Daddy Deli acquires Taboo/Severe drought may grip Thailand/Volunteer firefighters paying the price/End military-led approach in deep south
- THE IRAN WAR: Thailand Seeks New Partners as US Withholds Help
- ECONOMY: E-Commerce the ‘Backbone’ of Thai Retail/FPO cuts GDP forecast/Limited impact from co-pay scheme/Asian hub for global wealth/Japanese restaurants decline
- TOURISM: Thailand Welcomes Over 11 million/Travel agents slam B1,000 exit tax/Vietjet Launches Flight and Ferry Service/Thai Airways raises fuel surcharge
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: LA Songkran Event Sets Guinness Record/How they produce coconut water
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Bangkok’s heat crisis
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin’s Daddy Deli acquires Taboo restaurant
Daddy Deli has acquired the Taboo Tapas Wine & Lounge Bar in Hua Hin’s Smorprong area and is preparing to reopen the venue as a new gastro pub, marking the brand’s fourth location in town and continuing its steady expansion since launching in 2020.
The new venue, to be called Taboo by Daddy Deli, will build on the success of the existing restaurant while introducing a more relaxed, community-focused dining concept. The gastro pub is expected to open in May. – HHT
Severe drought may grip Thailand for next 3 years
Thai people are being advised to brace for a prolonged and possibly extreme drought, which may last for up to three years due to El Niño weather phenomenon, according to the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) and Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
Paitoon Kengkarnchang, deputy secretary-general of the ONWR, said that Thailand will start to feel the impacts of El Niño in July, with the hot weather intensifying from November into early next year. Continued …
Volunteer firefighters paying the price
They die quietly, one by one, doing the forest officials’ job, rewarded with little more than praise that masks state hypocrisy. In early April, Boonma Phadaeng, 56, collapsed and died after days of fighting a forest fire in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai province.
Days later, Decha Tathika lost his life under similar strain in Phrae. No insurance, hazard pay, or safety net for families left behind. They are not the only ones. Every year, poorly equipped volunteer firefighters die protecting their homes. Continued …
Government urged to end military-led approach in deep south
Critics have warned that the military-led approach to handling the conflict in Thailand’s southern border provinces may be prolonging unrest rather than resolving it. Since violence resumed in 2004, the conflict in Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat remains entrenched, rooted in historical, identity, and religious differences involving separatist groups.
According to Deep South Watch, a local think tank, more than 7,000 people have been killed in the decades-long unrest in the region, which is home to a majority of the country’s Malay Muslim population. The violence has led to the imposition of a prolonged security framework, with martial law and emergency decrees remaining in place for over 20 years. Continued …
Thailand Seeks New Partners as US Withholds Help
Thailand has received no direct assistance from the United States as it struggles with the economic fallout of the American-Israeli war against Iran, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said in an interview Monday. The conflict has driven up fuel and fertilizer costs, placing significant strain on the Thai economy and its agricultural sector. In response, Thailand is turning to Russia and China for support.
Prices for urea fertilizer have nearly doubled, impacting more than 10 million Thai farmers, while diesel prices in Thailand reached historic highs. Efforts to secure supplies have included a visit by Thailand’s agriculture minister to Moscow and attempts to procure Russian crude, though concerns over US sanctions have slowed progress. Continued …
Digital Dominance: E-Commerce Now the ‘Backbone’ of Thai Retail
The Thai retail landscape has reached a historic tipping point, with e-commerce now established as the sector’s primary engine of growth. Recent data reveals the digital market has surpassed the 1 trillion baht ($30 billion) threshold, accounting for 30% of total national retail value.
The market is currently dominated by a trio of major players, though the hierarchy is shifting. Shopee remains the undisputed market leader with a 50% share, bolstered by its “Buy Now, Pay Later” financial services and proprietary logistics network, SPX Express. Continued …
FPO cuts Thailand’s 2026 GDP forecast to 1.6% on geopolitical risks
Thailand’s Fiscal Policy Office has cut its 2026 economic growth forecast to 1.6%, down from the 2.0% projection made in January, citing rising pressure from geopolitical conflicts, particularly in the Middle East.
Winit Wisetsuwannaphum, director-general of the FPO, said the conflicts had affected energy costs, travel, and volatility in the global trade system, forcing the agency to revise down its outlook. Continued …
Limited impact seen from co-pay scheme
Economists have played down the impact of the long-awaited second phase of the government’s latest co-payment plus scheme in propping up the subdued economy, citing a limited budget, while goods prices are expected to rise substantially from the second quarter due to elevated oil prices.
