- Nakhon Hua Hin Run/Rethinking Victory Monument/Koh Samui officials suspect corruption/Misbehaving Monks/
- THE IRAN WAR: Iran war jolts global markets/Iran talks denied by Tehran/Oil price spike threatens Thai growth/Power tariff could rise/Fuel running low/Late-night fuel queue/Oil shock hits transportation/Fishing boats may stop operating/Shortages spur fuel reserve cut/Costs Strain Energy-Intensive Sectors/Mideast conflict dents chip, auto manufacturing/Energy shock spreads to bottled water/Plan to manage medicines/American stays inside Suvarnabhumi for 10 days/One miscalculation after another
- ECONOMY: Thailand to Expand Price Controls
- TOURISM: ‘Worst Tourist Behavior’/Hotels slash rates/Thailand promotes wellness tourism/Steep airfares and ATM fees
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Must-See Thai Regions/Bangkok, Chaing Mai among ‘Best cities in Asia to Live in’ list/Got 3 days? Chiang Rai is it
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Asia-Pacific’s Energy Paradox
- HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026 to take place Sunday in Khao Tao
The “Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026” event in Hua Hin will take place on Sunday, March 29, at the Khao Tao Reservoir area.
The event will feature several race categories, including a VIP category for distinguished guests and heads of government agencies over a distance of 3 km, and general categories for men and women covering distances of 5 km and 10.5 km. Continued …
Rethinking Victory Monument: Bangkok’s busiest bus hub
As one of the capital’s busiest roundabouts, Victory Monument has long functioned less as a designed transport hub than as a living organism.
Every day, thousands of commuters spill out of the BTS Skytrain and descend to four crowded islands, navigating a maze of bus stops, van queues, motorcycle taxis, and improvised waiting areas that have taken shape over decades. Continued …
Top Koh Samui officials suspect corruption network within municipal office
A scandal has erupted on Koh Samui involving the island’s local government and municipal authority. The probe has already led to the suspension of a clerical officer linked to forged building permits and documents. These forgeries involve at least 10 luxury villa developments, where demand is high from wealthy international tourists.
Koh Samui officials are set to file a formal complaint with police next Sunday. Meanwhile, systematic audits are underway and are expected to reveal additional cases and at least one senior official, a key suspect in the affair. Continued …
Misbehaving Monks Are Causing an Uproar in Thailand
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.
That incident followed one in late January, when Thai police raided the Phrom Sunthon Monastery in Chonburi province on Thailand’s Gulf coast following complaints that the monks were in possession of drugs and guns. Police found at least one firearm, but also a stash of porn, sex toys, and a list of contact details for prostitutes. Continued …
Iran war jolts global markets as Thai stocks, gold, bonds, and baht tumble
Global financial markets were thrown into fresh turmoil as the protracted Iran war triggered broad-based selling across asset classes, sending Thai stocks, gold, and bonds sharply lower, while the baht weakened to its softest level in 10 months.
The market volatility underscored growing fragility in financial sentiment, with investors reacting to intensifying conflict fears, shifting expectations over US interest rates, and mounting uncertainty over global capital flows. Continued …
Trump announces ‘very good’ Iran talks denied by Tehran
US President Donald Trump yesterday hailed “very good” talks with an unidentified Iranian official after abruptly shelving plans for fresh attacks, even as Washington’s ally Israel vowed to keep up strikes on the Islamic republic.
The surprise disclosure – denied by Tehran, which accused Trump of manipulating energy markets – came ahead of a Monday night deadline imposed by Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane or see the US “obliterate” its power plants. Continued …
Oil price spike threatens to cut Thai GDP growth, raise inflation
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%.
Sakchai Peechapat, group chief executive, said the company is closely monitoring the situation through its risk management and enterprise risk teams as geopolitical tensions intensify, particularly in the Middle East. Continued …
Power tariff could rise as high as B4.59 per unit
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.
Worawit Srianantaraksa, a member of the ERC, said yesterday the the new tariff structure will be considered at regulator’s board meeting tomorrow. Continued …
Fuel running low across provinces
The government has stepped up efforts to tackle fuel shortages, but residents across several provinces continued to queue for diesel yesterday amid persistent supply constraints.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, particularly in Dan Khun Thot district, motorists queued in long lines that stretched beyond petrol stations. Diesel purchases were limited to 500 baht per vehicle, while filling containers was prohibited. Petrol, including 91, 95 and Gasohol E20, remained available without restrictions and with shorter queues. Continued …
Late-night fuel queue in Nakhon Phanom stretches beyond 3 kilometers
The outbound side of the highway in Na Kae district, Nakhon Phanom, heading toward Sakon Nakhon and opposite Na Kae Hospital, had residents parking their vehicles in a long queue along the roadside while waiting to refuel at a PTT station in Na Kae district. The queue stretched for more than 3 kilometers after word spread that fuel was available.
