---

• Thai truck driver found dead in PKK/Beach polo returns to Hua Hin/Sam Ao Legends festival/Prachuap Town announces Songkran schedule/Miracle of the Three Bays City Fair/Hua Hin marathon/Ride-Hailing Rules Tighten/Fuel Prices Rise 6 Baht Per Liter/Thailand abandons fuel price caps/Thailand fuel prices updated/Thailand fuel prices vs ASEAN/Nationwide petrol-station checks//Long queues continue/Queues snaked for kilometers/Thailand swelters/Thai Corruption Costs B500 Billion Annually/B250 million a year on trips abroad
• THE IRAN WAR: Iran rules out talks/Iran offering Thailand oil at special price/PM orders oil crisis assessment/War unlikely to dent Songkran revenue/ASEAN’s energy security at risk/SCG seeks non-Hormuz feedstock
• ECONOMY: Ministry to expand controlled goods list/Co-pay scheme, emergency projects/Unilever cuts prices by up to 50%/To gain from supply chain diversification/Thailand’s oil fund crisis/Mall operator plans expansion/‘Green days off’ trend
• TOURISM: Pattaya tops travelers’ Songkran list/War could cut arrivals by 10%/Khon Kaen tourism, meetings/How are Asian airlines responding?
• CLIMATE THAILAND: Air Quality Declines Globally/Strategies for Financing Clean Energy/Leading the Future of Sustainable Packaging
• FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

---

Thai truck driver found dead in PKK after alleged 10-hour refueling queue

A Thai truck driver was found dead inside his vehicle at a petrol station in Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday, allegedly after he had been waiting in a refueling queue for more than 10 hours.

The driver was reported missing after the owner of his trucking company was unable to contact him by phone. When calls went unanswered, the owner tracked the truck’s last known parking location and found it still parked at the PTT petrol station in Kui Buri district. Continued … 

Beach polo returns to Hua Hin on April 4

Beach polo will return to Hua Hin on April 4, as the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort hosts the 15th edition of the annual charity sporting event. Organized by B.Grimm, the one-day Beach Polo Hua Hin event will take place from 12.30 pm to 9 pm and is expected to draw polo enthusiasts, residents, and visitors for an afternoon and evening of sport and entertainment by the sea.

The program will include a grand parade opening ceremony, beach polo matches, horse racing displays, and a fashion show on horseback. Organizers say the event aims to combine world-class polo with a social gathering atmosphere and a range of seaside activities. Continued … 

Sam Ao Legends festival set for this weekend in Prachuap Khiri Khan

The Sam Ao Legends cultural festival will take place this weekend at King Rama IX Commemorative Park in front of Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Hall, with free entry offered throughout the three-day event.

Preparations were reviewed on Monday during a planning meeting chaired by Deputy Gov. Preeda Sukjai at the provincial hall. Provincial Tourism and Sports Officer Lt. Sitthichai Tantasit, heads of government departments, and representatives from related agencies attended as officials finalized arrangements for the festival. Continued … 

Prachuap Town announces Songkran schedule

Prachuap Town Songkran celebrations will take place on April 13 as local officials confirmed the schedule for this year’s large-scale water festival along the town’s seafront.

Mayor Kamol Kaewthet of Prachuap Town Municipality announced details of the event following a joint planning meeting with municipal executives, council members, senior officials, community leaders, and residents. The meeting focused on preparations for the 2026 Songkran festivities, which will be staged in front of Saranwithi Bridge along the coastal road. Continued … 

Miracle of the Three Bays City Fair set for April 24-May 4

The Miracle of the Three Bays City Fair and Red Cross Festival will return to Prachuap Khiri Khan from April 24 to May 4, with organizers preparing a wide-ranging program of exhibitions, performances, and charity activities.

Provincial Gov. Sitthichai Sawat Saen chaired a preparatory committee meeting yesterday at the provincial hall to finalize arrangements for the annual tourism event, now in its 16th year. Deputy governors, heads of government departments, and representatives from relevant public agencies were also in attendance. Continued … 

Hua Hin marathon expects 3,500 runners for May 10 event

Starting times for the Hua Hin Marathon 2026 have been confirmed, with organizers expecting more than 3,500 runners to take part in the annual race on Sunday, May 10. The event will include four race distances and aims to raise funds for environmental conservation in the city.

