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.

China’s President Xi Jinping met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Beijing on Thursday, February 6, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two nations.

High-Level Discussions

Bilateral Cooperation and Strategic Interests

The meeting, held at the Great Hall of the People, focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and addressing mutual strategic interests. President Xi emphasized the importance of deepening mutual trust and firmly supporting each other in the face of unprecedented global changes.

Economic Collaboration

Infrastructure and Technology

Xi highlighted ongoing projects such as the high-speed railway linking Bangkok with Kunming, and identified digital economy and electric vehicles as areas for increased cooperation. China remains Thailand’s top trading partner for 12 consecutive years, with investments exceeding $100 billion.

Golden Jubilee Celebration

50 Years of Diplomatic Relations

The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Thailand-China diplomatic relations, described by both leaders as a “golden year of friendship”. This milestone underscores the enduring partnership between the two nations and sets the stage for future collaborations.

Security Concerns

Addressing Cyber Scams

A key topic of discussion was bilateral cooperation to combat call centers and online scams targeting Thai citizens. PM Paetongtarn expressed Thailand’s commitment to protecting the safety of all visitors, including those from China.

Tourism and Cultural Exchange

Visa-Free Travel

The meeting also touched upon the recent implementation of visa-free travel between China and Thailand, which aims to deepen cooperation and cultural exchange. This policy is expected to boost tourism and strengthen people-to-people connections between the two countries.

Future Prospects

Memoranda of Understanding

At least 14 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were expected to be signed during the visit, covering various areas of cooperation. These agreements aim to further solidify the partnership between Thailand and China, benefiting both nations and the broader region.