- Fuel prices to rise today/Two PKK beaches recognized/Super El Niño could bring food shock
- THE IRAN WAR: Middle East war will weaken baht/Fuel frustration mounts/Oil Shortage Threatens Thai Tourism/Conflict threatens Thai growth/Trump signals possible wind-down/Israel-Iran strikes hit energy hubs/Qatar blast doubles LNG prices/War jolts six Thai industries/Coal units restarted/Thinning Suvarnabhumi taxi ranks/Hospitals limit drug dispensing
- ECONOMY: Consumer giants eye April price rises/Tax schemes to benefit SMEs/Vietnam preferred by European investors/Booming wellness economies
- TOURISM: Tourism eyes B15-billion stimulus/Suvarnabhumi 36th best airport
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand Falls to 52nd/Wild elephant raids kitchen
- CLIMATE THAILAND: When the ocean cannot speak
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Fuel prices to rise today as PTT and Bangchak adjust rates
Petrol prices will rise today, with PTT and Bangchak service stations announcing their latest price adjustments. Gasohol 95, Gasohol 91, Gasohol E85, Gasohol E20, Super Power Gasohol 95, and petrol will all increase by 1 baht per liter, while diesel and Super Power diesel will rise by 70 satang per liter. Effective from 5 am today, fuel prices for tomorrow will be as follows: Continued …
Two PKK beaches win 4.5-star environmental ratings, Koh Kradan and Bileh 5-star winners
The Pollution Control Department has announced the results of its 2025 Beach Star environmental assessment, with Koh Kradan in Trang and Bileh Beach on Koh Hong in Krabi receiving the highest five-star rating. Khao Kalok Beach and Sam Phraya Beach, both in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, received 4.5 stars.
The results showed that 10 beaches achieved environmental quality ratings ranging from very good to excellent, or 4.5 to five stars. The department said these beaches demonstrated an outstanding environmental quality and could serve as models for sustainable beach management in Thailand. Continued …
Super El Niño could bring drought, food shock
Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, or GISTDA, has warned that a possible “super El Niño” could trigger severe climate disruption across Thailand and the wider ASEAN region, bringing heightened risks of drought, food insecurity, soaring agricultural prices and a worsening PM2.5 crisis.
GISTDA said the region could face much greater volatility than under a normal El Niño event if the phenomenon intensifies. According to information posted by GISTDA, a normal El Niño already tends to bring hotter and drier conditions. But if it strengthens into a super El Niño, with sea-surface temperatures rising more than 1.5-2 degrees Celsius above average, the effects on climate systems, the economy and people’s daily lives could become much more severe. The agency said clearer signs may begin to emerge in early May 2026. Continued …
Escalating Middle East war will likely further weaken Thai baht
The Thai baht is set to weaken further as the Middle East war is intensifying and dragging on, while the US Federal Reserve also may not be in a rush to cut interest rates.
Wachirawat Banchuen, senior financial market strategist at Siam Commercial Bank, said the Thai baht’s plunge stopped just above 32.80 to the dollar, its weakest level in five months, and will likely continue weakening in the short term. Continued …
Fuel frustration mounts
Public frustration is mounting across Thailand over restricted access to fuel, despite repeated government assurances that national reserves remain ample. Officials insist there is no overall shortage, citing combined reserves sufficient for 104 days, yet scenes on the ground tell a more complicated story.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, demand remains intense. Lorry driver Kriangkrai said he stops at multiple stations each day, as purchases are capped at 1,000 baht per visit. “I have to refuel at up to 10 stations a day; this disrupts transport schedules.” Other motorists report similar difficulties. Continued …
Oil Shortage Fears Threaten Thai Tourism Confidence
Thailand’s tourism sector is facing renewed concern after warnings that a potential oil shortage could disrupt travel and damage visitor confidence more severely than rising fuel prices. Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun said a lack of fuel supply would create immediate uncertainty, leaving tourists unsure whether they could complete their journeys. He cautioned that such disruption could undermine the overall travel experience and deter both domestic and international visitors.
