- Hua Hin murder suspect arrested/Incoming PM2.5 crisis/Laos enforces nationwide burn ban/Thailand Raises Foreign Income Repatriation Limit/Wildlife thrives in Kaeng Krachan/Park Ranger Killed by Wild Elephant
- ECONOMY: FTI Calls for Accelerated FTAs/Thai industrial sentiment retreats/New business registrations declined/IHG to add nearly 40 hotels/Petroleum law changes on hold
- TOURISM: Foreign tourist arrivals down/Chasing away Western tourists?
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Friendliest Thai cities for foreigners
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Racing to save Thailand’s dugongs
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS
Hua Hin murder suspect arrested
Police investigators last night arrested a 36-year-old man suspected of killing a female hotel employee in Hua Hin before stealing property. He was found curled up in grass at the end of Soi Hua Hin 42, about 300 meters from the railway line, and is being taken into custody for questioning.
Earlier, Police Maj. Gen. Teeradej Thamsuthee, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau and deputy spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, said urgent orders had been issued for Provincial Police Region 7 and the Crime Suppression Division to track down the suspect in the Hua Hin hotel robbery killing in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Continued …
Incoming PM2.5 crisis heightens health concerns
Thailand is bracing for an air pollution crisis, with authorities warning that fine dust (PM2.5) levels are expected to rise nationwide through Jan. 25, heightening health concerns.
The Bangkok Air Quality Information Center and the Pollution Control Department (PCD) said forecasts for Jan. 19–25 point to widespread increases in fine particulate matter, with Bangkok, the Central Plains, the north, and the northeast facing the highest risk. Continued …
Laos enforces nationwide burn ban as air pollution worsens
Laos has tightened controls on outdoor burning, as air pollution continued to affect major cities yesterday, with the government warning that forest fires and agricultural burning remain the main drivers of seasonal haze and health risks.
Air quality in the capital, Vientiane, stood at an air quality index (AQI+) reading of 127 this morning, according to monitoring group IQAir, while the tourist town of Vangviang recorded a reading of 80. An AQI above 100 is generally considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Continued …
Thailand Raises Foreign Income Repatriation Limit to $10 Million
The Bank of Thailand has significantly eased its rules on foreign income repatriation to alleviate the upward pressure on the baht. The Bank of Thailand has increased the transaction cap from $1 million to $10 million per transaction.
This move aims to provide Thai individuals and businesses with greater flexibility in managing their US dollar earnings without the immediate need for conversion, the central bank announced yesterday. Continued …
Wildlife thrives in Kaeng Krachan as panther and bears spotted
A black panther and an Asiatic black bear with its cub were spotted on Monday, strolling along a road inside Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi, highlighting the rich biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
The sighting occurred along the Ban Krang–Phanoen Thung route, a mountainous area frequented by nature enthusiasts. A tourist managed to capture clear photos of the animals in their natural habitat, which were later shared with park officials. Continued …
Park Ranger Killed in Wild Elephant Attack in Phetchabun
A park ranger was killed after being attacked by a wild elephant during a patrol operation in Nam Nao district, Phetchabun province. The incident occurred Monday morning when a four-member patrol team from National Park Protection Unit No. 10 (Phu Hin Lek Fai) was operating in tambon Nam Nao. One officer suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
According to the report, the patrol team was carrying out routine duties when a lone wild elephant suddenly charged at the officers without warning. As the team attempted to run for cover, a government employee attached to the unit, lost his footing and fell to the ground. The elephant then moved directly toward him and attacked. Continued …
FTI Calls for Accelerated FTAs and Structural Reforms Amid 2026 Uncertainty
Thailand’s economy in 2026 is projected to face significant uncertainty and potential stagnation, risking a decline in competitiveness. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is urging the government to accelerate free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations and implement structural reforms to navigate these challenges.
Economic forecasts are pessimistic, with the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) expecting 1.6%–2.0% growth, and the Siam Commercial Bank Economic Intelligence Center (SCB EIC) predicting a low of 1.5% – potentially the weakest in over 30 years. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also warns of a global slowdown impacting Thailand’s export-dependent economy and projects Thailand’s GDP ranking in ASEAN could fall from second to fifth by 2030. Continued …
Thai industrial sentiment retreats after 7-month high
Thailand’s industrial sentiment index fell in December, after hitting a seven-month high in November, over concerns about the border conflict with Cambodia and uncertainties about government policies, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported today.
The strong baht and slow manufacturing were also among the concerns, the group said. The baht has gained about 1.5% against the dollar so far this year, making it Asia’s best performing currency. It rose around 9% against the greenback last year. Continued …
New business registrations declined in 2025
The Department of Business Development (DBD) at the Ministry of Commerce said yesterday that 5,187 new businesses were registered in December 2025, up 18.5% year-on-year, though registered capital fell 41.5% to 13.385 billion baht.
DBD Director-general Poonpong Naynabhakorn said that for 2025 as a whole (January–December), Thailand recorded 85,251 new business registrations, down 2.7%, with cumulative registered capital of 264.237 billion baht, down 7.5%. Continued …
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IHG to add nearly 40 hotels to Thai portfolio in 3-5 years
Thailand still has an undersupply of hotel rooms, according to international chain IHG Hotels & Resorts, which aims to add nearly 40 hotels here in 3-5 years. Elie Maalouf, chief executive at IHG, said Thailand is still “under-penetrated” in terms of hotel rooms per person, as many hotels have very high occupancy rates for much of the time.
