- Wellness penetrates Hua Hin real estate/Thailand’s best beach towns/Blacklisting of Italian-Thai Development/Developer Won Contracts After Building Collapse/Rama II road collapse triggers citywide water outage/Two Probable Causes Behind Crane Collapse/Heavy rain ‘to arrive earlier this year’/Smog to persist for a week/Heads roll after Chinese detainee releases/Teachers at small schools struggling
- ECONOMY: Petrochemical and Plastics Industry Faces Severe Challenges
- TOURISM: Strong baht clouds Pattaya tourism outlook/Thailand Privilege Card to uphold strict screening
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Adopting solar lighting solutions/54 Tons of Used Batteries
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
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Wellness trend penetrates Hua Hin real estate
The idea of what a “home” should be is quietly but powerfully changing. Homes are no longer just places to rest, entertain guests, or escape the heat. They are becoming active partners in how people live, move, breathe, and age well.
Across villas in the Hua Hin area, sea-view condominiums, and hillside retreats, a new kind of living space is emerging — one designed not just for beauty, but for everyday wellbeing. Designers now describe this shift as the Integrated Wellness Home — a home where movement, health, and calm are built into daily life. Continued …
Thailand’s best beach towns for long-term living
Thailand’s coastline has always been a draw, but when it comes to long-term living, there’s more to consider than a pretty beach. These days, many of Thailand’s beach towns have grown into liveable, well-connected hubs with strong expat communities, international hospitals, and real infrastructure.
Still, each place brings its own rhythm, costs, and quirks. Before we begin, ask yourself this: Are you eyeing early retirement, remote work, or just a change of pace? Here’s how Thailand’s top coastal towns compare, so you can choose one that suits your lifestyle best. Continued …
PM orders termination and blacklisting of Italian-Thai Development
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the Ministry of Transport to terminate construction contracts with Italian-Thai Development (ITD) and blacklist the contractor, following a series of deadly infrastructure accidents that sparked intense public backlash.
The decision comes in the wake of two high-profile tragedies: the crane collapse onto a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima and the crane accident on Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon, both of which were overseen by ITD. Continued …
Developer Won Contracts Worth More Than 26 Billion Baht After Bangkok Office Building Collapse
Italian-Thai Development Public Co. secured seven government construction projects worth a combined 26 billion baht following the collapse of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) building, according to procurement records on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
The contracts were awarded in 2025 despite the tragic collapse of the Auditor General’s office project in Nakhon Ratchasima in January 2025, which killed dozens of workers and passersby. Continued …
Rama II road collapse triggers citywide water outage and gridlock in Samut Sakhon
Authorities are closely monitoring developments after a road collapse on Rama II Road caused major disruption this morning, with traffic at a standstill and a citywide water outage declared in Samut Sakhon.
The Waterworks Division of Samut Sakhon Municipality has declared an emergency, announcing that a main water pipeline beneath the road has ruptured. As a result, tap water supply has been cut across all service areas of Samut Sakhon Municipality. Motorists are urged to avoid the affected area. Continued …
Two Probable Causes Behind Rama II Crane Collapse: Carelessness Likely
Thai Structural Engineers Assn. has identified two causes behind the Rama II crane collapse: incomplete locking of crane parts and improper placement of support legs.
Upon inspecting the damage and reviewing aerial images, as well as images before the incident, Chulert Jitjuajun, vice president of the Thai Structural Engineers Assn., pointed out that the collapse was highly likely due to errors in placing the crane’s support legs in the wrong position. The support legs were positioned on the thinnest part of the concrete segment rather than on the thicker and stronger areas. This led to the support legs puncturing the back of the concrete segment, causing the structure to collapse. Continued …
Heavy rain ‘to arrive earlier this year’
This year’s rainy season is expected to arrive earlier and bring heavier rainfall than usual, Deputy Prime Minister Borwornsak Uwanno has warned, urging agencies to step up preparedness for major flooding.
Borwornsak made the remarks yesterday before chairing the first meeting of the task force assigned to draw lessons from recent floods and prepare for potential large-scale disasters. He said he had visited the Hydro-Informatics Institute (HII) on Wednesday to review its latest analyses. Continued …
Smog to persist for a week
Toxic haze continued to blanket Bangkok and large parts of the country, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exceeding safe limits in 45 provinces nationwide, authorities said, warning that unhealthy air conditions could persist until Jan. 23.
(A reminder to our readers that we post a link to the daily levels of PM2.5 in the Hua Hin area. You can find it on your compueter in the left-hand sidebar area, or on your phone or computer in our Hua Hin Links section)
The Air Pollution Problem Communication Center (APPC) under the Pollution Control Department (PCD) reported yesterday that the 24-hour average PM2.5 levels ranged from 7.4 to 89.1 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), surpassing the national safety standard of 37.5 µg/m³ in many areas. Continued …
Heads roll after Chinese detainee releases
One police officer has been dismissed and four others face criminal and disciplinary action for their alleged involvement in corruption linked to the unlawful release of Chinese detainees, the Royal Thai Police said yesterday.
