Daddy Deli acquires Taboo/Severe drought may grip Thailand/Volunteer firefighters paying the price/End military-led approach in deep south
- THE IRAN WAR: Thailand Seeks New Partners as US Withholds Help
- ECONOMY: E-Commerce the ‘Backbone’ of Thai Retail/FPO cuts GDP forecast/Limited impact from co-pay scheme/Asian hub for global wealth/Japanese restaurants decline
- TOURISM: Thailand Welcomes Over 11 million/Travel agents slam B1,000 exit tax/Vietjet Launches Flight and Ferry Service/Thai Airways raises fuel surcharge
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: LA Songkran Event Sets Guinness Record/How they produce coconut water
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Bangkok’s heat crisis
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin’s Daddy Deli acquires Taboo restaurant
Daddy Deli has acquired the Taboo Tapas Wine & Lounge Bar in Hua Hin’s Smorprong area and is preparing to reopen the venue as a new gastro pub, marking the brand’s fourth location in town and continuing its steady expansion since launching in 2020.
The new venue, to be called Taboo by Daddy Deli, will build on the success of the existing restaurant while introducing a more relaxed, community-focused dining concept. The gastro pub is expected to open in May. – HHT
Severe drought may grip Thailand for next 3 years
Thai people are being advised to brace for a prolonged and possibly extreme drought, which may last for up to three years due to El Niño weather phenomenon, according to the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) and Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
Paitoon Kengkarnchang, deputy secretary-general of the ONWR, said that Thailand will start to feel the impacts of El Niño in July, with the hot weather intensifying from November into early next year. Continued …
Volunteer firefighters paying the price
They die quietly, one by one, doing the forest officials’ job, rewarded with little more than praise that masks state hypocrisy. In early April, Boonma Phadaeng, 56, collapsed and died after days of fighting a forest fire in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai province.
Days later, Decha Tathika lost his life under similar strain in Phrae. No insurance, hazard pay, or safety net for families left behind. They are not the only ones. Every year, poorly equipped volunteer firefighters die protecting their homes. Continued …
Government urged to end military-led approach in deep south
Critics have warned that the military-led approach to handling the conflict in Thailand’s southern border provinces may be prolonging unrest rather than resolving it. Since violence resumed in 2004, the conflict in Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat remains entrenched, rooted in historical, identity, and religious differences involving separatist groups.
According to Deep South Watch, a local think tank, more than 7,000 people have been killed in the decades-long unrest in the region, which is home to a majority of the country’s Malay Muslim population. The violence has led to the imposition of a prolonged security framework, with martial law and emergency decrees remaining in place for over 20 years. Continued …
Thailand Seeks New Partners as US Withholds Help
Thailand has received no direct assistance from the United States as it struggles with the economic fallout of the American-Israeli war against Iran, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said in an interview Monday. The conflict has driven up fuel and fertilizer costs, placing significant strain on the Thai economy and its agricultural sector. In response, Thailand is turning to Russia and China for support.
Prices for urea fertilizer have nearly doubled, impacting more than 10 million Thai farmers, while diesel prices in Thailand reached historic highs. Efforts to secure supplies have included a visit by Thailand’s agriculture minister to Moscow and attempts to procure Russian crude, though concerns over US sanctions have slowed progress. Continued …
Digital Dominance: E-Commerce Now the ‘Backbone’ of Thai Retail
The Thai retail landscape has reached a historic tipping point, with e-commerce now established as the sector’s primary engine of growth. Recent data reveals the digital market has surpassed the 1 trillion baht ($30 billion) threshold, accounting for 30% of total national retail value.
The market is currently dominated by a trio of major players, though the hierarchy is shifting. Shopee remains the undisputed market leader with a 50% share, bolstered by its “Buy Now, Pay Later” financial services and proprietary logistics network, SPX Express. Continued …
FPO cuts Thailand’s 2026 GDP forecast to 1.6% on geopolitical risks
Thailand’s Fiscal Policy Office has cut its 2026 economic growth forecast to 1.6%, down from the 2.0% projection made in January, citing rising pressure from geopolitical conflicts, particularly in the Middle East.
