- Songkran 2026 Prophecy/Nakhon Hua Hin Run/Health warning issued/Foreign man helps during fire/Bangkok schools digital device control/First-ever Cancer Act proposed/Notorious Hitman Arrested
- THE IRAN WAR: Few easy ways out for US/War risk to Thai growth/Bangkok street food price hikes/Refiners assure oil supply adequate/Oil price forecasts rise/Cathay Pacific to nearly double fuel surcharge/Measures to curb medicine price rises/Fading hopes of quick end to war/3 Thai crew on attacked ship ‘still alive’/Cambodia to shut 2,000 petrol stations
- ECONOMY: Thailand Condo Sector Liquidity Risk/Foreign Buyers by Market Share/Thai Economy Faces Stagflation
- TOURISM: TAT pushes domestic travel
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Journey of Healing and Wellness/Ayutthaya marks Thai Elephant Day/Chiang Mai Zoo marks National Elephant Day
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Ko Lanta, Chiang Khan , Uthai Thani recognized
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Songkran 2026 Prophecy Warns of Water Scarcity and Harvest Risks
As the Thai New Year approaches, the Brahmanical Astrology Division of the Royal Ceremonial Bureau and the Department of Cultural Promotion have officially unveiled the prophecy for Songkran 2026.
The Year of the Horse (Fire element) marks the transition into the Lesser Era 1388. According to the traditional solar calendar, the Maha Songkran day — the moment the sun enters Aries — falls on Tuesday, April 14, at 10:34 am. Continued …
Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026 to take place in Khao Tao March 29
The “Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026” event in Hua Hin will take place on 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 …
Health warning issued over five summer diseases as heat fuels outbreaks
The Department of Disease Control has warned the public to take extra care of their health during periods of extreme heat, which is a major factor allowing many kinds of germs to thrive, particularly those causing food- and water-borne illnesses.
It said there are five major diseases that commonly spread more heavily during the summer season. Continued …
Foreign man praised for helping residents evacuate during fire
A foreign man helped Thai residents escape a Bangkok house fire by waking people up, urging them to evacuate, and assisting a disabled resident out of a building.
The fire broke out on the second floor of a two-story commercial building in Phra Nakhon district at about 4.55 am on Wednesday. The buildings were part of a row of interconnected units, causing the fire to spread to nearby properties quickly. Continued …
Bangkok expanding digital device control to all its schools
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.
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said in introducing the “Phone Off, Learning On: Focus on Learning, Leave Mobile Phones with Teachers” project at Wat Suttharam Secondary School in Khlong San district that some other countries had already prohibited or controled use of digital devices in schools because they reduced interaction with peers, decreased interest in learning, increased time spent in virtual world, and raised obesity rates due to lack of exercise. Continued …
First-ever Cancer Act proposed as Thailand faces rising caseload
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is preparing to draft the country’s first Cancer Act, as officials seek to respond to a continuing rise in the number of patients, with around 140,000 new cancer cases and 86,000 deaths recorded each year.
Speaking at the Public Health Ministry on Thursday, Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said the newly established National Cancer Policy Board had been set up to bring together all agencies involved in cancer care, in both the public and private sectors, so they can share data and jointly determine policy and operations. Continued …
Notorious Hitman Arrested in Mountain Treehouse
Police have arrested a suspected contract killer known as “Mee Changklang” after tracking him to a remote mountain hideout where he had built a concealed treehouse to evade capture.
The 51-year-old suspect was detained on Thursday while coming down from the mountain to buy supplies. Officers said he is linked to multiple killings and is wanted under a murder warrant issued by the Wiang Sa Provincial Court in Surat Thani province. Continued …
Few easy ways out for US as Iran war drags on
US-Israeli strikes killed Iran’s leader but have not toppled the government, which now, from its perch on the Strait of Hormuz, has put the entire world economy on the frontlines of the war.
The initial US victory in killing supreme leader Ali Khamenei has given way to a conflict that Washington cannot completely control, sharply limiting President Donald Trump’s options. Two weeks into a bloody air war, Iran holds many cards as it chokes the world’s oil supply and strikes US allies in the Middle East, including Gulf states who had for years staked their reputations on political and economic stability. Continued …
Center flags war risk to Thai growth
A worst-case scenario for the Middle East conflict, which is war dragging on without a clear end, would reduce Thai GDP by 2.31 percentage points, according to the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
The center identified three scenarios for the potential impact of the war. The first is a short-term conflict expected to be contained and resolved quickly within a month. Continued …
Bangkok street food vendors may raise meal prices by 5 baht as costs climb
Street food vendors in Bangkok are preparing for possible price increases of around 5 baht per dish this month, as higher energy, transport, and food input costs continue to bite, according to the Bangkok Vendors Assn.
