- Fuel shortages start to hit Hua Hin/PTT clarifies B500 refueling cap/Petrol prices revised/Motorists drain pumps dry/Border petrol stations suspend services/Commerce holds prices until tomorrow/Cha Am Crab Festival underway/Hua Hin Wine Expo/Songkran Pran Beach Festival/Hua Hin 100K Ultra Marathon/Singha-SAT ADR Hua Hin championship/Bangkok Restrict Phones in Schools/Social Media Erodes Critical Thinking/America’s Food ‘Upside-Down Pyramid’/More Than 437,000 Illegal Websites Closed/
- THE IRAN WAR: Economic toll of war grows/War impact on Thailand/Manufacturers Vow to Freeze Prices for Three Months/Thailand Urges ASEAN Unity/ASEAN working on fuel-sharing/Thai refiner makes rare purchase/Trump seeks Hormuz help/Conflict disrupts global flights
- ECONOMY: Commerce Ministry maps export strategy/Small firms under pressure/Price of eggs goes up/BYD Denies Evading US Tariffs/He was once called Britain’s naughtiest kid
- TOURISM: Thailand’s a Top Medical Tourism Location/Pattaya’s secret charms/Middle East conflict hits Phangnga/How common are falls from hotels/Thai Women Fight Over Tourists
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thai destinations make World’s Greatest Places/Abandoned floating hotel in Thailand
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Dams, mining threaten Mekong/Factory opens doors to sustainable environment
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Iran war caused fuel shortages start to hit Hua Hin
A gas station in Hua Hin has introduced a 500-baht fuel limit as operators respond to increased demand linked to tightening global energy supplies amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Yesterday morning, customers at the Caltex service station in Hua Na were informed that refueling purchases were temporarily capped at 500 baht per vehicle. Notices displayed at the forecourt also stated that filling reserve tanks or fuel containers would not be permitted while the measure remained in place. Separately, the Caltex service station in Hin Lek Fai was reported to be closed yesterday. Continued …
PTT clarifies B500 refueling cap, confirms fuel supplies remain sufficient
Following PTT’s announcement on Saturday regarding fuel sales at PTT Station service stations and limits on refueling volumes, motorists became concerned about the possibility of a repeat of an energy crisis.
Most recently, PTT moved quickly to clarify all issues, stressing that the situation remains manageable. It stated clearly that the measure is only a “recommended guideline” to prepare for continued unusually high fuel demand during this period, in order to ensure fuel is distributed thoroughly. Continued …
Petrol prices revised across major stations
Thailand’s Energy Policy and Planning Office has updated fuel prices covering five major petrol stations: PTT, Bangchak, PT, Caltex, and Shell. Diesel B7 is uniformly priced at 29.94 baht per liter across all five stations. Standard Gasohol 95 is also consistent at 31.05 baht per liter at PTT, Bangchak, PT, and Caltex, while Shell prices it higher at 32.35 baht per liter.
At PTT, Gasohol E20 is 27.84 baht per liter, Gasohol E85 is 25.79 baht per liter, Gasohol 91 is 30.68 baht per liter, premium Gasohol 95 is 40.04 baht per liter, Benzene 95 is 39.64 baht per liter, and premium diesel is 43.44 baht per liter. Continued …
Plenty of fuel, government insists, as motorists drain pumps dry
Government officials have rushed to reassure motorists that “out of stock” signs reported at some petrol stations were caused by private motorists and public transport operators panicked into topping up by the Middle East war, not by a shortage of fuel reserves in Thailand.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said people worried about price rises were rushing to buy fuel at local petrol stations where there were no stored emergency reserves of fuel. Continued …
Border petrol stations in Mae Sot suspend services as fuel runs out
Several petrol stations along the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Sot district, Tak province, were forced to temporarily suspend services yesterday after running out of fuel amid a rise in price and demand.