Winit Wisetsuwannaphum, director-general of the FPO, said the conflicts had affected energy costs, travel, and volatility in the global trade system, forcing the agency to revise down its outlook. Continued …
Limited impact seen from co-pay scheme
Economists have played down the impact of the long-awaited second phase of the government’s latest co-payment plus scheme in propping up the subdued economy, citing a limited budget, while goods prices are expected to rise substantially from the second quarter due to elevated oil prices.
Under the Thai Help Thai Plus scheme, the flagship consumer spending stimulus of the Bhumjaithai-led government, the package could offer a 1,000 baht per month subsidy on consumption for four months. The program to “ease citizens’ financial burden” will feature a 60:40 split of approved spending by consumers, with the government paying 60%. Continued …
Thailand emerges as new Asian hub for global wealth and luxury
Thailand is emerging as one of Asia’s new wealth hubs as the global capital landscape shifts and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) become increasingly mobile, creating fresh momentum for Thailand’s high-end property, investment, and luxury lifestyle sectors.
The Wealth Report 2026 by Knight Frank Chartered (Thailand) Co., says the number of Thai ultra-wealthy individuals is expected to increase by 26% between 2026 and 2031, one of the highest growth rates in Asia, reflecting Thailand’s potential as a new destination for global capital and an investment base for highly mobile wealthy groups. Continued …
Number of Japanese restaurants in Thailand declines
Despite a slowdown in the Japanese restaurant sector last year, new players continue to enter the Thai market this year, while existing brands expand their presence.
According to the Japan External Trade Organization’s Bangkok Office, there were 5,781 Japanese restaurants in Thailand in 2025, a 2.2% decline from 2024, marking the first dip since data collection began in 2007. Continued …
Thailand Welcomes Over 11 million Tourists, Down 3% for Year
Thailand saw 11,364,781 foreign tourist arrivals from Jan. 1 to April 26, representing a 3.4% year-on-year decline, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Despite the decrease, the country generated an estimated B555,631 million in tourism-related spending. The top source markets for this period were China, Malaysia, Russia, India, and South Korea.
Top Five Source Markets (Jan. 1-April 26, 2026): China: 1,836,916; Malaysia: 1,228,057; Russia: 849,367; India: 805,208; and South Korea: 465,702. Continued …
Travel agents slam B1,000 exit tax
The Thai Travel Agents Assn. (TTAA) strongly opposes the government’s plan to levy a 1,000-baht departure tax on Thai travelers, warning it will hamper two-way tourism and hurt the economy during a cost-of-living crisis.
Chotechuang Soorangura, vice-president of TTAA, said the goal to raise more revenue was understandable, but the principle behind the scheme was unacceptable. He said it remains unclear how much of the budget will be allocated to each type of stimulus, undermining transparency in how the fund will be managed. Continued …
Vietjet Launches Flight and Ferry Service to Thailand’s Islands
Vietjet Thailand has introduced its “Fly2Ferry” service, integrating air and sea travel between Bangkok and the southern islands of Thailand. This new service streamlines travel for passengers to popular destinations like Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan by offering a single booking system that includes flight and ferry reservations. The service will be available from April 28.
According to Pinyot Pibulsonggram, vice president of commercial and customer service at Vietjet Thailand, this service represents a strategic move to elevate travel convenience to sought-after island destinations. The initiative aligns with the airline’s broader strategy to broaden its travel network and potentially expand flight connections to other islands. Continued …
Thai Airways raises fuel surcharge on international tickets
Thai Airways International has issued an important announcement on revisions to its fuel surcharge rates for tickets on international routes. The move comes under pressure from a “fuel crisis”, with global aviation fuel prices volatile and rising far beyond forecasts.
The main cause of the crisis is the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, which has pushed jet A-1 aviation fuel prices up by two to three times compared with levels before the conflict. Continued …
LA Songkran Event Sets Guinness Record with Pad Thai Sales
More than 1,300 Pad Thai dishes were sold within an hour during the Songkran Festival on Sunday in Los Angeles, setting a new Guinness World Record. The “2026 Thai New Year: Songkran Festival,” hosted along a three-kilometer stretch of Hollywood Boulevard, attracted over 200,000 attendees and is regarded as the largest Thai festival outside of Thailand.
