- Thailand LTR visa approvals pass 12,000/Thailand denies ending alcohol and tobacco taxes/PM rules out healthcare benefit cuts/Suspected pneumonic plague case/Death toll from flooding hits 31/PM orders flood aid sped up/Government seeks unified flood response/Insurers set to take biggest hit/Floods Expose Vulnerabilities/Bangkok roads flooded again//Thailand prepares for IMF–World Bank meetings/Khao Yai reopens to visitors
- THE IRAN WAR: ASEAN energy security plans
- ECONOMY: 3-pillar strategy to strengthen economy/World Bank Flags AI , El Niño Risks/Thai rice exports suffer decline/ICONPHUKET to open/’Reckless’ AI firms can’t control models
- TOURISM: Thailand turns culture into tourism push/Thailand to offer free stopover tours/Plan for five health hubs
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Immigration Mistakes to Avoid/Bangkok’s Yaowarat Vegetarian Festival
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Strategy to fight haze
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Thailand LTR visa approvals pass 12,000
Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program has approved 12,010 foreign nationals in its first four years, the Board of Investment (BOI) says.
The scheme, introduced in September 2022, has generated an estimated 43 billion baht in economic value, equivalent to more than 3.6 million baht per approved applicant, according to BOI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi. Continued …
Thailand denies ending alcohol and tobacco taxes
Thailand’s government has denied claims that proposed legal changes would end taxes on alcohol and tobacco or dismantle four public bodies funded through levies linked to those products.
Government spokesman Ekkaphop Phearnphiset said Sunday that producers and importers of alcohol and tobacco would still be required to pay excise tax under existing law. The proposals, he said, concern how supplementary funds are allocated rather than whether tax is collected. Continued …
PM rules out healthcare benefit cuts
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has assured protesters that universal healthcare benefits will not be cut. He stated that instead of being reduced, these benefits can only be expanded, arguing that such rights should only increase.
The prime minister made these comments in response to a petition received on World Habitat Day regarding housing rights and land dispute solutions. While addressing healthcare, he maintained that any changes to the system should focus on improving coverage, quality of treatment, and benefits for the people. – Bangkok Post aI
Thailand says risk from suspected pneumonic plague case in Russia remains low
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) has assessed the risk of plague being imported from Russia as low, as it awaits further confirmation from the World Health Organization (WHO) over a suspected pneumonic plague case involving a laboratory worker in Siberia.
The DDC said yesterday its epidemiological assessment had found no evidence of spread beyond the affected area or of community transmission. Thailand’s International Health Regulations National Focal Point (IHR-NFP) has contacted the WHO directly for further information. Continued …
Thailand braces for more rain as death toll from recent flooding hits 31
Thai authorities yesterday warned of more rain and flash flooding as the death toll from floods across the country since mid-September rose to 31.
Thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rain are expected across much of upper Thailand from today through tomorrow, increasing the risk of flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, the Thailand Meteorological Department said. Continued …
PM orders flood aid sped up
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul prioritized urgent payments to ensure that affected households receive relief funds as quickly as possible. He stated that it is important for people to receive their money as soon as possible, ordering authorities to distribute the first batch of payments this week based on verified claims without waiting for the entire nationwide processing to conclude.
The government has allocated more than 4 billion baht from the central reserve budget to address nationwide flood issues. Under the current relief framework, eligible households can receive 9,000 baht in financial aid. To manage these distributions, local authorities are tasked with verifying claims and submitting data for review, which can be completed within two to three days once information is received by the bank. – Bangkok Post AI
Government seeks unified flood response
The government has ordered a comprehensive review of its flood-risk maps to ensure they provide the highest possible accuracy and completeness. Additionally, officials have instructed all relevant agencies to utilize a single, unified data set to manage water and coordinate responses.
This directive aims to improve the consistency of flood-management efforts across different government sectors. By updating these maps and synchronizing data, authorities intend to better assist residents in affected provinces and improve the effectiveness of flood prevention and mitigation strategies. – Bangkok Post aI
Insurers set to take biggest hit from flooding
Insurance companies are expected to suffer the most significant and long-lasting impact on their earnings due to the current flooding. This prolonged recovery period is driven by the high volume of severe claims and losses that insurers must process as floodwaters recede.