Large numbers of vehicles, including cargo trucks, agricultural transport vehicles, private cars, and motorcycles, were queuing for fuel along Asian Highway 12, where many petrol stations are located. The long lines caused traffic congestion in several areas, prompting police to step in to manage traffic after vehicles blocked parts of the road. Continued …
Commerce holds prices until tomorrow as diesel support under review
The Ministry of Commerce has urged businesses to hold prices on consumer goods until tomorrow, the same day the Energy Ministry’s 15-day diesel price support measure is set to expire.
The ministry said decisions on whether to allow price increases will depend on whether the government extends the diesel support scheme, which has capped fuel costs during the recent surge in global oil prices. Continued …
Cha Am Crab Festival underway
Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 starts Thursday
The Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 has officially confirmed a strategic move to March 19-20, promising a larger, more refined evolution of the event that has become part of the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
The decision to move the event to March was made to align with the new vision and leadership team. This shift provides a “longer runway” to transition the expo into a landmark international-standard showcase. By moving the dates, the event gains the necessary preparation time to match an ambitious new scale and deliver the high-caliber experience that local and international guests expect. Continued …
Songkran Pran Beach Festival 2026 and Bikini Run April 11
The Songkran Pran Beach Festival 2026 and Bikini Run is set to take place on April 11 at the 24 Rai Ground, Pak Nam Pran, in Pranburi district, promising a mix of music, sports, and beachside celebrations during the Songkran holiday.
The event is organized by Panathanya Sermboonpaisarn (Hannah) and Anusorn Sermboonpaisarn of Fantastic Roadway, in collaboration with the Pak Nam Pran Municipality. The festival aims to promote tourism in the area, boost the local economy, and encourage environmentally responsible travel, while providing a unique entertainment experience for visitors. Continued …
Hua Hin 100K Ultra Marathon set for May 23
The Hua Hin 100K Ultra Marathon 2026 has been officially launched, with organizers aiming to strengthen the town’s reputation as a sports tourism destination while inviting runners to sign up for the endurance event.
Scheduled to take place on May 23 at Rajabhakti Park, the Hua Hin 100K Ultra Marathon will feature four race distances of 10, 25, 50, and 100 kilometers. Officials say the event is expected to attract Thai and international participants, along with supporters traveling to the area, helping to stimulate activity in Hua Hin and Cha Am’s tourism and service sectors. Continued …
Singha-SAT ADR Hua Hin Championship April 23-26
The Thailand Professional Golf Assn. (TPGA) announced its partnership with the Asian Tour to organize an Asian Development Tour (ADT)-level event — the Singha-SAT ADT Hua Hin Championship 2026 — between April 23-26 at Royal Hua Hin Golf Course.
The tournament will offer World Ranking Points (OWGR), giving Thai golfers opportunities to climb the ranks to the Asian Tour. – Bangkok Post
Bangkok Restricts Phones in 437 Schools
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has announced a policy restricting the use of mobile phones and electronic devices during lessons at 437 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
The initiative, titled “Phone Off, Learning On”, will take effect from the next academic year beginning May 18. The measure aims to improve classroom learning, student well-being, and cyber safety. Continued …
Two-Thirds of Thai Youth ‘Can Read but Not Comprehend’ as Social Media Erodes Critical Thinking
Thailand is facing a burgeoning literacy crisis, with approximately 65% of 15-year-olds unable to comprehend or analyze the content they read, despite being technically literate.
The warning comes from Somkiat Tangkitvanich, president of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), who highlighted a “shocking” trend in recent Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) results. Continued …
Nutrition Warning: Why America’s ‘Upside-Down Pyramid’ Could Be a Health Risk for Thais
Thai health officials are sounding the alarm over a growing trend of adopting American dietary habits, warning that the latest “Upside-Down Pyramid” model from the United States may be ill-suited to the Thai physique and could lead to chronic health issues.
