- Beachfront demolitions to proceed/Swimming warning in Hua Hin/Melioidosis kills 45/Bangkok diner sued 1 million baht/Ministry plans China rail pact/PM: Don’t let unrest happen in Thailand
- ECONOMY: Bank CEOs express concern/Fuel tax cuts loom/Thai export growth to slow/Foreign Direct Investment down/Strong VAT revenue/10 Thai banks record 3.6% decline
- TOURISM: Thailand delays 1,000-baht exit tax/Thai outbound travel holds up/38th in WEF tourism index/Thai Airways cancels six Taiwan flights
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand’s traditional Thai crêpe/An Authentic Thailand Experience/Best Snorkeling in the World/18 of the best family hotels/Chiang Mai Southeast Asia’s safest city
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thai town became the world’s dump/570 million baht for Net Zero plan
- IRAN WAR:Seven vessels hit/Houthi attacks fuel supply fears
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Appeal denied, beachfront demolitions to proceed
Hua Hin beachfront demolitions are set to proceed under the existing timetable following a meeting yesterday, at which the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said it would not interfere with the court ruling.
Water and electricity supplies are scheduled to be disconnected on Oct. 29. Plans also include installing concrete barriers to prevent the area from being reoccupied. Continued …
Swimming warning at Hua Hin beach
People are being advised to avoid swimming at Hua Hin beach, as strong winds and waves bring marine debris ashore and may create swirling currents. Hua Hin municipality issued the advice as municipal staff and community volunteers carried out a beach clean-up on Wednesday.
The municipality said the accumulation of debris is associated with the monsoon season and the annual “kite wind” period, which occurs during October and November. Continued …
Melioidosis kills 45 across four northeastern provinces
Health authorities in lower northeastern Thailand have recorded 570 cases of melioidosis and 45 deaths in four provinces so far this year. The figures, covering Jan. 1 to Oct. 22, were released yesterday.
Melioidosis, sometimes called soil fever, is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which occurs naturally in soil and water. It can enter the body through cuts or other broken skin, by breathing in contaminated dust or droplets, or by consuming contaminated food or water. Serious infections can be fatal. Continued …
Bangkok diner sued 1 million baht over 260-baht basil rice review
A Bangkok food shop has reportedly sued a customer for 1 million baht after he posted a video questioning why chicken basil rice with a fried egg cost 260 baht at a hospital food court.
The case has prompted renewed discussion about food prices and the risks consumers can face when reviewing businesses online. The man later told Channel 3’s news program that his wife had also been accused in connection with the case. Continued …
Transport ministry plans China rail pact covering 7 areas
Thailand’s Transport Ministry plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with China’s National Railway Administration in the fourth quarter of 2026, establishing a framework for cooperation in seven areas of rail development.
Stronger railway connections between Thailand, China and Laos would be a priority under the proposed agreement, which aims to improve regional transport and logistics through exchanges of expertise, technology and operating standards. Continued …
PM: Don’t let unrest like France happen in Thailand
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the national police chief to monitor unrest in France and prepare measures to prevent similar incidents in Thailand, saying the two countries have different social contexts.
Anutin said Thailand did not have the same internal conflicts as France and described Thai society as living in peace and unity. He also cited differences in the countries’ social and cultural makeup. Continued …
Bank CEOs express concern over high economic risks, say volatility is not temporary
The outlook for the Thai economy for the remainder of 2026 remains uncertain, facing fragile household purchasing power, high debt burdens, uneven recovery, and the impact of the floods.
Furthermore, risks from global events that may affect energy prices, business costs, and financial markets mean that businesses must prioritize risk management and asset quality alongside revenue generation and maintaining consistent profitability. Continued …
Fuel tax cuts loom as a last resort for relief
The Thai government is considering fuel tax cuts and reducing contributions to the Energy Conservation Promotion Fund as a last resort to alleviate the financial burden caused by high fuel prices. These measures aim to provide direct relief to consumers and help stabilize retail prices amid global market volatility.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan noted that while the government has already intervened to reduce gross refining margins, further actions like oil tax reductions may be necessary if global oil prices continue to climb due to Middle East tensions. Such measures are particularly critical for Thailand’s transport, agricultural, and industrial sectors, which rely heavily on diesel. However, officials are balancing these relief efforts with the need to maintain sufficient funding for energy conservation and renewable energy projects. – Bangkok Post AI
Thai export growth set to slow significantly next year
Thai export growth is projected to slow to 7.4% in 2027 as a result of several economic headwinds, most notably risks associated with US tariff policies. These trade risks are expected to impact various sectors, potentially weakening export competitiveness and adding pressure to overall economic growth.
