- Bus Crash in Cha Am/Phones in School/Thailand Eyes Drone Delivery/Five officers injured in Pattani/
- THE IRAN WAR: Fuel prices rise today/Diesel crisis hits everyday life/Global Airlines Hike Fares/Emirates flying near-empty jets/Triple Scenarios for Thai Economy/War could drag Thai tourism into slump//Commerce moves to curb prices/Thailand offers Iran food/Thailand Eyes Russian Oil/Thailand to buy oil from Angola, US/Hospital hunts desperately for fuel/Lack of fuel halts garbage collection/When being neutral is no safeguard
- ECONOMY: Oil price spike to slash Thai GDP/Cost of living woes/Thailand eyes economic gains/Freight cost surge/Minimum wage hike on hold/Ranong Port: Gateway To BIMSTEC Economy/Rise of the cat economy
- TOURISM: Thailand Tourism in Crisis/Thai hoteliers jittery/Samui ferry fare hike/‘Where are the tourists?’/Focus on illicit tour operators/One killed in tourist van crash
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Eco-Friendly Adventures in Phang Nga
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Walking into a carbon trap/Asia steps up coal-fired power/Sugar cane leaf biomass demand/Bangkok’s waste-to-energy plant/Retired wind and solar equipment
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Bus Crash in Cha Am Injures Dozens of Passengers
A ‘VIP’ double-decker bus carrying a group of worshippers crashed into a roadside electricity pole in Cha Am, Phetchaburi, yesterday morning, leaving dozens injured. The impact snapped the high-voltage pole, which fell onto the vehicle, causing significant front-end damage and forcing the bus into a roadside ditch.
At least one passenger sustained serious injuries, while many others suffered minor wounds. The bus, operated by Wakin Travel, had been carrying approximately 50 passengers. Rescue workers provided first aid before transporting the injured to Cha Am Hospital. Continued …
Education Officials Weigh Ban on Phones in School Classrooms
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 move follows Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt’s program, “Phone Off, Learning On: Focus on Learning, Leave Your Phone with the Teacher”. The initiative is designed to create a more effective classroom environment by encouraging students to disengage from their devices during lessons. Several schools under the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) have already introduced similar restrictions. Continued …
Thailand Eyes Drone Delivery with Grab Partnership
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.
Recently, CAAT Director-general ACM Manat Chavanaprayoon engaged in talks with Grab executives, including country head Chantsuda Thananitayaudom. The discussions allowed Grab to share its experiences of testing drone deliveries in countries such as Singapore and the Philippines. Continued …
Five officers injured after bomb attack at outpost in Pattani
Five officers were injured in a Pattani bomb attack after an improvised explosive device detonated outside an outpost in Panare district yesterday, triggering a fire that damaged a building and several vehicles.
Panare Police Station received a report at 7pm of an explosion at the Thanam strategic outpost in Ban Kha, Thanam subdistrict, Panare district, Pattani province. Police said five officers’ ears were ringing as a result of the blast, and rescue workers took them to Panare Hospital. Continued …
Fuel prices rise today as diesel and petrol adjusted
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.
For diesel, the government will raise the price cap from no more than 30 baht per liter to 33 baht per liter, a ceiling similar to those of neighboring countries such as Malaysia. Continued …
Diesel crisis hits services, everyday life
Panic buying and distribution bottlenecks have triggered diesel shortages, disrupting essential services and daily life across several provinces.
In Khon Kaen, rescue units scaled back operations, suspending non-emergency cases to conserve fuel. Kitti Pochailao, a rescue leader of a foundation in Phu Wiang district, explained: “We have adjusted our operations slightly by reducing non-urgent cases, especially those not related to emergency medical situations, to save fuel.” Continued …
Global Airlines Hike Fares, Cut Routes As Fuel Costs Balloon
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.
Delta Air Lines Chief Executive Ed Bastian said the dramatic run-up in jet fuel prices had increased the airline’s costs by as much as $400 million in March alone. The industry is moving quickly to pass on higher expenses through fare hikes, he told a J.P. Morgan industrials conference. Continued …
Emirates flying near-empty jets to Dubai
Emirates is operating flights to Dubai that are near-empty in some cases, as travelers avoid the Persian Gulf, highlighting the challenges for the world’s largest international airline to restore its network amid a protracted war.
