- AP Thailand Project in Hua Hin/Checks on nominee land deals/Living in fear of legal system/System failure blamed for rail accident/Rail traffic management ‘needs work’/Trapped in flooded Laos cave/Wild jumbos shot, electrocuted/Suspected ivory poaching/Elephants Deserve More Respect/Chinese woman reunited with lost cash
- ECONOMY: Vietnam gains over Thailand/Thailand Drives Food Trade/CPF pledges to feed the world/US and Thailand speed LNG talks/45-billion-baht influencer market
- TOURISM: 13.4 million foreign tourists/Ultimate Destination for Wellness Retreats
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand rainy season/Thai cuisine ‘no longer niche’
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Solar panels offer escape from debt/Mangrove, oyster concerns
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
AP Thailand Launches low-rise residential Project in Hua Hin
AP Thailand Public Co. continues to expand its low-rise residential portfolio, as it prepares to launch two projects under the APITOWN brand: APITOWN Hua Hin and APITOWN Saraburi.
These new developments are designed to meet the growing demand from family customers seeking quality homes that support every dimension of living, while enhancing everyday life through the “7-Better Living” concept. Continued …
Department of Lands tightens checks on nominee land deals in Thailand
The Department of Lands is raising scrutiny of landholding on behalf of foreign nationals, by both individuals and juristic persons, particularly in high-value land transactions.
The move is aimed at preventing the use of “nominees” to avoid the law, with inspection committees to be established in every province to tighten oversight of property transactions nationwide. Continued …
Foreigners living in fear as Thailand’s legal system becomes a weapon
Thailand remains one of the most attractive destinations in Asia for foreign investors, retirees, entrepreneurs, and long-term residents. In 2025 alone, Thailand welcomed more than 32.9 million foreign visitors, while tourism continued to contribute enormously to the national economy.
In places such as Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan, foreign investment has transformed local economies over the past two decades. Entire industries now depend heavily on international tourism, foreign capital, and expatriate communities. But behind this success story, another reality has quietly emerged. Many foreigners no longer fear losing a court case. They fear the legal process itself. Continued …
Transport Ministry blames system failure for high-speed rail crane collapse
The Transport Ministry has concluded that the deadly collapse of a construction crane on the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project in Nakhon Ratchasima was caused not by an individual error, but by a “systemic failure” involving all parties responsible for the work.
The accident, which took place in Si Khiu district, killed 31 people and injured 71 others after part of a launching gantry crane collapsed onto a passenger train running below. Continued …
Rail traffic management ‘needs work’
Thailand’s Consumer Council (TCC) and the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) are pushing for a major overhaul of Bangkok’s traffic-management system after a deadly train–bus collision exposed critical weaknesses at railway crossings.
The agencies cited problems, including non-integrated traffic signals that police cannot independently control. The May 16 crash at the Makkasan–Asok Din Daeng crossing killed eight people and injured more than 30, triggering urgent calls for reform. Continued …
Rescuers race to free seven people trapped in flooded Laos cave
Rescuers are racing against time to free seven people who have been trapped for nearly a week in a flooded cave in Laos. The seven were part of a group of villagers from the central province of Xaysomboun who had gone into the cave last Wednesday in search of gold and wildlife, but could not get out as rain and landslides blocked the cave’s entrance.
Footage shared by the rescue groups show the cave divers crawling into the cave through narrow, muddy passageways that are almost completely flooded. Several experts involved in the dramatic rescue of a team of teenage footballers trapped deep inside a Thai cave back in 2018 are among those helping with the current rescue effort. Continued and video …
Wild jumbos shot, electrocuted
Two wild elephants have died in separate incidents in western and eastern Thailand, underlining escalating conflict between humans and wildlife near protected forests.
