Free nomineee shareholder seminar/Private schools facing mass closures/Body found off Hua Don Beach/Anzac Day observance/Hua Hin drops railway land lease plan/Stealing water meters in PKK/Overpass for Cha Am-Pranburi bypass/Air Pollution Escalates/30 Deaths on 5th Dangerous Day/Drink-Driving 94% of Songkran Cases/86 Tons of Waste Collected/Cambodia Leader Signals Talks
- THE IRAN WAR: Hormuz disruption persists/Iran threat to sink US ships/Thailand Seeks Hormuz Passage/Central bank cuts 2026 growth/Foreign investors flee Thailand/Iran war’s financial toll/Rice prices in Asia soar/Russia to plug fertilizer gap/Arab wealth, talent into Thailand
- ECONOMY: Thailand reassures US investors/Household debt hits 86.7% of GDP/Gloomy outlook for eateries
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE:Still the Best Value Destination?/April 15 marks Thailand’s true New Year/Songkran named No 1 global destination/Elephants lead Songkran water pouring
- HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Free nomineee shareholder seminar in Hua Hin April 24
A free online seminar aimed at business owners, investors, and company directors in Thailand will take place on April 24, focusing on the increasing legal risks surrounding nominee shareholding structures.The seminar, titled “Nominee Shareholder: When the Letter Becomes a Summons,” will provide a practical overview of the situation and what individuals and businesses should do if they are affected
Organized by MBMG Group, the session comes amid reports that authorities are stepping up enforcement, with police now issuing criminal summons to directors and shareholders rather than routine notices from the Department of Business Development (DBD). Continued …
Thai private schools facing mass closures this year
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.
Supaset Khanakul, president of the Association Board of Coordination and Promotion of Private Education (APPE), said closures have surged from an average of 30 to 50 schools annually to between 70 and 80 this year, with several in Bangkok already ceasing operations. Continued …
Foreign man’s body found off Hua Don Beach
A foreign man was found dead in the sea near Hua Don beach in Nong Kae yesterday afternoon. Emergency services were called at around 4:30 pm after Hua Hin Police received a report of a person floating in the water near the ferry pier.
Rescue personnel from the Sawang Hua Hin Thammasathan Rescue Center, along with Ambulance Unit 02 and a police water search and rescue team, attended the scene. On arrival, they discovered the body of a foreign male. Continued …
Hua Hin drops railway land lease plan
Hua Hin City Municipality has dropped a proposed railway land-lease plan and will instead focus on safety improvements at key crossings, following a review of the legal framework governing the arrangement.
At a meeting last week, chaired by Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul, municipal officials and staff discussed the possibility of leasing land from the State Railway of Thailand. The proposal had been developed as part of the municipality’s policy to improve public spaces and tackle the problem of footpath encroachment in some areas. Continued …
Man arrested for stealing water meters in PKK
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.
The case relates to multiple incidents between March and April in which water meters were stolen from homes in Prachuap Khiri Khan Municipality and nearby areas, including Ao Noi, Khlong Wan, Huai Yang, Kui Buri and Thap Sakae. Continued …
New overpass planned for Cha Am-Pranburi bypass
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.
The Nong Phai overpass will be constructed at the junction of Highway 37 and rural road Por Kor 2030. Officials said it is intended to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and cut the risk of accidents at the busy junction. Continued …
Thailand’s Air Pollution Escalates, Affecting 42 Provinces
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.
In the north, provinces such as Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Nan registered PM2.5 levels ranging from 54.2 to 201.1 micrograms per cubic meter, which is well above the safety standard. The northeast showed similar readings, with concentrations between 30.6 and 190.1 micrograms. Central provinces like Nonthaburi and Ayutthaya recorded figures from 30.5 to 91.6 micrograms. Continued …
30 Deaths on 5th Dangerous Day
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.
