Thailand’s weather patterns are shifting as we move through February 2025, with notable changes across different regions of the country.

Northern Thailand: Warming Trend

Gradual Temperature Increase

Upper Thailand is experiencing a slight warming trend, with daytime temperatures expected to reach up to 33°C. This marks a transition from the cooler season to the approaching hot season.

Southern Thailand: Isolated Rainfall

Scattered Showers Expected

While the north warms up, the southern regions of Thailand are forecasted to experience isolated rain showers. This contrasts with the generally dry conditions typical for this time of year.

Weather Impact on Tourism

Planning Your Visit

Despite the scattered showers in the south, February remains an excellent time to visit Thailand. Tourists can expect mostly sunny days with an average of 9 hours of sunshine, perfect for exploring the country’s attractions.

Regional Weather Variations

Bangkok’s February Forecast

In Bangkok, the capital city, temperatures are expected to range from 23°C at night to 33°C during the day. The city will likely experience very high heat and humidity, with minimal rainfall of around 21mm for the month.

Climate Considerations

UV Index and Sun Protection

Visitors should note the extreme UV index, which can reach 11+ in February. It’s crucial to use adequate sun protection when enjoying outdoor activities in Thailand during this period.

NBTC Commissioner Sentenced

Court Ruling and Bail

Pirongrong Ramasoota, a commissioner of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), was sentenced to two years in prison for abuse of authority against TrueID, an Internet TV platform operator. The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases found her guilty of malfeasance, violating Article 157 of the Criminal Code. However, Pirongrong was released on bail following her conviction, allowing her to retain her position as an NBTC commissioner for now.

Case Background

TrueID Controversy

The case stemmed from Pirongrong’s issuance of a warning letter to TrueID regarding the airing of advertisements when relaying feeds from free-to-air television channels. This action followed consumer complaints in 2023 alleging that free-to-air TV content relayed via TrueID had been modified to include advertisements.

Legal Proceedings

Court’s Decision

The court ruled that TrueID is an Over-the-Top (OTT) platform, which currently does not require a license from the NBTC. Witness testimony revealed that Pirongrong had instructed the NBTC Office to expedite the warning’s issuance, with witnesses reporting her intention to “topple a telecom giant”.

Implications and Future

Appeal Process

Pirongrong has the right to appeal the ruling while continuing her bail. If her bail request is rejected in the future, she could potentially lose her status as an NBTC commissioner upon imprisonment. This case highlights the ongoing tensions between regulatory bodies and digital platform operators in Thailand’s evolving telecommunications landscape.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced a significant adjustment to the passenger service charge (PSC) at seven provincial airports, set to take effect in 2025. This change comes as part of Thailand’s ongoing efforts to modernize its aviation infrastructure and improve passenger experiences.

New PSC Rates for International and Domestic Flights

Balancing Costs and Service Improvements

The CAAT board has approved a new PSC structure for Krabi, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phitsanulok airports. International travelers will see the PSC rise to 425 baht, while domestic passengers will pay 75 baht. These adjustments aim to cover the costs of implementing advanced automated service systems.

Cutting-Edge Technology Implementation

Enhancing Passenger Experience Through Automation

The increased charges will support the introduction of three state-of-the-art systems: Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE), Common Use Self Service (CUSS), and Common Use Bag Drop (CUBD). These technologies are designed to streamline check-in processes, reduce waiting times, and improve overall efficiency at the airports.

Transparency and Passenger Notification

Ensuring Clear Communication of Changes

To maintain transparency, the CAAT has committed to thoroughly inspecting these new systems before implementing the price changes. Passengers will receive at least four months’ notice before the new charges take effect, allowing for adequate preparation and adjustment to the new fees.

Impact on Thailand’s Aviation Landscape

Balancing Modernization with Affordability

While the PSC increase aims to fund necessary improvements, it has sparked discussions about its potential impact on travel costs and tourism. The aviation industry and travelers alike are closely watching how these changes will affect Thailand’s competitiveness as a travel destination.

Future of Thai Aviation

Adapting to Changing Market Dynamics

As Thailand’s aviation sector evolves, airlines like AirAsia are expanding their domestic routes, adding flights to Udon Thani and Khon Kaen from Suvarnabhumi Airport. These developments, coupled with the PSC increases, reflect the industry’s efforts to balance growth, service quality, and operational costs in a dynamic market.