Thailand’s tourism faces challenges due to a rising baht and exchange rate volatility, making travel seem costlier for visitors from South Korea, the U.S., and Malaysia, despite overall affordability.
Key Points
Economic Influences: Thailand’s rising baht and exchange rate volatility are raising concerns about travel affordability for tourists from South Korea, the U.S., and Malaysia. While perceptions suggest inflated costs, the increase is primarily due to currency strength rather than domestic inflation.
Tourism Trends: Despite these challenges, Thailand aims to attract 36.7 million foreign tourists in 2026. Enhanced infrastructure and diverse experiences position the country as a competitive destination, despite potential price competitiveness with regional neighbors.
Travel Tips: To navigate the landscape, travelers should track exchange rates, consider off-peak travel, explore lesser-known destinations, utilize local markets, and opt for budget airlines for internal flights. With proper planning, visitors can still enjoy affordable experiences in Thailand.
Thailand’s Tourism Charm Amid Economic Challenges
Thailand, celebrated for its vibrant culture, lush landscapes, and rich history, continues to be a significant destination for international travelers. However, recent concerns regarding increasing travel expenses, especially among visitors from South Korea and the U.S., have emerged. Many perceive that the rising costs are due to domestic inflation; however, Thailand’s tourism authorities clarify that these perceptions stem from exchange rate fluctuations, not local price hikes. The country remains a top vacation spot despite these challenges, emphasizing the need for potential travelers to understand the underlying economic factors affecting travel costs.
The Impact of Currency Changes on Travel Costs
The main issue affecting travelers resides in the strengthening of Thailand’s baht, which saw a notable surge of 9% in 2025. This increase has positioned the baht at a higher exchange rate against currencies like the U.S. dollar, resulting in tourists feeling the pinch on essential expenses such as meals and transport. Importantly, Thailand’s inflation rates have stabilized, even exhibiting negative inflation in recent months due to declining energy costs. Thus, while exchange rate dynamics complicate perceptions of affordability, most essential expenses remain lower than those in comparable Southeast Asian destinations.
Practical Tips for Budget-Conscious Travelers
For informed travel planning, visitors can still enjoy Thailand economically by adhering to several strategies. Monitoring exchange rates before and during the trip is crucial for maximizing budget efficiency. Additionally, considering off-peak travel can reduce accommodation and flight costs significantly. Exploring lesser-known destinations like Chiang Mai or Pai often offers delightful experiences at lower prices. Engaging with local markets and choosing budget airlines for domestic travel can enhance overall affordability, thus allowing travelers to soak in Thailand’s diverse attractions while effectively managing their expenses.
Motorola’s flagship flip phone, the Razr Ultra, is gearing up for its next iteration in 2026, building on the strong reception of the 2025 model. As of February 15, 2026, leaks and analyst reports point to the Motorola Razr Ultra (2026)—also known as the Razr 70 Ultra in some markets—launching in spring 2026, with an announcement likely in April and market availability following shortly after in late April or early May.
Motorola Razr Ultra
PhoneArena’s February 6 update, based on historical patterns and supply chain insights, pegs the announcement around April 2026, roughly one year after the Razr Ultra (2025) debuted in April 2025. This timing maintains Motorola’s annual refresh cycle for premium foldables, positioning the device to compete in the growing flip phone segment against Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series and other clamshell rivals.
Motorola has not officially confirmed details, but the expected spring rollout gives it an edge in early-year flagship announcements before summer events like MWC (March 2–5, 2026) fully dominate headlines.
Recent Context: 2025 Model and Special Editions The current Razr Ultra (2025) remains a standout, praised for its large external display, durable hinge, strong battery life and AI features. It launched in April 2025 (U.S. announcement) with availability in May, starting around $1,299. Recent promotions highlight its appeal: Best Buy’s Presidents’ Day sale (as of February 11, 2026) dropped it by $500 to $799.99, and Valentine’s Day deals extended discounts up to $780 off in some regions.
Motorola also released a limited-edition motorola razr FIFA World Cup 26™ Edition on January 6, 2026, at Lenovo Tech World ’26. This special variant, tied to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, features themed design, custom software (including a World Cup ringtone) and exclusive connectivity perks. It became available February 12, 2026, exclusively via Verizon and motorola.com in the U.S. (MSRP $699.99), with wider retail expansion planned. The edition underscores Motorola’s strategy of limited-run collaborations to boost visibility for the Razr lineup.