Yada Pornpetrampa, president of the association, said the recent rise in oil and energy prices, along with transport costs, has begun to affect prices across multiple categories — particularly among small and medium-sized operators whose products are not covered by government price controls. She said these businesses are likely to adjust prices within the month. Continued …
Refiners assure oil supply adequate amid panic buying
Thailand’s oil refiners have sought to allay public concerns by confirming that the country’s oil reserves remain sufficient despite reports of motorists rushing to filling stations in provincial areas.
The Petroleum Refinery Industry Group, under the Federation of Thai Industries, said in a statement that it has adjusted oil-management plans to strengthen energy security, including diversifying crude oil imports beyond the Middle East. Continued …
Oil price forecasts rise as Mideast war rages
Analysts are lifting their oil price estimates for this year and 2027 amid transport disruption in the Middle East, even though the potential release of reserves by the G7 and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) could help temporarily alleviate supply pressures.
Tris Ratings raised its 2026 annual average oil price forecast to US$70 a barrel, from $63, for Brent in a base-case scenario, with the Hormuz Strait remaining effectively closed for around a month. In its Global Economic Outlook released on March 11, the credit rating agency expects oil prices to remain in the $90-100 range through March before falling to the mid-$60s by the second half of the year in a “fundamentally oversupplied market”. Continued …
Cathay Pacific to nearly double fuel surcharge on Wednesday as costs surge
Cathay Pacific Airways will nearly double its fuel surcharges starting from Wednesday, following a similar move by another Hong Kong carrier amid rising fuel prices driven by conflict in the Middle East.
Cathay Pacific’s move, announced on Thursday and applicable to tickets issued on or after March 18, came on the same day the higher fuel surcharge rate introduced by Hong Kong Airlines took effect. Continued …
Health Ministry signals measures to curb medicine price rises as freight costs climb
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has signaled readiness to manage potential medicine price increases stemming from rising transport costs, and has asked pharmaceutical manufacturers to temporarily slow or stop exports so domestic needs are met first amid uncertainty linked to the Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz.
Dr. Somruek Chuengsaman, permanent secretary for public health, said several drug manufacturers have confirmed there are no problems with production sources, but transport costs could rise, increasing the likelihood that medicine prices may climb in line with freight costs. Continued …
Fading hopes of quick end to war depress stocks
Asian stocks retreated yesterday as dwindling hopes of a resolution to the war with Iran kept oil prices aloft, though a US waiver allowing purchases of Russian crude helped keep a floor under losses.
The Thai bourse fell by nearly 1.5% yesterday as optimism about the new government set-up was not enough to support sentiment while global markets remained under pressure. Continued …
3 Thai crew on attacked ship ‘still alive’
Three Thai sailors remain alive aboard the damaged cargo ship MV Mayuree Naree after it was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Adm. Thadawut Thatphithakkul, chief of staff of the Royal Thai Navy. The vessel caught fire after being struck on Wednesday while sailing near waters off Oman. The blaze was later extinguished.
Twenty crew members were rescued from the ship and brought ashore to the Omani port city of Khasab, where they are being cared for while awaiting repatriation. The remaining three sailors are still on board the vessel. According to the ship’s owner, they are alive, Thadawut said yesterday. Continued …
Cambodia to shut 2,000 petrol stations amid energy crisis
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.
Cham Nimol said the ministry is developing a formula to adjust retail fuel prices, taking into account the current pressures on petrol station operators. Some owners may choose to shut down temporarily and wait to sell fuel at a higher price if costs rise quickly. Continued …
Thailand Condo Sector Faces 150-billion-baht Liquidity Risk
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.
Industry leaders warn that failure to complete the planned transfers could create a severe cash shortfall for developers, threatening their ability to meet debt obligations and potentially triggering a wave of financial distress across the property market. Continued …
Foreign Buyers: A Deep Dive into the Top Countries by Market Share
The real estate market in Thailand continues to attract strong interest from foreign buyers. While Chinese buyers still dominate the market, accounting for approximately 31% of the foreign ownership transfer value in 2025, the overall buyer demographic is becoming more diverse.
Data from the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) indicates a significant increase in buyers from Myanmar, who have risen to the second position, alongside ongoing interest from buyers from Russia, Taiwan, the United States, and Europe. Continued …
Thai Economy Faces Stagflation Risk Amid Oil Price Fears
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 warning comes as attacks on vessels and oil terminals in the region raise concerns over global oil supply disruptions. Higher fuel costs could weaken household purchasing power while slowing economic growth, creating a difficult economic environment. Continued …
TAT pushes domestic travel to cushion Middle East fallout
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.
