- Cha Am Blue Swimming Crab Festival/Positive Outlook for Vehha Hua Hin/Thailand marks National Elephant Day/Bangkok Ranked 8th Best City/Foreigner deaths in Thailand
- THE IRAN WAR: Iran vows to keep Hormuz shut/Thailand-Europe flights still operating/Oil surges above $100/Iran tensions underscore the urgency of renewables/Hormuz closure could hammer food costs/Immigration Tightens Screening/Thailand demands apology from Iran
- ECONOMY: Thailand to Challenge US Tariff Probe/Thailand has too much milk/Charging first-world prices in Pattaya/The future of work has arrived
- TOURISM: Thailand tourism steady/Southeast Asia’s Leading Medical Hub
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: A cavern of colors
- CLIMATE THAILAND: The best EVs in Thailand/U Power readies 1,000 battery-swap e-trucks
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Cha Am Blue Swimming Crab Festival starts tomorrow
The Cha Am Blue Swimming Crab Festival will take place from March 14-21 at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint, featuring fresh seafood, conservation activities, and nightly live music.
Phetchaburi Province, in collaboration with Cha Am City Municipality and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phetchaburi Office, is organizing the event. Visitors will be able to enjoy menus featuring fresh blue swimming crab and seafood sourced directly from local fishermen, alongside crab-release activities and evening entertainment. Continued …
PROUD Sees Positive Outlook for Vehha Hua Hin development
Pasu Liptapanlop, executive director of Proud Real Estate Public Co, stated that the business outlook for 1Q26 remains positive, driven by revenue recognition from transfers of ownership for the “NUE District R9” and “VEHHA Hua Hin” projects.
Currently, the company’s ongoing sales projects are still receiving good responses. These include completed and ready-to-move-in projects such as “VEHHA Hua Hin”, with a total project value of B2.37 billion and sales of B1.62 billion (69%), Continued …
Thailand marks National Elephant Day amid a crisis of coexistence
Thailand marks its National Elephant Day every March 13 – but not all Thais are celebrating. Violent encounters between humans and pachyderms are on the rise, with hundreds of lives lost on both sides in recent years.
Last year alone, 29 humans and 30 elephants were killed in aggressive confrontations. Data released at the end of 2025 revealed the long-term toll of the crisis: 273 people and 244 elephants have died in clashes since 2012. Meanwhile, another 245 humans and 94 elephants suffered injuries. Continued …
Bangkok Ranked 8th Best City in the World for 2026
Bangkok has been ranked the eighth best city in the world in the 2026 Time Out Best Cities ranking, while also securing second place in Asia. The recognition highlights the Thai capital’s vibrant mix of culture, food, arts and music, according to officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
The ranking was determined by writers and individuals closely connected with the character and lifestyle of cities around the world. The announcement comes as Bangkok continues to gain global attention for its cultural and creative scene. The city recently hosted major international art events in late 2025, while the Bangkok Art Biennale is scheduled to return in October 2026. Continued …
Foreigner deaths in Thailand
- German tourist dies after falling from ninth floor of Pattaya hotel – Continued …
- American found dead in Chon Buri after sending farewell clip to wife – Continued …
- Indian man found dead on Kalim Beach in Phuket – Continued …
New Iran leader vows to keep Hormuz shut
Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed, using the strategic waterway as leverage against the United States and Israel in his first public statement since taking over from his late father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In the statement, Khamenei called for national unity and praised Iran’s armed forces for preventing the country from being “dominated or divided” while under attack. He also said Iran would continue to use the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to pressure its enemies, while warning that US bases in the region should be shut and suggesting that attacks on such targets would continue. Continued …
Thailand-Europe flights still operating amid Middle East disruption
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) says air services between Thailand and Europe are still operating despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, although passengers are being urged to check flight schedules carefully before traveling, as airlines continue to adjust routes and restore some services on a limited basis.
Sarun Benjanirat, deputy director of CAAT, said the agency is closely monitoring developments because the regional security situation remains uncertain and could change at any time. He said that, overall, air travel between Thailand and Europe can continue, particularly for flights that do not require a stopover in the Middle East, as airlines have been able to switch to alternative routes. Continued …
Oil surges as Brent closes above $100 after Iran vows Hormuz will stay shut
Crude oil prices closed above the $100-a-barrel mark yesterday after Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz shut, signaling that markets may be facing a prolonged supply disruption.
Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 9.2% to settle at $100.46 a barrel, the first close above $100 since August 2022. US West Texas Intermediate crude also jumped, settling at about $95.70 a barrel. Continued …
Iran tensions underscore the urgency of Asia’s renewables pivot for macroeconomic stability
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.
The duration of the conflict, the extent of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and outages at key energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf remain key unknowns. Prolonged escalation could cause energy price spikes to spill over into core economic indicators — including inflation, interest rates, trade balances, and gross domestic product (GDP) growth — derailing fiscal and monetary goals. Continued …
Prolonged Hormuz closure could hammer food costs in Thailand
The crisis in the Middle East, which is disrupting trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz, is raising global concern that the fallout could spread far beyond energy markets and trigger a rise in food prices worldwide.
The Strait of Hormuz is not only a major route for oil and natural gas shipments, but also a strategic corridor for transporting fertilizer, a key input for agriculture around the world. Analysts say any disruption to shipping could raise farming costs, reduce crop yields, and, ultimately, make food more expensive. Continued …
Thai Immigration Tightens Screening Amid Israel Rumors
The Immigration Bureau has confirmed it is tightening screening measures for foreign nationals arriving from conflict zones in the Middle East, following public concern about the number of Israeli citizens staying in the country.
Officials said rumors claiming hundreds of thousands of Israelis are residing in Thailand are inaccurate. Authorities reported that only around 31,892 Israeli nationals were present in the country as of March 10. Continued …
Thailand demands apology from Iran over Thai ship attack
Thailand has lodged a formal protest with Iran following an incident in which a Thai-flagged cargo ship was hit and damaged while sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, affecting 23 Thai crew members on board. Sirilak Niyom, deputy permanent secretary for foreign affairs, held talks yesterday with Nassereddin Heidari, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Thailand, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.
During the meeting, Sirilak raised concerns over the incident involving the Thai-flagged cargo ship Mayuree Naree, which was struck and damaged while sailing through the strategic waterway after departing from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates. Continued …
Thailand to Challenge US Tariff Probe, Citing Role of American Firms in Trade Surplus
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 investigation, launched under the Trade Act of 1974, seeks to scrutinize industrial policies and “structural excess capacity.” However, Bangkok’s primary line of defense rests on a pointed irony: a significant portion of the trade surplus Washington finds objectionable is actually generated by American companies operating within Thailand. Continued …
Thailand has too much milk
The Department of Internal Trade (DITP) has issued an “urgent” summons to commercial dairy operators for a crisis meeting today. The move follows reports of a massive raw milk surplus exceeding 200 tons per day, leaving dairy farmers across the country with no buyers despite existing purchase agreements (MOUs).
While government officials point to rising production levels in 2025, industry sources say the crisis is a symptom of deep-seated structural issues rather than a simple matter of oversupply. Continued …
Charging first-world prices while paying third-world wages raises questions about Pattaya’s economic direction
A growing complaint heard among both long-term visitors and local workers in Pattaya can be summed up in a blunt phrase circulating online: “first-world prices with third-world wages.” The remark reflects a widening debate about the changing cost of living in the city.
While prices for food, drinks, accommodation, and services have steadily increased, many workers say their wages have not kept pace. At the same time, foreign visitors are also noticing the shift. Pattaya, once famous for being one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable seaside destinations, is increasingly compared to far more expensive tourist cities. Continued …
The future of work has arrived: Is your job future-proof?
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.
From logistics to legal services, tasks considered immune to disruption are now being replaced by algorithms at a fraction of the cost and time. This shift is triggering a structural imbalance across the globe. Highly qualified professionals, graduates, master’s, and doctorate holders are increasingly found in gig-based roles far beneath their skill sets. Continued …
Thailand tourism steady despite 4.4% dip amid Middle East conflict
Thailand recorded a 4.4% decline in international tourist arrivals between Jan. 1 and March 11, compared with the same period last year, but inbound travel has remained steady into early March despite pressures linked to Middle East tensions, reported the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Natreeya Thaewiwong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, said cumulative arrivals in the first part of March 2026 show inbound travel is continuing “with good stability and without a severe slowdown,” even as Thailand monitors developments that could influence demand. Continued …
Thailand on Track to Become Southeast Asia’s Leading Medical Hub
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.