A bull elephant aged 25-30 was electrocuted near Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary after pulling down power lines near Ban Tha Manao in Muang district of Kanchanaburi. Sanctuary officials confirmed yesterday that the carcass was found late on Sunday near the forest edge. Continued …
Suspected ivory poaching investigated in three elephant deaths
A special task force, known as “Phaya Sua” (the king of tigers), has been dispatched to Nakhon Nayok, Chanthaburi, and Kanchanaburi to investigate the deaths of three elephants whose tusks had been removed.
Atthaphon Charoenchansa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said he wants to determine whether the elephants were shot by ivory poachers or electrocuted before their tusks were later removed. Continued …
Sentient Animals Like Elephants Deserve More Respect
New research conducted by World Animal Protection states that two thirds of captive elephants in Thailand’s tourism industry still live in poor conditions, despite some welfare improvements. Most elephants used in Thailand’s tourism industry continue to suffer in captivity, according to new World Animal Protection research.
Elephants continue to endure short chaining, inadequate diets, dirty living conditions, lack of veterinary care, and forced tourist interactions, including riding, washing, and shows. Continued …
Chinese woman reunited with lost cash with help from Thai locals
A Thai rescuer and several locals in Chachoengsao helped a Chinese woman recover 20,000 baht in cash after she accidentally dropped her bag while riding a motorcycle on Bangna-Trat Road on Sunday.
The rescuer said he was driving home when he noticed a woman sitting beside a black Honda SuperCub motorcycle registered in Bangkok and crying by the roadside. Mongkon said another vehicle had stopped nearby, and five to six Thai locals were already helping the woman search the area. Continued …
Vietnam gains over Thailand as exporter and global production hub
The economic relationship between Thailand and Vietnam, neighboring ASEAN countries, is shifting from trade partners to direct rivals on the global economic stage amid production relocation and changes in global supply chains.
The IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2025 said Thailand fell five places to 30th in the world because of problems in government efficiency, infrastructure, and labor productivity, while Vietnam, although not yet included in the IMD ranking, is being watched as an “ASEAN economic rising star” that is rapidly gaining speed. Continued …
Thailand Drives Food Trade Push at THAIFEX 2026
Thailand is accelerating efforts to become a top 10 global food exporter, leveraging its agricultural richness, manufacturing strength, and innovation in food technology. As part of this ambition, THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2026 is being held this week in Bangkok. The event is expected to generate over 130 billion baht in trade value, attracting 90,000 visitors from 130 countries.
Currently the world’s 15th-largest food exporter, Thailand plans to shift from commodity exports to higher-value products and innovations that align with evolving consumer preferences. The event, organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and Koelnmesse, will showcase this strategic shift. Continued …
CPF pledges to feed the world amid global turmoil
Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) says it aims to provide high-quality protein products to global markets despite geopolitical uncertainty, strengthening Thailand’s position in worldwide food security.
Chief Executive Prasit Boondoungprasert said food security is becoming a priority for nations worldwide. Those unable to produce sufficient food are seeking reliable partners, including both countries and companies. Continued …
US and Thailand speed LNG talks as war hits Qatar exports
The US and Thailand are in talks on new long-term supply of US-produced liquefied natural gas, two sources said yesterday, negotiations that have accelerated since the US-Israeli-led war on Iran led to LNG production damage in key exporter Qatar.
The talks center on a binding long-term deal between Venture Global and Thailand’s state-controled energy company PTT, said the sources familiar with discussions who were granted anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions. Continued …
Thailand called to oversee thriving 45-billion-baht influencer market
The global influencer economy is experiencing explosive growth, evolving from simple online content into a complex commercial ecosystem. This sector now encompasses advertising, e-commerce, brand promotion, digital services, and consumer engagement.
Projections estimate the global influencer economy was valued at US$43.9 billion in 2023, with an anticipated average annual growth of 33.9% leading to a projected US$607 billion by 2032. Influencer marketing, specifically, was valued at US$32.6 billion in 2025 and is expected to surge at a 51.9% annual growth rate through 2032. Continued …
Thailand welcomes 13.4 million foreign tourists as weekly arrivals rise 11%
Thailand welcomed 13,428,857 foreign tourists from Jan. 1 to May 24, down 2.8%, generating an estimated B653.986 billion in tourism spending, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. China remained the largest source market, followed by Malaysia, and India.
