- 2,000 Hua Hin firms targeted/Why nominee companies are under scrutiny/Police Raid 32 Koh Phangan Nominee Firms/Foreigners own 6% of Koh Phangan/Tugboat Sinks Near PKK’s Koh Thalu/Prachuap Port positioned as key logistics hub/Hua Hin set to swing/Rain predicted through Monday/Dutch Embassy Bangkok Ambassador Site/Will debt sink Chatuchak Market?
- ECONOMY: Price spike of up to 20%/Thai condos gain safe-haven appeal/Thai retail confidence falls/Easing rules not deregulation/Thai Airways Q1 profit
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Royal Ploughing ceremony/Lumphini cat caretaker
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Wildfires and the climate crisis/Solar ‘must be affordable’/Thailand’s Biomass Energy Push
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
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.
2,000 Hua Hin firms targeted in nominee crackdown
More than 2,000 companies in Hua Hin with foreign investment are set to face closer scrutiny as Thai authorities expand a national investigation into suspected nominee business structures in major tourism destinations.
The Department of Business Development (DBD), under the Ministry of Commerce, has joined forces with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to investigate nominee business structures in major tourism destinations. The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) is also preparing to classify nominee offenses as predicate offenses under money laundering law, which would allow authorities to examine financial trails and seize assets linked to wrongdoing. Continued …
Why nominee companies are under scrutiny in Thailand
Thailand is currently undergoing one of its most aggressive and coordinated crackdowns on nominee companies to date. As of May, the Department of Business Development (DBD) has partnered with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to actively investigate and dismantle these structures.
Under Thailand’s Foreign Business Act and Land Code, foreign nationals are restricted from majority ownership in specific sectors (like agriculture, tourism, and property trading) and are prohibited from owning land outright. To bypass these laws, some foreign investors use “nominee” structures. This involves using Thai citizens as proxy shareholders who hold 51% or more of the company on paper, while the foreign investor retains actual financial and operational control. This is illegal in Thailand. Continued …
Police Raid 32 Koh Phangan Nominee Firms
Thai police launched a major operation on Koh Phangan yesterday, raiding 32 companies suspected of using Thai nominees to illegally hold land on behalf of foreign investors. More than 300 officers took part in the coordinated crackdown, which targeted businesses linked to land ownership worth more than 150 million baht.
Authorities said the companies under investigation collectively hold 37 land title deeds. Officers seized corporate documents, shareholder records, company registration papers, land deeds, lease agreements, financial records, bank account details, and evidence of international money transfers. Digital evidence and computer equipment were also confiscated during the searches. Continued …
Officials say foreigners own only 6% of Koh Phangan
The director of Thailand’s Land Department stated that foreign nationals own only 6% of land on Koh Phangan, following growing concerns among residents about increasing foreign influence on the island.
Concerns intensified in recent years as the number of long-stay foreign residents, particularly Israeli nationals, has increased on Koh Phangan. Some locals fear the island could gradually fall under foreign control as overseas investors purchase land and establish businesses that compete with local operators. Continued …
Tugboat Sinks Near PKK’s Koh Thalu, One Missing
A 60-ton tugboat sank in rough seas near Koh Thalu in Prachuap Khiri Khan, leaving one crew member missing and two others injured after they drifted in the sea for two days and two nights. Rescue teams, marine police and local fishing boats launched a search operation after the incident was reported to Bang Saphan Noi police yesterday.
Police said the vessel belonged to Phairat Rungroj Co. and had departed Bang Pakong port en route to tow another vessel at Koh Samui in Surat Thani province. Three people were on board: the 18-year-old captain, and a 15-year-old and an 18-year-old. Continued …
Prachuap Port positioned as key logistics hub for Gulf of Thailand economy
Prachuap Port in Bang Saphan in southern Prachuap Khiri Khan Province is being positioned as a key logistics hub for the Gulf of Thailand economy, following a visit by senior officials and transport representatives yesterday.
