Shorter visa-free stays on the cardsThe Tourism and Sports Ministry insists the government's plan to reduce visa‑free stays from 60 days should not impact tourism, as most foreign tourists on average stay for less than a month. She said the Tourism and Sports Ministry provided supporting research for this committee, which is expected to reduce visa-free stays to 30 days. During the early stages of the visa‑free scheme, foreign arrivals surged, especially from China, Taiwan and India. He insisted the government should maintain the visa‑free scheme because it remains crucial to the market as arrivals are contracting. Since the end of last year, the Immigration Bureau has imposed tighter scrutiny of foreigners visiting the country via the visa-free scheme, targeting those making multiple visa runs in particular.

The government has reported 4,462 pollution hotspots in Cambodia, the highest number recorded since the start of the season, contributing to a surge in PM2.5 dust levels in Thailand. Authorities have warned residents in Bangkok, surrounding provinces and the eastern region to brace for deteriorating air quality today. Those who must go outside are encouraged to wear protective masks and follow public health guidance strictly. Air quality has reached the "orange" level, indicating that it is beginning to affect public health. PM2.5 levels exceeded standards in 44 districts across the capital.

Thousands of devotees packed Prasat temple in Muang district of Nonthaburi province on Feb 2, 2026, to take part in a rare “moon-upon-moon” holy-water bathing ceremony. The rite, held beneath the full moon before the 15th lunar night around the 400-year-old Luang Pho Yai image, is believed to wash away misfortune and bestow charm, luck and blessings.

Lalin targets 5% growth in presales, revenueSET-listed mid-sized developer Lalin Property is targeting 5% growth in presales and revenue in 2026, banking on the new government to help stimulate the economy. "Slow economic growth and high household debt mean many people cannot afford to buy homes, lifting the rental market instead. "For many people, paying 10,000 baht a month for a mortgage is a heavier burden than paying 5,000 baht in rent." This year Lalin plans to launch five new projects worth a combined 3.5 billion baht, the same level as last year. The company targets 4.2 billion baht in presales and 3.35 billion baht in revenue, representing growth of 5%.

The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) has secured a US$100-million loan from the World Bank to support projects to cut carbon dioxide emissions at industrial parks as well as trade carbon credits. The IEAT wants to benefit from lower utilities costs at its industrial parks and earn revenue from carbon credits. Carbon credits represent the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions achieved by environmental projects. The carbon credits will be certified by Gold Standard, a widely accepted benchmark for project quality and integrity for efforts to reduce carbon dioxide, he said. "We aim to reduce cumulative greenhouse gas by 2.33 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent within 10 years," he said.

"The World Bank expects Thai GDP growth of 1.6% this year, slowing from an earlier projection of 1.8% due to structural problems." The World Bank's Thailand Economic Monitor highlights advanced green manufacturing as a promising pathway to reinvigorate the economy. Together, these measures could help green manufacturing become a new engine of sustainable and inclusive growth. Thailand already has many of the building blocks needed to succeed in advanced green manufacturing, but significant untapped potential remains, she said. "Our analysis shows that expanding advanced green manufacturing could raise GDP by an additional 2.9% by 2035," said Ms Good.

Foreign loan options to be kept in placeJindarat Viriyataveekul (file photo)The government is refusing to rule out overseas borrowing in order to preserve funding channels in case liquidity needs arise. Ms Jindarat said the government's public debt position remains stable. Interest rate risk is low because 87.3% of total public debt carries fixed interest rates. Under the International Monetary Fund's definition of public debt, which excludes the liabilities of state-owned enterprises, Thailand's public debt is only 56% of GDP. As of December 2025, Thailand's public debt tallied 66.1% of GDP.

Report: Thai hotel rates increased 3% in 2025The average daily rate for hotels in Thailand surged by 3% last year to 4,984 baht and they recorded a longer average length of stay, with Booking.com, Agoda, and direct hotel bookings generating the most revenue, according to SiteMinder. However, the average daily rate registered 3% growth, according to the Hotel Booking Trends report by SiteMinder, a hotel guest acquisition and revenue platform. December had the highest room rate for Thai hotels, gaining 4% year-on-year to 6,169 baht, while January posted the highest growth of 21% as average rates climbed to 6,101 baht in 2025. The top five booking platforms generating the most revenue for Thai hotels last year were Booking.com, Agoda, hotel websites (direct bookings), Expedia Group and Trip.com. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said Thai tourism in January 2025 unexpectedly increased by more than 20% year-on-year, as the industry had not yet been affected by weakening confidence.