Over the five-day campaign period from April 10-14, a total of 951 accidents resulted in 911 injuries and 191 deaths. Speeding accounted for 38.5% of accidents, followed by drink driving at 28.1%. Motorcycles were involved in 72.9% of cases, with most incidents occurring on straight roads and local village routes. Continued …
Drink-Driving Accounts for 94% of Songkran Cases
Drink-driving made up over 94% of probation cases in Thailand’s first five days of Songkran, with Chiang Mai recording the highest number. From April 10-14, the Probation Department processed 3,961 cases, of which 3,726 involved drink-driving.
In addition to drink-driving, there were 230 cases of drug-impaired driving, four reckless driving cases, and one street-racing case during this period. On Tuesday alone, 667 cases entered the probation system, with drink-driving accounting for 97.5% of these cases, despite fewer reports due to closed courts. Continued …
86 Tons of Waste Collected at Bangkok’s Songkran Events – on First Day
Bangkok amassed 86.3 tons of waste on the first day of Songkran Festival celebrations. Authorities reported that the large-scale water-splashing events resulted in significant waste, with general waste making up 82%, followed by recyclable and food waste.
The largest waste collection occurred on Silom Road, where approximately 28 tons were gathered. During the festival, the city also encouraged recycling efforts by collecting unwanted plastic water guns to convert them into naphtha, a component for plastic manufacturing. Continued …
Cambodia Leader Signals Talks With Thailand Over Border Dispute
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.
The development suggests a move toward bilateral dialogue, which he described as faster and more efficient than international legal proceedings. The change is being closely monitored and has drawn criticism from Cambodian opposition figures. Continued …
Trump hints Iran war is close to ending, but Hormuz disruption persists
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.
The latest push for diplomacy comes as Pakistani Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran in an effort to help reduce tensions and revive negotiations after a recent round of talks ended without agreement. The White House has said discussions about a possible second round remain active and positive, with Pakistan still central to the mediation effort. Continued …
Iran threatens to sink US ships, take soldiers hostage
Hardliner Mohsen Rezaei, a top military adviser to Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, warned yesterday that Iran would take ground-invading US soldiers hostage and sink American ships enforcing a military blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping waterway for oil, gas, and other Gulf exports.
Battleships in the US armada “can definitely be exposed to our missiles and we can destroy them,” Rezaei, a former commander-in-chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards who was named as a military adviser by Khamenei last month, told state TV. Continued …
Thailand Seeks Hormuz Passage for Ships
Thailand Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow is visiting Oman to discuss the Middle East crisis and secure safe passage for Thai cargo vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. The move aims to ensure the continued flow of oil, gas, and fertilizer shipments vital to Thailand’s economy.
Yesterday, Sihasak traveled to Oman at the invitation of Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi. The talks are focused on strengthening cooperation and opening another channel of communication with Iran to safeguard Thai shipping. Thailand has already engaged Oman on this issue and previously thanked Omani authorities for assisting 20 Thai crew members from the vessel Mayuree Naree. Continued …
Thailand central bank cuts 2026 growth, says no limits to worst-case scenarios if war continues
Thailand faces slower growth this year due to the Iran war and there are almost “no limits” to worst-case economic scenarios if the conflict continues, a senior Bank of Thailand official said.
BoT Assistant Gov. Chayawadee Chai-anant said growth in the Southeast Asian nation, among the most exposed global economies due to its high reliance on imported energy, was slowing. Tourism is declining and the cost of imports is rising because of the US-Israeli war with Iran. Continued …
Foreign investors flee Thailand as Iran war, energy shock dash hope for economic revival
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.
The conflict has sent global oil prices up to near US$00 a barrel, sharpening the focus on Asia’s reliance on energy supplies from the Gulf. Thailand is among the most exposed, with the Middle East supplying nearly half of its oil and gas, according to Krungsri Research. Continued …
Iran war’s financial toll runs deep
The ripple effects of the 2026 US–Israel war against Iran are being felt far beyond the geopolitical stage. In Thailand, the consequences arrive not as headlines, but as adjustments in everyday life, with postponed plans and mounting worries.