Flights from destinations in the US and continental Europe have been impacted the hardest, with planes returning from Prague or Budapest only about 5% to 10% occupied, according to data compiled by the Dubai-based airline. Several aircraft returning from New York flew with only a fifth of the tickets sold, and at least one flight during the past week departed with fewer than 35 passengers on an Airbus A380 jumbo jet that ordinarily seats close to 500. Continued …
Triple Scenarios for Thai Economy Amid Middle East Volatility
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has presented a comprehensive report to the Cabinet, outlining three potential economic scenarios stemming from the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The analysis underscores a direct correlation between energy costs and national growth, estimating that every one-baht increase in the retail price of diesel will result in a 0.02% contraction of Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP). Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the NESDC, informed the Cabinet that global energy markets remain highly volatile. Continued …
Prolonged Iran war could drag Thai tourism and investment into slump
Thailand’s economy is facing mounting pressure from the escalating conflict in the Middle East, with economists warning that a prolonged war involving Iran could sharply weaken growth, tourism, exports, and investment.
A key concern is the risk of disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Any prolonged closure could send energy prices sharply higher and push up costs across the wider economy. Continued …
Commerce moves to curb prices as oil surges
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 toda.
At present, no operators have submitted requests to raise product prices. The department has asked manufacturers and distributors to maintain current prices, while also assessing product cost structures. It found six key product groups that are basic to daily life and the economy and could be affected by higher oil costs. Continued …
Thailand offers Iran food for plastic pellets, fertilizer
Thailand is looking to export food and raw materials to Iran and other Middle East countries in exchange for its ships being allowed to safely bring back cargoes of plastic pellets and fertilizer from the conflict region, according to the commerce minister.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said at Government House yesterday that the government and the private sector were looking at options in the sourcing of plastic pellets used in the production of packaging. Continued …
Thailand Eyes Russian Oil Amid Global Supply Concerns
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has confirmed that Russia is ready to sell oil to Thailand, as the government seeks to secure additional energy sources amid ongoing global uncertainty.
The move comes as Thailand maintains oil reserves sufficient for 96 days but faces risks linked to continuing conflict. The effort aims to strengthen energy security and ensure stable fuel supplies. Thailand has already contacted several countries, including Russia, Brazil, Nigeria and Kazakhstan, to assess potential oil supply options. Continued …
Thailand to buy crude oil from Angola, US
Amid oil shortage fears, Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon said yesterday that Thailand has reached agreements to buy nearly 2 million barrels of crude oil from Angola and over 600,000 barrels from the United States. This will ensure that there is enough crude oil supply to meet refining capacity.
While the US has exempted several countries from its ban on buying oil from Russia for 30 days, this is only for oil already loaded on tankers that was previously sold illegally, Auttapol said, adding the payment system needs to be reviewed, with there still being risks involved and Thailand can acquire crude oil from other sources. Continued …
Hospital hunts desperately for fuel for power generators
The fuel shortage has sparked alarm at a hospital in Khon Buri district, Nakhon Ratchasima, that is struggling to find diesel for the backup generators that ensure electricity is always available for critical medical procedures.
Julaporn Ratchatok, an electrician at Khon Buri Hospital, said yesterday he had been tasked with finding and purchasing enough diesel to fill up the three generators and create a reserve for future use in the event of power cuts. Continued …
Lack of fuel halts garbage collection in Kanchanaburi
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.
The municipal office announced on Monday there would be no trash collection on Tuesday morning because there was no diesel for the trucks. The office warned it would probably be able to collect the garbage in some areas, and not in others, and may even have to temporarily halt the service. It blamed the problem on the disruption of fuel deliveries in the province. Continued …
When being neutral is no safeguard
“’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.
The view that Thailand could remain aloof, unconcerned, and above it all by claiming neutrality was voiced by then-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, but it was a plea for neutrality widely echoed throughout the media. Continued …
Oil price spike forecast to slash Thai GDP growth
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.
Speaking after an urgent meeting of Finance Ministry executives to assess the impact of the Middle Eastern conflict on the Thai economy, Ekniti said the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reported its assessment of the war, predicting the conflict is likely to last longer than one month, exceeding earlier expectations. Continued …
TCC warns of cost of living woes
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.
TCC Secretary-general Saree Aongsomwang said rising energy costs will soon cause production and service expenses to skyrocket, and businesses are likely to cite higher fuel and transportation costs to justify higher prices. Continued …
Thailand eyes economic gains from global shifts
The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, coupled with other geopolitical tensions, is prompting businesses worldwide to reconsider their production bases, with many seeking relocation to more stable regions, says the Board of Investment (BoI).
Thailand could emerge as a key beneficiary of this shift, positioning itself as both a manufacturing hub and a potential financial center. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the BoI, said tensions in the Middle East are not only disrupting the transport of raw materials and global supply chains, but also driving up crude oil prices. Continued …
Freight cost surge forces export realignment
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.