The significant growth of global medical tourism can be attributed to the high healthcare costs in developed countries compared to the quality healthcare available at more affordable prices in other countries. Additionally, long wait times for treatment also contribute to this shift. Continued …
A cavern of colors
About an hour west of Chiang Mai, the ancient city gives up its grip. The traffic lights thin out. The stylish coffee shops — the carefully poured kind — disappear. Longan orchards, low houses, and farmsteads start to roll out, unfolding the beautiful countryside of Samoeng, one of the province’s most scenic districts.
The drive to Samoeng isn’t dramatic, but it keeps bending into the mountain landscape, as if reconsidering itself every few kilometers. Teak and bamboo press in close. By the time you reach Khun Khan National Park, the air already feels different — less urban, a little looser. Continued …
The best EVs in Thailand right now
Every time oil prices spike, fuel market prices respond with jitteriness. And now, more than ever, sentiments of switching to an electric vehicle (EV) in Thailand for 2026 have never echoed this loudly.
If I were to present this idea to you as recently as this past year, your answer would most likely be along the lines of “EVs are just not there yet” or “Charging them would still take ages, so it’s not entirely worth it.” But the thing is, this simply isn’t true anymore. In just a handful of years, EVs have progressed exponentially to the point where price and performance rival their tried and true petrol gas-guzzling counterparts. Continued …
U Power readies 1,000 battery-swap e-trucks for Thailand launch
U Power has completed comprehensive operational testing and full-stack integration of a battery-swapping heavy-duty truck prototype ahead of a planned 1,000-unit deployment in Thailand with logistics partner Whale Logistics.
The prototype vehicles, jointly developed with SAIC Hongyan Automotive and UNEX EV, underwent three months of full-condition road testing, with all technical parameters meeting design specifications, positioning the project for mass production and first deliveries by May 2026. Continued …
- Police Detain Chinese Scam Suspects in Kanchanaburi – Continued …
- Chinese Man Arrested Over Laughing Gas Sales in Pattaya – Continued …
- American Man Caught Stealing Shoes at Chiang Mai Shop – Continued …
- British Man Held in Chiang Mai Over Overstay, Theft, and Sex Allegations – Continued …
- Russian man gropes Thai tattoo artist outside Pattaya studio – Continued …
Europeans And Expats Share How They REALLY Feel About American Tourists Right Now
Every summer, Americans flock to Europe to get their cultural fix: a visit to the Vatican here, a selfie and guided tour at the Parthenon there. Generally, they’re met by friendly Europeans on their treks on the continent. But as anti-American sentiment grows across the globe due to trade wars and actual wars, some travelers may worry: Will American visitors encounter a cooler reception across Europe on their summer trips? 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
Commerce officials have stepped up Cha Am fresh market price checks as part of efforts to ensure vendors clearly display prices and to prevent consumers from being overcharged.
For many people, a fall may seem like a minor accident. But for older adults, a single fall can be life-changing — especially if it results in a hip fracture, one of the most serious and common injuries among older adults. Without proper treatment, a broken hip can lead to long-term disability, loss of independence, the need for ongoing care, and a significant decline in quality of life.
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) at the Ministry of Public Health has issued a warning urging the public to be especially vigilant against influenza, after an upward trend in cases. Between Jan. 1 and March 9, Thailand recorded 137,276 cumulative cases and eight deaths.
Thailand’s personal income tax filing deadline is April 8, and many expats remain uncertain about whether they must submit a return this year. Since clarification of the rules surrounding foreign income, confusion has persisted. Having little or no tax to pay is not the same as having no obligation to file.
A Thai billionaire, Worawat Narknawdee, is being sought by police following complaints from over 30 Thai investors. They claim to have been deceived into cryptocurrency investments, resulting in losses estimated at around B1.3 billion.
Facing jittery global markets and drooping poll numbers since launching a war on Iran, US President Donald Trump has cycled from calls for “unconditional surrender” to sounding amenable to an end state in which Iran trades one hard-line ayatollah for another.
The US-Israel-Iran conflict, now in its 11th day, is set to hammer Thailand’s economy despite being fought 7,000 kilometers away. With the Strait of Hormuz closed and oil above US$120 per barrel, Thailand faces its sharpest energy and trade disruption in decades.
The Middle East conflict has unsettled global oil markets and disrupted shipping routes, posing risks for energy-dependent Thailand. After experiencing prolonged low inflation, the country now faces a potential inflation rebound driven by rising oil and freight costs.
