Naresdamri Road resurfacing/Chinese New Year festival in Hua Hin/Ceremony held to honor King Narai/Huai Nam Sap Forest Park festival/Prachuap Valentine’s Day kayaking/Cha Am shooting suspect surrenders/Educational support for underprivileged children in PKK/General Election to be voided?/ El Niño could arrive early/Online license renewals/Plan for Songkhla Lake bridge- ECONOMY: Thailand and EU Target Free Trade Agreement/Economy has ‘left ICU’/Diplomacy Strategy to Navigate ‘Reglobalization’/Thailand Seeks ‘Trusted Partner’ Status/Food industry growth fueled by health/Trat businesses brace for closures
- TOURISM: Tourism as key driver of GDP/Truth About Thailand Travel Costs/Hotel operators call for restructure of land tax/Fire ravages Koh Samui’s popular Fisherman’s Quarter/Dubai airline launches flights to Bangkok
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: The future of food/40-baht entry fee legal
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Electric Motorcycle Taxi Pilot Program/Standards for EV charging stations/Arsenic in Salween River
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Naresdamri Road resurfacing scheduled for Feb 19-March 1
Hua Hin City Municipality has announced temporary road closures on Naresdamri Road from Feb. 19 to March 1, as resurfacing and drainage repair works get under way.
Roadworks will take place on Naresdamri Road, from the junction at Hua Hin Soi 55 (Chomsin Road) to Chao Mae Tubtim Shrine. Work will be carried out daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Continued …
Chinese New Year festival lights up Hua Hin
Hua Hin’s Chinese New Year festival drew large crowds yesterday as the city officially welcomed the Year of the Fire Horse 2026 with a program of cultural performances, traditional rituals, and community celebrations.
The opening ceremony of the festival took place in front of Bluport Hua Hin. Earlier in the day, a procession featuring the God of Fortune, Chai Sing Eia, together with Chao Pho Sombun and Chao Mae Tubtim, moved along several roads within Hua Hin City Municipality. An elaborate dragon parade accompanied the deities, drawing residents onto the streets. Continued …
Ceremony held at Rajabhakti Park to honor King Narai
Prachuap Khiri Khan holds Huai Nam Sap Forest Park festival
For residents of Hua Hin looking to explore more of Prachuap Khiri Khan, the Huai Nam Sap Forest Park festival in Bang Saphan offered a chance to experience both nature and local tradition. The annual “Climb the Hill, Roast Sticky Rice in Bamboo, Admire the Beauty of Kassalong Blossoms” event was held on Saturday at Huai Nam Sap Forest Park.
Now in its 21st year, the festival has taken place every year since it began in 2005. Huai Nam Sap Forest Park is located in Bang Saphan district, around a two-hour drive south of Hua Hin. While the park may be less familiar to some in the north of the province, it has developed a steady following among visitors drawn by its seasonal kassalong blossoms and hilltop viewpoints. Continued …
14 couples take part in Prachuap Valentine’s Day kayaking
Prachuap kayaking for eternal love was the focus of Valentine’s Day celebrations on Saturday, as 14 couples took part in a nature-based activity organized by Prachuap Town Municipality.
The event was held at the 80th Anniversary Commemoration Park at Wat Thammikaram Worawihan in Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan district. Kamol Kaewthet, mayor of Prachuap Town Municipality, joined members of the municipal executive team, the director of the Tourism and Sports Division and staff in leading the “Kayaking for Eternal Love” activity. Continued …
Cha Am shooting suspect surrenders to police
The suspect in the Cha Am shooting that left one man dead on Sunday night has surrendered to police, according to investigators. Police said Anurat Buawan, 40, turned himself in at about 10 pm on Sunday, around two hours after allegedly shooting and killing his 42-year-old elder brother, Arun Buawan, at their home in Na Yang subdistrict, Cha Am.
The Cha Am shooting occurred at about 8 pm following a heated argument between the brothers as the family prepared offerings for Chinese New Year. Anurat fled the scene after the incident. Continued …
Firm provides educational support for underprivileged children in PKK
Generali Thailand has advanced initiatives under its global partnership network, The Human Safety Net (THSN), with the aim of enhancing the quality of life of young children by equipping them with basic life safety skills and providing age-appropriate experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
Executives and employee volunteers recently organized skill-building activities for 30 students in Grades 1–3 from Khai Thanarat School in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The program emphasizes play-based development that blends fun with creative learning through games and brain-training activities to enhance physical development and quick thinking. Continued …
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Rising chance Feb 8 General Election will be voided
Thailand is sliding into another political crisis as questions intensify over the conduct of the Feb. 8 general election. The poll faces a mounting wave of legal challenges across a widening field of disputes. Foremost is the escalating row over barcodes and QR codes, now a serious threat to the already embattled Election Commission’s conduct of the poll.
