- Hua Hin Motor Show/Thailand swelters/Phuket Taxi Drivers to Strike
- THE IRAN WAR: Thailand Faces ‘Worst Energy Crisis in History’/Huge loan needed/Conflict has hollowed out Bangkok tourism/Construction Crisis/Thai steel industry seeks state backing/Three baht scenarios as oil spikes/Ferry operator hikes fares 4th time/Iran downs two US warplanes/War fuels inflation risks/Scramble to contain fuel costs/Not a ‘New Normal’
- ECONOMY: Can Thailand avert US trade retaliation?
- TOURISM: Thailand Pivots to ‘Quality Tourism’/300-baht tourist fee/CAAT foresees flight reduction/Strict Power Bank Rules
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Why travelers can’t seem to go home/Thailand’s favorite hotspots/Bangkok’s 244th Birthday Festival/Best of the country from all angles
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Air pollution sickens Chiang Mai/Calls for clean air/Rooftop solar could save 77%
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin Motor Show at Bluport through tomorrow
The Hua Hin Motor Show opened with a focus on new electric vehicles and promotional offers, as organizers aim to attract buyers and support the local automotive sector. The event was officially opened by Suwat Liptapanlop at the Hua Hin Convention Center on the first floor of Blúport Hua Hin Resort Mall. The show runs until Sunday.
A total of 12 major automotive and motorcycle brands are taking part, showcasing new electric vehicles, updated car models, and both electric and petrol-powered motorcycles. Promotional campaigns are being offered across a range of models, targeting both first-time buyers and those considering switching to electric vehicles. Continued …
Thailand swelters as temperatures hit 42°C
The Thai Meteorological Department has warned that much of Thailand will experience hot to extremely hot conditions today to April 9, with maximum temperatures expected to exceed 42°C in some areas, alongside hazy skies during the daytime.
In its latest forecast, the department said upper Thailand will continue to be dominated by a heat-induced low-pressure system, resulting in widespread high temperatures and reduced visibility due to haze. At the same time, weak southerly and westerly winds are prevailing across the region, contributing to unstable weather conditions. Continued …
Phuket Taxi Drivers to Strike Over Fuel Costs and App Fares
Taxi drivers in Phuket have announced a one-day strike on Monday, citing rising fuel costs and falling fares due to competition from ride-hailing applications. The action is expected to disrupt transport services across the island, with more than 4,000 drivers from taxi, van and green-plate hire services involved.
Watee Wasanarungruang, president of the Phuket Yellow-Red Taxi Club, said members are struggling to survive on daily earnings of just 100 to 200 baht. He criticized app-based operators and investors for generating significantly higher incomes while traditional drivers face mounting expenses and declining passenger numbers. Continued …
Thailand Faces ‘Worst Energy Crisis in History’ as Diesel Prices Treble
Thailand is grappling with its most severe energy crisis on record, with the government moving to seize “windfall profits” from refineries to prevent a total collapse of the country’s fuel subsidy mechanism.
Prasert Sinsukprasert, permanent secretary for energy, revealed yesterday that global diesel prices have surged to nearly $300 per barrel — almost triple the standard rate of $92. The current volatility far outstrips the previous records set during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which saw prices peak at $150. Continued …
Huge loan needed to finance fuel subsidies
Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund is seeking a loan of up to 150 billion baht to stabilize its finances and continue subsidizing domestic fuel prices as global diesel costs soar, according to Prasert Sinsukprasert, energy permanent secretary.
The fund, which recorded a loss of 48.2 billion baht as of April 2, well above the legal limit of 40 billion baht, has been forced to scale back diesel subsidies. Continued …
How the Iran conflict has hollowed out Bangkok tourism
Retail assistants sat idly on stools outside their stores, scrolling on their mobile phones, while hotel receptions fell silent, with barely any guests checking in. This scene in Nana, a downtown Bangkok neighborhood popular among Middle Eastern tourists, was a telling snapshot of the toll the US-Israel strikes on Iran had taken on Thailand’s vital tourism sector.
The conflict that began on Feb. 28 sent booking cancellations soaring and foot traffic plummeting, not only in establishments catering to Middle Eastern visitors but across the broader industry. Continued …
Construction Crisis: Industry Leaders Warn of Mass Project Abandonment as Costs Spiral
The Thai construction industry has issued an urgent distress call to the government, warning of a potential wave of abandoned projects and site closures as the cost of essential raw materials and fuel reaches “unsustainable” levels.