While other sectors like healthcare, food, and commerce are projected to recover quickly, the insurance and financial sectors face a much slower turnaround. Analysts suggest that the insurance industry’s recovery could take approximately five quarters, compared to only about two quarters for automotive and property sectors. The widespread nature of the damage, which includes significant hits to vehicle and home insurance, necessitates extensive damage assessments and a surge in claims handling. – Bangkok Post AI
Thailand’s Floods Expose Severe Vulnerabilities in Its Automotive Supply Chain
Recent flooding in Thailand forced Toyota and Honda to temporarily halt production at several plants after suppliers could not deliver components and employees could not reach facilities. The disruption, affecting Bangkok and 14 provinces, caused estimated automotive supply-chain losses exceeding 1 billion baht and exposed the fragility of the country’s just-in-time manufacturing model.
Thailand’s automotive competitiveness depends on treating climate resilience as industrial policy rather than an afterthought. It recommends diversifying suppliers, strengthening infrastructure, and building redundancy into logistics networks, particularly as Thailand seeks investment in electric vehicle manufacturing requiring more complex supply chains. Continued …
Bangkok roads flooded after overnight rain with more storms forecast
Heavy overnight rain left roads flooded across parts of Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom early today, slowing traffic and forcing motorists to take extra care or avoid several affected routes.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast thunderstorms across 70% of Bangkok and surrounding provinces, with isolated heavy rain and gusty winds. More rain is forecast for Oct. 9–13, raising the risk of further flooding. Continued …
Thailand prepares 4 flood scenarios for Oct 12–18 IMF–World Bank meetings
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday ordered tighter airport and travel preparations for more than 10,000 people attending the International Monetary Fund (IMF)–World Bank Group annual meetings in Bangkok. Officials also reviewed four flood contingency scenarios, including transport changes and a procedure for deciding whether to cancel in an extreme emergency.
The 2026 IMF–World Bank annual meetings will take place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center on Oct. 12–18. Thailand is hosting again after 35 years, offering an opportunity to present its development, challenges and economic transition alongside international discussions on economic and financial policy. Continued …
Khao Yai reopens to visitors after rain eases, three sites stay closed
Khao Yai National Park will reopen most tourist attractions and camping areas from today after rainfall eased and officials completed safety inspections. The park said most areas were now considered safe and ready to welcome visitors, allowing tourism and overnight camping to resume as normal.
However, three attractions will remain temporarily closed because conditions are not yet considered safe enough for visitors. Continued …
Middle East war sharpens focus on ASEAN energy security plans
Southeast Asian energy ministers meeting in Manila this week face the prospect of a prolonged Middle East war that has exposed the region’s vulnerabilities to imported energy.
As the US-Israeli war against Iran drags on, there is increased urgency for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to implement its proposed energy security plans and reduce its exposure to price shocks caused by attacks on infrastructure and shipping routes in the Middle East. Continued …
Minister outlines 3-pillar strategy to strengthen Thailand’s economy
Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Thailand’s finance minister, outlined a three-pillar economic strategy yesterday to safeguard financial stability, accelerate the clean-energy transition, and strengthen investment in an increasingly volatile and fragmented world.
Ekniti said the “STI” strategy would help Thailand build solid foundations and create opportunities in a global economy increasingly operating without clear rules. Continued …
World Bank Flags AI Adoption Gap and El Niño Risks to Thailand’s Growth
The World Bank has cautioned that damage from a severe El Niño, including flooding of the kind seen across the region a decade ago, could prove larger than current forecasts assume. The warning came as Thailand’s economy was singled out for both its gains from the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom and its slow adoption of the technology at home.
Franziska Lieselotte Ohnsorge, the World Bank’s chief economist for East Asia and Pacific, was asked what share of Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) might be lost to flooding in the fourth quarter. Continued …
Thai rice exports suffer decline as overseas demand plunges
Thailand is struggling to reach its 7 million ton rice export goal because several key trading partners have reduced their import volumes. The shortfall is driven largely by decreased demand from Malaysia and the Philippines, with the latter citing concerns over relatively high prices for Thai rice.
While the Philippines imported approximately 155,000 tons of Thai rice during the first eight months of 2025, these figures have seen shifts compared to previous years. Additionally, importers in Malaysia have been observed reducing imports from Thailand in favor of Pakistani rice, which consumers tend to prefer due to its lower price point compared to Thai varieties. – Bangkok Post AI
ICONPHUKET to open in Phuket’s Thalang in 2029
Siam Piwat plans to invest 10 billion baht in ICONPHUKET, its first development outside Bangkok, with the retail, entertainment and tourism destination due to open in Phuket’s Thalang district in 2029.
