- Sheraton Hua Hin Receives Award//Hua Hin video/Fuel prices rise/Deeper graft crisis/Better healthcare and job training in prisons/1.6 tons of cannabis seized
- THE IRAN WAR: Oil hits five-week high/The Persian threshold of pain/Iran control of Hormuz ‘dangerous precedent’
- ECONOMY: Thai Banks Post Profits/Thailand’s Secret Weapon/To raise Thai competitiveness
- TOURISM: Baggage inspections without passengers/Government targets resorts/Fight for Nui Beach
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Why You Should Skip This Thai Island/Listening to Buffalo Herders/3 sites for UNESCO list/Where to eat in Bangkok/Khao Tom is cool again
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Mother of all supply shocks
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Sheraton Hua Hin Receives the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard
Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, a five-star beachfront resort located between Hua Hin and Cha-am and part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio, has announced it has been awarded the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard, recognizing its excellence in environmental management and commitment to sustainable tourism.
As part of its sustainability journey, the resort has implemented a wide range of initiatives designed to reduce its environmental impact and promote responsible hospitality. These include reducing single-use plastics through the use of water filtration systems and glass bottles, implementing energy-saving systems in meeting facilities, and operating an on-site wastewater treatment system that allows treated water to be reused for landscape irrigation. Continued …
How Livable Really … is Hua Hin
Dreaming of a life in Thailand that’s both vibrant and affordable? Join me on a journey through Hua Hin, a charming coastal town that offers incredible livability! In this video, I’ll address what you need to know about making Hua Hin your home, from where to stay to how to navigate the town like a local.
We’ll dive deep into Hua Hin’s incredible array of street markets and bustling night markets, where you’ll find everything from delicious Thai food and fresh seafood to local crafts. You’ll see the vibrant food courts where you can sample culinary delights, and we’ll even check out the live music scene for some evening entertainment. Video …
Fuel prices rise by 85 satang per liter from today
Fuel prices rose by 85 satang per liter across most product categories in Thailand today, following new retail price announcements by PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp.
The revised prices took effect at 5 am and apply to most petrol, gasohol and diesel products sold by PTT Station and Bangchak. Selected premium fuels remained unchanged. The adjustment is equivalent to 0.85 baht, or 85 satang, per liter. Continued …
Watchdog warns of deeper graft crisis
An anti-corruption watchdog has urged the government to step up its fight against graft after a local government recruitment exam scandal, warning the case exposes deep-rooted problems in the bureaucracy and could damage Thailand’s international reputation.
Speaking at a Senate seminar on Sunday on OECD anti-corruption standards and Thailand’s bid for membership, Kittidet Chantangkul, director of the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT), said the alleged fraud showed corruption had penetrated the civil service recruitment system. Continued …
Ex-inmates call for better healthcare and job training in prisons
The House subcommittee on prison reform invited four former inmates to share their experiences and propose improvements in welfare, healthcare and rehabilitation.
Their suggestions included better medical treatment along with vocational training consistent with the needs of the modern-day job market. Continued …
1.6 tons of cannabis bound for Netherlands seized
Thai customs officials have seized 1.6 tons of dried cannabis buds concealed among blankets and duvet covers in two export containers destined for the Netherlands at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri province.
The seizure took place on Monday during an operation involving customs officials, with representatives from the shipping line and the port authority also present. The exporter had declared the cargo as 626 packages of blankets and duvet covers with a combined weight of 32,390 kilograms, customs authorities said yesterday. Continued …
Oil hits five-week high as Middle East supply fears deepen
Global oil prices climbed about 2% to their highest closing levels in five weeks yesterday, as escalating conflict in the Middle East intensified concerns over possible disruption to major energy supply routes.
Brent crude futures for September delivery rose US$1.79, or 2.01%, to settle at US$91.01 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude gained US$1.68, or 2.02%, to close at US$84.91 a barrel. Continued …
Donald Trump and the Persian threshold of pain
It would be so easy for Donald Trump to escape from the trap he has built for himself in the Persian Gulf. Just declare a victory and leave.