For the week of May 18-24, foreign tourist arrivals showed signs of recovery, supported by long holiday periods in several markets, including the United States, South Korea, and Hong Kong. Continued …
Why Thailand Is the Ultimate Destination for Wellness Retreats
Thailand has long captured the imagination of travelers seeking more than just a holiday — it calls to those yearning for transformation. From the mist-draped mountains of the north to the turquoise-fringed islands of the south, the country offers a rare alchemy of natural splendor, centuries-old healing wisdom, and world-class hospitality.
It is little wonder that wellness seekers from every corner of the globe continue to choose Thailand as their destination of choice for rest, renewal, and recovery. The numbers speak for themselves: according to the Global Wellness Institute, Thailand’s wellness tourism market surged by 36.4% between 2023 and 2024, reaching a remarkable $14 billion — one of the fastest growth rates recorded anywhere in the world. Continued …
Thailand rainy season: When it hits, where it hurts, how to prepare
Thailand’s rainy season has a reputation it doesn’t entirely deserve. Yes, it rains, sometimes heavily, but the idea that monsoon months mean washed-out days and ruined plans is largely a myth.
For expats already living here, it is simply a season to navigate. Know when it falls, which regions it hits hardest, and what it means for your health, and it becomes far less daunting. Continued …
Thai cuisine ‘no longer niche’
Thai food manufacturer and exporter Thai Choice says resilience, product innovation, and easier-to-cook authentic meals are helping transform Thai cuisine from a niche export into an everyday global food category.
Speaking yesterday on the opening day of Thaifex–Anuga Asia 2026, the annual food and beverage trade fair held in Bangkoki, the company outlined how it has navigated geopolitical disruptions, freight crises, and shifting consumer preferences while expanding Thai flavors into mainstream international markets. Continued …
Solar panels offer escape from debt
Thailand’s household debt reached 86.7% of GDP at the end of 2025, among the highest ratios in Asia. The Bank of Thailand’s own data shows that debt for consumption is rising; debt based on income-generating assets such as property or housing loans is contracting. The data reflects bread-and-butter issues and the rising cost of living.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) identifies energy as the third-largest household expense globally after food and housing. When residential energy and transport costs are combined, the poorest households spend over 20% of their income on energy. Continued …
Mangrove, oyster concerns shadow coastal road plan
Local residents have raised concerns that a proposed coastal highway could damage mangrove forests and threaten oyster-farming livelihoods, despite government claims the project would boost tourism and the local economy.
A second public hearing on the proposed Phase 3 extension of the Chalerm Burapa Chonlathit coastal road drew sharp debate yesterday as officials promoted the project’s economic benefits while residents warned of environmental damage. Continued …
Marriage Scam Crackdown Ordered Across Thailand
Thailand’s Department of Provincial Administration has ordered a nationwide review of marriage registrations to combat sham marriages used by transnational criminals seeking illegal advantages in the country. Continued …
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Austrian Gets 1,673 Years in Thai Prison – Continued …
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Israeli Drug Suspect Arrested on Koh Samui – Continued …
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Brit and Russian Held With Cannabis After Thai Flight – Continued …
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British Man Remanded Over Koh Phangan Crash – Continued …
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4 Vietnamese arrested over illegal cannabis production – 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
Petrol prices will rise today, with PTT and Bangchak service stations announcing their latest price adjustments. Gasohol 95, Gasohol 91, Gasohol E85, Gasohol E20, Super Power Gasohol 95, and petrol will all increase by 1 baht per liter, while diesel and Super Power diesel will rise by 70 satang per liter. Effective from 5 am today, fuel prices for tomorrow will be as follows: 
Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, or GISTDA, has warned that a possible “super El Niño” could trigger severe climate disruption across Thailand and the wider ASEAN region, bringing heightened risks of drought, food insecurity, soaring agricultural prices and a worsening PM2.5 crisis.
