- The Real Reason We Stay/Thailand’s expats face new digital reality/K9 dog rewarded after murder arrest/Bail denied to murder suspect/Hua Hin tourist police conduct drug tests/Swedish drug dealer defeated by distinctive tattoos/Citywide checks of homeless groups/Smog levels unsafe in most of Thailand/Enforcement of open burning rules/Tracks repaired after crane collapse/Regulatory Outlook for Foreign Residents/Thailand Privilege Extends Bronze Membership
- ECONOMY: World Bank Predicts Thailand’s 2026 Growth/Baht breaks 31 per dollar/November Exports Rise/Thailand Seeks Investor Confidence/11 Thai banks post profits/E-commerce growth eases/Thai Rice Exports Beat Target/Marketing and advertising in Thailand
- TOURISM: Shaping Thailand’s tourism future/Strong baht may crimp bookings/Backlash over Lisa tourism promotion
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand’s 5 ancient cat breeds/Wild elephants enjoy human-made water source/Singha Park Chiang Rai balloon fiesta
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Solar Energy: Myths, facts, and challenges
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
We found this online and thought it was worth posting …
The Real Reason We Stay (It’s Not the Cheap Beer)
It’s easy to get cynical in Thailand. We complain about the heat, the traffic, the dual pricing, and the scams. But then, something happens that stops you in your tracks.
You break down on a motorbike in the middle of a rainstorm in a rural province. Back in London, New York, or Berlin, people would speed past you, eyes locked on the road, too busy to care. In the West, we have become efficient, but we have also become cold.
Here, a pickup truck pulls over. A grandmother you have never met offers you shelter under her awning. Someone brings you a glass of water. A local mechanic fixes your tire and tries to refuse your money.
They call it Nam Jai (Water of the Heart). It is kindness that flows without being asked for, and without expecting anything in return. It is a reminder that while the West has “standards” and “safety,” it has often lost its sense of community.
We tell our friends we stay for the weather or the cost of living. But the truth is, we stay for the Nam Jai. In a world that is forgetting how to be kind, Thailand remembers. – My Thailand
From visa runs to QR codes, Thailand’s expats face new digital reality
Thailand has long been a haven for those seeking tropical sun, beaches and a laidback lifestyle. It’s host to communities of expats, long-term freelancers, and foreign residents, some of whom have existed in a legal gray zone, taking advantage of visa runs to extend their stay indefinitely. Those days of extended stays in The Land of Smiles could be coming to a definitive end with the digital transformation of the immigration system.
Victor Wong, a legal expert in finance and tax, discusses the implications of the transition to a fully digital system. “It represents a fundamental shift in how the Thai state monitors, manages, and regulates foreign residents, and it will inevitably become part of Thailand’s new normal.” Continued …
K9 dog and team rewarded after quick Hua Hin murder arrest
A police dog and an investigative team in Hua Hin were awarded 30,000 baht yesterday after swiftly apprehending a murder suspect linked to the killing of a hotel worker.
The reward was presented at Hua Hin Police Station in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Provincial Police Chief Artorn Chinthong and Hua Hin police superintendent Police Col. Kampanat Na Wichai handed over the cash prize to the K9 unit and its star member, Praewa, for their role in the capture of the suspect. Continued …
Bail denied to Hua Hin murder suspect
The Hua Hin Provincial Court has denied bail to “Sam”, the suspect in the brutal murder of a female hotel employee in central Hua Hin, citing the seriousness of the charges and concerns that he could flee if released.
Investigators from the Hua Hin Police Station brought Rattikan Yingyot, also known as Sam, before the court today following his arrest in connection with the killing. Police allege that the suspect attacked the victim with a metal pipe, striking her on the head at a hotel counter in central Hua Hin during a robbery, causing her death at the scene. Continued …
Hua Hin tourist police conduct drug tests
Hua Hin tourist police have stepped up their Drug-free Tourism Community campaign, carrying out fresh inspections this week aimed at strengthening confidence in drug-free tourist areas during the peak travel season.
Yesterday, officers from Hua Hin Tourist Police conducted operations under the initiative at key locations across the city. The program focuses on raising safety standards in tourist zones through screening and random drug testing of workers in the tourism sector. Random checks were carried out at Hua Hin Night Market and several hotels within the Hua Hin City Municipality area. No illegal substances were detected. Continued …
Swedish drug dealer defeated by distinctive tattoos as he tried to claim mistaken identity in Hua Hin
A Swedish national lying low in Hua Hin was arrested on Sunday after a task force from Immigration Bureau Division 3 surprised him at a luxury apartment building in the seaside town popular with Western foreigners. The man insisted they had the wrong person. He claimed he was slimmer than the suspect shown in police files.
