View of Earth/Songkran 2026 safety rules/Hua Hin Songkran celebration/Songkran Pran Beach Festival/Kolour Hua Hin beach rave/Na Hu Kwang Festival/Cha Am Wan Lai festival/Fuel may be expensive, in short supply
- THE IRAN WAR: Iran confirms two-week ceasefire/Bus Operators Seek Fare Increase/Night Fuel Station Closures/Hormuz closure disrupts jet fuel flows
- ECONOMY: Consumers To Reduce Songkran Spending/Commerce lifts 2026 inflation forecast/Nation’s Long-Term GDP Growth Decline/Property Market Braces Downturn/Housing prices seen rising/Manufacturers’ assistance package
- TOURISM: Thai Hotels Face Q2 Booking Slump/Bangkok Songkran events to be alcohol free/Two Foreign Tourists Found Dead/Ferry fares to Koh Chang increase
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Chiang Mai still has world’s worst air
- HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
NASA Artemis II provides view of Earth
NASA yesterday released an historic photograph of Earth dipping below the lunar horizon, more than 57 years after an iconic “Earthrise” image was captured by an Apollo 8 astronaut.
Members of the Artemis II crew captured the shot from their Orion capsule during the mission’s record-setting lunar flyby, echoing the legendary “Earthrise” photograph taken by US astronaut Bill Anders in December, 1968, during the first space mission to carry humans around the Moon. Continued …
Songkran 2026 safety rules: key bans and penalties you need to know
After the government announced tougher safety measures for Songkran 2026 under the theme “Safe Songkran, alcohol-free”, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) said it is ready to strictly enforce the law to cut accidents and crime. Here are key rules to watch — and the penalties for breaking them.
High-pressure devices, including PVC-tube water cannons or modified water guns that could harm eyes or the body, are prohibited. Offenders face up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to 4,000 baht. If someone is seriously injured, penalties can increase under the Criminal Code. Continued …
Hua Hin Songkran celebration April 12-13
Hua Hin Songkran 2026 will take place on April 12-13, with city officials planning a mix of large-scale water-based entertainment and traditional Thai New Year activities at Pone Kingphet Park and along Damnoen Kasem Road.
This year’s event will be held under the theme “Hologram”, with the municipality aiming to give the festival a more modern look through light, color, and sound displays, while keeping key traditional elements of Songkran in place. Continued …
Songkran Pran Beach Festival 2026 and Bikini Run Saturday
The Songkran Pran Beach Festival 2026 and Bikini Run is set to take place Saturday 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 …
Kolour Hua Hin beach rave returns Saturday
Kolour Hua Hin is set to return on Saturday, bringing its beachside electronic music event back to The Standard Hua Hin as part of the Songkran weekend. Part of the wider Kolour festival series, Kolour Hua Hin has established itself as one of the area’s most prominent electronic music events, combining open-air settings with large-scale production and curated line-ups.
The event will run from 2 pm to 11 pm. Organizers describe the concept as a coastal edition of the Kolour brand, blending a beach club atmosphere with international-standard sound systems, including Funktion-One audio, and a focus on design and visual installations. Continued …
Thap Sakae to hold Songkran Na Hu Kwang Festival
Thap Sakae will host the Na Hu Kwang Festival 2026 during the Songkran holiday, with organizers aiming to boost tourism and local economic activity through a two-day beachfront event centered around light installations and live entertainment.
The Na Hu Kwang Festival 2026 will take place on April 14-15 at Laem Kum Beach under the theme “Magical Lighting Fantasy”. Officials said the event is intended to attract visitors to Thap Sakae, while adding to the program of Songkran activities across the province. Continued …
Cha Am Wan Lai festival plans 10 days of Songkran events
Cha Am is preparing for its Songkran celebrations, with local officials confirming a 10-day program of events that will culminate in the Wan Lai Cha-am festival on April 16-17. Nukun Pornsombunsiri recently inspected preparations for the event, with a focus on safety measures and facilities for both residents and visitors.
Wan Lai Cha Am will take place from 4 pm to 11 pm along the southern Cha Am beach area. Organizers have planned a range of activities designed to attract both locals and tourists during one of the busiest periods of the year. Continued …
PM warns fuel may be expensive, in short supply
The government will cut fuel and electricity prices through price restructuring, though supplies may remain costly and occasionally tight, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said late Monday night.