The Thai baht is set to weaken further as the Middle East war is intensifying and dragging on, while the US Federal Reserve also may not be in a rush to cut interest rates.
Thailand’s tourism sector is facing renewed concern after warnings that a potential oil shortage could disrupt travel and damage visitor confidence more severely than rising fuel prices. Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun said a lack of fuel supply would create immediate uncertainty, leaving tourists unsure whether they could complete their journeys. He cautioned that such disruption could undermine the overall travel experience and deter both domestic and international visitors.
The Bank of Thailand is warning the war in the Middle East could weigh on Thailand’s economy across multiple fronts, potentially dragging GDP growth below its 2% forecast for this year.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has ordered the restart of two decommissioned units at the Mae Moh coal-fired power plant in a bid to contain rising electricity bills.
A fuel shortage is severely disrupting taxi services at Suvarnabhumi Airport, with large SUV taxis gradually suspending operations and only about 2,500 vehicles currently in active service, out of a fleet estimated at more than 5,000, operators say.
Three major hospitals have adjusted outpatient drug dispensing as a precaution to prevent potential shortages amid energy-related disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis, while the Ministry of Public Health says national stocks remain sufficient.
Five major consumer goods manufacturers are signaling possible price increases from April, as the global energy crisis drives up costs across supply chains and puts fresh pressure on the retail market.
The Finance Ministry is preparing tax reduction measures for large businesses that help bring small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into their supply chains, in a bid to help upgrade local SMEs.
European companies are increasingly favoring Vietnam over Thailand for future investments in Southeast Asia, according to Chris Humphrey, executive director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council.
Singapore Changi Airport has been named the world’s best airport for 2026 by Skytrax, extending its long-running dominance, while Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport climbed to 36th place in the latest global rankings. The annual list highlights continued strong performance by leading Asian hubs and steady improvement in Thailand’s main international gateway.
Finland has ranked as the world’s happiest country for the ninth consecutive year in the World Happiness Report 2026, while Thailand dropped from 49th to 52nd place. The report, released by the Wellbeing Research Center at the University of Oxford on Thursday, highlighted that the top three countries were Finland, Iceland, and Denmark. Costa Rica saw significant improvement, climbing to fourth place, the highest among Latin American nations.
The ocean has always felt like home to Claire Narida Charanachitta. Long before she spoke at international forums or produced award-winning documentaries, the Thai teenager spent her childhood exploring forests, coastlines, and environmental camps that introduced her to the delicate balance of nature.
The Thai premium smartphone market has entered a high-stakes season following the official debut of the Samsung Galaxy S26 on Feb. 26. With a starting price of 41,900 baht, the flagship’s arrival has set a new benchmark for the high-end segment this year, closely followed by the March 2 launch of the iPad Air M4, which entered the market at 21,900 baht and iPhone 17e, which entered the market at 22,900 baht.
Cheap Thai meals at risk as global oil tensions threaten food prices
Crude oil prices surged toward $100 per barrel as the escalating conflict involving Iran triggered major disruptions to global fuel supplies. CNBC reported that US crude prices yesterday recorded their biggest weekly gain in the history of the futures market, as intensifying conflict in the Middle East caused significant turmoil in global energy supply.
The war in the Middle East has intensified, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key strategic route for global oil shipments, has caused world oil prices to surge rapidly. This has raised concerns over energy shortages and wider repercussions for the global economy.
Emirates and Etihad Airways were resuming limited flight schedules to key global cities from their United Arab Emirates hubs yesterday, though the ongoing threat of missile fire piled pressure on airlines as they scramble to accommodate travelers.
It has been six days since the deadly joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, followed by Iran’s retaliatory strikes against mostly American targets in half a dozen Gulf states and against Israel, as people around the world grapple with the economic and geopolitical repercussions.
