Thai business questions US visa halt, urges quick clarity

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15 January 2026, 16:37

Thai business questions US visa halt, urges quick clarity

BANGKOK — Thai private-sector leaders are closely watching a reported US plan to suspend visa issuance, warning it could hurt the investment climate and questioning why Thailand has been placed on a watch list, while urging the Foreign Ministry to seek urgent clarification.

Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said reports that the United States under President Donald Trump is preparing to suspend visa issuance to 75 countries from 21 January, including Thailand, are consistent with Trump’s campaign stance to reset and reform domestic problems. Those include crime, homelessness and illegal immigration, which US leaders have blamed on past liberal and refugee policies.

“A broad visa suspension is not surprising in policy terms. What is surprising is why Thailand has been included,” Kriengkrai said. “Given bilateral relations, Thailand should not be viewed as an undesirable country in the eyes of the United States.”

There has so far been no official explanation for Thailand’s inclusion among the 75 countries. Kriengkrai said the Foreign Ministry should urgently seek direct clarification from US authorities to identify the real reasons and pursue Thailand’s removal from the list as soon as possible.

Although the reported suspension would cover only certain visa categories and would not directly affect tourism, it could still damage Thailand’s international image, he said. Visa exemptions or favourable treatment reflect confidence in a country’s systems, credibility and standards.

Thailand is one of the world’s major tourism destinations. More than 33 million foreign visitors arrived last year, including nearly 1 million Americans.

The United States is also a key source of foreign direct investment in Thailand, particularly in technology and data centres.

Kriengkrai said Thailand’s placement on a watch list could be linked to several factors, including transnational crime, scam gangs or perceptions related to money laundering. Negative news on these issues is often assessed collectively, even if it remains unclear which factors carry the most weight in US considerations.

With the global economy fragile and Thailand still seeking an economic recovery, attracting foreign investment remains crucial, he said.

“Being on such a list, even indirectly, affects investors’ risk assessments and could weigh on investment decisions,” Kriengkrai said.

He added that the government needs to act proactively, both diplomatically and by improving the country’s image, to maintain confidence.

Chemical spill sends dozens to hospital in Thailand

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Khaosod English

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15 January 2026, 13:39

Chemical spill sends dozens to hospital in Thailand

SAMUT PRAKAN — Rescue workers and medical teams evacuated nearly 50 residents to hospital after a chemical leak contaminated a drainage canal in Samut Prakan province, prompting a multi-agency emergency response.

At about 09:30 on 15 January 2026, emergency medical teams from several hospitals in Phra Samut Chedi district, volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation and local authorities deployed more than 10 vehicles to evacuate residents from a community behind Khu Sang Market in Moo 1, Pak Khlong Bang Pla Kod subdistrict. The area is home to about 60 households.

The evacuation followed a leak of ethyl acetate, a colourless, flammable organic solvent with a sweet, fruity smell commonly used in adhesives, nail polish remover and printing inks, from a cargo vessel while chemicals were being transferred at a private company’s pier. The substance flowed into a nearby canal, affecting residents, particularly the elderly, children and bed-bound patients.

Authorities said more than 20 people were initially taken to nearby hospitals after suffering symptoms linked to chemical exposure.

One resident, 59-year-old Phat Saimanee, said she first noticed a strong, acrid smell around 05:00 while inside her home. She experienced dizziness, nausea and vomiting and initially thought the odour came from a nearby hospital. After investigating a floodgate across from the community, close to the company involved, she saw fumes rising from the water and said the smell was far stronger than ordinary wastewater.

Other residents reported waking between 04:00 and 05:00 to a pungent odour resembling thinner, alcohol or fresh paint. As the smell intensified through the morning, many felt dizzy, vomited or struggled to breathe, forcing them to leave their homes. Some complained of chest tightness and shortness of breath and were taken to hospital for checks.

Skulwalai Cheewbangyang, director of public health and environment at Phra Samut Chedi municipality, said preliminary inspections confirmed the leaked substance was ethyl acetate, which the company stores for industrial clients and transports by boat. She said a contractor made an error during transfer, releasing the chemical into the wrong pipeline.

