- Hua Hin Racer Marina Jazz Festival/Van From Hua Hin Submerged/Alcohol sales hours explained/PKK police seize illegal exhaust pipes/Thailand Revises Car Excise Tax/Eight million travelers, fewer accidents/Traffic accidents claim 207 lives/3,000 Drink-Driving Cases/Will Thailand’s 2026 election reshape tourism?
- THAILAND-CAMBODIA CONFLICT: Thai Army Reclaims Border Territory/Thai Army Exposes Cambodian War Crimes/Khmer Villages Empty Across Border
- ECONOMY: Property Market Navigating Crisis/Outlook remains cloudy/Call for more stimulus/Samui Bridge as Economic Opportunity/Bangkok–Isaan High-Speed Rail Delayed/Push to tap into ‘medical economy’/Climate change reshaping economic outlook/Exporters face another tough year/Online shopping to keep growing
- TOURISM: National Parks Welcome More than 500,000/Pattaya to stay popular?
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand bursting with events/My Hip Surgery in Thailand/Red Lotus Sea Is Open/Thai Food in US to Thrive
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Conservation in Thailand’s coastal waters/World hits the brakes on EVs
- INTERNATIONAL/HIN LINKS
Hua Hin Racer Marina Jazz Festival January 10
The owners of Why Not are behind the second edition of the Hua Hin Racer Marina Jazz Festival, which will be held south of Hua Hin in Pranburi this Saturday, Jan. 10.
‘It’s an amazing venue, the marina is located between the river, the mountains and sea,’ says Eliot Nielsen, who organized the festival last year with his wife Surassawadee Phumbua and Philippe Oursel. This year’s event begins at 4 pm with the Swing Mother Funky Quintet and concludes with a fire show finale, finishing at 11 pm. Continued …
GPS Gone Wrong: Electric Van From Hua Hin Submerged, 5 Rescued
Highway police and local volunteers rescued five people from an electric van that became submerged in floodwaters under a bridge along Rama 2 Road on Saturday, authorities said.
Police said the KIA van, registered in Bangkok, was carrying four women and one man who were returning from Hua Hin. The driver, following GPS directions, attempted to make a u-turn under a bridge in Khlong Khon district, unaware that the water was deeper than expected due to high tide. Continued …
Alcohol sales hours explained to Hua Hin bars
Bars in Hua Hin have been formally informed of updated alcohol sales hours following a briefing and inspection campaign by local authorities, as officials moved to clarify new rules that allow alcohol to be sold from late morning through to midnight.
The update on alcohol sales hours was delivered during a meeting and subsequent inspections held on Dec. 30 as part of measures to ensure businesses understand and comply with revised regulations issued by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee for 2025. The changes revoke the long-standing ban on alcohol sales between 2 pm and 5 pm. Continued …
PKK police seize 1,000+ illegal exhaust pipes
Prachuap Khiri Khan police seized more than 1,000 illegal exhaust pipes during an eight-day crackdown on street racing and noise pollution, as authorities stepped up enforcement to restore order in key tourist areas.
The operation, led by Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Police, ran from Dec. 22-29 and involved coordinated action across all 16 police stations in the province. Officers targeted illegal street racing and non-standard exhaust systems, which have long been a source of complaints from residents and visitors. Continued …
Thailand Revises Car Excise Tax, Petrol Cars Up, EVs Down
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.
The change has an immediate impact on showroom prices, with increases ranging from several thousand baht to several million baht depending on vehicle type. Continued …
Thailand’s new year holiday 2026 sees over eight million travelers, fewer accidents
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.
From Dec. 30 to Jan. 1, a total of more than 8.2 million passengers used public transport nationwide. Although this figure represents a 3.9% decrease from the same holiday period last year, authorities said overall operations were smooth and safety standards were maintained across all transport modes. Continued …
New Year traffic accidents claim 207 lives in 5 days
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.
Phuket province reported the most accidents, 47, and the most injured people, 51, and Bangkok the highest traffic death toll, 18. Only nine of the 76 provinces were free of road fatalities. Continued …
Nearly 3,000 Drink-Driving Cases Logged Over New Year Period
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.
The figures highlight the immediate impact of intensified road safety enforcement measures aimed at reducing accidents during one of the country’s busiest travel seasons. Continued …
Will Thailand’s 2026 election reshape tourism, foreign investment, and transport policy?
