Thai Times
Covering the Thai Renaissance
Wednesday, Feb 04, 2026
Thai Times
Thailand’s LNG Demand Remains Robust Despite Accelerated Net-Zero Energy Goals
Expanded gas market liberalisation and long-term import contracts underscore ongoing reliance on imported LNG even as decarbonisation targets tighten
Thai Cannabis Policy Becomes Central Election Issue as Government Tightens Regulations
With the 2026 general election approaching, Thailand’s decade-long cannabis liberalisation experiment is at a crossroads amid new restrictions and political debate
AI Invented “Hot Springs” — Tourists Arrived and Were Shocked
Hundreds of visitors in Tasmania were misled after an AI-generated travel article promoted non-existent “Weldborough Hot Springs,” prompting confusion, complaints, and the removal of the false content.
Listen
Thirteen-Year-Old Boy’s Four-Hour Swim in Rough Seas Spurs Major Rescue and Saves Family Off Western Australia
A young holidaymaker’s extraordinary endurance and quick thinking brought help for his mother and siblings after they were swept far offshore in powerful winds and currents
Blackpink’s Lisa Named Tourism Ambassador as Thailand Leverages Her Global Appeal
Thai-born K-pop star fronts ‘Feel All the Feelings’ campaign to showcase Thailand’s culture, heritage and emotional travel experiences
Listen
Thai Military Exhibits Vast Evidence of Transnational Fraud From Seized Cambodian Scam Compound
O’Smach site near the Thai-Cambodian border yielded documents, staged police sets and mobility equipment linked to global fraud schemes after military occupation
Listen
Thailand and Canva Forge Strategic Partnership to Elevate Digital Learning Nationwide
New memorandum ushers in expanded use of Canva’s digital design tools in Thai schools, aiming to strengthen creativity, collaboration and 21st-century skills for teachers and students
Thailand Increases Airport Departure Fees to Finance Expansion of Aviation Infrastructure
Government unveils higher charges for departing passengers as part of broader plan to modernise airports and boost capacity ahead of rising travel demand
Luyuan Group Champions China–Thailand Youth Exchange at 50th Anniversary Diplomatic Celebration
Corporate participation in Bangkok cultural exchange series underscores deepening ties and youth engagement between the two nations
Thailand Urges Cambodia to Refrain From Provocative Actions Amid Border Ceasefire Compliance Concerns
Bangkok calls on Phnom Penh to honour ceasefire terms and avoid statements or acts that could reignite tensions along the shared border
Thailand’s Economic Decline Deepens as Structural Challenges Earn It the ‘Sick Man of Asia’ Label
Once a regional growth leader, Thailand is now grappling with stagnation, mounting debt, demographic pressures and weakening key industries
Bangkok to Host Wiki Finance Expo Thailand 2026 in April, Highlighting Fintech and Web3 Expansion
Major financial innovation gathering will bring thousands of industry leaders and innovators to discuss Southeast Asia’s digital finance future
Thai Beverage Firms Anticipate Lift From Hotter Weather to Bolster Demand
Industry outlook points to rising temperatures and tourism recovery supporting Thai drink sales amid broader economic challenges
NetDragon and Thai Government Forge AI Partnership to Build Future-Ready Workforce
Memorandum of Understanding signed to embed artificial intelligence across Thailand’s education-to-career ecosystem and prepare talent for the AI era
Trump Cuts India Tariffs After Modi Signals End to Russian Oil Purchases in New Trade Understanding
The U.S. president says tariffs on Indian goods will fall from twenty-five percent to eighteen percent as India commits to major U.S. purchases and a shift away from Russian crude
Nvidia Puts $100 Billion OpenAI Investment Plan on Hold While Keeping Door Open to Major Funding Round
Jensen Huang says the headline figure was never binding, raises concerns about OpenAI’s internal discipline, and signals a sizeable but phased commitment instead
SpaceX to Acquire xAI in Musk Consolidation Move Ahead of Potential Mega-IPO
