- THE IRAN WAR: Global Energy Crisis Fears Rise/War triggers ‘global aviation crisis’/Allies refuse Hormuz escort/Drones, rockets target US embassy/Thai business groups push diesel tax cuts/Fuel Supplies Steady, PTT Assures/New gas shipment heading to Thailand/State Railway oil prices soar/Temple Suspends Cremations
- ECONOMY: Thai economic growth dependent on Iran War/Product prices to stay stable/Brace for new world order/’Silver age’ workers the future/Thai banks struggling/Thai health system closer to crisis/Thai Shrimp Exports Unshaken/Illegal Tobacco Costs Thailand
- TOURISM: Global travel erases places we love/TAT, private sector push tourism aid/Reexamination of Thai Visa Policy/Eastern Thailand Gains/Reluctant to hike fares during Songkran
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Family Vacation in Thailand
- CLIMATE THAILAND/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Global Energy Crisis Fears Rise As Iran Keeps Stranglehold On Shipping And Hits Dubai Airport
Fears of a global energy crisis rose yesterday as the war in the Middle East raged on, with more U.S.-Israeli strikes on the Iranian capital and Israel’s bombardment of Lebanon. An Iranian drone strike temporarily shut Dubai’s airport, a crucial global travel hub, underscoring the threats to the world economy.
Since the United States and Israel attacked Iran more than two weeks ago, Tehran has regularly fired on Israel, American bases in the region, and Gulf Arab countries’ energy infrastructure with drones and missiles. Continued …
War triggers ‘global aviation crisis’ as oil surges, airspace closures drive ticket prices higher
The war between the United States, Israel, and Iran is spreading across the Middle East. Air strikes have forced airspace closures, while oil prices are surging — creating a domino effect that has become a “global aviation crisis”, described as one of the most serious since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The situation is driving route changes, flight suspensions, airport closures, and higher fares — now seen as a major turning point for the global aviation industry. Jet fuel is the lifeblood of aviation. Fuel typically accounts for 25%-35% of total operating costs. Even a small price increase can wipe out airline profits on a huge scale. Continued …
Allies refuse Hormuz escort as Trump blasts ‘ingratitude’
Several key US allies have rejected a request from President Donald Trump to deploy naval forces to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, as the Middle East conflict continues to intensify.
The refusal comes as the war between the US–Israel alliance and Iran enters its third week, severely disrupting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route that accounts for around 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Continued …
Drones, rockets target US embassy in Baghdad
Rockets and at least five drones were launched at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad early today from areas around the city, Iraqi security sources said, describing the attack as the most intense since the start of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. – Reuters
Thai business groups push diesel tax cuts as energy crisis intensifies
Thailand’s business sector has called on the government to ease the impact of rising energy costs, with transport and industry groups urging measures to stabilize diesel prices and reduce taxes.
The Land Transport Federation of Thailand has demanded that the government cap diesel prices at 30 baht per liter for at least one month to ease cost pressures. It also proposed suspending diesel excise tax collection for three months during the crisis. Continued …
Fuel Supplies Steady Amid Mideast Unrest, PTT Assures
PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Co. (OR) has assured the public that fuel supplies remain stable across its 2,400 service stations in Thailand, despite ongoing unrest in the Middle East. OR Chief Executive M.L. Peakthong Thongyai announced that the company is actively monitoring the situation to maintain uninterrupted access to fuel services.
This announcement follows heightened concerns about fuel availability due to geopolitical tensions. OR has implemented multiple distribution channels, including pipelines, ships, road tankers, and rail, with support from its oil depots and extensive service network, to ensure continued supply. Continued …
New gas shipment clears the Strait of Hormuz, heading to Thailand
Thailand is set to receive a new shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from overseas, ensuring adequate fuel for power generation as electricity demand surges during the hot season, according to an energy official who requested anonymity.
Roughly 28%-30% of imported LNG passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains closed due to the ongoing US-Iran conflict. However, some shipments bound for Thailand have already cleared the strait and are en route, the official said. Continued …
State Railway reviews loss strategy as oil prices soar and costs outpace income
Anan Phonimdang, deputy governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and acting SRT governor, said the rise in fuel prices has had a direct impact on the railway operator.