Under the scheme, international tourists who purchase tickets to Thailand would receive domestic flight tickets from the government. At the same time, TAT is pushing domestic tourism alongside the “Let’s go halves Plus” program to encourage Thais to travel within the country. Continued …
A Journey of Healing and Wellness Through Five Curated Routes
Luxury travel has evolved, and Thailand’s “Healing is the New Luxury” campaign invites you to experience the country in a way that nurtures your soul and spirit. Through its new Thailand Co-Creator initiative, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) presents five carefully curated travel routes, each designed to rejuvenate, heal, and connect visitors with authentic experiences across the kingdom.
The initiative brings together more than 20 celebrities, creators, and influencers from Thailand and 10 international markets, including China, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Viet Nam, the Republic of Korea, and India. This collaborative effort builds a credible, safe narrative, inviting the world to witness Thailand’s readiness to care for the modern soul. Continued …
Ayutthaya marks Thai Elephant Day with feast for 70 elephants
Elephant handlers in Thailand’s historic city of Ayutthaya held religious rites and prepared a large fruit banquet for 70 elephants yesterday to mark Thai Elephant Day and honor elephants that have died. The ceremony took place at the Royal Elephant Kraal Village in Suan Phrik subdistrict of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province.
Laitongrian Meephan, owner of Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Kraal, and chairman of the Phra Kochaban Foundation, led mahouts in a ritual offering at the Pa Kam elephant shrine, which is revered by elephant handlers. Continued …
Chiang Mai Zoo marks Thai National Elephant Day with feast and parade
Chiang Mai Zoo celebrated Thai National Elephant Day yesterday with a traditional “Khantoke” fruit feast and a parade to promote the conservation of Thailand’s national animal.
The event featured a colorful parade led by the “Chaiyo” elephant mascot, youth groups, and zoo staff at the Asian Elephant Exhibit. The celebration aimed to highlight the historical, cultural, and ecological significance of elephants in Thailand. Continued …
Ko Lanta, Chiang Khan And Uthai Thani Put Thailand’s Sustainable Tourism In The Global Spotlight
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.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) achieved multiple victories at the Green Destinations Story Awards and Green Destinations Awards 2026, which demonstrated how local communities and protected areas and heritage towns create sustainable tourism practices for the Kingdom. Continued …
- Russian National Arrested for Illegal Hotel Operations via Thai Nominee – Continued …
- French National Wanted for Attempted Murder Arrested in Phuket – Continued …
- German Captain Arrested for Illegal Yacht Tours in Phuket – Continued …
- South Korean Scam Suspect Arrested in Thailand – Continued …
- Chinese Suspect Arrested in Pattaya Drug Sting – Continued …
- Teen Killed in Pattaya Crash as Chinese Driver Flees – Continued …
Indonesia to ban social media for children under 16
The Indonesian government is preparing to enforce a landmark law banning children under the age of 16 from using social media, joining a growing global movement to shield minors from digital harms. Under the new regulations, platforms will begin shutting down accounts held by users under the age of 16 starting on March 28. The crackdown targets tech giants including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and the gaming platform Roblox. 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 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.
Thailand marks National Elephant Day amid a crisis of coexistence
Bangkok Ranked 8th Best City in the World for 2026
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 
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.
Thailand’s Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Natthariya Thaweewong moved yesterday to secure discounted accommodation for foreign tourists stranded by the U.S.–Iran conflict that erupted on Saturday, as hundreds of flights scheduled to land at the country’s main airports were scrapped over the weekend and signals from Washington DC and Tel Aviv indicated the war could last another four to five weeks.
Thailand’s state-owned Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank) has triggered an emergency rescue package for domestic businesses caught in the crossfire of the escalating Middle East conflict. The bank has moved to freeze debt repayments for up to a year and slash interest rates as the regional crisis begins to choke vital shipping lanes.
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.
A rare astronomical event, a total lunar eclipse, will take place tomorrow, which also falls on Makha Bucha Day. The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand says the Moon will appear brick-red across the entire disk.
A thunderstorm warning has been issued for Prachuap Khiri Khan, with officials urging residents to prepare for thunderstorms and strong winds across the province from tomorrow through Friday.
Food safety training was the focus of a workshop held in Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday, as local food business operators gathered to strengthen hygiene standards and protect consumer health.
