- Forest fires near Cha Am/Prachuap Khiri Khan burning ban/Unsafe levels of smog/Two alcohol ban days/Theft suspect arrested in Cha Am/Hua Hin reviews homeless policies/Third round of fighting ‘will happen’/Hospitals ready for Nipah virus/Nipah Virus: What It Is
- ECONOMY: Deep divide over Thailand’s strong baht/Small-business support/Federation eyes 1.5M auto units/‘A bigger threat than US tariffs’/New Thai tech trends
- TOURISM: China targeting over 1.5 million Thai visitors/Two tourists killed/AirAsia leaves 23 passengers behind
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Rescued elephant had her babies ripped away/Being a digital nomad in Thailand/Mistakes That Ruin a Thailand Trip/Thailand’s traditional musical instruments
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Cheap plug-and-play solar panels/Rice Department Pushes Carbon Farming
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
Forest fires near Cha Am threaten air quality
Authorities are tackling forest fires near Hua Hin after satellite data detected multiple hotspots over two consecutive days in forest areas toward Cha Am, prompting concern among local residents about air quality.
Protected Area Management Office 3 (Phetchaburi Branch) confirmed that ground teams and aircraft were deployed to contain the fires in the Sam Phraya area, with smoke visible from parts of Hua Hin, including the Hin Lek Fai and Black Mountain areas. Continued …
Prachuap Khiri Khan burning ban in force from Feb 1
Prachuap Khiri Khan has announced a province-wide burning ban, prohibiting all forms of open burning from Feb. 1 (Sunday) to May 31, as authorities move to curb PM2.5 pollution and protect public health.
The Prachuap Khiri Khan burning ban applies to all open areas across the province. It covers the burning of sugarcane fields, rice stubble, household waste, agricultural materials, and any other open-air fires. The prohibition will remain in place for 120 days. Anyone found violating the ban may face legal action, including fines and possible imprisonment under relevant laws. Continued …
Unsafe levels of smog in Bangkok and 57 provinces
Unsafe levels of ultrafine dust has blanketed 57 provinces and Bangkok and one province, Samut Songkhram, faced a red level of harmful smog.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported this morning that unsafe levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and less in diameter (PM2.5) ranged from 38.4 to 75.8 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) of air in the capital and 57 provinces. The government-set safe threshold for PM2.5 is 37.5µg/m³. Continued …
Upcoming elections include two alcohol ban days, including this Sunday
Thailand will see two nationwide alcohol sales bans linked to the upcoming parliamentary elections, covering all provinces.
Following an announcement by the Election Commission of Thailand, the sale, distribution, free provision, or hosting of events involving all types of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited during the following periods: Continued …
Residential, temple theft suspect arrested in Cha Am
Cha Am police have arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with a series of thefts at temples and private homes in Cha Am district and nearby areas, seizing a large cache of stolen property, including more than 100 Buddhist amulets.
Police said the suspect was arrested yesterday at Cha Am Police Station under a warrant issued by the Phetchaburi Provincial Court. He is accused of attempted theft at a public place of worship and burglary at residential properties during the night. Continued …
Hua Hin reviews policies for homeless people
Local authorities in Hua Hin are looking at clearer, coordinated ways to support homeless people in the city, following a multi-agency workshop held this week at Hua Hin Police Station.
The meeting yesterday brought together municipal officials, police, health authorities, and social welfare agencies to discuss how homeless individuals in the district should be assessed, assisted, and, where necessary, referred for further support. Continued …
Ex-deputy commander of Second Army Area warns third round of fighting ‘will happen’
Lt. Gen. Kanok Netrawatthanasena, former deputy commander of the 2nd Army Area and former commander of the Suranaree Task Force, said he believes a third round of fighting is inevitable, pointing to what he described as clear signs of defensive preparations along the border.
Kanok said recent activity — particularly the digging of trenches and the construction of bunkers — suggests an effort to build stronger fortified positions. He said the trenches appear to be an initial stage of establishing a defensive line and are not yet complete. Once finished, he said, soil would be piled in front to provide protection from gunfire. Continued …
Hospitals ready for Nipah virus
The Department of Medical Services has confirmed that Rajavithi Hospital and other major medical facilities are fully prepared to handle suspected or confirmed cases of Nipah virus infection, even though no cases have yet been reported in Thailand.