Liza Ngamtrakulpanit, president of the Thai Contractors Assn. (TCA), warned that the sector is facing a terminal crossroads. Operators are now being forced to choose between halting work entirely or continuing at a loss that threatens their solvency. Continued …
Thai steel industry seeks state backing as costs force price rises
Thailand’s steel industry is stepping up calls for government support as war-related cost pressures force manufacturers to raise prices and rethink how long they can remain competitive under mounting external strain.
Steel producers have announced that prices for all categories of steel products will rise by 10%-15% in the first round of increases this April, with another adjustment possible in May if energy and freight costs continue to climb. Continued …
Three baht scenarios as oil spikes: what currency swings could mean for Thailand’s exports and tourism
Yuthasak Supasorn, chairman of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand and former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said Thailand is a net oil importer, relying on crude imports for around 86% of domestic consumption. He added that energy imports account for about 6.5% of GDP, leaving the economy highly exposed when oil prices surge.
A sensitivity analysis by financial institutions, he said, suggests that every US$10 per barrel increase in global crude prices could reduce Thailand’s trade balance by around 0.9% of GDP, because the country must spend substantial US dollars to pay for energy. That outflow can quickly weaken both the trade balance and the current account, raising the risk of flipping from surplus to deficit. Continued …
Koh Samui, Koh Phangan ferry operator hikes fares for 4th time
One of two ferry operators in Surat Thani yesterday announced a fourth fare hike for its service to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan since the oil crisis erupted with the outbreak of US and Israel’s war on Iran on Feb. 28.
Seatran Ferry said with the diesel price having reached 49.90 baht a liter, effective today, passenger fares from Don Sak pier to Koh Samui will rise from 220 baht to 230 baht, while vehicle fares climb from 700 baht per vehicle to 730 baht. Continued …
Iran downs two US warplanes, one pilot missing
Two U.S. warplanes were downed over Iran and the Gulf, Iranian and U.S. officials said yesterday, with two pilots rescued and a third still missing and being hunted by Tehran’s forces.
The incidents show the risks still faced by U.S. and Israeli aircraft over Iran despite assertions from U.S. President Donald Trump and his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that their forces had total control of the skies. Continued …
War fuels inflation risks as IMF urges prudent fiscal response
The economic fallout from the war in the Middle East is widening well beyond the battlefield, with the International Monetary Fund warning that the shock is likely to mean higher prices, weaker growth, and tougher policy choices for countries already burdened by record debt. The IMF says the impact is highly uneven, with major energy importers, poorer economies, and countries with limited reserves facing the greatest risks.
At the heart of the disruption is energy. The IMF says the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to regional infrastructure have created the biggest disruption in the history of the global oil market, citing the International Energy Agency. Continued …
Asian governments scramble to contain fuel costs amid Strait of Hormuz crisis
Geopolitical tensions and rising energy costs are impacting Asian financial markets amid Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closures. Countries like Thailand, South Korea, Japan, and Indonesia focus on energy security and cost mitigation, with major indices declining.
Thailand’s financial markets are being affected by ongoing geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices. The cabinet is considering fuel tax cuts to alleviate inflationary pressures. This reflects a broader regional trend, where governments are balancing supply concerns with economic stability. Continued …
No, this is not a ‘New Normal’
“This is the new normal” is how spokesperson for the Center for Monitoring the Situation in the Middle East, Nuttaa Mahattana, has characterized Thailand’s current struggle with soaring fuel and commodities prices triggered by the war in the Middle East.
Specifically, she explained that the upward trajectory of energy prices is set to continue and that heightened living costs can be expected into the long term. In the assessment of the center, pricy oil is a reality that no one can escape. Continued …
Can Thailand avert US trade retaliation under Section 301?
Thailand finds itself once again in the crosshairs of the Trump administration even before the uncertainties caused by US tariff policies have been ironed out. On March 11, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced new trade investigations under Section 301 of the US Trade Act.