All five officers are investigators attached to the Metropolitan Police Bureau. The case centers on allegations that police investigators colluded to temporarily remove Chinese nationals from immigration detention for criminal proceedings but failed to return them for deportation, allowing them to disappear from official custody. Continued …
Teachers at small schools struggling to cope, survey shows
Excessive workloads, long teaching hours, and a worsening work-life balance are raising concerns about teachers’ wellbeing and the quality of education, especially at Thailand’s small schools, a new study finds.
The Equitable Education Research Institute (EEFI) warned of a growing crisis following the release yesterday of a nationwide survey covering teachers in public and local authority schools, private institutions, and those under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Continued …
Thailand’s Petrochemical and Plastics Industry Faces Severe Challenges
Recently, market analysts pointed out that as Thailand’s economic growth forecast is revised down from 2.2% in 2025 to 1.5% in 2026, the petrochemical and plastics industry, which accounts for about 20% of the country’s GDP, is facing severe challenges. The core difficulties in the industry’s development currently stem from the dual pressures of currency appreciation and trade barriers.
Market analysts stated that the impact of exchange rate fluctuations has directly eroded corporate profit margins. In 2025, the Thai baht appreciated by 8.2% against the US dollar, making it the second strongest currency in Southeast Asia. For petrochemical and plastic exporters who settle transactions in US dollars, this exchange rate change has directly reduced their product price competitiveness by over 8%. Continued …
Strong baht clouds Pattaya tourism outlook, as China market slumps 35%
Chonburi’s tourism sector faces mounting challenges in 2026, with a strengthening baht weighing on long-haul markets and Asian arrivals remaining weak, according to Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Chonburi Tourism Federation Assn. (ACTF).
Thanet said that during the winter travel period from March to April, extending to the Songkran holiday, long-haul visitors from Europe and Russia continue to travel to Thailand. However, growth in the long-haul segment from 2025 through early 2026 has been limited to around 5%, well below its potential. Continued …
Thailand Privilege Card vows to uphold strict screening
Thailand Privilege Card (TPC) has pledged not to allow individuals with suspicious backgrounds or links to gray businesses to use its membership as a cover, and is preparing to discuss with the government ways to mitigate the impact of new tax measures on long-stay foreigners with overseas income.
Thailand’s long-stay market is unlikely to be affected by “unsafe tourism” as TPC targets membership growth of 10%-20% this year, said President Manatase Annawat. Continued …
Key considerations for homeowners adopting solar lighting solutions
Solar power was always imagined to be a distant dream some years back. Today, community and commercial solar lights and home lighting solar lights have become the simplest way to add lighting without wiring or electricity bills. Whether you’re searching for solar light for home or advanced solar lights setups, the category is now ideal for first-time homeowners and renovators looking for convenience and sustainability.
Modern solar solutions are designed to offer plug-and-play use with long-term reliability. With the reduction in installation costs and the various incentives offered by the government pertaining to solar energy, it has become more accessible and affordable than ever before. Continued …
CIB Raid Finds 54 Tons of Used Batteries at Saraburi Plant
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has raided a recycling factory in Kaeng Khoi district, Saraburi province, uncovering more than 54 tons of used batteries classified as hazardous materials and seizing heavy machinery, with police suspecting links to Chinese investment.
The operation took place y esterday and resulted in criminal charges against a company accused of illegally possessing and processing dangerous waste. Authorities said the discovery posed serious environmental and community risks due to improper handling and storage. Continued …
- Illegal Car Rental Ring Run by Belarusians Uncovered in Phuket – Continued …
- Chinese Hotel Owners Arrested I Chiang Mai Over Nominee Scheme – Continued …
- Nigerian drug dealer arrested on Koh Pha Ngan after skipping court – Continued …
The medal is not the prize, says Nobel Committee
The Nobel Peace Prize is inseparable from the person who won it, the Nobel Committee said yesterday, a day after this year’s winner gave her medal to US President Donald Trump. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said she had “presented” her Nobel medal to Trump, in a bid to win over the US president who had sidelined her since ousting Nicolas Maduro. Continued …
EU Solar Power Surges as Capacity, Jobs, and Consumer Adoption Hit Record Highs
Solar energy has emerged as a central pillar of the European Union’s clean energy transition, with new data highlighting rapid capacity growth, rising consumer adoption, and increasing economic benefits across the bloc. In a historic milestone, solar energy became the EU’s largest source of electricity generation for the first time in June 2025. 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
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.