So what if the Iranians also declare a victory (with a lot more accuracy)? The “nuclear weapons” that gave Trump (and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu) a pretext for attacking Iran never really existed. This would be as close to cost-free for the United States as a lost war ever gets: only a dozen American dead (17 actually). Continued …
Allowing Iran control of Hormuz ‘dangerous precedent’, Rubio tells ASEAN
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Southeast Asian foreign ministers today that Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent with repercussions beyond the Middle East.
(Editor: How stupid do you think ASEAN leaders are, Mr. Rubio? The US is the one responsible for the problem, which didn’t exist until you invaded Iran – after cancelling a peace/nuclear deal that was working.)
His comments came as US Central Command said it had begun striking military targets in Iran for the “11th consecutive night” in a bid to degrade the country’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the waterway. Continued …
Thai Banks Post 101-billion-baht H1 Profit
Six of Thailand’s largest listed banks reported a combined net profit of approximately 101.4 billion baht for the first half of 2026, as wealth management and fee income cushioned the impact of falling interest margins, though ratings agency Fitch has warned that earnings and asset quality across the sector face further pressure in the second half of the year.
The six lenders — SCB X Public Co. (SCBX), Kasikornbank (KBANK), Bangkok Bank (BBL), Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri/BAY), TMBThanachart Bank (TTB) and Kiatnakin Phatra Bank (KKP) — posted a mixed set of results, with some seeing profits decline on shrinking net interest income while others benefited from strong non-interest revenue, disciplined cost control and lower provisioning. Continued …
How Supply Chains Became Thailand’s Secret Weapon
Long considered a routine back-office operation focused on cutting costs, supply chain strategy has emerged as Thailand’s most powerful economic weapon in navigating a chaotic global landscape.
At the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Sustainability Forum yesterday, market regulators, financiers, and industrial heavyweights outlined how the kingdom is weaponizing supply chain resilience, digital integration, and carbon transparency to outperform regional rivals amid escalating trade conflicts and geopolitical decoupling. Continued …
Finance minister vows to raise Thai competitiveness
The government wants Thailand to break into the top 20 in a global competitiveness ranking over the next four years, rising from 26th. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the administration also seeks to raise the country’s potential economic growth rate from the 2.7% estimated by the Bank of Thailand to more than 3%.
Speaking at a Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) seminar yesterday, Ekniti said the Board of Investment’s (BoI) investment strategy is no longer focused primarily on the number or value of investment projects, but rather on the quality of investment, including technology transfers. Continued …
Thailand airports to allow baggage inspections without passengers
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) will introduce new rules allowing security officers to open checked baggage without passengers present if X-ray screening detects potentially dangerous items. The regulations take effect on Oct.16.
The new rules apply to checked baggage and are intended to strengthen airport security in line with international standards. Under the regulations, security officers may inspect checked luggage if X-ray images reveal prohibited items, suspicious objects or anything that could pose a risk to aviation security. Continued …
Government targets resorts on park land
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has intensified its crackdown on illegal resorts in Thap Lan National Park, ordering demolitions and preparing asset seizures and money-laundering charges against investors.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin said yesterday the ministry remains committed to eliminating illegal land occupation within the national park and assisting local residents who qualify for legal land rights to claim land ownership in the area. Continued …
The never-ending fight for Nui Beach
More than a decade after the courts ruled that the land at Nui Beach belonged to the state, authorities on Monday returned to the popular Phuket beach to demolish 50 illegal structures built by encroachers.
About 400 officials from the Royal Forest Department and related agencies took part in the operation, marking the second demolition attempt since the Supreme Court in 2014 ordered the revocation of Nor Sor 3 land documents covering plots within the Khao Nak Kerd National Reserved Forest. Continued …
Why You Should Skip This Thai Island
After 19 years, I finally went back to Ko Lipe, the Thai island I spent close to a month on in 2006. Back then, it was one of those super off-the-beaten-path destinations that few but the most intrepid travelers visited, where electricity only ran a few hours a day, basic bungalows right on the beach cost something like $2 USD, and there really was a last boat for the season.
