As today is April Fool’s Day, Expat News cannot verify that every article in today’s news is not a trick.
- Wild elephant herd at Pa La-U waterfall/To strictly enforce 10 key traffic offenses/Ride-Sharing Platforms Legally Accountable for Safety/Anzac Day celebration/Chiang Mai Wildfire Disaster Zones/4,750 ‘hotspots’ detected
- THE IRAN WAR: Thailand readies fuel rationing plan/Thai Food Exports Fall/War and Oil Drag Tourist Targets/Energy shock rattles ASEAN economies/Private couriers raise fees
- ECONOMY: Private sector urges economic action/Microsoft Invests $1 billion/DIY giants losing momentum/Bangkok Motor Show, after the fuel shock
- TOURISM: Thailand welcomes 9.17M foreign visitors/Stronger baht hurts travel/How China Is Remaking Thai Tourism/Couple from USA Found Dead
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Wild elephant herd spotted at Pa La-U waterfall
Wild elephants were spotted gathering at the Pa La-U reservoir in Kaeng Krachan National Park yesterday, with officials counting at least 32 animals at the water’s edge and in the surrounding area.
The elephants were seen in the early evening as the light began to fade. Officials said some were drinking from the reservoir, while others were feeding on aquatic plants and grass nearby. More elephants were also seen moving deeper inside the forest, meaning the full size of the herd could not be confirmed. Continued …
Thailand to strictly enforce 10 key traffic offenses from today
Under the upgraded road safety measures, traffic laws will now be enforced more strictly, with the key aim of reducing accidents, ensuring concrete enforcement, and building traffic discipline among the public.
Previously, the Traffic Management Center of the Royal Thai Police had laid out its operations in phases to give people time to adjust to the law. It first introduced a “warning before fine” measure to raise public awareness of traffic laws, and that easing period ended yesterday. Continued …
Thai Ride-Sharing Platforms Now Legally Accountable for Passenger Safety
Thailand’s digital transport landscape entered a new era of regulation yesterday, as the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) enforces a landmark mandate shifting legal responsibility onto ride-sharing platforms.
Under the new “Ride-Sharing Proclamation,” platforms are no longer classified as mere intermediaries or “matching services” between drivers and passengers. Instead, they are now legally obligated to implement rigorous vetting, screening, and active supervision of all services from the point of origin. Continued …
Anzac Day celebration in Kanchanaburi April 25
Anzac Day is an important occasion for Australian and New Zealand communities around the world, and we aim to bring together local expatriates and the wider community to honor and reflect on this significant day. The dawn service at Hellfire Pass will be the only official dawn service in Thailand and it is jointly hosted by the Australian and New Zealand governments.
Hellfire Pass is an important section of the historic Burma-Thailand railway and stands as a powerful reminder of the hardships endured by allied prisoners of war and Asian laborers during World War II. Over 60,000 allied prisoners worked on the railway, with approximately 12,500 lost lives, including British, Australian, Dutch, American, and tens of thousands of Asian laborers.
Chiang Mai Declares Wildfire Disaster Zones
Chiang Mai has declared wildfire disaster zones in two districts, as worsening forest fires and haze continue to impact northern areas, prompting authorities to accelerate emergency assistance and recovery efforts.
Provincial officials have designated Samoeng and Hot as disaster-affected areas and emergency assistance zones to speed up support for residents affected by the ongoing crisis. The move enables faster deployment of aid, damage assessments, and rehabilitation measures in communities facing significant disruption. Continued …
Record 4,750 ‘hotspots’ detected across Thailand
Satellite data shows a record surge in hotspots across Thailand, with 4,750 detected in a single day, most in forested areas, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported yesterday.
A hotspot is a thermal anomaly, often a heat source, that can indicate a potential fire. Hotspots are derived from multi-spectral satellite data. According to GISTDA, analysis of data from the Suomi NPP satellite using the VIIRS system on March 30 showed Thailand’s hotspot count hitting a new high. Continued …
Thailand readies fuel rationing plan if energy crisis hits Level 3
Thailand may have to impose fuel rationing if the Middle East-driven energy crisis worsens to Level 3, with officials saying contingency plans are already in place if crude can no longer be imported from the region and domestic demand outstrips refinery capacity.