However, police used biometrics and tattoo images, especially a marking on the wanted man’s neck, to defeat his protests. He then dressed and was escorted by police down in the lift and taken into detention. Continued …
Hua Hin police plan citywide checks of homeless groups
Hua Hin police are preparing a citywide operation to regulate homeless and other vulnerable groups, as authorities seek to boost confidence among residents and tourists following recent public safety concerns.
Kampanat Na Wichai, superintendent of Hua Hin Police Station, yesterday said the measures will be carried out proactively and in coordination with local administrative bodies and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. Police will focus on locations identified as higher risk, with the stated aim of maintaining public order and reassuring the public. Continued …
Smog levels unsafe in most of Thailand
Unsafe levels of ultrafine dust at the orange level (starting to harm health) shrouded Bangkok and 53 provinces, mostly in the Central Plains and the northeast, late this morning.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency reported that orange levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and less in diameter (PM2.5) ranged from 38.3 to 55.5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) of air in the capital and 53 provinces. Continued …
Enforcement of rules against open burning stepped up
The Pollution Control Department has ordered stepped-up surveillance of open burning as the seasonal risk of haze and dust pollution rises, according to Director-general Surin Worakitthamrong.
More hotspots are being reported in agricultural and forest areas, he said. Local authorities in many provinces have issued formal notices and been instructed to strictly enforce laws against open burning, alongside designating controlled burning zones. Continued …
State Railway of Thailand finishes repairing tracks after crane collapse
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has finished repairing a stretch of railway track in Sikhiu district of Nakhon Ratchasima province in the wake of a fatal crane collapse that struck a passenger train on Jan. 14, killing 30 people, while a parallel technical investigation moves toward identifying the causes and accountability.
The SRT said the damaged and twisted rails had been replaced with 36 meters of new track after the contractor, Italian-Thai Development Plc, removed all remaining crane debris from above the line on Tuesday. Continued …
Law Firm Provides Regulatory Outlook for Foreign Residents and Businesses
Siam Legal International, a full-service law firm with over 22 years of experience advisinginternational clients in Thailand, has released its comprehensive guidance for foreign nationals and businesses navigating Thailand’s regulatory environment in 2026. The firm highlights several national developments that may influence administrative procedures, compliance expectations, and regulatory focus throughout the year.
The Bangkok-based firm notes that 2026 is expected to include significant national events and state activities that may influence administrative focus and public conduct standards. While Thailand remains open and welcoming to foreign residents, investors, businesses, and visitors, the firm emphasizes that awareness of broader national developments is essential for maintaining compliance and supporting effective long-term planning. Continued …
Thailand Privilege Extends Bronze Membership and Family Promotion
Thailand Privilege has announced the official extension of two of its most in-demand offers, the Bronze Membership and the Next Member Family Promotion, giving prospective long-term residents additional time to plan their move to Thailand.
The extension follows feedback from applicants and authorized agents requesting greater flexibility, as interest in long-stay residency options continues to grow. Both offers will now remain available until March 31, or until further notice. Continued …
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World Bank Predicts Thailand’s 2026 Growth at 1.8%, ASEAN’s Lowest
The World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report indicates that Thailand’s GDP is predicted to grow by 1.8% in 2026, a slight revision upward by 0.1 percentage point from an earlier projection. Despite this increase, Thailand’s growth remains the lowest among major ASEAN countries.
The report foresees global economic challenges due to continuous trade tensions and policy uncertainties, which might hinder job creation as 1.2 billion young adults enter the workforce over the next decade. Continued …
Baht breaks 31 per dollar; Bank of Thailand to curb app gold trades
The baht has again become a growing concern after strengthening rapidly. Yesterday, the baht continued to appreciate and broke below the 31.00 level against the US dollar, reaching a strong level of THB30.88 per US dollar.
This marked its strongest level since March 2021, or the strongest in about 4 years and 10 months. Meanwhile, the Thai stock market closed up 21.19 points at 1,317.56, or 1.63%, with trading value (volume) of Bt68,148.65 million. Continued …
November Exports Rise for 17th Month but Risk 2026 Contraction
In November, Thai merchandise exports reached USD 27.45 billion, growing 7.1% year-on-year (YOY), slightly above SCB EIC’s 7% forecast but below the Reuters median of 8.3%. Despite solid expansion, seasonally adjusted exports showed signs of slowdown, declining 2.3% month-on-month.
