- Hua Hin Heroes Charity Golf Cup/Wellness Sandbox initiative launched/Monsoon Valley Wine run/Khao Takiab crab bank/Schedule for Run Khan Do 3 events/Online scams up again/Women Leaders Bridge Gaps for Migrant Communities
- THE IRAN WAR: Iran war could shave up to 1% off Thailand’s GDP/Trump signals Iran war may be nearing end/Crisis seen as opportunity for Thailand/Gradual petrol price rise/Restaurants call for support/Oil shock prompts urgent action/Energy price spike threatens global economy
- ECONOMY: To tighten foreign business registration rules/Thailand’s smartphone market/Amazon Web Services eyes Thailand/New supply chain order
- TOURISM: Thailand may lose 600,000 visitors/Flight connections being restored/Don Mueang launches automated passport checks/Tourism braces for impact of Mideast war/Visitors Keep an Eye on Weakening Baht/Thais as leading ‘foodie’ travelers/Hungry monkeys snatching food from visitors/Phuket restaurant owner refuses to serve Israeli
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Exploring Bangkok’s many charms/Bangkok in the world’s top 5 for food/Experts Reveal Bangkok Food Trends/Discover Thailand Through Taste’Yan’ defines the Thai soul
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Oil shock accelerates Asia’s EV revolution
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin Heroes Charity Golf Cup raises 2.1 million baht for local schools
The Heroes Hua Hin Foundation, widely known as Hua Hin Heroes, brought together community leaders, businesses, and supporters at the Hua Hin Heroes Charity Golf Cup 2026, united by a shared goal of improving opportunities for children in Hua Hin and across Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Built on the belief that education, health, and nutrition form the foundation of lifelong opportunity, the foundation supports under-resourced schools and vulnerable families through classroom construction, IT learning centers, facility upgrades, and wellbeing initiatives. Continued …
Wellness Sandbox initiative launched across Prachuap Khiri Khan
The Wellness Sandbox Prachuap Khiri Khan initiative was officially launched yesterday as provincial authorities outlined plans to develop health-focused model subdistricts across all eight districts of the province.
The project aims to create eight model subdistricts under the Lifestyle Medicine Healthy Model Area Project, encouraging communities to adopt healthier daily habits in order to reduce the growing impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Continued …
Monsoon Valley Wine run draws 200
Around 200 people took part in the Harvest Wine Run at Monsoon Valley Vineyard on Saturday, combining a fun run with wine tasting, harvest activities, and food from local producers. Participants could choose from three distances — 3km, 5km or 10km — running through the vineyard landscape while sampling Monsoon Valley wines.
The event was designed to bring together the local community, wine lovers, and fitness enthusiasts in a relaxed setting. The run began at 4 pm following registration and bib collection earlier in the afternoon. The event was limited to 200 participants and was fully booked. Continued …
Khao Takiab crab bank receives municipal support
Yesterday, Phailin Kongpan, deputy mayor of Hua Hin Municipality, together with Cheep Suksri, president of the Municipal Council, and Nuengruethai Sukchan, deputy municipal clerk, brought Rungroj Nooklib, a former lecturer from Wang Klai Kangwon Vocational College in Hua Hin, to repair the solar power system at the Khao Takiab Blue Swimming Crab Bank.
The crab bank is managed by Sakchai Thonghiang (Tai Juk), who is responsible for breeding egg-bearing blue swimming crabs in cages before releasing them back into the sea. The solar energy system helps reduce electricity costs for the facility from around 6,000 baht per month to just over 3,000 baht. Continued …
Schedule announced for Run Khan Do 3 running events
The schedule for Run Khan Do 3, a province-wide series of running events across Prachuap Khiri Khan, has been officially announced, with activities set to take place from March to July 2026 in every district of the province.