There wasn’t much to do here but that was the point. You hung out on the beach, read a book, went snorkeling, went back to the beach, drank beers at the one beach bar on the island, rotated meals between the five restaurants there, and went to bed early. Continued …
Listening to Buffalo Herders
What does One Health look like when it leaves the conference room? Not as a diagram with humans, animals and environments connected by arrows. Not as a policy phrase either.
In Ban Huay Phan, a Lua village in Nan Province, northern Thailand, One Health looks more like rice fields, forest paths, muddy salt licks, animal tracks, village rituals, and long conversations with people who have watched buffaloes for decades. The village has around 180 inhabitants and roughly 300 buffaloes. Continued …
Senators propose 3 sites for UNESCO list
A campaign has been launched to nominate Kanchanaburi’s Death Railway, ancient Chiang Saen and historic Chiang Mai for inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The move is spearheaded by senators Sahaphan Rungrojpanich of Kanchanaburi, Maneerat Khemawong of Chiang Rai and Prayad Jatupornpitakkul of Chiang Mai, along with the World Heritage Conservation Club civic network. Continued …
Where to eat in Bangkok, from street food to fine dining
It was street food that first put Bangkok on the map as a culinary destination. From sweet and savoury stuffed crepes at morning markets like Trok Mor to wok-tossed noodles licked by leaping flames in Chinatown, casual dining here is an exhilarating sensory experience.
Part of that is down to sheer variety. Portuguese-inspired sweets and Indian- and Arab-spiced curries are evidence of the influences absorbed into Thai cuisine over the centuries. Bangkok offers the full flavor spectrum — whether it’s fresh and vegetal or sour and zesty, tropical sweetness or scorching spice. Continued …
Khao Tom is cool again
As the robots threaten to take it all away from us, nostalgia has never rung louder. On the food scene, we’ve noticed a series of stylish khao tom spots opening across Bangkok.
Not only reserved for late nights, hungover mornings, or in a hospital bed, the humble Thai rice soup has received a modern makeover. We’re calling it: khao tom is cool now. Here’s why. Continued …
Brace yourself, we’re about to be hit by what could be the mother of all supply shocks
There’s a new threat on the horizon that could soon sweep the world, raising food and energy prices and disrupting supply chains at a time when the world is least able to cope. It’s called El Niño and forecasts are calling for the one of the strongest on record in the fourth quarter of this year — in other words a “super El Niño.”
“That matters because El Niño events can act as a multi-dimensional supply shock, with a causal link to higher food and energy prices, alongside broader supply-chain disruption,” said Henry Allen, macro strategist with Deutsche Bank Research Institute in a report out this week. Continued …
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Swiss man arrested over alleged Patong Beach sexual abuse – Continued …
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Brits arrested after Pattaya crypto robbery claim – Continued …
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New Zealander held in Surat Thani over watch theft – Continued …
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Foreign man sought after Bangla Road assault – 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 cinemas/Emergency numbers
WFFT celebrates 25 years
Kui Buri National Park safari vehicle fee rises to 1,200 baht
The government is preparing an integrated approach to improve the management of local water resources, with the goal of tackling floods and drought across all 22 major river basins in the country.
A 21-year-old man survived a serious facial injury after doctors at Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital worked with rescue workers to remove a metal spear more than one meter long embedded in his face.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. is currently in “what some people would call” a war with Iran, a new distinction from the president one day before the Trump administration prepares to cross the 60-day threshold to receive congressional approval for the war or withdraw troops from Iran.
Thailand’s economy is beginning to feel the full force of prolonged conflict in the Middle East, with rising energy costs, weakening demand, and global uncertainty combining to pressure businesses across multiple sectors.
Amid stagflation fears, fledgling Anutin government juggles economic tools
PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Co. (OR) and Bangchak Corp. announced a 60 satang-per-liter increase for diesel B7 and diesel B20. Premium diesel prices were unchanged.
