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Thursday’s news-Jan 8

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  • Controlled Forest Burning in Cha Am/Black leopard in Kaeng Krachan/Bangkok delays pet-microchip project
  • ECONOMY: ‘Recession’ a concern/Thai Banking Titans Warn of ‘Era of Exhaustion’/Headline inflation set to rise/Middle Class Braced for Tax Hikes/Foreign condo transfers slump/Gloomy outlook for eateries/Wellness industry pays dividends
  • TOURISM: Nine countries to introduce tourist tax
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thai-Born Hotel Brands Learned to Host the World
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Top 5 Solar Energy Innovations
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN LINKS

Controlled Forest Burning Launched in Cha Am to Curb PM2.5

A controlled forest-burning operation has begun in Cha Am district to reduce wildfire risk and airborne dust, with authorities saying the initiative is aimed at preventing severe forest fires and limiting PM2.5 pollution during the dry season.

The pilot operation was carried out on Tuesday in the Ban Rong non-hunting area, targeting accumulated forest fuel that could intensify uncontrolled fires. Continued …

Black leopard photographed in Kaeng Krachan National Park

A foreign tourist captured photographs of a black leopard in Kaeng Krachan National Park on Jan. 4, a sighting that park officials say underlines the strong ecological condition of Thailand’s largest natural World Heritage site. Black leopards, also known as melanistic leopards, are a protected species in Thailand and are widely regarded by conservationists as an indicator of healthy forest conditions, requiring large, undisturbed habitats, and a stable prey base. The park includes other popular sites such as the Pa La-U Waterfall, which is easily accessible from Hua Hin and frequently visited by day-trippers. (HHT)

Bangkok delays pet-microchip project for a year

Authorities in Bangkok plan to delay enforcement of a regulation requiring pet dogs and cats to be fitted with microchips for a year in order to help all sides prepare and ensure broader adoption.

The postponement of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) ordinance would allow officials to improve service delivery, expand outreach, and address practical obstacles faced by residents. Continued …

‘Recession’ a concern, says Thai business group

Thailand’s economy is bracing for its weakest expansion in 30 years, with GDP growth projected at less than 2% in 2026, attributed to sluggish exports, high household debt, and declining competitiveness in global markets, warns the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB).

The growth projection does not include years when Thailand faced crises, including the pandemic that caused GDP to contract by 6.1% in 2020. Continued …

Thai Banking Titans Warn of ‘Era of Exhaustion’ Amid Low-Growth Outlook

The leadership of Thailand’s three largest commercial banks have issued a unified warning for 2026, describing the upcoming financial year as a period of “all-around exhaustion.”

Faced with a sluggish economy and a projected GDP growth of less than 2%, the “Big Three” have signaled a strategic shift away from aggressive expansion in favor of stringent asset quality management and climate risk mitigation. Continued …

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Headline inflation set to see slight rise

Average headline inflation is expected to rise slightly in 2026, driven by increasing prices of agricultural products and the recovery of the tourism sector, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).

The TPSO estimates average headline inflation of 0%-1.0%, with a midpoint of 0.5%, rising from a 0.14% contraction in 2025. Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the TPSO, said the headline consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.28% year-on-year to 100.19 in December. Continued …

Thai Middle Class Braced for Tax Hikes

Leading economists have issued a stark warning over the proliferation of short-term populist campaign pledges, asserting that these policies are laying a “fiscal trap” that threatens Thailand’s long-term economic sovereignty and its international credit standing.

Speaking at a seminar hosted by the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) entitled “They Hand Out, But We Pay: Time to End Populism,” Athiphat Muthitacharoen of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Economics warned that the nation is entering a “deeply concerning” fiscal phase. Continued …

Foreign condo transfers slump

Thailand’s property market is facing another major test in 2026, after new figures from the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) of the Government Housing Bank pointed to a clear slowdown in foreign demand in 2025 — long viewed as a key engine of the condominium market.