Advertisement
Expected Upgrades for Razr Ultra 2026 While full specs remain under wraps, leaks suggest meaningful refinements over the 2025 model:
Design and Durability: Continued focus on a robust hinge (IPX8 water resistance expected), slimmer profile and larger external display for enhanced usability when closed. Color options may include fresh Pantone-inspired shades.
Display: Dual AMOLED panels with brighter peaks, better anti-reflective coating and potentially higher refresh rates on the cover screen.
Performance: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite successor (or equivalent flagship chip) for smoother multitasking, AI processing and gaming. RAM likely 12GB–16GB, storage up to 1TB.
Battery and Charging: Retention or slight increase in capacity (building on 2025’s strong endurance), with 68W+ wired and wireless charging.
Cameras: Upgraded 50MP main sensor with improved low-light performance, ultra-wide and enhanced AI editing tools via moto ai.
Software: Launch on Android 16 (or 17) with HyperOS-inspired Motorola skin, extended update support and cross-device AI features teased at Lenovo events.
The device aims to refine what made the 2025 Razr Ultra “nearly perfected,” per reviews—faster performance, better cameras and ecosystem integration—while addressing minor gripes like software update speed.
Global Rollout and Pricing The Razr Ultra (2026) is expected to launch globally, with U.S. availability through carriers like Verizon and unlocked on motorola.com. Pricing speculation centers around $1,299–$1,399 for base models, maintaining premium positioning. Regional variants (e.g., Razr 70 Ultra internationally) may see slight tweaks for local regulations.
Motorola’s focus on flip phones continues amid foldable growth. The company also teased the book-style Razr Fold at CES 2026 (January), with a summer 2026 launch (June–July) and stylus support, but the clamshell Razr Ultra remains the core flagship.
What to Watch For As February progresses, expect certification leaks (e.g., TDRA, FCC) and more renders. MWC 2026 could bring teases or partnerships, though a dedicated April event seems likely. Current Razr Ultra owners enjoy deals, but the 2026 model promises evolutionary upgrades for flip phone enthusiasts.
Advertisement
The Motorola Razr Ultra 2026’s spring arrival reinforces Motorola’s commitment to innovative, durable foldables. With strong 2025 momentum and timely specials like the FIFA edition, anticipation builds for what could be another leap in clamshell design.
It appears you are looking to clean up the misinformation and rewrite the Costco Return Policy article to be factual and accurate for 2026.
Below is a rewritten version that removes the “fake news” and “crackdown” rumors, focusing instead on how the policy actually works and the legitimate updates Costco has made recently.
Costco Return Policy 2026: What Members Need to Know
Costco continues to maintain one of the most generous return policies in the retail industry. While recent social media rumors have suggested a “crackdown,” the core of Costco’s “Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee” remains unchanged. However, there are specific rules and recent operational updates that every member should understand to ensure a smooth experience.
1. The Core Policy: “Satisfaction Guaranteed”
Costco allows members to return almost any product at any time if they are unsatisfied. Unlike most retailers that impose a 30-day limit, Costco typically does not have an expiration date on returns for general merchandise.
2. The “90-Day Rule” for Electronics
To prevent “rental” abuse (where customers buy a product for a short-term event and return it), Costco enforces a 90-day return window for the following categories:
Advertisement
Televisions and Projectors
Computers (Laptops and Desktops)
Major Appliances (Refrigerators, Washers/Dryers, etc.)
Touchscreen Tablets and Smartwatches
Cameras, Aerial Cameras (Drones), and Camcorders
MP3 Players and Cellular Phones
3. Notable Exceptions and Limitations
Not everything can be returned. The following items have strict limitations:
Diamonds: Returns of 1.00ct or larger require original paperwork and undergo a 48-hour authenticity check by a Costco gemologist.
Cigarettes and Alcohol: In many jurisdictions, returns are prohibited by law.
Shop Cards: These are non-refundable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
Custom Installations: Items manufactured to custom specifications (like flooring or blinds) cannot be returned.