The slowdown is anticipated due to a combination of factors, including US tariff risks, the electronics production cycle, and potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. While some sectors like electronics may remain partially protected or driven by AI demand, broader trade measures and uncertainties regarding transshipments through Thailand could pose significant challenges. Additionally, the potential for US trade measures to address trade surpluses could create further volatility for Thai exporters in the coming years. – Bangkok Post AI
Foreign Direct Investment for the first six months is down nearly 5%
Thailand is boasting of rising foreign investment as actual capital inflows plunge and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul launches a nationwide crackdown on foreign property ownership. Bank of Thailand figures expose a 24.6% second-quarter collapse in inward investment, dragging first-half FDI down 4.7%.
Meanwhile, foreign property owners and smaller investors face mounting uncertainty over assets acquired decades ago, with unlawful holdings facing forced sales. Japanese carmakers are also reportedly reviewing investment plans as Vietnam and Indonesia compete for their business. Yet, the government is promoting 271 billion baht in foreign investment commitments, up 7%, despite those figures representing business approvals rather than actual capital inflows. Continued …
Strong VAT revenue helps keep Thailand’s deficit below forecast
Thailand’s fiscal deficit for fiscal year 2026 stood at 3.4% of gross domestic product (GDP), below the earlier forecast of 4.4%, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, citing the latest Fiscal Policy Office figures.
Ekniti attributed the deficit coming in one percentage point below forecast to stronger-than-expected government revenue, saying the improvement had kept Thailand’s medium-term fiscal plan on track. Continued …
10 Thai banks record 3.6% decline in total profit
Ten listed banking companies recorded combined net profit of approximately 198.96812 billion baht in the first nine months of 2026, according to figures compiled by Thansettakij.
The total was down 7.42217 billion baht, or 3.6%, from 206.39029 billion baht a year earlier. The companies were BAY, BBL, CREDIT, KBANK, KKP, KTB, LHFG, SCB, TISCO and TTB. Continued …
Thailand delays 1,000-baht overseas exit tax
Thailand has put plans for a 1,000-baht charge on every overseas trip on hold, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said yesterday. The proposed tax had been under public consultation by the Revenue Department and would apply to people traveling out of Thailand.
The government has delayed it while assessing economic conditions and the impact of elevated energy prices linked to the war in the Middle East. Ekniti, who is also a deputy prime minister, said it would not be appropriate to add further costs at a time when energy expenses could affect both aviation and tourism. Continued …
Thai outbound travel holds up despite uncertainty
Thai consumers are continuing to travel overseas despite domestic flooding and international uncertainty, according to Krungsri Consumer. Rather than canceling trips, many are reducing spending in other areas, its executive says.
Atis Ruchirawat, head of unsecured lending at Bank of Ayudhya, or Krungsri, said outbound travel is expected to favor Asian destinations, particularly Japan, South Korea and China. The shift comes amid conflicts in the Middle East and protests in Europe. Continued …
Thailand rises to 38th in WEF tourism index
Thailand has climbed 10 places to 38th among 110 economies in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026, scoring 4.35 out of seven.
The score is 5.6% higher than in the 2024 edition, placing Thailand among the index’s 10 most improved economies. But the findings also identify weaknesses in infrastructure, environmental performance, local economic benefits and skilled staffing that could hinder its ambition to enter the global top 30. Continued …
Thai Airways cancels six Taiwan flights over Typhoon Champi
Thai Airways International has canceled six flights between Bangkok and Taiwan today, as Typhoon Champi disrupts aviation across the island. The cancellations affect services between Bangkok and both Taipei and Kaohsiung, the airline announced.