“The government will adjust fuel and electricity price structures to bring costs down, and there will be other measures to help the people,” the prime minister said. Continued …
Iran confirms two-week ceasefire deal, offers Strait of Hormuz safe passage window
Al Jazeera reported yesterday that Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has confirmed a two-week ceasefire agreement negotiated by Pakistan. According to the report, the arrangement was approved by Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, describing the deal as an “Iranian victory”, and adding that talks toward a permanent agreement would be held in Islamabad.
In a statement shared by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi — posted as a message “on behalf of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran” and dated Tehran, April 7, 2026 — Araghchi said Iran would halt its defensive operations if attacks stopped. Continued …
Bus Operators Seek Fare Increase as Fuel Prices Soar
Public bus operators in Thailand are pressing Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for fare hikes due to escalating fuel costs. They warn that services could be suspended starting tomorrow, potentially disrupting the Songkran travel period if no action is taken.
The operators, including large bus companies and private firms partnering with Transport Co., submitted a plea for urgent assistance at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters yesterday, with Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat receiving the petition. Continued …
Thailand PM Proposes Night Fuel Station Closures After April 20
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced new proposals to restrict fuel sales at petrol stations nationwide, starting after April 20. Under the plan, stations will close from 10 pm to 5 am, with maybe only E20 petrol and B20 diesel available during these hours. The move aims to ensure sufficient domestic fuel supplies while maintaining normal access during the Songkran holiday.
The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts to manage energy use following conflicts in the Middle East. Prime Minister Anutin said a new monitoring center will be established to oversee the situation, replacing the previous body that ended with the last government’s term. The measures are part of broader policies to promote energy conservation and controlled fuel usage in Thailand. Continued …
Hormuz closure disrupts jet fuel flows and puts airlines under pressure
The aviation industry is facing a severe fuel crisis, with airlines across Asia scrambling to adjust their strategies. Carriers are reducing flights, adding refueling stops and loading as much reserve fuel as possible at departure airports after the war in the Middle East tightened supplies of jet fuel, worsening an industry already burdened by enormous fuel costs.
Airlines in Europe are also bracing for the impact. Data from analytics firm Kpler shows that Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has already cut off nearly 21% of global seaborne jet fuel transport routes. Continued …
Thai Consumers Expected To Reduce Songkran Spending
Public spending during this year’s Songkran festival in Thailand is projected to decrease by 3.7% compared to last year, primarily due to rising fuel and consumer product prices influenced by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
This marks the first decline in Songkran spending in four years, following the economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022. However, an increase in foreign tourists could improve cash flow, particularly visitors from Malaysia, China, and Europe. The potential for increased spending depends on higher tourist arrivals during the celebrations. Continued …
Commerce lifts 2026 inflation forecast as energy prices start to bite
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry has raised its 2026 inflation forecast to 1.5%-2.5%, with a midpoint of 2%, after consumer prices in March fell for a 12th consecutive month but showed signs of a slower decline as energy risks begin feeding into the outlook.
Nantapong Jiralertpong, director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), said headline inflation in March 2026 slipped 0.08% year on year, extending the negative run to a full year. However, he said the pace of decline had eased, even as conflict in the Middle East and attempts to shut the Strait of Hormuz disrupted oil and key goods transport, driving global crude prices higher. Continued …
Analyzing the Causes Behind the Nation’s Long-Term GDP Growth Decline
Thailand’s post–COVID-19 economic recovery has been characterized by persistently weak growth, averaging only 2.3% during 2022–2024 — well below its pre-pandemic performance and far from its historical peaks.
This report argues that the slowdown reflects not a temporary cyclical shock, but a deepening structural deterioration in Thailand’s long-term growth potential. As the second installment in a three-part analytical series, the study focuses on diagnosing the key structural constraints that have contributed to Thailand’s sustained deceleration in growth relative to regional peers. Continued …
Thailand’s Property Market Braces for Its Worst Year in Nearly a Decade
Two of Thailand’s most closely watched financial institutions have independently reached the same sobering conclusion: the country’s residential property market is deteriorating on multiple fronts, with no meaningful recovery in sight.