4. Recent Operational Shifts (2025–2026)
While the formal policy hasn’t changed, Costco has introduced two key operational updates to improve efficiency and reduce fraud:
Membership Scanning at Entry: Since late 2024, many warehouses have moved to digital scanners at the entrance. This links your visit to your digital history, making it easier for staff to verify purchases at the return desk even if you’ve lost your physical receipt.
Digital Receipts via the App: Costco now encourages the use of the Costco App, where all historical receipts are stored. This has made the “no-receipt” return process much faster for employees to verify.
5. Can You Be Banned for Too Many Returns?
There is no “hard limit” on returns, but Costco’s membership is a privilege. If a member’s history shows a consistent pattern of returning used items or returning a high percentage of everything they buy, the Membership Counter may flag the account for a “membership review.” In extreme cases of abuse, Costco reserves the right to cancel a membership and refund the membership fee.
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited (BXRBF) Q2 2026 Earnings Call February 15, 2026 6:00 PM EST
Company Participants
Samantha Miller – Head of Investor Relations & ESG Richard Fennell – CEO, MD & Director
Conference Call Participants
Advertisement
Annabel Ross – Barrenjoey Markets Pty Limited, Research Division Kelsey Bentley – JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division Sally Hong – Morgan Stanley, Research Division Andrew Lyons – Jefferies LLC, Research Division Thomas Strong – Citigroup Inc., Research Division John Storey – UBS Investment Bank, Research Division Matthew Dunger – BofA Securities, Research Division Ed Henning – CLSA Limited, Research Division Carlos Cacho – Macquarie Research Brendan Sproules – Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Research Division Brian Johnson – MST Financial Services Pty Limited, Research Division Christian Mazza – Jarden Limited, Research Division Richard Wiles – Morgan Stanley, Research Division
Presentation
Operator
Advertisement
Good day, and welcome to the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank 2026 Half Year Results Briefing. [Operator Instructions].
I would now like to hand the conference over to Sam Miller, General Manager, Investor Relations. Please go ahead.
Samantha Miller Head of Investor Relations & ESG
Advertisement
Thanks, Rocco. Good morning, everyone, and thanks for joining us for Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s 2026 Half Year Results Briefing. Let me begin today by acknowledging the traditional owners of the lands on which we meet today, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to their elders, past, present and emerging. And I also extend my respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are present on the call today.
Moving towards the agenda. There’s been a minor change to our presentation today, and we will broadcast audio and slides only. Our CFO, Andrew Morgan, has tested positive to COVID, and our CEO, Richard Fennell, will present the first half 2026 results with Richard and I handling the Q&A.
The latest earnings season has shown broad-based growth across multiple sectors, although market sentiment remains cautious, particularly in midcap and smallcap stocks. Metals and oil & gas have powered corporate earnings, but fundamentals beyond commodities have also held strong.
Commodity-Led Earnings Boost
Commenting on the theme, Gautam Duggad from Motilal Oswal said, “Metals and oil & gas gave an additional kicker, but even ex-commodities, earnings growth stood at 12%. This is the sixth consecutive quarter of high earnings growth, increasing from 10% to 16% over the period. Out of 27 sectors, 19 delivered double-digit growth, which is encouraging.”
“Strong earnings came from auto, capital goods, NBFCs, and PSU banks. Lending NBFCs grew nearly 30%, non-lending 35%, and PSU banks delivered 18% growth versus an expected 5-6%. Even IT and retail showed healthy growth.”
Advertisement
He also highlighted a smallcap recovery: “Smallcaps posted close to 30% growth after five quarters of zero or negative numbers. Midcaps ex-commodities grew 20%, slowing the pace of earnings cuts significantly.”
Live Events
Market Sentiment and Valuation Concerns Duggad noted: “India has underperformed in dollar terms over the last 15-18 months. Largecaps are fairly valued, but midcaps and smallcaps still need selectivity—midcap index trades at 28 times, smallcap at 24 times. Volatility arises from trade deals, IT, and AI disruption, but fiscal and monetary steps by the government and RBI are now reflecting in earnings, particularly in auto and consumer staples.” IT Disruption and Uncertain Valuations On IT valuations, Duggad said: “We upgraded IT in November, yet Infosys dropped 15-17% shortly after. It has now retraced to around 1300. Short-term levels remain uncertain.”Narrow Nifty Contributions Mask Broader Strength Discussing Nifty earnings, he added: “Financials, consumer, and IT account for 60% of Nifty profits. With these sectors growing only 3-10%, headline Nifty growth of 7-8% is concentrated in few stocks. Broader coverage shows 16% growth, highlighting strong opportunities in mid- and smallcaps. This is truly a stock-picker’s market.”