Details were announced during a press conference held yesterday at Hua Hin City Municipality, chaired by Prachuap Khiri Khan Deputy Gov. Preeda Sukjai. Also attending were Hua Hin City Mayor Nopporn Wutikul, Protect Hua Hin Club President Krit Rojanasathien, representatives from public and private organizations and event organizers. Continued … 

Thailand Ride-Hailing Rules Tighten From March 31

Thailand will begin enforcing new rules for app-based ride-hailing services from March 31, requiring stricter checks on drivers, vehicles, and digital platforms. Drivers must hold a public driving license, vehicles must be correctly registered for public use, and platforms must verify compliance or suspend non-compliant drivers.

The move is expected to increase passenger safety and standardise a rapidly growing sector. Ride-sharing services, defined as passenger transport arranged via apps rather than traditional taxis or vans, expanded quickly during the COVID-19 period without a clear legal framework. The new regulations mark the first time Thailand has introduced specific legal structures for the sector. Continued … 

Fuel Prices Rise 6 Baht Per Liter as Subsidies Cut

The Fuel Fund Management Committee yesterday approved a reduction in subsidies for diesel and petrol, leading to a 6-baht-per-liter increase in retail fuel prices. PTT announced that the increases will start today.

The move comes amid rising global oil prices and is expected to have an immediate impact on transport costs and household expenses. Authorities said the adjustment is necessary to stabilize the country’s fuel-pricing system. Continued … 

Thailand abandons fuel price caps

Thailand has abandoned attempts to cap domestic fuel prices that have been pushed up by the Middle East war, and instead will offer targeted assistance for the sectors hardest-hit by high prices.

The government will let domestic energy prices move in line with market forces, Finance Minister ⁠Ekniti Nitithanprapas said yesterday, adding that price suppression had led to market distortions, hoarding, and unnecessary budget losses. Continued … 

Thailand fuel prices updated across five major brands

Thailand fuel prices were updated for today in a daily report from the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) under the Ministry of Energy, covering five major service station brands, including PTT, Bangchak, PT, Caltex, and Shell.

At PTT stations, gasohol 95 was priced at 41.05 baht per liter, gasohol E20 at 36.05 baht, gasohol E85 at 32.79 baht, and gasohol 91 at 40.68 baht. Premium gasohol 95 was listed at 52.04 baht per liter, benzine 95 at 49.64 baht, diesel at 38.94 baht, and premium diesel at 54.64 baht per liter. Continued … 

Where Thailand stands on fuel prices in ASEAN after latest surge

Fuel prices in Thailand are drawing renewed attention as the Middle East conflict continues to push up global oil prices and the government signals a move away from price subsidies toward market-based mechanisms.

As fuel costs remain a key driver of living expenses, comparisons with neighboring countries have become increasingly relevant. Data from the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) under the Energy Ministry shows that, as of March 23, Thailand ranked sixth in ASEAN for petrol prices and eighth for diesel. Continued … 

Ministry orders nationwide petrol-station checks, daily stock reports to deter fuel hoarding

The Provincial Administration Department, under the Ministry of Interior, has issued instructions to provincial governors nationwide — along with district chiefs and local leaders, including subdistrict heads and village headmen — to inspect petrol stations across Thailand and submit daily reports on fuel stock levels. The move is intended to prevent traders from secretly hoarding fuel and forcing the public to shoulder the burden.

Krissada Boonrat, director-general of the Provincial Administration Department, sent an “most urgent” letter to all provincial governors, referring to an earlier most-urgent fax from the department, requesting governors to instruct district chiefs to survey data on petrol stations in their areas of responsibility and report to the department — beginning with the first report on March 21, and continuing until further notice. Continued … 

Long queues continue for even pricier fuel

Motorists, farmers, and truck drivers in Ban Kruat border district of the northeastern province of Buri Ram continued to queue at petrol stations today despite another 6-baht price hike, saying they have no choice but to refuel to sustain their livelihoods.

Many are wasting hours in line when they could be working, as stations are still rationing fuel amid continuing problems with hoarding and distribution bottlenecks. The frustrated drivers called on the government to suspend fuel exports to neighboring countries to ease the domestic crisis of shortages and soaring prices. Continued … 

Fuel panic as queues snaked for kilometers last night before B6 hike

Thai motorists rushed to refuel their vehicles last night, ahead of a steep 6 baht/liter price hike, which took effect today, triggering heavy congestion at service stations nationwide. In many areas, queues stretched for kilometers, with some outlets forced to close earlier than usual as they ran out of fuel.

