• Feedback Re: Rama II crane collapse/Hua Hin ‘smart city’ proposal/Cha Am beaches turn green/Elevated Road and Rail Projects Suspended/Korat train crane tragedy/Deadly Rama 2 Road/South Korean man and Thai wife die/Italian-Thai Contracts Halted/Crane Collapses Raise Concerns/China provides 90-million-baht aid/Foreign media question Thailand’s safety standards/Minister clarifies US immigrant visa suspension
• ECONOMY: Thailand Unveils Fast-Track Investment Plan/Fallout from tariffs court case/China’s Record Trade Surplus
• TOURISM: How Thailand got too expensive/Tourists make the same 5 mistakes/People We Meet on Vacation in Thailand/Bangkok ranked 3rd best city/Pattaya’s Image Hit/UAE tourist loses 14,500 baht
• THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Why Chinese New Year matters in Thailand/Five national parks to see in Thailand/Bangkok’s ‘Little Tokyo’/Why 7-Eleven became our family’s favorite stop
• CLIMATE THAILAND: PM2.5 haze surges nationwide/Strengthens Regulations on Farm Burning/More funding for green energy research
• INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS 

Re: Rama II crane collapse

“I am reading of the tragic crane accident on a bus to Suvarnabhumi that is being re-routed due to another fatal crane crash on Rama II. When will this end? Is there accountability? Consequences?” – PB

(Editor: Yes, the Rama II crane collase is a tragedy, and one of numerous deadly accidents related to the Rama II construction. However, unlike other Hua Hin media that emphasized the inconvenience resulting for Hua Hin-Bangkok road travel, Expat News is more focused on the 32 people killed in the Korat crane collapse. See coverage below.

We do share concerns about the continuous road construction accidents happening in Thailand, and are reminded of our time in Indonesia, in an Australian oil and gas industry area, where the Aussie companies highlighted their safety records, where one death in a year was considered a failure, but with an Indonesian workforce wondering what the fuss with the safey measures was all about.)

Hua Hin ‘smart city’ proposal outlined

A proposal to support Hua Hin smart city development was presented to Hua Hin City Municipality yesterday, outlining a technology-led vision to improve transport, tourism services, and urban safety as the city plans its next stage of growth.

The mayor assigned Deputy Mayor Atichat Chaisri to jointly chair a session to hear a company introduction and project presentation from D.T.C. Enterprise Public Co. The proposal, titled Hua Hin Connect 236: Re-imagining Hua Hin as a World-Class Smart Destination, sets out a framework for Hua Hin smart city development focused on integrated transport, data-driven tourism services, and digital infrastructure. Continued …

Sea off Cha Am beaches turns green

A plankton bloom has affected parts of Cha Am Beach and Ban Bo Yai Beach, turning the seawater dark green along sections of the coastline. Officials say the phenomenon is natural, not dangerous, and have urged tourists and residents not to panic.

(Editor: Also, called “red tide”, this pollution is caused by agricultural chemical runoff, and is not a “natural phenomenon”. The main danger from this pollution is the fish kills it causes, as it deprives sea life of oxygen, but swimming in it can cause health problems. To charactierize this as “discoloration” is a disservice to the public.)

The discoloration was reported on the yesterday along stretches of the shoreline in Cha Am district, drawing attention from beachgoers and locals. Despite the unusual color, some tourists were seen continuing to swim as normal. Continued …

Transport Minister Suspends Elevated Road and Rail Projects

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has ordered an immediate stop to all elevated road and rail projects in Thailand to review construction site safety standards. This decision follows two fatal crane accidents within 24 hours.

The latest incident occurred on the Rama II–Samut Sakhon elevated expressway, resulting in two deaths when a crane collapsed onto cars near the Paris Hotel in Samut Sakhon. Continued …

Your Turnkey Energy Provider

As Hua Hin’s longest-running solar installer serving the expat community, we’ve built our reputation on something rare in Thailand: we’re still here, and so are our 2,000+ customers. We’re not just installing solar systems – we’re your long-term partner in achieving true energy self-sufficiency.

And now, we’ve been recognized by Asia Business Outlook as one of the Top 10 renewable energy companies in Southeast Asia.

