Thailand’s Long-term Resident Visa/Heat soars to 43°C/Storm chaos in northeast/”Godzilla” El Niño looms/Rising heat is stretching summer/Songkran ‘Seven Dangerous Days’ ends/24-Hour Alcohol Sales in EEC/Famed Khao Yai tiger dies
- THE IRAN WAR: Strait of Hormuz won’t reopen/Global tourism on edge/US$760 million in oil bets/Oil-addicted Asia finally going green
- ECONOMY: US urges Thailand to remove barriers/ADB cuts Thailand growth view/Shrinking population trend/Thailand banks on EU trade deal/Driving e-commerce growth
- TOURISM: Bangkok’s biggest Songkran yet/Songkran a world-class festival draw/Thai Airways Cuts May Flights
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Songkran Festival in photos/Mon Songkran rite bathes monks/Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Ministers Push Eco Packaging/500kg of ‘ghost nets’
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Thailand’s Long-term Resident Visa
Thailand has introduced a new visa called “Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa”, which is a program that provides a range of tax and non-tax benefits to enhance the country’s attractiveness as a regional hub for living and doing business for ‘high-potential’ individuals. Today, Thailand is already home to multinational corporations from all over the world and one of the most important tourist destinations in Asia.
Thailand presents itself as a very attractive location for “work from anywhere” professionals. This new visa program is expected to attract new foreign residents, technologies, and talents contributing to domestic spending and investment, while supporting economic growth. The Thai government has set the target of attracting one million wealthy or talented foreign residents into the country over the next five years.
Thailand braces for summer storms as heat soars to 43°C
The Thai Meteorological Department has issued its seventh warning of the year, cautioning that summer storms will continue to affect upper Thailand through Monday, bringing thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, and isolated lightning strikes alongside extreme heat.
According to the announcement, the unstable weather will initially affect the northeast and the east before spreading to the central region, including Bangkok and surrounding areas, as well as the north. Continued …
Storm chaos in northeast – Surin blackout, Buriram roads blocked
Severe summer storms swept across Thailand’s northeast overnight, causing widespread disruption in Surin and Buriram, as heavy rain and powerful winds brought down infrastructure and blocked key transport routes.
In Surin, the storm struck late yesterday, unleashing torrential rain and violent gusts that toppled multiple high-voltage transmission poles along Highway 226 on the Surin–Sikhoraphum route. Continued …
Southeast Asia braces for scorching heat, water crisis as “Godzilla” El Niño looms
A potential “Godzilla” or super El Niño is forecast to develop in the second half of 2026, threatening Southeast Asia with prolonged drought, extreme heat, and heightened wildfire risk. While the term “Godzilla” is informal, scientists use it to describe an exceptionally strong El Niño event where sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific rise at least 2°C above average.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates a 62% chance of El Niño emerging between June and August, with roughly a one-in-three chance it could become strong by October-December. Continued …
Rising heat is stretching summer and changing how people live
Climate change is leaving an increasingly visible mark on the planet, with temperatures continuing to rise year after year. The latest study shows that summer is now arriving earlier and lasting longer, with growing consequences for daily life, urban planning, and infrastructure.
Research from the University of British Columbia (UBC) found that between 1990 and 2023, summer length across the world’s mid-latitudes increased by an average of around six days per decade. That marks a notably faster rate of change than earlier research, which found that summer had lengthened by 4.8 days per decade before 2012. Continued …
Songkran ‘Seven Dangerous Days’ ends with fewer accidents, injuries, and deaths
The seven-day Songkran road safety campaign has concluded with a total of 1,242 accidents, 1,200 injuries, and 242 deaths nationwide, with 10 provinces reporting zero fatalities.
Overall figures for this year’s Songkran period showed marked improvement compared with the three-year average, Thiraphat Khatchamart, director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, who chairs the Road Safety Directing Center, said yesterday. Continued …
Thailand Proposes 24-Hour Alcohol Sales in EEC Zone
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee has approved in principle a proposal to allow 24-hour sales of beer and liquor in the Eastern Aviation City promotion zone, with a public hearing and royal decree required before implementation. The process is expected to be completed by no later than May.
