- Thai women leaders honored/Government Warns of Summer Drowning Risk/Raid Seizes 120,000 Gecko Carcasses
- THE IRAN WAR: Oil jumps above $100/10 vessels attacked in Hormuz Strait/Thai tourism faces severe volatility/May steer wealth to Thai luxury homes/Thailand advises all 77,000 nationals to evacuate/Commerce Ministry Reports Minimal Impact/Outlook for Thai vehicle exports/Fertilizer prices rise/Fuel price surge threatens Trat tourism/Iran’s new Supreme Leader named
- ECONOMY: Thailand faces fiscal strain/Consumer confidence biggest threat to property market/Strategy to Protect Thai Exports/Reducing Poverty in Northern Thailand
- TOURISM: B40-billion revenue collapse/Early trip planning urged/Songkran 2026 travel demand rises/What Pattaya is really about/Hostel association targets reform/Indonesia bans elephant riding
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Kui Buri – Thailand’s Hidden Eden/One Of The World’s Most Welcoming Destinations/Lingering In Chiang Mai
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Phetchaburi marine farm’s sustainable legacy/Climate pressure spurs energy revamp
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Ten Thai women leaders honored at ‘Women of Power’ event
Ten prominent Thai women from across business, the arts, sport, and social advocacy were placed in the spotlight at the “BPWT… Women of Power” event, where they shared personal lessons on resilience, leadership, and success in a rapidly changing world.
The event, organized by the Business and Professional Women’s Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen (BPWT), was held to celebrate women whose achievements and life experiences have inspired others across generations. The speakers reflected on overcoming adversity, building confidence, leading with integrity, and creating opportunities from crisis. Continued …
Government Warns of Summer Drowning Risk, 10,000 deaths in 10 years
The government has warned the public to take extra precautions around water during the summer months, as nearly 10,000 people have drowned during the season over the past decade. Officials say the period from March to May consistently sees a rise in water-related fatalities across the country.
Airin Phanrit, deputy government spokeswoman, said on Saturday that statistics from 2016 to 2025 recorded an average of 964 drowning deaths each year. Data showed that the age group most affected was those aged 45–59, who accounted for 27.9% of fatalities. Continued …
Raid Seizes 120,000 Gecko Carcasses
Authorities from Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) raided a warehouse in Lam Luk Ka District, Pathum Thani, seizing more than 120,000 dried gecko carcasses and nearly 30 tons of protected timber allegedly prepared for export to China.
The operation was carried out on riday following an investigation into a suspected wildlife and illegal timber trafficking network. Officers also arrested two suspects linked to the warehouse. Continued …
Oil jumps above $100
Global oil prices surged sharply in early-week trading after tensions from the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran escalated, stoking market fears of tighter oil supplies and risks to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route.
In Monday morning trading, Brent crude jumped by as much as $18.35, or about 19.8%, to $111.04 a barrel — its highest level since July 2022 — before easing back to $107.07 a barrel, up $14.38 or 15.5%. Continued …
10 vessels attacked in Hormuz Strait
About 10 vessels in or near the Strait of Hormuz have come under attack since Iran blocked the strategic waterway in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes, data analysis groups report. The attacks throughout the week following the outbreak of war on Feb. 28 almost completely halted traffic through the strait, a crucial route for oil and other goods.
Britain’s maritime security agency UKMTO has issued around 10 alerts for attacks, as well as warnings of suspicious activity, but has released few details on the vessels involved. Continued …
Thai tourism faces severe volatility as Middle East conflict hits long-haul travel
Chai Arunanondchai, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), said that after one week of fighting in the Middle East, Thailand’s tourism sector had been directly affected and was facing severe volatility, both in terms of travel costs and tourist numbers.