The announcement came during a ceremony Sunday at the activity ground in front of the Pranburi District Office, where Preeda Sukjai, deputy governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, presided over the handover of the “Healthy Province” flag and the Run Khan Do 3 activity flag. The ceremony marks the start of preparations for Pranburi district to host the opening event on March 25. Continued …
Online scams up again, investment fraud worst
The number of online-scam complaints rose again over the past week, with investment fraud causing the most damage, according to police.
Police Lt. Gen. Jirabhop Bhuridej said yesterday that from March 1-7 police received 7,682 complaints of online scams, up 4% on the 7,344 complaints over the previous week, which was up 611 on the week before that. However, reported damage from the complaints dropped by 5.6% to 433.86 million baht. Continued …
At Thailand’s Border, Women Leaders Bridge Gaps for Migrant Communities
At dawn on the Thai–Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Mae Sai, the first crossings of the day are already underway. Men and women from Myanmar move steadily into northern Thailand, some carrying small bags, others holding documents in plastic folders. On the Thai side, vans and labor brokers wait to take them to construction sites, farms, and factories across the province.
Lin wonders what fate awaits these migrants. The 49-year-old has observed this routine for years. Each morning, she studies the crowd and wonders what will happen once they leave the bridge – who will find stable work, and who may need someone to stand beside them. Continued …
Iran war hits global economy, could shave up to 1% off Thailand’s GDP
Former commerce and energy minister Narongchai Akrasanee said the Iran war is deeply concerning for Thailand, with oil prices already surging to around US$110 a barrel, leaving the country hard-pressed to avoid fallout because it relies heavily on imported oil and natural gas.
He said higher energy costs would feed through to prices of goods in the period ahead. While the Thai government may be able to cushion the impact for a time, he warned the support would be constrained by fiscal limits and the fact that Thailand remains dependent on imported energy. Continued …
Trump signals Iran war may be nearing end, sees global oil prices heading lower
US President Donald Trump said the war with Iran would end soon and that oil prices would come down, striking an upbeat tone after crude prices surged above US$100 a barrel over the weekend and sent shockwaves through global financial markets.
Speaking at Trump National Doral near Miami, Trump said the United States was making major progress toward its military objectives and claimed the operation was close to completion. He said some might even say the mission was almost complete. Continued …
Crisis seen as opportunity for Thailand
The crises arising from geopolitics and geoeconomics may represent Thailand’s last chance to adapt and seize new opportunities, according to caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.
Delivering a keynote speech at a Siam Cement Group event on the topic of “Smart Industry”, Ekniti said the energy crisis – with oil prices rising above USD100 per barrel – underscores the urgent need for adjustment, not only in the industrial sector but also in the agricultural and service sectors. Continued …
Government prepares gradual petrol price rise as oil crisis deepens
Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon yesterday gave an update on measures to manage energy prices following the impact of unrest in the Middle East. The remarks were made after a meeting of the Center for Monitoring and Managing the Situation of the Middle East Conflict at Government House in Bangkok.
Phiphat said discussions had covered measures related to petrol, diesel, and gas prices. He noted that although the Energy Ministry had announced three days earlier that diesel prices could be held steady for 15 days, there was now growing concern over how long this could be sustained if the crisis continued without resolution. Continued …
Restaurants call for anti-inflation support
The Thai Restaurant Assn. is calling on the government to support the restaurant industry amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The association wants the government to cap energy prices for this sector, including freezing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices, reducing electricity prices for businesses during the crisis period, and establishing an energy fund for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food sector. Continued …
Oil shock prompts urgent action: price caps, subsidies and tariff cuts across Asia
Global oil prices jumped sharply yesterday, pushing crude back into the $100-a-barrel era for the first time since the Russia-related energy shock of 2022, and briefly spiking to almost $120. Brent hit an intraday high of $119.50 a barrel and WTI $119.48, before prices later eased as markets weighed diplomatic signals and shifting supply risks.
By early today, oil had fallen more than 6% from the previous session’s highs, with Brent down to around $92 a barrel and WTI to about $89, underlining the extreme volatility as policymakers and markets grappled with Middle East supply and shipping uncertainty. Continued …
Energy price spike threatens global economic recovery
Global oil prices have entered a “danger zone” after surging to around US110 per barrel following reports that an Iranian oil storage facility had been struck, warned Bangkok Bank’s (BBL) chief economist.