Jirachai Tangkijngamwong, director of Deesawat Industries Co., said both sentiment and rising costs caused by the war are hurting Thai furniture exporters. Before the war, exporters’ main concerns centered on US tariffs, which he described as “unfavorable but manageable”. Continued …
Panel puts minimum wage hike on hold
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.
Labor Permanent Secretary Wannapong Kotcharak, who chaired the third meeting of the 22nd Wage Committee yesterday, said the panel reviewed nationwide reports on economic conditions. A scheduled agenda item to revisit the minimum wage was deferred because members agreed that multiple uncertainties warranted extreme caution. Continued …
Ranong Port: Gateway To BIMSTEC Economy Worth US$3.5 Trillion
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is one of the closest cooperation frameworks for Thailand, given the countries’ geographic proximity and deep economic, social, cultural, linguistic, and religious links.
BIMSTEC represents a vast market of around 1.5 billion people, with a combined economy worth more than US$3.5 trillion. It is also a high-growth bloc of emerging economies. Continued …
Rise of the cat economy: Thai cat population exceeds 4 million
Thailand’s shifting demographics, marked by an aging population, rising single households, and declining birth rates, are fueling a fast-growing “cat economy”, with felines increasingly becoming the center of urban family life.
Cats are emerging as the preferred pet in urban areas, overtaking dogs due to space constraints and fast-paced lifestyles. Research by Kasikorn Research Center estimates Thailand’s domestic cat population will grow by 20%–25% per year, surpassing 4 million animals nationwide in 2026. Continued …
Thailand Tourism in Crisis: Middle East Conflict Threatens Billions in Revenue
Thailand’s post-pandemic tourism recovery is currently confronting unexpected obstacles as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East create ripple effects across global travel networks. The escalating Middle East conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has compelled international carriers to redirect flight paths, resulting in longer journeys and elevated operational costs.
These disruptions have triggered concerns about a potential decline in traveler confidence and revenue, posing significant risks to the nation’s tourism-dependent economy. The country had been navigating a challenging path toward restoring pre-pandemic tourism levels, with international arrivals already declining by 7% in the previous year, totaling 32.9 million visitors. Continued …
Thai hoteliers jittery over energy prices
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.
Kasmaporn Limpanapongthep, president of the Krabi Hotel Assn., said higher airfares and rising energy costs are expected to affect both tourist demand and operating expenses for hotels. Continued …
Fuel surge pushes Samui ferry fare hike, Trat operators on alert
A major ferry company operating between Surat Thani and the two popular islands of Samui and Pha-ngan is to increase fares for passengers and vehicles following a rise in fuel prices and supply shortages, while operators in Trat are holding rates steady for now but warning of possible hikes if costs continue to climb.
Seatran Ferry, which operates services from Don Sak pier to Samui and Pha-ngan, will increase its passenger fare from 170 to 180 baht per trip, effective tomorrow. Charges for four-wheel vehicles, vans, and pickup trucks have also been increased from 550 to 580 baht. Continued …
‘Where are the tourists?’ Pattaya visitors question Thailand’s official arrival figures
Thailand continues to report strong tourism numbers in early 2026, with authorities saying 7.49 million international arrivals have visited the country so far this year despite global travel disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East. Yet, on the ground in places like Pattaya, some foreign visitors and long-term residents say the reality feels very different from the official figures.
Online comment sections and local forums have increasingly filled with skepticism after headlines touting millions of arrivals were published. One reader reacting to the statistics bluntly asked, “Brits and Indians… really, from where?” Continued …
Cabinet focuses on illicit tour operators
The cabinet has instructed the Tourism and Sports Ministry to accelerate efforts to tackle the use of nominees in tourism businesses, including so-called “zero-dollar tours”, as they affect the country’s tourism industry.
The cabinet meeting yesterday acknowledged recommendations from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) on the issue and ordered the ministry to work with relevant agencies, such as the Finance, Commerce, Interior, and Justice ministries, to address the problem. Continued …
One killed, 11 injured in Russian tourist van crash in Phuket
A Russian woman was killed and 11 of her compatriots were left injured when their van smashed into a roadside pole in Thalang district early this morning.
The tourist van smashed into a light pole, sending a guardrail piercing through the front of the vehicle. Three people ended up trapped inside during the accident, with the van’s driver suffering a broken leg and multiple wounds. Continued …
Eco-Friendly Adventures Await in Thailand’s Phang Nga
On Thailand’s Andaman coast, Phang Nga is drawing travelers who want more than postcard-perfect limestone cliffs and turquoise seas, as the province pairs its natural drama with an increasingly robust push for low-impact, community-based tourism.