Authorities currently assess the situation at Level 2.2 on a three-tier scale, indicating the disruption is unlikely to ease within a month and could still worsen depending on the fighting. Continued …
Thai Food Exports Fall as Middle East War Hits Global Trade
Thai food exports fell by 10.5% in the first two months of 2026, with further declines expected as the Middle East war begins to disrupt global trade routes from March. Exports were valued at B202.1 billion, reflecting weak global demand, rising costs and growing trade restrictions.
The conflict is expected to severely affect shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for goods դեպի Gulf markets. Wisit Limluecha, vice chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Processed Food and Future Food Committee, said yesterday that exports would continue to contract in the first quarter. Continued …
War and Oil Drag Thailand’s Tourist Targets Down
Thailand has downgraded its 2026 foreign tourist arrival forecast to 32.14 million visitors and projected revenue to 1.52 trillion baht, as the ripple effects of the US–Iran war rewrite the economics of international travel and push the kingdom into uncertain territory.
The Tourism Confidence Index for the first quarter of 2026 — drawn from a survey of 740 operators across all regions — registered 81, a meaningful recovery from the 72 recorded in the previous quarter, yet still well below the 83 of a year ago. Continued …
Hormuz energy shock rattles economies across ASEAN markets
Since the outbreak of the Iran war in late February, the market capitalization of companies across the ASEAN region has shrunk by at least US$216.9 billion (about 7.1 trillion baht), with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz emerging as a major factor.
Nikkei Asia reported that the combined market capitalization of some 3,500 non-financial companies in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Vietnam stood at US$1.92 trillion as of March 26, down 10.2% from Feb. 27, the day before the United States and Israel began attacking Iran. Continued …
Thailand’s three private couriers raise fees as oil costs soar
Three private delivery companies – J&T Express, Flash Express, and KEX – announced a simultaneous 3-baht increase in delivery charges per parcel effective today, after persistently high oil prices drove up operating costs and directly affected the delivery business.
This adjustment has been made across the industry, with operators saying it is a temporary measure to cope with higher fuel costs while maintaining service quality and business continuity. Continued …
Private sector urges urgent economic action
Business leaders have welcomed Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s new cabinet, expressing hope for a more effective response to a range of economic challenges, from surging fuel prices to broader issues affecting the Thai economy.
Poj Aramwattananont, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the private sector is confident that the new cabinet will perform its duties effectively and is eager to work closely with the government to tackle the challenges. Continued …
Microsoft Invests $1 billion to Boost AI in Thailand
Thailand is stepping up efforts to become a regional artificial intelligence hub, after Microsoft pledged a $1 billion investment over the next two years to strengthen digital infrastructure and skills development.
The announcement was made yesterday following a meeting at Government House in Bangkok between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Microsoft President and Vice Chairman Brad Smith. The investment is expected to enhance the country’s digital competitiveness and improve public service efficiency. Continued …
Why are Thailand’s DIY giants losing momentum?
Home improvement is one of the most – if not the most – cyclical of all retail categories, and the one most susceptible to weak consumer confidence. So, it is hardly surprising that, as Thailand’s DIY market, the biggest in Southeast Asia, struggles with weak consumer confidence, household debt, rising energy costs, and an otherwise choppy macroeconomic backdrop, retailers are getting less productivity out of their giant warehouses.
Still, they keep adding stores, which means same-store sales will continue to decline and competition for customers will intensify. As material costs rise, that will hurt profits, too. Both the top and bottom lines are being squeezed. Continued …
The Bangkok Motor Show, after the fuel shock
The Bangkok International Motor Show still knows how to stage desire. This year’s edition, running from March 25 to April 5 at IMPACT Challenger, has all the familiar pleasures intact: polished bodywork under hard lights, crowds drifting from stand to stand, and the quiet thrill of being close to machines designed to look smoother, sharper, and more complete than everyday life usually allows.
The excitement is still there. What feels different now is the meaning attached to it. The car no longer arrives as a simple symbol of freedom or prestige. It enters a more unsettled conversation, one shaped by energy anxiety, changing consumer habits, and a growing curiosity about what driving is supposed to look like next. Continued …
Thailand welcomes 9.17M foreign visitors to March 29, down 2.3%
Thailand recorded 9,174,586 foreign tourist arrivals between Jan. 1 and March 29, a decline of 2.3% year on year, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The ministry estimated foreign visitor spending over the period at around 446,765 million baht.