Dr. Montien Kanasawat, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, said the committee also approved a draft announcement on prohibited alcohol sales days. Under the draft, major Buddhist holy days will remain no-sale days, but the legal authority will shift from a prime minister’s office announcement to one issued by the committee. Continued …
Famed Khao Yai tiger dies of natural causes
A male Indochinese tiger known as “Sri Kosa”, a key figure in Thailand’s wild tiger population, has died of natural causes in the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai forest complex, researchers have confirmed.
The adult tiger, identified as TLT-119M in monitoring records, was first captured on camera traps in 2019 in Thap Lan and Pang Sida national parks. He was later fitted with a GPS collar in April last year to track his movements and study his behavior, and was subsequently given the name Sri Kosa. Continued …
Strait of Hormuz won’t reopen, Iranian leader tells Trump
President Donald Trump said the United States may allow the ceasefire deal with Iran to expire next week if no deal is reached to end the war by Wednesday. Despite that outlook, Trump said there was also “pretty good news” regarding Iran, but the president declined to elaborate as he spoke with reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington, DC, from Arizona.
Earlier yesterday, Iran said it scrapped reopening the Strait of Hormuz after Trump said he would not call off the American naval blockade of Iranian ports, despite the country’s concession to allow commercial traffic through the critical waterway. Continued …
Global tourism on edge: What happens next
The collapse of high-stakes peace talks in Pakistan has sent a chill through global markets, and what happens next is no longer just a geopolitical question. It is a tourism question.
Recent negotiations in Islamabad, aimed at stabilizing tensions linked to the Iran conflict, were always fragile. Analysts warned from the outset that Pakistan lacked the leverage to guarantee outcomes, with external forces capable of derailing progress at any moment. Continued …
Mystery trader dumped US$760 million in oil bets just before prices crashed
A massive oil trade placed moments before crude prices slumped has triggered fresh questions over whether sensitive information tied to the Iran conflict may have been used to profit in global energy markets.
The transaction, worth around US$760 million, was executed roughly 20 minutes before Iran’s foreign minister formally announced yesterday that commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would remain open for the rest of the ceasefire period. Continued …
War forces oil-addicted Asia to finally go green
The age of cheap oil is over and Thailand’s rooftops are reflecting that fact. Across homes, garages, and warehouses in the sun-drenched kingdom, the blue-black sheen of solar panels is spreading, as the Iran war has done what years of climate summits could not: turn solar power into a necessity.
Demand for solar panels has swamped companies like Wayso, whose managing director is coloring in Thailand’s rooftops as fast as he can find technicians to do it. “We can’t hire quickly enough,” Suwat Cherdvut said. “We’ve had to start outsourcing technicians just to keep up.” Continued …
US urges Thailand to remove barriers on cars, drugs, and farm goods
Trade between Thailand and the United States surged past US$110 billion in 2025, underlining increasingly strong economic ties between the two countries. But behind the impressive figures lies a long list of trade barriers that Washington wants Bangkok to address in concrete terms.
Three issues are under especially close scrutiny: recognition of US automotive standards, approval of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and wider access for American agricultural and food products. Continued …
ADB cuts Thailand growth view, flags deeper structural drag
Thailand’s economy is set to slow again in 2026, with the Asian Development Bank forecasting growth of just 1.8%, down from 2.4% in 2025, and 2.9% in 2024, before a modest recovery to 2.0% in 2027.
The sharper message in ADB’s latest outlook, however, is that the country’s deeper problem is not just this year’s external shocks. It is the structural weakness sitting underneath them: sluggish productivity, low domestic value added, and an economy that still struggles to spread technology and know-how widely enough to local firms. Continued …
Shrinking population trend has begun to impact the Thai economy
A People’s Party politician on Thursday warned that last year’s birth level in Thailand was the lowest in 75 years. Natthaya Boonphakdee warned that by 2036, one-third of all Thai people will be over 60 years of age as the country becomes a super-aged society.
At the same time, the country will have lost 2.5 million working people from its population. After that, the spiraling decline in both population and working-age adults poses serious economic challenges to the economy. Continued …
Thailand banks on EU trade deal
The international trade landscape is changing rapidly, with more barriers and the waning influence of certain established international organizations. In response, countries are reducing their reliance on multilateral systems and strengthening economic stability through bilateral and regional free-trade agreements (FTAs).