RealWatch Lab, the research and data analytics unit of Real Smart Public Co/, has disclosed the findings of a survey on the concerns of Thai netizens regarding the Iran war. The survey collected opinions from Feb. 28, after the attacks started, to March 10, across all social media platforms, covering 34,009 messages discussing concerns arising from the conflict.
Banks are urging prospective homebuyers to make purchasing decisions within the first half of the year before costs rise further, amid concerns that inflation could increase under wartime conditions.
The war in the Middle East, which has caused oil prices to fluctuate and remain high, has led the government to continue capping diesel at no more than B30 per liter. As of March 11, the Oil Fuel Fund was subsidizing diesel by B16.97 per liter, a sharp increase from just B0.74 per liter on Feb. 27, one day before the United States and Israel attacked Iran.
The United States has announced investigations under Section 301 into 16 key trading partners, including Thailand, as part of an effort to rebuild tariff pressure after the Trump administration’s earlier duties were struck down by the US Supreme Court.
Thai hospitality leaders are doubling down on 2026 expansion plans, committing billions in capital expenditure to navigate a tightening global travel market. Despite a projected 32.9 million foreign arrivals in 2025, the industry faces headwinds from prolonged conflict in the Middle East, which threatens to dampen high-spending “long-haul” traffic from Europe and the Americas.
Phuket has long stood as one of Asia’s most celebrated destinations. Framed by the Andaman Sea, its turquoise waters, rich cultural fabric, and globally recognized hospitality have attracted millions of visitors for decades.
Do you think gender equality is still an issue in Thailand? Whether the answer is yes or no, explaining why can be surprisingly difficult.
The sun had yet to rise at 6 am, but Sarayuth Sonlacksa was already crouched on his wooden jetty, hoisting up plastic crates of crabs from his pond to see if any had reached the size needed to sell to restaurants in Bangkok.
At a sanctuary in Thailand, hundreds of rescued creatures are given a second chance after suffering from illegal trade, neglect, or captivity. But saving wildlife is never easy. A sun bear must be darted for treatment, a monkey terrorizing a school must be captured safely, and a fragile falcon fights to survive after a serious head injury leaves him blind in one eye. Each rescue is a reminder of how fragile wildlife truly is. 
Wellness tourism has become one of the most dynamic sectors within global travel. Many travelers now prefer holidays that combine relaxation, nature, and wellbeing experiences. The Global Spa Awards 2026 recognized exceptional spa resorts, wellness retreats, and spa hotels across different regions of the world.
Thailand attracts a wide spectrum of potential relocators, from long-stay retirees to remote workers and corporate transferees. However, the country’s structural realities around environment, governance, infrastructure, and social norms mean it is far better suited to some profiles than others.
Signs of higher prices in 2026 are emerging, with Thai Beverage (ThaiBev) notifying retailers — particularly agents who play a key role in distribution — of beer price adjustments.
As geopolitical tensions continue to drive up oil prices and push the country’s energy costs higher, Thailand’s Energy Ministry has launched measures to reduce electricity consumption in government agencies and encourage households to save power, as the country prepares for further volatility linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Some Asian buyers of liquefied natural gas are struggling to find prompt cargoes after a war-related outage at the world’s largest export facility in Qatar tightened global supplies.
Economist warns Thailand could encounter stagflation
MR. D.I.Y. Holding (Thailand) plans to invest 4 billion baht this year, aiming to open 210 new stores and build an automated warehouse to support its expansion.
The government has reaffirmed that no new Cambodian migrant workers will be allowed into the country due to security concerns, despite pressure from the private sector. Labor Minister Treenuch Thienthong said the government understands the concerns raised by businesses over labor shortages.
Thailand’s tourism industry is struggling with the sudden impact from the Middle East conflict on long-haul travel, with weekly arrivals down 13% due to flight disruptions. In light of emerging trends, the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) says arrivals to Thailand from long-haul source markets could fall by as much as 50% this year.
Solar power is Thailand’s master key in the fight against global warming. It is cheap, popular, and even promoted by the state. But beneath the success story lies a big question: What happens when millions of panels begin to die? Without proper measures, Thailand’s clean energy rush risks dumping a toxic legacy for the next generation.
Thai customs authorities have confiscated 284 tons of electronic waste at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri, and are preparing to send the illegal shipment back to the United States where it originated.
