- Hua Hin Hospital bolsters mobility for amputees/Cha Am squid pier to undergo repair/”Hua Hin Aerobic & Mix Dance”/Hua Hin Jazz City Event/Hua Hin youth football tournament/Thailand’s international schools rise/VIP perks at prison/Thai press freedom slides/Police uncover child trafficking
- THE IRAN WAR: Thailand worst-case economic scenarios/Biggest Energy Price Shock in Four Years/Trump says Iran has not paid enough/US will ‘guide’ stranded ships/Vulnerable groups face hardest economic shock/Land bridge as energy hub/China rejects US curbs
- ECONOMY: Land Bridge a vision or a mirage?/Land bridge project lacks details/Most southerners back land bridge/Long-stay visa not a key driver/Phuket real estate market/Call for targeted stimulus package/Thailand’s smart home exports surge/Export Crunches Threaten to Derail EV/Thailand as Southeast Asia’s Premier EV Hub
- TOURISM: Bangkok street food culture at risk/Cruise terminal on Koh Samui/Travel restrictions hit tour buses
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand’s pungent flavors /What never to eat with durian
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand promotes green travel/Turning waste into power
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Vilhelm International Academy launched in March 2026 and has is campus at “The Hub” in Hin Lek Fai, less than 10 minutes from the center of town. They provide mentor-led academic supervision for students studying through accredited online school programs, whether independently enrolled or through integrated programs offered at Vilhelm. This means that students follow a fixed timetable, complete coursework under supervision, and receive ongoing progress monitoring. They can do this whist studying for their GCSE’s, A-Levels, NCAA approved US courses, or any other online school they choose to use.
Unlike more traditional options, at the academy children can learn at their own pace, not being forced forward before they are ready and also not being held back by the rest of the class. When they are ready to move on they do so. By coming to the academy each day, they are able to complement their studies with activities that develop leadership skills, community service (such as the recent helmet initiative), complemented by daily sports and physical activity to support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
You can visit the website for more details, or you can book an appointment to meet with the academy co-ordinator to discuss what you are looking for and explain what they can offer. There is a completely free five-day trial period that can be taken advantage of by anyone interested in seeing if the academy is the right fit for them.
Website; Email: info@vilhelminternationalacademy.com; Phone: +66 065 991 5500; Facebook; Map location.
For Hua Hin Hospital, prosthetic foot bolsters mobility for amputees
Hua Hin Hospital has reported positive feedback from amputees who have used the Thai-developed “dynamic prosthetic foot”, which enables them to walk and even run with a level of ease much closer to that of a natural foot.
The device is now available to patients under the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS). Dr. Jaka Anucharee, a rehabilitation physician at Hua Hin Hospital, said patients who require prosthetic limbs often undergo amputation due to conditions such as diabetes, vascular disease, infection, or trauma. Continued …
Sam Roi Yot woman crowned Miss Prachuap Khiri Khan
Cha Am squid pier to undergo repair work
The “Cha Am squid pier”, one of the area’s best-known seafront landmarks, is set for urgent repair work after concerns were raised about the deteriorating condition of the rock embankment road and the area around the twin squid statues.
Cha Am Municipality inspected the site on May 1 after Mayor Nukul Pornsomboon was informed that parts of the embankment had become damaged and could pose a risk to tourists, anglers, and other visitors. Continued …
Hua Hin Aerobic & Mix Dance held at Bluport
Hua Hin Jazz City Event to be held May 29– June 1
Hua Hin will be filled with the sound of jazz from May 29 to June 1, as the Hua Hin Jazz City Event returns with performances at venues across the city. But this event is a little different. There is no single main stage.
Instead, restaurants, bars, hotels and other venues across Hua Hin will become their own jazz stages, each offering a different atmosphere, sound, and style. Across the weekend, there will be more than 30 jazz performances. Continued …
Hua Hin youth football tournament draws 180 players
A Hua Hin youth football tournament brought together 180 young players from schools in Hua Hin and Pran Buri yesterday. The inaugural Hua Hin Youth Football Championship for Literacy 2026 was held at Khao Takiab Stadium in Hua Hin.
Organized by the Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin, in association with Hua Hin City Municipality, the one-day tournament brought together students aged 10 to 12 from 12 teams representing government schools in Hua Hin and Pran Buri. Continued …
Thailand’s international schools rise despite economic slowdown
Over the past year, international schools have been watched as a rising business, with large capital groups and foreign investors moving in. Their expansion has run counter to a decline in new births, the continuing closure of private schools, and the current situation in which many people complain that the economy is weak.
Kasikorn Research Centre estimates that in 2025 the value of the international school business will expand to B95 billion, up from more than B85 billion in 2024, while the number of schools is expected to rise to 257. Continued …
Heads roll over VIP perks at prison
Strict disciplinary action will be taken against officials implicated in the granting of preferential treatment for Chinese inmates at Bangkok Remand Prison late last year, the Department of Corrections (DoC) says.
The DoC declared there will be “no exceptions for wrongdoing”, as the case has now been forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission for legal proceedings. The case made lurid headlines at the time. Continued …
Thai press freedom on the slide
Thailand fell seven places to rank 92nd in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, as Southeast Asian nations largely struggled against a tide of legal harassment and systemic censorship.