The US is aiming to replace President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, which were earlier ruled illegal by the Supreme Court. Thailand is being targeted due to its sizable trade surplus with the US, which rose to $71.9 billion last year from $45.6 billion in 2024, making it the sixth largest trade partner, according to trade statistics from the United States Census Bureau. Continued …
Thailand Pivots to ‘Quality Tourism’ as Global Economic Headwinds Force Target Revision
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has signaled a decisive shift in its national strategy, moving away from chasing record-breaking arrival numbers in favor of a “Value over Volume” model. The move comes as the agency adjusts its annual targets in response to a cooling global economy and persistent logistical constraints.
Data released for the first quarter of 2026 reveals that Thailand welcomed 9.31 million foreign arrivals between Jan. 1 and March 31. While the figures show a robust recovery, tourism officials are concerned by a widening gap between visitor volume and actual revenue growth. Continued …
Why Thailand is reviving its 300-baht tourist fee plan
Thailand’s proposed “landing fee”, often described as a tourist tax, has resurfaced once again, as authorities prepare to revive a plan to charge foreign visitors 300 baht per person. The concept is straightforward: a government collects a fee from incoming visitors and channels the money into tourism-related needs, such as infrastructure upgrades, environmental management, visitor safety, and welfare support.
Around the world, similar schemes are already in place in many destinations, especially those under pressure from high visitor numbers or rising public costs linked to tourism. Continued …
CAAT foresees flight reduction after Songkran festival
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) expects airlines to gradually reduce the number of flights, as they adjust their operational plans to align with rising fuel costs while mitigating oil supply risks after the Songkran festival.
Signs of international airlines gearing up to reduce the number of flights have already emerged, with CAAT having coordinated with Thai airlines to review their service strategies appropriately, which may include reducing or consolidating flights on certain routes to align with travel demand and efficiently manage costs. Continued …
Thai Airways Enforces Strict Power Bank Rules on Flights
Thai Airways has issued a new safety notice on power bank regulations for flights, effective since March 27,. According to the announcement made on April 3, passengers are restricted to carrying a maximum of two power banks each.
Additionally, the use or charging of these devices on board is strictly forbidden, as per international aviation safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Continued …
The real dark side of Thailand: Why travelers can’t seem to go home
Vacation blues is normal, but is it real or just a tourism hype in the case of Thailand? A drop in dopamine levels when transitioning from a vibrant, carefree, friendly, and affordable lifestyle to dull routines and familiar gloom is common.
But why are there no “America Blues” or “Singapore Blues”? Why is it that foreign tourists who have spent time in Thailand are the ones suffering from the supposed mental condition the most? Continued …
The luxury way to see Thailand’s favorite hotspots
Ancient history and wild nature go together in Thailand like coconut and lime, all wrapped in an emerging deluxe tourism scene with sustainability baked in.
Characterful electric tuk-tuks weave through busy market streets, while farm-to-table restaurants showcase fresh ingredients and eco-conscious hotels champion minimal waste. Thailand may have an ancient culture but it also has one foot firmly in the future. Continued …
Your Guide To Bangkok’s 244th Birthday Festival
Happy (almost) birthday, Bangkok. The capital is turning 244, and instead of a quiet nod to history, the city is going all out with ‘The 244th Anniversary of the Foundation of Rattanakosin.’ It is Bangkok, after all; extravagance is expected. Here’s a guide to the upcoming event.
From April 22–26, the Ministry of Culture is staging a five-day, city-wide celebration spanning three culturally significant locations: Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park, National Museum Bangkok, and Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan. Continued …
Thailand 3 ways: Enjoying the best of the country from all angles
With the sun about to dip below the horizon, our yacht approached a curious looking island. In the crystal-clear water ahead, there was a hive of activity, as a troop of Samae monkeys excitedly swam out toward the vessel.
For the next 10 minutes, we took turns tossing segments of watermelon and cantaloupe toward the hungry macaques, with each scrambling to get their hands on their juicy tea-time treat, before looking up at us with adorable red-tinted smiles. This encounter with the grinning primates was one of the many times I’d seen happy faces in Bangkok and eastern Thailand. Continued …
Sharp rise in illnesses as air pollution grips Chiang Mai
Authorities have warned that this year’s haze crisis in Chiang Mai is among the most severe in recent years, with pollution-related illnesses more than doubling. Thick haze continued to blanket Chiang Mai yesterday, as PM2.5 levels remained several times above safe limits.
Hourly air-quality data from Chiang Mai University’s CCDC monitoring system showed extreme readings, including a peak of 808 micrograms per cubic meter in Chiang Dao district – more than 20 times the recommended safety level. Continued …
Calls for clean air as pollution worsens
Calls are mounting for the government to back the Clean Air Bill, as persistent PM2.5 pollution continues to threaten communities across northern Thailand and beyond.