The Bureau of Nutrition, under the Department of Health, recently addressed the 2026 US dietary guidelines, which shifted focus toward high protein intake — including red meat, butter, and full-fat dairy — while placing plant-based proteins at the bottom. Continued …
Thai Government Shuts Down More Than 437,000 Illegal Websites
The government has reportedly blocked more than 437,000 illegal website URLs over the past five months as part of expanded efforts to combat online crime. Authorities said most of the blocked sites were linked to online gambling activities.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society carried out the enforcement between Oct. 1, 2025, and Feb. 28, 2026, removing a total of 437,473 illegal URLs. In February alone, authorities blocked 132,842 links across social media platforms and websites. Continued …
Economic toll of war grows
The escalating war between the US-Israel alliance and Iran is entering a more dangerous phase, raising concerns the conflict could trigger a wider economic shock via surging energy prices, disrupted trade routes, and weakening global demand.
Since hostilities erupted on Feb. 28, the confrontation has moved beyond the initial wave of air strikes. Recent attacks on Iran’s ballistic missile production facilities and border outposts suggest the possibility of further escalation, including potential ground operations. Continued …
War impact on Thailand likely to unfold in phases
Thailand’s economy and equity market could face mounting pressure if tensions between the US-Israel alliance and Iran escalate, with risks evolving from short-term financial market volatility to a deeper economic slowdown, says InnovestX Securities.
Piyasak Manason, head of economic research at InnovestX, said the impact on Thailand would likely unfold in phases, beginning with immediate shocks to energy prices and capital flows in the short term, followed by broader structural economic risks if the conflict drags on. Continued …
Essential Goods Manufacturers Vow to Freeze Prices for Three Months Despite Soaring Fuel Costs
Leading Thai manufacturers of essential consumer goods have pledged to hold their retail prices steady for the next three to four months, despite intensifying pressure from global oil prices.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has sent crude prices climbing above $100 per barrel, threatening to trigger a surge in the cost of living through increased transport, electricity, and production expenses. Continued …
Thailand Urges ASEAN Unity on Middle East Energy Crisis
Thailand has urged ASEAN countries to strengthen cooperation to address a potential energy and economic crisis triggered by escalating conflict in the Middle East, while confirming that 20 Thai crew members rescued from the cargo ship Mayuree Naree will return home today.
Panidarn Pachimsawat, acting director-general of the Department of Information and deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the situation in the Middle East had expanded beyond military targets. Iranian authorities have reportedly escalated attacks against energy infrastructure, shipping routes, and cyber systems linked to the United States and Israel. Continued …
ASEAN states working on fuel-sharing deal
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will expedite the enforcement of an energy-sharing mechanism that will allow member states to support each other’s oil and gas needs during supply disruptions.
This measure, through which ASEAN countries can provide petroleum supplies to neighbors facing shortages of at least 10% of their requirement, comes as the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate further. Continued …
Thai refiner makes rare purchase of North Sea crude
A Thai oil refiner has made a rare purchase of North Sea crude oil as Asian processors scramble to find alternatives to Middle Eastern supplies stuck in the Persian Gulf.
The commodities trader Trafigura Group sold one cargo of about 700,000 barrels for late March loading, a trader with knowledge of the matter said on Friday, asking not to be identified as they’re not authorized to speak to the media. Continued …
Trump urges world powers to secure Iran shipping lane
US President Donald Trump urged other nations to help secure a vital shipping lane choked off by the war with Iran that showed no signs of slowing, as strikes hit the US embassy in Baghdad and a major Emirati energy facility.
Two weeks after the United States and Israel attacked Iran, the entire Gulf region remained in the grip of a conflict that had sent shockwaves through the global economy. The war has also spilled into Lebanon, where the health ministry said Israeli strikes have killed hundreds of people, as Israel fought the Tehran-backed Hezbollah once again. Continued …
Thousands stranded as Middle East conflict disrupts global flights
The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted international flights, causing a growing backlog of stranded travelers, especially in Thailand, with over 400 affected flights.