While Thailand remains second among the 11 ASEAN members, trailing only Timor-Leste (30th), its status has been downgraded to “difficult” by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Continued …
Police uncover child trafficking at Pathum Thani cat spa
A 33-year-old woman and two associates have been arrested for allegedly running a child trafficking operation behind a cat spa front in Pathum Thani.
The cat spa had been operating for seven years and was advertised on online forums. Investigators found 22 workers at the premises, seven to eight of them minors. During the raid, police seized mobile phones, electronic devices, and over 500 condoms. Continued …
Thailand worst-case economic scenarios if Iran war continues
If the Iran war escalates into a prolonged global conflict lasting six to nine months or extends to a full-scale global confrontation involving major powers, Thailand faces the most severe economic outcomes.
Under these worst-case scenarios, GDP growth could plummet to just 0.2% or result in an outright economic contraction, while inflation could surge to 5.8% or higher, creating a high risk of stagflation. Continued …
Middle East War Triggers Biggest Energy Price Shock in Four Years
The war in the Middle East is poised to deliver the most severe blow to global energy markets since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the World Bank warned this week, with consequences stretching from oil fields to farmlands to the dinner tables of the world’s poorest households.
In its April Commodity Markets Outlook, the bank projects energy prices will surge 24% this year, their highest level since 2022, while overall commodity prices are forecast to rise 16%, driven by soaring energy and fertilizer costs, alongside record-high prices for key metals. Continued …
Trump says Iran has ‘not yet paid a big enough price’
US President Donald Trump said that he had yet to review the exact wording of a new Iranian peace proposal but he was unlikely to accept it, because the Iranians had not yet “paid a big enough price.” Video …
Trump says US will ‘guide’ stranded ships from the Strait of Hormuz
The United States will launch an effort today to “guide” stranded ships from the Iran-gripped Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump said, giving few details about what could be a sweeping attempt to help hundreds of vessels and some 20,000 seafarers. Iran quickly denounced it as a ceasefire violation.
Trump said in a social media post yesterday that “neutral and innocent” countries have been affected by the Iran war, and “we have told these countries that we will guide their ships safely out of these restricted waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business.” Continued …
SMEs and vulnerable groups face hardest economic shock
Amid global economic volatility driven by the unresolved war in the Middle East, Thailand’s economy is facing a “shock” that is beginning to take clearer form, including slower growth and inflationary pressure from higher energy costs.
The main concern is not only the direction of the economy but the “unevenness” of the impact across groups, particularly vulnerable people and SMEs, which face limits on income and liquidity. Continued …
Thailand pushes land bridge as energy hub to guard against Hormuz risk
Akanat Promphan, minister of energy, has outlined the direction for managing the country’s energy sector amid volatility in the global situation, saying this is the most appropriate time for structural change.
The focus is on turning crises into strategic opportunities to attract investment and strengthen Thailand so it can compete with neighboring countries that have higher economic growth rates, or GDP growth. A key issue being prioritized is the use of the land bridge project as a tool to strengthen energy security. Continued …
Sanctions standoff — China rejects US curbs on Iranian oil trade
China has moved to counter US sanctions by issuing a temporary injunction to suspend their enforcement against five independent oil refineries, in a rare legal pushback that underscores rising tensions over energy trade.
The measures target so-called “teapot refineries”, privately owned Chinese processors accused by Washington of importing crude oil from Iran in breach of US sanctions. Continued …
Land Bridge a vision or a mirage?
One of the flagship projects the Bhumjaithai Party-led government is determined to deliver is the land bridge linking the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand between Ranong and Chumphon. The government is eager to capitalize on disruptions to global shipping caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, seeking to revive a project discussed for decades.
However, long-standing objections to its impacts remain unresolved. In particular, the absence of an environmental and health impact assessment and unclear economic returns raise doubts over whether the project justifies investment exceeding 1 trillion baht, especially given the immediate environmental damage. Continued …
Vague land bridge project lacks details
The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) is questioning the economic viability of the land bridge project, which requires a massive investment of up to 1 trillion baht, as well as whether the government should provide financial support.
Sumet Ongkittikul, vice president for internal systems and research director for transport and logistics policy at TDRI, said these concerns stem from his reading of the project report two years ago, though he is unaware whether an updated report has been published. Continued …
Most southerners back land bridge, lack understanding
While a majority of people in southern Thailand support the proposed land bridge megaproject, more than half say they have only a limited understanding of it, according to a Nida poll survey released yesterday.
The poll, conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA, drew on responses from 1,455 people aged 18 and over across 14 southern provinces between April 28 and 30. Continued …
Long-stay visa is not a key driver for foreign condominium buyers
Thailand’s renewable long-stay visa scheme for foreign condominium buyers is unlikely to be a decisive factor in attracting overseas investment, according to a property market expert, saying that decisions are driven more by lifestyle, education, and regulatory clarity. Laurent Richer, chief financial officer of an online property platform, Fazwaz, said the visa policy acts as an enabler rather than a core incentive.