Beyond that are complaints over constituency-level irregularities, conflicting tabulation data, ballot box management, missing documentation, and the stalled count, frozen at 94% complete. On Monday, the Ombudsman gave the Election Commission seven days to justify its use of barcodes while it considers possible legal action. Continued …
El Niño 2026 could arrive early, raising Thailand’s heatwave risk
Witsanu Attavanich, an associate professor of economics at Kasetsart University and an expert in resource, environmental, and climate-change economics, provided an update on Thailand’s flood-drought outlook as of yesterday, saying the country has entered the “mid-phase” of the El Niño phenomenon and is likely to shift into a full El Niño by May 2026 — earlier than previously expected. He said the event could persist until at least February 2027.
He warned the shift could raise Thailand’s exposure to heat hazards, dry spells, and more variable rainfall across multiple regions. During the hot season from March to May, temperatures nationwide are expected to remain above average, with elevated heat continuing through August. The south and the lower eastern region face a higher heatwave risk than other areas. Continued …
Land Transport Department to allow online license renewals
The Department of Land Transport (DLT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), is upgrading its service standards to allow motorists aged under 55 to renew their driving licenses online from June.
Sorapong Paitoonpong, director-general of the Department of Land Transport, said the move will help manage the high volume of renewals for private cars and motorcycles, which average more than 2.5 million applicants per year. Continued …
Department unveils plan for Songkhla Lake bridge
The Department of Rural Roads (DRR) has unveiled plans to build a bridge across Songkhla Lake at a cost of 4.7 billion baht, aimed at easing traffic congestion and strengthening economic and tourism links between Songkhla and Phatthalung provinces.
A DRR source said the project has completed the bidding process and is awaiting the formal announcement of the winning contractor. Construction is expected to begin this year and be completed by 2029. Continued …
Thailand and EU Target 2026 for Landmark Free Trade Agreement
Thailand’s Ministry of Industry has signaled its intent to conclude free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union by mid-2026, despite the current transition to a caretaker government.
During a high-level meeting yesterday, Industry Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana hosted H.E. Luisa Ragher, the EU ambassador to Thailand, to discuss a roadmap for industrial synergy. The talks focused on harmonizing Thailand’s manufacturing sector with stringent European environmental standards. Continued …
Economy has ‘left ICU’, says finance chief
Thailand’s economy has now “left the intensive care unit (ICU)”, reflected in fourth-quarter growth of 2.5%, which surpassed the earlier projection of 1.8% and lifted full-year 2025 growth to 2.4%, above the 2% forecast, said caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.
He said GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2025 came in at 2.5%, higher than the Finance Ministry’s forecast of 1.8% and also higher than the projection of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), which had previously expected growth of only 0.3%. Continued …
Thailand Launches Economic Diplomacy Strategy to Navigate ‘Reglobalization’
Thailand is witnessing not deglobalization but “reglobalization” — a strategic realignment of trade, production, and finance — requiring the country to integrate its economic and foreign policies more closely than ever before, Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said yesterday.
Speaking at an international seminar co-hosted by UNCTAD, the Ministry of Commerce, the International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD), and the Harvard Club of Thailand, Sihasak outlined a comprehensive economic diplomacy strategy launched by his ministry last month to position Thailand advantageously in an increasingly complex global environment. Continued …
Thailand Seeks ‘Trusted Partner’ Status Amid Global Trade Shifts
Thailand must position itself as a “trusted partner” in an increasingly polarized world, where trade policy and foreign policy must work hand-in-hand to navigate complex geopolitical shifts, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said yesterday at an international seminar hosted by the International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The minister acknowledged that Thailand faces a challenging environment shaped by geopolitical tensions, climate crisis, and technological disruption. She stressed that trade has become “very vulnerable” and requires careful positioning in what she described as an increasingly multipolar world order marked by extreme polarization. Continued …
Food industry growth fueled by health
The Thai food industry is continuing to grow this year, particularly in the healthy food sector focused on promoting longevity. Innovation is crucial to developing new offerings that meet consumer demand, say food industry veterans.