How do FTAs shape Thailand’s trade and economy, and which sectors could face heightened risks, especially following the EU’s finalization of its FTA with India? Continued …
Thailand driving e-commerce growth
Thailand has emerged as Southeast Asia’s e-commerce growth engine amid regional market share consolidation. The country has become the standout performer in Southeast Asia’s e-commerce landscape, posting the region’s fastest growth and reinforcing its position as a key battleground for platform dominance, according to a new report released by Singapore-based research firm Momentum Works.
In 2025, Thailand’s e-commerce market surged 51.8% year-on-year to US$35.5 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV), significantly outpacing regional peers and signaling a structural acceleration in digital consumption. Continued …
The morning after Bangkok’s biggest Songkran yet
The Tourism Authority of Thailand projected 30.3 billion baht in Songkran revenue this year, up 6% from 2025, and released the number with the kind of confidence that comes from having done the work. The production at Benchakitti Park, the coordinated Silom closure, the S2O headliners on Ratchadaphisek, the international press coverage – none of it was accidental.
Bangkok did not stumble into becoming one of the world’s most-watched festival destinations. It applied for the job and this year the application was approved at scale. Continued …
Bangkok moves to make Songkran a world-class festival draw
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has unveiled an ambitious vision to transform the city’s Songkran festival into a world-class event, with a strong focus on upgrading infrastructure, improving public space management, and strengthening environmental measures.
Thai Songkran already attracts huge numbers of visitors. On Silom Road alone, more than 700,000 people joined the festivities, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) able to manage the area safely and in an orderly manner. Continued …
Thai Airways International Cuts May Flights Across Asia and Europe
Thai Airways International (THAI) will reduce flight frequencies across domestic and international routes in May, citing sharply higher fuel costs and weaker passenger demand during the low season. The cuts affect services within Thailand as well as routes to Asia and Europe, with some routes suspended entirely.
Ticket agents have been notified and the airline said it has prepared options to help agents and passengers manage the changes. The adjustments will run throughout May, with domestic services to Khon Kaen reduced from four to three flights per day, Udon Thani from three to two, and Ubon Ratchathani from 14 flights per week to 12 between May 5-28. Continued …
Songkran Festival in photos
Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year festival, began on April 13 and ran through April 15. The celebrations featuring participants being doused with water drew unusually large crowds in Bangkok this year, with a record 160,000 people gathering on Silom Road on the first day, up from 100,000 last year.
The jump in attendance is partly due to rising fuel prices. Higher gasoline and diesel costs discouraged many Bangkok residents from traveling to their hometown, leading them to stay in the capital instead. As a result, the city’s festivities became even more crowded despite the economic strain. Photos …
Mon Songkran rite bathes monks through bamboo channels
A rare Songkran tradition unique to Sangkhlaburi drew Mon worshippers, local residents, and tourists to Wat Wang Wiwekaram in Kanchanaburi yesterday, despite stifling heat and a lingering haze of dust and smoke.
The ceremony took place at the Bodhgaya Chedi in Ban Wangka, where devotees gathered to take part in the annual ritual of bathing monks with scented water flowing through a handmade network of bamboo channels. Continued …
Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Guide
Elephant Nature Park serves as a sprawling 250-acre rescue center located 60 kilometers north of Chiang Mai in Thailand’s lush Mae Taeng Valley. Visitors arrive via a scenic shuttle from the city, greeted by the sounds of trumpeting elephants and the scent of tropical foliage amid misty mountains.
This sanctuary fits into Thailand’s growing ethical tourism movement, offering day visits, overnight stays, and volunteer programs that prioritize animal welfare over entertainment. The atmosphere buzzes with gentle energy: rescued elephants roam freely in grassy fields, mud wallows sparkle under the sun, and bamboo platforms provide shaded viewing areas where the air carries hints of lemongrass and earth. Continued …
Ministers Push Eco Packaging Plan in Thailand
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supachai Suthamphan and Industry Minister Warawut Silpa-archa have led efforts to promote eco-friendly packaging to reduce plastic use, as global supply pressures linked to the Middle East crisis impact costs.
The move was discussed on Thursday at Government House Building 1, where both ministers met senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Industry. Talks focused on managing production cost fluctuations and promoting sustainable resource use amid ongoing volatility in global raw material markets. Continued …
Divers clear 500kg of ‘ghost nets’ from around Payang Island
Similan Islands National Park officials successfully removed a massive 500 kilograms of discarded fishing gear, commonly known as “ghost nets,” during a routine Marine Smart Patrol near Payang Island.