Natreeya Taweewong, permanent secretary of the ministry, said that in the past week (March 23-29) travel demand eased as short-haul markets wound down after the Eid al-Fitr holiday period, while long-haul travel also moved into the tail end of the season. She noted, however, that long-haul demand has shown signs of improving, as some travelers adjust to more direct flight routings from Europe to Thailand. Continued …
Stronger baht hurts travel
The tourism sector could lose 15%-17% of revenue if the baht strengthens beyond 30 per US dollar, according to a former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Meanwhile, the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) forecast that bookings for the Songkran holiday this year could drop by 5%-10% year-on-year.
Speaking at the THA’s annual general meeting yesterday, Yuthasak Supasorn, chairman of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand and the former TAT governor, said three scenarios were prepared for the baht and the potential impact on Thai tourism should the Middle East crisis persist. Continued …
Beyond Beaches: How China Is Remaking Thai Tourism
On a Tuesday morning at a heritage house in Bangkok’s old quarter, a queue of young Chinese women in elaborate Thai traditional dress waits patiently for a photographer to finish composing the perfect shot. They have not come to see a temple. They have not booked a beach. They have come, in the most contemporary sense of the word, to experience Thailand — and to post about it.
That scene, replicated across the country from Chiang Mai’s night bazaars to the silk villages of the northeast, encapsulates a transformation reshaping Thailand’s most important source market. Continued …
Couple from USA Found Dead in Pattaya Hotel Room
Two American nationals have been found dead inside a hotel room in the Jomtien area of Pattaya, with police investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Officers were called to the scene at around 11 am yesterday.
The bodies of a man and a woman were found on the floor of a third-floor room, lying together. Police said initial assessments suggest they had been dead for three to four days. Authorities identified the pair as Richard Carl Speth Jr., 85, and Kelly Marie Bennett, 65, both from the United States. Continued …
Historic Moon mission set for launch
Today, three men and one woman are set to embark on the first crewed journey to the Moon since 1972, a landmark odyssey that aims to launch the United States into a new era of space exploration. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) mission dubbed Artemis 2 has been years in the making after facing repeated setbacks, but is finally scheduled to take off from Florida as early as today at 6.24 pm (2224 GMT). Continued …
At gas stations, Americans say they’re ‘paying the price’ of Iran war
At a gas station in the Washington suburbs, drivers confronted the harsh domestic repercussions of the war on Iran, as spiking fuel prices hit household budgets hard. Jeanne Williams, 83, had just driven 160 kilometers from Richmond, Virginia, where she was visiting her elder sister. “That is horrible,” she said, stunned by the prices visible on the gas station’s LED board. 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
Officials have discussed plans for a potential new international air route linking Hua Hin with Singapore, as part of efforts to strengthen the town’s tourism sector and improve accessibility for overseas visitors. The proposal, which includes a direct connection to Singapore’s Changi Airport, was raised during a meeting of the Hua Hin Airport Service Development Committee yesterday.
Dusit Thani Hua Hin is set to welcome guests for a lively celebration of the Thai New Year with its ‘Local Feast’ Songkran Carnival. Scheduled for April 12-13, from 5:30 pm to 10 pm, the event will take place at the Lagoon Lawn, offering a family-friendly atmosphere filled with local flavours and cultural traditions.
Rooted in ancient traditions of cleansing and respect, the Songkran Thai New Year marks a natural pause for both physical and emotional recalibration. As the Kingdom prepares to welcome the new season, Chiva-Som Hua Hin invites guests to experience Songkran as more than a celebration, reframing it as a meaningful journey of renewal, reflection, and holistic wellbeing.
U-Tapao airport construction set to start April 3 after long delay
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast today that a heat low-pressure system is covering upper Thailand, bringing hot conditions nationwide and very hot weather in some areas of the north, northeast and central regions.
One year on from deadly Bangkok quake collapse, accountability still buried
The government will roll out targeted fuel subsidies for the transport sector from April 1, Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has confirmed, as operators grapple with mounting costs and looming freight rate increases.