Royl Chitradon, secretary-general of the Hydro-Informatics Institute Foundation under royal patronage, led a delegation to Berth C at Prachuap Port Co., in Bang Saphan District. The visit focused on the port’s role in supporting water-based logistics, heavy cargo transport, and regional economic development. Continued …
Hua Hin set to swing as jazz city event takes over
Hua Hin turns into a city of jazz from May 29–June 1. Experience the Hua Hin Jazz City Event 2026 across 40+ locations, featuring Thai and international artists, smooth jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, live improvisation, local culture, cafés, shops, and community vibes. About …
Rain predicted through Monday for Hua Hin, PKK
Prachuap Khiri Khan authorities have issued a weather warning, as heavy rain, possible flash floods, and strong waves are expected across the province from May 14–18. The warning covers all areas of Prachuap Khiri Khan, including Hua Hin, where thunderstorms are forecast for much of the week.
The Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Center issued the warning yesterday, following an announcement from the Thai Meteorological Department about heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Thailand and strong waves in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Continued …
Dutch Embassy to Buy Bangkok Ambassador Site
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a draft exchange of letters between the Thai and Dutch governments allowing the Netherlands to purchase land and buildings on Soi Ruam Rudi in Bangkok for use as the new residence of the Dutch ambassador to Thailand.
Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Periswiwatana said after the Cabinet meeting at Government House Tuesday that ministers had agreed in principle to the proposed exchange of letters between the government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Continued …
Will debt sink Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market?
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is addressing its debt management and operations at Chatuchak weekend market. The outstanding debt to the State Railway of Thailand amounts to 1.338 billion baht in unpaid land rental fees. This includes a court-ruled 672 million baht sum, with 605.7 million in principal rent and 66.4 million in interest up to June 2022.
The BMA is also liable for a 5% interest on the principal, adding up to 101.3 million baht from June 2022 to October 2025, along with monthly compensation payments of 14.1 million baht, totaling 564.7 million baht over three years and four months. Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt affirmed the administration’s commitment to repaying debt upon agreement on accurate figures. Continued …
Price spike of up to 20% as energy costs hit
The Bank of Thailand expects business operators to raise prices for goods and services by no more than 20%, with more frequent price adjustments in response to higher energy costs.
The central bank’s business survey found most large Thai companies plan to increase prices by no more than 20%, with adjustments remaining below the pace of rising costs due to constraints from weak purchasing power and intense competition. Continued …
Thai condos gain safe-haven appeal amid global uncertainty
Thailand is increasingly being viewed as a safe-haven destination for wealthy foreign buyers seeking investment security, quality of life, and greater flexibility in where they live, as global economic volatility, geopolitical tensions, and wars in several regions continue to reshape capital flows.
The trend is becoming more visible in the property market, where foreign demand for Thai condominiums remains resilient despite slower domestic purchasing power. Continued …
Thai retail confidence falls as panic buying drains April spending
Thailand’s retail sentiment weakened sharply in April, as consumers cut back on spending after panic buying in March, while high fuel prices, rising utility bills, and concerns over product costs continued to weigh on household purchasing power.
The April Retail Sentiment Index, or RSI, conducted by the Thai Retailers Assn., in cooperation with the Bank of Thailand, from April 16 to 27, found that retail operators’ economic confidence fell by 7.2 points from March. Continued …
Government says easing rules for eight foreign business sectors is not deregulation
Rachada Dhnadirek, spokesperson for the prime minister’s office, yesterday clarified reports claiming that the government is allowing foreigners to operate businesses without seeking permission, saying the claim was a misunderstanding of the substance of draft subordinate legislation under the Foreign Business Act 1999.