Typhoon Champi has brought strong winds and heavy rain to Taiwan, prompting widespread flight disruption. Taiwan canceled hundreds of domestic and international flights as the storm approached, despite forecasts indicating it would not make a direct landfall. Continued …
Khanom buang: The history of Thailand’s traditional Thai crêpe
Known in English as Thai crêpes or crispy pancakes, khanom buang is a traditional Thai snack believed to date back centuries. References to the delicacy appear in Thai literature and historical accounts, while different versions reflect how recipes have evolved over time.
Its origins are often traced to the Sukhothai period, based on what is believed to be evidence in temple paintings in the ancient city. The snack continued into the Ayutthaya period, appearing in Khun Chang Khun Phaen, one of Thailand’s best-known literary works, and was associated with royal ceremonies held throughout the year. Continued …
An Authentic Thailand Experience Only an Hour Away From Bangkok
This town offers an authentic experience of Thailand without all the tourist crowds. In this video, we visited the charming riverside town of Chachoengsao that’s only a day trip away from Bangkok. You can see the town’s iconic pink Ganesha statue, visit colorful shrines, or enjoy a peaceful afternoon enjoying tea and cake at a local cafe. Video …
This Stunning Island Has Some of the Best Snorkeling in the World
Wading into the pale blue water off Koh Tao’s southern coast, you might spot the unmistakable silhouette that gives Shark Bay its name — a blacktip reef shark cruising the shallows. Juveniles are a fixture off the shore of this Thai island, though the species tends to be timid and disappear almost as quickly as you can register them.
If you still prefer to give them a wide berth, you can instead seek out the green sea turtles that love to graze on seagrass or rise languidly toward the surface for air. Look even closer, and you’re likely to spot smaller denizens like needlefish hovering just below the surface or pink skunk clownfish darting among the tentacles of sea anemone. Continued …
18 of the best family hotels in Thailand
Memorable moments with the family come easy in Thailand — searching for pink dolphins, white-water river rafting, plunging into waterfalls, learning to snorkel. Thai culture embraces children, so there’s no need to worry about anyone turning their noses up either.
This extends to the hotel scene, too — many welcome families, with spacious rooms (often with private pools), easy mealtimes and stimulating kids’ clubs. With somewhere for every type of family — from jungle hideaways to urban resorts — we’ve put together our pick of the best places for a proper family holiday in Thailand. All you need to decide is where to go next. Continued …
Chiang Mai named Southeast Asia’s safest city
Chiang Mai has been named Southeast Asia’s safest city in Numbeo’s 2026 Safety Index, narrowly overtaking Singapore in a public-perception survey of urban safety.
The northern Thai city scored 77.9 and ranked 19th worldwide, compared with Singapore’s 77.5. Qingdao in China topped the global table on 89.2, while Abu Dhabi and Doha were also among the highest-rated cities. Continued …
This Thai town became the world’s dump
Flooding was bad enough for Prachin Buri. Then came the suspected industrial waste contamination. Now, with factories under investigation and a district chief known for scrutinizing industrial sites controversially transferred, the question is: how was this allowed to happen? Video …
Germany grants Thailand 570 million baht for Net Zero plan
Thailand has secured 15 million euros in German grant funding for climate and biodiversity work linked to its Net Zero 2050 target. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin said the Department of Climate Change and Environment – known as the “Department of Global Warming Reduction” – had won support through two major projects.
The grants come from Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI), under the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN). Continued …
Iran’s Navy says seven vessels hit, warns US of wider response
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said yesterday that four vessels involved n illegal oiltransfers in the northern Persian Gulf were simultaneously hit and caught fire after being tracked by its forces on Wednesday.
The IRGC added that three more vessels collided with mines west of the Strait of Hormuz, and warned the US militarythat continued provocations could lead to a wider response against its regional bases. Continued …
Brent rises 4% as Houthi attacks fuel supply fears
Brent crude reached its highest closing price since May 4 yesterday, rising 4% as Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia intensified concerns about further disruption to Middle East energy supplies.