A global economic slowdown has hit foreign condo demand hard, with the first nine months of 2025 showing sharp declines in both volume and value, as Chinese buyers — still the largest group — pulled back amid liquidity strains. In contrast, Indian buyers have emerged as a fast-rising force, typically purchasing larger, higher-priced units for real residential use. Continued …

Gloomy outlook dampens prospects for eateries

The outlook for the restaurant industry in 2026 appears grim as there are no new positive factors. A Thai Michelin-starred chef urged restaurant operators to think carefully about business expansion.

Thitid Tassanakajohn, a renowned Thai chef and restaurateur, said the restaurant industry last year was affected by people cutting back their budgets for dining out and a stagnant economy, while foreign tourist arrivals declined year-on-year. Continued …

Wellness industry pays dividends

Health and wellness are increasingly viewed as a new form of luxury, driving lifestyle changes and fueling rapid growth across global well-being industries this year. Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun, chief executive of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort, said the wellness trend will continue expanding over the next five years worldwide.

Thailand has recorded the fastest growth rate at 28.4% annually, far above the global average of 7.6%, generating more than 120 billion baht a year. The country remains among the world’s top wellness destinations, ranking 15th last year, though down from seventh in 2019. Continued …

Nine countries to introduce tourist tax this year

Tourism has surged beyond pre-pandemic levels, placing pressure on popular cities, islands, and natural landmarks. By charging tourists, governments aim to generate dedicated funding to manage crowds, upgrade infrastructure, and preserve destinations, while allowing tourism to continue.

International travel is set to become more expensive as several countries introduce new tourist taxes and visitor fees. From entry charges and hotel levies to higher fees at museums and national parks, travelers planning trips in 2026 will need to account for additional costs at multiple stages of their journey. Continued …

How Thai-Born Hotel Brands Learned to Host the World

The Land of Smiles is no empty tagline. With an innate sense of graciousness and a natural flair for service, it comes as no surprise that hospitality is a field in which Thais truly excel.

Here, hospitality is not merely a profession but part of the cultural fabric — one that has helped position Thailand as a powerhouse in the global luxury hotel landscape. In 2025, Thailand became one of the leading countries in Asia, alongside Japan, to receive the highest number of MICHELIN Keys, with 62 properties recognized for delivering exceptional experiences. Continued …

Top 5 Solar Energy Innovations Driving Thailand Transformation in 2026

Southeast Asia is accelerating its energy transition with growing momentum from both policy and capital. Stronger regulatory support and expanding clean-energy financing are creating a more predictable investment environment, enabling governments and developers to move from planning to delivery.

According to 2025 Boomberg NEF report on Southeast Asia, this year’s auction pipeline — nearly 20 GW of clean power capacity, concentrated in the second half of 2025 — signals a shift from ambition to actionable procurement across the region, and is already reshaping project pipelines and developer strategies. Continued …

Chiang Mai Locals Criticize Tourists for Temple Sunbathing

Tourists in Chiang Mai faced backlash for sunbathing outside Wat Ratchamonthian yesterday. Photographs of the incident were shared online, sparking criticism for cultural insensitivity. The images showed foreign women in bikinis, lounging near the temple moat. Continued …

  • Japanese Man’s False Robbery Claim Leads to Jail Time in Phuket – Continued …

Hua Hin Links

Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Saturday’s news-Dec 28

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Thailand’s new tax law for expats/High levels of pesticide in fruits/New year cold spell/Heavy rains and flash floods warning/Teenagers arrested for brutal attack/Chearavanont family’s billion-dollar rise/Elephant Herd Threatens Crops/Google tops internet rankings/ECONOMY: Economy sees sharp setback/Exports, tourism to underpin economy/Manufacturing index falls/Execs optimistic about economy/Cabinet Approves Tax Initiatives/Condo market subdued/TOURISM: Thailand’s top destinations gear up/$1.82 Billion from 2025 New Year Celebrations/Suvarnabhumi Set for 200,000 Travelers/Drug ring smashed on Ko Phangan/Thailand’s Digital Nomad Hub/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: No admission fees for holiday/Nakhon Sawan Lantern Festival/CLIMATE THAILAND: Climate change spurs disaster/Driving a Low-Carbon Economy/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Thailand’s new tax law for expats changes the way people stay and travel in Southeast Asia

A new interpretation of Thailand’s personal income tax law for expatriates and retirees is likely to have a significant impact on the tourism industry, as it is a popular destination for long-term expatriates.