The chairman of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) has urged the new administration to fast-track six key reform bills within 60 days of parliament convening, while the People’s Party pressed Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to clarify the government’s position on the Clean Air Bill amid worsening air quality. Continued …
Thai households with rooftop solar could save 77% on electric bills
An increasing number of Thai households are installing rooftop solar PV to generate their own power and reduce bills. According to official sources, rooftop solar for residential and commercial use grew from 2 MW in 2019 to 3.3 GW in 2024 – a 1,650-fold increase.
Rooftop solar makes up a major share of Thailand’s total solar capacity, accounting for a third of total installed solar generation capacity by 2024.TransitionZero used satellite imaging to estimate residential solar capacity specifically, and found there to be around 1.38 GW installed in 2025. Continued …
- Six Foreign Workers Detained at Phuket Kindergarten – Continued …
- Two Taiwanese Arrested for Wildlife Smuggling at Don Mueang – Continued …
- South Korean Loan Shark Gang Leader Arrested in Thailand – Continued …
- Three Foreigners Arrested for Using Toy Money at a Phuket Venue – 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
Hua Hin Songkran schedule
Hua Hin City Municipality has begun discussions on new public transport routes as part of efforts to improve mobility and meet rising demand in the growing coastal city. Hua Hin has seen steady growth in recent years, driven by tourism, economic activity, and urban expansion. This has led to increased demand for more efficient and accessible public transport routes to support both residents and visitors.
Soero rolls back the years at Black Mountain Championship
Thailand Energy Minister Akanat Promphan announced plans to maintain electricity prices at 3.88 baht/unit from May through August, countering the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) suggestion to increase it to 3.95 baht/unit. This decision leverages a surplus of about 9 billion baht and a claw-back mechanism designed to stabilize prices amid rising fuel costs.
Thailand’s major retailers OR (PTT Oil and Retail Business) and Bangchak Corp. (BCP) raised petrol and gasohol (95/91, E85, E20) prices by 0.70 baht per liter today, while diesel rose 3.50 baht per liter and premium diesel rose 4 baht per liter.
Transport Company has announced its readiness to handle a 10% rise in passenger numbers during Thailand’s Songkran holiday from April 9-19. Despite rising fuel costs, the company will maintain current bus fares to ease travel for passengers.
Police have arrested a husband and wife accused of operating a child begging network that allegedly exploited minors for up to nine years, forcing them to wear school uniforms, meet daily cash targets or risk abuse.
In a leafy Tehran park yesterday, Iranians gathered for picnics on the final day of the Persian new year holidays, shrugging off US President Donald Trump’s threats to bomb Iran “back to the Stone Ages”.
Thanavath Phonvichai, chairman of the advisory board of the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting and president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), said Thailand’s economy is now being affected by the war between the US and Iran through higher oil prices.
Surapol Suksupaet, an 82-year-old rice farmer in Pathum Thani province, warns that rising fuel costs and stagnant rice prices are pushing smallholders to the brink.
Thailand’s fishing industry has warned that soaring oil prices could force 70% of fishing boats to stop operating after Songkran, threatening domestic seafood supplies and affecting around 50,000 workers.
Thailand’s household debt climbed to 16.44 trillion baht in the fourth quarter of 2025, pushing the debt-to-GDP ratio up to 86.7% and reinforcing concerns that financial fragility in the household sector remains a serious drag on the broader economy.
Thailand’s retail sector is sending a clear signal that consumer spending power is under extreme strain, with shoppers increasingly thinking before they spend, and prioritizing value over brand loyalty, marking the end of broad-based growth across the board.
Passengers using Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok during the Songkran holiday are advised to arrive at least two to three hours before their scheduled departures, with the peak travel day expected to be April 11.
Phuket ferry and speedboat fares for routes to Koh Phi Phi, along with boat tour prices, are set to increase from April 5 after operators received approval to raise charges in response to higher fuel costs.
