- Thai truck driver found dead in PKK/Beach polo returns to Hua Hin/Sam Ao Legends festival/Prachuap Town announces Songkran schedule/Miracle of the Three Bays City Fair/Hua Hin marathon/Ride-Hailing Rules Tighten/Fuel Prices Rise 6 Baht Per Liter/Thailand abandons fuel price caps/Thailand fuel prices updated/Thailand fuel prices vs ASEAN/Nationwide petrol-station checks//Long queues continue/Queues snaked for kilometers/Thailand swelters/Thai Corruption Costs B500 Billion Annually/B250 million a year on trips abroad
- THE IRAN WAR: Iran rules out talks/Iran offering Thailand oil at special price/PM orders oil crisis assessment/War unlikely to dent Songkran revenue/ASEAN’s energy security at risk/SCG seeks non-Hormuz feedstock
- ECONOMY: Ministry to expand controlled goods list/Co-pay scheme, emergency projects/Unilever cuts prices by up to 50%/To gain from supply chain diversification/Thailand’s oil fund crisis/Mall operator plans expansion/‘Green days off’ trend
- TOURISM: Pattaya tops travelers’ Songkran list/War could cut arrivals by 10%/Khon Kaen tourism, meetings/How are Asian airlines responding?
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Air Quality Declines Globally/Strategies for Financing Clean Energy/Leading the Future of Sustainable Packaging
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Thai truck driver found dead in PKK after alleged 10-hour refueling queue
A Thai truck driver was found dead inside his vehicle at a petrol station in Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday, allegedly after he had been waiting in a refueling queue for more than 10 hours.
The driver was reported missing after the owner of his trucking company was unable to contact him by phone. When calls went unanswered, the owner tracked the truck’s last known parking location and found it still parked at the PTT petrol station in Kui Buri district. Continued …
Beach polo returns to Hua Hin on April 4
Beach polo will return to Hua Hin on April 4, as the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort hosts the 15th edition of the annual charity sporting event. Organized by B.Grimm, the one-day Beach Polo Hua Hin event will take place from 12.30 pm to 9 pm and is expected to draw polo enthusiasts, residents, and visitors for an afternoon and evening of sport and entertainment by the sea.
The program will include a grand parade opening ceremony, beach polo matches, horse racing displays, and a fashion show on horseback. Organizers say the event aims to combine world-class polo with a social gathering atmosphere and a range of seaside activities. Continued …
Sam Ao Legends festival set for this weekend in Prachuap Khiri Khan
The Sam Ao Legends cultural festival will take place this weekend at King Rama IX Commemorative Park in front of Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Hall, with free entry offered throughout the three-day event.
Preparations were reviewed on Monday during a planning meeting chaired by Deputy Gov. Preeda Sukjai at the provincial hall. Provincial Tourism and Sports Officer Lt. Sitthichai Tantasit, heads of government departments, and representatives from related agencies attended as officials finalized arrangements for the festival. Continued …
Prachuap Town announces Songkran schedule
Prachuap Town Songkran celebrations will take place on April 13 as local officials confirmed the schedule for this year’s large-scale water festival along the town’s seafront.
Mayor Kamol Kaewthet of Prachuap Town Municipality announced details of the event following a joint planning meeting with municipal executives, council members, senior officials, community leaders, and residents. The meeting focused on preparations for the 2026 Songkran festivities, which will be staged in front of Saranwithi Bridge along the coastal road. Continued …
Miracle of the Three Bays City Fair set for April 24-May 4
The Miracle of the Three Bays City Fair and Red Cross Festival will return to Prachuap Khiri Khan from April 24 to May 4, with organizers preparing a wide-ranging program of exhibitions, performances, and charity activities.
Provincial Gov. Sitthichai Sawat Saen chaired a preparatory committee meeting yesterday at the provincial hall to finalize arrangements for the annual tourism event, now in its 16th year. Deputy governors, heads of government departments, and representatives from relevant public agencies were also in attendance. Continued …
Hua Hin marathon expects 3,500 runners for May 10 event
Starting times for the Hua Hin Marathon 2026 have been confirmed, with organizers expecting more than 3,500 runners to take part in the annual race on Sunday, May 10. The event will include four race distances and aims to raise funds for environmental conservation in the city.
Details were announced during a press conference held yesterday at Hua Hin City Municipality, chaired by Prachuap Khiri Khan Deputy Gov. Preeda Sukjai. Also attending were Hua Hin City Mayor Nopporn Wutikul, Protect Hua Hin Club President Krit Rojanasathien, representatives from public and private organizations and event organizers. Continued …
Thailand Ride-Hailing Rules Tighten From March 31
Thailand will begin enforcing new rules for app-based ride-hailing services from March 31, requiring stricter checks on drivers, vehicles, and digital platforms. Drivers must hold a public driving license, vehicles must be correctly registered for public use, and platforms must verify compliance or suspend non-compliant drivers.
The move is expected to increase passenger safety and standardise a rapidly growing sector. Ride-sharing services, defined as passenger transport arranged via apps rather than traditional taxis or vans, expanded quickly during the COVID-19 period without a clear legal framework. The new regulations mark the first time Thailand has introduced specific legal structures for the sector. Continued …
Fuel Prices Rise 6 Baht Per Liter as Subsidies Cut
The Fuel Fund Management Committee yesterday approved a reduction in subsidies for diesel and petrol, leading to a 6-baht-per-liter increase in retail fuel prices. PTT announced that the increases will start today.