Transport Minister Suspends Elevated Road and Rail Projects
The deadly Rama 2 Road: Why Thailand’s ‘Seven-Generation Road’ keeps claiming lives
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 
Thailand has implemented a new car excise tax structure effective from Jan. 1, reshaping vehicle prices across the market. Petrol-p owered vehicles, especially large-engine and high-emission models, have become more expensive, while electric vehicles (EVs) and some hybrids now face lower tax rates.
Thailand’s New Year holiday 2026 concluded with more than eight million people traveling across the country, while road accidents and transport disruptions declined compared with the previous year, according to the Ministry of Transport.
There were 1,185 traffic accidents over the first five days of the New Year travel period, claiming 207 people’s lives and injuring 1,141 others. Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said yesterday the figures applied from Dec. 30 to Jan. 3.
The Department of Probation has reported a cumulative total of 2,957 drink-driving cases over five days during the New Year holiday period, with Nonthaburi province recording the highest number nationwide.
As Thailand moves toward its 2026 general election, the future of the country’s tourism industry has become a central issue for investors, operators, and local communities. With tourism accounting for a significant share of national income, the policies adopted by the next government are expected to influence foreign direct investment, public safety, and long-term infrastructure planning, particularly in rail transport.
Thailand’s property sector endured its most punishing year in decades throughout 2025, with household debt, stringent lending conditions, and collapsing purchasing power battering the market. Yet, major developers are unveiling distinct 2026 strategies — from luxury pivots to multinational expansion — while economists warn that structural headwinds will persist.
With Thailand’s economy in 2026 projected to grow modestly at around 1.5%, several business sectors have begun preparing for potential headwinds – some persisting from last year and others emerging as new risks, particularly with a planned general election in February.
With global and domestic headwinds pressuring the Thai economy this year, the new government should consider “focused domestic intervention” measures to enhance tourism and attract foreign investments in specific sectors, says the Thai unit of German insurer Allianz.
The so-called “medical economy” championed by the government is being positioned as a new growth engine for Thailand. Policymakers describe it as a potential game changer for state-owned hospitals struggling under mounting financial pressure.
Climate change is no longer limited to shifting weather patterns, but is a growing force reshaping Thailand’s economic outlook in 2026, according to Treethep Palakavong Na Ayudhya, chief executive of Global Carbon Corp., a local greenhouse gas-management consultancy.
Thailand’s exports in 2026 are expected to face volatility and challenges due to a global economic slowdown that is dampening demand in key trading nations.
The online shopping sector will be driven by product discounts, the buy now-pay later (BNPL) strategy, and improved operating efficiency among e-commerce platforms powered by artificial intelligence (AI), said Paul Srivorakul, group chief executive of aCommerce, a pioneer in e-commerce enablement services.
As Thailand’s tourism sector enters 2026, some foreign visitors are raising concerns over the rising cost of enjoying Pattaya’s nightlife and attractions. Despite high visitor numbers, local bars and restaurants report low takings, with many international tourists — particularly from India, Korea, and China — spending primarily within their own cultural establishments rather than at local businesses.
Thai food businesses in the United States are poised for growth in 2026, fueled by an increasing trend of dining out. Director-General Sunanta Kangvalkulkij of the Commerce Ministry’s Department of International Trade Promotion cited recent consumer behavior surveys as proof of this surge.
The “large-scale” invasion and abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Saturday, under the order of US President Donald Trump, marks a return of American unilateralism and exceptionalism with a bang.
Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez is known for her anti-imperialist rhetoric, earning her the nickname “the tigress” from toppled leader Nicolas Maduro. A fierce defender of Maduro, who was snatched by US forces in an extraordinary raid early Saturday, Rodriguez is now seeking to portray herself as a steady hand to lead the country’s political transition. 
Denmark called on the United States to stop “threatening” Greenland yesterday as President Donald Trump told US media he “absolutely” needed the territory, a day after Washington seized the leader of Venezuela. 
The demonstrations began again in Iran last week, only two years after the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement convulsed the country for months. However, the current protests are potentially much broader than that episode because they are driven by the collapse in Iran’s currency, the rial (now 1,420,000 to the US dollar), and the explosive rise in the cost of living. 
Waghor Super Mini Marathon set for Sunday
Thailand’s Economy ‘Stuck in a Rut or Falling Off a Cliff,’ Warn Senior Officials
Thai Businesses Welcome Eased Alcohol Rules, See Boost for Tourism
Low-cost carrier AirAsia X plans new long-haul European routes
American Tourist Issues Warning After Henna Disaster in Bangkok
‘US Plus One’ trade strategy gains ground
DayOne to expand Thailand data center, use power from floating solar
Thai Property Leaders Call for Government Action on Sustainable Urban Development
Chiva-Som Hua Hin wins Condé Nast Traveller wellness award
Most Thais expect Anutin’s minority govt to survive no more than four months
Pattaya’s past holds back growth as Western crowds decline and Asia steps in