This slowing trend comes after cumulative export growth of 12.6% over the first 11 months. Electronic products and exports to the US led growth, while gold exports contracted sharply for the second consecutive month due to a high base effect and slowed gold prices. Continued …
Thailand Seeks Investor Confidence at Davos 2026
Thailand is participating in the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos to boost investor confidence and promote its economic policies, with a focus on digital economy investments. The event in Switzerland from Jan. 19–23 sees around 3,000 participants, including 64 heads of state.
Leading the Thai delegation, Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas aims to strengthen ties with international organizations and tech companies. Continued …
11 Thai banks post Bt265-billion profit in 2025; Kasikornbank tops chart
Thailand’s commercial banking sector posted solid results in 2025, with the combined performance of 11 banks remaining at a healthy level: SCBX, Bangkok Bank (BBL), Kasikornbank (KBANK), Bank of Ayudhya (BAY), TMBThanachart Bank (TTB), Kiatnakin Phatra Bank (KKP), TISCO Financial Group (TISCO), Land and Houses Bank (LHFG), CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT), Thai Credit Bank (CREDIT) and Krungthai Bank (KTB).
Overall, the 11 banks reported combined net profit of 265.396 billion baht in 2025, up 3.6%. The highest profit was recorded by Kasikornbank, at 49.604 billion baht, followed by Krungthai Bank at 48.229 billion baht, SCBX at 47.488 billion baht, and Bangkok Bank at 46.007 billion baht. Continued …
E-commerce growth eases as brands rethink operating models
Thailand’s e-commerce market is projected to post normalized growth this year, expanding by 7% to reach 1.15 trillion baht, as the maturing landscape is characterized by heightened complexity and fierce competition. To emerge as winners, brands must transition toward commerce operating systems, according to Priceza.
Success depends on the ability to manage all channels through a single integrated operating system, seamlessly bridging marketplaces, direct-to-consumer websites, offline retail, agentic commerce, and social/video platforms, e-commerce gurus said during the ECOM TALK 2026 seminar held yesterday by Priceza. Continued …
Thai Rice Exports Beat 2025 Target as 2026 Outlook Weakens
Thailand’s rice exports exceeded official targets in 2025, but the Ministry of Commerce has lowered its projection for 2026 amid intensifying global competition, currency volatility, and geopolitical risks. Officials say the focus next year will be on defending existing markets while expanding into selected new destinations to support farmer incomes and stabilize export volumes.
Yesterday, Arada Fueangtong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, said Thailand exported 7.9 million tons of rice in 2025, surpassing the target of 7.5 million tons. The shipments were valued at 148.204 billion baht, or about US$4.515 billion. Continued …
How to do marketing and advertising in Thailand? Top 7 tips
The marketing landscape has evolved at a remarkable pace. By early 2026, Thailand is expected to have around 67.8 million internet users, representing nearly the entire population (DataReportal). This level of digital penetration places Thailand among the most connected markets in the region.
The way Thai consumers interact with brands has fundamentally shifted. Conversations about going digital have moved on to a reality where AI underpins daily operations, “Shop-tainment” drives purchasing behavior, and long-held spiritual beliefs coexist with modern technology. Continued …
Shaping Thailand’s tourism future
The era of volume is dead. The next decade of Thai tourism will and must be shaped not by the number of arrivals, but by the economic value generated by those arrivals.
Thailand’s tourism industry has long thrived on its core strengths: genuine hospitality, generosity, and cultural attractions. For decades, these qualities allowed us to rely on pure scale. Yet, the tourism landscape has changed fundamentally. Continued …
Strong baht may crimp bookings
With the baht strengthening against the US dollar, surpassing 31 to the greenback for the first time in almost five years, it should impact forward bookings for the next few months and during the low season, discouraging tourist spending.
Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourist Assn., said travel agents have expressed concern about the strong baht, which has been an obstacle since last year for many markets, including the US, Russia, Europe, and Japan. Continued …
TAT faces backlash over Blackpink’s Lisa tourism promotion
The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) latest promotional campaign, featuring pop icon Lisa of Blackpink, has drawn mixed reactions online, with critics arguing that the TAT has secured a “precious gem” but undermined her value through poor presentation.
Critics have also questioned why artificial intelligence was used to depict Lisa, rather than filming or photographing her at the actual location. Continued …
Discover Thailand’s 5 ancient cat breeds
From the iconic Siamese cat with its stunning blue eyes to the lucky Korat, these cats have been beloved in Thai culture for centuries. Suphakluk, Khao Manee, and the mysterious Konja each bring their own charm, believed to bring good fortune, wealth, and prosperity. Discover the legacy of these fascinating breeds and learn why they are cherished by cat lovers worldwide. Video …
Wild elephants enjoy human-made water source in Khao Yai
A herd of wild elephants has been spotted enjoying a newly dug pond in Khao Yai National Park, signaling that the initiative to prevent the animals from straying and damaging local residents’ properties is yielding tangible results.