Thailand’s new tax policy could change the country’s appeal for those seeking a low-tax environment. This change could have implications not only for travel trends, but also for related industries such as hospitality, real estate and financial services catering to expatriates. Continued …

Tests show high levels of pesticide in fruits

Most fruit samples randomly tested by the Thai Pesticide Alert Network (Thai-Pan) contained hazardous residues that exceeded the safety standard, particularly jujube and oranges.

Thai-PAN coordinator Prokchol Ousap said yesterday that the network collected 85 samples of apples, dragon fruit, guava, jujube and oranges, both imported and domestically grown, from supermarkets and fresh markets across 12 provinces, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Rayong, from Nov. 27–Dec. 11. Continued … 

Thailand braces for new year cold spell

Thailand is bracing for a cool spell across its north, northeast, and central regions during the new year period, with temperatures expected to remain low until Jan. 9, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD).

The department announced that much of the country should prepare for cold mornings, as a robust cold air mass from China is set to blanket upper Thailand, the upper southern region, and the South China Sea from yesterday until Jan. 2. This will lead to a drop in temperatures and stronger winds. In the northeast, temperatures are anticipated to fall by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius (°C), with the coldest temperatures ranging between 5 and 11°C. Continued …

Heavy rains and flash floods warning for the south of Thailand

Southern Thailand is expected to experience more rainfall and isolated heavy rains as the moderate northeast monsoon prevailing over the Gulf and the Andaman Sea was strengthening, the Thai Meteorological Department said today.

It urged people in the south to beware of heavy rains and rain accumulation that may cause flash floods and overflows, especially along foothills, near waterways and lowlands. Continued …

4 Pattaya teenagers arrested for brutally attacking and robbing Belgian man

Police arrested four Thai teenagers yesterday for brutally assaulting and robbing an 80-year-old Belgian man in Pattaya on Christmas Eve.

Officers reviewed security camera footage and identified four suspects arriving at the scene on two motorcycles. The group immediately approached Bogaert, attacked him, and fled with the stolen cash. Continued …

From seed to fortune: The Chearavanont family’s billion-dollar rise

What started as a humble seed shop in Bangkok has blossomed into one of the world’s wealthiest empires. The Chearavanont family, with a net worth of US$44.1 billion (approximately 1.5 trillion baht), ranks 19th on Bloomberg’s list of the 25 richest families globally. Here’s how they did it.

A century ago, brothers Chia Ek Chor and Chia Siew Whooy opened a small store selling seeds to Thai farmers. Fast-forward to today, and their venture, Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, is a conglomerate powerhouse spanning 14 industries — from agriculture and telecommunications to retail and healthcare — operating in 21 countries with annual revenues of 97.28 billion. Continued …

Wild Elephant Herd Threatens Crops in Nakhon Ratchasima

In a concerted effort to protect local farmers’ crops, park rangers and villagers in Nakhon Ratchasima have been on high alert as a herd of wild elephants, estimated to number up to 100, attempts to encroach on farmland near the Thap Lan National Park. The elephants are reportedly trying to enter the Khao Khat valley, a national forest reserve located between the park and local farming areas.

On the night of Dec. 26, Phawatthasart Chanthep, the head of Thap Lan National Park, led a patrol of rangers and volunteer networks to prevent the herd from moving further into the area. The elephants are believed to have left the protected park and are attempting to establish a temporary habitat in the valley, which is rich in resources such as water and shelter, and lies adjacent to agricultural land. Continued …

Google tops internet rankings again

Google has maintained its position as the most popular internet service in the world, according to the cloud connectivity company Cloudflare, which handles 25% of global internet traffic.