Our fully employed local team (never subcontractors) designs every system bespoke to your home and lifestyle, sources premium components directly from trusted Thai suppliers for unbeatable value, then walks alongside you through every stage of your journey to energy independence. With comprehensive aftercare including maintenance contracts, responsive call-out service, and 24/7 support through our Line official store, we ensure your path to self-sufficiency is smooth from day one through year ten and beyond. We speak your language, understand expat needs, and provide the hands-on guidance that turns a solar installation into lasting energy freedom.
Choose Solar Solution Ltd:,your committed partner in the journey to self-sufficiency, for the long haul. Call Clark today at +66 80825 2413, or Clive at +66640528172.

The Korat train crane tragedy and the lives it shattered

A construction crane for the high-speed rail project collapsed onto a passenger train near Sikhio district in Nakhon Ratchasima province, killing more than 30 people. Metal debris, fire and smoke replaced what had been an ordinary journey home and left families facing sudden loss.

Among the survivors is Teaw Eimer Tenbrink, 63, who was injured in the crash and later traveled to Sikhio Hospital to claim the body of her German husband, who was killed in the incident. She said the couple had boarded Train No. 3 to return to their home in Surin, a journey they made regularly and believed to be safe. Continued …

The deadly Rama 2 Road: Why Thailand’s ‘Seven-Generation Road’ keeps claiming lives

If there is one road in Thailand that has become legendary for both its extraordinary length and the dangers hidden behind its development, Rama 2 Road, or Highway No. 35 (Dao Khanong–Wang Manao), is the first name that comes to mind for many people.

This route functions like a major artery, pumping travel and economic activity from Bangkok down to the southern region. At the same time, over the course of more than five decades, the road has never been free from heavy machinery, massive concrete structures, and construction projects that seem to have no end. As a result, the public has given it a painfully ironic nickname: the “Seven-Generation Road”. Continued …

South Korean man and Thai wife die in crane collapse one day after marriage

A South Korean man and his Thai wife lost their lives in the Nakhon Ratchasima crane disaster on Wednesday, one day after their marriage.

Authorities confirmed that a German national and a South Korean man were among 32 people killed when a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train in Korat on Wednesday. While the German man’s Thai wife survived the crash, the South Korean man and his Thai spouse both lost their lives at the scene. Continued …

Italian-Thai Contracts Halted After Fatal Crane Accidents

Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has taken decisive action, ordering the termination of two contracts with Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD) following recent crane collapses that resulted in over 30 fatalities. Anutin directed the Ministry of Transport to cancel contracts and initiate legal proceedings against the company.

The incidents have raised significant public concern, with the prime minister underlining the necessity for quick intervention to restore public confidence and reassure foreign investors. Anutin noted a concerning pattern of accidents linked to ITD, including a notable incident involving the collapse of the State Audit Office building. Continued …

ITD’s 11-Year History with 213 State Projects, Crane Collapses Raise Concerns

Italian-Thai Development (ITD) has won 213 state projects worth 130 billion baht in 11 years. However, recent crane collapses involving ITD raise questions about safety.

On Wednesday, a crane collapse occurred, causing fatalities and injuries when the crane fell onto a passenger train at a high-speed rail construction site in the Lam Takong-Si Khiew section of Nakhon Ratchasima, with over 30 dead and many more injured. Continued …

China steps in with 90-million-baht aid after Thai train tragedy

China has reaffirmed its close diplomatic ties with Thailand by donating 20 million yuan, approximately 90 million baht, in humanitarian aid, in the wake of a crane collapse at a high-speed rail construction site.

Yesterday, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jianwei met with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at the Government House to formally deliver the assistance. The package includes 10 million yuan in direct financial support and 10 million yuan worth of relief supplies, a total of roughly 90,229,640 baht. Continued … 

Foreign media question Thailand’s safety standards after two crane collapses

Crane collapses in Thailand over two consecutive days has drawn intense international media attention and renewed scrutiny of the country’s construction safety standards.

The BBC reported that the two incidents involved the same contractor, Italian-Thai Development, one of Thailand’s largest construction companies. The broadcaster said the accidents highlighted how serious incidents at construction sites remain frequent in Thailand, partly due to weak enforcement of safety regulations. Continued …

Thai Foreign Minister clarifies US immigrant visa suspension

Sihasak Phuangketkeow, minister of foreign affairs, addressed the recent announcement by the US Department of State to suspend the processing of immigrant visas (permanent visas) for 75 countries, including Thailand.