“Long-term visas can support the market, but they are not the main driver. Foreign buyers prioritize lifestyle, education, and stability. Reforms to foreign ownership rules, particularly the 49% freehold quota for condominiums, would have a greater impact on investment decisions,” he added. Continued …
Phuket real estate market ranks second after Greater Bangkok
According to the latest residential market survey by the Thai Real Estate Research and Valuation Information Center at the Agency for Real Estate Affairs Co., Phuket property has expanded sharply. Phuket is the second-largest real estate market, behind only Greater Bangkok.
This is based on the value of real estate products currently awaiting sale in 2026, totalling B194.545 billion. Chonburi has the highest number of unsold units after Greater Bangkok, at 39,521 units, but its unsold value is B160 billion. Continued …
BoT chief calls for targeted stimulus package
The government’s stimulus package should emphasize targeted, appropriate investment to support economic growth through next year, says the central bank chief.
Bank of Thailand Gov. Vitai Ratanakorn said the package should adopt a targeted approach to assist sectors affected by rising energy costs stemming from the Mideast war. The measures are expected to combine cash transfers with investment initiatives. Continued …
Thailand’s smart home exports surge 86%, reinforcing role as tech production hub
Thailand’s smart devices industry is showing strong export momentum, with “mart home” exports soaring 86.5% in 2025 to US$19.17 billion, underlining the country’s growing role as a key production and export base for technology products, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) under the Commerce Ministry.
The figures point to a major opportunity for Thailand to strengthen its position in the global smart devices industry, as demand continues to rise on the back of energy-saving trends, digital infrastructure expansion, 5G development, aging societies, urbanization, and carbon-reduction policies. Continued …
Global Export Crunches Threaten to Derail EV and High-Tech Supply Chains
The global race for technological supremacy and net-zero emissions is hitting a formidable trade barrier. According to the OECD’s 2026 Inventory of Export Restrictions on Critical Raw Materials, the number of measures limiting the export of essential minerals has surged fivefold since 2009, creating a volatile “resource war” that threatens the stability of the electric vehicle (EV) and semiconductor industries.
The report highlights a growing trend of “resource nationalism,” where mineral-rich nations utilize export taxes, licensing requirements, and outright prohibitions to secure domestic supply or force international firms to build processing plants within their borders. Continued …
Thailand Races Ahead as Southeast Asia’s Premier EV Hub Despite Infrastructure Hurdles
Thailand is firmly establishing itself as the regional frontrunner for the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, outpacing its Southeast Asian neighbors in consumer readiness.
According to Deloitte’s 2026 Global Automotive Consumer Study, 58% of Thai consumers intend to opt for a hybrid or battery electric vehicle (BEV) for their next purchase — significantly higher than the regional average of 42.8%. Continued …
Bangkok’s beloved street food culture at risk as vendor crackdown widens
Many stalls in the Thai capital face an uncertain future as officials clear footpaths and relocate sellers to hawker centers. Across Bangkok, aromas of garlic, chilli, and grilled meat drift from roadside stalls and carts, but tighter controls on vendors threaten livelihoods and the street food culture that defines the Thai capital.
Convenient, full of flavor, and popular among locals and tourists alike, Bangkok’s street food is one of the city’s signatures, where sizzling woks and smoky charcoal grills turn boulevards and pavements into open-air kitchens from morning until late at night. Continued …
Minister pushes for B5-billion cruise terminal on Koh Samui
Deputy Transport Minister Sanphet Bunyamanee says he is pushing for a 5-billion-baht cruise terminal on Koh Samui in the southern province of Surat Thani, with a targeted completion date in 2032.
The Songkhla MP for the Bhumjaithai Party said he intended to present the project in detail to the cabinet within this year. The Marine Department would finish an environmental and health impact study within the next year and the government would invite the private sector to co-invest in the project, he added. Continued …
Travel restrictions hit tour buses
Thai bus operators have urged the government to lift a ban on business trips for the public sector, while pushing for acceleration of the domestic travel co-payment scheme to lift demand, as the recent 2.06-billion-baht transport subsidy does not accommodate the tour bus sector.
The subsidy package was introduced by the government last month to support freight trucks, public buses, and for-hire vehicles during the energy crisis. The subsidy covers 42 days from April 20 to May 31. Continued …
Why Thailand’s pungent flavors are its most beloved
In the world of global gastronomy, Thailand is celebrated for balancing the four pillars of taste: sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. However, a “fifth pillar”, aroma, defines the soul of authentic Thai cooking.
To the uninitiated, these scents can be confrontational, but to a Thai palate, they are a siren song. There is an informal culinary rule in Thailand: the funkier the ingredient, the tastier the dish. Continued …
What never to eat with durian
In Thailand, local wisdom and medical experts alike warn that pairing durian with certain substances can be physically taxing or even life-threatening. If you are planning to indulge, here are the three critical combinations you must avoid to stay safe.
This is the golden rule of durian consumption: Never mix the King of Fruits with booze. Durian contains high levels of sulfur compounds, which can inhibit aldehyde dehydrogenase, the essential enzyme your liver uses to break down alcohol. Continued …
Thailand promotes green travel with Amazing Green Journey campaign
Thailand has launched the “Amazing Green Journey” campaign to help move the country’s tourism industry toward sustainability, while encouraging consumers to adopt more environmentally responsible lifestyles and travel habits.