Rachada said the draft law was not intended to open the door for foreigners to run businesses without supervision. Instead, it updates certain business categories, most of which involve advanced technology or sectors already governed by specific laws and strictly supervised by state agencies. Continued …
Thai Airways tops B10-billion Q1 profit
Thai Airways International Public Co. (THAI) announced its operating results for the first quarter of 2026 today, showing strength and a continued recovery. Thai Airways recorded a net profit of B10.107 billion, up B268 million (+2.7%) from the same period last year.
Net profit attributable to owners of the parent was B10.093 billion, representing earnings per share of B0.36, up from B0.35 in the same period last year. Continued …
Royal Ploughing ceremony predicts low water, stronger trade
Thailand’s Royal Ploughing ceremony points to scarce water, good lowland harvests, food abundance, and stronger foreign trade following the sacred oxen’s choices. Their Majesties the King and Queen on Wednesday (May 13) presided over the Royal Ploughing Ceremony for 2026 at the ceremonial ground of Sanam Luang in Bangkok.
The ancient royal ceremony is held to bring auspiciousness to the farming season, and boost the morale of farmers across the country. The ceremony is traditionally held around the sixth lunar month, or in May, when the timing is considered suitable for the start of rice cultivation, one of Thailand’s most important occupations. Continued …
Retired Californian finds fulfilment as Lumphini cat caretaker
Lumphini Park opens its doors before sunrise. Joggers weave past monitor lizards. Groups gather for Tai Chi, and cats are preparing for a new day of being petted and loved. But beneath the park’s visible harmony lies a growing stray cat problem.
Even though abandoning animals has been illegal since 2014, people leaving their cats in the park is a well-known problem, which has fueled the crisis. Once beloved pets, many now face hunger, disease, stress, and uncontrolled breeding. They only survive thanks to volunteers who feed them. Continued and video …
Wildfires and the climate crisis: A higher risk of several cancers?
Prolonged contact with wildfire smoke would increase the risk of developing different types of cancer, according to a study presented at a recent meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.
The research, which has not yet been submitted for peer review, reveals that people exposed to high concentrations of smoke during the three years preceding the study had an increased risk of lung, colorectal, breast, bladder, and blood cancers. The data come from a longitudinal follow-up covering more than 91,000 people. Continued …
Solar ‘must be affordable’
The government’s push for solar rooftop installations must not burden citizens with debt but instead serve as a tool to reduce living costs and expand energy choices, says Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee.
Polapee said the government views clean energy as a key tool for improving people’s quality of life. He said policies include support for rooftop solar systems, the promotion of electric vehicles, energy-saving campaigns, and the development of smart power grids to address energy crises and rising energy costs. Continued …
Green Ambition, Burning Reality: Thailand’s Biomass Energy Push
Thailand plans to expand biomass energy as part of its net-zero strategy, but disputes between communities and biomass operators are intensifying over allegations of air pollution and health impacts.
As seasonal haze blanketed northern Thailand this past summer, 44-year-old farmer Nongluk Pla-nguen traveled four hours from her Ton Muang village in Phrae province to Chiang Mai Administrative Court. She was determined to file a lawsuit against authorities for allowing a wood pellet fuel factory to continue operating, which residents believe is affecting their health. Continued …
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Chinese Poker Ring Raided in Pattaya – Continued …
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American Fugitive Arrested in Chiang Mai – Continued …
Trump and Xi open Beijing talks as world watches
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping began high-stakes talks in Beijing today, opening a closely watched meeting that could shape the next phase of relations between the world’s two largest economies. Continued …
‘Promised to us’: Israelis dream of settling south Lebanon
From her home in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, Anna Sloutskin yearns to expand her country’s borders and one day move to southern Lebanon. And she is not alone. With fighting between Israel and Hezbollah displacing more than a million Lebanese, a far-right fringe of Israel’s settler movement is turning its gaze northward. Continued …
Why are Britons so fed up?