Brent futures settled US$4.35 higher at US$113.17 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude gained US$2.32, or 2.4%, to finish at US$99.47 a barrel. Brent also remained in technically overbought territory for the third session in a week. US stocks fell sharply yesterday. Continued …
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Thai police arrest 11 Chinese in Bangkok scam and gambling raids – Continued …
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Chinese Gray Capital Linked to Bitcoin Mining Raid – Continued …
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Chinese suspects in Dubai triple murder held in Bangkok – 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
Minor Hotels has appointed Kanruethai Roongruang as general manager of Avani+ Hua Hin Resort. Originally from Phuket, Kanruethai brings more than 25 years of hospitality experience across Thailand and international markets, with expertise in resort operations, wellness, commercial strategy, business development, and luxury hospitality management.
A major new lifestyle destination is being planned in Hua Hin, with Thai property developer Supalai aiming to create a European-style village beside a lagoon in the Hin Lek Fai area.
Thailand’s Department of Business Development (DBD) is tightening enforcement against “nominee” businesses by requiring Thai shareholders in foreign co-investment firms to submit three months of financial evidence, including bank statements, to prove genuine investment capacity. The move is part of a broader crackdown on concealed foreign ownership structures and is already affecting thousands of companies across high-risk sectors.
OR and Bangchak have announced a reduction in retail fuel prices, cutting petrol and all types of gasohol by 80 satang per liter.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast today that Thailand would continue to see thundershowers over the next 24 hours, with isolated heavy rain in the east and along the south’s west coast.
The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and the Thai Frozen Foods Assn. began direct purchases of shrimp from farmers yesterday to mitigate the effects of Malaysia’s suspension of Thai shrimp imports.
Lisa’s Instagram Posts Reach 58-million-baht Value Worldwide
Oil prices retreated yesterday to their lowest levels since the start of the United States-Iran war, while tech shares continued to show weakness on a mixed day for global stocks.
The Thai baht is currently facing short-term pressure, with market strategists indicating it could test the 33.00–33.20 resistance band. This weakness is influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the Federal Reserve’s rate-hike expectations.
The Bank of Thailand has upgraded its GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 2.3% from 1.5%, attributed to strong exports, government stimulus, and easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Thailand is facing a rapidly escalating medical inflation crisis, raising concerns among insurers and regulators about its long-term implications for the healthcare and insurance sectors.
TikTok Shop flexes muscle in 3-way Thailand tussle
High-net-worth parents across Asia, the Middle East, and Russia are fundamentally rewriting the equation for elite schooling. Facing a volatile matrix of escalating geopolitical friction, erratic financial markets, and skyrocketing living costs in traditional Western markets, affluent families are increasingly asking whether a premium education requires sending children across the globe.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has organized the “Thailand Surf Therapy Real Experience and Trust Building Journey” in Phang-nga. This initiative precedes the concept’s official unveiling at Thailand Health Excellence 2026 on June 30.
Constant Energy, a leading renewable energy developer in Southeast Asia, has announced the successful inauguration of a 5.26 MW solar rooftop installation at the manufacturing facilities of Meyer Industries and Meyer Aluminium (Thailand) Co. in Laem Chabang, Thailand.
Once a lush field of green, the seagrass meadows surrounding Thailand’s Koh Libong are now largely barren stretches of sand, devastating the island’s iconic dugong population.
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela yesterday, collapsing buildings in the capital of Caracas and prompting scientists to warn of potentially heavy casualties and widespread destruction across the South American nation. 
Europe braced yesterday for another day of an unprecedented heatwave that has smashed records in many countries and sent air conditioner sales zooming in a continent unused to and ill-equipped to handle searing heat. 
Hua Hin land titles and property ownership can be confusing, especially for foreign buyers trying to understand leases, title deeds, and what is legally safe. Many people have seen the recent crackdowns on nominee company ownership (see below), with more than 46,900 companies reportedly under investigation across Thailand.
Thailand’s crackdown on a loophole that effectively bypasses its restrictions on land ownership by foreigners is causing prospective buyers to delay purchase decisions on luxury villas in resort destinations such as Phuket and Koh Samui, according to agents.
Thailand is pursuing two major policy directions that appear to conflict with one another: opening its economy to foreign business while intensifying enforcement against foreign-linked property ownership structures.
