- Brit visiting Hua Hin learns about Thai ‘escorts’/PM Anutin Dissolves House/Bt6.5 billion in Southern Flood Relief/Alcohol’s Role in Cancer Surge/Thailand leads SEA Games
- THAILAND-CAMBODIA CONFLICT: Clashes Persist on 13 Border Fronts/Thailand steps up strikes on drone bases/Heavy losses on Cambodian side/Cambodia still blocking Thai returnees/’Sovereignty before peace talks’/Foreigners Suspected Behind Drone Attacks/Cambodia’s long range rocket threat
- ECONOMY: Snap Election Threatens Economic Stimulus/Property Market Faces ‘Mortgage Rejection Crisis’/Seven Challenges to Digital Economy
- TOURISM: Tourist Arrivals Fall to 32M/Israeli visitors to Thailand plummet/Pattaya’s roads are becoming ‘Unmanageable’/New realities of global travel
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Annual seasonal opening/closure of national parks/24 Thai Food Favorites/Bangkok’s Lush Oasis
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Call for speedy passage of clean air bill/EV bookings at record levels/November 3rd warmest
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
Brit visiting Hua Hin learns Thai ‘escorts’ can play pool
During an investigation in Thailand’s Hua Hin, I discovered the secret skill “escorts” have learned while waiting in bars for rich British men to “pick them up”. Video …
PM Anutin Dissolves House, Calls for February Elections
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dissolved the House of Representatives, announcing a general election for the second Sunday of February. This abrupt decision follows a surprise shift by Bhumjaithai-led lawmakers toward constitutional amendment legislation, which was consequently aborted after prolonged debate. The move precludes an impending censure motion by the opposition People’s bloc.
The Bhumjaithai party, under the leadership of Anutin and de facto boss Newin Chidchob, reversed its stance by endorsing a requirement for one-third of the 200 senators to approve constitutional amendments. This shift came during a joint House/Senate session after months of a legislative struggle, just before the final reading scheduled for Dec. 26. Continued …
Government Pays Over Bt6.5 billion in Southern Flood Relief
The government has disbursed more than 6.5 billion baht in flood-relief payments to households across nine southern provinces, providing immediate support to communities affected by the 2025 rainy-season flooding.
A total of 730,932 households have now received the 9,000-baht lump-sum assistance. Officials say the payments are intended to help families cover urgent expenses as recovery efforts continue. Continued …
Most Thais Unaware of Alcohol’s Role in Cancer Surge
A recent survey by ThaiHealth reveals alarming ignorance among Thais regarding the link between alcohol consumption and cancer. This oversight plays a significant role in the escalating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) crisis in Thailand.
According to Dr. Pairoj Saonuam, deputy CEO of ThaiHealth, the NCD crisis, fueled by obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, is exacerbated by the country’s alcohol consumption habits. He pointed out that four out of five respondents experienced harm from others’ drinking, with alcohol-related economic losses surpassing 165 billion Thai baht in 2021 alone. Continued …
Thailand leads SEA Games with 41 golds
On the second day of the 2025 SEA Games, Thai athletes earned 22 more gold medals. Thailand now leads the medal table with 41 gold, 24 silver, and 14 bronze medals.
Vietnam is in second place with 14 gold medals, followed by Indonesia in third with 13. Singapore is fourth with nine gold medals. Philippines is fifth with five gold medals, and Malaysia is sixth with three. Continued …
Clashes Persist as Thai Forces Confirm Action on 13 Border Fronts
The Second Army Region has reported continued clashes along 13 border fronts across four northeastern provinces, confirming ongoing Cambodian counterattacks and at least 125 Cambodian soldiers killed. The situation covers Ubon Ratchathani (2 fronts), Si Sa Ket (5), Surin (5) and Buri Ram (1), with Thai forces stating the areas remain under controlled monitoring.
The update coincided with heightened tension in Buri Ram’s Ban Kruat district, where earlier reporters and local defense volunteers were forced to take shelter after a suspected explosive drone appeared overhead. Continued …
Thailand steps up strikes on Cambodian drone bases
Thai military personnel have been coming under heavy attack from Cambodian drones, prompting Thailand to step up efforts to destroy drone launch sites, many of which are located at casino buildings just across the border.
Rear Adm. Surasant Kongsiri, spokesman for the Ministry of Defense, said rockets, mortar rounds, and kamikaze drones were all being used by Cambodia against Thai military positions and personnel. Continued …
Thai army reports heavy losses on Cambodian side
The Second Army’s Operations Center updated the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border yesterday, highlighting significant damage to Cambodian forces since operations began on Dec. 7.