Visit Limlurcha, chairman of the Processed Food and Future Food Committee of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said that as the longevity trend grows, consumers are increasingly seeking healthier food that has a lower environmental impact. Continued …
Trat businesses brace for lengthy closures
Business operators along the Thai–Cambodian frontier in Trat province are bracing for a prolonged border shutdown, urging authorities to reopen checkpoints while rapidly pivoting toward domestic markets to survive.
In Khlong Yai district, where cross-border commerce has long sustained livelihoods, traders say they no longer expect the Ban Hat Lek checkpoint to reopen in the near term following the general election that saw the Bhumjaithai Party win the most House seats and move to form a new government. Continued …
Council sees tourism as key driver of GDP
The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) expects the tourism industry to be a major driver of GDP growth this year, as flights and arrivals continue to rebound, though rising untaxed online travel agents and illegal foreign operators continue to limit the full benefits of the rebound.
According to the Tourism Ministry, Thailand currently welcomes over 130,000 arrivals a day, including Chinese tourists whose numbers have increased to 30,000 daily arrivals from 10,000. Continued …
Shocking Truth About Thailand Travel Costs
As global travelers plan their 2026 trips, many are asking if Thailand travel costs are rising. While some rumors suggest higher prices, official sources confirm that domestic travel expenses remain largely stable. Thailand continues to be one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable destinations for tourists.
From vibrant street markets in Bangkok to serene northern mountains, visitors can still experience Thailand without breaking the bank. The perception of higher costs often comes from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates rather than genuine increases in prices for accommodation, food, or attractions. Continued …
Hotel operators call for restructure of land tax
Hotel operators say requesting land and building tax discounts on a yearly basis will not help the business sector reduce its fixed-cost burden in the long run, and urged the government to revise this tax structure to be based on revenue, similar to the previous property tax.
Land prices are scheduled for appraisal every four years, with the next round effective in 2027. Prices are expected to increase by less than 10%, according to the Treasury Department. Continued …
Fire ravages Koh Samui’s popular Fisherman’s Quarter
One of Koh Samui’s most popular foreign tourist haunts was engulfed by fire yesterday, destroying several businesses and sending tourists and locals running in terror. The narrow, confined lanes of Fisherman’s Quarter hampered rescue crews from the outset. Meanwhile, electricity had to be cut before firefighters could deploy water at full force.
The blaze erupted in a well-known tailor shop, then tore through nearby fashion emporiums and the upper floor of a restaurant. Despite the scale of destruction, officials say island firefighting teams prevented even wider damage. An electrical fault is believed to have sparked the fire. No one was injured or killed. Continued …
Dubai airline launches double-daily flights to Bangkok
Dubai-based flydubai is expanding again in Southeast Asia, confirming a double-daily service to Bangkok from September that will lift its Thailand operation to 28 flights a week. The move gives travelers more choice, deepens links with one of Asia’s most popular markets, and adds extra connectivity through Dubai for passengers arriving from Europe, the GCC and beyond.
The new route will begin on Sept. 15, operating between Dubai and Don Mueang International Airport, one of the Thai capital’s two main gateways. With the addition, Bangkok becomes flydubai’s second point in Thailand, alongside Krabi. Across the country, the airline will now offer 28 weekly services. Continued …
Redefining the future of food
At a time when climate change, food waste, and rural inequality are converging into a single, complex crisis, Thailand’s agricultural debate can no longer be confined to yields, prices, or exports alone. The more urgent question is whether the way we produce food today can still sustain the land, the farmers, and consumers tomorrow.
In Bang Len district in Nakhon Pathom, a modest organic farm offers a compelling answer. Tan Khun Organic Farm, founded by Amnart Reansoi, produces organic eggs and chicken while quietly demonstrating how regenerative agriculture, when thoughtfully applied, can turn livestock farming from an environmental problem into part of the solution. Continued …
Phuket officials rule shop’s 40-baht entry fee legal
Officials from the Phuket Provincial Commerce Office addressed public backlash after a souvenir shop owner was filmed making a racist gesture toward a Chinese tourist and charging an entry fee of 40 baht.
