- Hua Hin among the best Thai cities/11 Cheapest Places In Thailand/Hua Hin Wine Expo/Hua Hin has a Hard Rock Cafe/New auto repair rules/Grab Unveils 2025’s Highlights
- THAILAND-CAMBODIA CONFLICT: Malaysia Postpones Special ASEAN Meeting/16 Thai Civilians Dead/Cambodia Must Cease Fire First/Thailand rejects Cambodia’s claims/Two Thai Soldiers Killed/Air Force launches F-16s strike/No proof China is replenishing Cambodia/Swedish Embassy Advises Citizens/Denmark Urges Caution/US issues warning
- ECONOMY: Thailand’s Vacant Housing stock/Thai baht strengthens/Co-pay Scheme’s Phase 2 halted
- TOURISM: Pickpocket Gang Targets Tourists/Phuket Booms/Hat Yai Tourism Faces 2-Month Rebuilding/New Jakarta–Bangkok service
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thai Men’s Health Gains Attention
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand’s fragmented energy plans/To reuse 100% of plastics by 2027/Hope for tigers grows
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
Hua Hin among the best Thai cities for a quiet, comfortable life
Thailand is a great place for expats who want a quiet life surrounded by nature and modern comforts. These cities offer peaceful living, affordable costs, and easy access to healthcare, making them ideal for long-term stays.
Hua Hin sits just south of Bangkok and offers a calm coastal lifestyle with clean beaches, golf courses, and a friendly atmosphere. It is a favorite among older expats and retirees who prefer quiet living over nightlife. Housing is affordable, with condos or villas in central areas starting from 15,000 to 20,000 Thai baht per month, while beachfront or gated communities with pools and gyms range from 28,000 to 45,000 Thai baht. Continued …
11 Cheapest Places In Thailand To Visit (including Hua Hin)
Are you planning a trip to Thailand and looking for the cheapest places to visit in Thailand? Thailand has long been considered one of the most affordable countries in the world for travelers, and despite recent increases in global travel prices, it still holds that reputation strong.
Yes, some of Thailand’s most popular destinations, like Phuket and Koh Samui, have become more expensive in recent years. But they’re still manageable for budget-conscious travelers, especially backpackers and digital nomads. Continued …
Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 to feature global experts, elite education, and over 150 labels
The ultimate event for wine lovers and industry professionals is set to return as the Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 announces its official schedule and line-up. Hosted at the AMARI HUA HIN, the two-day event Jan. 15-16, will offer an immersive experience, combining high-level wine education with an extensive showcase of global vintages.
The expo will serve as a platform for the Thai hospitality industry, culminating in “The Grand Evening Tasting 2026” public event, where over 150 wine labels from more than 15 international and local exhibitors will be available for public tasting and retail sales. Continued …
Hua Hin now has a Hard Rock Cafe
New auto repair rules set higher standards
The Thai General Insurance Assn. (TGIA) has moved to strengthen consumer protection and industry transparency by introducing a unified standard for auto repair timelines, meant to improve claims efficiency and enhance public confidence in the non-life insurance industry.
The association recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 32 non-life insurers to establish a common benchmark for vehicle repair timelines. The framework is designed to ensure that compensation for loss of vehicle use is assessed in a clear, consistent, and verifiable manner across all insurers. Continued …
Grab Unveils 2025’s Highlights in Ride-Hailing and Food Delivery Services
Grab, Thailand’s No.1 ride-hailing and food delivery platform, has unveiled its “Highlights of the Year 2025”, showcasing key trends and insights across on-demand mobility and food delivery in Thailand.
This year, the Ganesha Shrine at Huai Khwang emerged as the fastest-growing hotspot with ride bookings surging 678%. Chinese tourists continued to be the largest international user group, particularly during Golden Week, with usage increasing by almost 50%. Nakhon Nayok stood out as the rising secondary city, while the Blackpink concert weekend drove ride bookings to Rajamangala Stadium up by five times. Continued …
Malaysia Postpones Special ASEAN Meeting on Thailand-Cambodia Conflict
Malaysia’s government has postponed a meeting of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that it has called to address the escalating border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. The meeting, initially scheduled for yesterday, will now be held on Dec. 22 after Thailand requested a delay.
“We are still coordinating, monitoring. They (Thailand) have asked for a slight postponement of the special ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting, so we are postponing to get everything in order,” Anwar said. “But we are still appealing to them to stop the fighting. Very critical. I’m in touch with them virtually on a daily basis.” Continued …
16 Thai Civilians Dead Amid Ongoing Border Tensions
Border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia persisted yesterday, with Thai officials confirming the civilian death toll has now reached 16. The Thai Defense Ministry has reported limited economic impacts so far, despite escalating military actions. Heavy shelling continues at strategic locations, with both sides exchanging fire.
