- Nakhon Hua Hin Run/Rethinking Victory Monument/Koh Samui officials suspect corruption/Misbehaving Monks/
- THE IRAN WAR: Iran war jolts global markets/Iran talks denied by Tehran/Oil price spike threatens Thai growth/Power tariff could rise/Fuel running low/Late-night fuel queue/Oil shock hits transportation/Fishing boats may stop operating/Shortages spur fuel reserve cut/Costs Strain Energy-Intensive Sectors/Mideast conflict dents chip, auto manufacturing/Energy shock spreads to bottled water/Plan to manage medicines/American stays inside Suvarnabhumi for 10 days/One miscalculation after another
- ECONOMY: Thailand to Expand Price Controls
- TOURISM: ‘Worst Tourist Behavior’/Hotels slash rates/Thailand promotes wellness tourism/Steep airfares and ATM fees
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Must-See Thai Regions/Bangkok, Chaing Mai among ‘Best cities in Asia to Live in’ list/Got 3 days? Chiang Rai is it
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Asia-Pacific’s Energy Paradox
- HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026 to take place Sunday in Khao Tao
The “Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026” event in Hua Hin will take place on Sunday, March 29, at the Khao Tao Reservoir area.
The event will feature several race categories, including a VIP category for distinguished guests and heads of government agencies over a distance of 3 km, and general categories for men and women covering distances of 5 km and 10.5 km. Continued …
Rethinking Victory Monument: Bangkok’s busiest bus hub
As one of the capital’s busiest roundabouts, Victory Monument has long functioned less as a designed transport hub than as a living organism.
Every day, thousands of commuters spill out of the BTS Skytrain and descend to four crowded islands, navigating a maze of bus stops, van queues, motorcycle taxis, and improvised waiting areas that have taken shape over decades. Continued …
Top Koh Samui officials suspect corruption network within municipal office
A scandal has erupted on Koh Samui involving the island’s local government and municipal authority. The probe has already led to the suspension of a clerical officer linked to forged building permits and documents. These forgeries involve at least 10 luxury villa developments, where demand is high from wealthy international tourists.
Koh Samui officials are set to file a formal complaint with police next Sunday. Meanwhile, systematic audits are underway and are expected to reveal additional cases and at least one senior official, a key suspect in the affair. Continued …
Misbehaving Monks Are Causing an Uproar in Thailand
Last month, a prominent Buddhist abbot in Thailand was defrocked after a video of two women physically fighting over him outside his temple went viral. Soon after, investigators divulged that the abbot of the ancient Wat Bua Kwan temple near Bangkok had maintained long-term relationships with at least six women, regularly sending them explicit messages and spending lavishly on them – for example, paying for their expensive plastic surgeries. Officials are now investigating whether those funds were stolen from his temple.
That incident followed one in late January, when Thai police raided the Phrom Sunthon Monastery in Chonburi province on Thailand’s Gulf coast following complaints that the monks were in possession of drugs and guns. Police found at least one firearm, but also a stash of porn, sex toys, and a list of contact details for prostitutes. Continued …
Iran war jolts global markets as Thai stocks, gold, bonds, and baht tumble
Global financial markets were thrown into fresh turmoil as the protracted Iran war triggered broad-based selling across asset classes, sending Thai stocks, gold, and bonds sharply lower, while the baht weakened to its softest level in 10 months.
The market volatility underscored growing fragility in financial sentiment, with investors reacting to intensifying conflict fears, shifting expectations over US interest rates, and mounting uncertainty over global capital flows. Continued …
Trump announces ‘very good’ Iran talks denied by Tehran
US President Donald Trump yesterday hailed “very good” talks with an unidentified Iranian official after abruptly shelving plans for fresh attacks, even as Washington’s ally Israel vowed to keep up strikes on the Islamic republic.