The controversy erupted after a video of the owner of a ceramic and souvenir shop called “Positive Thinking” went viral on the Chinese social media platform Douyin. The footage showed the store owner sticking out her tongue and pulling at the corners of her eyes to mimic single eyelids in front of a Chinese customer. Continued …
Bangkok Launches Electric Motorcycle Taxi Pilot Program
Bangkok has introduced the “EV for Win Riders” initiative to transition motorcycle taxis to electric vehicles. Launched by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and supported by partners like Germany’s GIZ, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, and the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand, the project aims to reduce pollution and operational expenses for riders in the city.
The transition is part of a broader strategy to lower carbon emissions and improve air quality. The initiative begins with a pilot model that offers motorcycles through a lease-to-ride approach, costing between 75–140 baht daily, with available charging and battery-swapping facilities. Continued …
Department to set standards for EV charging stations
The Department of Energy Business (DOEB) has moved to establish national standards for electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen fuel infrastructure, aiming to streamline investment and ensure safety as Thailand accelerates its transition to clean energy.
Sarawut Kaewtathip, director-general of the DOEB, said the initiative seeks to create a unified safety protocol and a single standard for alternative fuels. The goal is to make services more accessible for drivers while providing clarity for investors entering the downstream energy sector. Continued …
Arsenic in Salween River 55 times above safe levels
The quality of the water in the Salween River, along the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Hong Son province, is below standard and contains excessive amounts of heavy metals, such as arsenic, lead, and mercury, according to findings by the Faculty of Science at Chiang Mai University.
The high content of heavy metals in the river is blamed on unregulated lead mining operations and the widespread ore dressing (processing) carried out by Karen civilians in the Karenni state. The water used in processing the ores is discharged directly into the river without treatment. Continued …
Four Myanmar Men Beat American to Death in Bangkok
An American man, who has not yet been named by authorities, was beaten to death by four Myanmar nationals in Bangkok yesterday, in an incident police say stemmed from a relationship dispute. Continued …
- Spanish couple allegedly fake assault video to discredit Chiang Mai laundry shop – 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
Dusit Ajara Hua Hin expected in 2028/Thailand’s shift in population structure/100% cancer surgery success rate/1,000-baht Koh Samui bridge toll/New Mines in Thai Territory/Security Tightened in Yala/’Extinct’ No More
Thailand is facing a significant shift in population structure as the growth rate has decelerated to only 0.42%, according to the National Statistical Office. The figure represents the lowest growth rate since the census began in Thailand, according to the office’s preliminary results of the 2025 population and household census.
A district hospital in northeastern Thailand has reported a 100% success rate in laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer after screening more than 1,200 people over the past three years.
Security has been raised to the highest level in Yala following a coordinated wave of seven bomb attacks in neighboring Narathiwat over the past 48 hours.
Thailand’s economy grew more than expected in the fourth quarter, supported by rising exports, a rebound in tourism, and government stimulus measures.
A proposal to increase Thailand’s value-added tax (VAT) to 10% aims to boost government revenue and enhance welfare benefits for senior citizens. The plan, reported on Saturday, suggests the higher rate could generate an additional 200–300 billion baht annually.
The Thai Restaurant Assn. has issued an urgent mandate to the incoming administration, calling for a decisive “90-day rescue plan” to prevent a widespread collapse across the hospitality sector.
Japanese restaurant numbers fall in Thailand for first time in 20 years
Over the years, many people from foreign companies ask me what they should know before doing business in Thailand. From my experience, some businesses thrive in Thailand while others struggle, and it usually comes down to a few differences I have seen time and again.
The convergence of autonomous “agentic” AI, heightened geopolitical tensions, and extreme regulatory volatility is set to redefine the global cybersecurity landscape in 2026.
In the early hours Saturday, a coordinated effort by Tourist Police and Immigration Police took place along Pattaya Beach to tackle suspected prostitution activities and enhance the city’s tourism reputation.
Elephants need space
Efforts to raise food sanitation standards across the western central region were the focus of a regional network meeting attended by representatives from eight provinces, including Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Authorities in Prachuap Khiri Khan are studying new sand sources as part of plans for beach nourishment to address coastal erosion along the central Gulf of Thailand. The Regional Marine Office, Prachuap Khiri Khan Branch, held a public consultation on Friday morning to outline a project to survey potential sand reserves for use in reinforcing beaches in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Chumphon.
The Harvest Wine Run Festival Hua Hin returns to Monsoon Valley Vineyard on March 7, inviting runners, walkers and wine lovers to combine fitness, food, and vineyard fun in one unique event.
For years, there has been a quiet understanding among many foreign business owners in Thailand – as long as nothing goes wrong, nobody looks too closely. That assumption is starting to crack.