The US representative informed him that they do not yet have all the specific data and will coordinate with relevant agencies to provide further information. However, it was emphasized that this suspension applies strictly to those seeking permanent residency, long-term stays, or future citizenship. Continued … 

Thailand Unveils Fast-Track Investment Plan to Revive Sluggish Growth

Thailand’s finance minister has outlined an economic restructuring program centered on fast-tracking stalled investments and developing new industrial sectors, as the government seeks to reverse declining growth potential that has dragged the economy to its weakest performance in decades.

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, speaking at the CEO Day event yesterday, acknowledged Thailand’s growth potential has deteriorated continuously from 5% in the post-1997 period to just 2.7% currently, with actual GDP growth this year forecast at merely 1.5%. Continued …

Warning issued over fallout from tariffs court case

Business executives warn of renewed turbulence if the US Supreme Court eventually rules against President Donald Trump in a high-profile case challenging the legality of his global import tariffs, saying uncertainties would mar economic sentiment.

Markets predict a high likelihood of Trump losing the case, but caution that such a judgement would not necessarily reduce uncertainty. Instead, Trump is widely expected to turn to contingency plans, potentially announcing new tariffs and encouraging affected exporters to pursue legal action themselves – a move that could extend market disruption. Continued …

China’s Record Trade Surplus Spells Mixed Fortunes for Thai Economy

China has shattered global records with a staggering trade surplus of approximately $1.2 trillion for 2025, fueled by a relentless export boom that has flooded international markets with everything from electronics to machinery. While this achievement underscores Beijing’s manufacturing prowess amid domestic headwinds, it poses both opportunities and significant challenges for Thailand, its largest trading partner in ASEAN.

As Thailand grapples with its own economic recovery, the influx of low-cost Chinese goods is exacerbating trade imbalances, pressuring local industries, and prompting calls for strategic responses from policymakers. Continued …

How Thailand got too expensive

Thailand was once the ultimate value-for-money destination. Cheap eats, affordable hotels, unforgettable experiences. That era is over. A soaring Thai baht is pushing travelers away — just as Thailand is fighting to revive its tourism-driven economy.

From viral cases of price gouging to skyrocketing hotel rates, we look at why tourists are balking, how gold trading is unexpectedly strengthening the baht, and why neighboring countries like Vietnam are starting to look like better bargains. Video …

Tourists make the same 5 mistakes

It’s been just over a year since I took the leap and made Thailand my home. Moving from regular visitor to someone who lives and works here has let me fully embrace what I love about the country — and given me a front-row seat to the same tourist mistakes playing out again and again.

Thailand has a way of pulling people back, but first-timers are easy to spot. They’re not just navigating a new place; they’re often doing it in ways that cost more money, create unnecessary stress, and lead to a less authentic experience. After a year of watching the pattern repeat, here are the five mistakes I see tourists make most often. Continued …

7 ‘People We Meet on Vacation’ in Thailand

Where there’s a trend, there’s an article. And this time, it’s Netflix’s latest rom-com: People We Meet on Vacation. Instead of reviewing it, we did what we do best: turned it into a Thailand travel personality guide.

This is a fun, unfiltered roundup of the characters you’ll meet while holidaying in the Land of Smiles. From the cultural enthusiast to the spiritual seeker, here are seven kinds of “People We Meet on Vacation” in Thailand. Continued …

Bangkok ranked 3rd best city to visit by New York Times

Bangkok was named the third best city to visit in the world today in The New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2026 list, praised for its green spaces, vibrant art scene, and recent innovations in public transport.

According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the city is proud to see its urban development and quality-of-life upgrades recognized on a global scale. The New York Times described Bangkok as “a frenetic city taking steps toward a greener future.” Continued …

Pattaya’s Image Hit by Brazen Sale of Sex Drugs in Tourist Areas

Tourists and locals are raising alarms over the open sale of sex stimulants, sex toys, and illegal cigarettes along Pattaya Beach Road – without proper tax stamps.

Vendors have rented shopfront spaces to showcase sex stimulants, sex toys, and various cigarette brands. Similar activities have been reported in Buakhao Alley, Pattaya Second Road, and the beachfront. Continued …

UAE tourist loses 14,500 baht to foreign pickpockets in Pattaya

A tourist from the United Arab Emirates lost around 14,500 baht in cash after being pickpocketed by two foreign men in Pattaya The victim filed a complaint with Mueang Pattaya Police Station on Tuesday after realizing that cash had gone missing from his trouser pocket.