The festival commenced with a parade showcasing Thai cultural elements, drawing large crowds to Hollywood Boulevard. Participants included Thai youth in traditional attire and contestants from the Miss Thai Town 2026 pageant. The highlight of the day was the Pad Thai sales challenge, where chefs from 48 restaurants collaborated to surpass the 1,200 dish target. By the end of the hour, 1,338 dishes were sold, securing the Guinness World Record. Continued …
This is how they produce coconut water in Thailand
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Vilhelm International Academy launched in March 2026 and has is campus at “The Hub” in Hin Lek Fai, less than 10 minutes from the center of town. They provide mentor-led academic supervision for students studying through accredited online school programs, whether independently enrolled or through integrated programs offered at Vilhelm. This means that students follow a fixed timetable, complete coursework under supervision, and receive ongoing progress monitoring. They can do this whist studying for their GCSE’s, A-Levels, NCAA approved US courses, or any other online school they choose to use.
Unlike more traditional options, at the academy children can learn at their own pace, not being forced forward before they are ready and also not being held back by the rest of the class. When they are ready to move on they do so. By coming to the academy each day, they are able to complement their studies with activities that develop leadership skills, community service (such as the recent helmet initiative), complemented by daily sports and physical activity to support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
You can visit the website for more details, or you can book an appointment to meet with the academy co-ordinator to discuss what you are looking for and explain what they can offer. There is a completely free five-day trial period that can be taken advantage of by anyone interested in seeing if the academy is the right fit for them.
Website; Email: info@vilhelminternationalacademy.com; Phone: +66 065 991 5500; Facebook; Map location.
Bangkok’s heat crisis
Bangkok’s heat index has been sitting in the “danger” category since April 1, and as of today, that is nearly four weeks without a break. Actual air temperatures are running at 38 to 40 degrees celsius, with high humidity pushing the feels-like temperature significantly higher.
On the worst days earlier this month, the heat index hit 58.7 degrees celsius, at which point core body temperature can rise to 40 degrees within just 10 to 15 minutes of outdoor exposure. The reason April hits harder than any other month is structural: Thailand’s northeast monsoon ends around mid-February, the cooling rains of the southwest monsoon do not arrive until mid-May, and April sits right in the gap with no cloud cover, no rainfall, and heat building day after day with nowhere to go. Continued …
Sri Lankan monks’ Thailand trip goes up in smoke after cannabis bust
Twenty-two Sri Lankan Buddhist monks who had just returned from Thailand were arrested on April 25 at an airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka, after customs officers allegedly found cannabis hidden in their luggage. The monks were detained after officers found 110 kilograms of cannabis concealed in secret compartments inside their suitcases. Continued …
- Foreign Suspect Shot Dead in Cave, Chumphon – Continued …
- Police Arrest Australian Fugitive in Khon Kaen Raid – Continued …
- Police Arrest Nigerians and Thai in Scam Ring in Pattaya – Continued …
- Police face backlash for letting 2 foreigners walk naked on Phuket road – Continued …
- Foreign man steals from Krabi cannabis shop while staff sleeps – Continued …
UAE quits OPEC from May 1 in major shake-up for global oil market
The United Arab Emirates has confirmed it will withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the wider OPEC+ alliance from May 1, ending more than five decades of membership and dealing a fresh blow to the producers’ group as the Iran war continues to disrupt global energy flows. Continued …
As Trump greets Charles, the White House calls them ‘Two Kings’
If the ancestors of Donald Trump and King Charles could see them today, the US president mused yesterday, they “would surely be filled with awe and pride that the Anglo-American revolution in human freedom” had survived to the present day. The White House captioned a photo of the moment, “TWO KINGS”. 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
When we talk about foreigners moving abroad, the loudest voices and the biggest egos usually grab all the attention. But today, let’s talk about the absolute pinnacle of expat achievement: The Seamless Neighbor.
New research is looking at the positive effects of coffee on the gut-brain connection. In the small study, published Tuesday in Nature Communications, researchers found regularly drinking coffee − both caffeinated and decaffeinated versions − can affect the gut microbiome, influencing mood and stress.