The warning comes amid broader concerns over global energy instability and its potential impact on Thailand. Although the government has stated that oil reserves are sufficient for more than 90 days, Thienprasit urged authorities not to become complacent. He stressed that even with reassurances, any misstep in managing supply could escalate into a wider crisis of confidence, particularly if reports spread suggesting fuel shortages across the country. Continued …
Mideast conflict threatens Thai growth
The Bank of Thailand is warning the war in the Middle East could weigh on Thailand’s economy across multiple fronts, potentially dragging GDP growth below its 2% forecast for this year.
The conflict has heightened downside risks, with impacts expected through several channels, including energy prices, financial market volatility, and broader economic activity, said Chayawadee Chai-anant, assistant governor for corporate relations at the central bank. Continued …
Trump signals possible wind-down in Iran
US President Donald Trump said today he was considering winding down US military operations against Iran, saying Washington was close to achieving its objectives as the conflict approached its fourth week.
In an online post on, Trump wrote: “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the terrorist regime of Iran.” Continued …
Israel-Iran strikes hit global energy hubs
Israel and Iran have launched a series of intense retaliatory strikes targeting energy infrastructure across the Middle East, pushing the region into a deeper and more dangerous phase of conflict with global economic consequences.
Reuters reported yesterday that the situation escalated sharply, with both sides focusing attacks on critical energy facilities in their own territories and across the region. Continued …
Qatar blast doubles LNG prices, pressures Thailand’s power tariff
Global energy markets have been shaken once again after an explosion at a natural gas production site in Qatar triggered a sharp surge in global liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices, placing direct pressure on Thailand’s electricity cost structure, particularly the fuel adjustment charge (Ft) for the second 2026 period (May-August), which is due to be announced soon.
Poonpat Leesombatpaiboon, secretary-general of the Energy Regulatory Commission (OERC), said geopolitical factors, especially tensions in the Middle East linked to the Iran war, have significantly increased uncertainty in global energy markets and have already begun to affect Thailand. Continued …
Iran war jolts six Thai industries, possible B12-billion GDP hit
The escalating tensions surrounding the Iran war in the Middle East have become a major source of pressure on the global economy, with significant repercussions for Thailand’s industrial sector amid rising risks from energy prices and logistics costs.
Supakit Boonsiri, director-general of the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE), said the key issue requiring close monitoring is the risk of a closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, accounting for around 20% of global daily oil consumption. Continued …
Coal units restarted to curb electricity costs
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has ordered the restart of two decommissioned units at the Mae Moh coal-fired power plant in a bid to contain rising electricity bills.
ERC Secretary-general Poonpat Leesombatpiboon said the commission’s board resolved that state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) should bring units 9 and 10 back online. Continued …
Fuel shortage thinning Suvarnabhumi taxi ranks
A fuel shortage is severely disrupting taxi services at Suvarnabhumi Airport, with large SUV taxis gradually suspending operations and only about 2,500 vehicles currently in active service, out of a fleet estimated at more than 5,000, operators say.
Drivers of the larger vehicles favored by families and travelers with bulky luggage have had to stop working, as they’re struggling to secure fuel supplies, Panlop Chayinthu, president of the Suvarnabhumi Taxi Coordination Assn., said yesterday. Continued …
Hospitals limit drug dispensing
Three major hospitals have adjusted outpatient drug dispensing as a precaution to prevent potential shortages amid energy-related disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis, while the Ministry of Public Health says national stocks remain sufficient.
Siriraj Hospital, Ramathibodi Hospital, and Maharaj Nakhon Chiang Mai Hospital said the measures are intended to manage medicines and medical supplies prudently to ensure availability for patients amid heightened supply chain risks. Continued …
Five consumer giants eye April price rises on cost surge
Five major consumer goods manufacturers are signaling possible price increases from April, as the global energy crisis drives up costs across supply chains and puts fresh pressure on the retail market.