Under the Thai Help Thai Plus scheme, the flagship consumer spending stimulus of the Bhumjaithai-led government, the package could offer a 1,000 baht per month subsidy on consumption for four months. The program to “ease citizens’ financial burden” will feature a 60:40 split of approved spending by consumers, with the government paying 60%. Continued …
Thailand emerges as new Asian hub for global wealth and luxury
Thailand is emerging as one of Asia’s new wealth hubs as the global capital landscape shifts and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) become increasingly mobile, creating fresh momentum for Thailand’s high-end property, investment, and luxury lifestyle sectors.
The Wealth Report 2026 by Knight Frank Chartered (Thailand) Co., says the number of Thai ultra-wealthy individuals is expected to increase by 26% between 2026 and 2031, one of the highest growth rates in Asia, reflecting Thailand’s potential as a new destination for global capital and an investment base for highly mobile wealthy groups. Continued …
Number of Japanese restaurants in Thailand declines
Despite a slowdown in the Japanese restaurant sector last year, new players continue to enter the Thai market this year, while existing brands expand their presence.
According to the Japan External Trade Organization’s Bangkok Office, there were 5,781 Japanese restaurants in Thailand in 2025, a 2.2% decline from 2024, marking the first dip since data collection began in 2007. Continued …
Thailand Welcomes Over 11 million Tourists, Down 3% for Year
Thailand saw 11,364,781 foreign tourist arrivals from Jan. 1 to April 26, representing a 3.4% year-on-year decline, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Despite the decrease, the country generated an estimated B555,631 million in tourism-related spending. The top source markets for this period were China, Malaysia, Russia, India, and South Korea.
Top Five Source Markets (Jan. 1-April 26, 2026): China: 1,836,916; Malaysia: 1,228,057; Russia: 849,367; India: 805,208; and South Korea: 465,702. Continued …
Travel agents slam B1,000 exit tax
The Thai Travel Agents Assn. (TTAA) strongly opposes the government’s plan to levy a 1,000-baht departure tax on Thai travelers, warning it will hamper two-way tourism and hurt the economy during a cost-of-living crisis.
Chotechuang Soorangura, vice-president of TTAA, said the goal to raise more revenue was understandable, but the principle behind the scheme was unacceptable. He said it remains unclear how much of the budget will be allocated to each type of stimulus, undermining transparency in how the fund will be managed. Continued …
Vietjet Launches Flight and Ferry Service to Thailand’s Islands
Vietjet Thailand has introduced its “Fly2Ferry” service, integrating air and sea travel between Bangkok and the southern islands of Thailand. This new service streamlines travel for passengers to popular destinations like Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan by offering a single booking system that includes flight and ferry reservations. The service will be available from April 28.
According to Pinyot Pibulsonggram, vice president of commercial and customer service at Vietjet Thailand, this service represents a strategic move to elevate travel convenience to sought-after island destinations. The initiative aligns with the airline’s broader strategy to broaden its travel network and potentially expand flight connections to other islands. Continued …
Thai Airways raises fuel surcharge on international tickets
Thai Airways International has issued an important announcement on revisions to its fuel surcharge rates for tickets on international routes. The move comes under pressure from a “fuel crisis”, with global aviation fuel prices volatile and rising far beyond forecasts.
The main cause of the crisis is the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, which has pushed jet A-1 aviation fuel prices up by two to three times compared with levels before the conflict. Continued …
LA Songkran Event Sets Guinness Record with Pad Thai Sales
More than 1,300 Pad Thai dishes were sold within an hour during the Songkran Festival on Sunday in Los Angeles, setting a new Guinness World Record. The “2026 Thai New Year: Songkran Festival,” hosted along a three-kilometer stretch of Hollywood Boulevard, attracted over 200,000 attendees and is regarded as the largest Thai festival outside of Thailand.
The festival commenced with a parade showcasing Thai cultural elements, drawing large crowds to Hollywood Boulevard. Participants included Thai youth in traditional attire and contestants from the Miss Thai Town 2026 pageant. The highlight of the day was the Pad Thai sales challenge, where chefs from 48 restaurants collaborated to surpass the 1,200 dish target. By the end of the hour, 1,338 dishes were sold, securing the Guinness World Record. Continued …
This is how they produce coconut water in Thailand
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Vilhelm International Academy launched in March 2026 and has is campus at “The Hub” in Hin Lek Fai, less than 10 minutes from the center of town. They provide mentor-led academic supervision for students studying through accredited online school programs, whether independently enrolled or through integrated programs offered at Vilhelm. This means that students follow a fixed timetable, complete coursework under supervision, and receive ongoing progress monitoring. They can do this whist studying for their GCSE’s, A-Levels, NCAA approved US courses, or any other online school they choose to use.