The herd was seen yesterday on video recorded by a camera trap installed near the supplemental water source in the Pha Ta Bak area to observe the animals’ behavior and assess the effectiveness of the initiative, said Yossawat Thiansawat, director of the Office of Conservation Area 1. Continued …
Singha Park Chiang Rai marks 10 years of balloon fiesta
Singha Park Chiang Rai is set to light up the northern skies this Valentine’s season as it celebrates the 10th anniversary of its international balloon festival, positioning the province as a “World Class Love Destination.”
The Singha Park International Balloon Fiesta 2026, scheduled for Feb. 11-15, will feature more than 30 hot air balloons from 13 countries, making it the largest balloon festival in ASEAN. The event aims to transform Chiang Rai into a global destination for romance, culture, and world-class entertainment. Continued …
Solar Energy: Myths, facts, and challenges
Solar energy is the most abundant of all energy resources on planet Earth. Solar energy is also one of the most powerful tools available to reduce air pollution and cut greenhouse gas emissions at their source.
Yet, despite its promise, solar energy is often misunderstood. Persistent myths about cost, reliability, and feasibility have slowed adoption, even as technology improves and prices fall. Understanding what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what challenges remain is key to scaling solar responsibly and equitably. Continued …
- Krabi Raids Israeli-Linked Cannabis Farm Using Thai Nominees – Continued …
- 13 Africans Arrested in Muang Thong Thani Romance Scam Bust – Continued …
- Norwegian Tourist Warned After Nude Incident on Pattaya Beach – Continued …
Trump drops Feb 1 tariffs, but vows no force on Greenland
US President Donald Trump has withdrawn his threat to impose new tariffs on multiple countries that oppose US control of Greenland, saying he has now reached an outline framework agreement with NATO. “Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1,” Trump wrote online, without providing details. He posted the message after meeting Mark Rutte, secretary-general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), in Davos, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. 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
On long weekends, the road from Bangkok to Hua Hin resembles a faulty production line. City dwellers racing to beat the rush, often end up cooled by car air conditioning instead of ocean winds.
3 Beachside Cities Where You Can Retire On US Social Security Alone
The ultimate event for wine lovers and industry professionals is set to return as the Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 announces its official schedule and line-up. Hosted at the Amari Hua Hin, the two-day event Jan. 15-16, will offer an immersive experience, combining high-level wine education with an extensive showcase of global vintages.
The Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Election Commission has reported strong voter turnout in the latest elections for subdistrict administrative organizations (SAO), with more than 72% of eligible voters casting their ballots.
Unsafe levels of ultrafine dust covered 59 provinces, while red and seriously harmful levels of smog blanketed Greater Bangkok this morning, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
Thailand’s exporters are closely watching a US Supreme Court ruling due tomorrow on President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal tariff” policy, with officials warning the decision could become a turning point for global trade conditions and Thailand’s 2026 outlook.
Thai exports are expected to grow by 2%-4% this year due to foreign investment, particularly in the electronics sector, according to the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC).
The Thai Tourist Police have launched an effort to improve services to visitors around the Grand Palace, aiming to tackle issues of overcharging and passenger refusals. This comprehensive strategy involves coordination with multiple government sectors and seeks to boost the image of this key national attraction.
Bangkok or Singapore: which megacity should be next on your travel list?
Guided by the Ministry of Energy of Thailand, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the ASEAN Smart Energy & Energy Storage Expo 2026 will return from March 25–27 at the IMPACT Exhibition Center, Bangkok.
US President Donald Trump has drawn a wave of criticism for his actions in Venezuela, violations of international law, disdain for longstanding norms, and threats against other countries – not least allies like Denmark and Canada. Around the world, there is a palpable sense of uncertainty and foreboding. But it should already be obvious that things will not end well, neither for the United States nor the rest of the world. 
The European Union’s defense and space commissioner, Andrius Kubilius, has warned that any attempt by the United States to seize Greenland by military force would effectively mark the end of NATO and trigger serious consequences for transatlantic relations. 
President Donald Trump said yesterday any country that does business with Iran will face a tariff rate of 25% on trade with the United States, as Washington weighs a response to the situation in Iran, which is seeing its biggest anti-government protests in years. 
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.
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.
