- Expat Thailand 2025/2,000-firework display for Hua Hin’Hua Hin fishing pier for fireworks/Rotary donates to Hua Hin Hospital/Black leopards at Pa La-U waterfall/How to Treat a Herniated Disk/SMS scam reporting service/Woman survives 25th-floor fall/SEA Games medals
- THAILAND-CAMBODIA CONFLICT: Thailand, China Discuss Ceasefire/Ceasefire holding/Ddiplomacy to replace fighting
- ECONOMY: Winners and losers for 2026/Fiscal decline expected/China Leads in EEC Projects/Thailand No.1 in export diversity
- TOURISM: New Year 2026 nationwide countdowns/Bangkok Leads New Year Bookings/Tourism still a stalled engine/Indian Boycott Calls Grow/Lifeguard Revives Dutch Tourist/39 free camping sites
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand’s Worst Flood Crisis in Decades
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Solar panel buyers putting safety first/EV insurance demand surges
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
Expat Thailand 2025: Open Doors, Uneven Rules
By the end of 2025, Thailand presents a curious contradiction. The country is tightening its grip on some foreigners while quietly waving others through the door. On paper, this is about visas. In reality, it is about who is questioned and who is not. Visa runs scrutinized, Questions asked.
For many expats, the message from Thai Immigration has become unmistakable. visa runs are no longer routine. Visa exemption entries are limited typically to no more than two per calendar year. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) now allows officers to see travel history, patterns of stay, and intent at a glance. Continued …
2,000-firework display on the beach for Hua Hin
The Hua Hin Beach Countdown 2026 will welcome the New Year with a large-scale fireworks display on Hua Hin beach, with more than 2,000 fireworks set to light up the sky at 10 pm Wednesday evening. The free-entry event is expected to draw large crowds to the beachfront in front of InterContinental Hua Hin Resort.
The year-end celebration, titled “Chang Countdown present Hua Hin Beach Countdown 2026,” is organized by Proud Group in partnership with Chang Natural Mineral Water, Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand), Toyota Motor Thailand, Thai Life Insurance, and InterContinental Hua Hin Resort. Continued …
Hua Hin fishing pier promoted for fireworks watching
Saphan Pla night market, held along Hua Hin’s fishing pier, is being positioned as one of the city’s easiest places to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks, with spectators able to look back along the beachfront and follow displays set off from several points throughout the evening.
While the market itself is not hosting a fireworks show, its location on the seafront means visitors can see much of the fireworks activity taking place along Hua Hin beach as 2025 draws to a close. Continued …
Hua Hin Rotary donates anesthesia technology to Hua Hin Hospital
The Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin has donated new anesthesia technology to Hua Hin Hospital, strengthening the hospital’s capacity to carry out complex and time-critical medical procedures as demand for advanced care continues to rise.
The handover ceremony took place on Dec. 27 and was jointly presided over by Nopporn Wutthikul, mayor of Hua Hin City Municipality, and P. Brian Anderson, president of the Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin. Representatives from the Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin, partner organizations and hospital staff attended the ceremony. Continued …
Black leopards spotted at Kaeng Krachan’s Pa La-U waterfall
Kaeng Krachan National Park has confirmed the presence of two black leopards in the Pa La-U waterfall area for the first time, marking a significant milestone for wildlife conservation at the World Heritage site.
The discovery was announced last week by Mongkol Chaipakdee, head of the national park, following a wildlife survey carried out by park rangers. According to Chalong Thongsong, head of Management Zone 5, camera traps installed in the Pa La-U–Huai Chonnat forest area captured the first confirmed photographic evidence of black leopards in this part of the park. Continued …
How to Treat a Herniated Disk
If you’ve ever experienced the sudden, sharp agony of a back issue, you know how quickly it can derail your life. A common culprit for this severe pain is a herniated disk, a condition that affects millions and often leads to discomfort, numbness, and weakness.
Understanding what a herniated disk is, what causes it, and the various available herniated disk treatments is the first step toward recovery and a return to your daily activities. This guide breaks down the essential information about this spinal issue and outlines the paths to pain relief and healing. Continued …
AIS launches simple SMS scam reporting service via 1185
Advanced Info Service (AIS) has launched a new “1185 Snap and Share” service allowing customers to report fraudulent SMS messages through a simplified process, providing a fast, free-of-charge solution for users to flag scammers, with results promised within 24 hours for both Android and iOS users.