Unlike more traditional options, at the academy children can learn at their own pace, not being forced forward before they are ready and also not being held back by the rest of the class. When they are ready to move on they do so. By coming to the academy each day, they are able to complement their studies with activities that develop leadership skills, community service (such as the recent helmet initiative), complemented by daily sports and physical activity to support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
You can visit the website for more details, or you can book an appointment to meet with the academy co-ordinator to discuss what you are looking for and explain what they can offer. There is a completely free five-day trial period that can be taken advantage of by anyone interested in seeing if the academy is the right fit for them.
Website; Email: info@vilhelminternationalacademy.com; Phone: +66 065 991 5500; Facebook; Map location.
Bangkok’s heat crisis
Bangkok’s heat index has been sitting in the “danger” category since April 1, and as of today, that is nearly four weeks without a break. Actual air temperatures are running at 38 to 40 degrees celsius, with high humidity pushing the feels-like temperature significantly higher.
On the worst days earlier this month, the heat index hit 58.7 degrees celsius, at which point core body temperature can rise to 40 degrees within just 10 to 15 minutes of outdoor exposure. The reason April hits harder than any other month is structural: Thailand’s northeast monsoon ends around mid-February, the cooling rains of the southwest monsoon do not arrive until mid-May, and April sits right in the gap with no cloud cover, no rainfall, and heat building day after day with nowhere to go. Continued …
Sri Lankan monks’ Thailand trip goes up in smoke after cannabis bust
Twenty-two Sri Lankan Buddhist monks who had just returned from Thailand were arrested on April 25 at an airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka, after customs officers allegedly found cannabis hidden in their luggage. The monks were detained after officers found 110 kilograms of cannabis concealed in secret compartments inside their suitcases. Continued …
- Foreign Suspect Shot Dead in Cave, Chumphon – Continued …
- Police Arrest Australian Fugitive in Khon Kaen Raid – Continued …
- Police Arrest Nigerians and Thai in Scam Ring in Pattaya – Continued …
- Police face backlash for letting 2 foreigners walk naked on Phuket road – Continued …
- Foreign man steals from Krabi cannabis shop while staff sleeps – Continued …
UAE quits OPEC from May 1 in major shake-up for global oil market
The United Arab Emirates has confirmed it will withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the wider OPEC+ alliance from May 1, ending more than five decades of membership and dealing a fresh blow to the producers’ group as the Iran war continues to disrupt global energy flows. Continued …
As Trump greets Charles, the White House calls them ‘Two Kings’
If the ancestors of Donald Trump and King Charles could see them today, the US president mused yesterday, they “would surely be filled with awe and pride that the Anglo-American revolution in human freedom” had survived to the present day. The White House captioned a photo of the moment, “TWO KINGS”. 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
Thailand is widely perceived as a relatively safe destination compared with many countries at similar income levels, yet risk profiles vary considerably between cities. For expats and digital nomads planning a medium to long-term stay, understanding which Thai cities offer the most predictable and manageable safety environment is critical.
The Ministry of Energy is pressing ahead with a major overhaul of the entire electricity tariff structure for the first time in more than 20 years. Its plan to introduce a new tiered tariff structure is creating ripples for households using more than 400 units a month and for the business sector.
The baht closed last week, on April 24, at a fresh two-week low of 32.51 baht per US dollar, as markets awaited the outcomes of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting and the US Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting.
The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has unveiled a nationwide contingency plan to mitigate the potential impact of a looming Super El Nino, warning that hotter temperatures and below-normal rainfall could threaten crops, water supplies, and rural incomes this year.
The rapid increase in energy prices caused by the prolonged war in the Middle East is taking a toll on Thai consumers, who are already reeling under high household debt. The prices of crude oil and natural liquid gas have risen sharply since the US-Israel war on Iran broke out in late February.
Dramatic developments unfolded in Islamabad on Saturday as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi landed, held talks, and departed without meeting a US delegation. Soon after, US President Donald Trump canceled a planned flight by his two envoys to the Pakistani capital.
International trade between Thailand and China remains brisk, but the overall picture points to structural fragility as the trade deficit continues to widen. A review of data from the Information and Communication Technology Center found that Thailand-China trade totaled B1.278 trillion in the first three months of 2026, up 18.% from the same period a year earlier.
Thailand’s automotive industry showed fresh signs of recovery in March, as total vehicle production rose to 133,413 units and domestic sales were boosted by strong demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, according to the Federation of Thai Industries.
The information center of LWS Wisdom and Solutions Co. has pointed to a new picture of the property market in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), saying it is moving from growth driven by investment and infrastructure stimulus toward a housing market powered by “real demand” from the workforce and industrial sector. This has significantly changed the equation for project development and property investment in the area.