The conflict in the Middle East has had a major impact on airlines, particularly flights from Europe that require transit stops and plane changes in several cities, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, and Doha in Qatar, which serve as aviation hubs. Airfares on long-haul routes, especially Europe-bound services, have risen by almost 100%. Continued …
Middle East war may steer wealth to Thai luxury homes
The conflict in the Middle East is shaking the global economy, but it may also create an opportunity for Thailand’s property sector to emerge as a new destination for wealthy buyers shifting away from Dubai and into the ultra-luxury residential market.
Prasert Taedullayasatit, president of the Thai Condominium Assn., said the conflict in the Middle East remains difficult to predict and is already sending shockwaves through money and capital markets worldwide, including Thailand. Businesses therefore need to respond cautiously in terms of investment, liquidity management, and contingency planning. Continued …
Thailand advises all 77,000 nationals in the Middle East to evacuate
Thailand has advised all its nationals in the Middle East to leave high-risk areas immediately, as fighting across the region intensifies. The warning follows eight consecutive days of attacks involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
However, the confrontation has already expanded beyond those three countries. Missile and drone exchanges now involve multiple states across the region. Consequently, Thai authorities describe the situation as violent, tense, and uncertain. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the advisory yesterday. Continued …
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry Reports Minimal Impact from Middle East Unrest
The Ministry of Commerce has stated that the ongoing unrest in the Middle East is expected to have limited direct effects on Thailand, as the country’s trade share with the countries involved in the conflict remains relatively small. The assessment followed a recent meeting led by Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun to review potential economic consequences.
In 2025, Thailand exported goods to the Middle East worth about 12.48 billion US dollars, accounting for 3.7% of the country’s total exports. Authorities reported no clear signs of canceled orders or delayed purchase orders so far. Continued …
Conflict clouds outlook for Thai vehicle exports
The auto industry could record sluggish car exports this year following the outbreak of war in the Middle East, which also raises inflation concerns if the conflict is prolonged, says Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries and spokesman for its Automotive Industry Club.
The first direct impact would be reduced car exports to the Middle East, as shipping is disrupted in the Strait of Hormuz, he said. “Changing transport routes will result in more expensive cars and longer delivery times,” Surapong said. Continued …
Fertilizer prices rise amid Middle East tensions
A survey in Khon Kaen on Friday has found the retail price of urea fertilizer to have increased by about 50 baht per sack as stocks at several distributors become depleted ahead of planting season.
At a major fertilizer and seed distribution center in Muang district, managers reported that several factories had suspended trading due to shortages of raw materials and rising import costs, said Teerakorn Wainiyom, sales and marketing manager at a fertilizer retailer. Continued …
Fuel price surge threatens Trat tourism industry
Concern over rising fuel prices is growing among tourism operators in Trat province, who are urging the government to stabilize prices before they can no longer bear the burden.
“A mere one-baht (per liter) increase in fuel prices immediately adds a huge cost burden,” said Atthaphon Klinthub, executive of Boonsiri High-Speed Ferries, a major operator of services between Koh Kood and Koh Mak. Continued …
Mojtaba Khamenei named as Iran’s new Supreme Leader following death of father
Iran has formally nominated Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father, Ali Khamenei, as the nation’s supreme leader. The move signals that the regime’s hardline factions intend to maintain an iron grip on power despite a week of devastating conflict with Israel and the United States.
A mid-ranking cleric with formidable influence over Iran’s security apparatus and vast business interests, Mojtaba has long been considered the frontrunner to succeed his father. Continued …
Thailand faces fiscal strain as deficit rises and Middle East war weighs on economy
Thailand’s fiscal position is once again at a critical turning point in 2026, as pressure from several directions is converging. These include a persistently rising budget deficit burden, a global economy facing uncertainty from geopolitical tensions, particularly the war in the Middle East, as well as Thailand’s own structural economic challenges, with growth continuing to fall short of its potential.