The new owners of a luxury retreat on Christmas Island are bullish on the remote province’s tourism potential as uncertainty surrounds the island’s major employers.
![Heathrow has said passenger numbers were 60% lower in November than before the coronavirus pandemic and there were “high cancellations” among business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas for Christmas as Omicron spreads. The UK’s largest airport said the government’s travel restrictions had dealt a fresh blow to travel confidence and predicted it was likely to take several years for passenger numbers to return to pre-pandemic levels. This week ministers said passengers arriving in the UK would have to take a pre-departure Covid test, as well as a post-flight test, because of fears about the spread of the new variant. “[The] high level of cancellations by business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas because of pre-departure testing shows the potential harm to the economy of travel restrictions,” the airport said in an update. Heathrow said the drop in traveller confidence owing to the new travel restrictions had negated the benefit of reopening the all-important corridor to North America for business and holiday travel last month. Eleven African countries have been added to the government’s red list, requiring travellers to quarantine before reuniting with families. “By allowing Brits to isolate at home, ministers can make sure they are reunited with their loved ones this Christmas,” said John Holland-Kaye, the chief executive of Heathrow. “It would send a strong signal that restrictions on travel will be removed as soon as safely possible to give passengers the confidence to book for 2022, opening up thousands of new jobs for local people at Heathrow. Let’s reunite families for Christmas.” Heathrow said that if the government could safely signal that restrictions would be lifted soon, then employers at Heathrow would have the confidence to hire thousands of staff in anticipation of a boost in business next summer. The airport is expecting a slow start to 2022, finishing next year with about 45 million passengers – just over half of pre-pandemic levels. This week Tui, Europe’s largest package holiday operator, said it expected bookings for next summer to bounce back to 2019 levels. However, Heathrow said on Friday not to expect the aviation industry to recover for several years. “We do not expect that international travel will recover to 2019 levels until at least all travel restrictions (including testing) are removed from all the markets that we serve, at both ends of the route, and there is no risk of new restrictions, such as quarantine, being imposed,” the airport said.](https://wordupnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/shutterstock_1100012546-scaled-400x240.jpg)
![Heathrow has said passenger numbers were 60% lower in November than before the coronavirus pandemic and there were “high cancellations” among business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas for Christmas as Omicron spreads. The UK’s largest airport said the government’s travel restrictions had dealt a fresh blow to travel confidence and predicted it was likely to take several years for passenger numbers to return to pre-pandemic levels. This week ministers said passengers arriving in the UK would have to take a pre-departure Covid test, as well as a post-flight test, because of fears about the spread of the new variant. “[The] high level of cancellations by business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas because of pre-departure testing shows the potential harm to the economy of travel restrictions,” the airport said in an update. Heathrow said the drop in traveller confidence owing to the new travel restrictions had negated the benefit of reopening the all-important corridor to North America for business and holiday travel last month. Eleven African countries have been added to the government’s red list, requiring travellers to quarantine before reuniting with families. “By allowing Brits to isolate at home, ministers can make sure they are reunited with their loved ones this Christmas,” said John Holland-Kaye, the chief executive of Heathrow. “It would send a strong signal that restrictions on travel will be removed as soon as safely possible to give passengers the confidence to book for 2022, opening up thousands of new jobs for local people at Heathrow. Let’s reunite families for Christmas.” Heathrow said that if the government could safely signal that restrictions would be lifted soon, then employers at Heathrow would have the confidence to hire thousands of staff in anticipation of a boost in business next summer. The airport is expecting a slow start to 2022, finishing next year with about 45 million passengers – just over half of pre-pandemic levels. This week Tui, Europe’s largest package holiday operator, said it expected bookings for next summer to bounce back to 2019 levels. However, Heathrow said on Friday not to expect the aviation industry to recover for several years. “We do not expect that international travel will recover to 2019 levels until at least all travel restrictions (including testing) are removed from all the markets that we serve, at both ends of the route, and there is no risk of new restrictions, such as quarantine, being imposed,” the airport said.](https://wordupnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/shutterstock_1100012546-scaled-80x80.jpg)