The surprise disclosure – denied by Tehran, which accused Trump of manipulating energy markets – came ahead of a Monday night deadline imposed by Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane or see the US “obliterate” its power plants. Continued …
Oil price spike threatens to cut Thai GDP growth, raise inflation
A rise in global oil prices poses a growing risk to Thailand’s economic outlook, with Tisco Financial Group warning that a 10% increase in crude from a baseline of US$72 per barrel could trim GDP growth by 0.3-0.4 percentage points, while lifting inflation by about 0.8%.
Sakchai Peechapat, group chief executive, said the company is closely monitoring the situation through its risk management and enterprise risk teams as geopolitical tensions intensify, particularly in the Middle East. Continued …
Power tariff could rise as high as B4.59 per unit
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is set to review electricity tariffs for the May–August billing period amid a sharp rise in liquefied natural gas (LNG) costs driven by Middle East tensions.
Worawit Srianantaraksa, a member of the ERC, said yesterday the the new tariff structure will be considered at regulator’s board meeting tomorrow. Continued …
Fuel running low across provinces
The government has stepped up efforts to tackle fuel shortages, but residents across several provinces continued to queue for diesel yesterday amid persistent supply constraints.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, particularly in Dan Khun Thot district, motorists queued in long lines that stretched beyond petrol stations. Diesel purchases were limited to 500 baht per vehicle, while filling containers was prohibited. Petrol, including 91, 95 and Gasohol E20, remained available without restrictions and with shorter queues. Continued …
Late-night fuel queue in Nakhon Phanom stretches beyond 3 kilometers
The outbound side of the highway in Na Kae district, Nakhon Phanom, heading toward Sakon Nakhon and opposite Na Kae Hospital, had residents parking their vehicles in a long queue along the roadside while waiting to refuel at a PTT station in Na Kae district. The queue stretched for more than 3 kilometers after word spread that fuel was available.
Some drivers did not know when they would be able to refuel, but said they had to wait in line first because fuel was hard to find. Each vehicle was allowed to buy up to 1,000 baht worth of either diesel or petrol. Continued …
Oil shock hits transportation in the south
The petrol shortage is causing headaches for Mother Marketing, the operator of the Mother Supermarket chain in southern Thailand, prompting the company to urge the government to resolve the issue urgently.
Ekkapong Chokchaiwitut, chief executive of Mother Marketing, said the petrol shortage in southern Thailand has intensified. Last week, some petrol stations capped refueling at 500-1,000 baht per vehicle. Currently, the company’s vehicles must visit multiple stations to refuel, as some limit purchases to 500 baht per visit, while others have run out of fuel. Continued …
Fishing boats may stop operating at month’s end
The oil crisis has so badly hit the fishing industry that leaders of this sector in Samut Sakhon province, better known as Mahachai,yesterday warned that fishing boats may cease operation nationwide at the end of this month, leading to hundreds of thousands of job losses unless the government reins in soaring oil prices.
During a press conference at Mahachai Fisheries Development Cooperative (Thai Seafood Market) attended by representatives from Samut Sakhon Chamber of Commerce and Thai Fisheries Assn., the government was warned that fishing vessels are now in a state of “extreme crisis.” Continued …
Shortages spur fuel reserve cut
The government has decided to lower the proportion of oil reserves to 1% in a bid to ease fuel shortages, while expressing confidence that the fuel situation will stabilize within a week.
Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, in his capacity as chairman of the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East, said yesterday that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an order on Saturday to suspend the reserve requirement of 3% to increase the volume of fuel circulating in the market. Continued …
Rising Petrochemical Costs Strain Energy-Intensive Sectors
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is significantly affecting global supply chains. Shipments of crude oil and petrochemicals through the Strait of Hormuz have been disrupted, leading to halted operations at some plants and a surge in crude prices. Notably, SCC’s Rayong Olefins (ROC) plant in Thailand has suspended operations due to naphtha and propane shortages.