The operation, which took place yesterday, was part of an ongoing effort to safeguard the Andaman Sea’s fragile ecosystem and restore the pristine condition of one of Thailand’s most renowned marine sanctuaries. Continued …
How tumor freezing is changing breast cancer treatment
Doctors are exploring a different approach to a specific type of breast cancer tumor called cryoablation. It destroys the cancer with extreme cold in a short outpatient procedure that can let them go home the same day. Video …
Hua Hin Links and Transport
Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Hua Hin celebrates famed boxer Pone Kingpetch
Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas has launched its “Introduction to Tennis” camp this April, designed to help kids learn the sport or enhance their skills during the school holidays. The three-day program aims to build players’ confidence, skills, and friendships in a fun and supportive environment under the guidance of an experienced tennis coach and trainer.
The north of Thailand remains under a thick blanket of hazardous smog, as the latest satellite data yesterday reveals a surge in forest fires, with over 2,000 hotspots detected across 17 provinces.
Border crossings in Trat and Chanthaburi will remain closed, with no diplomatic talks or timeline set for reopening, says Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
US President Donald Trump yesterday dismissed high fuel costs amid his war with Iran, claiming that the economic damage inflicted by the war was much less severe than expected.
The energy crisis may pose a challenge for the Thai government in pursuing its fiscal plan, which aims to reduce the fiscal deficit to no more than 3% of GDP, increase revenue through a higher value-added tax (VAT), and keep public debt below 70% of GDP, according to the Finance Ministry.
An analysis by Commerzbank indicates that global energy market fluctuations are putting significant downward pressure on the Thai baht. As Thailand imports over 50% of its energy, mainly through crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), rising global energy costs have worsened its trade balance. Consequently, the USD/baht exchange rate has become a focal point for currency traders, closely monitoring the potential policy reactions from the Bank of Thailand (BOT).
Thailand has submitted its formal defense document to the United States by the April 15 deadline, rejecting allegations under Section 301 trade measures relating to excess production capacity and goods linked to forced labor. Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun is also preparing to meet the US Trade Representative (USTR) in early May as discussions intensify over potential tariff actions affecting Thai exports.
Thailand is expected to enter a state of stagflation late in the second quarter and the beginning of the third quarter of this year, as businesses begin material restocking while oil prices remain high amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, according to Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research).
Thailand is pivoting away from broad-based subsidies toward targeted support and long-term investment, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, as the country prepares to host the IMF–World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok this October.
Thailand’s retail sector showed a temporary improvement in March, but the industry is still flashing warning signs for the months ahead, with confidence for the second quarter falling back below the 50-point threshold, as oil prices, higher operating costs, and weak purchasing power weigh on the outlook.
Thailand’s workforce is broadly happy — but warning signs are emerging beneath the surface. A new survey by Jobsdb by SEEK shows that overall workplace happiness among Thai employees stands at 67%, placing the country third in the region, behind Indonesia and the Philippines.
A group of foreigners in Phuket faces backlash after displaying aggressive behavior during the Songkran Festival. Video footage shows them blocking roads, harassing motorists, and engaging in inappropriate conduct toward women. The Patong Police arrested the group on April 14, charging them with causing a public nuisance and obstructing traffic.
True Corp. said its latest mobility data highlights shifting travel patterns and real-time digital usage during Songkran 2026, showing more evenly distributed travel nationwide, led by the northeast (Isaan), while international arrivals continued to rise, with Chinese tourists ranking first.
Middle East conflict hits Phang Nga tourism – hundreds of tour boats sitting idle
Thai Gen Z travelers are reshaping travel habits in 2026 by favoring short but frequent trips over traditional long holidays, with mental well-being and value for money emerging as top priorities, according to the online booking platform Agoda.
Returning to Bangkok after two years, I found the city far more organized than expected. The once-chaotic and disorderly image of a Southeast Asian metropolis — especially the dire conditions on Bangkok’s streets during the COVID-19 pandemic — had faded. Instead, I was struck by a sense of managed order and tidy streets.
Agoda Names Chiang Mai Asia’s Premier Culinary Destination
Thailand is preparing to open its electricity system to households, allowing those with rooftop solar panels to sell surplus power back into the grid, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said yesterday.