Dr. Nattapong Wongwiwat, director-general of the Department of Medical Services, said state-run hospitals, including Rajavithi, Nopparat Rajathanee, and Lerdsin, along with specialized institutes, have been instructed to strengthen readiness. Preparations cover staffing, medical supplies, hospital beds, operating rooms, and isolation wards. Continued …
Nipah Virus: What It Is, Where It’s Found, and How It Spreads
The Nipah virus (NiV) is a severe infectious zoonotic disease, primarily affecting South and Southeast Asia, that presents a high mortality rate, estimated between 40% and 75%. First identified in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore, NiV is a priority pathogen due to its fatality rate and the current lack of approved vaccines or specific treatments.
Two confirmed cases of the deadly Nipah virus in West Bengal, India, have prompted a rapid and coordinated response across several Asian nations, leading to enhanced airport screenings and health measures. While the virus is highly fatal and listed as a priority pathogen by the WHO, experts emphasize that the risk to the general population remains low due to its limited person-to-person transmissibility and the timely containment efforts by Indian authorities. Continued …
Reader backlash exposes deep divide over Thailand’s strong baht
What began as yet another debate over Thailand’s strong baht has spiraled into something far more revealing — a raw, sometimes hostile clash between tourists, long-term visitors, retirees, and those pointing to deeper economic damage beyond beer prices and bar bills.
Concerns about the baht showed little consensus, but plenty of emotion. On one side are voices dismissing complaints outright. For them, Thailand remains “good value,” and those struggling with exchange rates are simply being cheap, entitled, or unrealistic. Continued …
Small-business support to generate at least Bt260 billion
Government measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are expected to help increase monetary circulation in the economy by at least 260 billion baht this year, says the chief of Thai Credit Guarantee Corp. (TCG).
According to TCG President Sittikorn Direksoonthorn, ongoing government stimulus packages aimed at enhancing liquidity for SMEs comprise three main programs. Continued …
Federation of Thai Industries eyes 1.5M auto units as domestic demand increases
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has announced a vehicle manufacturing target of 1.5 million units for 2026, a modest increase from 1.45 million units last year, driven by expectations of stronger domestic demand and growing production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
According to the FTI’s Automotive Industry Club, the target includes 950,000 units for export and 550,000 units for the domestic market. While the export figure remains unchanged, domestic production is set to increase by 50,000 units. Continued …
Chinese goods called ‘a bigger threat than US tariffs’
The influx of low-priced goods from China has a far more severe impact than US tariffs on Thai products, says Somkiat Tangkitvanich, president of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
Speaking at a seminar on tariffs hosted by the Stock Exchange of Thailand yesterday, Somkiat said a TDRI study found the impact of US tariffs on Southeast Asia and on Thailand, in particular, has not been especially severe. Continued …
New Thai tech trends revealed
Tech consulting firm Bluebik foresees three megatrends that will transform organizations into intelligent enterprises amid a volatile economy and intense competition.
“We continue to see a shift in technology spending from traditional business transformation to AI transformation. Within the enterprise, AI is becoming core infrastructure used to increase competitiveness, reduce costs and drive revenue generation,” said Pochara Arayakarnkul, chief executive of Bluebik Group. Continued …
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China targeting over 1.5 million Thai visitors in 2026
China aims to attract at least 1.5 million Thai visitors this year, up from more than 1 million in 2025, while the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects to generate 35.4 billion baht from 1.25 million foreign tourists during the 10-day Chinese New Year holiday next month.
The Thai Travel Agents Assn. projected China was the top destination for Thai travelers with more than 1 million visitors last year, and Zhang Ruoyu, chief of the Chinese National Tourist Office (CNTO) Bangkok, said it’s possible Thai arrivals could reach more than 1.5 million this year. Continued …
Two tourists killed in separate traffic accidents
Chinese and Turkish nationals were killed in separate traffic accidents in Pattaya and Phuket early yesterday morning.
In Pattaya, Li Borui, 40, was crushed to death by a Mitsubishi Pajero driven by his friend, Tian Hangyu, 36, at about 5 am. In Phuket, 23-year-old Turkish national Yunus Acar was killed when his motorcycle collided with a van on Patak Road in Muang district at 12.35 am. Continued …
AirAsia leaves 23 passengers behind on tarmac bus, cites miscommunication
AirAsia issued an apology following a coordination issue that left 23 passengers on a shuttle bus during boarding for a domestic flight from Bangkok to Hat Yai. The incident occurred on Jan. 17 on a flight scheduled to depart Don Mueang International Airport.