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI), in cooperation with the Chinese Embassy in Thailand and partners from the public and private sectors, hosted the “Thailand-China Investment Forum: Keys to Success & Sustainable Growth for Chinese Enterprises” on Thursday at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), a gathering of leaders in the global wellness economy, has announced that its 20th annual conference will take place in Phuket from Nov. 10-13. The event,which will be the largest Global Wellness Summit to date, will convene CEOs of leading wellness companies, physicians and academics, investors, technology innovators, and policymakers for four days examining the forces transforming all eleven sectors of the wellness economy, from wellness tourism and physical activity to mental wellness, beauty, spas, and wellness real estate, with a lens on the evolving longevity landscape.
Hat Yai is back in business, and now is the time to visit
Thailand’s top 5 getaways this March
Thailand’s low-carbon rice model emerges from Central Plains farmers
US President Donald Trump said y esterday Cuba was next on his agenda after Iran, predicting that the communist-run island, crippled by a US energy blockade, is “gonna fall pretty soon”. “They want to make a deal so badly,” Trump said, a day after suggesting that he would turn to an unspecified project for Cuba after the war against Iran. 
Four years ago, NASA purposely smashed a spacecraft into a small asteroid to see if they could deflect it – a test to prove humanity could protect Earth from threatening space rocks. The experiment pushed the moonlet asteroid Dimorphos into a smaller, faster route around its sibling Didymos – and according to new research out yesterday, it also pushed the pair into a slightly different orbit around the Sun. 
Run Khan Do event/Pone Kingphet Park renovation/Royal Hua Hin Course hosts Thai LPGA/Meth arrest in Prauchap Khiri Khan/Road Accidents, Deaths Decreased/EC announces 71% voter turnout/Masked Gang Raid Brit’s Pattaya Home/AI-Driven Traffic Lights in Bangkok/Prices of new Samsung Galaxy to rise/Keep their hair in check/Bomb on husband’s mistress’ car
Royal Hua Hin Golf Course hosts first Thai LPGA event of year
Road accidents in Thailand fell in 2025, according to new data released yesterday at the Royal Thai Police headquarters. Police Gen. Samran Nuanma, deputy commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police and director of the Traffic Management Center, said statistics show a decline in crashes, fatalities, and injuries. However, speeding remains the leading cause of accidents nationwide.
The Election Commission (EC) has announced the final voter turnout for the 2026 general election, with 37.8 million voters (71.4%) participating on Feb.8. 
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has started upgrading traffic signals at various intersections, incorporating an adaptive system using CCTV and AI technology to adjust in real time. This initiative aims to transition from fixed-timing to automated adaptive control, improving convenience and reducing time on the roads.
The operator of the BTS Skytrain has called on passengers to refrain from flicking or tossing their hair while traveling during peak hours, warning that loose locks could accidentally strike fellow commuters in the face, shoulders, eyes, or mouth.
This year continues to be a period of high uncertainty for Thai businesses, driven by geopolitical tensions, global economic policies, interest rate directions, and the transition to new technologies. Meanwhile, domestic factors such as a strong Thai baht, high household debt, weak demand, and a fragile economic structure are further intensifying the pressure on the business sector.
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) expects the baht to gradually weaken against the US dollar, reaching 33 baht per dollar in the fourth quarter of this year, driven by a combination of domestic and external factors.
TRIS Rating has raised its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 2.1% from 1.7%, following stronger-than-expected momentum in the fourth quarter of 2025, when the economy expanded 2.4%. Despite the upward revision, growth is still projected to moderate from last year, reflecting persistent structural constraints.
Factory activity in Thailand picked up in January, driven by heightened political activity during the election campaign and strong demand in the automotive sector, according to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).
The global semiconductor industry is entering an increasingly strategic phase, driven by accelerated investments in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, and electric vehicles (EV).