For Arthit Kannikar, each day now begins with a calculation. “I spend 200 baht just getting to work,” he said, referring to motorcycle rides between home and the office. Continued …
Rice prices in Asia soar as Iran war fallout threatens supply
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.
Thai white rice, an Asian benchmark, jumped 10% to US$423 a ton in the week ended April 8, the biggest gain since August 2023. While it is an early sign that rising input costs are starting to impact the market, prices have been on a prolonged down trend and were recently near the lowest in more than a decade. Continued …
Russia to plug fertilizer gap
Thailand plans to purchase up to 2 million tons of Russian urea fertilizer annually following bilateral talks to expand agricultural trade cooperation. Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit met Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev and Deputy Agriculture Minister Maxim Markovich in Russia recently for talks on the issue.
Suriya requested that Russia consider allocating a quota of 1–2 million tons per year at a “friendly” price. The requested product is granular urea, with a size of 2.5–5 millimeters. Continued …
Middle East tensions seen driving Arab wealth, talent into Thailand
Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are beginning to reshape global capital flows, with Thailand emerging as a potential “safe haven” for both investment and high-skilled talent, particularly from wealthy Arab economies.
Analysts and financial leaders in Thailand say the ongoing instability is prompting investors and professionals to diversify risk by seeking new bases abroad and Southeast Asia, and Thailand is increasingly on that radar. Continued …
Thailand reassures US investors as tariffs become new normal
Thailand has moved to reassure American investors that it remains a stable and strategic investment destination, as US business leaders warned that reciprocal tariffs are likely to become the “new normal” in the global economy for at least the next two to three years.
A Finance Ministry source said yesterday that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, accompanied by Natthawut Thammasiri, deputy director of the Fiscal Policy Office, held talks with the US Chamber of Commerce during the 2026 spring meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, on Tuesday. Continued …
Thai household debt hits 86.7% of GDP
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.
According to the SCB Economic Intelligence Center (SCB EIC), total household debt rose in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven primarily by an increase in personal consumption loans. Outstanding debt reached 12.72 trillion baht, up around 119 billion baht from the previous quarter. Continued …
Gloomy outlook for Michelin-listed eateries
Michelin-listed restaurant operators expect a gloomy outlook for the dining business this year, hampered by sluggish spending and surging energy costs.
“This crisis looks more difficult than Covid-19, as consumers are saving more and cutting their spending. During the pandemic, people were more willing to dine out,” said Parkorn Kosiyabong, chef and owner of the one-Michelin-star restaurant GOAT Bangkok. Continued …
Is Thailand Still the Best Value Destination?
Thailand has long held its position as one of the most compelling destinations in global travel and for good reason. Few countries deliver such a balanced combination of affordability, cultural depth, culinary excellence, and geographic diversity.
Whether you’re navigating the vibrant streets of Bangkok, relaxing on the beaches of Phuket, or exploring ancient landmarks like Wat Arun, Thailand offers a layered experience that appeals to first-time travelers and seasoned explorers alike. Continued …
Why April 15 marks Thailand’s true New Year in the ancient tradition
As Songkran entered its final stretch, many people still assumed that April 13 is Thailand’s New Year’s Day. But under ancient Thai astrological belief and long-standing tradition, it is April 15, known as Wan Thaloeng Sok, that marks the true beginning of the new year.
In 2026, the day also coincides with Wan Phaya Wan in Lanna belief, a date regarded as the most auspicious of the year and a powerful moment for new beginnings. The term “Thaloeng Sok” literally means the start of a new era, or the transition into a new minor era in the old calendar system. Continued …
Thai Songkran named April’s No 1 global destination for 2026
Thailand’s Songkran festival has been named the world’s No 1 destination for April 2026, in another boost for the country’s tourism and cultural appeal, as officials expect at least 6.5 million people to take part in celebrations nationwide and generate no less than 30 billion baht in economic activity.