The company told authorities the leak began around 02:00 and was contained within 30 minutes. The spill has since been stopped, she said, but the chemical can cause throat and eye irritation and skin inflammation. At least seven residents were confirmed hospitalised at the time of her briefing, with figures still being compiled.

Local officials, public health workers, disaster prevention teams, hospital staff and rescue volunteers assisted with evacuations throughout the morning, moving nearly all residents out of the affected area except for a small number at the far end of the community who were not impacted.

Later, company representatives deployed foam agents to neutralise remaining chemicals and began pumping contaminated water from the canal. Officials said water quality and oxygen levels would be monitored and restored as quickly as possible, and affected residents would receive compensation and assistance.

Myanmar NUG urges nationals in Thailand to respect law and cultural traditions

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Khaosod English

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15 January 2026, 11:46

Myanmar’s opposition National Unity Government (NUG) on 14 January urged Myanmar nationals living in Thailand to respect Thai law, avoid political involvement and live peacefully with local communities, following a widely reported street violence incident in Bangkok.

In a statement issued by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the NUG said many Myanmar citizens had fled to Thailand because of “ongoing atrocities and brutal repression” by the military junta and limited economic opportunities at home.

The NUG called on Myanmar nationals in Thailand to refrain from involvement in Thai political or administrative affairs, avoid illegal activities, respect Thai laws and cultural traditions, and live in harmony with host communities.

It also expressed gratitude to King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the Royal Thai Government and the Thai people for providing protection and refuge, and appealed for continued humanitarian support.

The statement followed a violent incident involving Thai motorcycle delivery riders and Myanmar workers in Bangkok earlier this week.

According to Thai media reports, a road dispute between a rider and a Myanmar worker escalated when three riders later went to a restaurant to resolve the issue, but were allegedly attacked by a group of about six Myanmar workers using weapons, damaging one motorcycle.

The restaurant owner said all staff involved had been dismissed. However, the incident triggered anger among riders, with nearly 400 reportedly gathering outside the restaurant in protest, prompting widespread criticism and debate on Thai social media.

The National Unity Government is a government-in-exile formed by opponents of Myanmar’s military junta following the 2021 coup.

Bangkok tops global digital nomad rankings, Chiang Mai 2nd

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Khaosod English

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15 January 2026, 11:45

Bangkok tops global digital nomad rankings, Chiang Mai 2nd

THAILAND — 15 January 2026, Bangkok and Chiang Mai have been ranked as top two of the world’s most popular city for digital nomads, with Bangkok taking the crown, underscoring their growing reputations as a global hub for remote workers and location-independent professionals.

The ranking was voted by the international digital nomad community on nomad.com, placing Chiang Mai second only to Bangkok and ahead of major cities including Melbourne, Tokyo and Buenos Aires.

Bangkok stands out for its well-rounded appeal, combining low living costs with efficient transport, dependable high-speed internet and a lively cultural atmosphere. The city also offers a robust work ecosystem, with co-working spaces that span from high-end office towers to laid-back cafés set in garden surroundings.

The city’s energetic mix of contemporary life and deep-rooted tradition offers digital nomads an ideal setting to balance productivity with leisure.

Supporters say the Ching Mai’s appeal goes beyond its reputation for safety and a welcoming living environment. Chiang Mai has increasingly been chosen as a venue for major international gatherings of remote workers and technology professionals.

Organisers of the annual SEO Conference said more than 800 digital nomads attended the event, with many choosing Chiang Mai as their long-term base, highlighting what supporters describe as a seamless blend of business and lifestyle.

Chiang Mai officials said the goal is to position the city not just as a tourist destination, but as a global workation hub capable of supporting the next generation of international business travellers.

Thailand remains a top destination for digital nomads thanks to its mix of affordability, strong connectivity and appealing lifestyle. Cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai offer reliable high-speed internet, abundant co-working spaces and established international nomad communities, creating rich networking opportunities and an environment that helps remote professionals settle in quickly and remain productive.