The campaign marks a new form of tourism cooperation between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), and Lotus’s, part of CP Axtra. It also aims to support Thailand’s push to become a world-class green tourism hub. Continued …
Turning waste into power: Chinese-invested plant boosts Bangkok’s green shift
In the Nong Khaem Waste Management Center, western Bangkok, garbage trucks enter a waste-to-energy plant, where waste is converted into electricity. In the plant, no smoke can be seen from the towering chimney and there is no smell of garbage in the air.
It’s hard to imagine that mountains of garbage were once piled up in the same place just over a decade ago. Operated by C&G Environmental Protection (Thailand) Co., a China-invested company, the plant has been in operation since 2016, with a daily processing capacity of 500 tons of waste. To date, it has treated over 1.68 million tons in total and generated over 636 million kWh of electricity for the city’s grid. Continued …
89 Israeli children found at illegal Koh Phangan school
Security officials have raided a school on Koh Phangan that was being run illegally by Thai and Iranian operators, and found 89 Israeli children. According to the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), the location was licensed as a childcare center for 18 children aged two to five, but officials found 89 Israeli children aged from 2 to 12. Continued …
- Japanese Men Held For Meth Sales in Bangkok – Continued …
- Chinese Arrested Over Online scam in Chiang Mai – Continued …
- Foreign Tourists Filmed in Lewd Act in taxi in Phuket – Continued …
- Immigration Police Arrest Nigerian in Bangkok Drug Sting – Continued …
- Foreign Man Steals IPhone 17 in Thonglor – Continued …
EU rules demand easy battery swaps for smartphones by 2027
The European Union (EU) will enforce new rules from 2027 requiring smartphones and other battery-powered devices to allow easier battery replacement, though the law does not necessarily mean handsets must return to removable back covers as many consumers assume. Continued …
Three die on Atlantic cruise ship from suspected hantavirus
Three people have died on a cruise ship in the Atlantic, the WHO said yesterday, one a confirmed case of hantavirus – an illness usually transmitted to humans from rodents. The outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius, travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde. 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
Does your morning coffee make you feel invincible? There may be some truth to that, as new research explains how coffee helps protect against aging and chronic disease.
Thailand has enough oil reserves to meet domestic demand for about 108 days, the Energy Ministry said yesterday, as global energy markets remained volatile amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Thailand’s minimum wage has risen by an average of just 1.7% per year over the past decade, with limited improvement in real incomes as rising living costs offset gains, according to analysis by Bnomics, the research unit of Bangkok Bank.
Thailand is accelerating plans to upgrade its southern rail network and revive cross-border links with Malaysia, as part of a broader push to position the country as a regional logistics hub.
Fruit export push — Commerce targets B179 billion in 2026
On health insurance for foreign populations, including both workers and tourists, Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said yesterday said that foreigners entering Thailand — whether for tourism, work or short cross-border visits — could become a major economic burden if they were unable to pay for medical treatment. He said the health insurance system could help fill that gap and offset the cost.
Why Thais can’t get enough of moo kratha — and why some can’t stand it
Healthcare is often a topic that sparks debates among the 30-something and over-50 set, from discussions over treatments, physicians, and insurance policies to preventive care, which has now become an industry of its own.
Eat your hearts out Pablo Escobar, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, and Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes. The richest cartel by far is still the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and its leaders also get to die in bed. But one of its oldest members, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has just quit. No notice, no explanations — just quit.
US President Donald Trump said yesterday he would raise tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union to 25% next week, accusing the bloc of failing to carry out its trade commitments with Washington. The planned increase would replace the previously agreed 15% tariff level under a US-EU trade arrangement reached last year. 
The United States is withdrawing 5,000 troops from NATO ally Germany, the Pentagon announced yesterday, as a rift over the Iran war widens between President Donald Trump and Europe. 
Thai people are being advised to brace for a prolonged and possibly extreme drought, which may last for up to three years due to El Niño weather phenomenon, according to the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) and Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
They die quietly, one by one, doing the forest officials’ job, rewarded with little more than praise that masks state hypocrisy. In early April, Boonma Phadaeng, 56, collapsed and died after days of fighting a forest fire in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai province.
Critics have warned that the military-led approach to handling the conflict in Thailand’s southern border provinces may be prolonging unrest rather than resolving it. Since violence resumed in 2004, the conflict in Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat remains entrenched, rooted in historical, identity, and religious differences involving separatist groups.
The Thai retail landscape has reached a historic tipping point, with e-commerce now established as the sector’s primary engine of growth. Recent data reveals the digital market has surpassed the 1 trillion baht ($30 billion) threshold, accounting for 30% of total national retail value.
Thailand’s Fiscal Policy Office has cut its 2026 economic growth forecast to 1.6%, down from the 2.0% projection made in January, citing rising pressure from geopolitical conflicts, particularly in the Middle East.
Thailand is emerging as one of Asia’s new wealth hubs as the global capital landscape shifts and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) become increasingly mobile, creating fresh momentum for Thailand’s high-end property, investment, and luxury lifestyle sectors.