In less than two years, Britain’s governing Labor Party has gonefrom a landslide election victory to a historic rout at last week’s local and regional votes that has put Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s job on the line. While incumbents across Europe face similar difficulties, Britain’s politics have become ever more febrile in the decade since it voted to leave the European Union. 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
Hua Hin celebrates famed boxer Pone Kingpetch
Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas has launched its “Introduction to Tennis” camp this April, designed to help kids learn the sport or enhance their skills during the school holidays. The three-day program aims to build players’ confidence, skills, and friendships in a fun and supportive environment under the guidance of an experienced tennis coach and trainer.
The north of Thailand remains under a thick blanket of hazardous smog, as the latest satellite data yesterday reveals a surge in forest fires, with over 2,000 hotspots detected across 17 provinces.
Traffic accidents and injuries over the first six “dangerous days” of the Songkran holiday were down by 20% from the same period a year ago, while fatalities declined by 6.5%, according to data released yesterday.
Border crossings in Trat and Chanthaburi will remain closed, with no diplomatic talks or timeline set for reopening, says Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
US President Donald Trump yesterday dismissed high fuel costs amid his war with Iran, claiming that the economic damage inflicted by the war was much less severe than expected.
The energy crisis may pose a challenge for the Thai government in pursuing its fiscal plan, which aims to reduce the fiscal deficit to no more than 3% of GDP, increase revenue through a higher value-added tax (VAT), and keep public debt below 70% of GDP, according to the Finance Ministry.
As the joint attack between the United States and Israel against Iran that resulted in a wider regional conflict in the Middle East approaches its two-month mark, the directions of the war remain precarious, while some of the longer-lasting consequences appear evident.
An analysis by Commerzbank indicates that global energy market fluctuations are putting significant downward pressure on the Thai baht. As Thailand imports over 50% of its energy, mainly through crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), rising global energy costs have worsened its trade balance. Consequently, the USD/baht exchange rate has become a focal point for currency traders, closely monitoring the potential policy reactions from the Bank of Thailand (BOT).
Thailand has submitted its formal defense document to the United States by the April 15 deadline, rejecting allegations under Section 301 trade measures relating to excess production capacity and goods linked to forced labor. Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun is also preparing to meet the US Trade Representative (USTR) in early May as discussions intensify over potential tariff actions affecting Thai exports.
Thailand is expected to enter a state of stagflation late in the second quarter and the beginning of the third quarter of this year, as businesses begin material restocking while oil prices remain high amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, according to Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research).
Thailand is pivoting away from broad-based subsidies toward targeted support and long-term investment, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, as the country prepares to host the IMF–World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok this October.
Thailand’s retail sector showed a temporary improvement in March, but the industry is still flashing warning signs for the months ahead, with confidence for the second quarter falling back below the 50-point threshold, as oil prices, higher operating costs, and weak purchasing power weigh on the outlook.
Thailand’s workforce is broadly happy — but warning signs are emerging beneath the surface. A new survey by Jobsdb by SEEK shows that overall workplace happiness among Thai employees stands at 67%, placing the country third in the region, behind Indonesia and the Philippines.
Almost 5 million people joined Songkran celebrations across Bangkok this year, up 93.4% from last year, with Siam Square topping 1.5 million, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
True Corp. said its latest mobility data highlights shifting travel patterns and real-time digital usage during Songkran 2026, showing more evenly distributed travel nationwide, led by the northeast (Isaan), while international arrivals continued to rise, with Chinese tourists ranking first.
Middle East conflict hits Phang Nga tourism – hundreds of tour boats sitting idle
Thai Gen Z travelers are reshaping travel habits in 2026 by favoring short but frequent trips over traditional long holidays, with mental well-being and value for money emerging as top priorities, according to the online booking platform Agoda.
Returning to Bangkok after two years, I found the city far more organized than expected. The once-chaotic and disorderly image of a Southeast Asian metropolis — especially the dire conditions on Bangkok’s streets during the COVID-19 pandemic — had faded. Instead, I was struck by a sense of managed order and tidy streets.