Kobsak Pootrakool, senior executive vice president and chief economist at BBL, said the situation has become increasingly concerning, particularly as the conflict appears to be entering a second phase of attacks on Iran, raising the risk of retaliation. Continued …
DBD to tighten foreign business registration rules to curb nominee arrangements
Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Department of Business Development (DBD), under the Commerce Ministry, said the department had held consultations and gathered feedback from more than 17 leading law firms to exchange views and brainstorm measures to strengthen the prevention and suppression of the use of Thai nationals as nominees for foreign investors conducting business in Thailand.
The department will compile opinions on possible approaches and their potential impact to support the drafting of the “Office of the Central Company and Partnership Registration Order No. …/2026 on the rules and procedures for registration in cases involving amendments to designate foreigners as partners in partnerships or as authorized signatories in limited companies”. Continued …
Thailand’s smartphone market likely to face contraction
Thailand’s smartphone market is likely to contract amid economic uncertainty, the Middle East conflict, and rising memory component costs, according to Thai Samsung Electronics Co.
The company said smartphone prices are expected to increase starting this month, while shortages of some models may occur in the second quarter due to supply constraints and higher component costs. Installment payments now account for 70% of smartphone purchases. Continued …
Amazon Web Services eyes Thailand as future AI hub
Cloud service provider Amazon Web Services (AWS) Thailand has positioned its local cloud region as a future artificial intelligence (AI) hub, targeting enterprises’ rising demand for highly complex, independent “frontier AI agents”. This signals an enterprise shift from basic AI tools toward more advanced, enterprise-grade automation.
With the National Board of Digital Economy and Society expecting Thailand’s digital economy to expand by 4.2% this year to reach 5.6 trillion baht, cloud infrastructure could become a strategic backbone. Continued …
The new supply chain order
Over the past decade, accelerated by the pandemic and rising geopolitical tensions, global trade has entered a structural reset. Global trade in goods now exceeds $25 trillion annually, yet its structure is shifting.
Supply chains once optimized purely for cost are being redesigned for resilience, redundancy, and geopolitical risk management. As a result, the geography of manufacturing is being redrawn and Southeast Asia is emerging as one of the most strategic regions in this transformation. Continued …
Thailand may lose 600,000 visitors from Europe and the Middle East as Iran war decimates tourism
Thailand’s already rattled foreign tourism industry, with traffic down 4% since the start of the year, has been dealt a severe blow by the Middle East conflict. After a Monday meeting chaired by Tourism and Sports Minister Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn, officials warned that an eight-week war could cost Thailand 600,000 visitors and strip more than B40 billion from already reduced revenue targets.
The conflict is generating uncertainty and disrupting global flight networks, particularly links through Gulf aviation hubs. As a result, European and Middle Eastern travel to Thailand has been hit hardest, despite being the only markets showing growth and promise last year. Continued …
Flight connections between Europe and Gulf region hubs are gradually being restored
Amid repatriations and a gradual return to operations, air traffic is slowly picking up as several airlines begin reopening some of their routes.
The recovery is starting timidly in the Middle East. After several days of paralysis, long-haul air traffic is gradually resuming. On Friday, several Emirati airlines relaunched some of their international routes, particularly to Europe, with reduced schedules. Continued …
Don Mueang launches 24-hour automated passport checks
Outbound passengers at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport can now opt to use automated passport screening machines installed at immigration checkpoints around the clock.
Deputy government spokesperson Lalida Veeravithayanant told the media that the 24-hour automated passport check service has been officially launched for outbound passengers at the airport since March 5. Continued …
Tourism braces for impact of Mideast war
Thai tourism should brace for an influx of foreigners seeking a safe haven amid growing geopolitical conflict, similar to the surge experienced during the Russia-Ukraine War a few years ago, when Russian arrivals rose to 1.74 million in 2024, significantly impacting property markets in tourism cities.