On social media platforms, motorists shared images of themselves waiting in long lines inside their vehicles. One user wrote that they were “just third in line” when the station suddenly turned off its lights, saying “no more fuel.” Continued … 

Thailand swelters as temperatures hit 41C

Thailand is experiencing generally hot weather today, with the Meteorological Department warning that temperatures could reach as high as 41C in some areas, while five provinces are expected to see rain, thunderstorms, and strong wind gusts.

The department said hot conditions would prevail across much of the country over the next 24 hours, accompanied by hazy skies during the daytime. Some areas in the north, northeast and central regions are expected to face extremely hot weather. Continued … 

Thai Corruption Costs B500 Billion Annually

Corruption in Thailand’s public sector results in an estimated loss of B500 billion yearly, as reported by the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT). The losses stem from schemes like cheating the state, extorting businesses, and internal bribery.

This issue continues to impact Thailand’s ranking in global corruption indexes, with the latest Corruption Perceptions Index showing the country’s ranking at 116 out of 182, a decrease from the previous year. Continued … 

Thai state agencies spend B250 million a year on trips abroad

The Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand has urged state agencies to put an end to overseas study trips that are largely tourism-oriented. Chairman Mana Nimitmongkol said a search showed that from 2016 to 2025, state agencies organized at least 928 overseas study trips, with total spending exceeding 2.5 billion baht, or about 250 million baht per year.

He said the amount was substantial when compared with school lunch budgets. Based on an average allocation of 25 baht per meal, the annual budget for such trips could provide around 10 million meals, enough to support 50,000 students for an academic year, or more than 100 million meals over a decade. Continued … 

Iran reviews US proposal but rules out talks

The Iranian government has confirmed that it is reviewing a proposal from the United States aimed at ending the war in the Gulf region, but has made it clear that it has no intention of entering direct negotiations with Washington, even as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said in remarks carried by state media yesterday that while messages had been exchanged through intermediaries, this should not be interpreted as the start of formal negotiations. He added that the US proposal had already been forwarded to Iran’s top leadership and that an official position would be announced if necessary. Continued … 

Iran ‘sends message to Thailand offering to sell crude oil at special price’

In a dramatic turn in the current energy crisis, Lerpong Sayed, president of the Thai-Iranian Alumni Assn., said Tehran had sent a message to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul offering to help Thailand by selling crude oil at a special price below global market rate to help alleviate the hardship of the Thai people.

This offer arose through the good relations between the association and the Iranian government, with the crude oil to be sold at particularly friendly price, Lerpong said. This would significantly reduce Thailand’s crude oil import costs during a period of volatile global oil prices due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Continued … 

PM orders oil crisis assessment, prepare for long-term situation

Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, deputy prime minister and minister of transport, in his capacity as director of the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East, said after the center’s meeting to monitor the oil situation that the prime minister had issued instructions and assigned several agencies urgent follow-up tasks to accelerate integrated efforts to find a joint solution if the war were to drag on, including how it would affect the economy and what measures the government should take.

In addition, the Finance Ministry has been instructed to study and report on proposals to impose a windfall tax on oil refineries, as well as proposals to reduce fuel excise tax, while the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the Ministry of Energy and the Oil Fuel Fund Office have been told to prepare measures to cope with a crisis that may be prolonged. Continued … 

War unlikely to dent Songkran revenue

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) remains confident about its projection of 6% revenue growth, tallying 30 billion baht, during the Songkran holiday this year, mainly driven by Asian markets.

TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said combined international and domestic markets are projected to generate 30.4 billion baht in tourism revenue during the “Maha Songkran World Water Festival” in 2026, up 6% year-on-year. Continued … 

ASEAN’s energy security at risk

In June 1986, the five founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) assembled in Manila to discuss ASEAN’s response to the global energy crisis, which began with the Iranian Revolution in late 1978.

The Iran-Iraq War in 1980 considerably reduced petroleum output from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), causing a barrel to cost the equivalent of US$137 (4,468 baht) in 2025 when adjusted for inflation. Continued … 

SCG seeks non-Hormuz feedstock as supply disruption hits operations

Siam Cement Group (SCG) is facing severe disruption to its supply chain after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, forcing the company to suspend operations at part of its olefins production and accelerate a shift toward alternative raw material sources.