Wind Energy Holding has announced a five-year investment budget of 20-billion baht for the period 2026–2030, advancing three strategic workstreams aimed at expanding its renewable energy portfolio to 2,000 megawatts.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin presided over a signing ceremony establishing a cooperation framework to address marine waste and support the sustainable management of Thailand’s marine resources. The effort aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 14, which promotes the protection and sustainable use of oceans and marine ecosystems.
The Heroes Hua Hin Foundation, widely known as Hua Hin Heroes, brought together community leaders, businesses, and supporters at the Hua Hin Heroes Charity Golf Cup 2026, united by a shared goal of improving opportunities for children in Hua Hin and across Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Yesterday, Phailin Kongpan, deputy mayor of Hua Hin Municipality, together with Cheep Suksri, president of the Municipal Council, and Nuengruethai Sukchan, deputy municipal clerk, brought Rungroj Nooklib, a former lecturer from Wang Klai Kangwon Vocational College in Hua Hin, to repair the solar power system at the Khao Takiab Blue Swimming Crab Bank.
The schedule for Run Khan Do 3, a province-wide series of running events across Prachuap Khiri Khan, has been officially announced, with activities set to take place from March to July 2026 in every district of the province.
The number of online-scam complaints rose again over the past week, with investment fraud causing the most damage, according to police.
Former commerce and energy minister Narongchai Akrasanee said the Iran war is deeply concerning for Thailand, with oil prices already surging to around US$110 a barrel, leaving the country hard-pressed to avoid fallout because it relies heavily on imported oil and natural gas.
Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon yesterday gave an update on measures to manage energy prices following the impact of unrest in the Middle East. The remarks were made after a meeting of the Center for Monitoring and Managing the Situation of the Middle East Conflict at Government House in Bangkok.
The Thai Restaurant Assn. is calling on the government to support the restaurant industry amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Global oil prices have entered a “danger zone” after surging to around US110 per barrel following reports that an Iranian oil storage facility had been struck, warned Bangkok Bank’s (BBL) chief economist.
Thailand’s smartphone market is likely to contract amid economic uncertainty, the Middle East conflict, and rising memory component costs, according to Thai Samsung Electronics Co.
Cloud service provider Amazon Web Services (AWS) Thailand has positioned its local cloud region as a future artificial intelligence (AI) hub, targeting enterprises’ rising demand for highly complex, independent “frontier AI agents”. This signals an enterprise shift from basic AI tools toward more advanced, enterprise-grade automation.
Outbound passengers at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport can now opt to use automated passport screening machines installed at immigration checkpoints around the clock.
Foreign tourists in Thailand are closely monitoring the recent weakening of the Thai baht against the US dollar, a trend fueled by global financial uncertainties. As the baht opened at 31.77 per dollar, down from 31.60, many visitors are keenly aware of how this affects their purchasing power in areas like hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.
Exploring the many charms behind Bangkok’s rise to Asia’s best city
What will become the Dubai chocolate of 2026? As food and drink trends are running wild in Bangkok, 14 industry professionals were asked to determine exactly which ingredients are most likely to end up on your plate, or in your glass, in 2026.
Discover Thailand Through Taste: A Complete Guide to Asia’s Hottest Foodie Travel Destination
A man in a Mercedes drives up to a Bangkok forecourt, cash in hand, ready to buy an electric vehicle he hadn’t planned on owning. Southeast Asia’s EV revolution has found a new accelerant.
Authorities from Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) raided a warehouse in Lam Luk Ka District, Pathum Thani, seizing more than 120,000 dried gecko carcasses and nearly 30 tons of protected timber allegedly prepared for export to China.
The conflict in the Middle East is shaking the global economy, but it may also create an opportunity for Thailand’s property sector to emerge as a new destination for wealthy buyers shifting away from Dubai and into the ultra-luxury residential market.
The Ministry of Commerce has stated that the ongoing unrest in the Middle East is expected to have limited direct effects on Thailand, as the country’s trade share with the countries involved in the conflict remains relatively small. The assessment followed a recent meeting led by Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun to review potential economic consequences.
The auto industry could record sluggish car exports this year following the outbreak of war in the Middle East, which also raises inflation concerns if the conflict is prolonged, says Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries and spokesman for its Automotive Industry Club.
Iran has formally nominated Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father, Ali Khamenei, as the nation’s supreme leader. The move signals that the regime’s hardline factions intend to maintain an iron grip on power despite a week of devastating conflict with Israel and the United States.
Weakening consumer confidence, rather than rising costs alone, has become the biggest threat to Thailand’s property market, as global uncertainty prompts buyers to delay major purchases, according to Pornnarit Chuanchaisit, president of the Thai Real Estate Assn.