Yuthasak Supasorn, chairman of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, said the current conflict in the Middle East has reminded the tourism industry of the Russia-Ukraine war, where the short-term impact first falls on fuel prices and consequently affects international airfares, reducing long-haul markets. Continued …
Thailand Visitors Keep an Eye on Weakening Baht Against US Dollar
Foreign tourists in Thailand are closely monitoring the recent weakening of the Thai baht against the US dollar, a trend fueled by global financial uncertainties. As the baht opened at 31.77 per dollar, down from 31.60, many visitors are keenly aware of how this affects their purchasing power in areas like hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.
Analysts predict the baht will fluctuate between 31.55 and 31.95 in the coming days, influenced by ongoing economic data and geopolitical situations. A weaker baht generally translates to greater spending power for tourists, especially from regions like Europe and North America. Continued …
Thais emerge as leading ‘foodie’ travelers
Thai travelers have secured a spot among Asia’s most dedicated culinary explorers, according to new data from Agoda. The digital travel platform’s ‘Agoda 2026 Travel Outlook Report’ reveals that one in five Thai tourists now considers the pursuit of new dining experiences a primary motivator for their trips.
The shift toward “foodie” tourism is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the regional travel industry. A growing number of Asian holidaymakers are now selecting destinations specifically to satisfy their palates, suggesting that gastronomy and local dining culture are increasingly dictating where people go, what activities they choose, and where they book their stay. Continued …
Hungry monkeys swarm Hat Yai park, snatching food from visitors
A group of tourists in Hat Yai complained yesterday that hungry monkeys are coming down from a nearby mountain to snatch food, and, in some cases, try to bite people at Hat Yai Municipality Public Park in Songkhla province.
The complaint was raised after visitors said a large troop of monkeys was targeting people carrying meals inside the public park in Khlong Hae subdistrict, Hat Yai district. Continued …
Phuket restaurant owner sparks debate for refusing to serve Israeli man
A Phuket restaurant owner drew mixed reactions online after posting videos showing him chasing an Israeli man from his restaurant and shouting “free Palestine” as the man walked away.
The restaurant owner shared two videos on his Facebook account yesterday. In his caption, he said he asked the man to leave after seeing Hebrew on the man’s phone screen. In the first video, the owner is heard saying, “No Israeli. I don’t want to sell anything to Israeli. Go away, go, go!” Continued …
Exploring the many charms behind Bangkok’s rise to Asia’s best city
Bangkok has once again won regional acclaim, rising to No. 1 in the Best Cities in Asia 2026 category of the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, reinforcing its status as a favorite destination for travelers worldwide.
Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, spokesman for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), said the achievement saw Bangkok surpass major global cities, including Tokyo in second place and Singapore in third, to become the No. 1 city among readers of a leading luxury travel magazine in the Asia-Pacific region. Continued …
Bangkok has just been named one of the best food cities in the world, and honestly, if you’ve eaten there, you already know that. A new study by UK-based long-haul travel specialists Travelbag ranked Bangkok fifth on its list of the world’s top foodie destinations for 2026.
The ranking looked at four key factors across 36 cities globally: the number of food-related activities available, average meal costs, social media presence, and annual Google search volume. Bangkok didn’t just scrape into the top five, as it dominated in the categories that matter most to anyone who actually wants to eat well. Continued …
Experts Reveal Food Trends Every Tourist Will Taste In Bangkok This Year
What will become the Dubai chocolate of 2026? As food and drink trends are running wild in Bangkok, 14 industry professionals were asked to determine exactly which ingredients are most likely to end up on your plate, or in your glass, in 2026.