Women driving Thailand’s travel economy
“Promoting a low-carbon society by announcing that Thailand will achieve the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (2050) to cope with international trade and climate change by promoting and supporting the use of clean energy such as solar energy in communities and government agencies, the use of electric vehicles and public transportation, as well as increasing energy efficiency, especially in the industrial sector.” (The prime minister delivers the Cabinet’s policy statement (Sept. 29, 2025 at the National Assembly)
The Kasikorn Research Center estimates that Thailand’s solar industry is facing mounting cost pressure after China scrapped value-added tax (VAT) export rebates for photovoltaic (PV) products, including solar panels, from April 1.
Immigration office closures during Songkran and other April public holidays are set to affect Hua Hin, Cha Am and the rest of Thailand, with foreigners being advised to plan ahead for visa extensions, 90-day reporting, and other services.
Cha Am Municipality is asking for cooperation from all agencies and the public to help save energy, in order to prepare for future situations and ensure resources are used efficiently.
Thailand is bracing for another day of intense heat, with the Thai Meteorological Department warning that temperatures could soar to as high as 42C in some parts of the country today.
Eight police officers in Pathum Thani have been removed following allegations they extorted a valuable gold necklace from a local couple. The woman, who runs a snooker club, reported that the incident occurred at her home on March 25. Officers allegedly demanded 200,000 baht, ultimately taking a gold necklace valued at nearly 150,000 baht.
The cancellation of the 2001 memorandum of understanding on overlapping maritime claims with Cambodia, popularly known as MoU 44, will be included in the government’s policy statement to parliament, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said yesterday.
Oil prices jumped by more than 5% today after US President Donald Trump said Washington would continue striking Iran, including energy and oil targets, over the coming weeks, while offering no firm timetable for an end to the war.
Thailand’s diesel price will rise by B3.50 per liter today after the Oil Fuel Fund Committee reduced its subsidy, pushing the retail price of standard diesel to B44.24 per liter.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has assessed the latest situation and made clear that risks are now spreading from energy prices to the real economy as a whole, while cutting its 2026 outlook for Thailand again amid mounting inflationary pressure and clearer signs of stagflation.
Thailand Post plans to impose a fuel surcharge of 3 baht per item on domestic Express Mail Service (EMS) and e-CoPost services from April 16, citing higher fuel costs.
While the rationale for US President Donald Trump’s Iran war is difficult to decipher, its main beneficiary is far easier to identify: Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In February, Thailand’s economy softened, with declines in exports, tourism, and private consumption, despite growth in private investment and government spending. Headline inflation decreased, while core inflation remained stable. Key issues include geopolitical events and energy policy impacts.
Thailand’s banking sector is moving deeper into crisis-response mode as prolonged global uncertainty and rising energy prices place fresh pressure on businesses, prompting lenders to shift their role from straightforward credit providers to active supporters helping customers stay afloat.
Corruption remains a structural problem undermining Thailand’s economy and significantly pushing up business costs, according to a new nationwide survey of industry leaders.
The Ministry of Public Health has begun a full transition to ensuring cannabis use in Thailand will be for medicinal purposes only, allowing dispensaries a three-year timeframe to convert into medical clinics in order to continue operating.
Amid global volatility and surging energy prices, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced a major strategic adjustment to respond to signs of a slowdown among long-haul visitors, shifting greater attention to the domestic market and short-haul travelers through an approach centered on value and world-class experiences.
Thailand’s PM2.5 crisis has reached a severe level, with fresh data today from IQAir showing air quality in Chiang Mai Municipality had worsened dramatically, pushing it up to the rank of the world’s second most polluted city.
Thailand’s battery electric vehicle (BEV) market is expected to gain significant momentum this year, with sales projected to surpass 120,000 units partially due to soaring oil prices, says the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT).
Banks and car buyers are increasingly shifting toward battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as surging oil prices, fueled by Middle East tensions, reshape Thailand’s auto market, says Ford Thailand. The trend reflects both consumer anxiety over fuel shortages and financial institutions’ growing confidence in electric mobility.
Motorists across the Asia-Pacific region are switching to electric vehicles at a rapid pace, as rising fuel costs due to the Middle East war force consumers and companies to reconsider their reliance on petrol and diesel vehicles.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a system trial of the On Nut waste-to-energy plant to help tackle the city’s waste problem and provide a new source of sustainable power.
NASA launched four astronauts from Florida yesterday aboard Artemis II, sending them on a high-stakes, nearly 10-day journey around the moon and back in the United States’ boldest move yet toward returning humans to the lunar surface later this decade, ahead of China’s first planned crewed landing. 