Globally, around 20,000 flights have been canceled, impacting 400,000 passengers. Limited airline communication and regional route disruptions may take weeks to resolve, threatening future tourism. Continued …
Commerce Ministry maps 2026 export strategy
The Ministry of Commerce held a meeting last week to draw up Thailand’s 2026 proactive international trade promotion plan, chaired by Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun together with directors of Thailand’s overseas trade promotion offices — commercial attachés in 58 offices across 43 economic areas worldwide — to take an in-depth look at global trade and set strategies to drive Thai exports.
The Department of International Trade Promotion said its assessment indicates the direct impact on exports to the Middle East is limited, as Thailand exports only 3.7% to the region, with key markets being the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. Continued …
Small firms under pressure as costs soar
Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face a wall of negative sentiment this year, as geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, and tighter access to loans weigh on the sector, raising questions about how businesses can navigate these tumultuous times.
Consumer spending power in Thailand is expected to remain weak, inevitably affecting SMEs’ revenue streams. High energy and logistics costs pile more pressure on entrepreneurs, said Sangchai Theerakulwanich, strategy chairman for the Federation of Thai SMEs. Continued …
Farm-gate price of eggs goes up
The egg farmers’ cooperative network has raised the farm-gate price of mixed chicken eggs from 3.20 baht to 3.40 baht per egg, or six baht more per tray, effective today.
Chanuwat Siwamok, CEO of Kings Eggs (Thailand) Co., said the price increase is due to several factors, including low prices for an extended period and rising production costs, especially from higher animal feed costs that add pressure on small and medium businesses. Continued …
BYD Denies Using Thai Plant to Evade US Tariffs
Chinese automaker BYD has denied allegations from the United States that its manufacturing facility in Thailand is being used to bypass American trade tariffs. The company said its Rayong plant is focused on domestic demand and exports to other regions, confirming that no vehicles from the site have been shipped to the United States.
The response follows an investigation by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301 of the Trade Act. The probe is examining whether Southeast Asian countries are being used for the final assembly of surplus Chinese electric vehicles to circumvent US trade tariffs. Continued …
He was once called Britain’s naughtiest kid – now he runs a six-figure Thailand business
A man once dubbed “Britain’s naughtiest kid” is now raking in six figures through his personal development school in Thailand.
Tom Roberts was just 11-years-old when he featured on the Channel 4 program Mr. Drew’s School For Boys back in 2014. During his time on the show, he faced ongoing behavioral challenges and repeatedly found himself in hot water for fighting and using abusive language toward adults – behavior which he now acknowledges was “awful”. Continued …
Russians Lead Thailand’s Rise as a Top Medical Tourism Location
Thailand has strengthened its position as a leading global destination for medical tourism, with new data showing the country is now among the top three worldwide for international patients seeking treatment abroad. The surge has been driven largely by Russian travelers, who are increasingly choosing Thailand for elective procedures, preventative care, and wellness treatments.
According to the Medical Tourism Overseas Q4 2025 report by Yango Ads, Thailand recorded an 8% year-on-year increase in medical-related search queries. The data highlights growing international interest in the kingdom’s healthcare services, reflecting the country’s reputation for combining modern medical infrastructure with established tourism appeal. Continued …
Pattaya’s secret charms still draw visitors despite challenges
Under the neon glow of Pattaya’s nightlife, the rhythm of the city continues much as it always has. Music pours from open doors, tourists drift between bars, and performers dance beneath bright lights in entertainment venues along the city’s famous nightlife streets.
For many visitors, it is a familiar scene — one that has defined Pattaya for decades. Yet, behind the spectacle lies a city navigating a far more complicated reality. Continued …
Middle East conflict hits tourism in Phangnga
The war in the Middle East is affecting the tourism industry, with Phangnga province reporting a sharp decline in European arrivals and estimated losses of nearly 1.7 billion baht, the Phangnga Hotel Assn. said.