Even as antitrust investigations loom, Google remained the most popular internet service, search engine and browser for the third year running, according to Cloudflare’s annual Year in Review report into internet trends and threats. Google Chrome has a whopping 65.7% share of the worldwide browser market, with Safari (15.4%), Edge (6.8%), Firefox (4%), and Samsung Internet (2.7%) rounding out the top five. Continued …

Economy sees sharp setback with lower private spending, investment and foreign tourism income

Fresh data released just days before the end of 2024 may dampen expectations for the final GDP growth figure for 2024. In short, manufacturing output slipped in November. At the same time, the economy itself slowed down with a fall in private consumption and investment.

Basically, the Thai economy finds itself struggling to pick up growth as banks rein in credit and external conditions become more hostile and unpredictable. Certainly, the foreign tourism economy continues to expand, but even this showed lower income in November after a fall in the Russian tourist trade. Continued …

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Exports, tourism to underpin economy

Exports and tourism are expected to continue supporting Thailand’s economy, but the automotive industry remains a key area of concern, according to the Finance Ministry.

Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office, said that economic indicators for private sector consumption in November show signs of improvement compared to the corresponding period last year. However, the consumption of durable goods, particularly in the automotive sector, remains sluggish. Continued …

Manufacturing index falls in November

Thailand’s manufacturing production index (MPI) fell by 3.58% year-on-year to 93.41 points in November, attributed to the sluggish domestic car sales, says the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE). From January to November, the index decreased by 1.78% year-on-year.

Car sales in the country remained torpid as banks and car financing companies continued to tighten lending in the automotive market for fear of non-performing loans amid the high level of household debt, weak consumer purchasing power and slow economic growth, said OIE Director-general Passakorn Chairat. Continued …

Most senior execs optimistic about Thai economy

Most senior executives say that digital transformation and sustainability will be game changers for the Thai economy in 2025, a survey published by Thansettakij yesterday shows.

The study revealed that 67.3% of the 50 executives surveyed expect Thailand’s GDP to expand by 2%-3% next year, while 20.4% predict a growth rate of 3%-4%. In terms of investment, 28.8% plan to boost their investment next year, while 36.7% will maintain their current levels. Continued …

Cabinet Approves Tax Initiatives to Stimulate Economic Growth

The Cabinet has authorized three pivotal tax measures to stimulate economic growth and bolster national development. These initiatives comprise incentives for healthcare-related donations, a tax deduction scheme to boost local spending, and reduced taxes for entertainment venues.

Each measure is strategically designed to aid economic recovery while addressing public welfare and industry demands. The first measure extends tax exemptions for donations aimed at medical and public health enhancement. It allows individuals and businesses to claim double tax deductions for contributions to 27 approved charitable organizations. Continued …

Condo market subdued in Q4

Developers should focus on strategies to reduce risks and drain unsold units priced at 1-3 million baht in the condo market, which faces challenges from weakened purchasing power and stricter lending conditions, threatening market stability.

Nattha Kahapana, managing director at property consultant Knight Frank Thailand, said the condo market is under pressure due to both declining purchasing power and stricter lending criteria from financial institutions. Continued …

Thailand’s top destinations gear up for new year surge

A jaw-dropping wave of tourists is set to descend on Thailand’s favourite hotspots this new year, with Phuket leading the charge and Chiang Mai hot on its heels. Here’s how the Land of Smiles is gearing up for the festive frenzy.

Phuket is bracing for an influx of over 230,000 visitors between Dec. 28 and Jan. 1, projected to inject nearly 8 billion baht into the island’s economy. Continued …

Tourism Expected to Bring in $1.82 Billion from 2025 New Year Celebrations

Thailand’s tourism sector is projected to generate Bt62 billion during the New Year celebrations. This robust influx is anticipated due to the country’s rich cultural festivities, drawing both domestic and international visitors.