The battle for Thailand’s skincare market is intensifying as local and international beauty brands race to capture consumers who are spending more on science-based, skin-health-focused products.
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is advancing plans to integrate medical cannabis into the country’s health economy. This initiative aligns with recent changes in U.S. cannabis policy, as the U.S. eases restrictions on certain cannabis products.
Thailand is set to revert to its previous visa-free entry policy, reducing the number of eligible countries and territories from 93 to 57. This decision by the Tourism and Sports Ministry aims to improve visitor screening and promote high-value tourism.
Searches for short-haul travel destinations have risen sharply ahead of Thailand’s upcoming long weekend from April 30 to May 4, covering Labor Day and Coronation Day. The trend reflects growing demand for convenient, budget-conscious holidays, with Thai travelers showing stronger interest in both domestic destinations close to Bangkok and nearby international cities.
Call it a different kind of sticker shock. The Beijing Auto Show that opened to the public this week is a showcase for how hypercompetition in China has driven new car prices in the world’s largest car market to a fraction of the level of the next-largest market, the United States.
The National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) will meet tomorrow to consider a plan to buy more solar power from households and businesses, with the intention of encouraging people to generate their own electricity.
The industrial sector in Bangkok is seeing a noticeable shift as factories and warehouses begin turning their rooftops into productive financial assets through solar power installations. This change is being driven by rising electricity costs and supportive government policies, making solar energy an increasingly attractive option for businesses in Thailand’s capital and nearby areas.
Representatives of about 50 governments meet in Colombia today for the first international talks on phasing out planet-heating fossil fuels, against a backdrop of the Iran war and a global energy crunch.
Police have arrested two Chinese tourists accused of carrying out a gold shop robbery in Nakhon Ratchasima, stealing rings worth about 300,000 baht before fleeing. The suspects were detained later the same day in Bangkok after investigators traced their getaway vehicle. The stolen items were recovered and authorities are preparing legal proceedings. 
The man who authorities say tried to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner with guns and knives was charged yesterday with the attempted assassination of US President Donald Trump, as federal authorities suggested an attack that disrupted one of Washington’s glitziest events had been planned for at least several weeks. 
Australia unveiled draft laws today that would tax tech giants Meta, Google, and TikTok unless they voluntarily strike deals to pay local outlets for news. Traditional media companies around the world are in a battle for survival as readers increasingly consume their news on social media. Australia wants big tech companies to compensate local publishers for sharing articles that drive traffic on their platforms. 
The death toll from a train collision near the Indonesian capital Jakarta has risen to 14, with another 84 injured, the train operator said today, as rescuers worked to extract survivors still trapped in the wreckage. The collision between a commuter train and a long-distance train happened late yesterday in Bekasi, just outside Jakarta. 
There’s a certain rhythm to life in Hua Hin that’s hard to ignore. Mornings start a little slower, the sea is never far away, and the pace feels more manageable than in larger cities.
Kaeng Krachan forest fire burns 5,000 rai in Phetchaburi
Erawan National Park closes due to forest fires, PM2.5 spike
Thailand has coordinated with Iran and Oman to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for three Thai vessels carrying oil and petrochemical cargoes. The breakthrough has helped reduce the risk of energy and petrochemical feedstock shortages in Thailand amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Thailand’s housing market is showing signs of a structural shift, with would-be buyers pulling back and more people turning to renting instead. The latest data from DDproperty shows that nationwide demand to buy residential property fell 6% in the first quarter of 2026, while rental demand rose 4%. In Bangkok, rental demand climbed even faster, jumping 9%.
Thailand’s commercial banking sector delivered a resilient performance in the first quarter of 2026, with all 11 major lenders reporting combined net profits of 68.68 billion baht, a modest 0.62% increase from the same period last year and a sharp 20.13% rise from the previous quarter.
The government has firmly denied reports suggesting a planned hike in value-added tax (VAT) from 7% to 10%, describing the claims as misinformation and reiterating its commitment to easing the cost of living for the general public.
The March 2026 Hotel Business Operator Sentiment Index survey, conducted by the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) and the Bank of Thailand between March 13-31, with responses from 138 operators, pointed to the outlook for Thailand’s hotel business during the Q2 2026 low season after the tourism sector was directly hit by the conflict in the Middle East.
Thailand’s cultural triumph
Blackpink’s Lisa brings Thai fashion to tourism
The sales of electric vehicles have jumped in Asia as cost-conscious buyers have poured into dealerships looking to dodge the fuel price spikes driven by the Middle East war.
The gunman who killed a Canadian tourist and wounded 13 others at Mexico’s famed Teotihuacan pyramids had planned the attack days in advance, officials said yesterday, as evidence pointed to him being inspired by a US massacre. 