Rice farmers Siriporn and Amnat Taidee used to burn their paddy fields between plantings — a common method of clearing crop residue partly blamed for toxic smog that blankets much of Thailand every spring.
Where once there was ice, only rock remains. One of the glaciers in a chain of snow-capped mountains in the Colombian Andes has vanished due to high temperatures driven by climate change. Satellite images show how the ice sheet covering the mountain gradually shrank from 2015 until it disappeared completely in March. 
Private schools in Thailand face an unprecedented wave of closures this year, with up to 80 institutions expected to shut, reflecting mounting financial and structural pressures across the sector.
Police have arrested a man for stealing water meters across Prachuap Khiri Khan, with investigators alleging he sold burnt components for scrap to fund drug use. Officers from Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan Police Station detained a 38-year-old suspect Tuesday.
A new overpass is set to be built at Nong Phai intersection on Highway 37 after the Department of Highways signed a contract for the project in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Air quality in Thailand has worsened dramatically, with PM2.5 levels surpassing safety thresholds in 42 provinces, including regions from the north, northeast, and central areas. The Air Pollution Resolution Communication Center reported early on Tuesday that these unsafe levels could intensify over the next week.
Thailand faces slower growth this year due to the Iran war and there are almost “no limits” to worst-case economic scenarios if the conflict continues, a senior Bank of Thailand official said.
Foreign investors are selling Thai assets as an energy shock from the US-Israeli war on Iran threatens to snuff out hopes for an economic revival under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and exposes the policy paralysis that is gripping Bangkok.
Rice prices have surged the most in more than two years on concerns about the supply outlook after the cost of fuel and fertilizer jumped due to the Iran war, prompting some Thai farmers to leave their crop in the ground.
Thailand’s household debt has climbed to 86.7% of GDP, with fresh data pointing to a growing reliance on borrowing for day-to-day expenses as households struggle to cope with a fragile economic recovery.
Michelin-listed restaurant operators expect a gloomy outlook for the dining business this year, hampered by sluggish spending and surging energy costs.
Why April 15 marks Thailand’s true New Year in the ancient tradition
Elephants lead Songkran water pouring in Chiang Mai
Songkran 2026 draws huge Thai and foreign turnout as festival goes global
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin yesterday said the ministry was acting in line with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s policy to intensify wildfire prevention and haze control, with the key objective of stopping fires from the very start.
The Center for Air Pollution Mitigation reported yesterday that PM2.5 levels had exceeded the standard in 39 provinces nationwide, with northern Thailand in a critical condition.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a severe weather alert for summer storms expected in upper Thailand from April 16 to 18. The forecast includes thunderstorms, strong winds, isolated hail, and possible lightning.
Three Thai families remain among Asia’s 20 wealthiest dynasties, as combined fortunes across the region reached a record US$647 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The Chearavanont, Yoovidhya, and Chirathivat families together account for an estimated 14.4% of the total. The ranking highlights a major shift toward industries supporting artificial intelligence growth.
China has warned it will respond with countermeasures if the United States imposes higher tariffs based on allegations that Beijing is providing military support to Iran, after US President Donald Trump threatened a 50% tariff on Chinese imports if China sells weapons to Tehran.
Thai industry warns of stagflation risk as factory closures jump 58%
Foreign condominium transfers across Thailand in 2025, from January to December, rose in terms of units but fell in total value compared with the previous year, according to an analysis by the Real Estate Information Center of the Government Housing Bank.
Feasibility studies behind land bridge said ‘inaccurate’
Koh Phi Phi Thailand island viewpoints and beaches
Southeast Asia’s Solar Panel Boom
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), the Thai seafood company Laylanta Co., and Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park are collaborating to strengthen the sustainability of barramundi cage farming in Songkhla Lake, Thailand.
Hua Hin’s Luxury Boom Spurs New Airline Links and Property Rush
More than 7.8 million people used public transport during the first three days of the Songkran holiday and the number of road traffic accidents fell significantly, the Ministry of Transport said yesterday.
Adolescent leopard sighted in Kaeng Krachan National Park
US blockade on Iran-linked port traffic takes effect as Hormuz tensions deepen
Thailand has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s leading data center destinations, drawing billions of baht in investment from American, Chinese, and Japanese technology giants — but an expert has warned that the country’s ability to capitalize on this momentum depends on urgently resolving deep-rooted energy infrastructure constraints.