Ao Phang Nga National Park is the province’s best-known landscape, a shallow bay speckled with more than 40 limestone islands, mangrove forests, and sheltered lagoons. Nearby, Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park protects coastal hills and rainforest, while Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary and the compact Sa Nang Manora Forest Park conserve waterfalls and lowland forest close to town. Continued …
Thailand is walking into a carbon trap and nobody’s talking about it
Somewhere in the rice paddies of Suphanburi, a farmer is making the same decisions his father made. How much fertilizer to apply, when to flood the fields, which market will pay the best price?
He is not thinking about the European Union, nor is he thinking about carbon certificates or emissions trading schemes. He is thinking about his crop. But the European Union is thinking about him. Continued …
Asia steps up coal-fired power output
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.
Spot LNG prices in Asia have doubled to three-year highs in the second major supply shock in four years, as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has all but stopped, and Qatar, the world’s second-largest LNG exporter, has halted shipments. Continued …
Sugar cane leaf biomass demand poised to rocket
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.
Sugar cane leaves, often discarded after harvest, can be converted into biomass fuel for power plants. Thailand is dependent on natural gas for electricity generation and is seeking alternatives to strengthen energy security. Continued …
Bangkok’s waste-to-energy plant completes inspection
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.
Developed by Newsky Energy (Bangkok) Co., the project has reached a critical milestone with 87% of construction now complete. This progress includes the completion of the main structure, the installation of specialized grabber cranes, and the successful calibration of the central control systems. Continued …
Breaking through ‘last mile’ of green energy: Retired wind and solar equipment
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.
It is estimated that by 2050, decommissioned photovoltaic modules will amount to 20 million tons, while retired wind turbine blades are expected to reach 3 million tons by 2035. How to properly handle this massive volume of retired equipment has become a pressing challenge that the industry must confront. Continued …
Top US counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war, says Iran posed no imminent threat
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. Continued …
Hours-long fuel queues in Laos capital Vientiane
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. Continued …
How Pakistan’s people-led solar boom is easing impact of Middle East energy crisis
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. Continued …
Indonesia accelerates solar expansion to diversify energy sources
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. Continued …
Hua Hin Links and Transport
Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Commerce officials have stepped up Cha Am fresh market price checks as part of efforts to ensure vendors clearly display prices and to prevent consumers from being overcharged.
For many people, a fall may seem like a minor accident. But for older adults, a single fall can be life-changing — especially if it results in a hip fracture, one of the most serious and common injuries among older adults. Without proper treatment, a broken hip can lead to long-term disability, loss of independence, the need for ongoing care, and a significant decline in quality of life.
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) at the Ministry of Public Health has issued a warning urging the public to be especially vigilant against influenza, after an upward trend in cases. Between Jan. 1 and March 9, Thailand recorded 137,276 cumulative cases and eight deaths.
Thailand’s personal income tax filing deadline is April 8, and many expats remain uncertain about whether they must submit a return this year. Since clarification of the rules surrounding foreign income, confusion has persisted. Having little or no tax to pay is not the same as having no obligation to file.
A Thai billionaire, Worawat Narknawdee, is being sought by police following complaints from over 30 Thai investors. They claim to have been deceived into cryptocurrency investments, resulting in losses estimated at around B1.3 billion.
The Middle East conflict has unsettled global oil markets and disrupted shipping routes, posing risks for energy-dependent Thailand. After experiencing prolonged low inflation, the country now faces a potential inflation rebound driven by rising oil and freight costs.
RealWatch Lab, the research and data analytics unit of Real Smart Public Co/, has disclosed the findings of a survey on the concerns of Thai netizens regarding the Iran war. The survey collected opinions from Feb. 28, after the attacks started, to March 10, across all social media platforms, covering 34,009 messages discussing concerns arising from the conflict.
Banks are urging prospective homebuyers to make purchasing decisions within the first half of the year before costs rise further, amid concerns that inflation could increase under wartime conditions.
The war in the Middle East, which has caused oil prices to fluctuate and remain high, has led the government to continue capping diesel at no more than B30 per liter. As of March 11, the Oil Fuel Fund was subsidizing diesel by B16.97 per liter, a sharp increase from just B0.74 per liter on Feb. 27, one day before the United States and Israel attacked Iran.
The United States has announced investigations under Section 301 into 16 key trading partners, including Thailand, as part of an effort to rebuild tariff pressure after the Trump administration’s earlier duties were struck down by the US Supreme Court.