AIS customers can report suspicious messages by following a straightforward four-step process. Continued …
Pattaya woman survives 25th-floor fall after argument with foreign husband
A Thai woman miraculously survived after falling from the 25th floor of a condominium in Pattaya yesterday, following an argument with her foreign husband.
Rescuers received an emergency call from a security guard at a luxury condominium on Pattaya Sai Sam Road. The caller reported that a woman had fallen from a high floor of the building. Continued …
Thailand, China Discuss Ceasefire After Border Agreement
Thailand and China held high-level talks yesterday to review the situation along the Thailand–Cambodia border following a ceasefire agreement, with Thailand signaling it will release 18 prisoners after a 72-hour observation period.
The discussions highlighted China’s supportive role and outlined immediate steps aimed at stabilizing the situation and facilitating civilian movement in border areas. Continued …
Ceasefire holding, evacuees start returning home
Evacuees living in shelters in two northeastern border provinces started returning to their homes yesterday as the temporary ceasefire signed by Thailand and Cambodia appeared to be holding.
Buri Ram and Surin provinces permitted people who had fled the deadly clashes along the contested border to go back home. Their return in Surin was approved by provincial governor Jumreon Wanhpetch. Continued …
Thailand expects diplomacy to replace fighting with Cambodia
Thailand now expects Cambodia to leave the battlefield and focus on diplomacy in restoring peace and settling differences between the two countries.
ACM Prapas Sonjaidee, director of Thailand’s Joint Press Center on the Thailand-Cambodia border situation, expressed this expectation yesterday. He said that with the truce that began at noon on Saturday, the fighting and use of provocative statements would be replaced with diplomatic forums and use of international mechanisms to restore good ties. Continued …
Survey highlights winners and losers in Thailand’s business outlook for 2026
As people say goodbye to 2025 and move into 2026 with renewed hope, a recent survey has revealed a trend of rising and declining business clusters ahead for Thailand.
The survey, conducted by the Bangkok-based University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), identified promising trends across 10 business groups in the Thai economy and scored them as follows: Continued …
Fiscal decline expected to pressure Thailand over the medium term
In 2026, the incoming government is likely to face a host of internal and external challenges, with Thailand’s fiscal position a longstanding problem that has become more strained amid sluggish economic growth.
This mounting pressure already prompted Moody’s and Fitch Ratings to revise the country’s outlook from stable to negative. Continued …
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China Takes the Lead in Thailand’s EEC Projects, Japan Dominates Nationwide
Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) has seen a significant surge in foreign investment, with China leading the way. According to Thailand’s Department of Business, Chinese investment in the EEC has been on the rise, with a notable increase in foreign business approvals from January to November 2025.
This growth is a testament to the attractiveness of the EEC as a hub for foreign investment, with its strategic location and favorable business environment. The EEC has been a key driver of Thailand’s economic growth, with a focus on industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and technology. Continued …
Thailand Ranked No.1 in export diversity in the Global South
The International Institute for Trade and Development, or ITD, has highlighted findings from UNCTAD’s Trade and Development Report 2025, saying Thailand stands out as one of the most resilient economies in the Global South thanks to its exceptionally diverse export base and wide range of trading partners — an advantage it says can help cushion the impact of tariff shocks and global financial volatility.
ITD Director Suphakit Charoenkul said developing economies in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, are facing growing uncertainty from global trade policy shifts and intensifying geopolitical tensions — especially the increased use of tariffs as a form of trade restriction. Even so, he said ASEAN continues to demonstrate strength and an important role in global supply chains. Continued …
TAT welcomes New Year 2026 with nationwide countdowns
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is ushering in the New Year 2026 with vibrant celebrations across the nation, spotlighting Phayao and Narathiwat as up-and-coming hotspots and fresh countdown destinations. By supporting festivities from north to south, TAT aims to spark travel excitement and generate income for local communities, with New Year tourism revenue expected to soar to 70–76.5 billion baht.
TAT is elevating Phayao Countdown Flora Fest 2026 (28–31 Dec. 28-31) and Amazing Thailand Su-ngai Kolok Countdown 2026 as signature events, each with immersive light displays, cultural showcases, and modern performances that reflect the spirit of their communities. Continued …
Bangkok Leads New Year Bookings, Chinese Tourists Dominating Arrivals to Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krabi
Bangkok is emerging as the dominant destination for both international and domestic travelers over the New Year holiday. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the country is set to experience a surge in bookings, with China leading the way in international arrivals. With a projected revenue of 70.1 to 76.5 billion baht, the upcoming New Year period is expected to deliver a significant boost to the country’s tourism sector.