Key points from the report include: Cambodian casualties: 102 soldiers killed; armored losses: six T-55 tanks destroyed in Phanom Prasitso; artillery damage: one BM-21 multiple rocket launcher destroyed; drones neutralized: 64 drones; anti-drone system loss: one system destroyed in Huai Ta Maria. Continued …
Army says Cambodia still blocking Thai returnees as Sa Kaeo clashes kill 2, injure 34
The First Army has reported two Thai soldiers killed and 34 wounded in Sa Kaeo since Dec., and says Cambodia has yet to allow Thai nationals to return via Poipet.
The First Army Area Operations Center yesterday issued an update on the Thai-Cambodian border situation in Sa Kaeo province, reporting continued clashes and confirming that Cambodia has yet to release Thai nationals wishing to return home. Continued …
‘Sovereignty before peace talks’
Now is not the right time for Thailand to engage in peace talks with Cambodia, as priority must be to restore stability and protect national sovereignty, said Thammasat University academics yesterday.
They urged the government to refine its international communications to frame Thailand’s response as necessary self-defense against an immediate threat – not merely retaliation. Continued …
Foreigners Suspected Behind Cambodian Bomber Drone Attacks
The Thai army has raised concerns that foreigners may be operating Cambodian bomber drones used in ongoing border clashes. Radio exchanges during drone attacks reportedly featured English, raising suspicions about who might be controling these aerial assaults.
This announcement from the 2nd Army Area raised suspicions that Cambodian soldiers may not be the ones operating the drones. At key moments, the word “finished” was noted during the exchange, and just as drone attacks paused, motorcyclists were spotted leaving hills near the Chong An Ma area in Ubon Ratchathani. Continued …
Thailand is ready to counter Cambodia’s long range rocket threat
The Thai Air Force is prepared to conduct deep-strike defensive operations should Cambodia deploy heavy weaponry, such as its PHL-03 multiple-rocket launcher systems, which have a maximum range of 130 kilometers, an air force spokesman said.
“We already have operational plans in place. The question is whether Cambodia intends to escalate. The air force can respond to any threat against Thailand’s sovereignty and civilian population,” said Air Marshal Chakkrit Thammavichai, who also serves as deputy air force chief of staff. Continued …
Thai Snap Election Threatens Economic Stimulus
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has sounded the alarm, expressing concerns that the recent dissolution of Parliament and the subsequent transition to a caretaker government could derail critical economic recovery efforts.
The FTI warned that the estimated 60-day caretaker period risked stalling major economic stimulus measures, notably the “Quick Big Win” package, which is deemed vital for supporting the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in the final quarter of the year. Continued …
Thailand Property Market Faces ‘Mortgage Rejection Crisis’
A stark divide is emerging in Thailand’s real estate sector, with soaring loan rejection rates among lower-income buyers forcing developers to pivot toward the affluent luxury market. Analysts warn of a “mortgage rejection crisis” that threatens the affordability of housing.
According to a report by Bussakorn Phoosae in Krungthep Turakij, citing data from Terra Media and Consulting, the property market is grappling with a severe downturn in purchasing power. For homes priced under 3 million baht, the mortgage rejection rate has hit an unprecedented high of 70%. Continued …
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Seven Challenges Hindering Thailand’s Digital Economy
A recent World Bank report has pinpointed seven critical shortcomings hindering Thailand’s digital economy, urging urgent reforms to enhance the sector’s potential. The report emphasizes the need for government intervention to address issues that could unlock significant economic opportunities for the Southeast Asian nation.
Although internet access is generally high, the World Bank reports that fixed broadband penetration stood at 18% in 2022, indicating a significant disparity in connectivity. Additionally, Thailand is behind its ASEAN counterparts in terms of advanced digital skills, with only 6% of the population utilizing Generative AI (as measured by ChatGTP usage in March 2024). Continued …
Thailand Expected Tourist Arrivals Fall to 32M
Thailand’s tourism industry is bracing for a decline in foreign arrivals this year, with officials projecting about 32 million international visitors by year-end, down 9.8% from 35.5 million in 2024.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand attributes the drop to flooding in southern provinces during peak season and tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border that have dampened tourism sentiment in recent months. Continued …
Israeli visitors to Thailand plummet as ‘Unwelcome’ signs come out
Visitor arrivals from Israel to Thailand plunged from 45,182 in September to 28,773 in November, just a little higher than 26,797 visitors in November 2024. This fall comes in the wake of multiple news reports about the misbehavior of and illegal activities by Israel “visitors” setting up large swathes of occupied enclaves in a number of Thai provinces.
The sharp fall in Israeli visitors in November was the second this year, after an earlier collapse in June due to the Iranian attack on Israel. It shot up again after the hostilities ceased. Continued …
Foreign tourists and long-term visitors say Pattaya’s roads are becoming ‘Unmanageable’
Growing numbers of foreign tourists and long-term visitors are voicing frustration over what they describe as rapidly deteriorating road behavior across Pattaya, calling it more chaotic, unpredictable, and dangerous than at any time in recent memory.