Gaza is entering the second phase of the ceasefire plan Trump helped broker, US says

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Associated Press

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15 January 2026, 11:15

An aerial shot of a street in gaza covered in rubble with a small path cleared in the middle and destroyed building all aroudn.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States said Wednesday that it is moving into the next phase of a Gaza ceasefire plan that involves disarming Hamas, rebuilding the war-ravaged territory and establishing the group of Palestinian experts that will administer daily affairs in Gaza under American supervision.

President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff said in a post on X that the deal that the Republican president helped broker was entering its second phase following two years of war between Israel and Hamas, including the establishment of a technocratic government in Gaza.

While Wednesday’s announcement indicates a key step forward, a new government in Gaza and the ceasefire agreement face a number of huge challenges — including the deployment of an international security force to supervise the deal and the difficult process of disarming Hamas.

Witkoff did not offer any details about who would serve on the new transitional Palestinian administration that would govern Gaza. The White House did not immediately offer any more information, either.

The other mediators of the ceasefire deal — Egypt, Turkey and Qatar — welcomed the establishment of the Palestinian technocratic committee and said it would be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority.

In a joint statement, the three countries called it an “important development … aimed at consolidating stability and improving the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.”

Shaath is a Gaza native who served as a deputy minister for transportation with the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority. Shaath, an engineer, is an expert in economic development and reconstruction, according to his biography on the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute’s website.

Witkoff said the U.S. expects Hamas to immediately return the final Israeli hostage as part of its obligations under the deal, noting that “failure to do so will bring serious consequences.”

A Hamas spokesperson, Hazem Qassem, told Al-Jazeera Live on Wednesday that Witkoff’s announcement is an important and positive development, adding that the group is ready to hand over the administration of Gaza to the independent technocratic committee and facilitate its work.

“Hamas is ready to engage in internal Palestinian approaches to discuss the issue of the resistance weapons,” said Qassem in the statements that he shared on his Telegram channel.

The last hostage, Ran Gvili, was a 24-year-old police officer who was killed while fighting Hamas militants during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that started the war in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Wednesday evening to Gvili’s parents, Tali and Itzik Gvili, and told them that the return of their son’s remains a top priority, his office said in a statement.

“The declarative move to establish a technocratic committee will not affect efforts to return Ran to Israel’s grave,” the statement said.

The statement added that Israel will act on any information the mediators receive and said Hamas is required under the ceasefire agreement to do all it can to return each and every hostage.

The ceasefire reached under Trump’s 20-point plan took effect in October and stopped much of the fighting. Under the first phase of the three-phase deal, Hamas released all but one hostage it was holding in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians who were held by Israel.

Appointees to a technocratic committee that Witkoff said would be established under the second phase are part of a broader plan to end Hamas’ 18-year rule of Gaza. The appointees will run day-to-day affairs in Gaza, under the oversight of a Trump-led “Board of Peace,” whose members have also not yet been named.

The technocratic committee will be tasked with providing public services to the more than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza, but it faces towering challenges and unanswered questions, including about its operations and financing.

The United Nations has estimated that reconstruction will cost more than $50 billion. The process is expected to take years, and little money has been pledged so far.

There also is the more immediate challenge of figuring out how to take over basic services after nearly two decades of Hamas-led rule in Gaza and repeated rounds of conflict with Israel.

Outbarked, out of options: king cobra hides in car tyre

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Khaosod English

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15 January 2026, 10:15

Outbarked, out of options: king cobra hides in car tyre

SONGKHLA — 15 January 2026, A king cobra nearly four metres long was captured after it slithered into a car tyre outside a home in southern Thailand, startling residents and fuelling local lottery speculation.

The incident occurred at the home of 75-year-old Kloem Phutsri, house number 66, in Khlong Kwang subdistrict, Na Thawi district, Songkhla province. The large snake was seen moving in front of the house before being chased by barking dogs, prompting it to hide inside stacked car tyres beneath a small shelter next to the property.

Local authorities called in a volunteer snake-handling team. Thaweesak Boonsed, an officer with the Songkhla Snake Protection Volunteer Unit, was already on duty in the area and rushed to the scene with specialised equipment.