These factors mean that the incoming government will face fiscal challenges that are more complex and more severe than at many points in the past. In recent years, warning signs from credit rating agencies have become increasingly clear. Continued …
Consumer confidence, not costs, now poses biggest threat to Thai property market
Weakening consumer confidence, rather than rising costs alone, has become the biggest threat to Thailand’s property market, as global uncertainty prompts buyers to delay major purchases, according to Pornnarit Chuanchaisit, president of the Thai Real Estate Assn.
Pornnarit said the conflict in the Middle East, although far from Thailand geographically, was having a significant indirect effect on the Thai economy. The first impact has come through higher oil prices, which are pushing up costs across the economy, from transport to construction materials. Continued …
Commerce Ministry Launches Strategy to Protect Thai Exports
The Commerce Ministry has launched a “Resilience” strategy aimed at protecting the country’s export sector from global risks, including geopolitical conflicts and trade polarization. The policy seeks to strengthen Thailand’s ability to maintain export growth while navigating an increasingly uncertain global trading environment.
Officials say the plan focuses on diversification, trade agreements, and adapting to emerging economic trends.The strategy encourages exporters to expand into new markets such as the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, reducing reliance on a limited number of major trading partners. It also prioritises accelerating Free Trade Agreement negotiations with key partners including the European Union and the United Arab Emirates. Continued …
From Opium to Opportunity: Reducing Poverty in Northern Thailand
During the 20th century, the Golden Triangle, the region where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet, became infamous for its opium production. Northern Thailand’s farmers relied heavily on the opium poppy as the foundation of their livelihoods. Unfortunately, this dependence on opium also entrenched poverty in these rural communities.
To address this, the Thai government has worked to reduce poverty in the region and promote alternative livelihoods through agriculture, coffee cultivation, and tourism. The Royal Project Foundation, launched as the Royal Hill Tribe Assistance Project in 1969, has fundamentally transformed the way of life for the hill tribes and villages. Continued …
Thai tourism faces B40-billion revenue collapse
Thailand could lose more than 40 billion baht in tourism revenue in the worst-case scenario, assuming the Middle East airspace closure lasts for eight weeks, says the Tourism and Sports Ministry.
Natthriya Thaweevong, tourism and sports permanent secretary, said travelers from the Middle East and Europe have been greatly hampered by the airspace closure, as many flights are unable to operate. Continued …
Early trip planning urged as Mideast war sends airfares soaring
Passengers intending to travel between Asia and Europe will need to plan their trips well in advance to secure reasonable ticket prices, as the Middle East conflict has driven significant demand for a limited number of direct flights, says the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
Based on travel trend monitoring, flight operation disruptions are expected to ease and sky-high ticket prices to fall from late March, the CAAT said. For now, though, most airlines based in the Middle East are unable to resume normal operations, except for some flights from Oman. Continued …
Songkran 2026 travel demand rises as Pattaya leads domestic destinations
Following the Songkran festival in 2025, which generated more than B28.723 billion in nationwide economic circulation, up 17% from the previous year, the festival’s continued development into a global celebration is expected to further boost tourism spending in 2026, driven by the expansion of large-scale events and rising tourist participation.
The latest data from Traveloka shows that the top 10 most popular domestic destinations during Songkran are Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phuket, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Bangkok, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, and Koh Samet. Continued …
What Pattaya is really about, as foreign tourists share their good and bad experiences
For decades, Pattaya has been one of Thailand’s most talked-about tourist destinations. Known for its beaches, nightlife, and lively streets, the coastal city attracts millions of visitors each year. But as discussions on travel forums and social media show, opinions about Pattaya can vary dramatically depending on personal experiences.
Some foreign visitors voice concerns about safety and infrastructure. Online discussions occasionally highlight road accidents involving tour buses or incidents involving tourists in nightlife areas such as Walking Street Pattaya. Continued …
Hostel association targets reform and growth
The Hostel and Small Accommodation Assn. (Thailand) has urged the new government to continue pushing for a new accommodation act for small hotels, but strongly opposes allowing condo units to be registered as legal lodging.