Thailand is facing another burst of summer-storm weather, with the Thai Meteorological Department warning that the north and northeast will bear the brunt first, bringing thunderstorms, strong winds, hail and isolated heavy rain. Some areas may also see lightning as the latest system moves in.
The Smart Water Operation Center (SWOC) of the Royal Irrigation Department recently outlined Thailand’s water situation and outlook for 2026, saying the country is likely to enter an El Niño period in the middle of the year, which could bring below-normal rainfall.
Thailand’s economy is entering one of its most vulnerable phases as global geopolitical tensions intensify, yet selective opportunities for capital inflows remain, says Kongkiat Opaswongkarn, chief executive of Asia Plus Group Holdings. While Thailand is not directly involved in the ongoing conflicts in the Gulf region, the country’s economic structure leaves it highly exposed to external shocks.
The Trump administration is nearing a deal to rescue low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines that could include up to $500 million in government-backed financing to help it keep operating through bankruptcy, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said yesterday ticket prices may need to rise by as much as 15% to 20% to offset a surge in jet fuel costs, signaling a significant test of consumers’ willingness to absorb higher fares as the industry grapples with volatile oil prices.
Thailand’s property sector is being hit by overlapping pressures, from soaring construction costs to weakening purchasing power, prompting developers to slow new project launches and switch into “liquidity first” mode, with survival taking priority over growth.
Thailand’s industrial sentiment index dropped in March, weighed down by higher oil prices and the conflict in the Middle East, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported yesterday. The federation said its industrial sentiment index slipped to 88.6 in March from 90.0 in the previous month.
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry has advised exporters to coordinate closely with their US trade partners after US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) opened a new system for requesting refunds of import duties collected under President Donald Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Restaurant-related associations have collaborated to tackle surging energy costs, fluctuations in raw material prices, and digital transformation. A memorandum of understanding was signed by representatives from the Restaurant Assn., the Night Restaurant Business Trade Assn., the Digital Technology Entrepreneur Trade Assn., the Thai Fresh Market Assn., and the Federation of Thai Chefs.
Thailand is reviewing its 60-day visa-free entry scheme and is likely to scrap the blanket arrangement for all eligible countries, as the government seeks to tighten screening, curb abuse, and shift its tourism strategy toward higher-quality and longer-stay visitors.
According to the latest analysis by Future Market Insights (FMI), the medical tourism industry in Thailand is undergoing a significant transformation, evolving from a cost-driven destination for elective procedures into a premium global healthcare hub focused on complex and high-acuity treatments.
Places to Avoid in Thailand
Heavy rains lure frogs out of hiding and villagers out of homes
Asia’s Clean Energy Boom Reshapes the Global Power Sector
Private schools in Thailand face an unprecedented wave of closures this year, with up to 80 institutions expected to shut, reflecting mounting financial and structural pressures across the sector.
Police have arrested a man for stealing water meters across Prachuap Khiri Khan, with investigators alleging he sold burnt components for scrap to fund drug use. Officers from Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan Police Station detained a 38-year-old suspect Tuesday.
A new overpass is set to be built at Nong Phai intersection on Highway 37 after the Department of Highways signed a contract for the project in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Air quality in Thailand has worsened dramatically, with PM2.5 levels surpassing safety thresholds in 42 provinces, including regions from the north, northeast, and central areas. The Air Pollution Resolution Communication Center reported early on Tuesday that these unsafe levels could intensify over the next week.
Thailand recorded 30 deaths and 202 injuries from 192 road accidents on Tuesday, as authorities intensified safety measures during the Songkran holiday travel period. Officials warned of increased risks, as large numbers of people began returning to Bangkok and other major cities.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has indicated a willingness to resume negotiations with Thailand over ongoing border disputes, marking a significant shift in previously tense relations.
US President Donald Trump has signaled that the war against Iran, waged alongside Israel, could be nearing an end, as diplomatic efforts intensify and Pakistan moves again to narrow the gap between the two sides. Yet, despite the more hopeful tone, the crisis remains unresolved, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz still badly disrupted and global energy markets under strain.