The deal would place rockets, Starlink, the X platform and the Grok chatbot under one corporate umbrella, with reports pointing to a valuation above one trillion dollars
Bank of Thailand Moves to Rein In Online Gold Trading as Prices Spike
New caps and reporting rules aim to enhance market transparency and limit currency volatility amid surging gold values
Listen
Thailand’s Cannabis Boom Contracts Sharply as More Than Seven Thousand Shops Close Under New Regulatory Regime
Widespread licence non-renewals follow tighter laws that prioritise medical use and stricter operational standards for cannabis establishments
Listen
Suspicious Fuel Sales Near Malaysia–Thailand Border Prompt Heightened Scrutiny
Authorities investigate abnormal petrol volumes at border-area stations amid concerns over diversion of subsidised fuel
Thailand’s Race for Prime Minister: Key Contenders in the February 8 General Election
With the general election approaching, leading candidates from major parties put forward distinct visions for Thailand’s future
Thailand’s Surging Gold Demand Poses Economic Opportunities and Challenges
Rising domestic appetite for gold as a financial asset is reshaping the economy and prompting regulatory intervention amid currency volatility
Thailand and Laos Deepen Insurance Sector Collaboration With Regulatory and Market Development Talks
Officials from both countries meet in Bangkok to discuss joint insurance oversight, tech adoption and expanded cooperation in financial services
Thailand’s Hand-Painted Oil Reproduction Sector Gains Traction as Global Demand for Artisan Art Rises
Thai studios expand services and attract international interest amid growing appetite for high-quality handcrafted art reproductions
Advance Voting Begins in Thailand Ahead of Crucial February House Election
More than two million registered voters cast early ballots as Thailand prepares for a decisive general election on February 8
Thai Rice Farming Pilot Demonstrates Scalable Methane Reductions and Profit Gains with AWD System
Alternate Wetting and Drying demonstrations in Thailand show measurable greenhouse gas cuts and stronger farm economics in preparation for broader carbon credit markets
Fatal Construction Accidents in Thailand Shake Public Confidence and Spur Government Action
A string of deadly crane collapses and infrastructure failures have eroded trust in major builders and prompted regulatory and contractual overhaul
Balmain Reveals Cultural Story Behind Lisa’s Golden Thai Silk Gown for Her Amazing Thailand Ambassador Debut
The couture creation worn by global star Lalisa ‘Lisa’ Manoban meshes Thai heritage and fashion history at the launch of Thailand’s 2026 tourism campaign
Listen
Bank of Thailand Sets Daily Cap on Online Gold Trading to Rein in Baht Volatility
Central bank introduces a fifty-million-baht limit on digital gold transactions and tighter settlement rules, effective March, to support currency stability
Listen
Bitcoin Falls to Lowest Levels Since 2025 Tariff Shock as Risk Appetite Ebbs
Cryptocurrency retreats toward seventy‑seven thousand dollars amid geopolitical strain, regulatory shifts and shifting investor preferences
Russian Passenger Causes Mid-Air Disturbance, Denied Entry and Deported from Thailand
A 41-year-old Russian national disrupted an AirAsia flight to Bangkok and was refused entry before being sent back to Vietnam
Thailand’s 2026 Tourism Campaign Spotlights Sam Phan Bok, Wat Chedi Luang, Khao Sok and Other Hidden Treasures
Tourism Authority of Thailand unveils a global strategy to elevate lesser-known destinations and authentic cultural experiences in its 2026 push
TAT Amplifies Thailand’s Night-Time Tourism to Showcase Culture and Arts to the World
Tourism Authority of Thailand unveils strategic night economy push to broaden international appeal and deepen cultural engagement
Thai Meteorological Department Predicts Extreme Heat Above Forty-Two Degrees Celsius in 2026 Summer
Officials forecast a later, intense summer season with temperatures exceeding forty-two degrees Celsius across parts of Thailand
Singapore Airlines Advances Plans for Direct Service to Chiang Mai