Thailand is facing renewed calls to tighten regulations governing foreign condominium ownership as the government considers raising the foreign ownership quota in condominium projects to attract overseas investment and support a property market still struggling with a slowdown.
Elephants can certainly shift. African elephants can reach top speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour, albeit over short distances only. This is more than twice as fast as the average human runner, so it seems like an open and shut case.
Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) says it has intensified oversight of medical cannabis businesses nationwide, carrying out more than 1,200 inspections in recent weeks as authorities seek to ensure cannabis is used strictly for medical purposes.
During the past week, global attention focused on the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, bringing months of protracted conflict to a halt.
Thailand is entering the second half of 2026 with a mixed economic signal: S&P Global Ratings has maintained the country’s sovereign rating at BBB+ with a stable outlook, but economists warn that pressure from oil prices, rising imports, fiscal deficits, and global uncertainty could keep the current account and the baht under strain.
Foreign investment in Thailand exceeded 153.56 billion baht in the first five months of 2026, surging 73% from the same period last year.
Can Thailand’s Land Bridge Challenge Malacca and Redefine Asian Trade Routes?
Thailand’s exporters are heading into a more uncertain second half of 2026, with growth expected to slow as global trade risks pile up across energy, logistics, and major export markets.
Vietnam is moving aggressively to expand its global trade reach through a new generation of free trade agreements (FTAs) targeting the Middle East and South Asia, a strategy that could increase competitive pressure on Thai exporters in markets where both countries sell similar goods.
China’s growing pet-friendly culture is creating a new export opening for Thailand, as demand for premium and health-focused pet food rises among Chinese consumers who increasingly treat pets as family members.
A toxic mix of record household debt, strict lending criteria, and a severe demographic slowdown leaves Bangkok’s property market heavily oversupplied. The accumulated inventory of unsold residential properties in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces is projected to surge to an unprecedented 213,000 units by the end of 2026, triggering warnings that Thailand is on the brink of a chronic, Japan-style vacant housing crisis.
Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) has announced plans for WellEra, a wellness-integrated development in the city’s Lumphini district that will redefine the relationship between healthcare, residential living, hospitality, and lifestyle.
Italy has offered to employ 20,000-30,000 Thai workers a year to remedy labor shortages in three sectors, deputy government spokeswoman Patdarat Thongsaluaykorn said yesterday.
The government has reiterated that investments in data centers must not adversely affect local communities or the agricultural sector. According to government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek, the data center investment boom reflects the country’s potential to become a regional digital infrastructure hub, supporting the growth of cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce, fintech, and other digital services.
Thailand is redefining its annual green season, promoting the rainy months as a prime opportunity for wellness, nature-based experiences, and meaningful travel. Through its “Healing is the New Luxury” campaign, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is encouraging travelers to view the season not as an off-peak period, but as a time for restoration, reflection, and deeper connections with nature and local communities.
Authorities in Phuket are considering a proposal to raise the provincial tax on hotels from 1% to 3% of room rates to generate additional revenue for local development and tourism promotion.
The recent proposal to merge the Ministry of Culture with the Ministry of Tourism should be treated with great caution. This idea may appear to be just a bureaucratic restructuring. But the two ministries have distinct missions, functions and skill sets that should not be combined.
Master the Art of Ordering Som Tum Like a Thai Local
Phangnga: Southern springboard to growth
The Great Hornbill forages in the treetops, usually living in pairs. Outside the breeding season, they can sometimes gather in flocks of up to 150, roosting in trees in valleys. However, they occasionally descend to the ground to forage. Their loud call, “Kok Kok Kok, Kahang Kahang Kahang” or “Kawa Kawa Kawa,” is the origin of their name. Great Hornbills are found in moist evergreen forests, dry evergreen forests, or mixed deciduous forests. 
Thailand needs to accelerate its transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) and expand the use of renewable energy to strengthen long-term energy security, according to Areeporn Asawinpongphan, a researcher at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
Analyst urges shift away from fossil fuels
Private sector officials in Khon Kaen have proposed new Khon Kaen-Hua Hin flights as part of plans to improve air links between the northeast and key tourism and economic centers.