The Commerce Ministry has launched a “Resilience” strategy aimed at protecting the country’s export sector from global risks, including geopolitical conflicts and trade polarization. The policy seeks to strengthen Thailand’s ability to maintain export growth while navigating an increasingly uncertain global trading environment.
Passengers intending to travel between Asia and Europe will need to plan their trips well in advance to secure reasonable ticket prices, as the Middle East conflict has driven significant demand for a limited number of direct flights, says the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
Songkran 2026 travel demand rises as Pattaya leads domestic destinations
For decades, Pattaya has been one of Thailand’s most talked-about tourist destinations. Known for its beaches, nightlife, and lively streets, the coastal city attracts millions of visitors each year. But as discussions on travel forums and social media show, opinions about Pattaya can vary dramatically depending on personal experiences.
The Hostel and Small Accommodation Assn. (Thailand) has urged the new government to continue pushing for a new accommodation act for small hotels, but strongly opposes allowing condo units to be registered as legal lodging.
Indonesia bans elephant riding
This is the story of a Garden of Eden, hidden deep within the jungles of Southeast Asia. A national park that’s home to an almost unimaginable variety of animals. Not only noteworthy for its countless species, Kui Buri National Park in southwestern Thailand is also known for its abundance of large animals, like Asian elephants and wild bovines. The scarce gaur lives here, the world’s largest bovine species, and it is also home to the smaller, ruddy banteng. 
Breathtaking Region Between Phuket And Krabi One Of The World’s Most Welcoming Destinations
Lingering In Chiang Mai: Temples, Tea, And Tranquillity In Northern Thailand
Thailand’s clean power supply and energy trade are poised for changes under the draft Power Development Plan (PDP), which will shape the country’s electricity landscape from 2026 to 2050. The new PDP seeks to accelerate renewable energy projects and introduce nuclear power into the mix, according to energy officials and executives.
Inflation in Venezuela soared to 475% in 2025, the highest in the world, driven by a tightening of US sanctions in the lead-up to the ouster of leader Nicolas Maduro. Full-year inflation far exceeded the International Monetary Fund’s forecast of 270%, figures released by the central bank showed on Friday. 
The Japanese government is moving to abolish the need for most foreign tourists to meet face-to-face with immigration officers to enter the country, as it seeks to streamline entry procedures amid the inbound tourism surge. The Immigration Services Agency said it would instead rely on visitor information collected through an online pre-travel screening system called Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or JESTA, set to launch in fiscal 2028. 
Indonesia will restrict access to social media platforms for children under 16, its communications and digital ministry said on Friday, making it the latest country to install online guardrails to reduce the risks of addiction and cyberbullying. 
The Thai premium smartphone market has entered a high-stakes season following the official debut of the Samsung Galaxy S26 on Feb. 26. With a starting price of 41,900 baht, the flagship’s arrival has set a new benchmark for the high-end segment this year, closely followed by the March 2 launch of the iPad Air M4, which entered the market at 21,900 baht and iPhone 17e, which entered the market at 22,900 baht.
Cheap Thai meals at risk as global oil tensions threaten food prices
The Ministry of Transport has ordered a cap on public transport fares as tensions in the Middle East threaten to drive up global energy prices, warning operators not to raise rates beyond legal limits.
Emirates and Etihad Airways were resuming limited flight schedules to key global cities from their United Arab Emirates hubs yesterday, though the ongoing threat of missile fire piled pressure on airlines as they scramble to accommodate travelers.
It has been six days since the deadly joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, followed by Iran’s retaliatory strikes against mostly American targets in half a dozen Gulf states and against Israel, as people around the world grapple with the economic and geopolitical repercussions.
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI), in cooperation with the Chinese Embassy in Thailand and partners from the public and private sectors, hosted the “Thailand-China Investment Forum: Keys to Success & Sustainable Growth for Chinese Enterprises” on Thursday at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.
In hospitality circles, there’s been a lot of chatter about the next big trend in luxury travel, from personalized itineraries to yacht cruises. For Thailand, the answer is simple: Healing, through both gastronomy and wellness.
Hat Yai is back in business, and now is the time to visit
Thailand’s top 5 getaways this March
Thailand’s low-carbon rice model emerges from Central Plains farmers
US President Donald Trump said y esterday Cuba was next on his agenda after Iran, predicting that the communist-run island, crippled by a US energy blockade, is “gonna fall pretty soon”. “They want to make a deal so badly,” Trump said, a day after suggesting that he would turn to an unspecified project for Cuba after the war against Iran. 