Number of Japanese restaurants in Thailand declines
The Thai Travel Agents Assn. (TTAA) strongly opposes the government’s plan to levy a 1,000-baht departure tax on Thai travelers, warning it will hamper two-way tourism and hurt the economy during a cost-of-living crisis.
LA Songkran Event Sets Guinness Record with Pad Thai Sales
Bangkok’s heat index has been sitting in the “danger” category since April 1, and as of today, that is nearly four weeks without a break. Actual air temperatures are running at 38 to 40 degrees celsius, with high humidity pushing the feels-like temperature significantly higher.
Twenty-two Sri Lankan Buddhist monks who had just returned from Thailand were arrested on April 25 at an airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka, after customs officers allegedly found cannabis hidden in their luggage. The monks were detained after officers found 110 kilograms of cannabis concealed in secret compartments inside their suitcases. 
The United Arab Emirates has confirmed it will withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the wider OPEC+ alliance from May 1, ending more than five decades of membership and dealing a fresh blow to the producers’ group as the Iran war continues to disrupt global energy flows. 
If the ancestors of Donald Trump and King Charles could see them today, the US president mused yesterday, they “would surely be filled with awe and pride that the Anglo-American revolution in human freedom” had survived to the present day. The White House captioned a photo of the moment, “TWO KINGS”. 
Hua Hin is exploring the use of CCTV with AI-enabled facial recognition systems as part of plans to strengthen public safety and modernize urban management. The proposal was discussed during a meeting chaired by Nopporn Wutthikul on Friday at Hua Hin City Municipality.
Five stray dogs were found dead after suspected poisoning in a residential area of Cha Am municipality, Phetchaburi, on Friday, prompting concern among local residents and calls for authorities to investigate. The animals were discovered lying on the road and nearby grass, showing signs of severe distress, including foaming at the mouth, bleeding, and loss of bodily control.
The likelihood of a “super El Niño” poses a serious threat to Thailand’s agricultural sector, particularly rice production, potentially increasing food security risks.
A senior doctor has warned that eating raw shrimp can lead to serious parasitic infection, after a case highlighted the risks beyond common food poisoning. Yesterday, Dr. Jessada Bunyawongviroj, deputy director of Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, shared details of a patient who developed gnathostomiasis after consuming raw seafood. The condition caused swelling that moved across the body, as parasites migrated under the skin.
Thailand’s Ministry of Energy is preparing to propose a new electricity pricing scheme to the cabinet, aimed at reducing costs for households that use no more than 200 units per month. Under the plan, these users would pay less than 3 baht per unit, with lower consumption leading to progressively cheaper rates, potentially benefiting around 14 million people.
At least 80% of governments will deploy AI agents to automate routine decision-making, enhancing efficiency and service delivery by 2028, according to the business and technology insights company Gartner Inc.
Oil prices extended gains today, rising almost 2% as peace efforts between the United States and Iran lost momentum and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remained constrained, tightening global supply.
The US-Iran conflict, which erupted two months ago, has triggered an oil price shock, sharp rises in the cost of living, and widespread flight cancellations worldwide.
Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said the government was pressing ahead with its economic plan to help households and businesses cope with global volatility, while also strengthening Thailand’s medium- and long-term competitiveness.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties with the United States following talks with US Ambassador to Thailand Sean O’Neill on Friday.
Quasar Medical, a manufacturer of interventional and minimally invasive devices, has opened its newest manufacturing facility in Chonburi, Thailand. This new facility adds to the company’s initial investment in Thailand, and is Quasar’s third site in the country.
Thailand’s famed massage industry is getting a reset. Last month, the government rolled out sweeping reforms to raise standards, improve training, and reshape its global image. In 2024, Thailand’s wellness tourism spending hit US$14 billion, up 36% from the previous year. This video looks at whether the changes will lift the sector or price it out of reach. 
The water has dried, the streets have cleared, and the music has faded, but for many long-term visitors in Pattaya, the aftermath of this year’s Songkran has left behind more frustration than fond memories.
The sights, sounds, and smells of Bangkok hit me immediately and simultaneously. The spiced aromas wafting from street food vendors mixed with the heavy traffic’s gasoline fumes. My head was constantly on a swivel, captured by the neon lights in Chinatown contrasting against the gold facades of the centuries-old wats (temples).
10 high-sodium Thai dishes that may quietly harm your kidneys
The government’s renewed focus on rooftop solar in early 2026 stems from overlapping economic pressures, described by policymakers as a “crisis on crisis”. Global energy costs have surged amid the war in the Middle East, affecting fuel used for electricity generation. This has pushed up the fuel tariff, with further increases expected between May and August.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with strategic partners, successfully concluded the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC) 2026 in Phuket last week.
Phuket has been selected as the pilot province for a new nationwide push to transform Thailand’s hotel sector into a model of sustainable tourism, with the Bank of Thailand launching a major green financing initiative aimed at reshaping the industry. 
When we talk about foreigners moving abroad, the loudest voices and the biggest egos usually grab all the attention. But today, let’s talk about the absolute pinnacle of expat achievement: The Seamless Neighbor.
