🇹🇭 *Thailand is no longer the same as we knew it.*

In 2026, the country is gradually changing the rules of the game for tourists, expats, and foreign businesses.

At the border, documents, money, and the purpose of travel are being more thoroughly checked. Visa Run no longer seems as simple as it once did. At the same time, Thailand is changing its tourism strategy: the country doesn't need as many tourists as possible, but rather as much money from each visitor as possible.

But the most interesting things aren't even happening at the border.

Why are some Thais becoming increasingly irritated towards foreigners? Why have the authorities launched a large-scale crackdown on shell companies? Who is really competing with foreigners for jobs, housing, and business? And why are the younger generations of Thais already viewing tourists completely differently?

In this video, we explore *what's really happening with Thailand in 2026 and why the familiar "Thailand of Smiles" is gradually changing.*

⏱ *TIMESTAMPS:*

00:00 — 🇹🇭 The Thailand you knew no longer exists
00:50 — 🛂 What's changed at the border
01:00 — ⚠️ Why tourists are being checked more thoroughly
01:15 — 2,900+ people were denied entry
01:27 — 💰 They may now ask how much money you have
01:48 — 🔄 Why Visa Run is becoming a problem
02:17 — 📅 Possible reduction in visa-free stay
02:47 — 📱 New digital entry system
03:13 — 💸 Money explains almost everything
03:19 — 📉 Why has tourist traffic started to decline?
03:49 — 🎯 Thailand's new strategy: fewer tourists, more money
04:20 — 🏖️ Is cheap vacationing in Thailand over?
04:37 — 🇹🇭 How do Thais see the changes?
05:01 — 😠 Why are foreigners being blamed?
05:25 — 🌴 Thais' attitudes toward tourists—it's not that simple
05:44 — 🇷🇺 What do Thais think of tourists from post-Soviet countries?
06:20 — 🇷🇺 Has the attitude toward Russian tourists changed?
06:46 — 💼 The beginning of a major fight against foreign business
07:00 — 🏨 Nominee companies: how foreigners circumvent restrictions
07:20 — 🚔 Raids on Koh Phangan
07:31 — 💰 Land worth hundreds of millions of baht
07:43 — 📊 Almost 70% of business is related to foreign money?
08:00 — 🚨 Raids extend beyond the islands
08:33 — 🔥 The main cause of the conflict
09:19 — 👥 Who competes with foreigners for jobs
10:18 — ⚡ Why Thai tolerance is changing
11:04 — 📱 Thailand's new generation
11:20 — 🎵 How Thailand is changing its image
12:00 — 🌍 Thai youth and foreigners: now one digital world
12:44 — 🏠 Foreigners and the real estate market
13:09 — 💰 Why housing prices are rising faster than wages
13:25 — 🇹🇭 It feels like the country is selling out to foreigners
13:41 — 🔎 Putting the whole picture together
13:43 — 📉 The number of tourists is decreasing
13:49 — 💎 Focusing on Wealthy Tourists
14:02 — 💼 Why the Government is Tightening Control Over Business
14:14 — 👥 Young Thais Between Tourists and Competition
14:38 — 🙂 Is the "Land of Smiles" Myth Dying?
14:48 — ❗ Why Thais Haven't Become Less Hospitable
15:04 — 🤝 Thailand Still Welcomes Guests—But on New Terms

*What do you think: Is Thailand really changing, or are we just finally starting to see it for what it really is?*

If you've been to Thailand in the last 1-2 years, please share in the comments *what has changed for you personally.* I'm especially interested in the opinions of tourists, winter visitors, and those who live here permanently.

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