The move comes amid rising global oil prices and is expected to have an immediate impact on transport costs and household expenses. Authorities said the adjustment is necessary to stabilize the country’s fuel-pricing system. Continued …
Thailand abandons fuel price caps
Thailand has abandoned attempts to cap domestic fuel prices that have been pushed up by the Middle East war, and instead will offer targeted assistance for the sectors hardest-hit by high prices.
The government will let domestic energy prices move in line with market forces, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said yesterday, adding that price suppression had led to market distortions, hoarding, and unnecessary budget losses. Continued …
Thailand fuel prices updated across five major brands
Thailand fuel prices were updated for today in a daily report from the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) under the Ministry of Energy, covering five major service station brands, including PTT, Bangchak, PT, Caltex, and Shell.
At PTT stations, gasohol 95 was priced at 41.05 baht per liter, gasohol E20 at 36.05 baht, gasohol E85 at 32.79 baht, and gasohol 91 at 40.68 baht. Premium gasohol 95 was listed at 52.04 baht per liter, benzine 95 at 49.64 baht, diesel at 38.94 baht, and premium diesel at 54.64 baht per liter. Continued …
Where Thailand stands on fuel prices in ASEAN after latest surge
Fuel prices in Thailand are drawing renewed attention as the Middle East conflict continues to push up global oil prices and the government signals a move away from price subsidies toward market-based mechanisms.
As fuel costs remain a key driver of living expenses, comparisons with neighboring countries have become increasingly relevant. Data from the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) under the Energy Ministry shows that, as of March 23, Thailand ranked sixth in ASEAN for petrol prices and eighth for diesel. Continued …
Ministry orders nationwide petrol-station checks, daily stock reports to deter fuel hoarding
The Provincial Administration Department, under the Ministry of Interior, has issued instructions to provincial governors nationwide — along with district chiefs and local leaders, including subdistrict heads and village headmen — to inspect petrol stations across Thailand and submit daily reports on fuel stock levels. The move is intended to prevent traders from secretly hoarding fuel and forcing the public to shoulder the burden.
Krissada Boonrat, director-general of the Provincial Administration Department, sent an “most urgent” letter to all provincial governors, referring to an earlier most-urgent fax from the department, requesting governors to instruct district chiefs to survey data on petrol stations in their areas of responsibility and report to the department — beginning with the first report on March 21, and continuing until further notice. Continued …
Long queues continue for even pricier fuel
Motorists, farmers, and truck drivers in Ban Kruat border district of the northeastern province of Buri Ram continued to queue at petrol stations today despite another 6-baht price hike, saying they have no choice but to refuel to sustain their livelihoods.
Many are wasting hours in line when they could be working, as stations are still rationing fuel amid continuing problems with hoarding and distribution bottlenecks. The frustrated drivers called on the government to suspend fuel exports to neighboring countries to ease the domestic crisis of shortages and soaring prices. Continued …
Fuel panic as queues snaked for kilometers last night before B6 hike
Thai motorists rushed to refuel their vehicles last night, ahead of a steep 6 baht/liter price hike, which took effect today, triggering heavy congestion at service stations nationwide. In many areas, queues stretched for kilometers, with some outlets forced to close earlier than usual as they ran out of fuel.
On social media platforms, motorists shared images of themselves waiting in long lines inside their vehicles. One user wrote that they were “just third in line” when the station suddenly turned off its lights, saying “no more fuel.” Continued …
Thailand swelters as temperatures hit 41C
Thailand is experiencing generally hot weather today, with the Meteorological Department warning that temperatures could reach as high as 41C in some areas, while five provinces are expected to see rain, thunderstorms, and strong wind gusts.
The department said hot conditions would prevail across much of the country over the next 24 hours, accompanied by hazy skies during the daytime. Some areas in the north, northeast and central regions are expected to face extremely hot weather. Continued …
Thai Corruption Costs B500 Billion Annually
Corruption in Thailand’s public sector results in an estimated loss of B500 billion yearly, as reported by the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT). The losses stem from schemes like cheating the state, extorting businesses, and internal bribery.
This issue continues to impact Thailand’s ranking in global corruption indexes, with the latest Corruption Perceptions Index showing the country’s ranking at 116 out of 182, a decrease from the previous year. Continued …
Thai state agencies spend B250 million a year on trips abroad
The Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand has urged state agencies to put an end to overseas study trips that are largely tourism-oriented. Chairman Mana Nimitmongkol said a search showed that from 2016 to 2025, state agencies organized at least 928 overseas study trips, with total spending exceeding 2.5 billion baht, or about 250 million baht per year.
He said the amount was substantial when compared with school lunch budgets. Based on an average allocation of 25 baht per meal, the annual budget for such trips could provide around 10 million meals, enough to support 50,000 students for an academic year, or more than 100 million meals over a decade. Continued …
Iran reviews US proposal but rules out talks
The Iranian government has confirmed that it is reviewing a proposal from the United States aimed at ending the war in the Gulf region, but has made it clear that it has no intention of entering direct negotiations with Washington, even as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said in remarks carried by state media yesterday that while messages had been exchanged through intermediaries, this should not be interpreted as the start of formal negotiations. He added that the US proposal had already been forwarded to Iran’s top leadership and that an official position would be announced if necessary. Continued …
Iran ‘sends message to Thailand offering to sell crude oil at special price’
In a dramatic turn in the current energy crisis, Lerpong Sayed, president of the Thai-Iranian Alumni Assn., said Tehran had sent a message to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul offering to help Thailand by selling crude oil at a special price below global market rate to help alleviate the hardship of the Thai people.