Under the shelter, the team found the king cobra coiled inside the tyre. As the top tyre was moved aside with a hook, the snake raised its head and hissed repeatedly, forcing the handler to proceed with extreme caution. Using a hook to control the snake’s posture, Thaweesak pinned its head before securing it by hand and pulling it clear of the tyres.

The cobra was later measured at 3.83 metres long. It was placed in a sack and prepared for release into a remote forest area far from residential communities.

After the capture, villagers were seen noting the house number, believing it could bring luck in the lottery.

Thailand welcomes 1.12 million tourists in the first 11 days of 2026

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Khaosod English

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14 January 2026, 20:06

Wat Benchamabophit or Marble Temple in Bangkok, Thailand

BANGKOK — Thailand recorded more than 1.12 million foreign tourist arrivals between 1 – 11 January 2026, generating about 55.03 billion baht in tourism revenue, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said on 13 January.

The ministry said a total of 1,121,549 foreign visitors entered the country during the period, with Malaysia, China and Russia making up the top three source markets.

The five largest source countries were: Malaysia with 117,039 visitors, China with 112,204, Russia with 109,600, India with 77,455, and South Korea with 55,262.

Permanent Secretary Natriya Thaveevong said preliminary assessments show tourism demand has continued to recover across all markets.

She said Chinese tourists ranked as the largest group last week, while arrivals from South Korea jumped by more than 47 percent from the previous week, moving South Korea up to fifth place from eighth.

For the week of 5-11 January alone, Thailand recorded 745,158 foreign arrivals, an increase of 20,187 visitors, or 2.78 percent, from the previous week — averaging about 106,451 foreign tourists per day, the ministry said.

Daughter heading to father’s funeral killed in Korat train tragedy

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Khaosod English

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14 January 2026, 18:19

Chananyat Wongchan, who was traveling home for her father’s funeral, was among those killed in the Korat train crash.

KORAT — A woman who was travelling home to attend her father’s funeral was among those killed when a construction crane collapsed onto a passenger train in northeastern Thailand, in a tragedy that has now claimed at least 32 lives.

The accident occurred on Wednesday along the Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed rail construction corridor between Lam Takhong and Sikhiu district, when a crane at a construction site in Ban Thanon Khot village fell onto Special Express Diesel Railcar No. 21, which was travelling from Krung Thep Aphiwat station in Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani.

As of 17:00 Wednesday, authorities said 32 people had been confirmed dead, three remained missing and 66 others were injured and receiving treatment.

One of the victims was identified as Chananyat Wongchan, who was travelling in the second carriage of the train. Family members said she had been on her way back to her home province to attend her father’s funeral.

A day before the crash, Chananyat had posted a message on social media announcing her father’s death and saying she would be returning home soon. Early Wednesday morning, a relative asked when she would be travelling back. She replied at about 06:28 that she was returning that day — only hours before the crash.

Later, her boyfriend posted a photo of the train on social media, confirming that her body had been found.

“From the crane collapse onto the train, I have now found my girlfriend’s body,” he wrote. “Today is the day my heart is completely broken.”

Rescue teams continued to search the wreckage late into the evening while investigators worked to determine the cause of the crane collapse.

Cybersec Asia x TICW 2026: Global Leaders & Innovation

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Mc Marketing

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14 January 2026, 17:56

Bangkok, Thailand (26.11. 2025) – Registration is now open for Cybersec Asia x Thailand International Cyber Week 2026 (powered by NCSA). The event will take place on 4–5 February 2026 at the Plenary Halls, Bangkok, bringing together a growing and increasingly global community of cybersecurity professionals, innovators, and solution providers. Attendees will have unmatched opportunities to explore the latest technologies, trends, and strategies shaping the future of cybersecurity.

This year’s edition features 140 exhibitors from 15 countries, including 40% international and 60% local participation, across 1,800 sqm of exhibition space, and expects 4,000+ visitors. Attendees will gain insights from top local brands like ACER Cyber Security, CompTIA or Nextwave, global leaders such as Zoho Corporation, Palo Alto Networks and Google Cloud Security, and network with key partners including EC-Council, CREST and NECTEC.