Thai hospitality leaders are doubling down on 2026 expansion plans, committing billions in capital expenditure to navigate a tightening global travel market. Despite a projected 32.9 million foreign arrivals in 2025, the industry faces headwinds from prolonged conflict in the Middle East, which threatens to dampen high-spending “long-haul” traffic from Europe and the Americas.
Phuket has long stood as one of Asia’s most celebrated destinations. Framed by the Andaman Sea, its turquoise waters, rich cultural fabric, and globally recognized hospitality have attracted millions of visitors for decades.
Do you think gender equality is still an issue in Thailand? Whether the answer is yes or no, explaining why can be surprisingly difficult.
The sun had yet to rise at 6 am, but Sarayuth Sonlacksa was already crouched on his wooden jetty, hoisting up plastic crates of crabs from his pond to see if any had reached the size needed to sell to restaurants in Bangkok.
Changes to Thai Airport Screening/‘Beach Art’ exhibition ends Saturday/Ride-share drivers must register/Mystery Behind Chiang Mai Tiger Deaths/Total lunar eclipse on March 3
Ride-sharing drivers operating through mobile applications must register their vehicles under categories Ror Yor 17/18 with the Department of Land Transport by Saturday, the government has warned.
The death of 72 tigers at Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai last week has raised concerns about the source of the virus and bacteria responsible. Raw chicken meat from a private farm is suspected, as it was fed to all tigers at the two facilities in Mae Rim and Mae Taeng districts.
Get ready for a major astronomical event to close out the first quarter of the year, as a total lunar eclipse will take place on the night of Makha Bucha Day, March 3. This one is special: the Moon is expected to appear brick-red from the moment it rises above the eastern horizon, allowing people in Thailand to enjoy the spectacle with the naked eye nationwide.
The collection of Donald Trump’s retaliatory customs tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) was ruled unlawful by the US Supreme Court on Feb. 20. Following the ruling, the US president signed an executive order to enforce a new global customs tariff of 10% under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, effective at 12:01 am today.
The baht has strengthened again, breaking below 31 per US dollar and marking its strongest level in a week, after Donald Trump’s global 15% tariff move weighed on the US dollar. Kasikornbank and Krungthai Bank said the baht could continue to strengthen on capital inflows, the export outlook, and a surge of investment flowing into Thailand.
The incoming Bhumjaithai-led administration will not raise the value-added tax (VAT) rate to 10% over the next three years, a BJT executive said, adding that the party’s immediate focus is economic recovery.
The Board of Investment (BOI) has approved investment promotion for five major Chinese firms to establish what it describes as the country’s first production base for humanoid robot components.
Thailand’s exports rose 24.4% year-on-year in January, marking the fastest growth since late 2021, driven by a surge in outbound electronic products linked to artificial intelligence and data centers.
The printed circuit board (PCB) industry is becoming a major magnet for large-scale investment flows into Thailand, amid the global expansion of AI, data centers and advanced electronics. This has helped Thailand move up to become ASEAN’s number one PCB manufacturing base, with a longer-term goal of rising into the world’s top five.
As the Bhumjaithai Party prepares to lead the next government, one significant campaign pledge was to revive the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme. However, people in the wholesale and retail sectors view this initiative as a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution to the country’s sluggish economy.
The social-driven shopping revolution in Asia represents a seismic shift in consumer behavior, where social media platforms have evolved from mere communication tools into powerful e-commerce ecosystems. This phenomenon, often termed “social commerce,” integrates entertainment, community interaction, and seamless purchasing, blurring the lines between scrolling and shopping.
Social media influencer Farah Shams, who has more than 2.4 million followers on TikTok, has sparked controversy after posting a video criticizing what she described as rude behavior by the majority of Thai locals during her visit.
Ukraine today marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, with a show of solidarity from its staunchest allies and no immediate end in sight to Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II. Tens of thousands of lives have been lost since the Kremlin ordered troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, confident of a quick victory but not expecting the fierce resistance that followed. 
While Russian oil exports dropped last year, Russia is still exporting higher volumes than before its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, researchers said today, calling for stricter sanctions enforcement. The volume of Russian crude oil exports remained 6% above pre-invasion levels in the fourth year of the war, despite Western sanctions aimed at curbing Russia’s “shadow fleet”. 
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government is writing to Commonwealth realms about its backing for former prince Andrew to be axed from the line of royal succession. Albanese said he had communicated with his British counterpart Keir Starmer about Andrew, who is being investigated for alleged misconduct in public office following revelations about his dealings with the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. 
Four people, including a two-year-old boy, were killed when a Toyota Fortuner driver lost control and struck a roadside electricity pole in Prachuap Khiri Khan province yesterday. The crash occurred at around 10.30 am on Phetkasem Road, inbound to Bangkok, in Bang Saphan district.