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Rice supply is expected to fall this year as farmers cut planting acreage across Asia because of fertilizer shortages and soaring fuel costs from the Iran war, with an emerging El Nino also set to squeeze output of the world’s most consumed staple.
When the tankers stop, the tractors stop
Thailand is marking Labor Day today, a date that underscores the importance of workers’ rights while also highlighting a long-standing distinction between private-sector employees and civil servants.
The baht is expected to weaken further, possibly testing 33.5 to the US dollar in the near term after the US Federal Reserve caused the dollar to rise by signaling that policy easing is unlikely this year, says Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research).
Fitch Ratings expects the sector outlook for Thai banks to deteriorate this year, despite solid earnings in the first quarter at the six domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs).
Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) edged up 0.75% year-on-year to 108.69 points in March amid tensions in the Middle East affecting some industries and discouraging purchases of oil-powered cars, according to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).
The government is pushing ahead with the Chumphon-Ranong Land Bridge, a mega-project worth more than 1 trillion baht, and is preparing to submit it to the Cabinet, with construction targeted by 2030. But study findings cited in recent public debate suggest the project may not offer value for money, while civic groups are calling for a review over concerns about environmental damage and the impact on local ways of life.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said pressure from rising energy prices and living costs had made Thais more cautious about spending and led them to adjust their travel behavior, with a greater focus on budgets, especially after the travel and spending during the Songkran festival.
Thailand’s meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions industry is facing a sharp slowdown in new bookings as airfares surge by around 20% amid the prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
Thailand has evolved into one of Asia’s most established hubs for expats and remote workers, supported by extensive fiber broadband, near-universal mobile coverage, and a growing ecosystem of coworking spaces.
Thai iced tea has been named one of the world’s top 10 non-alcoholic beverages, with TasteAtlas ranking the Thai favorite ninth in its latest global list.
Exploring Koh Yao Noi, a relaxing alternative in Thailand
Three Thai shores make the World’s 50 Best Beaches
Education Minister Prasert Chandraruangthong has announced the government is preparing to pilot solar cell installations in schools, with priority given to institutions facing high electricity costs. The plan will be studied jointly by the ministries of education, interior, energy, and finance to develop a clear implementation framework.
Amata B.Grimm Power 5 has signed an 11.98 megawatt-peak (MWp) floating solar project contract with Siam Toyota Manufacturing Co. (STM).
A study by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) asserts that Southeast Asia could generate up to $2.19 trillion annually by investing in the protection of its biodiversity and natural infrastructure.
Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi is to be moved to house arrest, state media reported yesterday, more than five years after the military ousted the civilian government she led and jailed the Nobel laureate. 
US economic growth rebounded less than expected in the first quarter as consumer spending cooled, while inflation surged in March with fallout from the Middle East war beginning to bite, government data showed yesterday. 
There’s a certain rhythm to life in Hua Hin that’s hard to ignore. Mornings start a little slower, the sea is never far away, and the pace feels more manageable than in larger cities.
Kaeng Krachan forest fire burns 5,000 rai in Phetchaburi
Erawan National Park closes due to forest fires, PM2.5 spike
The Climate Change and Environment Department has warned that the country may face the effects of a “super El Niño,” which could extend the dry season by up to one and a half years.
Thailand has coordinated with Iran and Oman to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for three Thai vessels carrying oil and petrochemical cargoes. The breakthrough has helped reduce the risk of energy and petrochemical feedstock shortages in Thailand amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Thailand’s housing market is showing signs of a structural shift, with would-be buyers pulling back and more people turning to renting instead. The latest data from DDproperty shows that nationwide demand to buy residential property fell 6% in the first quarter of 2026, while rental demand rose 4%. In Bangkok, rental demand climbed even faster, jumping 9%.