This offer arose through the good relations between the association and the Iranian government, with the crude oil to be sold at particularly friendly price, Lerpong said. This would significantly reduce Thailand’s crude oil import costs during a period of volatile global oil prices due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Continued …
PM orders oil crisis assessment, prepare for long-term situation
Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, deputy prime minister and minister of transport, in his capacity as director of the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East, said after the center’s meeting to monitor the oil situation that the prime minister had issued instructions and assigned several agencies urgent follow-up tasks to accelerate integrated efforts to find a joint solution if the war were to drag on, including how it would affect the economy and what measures the government should take.
In addition, the Finance Ministry has been instructed to study and report on proposals to impose a windfall tax on oil refineries, as well as proposals to reduce fuel excise tax, while the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the Ministry of Energy and the Oil Fuel Fund Office have been told to prepare measures to cope with a crisis that may be prolonged. Continued …
War unlikely to dent Songkran revenue
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) remains confident about its projection of 6% revenue growth, tallying 30 billion baht, during the Songkran holiday this year, mainly driven by Asian markets.
TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said combined international and domestic markets are projected to generate 30.4 billion baht in tourism revenue during the “Maha Songkran World Water Festival” in 2026, up 6% year-on-year. Continued …
ASEAN’s energy security at risk
In June 1986, the five founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) assembled in Manila to discuss ASEAN’s response to the global energy crisis, which began with the Iranian Revolution in late 1978.
The Iran-Iraq War in 1980 considerably reduced petroleum output from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), causing a barrel to cost the equivalent of US$137 (4,468 baht) in 2025 when adjusted for inflation. Continued …
SCG seeks non-Hormuz feedstock as supply disruption hits operations
Siam Cement Group (SCG) is facing severe disruption to its supply chain after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, forcing the company to suspend operations at part of its olefins production and accelerate a shift toward alternative raw material sources.
The crisis has affected between 50% and 60% of SCG’s feedstock supply, particularly key inputs such as naphtha and propane, which are essential for olefins production. As a result, the company has temporarily halted operations at its Rayong Olefins Co. (ROC), a subsidiary within its chemicals business. Continued …
Commerce Ministry set to expand controlled goods list to 71 items
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry is preparing to expand its controlled goods list to 71 items, and tighten rules on price increases for a wider range of everyday products, according to Nantapong Jiralertpong, director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy and the ministry’s spokesperson.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun called a meeting of the Committee on the Price of Goods and Services yesterday to consider adding 12 more items to the controlled goods list. The proposed additions include cost-of-living products such as bottled water, and items linked to production costs — expanding the current list from 59 to 71. Continued …
Co-pay scheme, emergency projects to get B300 billion
Roughly 300 billion baht in investment expenditure is expected to be available for transfer to the central budget to support the “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme and urgent government emergency projects.
According to a Finance Ministry source who requested anonymity, caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas set a policy to accelerate government investment to stimulate the economy. Continued …
Unilever cuts prices by up to 50% in Thailand despite rising costs
Consumer goods giant Unilever is launching a nationwide price-cut campaign in Thailand, reducing prices by up to 50% across a wide range of essential products in a move aimed at easing the cost of living for households.
Under the campaign, titled “Unilever Discount for Thailand”, Unilever Thailand is offering discounts of up to 50% on products spanning four key business segments: home care, personal care, beauty and wellbeing, and food. Continued …
Thailand poised to gain from supply chain diversification amid escalating global tensions
Thailand is poised to capitalize on supply chain diversification as global tensions mount. With disruptions impacting traditional supply routes, Thailand’s geographical advantages and robust manufacturing base present significant opportunities for businesses seeking alternative sourcing locations.
This shift in focus not only aims to secure supply chains but also seeks to attract foreign investments that can drive economic growth and resilience in the face of geopolitical challenges, reinforcing Thailand’s status as a vital player in the ASEAN region. Continued …
Thailand’s oil fund crisis: decades of price controls leave lasting public burden
Thailand’s energy crisis in 2026 is not the first time the country has been forced to grapple with fuel prices rising beyond what ordinary people can bear. Each time such a crisis has erupted, Thai governments have turned to the Oil Fuel Fund as an emergency tool to contain the damage. But the price of that decision has often been a mountain of debt, eventually passed on to the public in the long run.
A review of the figures across successive administrations — from the government of Thaksin Shinawatra, which faced soaring oil prices during the Iraq war, to the government of Prayut Chan-o-cha, which had to deal with the fallout from the Russia-Ukraine war — shows the same pattern repeated again and again. The Oil Fuel Fund has been used to subsidize prices, accumulate debt, and then wait for world prices to fall so the money can be collected back to repay what was lost. This cycle has continued for more than 20 years, with no clear sign of ending easily. Continued …
Thailand’s largest mall operator plans $3.4 billion expansion
Central Pattana Public Co., Thailand’s largest shopping mall developer, plans to invest more than 110 billion baht (US$3.4 billion) in the next five years to expand its portfolio, betting on growth in major cities and a tourism rebound.
The operator of Central World, Bangkok’s largest shopping mall complex, aims to increase the number of its mixed-used projects to 33 by the end of 2030 from 27 currently, Chief Executive Officer Wallaya Chirathivat said yesterday. The investment will go toward new retail plazas, office buildings, and integrated projects, with a focus on major cities and key tourist destinations, including Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Continued …
‘Green days off’ trend sees Gen Z taking leave to reconnect with nature
In the past, taking time off work usually meant annual leave, sick leave, or a holiday. But new forms of leave are now emerging. The latest: many Gen Z workers are talking about “green days off work”, also called “green leave” — time off specifically to spend time in nature, whether hiking, going to the sea, visiting a park, or simply being outdoors to recover mentally from work stress.