Thailand is facing another burst of summer-storm weather, with the Thai Meteorological Department warning that the north and northeast will bear the brunt first, bringing thunderstorms, strong winds, hail and isolated heavy rain. Some areas may also see lightning as the latest system moves in.
The Smart Water Operation Center (SWOC) of the Royal Irrigation Department recently outlined Thailand’s water situation and outlook for 2026, saying the country is likely to enter an El Niño period in the middle of the year, which could bring below-normal rainfall.
The Trump administration is nearing a deal to rescue low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines that could include up to $500 million in government-backed financing to help it keep operating through bankruptcy, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Thailand’s property sector is being hit by overlapping pressures, from soaring construction costs to weakening purchasing power, prompting developers to slow new project launches and switch into “liquidity first” mode, with survival taking priority over growth.
Thailand’s industrial sentiment index dropped in March, weighed down by higher oil prices and the conflict in the Middle East, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported yesterday. The federation said its industrial sentiment index slipped to 88.6 in March from 90.0 in the previous month.
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry has advised exporters to coordinate closely with their US trade partners after US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) opened a new system for requesting refunds of import duties collected under President Donald Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Restaurant-related associations have collaborated to tackle surging energy costs, fluctuations in raw material prices, and digital transformation. A memorandum of understanding was signed by representatives from the Restaurant Assn., the Night Restaurant Business Trade Assn., the Digital Technology Entrepreneur Trade Assn., the Thai Fresh Market Assn., and the Federation of Thai Chefs.
Thailand is reviewing its 60-day visa-free entry scheme and is likely to scrap the blanket arrangement for all eligible countries, as the government seeks to tighten screening, curb abuse, and shift its tourism strategy toward higher-quality and longer-stay visitors.
According to the latest analysis by Future Market Insights (FMI), the medical tourism industry in Thailand is undergoing a significant transformation, evolving from a cost-driven destination for elective procedures into a premium global healthcare hub focused on complex and high-acuity treatments.
Places to Avoid in Thailand
Heavy rains lure frogs out of hiding and villagers out of homes
Asia’s Clean Energy Boom Reshapes the Global Power Sector
There’s a certain rhythm to life in Hua Hin that’s hard to ignore. Mornings start a little slower, the sea is never far away, and the pace feels more manageable than in larger cities.
Kaeng Krachan forest fire burns 5,000 rai in Phetchaburi
Erawan National Park closes due to forest fires, PM2.5 spike
Thailand has coordinated with Iran and Oman to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for three Thai vessels carrying oil and petrochemical cargoes. The breakthrough has helped reduce the risk of energy and petrochemical feedstock shortages in Thailand amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Thailand’s housing market is showing signs of a structural shift, with would-be buyers pulling back and more people turning to renting instead. The latest data from DDproperty shows that nationwide demand to buy residential property fell 6% in the first quarter of 2026, while rental demand rose 4%. In Bangkok, rental demand climbed even faster, jumping 9%.
Thailand’s commercial banking sector delivered a resilient performance in the first quarter of 2026, with all 11 major lenders reporting combined net profits of 68.68 billion baht, a modest 0.62% increase from the same period last year and a sharp 20.13% rise from the previous quarter.
The government has firmly denied reports suggesting a planned hike in value-added tax (VAT) from 7% to 10%, describing the claims as misinformation and reiterating its commitment to easing the cost of living for the general public.
Thailand’s tourism industry is beginning to feel the strain from the war in the Middle East, with soaring oil prices pushing up airline costs and prompting some Chinese carriers to scale back international flights.
The March 2026 Hotel Business Operator Sentiment Index survey, conducted by the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) and the Bank of Thailand between March 13-31, with responses from 138 operators, pointed to the outlook for Thailand’s hotel business during the Q2 2026 low season after the tourism sector was directly hit by the conflict in the Middle East.
Thailand’s cultural triumph
Blackpink’s Lisa brings Thai fashion to tourism
Chinese automaker Chery and its subsidiary Omoda & Jaecoo officially inaugurated their new energy vehicle (NEV) production facility in Thailand on Monday, marking a milestone in expanding their global manufacturing footprint.
The gunman who killed a Canadian tourist and wounded 13 others at Mexico’s famed Teotihuacan pyramids had planned the attack days in advance, officials said yesterday, as evidence pointed to him being inspired by a US massacre. 
Workers load tons of rare earth minerals into bags ready for shipping at a refinery in eastern Malaysia, fueling the global pushback against China’s grip on the critical sector. Rare earths are a key ingredient in products ranging from smartphones to fighter jets, electric cars, and wind turbines – and increasingly for hardware powering the artificial intelligence boom. 
Hua Hin celebrates famed boxer Pone Kingpetch
Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas has launched its “Introduction to Tennis” camp this April, designed to help kids learn the sport or enhance their skills during the school holidays. The three-day program aims to build players’ confidence, skills, and friendships in a fun and supportive environment under the guidance of an experienced tennis coach and trainer.
The north of Thailand remains under a thick blanket of hazardous smog, as the latest satellite data yesterday reveals a surge in forest fires, with over 2,000 hotspots detected across 17 provinces.