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.
Tourism officials say the election comes at a decisive moment. International travel demand has continued to recover, while competition within Southeast Asia has intensified. Neighboring countries are expanding airports, upgrading rail links, and offering incentives to global investors. For Thailand, the question is whether the next administration can deliver consistent policy direction and renewed confidence. Continued …
Thai Army Reclaims Border Territory from Cambodia, Denies Invasion Claims
The Thai Army has announced it has reclaimed its territory long encroached upon by Cambodia, dismissing allegations of invasion. Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree clarified that actions taken were within Thai borders, countering assertions from Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs claiming otherwise.
For several decades, tensions have simmered at the Thai-Cambodian border, with disputes over territorial boundaries. Winthai claimed that Cambodia had established both military bases and civilian infrastructure in large areas of Thai territory. These encroachments led to numerous protests from Thailand without any resolution until now. Continued …
Thai Army Exposes Cambodian War Crimes and Human Shield Tactics
The Thai military issued a scathing condemnation of Cambodian forces yesterday, exposing evidence of systematic war crimes and the use of human shields along the disputed border. The Thai-Cambodian Border Situation Joint Information Center urged the international community to look past “propaganda” and examine verified facts regarding violations of Thai sovereignty and international law.
Official reports indicate that Cambodian armed forces have intentionally stationed troops and ammunition depots within civilian centers to serve as human shields, a grave breach of international humanitarian law. This strategy reportedly forces military conflict into populated areas, directly endangering non-combatants and violating the principle of precaution. Continued …
Fears Grow in Surin as Khmer Villages Empty Across Border
Thai residents in Chong Chom, Surin province, are experiencing anxiety as their Khmer neighbors from O’Smach, Oddar Meanchey, started to evacuate their homes. The evacuations have sparked fears of renewed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, following the recent loss of strategic strongholds by Cambodia along the border.
Videos of O’Smach residents packing up and leaving, with captions expressing uncertainty about their return, have circulated widely. Continued …
Thailand’s Property Market Navigating Crisis
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.
The numbers reveal stark distress. KKP Research projects nationwide property transfers declined 6% in 2025, following a 15% drop in 2023 that pushed volumes to a seven-year low. Continued …
Outlook remains cloudy for 2026
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.
Most executives in key economic sectors remain vigilant, hopeful that conditions could improve if a new government accelerates policies that effectively stabilize the economy. Continued …
Call for more stimulus to revive flagging economy
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.
Barring unanticipated domestic or international developments, the Thai economy will likely be weaker in 2026 than last year, said Thomas Wilson, country manager, president and chief executive of Allianz Ayudhya Assurance. Continued …
Samui Bridge Plan Framed as Economic Opportunity for the South
Former Bangkok deputy governor and former Democrat Party deputy leader Samart Ratchapolsitte has said the proposed bridge linking Koh Samui to the mainland would transform southern Thailand’s economy, not merely improve transport.
He said the project would cut sea crossing times, creating immediate benefits for travel, logistics, and quality of life. Continued …
Bangkok–Isaan High-Speed Rail Delayed One Year by Land Disputes
Thailand’s groundbreaking high-speed rail project, the Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima line, is now confirmed to be delayed by a year due to land expropriation and overlapping infrastructure projects.
The anticipated service, initially set for 2029, is now expected to commence in 2030. This setback arises largely from complications with the high-speed rail’s interface with the three-airport rail link and unresolved land acquisition challenges. Continued …
Ministry launches new push to tap into ‘medical economy’
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.
Under Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat, the Ministry of Public Health is steering the sector toward a more diversified revenue model, reducing its heavy reliance on government budgets and funding from the National Health Security Office. Continued …
Climate change reshaping economic outlook
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.
While many business leaders highlight political and economic flashpoints, from Donald Trump’s tariff policies to the US-China trade war and Thai-Cambodian border tensions, Treethep argued that global campaigns to curb carbon emissions pose a more pressing challenge. Continued …
Exporters face another tough year
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.
High household debt will curb purchasing power, while a sluggish recovery in the global labor market, geopolitical uncertainties, and rising trade protectionism will continue to influence this sector, noted the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC). Continued …
Online shopping to keep growing at breakneck pace
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.
