- Songkran 2026 Prophecy/Nakhon Hua Hin Run/Health warning issued/Foreign man helps during fire/Bangkok schools digital device control/First-ever Cancer Act proposed/Notorious Hitman Arrested
- THE IRAN WAR: Few easy ways out for US/War risk to Thai growth/Bangkok street food price hikes/Refiners assure oil supply adequate/Oil price forecasts rise/Cathay Pacific to nearly double fuel surcharge/Measures to curb medicine price rises/Fading hopes of quick end to war/3 Thai crew on attacked ship ‘still alive’/Cambodia to shut 2,000 petrol stations
- ECONOMY: Thailand Condo Sector Liquidity Risk/Foreign Buyers by Market Share/Thai Economy Faces Stagflation
- TOURISM: TAT pushes domestic travel
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Journey of Healing and Wellness/Ayutthaya marks Thai Elephant Day/Chiang Mai Zoo marks National Elephant Day
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Ko Lanta, Chiang Khan , Uthai Thani recognized
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Songkran 2026 Prophecy Warns of Water Scarcity and Harvest Risks
As the Thai New Year approaches, the Brahmanical Astrology Division of the Royal Ceremonial Bureau and the Department of Cultural Promotion have officially unveiled the prophecy for Songkran 2026.
The Year of the Horse (Fire element) marks the transition into the Lesser Era 1388. According to the traditional solar calendar, the Maha Songkran day — the moment the sun enters Aries — falls on Tuesday, April 14, at 10:34 am. Continued …
Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026 to take place in Khao Tao March 29
The “Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026” event in Hua Hin will take place on March 29 at the Khao Tao Reservoir area.
The event will feature several race categories, including a VIP category for distinguished guests and heads of government agencies over a distance of 3 km, and general categories for men and women covering distances of 5 km and 10.5 km. Continued …
Health warning issued over five summer diseases as heat fuels outbreaks
The Department of Disease Control has warned the public to take extra care of their health during periods of extreme heat, which is a major factor allowing many kinds of germs to thrive, particularly those causing food- and water-borne illnesses.
It said there are five major diseases that commonly spread more heavily during the summer season. Continued …
Foreign man praised for helping residents evacuate during fire
A foreign man helped Thai residents escape a Bangkok house fire by waking people up, urging them to evacuate, and assisting a disabled resident out of a building.
The fire broke out on the second floor of a two-story commercial building in Phra Nakhon district at about 4.55 am on Wednesday. The buildings were part of a row of interconnected units, causing the fire to spread to nearby properties quickly. Continued …
Bangkok expanding digital device control to all its schools
After a trial at 10 schools showed controling use of digital devices improved student concentration and increased parental satisfaction, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is gearing up to expand the clampdown at all its schools from the next academic year.
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said in introducing the “Phone Off, Learning On: Focus on Learning, Leave Mobile Phones with Teachers” project at Wat Suttharam Secondary School in Khlong San district that some other countries had already prohibited or controled use of digital devices in schools because they reduced interaction with peers, decreased interest in learning, increased time spent in virtual world, and raised obesity rates due to lack of exercise. Continued …
First-ever Cancer Act proposed as Thailand faces rising caseload
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is preparing to draft the country’s first Cancer Act, as officials seek to respond to a continuing rise in the number of patients, with around 140,000 new cancer cases and 86,000 deaths recorded each year.
Speaking at the Public Health Ministry on Thursday, Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said the newly established National Cancer Policy Board had been set up to bring together all agencies involved in cancer care, in both the public and private sectors, so they can share data and jointly determine policy and operations. Continued …
Notorious Hitman Arrested in Mountain Treehouse
Police have arrested a suspected contract killer known as “Mee Changklang” after tracking him to a remote mountain hideout where he had built a concealed treehouse to evade capture.
The 51-year-old suspect was detained on Thursday while coming down from the mountain to buy supplies. Officers said he is linked to multiple killings and is wanted under a murder warrant issued by the Wiang Sa Provincial Court in Surat Thani province. Continued …
Few easy ways out for US as Iran war drags on
US-Israeli strikes killed Iran’s leader but have not toppled the government, which now, from its perch on the Strait of Hormuz, has put the entire world economy on the frontlines of the war.