Diesel tax to drop by 1 baht per liter
The Federation of Land Transport of Thailand has resolved to roll out phased increases in its charges of up to 30%, starting on April 1, to offset rising operating costs driven by a 6 baht-per-liter increase in diesel prices.
Thanadet Traiyot waited in line for hours at his local gas station, armed with containers and desperately hoping to secure much-needed diesel for his rice fields in Ayutthaya, central Thailand. He was third in the queue when the shop announced their supplies had run dry. That was five days ago; he still hasn’t managed to restock to his normal levels.
The ongoing war in the Middle East is exposing a critical vulnerability in Thailand’s energy system – its heavy dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Over 350 ships reportedly await Iran’s clearance to transit Strait of Hormuz
The government plans to launch the “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme to help ease the rising cost of living, with rollout expected after it delivers its policy statement to parliament.
In February, Thai exports grew by 9.9% year-on-year, reaching US$29.43 billion (912.56 billion baht). This marked the 20th consecutive month of expansion, primarily driven by the electronics and electrical appliances sectors, which have benefited from the global AI boom.
The 47th Bangkok International Motor Show has opened strongly, with total vehicle bookings reaching 12,408 units over the first four days (March 23-26).
The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok announced yesterday that the U.S. Department of State has paused immigrant visa issuances to nationals from 75 countries, including Thailand. This suspension, effective Jan. 21, 2026, aims to prevent immigrants from draining U.S. welfare resources.
Fuel fears and price surge dampen Songkran travel mood
A group of mostly elderly travelers, later identified as lay judges, filed a complaint on Thursday with The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) after allegedly being abandoned at Suvarnabhumi Airport by a tour company.
Bangkok and Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) are partnering to host the Songkran Festival, transforming the city into a global destination from April 12-14. The event, themed “CP Splash to Space”, will take place at CP Tower Silom.
Chiang Mai topped global air pollution rankings yesterday morning as hazardous PM2.5 levels blanketed the province, prompting authorities to issue an urgent health warning.
The Japanese government yesterday approved its next basic tourism plan, including steps to bring the number of areas with measures against overtourism to 100 by 2030, the first time it has set a target on the issue. 
If you’re stuck on where to go this Songkran in the Land of Smiles, consider consulting the cosmos. Explained here is a slightly cosmic, very opinionated guide to where you should travel in Thailand this Songkran, based on your zodiac sign. Think personality traits, travel styles, and the kind of chaos (or calm) each sign secretly thrives in.
The “Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026” event in Hua Hin will take place on Sunday at the Khao Tao Reservoir area.
A network of e-cigarette users has urged Thailand’s new government to review the country’s e-cigarette ban, citing official data showing use has risen sharply despite more than a decade of prohibition.
A historic surge in oil prices is exposing the fragility of import-dependent Thailand, compounding pressure on an already weakening currency and raising the risk of capital flight, analysts say.
Travelers heading to Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan now face higher ferry fares after a sharp hike in fuel prices across Thailand prompted a ferry operator in Surat Thani province to raise ticket prices.
Boat Operators in Bangkok to Increase Fares Due to Rise in Diesel Prices
Tourism operators on Thai resort islands are bracing for the effects of the sudden sharp increase in fuel prices yesterday.
Business operators across Thailand have cried foul over the sudden spike in diesel and fuel prices, saying the surge has intensified already mounting cost pressures and is forcing some to consider price hikes or cutbacks.
A fuel shortage and a recent surge in prices have caused logistics chaos for provincial retail and wholesale operators, sparking concerns it will reduce foot traffic during the upcoming Songkran festival in April.
A surge in diesel prices triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran is pushing Thailand’s multibillion-dollar fishing industry toward a standstill, with fishermen warning that their boats could be idled within days unless the government steps in.
The Ministry of Public Health plans to limit certain treatments, expand telemedicine, and tighten pharmaceutical management to cope with mounting resource pressures, as the Middle East war threatens global medical supply chains, permanent secretary Dr. Somruek Chungsaman said.
Both antisemitism and Islamophobia are spreading across the West as the escalation of conflict in the Middle East — triggered by the US and Israeli strikes against Iran — enters its second month this weekend.