For many people, the day doesn’t begin until the kettle whistles or the coffee maker hums. After all, tea and coffee aren’t just beverages; they’re rituals, identities and even small acts of comfort. One offers a steady, almost meditative lift, while the other delivers a more immediate, higher-caffeine jolt that feels like flipping on a switch.
Authorities at Kaeng Krachan National Park have arrested a Thai man accused of illegally guiding tourists to fish inside the protected area without permission. The operation was led by park chief Mongkol Chaiphakdee yesterday, following complaints about unauthorized fishing trips promoted on social media.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts for today and tomorrow, the high-pressure system or cold air mass covering the northeast and the South China Sea will weaken.
Probe underway after 72 tigers die at Chiang Mai tiger parks
US Supreme court throws out Trump’s tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump responded with fury to yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling that he did not have the power to unilaterally set tariffs on imports, denigrating individual justices as he vowed to wield a more restrictive law to continue his global trade war. 
Commentary in Thailand has picked up after the US Supreme Court struck down the earlier IEEPA-based tariffs, prompting President Donald Trump to switch tactics, starting with a new 10% global import tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This is a temporary measure limited to 150 days (with a statutory cap of 15% for this type of surcharge).
The US Supreme Court ruling ordering the cancellation of President Donald Trump’s import-tariff increases has pushed the global trading system back into “confusion and turmoil”, as governments, businesses, and consumers race to find answers to two pressing questions: “How do we get tariff refunds?” and “What happens next?”
Following a surprise growth result for the fourth quarter of 2025 and an improved performance over the past year, Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research) has upgraded its outlook for the Thai economy.
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has announced the allocation of additional relief funds to 140,000 households severely impacted by the recent floods. The financial aid aims to assist in securing essential supplies, such as food, clean water, and medical care, to help communities rebuild and recover.
How Thailand is Reforming the Seafood Industry to Prevent Exploitation
Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced yesterday the passenger service charge (PSC) on outbound international travelers will rise to 1,120 baht per person from 730 baht from June 20.
Thai hotel operators expect overall foreign tourist numbers in 2026 to remain flat compared with last year, particularly among three-star and below properties reliant on short-haul markets, excluding China. Anticipated growth in long-haul arrivals is expected to be offset by stagnation in short-haul demand.
While Thailand celebrates rising tourism numbers and record profits at major gateways, many businesses on the ground in Pattaya are asking a blunt question: where is the money— and who is it really for?
Authorities in Buriram say preparations are complete for the 2026 MotoGP season opener, with safety, traffic and tourism plans in place ahead of upcoming pre-season testing. The first shipment of racing equipment has arrived at the Chang International Circuit, where infrastructure installation is under way.
The “Thailand lost its edge” narrative has become common expat discourse in 2025 and 2026. Bangkok rents climbed 8% to 12% year-on-year, visa enforcement tightened significantly, and a remittance tax shock led 55% of expats to consider leaving, according to a survey.
Pasaya is a sustainable fabric brand and its factory in Ratchaburi is equipped with a wastewater treatment pond, a proper landfill-based waste management method, and a proper working environment with ventilation and growing trees.
Most Asian equities fell and oil prices rose yesterday after Donald Trump ratcheted up Middle East tensions by hinting at possible military strikes on Iran if it did not make a “meaningful deal” in nuclear talks. The remarks put the brakes on a rebound in markets following an AI-fueled sell-off earlier. 
Facing a fabulous ocean isn’t enough these days for an ambitious coastline. A glittery tag, like Gold, Sapphire, Emerald or d’Azure, is a branding imperative. Thailand came up with a real winner for its Gulf shoreline – the Royal Coast. And then forgot to tell the world.
Thailand will enter its hot season on Sunday. Summer storms could start right away and temperatures in some northern provinces may reach a peak above 42 degrees Celsius, according to the Meteorological Department.
The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command (NDPMC) has ordered all provinces to step up preparedness to prevent and address drought in 2026, stressing efficient water management — especially securing reserves for household consumption. Provinces have been instructed to draw up contingency plans and survey backup water sources to minimize impacts on the public.
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has issued a warning to the public about a fraudulent Facebook page using its initials to trick individuals into paying for driving licenses without the need for exams or in-person applications.
The government has ordered nationwide enforcement of stricter firearm regulations, instructing registrars to more rigorously scrutinize gun license applications and suspending the issuance of carry permits.
