- Gas price hike/Thailand Raises Diesel Price/Government eyes fuel tax reduction/Thailand braces for blistering/Cambodia is stockpiling weapons
- THE IRAN WAR: Crackdown on fuel and goods prices/Bracing for price rises/20 items added to price controls/To keep food prices unchanged/Thai crude oil tanker clears Strait of Hormuz/Oil prices expected to stay high/Conflict delays auto exports/Conflict threatens rice exports/Cambodia hit by LPG shock/Philippines first to declare energy emergency/Gold Just Had Its Worst Week
- ECONOMY: Rules to Curb Foreign Nominee Firms/Shipments rise in February/Man behind Thailand’s first beer
- TOURISM: 2.97% Arrival Decline/Visa-free stay cut will not affect tourism/Fed up with visa-free tourists/Phuket Faces Water Crisis/Thailand lands Tomorrowland and EDC
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Rookie Mistakes To Avoid/Thailand’s Erawan National Park/Wellness Tourism Surge
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Villagers Win Against Gold Mine/ASEAN could meet new power needs with solar
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Gas price hike to push up Thai power bills
The new government is bracing for a surge in electricity bills, as liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices climb in the wake of conflict in the Middle East, according to an energy official who requested anonymity.
The official said subsidies similar to those used to cap oil prices are unlikely, given the heavy financial burdens carried over from the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. Continued …
Thailand Raises Diesel Price to 33 Baht Per Liter
Thailand has raised the retail price of diesel to 33 baht per liter, as authorities seek to ease mounting pressure on the state Oil Fuel Fund. The move follows a decision by the Oil Fuel Fund Management Committee to reduce diesel price subsidies.
The adjustment is expected to have an immediate impact on transport costs and fuel expenses nationwide. The decision comes amid a sharp rise in global energy prices, driven in part by escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly following attacks involving Iran. Continued …
Government eyes fuel tax reduction
The government may be forced to implement fuel tax reductions if the Oil Fuel Fund proves insufficient to stabilize domestic prices, Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has warned.
Ekniti, who also serves as the finance minister, said the Finance Ministry has already prepared contingency plans for a reduction in fuel taxes should the situation deteriorate. However, he stressed that any final decision would rest with the incoming government. “If the fund is no longer able to maintain price stability, tax measures will become necessary,” he said. Continued …
Thailand braces for blistering heat as temperatures top 40C in North and Central regions
Thailand will continue to experience generally hot weather through March 30, with very hot conditions expected in parts of the north and central regions where temperatures may exceed 40C, according to the Meteorological Department.
The department said upper Thailand would remain hot overall, with some areas facing extreme heat and hazy conditions during the day. Isolated thunderstorms are also expected in some provinces as a heat-induced low-pressure system continues to cover upper Thailand. Continued …
Army intelligence warns Cambodia is stockpiling weapons
The Thai army intelligence chief has warned that the border conflict with Cambodia could reignite, pointing out that Phnom Penh has placed large orders for weaponary. Lt. Gen. Teeranan Nandhakwang said tensions along the border with Cambodia currently appear to be easing, with a shift from military combat to international legal and diplomatic manoeuvring.
However, risks remained. Cambodia has bought a large quanitiy of armaments from countries in eastern Europe, in the lead-up to a general election in 2027. This could trigger another round of border conflict. Continued …
Interior Ministry orders nationwide crackdown on fuel and goods prices
The Interior Ministry has ordered provincial authorities nationwide to intensify controls over fuel and consumer goods prices, warning that those who hoard supplies, manipulate prices, or violate emergency measures could face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to B100,000.
The Department of Provincial Administration has raised its response level as part of a broader effort to contain the impact of the energy and consumer goods crisis. Under the directive, provinces have been told to integrate the work of four main agencies to strengthen oversight in all areas. Provincial commerce offices will inspect the prices of goods and services, while provincial energy offices will supervise petrol stations. Continued …
Transport, airlines, restaurants and e-commerce brace for price rises
The surge in global oil prices triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East is rippling through Thailand’s economy, raising costs across water transport, road transport, and aviation, and pushing up input and logistics expenses for food businesses and retailers — from small operators to major e-commerce platforms.