The crisis has led to a sharp increase in plastic resin prices, rising by 30%-40%, impacting the frozen food and consumer goods industries. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, emphasized the urgent need for the Thai government to secure alternative petrochemical feedstocks to prevent further disruptions. Continued …
Mideast conflict dents chip, auto manufacturing
The United States and Israeli military operations against Iran are disrupting global supply chains, hitting semiconductor manufacturing hard and reverberating through chip-dependent industries, particularly the automotive sector, which is watching developments closely.
Wallop Chalermvongsavej, managing director of Hyundai Mobility Thailand, said yesterday the shortage of chips could slow production and push up costs. “The chip shortage will affect car production, leading to manufacturing slowdowns and higher operating costs amid oil price volatility. Cars will eventually become more expensive,” he warned. Continued …
Costly Songkran ahead as energy shock spreads to bottled water across Thailand
Thailand’s tightening energy supply and rising oil prices are beginning to ripple through everyday life, pushing up the cost of basic necessities – including something as simple as bottled drinking water.
The price pressure comes at a sensitive time, as the Songkran holiday season stretches across much of April, bringing festivals, travel, and water celebrations nationwide. At the same time, schools across Thailand close for the long summer break, sending families on holiday and increasing domestic tourism. With temperatures soaring and millions expected to travel, demand for drinking water typically rises sharply during this period. Continued …
Public Health Ministry rolls out three-phase plan to manage medicines
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is rolling out a three-phase plan to manage medicine supplies and healthcare services as the conflict in the Middle East shows signs of dragging on, with officials warning that drug prices are likely to rise.
Speaking at the ministry yesterday, Permanent Secretary for Public Health Somruek Chungsaman said authorities had assessed the medium-term impact on medicines and medical supplies. The Food and Drug Administration has already consulted pharmaceutical companies, which confirmed that current stock levels remain sufficient for about three to four months. Continued …
American stays inside Suvarnabhumi for 10 days, cites airfare rise
An American man who posted videos claiming he had been staying inside Suvarnabhumi Airport for 10 days has drawn widespread attention online, after saying higher airfares linked to war left him unable to travel onward.
He documented his routine at the airport by posting compilations of him watching movies, reading, sleeping, and eating. He reportedly also called on an airline to cover his costs and said that if the ticket was not paid for, he would continue staying inside the airport and would not go elsewhere. Continued …
Iran war: One miscalculation after another
Still not four full weeks into the war, and already Donald Trump’s “short-term excursion” – decapitate the Iranian regime with a surprise attack and impose harsh terms on the defeated survivors – has morphed into a global economic crisis and a region-wide war that could destroy the wealth of all the countries on both sides of the Gulf. At the very least.
Back in January, Trump was high on his success in changing the regime in Venezuela (just a bit), so he was an easy mark for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s suggestion that he could do the same to Iran. Netanyahu probably knew better than that himself, but his life’s goal has been to inveigle the United States into a joint attack on Israel’s greatest enemy. Continued …
Thailand to Expand Price Controls With 12 New Items
The Commerce Ministry is preparing to expand its list of price-controlled goods by 12 items, increasing the total from 59 to 71, in a move aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures. The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) will submit the proposal to the Committee on the Price of Goods and Services tomorrow.
The new additions are expected to focus mainly on everyday essentials to strengthen oversight amid fluctuating input costs. Of the existing 59 controlled items, eight require prior approval before any price increase, while 22 require businesses to notify authorities of price changes, with some also subject to transport reporting requirements. Continued …
Phuket Staff Expose ‘Worst Tourist Behavior’
A social media post has sparked debate in Phuket after highlighting complaints by hotel and restaurant workers about tourists from three nationalities, with immediate attention drawn to alleged problematic behavior in the province’s hospitality sector.
The Facebook page “Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์” published a poll described as reflecting views from service industry staff in Phuket, asking which nationalities were considered the most difficult in hotels and restaurants. The post claimed that Israeli tourists ranked highest, followed by Indian, and Russian visitors, based on reported behavior from operators. Continued …
Hotels slash rates to lure Songkran market
Concerned by a nosedive in European arrivals and low confidence due to fuel shortages among local travelers, hotel operators have started to offer discounts of 20%-40% to attract tourists during the upcoming Songkran holiday.