Thailand is ranked ninth globally for online fraud losses, with more than 27 billion baht lost in 2025 and victims suffering average losses of 37,000 baht per person. The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) has warned that cybercrime will become more complex in 2026, particularly through the use of AI Deepfake technology.
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has reported on the progress of the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023-2027). Particularly in the first two years of the plan, despite efforts to drive various initiatives, the distribution of economic opportunities across sectors has not effectively reduced regional disparities, especially in addressing poverty.
Thailand needs an economy that delivers better wages, secure jobs, and real competitiveness. But today’s trade and investment rules stand in the way. Without reform, the country risks falling behind in an increasingly cut-throat global economy.
Yesterday, the Department of Tourism, through its Thailand Film Office, participated with an exhibition booth at the European Film Market 2026 (EFM 2026) in Berlin. The aim was to promote Thailand’s potential as an international filming destination, while pushing for continued foreign film production in Thailand to generate sustained income for the country.
A street interview posted online has gone viral after an Israeli tourist shared critical remarks about her experience in Thailand. In the clip, the host asked a female tourist from Israel: “After being here for only two days, what are some things you think Thailand can improve on?”
Siamese freshwater crocodiles released in Kaeng Krachan
Thailand’s automotive industry is navigating its most profound transformation in 0 years, as the nation moves away from its traditional reliance on internal combustion engines (ICE). While the country remains the “Detroit of Asia” and holds a prestigious production rank of 10th globally, its domestic market was historically defined by the dominance of 1-ton pickup trucks.
The Hua Hin property market is emerging as a relative bright spot in Thailand’s challenging real estate sector, supported by sustained foreign demand that is helping to offset weak domestic purchasing power.
Forest fires, suspected to have been caused by human activity, have been raging uncontrollably in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, and Mae Hong Son, driving PM2.5 levels beyond the 37.5-micron safety threshold, according to reports from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
A group of foreign residents in Pattaya has lodged a complaint with the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) after allegedly losing more than 300 million baht in a fraudulent gold-trading investment scheme branded “King Power Gold”.
Thailand’s Industrial Confidence Index rose marginally to 88.7 in January, up from 88.2 in December, as the manufacturing sector returned to full swing following the New Year holiday and demand picked up ahead of the Lunar New Year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Thailand is steadily cementing its reputation as one of the leading global destinations for medical tourism, attracting millions of international patients each year with its high-quality healthcare services, affordability, and attractive recovery options.
Chiang Mai International Airport has recorded a new post-Covid high in passenger traffic, with daily numbers surpassing 36,000, as airlines added 69 extra and charter flights to accommodate Lunar New Year demand.
Puphaman National Park, located in Loei and Khon Kaen provinces, has called on the public to stop feeding wild elephants by leaving fruit and other edible items for them, warning that such well-intentioned acts could ultimately harm the animals and increase the risk of human-elephant conflict.
The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) is holding its first networking event of 2026 in Hua Hin, hosted at the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort.
Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas has been awarded the R5 Guarantee Award under the “R5 Guarantee to Global” initiative, organized by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the Thai Food and Drug Administration. This accolade highlights the resort’s dedication to quality, safety, and internationally aligned health and wellness standards.
Recently, a couple posted on the social media forum about their experience near Chiang Mai. They found a puppy being bullied by other strays and felt compelled to help. With only two days before leaving the northern province and embarking on a two-week trip around Thailand, they wondered whether bringing the dog to the US was feasible within their timeframe.
A cluster of nine earthquakes measuring between 1.9 and 3.2 on the Richter scale struck tambon Khao Phang in Ban Ta Khun district of the southern province of Surat Thani between Wednesday and Thursday morning, the Department of Mineral Resources reported.
Recount. Nationwide vote recount. The Election Commission must resign. A new election altogether. These are the growing demands of some voters, particularly supporters of the People’s Party, who believe the Feb. 8 snap election was not just rigged here and there but systemically manipulated.
Many Thai small and medium-sized businesses — often run from homes, co-working spaces or cafés — face rising cyber risks that can be as harmful as a flooded shop or a lost delivery. From careless clicks to old software, a single mistake can stop a small team’s operations.
Over the past five years, both public and private universities have been setting up new faculties and launching courses linked to health, driven by the rapidly growing health economy from the trend of people paying more attention to health (wellness) to achieve longevity — living longer in good health.
Thailand’s position as a strategic hub for investors targeting the ASEAN region continues to strengthen, supported by record investment inflows, future-ready national strategies, major connectivity upgrades and rising international confidence in the country’s economic direction.
The highly volatile price swings of gold, which is impacting many Thais obsessed with the yellow metal, has forced the Bank of Thailand (BOT) to step in to regulate the large volume of trading affecting the baht’s rate.