Naree Suneta, president of the association, said the existing law is impractical for small operators, and the association wants a new regulation dedicated to different accommodation scales, such as rules for 1-20 rooms, 21-50 rooms, and more than 50 rooms, which is the threshold for regulation under the current Hotel Act. Continued …
Indonesia bans elephant riding
Ethical tourism has been gaining traction for years. One of the attractions that has consistently made headlines for all the wrong reasons is elephant rides. But now, elephants are getting a much-deserved reprieve with the banning of riding these massive mammals.
For decades, travelers to Indonesia could ride elephants as part of their experience in the country. What seemed like a fun attraction was actually quite stressful and harmful to the elephants. But because of the tourism revenue it generated, a blind eye was often turned to the plight of the elephants, who were left to suffer. Continued …
Kui Buri – Thailand’s Hidden Eden
This is the story of a Garden of Eden, hidden deep within the jungles of Southeast Asia. A national park that’s home to an almost unimaginable variety of animals. Not only noteworthy for its countless species, Kui Buri National Park in southwestern Thailand is also known for its abundance of large animals, like Asian elephants and wild bovines. The scarce gaur lives here, the world’s largest bovine species, and it is also home to the smaller, ruddy banteng. Trailer video …
Breathtaking Region Between Phuket And Krabi One Of The World’s Most Welcoming Destinations
Nestled along a stunning stretch of Thailand’s Andaman Coast between Phuket and Krabi, Phang Nga province was recognized in the 2026 Booking.com Traveller Review Awards as one of the world’s most welcoming destinations, based on guest reviews. One could argue that this distinction applies to much of Thailand — long nicknamed the “Land of Smiles” – yet in Phang Nga, the hospitality often feels particularly authentic and unforced.
Phang Nga’s appeal goes beyond its scenery. The province is home to charming homestays, standout restaurants – several recognized in the Michelin Guide – and informative excursions into a wilderness teeming with waterfalls and wildlife, led by knowledgeable local guides eager to share their culture along with the landscape. Continued …
Lingering In Chiang Mai: Temples, Tea, And Tranquillity In Northern Thailand
Chiang Mai enchants with its intricate temple architecture, lush jungles threaded with waterfalls, a culinary scene rich in northern flavors, and its distinctive Lanna heritage. Yet, beyond its beauty and cultural depth, it offers something rarer — quiet moments away from the party crowds.
It is a destination suited equally to solo travelers seeking serenity and families in search of meaningful time together. I chose the latter — and the experience felt all the richer for it. Continued …
Phetchaburi marine farm showcases Queen Mother’s sustainable legacy
Aware of the need for rural communities to have more food sources for self-reliance, the late Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, initiated the establishment of model farms in various parts of Thailand to teach local villagers how to become self-sufficient in their food supply.
In Phetchaburi, a model marine farm was set up at Her Majesty’s initiative as a learning center where farmers can exchange knowledge on fishery development and fishing practices suited to local environmental conditions. Continued …
Climate pressure spurs Thailand’s energy revamp
Thailand’s clean power supply and energy trade are poised for changes under the draft Power Development Plan (PDP), which will shape the country’s electricity landscape from 2026 to 2050. The new PDP seeks to accelerate renewable energy projects and introduce nuclear power into the mix, according to energy officials and executives.