Agoda Names Chiang Mai Asia’s Premier Culinary Destination
Thailand is preparing to open its electricity system to households, allowing those with rooftop solar panels to sell surplus power back into the grid, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said yesterday.
Rice farmers Siriporn and Amnat Taidee used to burn their paddy fields between plantings — a common method of clearing crop residue partly blamed for toxic smog that blankets much of Thailand every spring.
Where once there was ice, only rock remains. One of the glaciers in a chain of snow-capped mountains in the Colombian Andes has vanished due to high temperatures driven by climate change. Satellite images show how the ice sheet covering the mountain gradually shrank from 2015 until it disappeared completely in March. 
Hua Hin Songkran schedule
Hua Hin City Municipality has begun discussions on new public transport routes as part of efforts to improve mobility and meet rising demand in the growing coastal city. Hua Hin has seen steady growth in recent years, driven by tourism, economic activity, and urban expansion. This has led to increased demand for more efficient and accessible public transport routes to support both residents and visitors.
Soero rolls back the years at Black Mountain Championship
Thailand Energy Minister Akanat Promphan announced plans to maintain electricity prices at 3.88 baht/unit from May through August, countering the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) suggestion to increase it to 3.95 baht/unit. This decision leverages a surplus of about 9 billion baht and a claw-back mechanism designed to stabilize prices amid rising fuel costs.
Diesel prices in Thailand will rise again today after the Oil Fuel Fund committee reduced subsidies for a second consecutive day, pushing retail costs higher and triggering increases in public transport fares.
The Thai government is preparing to cut domestic fuel prices by targeting what it describes as “unnecessary” cost components in the national pricing structure.
Police have arrested a husband and wife accused of operating a child begging network that allegedly exploited minors for up to nine years, forcing them to wear school uniforms, meet daily cash targets or risk abuse.
In a leafy Tehran park yesterday, Iranians gathered for picnics on the final day of the Persian new year holidays, shrugging off US President Donald Trump’s threats to bomb Iran “back to the Stone Ages”.
Surapol Suksupaet, an 82-year-old rice farmer in Pathum Thani province, warns that rising fuel costs and stagnant rice prices are pushing smallholders to the brink.
Thailand’s fishing industry has warned that soaring oil prices could force 70% of fishing boats to stop operating after Songkran, threatening domestic seafood supplies and affecting around 50,000 workers.
Thailand’s household debt climbed to 16.44 trillion baht in the fourth quarter of 2025, pushing the debt-to-GDP ratio up to 86.7% and reinforcing concerns that financial fragility in the household sector remains a serious drag on the broader economy.
Passengers using Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok during the Songkran holiday are advised to arrive at least two to three hours before their scheduled departures, with the peak travel day expected to be April 11.
Phuket ferry and speedboat fares for routes to Koh Phi Phi, along with boat tour prices, are set to increase from April 5 after operators received approval to raise charges in response to higher fuel costs.
Women driving Thailand’s travel economy
“Promoting a low-carbon society by announcing that Thailand will achieve the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (2050) to cope with international trade and climate change by promoting and supporting the use of clean energy such as solar energy in communities and government agencies, the use of electric vehicles and public transportation, as well as increasing energy efficiency, especially in the industrial sector.” (The prime minister delivers the Cabinet’s policy statement (Sept. 29, 2025 at the National Assembly)
The Kasikorn Research Center estimates that Thailand’s solar industry is facing mounting cost pressure after China scrapped value-added tax (VAT) export rebates for photovoltaic (PV) products, including solar panels, from April 1.
Most petrol stations in Hua Hin have introduced temporary refueling limits as fuel demand continues to rise across Prachuap Khiri Khan, with officials urging motorists not to panic buy despite stable national supply levels.
So-called “smart poles” are being installed at key locations across Hua Hin as part of efforts to strengthen public safety and support the development of smart infrastructure. The initiative forms part of the Hua Hin Smart City Phase 1 project, under which Hua Hin City Municipality has installed no fewer than 30 CCTV cameras, along with related equipment throughout the municipal area.