Bhumjaithai in landslide victory with counting nearly complete
Thailand’s election marked a significant shift as the nation embraced nationalism and the monarchy, moving away from a progressive movement that had gained traction in recent years. The election results are a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape.
PM2.5 pollution across northeastern Thailand continued to worsen for a fifth consecutive day, as authorities reported daily illegal agricultural burning, with satellite data showing multiple fire hotspots despite air quality in some areas remaining within official limits.
Thailand recorded a cumulative burned area of 2.26 million rai between Jan. 1–31, according to an analysis of Sentinel-2 satellite imagery by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, or GISTDA. One rai equals 1,600 square meters, 0.4 acres, or 10,764 square feet.
As Thailand continues to battle worsening PM2.5 pollution and persistent urban smog, air purifiers have quickly shifted from optional home appliances to essential health safeguards, especially for expatriates adjusting to the country’s environmental conditions. Understanding how these machines improve indoor air quality can make a substantial difference to daily comfort and long-term well-being.
A tragic encounter in Thailand is sparking renewed debate about how we share space with large wild animals in popular parks. A 65-year-old Thai tourist was killed on Feb. 2 after being trampled during a morning walk in Khao Yai National Park. Officials said the bull elephant, Oyewan, has now been linked to three deaths, and they will meet to decide next steps, including relocation or attempts to change the animal’s behavior.
Bhumjaithai has outlined an export policy aimed at reducing reliance on traditional markets and strengthening SMEs to compete globally.
Thailand is strengthening its food soft power by transforming local beef into a premium global product. The National Innovation Agency, or NIA, has launched Thailand Beef Fest 2026, showcasing how innovation can raise the quality and international competitiveness of Thai beef.
The United States will enforce a 25% import tariff on certain advanced AI chips, effective Jan. 15. This applies globally, including imports from Thailand. The tariff targets high-performance processors such as Nvidia’s H200 and AMD’s MI325X, aiming to strengthen domestic chip manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Some exemptions apply, including chips used in U.S. data centers, research, and startups, which will face a 0% tariff initially.
Thailand’s 4 Strengths to Attract Global Chip Giant: Grand Strategy Needed
The Thai halal industry, which includes food and tourism, has strong growth potential, according to the Thai Muslim Trade Assn. (TMTA). Marut Mekloy, president of the TMTA, said Thailand has a wide range of halal-certified products across various sectors, positioning the country as a prospective global halal trade hub.
Thailand’s tourism industry enters 2026 at a complex and delicately balanced moment. The long-anticipated rebound in Chinese arrivals has fallen short of official forecasts, while breaking news of a virus outbreak in India and Nepal now threatens to disrupt one of Thailand’s fastest-growing source markets. Together, these developments point to a tourism sector moving beyond recovery and into a period of structural adjustment.
Chiang Mai, once dominated by Chinese visitors, has gradually changed as the foreign market diversifies, with more arrivals from South Korea and Japan, as well as a notable resurgence of long haul tourists.
I Visited One of Thailand’s Oldest Organic Tea Farms
Don’t just eat in Thailand, learn how to cook Thai food, too
They say mother knows best, so mother’s mother must know even better, and what about her mother? Perhaps these historic Thai restaurants can tell us; the ones that have been in Bangkok for so long that our parents can reminisce along with us.
What a difference a single year makes. The once-dominant push to radically reshape society to avert climate catastrophe has collapsed. Look at Davos – the talkfest long dominated by climate advocacy. That consensus has been abandoned by its once strongest proponents.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s coalition swept to a landslide election win yesterday, paving the way for her tax cuts that have spooked financial markets and increased military spending aimed at countering China. 
Thailand’s economic growth this year is set to sink to a decade-long low, excluding the Covid-19 shock, as deep-seated structural problems, corruption, and gray capital continue to weigh on the economy, Bank of Thailand Gov. Vitai Ratanakorn has warned.
Thailand’s manufacturing production index rose 2.52% in December from a year earlier, the industry ministry said yesterday, stronger than analysts’ forecasts.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) anticipates a bustling Chinese New Year in 2026, with an estimated tourism revenue of 42.23 billion baht, marking a 13% increase compared to the previous year. The improving trend in Chinese tourists visiting Thailand is evident, with daily arrivals ranging from 13,000 to 14,000 individuals.