Some drivers did not know when they would be able to refuel, but said they had to wait in line first because fuel was hard to find. Each vehicle was allowed to buy up to 1,000 baht worth of either diesel or petrol. Continued …
Oil shock hits transportation in the south
The petrol shortage is causing headaches for Mother Marketing, the operator of the Mother Supermarket chain in southern Thailand, prompting the company to urge the government to resolve the issue urgently.
Ekkapong Chokchaiwitut, chief executive of Mother Marketing, said the petrol shortage in southern Thailand has intensified. Last week, some petrol stations capped refueling at 500-1,000 baht per vehicle. Currently, the company’s vehicles must visit multiple stations to refuel, as some limit purchases to 500 baht per visit, while others have run out of fuel. Continued …
Fishing boats may stop operating at month’s end
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.
During a press conference at Mahachai Fisheries Development Cooperative (Thai Seafood Market) attended by representatives from Samut Sakhon Chamber of Commerce and Thai Fisheries Assn., the government was warned that fishing vessels are now in a state of “extreme crisis.” Continued …
Shortages spur fuel reserve cut
The government has decided to lower the proportion of oil reserves to 1% in a bid to ease fuel shortages, while expressing confidence that the fuel situation will stabilize within a week.
Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, in his capacity as chairman of the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East, said yesterday that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an order on Saturday to suspend the reserve requirement of 3% to increase the volume of fuel circulating in the market. Continued …
Rising Petrochemical Costs Strain Energy-Intensive Sectors
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is significantly affecting global supply chains. Shipments of crude oil and petrochemicals through the Strait of Hormuz have been disrupted, leading to halted operations at some plants and a surge in crude prices. Notably, SCC’s Rayong Olefins (ROC) plant in Thailand has suspended operations due to naphtha and propane shortages.
The crisis has led to a sharp increase in plastic resin prices, rising by 30%-40%, impacting the frozen food and consumer goods industries. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, emphasized the urgent need for the Thai government to secure alternative petrochemical feedstocks to prevent further disruptions. Continued …
Mideast conflict dents chip, auto manufacturing
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.
Wallop Chalermvongsavej, managing director of Hyundai Mobility Thailand, said yesterday the shortage of chips could slow production and push up costs. “The chip shortage will affect car production, leading to manufacturing slowdowns and higher operating costs amid oil price volatility. Cars will eventually become more expensive,” he warned. Continued …
Costly Songkran ahead as energy shock spreads to bottled water across Thailand
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.
The price pressure comes at a sensitive time, as the Songkran holiday season stretches across much of April, bringing festivals, travel, and water celebrations nationwide. At the same time, schools across Thailand close for the long summer break, sending families on holiday and increasing domestic tourism. With temperatures soaring and millions expected to travel, demand for drinking water typically rises sharply during this period. Continued …
Public Health Ministry rolls out three-phase plan to manage medicines
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.
Speaking at the ministry yesterday, Permanent Secretary for Public Health Somruek Chungsaman said authorities had assessed the medium-term impact on medicines and medical supplies. The Food and Drug Administration has already consulted pharmaceutical companies, which confirmed that current stock levels remain sufficient for about three to four months. Continued …
American stays inside Suvarnabhumi for 10 days, cites airfare rise
An American man who posted videos claiming he had been staying inside Suvarnabhumi Airport for 10 days has drawn widespread attention online, after saying higher airfares linked to war left him unable to travel onward.
He documented his routine at the airport by posting compilations of him watching movies, reading, sleeping, and eating. He reportedly also called on an airline to cover his costs and said that if the ticket was not paid for, he would continue staying inside the airport and would not go elsewhere. Continued …
Iran war: One miscalculation after another
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.
Back in January, Trump was high on his success in changing the regime in Venezuela (just a bit), so he was an easy mark for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s suggestion that he could do the same to Iran. Netanyahu probably knew better than that himself, but his life’s goal has been to inveigle the United States into a joint attack on Israel’s greatest enemy. Continued …
Thailand to Expand Price Controls With 12 New Items
The Commerce Ministry is preparing to expand its list of price-controlled goods by 12 items, increasing the total from 59 to 71, in a move aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures. The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) will submit the proposal to the Committee on the Price of Goods and Services tomorrow.
