The official opening ceremony of the Chao Pho_Chao Mae Pak Nam Pho procession and the 110th-anniversary Chinese New Year celebration was held in Nakhon Sawan on the evening of 11 February 2026. Spectacular stage performances and a vibrant fireworks display marked the beginning of one of ThailandÅfs largest and most iconic Chinese New Year festivals.

The ceremony was presided over by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, alongside the provincial governor, organising committee representatives, and public and private sector leaders. This yearÅfs theme, Åg110 Years of Colourful Chinese New Year _ The City of Five Languages,Åh highlights the deep cultural roots of five Chinese ethnic communities that shaped the area near the origin of the Chao Phraya River. The festival runs from 10 to 21 February, spanning 12 days and nights.

Visitors can explore royal tribute exhibitions, pay respects at temporary shrines, participate in traditional fortune rituals for the Year of the Golden Horse, and discover cultural heritage zones representing five languages. The event also features thousands of illuminated lanterns, international performances, and more than 110 renowned food vendors.

Key highlights include the night procession on 19 February and the grand daytime parade on 20 February, showcasing an impressive golden dragon and symbolic goddess procession. Organisers expect strong domestic and international visitor turnout throughout the festival period.

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The Thai Cabinet has formally endorsed a series of visa reforms proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to stimulate tourism and support economic growth. The measures, effective since 28 May 2024, are being implemented in three phases—short-term, medium-term, and long-term.

Under the short-term measures, nationals from 93 countries and territories are now eligible for visa exemption for tourism, short-term work, or business purposes for stays of up to 60 days. Additionally, travelers from 31 countries can apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at designated immigration checkpoints. Thailand has also introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), aimed at attracting high-quality visitors, digital nomads, and individuals participating in cultural or creative activities.

In the medium term, the government plans to streamline non-immigrant visa categories, reducing them from 17 to seven to simplify procedures. From 1 January 2025, e-Visa services have been expanded to 94 Thai embassies and consulates worldwide, enhancing accessibility and efficiency for international applicants.

For the long term, the Immigration Bureau has launched the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), replacing the previous Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. The new online platform has been in operation since 1 May 2025. Authorities are also considering expanding VOA eligibility to eight additional countries and revising visa conditions for retirees seeking long-term residence in Thailand.

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If you are planning to visit the Phra Khanong area in Bangkok, consider experiencing a premium full service massage at 101 Premier Massage, conveniently located just a 4-minute walk from BTS Phra Khanong Station.

PTT has ended the sale of Gasohol E85 at its service stations across Thailand as of February 1, 2026. The move follows a decision by PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) to stop supplying the fuel from its depots, with stations phasing out sales once remaining stock is depleted.

According to OR, the decision was driven primarily by declining demand. Changes to the Oil Fuel Fund mechanism, which shifted from subsidy-based support to a levy-oriented structure, resulted in E85 becoming more expensive than Gasohol E20. This price reversal reduced consumer interest and eroded E85’s competitiveness in the retail fuel market.

Data from the Department of Energy Business shows that average daily demand for gasoline and gasohol between January and November 2025 reached approximately 31.5 million liters, a slight year-on-year increase. However, Gasohol 95 accounted for the majority of consumption, while E85 demand remained minimal at around 60,000 liters per day. Authorities have emphasized that the discontinuation of E85 sales does not pose a significant risk to Thailand’s broader national energy framework.

Thailand’s upcoming National Oil Plan, covering the period from 2026 to 2050, aligns with the government’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century. Biofuels continue to play a role alongside hydrogen and electric mobility. At present, Bangchak Corporation is the only major fuel retailer still offering E85, though the company has indicated that future adjustments may depend on market conditions.

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If you are planning to visit the Phra Khanong area in Bangkok, consider experiencing a premium full service massage at 101 Premier Massage, conveniently located just a 4-minute walk from BTS Phra Khanong Station.