Both SCB EIC, the research arm of Siam Commercial Bank, and Kiatnakin Phatra Bank (KKP) project that transfer volumes will fall further in 2026, marking a fourth consecutive year of contraction. Continued …
Housing prices seen rising 10% amid oil crisis
Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKP) forecasts that a surge in global oil prices will push housing prices up by 10% this year, primarily affecting homebuyers in the mass-market segment.
Rising oil prices, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East, have significantly increased construction material costs. This has created a new cost base, prompting developers of new housing projects to raise selling prices by 5%-10%, according to KKP’s corporate lending division. Continued …
Thai manufacturers to get new assistance package
Newly appointed Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa has vowed to help Thai manufacturers weather the impact of geopolitical conflict and rising energy costs, while steering the country’s industrial sector toward greener, more sustainable practices under the government’s bio-, circular and green (BCG) economic model.
Global crude oil prices have surged, and supply chains have been disrupted following the Israel–US war with Iran, creating fresh challenges for Thai industry. Varawut said the ministry is reviewing ways to cut or delay non-essential projects to ease the state’s financial burden and redirect resources toward measures that directly support manufacturers. Continued …
Thai Hotels Face Q2 Booking Slump as Middle East War Hits Tourism
The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) has warned that forward bookings for the second quarter of 2026 are weaker than last year, as airfares surge and uncertainty rises due to the ongoing Middle East crisis. THA President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun highlighted concerns over Q2 performance, noting that while Q1 targets were met, Q3–Q4 markets remain in a “wait-and-see” mode.
The association reported that southern resorts, such as Koh Phangan, are losing Israeli visitors, while airfares have increased by up to 200% due to airline route changes. Northern regions are facing compounded challenges from the conflict, severe PM2.5 haze, and reduced Israeli tourism, causing Songkran bookings to fall to 50%–60% of usual levels. Continued …
Bangkok Songkran events to be alcohol free
Bangkok authorities have announced that water-splashing events during the Songkran festival will be alcohol-free citywide, wrapping up by 10 pm each night. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has set up a 24/7 command center to ensure safety and operational effectiveness throughout the festival’s duration from April 11-15.
Songkran’s major celebration hubs include Lan Khon Mueang, Silom Road, and Khao San Road. The city has outlined specific guidelines: no large water cannons, no indecent displays, and avoiding the use of powdered chalk. Organizers are also tasked with promoting water conservation under these guidelines. Continued …
Two Foreign Tourists Found Dead in Khao San Road Hotel
Two foreign male tourists were found dead in a hotel room on Khao San Road in Bangkok yesterday, with police investigating the unexplained deaths after white powder was discovered scattered across the floor. Emergency responders attempted CPR but were unable to revive either man, who were pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased were identified as a 30-year-old South African man, the registered occupant of the room, and a 38-year-old man from Latvia, who was registered as staying in a nearby room. Continued …
Ferry fares to Koh Chang will increase on Friday
Ferry fares to Koh Chang will increase on Friday due to the soaring price of diesel. The ferry fare surge was approved yesterday by a ferry fare committee chaired by Trat Gov. Piriya Chanthadilok. The committee included representatives from the Marine Department and local ferry operators.
According to Piriya, ferry fares will rise from 80 baht to 130 baht for adult passengers; from 30 baht to 70 baht for children, students and monks; from 40 baht to 130 baht for motorcycles; from 80 baht to 200 baht for motorcycles with sidecars; from 120 baht to 280 baht for four-wheel vehicles; from 450 baht to 1,000 baht for six wheelers; from 900 baht to 1,600 baht for 10-wheeled trucks; and from 1,800 baht to 3,200 baht for 18-wheeled trailer trucks. Continued …
Chiang Mai hotspots down, still has world’s worst air
Chiang Mai city retained its crown as having the world most polluted air yesterday, even as the number of “hotspots” in the northern province dropped sharply.
A satellite image issued by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency yesterday showed 17 hotspots in the province, a continued decline from 24 on Monday and 61 on Sunday. They were found in four districts, led by nine in Chiang Dao. None were in Muang district. 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
Immigration office closures during Songkran and other April public holidays are set to affect Hua Hin, Cha Am and the rest of Thailand, with foreigners being advised to plan ahead for visa extensions, 90-day reporting, and other services.
Thailand’s Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved an average electricity tariff of 3.95 baht per unit for the May-August 2026 billing cycle, up from the current 3.88 baht, after setting the fuel tariff, or Ft, at 16.23 satang per unit.