With its vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and world-class shopping and dining experiences, Bangkok continues to be the crown jewel of Thailand’s tourism industry. The city will not only see the highest number of international visitors but will also attract 502,400 domestic travelers during the New Year holidays, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. Continued …
Tourism still a stalled engine
In 2025, the Thai tourism industry faced its first contraction since the pandemic, with several setbacks consistently hampering tourist confidence.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand downgraded its forecast for the year to only 33 million arrivals, ending the rising trend from 2021 to 2024, when numbers surged from 430,000 to 35.5 million. Continued …
Indian Boycott Calls Grow After Hindu Statue Damage Near Thai Border
A social media backlash has emerged after a video showing the partial demolition of a Hindu deity statue near the Thai–Cambodian border went viral, prompting online calls by some Indian users to boycott Thailand as a tourist destination.
The reaction spread rapidly across X and Instagram, with hashtags such as “Boycott Thailand” and “Boycott Pattaya” trending and urging travelers to cancel bookings. Continued …
Pattaya Lifeguard Revives Dutch Tourist After Sea Rescue
A Pattaya lifeguard successfully resuscitated a Dutch female tourist who lost consciousness while swimming at Jomtien Beach, restoring her pulse with CPR before she was rushed to hospital, where she was reported to be stable.
The incident occurred yesterday behind the police booth at Dongtan curve. The immediate intervention prevented a fatal outcome and allowed advanced medical care to continue. Continued …
Thailand offers 39 free camping sites for new year holidays
The Department of Highways has announced the availability of 39 complimentary camping sites across Thailand for locals and tourists planning to enjoy the new year holidays.
The camping sites will be open from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5. These sites, distributed across the morth, northeast, central, and south Thailand, are situated in areas managed by the highway division. Amenities at these sites include parking, drinking water, and restrooms, all provided free of charge. Continued …
How Record Rainfall and Fragmented Governance Delivered Thailand’s Worst Flood Crisis in Decades
The final weeks of November witnessed a devastating flood crisis sweep across Thailand’s southern region, culminating in the near-total inundation of Hat Yai, Songkhla, the nation’s fifth largest city and primary commercial hub in the south.
The disaster, triggered by extraordinary meteorological events, brought the bustling city to a grinding halt and exposed profound vulnerabilities within Thailand’s national disaster preparedness framework. Continued …
Solar panel buyers putting safety first
As electricity prices remain volatile and climate concerns intensify, rooftop solar panels have become an increasingly attractive option for Thai households.
By 2026, the market is expected to be more mature, competitive, and technologically advanced. Yet, for homeowners, the decision is no longer just about price or panel size. Safety and performance have emerged as the defining factors that separate a reliable long-term system from a costly mistake. Continued …
EV insurance demand surges amid expensive claims
Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) insurance market is expanding at an unprecedented pace, tracking rapid growth in EV sales dominated by Chinese brands, which have overtaken Japanese automakers in market share.
The strong growth momentum is accompanied by persistent underwriting pressure, with insurers facing loss ratios exceeding 80% and repair costs 50% higher than those for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, reflecting upward pressure on insurance premiums in 2026. Continued …
‘Unfair election’: Young voters absent from Myanmar polls
The droves of young people who queued to cast ballots in past elections in Myanmar were conspicuous by their absence from yesterday’s military-run poll, with older voters dominating the turnout. Legions have left the war-ravaged country since the military seized power five years ago, including many men of conscription age – up to 35 – or youngsters seeking better livelihoods away from Myanmar’s moribund economy. Continued …
Brigitte Bardot, Iconic French Actor and Activist, Dies At 91
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. 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
Bangkok administration urges working from home due to air quality
Thai military’s ties to Myanmar junta compromising efforts to resolve crisis
Thailand’s 50 Richest in 2023
Thai exports fell for third successive month in December
Thailand, US team on climate change initiative
MP says cannabis helps reduce meth addicts in Bangkok
Thailand Sees About 25%-30% of Chinese Tour Group Bookings
Chinese New Year generates at least 2.6B baht in tourism revenue for Phuket
Covid-19 vaccine available for foreigners nationwide
US poised to approve sending Abrams tanks to Ukraine