Global oil prices have significantly affected the railway’s cost structure, as fuel remains one of the main expenses in train operations. At the same time, income from passenger fares and freight charges has remained unchanged, creating an imbalance between the organization’s revenue and expenditure. Continued …
Temple Suspends Cremations Due to Fuel Shortage in Nakhon Phanom
Wat Mahathat temple in Nakhon Phanom province has temporarily suspended its cremation services due to a fuel shortage, impacting local residents who depend on the temple for funeral rites. On Sunday, reports confirmed that the temple in Mueang district had stopped accepting bodies and closed its crematorium due to this issue.
The fuel scarcity arose as petrol stations refused to sell fuel in containers, making it difficult for the temple to maintain necessary reserves. Continued …
Thai economic growth in 2026 now dependent on the US Iran War
Thailand is scrambling to ward off the threats posed by an extended Middle East war now taking shape, as the United States and Israel continue attacks on Iran. Yesterday, attention centered on the threat to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
For Thailand, the stakes are high. Yesterday, key economic agencies warned that a prolonged period of high oil prices and conflict could cut GDP growth to 0.7%. Meanwhile, the government is intensifying its search for oil supplies, with reports it is in talks with Russia. Continued …
Product prices to stay stable for 60 days – except for logistics costs
Consumer product supplies at current prices are expected to last about two months due to the Middle East conflict, which has driven up oil prices, according to a retailer in the northeastern region citing supplier data.
Milin Veraratanaroj, chairman of Tang Ngee Soon Superstore, one of the largest traditional wholesale chains in Udon Thani, said suppliers have informed him that they currently have enough stock to last around 60 days. Product prices may remain stable, excluding logistics costs. Continued …
BOI warns businesses to brace for new world order as wars raise energy and logistics costs
The Thai Board of Investment (BOI) has warned the business sector to prepare for the impact of rising global conflicts and wars, saying they are becoming part of a new world economic order.
Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the Board of Investment, said escalating tensions in several regions are now having an unavoidable impact on the global economy and businesses, particularly through rising operating costs and growing risks to the stability of global supply chains. Continued …
‘Silver age’ workers the future of premium talent
A transformative shift in the labor market is taking place as Thailand approaches “super-aged society” status by 2030, according to Jobsdb by SEEK, a leading online job platform.
This demographic shift – super-aged means over 20% of the population is aged 65 or older – has birthed a new category of invaluable assets redefined as “The New Premium”. Age is no longer a limitation but a vital missing piece in the modern workforce. Continued …
Thai banks struggling to make money
The Thai banking industry is entering a transition period in which banks can no longer rely on strong interest income or generate the high levels of return on equity (ROE) as seen in the past, according to the chief executive of TMBThanachart Bank (ttb).
Given persistent economic headwinds and structural problems, Thailand is expected to face sluggish investment and elevated household debt for some time. In this environment, debt deleveraging will play an important role in mitigating economic risks and gradually supporting long-term growth, said Piti Tantakasem, chief executive of ttb. Continued …
Six fault lines push Thai health system closer to crisis
Thailand’s healthcare system is facing six major pressures that are beginning to affect services, with some hospitals now at risk of having to reduce the number of beds they operate.
Hospitals in many areas are struggling with financial losses, forcing them to cut costs by limiting staff numbers and potentially reducing bed capacity. Medical personnel are also facing heavier workloads, raising concerns over service standards and patient safety. Patients, meanwhile, may find it harder to access treatment and could increasingly have to rely on referral systems to nearby hospitals, while treatment options may be confined to what can be reimbursed under existing benefit packages. Continued …
Thai Shrimp Exports Unshaken by New US Tariffs
Thailand’s shrimp industry says new US tariff measures will not significantly affect exports, with farmers confident production will rebound to more than 400,000 tons this year. The announcement comes after the United States imposed a 15% tariff, combined with a 2.01% anti-dumping duty, bringing the total rate on Thai shrimp to 17.01%. Industry leaders say the rate remains competitive compared with other major exporting countries.