The project will be the central feature of Synthesis Ark Phuket, a 50-billion-baht mixed-use scheme being developed by CV Group in Si Sunthon subdistrict. ICONPHUKET will stand on a 491-rai site on Thepkrasattri Road, between Phuket International Airport and Phuket Town. Continued …
‘Reckless’ AI firms can’t control models, says whistleblower
Leading artificial intelligence companies do not know how to keep AI systems from pursuing objectives their developers did not assign, whistleblower Jacob Coxon, a former OpenAI and Anthropic employee, warned yesterday. “Companies are being extremely reckless given the stakes,” Coxon told local lawmakers at a hearing before the New York City Council.
In early September, the British researcher published a statement on X explaining his decision to resign from Anthropic, saying AI developers sincerely believed the technology could “kill us all by the end of the decade”. Continued …
Thailand turns culture into renewed tourism push
Thailand is seeking to turn its food, entertainment, wellness sector and recognizable cultural symbols into longer-lasting economic influence, as competition for visitors across Southeast Asia intensifies.
The effort comes after Malaysia overtook Thailand in June as the region’s most visited nation, and following investments by neighboring countries in infrastructure, flexible visa policies and wider aviation links. Continued …
Thailand to offer free stopover tours for transit passengers
Thailand is preparing to launch special tourism packages for international transit passengers with long layovers, allowing them to leave the airport for short trips before continuing to their final destinations.
The pilot scheme is expected to begin in early 2027 at four major airports — Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket and Krabi — with packages focusing on culture, street food, health and wellness. Continued …
Thailand advances plan for five health hubs to become a global medical and wellness center
Thailand is advancing a 10-year strategy for 2025–2034 to become an international center for medical and wellness industries through five areas of development, extending its ambitions beyond hospital treatment to health products, research, training and international events.
Thailand has pursued its medical hub policy since 2004, although its strengths remain concentrated in treatment services, which generate several hundred billion baht annually. The broader strategy aims to develop an integrated medical industry capable of generating substantially more income. Continued …
Immigration Mistakes to Avoid When Arriving for the First Time in Thailand
Siam Legal International, a Thailand-based law firm, has published a step-by-step arrival checklist for first-time visitors to Thailand, covering the entry process from passport condition and pre-arrival paperwork to the documents immigration officers may request at the counter. The guide reflects entry procedures as of October 2026 and sets out each stage in the order travelers generally encounter it.
Most travelers clear Thai immigration within minutes, and the guide notes that the issues which do cause delays or refusals are largely avoidable with preparation. Because entry rules and procedures can change, and some requirements vary by nationality, airport, and itinerary, travelers are encouraged to confirm current requirements with the Thai Immigration Bureau or a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate before departure. Continued …
Bangkok’s Yaowarat Vegetarian Festival runs from Oct 9–18
Bangkok’s Yaowarat is preparing for the 2026 Vegetarian Festival, with the traditional nine-day vegetarian observance running from Oct. 10–18, while the main Yaowarat festival runs from Oct. 9–18.
One of Bangkok’s best-known street-food districts, Yaowarat is set to welcome Thai and international visitors for vegetarian food, religious activities and the annual festival atmosphere. Continued …
Laos, Myanmar, Thailand launch CLEAR Sky strategy to fight haze
Laos, Myanmar and Thailand have launched a joint action plan to tackle seasonal haze and forest fires that cause serious air pollution across the Mekong sub-region. The trilateral initiative was launched by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs alongside the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the governments of Lao PDR and Myanmar.
The Joint Plan of Action – CLEAR Sky Strategy (2024–2030) aims to reduce fire hotspots, improve air-quality monitoring and promote more sustainable land management. The strategy builds on a trilateral agreement reached in April 2023 and complements the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and the Chiang Rai Plan of Action. Continued …
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Russian arrested over illegal Phuket tour guide work – Continued …
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Chinese bribery fugitive detained in Pattaya – Continued …
Vietnam busts cat-stealing ring that took 2,700 pets for food
Vietnamese police have arrested 12 men accused of stealing nearly 2,700 cats during night raids into residential neighborhoods, taking the pets to be slaughtered for food, police and state media said yesterday. Consumption of dogs and cats is legal in Vietnam, where many restaurants openly advertise the meat, but vendors are required to obtain certificates showing the origin of the animals. Continued …
Hua Hin Links and Transport
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
Hua Hin City Municipality is preparing for possible drought-related problems after a dry spell caused water levels in Pran Buri Reservoir to fall to a low level. A meeting was called yesterday after the Pran Buri Water Transmission and Maintenance Project reported that low rainfall since the start of 2026 had affected water levels in Pran Buri Reservoir.