The prolonged tension in the Middle East has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with higher oil prices and rising logistics costs beginning to feed into production expenses. Some product categories are also starting to face shortages of imported raw materials, leaving manufacturers to absorb significantly higher costs. Continued …
Ministry preps tax schemes to benefit SMEs
The Finance Ministry is preparing tax reduction measures for large businesses that help bring small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into their supply chains, in a bid to help upgrade local SMEs.
Speaking at a Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) seminar yesterday, caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said SMEs are a key pillar of the government’s “Quick Big Win” policy, which aims to transform SMEs by enhancing their competitiveness. Continued …
Vietnam, not Thailand, preferred by European investors in ASEAN
European companies are increasingly favoring Vietnam over Thailand for future investments in Southeast Asia, according to Chris Humphrey, executive director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council.
Business sentiment surveys conducted by the council show Vietnam has ranked as the top destination for European investment. Humphrey said Vietnam’s extensive network of trade agreements has given it a clear advantage. Continued …
Philippines and Thailand have booming wellness economies
The Philippines and Thailand’s wellness economies have each surged in value in recent years, according to the latest data published by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI).
The Philippines’ wellness economy is valued at US$47.3 billion, which is an increase of 31% on figures from 2019 (US$36 billion). Wellness contributes 10.2% of the country’s GDP. The year-on-year growth shows a robust rate of 7.3%. Thailand’s wellness market reached US$43.7 billion in 2024, ranking number seven among the world’s top 25 wellness markets for growth between 2023 and 2024 – achieving a 10% increase. Continued …
Tourism groups eye B15-billion stimulus
Seven tourism associations under the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA) have called for stimulus projects worth a combined 15 billion baht, including cash handouts to local tourists, to prevent an industry downturn due to the Gulf war.
Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), said cancellation rates ballooned during three weeks of strikes in the Middle East, while new bookings for April slowed, including from Chinese travelers. Visitors from the mainland recorded promising signs the first two months of the year, but forward bookings have faded to 60% of available seats in April. Continued …
Changi Named World’s Best Airport, Suvarnabhumi 36th
Singapore Changi Airport has been named the world’s best airport for 2026 by Skytrax, extending its long-running dominance, while Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport climbed to 36th place in the latest global rankings. The annual list highlights continued strong performance by leading Asian hubs and steady improvement in Thailand’s main international gateway.
The rankings are based on passenger surveys conducted worldwide between 2025 and 2026, assessing service quality and overall airport experience. Changi retained the top spot, followed by Incheon International Airport and Tokyo Haneda Airport. Other airports in the top 10 include Hong Kong International Airport and Narita International Airport. Continued …
Thailand Falls to 52nd in ‘World Happiness’ rankings
Finland has ranked as the world’s happiest country for the ninth consecutive year in the World Happiness Report 2026, while Thailand dropped from 49th to 52nd place. The report, released by the Wellbeing Research Center at the University of Oxford on Thursday, highlighted that the top three countries were Finland, Iceland, and Denmark. Costa Rica saw significant improvement, climbing to fourth place, the highest among Latin American nations.
Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands were ranked fifth, sixth, and seventh, respectively. Israel, Luxembourg, and Switzerland followed, securing the eighth, ninth, and 10th positions. The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom were ranked 23rd, 25th, and 29th, respectively, with Thailand falling to 52nd. Continued …
Wild elephant raids kitchen, devours rice in Chachoengsao
A wild elephant broke into a rural home in eastern Thailand overnight, rummaging through a kitchen and eating stored rice, officials said yesterday. The incident occurred late in Tha Takiab district, where local officials and rangers inspected damage at a house in Ban Khlong Mahat village.