Jet fuel hikes have forced South Korean no-frills airlines to adjust, or in some cases suspend, flights to Thai destinations as the Middle East war continues to bite into the aviation sector.
Hua Hin Songkran crowds swell as tourists flock to water festival
A gun accident in Cha Am has left one person dead and another injured after a man from Phetchaburi claimed his firearm discharged accidentally, with the bullet striking a police officer’s son.
Traffic on Rama 2 Road was flowing smoothly in both directions as of 7 pm Saturday, with vehicles moving at speeds of 80 to 100 kilometers per hour. The Department of Highways confirmed the update after temporarily halting all construction work on the road, reopening main lanes to ease travel during the Songkran festival.
Mae Hong Son province has suffered wave after wave of forest fires, with the total number of hotspots so far this year exceeding what was registered the entire last year, while arson continues.
The long Songkran holiday is Thailand’s annual window for family get-togethers. However, as social structures break down, the traditional New Year holiday joy is being eroded by a deep anxiety: the fear of dying alone.
The United States military has announced a blockade on all shipping entering and leaving Iranian ports, sending global oil prices sharply higher and marking a major escalation after talks between Washington and Tehran failed to end the conflict.
Thailand has launched a diplomatic effort to secure the safe passage of nine cargo ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The vessels are carrying fertilizer shipments deemed critical for the country’s agricultural sector and national food security.
Thailand’s export competitiveness is weakening, as global freight costs surge 30%, raising concerns over trade and consumer prices, a shipping industry leader said. While the United States and Iran have reached a two-week ceasefire, ongoing uncertainty continues to disrupt shipping routes and supply chains.
Asia’s ‘panicked farmers’ brace for a looming rice crisis post-Iran war
Thailand backs land bridge and EEC infrastructure investment drives
Thailand’s property market is witnessing a curious paradox as it enters the second quarter of 2026. According to the latest data from the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), international buyers are flocking to the kingdom in increasing numbers, yet they are significantly tightening their purse strings.
There have been a number of announcements from state agencies to do with visa policies in Thailand over the past several months that seem to have made the matter rather convoluted.
Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Thitiporn Chirasawadi has underscored the growing importance of medical tourism from Bangladesh to Thailand, noting that a significant number of Bangladeshi patients have chosen Thailand as a trusted destination for healthcare over the years.
The government’s push to promote clean energy with soft loans and tax incentives for solar installations are a “golden opportunity” to accelerate the country’s transition toward renewables, an academic says.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán conceded defeat yesterday, after the country’s opposition party Tisza was projected to win the parliamentary elections in a landslide, marking a setback for his allies in Russia and US President Donald Trump. 
US President Donald Trump lashed out at Pope Leo XIV on social media over the pontiff’s criticism of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, calling him “weak” on crime and “terrible” for foreign policy. “I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the president of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected,” Trump wrote yesterday. 
Fuel prices across Thailand will fall from today, with diesel dropping by 4 baht to 44.4 baht per liter and benzine also reduced, providing immediate relief ahead of the Songkran holiday period.
What Is Songkran, the Thai New Year Festival, and Where to Enjoy It
Songkran Thailand: A Timeless Tradition of Splashing Through Generations
Due to the surge in fuel prices, many travelers are booking trains to their hometowns ahead of the Songkran holiday. Passenger numbers at Buri Ram Railway Station rose by 30% compared to previous festival periods.
As Thais gear up for the upcoming Songkran holiday, I can’t help but notice how this year’s highly anticipated days off and time off work have a bit more nuance to them than usual. Granted, people are still discussing rest, relaxation and how they will fully utilize their time away from the office, while the jetset crowd will undoubtedly make full use of flying overseas and avoiding Middle Eastern routes, but something feels a bit different this year.
The Thai Meteorological Department has forecast weather conditions for April 11-16, saying Thailand will generally see hot to very hot weather, with hazy conditions during the day and thunderstorms in some areas.
Natural gas remains a cornerstone of global power generation despite mounting concerns over liquefied natural gas (LNG) shortages linked to Middle East tensions, according to Gulf Developmentc, Thailand’s largest energy company by market value and a major telecoms operator.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has rejected calls for an excise tax cut on refined oil products, saying that such a move would affect medical services and warning that the era of cheap oil prices is over, at least for the next two years, due to damage inflicted on oil infrastructure in the Middle East.