One long-time resident recently recounted an incident that has now become a familiar story. While overtaking a slow-moving car whose driver was distracted by a mobile phone, he noticed a motorbike pull out ahead of the vehicle. There was plenty of space, no conflict, and no aggressive maneuver — until the rider suddenly stopped at a 90-degree angle across the lane, blocking both the overtaking vehicle and the car behind. The rider then turned around and drove off in the opposite direction, leaving both drivers stunned. The kicker? It was an off-duty police officer. Continued …
Navigating the new realities of global travel
In our increasingly turbulent world, traveling for many no longer unfolds as a straightforward endeavor.
From geopolitical conflicts leading to flight suspensions to certain countries, to carriers ceasing operations prompting travelers to rebook flights, to natural disasters upending meticulously planned itineraries – there are now more unexpected disruptions than before, influencing travel planning, behaviors, and experiences. Continued …
Annual seasonal opening/closure of attractions of Thailand’s national park system
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has advised tourists on the opening/closed status of Thailand’s national parks to ensure they can best enjoy the picturesque natural beauty and abundant flora and fauna on offer around the country.
This is normal practice, as Thailand’s national park system closes several attractions every year for a certain period, depending on weather and park conditions. Dates are varied, and the closure is often due to extreme weather, especially during the rainy months, that may create unsafe conditions and allows for some ecological recovery time. Thailand currently has a total of 156 national parks. Continued …
24 Thai Favorites Ranked From Mild to ‘Why Is My Face on Fire?’
Thai cuisine is renowned for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. This list ranks 24 beloved Thai dishes from the mildest to those that pack the most fiery punch. Whether you’re a fan of subtle spices or intense heat, there’s something for every palate among these favorites.
Pad Thai is the national dish of Thailand and for good reason. It features stir-fried rice noodles, shrimp, bean sprouts, and a hint of tangy tamarind sauce. The dish balances sweet, sour, and savory, often topped with crunchy peanuts and fresh lime. This harmony of flavors makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Continued …
Discovering Bangkok’s Lush Oasis
In Bangkok, parks like Lumphini and Benchakitti are vital green spaces offering solace and ecological innovation. They showcase the city’s commitment to nature, connecting residents with history and urban life.
In any new city, especially in a vibrant city like Bangkok, parks are insightful, showing locals at ease, enjoying life. Bangkok’s parks are more than green spaces; they’re the city’s vital lungs, offering a connection from athletes to tai chi enthusiasts. Continued …
Call for speedy passage of clean air bill
Tourism operators hope senators can complete the reading of the clean air bill before the House dissolution in order for it to be enacted during this high season, as northern regions brace for smog.
Punlop Saejew, vice president of the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, said the unstable political situation has led tourism operators to worry about possible delays to the clean air bill, long-awaited as one solution to help combat the smog problem in the north. Continued …
EV bookings at record levels at Motor Expo
Electric vehicles ( stole the spotlight at the 42nd Thailand International Motor Expo, pushing total car bookings to record levels and underscoring their growing foothold in the domestic market.
Organizers reported that bookings during the 12-day event, which concluded yesterday at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, in Nonthaburi province, surged to 75,246 units, up from 54,513 units last year. Including motorcycles, total vehicle reservations reached 80,599 units, compared with 62,495 units in 2024. Continued …
November 2025 3rd warmest on record, keeps hot global streak going
November 2025 was Earth’s third-warmest November in analyses of global weather data going back to 1850, NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, or NCEI, reported yesterday. NASA and the European Copernicus Climate Change Service also rated November 2025 as the third-warmest November on record, behind only 2023 and 2024.
November marked the sixth month in a row that has ranked third-warmest for that calendar month across the past 176 years. While “third-warmest” may not sound eye-poppingly impressive, this comes without a planet-warming El Niño event, whose presence helped fuel the record-warm years of 2023 and 2024. Continued …
- QR code drug delivery network run by Russian duo smashed in Bangkok – Continued …
- Immigration Arrests Foreign Fugitives and Scam Suspects – Continued …
Vaccines do not cause autism: WHO
A new analysis by the World Health Organization reaffirmed there is no link between vaccines and autism — contrary to theories being propagated in the United States. Years of research demonstrate that there is no causal link between vaccinations and autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. Continued …
Airstrike on a Hospital Leaves 34 Dead and 80 Injured in Myanmar
An airstrike by Myanmar ’s military destroyed a hospital in an area controled by a leading rebel armed force, killing 34 patients and medical staff, according to a local rescue worker and independent media reports. About 80 other people were injured in the attack Wednesday night. Continued …
Hua Hin Links
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Advice for trekkers in national parks during rainy season in Thailand
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The only Phuket travel guide you will need to plan your Thai vacation
Massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake knocks down buildings in Turkey, Syria
Global food prices down for 10th consecutive month in January
Fierce battles in Bakhmut as Russian missiles hit Kharkiv
20% More To Be Paid for Solar Power from Japan Businesses’ Rooftops