Across different neighborhoods, styles, and cuisines, it seems that local experts are unified on many fronts. Wellness plays a big role in the kitchen but also behind the bar. Japanese flavor profiles and techniques continue to inspire. Local produce climbs up to the top of must-have items in your pantry and on your liquor shelf. Someone, somewhere, even wants to put subterranean ants on your table. Continued …
Discover Thailand Through Taste: A Complete Guide to Asia’s Hottest Foodie Travel Destination
Thailand has quickly become one of Asia’s most exciting destinations for travelers who love food. In 2026, culinary experiences are now a key motivation for visits, with one in five Thai tourists planning trips specifically for food. This shift shows how tourism in Thailand is evolving from traditional sightseeing to immersive experiences that connect travelers with culture through taste.
Today, the country offers a rich tapestry of flavors, from bustling street markets to refined dining experiences. For global travelers, Thailand is no longer just a holiday spot — it is a food adventure waiting to be savored. Continued …
Why the ambiguity of ‘Yan’ defines the Thai soul
If you ask a Bangkokian where they live, they will never give you a zip code or a district name. Instead, they give you a “Yan”. Often translated as “neighborhood”, “area” or “district”, the Thai word “Yan” is far more fluid than one meaning or any map can capture.
It is a spatial identity defined not by administrative borders, but by the hum of specific trades, or the weight of local history. From the trend-setting alleys of Yan Thong Lo to the riverside heritage of Yan Bang Lamphu, understanding the Yan is the secret to navigating the organic, beautiful chaos of Thai life and, at the same time, the Thai culture of double (or triple) meanings of one word. Continued …
Iran war oil shock accelerates Southeast Asia’s EV revolution
A man in a Mercedes drives up to a Bangkok forecourt, cash in hand, ready to buy an electric vehicle he hadn’t planned on owning. Southeast Asia’s EV revolution has found a new accelerant.
“He was afraid he wouldn’t be able to fill up his car any more,” said Samart Prakotkancharna, managing director of Ratchapruek P Car Center in Thailand’s capital, describing the scene that played out on his forecourt. Continued …
- Chinese-Run Warehouse Busted With 100,000 Fake Cosmetics – Continued …
- Russian DJ Arrested for Drug Sales via Telegram on Koh Phangan – Continued …
- 2 Russian women caught on CCTV taking pet cat from Phuket man – 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.
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.
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
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
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
Today, amid escalating unrest linked to the Iran war in the Middle East, Shell and Chevron — which markets fuel under the Caltex brand — were cited as having sharply raised retail fuel prices yesterday.
Foreign media cited a report by Iranian International yesterday saying Iran’s Assembly of Experts has chosen Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as Iran’s new supreme leader, ending days of speculation after his father was killed in Israeli and US strikes on Saturday. However, Mojtaba’s selection could raise questions because the Islamic Republic of Iran has often criticized hereditary rule and portrayed its system as fairer.
Donald Trump is not just Benjamin Netanyahu’s glove puppet, but it is remarkable how much influence the Israeli prime minister has over the American president. If you are seeking a reason why Trump felt the need to attack Iran again, only nine months after he declared that he had eliminated any nuclear threat from that country, you need look no further.
As in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, the new war in the Middle East is exposing once again how far Europe and others lag in replacing imported fossil fuels with domestic solar and wind power, specialists say.
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.
Developer AP Thailand is sharpening its focus on provincial expansion this year, increasing launches outside Greater Bangkok by entering at least five new provinces, despite maintaining a cautious rollout plan.
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.
A rare astronomical event, a total lunar eclipse, will take place tomorrow, which also falls on Makha Bucha Day. The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand says the Moon will appear brick-red across the entire disk.
A thunderstorm warning has been issued for Prachuap Khiri Khan, with officials urging residents to prepare for thunderstorms and strong winds across the province from tomorrow through Friday.
Food safety training was the focus of a workshop held in Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday, as local food business operators gathered to strengthen hygiene standards and protect consumer health.
Since the government canceled the long-standing prohibition on selling alcoholic beverages between 2-5 pm, in a move aimed at stimulating the economy and tourism, the early assessments indicate the change is likely to increase restaurant revenues by more than 20%, after aligning sales hours more closely with tourist behavior.