The Thai Retailers Assn. (TRA) has partnered with the Commerce Ministry to advance the “Thai Chuay Thai” initiative to ease the cost of living. The campaign offers more than 5,000 essential consumer products, particularly high-quality house brands and second-tier brands, at affordable prices through retail channels nationwide.
Though patients from the Middle East are shrinking as a result of war, analysts are upbeat about prospects for Thai hospitals this year, as the country has emerged as a medical and wellness hub and is transitioning into a “super-aged” society.
Thailand’s decision to reduce visa-free stays has been framed by authorities as a minor adjustment unlikely to disrupt the tourism sector. Officials argue that only 6–8 million visitors might choose alternative destinations — a small fraction of the millions who flock to the kingdom each year.
Embark on a delicious adventure through Bangkok’s vibrant food scene. From famous street food at Jodd Fairs Market to budget-friendly plates at Bib Gourmand favorites like Je-Oh and Polo Fried Chicken, this comprehensive food tour uncovers both classic Thai flavors and modern cuisine.
The government is accelerating the adoption of clean energy through new measures that support the installation of rooftop solar. The initiative offers tax incentives to help reduce electricity costs for businesses and households.
Anthony Bygraves MSyI, chief executive of the London-founded sustainable property developer The Zero, has set out an ambitious vision for the future of eco-conscious living on Thailand’s most celebrated island.
To conserve fuel, Thailand Post is converting its current fuel-powered fleet of last-mile delivery vehicles to electric trucks and motorcycles. Rising fuel prices have prompted the logistics provider to reduce its operational costs, a third of which goes to petrol.
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has invited residents and organizations across the capital to switch off non-essential lights for one hour tomorrow as part of the “60+ Earth Hour 2026” campaign to cut energy use and help tackle global warming.
The new government is bracing for a surge in electricity bills, as liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices climb in the wake of conflict in the Middle East, according to an energy official who requested anonymity.
Thailand will continue to experience generally hot weather through March 30, with very hot conditions expected in parts of the north and central regions where temperatures may exceed 40C, according to the Meteorological Department.
The Thai army intelligence chief has warned that the border conflict with Cambodia could reignite, pointing out that Phnom Penh has placed large orders for weaponary. Lt. Gen. Teeranan Nandhakwang said tensions along the border with Cambodia currently appear to be easing, with a shift from military combat to international legal and diplomatic manoeuvring.
The Commerce Ministry is adding 20 more items to the list of controlled products to help cushion the impact of the current oil crisis on consumers, as the war in the Middle East drags on.
Bangchak Corp. said that its crude oil tanker from the Middle East, which had been anchored in the Persian Gulf since March 11, recently passed safely through the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel is currently traveling across the Indian Ocean and is scheduled to deliver crude oil to Thailand in early April.
Middle East conflict delays auto exports to key market
Tensions in the Middle East have pushed up transport costs, energy costs, oil prices, freight charges and insurance premiums. Freight rates for March 15-30 have been raised by more than 40%, with shipping lines citing special surcharges and higher fuel costs.
Cambodia is facing fresh energy turmoil after Sokimex, one of the country’s largest fuel suppliers, announced that it would temporarily suspend LPG sales from April 1 after failing to import the fuel since the beginning of March, citing transport disruption linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Sokimex operates about 500 service stations nationwide, making the move a significant blow to fuel confidence in a country that depends almost entirely on imports for its energy needs.
The Philippines has formally declared a national energy emergency, becoming the first country to take such action in response to the escalating global energy crisis triggered by conflict in the Middle East.
Gold has long been the asset investors reach for when the world feels dangerous. Wars, economic shocks, political chaos — historically, any of these tends to send the price of bullion climbing. So why, in the middle of an active and intensifying Middle East conflict, has gold just suffered its worst week in over 40 years?
Shipments rise in February on industrial demand
The Bhirombhakdi family heirs recently held a merit-making ceremony on March 23, 2026, to mark the anniversary of the death of Phraya Bhirombhakdi, the man behind the legend of Thailand’s first beer and the founder of Thai food and beverage giant Boon Rawd Brewery.
Sitting in a Nimman cafe in Chiang Mai, a Thai local notices a good-looking foreigner working on a laptop next to them for hours. Having ordered just one cup of coffee, this person is clearly not a tourist, nor are they here to relax. They sit quietly, working as if the cafe were their own personal office.