Event Highlights

Cybersec Asia 2026 is one of Asia’s most influential cybersecurity events, bringing together global experts, government partners, and innovators in a platform designed for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration. The conference features 90 sessions and 120 speakers from 12 countries, covering essential themes such as Cybersecurity Strategy, Human Firewall, Cloud & Infrastructure Protection, Data Protection & Privacy, Identity & Access Management, Resilience & Recovery, Cybersecurity Governance & Innovation and Emerging Technologies in Cybersecurity.

Making its debut, AI Asia 2026 will appear as a co-located event alongside Cybersec Asia for the first time. It will spotlight advancements in AI infrastructure, cloud, data, and applied AI solutions, driving enterprise transformation across industries. Together, Cybersec Asia and AI Asia connect the dots between cybersecurity, AI, and the digital backbone of tomorrow’s enterprise, giving attendees a comprehensive view of the technologies shaping the future.

Participants will also benefit from hands-on demos, workshops, CTF competitions, hackathons and interactive technical sessions, along with opportunities to meet top buyers and industry leaders. With strong backing from the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) and Bangkok serving as a strategic bridge between East and West, the event offers an unmatched platform to share knowledge, build connections, and strengthen regional security.

“Cybersec Asia x Thailand International Cyber Week 2026 (powered by NCSA) is where technology meets strategy and innovation meets opportunity. This edition welcomes leading organizations and industry innovators such as Google Cloud Security, Zoho Corporation, Forcepoint, Acer Cyber Security, SANS Institute and heylogin, together with key partners from across the global cybersecurity ecosystem.

More than a conference, Cybersec Asia x Thailand International Cyber Week 2026 is a regional hub for knowledge sharing and new business, connecting experts and companies to exchange insights and build meaningful partnerships.

We are also proud to host international pavilions such as from India, China, Israel and Taiwan,” said Mr. Alexander Farkas, Senior Project Manager of Cybersec Asia (VNU Asia Pacific).

Join the Global Cybersecurity Community

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of Cybersec Asia x Thailand International Cyber Week 2026 (powered by NCSA), where the world’s cybersecurity leaders, innovators and solution providers come together to share knowledge, explore emerging technologies, and build meaningful connections. Register today to secure your spot and experience firsthand the latest in cybersecurity and AI innovation.

Register here: https://eventpassinsight.co/el/to/cybersec2606

About Cybersec Asia

Cybersec Asia is an annual premier cybersecurity conference and exhibition dedicated to addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within the Asian market. Organized by VNU Asia Pacific in association with the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), the event aims to establish Bangkok as a central hub for cybersecurity in the region, fostering thought leadership, innovation, and collaboration among experts, enthusiasts, and emerging startups.

Thailand rejects Cambodian claim over Khun Chang Khun Phaen

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Khaosod English

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14 January 2026, 16:14

Phaen_Wanthong,_Khao_Phra — An image of Khun Phaen and Phimphilai at Wat Khao Phra Si Sanphetcharam

Thailand’s Anti-Fake News Center has rejected online claims circulating in Cambodia that the epic folk tale Khun Chang Khun Phaen is of Khmer origin, saying there is no historical or academic evidence to support such assertions.

The center said it had verified the matter with the Fine Arts Department under the Ministry of Culture, which confirmed that Khun Chang Khun Phaen is rooted in Thai culture and has been part of Thai literary and oral traditions since before the Rattanakosin period.

Officials said the epic originated as an oral folk narrative, performed in verse recitations known as sepha, and had already been widely known in Thai society during the late Ayutthaya period.

The story later became one of Thailand’s most popular literary works in the 18th and 19th centuries before being systematically compiled, edited and published in written form during the Rattanakosin era.

The oldest known printed version dates back to 1917, when it was published by the Vajiranana National Library after scholarly review. The work was later revised and republished by the Royal Society of Thailand and the Fine Arts Department, which are responsible for preserving Thailand’s cultural heritage.

The Fine Arts Department said there is no historical evidence that Khun Chang Khun Phaen originated in Cambodia or existed there in written or oral form before it became established in Thailand.

Authorities said the clarification was issued to counter misinformation online and to protect the integrity of Thailand’s cultural heritage.

Event Highlights

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