Jasmine International (JAS) has officially secured the broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Thailand, just hours before the first match kicks off, ensuring that all 104 matches will be available to football fans.
Makro, a leading wholesale business under CP AXTRA, is making everyday shopping easier, faster, and more secure for millions of Thai customers with the nationwide launch of QR Credit Card Payment at Makro.
Representatives from the Swedish Church are visiting Hua Hin from June 12-16 for baptisms, home visits, hospital visits, and meetings with local businesses, the church announced.
The situation along the Thai-Cambodian border remains fragile, but is still under control, says National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-general Chatchai Bangchuad. His comments came amid reports that China had delivered T-59D tanks to Cambodia.
Thai gold prices fell sharply at the market open today, with bullion dropping by 1,150 baht per baht-weight as global gold prices came under renewed pressure.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has raised its forecast for Thailand’s 2026 economic growth to 1.6%-2.0%, supported by the 170-billion-baht “Thais Help Thais Plus” stimulus scheme.
The drafting of Bangkok’s new comprehensive city plan, the fourth revision, is expected to take effect around late 2027 and bring major changes to land-use rules in several areas.
Return to Khao Yai Reveals Why Thailand’s Nature Escape Keeps Getting Better
Thailand’s best beaches, and when to visit each one
How Thailand’s Highland Communities Are Taking Local Wisdom Global
Thailand is accelerating its transition to a low-carbon economy, rolling out a series of policies, regulatory reforms, and investment incentives designed to align economic growth with environmental sustainability.
US President Donald Trump yesterday brushed off concerns about consumer inflation surging to a fresh three-year high in May, on the back of soaring energy prices caused by his war in Iran. “The numbers were great… I love the inflation,” Trump told reporters. 
After Russian police started using facial-recognition cameras to identify men wanted by military authorities, a young bank worker spent weeks avoiding the Moscow metro. But on a snowy Friday evening in late 2024, heavy traffic pushed him underground to visit his mother. At the next station, two officers entered the carriage and detained him for draft evasion. 
SpaceX enters the final stretch today before its expected trading on Wall Street as part of the biggest initial public offering in history, which could propel co-founder Elon Musk to trillionaire status. 
Traffic nightmare expected on Rama 2/PKK province’s public relations plan
The partial closure of Rama 2 road for four months 24 hours a day from Feb. 15 to June 15 to install beams for a new expressway is expected to have widespread impact on the traffic flow.
The Ministry of Finance is preparing a proposal for the new government to restructure the excise tax system, aiming for a 7.6% increase in revenue for fiscal year 2026, reaching 578 billion baht.
So many Chinese tourists are heading to Thailand for Lunar New Year holidays that many tour packages offered by travel agencies are completely sold out, according to Chinese media.
The Department of Medical Services (DoMS) has issued an advisory urging citizens and businesses to prepare for the upcoming summer, which is expected to be more severe than last year.
Prime Minister Mark Carney yesterday launched a multi-billion dollar plan to strengthen the Canadian military and rely less on the United States. Carney’s announcement of Canada’s first defense industrial strategy built on themes he has emphasized throughout his 11-month tenure as President Donald Trump rips through traditional US alliances. 
Google has unveiled a new feature allowing users to request the removal of non-consensual explicit images and sensitive personal information from search results more easily, as part of its latest privacy and safety push. 
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Singha Park Chiang Rai marks 10 years of balloon fiesta
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. 
Prachuap Khiri Khan railway land development to proceed
Corpses Line Street In Rio As Police Raid Death Toll Hits 132
Thailand Mourns 6,000 Lives Lost in 22-Year Southern Insurgency
Thai banking, health insurance issues leading to DTV’s increasing popularity
Thailand already a tourism powerhouse, no need to follow Vietnam’s visa-free move
VietJet Thailand launches Phuket-Mumbai flights at 1,400 baht
Bangkok–Malaysia Train Service Set for Revival
Government given failing grade on corruption
Strong Baht and Safety Fears Weigh on Thai Tourism
Hua Hin’s Movenpick resort recognized for sustainability efforts
Fuel price freeze approved until Sept 30
All government units to adopt digital systems by 2026