Thailand has launched its new tourism campaign, “Feel All the Feelings,” with global superstar Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal as the face of the initiative. The announcement took place at Wat Arun Ratchawararam, seeking to reposition Thailand as a top leisure destination by promoting its scenic beauty and deep cultural values.
Thailand’s biggest tourism concern is infrastructure delays, as Vietnam is quickly developing its accommodation, airports, and plans to grow tourism clusters, says a hospitality firm.
A simple convenience store snack has become an unlikely food highlight for foreign tourists visiting Thailand, with a viral TikTok video showing a visitor raving about a hot ham and cheese sandwich from 7-Eleven.
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.
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. 
The Nipah virus is a dangerous infectious disease with a 50%-70% fatality rate and no specific cure. It can be transmitted from animals to humans, with fruit bats being the primary carriers, and can also spread from person to person through close contact with the infected person’s bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine, and feces.
The Department of Highways says it will wait for the outcome of a formal investigation into the collapse of a concrete beam and construction crane on Rama II Road before deciding whether to terminate its contract with Italian-Thai Development Plc, warning that the incident has already disrupted plans to open a major motorway project.
The deadly crane accident in Nakhon Ratchasima province last week was caused by on-site staff “failing to notify” that construction was underway, despite the contract requiring notice before trains pass, Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said yesterday.
Thai military and police discovered significant evidence of online scam operations at the Chong Chom–O Smach border crossing in Surin province.
Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), presented a speech Thursday at the Leadership Program on Trade and Development Strategy (LTD), organized by the International Trade and Development Institute (ITD). He discussed five global megatrends that will shape the future of Thailand’s economy in the new global order.
Over the past five years (2021-2025), Thailand has consistently enjoyed a trade surplus with the United States, while its trade deficit with China has increased every year. The United States has remained a key export market for Thailand, driving growth in products like computers and electronics. Meanwhile, China has been a major source of imports, particularly for capital goods and raw materials. Despite this, Thailand’s trade balance with China continues to show a deficit.
Police in Pai district, Mae Hong Son province, are cracking down on public smoking of cannabis and cigarettes, particularly on the bustling Pai walking street.
We found this online:
Thailand has sharply accelerated its climate ambitions, advancing its net-zero emissions target by 15 years to 2050 in an updated climate pledge released in November. The move signals Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy is positioning itself as a regional climate leader, but experts warn that political turbulence and entrenched fossil fuel interests could complicate execution.
Oil prices surged nearly 3% yesterday following the US decision to send a naval fleet to the Middle East and announce new sanctions on Iranian oil. The price hike was driven by increased geopolitical tensions after US President Donald Trump imposed new sanctions targeting Iranian oil transport vessels and announced the deployment of US warships, including an aircraft carrier and missile destroyers, heading toward the Middle East. 
Seriously harmful levels of PM2.5 pollution were recorded in Bangkok and 20 surrounding provinces this morning, while unsafe air quality affected a total of 54 provinces nationwide.
Crane falls onto tracks, causing deadly train crash in Nakhon Ratchasima
Thailand’s incoming government must abandon populist handout policies and implement radical structural reforms if the country is to escape its low-growth trap, leading economists warned at a major economic forum yesterday.
Pattaya is undergoing a metamorphosis, shifting from a party hotspot to a thriving residential hub as part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development. High-speed rail and industrial growth are beckoning a steady influx of skilled professionals, redefining the city’s identity as a prime living destination.
Vendors affected as price of fresh chillis soars
Thailand’s GI-registered coffee products generated total sales of 1.497 billion baht in 2025, with the top five items alone accounting for 1.318 billion baht, according to the Department of Intellectual Property.
The planet experienced its third-warmest year on record i n 2025, and average temperatures have exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius of global warming over three years, the longest period since records began, European Union (EU) scientists said today.
In 2026, Thailand is expected to complete one of the most significant transformations in its immigration system, the abolition of passport stamping and the full adoption of a 100% digital immigration platform.
International Living magazine has identified the five most affordable places to live or retire in 2026, which scored the highest in the cost-of-living category of its 2026 Global Retirement Index. It evaluated retirement destinations across climate, healthcare, visa and lifestyle, along with cost.