KKP Research, the economic research unit of Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group, has cut its base-case forecast for Thailand’s 2026 GDP growth to 1.3% from 1.8% and raised its headline inflation forecast to 3.0% from 0.2%, warning that a prolonged oil shock could leave the country exposed to recession risks.
The government has firmly denied reports suggesting a planned hike in value-added tax (VAT) from 7% to 10%, describing the claims as misinformation and reiterating its commitment to easing the cost of living for the general public.
Thailand’s tourism industry is beginning to feel the strain from the war in the Middle East, with soaring oil prices pushing up airline costs and prompting some Chinese carriers to scale back international flights.
Local airlines have continued to reduce capacity by consolidating less profitable flights into remaining services to stay afloat amid rising jet fuel prices, while Japan Airlines and ANA announced a doubling of fuel surcharges, with Thailand-bound fuel surcharges increasing from about 3,000 baht to 6,000 baht.
The March 2026 Hotel Business Operator Sentiment Index survey, conducted by the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) and the Bank of Thailand between March 13-31, with responses from 138 operators, pointed to the outlook for Thailand’s hotel business during the Q2 2026 low season after the tourism sector was directly hit by the conflict in the Middle East.
Thailand’s cultural triumph
Blackpink’s Lisa brings Thai fashion to tourism
Chinese automaker Chery and its subsidiary Omoda & Jaecoo officially inaugurated their new energy vehicle (NEV) production facility in Thailand on Monday, marking a milestone in expanding their global manufacturing footprint.
The sales of electric vehicles have jumped in Asia as cost-conscious buyers have poured into dealerships looking to dodge the fuel price spikes driven by the Middle East war.
The gunman who killed a Canadian tourist and wounded 13 others at Mexico’s famed Teotihuacan pyramids had planned the attack days in advance, officials said yesterday, as evidence pointed to him being inspired by a US massacre. 
Workers load tons of rare earth minerals into bags ready for shipping at a refinery in eastern Malaysia, fueling the global pushback against China’s grip on the critical sector. Rare earths are a key ingredient in products ranging from smartphones to fighter jets, electric cars, and wind turbines – and increasingly for hardware powering the artificial intelligence boom. 
Immigration office closures during Songkran and other April public holidays are set to affect Hua Hin, Cha Am and the rest of Thailand, with foreigners being advised to plan ahead for visa extensions, 90-day reporting, and other services.
Thailand’s Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved an average electricity tariff of 3.95 baht per unit for the May-August 2026 billing cycle, up from the current 3.88 baht, after setting the fuel tariff, or Ft, at 16.23 satang per unit.
Cha Am is preparing for its Songkran celebrations, with local officials confirming a 10-day program of events that will culminate in the Wan Lai Cha-am festival on April 16-17. Nukun Pornsombunsiri recently inspected preparations for the event, with a focus on safety measures and facilities for both residents and visitors.
Thap Sakae will host the Na Hu Kwang Festival 2026 during the Songkran holiday, with organizers aiming to boost tourism and local economic activity through a two-day beachfront event centered around light installations and live entertainment.
Cha Am Municipality is asking for cooperation from all agencies and the public to help save energy, in order to prepare for future situations and ensure resources are used efficiently.
Thailand is bracing for another day of intense heat, with the Thai Meteorological Department warning that temperatures could soar to as high as 42C in some parts of the country today.
The cancellation of the 2001 memorandum of understanding on overlapping maritime claims with Cambodia, popularly known as MoU 44, will be included in the government’s policy statement to parliament, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said yesterday.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has assessed the latest situation and made clear that risks are now spreading from energy prices to the real economy as a whole, while cutting its 2026 outlook for Thailand again amid mounting inflationary pressure and clearer signs of stagflation.
Thailand Post plans to impose a fuel surcharge of 3 baht per item on domestic Express Mail Service (EMS) and e-CoPost services from April 16, citing higher fuel costs.
While the rationale for US President Donald Trump’s Iran war is difficult to decipher, its main beneficiary is far easier to identify: Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In February, Thailand’s economy softened, with declines in exports, tourism, and private consumption, despite growth in private investment and government spending. Headline inflation decreased, while core inflation remained stable. Key issues include geopolitical events and energy policy impacts.