These measures are seen as vital to Thailand’s pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions, a commitment reaffirmed at the UN climate summit in Brazil in November 2025. If approved later this year, the 2026 PDP will serve as a roadmap toward Thailand’s net-zero target for 2050, balancing emissions with carbon absorption. Continued …
- DBD Probes 15 Fruit-Packing Firms Over Thai Nominee Use – Continued …
- 11 Chinese Nationals Arrested in House at Mae Sai Border – Continued …
- British Man Arrested Over Cocaine Sales in Bangkok – Continued …
- Israeli Drug Dealer Arrested on Koh Phangan – Continued …
- Australian Drug Suspect Arrested in Bangkok Condo – Continued …
Venezuela topped 2025 global inflation table at 475%
Inflation in Venezuela soared to 475% in 2025, the highest in the world, driven by a tightening of US sanctions in the lead-up to the ouster of leader Nicolas Maduro. Full-year inflation far exceeded the International Monetary Fund’s forecast of 270%, figures released by the central bank showed on Friday. Continued …
Japan mulls abolishing face-to-face immigration checks amid tourism surge
The Japanese government is moving to abolish the need for most foreign tourists to meet face-to-face with immigration officers to enter the country, as it seeks to streamline entry procedures amid the inbound tourism surge. The Immigration Services Agency said it would instead rely on visitor information collected through an online pre-travel screening system called Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or JESTA, set to launch in fiscal 2028. Continued …
Indonesia to restrict social media access for children under 16
Indonesia will restrict access to social media platforms for children under 16, its communications and digital ministry said on Friday, making it the latest country to install online guardrails to reduce the risks of addiction and cyberbullying. 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
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
The Ministry of Transport has ordered a cap on public transport fares as tensions in the Middle East threaten to drive up global energy prices, warning operators not to raise rates beyond legal limits.
The war in the Middle East has intensified, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key strategic route for global oil shipments, has caused world oil prices to surge rapidly. This has raised concerns over energy shortages and wider repercussions for the global economy.
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.
It has been six days since the deadly joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, followed by Iran’s retaliatory strikes against mostly American targets in half a dozen Gulf states and against Israel, as people around the world grapple with the economic and geopolitical repercussions.
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. 
The Harvest Wine Run Festival Hua Hin returns to Monsoon Valley Vineyard tomorrow, inviting runners, walkers and wine lovers to combine fitness, food, and vineyard fun in one unique event.
Thai-built drones are being trialed to deliver critical medical supplies, aiming to improve access for patients in remote island hospitals by significantly reducing wait times.
Thailand is grappling with a severe youth drug crisis as narcotics such as cannabis, kratom, and methamphetamine become increasingly accessible, reports the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).
The government has introduced a series of emergency measures to prevent domestic fuel shortages, including increasing oil reserves and suspending most exports, while assuring the public that national energy supplies remain secure.
Thailand is stepping up efforts to secure alternative energy sources, including potential purchases of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States, to reduce risks associated with a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Air quality in this northern border province has deteriorated sharply, with thick haze blanketing the city as forest fires surge across much of the upper north.
US President Donald Trump yesterday fired Kristi Noem as head of the Department of Homeland Security, the agency responsible for carrying out his sweeping immigration crackdown. According to multiple media reports, Trump was upset with Noem’s testimony at a Senate hearing this week where she said the president had approved a $220 million DHS advertising campaign in which she featured prominently. 
The governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan has confirmed that fuel supplies in Prachuap Khiri Khan remain sufficient and urged residents not to panic buy, following concerns about potential price increases linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Royal Gazette Confirms 200,000 Baht Solar Tax Relief
The governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan has accelerated plans to improve energy efficiency as part of efforts to position the province as a model environmentally friendly tourism city.
Cha Am Municipality is taking urgent steps to address a growing water shortage after construction works on an irrigation canal disrupted the flow of raw water used to produce tap water for residents.
A new water production system planned for the Bor Fai area was the focus of a meeting chaired by Hua Hin City Municipality officials this week, as authorities reviewed design proposals and the next steps for the project.
Construction of a reinforced concrete road near Yarm Saad School is under way as part of a 15.37-million-baht project aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing local flooding.
The war involving Iran in the Middle East remains protracted, with the United States and Israel continuing to strike Iran, while Iran insists it will exercise its right to self-defense to the fullest extent.
Fuel price rises start to bite
Fears of a prolonged Middle East conflict disrupting global energy supplies are rippling across Thailand, triggering price anxieties, panic buying, and warnings of logistical strain.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the Transport Ministry will ban fare increases for taxis, ride-hailing riders, and motorcycle taxi services from today, warning of legal action against profiteering.