Workers load tons of rare earth minerals into bags ready for shipping at a refinery in eastern Malaysia, fueling the global pushback against China’s grip on the critical sector. Rare earths are a key ingredient in products ranging from smartphones to fighter jets, electric cars, and wind turbines – and increasingly for hardware powering the artificial intelligence boom. 
Diesel and fishing fuel price surge hits PKK’s fishing sector
Road accidents in Prachuap Khiri Khan during the Songkran festival resulted in 36 incidents, 33 injuries, and three deaths over the seven-day monitoring period from April 10-16, according to provincial authorities.
The elevators and escalators at Hua Hin railway station are back in service after passenger complaints highlighted disruption and inconvenience when the equipment was out of order. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) confirmed that both systems have been fully repaired and operational since Thursday following a period in which one elevator and one escalator were found to be faulty.
Health authorities in Thailand have issued an urgent warning following a significant spike in cases of Melioidosis, colloquially known as “Soil Fever.” With 23 fatalities recorded since the start of the year, the government is urging the public — particularly those in agricultural sectors — to remain vigilant against the bacterial infection.
The Social Security Office (SSO) will raise dental benefit limits for its members from May 1, expanding access and reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
Most people in Thailand support stricter penalties for key traffic offenses, but a majority oppose the current fine for speeding, according to a survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). The findings reflect public backing for tougher enforcement measures introduced from April 1, aimed at improving road safety.
Bangkok has sweltered through 19 straight days of dangerous heat index levels, with extreme heat and humidity pushing conditions into a high-risk zone for public health.
OR launches self-service fuel pilot
Oil prices surged back today after a brief market reprieve collapsed, with traders rattled by the renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz following fresh accusations of ceasefire violations by both the United States and Iran.
Iran is not currently planning to attend talks with the United States, Iranian state media said, after President Donald Trump ordered US negotiators to travel to Pakistan today, just days before a ceasefire in the Middle East expires.
Fresh food prices surge as cost pressures spread wider
The spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) in Washington, D.C., reflected deep concern among global economic leaders over the fragility of an economic system facing increasingly frequent geopolitical shocks, at a time when the ability to cushion the impact remains limited and reliance on the United States to resolve crises is no longer as certain as it once was.
Thai households are facing mounting financial strain as elevated debt levels collide with rising living costs and external economic shocks, raising concerns over repayment capacity and the broader stability of the banking sector, according to Rena Kwok, senior credit analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence.
Thailand’s economy is increasingly seen as fragile now that the Songkran holiday has come to an end, as price freezes on energy and other products are discontinued.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said Thailand stands out as one of the destinations with especially strong readiness, thanks to its distinctive appeal, which combines cultural wellness identity, such as Thai massage and herbal wisdom, natural diversity that creates different experiences in each region, and service standards recognized internationally.
There is a certain tension in the air, one that doesn’t announce itself with headlines, but quietly seeps into the daily arithmetic of life. Across continents, governments are beginning to question a long-held assumption: Was GDP ever the right measure of prosperity?
Thailand could face extreme heat conditions comparable to those seen today in the Sahara by 2070, according to a growing body of climate research that suggests global warming is steadily pushing parts of the world beyond the temperature range in which human societies have historically flourished.
After hours spent in the thick pollution-choking parts of northern Thailand, Pon Doikam gets home and blows her burning nose to find blood clots spattered across the tissue.
Thailand is failing its forests
The sugar industry has long been a cornerstone of Thailand’s economy, but its production process is increasingly under scrutiny for its environmental impact. As the country seeks to balance economic growth with sustainability, the sector faces mounting pressure to reduce pollution and align with global climate goals.
The seas of Southeast Asia — home to some of the richest in biodiversity in the world — have long been in decline. Since the 1950s, the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates that 70%-95% of fish stocks have been depleted and are at risk of collapse, perpetuated by the rise of industrial-scale fishing, much of which is illegal.
The Thai Meteorological Department has issued its seventh warning of the year, cautioning that summer storms will continue to affect upper Thailand through Monday, bringing thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, and isolated lightning strikes alongside extreme heat.
A male Indochinese tiger known as “Sri Kosa”, a key figure in Thailand’s wild tiger population, has died of natural causes in the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai forest complex, researchers have confirmed.
The collapse of high-stakes peace talks in Pakistan has sent a chill through global markets, and what happens next is no longer just a geopolitical question. It is a tourism question.
The age of cheap oil is over and Thailand’s rooftops are reflecting that fact. Across homes, garages, and warehouses in the sun-drenched kingdom, the blue-black sheen of solar panels is spreading, as the Iran war has done what years of climate summits could not: turn solar power into a necessity.