The idea is gaining traction on social media and is starting to be discussed inside workplaces, after surveys found that many employees feel trapped by a life spent inside buildings, in front of screens, and in meetings all day — prompting a desire to pause and return to something simpler. Continued …
Songkran: Pattaya tops Thai travelers’ search list, Hua Hin second
Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year festival held on April 13-15, remains one of the country’s most influential peak seasons for tourism. Travel platform Agoda has released insights based on accommodation searches for Songkran 2026, highlighting shifting travel behavior — led by the resurgence of nearby beach destinations, with Pattaya taking the top spot.
Agoda search data shows Pattaya ranked as the No. 1 domestic destination for Thai travelers during Songkran this year, followed by: Hua Hin/Cha-am, Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Continued …
Protracted war could cut arrivals to Thailand by 10%
The number of foreign visitors to tourism-reliant Thailand is at risk of falling to its lowest level in three years as the Middle East war threatens global travel, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
The country could see three million fewer foreign tourist arrivals this year — nearly 10% of last year’s total — if the conflict drags on for six months, according to Natthriya Thaweevong, the ministry’s permanent secretary. Continued …
Khon Kaen tourism, meetings take a hit
Rising oil prices and the Middle East war are taking a heavy toll on Khon Kaen’s tourism and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industries, with widespread cancellations of hotel bookings and seminars.
Nattiya Tantasook, president of the Khon Kaen Tourism and Mice Assn. (KKTMA) and acting chair of the Tourism Council of Khon Kaen, said yesterday the Middle East oil crisis and escalating geopolitical tensions elsewhere are severely affecting the tourism and MICE sectors. Continued …
How are Asian airlines responding to fuel price surges?
Asian airlines are responding to surging fuel prices by implementing significant ticket price hikes, increasing fuel surcharges, and developing contingency plans to ground aircraft. These measures come as jet fuel prices have more than doubled due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, with some carriers warning of potential bankruptcy for budget airlines if the crisis persists.
Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines have nearly doubled their fuel surcharges, with long-haul surcharges reaching over HK$1,164. In Thailand, Thai Airways International is raising average ticket prices by 10%-15% and limiting the availability of low-fare tickets through dynamic pricing to offset costs. Continued …
Air Quality Declines Globally in 2025; Thailand is 48th Worst
Global air quality worsened significantly in 2025, with only 14% of cities meeting the World Health Organization’s PM2.5 guideline, as reported by IQAir’s World Air Quality Report. This marked a decline from the previous year when 17% of cities met the standard. Severe weather events like wildfires and dust storms, exacerbated by climate change, were major contributors to the decline.
The report highlighted Thailand’s position as the 48th most polluted country globally, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 17.8 µg/m³, showing slight improvement from the previous 19.8 µg/m³. Despite this improvement, Thailand remained well above the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Continued …
Three Strategies for Financing Clean Energy Goals in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia faces a critical $150-billion annual shortfall in clean energy investment required to meet its 2050 climate commitments amid rising economic growth and energy demand. To bridge this gap and reduce reliance on costly fossil fuel imports, the region must implement strategic reforms to enhance financial transparency, leverage blended finance through development institutions, and mitigate currency risks for private investors.
Ultimately, a successful energy transition depends on coordinated public-private collaboration to dismantle barriers to foreign capital and capitalize on the region’s sustainable economic potential. Continued …
Lussopack Thailand Leading the Future of Sustainable Packaging
The global push for environmental responsibility has transformed the packaging industry from a linear “take-make-waste” model into a high-tech frontier of circularity. As plastic pollution remains a critical global challenge, both multinational corporations and agile startups are racing to develop sustainable packaging solutions that protect products without harming the planet.
In 2026, the focus has shifted beyond simple recyclability toward carbon-free production, home-compostable materials, and “smart” designs that reduce food waste. This article explores seven global leaders, ranging from industrial giants to innovative disruptors, that are setting the standard for the future of green packaging, listed in alphabetical order. Continued …
- Trespassing: Foreign Couple Uses Phuket Restaurant for Pool, Cannabis – Continued …
- 25 Indians Arrested in Pattaya Villa for Online Gambling Operation – Continued …
Oil trading spike minutes before post by Trump raises questions
Traders bet half a billion dollars on the price of crude only 15 minutes before US President Donald Trump announced a five-day delay to attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure that sent the market plunging, exchange data and Reuters calculations show. Continued …
Oldest dog DNA suggests 16,000 years of human companionship
The discovery of the oldest-ever dog DNA suggests they have been our best friends for nearly 16,000 years — 5,000 years earlier than had previously been thought, new research said yesterday. Despite being ubiquitous in the homes, backyards, and hearts of people across the world, surprisingly little is known about where dogs come from. Continued …
California jury finds Meta, YouTube liable for social media addiction
A Los Angeles jury yesterday found Meta and YouTube liable for harming a young woman through the addictive design of their social media platforms, ordering the companies to pay $3 million in damages and opening the door to potentially far larger punitive awards. Continued …
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
The new government is bracing for a surge in electricity bills, as liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices climb in the wake of conflict in the Middle East, according to an energy official who requested anonymity.
Thailand has raised the retail price of diesel to 33 baht per liter, as authorities seek to ease mounting pressure on the state Oil Fuel Fund. The move follows a decision by the Oil Fuel Fund Management Committee to reduce diesel price subsidies.
Thailand will continue to experience generally hot weather through March 30, with very hot conditions expected in parts of the north and central regions where temperatures may exceed 40C, according to the Meteorological Department.