Cha Am Municipality is asking for cooperation from all agencies and the public to help save energy, in order to prepare for future situations and ensure resources are used efficiently.
Thailand is bracing for another day of intense heat, with the Thai Meteorological Department warning that temperatures could soar to as high as 42C in some parts of the country today.
Eight police officers in Pathum Thani have been removed following allegations they extorted a valuable gold necklace from a local couple. The woman, who runs a snooker club, reported that the incident occurred at her home on March 25. Officers allegedly demanded 200,000 baht, ultimately taking a gold necklace valued at nearly 150,000 baht.
The cancellation of the 2001 memorandum of understanding on overlapping maritime claims with Cambodia, popularly known as MoU 44, will be included in the government’s policy statement to parliament, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said yesterday.
Oil prices jumped by more than 5% today after US President Donald Trump said Washington would continue striking Iran, including energy and oil targets, over the coming weeks, while offering no firm timetable for an end to the war.
Thailand’s diesel price will rise by B3.50 per liter today after the Oil Fuel Fund Committee reduced its subsidy, pushing the retail price of standard diesel to B44.24 per liter.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has assessed the latest situation and made clear that risks are now spreading from energy prices to the real economy as a whole, while cutting its 2026 outlook for Thailand again amid mounting inflationary pressure and clearer signs of stagflation.
Thailand Post plans to impose a fuel surcharge of 3 baht per item on domestic Express Mail Service (EMS) and e-CoPost services from April 16, citing higher fuel costs.
While the rationale for US President Donald Trump’s Iran war is difficult to decipher, its main beneficiary is far easier to identify: Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In February, Thailand’s economy softened, with declines in exports, tourism, and private consumption, despite growth in private investment and government spending. Headline inflation decreased, while core inflation remained stable. Key issues include geopolitical events and energy policy impacts.
Thailand’s banking sector is moving deeper into crisis-response mode as prolonged global uncertainty and rising energy prices place fresh pressure on businesses, prompting lenders to shift their role from straightforward credit providers to active supporters helping customers stay afloat.
Corruption remains a structural problem undermining Thailand’s economy and significantly pushing up business costs, according to a new nationwide survey of industry leaders.
The Ministry of Public Health has begun a full transition to ensuring cannabis use in Thailand will be for medicinal purposes only, allowing dispensaries a three-year timeframe to convert into medical clinics in order to continue operating.
Amid global volatility and surging energy prices, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced a major strategic adjustment to respond to signs of a slowdown among long-haul visitors, shifting greater attention to the domestic market and short-haul travelers through an approach centered on value and world-class experiences.
Northern tourism operators expect a poor showing during the Songkran holiday, as the region remains choked by smog, amid weak spending attributed to the war in the Middle East and the subsequent oil shock.
Authorities in Phuket are being urged to investigate after images surfaced online showing a tour boat crew allegedly dumping rubbish into the sea near Tha Chin canal in Phuket province.
Koh Phangan district authorities in Surat Thani have decided to seek the revocation of visas for three US nationals of Israeli ethnicity. This action follows concerns that the individuals’ behavior could disrupt public order.
Thailand’s PM2.5 crisis has reached a severe level, with fresh data today from IQAir showing air quality in Chiang Mai Municipality had worsened dramatically, pushing it up to the rank of the world’s second most polluted city.
Thailand’s battery electric vehicle (BEV) market is expected to gain significant momentum this year, with sales projected to surpass 120,000 units partially due to soaring oil prices, says the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT).
Banks and car buyers are increasingly shifting toward battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as surging oil prices, fueled by Middle East tensions, reshape Thailand’s auto market, says Ford Thailand. The trend reflects both consumer anxiety over fuel shortages and financial institutions’ growing confidence in electric mobility.
Motorists across the Asia-Pacific region are switching to electric vehicles at a rapid pace, as rising fuel costs due to the Middle East war force consumers and companies to reconsider their reliance on petrol and diesel vehicles.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a system trial of the On Nut waste-to-energy plant to help tackle the city’s waste problem and provide a new source of sustainable power.
NASA launched four astronauts from Florida yesterday aboard Artemis II, sending them on a high-stakes, nearly 10-day journey around the moon and back in the United States’ boldest move yet toward returning humans to the lunar surface later this decade, ahead of China’s first planned crewed landing.