Suphajee Suthumpun, minister of Commerce, has revealed that the Thai government and the government of the People’s Republic of China have reached a government-to-government rice-trading agreement for a volume of 40,000 tons.
US trading partners, including China and the EU, are responding to Trump’s recent tariff setbacks and warnings of potential new tariffs. They are likely adopting cautious or defensive strategies in light of these developments, reflecting concerns over economic stability and trade relations. The situation underscores ongoing tensions between the US and its trade partners over tariffs and trade policies.
Over the past few weeks, local news headlines have been dominated by complaints from some foreign tourists claiming that Thailand is becoming too expensive, while some Thais are being perceived as unfriendly — or even rude — to visitors.
Dual-pricing, where foreigners pay more to enter certain places than local visitors, is common at major destinations in Thailand. When the double standard system blurs into confusion and exploitation, it could damage the country’s tourism.
Thailand is every wanderer’s dream: temples rising into brilliant blue skies, tuk-tuks zipping past street carts sizzling with spice, and tropical beaches that seem to glow at sunset. But because the kingdom stretches from misty northern hills to two distinct coastal systems, deciding when to go is almost as important as where you go.
A Short-Stay Guide to Koh Tao — Thailand’s Tiny Gulf Escape
Technology giants, including Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta, have in recent months announced plans to spend over US$600 billion on AI in 2026 alone. The investment wave has already fueled unease among some investors about the profitability of this strategy. They have reason to be worried, as the ambitious US AI expansion plans are likely to be hobbled by severe power-infrastructure bottlenecks, including turbine shortages, slow grid expansion, and regulatory red tape. 
A ride-hailing driver posted a touching experience on the “Grab Car Driver Club Thailand” Facebook group, declaring: “I want 10 more jobs like this”. The first image showed the journey details – from Huai Khwang to Phra Khanong. The second revealed the adorable passenger: what appeared to be a long-coat Chihuahua.
The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows Thailand scored 33/100 and ranked 116th globally — below the world average of 42. The index, released by Transparency International, placed Thailand 116th out of 182 countries and territories, down one spot from 2024 when it scored 34.
The cabinet has been instructed to start preparing to void a 25-year-old memorandum of understanding (MoU) used by Thailand and Cambodia as a framework to settle their overlapping maritime boundaries.
Chula Researchers Transform Thai Silk into Medical Innovation
Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to seek approval from Thailand’s next cabinet for two major airport expansion projects worth a combined 269 billion baht, covering Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports.
Thailand’s once-robust manufacturing sector is facing a protracted slowdown, with factory capacity utilization hovering below 60% for the past two years, raising concerns about the country’s economic competitiveness and industrial policy effectiveness.
Arada Fueangthong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT), said Thailand’s utilization of trade preferences under free trade agreements (FTAs) continued to expand in January–November 2025.
The cabinet yesterday endorsed a comprehensive visa package proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to boost tourism, attract long-stay visitors, and stimulate the economy.
Chinese New Year in Thailand: A National Celebration and a Regional Travel Magnet
With Chinese New Year approaching next week, Pattaya tourism operators expect similar conditions as last year. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation, said Pattaya operators expect a large number of foreign tourists for the holiday, particularly from long-haul markets, accounting for 80% and helping the occupancy rate near 90%.
Phuket is preparing to welcome a surge of visitors during the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, with a month-long program of events beginning today aimed at stimulating early-year tourism and generating more than 600 million baht in revenue.
Picture this for a moment. You’ve worked decades, paid into Social Security your entire adult life, and when retirement finally arrives, the monthly check lands somewhere around $1,800. In many parts of the United States, that barely covers rent. It’s frustrating, I know.
13 Mouth-Watering Thai Dishes You Need To Try
Kintetsu World Express has taken another step toward cleaner operations by installing a solar power generation system at its warehouse in Prachinburi Province. The project has been carried out by its local subsidiary, KWE-Kintetsu World Express (Thailand) Co., as part of the group’s wider push toward decarbonized and sustainable business practices.