Foreign investors are selling Thai assets as an energy shock from the US-Israeli war on Iran threatens to snuff out hopes for an economic revival under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and exposes the policy paralysis that is gripping Bangkok.
Rice prices have surged the most in more than two years on concerns about the supply outlook after the cost of fuel and fertilizer jumped due to the Iran war, prompting some Thai farmers to leave their crop in the ground.
Thailand’s household debt has climbed to 86.7% of GDP, with fresh data pointing to a growing reliance on borrowing for day-to-day expenses as households struggle to cope with a fragile economic recovery.
Michelin-listed restaurant operators expect a gloomy outlook for the dining business this year, hampered by sluggish spending and surging energy costs.
Why April 15 marks Thailand’s true New Year in the ancient tradition
Elephants lead Songkran water pouring in Chiang Mai
Songkran events calendar for Hua Hin
AirAsia has confirmed its summer flight schedule for the Hua Hin–Chiang Mai route, with direct flights operating until Oct. 30.
Prachuap Khiri Khan has introduced the “Khirikhan Guarantee” as part of efforts to strengthen its position in wellness tourism, with officials aiming to raise standards and build confidence among visitors.
Located around 1 hour 30 minutes from Hua Hin, the viewpoint offers panoramic views across Prachuap Bay and the surrounding coastline, along with a cave at the top. The hike is suitable for those with a moderate level of fitness, with park rangers on hand to assist and rope sections installed along parts of the trail. 
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) said in its weather report today that temperatures could reach 42°C. The north, northeast and central regions should brace for strong winds and thunderstorms, while 30% of the south’s west coast is forecast to see heavy rain.
The global energy market remains highly volatile after tensions in the Middle East flared up again, despite earlier reports of a two-week temporary ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, which had pushed world oil prices lower on hopes that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would return to normal.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas yesterday warned that energy prices may not return to pre-conflict low level for another one to two years. The impact is not limited to energy, he said, but could also spread to the prices of other goods, as the Middle East is a major exporter of oil, natural gas, chemical fertilizers, and many other important raw materials.
Thailand’s economic outlook is facing mounting uncertainty as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to weigh on global energy markets, prompting authorities to reassess growth projections and warn of rising stagflation risks.
Bangchak Corp. has confirmed it did not pay the Iranian government to allow an oil tanker to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, following reports suggesting a financial exchange.
Thai consumer confidence dropped sharply in March, with the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) falling to 51.8, its lowest level in six months. The decline marks the steepest monthly fall since October last year, reflecting growing concern over rising living costs and global instability. The downturn is already affecting spending behavior, with households cutting back on non-essential purchases.
Thailand continues to attract foreign buyers seeking both lifestyle and investment exposure, but strict ownership rules and highly localized market conditions mean that choosing the right city is critical.
Thai Sugar Millers Corp. (TSMC) has outlined its approach to managing domestic sugar prices as production costs continue to rise due to global economic pressures and energy market volatility. The corporation confirmed that retail sugar prices would remain frozen throughout April in a bid to help ease the cost-of-living burden on the public.
The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) has revised down its forecast for this year’s Songkran spending to as low as 120 billion baht, from a previous 129.6 billion baht, citing rising diesel prices.
Thailand’s tourism minister has vowed to restore tourism revenue to more than 3 trillion baht, exceeding pre-pandemic levels within the new government’s four-year term, and will proceed with a 300-baht tourism fee, as adopted in many countries.
With the rising demand for cost-effective, technologically advanced, and high-quality medical care, medical tourism is at an all-time high. Destinations like Thailand currently top the global list. However, over the past decade, the notion of healthcare has expanded far beyond its traditional definition.
12 Bold, Bright Thai Recipes to Celebrate Songkran
Three of Thailand’s leading energy and industrial players — REPCO NEX, B.Grimm Power, and SCG Cleanergy — have officially launched a joint utility-scale solar project with a total capacity of 247MWp. Spanning across Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, and Saraburi provinces, the initiative is designed to replace fossil fuel dependency with clean energy, providing enough electricity to power approximately 100,000 households.
Government data released yesterday pointed to a weaker finish to last year for the US economy than earlier estimated, after lower business investment, including inventory accumulation, led to a fresh downgrade in fourth-quarter growth, even as corporate profits jumped sharply. 