Charoenporn Charoentham, managing director of Chao Phraya Express Boat Ltd (CPX), said the operator has been hit by higher fuel costs and uncertainty over future supply volumes. He warned that sustained high diesel prices could force CPX to reduce services or even suspend operations. Continued …
Commerce ministry adds 20 items to price control list
The Commerce Ministry is adding 20 more items to the list of controlled products to help cushion the impact of the current oil crisis on consumers, as the war in the Middle East drags on.
The controlled items include: Pork; chicken; eggs; rice; paddy; wheat; garlic; fresh coconut; oil palm seeds; latex; dried food and seasoning; canned fish; instant noodles; palm oil; sugar; salt; fresh milk and powdered milk; fertilizer; pesticides; animal feeds; farm machinery; uel; LPGf; cement; iron rods, sheets and structural iron; electrical cables; PVC pipes, floor and wall tiles; sanitary ware; tissue paper; printing and writing paper; detergent; soap; shampoo; sanitary towels; diapers; face masks; hand sanitizers; medicines and medical services; rubber gloves; antigen test kits. Continued …
CPF vows to keep food prices unchanged
Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF), a leading integrated agro-industrial and food conglomerate, says it will keep its meat and food prices unchanged for at least two months, as the company uses local sources for most of its raw materials.
The company is reinforcing its position as “Kitchen of the World” by transforming from a traditional meat exporter into a global leader in innovative ready-to-eat food, after becoming the world’s seventh-largest meat producer with exports worth 600 billion baht in 2025. Continued …
Bangchak says crude oil tanker safely clears Strait of Hormuz
Bangchak Corp. said that its crude oil tanker from the Middle East, which had been anchored in the Persian Gulf since March 11, recently passed safely through the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel is currently traveling across the Indian Ocean and is scheduled to deliver crude oil to Thailand in early April.
The company thanked the Thai government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for discussions and coordination with relevant agencies, as well as the governments of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Sultanate of Oman, to facilitate the vessel’s passage under international law. Continued …
Oil prices expected to stay high after Middle East energy attacks
Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), in his capacity as secretary of the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East, said the situation in the Middle East remained highly uncertain and global oil prices were likely to stay at elevated levels for some time.
As a result, any assessment of where the diesel price cap should be set would have to track world market prices, as the global market was now highly volatile. Refined diesel prices in Singapore were currently above US$200 a barrel, compared with a peak of about US$135 a barrel during the Russia-Ukraine war, when many countries had to manage prices similarly. Continued …
Middle East conflict delays auto exports to key market
Thailand’s automotive industry is facing mounting pressure as the Israel-US war on Iran disrupts shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, delaying vehicle exports to the Middle East, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
The situation is forcing a review of the FTI’s car manufacturing projections for this year. The Middle East is Thailand’s third-largest export market for vehicles, after Asia and Australia, with strong demand for pickup trucks. Continued …
Middle East conflict threatens Thailand’s rice export target
Tensions in the Middle East have pushed up transport costs, energy costs, oil prices, freight charges and insurance premiums. Freight rates for March 15-30 have been raised by more than 40%, with shipping lines citing special surcharges and higher fuel costs.
The situation has also affected shipping routes and delivery times, prompting some importers to delay orders while they assess the situation. The situation has affected Thai rice exports to key markets, especially the Middle East, which is Thailand’s third-largest market. Continued …
Cambodia hit by LPG shock as major supplier halts sales
Cambodia is facing fresh energy turmoil after Sokimex, one of the country’s largest fuel suppliers, announced that it would temporarily suspend LPG sales from April 1 after failing to import the fuel since the beginning of March, citing transport disruption linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Sokimex operates about 500 service stations nationwide, making the move a significant blow to fuel confidence in a country that depends almost entirely on imports for its energy needs.
The disruption marks a new phase in Cambodia’s energy crisis. After sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices, pressure is now spreading to LPG, a fuel widely used for cooking in urban households and for vehicles such as tuk-tuks and taxis. Continued …
Philippines first to declare energy emergency over oil crisis
The Philippines has formally declared a national energy emergency, becoming the first country to take such action in response to the escalating global energy crisis triggered by conflict in the Middle East.