Prachuap Khiri Khan province is facing severe drought conditions, with more than 512 million liters of water already distributed to households lacking water for daily use. Deputy Governor Prateep Boriboonrat chaired a meeting yesterday to monitor the drought situation.
Airpocalypse Forever: Thailand Gasps for Breath
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Airlines worldwide hit by Iran war with fare rises, cuts, and closures
Middle East Conflict Sends Fertilizer Costs Soaring for Asia’s Rice Farmers
Thailand’s inflation rate increased by 2.89% in April compared to last year, driven by rising oil and food prices, reported Nantapong Chiralerspong of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office. The increase is linked to Middle Eastern conflicts causing a blockage in the Strait of Hormuz, which has sharply escalated global oil prices. This surge has impacted public transport and, subsequently, the cost of food and services in the country.
Thailand’s back-to-school season is expected to generate total consumer spending of 66 billion baht in 2026, a 6% increase on the previous year and the fastest rate of growth in 13 years, according to research released yesterday by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). The findings arrive as the broader Thai economy struggles for momentum, with GDP growth forecast at just 1.6% for the year.
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) has approved six major investment projects worth a combined 29.9 billion dollars, led by a large-scale data infrastructure expansion by TikTok. The largest share comes from TikTok Systems (Thailand) Co., which plans to invest 26.3 billion dollars, across Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chachoengsao.
Pattaya and Chon Buri tourism operators are suffering from the government’s work-from-home policies during the low season, expecting only 30%-40% occupancy rates this month, while they compete for markets with high potential such as Chinese and Indian tourists by offering discounts.
Bangkok is set to become the hottest major city in Southeast Asia by 2050, with temperatures projected to rise above 38C as climate change and the urban heat island effect intensify across the region.
Global debt climbed to a record near US$353 trillion by the end of March, with the IIF saying investors are showing growing interest in Japanese and European bonds over US Treasuries. 
Police have arrested a man for stealing water meters across Prachuap Khiri Khan, with investigators alleging he sold burnt components for scrap to fund drug use. Officers from Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan Police Station detained a 38-year-old suspect Tuesday.
A new overpass is set to be built at Nong Phai intersection on Highway 37 after the Department of Highways signed a contract for the project in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Thailand recorded 30 deaths and 202 injuries from 192 road accidents on Tuesday, as authorities intensified safety measures during the Songkran holiday travel period. Officials warned of increased risks, as large numbers of people began returning to Bangkok and other major cities.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has indicated a willingness to resume negotiations with Thailand over ongoing border disputes, marking a significant shift in previously tense relations.
US President Donald Trump has signaled that the war against Iran, waged alongside Israel, could be nearing an end, as diplomatic efforts intensify and Pakistan moves again to narrow the gap between the two sides. Yet, despite the more hopeful tone, the crisis remains unresolved, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz still badly disrupted and global energy markets under strain.
Thailand faces slower growth this year due to the Iran war and there are almost “no limits” to worst-case economic scenarios if the conflict continues, a senior Bank of Thailand official said.
Foreign investors are selling Thai assets as an energy shock from the US-Israeli war on Iran threatens to snuff out hopes for an economic revival under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and exposes the policy paralysis that is gripping Bangkok.
Rice prices have surged the most in more than two years on concerns about the supply outlook after the cost of fuel and fertilizer jumped due to the Iran war, prompting some Thai farmers to leave their crop in the ground.
Michelin-listed restaurant operators expect a gloomy outlook for the dining business this year, hampered by sluggish spending and surging energy costs.
Why April 15 marks Thailand’s true New Year in the ancient tradition
Elephants lead Songkran water pouring in Chiang Mai
The government has added bottled drinking water and seasoning sauces to its price-control list, along with plastic pellets, in order to prevent undue price increases in light of cost pressures arising from the Middle East war.