He said Thailand and other Southeast Asian destinations already have strong fundamentals that support the travel industry, including a growing middle class, infrastructure development, and an extensive airline network. IHG operates two hotel resorts in Hua Hin – Holiday Inn Resort Vana Nava amd Intercontinental Hua Hin Resort. Continued …
Petroleum law changes put on hold
The Department of Mineral Fuels (DMF) has finished drafting amendments to the Petroleum Act to ensure the continuity of petroleum production when licenses expire, avoiding delays that can result in expensive electricity bills.
Setbacks in domestic gas production force Thailand to import more costly liquefied natural gas (LNG) to fuel power generation, thus driving up production costs. While the amendment draft was completed by the DMF, it must wait for a new elected government to be implemented. Continued …
Foreign tourist arrivals down 18% in January
Thailand’s foreign tourism sector has started 2026 badly, already under strain from security scares, the Thai-Cambodian conflict, and catastrophic flooding in the south in 2025. Figures released yesterday by Tourism and Sports Minister Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn indicate that arrivals in January 2026 could total about 3 million, roughly 18% lower than January 2025.
The latest setback comes as media observers point to damaging international coverage, including reports of construction disasters such as a crane crashing onto an express train and a vehicle on a motorway, incidents cited as undermining confidence in Thailand as a safe holiday destination. Continued …
Is Pattaya chasing away Western tourists?
A wave of blunt, often frustrated comments from readers has reignited a long-running question: is Pattaya intentionally — or unintentionally — pushing away its traditional Western visitor base?
Long-time residents and repeat visitors argue that the resort city is in visible decline, citing soaring prices, environmental issues, and a nightlife scene they say no longer offers value. Complaints range from unpleasant odors in key nightlife zones and aggressive motorbike riding to what many describe as unchecked price inflation — bar fines, drinks, and companionship all costing far more than before, with far less satisfaction. Continued …
The friendliest Thai cities for foreigners
Thailand is often called the Land of Smiles, but some cities feel especially welcoming to foreigners. Places like Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Chiang Rai, Koh Samui, and Khon Kaen are known for friendly locals, relaxed lifestyles, and strong community spirit. Expats often say these areas make it easy to settle in, connect with people, and feel at home, whether in the north, by the sea, or in the heart of Isaan.
Hua Hin is known for its calm pace, polite local culture, and well-established expat community. Many foreigners, especially retirees and families, choose Hua Hin because locals are respectful, patient, and welcoming. Daily life feels unhurried, whether chatting at fresh markets, walking along the beach, or meeting neighbors. Continued …
The influencer racing to save Thailand’s most endangered sea mammal
A solitary figure stands on the shore of Thailand’s Tang Khen Bay. The tide is slowly rising over the expanse of sandy beach, but the man does not seem to notice. His eyes are not fixed on the sea, but on the small screen clutched between his hands.
About 600 meters offshore, past the shadowy fringe of coral reef, his drone hovers over the murky sea, focused on a whirling gray shape: Miracle, the local dugong, is back. Continued …
Running red lights remains a deadly habit on Pattaya roads, putting tourists directly in harm’s way
A motorcycle collision at the Central Pattaya intersection this week has once again highlighted a long-standing and dangerous problem on the city’s roads: routine disregard for red traffic lights.
According to initial reports, a local rider ran a red light and collided with another motorcycle legally crossing the intersection. Several people were injured and taken to hospital. As is often the case, speculation quickly followed online — about who was at fault, whether alcohol was involved, and why traffic laws seem optional to some road users. Continued …
- Lopburi Police Arrest Korean Golf Tour Operators – Continued …
- Iranian Man Arrested for Illegally Selling Medicines in Pattaya – Continued …
- Russian Wanted for Construction Fraud Arrested in Phuket – Continued …
- Malaysian Call Scam Suspect Arrested Over 1.5-million Fraud – Continued …
- CCTV Shows German Tourist Stealing From Phuket Spa – Continued …
Davos 2026 opens in turmoil as Canada warns world order is ‘dead’
The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting 2026 in Davos has begun in a notably heated atmosphere, after Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney used a major address to declare that the so-called “rules-based order” is effectively “dead” in practice and urged the world’s middle powers to unite against growing coercion by larger states. Continued …
US-EU trade war fears grow amid tariff threat
If the US and the European Union (EU) implement tariff barriers against each other, it could cause severe disruptions to global trade, as both are crucial players in the global supply chain and major consumer markets, say economic analysts. Tensions are escalating after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs ranging up to 25% on eight European allies that oppose his demands for control of Greenland. Continued …
Japan 2025 foreign visitors at record 42.7 million, spending at all-time high
Foreign visitors to Japan reached a record estimated 42.7 million in 2025, the government said yesterday, with their spending also at a new all-time high of 9.5 trillion yen (1.8 trillion baht), thanks to a weaker yen and increased flights to Japan. Continued …
UN report declares global state of ‘water bankruptcy’
The world is entering an era of “global water bankruptcy”, with rivers, lakes, and aquifers depleting faster than nature can replenish them, a United Nations research institute said yesterday. It argues that decades of overuse, pollution, environmental destruction, and climate pressure had pushed many water systems so beyond the point of recovery that a new classification was required. Continued …
Gold hits record above $4,700
Global gold prices surged to another record high yesterday, rising above US$4,700 an ounce and moving closer to the US$4,800 mark, as escalating geopolitical tensions drove demand for safe-haven assets. Silver also hit an all-time high, briefly breaking above US$95 an ounce. Continued …
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