More Chinese tourists are expected to travel overseas during next week’s extra-long Lunar New Year break, with top destinations ranging from Russia and Australia to Thailand and South Korea, travel agencies say, but Japan has lost some of its appeal.
The Bangkok Air Quality Information Center reported today that PM2.5 levels have surged, with the citywide average hitting 38.7 µg/m³ at 7 am, above the safe threshold of 37.5 µg/m³. The worst affected areas include Nong Chok, where PM2.5 levels hit 50.6 µg/m³.
The administration of US President Donald Trump announced yesterday the revocation of scientific findings that greenhouse gas emissions are harmful to human health, along with the cancellation of vehicle exhaust emissions standards for cars and trucks, This move marks the largest cancellation of climate change policy by this administration to date, following the removal of regulations and actions aimed at promoting fossil fuel development while hindering the growth of clean energy. 
Ongoing efforts to derail multilateral tax cooperation lie at the heart of a global program to replace democratic governance with coercive rule by the extremely wealthy – or what we call 21st-century Caesarism. Any strategy to counter this program, therefore, must recognize that taxing extreme wealth is essential to saving democracy. 
Travelers heading between Hua Hin and Bangkok are being advised to plan ahead following a Rama II Road closure at the Bang Khun Thian Bridge that will last for up to four months.
The Hua Hin Chinese New Year celebration will take place on Monday, Feb. 16, starting at 4 pm, with Hua Hin City Municipality confirming a full program of traditional processions, performances, and cultural activities.
Hua Hin’s electric vehicle master plan moved a step forward yesterday as city officials met with Shinawatra University to discuss EV adoption and charging infrastructure.
Traffic signs and road markings installed on Soi 78 to ease congestion
The economy is expected to expand by 1.51%–1.75% this year, says a public opinion survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). Thanavath Phonvichai, UTCC president and chairman of the advisory board at the university’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, said the survey on public expectations of the new administration shows voters prioritize structural economic reform over short-term populist measures.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry insists the government’s plan to reduce visa-free stays from 60 days should not impact tourism, as most foreign tourists, on average, stay for less than a month.
The “Disneyland Thailand” buzz has resurfaced after Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, deputy prime minister and minister of transport, floated the idea of moving ahead with a world-class theme park project in Chonburi under the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) scheme.
Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) sales (passenger car and light duty vehicles) more than tripled year-on-year to over 44,000 units in January 2026, a record month for the country. Its penetration rate grew to 48%, another monthly record, surpassing its previous high of 37% set in December.
A record-breaking surge in wealthy people “relocating abroad” is reshaping the global balance of power. Countries are increasingly being treated like assets, while citizenship is becoming a tool for diversifying risk. In an era where state policy can change faster than economic fundamentals, capital moves first — and moves more aggressively than ever before. 
Valentine’s Day flowers: meanings and the best pick for your partner
As global healthcare costs continue to rise, access to affordable and reliable medical care has become an increasingly important factor in travel decisions. For retirees, digital nomads, long-stay visitors, and medical tourists, healthcare is no longer merely a matter of safety. It is part of the destination value proposition.
The Thai baht rose by 1.3% to 31.2 per dollar yesterday, recovering from previous losses and reaching a high not seen in over a week. This rebound can be largely attributed to enhanced market sentiment following the substantial election success of the Bhumjaithai Party.
Unofficial results of the 2026 general election clearly point to the Bhumjaithai Party taking the lead in forming the next government. The party campaigned on its “10 Plus” economic platform, which is set to become the core economic policy of the new administration.
The Thai Restaurant Assn. is calling for small eateries registered as juristic persons to be included in the anticipated revival of the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme under the new government led by the Bhumjaithai Party.
The public sector under the new government is expected to accelerate the adoption of cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to bridge its legacy bureaucratic systems with advanced digital technology.
Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) expects more than 4.11 million passengers to pass through its six airports during the Chinese New Year holiday period from Feb. 13-22. The surge is driven largely by a continued recovery in the Chinese market, increasing pressure on airport operations nationwide. Authorities are preparing for heavier traffic and longer processing times during peak travel days.
The Election Commission of Thailand has confirmed that the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited across all provinces to ensure order during the voting process. The prohibition begins at 6 pm on Saturday, Feb. 7, and remains in effect until 6 pm on Sunday, Feb. .
The Thai food delivery market recorded significant consolidation and growth between 2024 and 2025.The market is increasingly defined by a duopoly between Grab and Line Man, as smaller competitors exit, according to Singapore-based research firm Momentum Works.