A passenger later described the situation, explaining that she and her group had already boarded the aircraft when an elderly passenger notified the cabin crew that her friend had not yet boarded, despite having checked in. Continued …
Rescued elephant Pun had every one of her babies ripped away
Pun has endured a lifetime of heartbreak, trapped in a hideous elephant breeding program. She was forced to become pregnant over and over again, having her babies stolen from her and sold into the Thai tourist industry, to be used for rides and photo opportunities.
To make the elephants submissive for this industry, young calves have their spirits broken and are brutally beaten so they obey commands out of fear. Thailand is notorious for such programs, which are horribly cruel and cause trauma no mother or baby should ever endure. Continued …
What no one tells you about being a digital nomad in Thailand
Bangkok ranks first as the world’s favourite city for digital nomads, with Chiang Mai close behind. It’s easy to see why. Thailand has a magnetic charm that pulls people in. You come for a short stay, rent a scooter, find a café with fast Wi-Fi, and before you know it, you are talking about “base cities” and lease renewals.
But once you’ve lived the dream for a little while, there are administrative tasks you can’t ignore. The visas, the healthcare, the insurance, the costs that never show up on Instagram. This is the part that you need to pay attention to to make sure you’re digital nomading well. Continued …
Mistakes That Ruin a Thailand Trip (And How to Avoid Them)
I like to think I’m a pretty cautious and attentive person. So, when I first came to Thailand, I did some homework to avoid any social faux pas. Despite my efforts, there were still some things I didn’t catch until after I arrived.
These things were certainly preventable, and I’d like to share them here so you can come to Thailand better informed than I was. Most of these mistakes are small, but stacked together, they can quietly ruin an otherwise incredible trip. Continued …
The sounds of Thailand’s traditional musical instruments
The musical traditions of Southeast Asia have long captivated the world with their intricate melodies, fascinating stories, and deep cultural significance. The rich expression of historical influences, diversity, and spiritual elements makes Southeast Asian musical traditions truly unique in both artistry and complexity.
With its wide range of styles and heritage, the traditional music of Thailand captures the hearts of music enthusiasts around the world. Continued …
Surprisingly cheap plug-and-play solar panels may soon take over
New plug-and-play solar panels are making home solar more accessible for both homeowners and renters. A “PBS NewsHour” segment showcased how plug-and-play solar panels work and how they have made solar power affordable for many people who previously thought that home solar was unattainable.
“For years, solar power at home was mostly limited to people who own their rooftops and could afford the steep upfront costs, but that’s changing,” the PBS newscaster explains in the video. “A new generation of small, affordable systems, often called plug-in solar, are making clean energy more accessible.” Video …
Rice Department Pushes Carbon Farming to Green Rice Sector
The Rice Department is advancing carbon farming as a nationwide strategy to make rice production more sustainable and to support the country’s long-term carbon neutrality goals.
Yesterday, Director-General Anont Nontree chaired a meeting highlighting new systems and technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while creating fresh income opportunities for rice farmers. Continued …
- Backlash as Danish-Arab Influencer Insults Locals in Pattaya – Continued …
- Police Bust Laughing Gas Network, Arrest Five Chinese – Continued …
- Koh Phangan Police Bust Transnational Cocaine Ring – Continued …
- Police Arrest Three Chinese Scam Suspects in Bangkok – Continued …
- Dane held for theft of safe on Koh Samui – Continued …
Britain and China meet for talks on trade, security
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing today, seeking closer trade ties while balancing sensitive issues of national security and human rights. This is the first visit to China by a UK prime minister since 2018 and follows a slew of Western leaders seeking support from Beijing recently, pivoting from an increasingly unpredictable United States. Continued …
Gold tops $5,400/oz as Fed holds rates
Global gold prices jumped to a fresh all-time high, breaking above $5,400 an ounce, after former US President Donald Trump warned Iran to reach a nuclear deal and the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged, as expected. Continued …
Springsteen releases fiery ode to Minneapolis shooting victims
American rock hero Bruce Springsteen dived into the outrage over the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown with a fiery song released yesterday that pays tribute to two protesters fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis. Springsteen said the song “Streets of Minneapolis”,was a response to “state terror” in the northern US city, rocked by the actions of armed federal officers that have stoked vociferous local protests. Continued …
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It’s easy to get cynical in Thailand. We complain about the heat, the traffic, the dual pricing, and the scams. But then, something happens that stops you in your tracks.