Phuket is on the brink of a water shortage if the anticipated rainy season is delayed and doesn’t bring substantial rainfall within three months. The island currently possesses 12 million cubic meters of raw water across its reservoirs, only slightly over half their full capacity.
Thailand is positioning itself as a major global hub for EDM festivals, after securing full-scale, multi-year plans for Tomorrowland and Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) — two of the world’s biggest electronic music brands.
Thailand’s Erawan National Park — Where Green and Growth Combine
Thailand is experiencing a significant transformation in its travel landscape with the launch of the “Healing Journey Thailand” wellness campaign by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in January. This initiative aims to attract high-value, wellness-seeking travelers and highlights the country’s natural beauty intertwined with rich cultural experiences.
ASEAN could meet new power needs with solar at US$67 billion savings
A remarkable story of loyalty and resilience has captured hearts online. Seven stolen dogs reportedly traveled more than 17 kilometers along a motorway in finding their way back home, in northeastern China. The incident occurred in Changchun, in Jilin province, where footage emerged showing the pack of dogs walking together along the Changchun–Shuangyang Expressway, and the video quickly went viral. 
Vietnam and Russia have agreed to build Vietnam’s first nuclear power plant, as Hanoi seeks to strengthen energy security amid global fuel disruptions. The deal was signed during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to Russia, though no timeline for construction was announced. 
So-called “smart poles” are being installed at key locations across Hua Hin as part of efforts to strengthen public safety and support the development of smart infrastructure. The initiative forms part of the Hua Hin Smart City Phase 1 project, under which Hua Hin City Municipality has installed no fewer than 30 CCTV cameras, along with related equipment throughout the municipal area.
The Cha Am Blue Swimming Crab Festival will conclude on Saturday at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint, featuring fresh seafood, conservation activities, and nightly live music.
The Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 is being held today and tomorrow, promising a larger, more refined evolution of the event that has become part of the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
Thailand Riviera tourist road to improve access to Hua Hin
NH Hua Hin Hotel has appointed Nartsupak Thaweewong as general manager. Nartsupak brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience in Thailand and Singapore to the role.
Airin Phanrit, deputy spokeswoman for the prime minister’s office, said yesterday that this year’s heat index is expected to be more severe than last year’s, with levels in April and May likely to rise into the “very dangerous” range of more than 52°C.
Thailand’s heavy industries are coming under renewed pressure from high oil prices, with production costs rising sharply and supply-chain strains raising the risk of shortages in plastic bags and packaging materials, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
The Airline Association of Thailand (AAT) is seeking government intervention for relief measures, as the aviation industry faces escalating cost pressures. In a recent meeting with executives from its member airlines, including Bangkok Airways and Thai AirAsia, the AAT discussed challenges posed by global economic conditions and external factors, particularly the geopolitical tensions affecting fuel prices.
Saha Pathanapibul and BJC, two major consumer goods companies, have warned retailers of the impact of unrest in the Middle East, which has driven up raw material, packaging, and transport costs and may affect product availability and deliveries.
The Land Transport Federation of Thailand has issued five demands for the government to address the energy crisis, warning it may escalate to a nationwide transport shutdown if no action is taken.
Thai fishermen staying ashore as fuel prices bite
Thais say their top concern is rising living costs and they are urging the new government to take swift action on the issue, according to a National Statistical Office (NSO) survey.
Despite declines in new launches and inventory in Bangkok, condo developers are likely to delay new supply this year, as sales remain sluggish and absorption rates continue to fall, according to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC).
Bangkok’s Chatuchak Named the Best Night Market in the World
Swedish solar technology company Midsummer has expanded its operations into Thailand, bringing advanced renewable energy solutions to the Southeast Asian region. As part of this expansion, the company has opened a new regional office in Bangkok to strengthen its presence and respond to the growing demand for clean energy in the country.
Thwaites Glacier in west Antarctica, covering more than 192,000 square kilometers, has been dubbed the “Doomsday Glacier” because it acts as the final barrier preventing the west Antarctic ice sheet from flowing into the ocean. But the glacier is now melting rapidly, raising fears that many coastal cities around the world could eventually be submerged.