Hotel operators in Phangnga said they are struggling to retain European guests, with postponements and cancellations exceeding 20% compared with the same period last year. Continued …
How common are falls from hotels globally
Falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
Each year, an estimated 684 000 individuals die from falls globally, of which over 80% are in low- and middle-income countries. Adults older than 60 years of age suffer the greatest number of fatal falls. 37.3 million falls are severe enough to require medical attention occur each year. For more information …
- Dutch Man Falls to Death at Jomtien Condo – Continued …
- Foreign Woman Seriously Injured in Pattaya Hotel Fall – Continued …
Thai Women Fight Over Tourists on Phuket’s Bangla Road
Two Thai women were filmed fighting in the middle of Bangla Road in Patong, Phuket, late on last night after an argument reportedly erupted over competing for tourist customers. The altercation unfolded in front of numerous shocked visitors and was captured on video by a tourist.
The footage shows the two women arguing intensely before the situation escalates into a physical fight in the middle of the street. Tourists can be seen standing around watching the confrontation unfold, while several foreign men move in and attempt to break up the fight. Continued …
Five Thai destinations make TIME’s World’s Greatest Places
Five experience-led destinations in Thailand have been named among TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2026, a list of 100 standout destinations. The Thai entries were DaiDib DaiDee in Nan, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, The Blue Jasmine Train, Khao Yai Art Forest, and Dib Bangkok.
DaiDib DaiDee, a small farm stay in Pua district of Nan, stood out for offering visitors a close-to-nature experience rooted in local life and community traditions. The TIME entry described the retreat as an intimate off-grid stay where guests can join daily farm activities and immerse themselves in a slower rural way of life. Continued … https://www.nationthailand.com/news/tourism/40063811
This abandoned floating hotel in Thailand is straight out of a horror film
The project promised to be a unique addition to Thailand’s hotel offerings: a seven-story luxury floating hotel on a series of idyllic, protected lakes. At least that was real estate magnate Olan Assavaritthikul’s plan in the early 1990s.
He would convert a cruise ship into a hotel with nearly 200 rooms and locate it on a 23.5-hectare site in the southern part of Koh Chang, an island in the Gulf of Thailand. The cruise ship would be the centrepiece of the Grand Lagoona Resort and it would offer peaceful crossings across the site’s artificial lakes, promising its passengers shimmering sunsets over perfectly smooth waters and nights when they would be lulled to sleep by the quiet lapping of waves against the hull. Continued …
Dams, mining threaten Mekong, activists say
Activists in the Mekong region have called on governments and agencies to take urgent action to protect the river from worsening environmental damage caused by hydropower dams and mining activities.
Decades of large-scale development have transformed the river — long regarded as a lifeline for millions — into a system increasingly affected by pollution and ecological disruption, the Mekong People’s Network said on Saturday. Continued …
Factory in Bangkok opens doors to sustainable environment
Sonite Innovative Surfaces Co. has opeed its factory in Bangkok, showcasing recyclable materials like rice husks, coconut fiber, eggshells, discarded bottled water, and even old money., Sonite President Nitiphan Darakananda said that people have become more conscious of the environment, with many customers asking for sustainable items to be used in their hotels and restaurants. Video …
98th Academy Award Winners Announced
The Dolby Theater in Los Angeles witnessed a night of long-awaited coronations and historic firsts yesterday, as the 98th Academy Awards celebrated the finest in cinema. Paul Thomas Anderson’s political dark comedy, One Battle After Another, emerged as the evening’s heavy hitter, securing six Oscars, including best picture, best director, and best adapted screenplay. 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 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.
Thai energy officials are intensifying measures to shield the country from a crisis reminiscent of the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, as mounting tensions between Iran, Israel, and the US raise fears of global oil supply disruptions and economic instability.
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 Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Natthariya Thaweewong moved yesterday to secure discounted accommodation for foreign tourists stranded by the U.S.–Iran conflict that erupted on Saturday, as hundreds of flights scheduled to land at the country’s main airports were scrapped over the weekend and signals from Washington DC and Tel Aviv indicated the war could last another four to five weeks.
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.
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.
Although the US Supreme Court recently ruled that President Donald Trump could not invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to impose “reciprocal” tariffs on countries, trade uncertainty may intensify, warns Sompop Manarungsan, an analyst focused on the US and Chinese economies. 
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