CCTV footage showed a large elephant quietly approaching the rear of the house before forcing its way through a wooden kitchen door. Once inside, it searched for food, opening cupboards and using its trunk to scoop rice from a storage jar. Continued …
When the ocean cannot speak
The ocean has always felt like home to Claire Narida Charanachitta. Long before she spoke at international forums or produced award-winning documentaries, the Thai teenager spent her childhood exploring forests, coastlines, and environmental camps that introduced her to the delicate balance of nature.
Those early encounters would quietly shape a path that now places her among a new generation of youth advocates working to protect the planet’s oceans. Today, at just 17 years old, Claire has become an emerging voice in marine conservation — one whose work has reached audiences from coastal communities in Thailand to the United Nations (UN). Continued …
- Police Smash Chinese Call Center Gang, Seize B14-million Assets – Continued …
- Chinese Suspect in Call Center Scam Held in Bangkok Continued …
- Phuket Nabs Four in Major South Korean Drug Bust – Continued …
- Brit ‘Mum on the Run’ Jailed Over Drug Offenses – Continued …
- Foreign Biker Kills Finnish Pedestrian in Pattaya Crash – 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
Most petrol stations in Hua Hin have introduced temporary refueling limits as fuel demand continues to rise across Prachuap Khiri Khan, with officials urging motorists not to panic buy despite stable national supply levels.
So-called “smart poles” are being installed at key locations across Hua Hin as part of efforts to strengthen public safety and support the development of smart infrastructure. The initiative forms part of the Hua Hin Smart City Phase 1 project, under which Hua Hin City Municipality has installed no fewer than 30 CCTV cameras, along with related equipment throughout the municipal area.
The Cha Am Blue Swimming Crab Festival will conclude on Saturday at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint, featuring fresh seafood, conservation activities, and nightly live music.
The Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 is being held today and tomorrow, promising a larger, more refined evolution of the event that has become part of the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
Thailand Riviera tourist road to improve access to Hua Hin
NH Hua Hin Hotel has appointed Nartsupak Thaweewong as general manager. Nartsupak brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience in Thailand and Singapore to the role.
Airin Phanrit, deputy spokeswoman for the prime minister’s office, said yesterday that this year’s heat index is expected to be more severe than last year’s, with levels in April and May likely to rise into the “very dangerous” range of more than 52°C.
Brent crude rose sharply above US$110 a barrel in early trading today, as fresh attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East heightened fears of broader supply disruption.
Whether Bangchak and PTT service stations are selling fuel at higher or lower prices than those in other ASEAN countries remains a matter of continuing public interest and frequent scrutiny. This is especially the case at present, amid the Middle East war following the attacks launched by the United States and Israel on Iran.
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
Small businesses and households are being urged to reduce their reliance on the state electricity grid and adopt solar power solutions, as global energy price volatility threatens to drive up costs, despite Thailand’s capped power tariffs, according to solar firms.
Swedish solar technology company Midsummer has expanded its operations into Thailand, bringing advanced renewable energy solutions to the Southeast Asian region. As part of this expansion, the company has opened a new regional office in Bangkok to strengthen its presence and respond to the growing demand for clean energy in the country.
Thwaites Glacier in west Antarctica, covering more than 192,000 square kilometers, has been dubbed the “Doomsday Glacier” because it acts as the final barrier preventing the west Antarctic ice sheet from flowing into the ocean. But the glacier is now melting rapidly, raising fears that many coastal cities around the world could eventually be submerged.
Education officials are considering banning mobile phone use in all Thai classrooms, following a new initiative announced in Bangkok aimed at improving learning conditions. The proposed measures seek to reduce distractions and limit the health and behavioral impacts linked to excessive screen time. If adopted, changes would begin in the 2026 academic year.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is collaborating with GrabTaxi (Thailand) to explore the development of drone delivery services. This collaboration aims to enhance transport and logistics, emphasizing the importance of regulatory oversight to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Five officers were injured in a 
Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon said after a meeting of the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East that the government had been closely monitoring global energy prices and found that continued increases had made it necessary to adjust domestic oil prices after they had been capped for a full 15 days, effective today.