Retail sector penetration is expected to rise from 25% to 40%-50% in the coming years. Paul said the traditional retail sector is flat, and even decreasing for some vertical products. Continued …
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Thailand National Parks Welcome More than 500,000 Visitors During New Year’s
More than 500,000 visitors visited Thailand’s national parks on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Such interest points out the growth of ecotourism and nature-based tourism in Thailand, making the country’s natural attractions all but basic to its overall tourism development policy. With Khao Yai being the most popular destination, this wave of visitors shows just how important national parks are going to be for Thai tourism in the future.
Khao Yai National Park was the standout destination during the holiday period, attracting 60,235 visitors on New Year’s Day, solidifying its position as a major draw for both local and international tourists. Known for its diverse wildlife, lush forests, and scenic landscapes, Khao Yai continues to be one of Thailand’s most iconic eco-tourism spots. Continued …
Pattaya to stay popular, but not in the way Thai government hopes
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.
Several people shared their opinions on the challenges facing the city. One noted that the strong Thai baht makes the destination less of a value compared to neighboring countries like Vietnam or Cambodia. Others pointed out the impact of strict regulations, multiple pricing systems, and complex immigration rules on the visitor experience. Continued …
Thailand bursting with festivals and events this January
January in Thailand is packed with festivals, culture, music, sport, and unforgettable experiences. From marathons and music festivals to flower celebrations, heritage night journeys, art biennales, and food and wine events — there’s something happening in every region.
My Hip Surgery in Thailand Cost a Third of the US Price — With a Sea View
The first time I ever spent a night in the hospital was in Bangkok. A CT scan during my annual check-up revealed a condition requiring the opinion of a specialist. I was panic-stricken.
As I sat in the waiting area for the Urology Clinic at Bumrungrad International Hospital, my head was swimming with questions. Should I fly home to the US? Will they take my insurance here? This hospital sure is nice, but do these people know what they’re doing? Continued …
Winter Magic in Udon Thani: The Red Lotus Sea Is Open
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the annual tourism season for the Red Lotus Sea at Nong Han Kumphawapi, marking the beginning of the peak blooming period for the region’s iconic aquatic flowers.
Covering over 22,500 rai (36 Km²), the freshwater lake has transformed into a vibrant expanse of pink water lilies, a natural spectacle that occurs only once a year during the cool season. The blooming season typically runs from December through February, drawing thousands of domestic and international tourists to Udon Thani province. Continued …
Thai Food in US to Thrive as Dining-Out Trend Soars
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.
A report from the department’s Chicago office highlights an 8% rise in the number of American consumers opting for dining out in 2025, with this trend expected to grow further in 2026. On average, consumers dined out 10 times monthly, with Millennials reaching up to 14 times. Continued …
Conservation makes a splash in Thailand’s coastal waters
For most visitors to Thailand, diving is a recreational pursuit – a chance to glimpse sharks, turtles, and seahorses drifting through tropical waters. But on the small island of Koh Tao, divers are increasingly using their trips to help protect marine ecosystems under pressure from climate change.
To meet rising demand for environmentally minded experiences, many of the island’s 80-plus dive schools now offer “eco-dives,” which allow volunteers to help restore damaged reefs. Continued …
2026 car market: world hits the brakes on EVs as hybrids rise
The global automotive industry is facing its biggest “policy shock” in a decade, as a compass that once pointed firmly toward electric vehicles (EVs) begins to swing back. Analysts at Cox Automotive and Edmunds agree the industry is approaching a major turning point.
The pressure is no longer just competition between internal combustion engine cars and EVs, but also slowing economies in many countries, shifting government policies, and consumers’ weakening purchasing power. Continued …
America: Global Cop or Global Mafia State?
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.
Europe, still dependent on the US security umbrella, didn’t dare to come up with a unified denunciation. One EU leader even tacitly welcomed the regime change by the superpower nation — or the rogue superpower. Continued …
Delcy Rodriguez: From Maduro’s ‘tigress’ to acting Venezuelan president
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. Continued …
US raid on Venezuela rattles markets
Economists are warning that the United States’ military action in Venezuela could add to volatility in global financial markets, even if the direct impact on oil prices is likely to be limited. Continued …
Danish PM calls on US to stop ‘threatening’ Greenland
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. Continued …
What would happen if Iran’s Khamenei falls?
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. Continued …
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