Education officials are considering banning mobile phone use in all Thai classrooms, following a new initiative announced in Bangkok aimed at improving learning conditions. The proposed measures seek to reduce distractions and limit the health and behavioral impacts linked to excessive screen time. If adopted, changes would begin in the 2026 academic year.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is collaborating with GrabTaxi (Thailand) to explore the development of drone delivery services. This collaboration aims to enhance transport and logistics, emphasizing the importance of regulatory oversight to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Five officers were injured in a 
Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon said after a meeting of the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East that the government had been closely monitoring global energy prices and found that continued increases had made it necessary to adjust domestic oil prices after they had been capped for a full 15 days, effective today.
Global airlines sounded the alarm yesterday over soaring jet fuel prices triggered by the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, warning of hundreds of millions of extra costs, higher fares, and cuts to some routes.
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) 
Lack of diesel brought garbage collection to a halt in Kanchanaburi municipality yesterday morning, with the trucks not beginning their rounds until fuel was available in the afternoon.
As soaring ocean freight rates put pressure on exporters, Thai wooden furniture manufacturer Deesawat is urging exporters to explore closer markets amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The tripartite wage committee has unanimously agreed that now is not the right time to consider a minimum wage increase, citing uncertainty over the economic fallout from the war in the Middle East and the need to closely monitor energy prices.
Ranong Port: Gateway To BIMSTEC Economy Worth US$3.5 Trillion
Rise of the cat economy: Thai cat population exceeds 4 million
Hotel operators in Thailand consider high energy prices more troubling than mass cancellations, as only one month remains in the high tourism season, resulting in requests for the government to promote domestic travel during the Songkran holiday to help maintain occupancy rates.
Eco-Friendly Adventures Await in Thailand’s Phang Nga
Asian utilities are boosting coal-fired power generation to cut costs and safeguard ?energy supply, industry executives say, as the US-Israeli war on Iran chokes liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments and soaring prices threaten to suppress LNG demand.
The Office of the Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB) expects purchases of sugar cane leaves to more than double this year as Thailand reduces its reliance on liquefied natural gas imports, shipments of which have been disrupted by war in the Middle East.
Last week, Chakkaphan Phewngam, deputy governor of Bangkok, led a high-level site inspection at the On Nut Refuse Disposal Center in Prawet District to evaluate the progress of the city’s landmark waste-to-energy incineration plant. Spanning 30 rai, this 1,000-ton-per-day facility represents a core component of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) strategic shift away from traditional landfilling toward sustainable, high-tech waste management.
Wind power and photovoltaic energy are reshaping the energy landscape. However, early-generation wind and solar equipment, designed to last 20 to 25 years, is now entering a phase of large-scale decommissioning.
Joe Kent, the director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, announced his resignation yesterday, citing his concerns about the justification for military strikes in Iran and saying he “cannot in good conscience” back the Trump administration’s war. 
Long queues formed at petrol stations across the Laotian capital Vientiane on Monday as fuel shortages deepened, with the ripples of the Middle East conflict reverberating across landlocked Laos. The Southeast Asian nation is dependent on neighboring Thailand for fuel supplies, which initially announced it was suspending exports to conserve its holdings, but has assured Vientiane that fuel is on its way. 
After prices of liquefied natural gas surged to record highs after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, millions of people in Pakistan were repeatedly left without electricity. But people soon started to realize there was an alternative. The falling costs of solar panels and generous government incentives to feed excess power back to the grid made rooftop solar an attractive option. 
Indonesia plans to fast-track the development of renewable energy, aiming to build 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar power capacity within the next two years as part of efforts to advance energy transition and strengthen national energy security. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said the government has instructed a special task force on renewable energy and energy conservation to fast-track the large-scale solar program. 
Thailand is set to receive a new shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from overseas, ensuring adequate fuel for power generation as electricity demand surges during the hot season, according to an energy official who requested anonymity.
Anan Phonimdang, deputy governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and acting SRT governor, said the rise in fuel prices has had a direct impact on the railway operator.
The Thai Board of Investment (BOI) has warned the business sector to prepare for the impact of rising global conflicts and wars, saying they are becoming part of a new world economic order.
A transformative shift in the labor market is taking place as Thailand approaches “super-aged society” status by 2030, according to Jobsdb by SEEK, a leading online job platform.