Flag carrier moves forward with preparations to introduce flights between Singapore and northern Thailand’s tourism hub
Tomorrowland Announces Historic First Full-Scale Asian Festival in Pattaya This December
The iconic Belgian electronic music event will take over Wisdom Valley in Thailand with a three-day spectacle drawing global audiences
Thailand Election Commission Imposes Strict ‘No Alcohol, No Campaigning’ Rules Ahead of Voting
Authorities ban alcohol sales and electioneering during advance voting and on election day to uphold electoral integrity
Thailand’s ‘Student Loophole’ on Long-Stay Visas Narrows as Authorities Tighten Visa Rules
Operators say the era of casual use of student visas for extended stays is ending amid stricter scrutiny and the rise of clearer long-stay pathways
Thailand Marks Two Hundred and Forty-Four Years of Rattanakosin with Nationwide Cultural Celebrations
Bangkok hosts major exhibitions, performances and royal-era showcases to honour the founding of the Rattanakosin Kingdom and Thailand’s enduring cultural heritage
Political Parties Unveil Tax Reform Proposals to Expand Thailand’s Narrow Tax Base
Four political parties outline competing plans aimed at increasing revenue collection and improving fairness as Thailand confronts structural fiscal constraints
Rising Charging Prices Put Electric Vehicle Cost Advantage Under Pressure
Sharp increases in public charging fees are narrowing the savings gap between electric and petrol vehicles, prompting concern among consumers and policymakers
Southeast Asian Airports Reinstate Thermal Scanning and Health Checks Amid Regional Health Response
Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and other nations reintroduce thermal screening and traveller health declarations at major airports in response to heightened infectious disease concerns
Thailand Reaffirms Inclusive Education Policy Allowing Stateless and Migrant Children to Enrol in Public Schools
Bangkok emphasises the right to free basic education for all children within its borders, strengthening access amid ongoing efforts to register and support marginalized students
Thailand Positions Itself as Neutral and Investment-Ready Leader at World Economic Forum 2026
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Thailand promotes its neutral economic strategy and secures major investment commitments across future-focused industries
Thai and Qatari Security Leaders Meet in Doha to Strengthen Strategic Cooperation
Thailand’s National Security Council Secretary-General and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs discuss bilateral ties and regional security during high-level talks in Doha
WHO Assesses Nipah Virus Outbreak in India and Says International Spread Risk is Low
World Health Organization officials judge that, despite confirmed cases in West Bengal, the likelihood of Nipah virus spreading beyond India remains limited amid robust containment and surveillance
Thailand Election at Crossroads: Can the 2026 Vote Trigger a National Reset?
With a general election and constitutional referendum ahead, Thailand faces a pivotal moment to reform governance, restore political normalcy, and set national priorities for economic and social renewal
Thailand Intensifies Push to Secure Global Tourism and Hospitality Investment Leadership
Bangkok ramps up strategies to attract travelers and hotel investors as the nation seeks to reinforce its appeal amid regional competition and evolving tourism dynamics
Load More
Playlist
Hide
0:00
0:00
Open
Thai Times
Covering the Thai Renaissance
0:00
0:00
Close
AI Invented “Hot Springs” — Tourists Arrived and Were Shocked
Blackpink’s Lisa Named Tourism Ambassador as Thailand Leverages Her Global Appeal
Thai Military Exhibits Vast Evidence of Transnational Fraud From Seized Cambodian Scam Compound
Bank of Thailand Moves to Rein In Online Gold Trading as Prices Spike
Thailand’s Cannabis Boom Contracts Sharply as More Than Seven Thousand Shops Close Under New Regulatory Regime
Balmain Reveals Cultural Story Behind Lisa’s Golden Thai Silk Gown for Her Amazing Thailand Ambassador Debut