For 50 years, the automotive sector has been the crown jewel of Thai industry, accounting for roughly 10% of the nation’s GDP. But as the world pivots to electric vehicles (EVs), Thailand’s traditional dominance is being challenged by a leaner, faster neighbor.
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. 
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. 
Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group with hotels, resorts, and branded residences across 59 countries, has announced the upcoming launch of NH Hua Hin in Thailand’s royal seaside town. Minor Hotels will assume management of the hotel from Jan. 1.
The Road Safety Operation Center (RSOC) has reported 27 deaths and 174 injuries from 175 road accidents on Jan. , marking day six of the New Year road safety campaign.
Thailand’s New Year road safety crackdown has recorded nearly 4,000 cases entering the probation system over six days, with drink-driving accounting for the vast majority and Nonthaburi, Bangkok, and Samut Prakan topping the provincial rankings.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a fresh weather outlook as another wave of cold air sweeps over upper Thailand, causing temperatures to drop, especially in northern provinces. Meanwhile, strong monsoonal winds are expected to affect the south and coastal areas starting this weekend.
The Thai baht is experiencing a strong rally this week, trading between 31.00 to 31.85 to the US dollar. This strength comes amid a surge in global gold prices, prompted by the US invasion of Venezuela. The move has created a ripple effect in markets, attracting capital inflows to Thailand’s bond sector.
Thailand’s exports are expected to keep expanding in 2026, but at a more modest pace of 2%-4%, as the surge seen in 2025 fades and the sector returns to a more “normalized” growth path, the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) said.
The Ministry of Public Health is pushing to enact a new ministerial regulation on cannabis before the next government takes office, with the draft now under review by the Office of the Council of State.
Thailand has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for medical tourism, attracting millions of international patients every year. Known for its affordable high-quality care, internationally accredited hospitals, and world-class hospitality, Thailand offers a unique combination of healthcare excellence and tourism appeal.
Photographers at Bangkok’s Wat Arun temple have been accused of rudely shooing away tourists to photograph paying customers in rented Thai costumes, leading to social-media complaints and a response from the Tourist Police and temple officials to inspect the site and implement preventive measures for tourist safety and Thailand’s image.
The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration, or DASTA, has launched the “The Soul of Thailand” campaign, inviting visitors to experience the spirit of Thai identity through nine travel routes across nine designated areas for sustainable tourism.
Hidden Bangkok Secrets for an Unforgettable Authentic Adventure
Thailand’s industrial sector has demonstrated resilience in the face of tightening European environmental standards, with exports of carbon-intensive goods to the European Union (EU) surging by nearly 55%.
The solar energy market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period 2025-2031, driven by global commitments to decarbonization, supportive government policies, and significant cost reductions in photovoltaic (PV) technology.
Thailand has implemented a new car excise tax structure effective from Jan. 1, reshaping vehicle prices across the market. Petrol-p owered vehicles, especially large-engine and high-emission models, have become more expensive, while electric vehicles (EVs) and some hybrids now face lower tax rates.
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.
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.
With global and domestic headwinds pressuring the Thai economy this year, the new government should consider “focused domestic intervention” measures to enhance tourism and attract foreign investments in specific sectors, says the Thai unit of German insurer Allianz.
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.
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.
The first time I ever spent a night in the hospital was in Bangkok. A CT scan during my annual check-up revealed a condition requiring the opinion of a specialist. I was panic-stricken.
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. 
Denmark called on the United States to stop “threatening” Greenland yesterday as President Donald Trump told US media he “absolutely” needed the territory, a day after Washington seized the leader of Venezuela. 
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.
In a situation where the Thai economy faces challenges on all sides, especially the high level of household debt, reaching 90% of GDP, and the slowdown in nationwide residential property transfers, projected to fall by 6% in 2026, the Thai real estate market is inevitably dependent on foreign investment.
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. 
Expat Thailand 2025: Open Doors, Uneven Rules
AIS launches simple SMS scam reporting service via 1185
Indian Boycott Calls Grow After Hindu Statue Damage Near Thai Border
Thailand offers 39 free camping sites for new year holidays
Brigitte Bardot, the French 1960s sex symbol who became one of the greatest screen sirens of the 20th century and later a militant animal rights activist and far-right supporter, has died. She was 91. 
UFO festival on Thailand tourism calendar in 2026
Living Lanna: the craft traditions of the north
Strong baht threatens Thailand’s tourism price competitiveness
UTCC estimates southern flood damages at 40 billion baht
Floods Wipe Out 42% of Thailand’s Key Malaysian Tourism Market
Italian Drug Suspect Caught in Bangkok on DTV