- The Real Reason We Stay/Thailand’s expats face new digital reality/K9 dog rewarded after murder arrest/Bail denied to murder suspect/Hua Hin tourist police conduct drug tests/Swedish drug dealer defeated by distinctive tattoos/Citywide checks of homeless groups/Smog levels unsafe in most of Thailand/Enforcement of open burning rules/Tracks repaired after crane collapse/Regulatory Outlook for Foreign Residents/Thailand Privilege Extends Bronze Membership
- ECONOMY: World Bank Predicts Thailand’s 2026 Growth/Baht breaks 31 per dollar/November Exports Rise/Thailand Seeks Investor Confidence/11 Thai banks post profits/E-commerce growth eases/Thai Rice Exports Beat Target/Marketing and advertising in Thailand
- TOURISM: Shaping Thailand’s tourism future/Strong baht may crimp bookings/Backlash over Lisa tourism promotion
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand’s 5 ancient cat breeds/Wild elephants enjoy human-made water source/Singha Park Chiang Rai balloon fiesta
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Solar Energy: Myths, facts, and challenges
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
We found this online and thought it was worth posting …
The Real Reason We Stay (It’s Not the Cheap Beer)
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.
You break down on a motorbike in the middle of a rainstorm in a rural province. Back in London, New York, or Berlin, people would speed past you, eyes locked on the road, too busy to care. In the West, we have become efficient, but we have also become cold.
Here, a pickup truck pulls over. A grandmother you have never met offers you shelter under her awning. Someone brings you a glass of water. A local mechanic fixes your tire and tries to refuse your money.
They call it Nam Jai (Water of the Heart). It is kindness that flows without being asked for, and without expecting anything in return. It is a reminder that while the West has “standards” and “safety,” it has often lost its sense of community.
We tell our friends we stay for the weather or the cost of living. But the truth is, we stay for the Nam Jai. In a world that is forgetting how to be kind, Thailand remembers. – My Thailand
From visa runs to QR codes, Thailand’s expats face new digital reality
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.
Victor Wong, a legal expert in finance and tax, discusses the implications of the transition to a fully digital system. “It represents a fundamental shift in how the Thai state monitors, manages, and regulates foreign residents, and it will inevitably become part of Thailand’s new normal.” Continued …
K9 dog and team rewarded after quick Hua Hin murder arrest
A police dog and an investigative team in Hua Hin were awarded 30,000 baht yesterday after swiftly apprehending a murder suspect linked to the killing of a hotel worker.
The reward was presented at Hua Hin Police Station in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Provincial Police Chief Artorn Chinthong and Hua Hin police superintendent Police Col. Kampanat Na Wichai handed over the cash prize to the K9 unit and its star member, Praewa, for their role in the capture of the suspect. Continued …
Bail denied to Hua Hin murder suspect
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.
Investigators from the Hua Hin Police Station brought Rattikan Yingyot, also known as Sam, before the court today following his arrest in connection with the killing. Police allege that the suspect attacked the victim with a metal pipe, striking her on the head at a hotel counter in central Hua Hin during a robbery, causing her death at the scene. Continued …
Hua Hin tourist police conduct drug tests
Hua Hin tourist police have stepped up their Drug-free Tourism Community campaign, carrying out fresh inspections this week aimed at strengthening confidence in drug-free tourist areas during the peak travel season.
Yesterday, officers from Hua Hin Tourist Police conducted operations under the initiative at key locations across the city. The program focuses on raising safety standards in tourist zones through screening and random drug testing of workers in the tourism sector. Random checks were carried out at Hua Hin Night Market and several hotels within the Hua Hin City Municipality area. No illegal substances were detected. Continued …
Swedish drug dealer defeated by distinctive tattoos as he tried to claim mistaken identity in Hua Hin
A Swedish national lying low in Hua Hin was arrested on Sunday after a task force from Immigration Bureau Division 3 surprised him at a luxury apartment building in the seaside town popular with Western foreigners. The man insisted they had the wrong person. He claimed he was slimmer than the suspect shown in police files.