The Thai banking industry is entering a transition period in which banks can no longer rely on strong interest income or generate the high levels of return on equity (ROE) as seen in the past, according to the chief executive of TMBThanachart Bank (ttb).
Thailand is losing nearly B30 billion in tax revenue each year as the illegal tobacco market expands, with illicit products now accounting for around a quarter of total tobacco consumption. A new policy report highlights the growing scale of illicit trade and its impact on government income, lawful businesses and consumer safety.
Venice is drowning – not just in rising waters but also in tourists. The city is charging a day-tripper fee and has banned large tour groups and loudspeakers in an effort to curb the crush. Barcelona residents march with squirt guns and “Tourists go home” signs to protest rising rents and crowds. Amsterdam is moving to cap and eventually ban ocean-going cruise ships to reduce pollution and visitor pressure.
European tourists are increasingly favoring eastern Thailand’s attractions over the traditionally popular southern areas, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This shift is linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has notably decreased southern Thailand’s appeal.
For the past decade, Whitney Spielfogel’s family has taken an annual multi-generational trip over the holiday season and New Year’s with her parents. Hawaii, Costa Rica, Cabo, Tulum, Turks and Caicos. They had done them all together, her parents and her husband, Ross, and eventually her children, Sienna and Slade.
The Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 has officially confirmed a strategic move to March 19-20, promising a larger, more refined evolution of the event that has become part of the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
The Hua Hin 100K Ultra Marathon 2026 has been officially launched, with organizers aiming to strengthen the town’s reputation as a sports tourism destination while inviting runners to sign up for the endurance event.
The Thailand Professional Golf Assn. (TPGA) announced its partnership with the Asian Tour to organize an Asian Development Tour (ADT)-level event — the Singha-SAT ADT Hua Hin Championship 2026 — between April 23-26 at Royal Hua Hin Golf Course.
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has announced a policy restricting the use of mobile phones and electronic devices during lessons at 437 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
Thailand is facing a burgeoning literacy crisis, with approximately 65% of 15-year-olds unable to comprehend or analyze the content they read, despite being technically literate.
Thai health officials are sounding the alarm over a growing trend of adopting American dietary habits, warning that the latest “Upside-Down Pyramid” model from the United States may be ill-suited to the Thai physique and could lead to chronic health issues.
The Ministry of Commerce held a meeting last week to draw up Thailand’s 2026 proactive international trade promotion plan, chaired by Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun together with directors of Thailand’s overseas trade promotion offices — commercial attachés in 58 offices across 43 economic areas worldwide — to take an in-depth look at global trade and set strategies to drive Thai exports.
The egg farmers’ cooperative network has raised the farm-gate price of mixed chicken eggs from 3.20 baht to 3.40 baht per egg, or six baht more per tray, effective today.
Thailand has strengthened its position as a leading global destination for medical tourism, with new data showing the country is now among the top three worldwide for international patients seeking treatment abroad. The surge has been driven largely by Russian travelers, who are increasingly choosing Thailand for elective procedures, preventative care, and wellness treatments.
Middle East conflict hits tourism in Phangnga
This abandoned floating hotel in Thailand is straight out of a horror film
Activists in the Mekong region have called on governments and agencies to take urgent action to protect the river from worsening environmental damage caused by hydropower dams and mining activities.
Thailand marks National Elephant Day amid a crisis of coexistence
Bangkok Ranked 8th Best City in the World for 2026
For the second time in four years, energy markets in Asia dependent on imported fossil fuels find themselves at the mercy of global commodity markets. Although each country’s immediate exposure to the Iran conflict varies, all face the indirect threat of higher costs driven by tighter fossil fuel markets and elevated geopolitical risk premiums.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, has confirmed that the government is prepared to challenge a looming US investigation into “unfair trade practices.” Working in close coordination with the Ministry of Commerce, the Thai government has developed a robust strategic framework to address the Section 301 probe initiated by the Trump administration.
The foundation of modern employment – study hard, secure a job, build a stable life – is eroding fast. Technological progress, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, is breaking down the old economic model that tied individual effort to secure, long-term work.
Medical tourism has gained attention as a growing segment within the travel market, with high potential for expansion. According to the Medical Tourism Assn. (MTA), it is estimated that over 14 million people travel abroad for medical services annually.
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.
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 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.
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.