The Thai army intelligence chief has warned that the border conflict with Cambodia could reignite, pointing out that Phnom Penh has placed large orders for weaponary. Lt. Gen. Teeranan Nandhakwang said tensions along the border with Cambodia currently appear to be easing, with a shift from military combat to international legal and diplomatic manoeuvring.
The surge in global oil prices triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East is rippling through Thailand’s economy, raising costs across water transport, road transport, and aviation, and pushing up input and logistics expenses for food businesses and retailers — from small operators to major e-commerce platforms.
Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), in his capacity as secretary of the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East, said the situation in the Middle East remained highly uncertain and global oil prices were likely to stay at elevated levels for some time.
Middle East conflict delays auto exports to key market
Tensions in the Middle East have pushed up transport costs, energy costs, oil prices, freight charges and insurance premiums. Freight rates for March 15-30 have been raised by more than 40%, with shipping lines citing special surcharges and higher fuel costs.
Cambodia is facing fresh energy turmoil after Sokimex, one of the country’s largest fuel suppliers, announced that it would temporarily suspend LPG sales from April 1 after failing to import the fuel since the beginning of March, citing transport disruption linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Sokimex operates about 500 service stations nationwide, making the move a significant blow to fuel confidence in a country that depends almost entirely on imports for its energy needs.
The Philippines has formally declared a national energy emergency, becoming the first country to take such action in response to the escalating global energy crisis triggered by conflict in the Middle East.
Gold has long been the asset investors reach for when the world feels dangerous. Wars, economic shocks, political chaos — historically, any of these tends to send the price of bullion climbing. So why, in the middle of an active and intensifying Middle East conflict, has gold just suffered its worst week in over 40 years?
Shipments rise in February on industrial demand
The Bhirombhakdi family heirs recently held a merit-making ceremony on March 23, 2026, to mark the anniversary of the death of Phraya Bhirombhakdi, the man behind the legend of Thailand’s first beer and the founder of Thai food and beverage giant Boon Rawd Brewery.
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkaew said yesterday a proposal to cut the visa-free stay for tourists from 60 days to 30 days will not affect tourism, saying the change is intended to address misuse of the visa-free period.
Sitting in a Nimman cafe in Chiang Mai, a Thai local notices a good-looking foreigner working on a laptop next to them for hours. Having ordered just one cup of coffee, this person is clearly not a tourist, nor are they here to relax. They sit quietly, working as if the cafe were their own personal office.
Phuket is on the brink of a water shortage if the anticipated rainy season is delayed and doesn’t bring substantial rainfall within three months. The island currently possesses 12 million cubic meters of raw water across its reservoirs, only slightly over half their full capacity.
Thailand is positioning itself as a major global hub for EDM festivals, after securing full-scale, multi-year plans for Tomorrowland and Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) — two of the world’s biggest electronic music brands.
Thailand’s Erawan National Park — Where Green and Growth Combine
Thailand is experiencing a significant transformation in its travel landscape with the launch of the “Healing Journey Thailand” wellness campaign by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in January. This initiative aims to attract high-value, wellness-seeking travelers and highlights the country’s natural beauty intertwined with rich cultural experiences.
ASEAN could meet new power needs with solar at US$67 billion savings
A remarkable story of loyalty and resilience has captured hearts online. Seven stolen dogs reportedly traveled more than 17 kilometers along a motorway in finding their way back home, in northeastern China. The incident occurred in Changchun, in Jilin province, where footage emerged showing the pack of dogs walking together along the Changchun–Shuangyang Expressway, and the video quickly went viral. 
Vietnam and Russia have agreed to build Vietnam’s first nuclear power plant, as Hanoi seeks to strengthen energy security amid global fuel disruptions. The deal was signed during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to Russia, though no timeline for construction was announced. 
The “Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026” event in Hua Hin will take place on Sunday, March 29, at the Khao Tao Reservoir area.
Last month, a prominent Buddhist abbot in Thailand was defrocked after a video of two women physically fighting over him outside his temple went viral. Soon after, investigators divulged that the abbot of the ancient Wat Bua Kwan temple near Bangkok had maintained long-term relationships with at least six women, regularly sending them explicit messages and spending lavishly on them – for example, paying for their expensive plastic surgeries. Officials are now investigating whether those funds were stolen from his temple.
A rise in global oil prices poses a growing risk to Thailand’s economic outlook, with Tisco Financial Group warning that a 10% increase in crude from a baseline of US$72 per barrel could trim GDP growth by 0.3-0.4 percentage points, while lifting inflation by about 0.8%.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is set to review electricity tariffs for the May–August billing period amid a sharp rise in liquefied natural gas (LNG) costs driven by Middle East tensions.
The oil crisis has so badly hit the fishing industry that leaders of this sector in Samut Sakhon province, better known as Mahachai,yesterday warned that fishing boats may cease operation nationwide at the end of this month, leading to hundreds of thousands of job losses unless the government reins in soaring oil prices.
The United States and Israeli military operations against Iran are disrupting global supply chains, hitting semiconductor manufacturing hard and reverberating through chip-dependent industries, particularly the automotive sector, which is watching developments closely.
Thailand’s tightening energy supply and rising oil prices are beginning to ripple through everyday life, pushing up the cost of basic necessities – including something as simple as bottled drinking water.
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is rolling out a three-phase plan to manage medicine supplies and healthcare services as the conflict in the Middle East shows signs of dragging on, with officials warning that drug prices are likely to rise.
Still not four full weeks into the war, and already Donald Trump’s “short-term excursion” – decapitate the Iranian regime with a surprise attack and impose harsh terms on the defeated survivors – has morphed into a global economic crisis and a region-wide war that could destroy the wealth of all the countries on both sides of the Gulf. At the very least.