However, police used biometrics and tattoo images, especially a marking on the wanted man’s neck, to defeat his protests. He then dressed and was escorted by police down in the lift and taken into detention. Continued …
Hua Hin police plan citywide checks of homeless groups
Hua Hin police are preparing a citywide operation to regulate homeless and other vulnerable groups, as authorities seek to boost confidence among residents and tourists following recent public safety concerns.
Kampanat Na Wichai, superintendent of Hua Hin Police Station, yesterday said the measures will be carried out proactively and in coordination with local administrative bodies and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. Police will focus on locations identified as higher risk, with the stated aim of maintaining public order and reassuring the public. Continued …
Smog levels unsafe in most of Thailand
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 Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency reported that orange levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and less in diameter (PM2.5) ranged from 38.3 to 55.5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) of air in the capital and 53 provinces. Continued …
Enforcement of rules against open burning stepped up
The Pollution Control Department has ordered stepped-up surveillance of open burning as the seasonal risk of haze and dust pollution rises, according to Director-general Surin Worakitthamrong.
More hotspots are being reported in agricultural and forest areas, he said. Local authorities in many provinces have issued formal notices and been instructed to strictly enforce laws against open burning, alongside designating controlled burning zones. Continued …
State Railway of Thailand finishes repairing tracks after crane collapse
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.
The SRT said the damaged and twisted rails had been replaced with 36 meters of new track after the contractor, Italian-Thai Development Plc, removed all remaining crane debris from above the line on Tuesday. Continued …
Law Firm Provides Regulatory Outlook for Foreign Residents and Businesses
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 Bangkok-based firm notes that 2026 is expected to include significant national events and state activities that may influence administrative focus and public conduct standards. While Thailand remains open and welcoming to foreign residents, investors, businesses, and visitors, the firm emphasizes that awareness of broader national developments is essential for maintaining compliance and supporting effective long-term planning. Continued …
Thailand Privilege Extends Bronze Membership and Family Promotion
Thailand Privilege has announced the official extension of two of its most in-demand offers, the Bronze Membership and the Next Member Family Promotion, giving prospective long-term residents additional time to plan their move to Thailand.
The extension follows feedback from applicants and authorized agents requesting greater flexibility, as interest in long-stay residency options continues to grow. Both offers will now remain available until March 31, or until further notice. Continued …
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World Bank Predicts Thailand’s 2026 Growth at 1.8%, ASEAN’s Lowest
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 report foresees global economic challenges due to continuous trade tensions and policy uncertainties, which might hinder job creation as 1.2 billion young adults enter the workforce over the next decade. Continued …
Baht breaks 31 per dollar; Bank of Thailand to curb app gold trades
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.
This marked its strongest level since March 2021, or the strongest in about 4 years and 10 months. Meanwhile, the Thai stock market closed up 21.19 points at 1,317.56, or 1.63%, with trading value (volume) of Bt68,148.65 million. Continued …
November Exports Rise for 17th Month but Risk 2026 Contraction
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.
This slowing trend comes after cumulative export growth of 12.6% over the first 11 months. Electronic products and exports to the US led growth, while gold exports contracted sharply for the second consecutive month due to a high base effect and slowed gold prices. Continued …
Thailand Seeks Investor Confidence at Davos 2026
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.
Leading the Thai delegation, Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas aims to strengthen ties with international organizations and tech companies. Continued …
11 Thai banks post Bt265-billion profit in 2025; Kasikornbank tops chart
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).
Overall, the 11 banks reported combined net profit of 265.396 billion baht in 2025, up 3.6%. The highest profit was recorded by Kasikornbank, at 49.604 billion baht, followed by Krungthai Bank at 48.229 billion baht, SCBX at 47.488 billion baht, and Bangkok Bank at 46.007 billion baht. Continued …
E-commerce growth eases as brands rethink operating models
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.
Success depends on the ability to manage all channels through a single integrated operating system, seamlessly bridging marketplaces, direct-to-consumer websites, offline retail, agentic commerce, and social/video platforms, e-commerce gurus said during the ECOM TALK 2026 seminar held yesterday by Priceza. Continued …
Thai Rice Exports Beat 2025 Target as 2026 Outlook Weakens
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.