Trade between Thailand and the United States surged past US$110 billion in 2025, underlining increasingly strong economic ties between the two countries. But behind the impressive figures lies a long list of trade barriers that Washington wants Bangkok to address in concrete terms.
The international trade landscape is changing rapidly, with more barriers and the waning influence of certain established international organizations. In response, countries are reducing their reliance on multilateral systems and strengthening economic stability through bilateral and regional free-trade agreements (FTAs).
Thailand has emerged as Southeast Asia’s e-commerce growth engine amid regional market share consolidation. The country has become the standout performer in Southeast Asia’s e-commerce landscape, posting the region’s fastest growth and reinforcing its position as a key battleground for platform dominance, according to a new report released by Singapore-based research firm Momentum Works.
The morning after Bangkok’s biggest Songkran yet
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has unveiled an ambitious vision to transform the city’s Songkran festival into a world-class event, with a strong focus on upgrading infrastructure, improving public space management, and strengthening environmental measures.
Songkran Festival in photos
Mon Songkran rite bathes monks through bamboo channels
Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Guide
Divers clear 500kg of ‘ghost nets’ from around Payang Island
Doctors are exploring a different approach to a specific type of breast cancer tumor called cryoablation. It destroys the cancer with extreme cold in a short outpatient procedure that can let them go home the same day. 
Hua Hin celebrates famed boxer Pone Kingpetch
Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas has launched its “Introduction to Tennis” camp this April, designed to help kids learn the sport or enhance their skills during the school holidays. The three-day program aims to build players’ confidence, skills, and friendships in a fun and supportive environment under the guidance of an experienced tennis coach and trainer.
The north of Thailand remains under a thick blanket of hazardous smog, as the latest satellite data yesterday reveals a surge in forest fires, with over 2,000 hotspots detected across 17 provinces.
Border crossings in Trat and Chanthaburi will remain closed, with no diplomatic talks or timeline set for reopening, says Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
The energy crisis may pose a challenge for the Thai government in pursuing its fiscal plan, which aims to reduce the fiscal deficit to no more than 3% of GDP, increase revenue through a higher value-added tax (VAT), and keep public debt below 70% of GDP, according to the Finance Ministry.
An analysis by Commerzbank indicates that global energy market fluctuations are putting significant downward pressure on the Thai baht. As Thailand imports over 50% of its energy, mainly through crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), rising global energy costs have worsened its trade balance. Consequently, the USD/baht exchange rate has become a focal point for currency traders, closely monitoring the potential policy reactions from the Bank of Thailand (BOT).
Thailand has submitted its formal defense document to the United States by the April 15 deadline, rejecting allegations under Section 301 trade measures relating to excess production capacity and goods linked to forced labor. Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun is also preparing to meet the US Trade Representative (USTR) in early May as discussions intensify over potential tariff actions affecting Thai exports.
Thailand is pivoting away from broad-based subsidies toward targeted support and long-term investment, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, as the country prepares to host the IMF–World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok this October.
Thailand’s retail sector showed a temporary improvement in March, but the industry is still flashing warning signs for the months ahead, with confidence for the second quarter falling back below the 50-point threshold, as oil prices, higher operating costs, and weak purchasing power weigh on the outlook.
Thailand’s workforce is broadly happy — but warning signs are emerging beneath the surface. A new survey by Jobsdb by SEEK shows that overall workplace happiness among Thai employees stands at 67%, placing the country third in the region, behind Indonesia and the Philippines.
True Corp. said its latest mobility data highlights shifting travel patterns and real-time digital usage during Songkran 2026, showing more evenly distributed travel nationwide, led by the northeast (Isaan), while international arrivals continued to rise, with Chinese tourists ranking first.
Middle East conflict hits Phang Nga tourism – hundreds of tour boats sitting idle
Returning to Bangkok after two years, I found the city far more organized than expected. The once-chaotic and disorderly image of a Southeast Asian metropolis — especially the dire conditions on Bangkok’s streets during the COVID-19 pandemic — had faded. Instead, I was struck by a sense of managed order and tidy streets.
Agoda Names Chiang Mai Asia’s Premier Culinary Destination
Thailand is preparing to open its electricity system to households, allowing those with rooftop solar panels to sell surplus power back into the grid, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said yesterday.
Rice farmers Siriporn and Amnat Taidee used to burn their paddy fields between plantings — a common method of clearing crop residue partly blamed for toxic smog that blankets much of Thailand every spring.
Private schools in Thailand face an unprecedented wave of closures this year, with up to 80 institutions expected to shut, reflecting mounting financial and structural pressures across the sector.