The Fuel Fund Board has approved an increase in diesel prices, with the retail price of B7 diesel rising to 50.54 baht per liter and B20 diesel to 45.54 baht per liter, effective yesterday. The decision follows a reduction in subsidy rates aimed at easing the financial burden on the state Oil Fuel Fund. The adjustment will have an immediate impact on transport costs and the wider economy.
The Energy Policy and Planning Office has announced updated petrol prices effective from yesterday. This report details current prices at five major service stations: PTT, Bangchak, PT, Caltex, and Shell, providing an overview of costs per liter for various fuel types.
The 15th edition of the Princess Pa’s Cup InterContinental–B.Grimm Beach Polo Hua Hin took place on Saturday, bringing a blend of sport, society, and seaside elegance to the beachfront of InterContinental Hua Hin Resort.
Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Phayao have been declared emergency disaster zones, as persistent hazardous air quality continues to grip northern Thailand, unlocking emergency funds for provincial governors to deploy relief efforts.
Thailand is set to experience widespread hot to extremely hot conditions through April 11, with temperatures in some areas expected to exceed 42°C, according to the Thai Meteorological Department.
Inspectors from the Department of Internal Trade (DIT), under the Commerce Ministry, have been conducting random inspections of outlets selling LPG cooking gas and gas-filling facilities to ensure they are not cheating customers by selling less gas than the tanks’ stated capacity.
The palm-fringed beaches of Phuket and the neon-lit streets of Bangkok feel worlds away from the geopolitical tremors of the Middle East. However, in our interconnected world, a shadow cast in Tehran is quickly felt in Thailand.
The war in the Middle East, now dragging on for more than a month, is casting a shadow over travel during the Songkran festival, a global event for Thailand. Hotel, retail, and event operators largely see Songkran tourism in 2026 as either weaker or flat compared with last year, even as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimates domestic spending at 30.35 billion baht, up 6%.
Oil prices opened higher today as the US-Israeli war with Iran continued to disrupt global supply, reinforcing concerns over one of the most severe energy shocks in years, according to Reuters.
The war in the Middle East, now in its second month, is hitting global trade, as shipping costs climb in line with higher oil prices, while freight rates have also risen sharply.
Thailand’s rising cost of living is becoming increasingly hard for households to bear, with a new survey showing that most people are already feeling the strain as Songkran approaches.
Restaurants are bracing for less vibrant sales during the Songkran holiday this year, which runs from April 11-15, according to the Thai Restaurant Assn. With the Middle East war driving up the cost of living and reducing consumer purchasing power, Thaniwan Kulmongkol, president of the association, said food is often the first thing people cut from their budgets.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told shoppers while inspecting prices of goods on sale at a shopping mall in Bangkapi area of Bangkok Saturday that a round of 50:50 co-payment scheme will be implemented after April 30.
Thai manufacturers have been further hit with a double whammy as a severe shortage of microchips has thrown this market into turmoil, while prices of all types of steel products are initially rising by 10%-15% this month.
As Thailand moves to adjust fuel policies and households continue to feel cost-of-living pressures, discussions in online forums have once again highlighted a broader issue: how inflation and inconsistent pricing are impacting both locals and foreign tourists. For visitors arriving in Thailand, the effect of rising costs is increasingly visible across multiple parts of the travel experience.
Thailand is pushing for regulations that would require international tourists to obtain accident insurance before entering the country, as rising unpaid medical bills and accident risks place a mounting strain on public healthcare.
Tourist numbers along Jomtien Beach have dropped noticeably in recent days, leaving normally busy beachfront areas unusually quiet and raising concerns among local operators. A survey of the area found a clear decline in visitors, with long stretches of beach appearing sparse compared to the typically lively atmosphere Pattaya is known for.
Thailand’s aviation sector is starting to show clearer signs of strain from the worsening oil crisis, with Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X suspending selected routes during the 2026 summer schedule as surging fuel costs weigh more heavily on operations. The move comes as energy tensions linked to the Middle East conflict continue to push up aviation costs globally.
On the right track along Bangkok’s rail lines
The MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) sector includes business activities at event venues, as well as the entire supply chain, including catering companies, organizers, and transport providers.
Organic farming becomes a new pillar in the global food trade
Grab Thailand is accelerating its Grab EV program in response to the ongoing energy crisis by announcing strategic partnerships with nine new partners, including EV manufacturers and distributors, as well as taxi cooperatives.