The new additions are expected to focus mainly on everyday essentials to strengthen oversight amid fluctuating input costs. Of the existing 59 controlled items, eight require prior approval before any price increase, while 22 require businesses to notify authorities of price changes, with some also subject to transport reporting requirements. Continued …
Phuket Staff Expose ‘Worst Tourist Behavior’
A social media post has sparked debate in Phuket after highlighting complaints by hotel and restaurant workers about tourists from three nationalities, with immediate attention drawn to alleged problematic behavior in the province’s hospitality sector.
The Facebook page “Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์” published a poll described as reflecting views from service industry staff in Phuket, asking which nationalities were considered the most difficult in hotels and restaurants. The post claimed that Israeli tourists ranked highest, followed by Indian, and Russian visitors, based on reported behavior from operators. Continued …
Hotels slash rates to lure Songkran market
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.
Paisarn Sukjarean, president of the Upper Northern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Assn., said European guests, who normally account for 30% of all visitors to Chiang Mai at this time of year, continue to cancel their bookings for April as they are unable to catch flights to Thailand. Continued …
Thailand promotes wellness tourism to attract affluent international travelers
Thailand is making significant strides in promoting wellness tourism by fostering collaboration between its private and public sectors. This initiative aims to attract affluent foreign tourists who are looking for comprehensive services that blend medical care, beauty treatments, and travel experiences.
The focus is on enhancing the core tourism sector, which is essential for the country’s economic growth. By leveraging the expertise of businesses, such as Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) that manages 60 hospitals, the government seeks to create a robust infrastructure for wellness tourism. Continued …
Pattaya tourists hit by steep airfares and ATM fees
For many foreigners heading to Thailand, the vacation or expat life is starting before they even step off the plane – and not in a good way. Online forum users have been voicing frustration over high airfares from Europe, punishing ATM fees, and the widening gap between official exchange rates and what travelers actually receive.
“I just paid £1,000 for a return flight from the UK,” one reader complained, highlighting how soaring airline costs are cutting into holiday budgets. Others noted that even the supposedly “convenient” ATMs are taking a hefty toll. Continued …
A First-Timer’s Guide to the Must-See Thai Regions
The best thing about Thailand is that each region of the country feels completely different. The worst thing about Thailand is realizing exactly that, and accepting that you’ll be returning again and again to soak each of them up individually, or extending your trip to see as much as you can in one go.
Of course, a country spanning more than 500,000 square kilometers and 76 provinces is virtually impossible to cover in its entirety. So, having spent a good few years exploring, we’ve pulled together the ultimate guide to Thailand’s best spots. Continued …
Bangkok, Chaing Mai make ‘Best cities in Asia to Live in’ list
In 2026, travel trends are shifting back toward cities that are not only great to visit, but genuinely easy to live in — places where heritage and everyday lifestyle click together effortlessly. That is the spirit behind Time Out’s Best Cities 2026, which draws on thousands of survey responses and input from city experts.
From Time Out’s global top 50, 11 cities in Asia stand out — each offering its own mix of culture, creativity, food, and modern energy. Continued …
Got 3 days? Chiang Rai is worth every one of them
Chiang Rai is often reduced to a quick temple stop from Chiang Mai. Stay a little longer and the province reveals something much more compelling. This is one of Thailand’s most agricultural regions, where rice fields stretch across broad valleys, tea plantations climb the hillsides and small hilltribe villages sit between long mountain ridges. It’s expansive, lightly populated and best explored by car.
That connection to the land feeds directly into the food. Chefs here are working with an exceptional range of local ingredients, from rare mountain herbs and fermented vegetables to forest produce and tea grown just down the road. The result is a foodie scene that feels grounded, inventive, and increasingly worth the drive. Continued …
Asia-Pacific’s Energy Paradox: Record Renewables Against Growing Coal Infrastructure
Asia-Pacific simultaneously holds 64% of the world’s solar capacity and the distinction of being the only region on Earth still expanding its coal infrastructure, a contradiction that a major new HSBC research report warns could determine the fate of global climate targets.
The findings, published in March by HSBC Global Investment Research analysts as part of the bank’s Net-Zero Navigator series, paint a region defined by competing imperatives: record-breaking clean energy deployment on one hand, and deepening fossil fuel dependency on the other. 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
Anutin Charnvirakul has formally taken office for a second term as prime minister and is now moving into the process of forming a new cabinet under a Bhumjaithai Party-led administration.