In recent developments, Rear Adm. Surasant Kongsiri stated Cambodian forces continued their assault, prompting Thai military retaliation. BM-21 rockets targeted strategic sites like Hill 677 and the Chong An Ma border pass in Ubon Ratchathani early yesterdy. Subsequently, they deployed heavy weapons at Hill 350 and the Prasat Ta Khwai temple in Surin province, an ongoing flashpoint in the conflict. Continued …
Anutin Tells Trump: Cambodia Must Cease Fire First
Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called on US President Donald Trump to urge Cambodia to stop firing first. This comes after Trump threatened tariffs on Thailand and Cambodia if hostilities continue. Trump made these remarks in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, highlighting his use of tariffs as leverage.
Trump’s comments followed phone discussions with Thai and Cambodian leaders, Anutin Charnvirakul and Hun Manet. Trump claimed both agreed to a ceasefire within 24 hours to resume peace agreements. Despite this, fighting persisted between the two countries. Continued …
Thailand rejects Cambodia’s repeated claims at UN
Bangkok has hit back at Cambodia in meetings at the United Nations, accusing Phnom Penh of continued aggression, after its delegates again leveled accusations over border disputes that have led to the loss of civilian and military lives.
Cambodian delegates raised the issue of the deadly, ongoing border clashes with Thai troops during a UN meeting on the “Peaceful Settlement of Border Disputes in Central Asia” and during the UN Security Council (UNSC) open debate on “Leadership for Peace”. Continued …
Two Thai Soldiers Killed in Clashes at Ta Kwai Temple
Two Thai soldiers were killed during intense overnight fighting near Ta Kwai temple and Hill 350, as clashes erupted along the Thai–Cambodian border.
The Second Army Region confirmed that Cambodian forces attempted to advance into the area late yesterday, triggering heavy exchanges of fire that continued into the night, with operations still under way into the morning. Continued …
Thai Air Force launches F-16s strike to block Cambodian push for Ban Sam Lang
The border situation in Trat yesterday remained tense. Despite authorities announcing a relaxation of measures in the region, the border zone has erupted once again as the Air Force scrambled fighter jets into immediate action following a new wave of Cambodian military movements.
The Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command (CTBDC) issued an order lifting the curfew at 3.30pm across five districts: Mueang Trat, Bo Rai, Khlong Yai, Laem Ngop, and Khao Saming. Continued …
No proof yet that China is replenishing Cambodian forces, says Thai army
The Thai Army says there is no evidence at this stage to prove that China has been secretly resupplying Cambodian forces with weaponry, amid skepticism over China’s motives following the seizure by Thai troops of a large cache of sophisticated guided anti-tank missiles at Mount 500 in the Chong Anh Ma area of Ubon Ratchathani province.
Col. Richa Suksuvanon, deputy spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, said the captured guided anti-tank missiles are now under the care of the Thai army and confirmed they will not be handed over to anyone. Continued …
- Swedish Embassy Advises Citizens on Thai–Cambodia Border Tensions – Continued …
- Denmark Urges Caution: New Travel Advice for Thai Border Zone – Continued …
- US issues warning on Thailand travel – Continued …
Thailand’s 1.64 Million Vacant Housing stock: A Wake-Up Call for the Real Estate Market
Thailand is grappling with a staggering oversupply in its residential property market, with 1.64 million housing units currently unoccupied nationwide. Valued at approximately Bt3.45 trillion, this idle inventory represents an economic waste nearly equivalent to the country’s annual budget.
The surplus has been attributed to a combination of overzealous construction projects, speculative investments, and a slowing economy, which has dampened consumer purchasing power. Industry experts warn that if the situation persists, it could lead to a prolonged downturn in the real estate sector, affecting developers, financial institutions, and related industries. Continued …
Thai baht strengthens 2.2% against regional currencies
The Thai baht has appreciated by 2.2% against regional currencies from Dec. 1-16, outperforming other currencies such as the Malaysian ringgit (1.1%), Japanese yen (0.9%), and Singapore dollar (0.5%). This has raised concerns over the rapid strengthening of the baht, prompting the Bank of Thailand (BOT) to step up scrutiny of dollar transactions, particularly in the gold-trading sector.
BOT Gov. Vitai Ratanakorn explained that the baht’s rise in December was largely driven by the weakening of the US dollar, with additional pressure coming from domestic factors such as seasonal inflows linked to tourism, exports, and investments in stocks and bonds. A significant increase in dollar sales by gold traders to buy baht has also contributed to the rise. Continued …
Stimulus Co-pay Scheme’s Phase 2 halted due to legal constraints
Yesterday, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas acknowledged that the second phase of the Khon La Khreung Plus (Let’s Go Halves Plus) copayment scheme could not proceed following discussions with the Election Commission (EC).
The EC confirmed that there were legal limitations preventing the project from moving forward during the caretaker government’s term. This restriction also affects other economic stimulus measures requiring budget commitments. Continued …
Pickpocket Gang Targets Tourists in Bangkok
A warning has issued about a pickpocket gang operating in Bangkok’s Chinatown after CCTV evidence revealed three women stealing from a tourist. A posting on social media shows the gang targeting a foreign woman on Songwat Road.