The crisis has affected between 50% and 60% of SCG’s feedstock supply, particularly key inputs such as naphtha and propane, which are essential for olefins production. As a result, the company has temporarily halted operations at its Rayong Olefins Co. (ROC), a subsidiary within its chemicals business. Continued … 

Commerce Ministry set to expand controlled goods list to 71 items

Thailand’s Commerce Ministry is preparing to expand its controlled goods list to 71 items, and tighten rules on price increases for a wider range of everyday products, according to Nantapong Jiralertpong, director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy and the ministry’s spokesperson.

Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun called a meeting of the Committee on the Price of Goods and Services yesterday to consider adding 12 more items to the controlled goods list. The proposed additions include cost-of-living products such as bottled water, and items linked to production costs — expanding the current list from 59 to 71. Continued … 

Co-pay scheme, emergency projects to get B300 billion

Roughly 300 billion baht in investment expenditure is expected to be available for transfer to the central budget to support the “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme and urgent government emergency projects.

According to a Finance Ministry source who requested anonymity, caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas set a policy to accelerate government investment to stimulate the economy. Continued … 

Unilever cuts prices by up to 50% in Thailand despite rising costs

Consumer goods giant Unilever is launching a nationwide price-cut campaign in Thailand, reducing prices by up to 50% across a wide range of essential products in a move aimed at easing the cost of living for households.

Under the campaign, titled “Unilever Discount for Thailand”, Unilever Thailand is offering discounts of up to 50% on products spanning four key business segments: home care, personal care, beauty and wellbeing, and food. Continued … 

Thailand poised to gain from supply chain diversification amid escalating global tensions

Thailand is poised to capitalize on supply chain diversification as global tensions mount. With disruptions impacting traditional supply routes, Thailand’s geographical advantages and robust manufacturing base present significant opportunities for businesses seeking alternative sourcing locations.

This shift in focus not only aims to secure supply chains but also seeks to attract foreign investments that can drive economic growth and resilience in the face of geopolitical challenges, reinforcing Thailand’s status as a vital player in the ASEAN region. Continued … 

Thailand’s oil fund crisis: decades of price controls leave lasting public burden

Thailand’s energy crisis in 2026 is not the first time the country has been forced to grapple with fuel prices rising beyond what ordinary people can bear. Each time such a crisis has erupted, Thai governments have turned to the Oil Fuel Fund as an emergency tool to contain the damage. But the price of that decision has often been a mountain of debt, eventually passed on to the public in the long run.

A review of the figures across successive administrations — from the government of Thaksin Shinawatra, which faced soaring oil prices during the Iraq war, to the government of Prayut Chan-o-cha, which had to deal with the fallout from the Russia-Ukraine war — shows the same pattern repeated again and again. The Oil Fuel Fund has been used to subsidize prices, accumulate debt, and then wait for world prices to fall so the money can be collected back to repay what was lost. This cycle has continued for more than 20 years, with no clear sign of ending easily. Continued … 

Thailand’s largest mall operator plans $3.4 billion expansion

Central Pattana Public Co., Thailand’s largest shopping mall developer, plans to invest more than 110 billion baht (US$3.4 billion) in the next five years to expand its portfolio, betting on growth in major cities and a tourism rebound.

The operator of Central World, Bangkok’s largest shopping mall complex, aims to increase the number of its mixed-used projects to 33 by the end of 2030 from 27 currently, Chief Executive Officer Wallaya Chirathivat said yesterday. The investment will go toward new retail plazas, office buildings, and integrated projects, with a focus on major cities and key tourist destinations, including Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Continued … 

‘Green days off’ trend sees Gen Z taking leave to reconnect with nature

In the past, taking time off work usually meant annual leave, sick leave, or a holiday. But new forms of leave are now emerging. The latest: many Gen Z workers are talking about “green days off work”, also called “green leave” — time off specifically to spend time in nature, whether hiking, going to the sea, visiting a park, or simply being outdoors to recover mentally from work stress.

The idea is gaining traction on social media and is starting to be discussed inside workplaces, after surveys found that many employees feel trapped by a life spent inside buildings, in front of screens, and in meetings all day — prompting a desire to pause and return to something simpler. Continued … 

Songkran: Pattaya tops Thai travelers’ search list, Hua Hin second

Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year festival held on April 13-15, remains one of the country’s most influential peak seasons for tourism. Travel platform Agoda has released insights based on accommodation searches for Songkran 2026, highlighting shifting travel behavior — led by the resurgence of nearby beach destinations, with Pattaya taking the top spot.