Ekaphot Yodpinij, president of the Thai Shrimp Assn., said the sector is showing clear signs of recovery in 2026 despite uncertainty in global trade policies. He said Thailand aims to push shrimp exports beyond 250,000 tons this year if overall production can exceed 400,000 tons. Continued …
Illegal Tobacco Costs Thailand Nearly B30 billion a Year
Thailand is losing nearly B30 billion in tax revenue each year as the illegal tobacco market expands, with illicit products now accounting for around a quarter of total tobacco consumption. A new policy report highlights the growing scale of illicit trade and its impact on government income, lawful businesses and consumer safety.
The findings come from a report by the EU-ASEAN Business Council titled “Driving ASEAN Action Against Illicit Trade: A Strategic, PED-aligned Blueprint for the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship”. It warns that illicit trade is intensifying globally, particularly in Southeast Asia where expanding trade and logistics networks have created more opportunities for smuggling operations. Continued …
Global travel erases places we love
Venice is drowning – not just in rising waters but also in tourists. The city is charging a day-tripper fee and has banned large tour groups and loudspeakers in an effort to curb the crush. Barcelona residents march with squirt guns and “Tourists go home” signs to protest rising rents and crowds. Amsterdam is moving to cap and eventually ban ocean-going cruise ships to reduce pollution and visitor pressure.
What began in Europe is now increasingly visible in the United States. In New York, once bohemian neighborhoods like the West Village and SoHo are now so overrun on weekends that tourists stand in long lines outside global designer flagships and big chain stores, then crowd the sidewalks to photograph their shopping bags against branded facades that could be anywhere. Continued …
TAT, private sector push tourism aid with fuel tax cut and free domestic flights
Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, president of the Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT), said that on March 13-14 the association held a meeting with senior executives from its member airlines – Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Vietjet Thailand – to discuss the current state of the aviation industry, including airlines’ operating costs stemming from volatile oil prices amid geopolitical tensions in several regions.
These tensions have created uncertainty in global energy prices and could affect the cost stability of the aviation industry. The association therefore says the government should consider short-term relief measures to ease the impact on the aviation industry, particularly a temporary reduction in the excise tax on jet fuel for domestic flights. Continued …
Security Fears Prompt Call for Reexamination of Thai Visa Policy
Thailand’s former National Intelligence Agency deputy director, Nantiwat Samart, has urged the government to prioritize national security and public safety over boosting tourist numbers. Concerns have grown on social media, with calls to revoke the existing visa-free entry policy due to issues allegedly linked to Israeli tourists.
The current policy, introduced under former PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, allows citizens from 93 countries to enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days, with an optional 30-day extension. Continued …
Eastern Thailand Gains as Europeans Skip Southern Destinations
European tourists are increasingly favoring eastern Thailand’s attractions over the traditionally popular southern areas, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This shift is linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has notably decreased southern Thailand’s appeal.
Key eastern destinations like Koh Chang and Koh Kut in Trat province are now on the radar of European tour groups. According to Kanokkittika Kritwuttikorn, TAT director for the east, these eastern destinations have been less affected by the conflict, and many travelers are now planning extended stays in Pattaya. Continued …
Airlines reluctant to hike fares during Songkran
Amid subdued demand from long-haul visitors, airlines are reluctant to increase domestic airfares during the upcoming Songkran holidays, with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) reporting no abnormal surge in fares over the period despite higher fuel prices.
Deputy Director Sarun Benjanirat said the CAAT earlier met Thai airlines to ensure sufficient flights are available for the Songkran holiday to meet demand, with capacity this year expected to rise by 5% year-on-year. Continued …
How We Spent Our Family Vacation in Thailand
For the past decade, Whitney Spielfogel’s family has taken an annual multi-generational trip over the holiday season and New Year’s with her parents. Hawaii, Costa Rica, Cabo, Tulum, Turks and Caicos. They had done them all together, her parents and her husband, Ross, and eventually her children, Sienna and Slade.
The trips were their way of pressing pause on the ordinary world and being fully present with each other. “We always take these trips over the festive season and New Year’s so that we have an extended time to go away, be present, and truly shut off, unwind, and enjoy one another’s company,” Whitney says. Continued …
- Foreign Man Steals Police Motorcycle, Jumps into Chiang Mai River – Continued …
- 2 foreigners caught stealing 2 liquor bottles from Koh Phi Phi bar – Continued …
- Irishman detained after road rampage in Phuket – 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
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