For the first time in more than half a century, astronauts will fly around the Moon today, marking the high point of the Artemis 2’s lunar mission. The flyby will last around seven hours, starting today around 2:45 p.m. eastern US time (1845 GMT) and ending around 9:20 p.m. (0120 GMT). 
Authorities are tackling forest fires near Hua Hin after satellite data detected multiple hotspots over two consecutive days in forest areas toward Cha Am, prompting concern among local residents about air quality.
Prachuap Khiri Khan has announced a province-wide burning ban, prohibiting all forms of open burning from Feb. 1 (Sunday) to May 31, as authorities move to curb PM2.5 pollution and protect public health.
Thailand will see two nationwide alcohol sales bans linked to the upcoming parliamentary elections, covering all provinces.
Lt. Gen. Kanok Netrawatthanasena, former deputy commander of the 2nd Army Area and former commander of the Suranaree Task Force, said he believes a third round of fighting is inevitable, pointing to what he described as clear signs of defensive preparations along the border.
The Nipah virus (NiV) is a severe infectious zoonotic disease, primarily affecting South and Southeast Asia, that presents a high mortality rate, estimated between 40% and 75%. First identified in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore, NiV is a priority pathogen due to its fatality rate and the current lack of approved vaccines or specific treatments.
Government measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are expected to help increase monetary circulation in the economy by at least 260 billion baht this year, says the chief of Thai Credit Guarantee Corp. (TCG).
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has announced a vehicle manufacturing target of 1.5 million units for 2026, a modest increase from 1.45 million units last year, driven by expectations of stronger domestic demand and growing production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
The influx of low-priced goods from China has a far more severe impact than US tariffs on Thai products, says Somkiat Tangkitvanich, president of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
Tech consulting firm Bluebik foresees three megatrends that will transform organizations into intelligent enterprises amid a volatile economy and intense competition.
China aims to attract at least 1.5 million Thai visitors this year, up from more than 1 million in 2025, while the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects to generate 35.4 billion baht from 1.25 million foreign tourists during the 10-day Chinese New Year holiday next month.
AirAsia issued an apology following a coordination issue that left 23 passengers on a shuttle bus during boarding for a domestic flight from Bangkok to Hat Yai. The incident occurred on Jan. 17 on a flight scheduled to depart Don Mueang International Airport.
Bangkok ranks first as the world’s favourite city for digital nomads, with Chiang Mai close behind. It’s easy to see why. Thailand has a magnetic charm that pulls people in. You come for a short stay, rent a scooter, find a café with fast Wi-Fi, and before you know it, you are talking about “base cities” and lease renewals.
I like to think I’m a pretty cautious and attentive person. So, when I first came to Thailand, I did some homework to avoid any social faux pas. Despite my efforts, there were still some things I didn’t catch until after I arrived.
New plug-and-play solar panels are making home solar more accessible for both homeowners and renters. A “PBS NewsHour” segment showcased how plug-and-play solar panels work and how they have made solar power affordable for many people who previously thought that home solar was unattainable.
The Rice Department is advancing carbon farming as a nationwide strategy to make rice production more sustainable and to support the country’s long-term carbon neutrality goals.
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing today, seeking closer trade ties while balancing sensitive issues of national security and human rights. This is the first visit to China by a UK prime minister since 2018 and follows a slew of Western leaders seeking support from Beijing recently, pivoting from an increasingly unpredictable United States. 
Global gold prices jumped to a fresh all-time high, breaking above $5,400 an ounce, after former US President Donald Trump warned Iran to reach a nuclear deal and the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged, as expected. 
As more retirees look beyond Europe for affordable living options, Thailand and Vietnam are emerging as top destinations for those seeking a comfortable and affordable retirement. The rising costs in Europe, coupled with the desire for a relaxed lifestyle, have led many pensioners to explore Southeast Asia.
Train services on the northeastern line affected by the fatal crane collapse in Sikhiu district of Nakhon Ratchasima resumed on Saturday, following safety inspections and certification by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry reports that foreign direct investment (FDI) in Thailand reached over 324 billion baht in 2025, a 42% year-on-year increase, with investors from Singapore topping the list in terms of the investment value.
Both Thai and Chinese tourism operators are optimistic about a recovery in visitors from the mainland during the Chinese New Year next month.