The ranking was cited by Culture Minister Sabida Thaised yesterday, who said Thailand had been placed first by UK-based online travel outlet Big 7 Travel. Sabida said the strong international response reflected the enduring power of Thai Songkran as a distinctive cultural treasure, one capable of offering visitors from around the world an experience built on joy, warmth, and friendship. Continued …
Elephants lead Songkran water pouring in Chiang Mai
Songkran celebrations at Wat Pa Saen Thammararam, also known as “Wat Chang”, in Mae Taeng district in Chiang Mai drew large crowds on Tuesday, featuring a distinctive parade of Buddha images carried on elephants.
The temple organized a grand Lanna-style ceremony by placing Buddha statues and revered forest monks’ images on elephant backs and parading them around the temple grounds, allowing devotees to perform ritual water pouring and seek blessings for the traditional New Year. 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
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 world may be heading toward a powerful El Niño later this year, with major climate agencies warning that the odds of El Niño are rising from mid-2026. NOAA says ENSO-neutral conditions are still favored through May-July, but El Niño is likely to emerge in June-August and persist through at least the end of the year.
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.
Soaring fuel costs are rippling across Thailand just days before the Songkran festival, pushing up food prices, squeezing small vendors, raising costs for farmers and transport operators, and dampening travel sentiment in key tourism centers.
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.
Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKP) forecasts that a surge in global oil prices will push housing prices up by 10% this year, primarily affecting homebuyers in the mass-market segment.
Newly appointed Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa has vowed to help Thai manufacturers weather the impact of geopolitical conflict and rising energy costs, while steering the country’s industrial sector toward greener, more sustainable practices under the government’s bio-, circular and green (BCG) economic model.
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.
The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a warning for today, announcing a “stormy day” in Thailand. The northern and northeastern regions will be the hardest hit, with heavy rainfall expected in 40% of these areas.
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.
US President Donald Trump’s new global tariffs have come into effect at 10% despite a pledge to introduce them at a higher rate. After the Supreme Court blocked many of his sweeping import taxes on Friday, the president said he would introduce a 10% global rate. He then said on Saturday that the rate would be 15%.
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.
After Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced an increase in the international departure passenger service charge (PSC) from 730 baht to 1,120 baht per person, effective June 20 onward, it has been noted that Thailand thenceforth would be charging more than leading airports worldwide.
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 Tourism and Sports Ministry insists the government’s plan to reduce visa-free stays from 60 days should not impact tourism, as most foreign tourists, on average, stay for less than a month.
The narrative surrounding Thailand’s tourism appeal has evolved. Visitors no longer come simply because the destination is affordable. Increasingly, travelers choose Thailand for its depth of experience, consistency, and a genuine sense of welcome that remains difficult to replicate elsewhere.
The “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.
A record-breaking surge in wealthy people “relocating abroad” is reshaping the global balance of power. Countries are increasingly being treated like assets, while citizenship is becoming a tool for diversifying risk. In an era where state policy can change faster than economic fundamentals, capital moves first — and moves more aggressively than ever before. 
Air drops of relief supplies begins in Hat Yai
Hong Kong fire: At Least 44 Dead And 279 Reported Missing
Thai–Chinese cultural exchange program concludes in Hua Hin
Work, air, and industry: Inside the battle for Thailand’s future
Tourism operators seek to build trust among travelers
Low-carbon economy looms
Ministry preps co-pay scheme’s 2nd phase
See the best of northern Thailand this winter on a budget
Bangkok Climbs in 2026 Best Cities List
War-torn Myanmar embraces solar to tackle power crisis
Legend Fighting Championships returns to Bluport on Saturday
2,500 scammer-linked Starlink rigs disabled in Myanmar