The Cha Am Blue Swimming Crab Festival will conclude on Saturday at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint, featuring fresh seafood, conservation activities, and nightly live music.
The Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 is being held today and tomorrow, promising a larger, more refined evolution of the event that has become part of the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
Thailand Riviera tourist road to improve access to Hua Hin
NH Hua Hin Hotel has appointed Nartsupak Thaweewong as general manager. Nartsupak brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience in Thailand and Singapore to the role.
Airin Phanrit, deputy spokeswoman for the prime minister’s office, said yesterday that this year’s heat index is expected to be more severe than last year’s, with levels in April and May likely to rise into the “very dangerous” range of more than 52°C.
Brent crude rose sharply above US$110 a barrel in early trading today, as fresh attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East heightened fears of broader supply disruption.
Whether Bangchak and PTT service stations are selling fuel at higher or lower prices than those in other ASEAN countries remains a matter of continuing public interest and frequent scrutiny. This is especially the case at present, amid the Middle East war following the attacks launched by the United States and Israel on Iran.
The Airline Association of Thailand (AAT) is seeking government intervention for relief measures, as the aviation industry faces escalating cost pressures. In a recent meeting with executives from its member airlines, including Bangkok Airways and Thai AirAsia, the AAT discussed challenges posed by global economic conditions and external factors, particularly the geopolitical tensions affecting fuel prices.
Saha Pathanapibul and BJC, two major consumer goods companies, have warned retailers of the impact of unrest in the Middle East, which has driven up raw material, packaging, and transport costs and may affect product availability and deliveries.
The Land Transport Federation of Thailand has issued five demands for the government to address the energy crisis, warning it may escalate to a nationwide transport shutdown if no action is taken.
Thailand’s existing stocks of necessary drugs and life-saving medical supplies are enough for three months’ use, the Ministry of Public Health said yesterday.
Thai fishermen staying ashore as fuel prices bite
Thais say their top concern is rising living costs and they are urging the new government to take swift action on the issue, according to a National Statistical Office (NSO) survey.
Despite declines in new launches and inventory in Bangkok, condo developers are likely to delay new supply this year, as sales remain sluggish and absorption rates continue to fall, according to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC).
Thwaites Glacier in west Antarctica, covering more than 192,000 square kilometers, has been dubbed the “Doomsday Glacier” because it acts as the final barrier preventing the west Antarctic ice sheet from flowing into the ocean. But the glacier is now melting rapidly, raising fears that many coastal cities around the world could eventually be submerged.
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.
The printed circuit board (PCB) industry is becoming a major magnet for large-scale investment flows into Thailand, amid the global expansion of AI, data centers and advanced electronics. This has helped Thailand move up to become ASEAN’s number one PCB manufacturing base, with a longer-term goal of rising into the world’s top five.
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.
Thailand’s hotel industry has expanded almost continuously for close to five decades since the “Visit Thailand* boom in the 80’s. The latest Asia Pacific construction pipeline data confirms that this trend remains firmly in place.
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. 
Roaming the Forests of Bang Kama
Finnish Business Networking Event in Hua Hin Saturday
Rama II Road sees over 2,500 construction accidents in seven years
Bangkok BTS Disturbance Sparks Debate Over Tourism Conduct
Grim Employment Prospects Loom Over Thailand
Thailand tourism surges with visa-free policy, Phuket leads
74% of Thais seek to improve their weight amid rising obesity rates
Thailand’s Food And Beverage Trends Reshape For 2025
Key luxury trends set to lift Thai economy in 2025
Thai Union ranked no.1 in the food products industry
Thailand extends 50% tax cut for entertainment venues
Thailand considering small modular nuclear reactors as clean energy solution
Thailand welcomes over 2 million tourists in January