Thailand is getting older, and quietly, a new kind of property boom is taking shape. First-time buyers or speculative investors do not drive it. It is being fueled by something far more predictable. Demographics.
The Hua Hin Model is being positioned as a blueprint to transform the city into a health innovation hub, following the signing of a multi-agency agreement aimed at integrating lifestyle medicine into schools.
More than 1,200 runners took part in Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026 at Khao Tao Reservoir in Hua Hin yesterday, with organizers saying the event was held to promote exercise, support tourism and raise funds for local sports development.
Business leaders are calling for the government to study long-term energy security strategies to reduce reliance on imported energy and expand access to renewable sources in the wake of the ongoing crisis stemming from war in the Middle East. The crisis also serves as a wake-up call for some businesses to explore alternative energy options for the long run.
The ongoing energy crisis has underscored the need for Thailand to accelerate the development of a broader mix of energy sources to strengthen its self-reliance, according to an analyst.
Energy Expert Warns of Possible Diesel Shortage in Thailand
Thailand could face a diesel shortage within two months, according to global energy expert Panurach Dumrongthai, who warned that confirmed crude oil deliveries for April and May fall 27 million barrels short of national demand.
Three swine organizations have announced another increase in recommended live pig farm-gate prices, raising the guidance level by B2 per kilogram with effect today.
Thai banks are raising concerns over a potential rise in non-performing loans (NPLs) as prolonged geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to drive up global oil prices, increasing cost pressures across the economy.
The Commerce Ministry has unveiled a broad package of cost-of-living relief measures, including discounts of up to 50% on consumer goods from Wednesday, tighter oversight of fertilizer prices, and accelerated efforts to reduce farmers’ production costs.
Imported parcels delivered directly to recipients in Thailand have decreased in volume, while their prices have increased as a result of Customs Department measures.
Songkran festival expected to boost Thailand’s economy with 30 billion baht
A tourist in southern Thailand was left shaken after a cobra slithered across their neck while they were resting in a hotel room in Krabi province. The incident occurred Friday when the guest, staying on the second floor, reported feeling something cold moving across their neck before discovering it was a cobra.
The Immigration Bureau has warned foreign travelers against fraudulent websites offering Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) services for a fee, stressing that registration, while mandatory, is free and available only through official channels.
Passengers faced heavy congestion at immigration checkpoints at Phuket International Airport after a temporary system failure, officials confirmed yesterday. The Immigration Bureau 2 (IB2) said the disruption caused delays during a peak departure period but denied claims that travelers were charged to access special lanes.
Where to eat in Chiang Mai, from markets to coffee houses
Embark on a vibrant food tour through Chiang Mai. Discover the best places to eat for local northern Thai food, from charming cafes serving iced coffee and Thai iced tea to bustling street stalls offering classics like mango sticky rice, pad Thai, and roti.
In August 2025, Malaysian campaigner Wong Pui Yi stood outside the UN headquarters in Geneva and made an appeal to Global North nations: “Stop treating the Global South as the rubbish bin for plastic waste you cannot handle.”
Local authorities in Khon Kaen have launched a pilot initiative to convert plastic waste into fuel, aiming to help communities reduce fuel expenses amid soaring petrol prices. The aim is to help reduce fuel cost and also help reduce waste in the communities.
Caretaker transport minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is stepping up efforts to switch all diesel-powered interprovincial buses in Bangkok to electric buses during the Anutin Charnvirakul administration to save on oil expenses.
Thousands of anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ events take place across the US
Officials have discussed plans for a potential new international air route linking Hua Hin with Singapore, as part of efforts to strengthen the town’s tourism sector and improve accessibility for overseas visitors. The proposal, which includes a direct connection to Singapore’s Changi Airport, was raised during a meeting of the Hua Hin Airport Service Development Committee yesterday.
Dusit Thani Hua Hin is set to welcome guests for a lively celebration of the Thai New Year with its ‘Local Feast’ Songkran Carnival. Scheduled for April 12-13, from 5:30 pm to 10 pm, the event will take place at the Lagoon Lawn, offering a family-friendly atmosphere filled with local flavours and cultural traditions.
Rooted in ancient traditions of cleansing and respect, the Songkran Thai New Year marks a natural pause for both physical and emotional recalibration. As the Kingdom prepares to welcome the new season, Chiva-Som Hua Hin invites guests to experience Songkran as more than a celebration, reframing it as a meaningful journey of renewal, reflection, and holistic wellbeing.