Concerned by a nosedive in European arrivals and low confidence due to fuel shortages among local travelers, hotel operators have started to offer discounts of 20%-40% to attract tourists during the upcoming Songkran holiday.
Bangkok, Chaing Mai make ‘Best cities in Asia to Live in’ list
Got 3 days? Chiang Rai is worth every one of them
A growing scandal over forged construction permits in Koh Samui has triggered widespread concern, particularly regarding the safety of luxury villas owned by foreign nationals. Local officials have confirmed that fake documents bearing forged signatures were issued, with allegations that bribes of around 100,000 baht per permit were taken.
Thailand’s world No. 39 Thepchaiya Un-Nooh staged a remarkable comeback to beat seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan 10-7 in the World Open 2026 final in Yushan, China, yesterday.
The Thai baht has weakened 6% since the war with Iran broke out on Feb. 28 and is forecast to fall to B35 against the US dollar if the conflict continues. A Friday briefing by the Kasikorn Research Center and the Bank of Thailand made clear that if fighting lasts another month or two, Thailand’s 2026 GDP growth could drop well below 1%, possibly as low as 0.5%.
The Thai baht is expected to weaken further as the escalating Middle East war and delayed US interest rate cuts put pressure on the currency. On March 20, the baht had already fallen to just above 32.80 per US dollar, its weakest level in five months. Analysts forecast the currency will remain in a range of 32.60 to 33.10 against the dollar over the next month.
Packaging may be the next industry to bear the brunt of petrochemical supply disruptions if the Israel-US war on Iran does not abate, says Veera Kwanloetchit, a director of the Public Private Partnership for Sustainable Plastic and Waste Management.
A nationwide poll has revealed growing concern among Thais over the country’s oil reserves and the potential impact on Songkran travel, with many expressing doubts about supply security. The findings suggest that uncertainty over fuel availability could disrupt domestic travel plans during one of the year’s busiest holiday periods. Some respondents indicated they would cancel or adjust trips if the situation persists.
Thailand’s Energy Ministry has launched daily local fuel station updates through the Provincial Energy Office network on Facebook, aiming to help motorists plan refueling and travel as some areas face tighter supplies. The ministry says the system is being expanded nationwide, with some provinces also developing additional apps to improve access to information.
Thai consumers are being squeezed by rising living costs, with fresh food prices climbing sharply, particularly for pork, chicken, and eggs.
The Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) said investment promotion applications had surged by nearly 70%, reflecting continued confidence among foreign investors, who have kept flowing into Thailand without pause.
The domestic oil crisis seems to be affecting Songkran travel plans, with a NIDA opinion poll showing that over 50% of the respondents had not made advance plans to travel during this period.
Sustainability Dominates Asian Travel, Over 75% of Tourists Now Choose Eco-Friendly Options
Thailand Plans Mega Cruise Ports to Boost Tourism
The trio of Advanced Info Service (AIS), Central Group, and Japan Airlines have strengthened their collaboration on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) missions to ensure an improved and sustainable future.
A major electric vehicle (EV) dealer in Korat says tensions in the Middle East and surging global oil prices are driving a sharp rise in EV demand, with bookings increasing significantly.
Since it stopped building vehicles powered solely by internal combustion engines (ICEs) in 2022, BYD has become the world’s largest EV maker. The Chinese automaker ranked sixth in global sales in 2025, surpassing Ford for the first time, with over 4.6 million electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles sold.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is pushing for the country to shift entirely to electric, solar-powered vehicles across personal, public, and commercial transport, as part of a broader plan to revive domestic industry and cut reliance on imports. 
Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, or GISTDA, has warned that a possible “super El Niño” could trigger severe climate disruption across Thailand and the wider ASEAN region, bringing heightened risks of drought, food insecurity, soaring agricultural prices and a worsening PM2.5 crisis.
The Thai baht is set to weaken further as the Middle East war is intensifying and dragging on, while the US Federal Reserve also may not be in a rush to cut interest rates.
The Bank of Thailand is warning the war in the Middle East could weigh on Thailand’s economy across multiple fronts, potentially dragging GDP growth below its 2% forecast for this year.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has ordered the restart of two decommissioned units at the Mae Moh coal-fired power plant in a bid to contain rising electricity bills.
A fuel shortage is severely disrupting taxi services at Suvarnabhumi Airport, with large SUV taxis gradually suspending operations and only about 2,500 vehicles currently in active service, out of a fleet estimated at more than 5,000, operators say.
Three major hospitals have adjusted outpatient drug dispensing as a precaution to prevent potential shortages amid energy-related disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis, while the Ministry of Public Health says national stocks remain sufficient.
Five major consumer goods manufacturers are signaling possible price increases from April, as the global energy crisis drives up costs across supply chains and puts fresh pressure on the retail market.
The Finance Ministry is preparing tax reduction measures for large businesses that help bring small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into their supply chains, in a bid to help upgrade local SMEs.
European companies are increasingly favoring Vietnam over Thailand for future investments in Southeast Asia, according to Chris Humphrey, executive director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council.
The Philippines and Thailand’s wellness economies have each surged in value in recent years, according to the latest data published by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI).
Singapore Changi Airport has been named the world’s best airport for 2026 by Skytrax, extending its long-running dominance, while Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport climbed to 36th place in the latest global rankings. The annual list highlights continued strong performance by leading Asian hubs and steady improvement in Thailand’s main international gateway.
Finland has ranked as the world’s happiest country for the ninth consecutive year in the World Happiness Report 2026, while Thailand dropped from 49th to 52nd place. The report, released by the Wellbeing Research Center at the University of Oxford on Thursday, highlighted that the top three countries were Finland, Iceland, and Denmark. Costa Rica saw significant improvement, climbing to fourth place, the highest among Latin American nations.