Thailand has long been a haven for those seeking tropical sun, beaches and a laidback lifestyle. It’s host to communities of expats, long-term freelancers, and foreign residents, some of whom have existed in a legal gray zone, taking advantage of visa runs to extend their stay indefinitely. Those days of extended stays in The Land of Smiles could be coming to a definitive end with the digital transformation of the immigration system.
The Hua Hin Provincial Court has denied bail to “Sam”, the suspect in the brutal murder of a female hotel employee in central Hua Hin, citing the seriousness of the charges and concerns that he could flee if released.
Unsafe levels of ultrafine dust at the orange level (starting to harm health) shrouded Bangkok and 53 provinces, mostly in the Central Plains and the northeast, late this morning.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has finished repairing a stretch of railway track in Sikhiu district of Nakhon Ratchasima province in the wake of a fatal crane collapse that struck a passenger train on Jan. 14, killing 30 people, while a parallel technical investigation moves toward identifying the causes and accountability.
Siam Legal International, a full-service law firm with over 22 years of experience advisinginternational clients in Thailand, has released its comprehensive guidance for foreign nationals and businesses navigating Thailand’s regulatory environment in 2026. The firm highlights several national developments that may influence administrative procedures, compliance expectations, and regulatory focus throughout the year.
The World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report indicates that Thailand’s GDP is predicted to grow by 1.8% in 2026, a slight revision upward by 0.1 percentage point from an earlier projection. Despite this increase, Thailand’s growth remains the lowest among major ASEAN countries.
The baht has again become a growing concern after strengthening rapidly. Yesterday, the baht continued to appreciate and broke below the 31.00 level against the US dollar, reaching a strong level of THB30.88 per US dollar.
In November, Thai merchandise exports reached USD 27.45 billion, growing 7.1% year-on-year (YOY), slightly above SCB EIC’s 7% forecast but below the Reuters median of 8.3%. Despite solid expansion, seasonally adjusted exports showed signs of slowdown, declining 2.3% month-on-month.
Thailand is participating in the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos to boost investor confidence and promote its economic policies, with a focus on digital economy investments. The event in Switzerland from Jan. 19–23 sees around 3,000 participants, including 64 heads of state.
Thailand’s commercial banking sector posted solid results in 2025, with the combined performance of 11 banks remaining at a healthy level: SCBX, Bangkok Bank (BBL), Kasikornbank (KBANK), Bank of Ayudhya (BAY), TMBThanachart Bank (TTB), Kiatnakin Phatra Bank (KKP), TISCO Financial Group (TISCO), Land and Houses Bank (LHFG), CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT), Thai Credit Bank (CREDIT) and Krungthai Bank (KTB).
Thailand’s e-commerce market is projected to post normalized growth this year, expanding by 7% to reach 1.15 trillion baht, as the maturing landscape is characterized by heightened complexity and fierce competition. To emerge as winners, brands must transition toward commerce operating systems, according to Priceza.
Thailand’s rice exports exceeded official targets in 2025, but the Ministry of Commerce has lowered its projection for 2026 amid intensifying global competition, currency volatility, and geopolitical risks. Officials say the focus next year will be on defending existing markets while expanding into selected new destinations to support farmer incomes and stabilize export volumes.
The era of volume is dead. The next decade of Thai tourism will and must be shaped not by the number of arrivals, but by the economic value generated by those arrivals.
With the baht strengthening against the US dollar, surpassing 31 to the greenback for the first time in almost five years, it should impact forward bookings for the next few months and during the low season, discouraging tourist spending.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) latest promotional campaign, featuring pop icon Lisa of Blackpink, has drawn mixed reactions online, with critics arguing that the TAT has secured a “precious gem” but undermined her value through poor presentation.
Singha Park Chiang Rai marks 10 years of balloon fiesta
US President Donald Trump has withdrawn his threat to impose new tariffs on multiple countries that oppose US control of Greenland, saying he has now reached an outline framework agreement with NATO. “Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1,” Trump wrote online, without providing details. He posted the message after meeting Mark Rutte, secretary-general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), in Davos, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.