Since the government canceled the long-standing prohibition on selling alcoholic beverages between 2-5 pm, in a move aimed at stimulating the economy and tourism, the early assessments indicate the change is likely to increase restaurant revenues by more than 20%, after aligning sales hours more closely with tourist behavior.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Air Force commander to prepare aircraft to evacuate Thai nationals stranded in Iran, placing all relevant agencies on 24-hour standby. The order was issued yesterday as tensions in the Middle East escalate.
Thailand’s exports to Iran, led by canned and processed fruit and rubber-related products, could face disruption risks as fighting involving Iran, the United States, and Israel escalates, raising concerns over logistics, insurance costs, and payment channels for trade with the region.
Medical Tourism Corp. (MTC), a Dallas-based international healthcare facilitation organization, has released its Thailand Dental Tourism Market Research Report 2026, a comprehensive analysis of patient demand patterns, competitive positioning, and strategic growth opportunities across six major Thai cities.
Essential Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Summer Vacation in Thailand
Hua Hin 4th for Chinese tourists/PROUD posts record revenue/Centara Hua Hin owner sets growth target/Red Cross urges urgent blood donations/Repair of Bangkok sinkhole/Coconut Crisis: Prices Crash
Centara Hua Hin owner sets robust growth target
Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), delivered a keynote address titled “Thailand’s Sustainomy Context: Capturing New Growth and Mitigating Unprecedented Risks” at the Future Ready 2026 event yesterday. 
A working group of the European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC) has expressed strong interest in supporting Thailand’s expanding logistics and rail sectors, citing the country’s 2,400-kilometer double-track railway network as a key driver of lower regional transport costs and stronger supply-chain efficiency.
The MotoGP 2026 season has officially kicked off with the PT Grand Prix of Thailand at Chang International Circ uit in Buriram through March 1. Fans gathered to witness the season’s first race featuring the world’s top riders.
Explore Thailand’s 9 UNESCO Creative Cities
A Thai holiday used to be easy to stereotype: a family trip at Songkran, a beach weekend when the heat bites, a once-a-year splurge overseas. But AirAsia MOVE’s latest behavioral data suggests Thailand’s travelers are now split into three distinct camps — each with its own rhythm, priorities, and idea of what counts as “worth it”.
Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged cross-border attacks overnight in a dramatic escalation of tensions that led Pakistan’s defense minister to say yesterday that the two countries are in a state of “open war.” 
Royal Hua Hin Golf Course hosts first Thai LPGA event of year
Road accidents in Thailand fell in 2025, according to new data released yesterday at the Royal Thai Police headquarters. Police Gen. Samran Nuanma, deputy commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police and director of the Traffic Management Center, said statistics show a decline in crashes, fatalities, and injuries. However, speeding remains the leading cause of accidents nationwide.
The Election Commission (EC) has announced the final voter turnout for the 2026 general election, with 37.8 million voters (71.4%) participating on Feb.8. 
The operator of the BTS Skytrain has called on passengers to refrain from flicking or tossing their hair while traveling during peak hours, warning that loose locks could accidentally strike fellow commuters in the face, shoulders, eyes, or mouth.
This year continues to be a period of high uncertainty for Thai businesses, driven by geopolitical tensions, global economic policies, interest rate directions, and the transition to new technologies. Meanwhile, domestic factors such as a strong Thai baht, high household debt, weak demand, and a fragile economic structure are further intensifying the pressure on the business sector.
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) expects the baht to gradually weaken against the US dollar, reaching 33 baht per dollar in the fourth quarter of this year, driven by a combination of domestic and external factors.
Factory activity in Thailand picked up in January, driven by heightened political activity during the election campaign and strong demand in the automotive sector, according to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).
The global semiconductor industry is entering an increasingly strategic phase, driven by accelerated investments in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, and electric vehicles (EV).
Suphajee Suthumpun, minister of Commerce, has revealed that the Thai government and the government of the People’s Republic of China have reached a government-to-government rice-trading agreement for a volume of 40,000 tons.
Thailand is every wanderer’s dream: temples rising into brilliant blue skies, tuk-tuks zipping past street carts sizzling with spice, and tropical beaches that seem to glow at sunset. But because the kingdom stretches from misty northern hills to two distinct coastal systems, deciding when to go is almost as important as where you go.
A Short-Stay Guide to Koh Tao — Thailand’s Tiny Gulf Escape
Technology giants, including Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta, have in recent months announced plans to spend over US$600 billion on AI in 2026 alone. The investment wave has already fueled unease among some investors about the profitability of this strategy. They have reason to be worried, as the ambitious US AI expansion plans are likely to be hobbled by severe power-infrastructure bottlenecks, including turbine shortages, slow grid expansion, and regulatory red tape.