Thailand is tightening its grip on gold trading to curb its impact on the baht. Authorities plan to cap daily online gold trading between 100 million and 200 million baht, as announced by the Bank of Thailand. Additionally, a cap on foreign currency transactions at money changers is set at 800,000 baht daily.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has detailed a high-stakes strategy to revitalize the nation’s economy, appointing global icon Lalisa Manobal — known professionally as LISA — as its ‘Amazing Thailand Ambassador’ for 2026. The partnership is the cornerstone of an ambitious plan to attract an additional five to 10 million ‘high-quality’ international travelers.
A grayscale sky is showing signs of life over slumbering waves, with sunshine breaking through clouds that had earlier brought steamy tropical rain to the northeast coast of Koh Samui.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. will seize control of Greenland “the easy way” or “the hard way” and warned that he won’t miss out on the opportunity to Russia or China. “We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not,” he said. 
Iran is currently cut off from the outside world. The government has severed internet and telephone lines nationwide, hoping to blind and deafen the international community to the brutality of its crackdown. Yet, the screams of frustration from the streets echo far beyond the digital blackout. This nationwide uprising is a clear signal: the 40-year-old theocratic regime is facing its most catastrophic crisis of faith yet. 
Thailand’s New Year holiday 2026 concluded with more than eight million people traveling across the country, while road accidents and transport disruptions declined compared with the previous year, according to the Ministry of Transport.
There were 1,185 traffic accidents over the first five days of the New Year travel period, claiming 207 people’s lives and injuring 1,141 others. Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said yesterday the figures applied from Dec. 30 to Jan. 3.
Thailand’s property sector endured its most punishing year in decades throughout 2025, with household debt, stringent lending conditions, and collapsing purchasing power battering the market. Yet, major developers are unveiling distinct 2026 strategies — from luxury pivots to multinational expansion — while economists warn that structural headwinds will persist.
With Thailand’s economy in 2026 projected to grow modestly at around 1.5%, several business sectors have begun preparing for potential headwinds – some persisting from last year and others emerging as new risks, particularly with a planned general election in February.
The so-called “medical economy” championed by the government is being positioned as a new growth engine for Thailand. Policymakers describe it as a potential game changer for state-owned hospitals struggling under mounting financial pressure.
Climate change is no longer limited to shifting weather patterns, but is a growing force reshaping Thailand’s economic outlook in 2026, according to Treethep Palakavong Na Ayudhya, chief executive of Global Carbon Corp., a local greenhouse gas-management consultancy.
The online shopping sector will be driven by product discounts, the buy now-pay later (BNPL) strategy, and improved operating efficiency among e-commerce platforms powered by artificial intelligence (AI), said Paul Srivorakul, group chief executive of aCommerce, a pioneer in e-commerce enablement services.
As Thailand’s tourism sector enters 2026, some foreign visitors are raising concerns over the rising cost of enjoying Pattaya’s nightlife and attractions. Despite high visitor numbers, local bars and restaurants report low takings, with many international tourists — particularly from India, Korea, and China — spending primarily within their own cultural establishments rather than at local businesses.
Thai food businesses in the United States are poised for growth in 2026, fueled by an increasing trend of dining out. Director-General Sunanta Kangvalkulkij of the Commerce Ministry’s Department of International Trade Promotion cited recent consumer behavior surveys as proof of this surge.
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. 
A 20-year-old Myanmar national has died following a violent assault at Hua Hin fishing pier, with police arresting three teenage suspects within hours of the incident. The victim succumbed to severe injuries at Hua Hin Hospital after being attacked late on New Year’s Eve, prompting a swift investigation by local authorities.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) said yesterday that another moderate to fairly strong high-pressure system from China is extending over upper Thailand and the upper south, bringing cool to cold weather and strong winds in many areas.
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).
Phuket’s tourism industry is calling on the government to urgently resolve what it describes as a deepening infrastructure crisis, warning that the island’s rapid tourism growth is outstripping its ability to cope.
Direct international flights between Singapore and Chiang Rai have officially begun, marking the first such service since the Covid-19 pandemic and strengthening air connectivity to northern Thailand.
At least nine people have died and more than 200 ?have been hospitalized in the central Indian city of Indore after a diarrhea outbreak that officials said was linked to contaminated drinking water, according to a lawmaker and local ?health authorities. 
China’s BYD has surpassed Tesla to become the world’s largest seller of electric vehicles (EVs) in annual sales. This marks the first time BYD has outpaced its American competitor, with BYD’s sales increasing by nearly 28% to over 2.25 million vehicles in 2025. Meanwhile, Tesla’s sales dropped by almost 9% to 1.64 million vehicles globally.