The Ministry of Public Health is closely monitoring potential drug price inflation amid unrest in the Middle East, with possible intervention in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce if necessary.
Thai business and industry leaders are concerned that the Mideast war could significantly disrupt logistics and transport costs, with ripple effects for manufacturing in Thailand and other countries.
“Cash” has become the most prized asset in global markets as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, triggering a rare sell-off in gold, bonds, and equities at the same time and reshaping what investors see as traditional hedges.
Thailand’s headline consumer price index (CPI) dropped 0.88% in February from a year earlier, following an annual fall of 0.66% in the previous month, the Ministry of Commerce said today.
A leading business group maintained its forecast for Thailand’s economic growth this year at 1.6% to 2.0%, but said yesterday a prolonged conflict in the Middle East would hit activity.
Foreign buyers remained a significant force in Thailand’s condominium market in 2025, with Chinese nationals retaining the top position despite a decline in purchases, while buyers from Myanmar recorded the strongest growth to rank second.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said yesterday that President Donald Trump’s plan to raise a worldwide import tariff from 10% to 15% is likely to be implemented within this week, telling CNBC there is a strong possibility it will happen during the week.
Foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand down in first two months of 2026
Traveloka reveals top Songkran travel destinations
The growing cost of elephant intrusions
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.
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.
Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok will open its new 24-hour Automated Border Control (ABC) passport gates for departures on Thursday, to reduce queues for the convenience of passengers. The opening follows a trial period in mid-February when the gates were available only from 7 am to 7 pm.
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.
Hua Hin 4th for Chinese tourists/PROUD posts record revenue/Centara Hua Hin owner sets growth target/Red Cross urges urgent blood donations/Repair of Bangkok sinkhole/Coconut Crisis: Prices Crash
Centara Hua Hin owner sets robust growth target
A working group of the European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC) has expressed strong interest in supporting Thailand’s expanding logistics and rail sectors, citing the country’s 2,400-kilometer double-track railway network as a key driver of lower regional transport costs and stronger supply-chain efficiency.
The MotoGP 2026 season has officially kicked off with the PT Grand Prix of Thailand at Chang International Circ uit in Buriram through March 1. Fans gathered to witness the season’s first race featuring the world’s top riders.
Explore Thailand’s 9 UNESCO Creative Cities
A Thai holiday used to be easy to stereotype: a family trip at Songkran, a beach weekend when the heat bites, a once-a-year splurge overseas. But AirAsia MOVE’s latest behavioral data suggests Thailand’s travelers are now split into three distinct camps — each with its own rhythm, priorities, and idea of what counts as “worth it”.
Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged cross-border attacks overnight in a dramatic escalation of tensions that led Pakistan’s defense minister to say yesterday that the two countries are in a state of “open war.” 
Thailand, often celebrated for its vibrant street food and laid-back lifestyle, is also facing a quieter health challenge. The country now ranks second in ASEAN for obesity after Malaysia, with an estimated 48% of the population classified as overweight or obese.
Thailand Riviera road construction boosted
The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a warning for today, announcing a “stormy day” in Thailand. The northern and northeastern regions will be the hardest hit, with heavy rainfall expected in 40% of these areas.
Canine distemper caused the deaths of 72 tigers at two animal parks in Chiang Mai earlier this month, not avian influenza, and there was no transmission to humans, it was announced yesterday.
The statistics of the kingdom have shown for 10 months inflation results lower than the experts’ statistical forecasts (these being on average negative for the whole of 2025 with -0.13% annual average, according to Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Economic and Trade Forecast Center .
The Thai automotive industry has kickstarted the “Year of the Horse” with a 53.8% surge in year-on-year sales for January. The growth was primarily propeled by a record-breaking influx of electric vehicle (EV) deliveries, though the heavy-duty pickup sector continues to flounder amid tightening credit conditions.