Police have arrested a man for stealing water meters across Prachuap Khiri Khan, with investigators alleging he sold burnt components for scrap to fund drug use. Officers from Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan Police Station detained a 38-year-old suspect Tuesday.
A new overpass is set to be built at Nong Phai intersection on Highway 37 after the Department of Highways signed a contract for the project in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Air quality in Thailand has worsened dramatically, with PM2.5 levels surpassing safety thresholds in 42 provinces, including regions from the north, northeast, and central areas. The Air Pollution Resolution Communication Center reported early on Tuesday that these unsafe levels could intensify over the next week.
Foreign investors are selling Thai assets as an energy shock from the US-Israeli war on Iran threatens to snuff out hopes for an economic revival under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and exposes the policy paralysis that is gripping Bangkok.
Rice prices have surged the most in more than two years on concerns about the supply outlook after the cost of fuel and fertilizer jumped due to the Iran war, prompting some Thai farmers to leave their crop in the ground.
Michelin-listed restaurant operators expect a gloomy outlook for the dining business this year, hampered by sluggish spending and surging energy costs.
Why April 15 marks Thailand’s true New Year in the ancient tradition
Elephants lead Songkran water pouring in Chiang Mai
Fuel prices across Thailand will fall from today, with diesel dropping by 4 baht to 44.4 baht per liter and benzine also reduced, providing immediate relief ahead of the Songkran holiday period.
What Is Songkran, the Thai New Year Festival, and Where to Enjoy It
Songkran Thailand: A Timeless Tradition of Splashing Through Generations
Due to the surge in fuel prices, many travelers are booking trains to their hometowns ahead of the Songkran holiday. Passenger numbers at Buri Ram Railway Station rose by 30% compared to previous festival periods.
As Thais gear up for the upcoming Songkran holiday, I can’t help but notice how this year’s highly anticipated days off and time off work have a bit more nuance to them than usual. Granted, people are still discussing rest, relaxation and how they will fully utilize their time away from the office, while the jetset crowd will undoubtedly make full use of flying overseas and avoiding Middle Eastern routes, but something feels a bit different this year.
Natural gas remains a cornerstone of global power generation despite mounting concerns over liquefied natural gas (LNG) shortages linked to Middle East tensions, according to Gulf Developmentc, Thailand’s largest energy company by market value and a major telecoms operator.
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with fee collection as proposed by Iran, together with high oil prices, is dampening the prospects for Thai exports and may push overseas shipments into contraction this year, economists say.
15-year-old girl collects bottles to support family
A major Thai manufacturer of plastic tanks and boats is set to close down after more than 50 years in business, as soaring costs and weakening demand finally pushed the company beyond its limit.
The Department of Medical Services recommends that anyone planning to visit countries where Meningococcal disease is prevalent be vaccinated first to prevent infection. Dr. Sakan Bunnag, the department’s deputy chief, said the disease is caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. It leads to meningitis and spinal cord infection, he said.
Elephants join in Songkran festivities in Ayutthaya
Phuket’s Songkran celebrations have long stood apart from the rest of Thailand’s travel experiences — not merely for the scale of the water fights, but for the particular alchemy of beach culture, Sino-Portuguese heritage, and deep Buddhist tradition that gives the island its distinct New Year character.
Need some inspiration for your next vacation? Consider a short getaway to nearby Thailand, which is brimming with some of the region’s most beautiful and luxurious resort destinations. Here’s what to see and do in the idyllic enclaves of Hua Hin, Krabi, Phuket, Samui, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai, and the best hotels to stay at.
Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa has announced urgent measures to accelerate plastic recycling in Thailand, as the country grapples with a shortage of plastics caused by the ongoing Israel–US conflict with Iran. The initiative, he said, is not only aimed at easing immediate supply pressures but also at strengthening long-term environmental protection.
In 2020, Thai authorities announced that they would endeavour to make Thailand a regional electric vehicle (EV) hub in just five years. True enough, by 2025, Chinese EV manufacturing companies had made the country a solid base.
Humanity took a giant leap closer to the lunar surface last evening as the Artemis II Orion spacecraft, Integrity, successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. The safe return of the four-person crew marks the conclusion of a historic 10-day mission and the first time humans have journeyed to the vicinity of the Moon in over half a century. 
New 24/7 Pet Channel targets China’s growing pet market
Songkran 2026 safety rules: key bans and penalties you need to know
Hua Hin Songkran 2026 will take place on April 12-13, with city officials planning a mix of large-scale water-based entertainment and traditional Thai New Year activities at Pone Kingphet Park and along Damnoen Kasem Road.
Thap Sakae will host the Na Hu Kwang Festival 2026 during the Songkran holiday, with organizers aiming to boost tourism and local economic activity through a two-day beachfront event centered around light installations and live entertainment.
Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKP) forecasts that a surge in global oil prices will push housing prices up by 10% this year, primarily affecting homebuyers in the mass-market segment.
Newly appointed Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa has vowed to help Thai manufacturers weather the impact of geopolitical conflict and rising energy costs, while steering the country’s industrial sector toward greener, more sustainable practices under the government’s bio-, circular and green (BCG) economic model.
The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) has warned that forward bookings for the second quarter of 2026 are weaker than last year, as airfares surge and uncertainty rises due to the ongoing Middle East crisis. THA President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun highlighted concerns over Q2 performance, noting that while Q1 targets were met, Q3–Q4 markets remain in a “wait-and-see” mode.
Bangkok authorities have announced that water-splashing events during the Songkran festival will be alcohol-free citywide, wrapping up by 10 pm each night. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has set up a 24/7 command center to ensure safety and operational effectiveness throughout the festival’s duration from April 11-15.
Ferry fares to Koh Chang will increase on Friday due to the soaring price of diesel. The ferry fare surge was approved yesterday by a ferry fare committee chaired by Trat Gov. Piriya Chanthadilok. The committee included representatives from the Marine Department and local ferry operators.
The government has added bottled drinking water and seasoning sauces to its price-control list, along with plastic pellets, in order to prevent undue price increases in light of cost pressures arising from the Middle East war.
The Fuel Fund Board has approved an increase in diesel prices, with the retail price of B7 diesel rising to 50.54 baht per liter and B20 diesel to 45.54 baht per liter, effective yesterday. The decision follows a reduction in subsidy rates aimed at easing the financial burden on the state Oil Fuel Fund. The adjustment will have an immediate impact on transport costs and the wider economy.
The 15th edition of the Princess Pa’s Cup InterContinental–B.Grimm Beach Polo Hua Hin took place on Saturday, bringing a blend of sport, society, and seaside elegance to the beachfront of InterContinental Hua Hin Resort.
Inspectors from the Department of Internal Trade (DIT), under the Commerce Ministry, have been conducting random inspections of outlets selling LPG cooking gas and gas-filling facilities to ensure they are not cheating customers by selling less gas than the tanks’ stated capacity.
Oil prices opened higher today as the US-Israeli war with Iran continued to disrupt global supply, reinforcing concerns over one of the most severe energy shocks in years, according to Reuters.
The war in the Middle East, now in its second month, is hitting global trade, as shipping costs climb in line with higher oil prices, while freight rates have also risen sharply.
Thailand’s rising cost of living is becoming increasingly hard for households to bear, with a new survey showing that most people are already feeling the strain as Songkran approaches.
Restaurants are bracing for less vibrant sales during the Songkran holiday this year, which runs from April 11-15, according to the Thai Restaurant Assn. With the Middle East war driving up the cost of living and reducing consumer purchasing power, Thaniwan Kulmongkol, president of the association, said food is often the first thing people cut from their budgets.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told shoppers while inspecting prices of goods on sale at a shopping mall in Bangkapi area of Bangkok Saturday that a round of 50:50 co-payment scheme will be implemented after April 30.
Thai manufacturers have been further hit with a double whammy as a severe shortage of microchips has thrown this market into turmoil, while prices of all types of steel products are initially rising by 10%-15% this month.
Thailand is pushing for regulations that would require international tourists to obtain accident insurance before entering the country, as rising unpaid medical bills and accident risks place a mounting strain on public healthcare.
Tourist numbers along Jomtien Beach have dropped noticeably in recent days, leaving normally busy beachfront areas unusually quiet and raising concerns among local operators. A survey of the area found a clear decline in visitors, with long stretches of beach appearing sparse compared to the typically lively atmosphere Pattaya is known for.
Thailand’s aviation sector is starting to show clearer signs of strain from the worsening oil crisis, with Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X suspending selected routes during the 2026 summer schedule as surging fuel costs weigh more heavily on operations. The move comes as energy tensions linked to the Middle East conflict continue to push up aviation costs globally.
On the right track along Bangkok’s rail lines
The MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) sector includes business activities at event venues, as well as the entire supply chain, including catering companies, organizers, and transport providers.
Organic farming becomes a new pillar in the global food trade
Grab Thailand is accelerating its Grab EV program in response to the ongoing energy crisis by announcing strategic partnerships with nine new partners, including EV manufacturers and distributors, as well as taxi cooperatives.
For the first time in more than half a century, astronauts will fly around the Moon today, marking the high point of the Artemis 2’s lunar mission. The flyby will last around seven hours, starting today around 2:45 p.m. eastern US time (1845 GMT) and ending around 9:20 p.m. (0120 GMT).