Amid global economic turbulence, many countries are grappling with geopolitical conflict, heated politics, and armed clashes. Some also face unfavorable weather at certain times of year, especially harsh winters, and increasingly severe disasters.
An opinion survey by the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI) found that more than 88% of Thais say environmental problems have affected them at moderate to severe levels, with PM2.5 air pollution ranking as the top public concern.
Thailand’s wetlands are under increasing pressure from climate change and accelerating human activity, mirroring a global crisis that has already wiped out 22% of wetlands worldwide since 1970.
Integrating innovation and clean energy into food production is not only about technology or cost reduction — it strengthens Thailand’s long-term food security. The Chanthaburi Egg Complex of Charoen Pokphand Foods (CP Foods) exemplifies this approach, combining the waste-to-value concept, renewable energy, and smart energy management to produce food efficiently while protecting the environment.
Immigration officer shoots and kills second American citizen
A violent sell-off in Japanese government bonds has rattled investors worldwide, with traders warning that Japan’s once-stable debt market is entering a far more volatile phase that could push borrowing costs higher across major economies. 
At least 15 people have died and 316 were rescued after a ferry accident in the southern Philippines, with search teams still looking for 28 missing passengers. The vessel had 332 passengers on board along with 27 crew members. 
The talks on the ‘mother of all deals,’ a long-pending free trade agreement between India and the European Union, are expected to conclude tomorrow, marking a landmark in India’s trade position with the European Union. 
More than 850,000 customers in the United States as far west as New Mexico were without electricity and over 10,000 flights were canceled yesterday during a monster winter storm that paralyzed eastern and southern states with heavy snow and ice. As snow, freezing rain and dangerously frigid temperatures swept into the eastern two-thirds of the nation, the number of power outages continued to rise. 
On long weekends, the road from Bangkok to Hua Hin resembles a faulty production line. City dwellers racing to beat the rush, often end up cooled by car air conditioning instead of ocean winds.
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The ultimate event for wine lovers and industry professionals is set to return as the Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 announces its official schedule and line-up. Hosted at the Amari Hua Hin, the two-day event Jan. 15-16, will offer an immersive experience, combining high-level wine education with an extensive showcase of global vintages.
The Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Election Commission has reported strong voter turnout in the latest elections for subdistrict administrative organizations (SAO), with more than 72% of eligible voters casting their ballots.
Thailand’s exporters are closely watching a US Supreme Court ruling due tomorrow on President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal tariff” policy, with officials warning the decision could become a turning point for global trade conditions and Thailand’s 2026 outlook.
Thai exports are expected to grow by 2%-4% this year due to foreign investment, particularly in the electronics sector, according to the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC).
The Thai Tourist Police have launched an effort to improve services to visitors around the Grand Palace, aiming to tackle issues of overcharging and passenger refusals. This comprehensive strategy involves coordination with multiple government sectors and seeks to boost the image of this key national attraction.
Bangkok or Singapore: which megacity should be next on your travel list?
Guided by the Ministry of Energy of Thailand, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the ASEAN Smart Energy & Energy Storage Expo 2026 will return from March 25–27 at the IMPACT Exhibition Center, Bangkok.
US President Donald Trump has drawn a wave of criticism for his actions in Venezuela, violations of international law, disdain for longstanding norms, and threats against other countries – not least allies like Denmark and Canada. Around the world, there is a palpable sense of uncertainty and foreboding. But it should already be obvious that things will not end well, neither for the United States nor the rest of the world. 
The European Union’s defense and space commissioner, Andrius Kubilius, has warned that any attempt by the United States to seize Greenland by military force would effectively mark the end of NATO and trigger serious consequences for transatlantic relations. 
President Donald Trump said yesterday any country that does business with Iran will face a tariff rate of 25% on trade with the United States, as Washington weighs a response to the situation in Iran, which is seeing its biggest anti-government protests in years. 
Moon x Moonlight Party at Hua Don Beach tomorrow
Over 10 million Thais affected by PM 2.5 dust, with severe health impacts
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Passenger service charge to increase from 730 to 1,120 baht starting 2026
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Phuket villa scam leaves Thais and foreigners with over 100-million-baht loss
UTCC estimates southern flood damages at 40 billion baht
Floods Wipe Out 42% of Thailand’s Key Malaysian Tourism Market
Italian Drug Suspect Caught in Bangkok on DTV