- Cha Am Blue Swimming Crab Festival/Positive Outlook for Vehha Hua Hin/Thailand marks National Elephant Day/Bangkok Ranked 8th Best City/Foreigner deaths in Thailand
- THE IRAN WAR: Iran vows to keep Hormuz shut/Thailand-Europe flights still operating/Oil surges above $100/Iran tensions underscore the urgency of renewables/Hormuz closure could hammer food costs/Immigration Tightens Screening/Thailand demands apology from Iran
- ECONOMY: Thailand to Challenge US Tariff Probe/Thailand has too much milk/Charging first-world prices in Pattaya/The future of work has arrived
- TOURISM: Thailand tourism steady/Southeast Asia’s Leading Medical Hub
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: A cavern of colors
- CLIMATE THAILAND: The best EVs in Thailand/U Power readies 1,000 battery-swap e-trucks
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Cha Am Blue Swimming Crab Festival starts tomorrow
The Cha Am Blue Swimming Crab Festival will take place from March 14-21 at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint, featuring fresh seafood, conservation activities, and nightly live music.
Phetchaburi Province, in collaboration with Cha Am City Municipality and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phetchaburi Office, is organizing the event. Visitors will be able to enjoy menus featuring fresh blue swimming crab and seafood sourced directly from local fishermen, alongside crab-release activities and evening entertainment. Continued …
PROUD Sees Positive Outlook for Vehha Hua Hin development
Pasu Liptapanlop, executive director of Proud Real Estate Public Co, stated that the business outlook for 1Q26 remains positive, driven by revenue recognition from transfers of ownership for the “NUE District R9” and “VEHHA Hua Hin” projects.
Currently, the company’s ongoing sales projects are still receiving good responses. These include completed and ready-to-move-in projects such as “VEHHA Hua Hin”, with a total project value of B2.37 billion and sales of B1.62 billion (69%), Continued …
Thailand marks National Elephant Day amid a crisis of coexistence
Thailand marks its National Elephant Day every March 13 – but not all Thais are celebrating. Violent encounters between humans and pachyderms are on the rise, with hundreds of lives lost on both sides in recent years.
Last year alone, 29 humans and 30 elephants were killed in aggressive confrontations. Data released at the end of 2025 revealed the long-term toll of the crisis: 273 people and 244 elephants have died in clashes since 2012. Meanwhile, another 245 humans and 94 elephants suffered injuries. Continued …
Bangkok Ranked 8th Best City in the World for 2026
Bangkok has been ranked the eighth best city in the world in the 2026 Time Out Best Cities ranking, while also securing second place in Asia. The recognition highlights the Thai capital’s vibrant mix of culture, food, arts and music, according to officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
The ranking was determined by writers and individuals closely connected with the character and lifestyle of cities around the world. The announcement comes as Bangkok continues to gain global attention for its cultural and creative scene. The city recently hosted major international art events in late 2025, while the Bangkok Art Biennale is scheduled to return in October 2026. Continued …
Foreigner deaths in Thailand
- German tourist dies after falling from ninth floor of Pattaya hotel – Continued …
- American found dead in Chon Buri after sending farewell clip to wife – Continued …
- Indian man found dead on Kalim Beach in Phuket – Continued …
New Iran leader vows to keep Hormuz shut
Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed, using the strategic waterway as leverage against the United States and Israel in his first public statement since taking over from his late father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In the statement, Khamenei called for national unity and praised Iran’s armed forces for preventing the country from being “dominated or divided” while under attack. He also said Iran would continue to use the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to pressure its enemies, while warning that US bases in the region should be shut and suggesting that attacks on such targets would continue. Continued …
Thailand-Europe flights still operating amid Middle East disruption
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) says air services between Thailand and Europe are still operating despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, although passengers are being urged to check flight schedules carefully before traveling, as airlines continue to adjust routes and restore some services on a limited basis.
Sarun Benjanirat, deputy director of CAAT, said the agency is closely monitoring developments because the regional security situation remains uncertain and could change at any time. He said that, overall, air travel between Thailand and Europe can continue, particularly for flights that do not require a stopover in the Middle East, as airlines have been able to switch to alternative routes. Continued …
Oil surges as Brent closes above $100 after Iran vows Hormuz will stay shut
Crude oil prices closed above the $100-a-barrel mark yesterday after Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz shut, signaling that markets may be facing a prolonged supply disruption.
Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 9.2% to settle at $100.46 a barrel, the first close above $100 since August 2022. US West Texas Intermediate crude also jumped, settling at about $95.70 a barrel. Continued …
Iran tensions underscore the urgency of Asia’s renewables pivot for macroeconomic stability
For the second time in four years, energy markets in Asia dependent on imported fossil fuels find themselves at the mercy of global commodity markets. Although each country’s immediate exposure to the Iran conflict varies, all face the indirect threat of higher costs driven by tighter fossil fuel markets and elevated geopolitical risk premiums.
The duration of the conflict, the extent of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and outages at key energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf remain key unknowns. Prolonged escalation could cause energy price spikes to spill over into core economic indicators — including inflation, interest rates, trade balances, and gross domestic product (GDP) growth — derailing fiscal and monetary goals. Continued …
Prolonged Hormuz closure could hammer food costs in Thailand
The crisis in the Middle East, which is disrupting trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz, is raising global concern that the fallout could spread far beyond energy markets and trigger a rise in food prices worldwide.
The Strait of Hormuz is not only a major route for oil and natural gas shipments, but also a strategic corridor for transporting fertilizer, a key input for agriculture around the world. Analysts say any disruption to shipping could raise farming costs, reduce crop yields, and, ultimately, make food more expensive. Continued …
Thai Immigration Tightens Screening Amid Israel Rumors
The Immigration Bureau has confirmed it is tightening screening measures for foreign nationals arriving from conflict zones in the Middle East, following public concern about the number of Israeli citizens staying in the country.
Officials said rumors claiming hundreds of thousands of Israelis are residing in Thailand are inaccurate. Authorities reported that only around 31,892 Israeli nationals were present in the country as of March 10. Continued …
Thailand demands apology from Iran over Thai ship attack
Thailand has lodged a formal protest with Iran following an incident in which a Thai-flagged cargo ship was hit and damaged while sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, affecting 23 Thai crew members on board. Sirilak Niyom, deputy permanent secretary for foreign affairs, held talks yesterday with Nassereddin Heidari, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Thailand, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.
During the meeting, Sirilak raised concerns over the incident involving the Thai-flagged cargo ship Mayuree Naree, which was struck and damaged while sailing through the strategic waterway after departing from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates. Continued …
Thailand to Challenge US Tariff Probe, Citing Role of American Firms in Trade Surplus
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, has confirmed that the government is prepared to challenge a looming US investigation into “unfair trade practices.” Working in close coordination with the Ministry of Commerce, the Thai government has developed a robust strategic framework to address the Section 301 probe initiated by the Trump administration.
The investigation, launched under the Trade Act of 1974, seeks to scrutinize industrial policies and “structural excess capacity.” However, Bangkok’s primary line of defense rests on a pointed irony: a significant portion of the trade surplus Washington finds objectionable is actually generated by American companies operating within Thailand. Continued …
Thailand has too much milk
The Department of Internal Trade (DITP) has issued an “urgent” summons to commercial dairy operators for a crisis meeting today. The move follows reports of a massive raw milk surplus exceeding 200 tons per day, leaving dairy farmers across the country with no buyers despite existing purchase agreements (MOUs).
While government officials point to rising production levels in 2025, industry sources say the crisis is a symptom of deep-seated structural issues rather than a simple matter of oversupply. Continued …
Charging first-world prices while paying third-world wages raises questions about Pattaya’s economic direction
A growing complaint heard among both long-term visitors and local workers in Pattaya can be summed up in a blunt phrase circulating online: “first-world prices with third-world wages.” The remark reflects a widening debate about the changing cost of living in the city.
While prices for food, drinks, accommodation, and services have steadily increased, many workers say their wages have not kept pace. At the same time, foreign visitors are also noticing the shift. Pattaya, once famous for being one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable seaside destinations, is increasingly compared to far more expensive tourist cities. Continued …
The future of work has arrived: Is your job future-proof?
The foundation of modern employment – study hard, secure a job, build a stable life – is eroding fast. Technological progress, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, is breaking down the old economic model that tied individual effort to secure, long-term work.