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.
Rising global oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East are beginning to impact the tourism sector in Pattaya, as passenger boat operators report mounting fuel costs that are increasingly difficult to absorb.
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.
The global power shifts currently underway do not remain confined to geopolitics. They move quickly — often invisibly – through economic systems. For Asia, and particularly for Thailand, the consequences are both immediate and tangible.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a high-level meeting approved reducing the tourist visa waiver from 60 to 30 days for citizens of 93 countries, with a possible 30-day extension. The proposal requires Cabinet approval. Authorities insisted, however, that there will be adequate notice for travelers.
Culture Ministry rolls out Songkran celebrations in 76 provinces
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.
Tourism operators are increasingly concerned about declining energy confidence, fearing it could dampen their high expectations for the upcoming Songkran holiday.
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
Most petrol stations in Hua Hin have introduced temporary refueling limits as fuel demand continues to rise across Prachuap Khiri Khan, with officials urging motorists not to panic buy despite stable national supply levels.
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.
Education officials are considering banning mobile phone use in all Thai classrooms, following a new initiative announced in Bangkok aimed at improving learning conditions. The proposed measures seek to reduce distractions and limit the health and behavioral impacts linked to excessive screen time. If adopted, changes would begin in the 2026 academic year.
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 
Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon said after a meeting of the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East that the government had been closely monitoring global energy prices and found that continued increases had made it necessary to adjust domestic oil prices after they had been capped for a full 15 days, effective today.
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 Hua Hin 100K Ultra Marathon 2026 has been officially launched, with organizers aiming to strengthen the town’s reputation as a sports tourism destination while inviting runners to sign up for the endurance event.
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 Ministry of Commerce held a meeting last week to draw up Thailand’s 2026 proactive international trade promotion plan, chaired by Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun together with directors of Thailand’s overseas trade promotion offices — commercial attachés in 58 offices across 43 economic areas worldwide — to take an in-depth look at global trade and set strategies to drive Thai exports.
Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face a wall of negative sentiment this year, as geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, and tighter access to loans weigh on the sector, raising questions about how businesses can navigate these tumultuous times.
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.
After a trial at 10 schools showed controling use of digital devices improved student concentration and increased parental satisfaction, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is gearing up to expand the clampdown at all its schools from the next academic year.
Cambodia is bracing for fuel supply disruptions, with plans to temporarily close around 2,000 of its 6,300 petrol stations amid an energy shortage linked to ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts, commerce minister Cham Nimol announced yesterday.
Thailand’s condominium sector is facing a potential liquidity crisis, as nearly 150-billion-baht worth of new units are scheduled for transfer in 2026, coinciding with more than 180 billion baht in corporate bonds that property developers must repay within the same year.
Thailand could face a period of stagflation if energy prices surge sharply amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to an economist at Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Center (EIC).
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is joining forces with the private sector to set up a war room to manage the impact of the Middle East crisis, while also preparing to propose the revival of a buy-one-get-one campaign to stimulate foreign arrivals.
Ayutthaya marks Thai Elephant Day with feast for 70 elephants
Chiang Mai Zoo marks Thai National Elephant Day with feast and parade
The ITB Berlin 2026 event recognized community-based environmental achievements of Thailand, which created new attractions for eco-friendly travelers to discover Thailand’s three destinations of Ko Lanta, Chiang Khan, and Uthai Thani.
Thailand marks National Elephant Day amid a crisis of coexistence
Bangkok Ranked 8th Best City in the World for 2026
For the second time in four years, energy markets in Asia dependent on imported fossil fuels find themselves at the mercy of global commodity markets. Although each country’s immediate exposure to the Iran conflict varies, all face the indirect threat of higher costs driven by tighter fossil fuel markets and elevated geopolitical risk premiums.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, has confirmed that the government is prepared to challenge a looming US investigation into “unfair trade practices.” Working in close coordination with the Ministry of Commerce, the Thai government has developed a robust strategic framework to address the Section 301 probe initiated by the Trump administration.
The foundation of modern employment – study hard, secure a job, build a stable life – is eroding fast. Technological progress, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, is breaking down the old economic model that tied individual effort to secure, long-term work.
Medical tourism has gained attention as a growing segment within the travel market, with high potential for expansion. According to the Medical Tourism Assn. (MTA), it is estimated that over 14 million people travel abroad for medical services annually.