Corruption remains a structural problem undermining Thailand’s economy and significantly pushing up business costs, according to a new nationwide survey of industry leaders.
The Ministry of Public Health has begun a full transition to ensuring cannabis use in Thailand will be for medicinal purposes only, allowing dispensaries a three-year timeframe to convert into medical clinics in order to continue operating.
Northern tourism operators expect a poor showing during the Songkran holiday, as the region remains choked by smog, amid weak spending attributed to the war in the Middle East and the subsequent oil shock.
Authorities in Phuket are being urged to investigate after images surfaced online showing a tour boat crew allegedly dumping rubbish into the sea near Tha Chin canal in Phuket province.
Thailand’s PM2.5 crisis has reached a severe level, with fresh data today from IQAir showing air quality in Chiang Mai Municipality had worsened dramatically, pushing it up to the rank of the world’s second most polluted city.
Banks and car buyers are increasingly shifting toward battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as surging oil prices, fueled by Middle East tensions, reshape Thailand’s auto market, says Ford Thailand. The trend reflects both consumer anxiety over fuel shortages and financial institutions’ growing confidence in electric mobility.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a system trial of the On Nut waste-to-energy plant to help tackle the city’s waste problem and provide a new source of sustainable power.
NASA launched four astronauts from Florida yesterday aboard Artemis II, sending them on a high-stakes, nearly 10-day journey around the moon and back in the United States’ boldest move yet toward returning humans to the lunar surface later this decade, ahead of China’s first planned crewed landing. 
Fears of a global energy crisis rose yesterday as the war in the Middle East raged on, with more U.S.-Israeli strikes on the Iranian capital and Israel’s bombardment of Lebanon. An Iranian drone strike temporarily shut Dubai’s airport, a crucial global travel hub, underscoring the threats to the world economy.
The war between the United States, Israel, and Iran is spreading across the Middle East. Air strikes have forced airspace closures, while oil prices are surging — creating a domino effect that has become a “global aviation crisis”, described as one of the most serious since the Covid-19 pandemic.
PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Co. (OR) has assured the public that fuel supplies remain stable across its 2,400 service stations in Thailand, despite ongoing unrest in the Middle East. OR Chief Executive M.L. Peakthong Thongyai announced that the company is actively monitoring the situation to maintain uninterrupted access to fuel services.
Thailand is set to receive a new shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from overseas, ensuring adequate fuel for power generation as electricity demand surges during the hot season, according to an energy official who requested anonymity.
Anan Phonimdang, deputy governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and acting SRT governor, said the rise in fuel prices has had a direct impact on the railway operator.
The Thai Board of Investment (BOI) has warned the business sector to prepare for the impact of rising global conflicts and wars, saying they are becoming part of a new world economic order.
A transformative shift in the labor market is taking place as Thailand approaches “super-aged society” status by 2030, according to Jobsdb by SEEK, a leading online job platform.
Thailand’s healthcare system is facing six major pressures that are beginning to affect services, with some hospitals now at risk of having to reduce the number of beds they operate.
Thailand is losing nearly B30 billion in tax revenue each year as the illegal tobacco market expands, with illicit products now accounting for around a quarter of total tobacco consumption. A new policy report highlights the growing scale of illicit trade and its impact on government income, lawful businesses and consumer safety.
Venice is drowning – not just in rising waters but also in tourists. The city is charging a day-tripper fee and has banned large tour groups and loudspeakers in an effort to curb the crush. Barcelona residents march with squirt guns and “Tourists go home” signs to protest rising rents and crowds. Amsterdam is moving to cap and eventually ban ocean-going cruise ships to reduce pollution and visitor pressure.
Thailand’s former National Intelligence Agency deputy director, Nantiwat Samart, has urged the government to prioritize national security and public safety over boosting tourist numbers. Concerns have grown on social media, with calls to revoke the existing visa-free entry policy due to issues allegedly linked to Israeli tourists.