Thailand’s exports to Iran, led by canned and processed fruit and rubber-related products, could face disruption risks as fighting involving Iran, the United States, and Israel escalates, raising concerns over logistics, insurance costs, and payment channels for trade with the region.
Medical Tourism Corp. (MTC), a Dallas-based international healthcare facilitation organization, has released its Thailand Dental Tourism Market Research Report 2026, a comprehensive analysis of patient demand patterns, competitive positioning, and strategic growth opportunities across six major Thai cities.
Essential Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Summer Vacation in Thailand
Run Khan Do event/Pone Kingphet Park renovation/Royal Hua Hin Course hosts Thai LPGA/Meth arrest in Prauchap Khiri Khan/Road Accidents, Deaths Decreased/EC announces 71% voter turnout/Masked Gang Raid Brit’s Pattaya Home/AI-Driven Traffic Lights in Bangkok/Prices of new Samsung Galaxy to rise/Keep their hair in check/Bomb on husband’s mistress’ car
Royal Hua Hin Golf Course hosts first Thai LPGA event of year
Road accidents in Thailand fell in 2025, according to new data released yesterday at the Royal Thai Police headquarters. Police Gen. Samran Nuanma, deputy commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police and director of the Traffic Management Center, said statistics show a decline in crashes, fatalities, and injuries. However, speeding remains the leading cause of accidents nationwide.
The Election Commission (EC) has announced the final voter turnout for the 2026 general election, with 37.8 million voters (71.4%) participating on Feb.8. 
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has started upgrading traffic signals at various intersections, incorporating an adaptive system using CCTV and AI technology to adjust in real time. This initiative aims to transition from fixed-timing to automated adaptive control, improving convenience and reducing time on the roads.
The operator of the BTS Skytrain has called on passengers to refrain from flicking or tossing their hair while traveling during peak hours, warning that loose locks could accidentally strike fellow commuters in the face, shoulders, eyes, or mouth.
This year continues to be a period of high uncertainty for Thai businesses, driven by geopolitical tensions, global economic policies, interest rate directions, and the transition to new technologies. Meanwhile, domestic factors such as a strong Thai baht, high household debt, weak demand, and a fragile economic structure are further intensifying the pressure on the business sector.
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) expects the baht to gradually weaken against the US dollar, reaching 33 baht per dollar in the fourth quarter of this year, driven by a combination of domestic and external factors.
Factory activity in Thailand picked up in January, driven by heightened political activity during the election campaign and strong demand in the automotive sector, according to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).
The global semiconductor industry is entering an increasingly strategic phase, driven by accelerated investments in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, and electric vehicles (EV).
Suphajee Suthumpun, minister of Commerce, has revealed that the Thai government and the government of the People’s Republic of China have reached a government-to-government rice-trading agreement for a volume of 40,000 tons.
Thailand is every wanderer’s dream: temples rising into brilliant blue skies, tuk-tuks zipping past street carts sizzling with spice, and tropical beaches that seem to glow at sunset. But because the kingdom stretches from misty northern hills to two distinct coastal systems, deciding when to go is almost as important as where you go.
A Short-Stay Guide to Koh Tao — Thailand’s Tiny Gulf Escape
Technology giants, including Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta, have in recent months announced plans to spend over US$600 billion on AI in 2026 alone. The investment wave has already fueled unease among some investors about the profitability of this strategy. They have reason to be worried, as the ambitious US AI expansion plans are likely to be hobbled by severe power-infrastructure bottlenecks, including turbine shortages, slow grid expansion, and regulatory red tape. 
A ride-hailing driver posted a touching experience on the “Grab Car Driver Club Thailand” Facebook group, declaring: “I want 10 more jobs like this”. The first image showed the journey details – from Huai Khwang to Phra Khanong. The second revealed the adorable passenger: what appeared to be a long-coat Chihuahua.
