ones that have been in Bangkok for so long that our parents can reminisce along with us.
What a difference a single year makes. The once-dominant push to radically reshape society to avert climate catastrophe has collapsed. Look at Davos – the talkfest long dominated by climate advocacy. That consensus has been abandoned by its once strongest proponents.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s coalition swept to a landslide election win yesterday, paving the way for her tax cuts that have spooked financial markets and increased military spending aimed at countering China. 
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will organize the “Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2026” to promote sports tourism and elevate Muay Thai as a cultural heritage on the international stage.
The inaugural Hua Hin Ultra Marathon 2026 will take place on Saturday, May 23, marking the first time the city has hosted an ultra-distance running event of this scale. The race will start and finish at Rajabhakti Park and will offer four distances, ranging from a 10-kilometer evening run to a 100-kilometer ultra marathon.
Chiva-Som Hua Hin has been celebrated for its unique approach to wellness, commitment to excellence, and heartfelt care,. These awards recognize excellence not only in personal transformation but also in its pioneering commitment to corporate responsibility, environmental wellness, and strong local community engagement.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, or GISTDA, reported the latest hotspot index on Sunday, based on data from the Suomi NPP satellite via the VIIRS system.
The Board of Investment (BOI) says Japanese investment applications surged 146% in 2025 to more than 119 billion baht, signaling growing confidence in an economic rebound in early 2026. The sharp rise reflects stronger sentiment among Japanese firms operating in Thailand and reinforces the country’s position as a key production base in ASEAN.
Small-scale egg farmers are facing a growing economic crisis after large commercial farms and wholesalers began selling eggs below average production costs, pushing market prices to unsustainable levels.
Thailand’s PTT Exploration and Production said Friday it acquired full ownership of Block A-18 in the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area from Chevron in a $450M deal. The Thai company said it signed the deal with Hess and Hess Asia Holdings, both now owned by Chevron following the recently closed merger deal with Hess.
Chinese New Year celebrations in Yaowarat, Bangkok, will be canceled during the mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, according to the Samphanthawong District Office yesterday.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is optimistic about sports tourism growth this year as it hosts the Amazing Muay Thai Festival this week, expecting more than 18,000 visitors.
The Woven Heritage of Thai Fabrics: Tradition Meets Modern Identity
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DOAE) has announced the establishment of 30 “Green Gain Hubs” across Thailand, aimed at tackling air pollution caused by agricultural burning. This initiative addresses the severe impact on public health, the economy, and the environment, and is also aimed at reducing the negative effects on agricultural production, including soil degradation, high production costs, and lower yields.
Thailand’s electric mass transit rail network in Bangkok and its surrounding areas is progressing according to the master plan. With a goal of 33 routes spanning 553.41 kilometers, the country is making significant strides in urban transport development.
Foreign man flags sea pollution off Jomtien Beach in Pattaya
Italy’s Trevi Fountain launched a new ticketing system yesterday, making the famous Rome landmark the latest tourist site to charge entry in a bid to raise funds and battle overcrowding. People posed in the sunshine in front of the Baroque masterpiece after paying the €2 (US1.68) fee to access the now largely crowd-free area next to the basin. 
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.
A World Health Organization official said yesterday that the risk of the spread of the Nipah virus is low, saying that none of the over 190 contacts of the two people infected in India had tested positive or developed symptoms of the disease.
Most Thai working people are aware of the health risks posed by PM2.5 airborne pollution but are reluctant to buy quality N95 face masks to protect themselves, claiming that they are too expensive, according to Arkhom Praditsuwan, director general of the Health Service Support Department.
At the “Thailand Redesign 2026 The Next Level” debate, four major political parties — the People’s Party, Democrat Party, Pheu Thai, and Thai Kao Mai Party — presented their proposals to tackle the pressing issue of Thailand’s 40 million workers, with only 4 million currently paying taxes. The debate focused on the wealth protocol and the urgent need for tax reform to drive economic sustainability and fairness.
Pattaya has introduced new rule assigning specific umbrella colors to beach chair operators, saying the move will improve orderliness and create a more attractive seaside view for visitors.
Think you’ve already done everything there is to do in Bangkok? Hate to break it to you, but probably not. Even if you’ve lost count of how many times you’ve visited, the city always finds new ways to surprise, including new attractions with thrilling rides and aesthetic shopping malls in BKK.
The Ministry of Culture has revealed plans for a major cultural celebration from April 22-26, marking the 244th Anniversary of the Foundation of Rattanakosin. The events will take place in three central locations in Bangkok and aim to bring the rich history of Thailand to life through a series of activities, exhibitions, and performances.
Thailand’s electric vehicle sector is facing fresh uncertainty after government proposals to sharply raise public EV charging prices, a move that could erase the cost benefits that have driven rapid adoption.
Thailand plans to tighten the rules for investors in data centers and other businesses that use a large amount of electricity, requiring them to provide a bank guarantee or collateral to secure power purchases.
Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract threat; it is part of everyday life. From unpredictable weather patterns to rising air pollution, communities across Thailand and around the world are already experiencing its impacts. As these challenges intensify, education is emerging as one of the most powerful starting points for meaningful climate action.
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.
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. 
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 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.
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.
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
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