Traffic accidents and injuries over the first six “dangerous days” of the Songkran holiday were down by 20% from the same period a year ago, while fatalities declined by 6.5%, according to data released yesterday.
Border crossings in Trat and Chanthaburi will remain closed, with no diplomatic talks or timeline set for reopening, says Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
An analysis by Commerzbank indicates that global energy market fluctuations are putting significant downward pressure on the Thai baht. As Thailand imports over 50% of its energy, mainly through crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), rising global energy costs have worsened its trade balance. Consequently, the USD/baht exchange rate has become a focal point for currency traders, closely monitoring the potential policy reactions from the Bank of Thailand (BOT).
Thailand is expected to enter a state of stagflation late in the second quarter and the beginning of the third quarter of this year, as businesses begin material restocking while oil prices remain high amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, according to Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research).
Thailand is pivoting away from broad-based subsidies toward targeted support and long-term investment, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, as the country prepares to host the IMF–World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok this October.
Thailand’s retail sector showed a temporary improvement in March, but the industry is still flashing warning signs for the months ahead, with confidence for the second quarter falling back below the 50-point threshold, as oil prices, higher operating costs, and weak purchasing power weigh on the outlook.
Thailand’s workforce is broadly happy — but warning signs are emerging beneath the surface. A new survey by Jobsdb by SEEK shows that overall workplace happiness among Thai employees stands at 67%, placing the country third in the region, behind Indonesia and the Philippines.
Almost 5 million people joined Songkran celebrations across Bangkok this year, up 93.4% from last year, with Siam Square topping 1.5 million, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
True Corp. said its latest mobility data highlights shifting travel patterns and real-time digital usage during Songkran 2026, showing more evenly distributed travel nationwide, led by the northeast (Isaan), while international arrivals continued to rise, with Chinese tourists ranking first.
Middle East conflict hits Phang Nga tourism – hundreds of tour boats sitting idle
Thai Gen Z travelers are reshaping travel habits in 2026 by favoring short but frequent trips over traditional long holidays, with mental well-being and value for money emerging as top priorities, according to the online booking platform Agoda.
Agoda Names Chiang Mai Asia’s Premier Culinary Destination
Thailand is preparing to open its electricity system to households, allowing those with rooftop solar panels to sell surplus power back into the grid, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said yesterday.
Rice farmers Siriporn and Amnat Taidee used to burn their paddy fields between plantings — a common method of clearing crop residue partly blamed for toxic smog that blankets much of Thailand every spring.
Where once there was ice, only rock remains. One of the glaciers in a chain of snow-capped mountains in the Colombian Andes has vanished due to high temperatures driven by climate change. Satellite images show how the ice sheet covering the mountain gradually shrank from 2015 until it disappeared completely in March. 
Fuel prices across Thailand will fall from today, with diesel dropping by 4 baht to 44.4 baht per liter and benzine also reduced, providing immediate relief ahead of the Songkran holiday period.
What Is Songkran, the Thai New Year Festival, and Where to Enjoy It
Songkran Thailand: A Timeless Tradition of Splashing Through Generations
Due to the surge in fuel prices, many travelers are booking trains to their hometowns ahead of the Songkran holiday. Passenger numbers at Buri Ram Railway Station rose by 30% compared to previous festival periods.
As Thais gear up for the upcoming Songkran holiday, I can’t help but notice how this year’s highly anticipated days off and time off work have a bit more nuance to them than usual. Granted, people are still discussing rest, relaxation and how they will fully utilize their time away from the office, while the jetset crowd will undoubtedly make full use of flying overseas and avoiding Middle Eastern routes, but something feels a bit different this year.
The Thai Meteorological Department has forecast weather conditions for April 11-16, saying Thailand will generally see hot to very hot weather, with hazy conditions during the day and thunderstorms in some areas.
Natural gas remains a cornerstone of global power generation despite mounting concerns over liquefied natural gas (LNG) shortages linked to Middle East tensions, according to Gulf Developmentc, Thailand’s largest energy company by market value and a major telecoms operator.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has rejected calls for an excise tax cut on refined oil products, saying that such a move would affect medical services and warning that the era of cheap oil prices is over, at least for the next two years, due to damage inflicted on oil infrastructure in the Middle East.
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with fee collection as proposed by Iran, together with high oil prices, is dampening the prospects for Thai exports and may push overseas shipments into contraction this year, economists say.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has recently stated that the current energy crisis could be Thailand’s last opportunity to restructure its economy and ensure long-term survival.
15-year-old girl collects bottles to support family
A major Thai manufacturer of plastic tanks and boats is set to close down after more than 50 years in business, as soaring costs and weakening demand finally pushed the company beyond its limit.
The Department of Medical Services recommends that anyone planning to visit countries where Meningococcal disease is prevalent be vaccinated first to prevent infection. Dr. Sakan Bunnag, the department’s deputy chief, said the disease is caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. It leads to meningitis and spinal cord infection, he said.
Elephants join in Songkran festivities in Ayutthaya
Phuket’s Songkran celebrations have long stood apart from the rest of Thailand’s travel experiences — not merely for the scale of the water fights, but for the particular alchemy of beach culture, Sino-Portuguese heritage, and deep Buddhist tradition that gives the island its distinct New Year character.