The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows Thailand scored 33/100 and ranked 116th globally — below the world average of 42. The index, released by Transparency International, placed Thailand 116th out of 182 countries and territories, down one spot from 2024 when it scored 34.
The cabinet has been instructed to start preparing to void a 25-year-old memorandum of understanding (MoU) used by Thailand and Cambodia as a framework to settle their overlapping maritime boundaries.
Chula Researchers Transform Thai Silk into Medical Innovation
Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to seek approval from Thailand’s next cabinet for two major airport expansion projects worth a combined 269 billion baht, covering Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports.
Thailand’s once-robust manufacturing sector is facing a protracted slowdown, with factory capacity utilization hovering below 60% for the past two years, raising concerns about the country’s economic competitiveness and industrial policy effectiveness.
The cabinet yesterday endorsed a comprehensive visa package proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to boost tourism, attract long-stay visitors, and stimulate the economy.
Chinese New Year in Thailand: A National Celebration and a Regional Travel Magnet
With Chinese New Year approaching next week, Pattaya tourism operators expect similar conditions as last year. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation, said Pattaya operators expect a large number of foreign tourists for the holiday, particularly from long-haul markets, accounting for 80% and helping the occupancy rate near 90%.
Phuket is preparing to welcome a surge of visitors during the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, with a month-long program of events beginning today aimed at stimulating early-year tourism and generating more than 600 million baht in revenue.
Picture this for a moment. You’ve worked decades, paid into Social Security your entire adult life, and when retirement finally arrives, the monthly check lands somewhere around $1,800. In many parts of the United States, that barely covers rent. It’s frustrating, I know.
13 Mouth-Watering Thai Dishes You Need To Try
Kintetsu World Express has taken another step toward cleaner operations by installing a solar power generation system at its warehouse in Prachinburi Province. The project has been carried out by its local subsidiary, KWE-Kintetsu World Express (Thailand) Co., as part of the group’s wider push toward decarbonized and sustainable business practices.
Planned or under-construction solar and wind projects slowed last year, analysis showed yesterday, casting doubts on whether countries will hit a goal of tripling renewable capacity by 2030. Dozens of nations agreed in 2023 to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 as part of efforts to limit global warming.
At least 10 people died yesterday in a remote part of western Canada, including seven who were shot at a secondary school and two others found dead at a residence, federal police said. Twenty-seven people were injured. An individual believed to be responsible for the killing in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, was found deceased with what appears to be a self-inflicted injury. 
Noise pollution is affecting bird behavior across the globe, disrupting everything from courtship songs to the ability to find food and avoid predators, a large-scale new analysis showed today. 
As global healthcare costs continue to rise, access to affordable and reliable medical care has become an increasingly important factor in travel decisions. For retirees, digital nomads, long-stay visitors, and medical tourists, healthcare is no longer merely a matter of safety. It is part of the destination value proposition.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has urged the incoming government to prioritize urgent economic and cost-of-living problems as its first agenda, warning that household debt, SME distress, export pressures, and an influx of cheap imports now pose a critical threat to growth and public welfare. T
Unofficial results of the 2026 general election clearly point to the Bhumjaithai Party taking the lead in forming the next government. The party campaigned on its “10 Plus” economic platform, which is set to become the core economic policy of the new administration.
Thailand’s hotel sector will remain highly challenging in 2026, pressured by multiple factors, including uncertainty in key foreign markets amid global geopolitical risks and the continued strength of the baht, according to Kasikorn Research Center.
The Thai Restaurant Assn. is calling for small eateries registered as juristic persons to be included in the anticipated revival of the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme under the new government led by the Bhumjaithai Party.
The public sector under the new government is expected to accelerate the adoption of cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to bridge its legacy bureaucratic systems with advanced digital technology.
Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) expects more than 4.11 million passengers to pass through its six airports during the Chinese New Year holiday period from Feb. 13-22. The surge is driven largely by a continued recovery in the Chinese market, increasing pressure on airport operations nationwide. Authorities are preparing for heavier traffic and longer processing times during peak travel days.