Paisarn Sukjarean, president of the Upper Northern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Assn., said European guests, who normally account for 30% of all visitors to Chiang Mai at this time of year, continue to cancel their bookings for April as they are unable to catch flights to Thailand. Continued …
Thailand promotes wellness tourism to attract affluent international travelers
Thailand is making significant strides in promoting wellness tourism by fostering collaboration between its private and public sectors. This initiative aims to attract affluent foreign tourists who are looking for comprehensive services that blend medical care, beauty treatments, and travel experiences.
The focus is on enhancing the core tourism sector, which is essential for the country’s economic growth. By leveraging the expertise of businesses, such as Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) that manages 60 hospitals, the government seeks to create a robust infrastructure for wellness tourism. Continued …
Pattaya tourists hit by steep airfares and ATM fees
For many foreigners heading to Thailand, the vacation or expat life is starting before they even step off the plane – and not in a good way. Online forum users have been voicing frustration over high airfares from Europe, punishing ATM fees, and the widening gap between official exchange rates and what travelers actually receive.
“I just paid £1,000 for a return flight from the UK,” one reader complained, highlighting how soaring airline costs are cutting into holiday budgets. Others noted that even the supposedly “convenient” ATMs are taking a hefty toll. Continued …
A First-Timer’s Guide to the Must-See Thai Regions
The best thing about Thailand is that each region of the country feels completely different. The worst thing about Thailand is realizing exactly that, and accepting that you’ll be returning again and again to soak each of them up individually, or extending your trip to see as much as you can in one go.
Of course, a country spanning more than 500,000 square kilometers and 76 provinces is virtually impossible to cover in its entirety. So, having spent a good few years exploring, we’ve pulled together the ultimate guide to Thailand’s best spots. Continued …
Bangkok, Chaing Mai make ‘Best cities in Asia to Live in’ list
In 2026, travel trends are shifting back toward cities that are not only great to visit, but genuinely easy to live in — places where heritage and everyday lifestyle click together effortlessly. That is the spirit behind Time Out’s Best Cities 2026, which draws on thousands of survey responses and input from city experts.
From Time Out’s global top 50, 11 cities in Asia stand out — each offering its own mix of culture, creativity, food, and modern energy. Continued …
Got 3 days? Chiang Rai is worth every one of them
Chiang Rai is often reduced to a quick temple stop from Chiang Mai. Stay a little longer and the province reveals something much more compelling. This is one of Thailand’s most agricultural regions, where rice fields stretch across broad valleys, tea plantations climb the hillsides and small hilltribe villages sit between long mountain ridges. It’s expansive, lightly populated and best explored by car.
That connection to the land feeds directly into the food. Chefs here are working with an exceptional range of local ingredients, from rare mountain herbs and fermented vegetables to forest produce and tea grown just down the road. The result is a foodie scene that feels grounded, inventive, and increasingly worth the drive. Continued …
Asia-Pacific’s Energy Paradox: Record Renewables Against Growing Coal Infrastructure
Asia-Pacific simultaneously holds 64% of the world’s solar capacity and the distinction of being the only region on Earth still expanding its coal infrastructure, a contradiction that a major new HSBC research report warns could determine the fate of global climate targets.
The findings, published in March by HSBC Global Investment Research analysts as part of the bank’s Net-Zero Navigator series, paint a region defined by competing imperatives: record-breaking clean energy deployment on one hand, and deepening fossil fuel dependency on the other. 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
Changes to Thai Airport Screening/‘Beach Art’ exhibition ends Saturday/Ride-share drivers must register/Mystery Behind Chiang Mai Tiger Deaths/Total lunar eclipse on March 3
Ride-sharing drivers operating through mobile applications must register their vehicles under categories Ror Yor 17/18 with the Department of Land Transport by Saturday, the government has warned.