Planned or under-construction solar and wind projects slowed last year, analysis showed yesterday, casting doubts on whether countries will hit a goal of tripling renewable capacity by 2030. Dozens of nations agreed in 2023 to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 as part of efforts to limit global warming.
At least 10 people died yesterday in a remote part of western Canada, including seven who were shot at a secondary school and two others found dead at a residence, federal police said. Twenty-seven people were injured. An individual believed to be responsible for the killing in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, was found deceased with what appears to be a self-inflicted injury. 
Noise pollution is affecting bird behavior across the globe, disrupting everything from courtship songs to the ability to find food and avoid predators, a large-scale new analysis showed today. 
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has predicted that the summer of 2026 will be hotter than the previous year. The summer season is expected to begin later than usual, around the end of February (approximately two weeks later than typical), and will last until mid-May 2026.
Thailand is facing a “perfect storm”, as a low birth rate, persistent poverty, and a rapidly aging society place mounting pressure on the tax base, welfare system, and social structure, says the Equitable Education Fund (EEF).
Ahead of the Feb. 8 election, various political parties in Thailand have expressed their support for sex workers, pledging to enhance protection and dignity under the law in a nation where prostitution remains illegal.
The Bangkok Air Quality Information Center reported yesterday that PM 2.5 levels in Bangkok have exceeded the safety limits in all districts.
Cambodia has carried out a massive raid on scammer gangs, detaining more than 2,000 people amid pressure from China to crack down on its online fraud industry. Nearly 1,800 Chinese nationals were among those held, according to the Cambodian Interior Ministry.
The rapid emergence of instant commerce in Thailand, a retail evolution defined by delivery within a few hours, will become the new battlefield for on-demand players and e-commerce platforms, say brands.
Gold prices hit a record high above $5,500 due to US-Iran tensions, with expectations of the Federal Reserve moving to rate cuts, pushing the baht to strengthen below 31 baht per dollar, the strongest in almost five years.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is calling for Thailand to expand into new high-potential markets to support the country’s export and manufacturing sectors, as key trading partners face economic weakness amid a global slowdown.
Thai durian exports are expected to face several hurdles due to labor shortages and a lack of collection centers during the harvest season. Durian supply is forecast to reach 1.78 million tons this year, with the eastern region contributing 1.06 million tons, or 59.5% of total output.
Thai gold prices on Saturday were down by 1,200 baht per baht-weight (15.2 grams), as a global and local correction continued after a surge to record highs earlier in the week.
This year is being seen as a “structural turning point” in business, as the combined pressures from the climate crisis, technological advancements, and demographic changes make the concept of “sustainability” no longer just a policy for improving image. It has become the new foundation for growth, competitiveness, and long-term survival for businesses.
Thai EV charging service provider Sharge has partnered with Grab to build a dedicated charging network for the company. It plans to invest over 400 million baht in the project.
Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman has warned that the rest of the world is starting to pull away from the United States, driven by frustration with President Donald Trump’s threats, and that the shift will ultimately leave Americans poorer. 
Japan will expand overtourism countermeasures from 47 to 100 areas nationwide as it positions inbound tourism as a core strategic industry after foreign visitor spending hit a record 9.5 trillion yen in 2025. 
Typhoon Matmo to bring heavy rain to Thailand
Evidence Links Former PM to Border Casinos
Survey finds that 63% of Thai women want children
Traveloka sees Thailand growing as Asia’s leading wellness destination
Mayor outlines future development plans for Hua Hin
Thailand aims for 2.8 trillion baht tourism revenue in 2026
Thailand’s Destination Visa Program Draws Over 35,000 Applications
Skyworth Commits $500M to Accelerate ASEAN Solar Push with Thailand as Regional Hub
Hua Hin street artist signs second agreement to remove graffiti
Crunch time for eateries
Thai businesses activate contingency plans amid Cambodia border shutdown