From logistics to legal services, tasks considered immune to disruption are now being replaced by algorithms at a fraction of the cost and time. This shift is triggering a structural imbalance across the globe. Highly qualified professionals, graduates, master’s, and doctorate holders are increasingly found in gig-based roles far beneath their skill sets. Continued …
Thailand tourism steady despite 4.4% dip amid Middle East conflict
Thailand recorded a 4.4% decline in international tourist arrivals between Jan. 1 and March 11, compared with the same period last year, but inbound travel has remained steady into early March despite pressures linked to Middle East tensions, reported the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Natreeya Thaewiwong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, said cumulative arrivals in the first part of March 2026 show inbound travel is continuing “with good stability and without a severe slowdown,” even as Thailand monitors developments that could influence demand. Continued …
Thailand on Track to Become Southeast Asia’s Leading Medical Hub
Medical tourism has gained attention as a growing segment within the travel market, with high potential for expansion. According to the Medical Tourism Assn. (MTA), it is estimated that over 14 million people travel abroad for medical services annually.
The significant growth of global medical tourism can be attributed to the high healthcare costs in developed countries compared to the quality healthcare available at more affordable prices in other countries. Additionally, long wait times for treatment also contribute to this shift. Continued …
A cavern of colors
About an hour west of Chiang Mai, the ancient city gives up its grip. The traffic lights thin out. The stylish coffee shops — the carefully poured kind — disappear. Longan orchards, low houses, and farmsteads start to roll out, unfolding the beautiful countryside of Samoeng, one of the province’s most scenic districts.
The drive to Samoeng isn’t dramatic, but it keeps bending into the mountain landscape, as if reconsidering itself every few kilometers. Teak and bamboo press in close. By the time you reach Khun Khan National Park, the air already feels different — less urban, a little looser. Continued …
The best EVs in Thailand right now
Every time oil prices spike, fuel market prices respond with jitteriness. And now, more than ever, sentiments of switching to an electric vehicle (EV) in Thailand for 2026 have never echoed this loudly.
If I were to present this idea to you as recently as this past year, your answer would most likely be along the lines of “EVs are just not there yet” or “Charging them would still take ages, so it’s not entirely worth it.” But the thing is, this simply isn’t true anymore. In just a handful of years, EVs have progressed exponentially to the point where price and performance rival their tried and true petrol gas-guzzling counterparts. Continued …
U Power readies 1,000 battery-swap e-trucks for Thailand launch
U Power has completed comprehensive operational testing and full-stack integration of a battery-swapping heavy-duty truck prototype ahead of a planned 1,000-unit deployment in Thailand with logistics partner Whale Logistics.
The prototype vehicles, jointly developed with SAIC Hongyan Automotive and UNEX EV, underwent three months of full-condition road testing, with all technical parameters meeting design specifications, positioning the project for mass production and first deliveries by May 2026. Continued …
- Police Detain Chinese Scam Suspects in Kanchanaburi – Continued …
- Chinese Man Arrested Over Laughing Gas Sales in Pattaya – Continued …
- American Man Caught Stealing Shoes at Chiang Mai Shop – Continued …
- British Man Held in Chiang Mai Over Overstay, Theft, and Sex Allegations – Continued …
- Russian man gropes Thai tattoo artist outside Pattaya studio – Continued …
Europeans And Expats Share How They REALLY Feel About American Tourists Right Now
Every summer, Americans flock to Europe to get their cultural fix: a visit to the Vatican here, a selfie and guided tour at the Parthenon there. Generally, they’re met by friendly Europeans on their treks on the continent. But as anti-American sentiment grows across the globe due to trade wars and actual wars, some travelers may worry: Will American visitors encounter a cooler reception across Europe on their summer trips? 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
I followed Thailand’s Royal Coast/Children removed from Cha Am forest shelter/Thailand to enter hot season/Provinces told to prepare for drought/Online Driving License Applications Fake/Government ramps up gun controls/Thailand 9th in Cybercrime Losses/British ASOS Co-Founder Dies/Light rail tram in Khon Kaen
Facing a fabulous ocean isn’t enough these days for an ambitious coastline. A glittery tag, like Gold, Sapphire, Emerald or d’Azure, is a branding imperative. Thailand came up with a real winner for its Gulf shoreline – the Royal Coast. And then forgot to tell the world.
Thailand will enter its hot season on Sunday. Summer storms could start right away and temperatures in some northern provinces may reach a peak above 42 degrees Celsius, according to the Meteorological Department.
The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command (NDPMC) has ordered all provinces to step up preparedness to prevent and address drought in 2026, stressing efficient water management — especially securing reserves for household consumption. Provinces have been instructed to draw up contingency plans and survey backup water sources to minimize impacts on the public.
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has issued a warning to the public about a fraudulent Facebook page using its initials to trick individuals into paying for driving licenses without the need for exams or in-person applications.
The government has ordered nationwide enforcement of stricter firearm regulations, instructing registrars to more rigorously scrutinize gun license applications and suspending the issuance of carry permits.