U-Tapao airport construction set to start April 3 after long delay
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast today that a heat low-pressure system is covering upper Thailand, bringing hot conditions nationwide and very hot weather in some areas of the north, northeast and central regions.
One year on from deadly Bangkok quake collapse, accountability still buried
The Federation of Land Transport of Thailand has resolved to roll out phased increases in its charges of up to 30%, starting on April 1, to offset rising operating costs driven by a 6 baht-per-liter increase in diesel prices.
Thanadet Traiyot waited in line for hours at his local gas station, armed with containers and desperately hoping to secure much-needed diesel for his rice fields in Ayutthaya, central Thailand. He was third in the queue when the shop announced their supplies had run dry. That was five days ago; he still hasn’t managed to restock to his normal levels.
Over 350 ships reportedly await Iran’s clearance to transit Strait of Hormuz
The government plans to launch the “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme to help ease the rising cost of living, with rollout expected after it delivers its policy statement to parliament.
In February, Thai exports grew by 9.9% year-on-year, reaching US$29.43 billion (912.56 billion baht). This marked the 20th consecutive month of expansion, primarily driven by the electronics and electrical appliances sectors, which have benefited from the global AI boom.
The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok announced yesterday that the U.S. Department of State has paused immigrant visa issuances to nationals from 75 countries, including Thailand. This suspension, effective Jan. 21, 2026, aims to prevent immigrants from draining U.S. welfare resources.
Fuel fears and price surge dampen Songkran travel mood
A group of mostly elderly travelers, later identified as lay judges, filed a complaint on Thursday with The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) after allegedly being abandoned at Suvarnabhumi Airport by a tour company.
If you’re stuck on where to go this Songkran in the Land of Smiles, consider consulting the cosmos. Explained here is a slightly cosmic, very opinionated guide to where you should travel in Thailand this Songkran, based on your zodiac sign. Think personality traits, travel styles, and the kind of chaos (or calm) each sign secretly thrives in.
The “Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026” event in Hua Hin will take place on Sunday at the Khao Tao Reservoir area.
A network of e-cigarette users has urged Thailand’s new government to review the country’s e-cigarette ban, citing official data showing use has risen sharply despite more than a decade of prohibition.
A historic surge in oil prices is exposing the fragility of import-dependent Thailand, compounding pressure on an already weakening currency and raising the risk of capital flight, analysts say.
Boat Operators in Bangkok to Increase Fares Due to Rise in Diesel Prices
A surge in diesel prices triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran is pushing Thailand’s multibillion-dollar fishing industry toward a standstill, with fishermen warning that their boats could be idled within days unless the government steps in.
The Ministry of Public Health plans to limit certain treatments, expand telemedicine, and tighten pharmaceutical management to cope with mounting resource pressures, as the Middle East war threatens global medical supply chains, permanent secretary Dr. Somruek Chungsaman said.
Thailand’s decision to reduce visa-free stays has been framed by authorities as a minor adjustment unlikely to disrupt the tourism sector. Officials argue that only 6–8 million visitors might choose alternative destinations — a small fraction of the millions who flock to the kingdom each year.
Embark on a delicious adventure through Bangkok’s vibrant food scene. From famous street food at Jodd Fairs Market to budget-friendly plates at Bib Gourmand favorites like Je-Oh and Polo Fried Chicken, this comprehensive food tour uncovers both classic Thai flavors and modern cuisine.
Anthony Bygraves MSyI, chief executive of the London-founded sustainable property developer The Zero, has set out an ambitious vision for the future of eco-conscious living on Thailand’s most celebrated island.
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has invited residents and organizations across the capital to switch off non-essential lights for one hour tomorrow as part of the “60+ Earth Hour 2026” campaign to cut energy use and help tackle global warming.
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.
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 US-Israel-Iran conflict, now in its 11th day, is set to hammer Thailand’s economy despite being fought 7,000 kilometers away. With the Strait of Hormuz closed and oil above US$120 per barrel, Thailand faces its sharpest energy and trade disruption in decades.
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.
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.
Do you think gender equality is still an issue in Thailand? Whether the answer is yes or no, explaining why can be surprisingly difficult.