Yesterday, Arada Fueangtong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, said Thailand exported 7.9 million tons of rice in 2025, surpassing the target of 7.5 million tons. The shipments were valued at 148.204 billion baht, or about US$4.515 billion. Continued …
How to do marketing and advertising in Thailand? Top 7 tips
The marketing landscape has evolved at a remarkable pace. By early 2026, Thailand is expected to have around 67.8 million internet users, representing nearly the entire population (DataReportal). This level of digital penetration places Thailand among the most connected markets in the region.
The way Thai consumers interact with brands has fundamentally shifted. Conversations about going digital have moved on to a reality where AI underpins daily operations, “Shop-tainment” drives purchasing behavior, and long-held spiritual beliefs coexist with modern technology. Continued …
Shaping Thailand’s tourism future
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.
Thailand’s tourism industry has long thrived on its core strengths: genuine hospitality, generosity, and cultural attractions. For decades, these qualities allowed us to rely on pure scale. Yet, the tourism landscape has changed fundamentally. Continued …
Strong baht may crimp bookings
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.
Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourist Assn., said travel agents have expressed concern about the strong baht, which has been an obstacle since last year for many markets, including the US, Russia, Europe, and Japan. Continued …
TAT faces backlash over Blackpink’s Lisa tourism promotion
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.
Critics have also questioned why artificial intelligence was used to depict Lisa, rather than filming or photographing her at the actual location. Continued …
Discover Thailand’s 5 ancient cat breeds
From the iconic Siamese cat with its stunning blue eyes to the lucky Korat, these cats have been beloved in Thai culture for centuries. Suphakluk, Khao Manee, and the mysterious Konja each bring their own charm, believed to bring good fortune, wealth, and prosperity. Discover the legacy of these fascinating breeds and learn why they are cherished by cat lovers worldwide. Video …
Wild elephants enjoy human-made water source in Khao Yai
A herd of wild elephants has been spotted enjoying a newly dug pond in Khao Yai National Park, signaling that the initiative to prevent the animals from straying and damaging local residents’ properties is yielding tangible results.
The herd was seen yesterday on video recorded by a camera trap installed near the supplemental water source in the Pha Ta Bak area to observe the animals’ behavior and assess the effectiveness of the initiative, said Yossawat Thiansawat, director of the Office of Conservation Area 1. Continued …
Singha Park Chiang Rai marks 10 years of balloon fiesta
Singha Park Chiang Rai is set to light up the northern skies this Valentine’s season as it celebrates the 10th anniversary of its international balloon festival, positioning the province as a “World Class Love Destination.”
The Singha Park International Balloon Fiesta 2026, scheduled for Feb. 11-15, will feature more than 30 hot air balloons from 13 countries, making it the largest balloon festival in ASEAN. The event aims to transform Chiang Rai into a global destination for romance, culture, and world-class entertainment. Continued …
Solar Energy: Myths, facts, and challenges
Solar energy is the most abundant of all energy resources on planet Earth. Solar energy is also one of the most powerful tools available to reduce air pollution and cut greenhouse gas emissions at their source.
Yet, despite its promise, solar energy is often misunderstood. Persistent myths about cost, reliability, and feasibility have slowed adoption, even as technology improves and prices fall. Understanding what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what challenges remain is key to scaling solar responsibly and equitably. Continued …
- Krabi Raids Israeli-Linked Cannabis Farm Using Thai Nominees – Continued …
- 13 Africans Arrested in Muang Thong Thani Romance Scam Bust – Continued …
- Norwegian Tourist Warned After Nude Incident on Pattaya Beach – Continued …
Trump drops Feb 1 tariffs, but vows no force on Greenland
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. 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
Laos has tightened controls on outdoor burning, as air pollution continued to affect major cities yesterday, with the government warning that forest fires and agricultural burning remain the main drivers of seasonal haze and health risks.
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. 
Foreign visitors to Japan reached a record estimated 42.7 million in 2025, the government said yesterday, with their spending also at a new all-time high of 9.5 trillion yen (1.8 trillion baht), thanks to a weaker yen and increased flights to Japan. 
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. 
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flights go daily May 4
How to learn and master Thai language in 6 months
Threat from contaminated fruit and vegetables from China part of a wider problem