Thailand is ranked ninth globally for online fraud losses, with more than 27 billion baht lost in 2025 and victims suffering average losses of 37,000 baht per person. The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) has warned that cybercrime will become more complex in 2026, particularly through the use of AI Deepfake technology.
Thailand Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun announced ongoing negotiations with the US regarding tax agreements. The talks aim to reach a joint conclusion on complex issues, although both countries currently have differing needs and expectations.
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has reported on the progress of the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023-2027). Particularly in the first two years of the plan, despite efforts to drive various initiatives, the distribution of economic opportunities across sectors has not effectively reduced regional disparities, especially in addressing poverty.
Thailand needs an economy that delivers better wages, secure jobs, and real competitiveness. But today’s trade and investment rules stand in the way. Without reform, the country risks falling behind in an increasingly cut-throat global economy.
The Thai economy could continue its growth trajectory and expand by 3% a year if the incoming Bhumjaithai-led coalition administration can complete its four-year term, say economists, though they warned any disruption in government formation might cause GDP growth to slide below 1.5% this year.
Yesterday, the Department of Tourism, through its Thailand Film Office, participated with an exhibition booth at the European Film Market 2026 (EFM 2026) in Berlin. The aim was to promote Thailand’s potential as an international filming destination, while pushing for continued foreign film production in Thailand to generate sustained income for the country.
A street interview posted online has gone viral after an Israeli tourist shared critical remarks about her experience in Thailand. In the clip, the host asked a female tourist from Israel: “After being here for only two days, what are some things you think Thailand can improve on?”
Siamese freshwater crocodiles released in Kaeng Krachan
Thailand’s automotive industry is navigating its most profound transformation in 0 years, as the nation moves away from its traditional reliance on internal combustion engines (ICE). While the country remains the “Detroit of Asia” and holds a prestigious production rank of 10th globally, its domestic market was historically defined by the dominance of 1-ton pickup trucks.
On the 30th floor of the Chartered Square building in downtown Bangkok, the low-key office of Skyhub Technologies serves as a nexus for a burgeoning and contentious trade. The space, rented out by a serviced office provider, is visited only rarely by the company’s sole director and occasionally by Chinese nationals, according to building staff who asked not to be identified speaking about clients. 
Travelers heading between Hua Hin and Bangkok are being advised to plan ahead following a Rama II Road closure at the Bang Khun Thian Bridge that will last for up to four months.
The Hua Hin Chinese New Year celebration will take place on Monday, Feb. 16, starting at 4 pm, with Hua Hin City Municipality confirming a full program of traditional processions, performances, and cultural activities.
Hua Hin’s electric vehicle master plan moved a step forward yesterday as city officials met with Shinawatra University to discuss EV adoption and charging infrastructure.
Traffic signs and road markings installed on Soi 78 to ease congestion
The economy is expected to expand by 1.51%–1.75% this year, says a public opinion survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). Thanavath Phonvichai, UTCC president and chairman of the advisory board at the university’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, said the survey on public expectations of the new administration shows voters prioritize structural economic reform over short-term populist measures.
Foreign investors are expected to continue investing in advanced technology, healthcare, and sustainability industries this year, following a record high of 324 billion baht in outlays last year, according to the Department of Business Development (DBD) at the Ministry of Commerce.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry insists the government’s plan to reduce visa-free stays from 60 days should not impact tourism, as most foreign tourists, on average, stay for less than a month.
The narrative surrounding Thailand’s tourism appeal has evolved. Visitors no longer come simply because the destination is affordable. Increasingly, travelers choose Thailand for its depth of experience, consistency, and a genuine sense of welcome that remains difficult to replicate elsewhere.
The average daily rate for hotels in Thailand surged by 3% last year to 4,984 baht and they recorded a longer average length of stay, with Booking.com, Agoda, and direct hotel bookings generating the most revenue, according to SiteMinder.
The “Disneyland Thailand” buzz has resurfaced after Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, deputy prime minister and minister of transport, floated the idea of moving ahead with a world-class theme park project in Chonburi under the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) scheme.
Thailand has significant untapped potential to develop advanced green manufacturing as a new engine of growth, with electric vehicles, solar photovoltaic components, and energy-efficient cooling technologies offering opportunities to raise GDP by an additional 2.9% by 2035, according to the World Bank’s latest Thailand Economic Monitor released yesterday.