Global airlines sounded the alarm yesterday over soaring jet fuel prices triggered by the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, warning of hundreds of millions of extra costs, higher fares, and cuts to some routes.
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.
“’Don’t worry about it, we are neutral!” was Thailand’s flippant response to the Islamist terrorist attack on America in 2001 when hijacked jets carrying innocent passengers and filled to the brim with aviation fuel smashed into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon on Sept. 11.
Every US$10 increase in the oil price per barrel is expected to reduce Thai GDP by 0.2 percentage points, according to caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.
The energy crisis is likely to spark a cost-of-living crisis, with impacts expected in the next one to three months, the Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) said.
As soaring ocean freight rates put pressure on exporters, Thai wooden furniture manufacturer Deesawat is urging exporters to explore closer markets amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The tripartite wage committee has unanimously agreed that now is not the right time to consider a minimum wage increase, citing uncertainty over the economic fallout from the war in the Middle East and the need to closely monitor energy prices.
Ranong Port: Gateway To BIMSTEC Economy Worth US$3.5 Trillion
Rise of the cat economy: Thai cat population exceeds 4 million
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
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’s healthcare system is facing six major pressures that are beginning to affect services, with some hospitals now at risk of having to reduce the number of beds they operate.
Thailand is losing nearly B30 billion in tax revenue each year as the illegal tobacco market expands, with illicit products now accounting for around a quarter of total tobacco consumption. A new policy report highlights the growing scale of illicit trade and its impact on government income, lawful businesses and consumer safety.
Venice is drowning – not just in rising waters but also in tourists. The city is charging a day-tripper fee and has banned large tour groups and loudspeakers in an effort to curb the crush. Barcelona residents march with squirt guns and “Tourists go home” signs to protest rising rents and crowds. Amsterdam is moving to cap and eventually ban ocean-going cruise ships to reduce pollution and visitor pressure.
Thailand’s former National Intelligence Agency deputy director, Nantiwat Samart, has urged the government to prioritize national security and public safety over boosting tourist numbers. Concerns have grown on social media, with calls to revoke the existing visa-free entry policy due to issues allegedly linked to Israeli tourists.
European tourists are increasingly favoring eastern Thailand’s attractions over the traditionally popular southern areas, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This shift is linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has notably decreased southern Thailand’s appeal.
For the past decade, Whitney Spielfogel’s family has taken an annual multi-generational trip over the holiday season and New Year’s with her parents. Hawaii, Costa Rica, Cabo, Tulum, Turks and Caicos. They had done them all together, her parents and her husband, Ross, and eventually her children, Sienna and Slade.
The Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 has officially confirmed a strategic move to March 19-20, promising a larger, more refined evolution of the event that has become part of the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
The Hua Hin 100K Ultra Marathon 2026 has been officially launched, with organizers aiming to strengthen the town’s reputation as a sports tourism destination while inviting runners to sign up for the endurance event.
The Thailand Professional Golf Assn. (TPGA) announced its partnership with the Asian Tour to organize an Asian Development Tour (ADT)-level event — the Singha-SAT ADT Hua Hin Championship 2026 — between April 23-26 at Royal Hua Hin Golf Course.
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has announced a policy restricting the use of mobile phones and electronic devices during lessons at 437 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
Thailand is facing a burgeoning literacy crisis, with approximately 65% of 15-year-olds unable to comprehend or analyze the content they read, despite being technically literate.
Thai health officials are sounding the alarm over a growing trend of adopting American dietary habits, warning that the latest “Upside-Down Pyramid” model from the United States may be ill-suited to the Thai physique and could lead to chronic health issues.