In the video, the suspects wore disguises including hats and face masks, using umbrellas to obscure the view during the theft. The footage captures one woman in a brown T-shirt skillfully removing items from the victim’s bag and passing them to an accomplice. The foreign tourist became suspicious when the same suspect attempted a second theft, prompting her to distance herself from the group. Continued …
Phuket Booms: High Season Triumphs, Future Events Spark Optimism
Phuket’s tourism industry is celebrating its strongest high season in five years, surpassing pre-Covid figures, according to Thanet Tantipiriyakit, president of the Phuket Tourist Assn. With six major global events planned for 2026, tourism revenue is expected to rise by 10%, reaching 605 billion Thai baht.
The resurgence follows earlier challenges in 2025 due to international conflicts. Despite these setbacks, Thanet estimates daily visitors at 60,000 to 80,000, with a projected total revenue of 550 billion Thai baht for 2025. The focus remains on international visitors, with a significant portion expected from Russia, India, and China. Continued …
Hat Yai Tourism Faces 2-Month Rebuilding After Flood Impact
Tourism in Hat Yai is expected to need 1-2 months for full recovery following severe flooding that has hit the area. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reported that the main source market, Malaysia, could see a reduction of up to 55% in December arrivals, leading to an overall annual decrease of 11%.
TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool noted December’s Malaysian arrivals are predicted to be 205,000, dropping 55% compared to last year, with a revenue dip of 54%, generating 4.4 billion Thai baht. Continued …
Citilink launches new Jakarta–Bangkok service
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has celebrated the launch of Citilink’s new Jakarta–Bangkok service. This marks Citilink’s first international route connecting Jakarta with Bangkok–Don Mueang International Airport, enhancing air connectivity between Thailand and Indonesia, one of Southeast Asia’s rapidly expanding outbound travel markets.
The new service, operated daily with an Airbus A320, strengthens accessibility and aligns with TAT’s goal to foster sustainable growth in ASEAN tourism. The flight schedule offers flexibility for both leisure and business travelers, with approximately 5,400 seats available monthly. Continued …
Thai Men’s Health Gains Attention as a New Generation Embraces Self-Care
For decades, men’s health in Thailand has remained largely in the shadows. Conditions such as hormone imbalances, erectile dysfunction, chronic fatigue, stress, and body-image concerns are widespread but rarely discussed publicly.
While the country has made significant strides in areas such as women’s health, maternal care, and mental health advocacy, men continue to face cultural expectations to appear strong, self-reliant, and unaffected — a burden experts increasingly describe as a “silent health crisis.” Continued …
Thailand’s fragmented energy plans
The world is racing toward clean energy. Thailand, blessed with sun and wind, should be surging ahead. Instead, the country is stuck with one of the lowest shares of clean power in the region – an awkward contrast to its ambitions on paper.
As global demand for electricity jumped by more than 1,050 terawatt-hours in 2024, clean energy took the lead. In Asia-Pacific, it accounted for three-quarters of new power generation. Continued …
Thailand aims to reuse 100% of its plastics by 2027
Thailand aims to make 100% of its plastic waste reusable by 2027 under pressure from the European Union. As the kingdom accelerates its efforts to achieve its national goal, the government and industry are mobilizing.
They are preparing petrochemical producers for the European Union’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), which could soon extend to plastics. In the global fight against climate change, plastics have emerged as both a symbol of modern convenience and an environmental challenge. Continued …
Hope for tigers grows as Thailand safeguards a key link in their habitat
Following the path of the tiger isn’t easy. Yet the three rangers, clad in camouflage, move lithely through the steep bamboo thicket, tracking the muddy hoofprints of a sambar deer. Out of the snagging vines, they emerge on a forested ridgeline overlooking a landscape that swells and shrinks in watercolor hues of indigo.
A breeze rustles the stone oak trees as the sound of grasshoppers pierces the silence. It’s easy to imagine the tiger slinking confidently across this terrain, the master of its Thai kingdom. Continued …
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- Ten Chinese Nationals Arrested at Illegal Worksite in Chonburi – Continued …
- Russian National Arrested in Phangan Drug Sting Using Crypto – Continued …
- Foreign woman slammed for urinating outside Koh Tao restaurant – Continued …
World Cup tickets set at $60 after backlash
World Cup organizers unveiled a new cut-price ticket category yesterday after a backlash by fans over pricing for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), created a limited number of “Supporter Entry Tier” fixed at US$60 for all 104 matches, including the final. Continued …
Trump orders blockade of Venezuela oil tankers
US President Donald Trump announced yesterday a blockade of “sanctioned oil vessels” heading to and leaving Venezuela, sharply escalating his pressure campaign against Caracas while issuing new demands for the country’s crude. Continued …
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