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with fee collection as proposed by Iran, together with high oil prices, is dampening the prospects for Thai exports and may push overseas shipments into contraction this year, economists say.
15-year-old girl collects bottles to support family
A major Thai manufacturer of plastic tanks and boats is set to close down after more than 50 years in business, as soaring costs and weakening demand finally pushed the company beyond its limit.
The Department of Medical Services recommends that anyone planning to visit countries where Meningococcal disease is prevalent be vaccinated first to prevent infection. Dr. Sakan Bunnag, the department’s deputy chief, said the disease is caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. It leads to meningitis and spinal cord infection, he said.
Elephants join in Songkran festivities in Ayutthaya
Phuket’s Songkran celebrations have long stood apart from the rest of Thailand’s travel experiences — not merely for the scale of the water fights, but for the particular alchemy of beach culture, Sino-Portuguese heritage, and deep Buddhist tradition that gives the island its distinct New Year character.
Need some inspiration for your next vacation? Consider a short getaway to nearby Thailand, which is brimming with some of the region’s most beautiful and luxurious resort destinations. Here’s what to see and do in the idyllic enclaves of Hua Hin, Krabi, Phuket, Samui, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai, and the best hotels to stay at.
Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa has announced urgent measures to accelerate plastic recycling in Thailand, as the country grapples with a shortage of plastics caused by the ongoing Israel–US conflict with Iran. The initiative, he said, is not only aimed at easing immediate supply pressures but also at strengthening long-term environmental protection.
In 2020, Thai authorities announced that they would endeavour to make Thailand a regional electric vehicle (EV) hub in just five years. True enough, by 2025, Chinese EV manufacturing companies had made the country a solid base.
Humanity took a giant leap closer to the lunar surface last evening as the Artemis II Orion spacecraft, Integrity, successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. The safe return of the four-person crew marks the conclusion of a historic 10-day mission and the first time humans have journeyed to the vicinity of the Moon in over half a century. 
New 24/7 Pet Channel targets China’s growing pet market
Songkran events calendar for Hua Hin
AirAsia has confirmed its summer flight schedule for the Hua Hin–Chiang Mai route, with direct flights operating until Oct. 30.
Prachuap Khiri Khan has introduced the “Khirikhan Guarantee” as part of efforts to strengthen its position in wellness tourism, with officials aiming to raise standards and build confidence among visitors.
Located around 1 hour 30 minutes from Hua Hin, the viewpoint offers panoramic views across Prachuap Bay and the surrounding coastline, along with a cave at the top. The hike is suitable for those with a moderate level of fitness, with park rangers on hand to assist and rope sections installed along parts of the trail. 
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) said in its weather report today that temperatures could reach 42°C. The north, northeast and central regions should brace for strong winds and thunderstorms, while 30% of the south’s west coast is forecast to see heavy rain.
The world may be heading toward a powerful El Niño later this year, with major climate agencies warning that the odds of El Niño are rising from mid-2026. NOAA says ENSO-neutral conditions are still favored through May-July, but El Niño is likely to emerge in June-August and persist through at least the end of the year.
The global energy market remains highly volatile after tensions in the Middle East flared up again, despite earlier reports of a two-week temporary ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, which had pushed world oil prices lower on hopes that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would return to normal.
Thai consumer confidence dropped sharply in March, with the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) falling to 51.8, its lowest level in six months. The decline marks the steepest monthly fall since October last year, reflecting growing concern over rising living costs and global instability. The downturn is already affecting spending behavior, with households cutting back on non-essential purchases.
Thailand continues to attract foreign buyers seeking both lifestyle and investment exposure, but strict ownership rules and highly localized market conditions mean that choosing the right city is critical.
Thai Sugar Millers Corp. (TSMC) has outlined its approach to managing domestic sugar prices as production costs continue to rise due to global economic pressures and energy market volatility. The corporation confirmed that retail sugar prices would remain frozen throughout April in a bid to help ease the cost-of-living burden on the public.
Soaring fuel costs are rippling across Thailand just days before the Songkran festival, pushing up food prices, squeezing small vendors, raising costs for farmers and transport operators, and dampening travel sentiment in key tourism centers.
Thailand’s tourism minister has vowed to restore tourism revenue to more than 3 trillion baht, exceeding pre-pandemic levels within the new government’s four-year term, and will proceed with a 300-baht tourism fee, as adopted in many countries.