The death of 72 tigers at Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai last week has raised concerns about the source of the virus and bacteria responsible. Raw chicken meat from a private farm is suspected, as it was fed to all tigers at the two facilities in Mae Rim and Mae Taeng districts.
Get ready for a major astronomical event to close out the first quarter of the year, as a total lunar eclipse will take place on the night of Makha Bucha Day, March 3. This one is special: the Moon is expected to appear brick-red from the moment it rises above the eastern horizon, allowing people in Thailand to enjoy the spectacle with the naked eye nationwide.
The collection of Donald Trump’s retaliatory customs tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) was ruled unlawful by the US Supreme Court on Feb. 20. Following the ruling, the US president signed an executive order to enforce a new global customs tariff of 10% under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, effective at 12:01 am today.
The baht has strengthened again, breaking below 31 per US dollar and marking its strongest level in a week, after Donald Trump’s global 15% tariff move weighed on the US dollar. Kasikornbank and Krungthai Bank said the baht could continue to strengthen on capital inflows, the export outlook, and a surge of investment flowing into Thailand.
The incoming Bhumjaithai-led administration will not raise the value-added tax (VAT) rate to 10% over the next three years, a BJT executive said, adding that the party’s immediate focus is economic recovery.
The Board of Investment (BOI) has approved investment promotion for five major Chinese firms to establish what it describes as the country’s first production base for humanoid robot components.
Thailand’s exports rose 24.4% year-on-year in January, marking the fastest growth since late 2021, driven by a surge in outbound electronic products linked to artificial intelligence and data centers.
As the Bhumjaithai Party prepares to lead the next government, one significant campaign pledge was to revive the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme. However, people in the wholesale and retail sectors view this initiative as a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution to the country’s sluggish economy.
The social-driven shopping revolution in Asia represents a seismic shift in consumer behavior, where social media platforms have evolved from mere communication tools into powerful e-commerce ecosystems. This phenomenon, often termed “social commerce,” integrates entertainment, community interaction, and seamless purchasing, blurring the lines between scrolling and shopping.
Social media influencer Farah Shams, who has more than 2.4 million followers on TikTok, has sparked controversy after posting a video criticizing what she described as rude behavior by the majority of Thai locals during her visit.
Ukraine today marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, with a show of solidarity from its staunchest allies and no immediate end in sight to Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II. Tens of thousands of lives have been lost since the Kremlin ordered troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, confident of a quick victory but not expecting the fierce resistance that followed. 
While Russian oil exports dropped last year, Russia is still exporting higher volumes than before its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, researchers said today, calling for stricter sanctions enforcement. The volume of Russian crude oil exports remained 6% above pre-invasion levels in the fourth year of the war, despite Western sanctions aimed at curbing Russia’s “shadow fleet”. 
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government is writing to Commonwealth realms about its backing for former prince Andrew to be axed from the line of royal succession. Albanese said he had communicated with his British counterpart Keir Starmer about Andrew, who is being investigated for alleged misconduct in public office following revelations about his dealings with the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. 
The Hua Hin property market is emerging as a relative bright spot in Thailand’s challenging real estate sector, supported by sustained foreign demand that is helping to offset weak domestic purchasing power.
Forest fires, suspected to have been caused by human activity, have been raging uncontrollably in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, and Mae Hong Son, driving PM2.5 levels beyond the 37.5-micron safety threshold, according to reports from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The Department of Disease Control (DDC), in collaboration with the Department of Corrections, visited a prison to investigate an Mpox outbreak following a reported fatality. Most recently, two additional close contacts tested positive.
A group of foreign residents in Pattaya has lodged a complaint with the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) after allegedly losing more than 300 million baht in a fraudulent gold-trading investment scheme branded “King Power Gold”.