The emperor penguin, one of the most recognizable symbols of Antarctica, has officially been reclassified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, in a stark new sign of the accelerating damage caused by global warming. 
Songkran 2026 safety rules: key bans and penalties you need to know
After the government announced tougher safety measures for Songkran 2026 under the theme “Safe Songkran, alcohol-free”, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) said it is ready to strictly enforce the law to cut accidents and crime. Here are key rules to watch — and the penalties for breaking them.
Hua Hin Songkran 2026 will take place on April 12-13, with city officials planning a mix of large-scale water-based entertainment and traditional Thai New Year activities at Pone Kingphet Park and along Damnoen Kasem Road.
The Songkran Pran Beach Festival 2026 and Bikini Run is set to take place Saturday at the 24 Rai Ground, Pak Nam Pran, in Pranburi district, promising a mix of music, sports, and beachside celebrations during the Songkran holiday.
Thap Sakae will host the Na Hu Kwang Festival 2026 during the Songkran holiday, with organizers aiming to boost tourism and local economic activity through a two-day beachfront event centered around light installations and live entertainment.
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry has raised its 2026 inflation forecast to 1.5%-2.5%, with a midpoint of 2%, after consumer prices in March fell for a 12th consecutive month but showed signs of a slower decline as energy risks begin feeding into the outlook.
The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) has warned that forward bookings for the second quarter of 2026 are weaker than last year, as airfares surge and uncertainty rises due to the ongoing Middle East crisis. THA President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun highlighted concerns over Q2 performance, noting that while Q1 targets were met, Q3–Q4 markets remain in a “wait-and-see” mode.
Bangkok authorities have announced that water-splashing events during the Songkran festival will be alcohol-free citywide, wrapping up by 10 pm each night. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has set up a 24/7 command center to ensure safety and operational effectiveness throughout the festival’s duration from April 11-15.
Ferry fares to Koh Chang will increase on Friday due to the soaring price of diesel. The ferry fare surge was approved yesterday by a ferry fare committee chaired by Trat Gov. Piriya Chanthadilok. The committee included representatives from the Marine Department and local ferry operators.
Chiang Mai city retained its crown as having the world most polluted air yesterday, even as the number of “hotspots” in the northern province dropped sharply.
Weight Loss Injections in Thailand/Thailand Riviera road construction/Thailand’s Yaba Crisis/Healthcare system faces crisis/Storms expected across country/Tigers killed by canine distemper virus/Students Clash with Weapons
Thailand, often celebrated for its vibrant street food and laid-back lifestyle, is also facing a quieter health challenge. The country now ranks second in ASEAN for obesity after Malaysia, with an estimated 48% of the population classified as overweight or obese.
Thailand Riviera road construction boosted
In towns and cities across Thailand, a small, brightly colored pill is quietly tearing communities apart. Known as yaba — literally “crazy drug” — these tablets of methamphetamine and caffeine have become one of the country’s most pressing public health emergencies, cutting across class, age, and geography.
Sen. Veerapun Suvannamai has warned of a looming financial crisis in the healthcare system due to unpaid debts from the National Health Security Office (NHSO) under the universal healthcare scheme.
Canine distemper caused the deaths of 72 tigers at two animal parks in Chiang Mai earlier this month, not avian influenza, and there was no transmission to humans, it was announced yesterday.
The Thai automotive industry has kickstarted the “Year of the Horse” with a 53.8% surge in year-on-year sales for January. The growth was primarily propeled by a record-breaking influx of electric vehicle (EV) deliveries, though the heavy-duty pickup sector continues to flounder amid tightening credit conditions.
Thailand’s car exports fell in January, dropping 6% year-on-year to 58,405 units – the lowest level since May 2022 – which was attributed to stricter environmental regulations and currency fluctuations, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
The industrial and logistics property sector continues to outperform other segments, supported by robust demand and ongoing government backing despite prevailing uncertainties, according to property consultancy CBRE Thailand.
Phuket’s tourism recovery has surpassed pre-Covid levels, with daily flights setting a new record and visitor numbers reaching around 71,000. Provincial authorities expect arrivals to hold steady and are targeting 14 million tourists this year.