According to victim, he believed he was targeted when a foreign stranger approached and greeted him in an alley near the Marine Plaza Hotel in southern Pattaya. At the time, he was standing by the roadside with a woman and focused on the conversation, unaware that a theft was taking place. Continued …

Why Chinese New Year matters in Thailand: a living link in Thai–China ties

Chinese New Year — also known as Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival — is a 15-day celebration. It begins with the new moon that falls between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20, and concludes on the following full moon.

In Thailand, it is widely marked as a major cultural moment, even though it is generally observed as an occasion of significance rather than an official public holiday. In 2026, Chinese New Year’s Day falls on Feb. 17. Continued …

From peaks to Phi Phi: five national parks to see in Thailand

Thailand is home to a remarkable network of national parks, each protecting landscapes that feel worlds apart: misty highlands, evergreen forests, thundering waterfalls, and turquoise seas framed by dramatic cliffs.

These natural highlights have long captivated Thai and international travelers alike, supporting local livelihoods and strengthening Thailand’s appeal as a year-round destination. Here are five national parks — one from each region — that deserve a spot on any nature lover’s list. Continued …

Bangkok’s “Little Tokyo” lives on

Wander around Bangkok’s department stores and lifestyle complexes, and there’s no shortage of high-quality Japanese restaurants. Parts of Dusit Central Park’s top floor look like a Japanese department store, and the same goes with One Bangkok.

Thais simply love Japanese culture and cuisine. Bangkok has evolved into something of a “Little Tokyo” in recent years, with Thais seamlessly moving from one new Japanese spot to another, chasing authentic taste. Continued … 

Exploring Thailand: Why 7-Eleven became our family’s favorite stop

On vacation in Thailand, my family and I visited Bangkok’s majestic Wat Pho, marveling at the temple’s 150-foot-long reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf. In Chiang Mai, we rode ATVs through the rugged Mae Taeng Valley, then rafted in challenging whitewater rapids while elephants roamed the river banks. We spotted pigs on Koh Madsum and bright-orange clown fish while snorkeling Koh Samui. But nothing compares to the thrills we found in 7-Eleven.

Yes, the same 7-Eleven chain that conjures up images of hot dogs rotating under heat lamps in North America. All across Asia, the ubiquitous convenience stores barely resemble their Western counterparts. Continued … 

PM2.5 haze surges nationwide

PM2.5 fine dust pollution has surged this week nationwide, prompting the government to call for stricter controls and work-from-home arrangements. Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana warned that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels have risen sharply since Wednesday and are expected to also rise today.

The government is urging stricter controls on pollution sources, a ban on open burning, and expanded work-from-home measures, she said. Continued …

Thai Government Strengthens Regulations on Farm Burning to Reduce PM2.5 Levels

The government has tightened controls on agricultural burning as part of a broader effort to address PM2.5 pollution, setting a nationwide target to reduce burned farmland by at least 15%. The measures prioritize major economic crops, for which reductions must be clearly demonstrated.

Hotspot data from the 2025–2026 haze season show continued high levels of burning, largely linked to agricultural activity. In response, national action plans on particulate pollution and forest fire control have been approved, providing a framework for stronger oversight and coordinated enforcement in 2026 and the years ahead. Continued …

More funding planned for green energy research

Thailand is stepping up efforts to support research and development in alternative energy, with officials preparing to allocate more financial resources to projects that advance clean technologies such as hydrogen.

The move is part of the country’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, 15 years earlier than previously promised. Funding is to be distributed through the Energy Conservation Fund, which backs initiatives aimed at improving energy efficiency and conservation. Continued …

Aloka, the stray dog in India who walked 100 days for peace

Before Aloka became known as the “peace dog,” he was a stray navigating the streets of India. What set him apart from others like him was not strength or speed, but an unexpected decision to follow a group of barefoot Buddhist monks who were beginning a long “Walk for Peace.”

Aloka does not fit neatly into any category that people usually look for when they ask about dogs. His breed is uncertain; most say he is likely an Indian pariah dog, whose name means divine light in Sanskrit. His age is estimated at around four years. There is no record of his birth, no known owner, and no early photographs. Continued … 

Social media sites block 4.7 million underage accounts in Australia

Tech giants have blocked 4.7 million accounts under Australia’s world-first social media ban for under-16s, the country’s online safety watchdog said today. Initial figures showed platforms were taking meaningful action to remove underage users, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said. 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