Bank of Thailand Sets Daily Cap on Online Gold Trading to Rein in Baht Volatility
Thailand Launches Global Tourism Drive With Lisa as Ambassador for ‘Feel All the Feelings’ Campaign
Thailand Forecasts 42.23 Billion-Baht Upswing in Tourism Revenue for Chinese New Year 2026
Thailand Bets on Blackpink’s Lisa to Reinvigorate Chinese Tourist Arrivals
Tech Market Shifts and AI Investment Surge Drive Global Innovation and Layoffs
Global Shifts in War, Trade, Energy and Security Mark Major International Developments
Markets Jolt as AI Spending, US Policy Shifts, and Global Security Moves Drive New Volatility
Former South Korean First Lady Kim Keon Hee Sentenced to 20 Months for Bribery
Thailand’s Auto Industry Sets Ambitious 1.5 Million Vehicle Output Target for 2026 Amid Global Trade Shifts
Thailand to Tighten Oversight of Gold Trading as Authorities Seek to Ease Baht Appreciation
Thailand’s ‘Feel All The Feelings’ Campaign with Lisa Aims to Evoke Emotional Connection Beyond Sight
Tesla Ends Model S and X Production and Sends $2 Billion to xAI as 2025 Revenue Declines
Thailand and IBM Launch Siam Quantum Square to Expand Quantum Innovation and Tech-Sovereignty Reach
China Executes 11 Members of the Ming Clan in Cross-Border Scam Case Linked to Myanmar’s Lawkai
Starmer Signals UK Push for a More ‘Sophisticated’ Relationship With China in Talks With Xi
Shopping Chatbots Move From Advice to Checkout as Walmart Pushes Faster Than Amazon
The AI Hiring Doom Loop — Algorithmic Recruiting Filters Out Top Talent and Rewards Average or Fake Candidates
Amazon to Cut 16,000 Corporate Jobs After Earlier 14,000 Reduction, Citing Streamlining and AI Investment
Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rate at 3.75% as Powell Faces DOJ Criminal Investigation During 2026 Decision
Putin’s Four-Year Ukraine Invasion Cost: Russia’s Mass Casualty Attrition and the Donbas Security-Guarantee Tradeoff
Thailand’s Tourism Authority Says Nipah Virus Has Not Affected Inbound Travel, Reports Strong Growth From India
Foreign Arrivals to Thailand Exceed 2.6 Million in January as Chinese Tourist Numbers Rebound
UK Prime Minister Traveled to China Using Temporary Phones and Laptops to Limit Espionage Risks
Google’s $68 Million Voice Assistant Settlement Exposes Incentives That Reward Over-Collection
Japan Bids Farewell to Its Last Pandas Amid Rising Tensions with China
Thailand and Nepal Launch Virus Screening After Nipah Outbreak Confirmed in India
Thailand and United States Set to Launch Cobra Gold Military Exercise, Reinforcing Regional Security Ties
Thailand’s Commerce Minister Urges Bangkok to Be an ‘Ally to All’ in an Increasingly Polarised Global Order
Thailand Tightens Gold Trading Oversight, Mandates Reporting to Central Bank for Major Dealers
U.S. Central Command Announces Regional Air Exercise as Iran Unveils Drone Carrier Footage
Four Arrested in Andhra Pradesh Over Alleged HIV-Contaminated Injection Attack on Doctor
Hot Drinks, Hidden Particles: How Disposable Cups Quietly Increase Microplastic Exposure
Meta and EssilorLuxottica Ray-Ban Smart Glasses and the Non-Consensual Public Recording Economy
WhatsApp Develops New Meta AI Features to Enhance User Control
‘Lisa Effect’ Drives Surge in Tourism to Thailand’s Red Lotus Sea
Bangkok Emerges as a Hotbed of Korean Tourism at Thailand’s 2026 International Travel Fair
Thailand Champions International Cooperation to Combat Cybercrime and Human Trafficking
USINDOPACOM Commander Reaffirms Strong US–Thai Defense Partnership During Bangkok Visit
Greenland’s NATO Stress Test: Coercion, Credibility, and the New Arctic Bargaining Game
Air France and KLM Suspend Multiple Middle East Routes as Regional Tensions Disrupt Aviation
Thailand’s Bangkok Mandates Pet Registration and RFID Microchips for Urban Pet Identification
Thailand’s Lisa Joins Nike as Global Ambassador, Expanding Tourism-Brand Halo Effect
PLA opens CMC probe of Zhang Youxia, Liu Zhenli over Xi authority and discipline violations
Gold Jumps More Than 8% in a Week as the Dollar Slides Amid Greenland Tariff Dispute
0:00
/
0:00
×