The decision follows reports that more than 400 petrol stations across the country have suspended operations due to the sustained rise in fuel prices, underscoring the severity of the situation. Continued …
Gold Just Had Its Worst Week Since 1983
Gold has long been the asset investors reach for when the world feels dangerous. Wars, economic shocks, political chaos — historically, any of these tends to send the price of bullion climbing. So why, in the middle of an active and intensifying Middle East conflict, has gold just suffered its worst week in over 40 years?
Gold dropped roughly 11% last week, posting its biggest weekly loss since 1983. The metal is now down more than 14% since the war began. As of today, the spot price sits at approximately $4,357 per ounce — a sharp reversal from the record highs above $5,500 that defined the early weeks of 2026. Continued …
Thailand Tightens Rules to Curb Foreign Nominee Firms
Thailand’s Department of Business Development (DBD) will enforce stricter company registration rules from April 1, requiring Thai shareholders in foreign-linked businesses to certify that their investments are genuine.
The move aims to clamp down on the long-standing issue of “nominee” arrangements, where Thai nationals act as proxies for foreign investors. Authorities warn that non-compliance could lead to criminal penalties and deeper investigations. Continued …
Shipments rise in February on industrial demand
Exports surged by 9.9% year-on-year to US$29.4 billion in February, driven by strong industrial goods shipments, while imports jumped by 31.8% to $32.3 billion, mainly due to machinery and gold purchases, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO). The trade deficit was $2.83 billion for the month.
For the first two months, exports increased by 17% to $61.0 billion and imports surged by 30.5% to $67.2 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $6.14 billion. Continued …
The man behind Thailand’s first beer and a B100-billion empire
The Bhirombhakdi family heirs recently held a merit-making ceremony on March 23, 2026, to mark the anniversary of the death of Phraya Bhirombhakdi, the man behind the legend of Thailand’s first beer and the founder of Thai food and beverage giant Boon Rawd Brewery.
The family business empire, now worth more than 100 billion baht, has been passed down through generations and has stood firm in Thailand for more than 90 years. Continued …
Thailand Sees 8.5M Tourists Amid 2.97% Arrival Decline
Thailand has welcomed 8.54 million foreign tourists from Jan. 1 to March 22, generating approximately 417.216 billion baht in revenue. However, the total arrivals reflect a 2.97% decrease compared to the same period last year. Despite the decline, short-haul markets have shown significant improvement, enhancing inbound tourism numbers recently.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported cumulative foreign arrivals at 8,544,484, with China as the top source of tourists at 1,377,750 visitors. Malaysia follows with 854,438 visitors, Russia with 668,479, India with 566,337, and South Korea with 391,040. Continued …
Visa-free stay cut will not affect tourism, Thai foreign minister says
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkaew said yesterday a proposal to cut the visa-free stay for tourists from 60 days to 30 days will not affect tourism, saying the change is intended to address misuse of the visa-free period.
Sihasak said the previous government approved a 60-day visa-free stay for tourism. He said the current situation has seen some foreign nationals using the visa-free period for other purposes, prompting the Foreign Ministry to propose reducing the stay. Continued …
Why Thais are fed up with visa-free tourists
Sitting in a Nimman cafe in Chiang Mai, a Thai local notices a good-looking foreigner working on a laptop next to them for hours. Having ordered just one cup of coffee, this person is clearly not a tourist, nor are they here to relax. They sit quietly, working as if the cafe were their own personal office.
You might start wondering how they entered the country. If they hold a work visa, or if they pay taxes to Thailand. The sad answer is they entered for free, hold no work visa, paying absolutely no taxes. Continued …
Phuket Faces Water Crisis, Awaits Rainy Season Relief
Phuket is on the brink of a water shortage if the anticipated rainy season is delayed and doesn’t bring substantial rainfall within three months. The island currently possesses 12 million cubic meters of raw water across its reservoirs, only slightly over half their full capacity.
According to Gov. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, this amount should suffice until the end of June, with hopes that the upcoming rains will replenish the reservoirs. The Southern Meteorological Center on the Andaman Coast forecasts that this year’s rainy season in the south should begin around April 20 or by early May at the latest. Continued …
Thailand lands Tomorrowland and EDC for five years
Thailand is positioning itself as a major global hub for EDM festivals, after securing full-scale, multi-year plans for Tomorrowland and Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) — two of the world’s biggest electronic music brands.