A record-breaking surge in wealthy people “relocating abroad” is reshaping the global balance of power. Countries are increasingly being treated like assets, while citizenship is becoming a tool for diversifying risk. In an era where state policy can change faster than economic fundamentals, capital moves first — and moves more aggressively than ever before. 
The Election Commission of Thailand has confirmed that the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited across all provinces to ensure order during the voting process. The prohibition begins at 6 pm on Saturday, Feb. 7, and remains in effect until 6 pm on Sunday, Feb. .
The Thai food delivery market recorded significant consolidation and growth between 2024 and 2025.The market is increasingly defined by a duopoly between Grab and Line Man, as smaller competitors exit, according to Singapore-based research firm Momentum Works.
Thailand’s annual headline inflation rate was negative for a 10th consecutive month in January, driven by lower energy prices and government measures to ease living costs, the Ministry of Commerce said today. The headline consumer price index (CPI) dropped 0.66% in January from a year earlier, following an annual fall of 0.3% in the previous month, the ministry said.
The opening months of 2026 have brought a level of global uncertainty rarely seen in recent years. Escalating geopolitical tensions, volatile currency movements, and tightening immigration enforcement are reshaping the international landscape.
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province has begun preparations for a potential drought and domestic water shortages after authorities reported low water reserves and a forecast of below-average rainfall in the coming months.
Well-known virologist Yong Poovorawan has warned that a mutating influenza strain A H3N2 is spreading in Thailand. It is more resistant to vaccines but does not increase in severity.
Sarah Sajedi was walking along a beach on Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands when she noticed plastic fragments mixed into the sand beneath her feet. “I was standing there looking out at this gorgeous view of the Andaman Sea, and then I looked down and beneath my feet were all these pieces of plastic, most of them water bottles,” she recalls.
Assoc. Prof. Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, said Thailand has entered “technical deflation” after headline inflation stayed negative for nine consecutive months. He said economists typically define technical deflation as a sustained fall in prices for more than six months.
Despite a recent surge in trade with the United States, Thailand’s economic outlook for 2026 is overshadowed by two looming “high-stakes” risks. Supanutt Sasiwuttiwat, a leading researcher at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), warns that new American trade enforcement could see Thai goods slapped with tariffs as high as 40%.
Khao Yai: Wineries, Wildlife and Organic Farms
The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has set a target to reduce burning in agricultural areas by 15% this year to address the PM2.5 dust problem, as well as emphasizing a prohibition on importing crops produced using the burning method, especially corn, from neighboring countries to prevent cross-border PM2.5 pollution.
Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, and GAC, a global pioneer in smart electric mobility, have forged a strategic partnership to deploy an initial 20,000 high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) across the region.
The fatal shooting of a 37-year-old Minnesota mother by a U.S. immigration agent has put the city of Minneapolis and much of the United States on edge, with the potential of becoming another flashpoint in a polarized country. 
A new US “energy dominance” strategy positions Venezuela as a lever over global supply, prices, and geopolitics, prioritizing oil and gas while sidelining net zero goals, analysts warn. 
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has strongly criticized US foreign policy under President Donald Trump and urged natio not to let the world order disintegrate into a “den of robbers” where the unscrupulous take what they want. 
President Donald Trump is withdrawing the United States from a foundational climate treaty as part of a sweeping exit from collective global action, the White House announced on Wednesday. A total of 66 global organizations and treaties — roughly half affiliated with the United Nations — were listed in a White House memorandum as “contrary to the interests of the United States”. 
Jan. 1 marked a decade since China repealed its one-child policy. Just 10 days earlier, Peng Peiyun, who long oversaw the often-brutal enforcement of China’s family-planning rules, died at the age of 96, having never been held accountable for her actions. Some obituaries praised Peng for being “reform-minded”, even though, in practice, she only perpetuated an utterly inhumane policy, whose consequences have barely begun to materialize. 
Thailand to tax under-1,500-baht imported goods
Hua Hin Racer Marina Jazz Festival January 10
Agricultural economy to grow despite headwinds
Brit visiting Hua Hin learns Thai ‘escorts’ can play pool
Israeli visitors to Thailand plummet as ‘Unwelcome’ signs come out
Call for speedy passage of clean air bill
Air drops of relief supplies begins in Hat Yai
Hong Kong fire: At Least 44 Dead And 279 Reported Missing
Thailand Hits 100,000 Daily Foreign Visitors
End of Lent Festivals in Thailand Take Travelers on Once a Year Spiritual Journey
Lanta Archipelago National Park among winners in 2025 Green Destinations Top 100