The sun had yet to rise at 6 am, but Sarayuth Sonlacksa was already crouched on his wooden jetty, hoisting up plastic crates of crabs from his pond to see if any had reached the size needed to sell to restaurants in Bangkok.
The Thai premium smartphone market has entered a high-stakes season following the official debut of the Samsung Galaxy S26 on Feb. 26. With a starting price of 41,900 baht, the flagship’s arrival has set a new benchmark for the high-end segment this year, closely followed by the March 2 launch of the iPad Air M4, which entered the market at 21,900 baht and iPhone 17e, which entered the market at 22,900 baht.
Cheap Thai meals at risk as global oil tensions threaten food prices
Emirates and Etihad Airways were resuming limited flight schedules to key global cities from their United Arab Emirates hubs yesterday, though the ongoing threat of missile fire piled pressure on airlines as they scramble to accommodate travelers.
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI), in cooperation with the Chinese Embassy in Thailand and partners from the public and private sectors, hosted the “Thailand-China Investment Forum: Keys to Success & Sustainable Growth for Chinese Enterprises” on Thursday at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.
In hospitality circles, there’s been a lot of chatter about the next big trend in luxury travel, from personalized itineraries to yacht cruises. For Thailand, the answer is simple: Healing, through both gastronomy and wellness.
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), a gathering of leaders in the global wellness economy, has announced that its 20th annual conference will take place in Phuket from Nov. 10-13. The event,which will be the largest Global Wellness Summit to date, will convene CEOs of leading wellness companies, physicians and academics, investors, technology innovators, and policymakers for four days examining the forces transforming all eleven sectors of the wellness economy, from wellness tourism and physical activity to mental wellness, beauty, spas, and wellness real estate, with a lens on the evolving longevity landscape.
Hat Yai is back in business, and now is the time to visit
Thailand’s top 5 getaways this March
Thailand’s low-carbon rice model emerges from Central Plains farmers
US President Donald Trump said y esterday Cuba was next on his agenda after Iran, predicting that the communist-run island, crippled by a US energy blockade, is “gonna fall pretty soon”. “They want to make a deal so badly,” Trump said, a day after suggesting that he would turn to an unspecified project for Cuba after the war against Iran. 
Four years ago, NASA purposely smashed a spacecraft into a small asteroid to see if they could deflect it – a test to prove humanity could protect Earth from threatening space rocks. The experiment pushed the moonlet asteroid Dimorphos into a smaller, faster route around its sibling Didymos – and according to new research out yesterday, it also pushed the pair into a slightly different orbit around the Sun. 
Foreign residents in Hua Hin who own property through Thai-registered companies using nominee shareholders are being urged to review their legal position as enforcement intensifies across Thailand.
Thai massage industry set for overhaul
Fighting in the Middle East, which began on Feb. 28, when the United States and Israel attacked Iran, has escalated into Iranian strikes on US bases in several countries and an Iranian announcement to close the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for transporting oil and natural gas from major producing sources such as Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
The price of flights between Asia and Europe has soared after the closure of key Middle Eastern hubs due to the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, with airline websites showing tickets on many popular routes booked out for days. 
The immigration queue certainly takes the edge off the excitement of a new adventure into the world’s most visited city. This time, I threw some dollars at the problem. The result? It was just 30 minutes from the plane reaching the gate to me sitting in a taxi heading into the city. On my previous visit, the immigration queue alone took 70 minutes.
The Cha Am crab festival will take place from March 1-21 at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint, celebrating the town’s well-known blue swimming crab and its coastal food culture.
PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) has increased natural gas extraction in the Gulf of Thailand to its maximum possible levels to safeguard national energy security. The move comes in response to potential global energy supply disruptions caused by instability in the Middle East.
Thailand’s state-owned Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank) has triggered an emergency rescue package for domestic businesses caught in the crossfire of the escalating Middle East conflict. The bank has moved to freeze debt repayments for up to a year and slash interest rates as the regional crisis begins to choke vital shipping lanes.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas convened an urgent meeting yesterday with Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun. Joined by Thailand’s ambassador in Washington and private-sector representatives, the meeting aimed to set a national strategy in response to the United States’ new tariff policy and trade-restricting measures.
Two key renewable energy projects pushed by the caretaker government of Anutin Charnvirakul need to be delayed until a new government is formed, says energy Permanent Secretary Veerapat Kiatfuengfoo.