The ocean has always felt like home to Claire Narida Charanachitta. Long before she spoke at international forums or produced award-winning documentaries, the Thai teenager spent her childhood exploring forests, coastlines, and environmental camps that introduced her to the delicate balance of nature.
Fore Management Group has announced the inaugural Misthos Group Hospitality Classic, a one-day charity golf tournament to be held at Royal Lakeside Golf Club on June 12, with proceeds supporting Hua Hin Heroes Foundation.
Thailand ranked fourth in the InterNations Expat Insider survey in 2025, its best result ever, thus reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s most appealing places for foreigners to live. But in the same period, the cost of living here rose, the tax rules changed, and informal visa workarounds have become far harder to rely on.
Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul was elected Thailand’s 32nd prime minister (PM) during a Parliamentary vote held yesterday. Anutin previously served as PM after former PM Partongtar Shinawatra was removed from office over a leaked phone conversation with Hun Sen.
Thailand’s gold market came under heavy pressure yesterday, with the Gold Traders Assn. revising prices 53 times during the day before bullion closed sharply lower, reflecting a steep global sell-off in the precious metal.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Thailand will relocate to Dusit Central Park in Bangkok in August, without disrupting consular services for Dutch citizens and businesses across Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.
Embassy land in Thailand has become a prime target for investors, not only because many plots are located in high-potential central business districts, but also because they carry a historical legacy for future generations to remember. In recent years, several embassy land sales in Thailand have significantly boosted the value of surrounding areas.
Major consumer product manufacturers and distributors are warning customers of possible price increases in April due to the Middle East war disrupting the oil supply chain.
Thailand has significantly tightened its border controls since 2024, and what used to be casual entry procedures have become strict enforcement checkpoints. While most travelers enter without issues, understanding what can get you denied entry into Thailand and detained at the airport is essential for anyone planning a trip to the kingdom.
A troupe of Thailand’s ancient cat breeds will take center stage during Thailand Cat Lovers Fair 2026, which will kick off on March 27 and run daily from 10 am to 8 pm until March 29. The venue is Bangkok’s Impact Exhibition Hall 5, Muang Thong Thani.
Dry season turns profitable as red ant eggs sell at 500 baht a kilo
Hat Yai’s floods are a warning for cities built against nature
So-called “smart poles” are being installed at key locations across Hua Hin as part of efforts to strengthen public safety and support the development of smart infrastructure. The initiative forms part of the Hua Hin Smart City Phase 1 project, under which Hua Hin City Municipality has installed no fewer than 30 CCTV cameras, along with related equipment throughout the municipal area.
The Cha Am Blue Swimming Crab Festival will conclude on Saturday at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint, featuring fresh seafood, conservation activities, and nightly live music.
The Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 is being held today and tomorrow, promising a larger, more refined evolution of the event that has become part of the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
Thailand Riviera tourist road to improve access to Hua Hin
NH Hua Hin Hotel has appointed Nartsupak Thaweewong as general manager. Nartsupak brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience in Thailand and Singapore to the role.
Airin Phanrit, deputy spokeswoman for the prime minister’s office, said yesterday that this year’s heat index is expected to be more severe than last year’s, with levels in April and May likely to rise into the “very dangerous” range of more than 52°C.
The Airline Association of Thailand (AAT) is seeking government intervention for relief measures, as the aviation industry faces escalating cost pressures. In a recent meeting with executives from its member airlines, including Bangkok Airways and Thai AirAsia, the AAT discussed challenges posed by global economic conditions and external factors, particularly the geopolitical tensions affecting fuel prices.
Saha Pathanapibul and BJC, two major consumer goods companies, have warned retailers of the impact of unrest in the Middle East, which has driven up raw material, packaging, and transport costs and may affect product availability and deliveries.
The Land Transport Federation of Thailand has issued five demands for the government to address the energy crisis, warning it may escalate to a nationwide transport shutdown if no action is taken.
Thai fishermen staying ashore as fuel prices bite
Despite declines in new launches and inventory in Bangkok, condo developers are likely to delay new supply this year, as sales remain sluggish and absorption rates continue to fall, according to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC).
Bangkok’s Chatuchak Named the Best Night Market in the World
Small businesses and households are being urged to reduce their reliance on the state electricity grid and adopt solar power solutions, as global energy price volatility threatens to drive up costs, despite Thailand’s capped power tariffs, according to solar firms.
Swedish solar technology company Midsummer has expanded its operations into Thailand, bringing advanced renewable energy solutions to the Southeast Asian region. As part of this expansion, the company has opened a new regional office in Bangkok to strengthen its presence and respond to the growing demand for clean energy in the country.
Thwaites Glacier in west Antarctica, covering more than 192,000 square kilometers, has been dubbed the “Doomsday Glacier” because it acts as the final barrier preventing the west Antarctic ice sheet from flowing into the ocean. But the glacier is now melting rapidly, raising fears that many coastal cities around the world could eventually be submerged.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is collaborating with GrabTaxi (Thailand) to explore the development of drone delivery services. This collaboration aims to enhance transport and logistics, emphasizing the importance of regulatory oversight to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Five officers were injured in a 
Global airlines sounded the alarm yesterday over soaring jet fuel prices triggered by the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, warning of hundreds of millions of extra costs, higher fares, and cuts to some routes.
Lack of diesel brought garbage collection to a halt in Kanchanaburi municipality yesterday morning, with the trucks not beginning their rounds until fuel was available in the afternoon.