Thailand’s car exports fell in January, dropping 6% year-on-year to 58,405 units – the lowest level since May 2022 – which was attributed to stricter environmental regulations and currency fluctuations, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
The industrial and logistics property sector continues to outperform other segments, supported by robust demand and ongoing government backing despite prevailing uncertainties, according to property consultancy CBRE Thailand.
Phuket’s tourism recovery has surpassed pre-Covid levels, with daily flights setting a new record and visitor numbers reaching around 71,000. Provincial authorities expect arrivals to hold steady and are targeting 14 million tourists this year.
The planned new waste-management plant for Phuket is still at least two years away because of delays in receiving approval from state agencies, according to the provincial governor. Gov. Nirat Pongsitthithavorn aired his frustration over the delay in construction of the second waste incinerator,
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to India this week pushing to double trade and mend fractured ties, his first stop on an Asia-Pacific tour that also includes Australia and Japan, as he seeks to reduce reliance on the United States. 
Police in Songkhla arrested a Thai man for beating and burning a Siberian Husky on Feb. 13. The suspect said he acted in retaliation after the dog attacked his rooster.
Thailand is Rapidly Evolving into a Pet-Friendly Nation
Senior U.S. officials have confirmed that President Donald Trump’s defeat at the U.S. Supreme Court over import tariffs will not cause trade agreements negotiated with U.S. allies to collapse. The officials were defending the administration’s aggressive trade policy.
US trading partners in Asia started weighing fresh uncertainties on Saturday after President Donald Trump vowed to impose a new tariff on imports, hours after the Supreme Court struck down many of the sweeping levies he used to launch a global trade war.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board has approved a 579,135-million-baht investment framework for fiscal year 2027, advancing three major rail projects, including double-track lines, Red Line extensions, and the Thai–Chinese high-speed railway Phase 2.
A new social media trend has gone viral as foreign tourists conclude their visits to Thailand by posting “Thank you Thailand” videos, drawing widespread attention online. The clips show visitors bowing in gratitude and sharing detailed accounts of their trips.
Pattaya’s beachfront has returned to a lively, international atmosphere as Thailand’s peak tourism season gathers pace, with large numbers of foreign visitors flocking to the city each day. A recent on-site survey by reporters found beaches and public spaces busy with overseas tourists, underscoring renewed momentum in Thailand’s tourism recovery — particularly in major destinations favored by international travelers.
Phuket has secured three major international MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) events in 2026, reinforcing its status as a world-class meetings destination and advancing global agendas on sustainability, wellness, and diversity.
The world’s most liveable countries tend to share a similar mix of strengths: impressive architecture, thoughtful urban planning, and cultures shaped by artistic expression. Creating a “liveable” destination is not necessarily tied directly to GDP or military power; instead, a sustained focus on design can play a meaningful role in improving quality of life.
Four people, including a two-year-old boy, were killed when a Toyota Fortuner driver lost control and struck a roadside electricity pole in Prachuap Khiri Khan province yesterday. The crash occurred at around 10.30 am on Phetkasem Road, inbound to Bangkok, in Bang Saphan district.
For many people, the day doesn’t begin until the kettle whistles or the coffee maker hums. After all, tea and coffee aren’t just beverages; they’re rituals, identities and even small acts of comfort. One offers a steady, almost meditative lift, while the other delivers a more immediate, higher-caffeine jolt that feels like flipping on a switch.
Authorities at Kaeng Krachan National Park have arrested a Thai man accused of illegally guiding tourists to fish inside the protected area without permission. The operation was led by park chief Mongkol Chaiphakdee yesterday, following complaints about unauthorized fishing trips promoted on social media.
The Fuel Fund Executive Committee decided today to freeze the retail price of diesel at 30 baht per liter by cutting refiners’ contributions to the fund by a further 15 satang per liter. Additionally, the committee agreed to provide a 30 satang per liter subsidy from the fund to maintain the domestic diesel price at 30 baht per liter.