European tourists are increasingly favoring eastern Thailand’s attractions over the traditionally popular southern areas, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This shift is linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has notably decreased southern Thailand’s appeal.
For the past decade, Whitney Spielfogel’s family has taken an annual multi-generational trip over the holiday season and New Year’s with her parents. Hawaii, Costa Rica, Cabo, Tulum, Turks and Caicos. They had done them all together, her parents and her husband, Ross, and eventually her children, Sienna and Slade.
It’s easy to get cynical in Thailand. We complain about the heat, the traffic, the dual pricing, and the scams. But then, something happens that stops you in your tracks.
Thailand has long been a haven for those seeking tropical sun, beaches and a laidback lifestyle. It’s host to communities of expats, long-term freelancers, and foreign residents, some of whom have existed in a legal gray zone, taking advantage of visa runs to extend their stay indefinitely. Those days of extended stays in The Land of Smiles could be coming to a definitive end with the digital transformation of the immigration system.
The Hua Hin Provincial Court has denied bail to “Sam”, the suspect in the brutal murder of a female hotel employee in central Hua Hin, citing the seriousness of the charges and concerns that he could flee if released.
The Pollution Control Department has ordered stepped-up surveillance of open burning as the seasonal risk of haze and dust pollution rises, according to Director-general Surin Worakitthamrong.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has finished repairing a stretch of railway track in Sikhiu district of Nakhon Ratchasima province in the wake of a fatal crane collapse that struck a passenger train on Jan. 14, killing 30 people, while a parallel technical investigation moves toward identifying the causes and accountability.
Siam Legal International, a full-service law firm with over 22 years of experience advisinginternational clients in Thailand, has released its comprehensive guidance for foreign nationals and businesses navigating Thailand’s regulatory environment in 2026. The firm highlights several national developments that may influence administrative procedures, compliance expectations, and regulatory focus throughout the year.
In November, Thai merchandise exports reached USD 27.45 billion, growing 7.1% year-on-year (YOY), slightly above SCB EIC’s 7% forecast but below the Reuters median of 8.3%. Despite solid expansion, seasonally adjusted exports showed signs of slowdown, declining 2.3% month-on-month.
Thailand is participating in the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos to boost investor confidence and promote its economic policies, with a focus on digital economy investments. The event in Switzerland from Jan. 19–23 sees around 3,000 participants, including 64 heads of state.
Thailand’s e-commerce market is projected to post normalized growth this year, expanding by 7% to reach 1.15 trillion baht, as the maturing landscape is characterized by heightened complexity and fierce competition. To emerge as winners, brands must transition toward commerce operating systems, according to Priceza.
Thailand’s rice exports exceeded official targets in 2025, but the Ministry of Commerce has lowered its projection for 2026 amid intensifying global competition, currency volatility, and geopolitical risks. Officials say the focus next year will be on defending existing markets while expanding into selected new destinations to support farmer incomes and stabilize export volumes.
With the baht strengthening against the US dollar, surpassing 31 to the greenback for the first time in almost five years, it should impact forward bookings for the next few months and during the low season, discouraging tourist spending.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) latest promotional campaign, featuring pop icon Lisa of Blackpink, has drawn mixed reactions online, with critics arguing that the TAT has secured a “precious gem” but undermined her value through poor presentation.
Singha Park Chiang Rai marks 10 years of balloon fiesta
US President Donald Trump has withdrawn his threat to impose new tariffs on multiple countries that oppose US control of Greenland, saying he has now reached an outline framework agreement with NATO. “Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1,” Trump wrote online, without providing details. He posted the message after meeting Mark Rutte, secretary-general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), in Davos, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. 
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
Roaming the Forests of Bang Kama
Mayor outlines future development plans for Hua Hin
Thailand aims for 2.8 trillion baht tourism revenue in 2026
Skyworth Commits $500M to Accelerate ASEAN Solar Push with Thailand as Regional Hub