Thailand’s Industrial Confidence Index rose marginally to 88.7 in January, up from 88.2 in December, as the manufacturing sector returned to full swing following the New Year holiday and demand picked up ahead of the Lunar New Year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Thai hotel operators are forecasting stable foreign tourist arrivals in 2026, particularly from short-haul markets excluding China, while urging the government to strengthen safety measures and boost traveler confidence.
Thailand is steadily cementing its reputation as one of the leading global destinations for medical tourism, attracting millions of international patients each year with its high-quality healthcare services, affordability, and attractive recovery options.
Chiang Mai International Airport has recorded a new post-Covid high in passenger traffic, with daily numbers surpassing 36,000, as airlines added 69 extra and charter flights to accommodate Lunar New Year demand.
Puphaman National Park, located in Loei and Khon Kaen provinces, has called on the public to stop feeding wild elephants by leaving fruit and other edible items for them, warning that such well-intentioned acts could ultimately harm the animals and increase the risk of human-elephant conflict.
Hua Hin City Municipality has announced temporary road closures on Naresdamri Road from Feb. 19 to March 1, as resurfacing and drainage repair works get under way.
Prachuap kayaking for eternal love was the focus of Valentine’s Day celebrations on Saturday, as 14 couples took part in a nature-based activity organized by Prachuap Town Municipality.
Thailand is sliding into another political crisis as questions intensify over the conduct of the Feb. 8 general election. The poll faces a mounting wave of legal challenges across a widening field of disputes. Foremost is the escalating row over barcodes and QR codes, now a serious threat to the already embattled Election Commission’s conduct of the poll.
Witsanu Attavanich, an associate professor of economics at Kasetsart University and an expert in resource, environmental, and climate-change economics, provided an update on Thailand’s flood-drought outlook as of yesterday, saying the country has entered the “mid-phase” of the El Niño phenomenon and is likely to shift into a full El Niño by May 2026 — earlier than previously expected. He said the event could persist until at least February 2027.
The Department of Land Transport (DLT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), is upgrading its service standards to allow motorists aged under 55 to renew their driving licenses online from June.
Department unveils plan for Songkhla Lake bridge
Thailand’s Ministry of Industry has signaled its intent to conclude free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union by mid-2026, despite the current transition to a caretaker government.
Thailand is witnessing not deglobalization but “reglobalization” — a strategic realignment of trade, production, and finance — requiring the country to integrate its economic and foreign policies more closely than ever before, Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said yesterday.
Business operators along the Thai–Cambodian frontier in Trat province are bracing for a prolonged border shutdown, urging authorities to reopen checkpoints while rapidly pivoting toward domestic markets to survive.
The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) expects the tourism industry to be a major driver of GDP growth this year, as flights and arrivals continue to rebound, though rising untaxed online travel agents and illegal foreign operators continue to limit the full benefits of the rebound.
Hotel operators say requesting land and building tax discounts on a yearly basis will not help the business sector reduce its fixed-cost burden in the long run, and urged the government to revise this tax structure to be based on revenue, similar to the previous property tax.
Redefining the future of food
Bangkok has introduced the “EV for Win Riders” initiative to transition motorcycle taxis to electric vehicles. Launched by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and supported by partners like Germany’s GIZ, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, and the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand, the project aims to reduce pollution and operational expenses for riders in the city.
The Department of Energy Business (DOEB) has moved to establish national standards for electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen fuel infrastructure, aiming to streamline investment and ensure safety as Thailand accelerates its transition to clean energy.
Valentine’s Day flowers: meanings and the best pick for your partner
As global healthcare costs continue to rise, access to affordable and reliable medical care has become an increasingly important factor in travel decisions. For retirees, digital nomads, long-stay visitors, and medical tourists, healthcare is no longer merely a matter of safety. It is part of the destination value proposition.