Probe underway after 72 tigers die at Chiang Mai tiger parks
US Supreme court throws out Trump’s tariffs
The US Supreme Court ruling ordering the cancellation of President Donald Trump’s import-tariff increases has pushed the global trading system back into “confusion and turmoil”, as governments, businesses, and consumers race to find answers to two pressing questions: “How do we get tariff refunds?” and “What happens next?”
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has announced the allocation of additional relief funds to 140,000 households severely impacted by the recent floods. The financial aid aims to assist in securing essential supplies, such as food, clean water, and medical care, to help communities rebuild and recover.
How Thailand is Reforming the Seafood Industry to Prevent Exploitation
Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced yesterday the passenger service charge (PSC) on outbound international travelers will rise to 1,120 baht per person from 730 baht from June 20.
Thai hotel operators expect overall foreign tourist numbers in 2026 to remain flat compared with last year, particularly among three-star and below properties reliant on short-haul markets, excluding China. Anticipated growth in long-haul arrivals is expected to be offset by stagnation in short-haul demand.
The “Thailand lost its edge” narrative has become common expat discourse in 2025 and 2026. Bangkok rents climbed 8% to 12% year-on-year, visa enforcement tightened significantly, and a remittance tax shock led 55% of expats to consider leaving, according to a survey.
Pasaya is a sustainable fabric brand and its factory in Ratchaburi is equipped with a wastewater treatment pond, a proper landfill-based waste management method, and a proper working environment with ventilation and growing trees.
Facing a fabulous ocean isn’t enough these days for an ambitious coastline. A glittery tag, like Gold, Sapphire, Emerald or d’Azure, is a branding imperative. Thailand came up with a real winner for its Gulf shoreline – the Royal Coast. And then forgot to tell the world.
Thailand will enter its hot season on Sunday. Summer storms could start right away and temperatures in some northern provinces may reach a peak above 42 degrees Celsius, according to the Meteorological Department.
The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command (NDPMC) has ordered all provinces to step up preparedness to prevent and address drought in 2026, stressing efficient water management — especially securing reserves for household consumption. Provinces have been instructed to draw up contingency plans and survey backup water sources to minimize impacts on the public.
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has issued a warning to the public about a fraudulent Facebook page using its initials to trick individuals into paying for driving licenses without the need for exams or in-person applications.
The government has ordered nationwide enforcement of stricter firearm regulations, instructing registrars to more rigorously scrutinize gun license applications and suspending the issuance of carry permits.
Thailand is ranked ninth globally for online fraud losses, with more than 27 billion baht lost in 2025 and victims suffering average losses of 37,000 baht per person. The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) has warned that cybercrime will become more complex in 2026, particularly through the use of AI Deepfake technology.
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has reported on the progress of the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023-2027). Particularly in the first two years of the plan, despite efforts to drive various initiatives, the distribution of economic opportunities across sectors has not effectively reduced regional disparities, especially in addressing poverty.
Yesterday, the Department of Tourism, through its Thailand Film Office, participated with an exhibition booth at the European Film Market 2026 (EFM 2026) in Berlin. The aim was to promote Thailand’s potential as an international filming destination, while pushing for continued foreign film production in Thailand to generate sustained income for the country.
Siamese freshwater crocodiles released in Kaeng Krachan
Thailand’s automotive industry is navigating its most profound transformation in 0 years, as the nation moves away from its traditional reliance on internal combustion engines (ICE). While the country remains the “Detroit of Asia” and holds a prestigious production rank of 10th globally, its domestic market was historically defined by the dominance of 1-ton pickup trucks.
On the 30th floor of the Chartered Square building in downtown Bangkok, the low-key office of Skyhub Technologies serves as a nexus for a burgeoning and contentious trade. The space, rented out by a serviced office provider, is visited only rarely by the company’s sole director and occasionally by Chinese nationals, according to building staff who asked not to be identified speaking about clients. 