The planned new waste-management plant for Phuket is still at least two years away because of delays in receiving approval from state agencies, according to the provincial governor. Gov. Nirat Pongsitthithavorn aired his frustration over the delay in construction of the second waste incinerator,
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to India this week pushing to double trade and mend fractured ties, his first stop on an Asia-Pacific tour that also includes Australia and Japan, as he seeks to reduce reliance on the United States. 
For many people, the day doesn’t begin until the kettle whistles or the coffee maker hums. After all, tea and coffee aren’t just beverages; they’re rituals, identities and even small acts of comfort. One offers a steady, almost meditative lift, while the other delivers a more immediate, higher-caffeine jolt that feels like flipping on a switch.
Authorities at Kaeng Krachan National Park have arrested a Thai man accused of illegally guiding tourists to fish inside the protected area without permission. The operation was led by park chief Mongkol Chaiphakdee yesterday, following complaints about unauthorized fishing trips promoted on social media.
The Fuel Fund Executive Committee decided today to freeze the retail price of diesel at 30 baht per liter by cutting refiners’ contributions to the fund by a further 15 satang per liter. Additionally, the committee agreed to provide a 30 satang per liter subsidy from the fund to maintain the domestic diesel price at 30 baht per liter.
Probe underway after 72 tigers die at Chiang Mai tiger parks
US Supreme court throws out Trump’s tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump responded with fury to yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling that he did not have the power to unilaterally set tariffs on imports, denigrating individual justices as he vowed to wield a more restrictive law to continue his global trade war. 
Commentary in Thailand has picked up after the US Supreme Court struck down the earlier IEEPA-based tariffs, prompting President Donald Trump to switch tactics, starting with a new 10% global import tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This is a temporary measure limited to 150 days (with a statutory cap of 15% for this type of surcharge).
The US Supreme Court ruling ordering the cancellation of President Donald Trump’s import-tariff increases has pushed the global trading system back into “confusion and turmoil”, as governments, businesses, and consumers race to find answers to two pressing questions: “How do we get tariff refunds?” and “What happens next?”
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has announced the allocation of additional relief funds to 140,000 households severely impacted by the recent floods. The financial aid aims to assist in securing essential supplies, such as food, clean water, and medical care, to help communities rebuild and recover.
How Thailand is Reforming the Seafood Industry to Prevent Exploitation
Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced yesterday the passenger service charge (PSC) on outbound international travelers will rise to 1,120 baht per person from 730 baht from June 20.
Thai hotel operators expect overall foreign tourist numbers in 2026 to remain flat compared with last year, particularly among three-star and below properties reliant on short-haul markets, excluding China. Anticipated growth in long-haul arrivals is expected to be offset by stagnation in short-haul demand.
While Thailand celebrates rising tourism numbers and record profits at major gateways, many businesses on the ground in Pattaya are asking a blunt question: where is the money— and who is it really for?
Authorities in Buriram say preparations are complete for the 2026 MotoGP season opener, with safety, traffic and tourism plans in place ahead of upcoming pre-season testing. The first shipment of racing equipment has arrived at the Chang International Circuit, where infrastructure installation is under way.
The “Thailand lost its edge” narrative has become common expat discourse in 2025 and 2026. Bangkok rents climbed 8% to 12% year-on-year, visa enforcement tightened significantly, and a remittance tax shock led 55% of expats to consider leaving, according to a survey.
Pasaya is a sustainable fabric brand and its factory in Ratchaburi is equipped with a wastewater treatment pond, a proper landfill-based waste management method, and a proper working environment with ventilation and growing trees.
Most Asian equities fell and oil prices rose yesterday after Donald Trump ratcheted up Middle East tensions by hinting at possible military strikes on Iran if it did not make a “meaningful deal” in nuclear talks. The remarks put the brakes on a rebound in markets following an AI-fueled sell-off earlier. 
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 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 “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’s electric vehicle (EV) sales (passenger car and light duty vehicles) more than tripled year-on-year to over 44,000 units in January 2026, a record month for the country. Its penetration rate grew to 48%, another monthly record, surpassing its previous high of 37% set in December.
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