The Thai baht rose by 1.3% to 31.2 per dollar yesterday, recovering from previous losses and reaching a high not seen in over a week. This rebound can be largely attributed to enhanced market sentiment following the substantial election success of the Bhumjaithai Party.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has urged the incoming government to prioritize urgent economic and cost-of-living problems as its first agenda, warning that household debt, SME distress, export pressures, and an influx of cheap imports now pose a critical threat to growth and public welfare. T
Unofficial results of the 2026 general election clearly point to the Bhumjaithai Party taking the lead in forming the next government. The party campaigned on its “10 Plus” economic platform, which is set to become the core economic policy of the new administration.
The Thai Restaurant Assn. is calling for small eateries registered as juristic persons to be included in the anticipated revival of the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme under the new government led by the Bhumjaithai Party.
The public sector under the new government is expected to accelerate the adoption of cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to bridge its legacy bureaucratic systems with advanced digital technology.
Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) expects more than 4.11 million passengers to pass through its six airports during the Chinese New Year holiday period from Feb. 13-22. The surge is driven largely by a continued recovery in the Chinese market, increasing pressure on airport operations nationwide. Authorities are preparing for heavier traffic and longer processing times during peak travel days.
The Election Commission of Thailand has confirmed that the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited across all provinces to ensure order during the voting process. The prohibition begins at 6 pm on Saturday, Feb. 7, and remains in effect until 6 pm on Sunday, Feb. .
The Thai food delivery market recorded significant consolidation and growth between 2024 and 2025.The market is increasingly defined by a duopoly between Grab and Line Man, as smaller competitors exit, according to Singapore-based research firm Momentum Works.
Thailand’s annual headline inflation rate was negative for a 10th consecutive month in January, driven by lower energy prices and government measures to ease living costs, the Ministry of Commerce said today. The headline consumer price index (CPI) dropped 0.66% in January from a year earlier, following an annual fall of 0.3% in the previous month, the ministry said.
Thailand’s electric vehicle industry is struggling to improve after-sales services, which remain unsatisfactory due to the rapid growth of EV sales and growing maintenance demand, says Omoda & Jaecoo (Thailand), a subsidiary of Chinese state-owned automaker Chery Automobile.
A controlled forest-burning operation has begun in Cha Am district to reduce wildfire risk and airborne dust, with authorities saying the initiative is aimed at preventing severe forest fires and limiting PM2.5 pollution during the dry season.
Authorities in Bangkok plan to delay enforcement of a regulation requiring pet dogs and cats to be fitted with microchips for a year in order to help all sides prepare and ensure broader adoption.
Thailand’s economy is bracing for its weakest expansion in 30 years, with GDP growth projected at less than 2% in 2026, attributed to sluggish exports, high household debt, and declining competitiveness in global markets, warns the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB).
The leadership of Thailand’s three largest commercial banks have issued a unified warning for 2026, describing the upcoming financial year as a period of “all-around exhaustion.”
Leading economists have issued a stark warning over the proliferation of short-term populist campaign pledges, asserting that these policies are laying a “fiscal trap” that threatens Thailand’s long-term economic sovereignty and its international credit standing.
Thailand’s property market is facing another major test in 2026, after new figures from the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) of the Government Housing Bank pointed to a clear slowdown in foreign demand in 2025 — long viewed as a key engine of the condominium market.
The outlook for the restaurant industry in 2026 appears grim as there are no new positive factors. A Thai Michelin-starred chef urged restaurant operators to think carefully about business expansion.
Southeast Asia is accelerating its energy transition with growing momentum from both policy and capital. Stronger regulatory support and expanding clean-energy financing are creating a more predictable investment environment, enabling governments and developers to move from planning to delivery.
Food safety under scrutiny
Typhoon Ragasa to bring heavy rain, flooding to Thailand
Warning over strong baht’s tourism threat
Discover the Beauty of Northern Thailand Through Temples, Lakes, and Cuisine
Northern Thailand’s top 9 open kitchens
Prachuap Khiri Khan tourism statistics show slight growth