Agoda search data shows Pattaya ranked as the No. 1 domestic destination for Thai travelers during Songkran this year, followed by: Hua Hin/Cha-am, Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Continued … 

Protracted war could cut arrivals to Thailand by 10%

The number of foreign visitors to tourism-reliant Thailand is at risk of falling to its lowest level in three years as the Middle East war threatens global travel, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

The country could see three million fewer foreign tourist arrivals this year — nearly 10% of last year’s total — if the conflict drags on for six months, according to Natthriya Thaweevong, the ministry’s permanent secretary. Continued … 

Khon Kaen tourism, meetings take a hit

Rising oil prices and the Middle East war are taking a heavy toll on Khon Kaen’s tourism and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industries, with widespread cancellations of hotel bookings and seminars.

Nattiya Tantasook, president of the Khon Kaen Tourism and Mice Assn. (KKTMA) and acting chair of the Tourism Council of Khon Kaen, said yesterday the Middle East oil crisis and escalating geopolitical tensions elsewhere are severely affecting the tourism and MICE sectors. Continued … 

How are Asian airlines responding to fuel price surges?

Asian airlines are responding to surging fuel prices by implementing significant ticket price hikes, increasing fuel surcharges, and developing contingency plans to ground aircraft. These measures come as jet fuel prices have more than doubled due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, with some carriers warning of potential bankruptcy for budget airlines if the crisis persists.

Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines have nearly doubled their fuel surcharges, with long-haul surcharges reaching over HK$1,164. In Thailand, Thai Airways International is raising average ticket prices by 10%-15% and limiting the availability of low-fare tickets through dynamic pricing to offset costs. Continued … 

Air Quality Declines Globally in 2025; Thailand is 48th Worst

Global air quality worsened significantly in 2025, with only 14% of cities meeting the World Health Organization’s PM2.5 guideline, as reported by IQAir’s World Air Quality Report. This marked a decline from the previous year when 17% of cities met the standard. Severe weather events like wildfires and dust storms, exacerbated by climate change, were major contributors to the decline.

The report highlighted Thailand’s position as the 48th most polluted country globally, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 17.8 µg/m³, showing slight improvement from the previous 19.8 µg/m³. Despite this improvement, Thailand remained well above the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Continued … 

Three Strategies for Financing Clean Energy Goals in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia faces a critical $150-billion annual shortfall in clean energy investment required to meet its 2050 climate commitments amid rising economic growth and energy demand. To bridge this gap and reduce reliance on costly fossil fuel imports, the region must implement strategic reforms to enhance financial transparency, leverage blended finance through development institutions, and mitigate currency risks for private investors.

Ultimately, a successful energy transition depends on coordinated public-private collaboration to dismantle barriers to foreign capital and capitalize on the region’s sustainable economic potential. Continued … 

Lussopack Thailand Leading the Future of Sustainable Packaging

The global push for environmental responsibility has transformed the packaging industry from a linear “take-make-waste” model into a high-tech frontier of circularity. As plastic pollution remains a critical global challenge, both multinational corporations and agile startups are racing to develop sustainable packaging solutions that protect products without harming the planet.

In 2026, the focus has shifted beyond simple recyclability toward carbon-free production, home-compostable materials, and “smart” designs that reduce food waste. This article explores seven global leaders, ranging from industrial giants to innovative disruptors, that are setting the standard for the future of green packaging, listed in alphabetical order. Continued … 

• Trespassing: Foreign Couple Uses Phuket Restaurant for Pool, Cannabis – Continued … 
• 25 Indians Arrested in Pattaya Villa for Online Gambling Operation – Continued … 

Oil trading spike minutes before post by Trump raises questions

Traders bet half a billion dollars on the ‌price of crude only 15 minutes before US President Donald Trump announced a five-day delay to attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure that sent the market plunging, exchange data and Reuters calculations show. Continued … 

Oldest dog DNA suggests 16,000 years of human companionship

The discovery of the oldest-ever dog DNA suggests they have been our best friends for nearly 16,000 years — 5,000 years earlier than had previously been thought, new research said yesterday. Despite being ubiquitous in the homes, backyards, and hearts of people across the world, surprisingly little is known about where dogs come from. Continued … 

California jury finds Meta, YouTube liable for social media addiction

A Los Angeles jury yesterday found Meta and YouTube liable for harming a young woman through the addictive design of their social media platforms, ordering the companies to pay $3 million in damages and opening the door to potentially far larger punitive awards. 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