The Ministry of Commerce held a meeting last week to draw up Thailand’s 2026 proactive international trade promotion plan, chaired by Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun together with directors of Thailand’s overseas trade promotion offices — commercial attachés in 58 offices across 43 economic areas worldwide — to take an in-depth look at global trade and set strategies to drive Thai exports.
Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face a wall of negative sentiment this year, as geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, and tighter access to loans weigh on the sector, raising questions about how businesses can navigate these tumultuous times.
The egg farmers’ cooperative network has raised the farm-gate price of mixed chicken eggs from 3.20 baht to 3.40 baht per egg, or six baht more per tray, effective today.
Chinese automaker BYD has denied allegations from the United States that its manufacturing facility in Thailand is being used to bypass American trade tariffs. The company said its Rayong plant is focused on domestic demand and exports to other regions, confirming that no vehicles from the site have been shipped to the United States.
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.
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 “Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026” event in Hua Hin will take place on March 29 at the Khao Tao Reservoir area.
After a trial at 10 schools showed controling use of digital devices improved student concentration and increased parental satisfaction, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is gearing up to expand the clampdown at all its schools from the next academic year.
Cambodia is bracing for fuel supply disruptions, with plans to temporarily close around 2,000 of its 6,300 petrol stations amid an energy shortage linked to ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts, commerce minister Cham Nimol announced yesterday.
Thailand’s condominium sector is facing a potential liquidity crisis, as nearly 150-billion-baht worth of new units are scheduled for transfer in 2026, coinciding with more than 180 billion baht in corporate bonds that property developers must repay within the same year.
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.
Thailand could face a period of stagflation if energy prices surge sharply amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to an economist at Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Center (EIC).
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is joining forces with the private sector to set up a war room to manage the impact of the Middle East crisis, while also preparing to propose the revival of a buy-one-get-one campaign to stimulate foreign arrivals.
Ayutthaya marks Thai Elephant Day with feast for 70 elephants
Chiang Mai Zoo marks Thai National Elephant Day with feast and parade
The ITB Berlin 2026 event recognized community-based environmental achievements of Thailand, which created new attractions for eco-friendly travelers to discover Thailand’s three destinations of Ko Lanta, Chiang Khan, and Uthai Thani.
Thailand marks National Elephant Day amid a crisis of coexistence
Bangkok Ranked 8th Best City in the World for 2026
For the second time in four years, energy markets in Asia dependent on imported fossil fuels find themselves at the mercy of global commodity markets. Although each country’s immediate exposure to the Iran conflict varies, all face the indirect threat of higher costs driven by tighter fossil fuel markets and elevated geopolitical risk premiums.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, has confirmed that the government is prepared to challenge a looming US investigation into “unfair trade practices.” Working in close coordination with the Ministry of Commerce, the Thai government has developed a robust strategic framework to address the Section 301 probe initiated by the Trump administration.
The foundation of modern employment – study hard, secure a job, build a stable life – is eroding fast. Technological progress, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, is breaking down the old economic model that tied individual effort to secure, long-term work.
Medical tourism has gained attention as a growing segment within the travel market, with high potential for expansion. According to the Medical Tourism Assn. (MTA), it is estimated that over 14 million people travel abroad for medical services annually.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Wellness Sandbox Prachuap Khiri Khan initiative was officially launched yesterday as provincial authorities outlined plans to develop health-focused model subdistricts across all eight districts of the province.
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 number of online-scam complaints rose again over the past week, with investment fraud causing the most damage, according to police.
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.
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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 Harvest Wine Run Festival Hua Hin returns to Monsoon Valley Vineyard tomorrow, inviting runners, walkers and wine lovers to combine fitness, food, and vineyard fun in one unique event.
The government has introduced a series of emergency measures to prevent domestic fuel shortages, including increasing oil reserves and suspending most exports, while assuring the public that national energy supplies remain secure.
Air quality in this northern border province has deteriorated sharply, with thick haze blanketing the city as forest fires surge across much of the upper north.