The energy crisis is likely to spark a cost-of-living crisis, with impacts expected in the next one to three months, the Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) said.
As soaring ocean freight rates put pressure on exporters, Thai wooden furniture manufacturer Deesawat is urging exporters to explore closer markets amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The tripartite wage committee has unanimously agreed that now is not the right time to consider a minimum wage increase, citing uncertainty over the economic fallout from the war in the Middle East and the need to closely monitor energy prices.
Ranong Port: Gateway To BIMSTEC Economy Worth US$3.5 Trillion
Rise of the cat economy: Thai cat population exceeds 4 million
Eco-Friendly Adventures Await in Thailand’s Phang Nga
The Office of the Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB) expects purchases of sugar cane leaves to more than double this year as Thailand reduces its reliance on liquefied natural gas imports, shipments of which have been disrupted by war in the Middle East.
Last week, Chakkaphan Phewngam, deputy governor of Bangkok, led a high-level site inspection at the On Nut Refuse Disposal Center in Prawet District to evaluate the progress of the city’s landmark waste-to-energy incineration plant. Spanning 30 rai, this 1,000-ton-per-day facility represents a core component of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) strategic shift away from traditional landfilling toward sustainable, high-tech waste management.
Wind power and photovoltaic energy are reshaping the energy landscape. However, early-generation wind and solar equipment, designed to last 20 to 25 years, is now entering a phase of large-scale decommissioning.
Joe Kent, the director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, announced his resignation yesterday, citing his concerns about the justification for military strikes in Iran and saying he “cannot in good conscience” back the Trump administration’s war. 
Long queues formed at petrol stations across the Laotian capital Vientiane on Monday as fuel shortages deepened, with the ripples of the Middle East conflict reverberating across landlocked Laos. The Southeast Asian nation is dependent on neighboring Thailand for fuel supplies, which initially announced it was suspending exports to conserve its holdings, but has assured Vientiane that fuel is on its way. 
After prices of liquefied natural gas surged to record highs after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, millions of people in Pakistan were repeatedly left without electricity. But people soon started to realize there was an alternative. The falling costs of solar panels and generous government incentives to feed excess power back to the grid made rooftop solar an attractive option. 
Thailand is set to receive a new shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from overseas, ensuring adequate fuel for power generation as electricity demand surges during the hot season, according to an energy official who requested anonymity.
Anan Phonimdang, deputy governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and acting SRT governor, said the rise in fuel prices has had a direct impact on the railway operator.
The Thai Board of Investment (BOI) has warned the business sector to prepare for the impact of rising global conflicts and wars, saying they are becoming part of a new world economic order.
A transformative shift in the labor market is taking place as Thailand approaches “super-aged society” status by 2030, according to Jobsdb by SEEK, a leading online job platform.
The Thai banking industry is entering a transition period in which banks can no longer rely on strong interest income or generate the high levels of return on equity (ROE) as seen in the past, according to the chief executive of TMBThanachart Bank (ttb).
Thailand’s healthcare system is facing six major pressures that are beginning to affect services, with some hospitals now at risk of having to reduce the number of beds they operate.
Thailand is losing nearly B30 billion in tax revenue each year as the illegal tobacco market expands, with illicit products now accounting for around a quarter of total tobacco consumption. A new policy report highlights the growing scale of illicit trade and its impact on government income, lawful businesses and consumer safety.
Venice is drowning – not just in rising waters but also in tourists. The city is charging a day-tripper fee and has banned large tour groups and loudspeakers in an effort to curb the crush. Barcelona residents march with squirt guns and “Tourists go home” signs to protest rising rents and crowds. Amsterdam is moving to cap and eventually ban ocean-going cruise ships to reduce pollution and visitor pressure.
European tourists are increasingly favoring eastern Thailand’s attractions over the traditionally popular southern areas, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This shift is linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has notably decreased southern Thailand’s appeal.
For the past decade, Whitney Spielfogel’s family has taken an annual multi-generational trip over the holiday season and New Year’s with her parents. Hawaii, Costa Rica, Cabo, Tulum, Turks and Caicos. They had done them all together, her parents and her husband, Ross, and eventually her children, Sienna and Slade.
The Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 has officially confirmed a strategic move to March 19-20, promising a larger, more refined evolution of the event that has become part of the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
The Thailand Professional Golf Assn. (TPGA) announced its partnership with the Asian Tour to organize an Asian Development Tour (ADT)-level event — the Singha-SAT ADT Hua Hin Championship 2026 — between April 23-26 at Royal Hua Hin Golf Course.
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has announced a policy restricting the use of mobile phones and electronic devices during lessons at 437 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
Thailand is facing a burgeoning literacy crisis, with approximately 65% of 15-year-olds unable to comprehend or analyze the content they read, despite being technically literate.
Thai health officials are sounding the alarm over a growing trend of adopting American dietary habits, warning that the latest “Upside-Down Pyramid” model from the United States may be ill-suited to the Thai physique and could lead to chronic health issues.
The egg farmers’ cooperative network has raised the farm-gate price of mixed chicken eggs from 3.20 baht to 3.40 baht per egg, or six baht more per tray, effective today.
Thailand has strengthened its position as a leading global destination for medical tourism, with new data showing the country is now among the top three worldwide for international patients seeking treatment abroad. The surge has been driven largely by Russian travelers, who are increasingly choosing Thailand for elective procedures, preventative care, and wellness treatments.
Middle East conflict hits tourism in Phangnga
This abandoned floating hotel in Thailand is straight out of a horror film
Activists in the Mekong region have called on governments and agencies to take urgent action to protect the river from worsening environmental damage caused by hydropower dams and mining activities.