With the rising demand for cost-effective, technologically advanced, and high-quality medical care, medical tourism is at an all-time high. Destinations like Thailand currently top the global list. However, over the past decade, the notion of healthcare has expanded far beyond its traditional definition.
12 Bold, Bright Thai Recipes to Celebrate Songkran
Three of Thailand’s leading energy and industrial players — REPCO NEX, B.Grimm Power, and SCG Cleanergy — have officially launched a joint utility-scale solar project with a total capacity of 247MWp. Spanning across Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, and Saraburi provinces, the initiative is designed to replace fossil fuel dependency with clean energy, providing enough electricity to power approximately 100,000 households.
Government data released yesterday pointed to a weaker finish to last year for the US economy than earlier estimated, after lower business investment, including inventory accumulation, led to a fresh downgrade in fourth-quarter growth, even as corporate profits jumped sharply. 
The emperor penguin, one of the most recognizable symbols of Antarctica, has officially been reclassified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, in a stark new sign of the accelerating damage caused by global warming. 
According to data compiled by Thansettakij, PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Co. (OR) and Bangchak Corp. (BCP) announced a B2.14-per-liter cut across all diesel products.
Hua Hin City Municipality is moving to address recent low water pressure problems in part of the town after residents in the Hua Hin 55 area complained about weak water flow.
Israel pounded Lebanon with its heaviest strikes yet yesterday, killing hundreds of people and drawing a threat of retaliation from Iran, which suggested it would be “unreasonable” to proceed with talks to forge a permanent peace deal with the United States.
The government has outlined management guidelines to tackle the ongoing plastic pellet crisis. Key initiatives will focus on identifying high-priority items, promoting the use of alternative materials, and enhancing recycling.
Thai Trade Office Signals End of Deflation as Q2 Price Hikes Loom
Despite worries from Thailand’s tourism sector that the Middle East war could reduce the number of long-haul travelers, two restaurant operators remain optimistic. They say that an increase in Asian travelers could help compensate for any decline in visitors from other regions.
Songkran 2026 travel surge: AOT expects 3.7 million passengers
Suvarnabhumi airport anticipates handling 1.82 million passengers over the 10-day Songkran holiday period (April 10–19), averaging about 182,000 travelers per day, says director Kittipong Kittikachorn. This represents a 1.9% drop compared to the same period last year.
Opposition parties have renewed calls for urgent action on air pollution, pledging to push forward a clean air bill while urging the government to address the wildfire and PM2.5 fine dust crisis through both immediate relief and long-term structural reforms.
Hua Hin Songkran 2026 will take place on April 12-13, with city officials planning a mix of large-scale water-based entertainment and traditional Thai New Year activities at Pone Kingphet Park and along Damnoen Kasem Road.
Thap Sakae will host the Na Hu Kwang Festival 2026 during the Songkran holiday, with organizers aiming to boost tourism and local economic activity through a two-day beachfront event centered around light installations and live entertainment.
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry has raised its 2026 inflation forecast to 1.5%-2.5%, with a midpoint of 2%, after consumer prices in March fell for a 12th consecutive month but showed signs of a slower decline as energy risks begin feeding into the outlook.
Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKP) forecasts that a surge in global oil prices will push housing prices up by 10% this year, primarily affecting homebuyers in the mass-market segment.
Newly appointed Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa has vowed to help Thai manufacturers weather the impact of geopolitical conflict and rising energy costs, while steering the country’s industrial sector toward greener, more sustainable practices under the government’s bio-, circular and green (BCG) economic model.
The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) has warned that forward bookings for the second quarter of 2026 are weaker than last year, as airfares surge and uncertainty rises due to the ongoing Middle East crisis. THA President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun highlighted concerns over Q2 performance, noting that while Q1 targets were met, Q3–Q4 markets remain in a “wait-and-see” mode.
Bangkok authorities have announced that water-splashing events during the Songkran festival will be alcohol-free citywide, wrapping up by 10 pm each night. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has set up a 24/7 command center to ensure safety and operational effectiveness throughout the festival’s duration from April 11-15.
Ferry fares to Koh Chang will increase on Friday due to the soaring price of diesel. The ferry fare surge was approved yesterday by a ferry fare committee chaired by Trat Gov. Piriya Chanthadilok. The committee included representatives from the Marine Department and local ferry operators.