The celebrations promise a vibrant showcase of traditional Thai customs, delicious cuisine, and exciting entertainment options. Tourists are expected to flock to popular destinations, significantly boosting local economies. Continued …

Suvarnabhumi Set for 200,000 Travelers This New Year’s Day

Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is poised to handle over 200,000 passengers on New Year’s Day, according to the Airports of Thailand (AOT). As the world prepares to usher in a new year, Thai authorities are coordinating efforts to ensure a seamless experience for the influx of travelers.

With bustling crowds anticipated, Suvarnabhumi Airport’s executive team, led by Keerati Kitmanawat, has mobilized resources to offer both security and convenience for departing passengers. This includes setting up airport help centers to assist individuals with using the “common use self-service” and the “common use bag drop” systems. Continued …

International drug ring smashed on Ko Phangan supplying narcotics to foreign tourists

An ongoing police investigation led by the Immigration Bureau in Ko Phangan has seen an international drug ring smashed. Yesterday, Thai police revealed that a Russian drug dealer operated a contract cleaning business on the island as a front for laundering the proceeds of illicit narcotics sales.

In addition, two foreign men — a Frenchman and an Italian — were also arrested. The Italian had received Bt71 million in payments for narcotics during the course of the investigation. In short, police say the ring was engaged in supplying illicit narcotics to foreign tourists on the island, especially at music and entertainment events. Continued …

Thailand’s Growing Popularity as a Digital Nomad Hub

Thailand is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for digital nomads, drawing freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers from around the world. With its affordable cost of living, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cities, Thailand offers the ideal environment for those looking to work remotely while enjoying an enriching cultural experience.

Thailand has long been a popular tourist destination, but in recent years it has evolved into a hub for digital nomads. The government has made efforts to streamline visa processes and improve internet infrastructure, creating a welcoming environment for remote workers. Popular cities like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket have become hotspots for digital nomads, offering coworking spaces, networking events, and a thriving expat community. Continued …

No admission fees for museums, historical parks and archaeological sites

Special activities are being offered to visitors at national museums, historical parks and archaeological sites by the Fine Arts Department as New Year gifts.

Thais and foreigners can access national museums, historical parks and archaeological sites nationwide without admission fees from Dec. 30 to Jan. 1, except Silpa Bhirasri Memorial National Museum and Thai Farmers National Museum. Continued …

Nakhon Sawan Lantern Festival – the ultimate photo spot this New Year

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Nakhon Sawan office, in collaboration with the Nakhon Sawan Chamber of Commerce and relevant agencies, is hosting the 7th Nakhon Sawan Lantern Festival under the theme Light Of Blessing.

The event features lantern sculptures that blend art, light, music, and beautiful gardens. Visitors will encounter three realms of lanterns, a lantern sculpture contest, a tree of wishes, and a stunning light and sound tunnel perfect for photo opportunities. Continued …

‘Dangerous new era’: climate change spurs disaster in 2024

From tiny and impoverished Mayotte to oil-rich behemoth Saudi Arabia, prosperous European cities to overcrowded slums in Africa, nowhere was spared the devastating impact of supercharged climate disasters in 2024.

This year is the hottest in history, with record-breaking temperatures in the atmosphere and oceans acting like fuel for extreme weather around the world. Continued …

Driving a Low-Carbon Economy and Society with EGAT: The Green Mission

Step into the future of sustainable energy as we speak with Siriwat Chedsi, assistant governor-power plant engineering and construction at EGAT. In this interview, he shares EGAT’s bold plans under PDP 2024, steering Thailand toward a net-zero carbon emissions future in electricity generation.

Learn how solar energy, hydro energy, and the innovative small modular reactor (SMR) technology are shaping the next chapter of energy consumption in Thailand. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590