Need some inspiration for your next vacation? Consider a short getaway to nearby Thailand, which is brimming with some of the region’s most beautiful and luxurious resort destinations. Here’s what to see and do in the idyllic enclaves of Hua Hin, Krabi, Phuket, Samui, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai, and the best hotels to stay at.
Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa has announced urgent measures to accelerate plastic recycling in Thailand, as the country grapples with a shortage of plastics caused by the ongoing Israel–US conflict with Iran. The initiative, he said, is not only aimed at easing immediate supply pressures but also at strengthening long-term environmental protection.
In 2020, Thai authorities announced that they would endeavour to make Thailand a regional electric vehicle (EV) hub in just five years. True enough, by 2025, Chinese EV manufacturing companies had made the country a solid base.
Humanity took a giant leap closer to the lunar surface last evening as the Artemis II Orion spacecraft, Integrity, successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. The safe return of the four-person crew marks the conclusion of a historic 10-day mission and the first time humans have journeyed to the vicinity of the Moon in over half a century. 
New 24/7 Pet Channel targets China’s growing pet market
According to data compiled by Thansettakij, PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Co. (OR) and Bangchak Corp. (BCP) announced a B2.14-per-liter cut across all diesel products.
Hua Hin City Municipality is moving to address recent low water pressure problems in part of the town after residents in the Hua Hin 55 area complained about weak water flow.
Iran blocks Hormuz oil traffic as Israel keeps hitting Lebanon
Israel pounded Lebanon with its heaviest strikes yet yesterday, killing hundreds of people and drawing a threat of retaliation from Iran, which suggested it would be “unreasonable” to proceed with talks to forge a permanent peace deal with the United States.
US President Donald Trump bashed NATO and appeared to renew his threats over Greenland after a closed-door meeting with alliance chief Mark Rutte, during which he was expected to discuss possibly leaving the pivotal security bloc.
The government has outlined management guidelines to tackle the ongoing plastic pellet crisis. Key initiatives will focus on identifying high-priority items, promoting the use of alternative materials, and enhancing recycling.
Thai Trade Office Signals End of Deflation as Q2 Price Hikes Loom
Despite worries from Thailand’s tourism sector that the Middle East war could reduce the number of long-haul travelers, two restaurant operators remain optimistic. They say that an increase in Asian travelers could help compensate for any decline in visitors from other regions.
Songkran 2026 travel surge: AOT expects 3.7 million passengers
Suvarnabhumi airport anticipates handling 1.82 million passengers over the 10-day Songkran holiday period (April 10–19), averaging about 182,000 travelers per day, says director Kittipong Kittikachorn. This represents a 1.9% drop compared to the same period last year.
Opposition parties have renewed calls for urgent action on air pollution, pledging to push forward a clean air bill while urging the government to address the wildfire and PM2.5 fine dust crisis through both immediate relief and long-term structural reforms.
Mae Hong Son is facing a deepening environmental crisis as PM2.5 pollution has surged and a large number of hotspots have been detected. In response, the province has imposed its strictest measures, banning people from entering nine national reserved forest areas covering seven districts from April 7-30, in a bid to tackle the root causes of wildfires.
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), Hua Hin Branch has announced there will be temporary power outage in some areas of Hua Hin on 8 April 2026.
The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a heat warning from today until Thursday. Many areas in Thailand could see temperatures exceed 42°C, along with hazy skies during the day.
We don’t have to look very far to find a useful historical analogy for the current crisis in the Middle East. In 1967, Egypt closed the Strait of Tiran to Israeli ships, and Israel replied with a surprise air attack that destroyed almost the entire Egyptian air force on the ground.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the outcome of the special Cabinet meeting held yesterday at Government House, saying that the fighting in the Middle East, a key global source of oil and natural gas, has caused the prices of oil and natural gas, as well as by-products of oil and gas production such as fertilizer and plastic pellets, to rise rapidly on world markets.
The oil-rich monarchies of the Persian Gulf are often described as petrostates. But the US-Israeli war with Iran has highlighted that they are also saltwater kingdoms, societies whose survival depends on desalination, or converting seawater into potable water at industrial scale.
Confidence among Thai business leaders has fallen sharply, with only 24% of chief executives expressing strong confidence in their organizations’ revenue growth this year, down from 47% in 2023 and the lowest level in three years.
Thai exports in February slowed to a growth of 9.9% year-on-year (YOY), with a total export value of US$29.4 billion. This was a significant deceleration from January’s 24.4% YOY surge and below forecasts.
Motor Show bookings hit record high, reaching 21% of annual target
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has launched chartered tourist and luxury train services aimed at increasing revenue and promoting domestic travel. The initiative allows organizations and travelers to hire entire trains or individual carriages for tourism, leisure, or business purposes.
The Thai Hotels Association’s southern chapter is urging authorities to boost direct flights from Europe to Phuket in response to tourism disruptions from the Middle East conflict. The ongoing war has led to abrupt halts in flights, as several airlines suspended operations. This has caused a decrease in European tourist arrivals at Phuket International Airport by 4% in late March.
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