Four years ago, NASA purposely smashed a spacecraft into a small asteroid to see if they could deflect it – a test to prove humanity could protect Earth from threatening space rocks. The experiment pushed the moonlet asteroid Dimorphos into a smaller, faster route around its sibling Didymos – and according to new research out yesterday, it also pushed the pair into a slightly different orbit around the Sun. 
The Harvest Wine Run Festival Hua Hin returns to Monsoon Valley Vineyard tomorrow, inviting runners, walkers and wine lovers to combine fitness, food, and vineyard fun in one unique event.
Thai-built drones are being trialed to deliver critical medical supplies, aiming to improve access for patients in remote island hospitals by significantly reducing wait times.
Thailand is grappling with a severe youth drug crisis as narcotics such as cannabis, kratom, and methamphetamine become increasingly accessible, reports the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).
The government has introduced a series of emergency measures to prevent domestic fuel shortages, including increasing oil reserves and suspending most exports, while assuring the public that national energy supplies remain secure.
Air quality in this northern border province has deteriorated sharply, with thick haze blanketing the city as forest fires surge across much of the upper north.
US President Donald Trump yesterday fired Kristi Noem as head of the Department of Homeland Security, the agency responsible for carrying out his sweeping immigration crackdown. According to multiple media reports, Trump was upset with Noem’s testimony at a Senate hearing this week where she said the president had approved a $220 million DHS advertising campaign in which she featured prominently. 
The governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan has confirmed that fuel supplies in Prachuap Khiri Khan remain sufficient and urged residents not to panic buy, following concerns about potential price increases linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Royal Gazette Confirms 200,000 Baht Solar Tax Relief
The governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan has accelerated plans to improve energy efficiency as part of efforts to position the province as a model environmentally friendly tourism city.
Cha Am Municipality is taking urgent steps to address a growing water shortage after construction works on an irrigation canal disrupted the flow of raw water used to produce tap water for residents.
A new water production system planned for the Bor Fai area was the focus of a meeting chaired by Hua Hin City Municipality officials this week, as authorities reviewed design proposals and the next steps for the project.
Construction of a reinforced concrete road near Yarm Saad School is under way as part of a 15.37-million-baht project aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing local flooding.
The war involving Iran in the Middle East remains protracted, with the United States and Israel continuing to strike Iran, while Iran insists it will exercise its right to self-defense to the fullest extent.
Fuel price rises start to bite
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the Transport Ministry will ban fare increases for taxis, ride-hailing riders, and motorcycle taxi services from today, warning of legal action against profiteering.
Thai business and industry leaders are concerned that the Mideast war could significantly disrupt logistics and transport costs, with ripple effects for manufacturing in Thailand and other countries.
“Cash” has become the most prized asset in global markets as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, triggering a rare sell-off in gold, bonds, and equities at the same time and reshaping what investors see as traditional hedges.
A leading business group maintained its forecast for Thailand’s economic growth this year at 1.6% to 2.0%, but said yesterday a prolonged conflict in the Middle East would hit activity.
Foreign buyers remained a significant force in Thailand’s condominium market in 2025, with Chinese nationals retaining the top position despite a decline in purchases, while buyers from Myanmar recorded the strongest growth to rank second.
Foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand down in first two months of 2026
Traveloka reveals top Songkran travel destinations
The growing cost of elephant intrusions
Foreign residents in Hua Hin who own property through Thai-registered companies using nominee shareholders are being urged to review their legal position as enforcement intensifies across Thailand.
Thai massage industry set for overhaul
The immigration queue certainly takes the edge off the excitement of a new adventure into the world’s most visited city. This time, I threw some dollars at the problem. The result? It was just 30 minutes from the plane reaching the gate to me sitting in a taxi heading into the city. On my previous visit, the immigration queue alone took 70 minutes.
PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) has increased natural gas extraction in the Gulf of Thailand to its maximum possible levels to safeguard national energy security. The move comes in response to potential global energy supply disruptions caused by instability in the Middle East.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas convened an urgent meeting yesterday with Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun. Joined by Thailand’s ambassador in Washington and private-sector representatives, the meeting aimed to set a national strategy in response to the United States’ new tariff policy and trade-restricting measures.