Thai Muslims to get mandatory jabs for HajjThai Muslims preparing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia this year will receive mandatory vaccinations against meningococcal disease and influenza, health screenings, and free first-aid kits, the Public Health Ministry said. The vaccination is part of a comprehensive health programme offered to 7,037 Thai Muslims joining this year's Hajj pilgrimage. The news came as Deputy Public Health Minister Worachot Sukhonkhachon presided over the launch at the National Islamic Affairs Administration Centre in Nong Chok, Bangkok. Mr Worachot said the Hajj is a vital religious duty, with around 13,000 Thai Muslims granted annual quotas. Deputy public health permanent secretary Dr Sakda Alphach said the Hajj 2026 will take place from May 25–31.

BoT seeks closer monitoring of large cash transactionsThe Bank of Thailand is tightening oversight of cash transactions by introducing stricter due diligence requirements and clearer verification of the purpose of fund usage, in an effort to curb suspicious transactions. As a result, financial institutions and specialised financial institutions (SFIs) are required to enhance their risk management frameworks. Banks are required to establish clear policies and procedures to detect and manage risks associated with cash transactions in a timely manner. Financial institutions must ensure customers complete identity verification before conducting cash transactions, with continued monitoring and scrutiny of such transactions. Suspicious cash transactions that may indicate unlawful activities must be reported to the central bank.

Industry leaders warn that global headwinds, domestic challenges and shifting trade dynamics are converging to create a difficult environment. In steel, TSTH is focusing on high value-added products, including cut-and-blend services in wire rod, to create more value for customers. The trends of green energy, clean tech and digital solutions present opportunities for a restructured Thai industry, said Mr Kriengkrai. Target industries for restructuring include automotive, electronics, medical devices, food, bio-based products, and textiles, he noted. Mr Kriengkrai insisted Thailand embrace the green economy to secure long-term competitiveness.

Chinese want to use yuan to buy policiesThe company reports good synergy between the two main shareholders: Krungthai Bank and AXA Group, a global life insurance, health insurance and asset management group. "Allowing them to buy insurance products in Thailand could facilitate foreign investors wanting to mitigate risks by diversifying their investments," he said. "The low insurance penetration rate means the industry still has ample room to grow in Thailand," said Mr Knattapisit. The company said there is good synergy between Krungthai Bank and AXA Group, a global life insurance, health insurance and asset management group. The synergies contribute to Krungthai AXA-Life's strong financial position in life insurance, noted Mr Knattapisit.

Thailand puts digital assets on a firmer footingThailand's expansion of derivative markets to include digital assets and carbon credits is a critical step, transforming crypto from a standalone investment product to a regulated asset class, says the SEC. AFPThailand's expansion of the derivatives market to include digital assets and carbon credits is a positive move that will put the country at the forefront of Southeast Asia's digital economy, says the Thai unit of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange. On Tuesday the cabinet approved the Finance Ministry's proposal for digital assets such as Bitcoin to be used as underlying assets in the derivatives and capital markets. The move aims to modernise Thailand's derivatives market in line with international standards, while strengthening regulatory oversight and investor protection. "The expansion of permissible goods and variables is designed to support emerging asset classes such as digital assets, allowing them to serve as underlying products in the derivatives market," she said.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva casts his vote in Watthana district, Bangkok, on Feb 8. Somchai PoomlardDemocrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Wednesday his party would strictly adhere to the conditions it set during the election campaign when deciding whether to join a new coalition government. Asked whether the Democrats had firmly closed the door on having any partners, Mr Abhisit said the party's stance remains unchanged from the conditions and policies it mapped out during the election campaign. During the campaign, Mr Abhisit outlined three key principles guiding any decision to join a coalition. On the party's readiness to work in parliament, he said it has put together teams to prepare bills in line with the party's campaign policies.

Weapons found at Cambodian basesA part of the found weapons. Photo: Royal Thai NavyThe navy has seized abandoned weapons, including an anti-personnel landmine, at three Cambodian operational bases in Trat, says navy spokesman Rear Adm Parach Rattanachaipan. The site, in Ban Nong Ree in tambon Chamrak of Muang district, had been encroached upon and occupied by Cambodian forces before they were pushed back. Rear Adm Parach said the inspection uncovered three Cambodian operational bases linked by a trench, suggesting the area had been used as a military outpost. The presence of the anti-personnel landmine poses a threat to the safety of residents and undermines efforts to de-escalate tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, the spokesman added.