The country is being billed as the first and only destination to host both mega-festivals in the same year, with organizers planning five consecutive years of full-scale events. Backers say Thailand’s strengths go beyond accessibility as an Asian gateway, highlighting its soft power appeal — from food, attractions, and culture to Thai hospitality — supported by a strong hotel and service sector. Continued …
Rookie Mistakes To Avoid When Visiting Thailand
From temple-dotted cities to island-fringed seas and night markets that hum well past midnight, Thailand offers the sort of allure that makes sticking to your plan to explore somewhere entirely new surprisingly difficult.
It’s why that internet saying “the one where you’re supposed to be exploring the world but somehow find yourself back in Thailand for the nth time”, lands a little too close to home. But what’s even more relatable is those first-visit jitters and the head-scratching moments that come with it, especially when local customs and everyday travel norms aren’t immediately obvious. Continued …
Thailand’s Erawan National Park — Where Green and Growth Combine
March 21 marked the International Day of Forests, established by the United Nations to call upon nations worldwide to protect and sustainably manage forest resources. The theme for 2026 is “Forests and Economies,” emphasizing that the value of forests extends far beyond the trees themselves — it is deeply intertwined with economic development, employment opportunities, sustainable practices, and ecotourism.
In Thailand, Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi Province offers a vivid illustration of this theme through its meticulous and steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship. Established in 1975 as Thailand’s 12th national park, Erawan spans approximately 550 square kilometers, renowned for its lush mountain forests, striking karst landscapes, and a stunning seven-tiered waterfall. Continued …
Wellness Tourism Surge: Discover the Hidden Treasures of Thailand
Thailand is experiencing a significant transformation in its travel landscape with the launch of the “Healing Journey Thailand” wellness campaign by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in January. This initiative aims to attract high-value, wellness-seeking travelers and highlights the country’s natural beauty intertwined with rich cultural experiences.
The campaign emphasizes the concept that “Healing is the New Luxury”, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in traditional Thai healing practices and explore tranquil settings. Targeting those searching for a purposeful travel experience, it offers a blend of relaxation, self-reflection, and cultural immersion across various scenic locations. Continued …
Villagers Win Court Battle Against Gold Mine
A civil court has ruled in favor of villagers in Phichit and Phetchabun provinces, ordering Akara Resources to pay compensation to 382 people affected by contamination linked to its gold mining operations. The judgement, delivered yesterday at the Civil Court’s Environmental Division, mandates payments for health impacts, mental distress, and loss of livelihood, as well as environmental rehabilitation.
The case, filed in 2016 as a class action by Suekanya Theerachatdamrong and three others representing local residents, alleged that the company’s Chatree gold mine caused the spread of toxic heavy metals. Villagers claimed exposure to substances including cyanide, arsenic, manganese, and iron through air, water, and agricultural resources over a period of more than 20 years. Continued …
ASEAN could meet new power needs with solar at US$67 billion savings
Solar power could help Southeast Asian nations avoid a costly gamble on imported gas, as the Gulf crisis sends shockwaves through global energy markets, a new analysis has found.
Replacing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN)’s planned gas power expansion with solar could save the region up to US$67 billion at today’s and projected liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices, according to London-based energy think tank Ember. Continued …
Stolen dogs trek 17km along motorway to return home
A remarkable story of loyalty and resilience has captured hearts online. Seven stolen dogs reportedly traveled more than 17 kilometers along a motorway in finding their way back home, in northeastern China. The incident occurred in Changchun, in Jilin province, where footage emerged showing the pack of dogs walking together along the Changchun–Shuangyang Expressway, and the video quickly went viral. Continued …
Vietnam to build first nuclear plant with Russia
Vietnam and Russia have agreed to build Vietnam’s first nuclear power plant, as Hanoi seeks to strengthen energy security amid global fuel disruptions. The deal was signed during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to Russia, though no timeline for construction was announced. 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
Can Thailand Escape the US Trade Pitfall Sparked by Trump’s Tariffs?
Thailand faces tourism crossroads as global markets shift
U Power, Sumitomo Mitsui Deliver Battery-Swapping Taxi Fleet in Phuket