The initial US victory in killing supreme leader Ali Khamenei has given way to a conflict that Washington cannot completely control, sharply limiting President Donald Trump’s options. Two weeks into a bloody air war, Iran holds many cards as it chokes the world’s oil supply and strikes US allies in the Middle East, including Gulf states who had for years staked their reputations on political and economic stability. Continued …
Center flags war risk to Thai growth
A worst-case scenario for the Middle East conflict, which is war dragging on without a clear end, would reduce Thai GDP by 2.31 percentage points, according to the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
The center identified three scenarios for the potential impact of the war. The first is a short-term conflict expected to be contained and resolved quickly within a month. Continued …
Bangkok street food vendors may raise meal prices by 5 baht as costs climb
Street food vendors in Bangkok are preparing for possible price increases of around 5 baht per dish this month, as higher energy, transport, and food input costs continue to bite, according to the Bangkok Vendors Assn.
Yada Pornpetrampa, president of the association, said the recent rise in oil and energy prices, along with transport costs, has begun to affect prices across multiple categories — particularly among small and medium-sized operators whose products are not covered by government price controls. She said these businesses are likely to adjust prices within the month. Continued …
Refiners assure oil supply adequate amid panic buying
Thailand’s oil refiners have sought to allay public concerns by confirming that the country’s oil reserves remain sufficient despite reports of motorists rushing to filling stations in provincial areas.
The Petroleum Refinery Industry Group, under the Federation of Thai Industries, said in a statement that it has adjusted oil-management plans to strengthen energy security, including diversifying crude oil imports beyond the Middle East. Continued …
Oil price forecasts rise as Mideast war rages
Analysts are lifting their oil price estimates for this year and 2027 amid transport disruption in the Middle East, even though the potential release of reserves by the G7 and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) could help temporarily alleviate supply pressures.
Tris Ratings raised its 2026 annual average oil price forecast to US$70 a barrel, from $63, for Brent in a base-case scenario, with the Hormuz Strait remaining effectively closed for around a month. In its Global Economic Outlook released on March 11, the credit rating agency expects oil prices to remain in the $90-100 range through March before falling to the mid-$60s by the second half of the year in a “fundamentally oversupplied market”. Continued …
Cathay Pacific to nearly double fuel surcharge on Wednesday as costs surge
Cathay Pacific Airways will nearly double its fuel surcharges starting from Wednesday, following a similar move by another Hong Kong carrier amid rising fuel prices driven by conflict in the Middle East.
Cathay Pacific’s move, announced on Thursday and applicable to tickets issued on or after March 18, came on the same day the higher fuel surcharge rate introduced by Hong Kong Airlines took effect. Continued …
Health Ministry signals measures to curb medicine price rises as freight costs climb
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has signaled readiness to manage potential medicine price increases stemming from rising transport costs, and has asked pharmaceutical manufacturers to temporarily slow or stop exports so domestic needs are met first amid uncertainty linked to the Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz.
Dr. Somruek Chuengsaman, permanent secretary for public health, said several drug manufacturers have confirmed there are no problems with production sources, but transport costs could rise, increasing the likelihood that medicine prices may climb in line with freight costs. Continued …
Fading hopes of quick end to war depress stocks
Asian stocks retreated yesterday as dwindling hopes of a resolution to the war with Iran kept oil prices aloft, though a US waiver allowing purchases of Russian crude helped keep a floor under losses.
The Thai bourse fell by nearly 1.5% yesterday as optimism about the new government set-up was not enough to support sentiment while global markets remained under pressure. Continued …
3 Thai crew on attacked ship ‘still alive’
Three Thai sailors remain alive aboard the damaged cargo ship MV Mayuree Naree after it was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Adm. Thadawut Thatphithakkul, chief of staff of the Royal Thai Navy. The vessel caught fire after being struck on Wednesday while sailing near waters off Oman. The blaze was later extinguished.
Twenty crew members were rescued from the ship and brought ashore to the Omani port city of Khasab, where they are being cared for while awaiting repatriation. The remaining three sailors are still on board the vessel. According to the ship’s owner, they are alive, Thadawut said yesterday. Continued …
Cambodia to shut 2,000 petrol stations amid energy crisis
Cambodia is bracing for fuel supply disruptions, with plans to temporarily close around 2,000 of its 6,300 petrol stations amid an energy shortage linked to ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts, commerce minister Cham Nimol announced yesterday.
Cham Nimol said the ministry is developing a formula to adjust retail fuel prices, taking into account the current pressures on petrol station operators. Some owners may choose to shut down temporarily and wait to sell fuel at a higher price if costs rise quickly. Continued …
Thailand Condo Sector Faces 150-billion-baht Liquidity Risk
Thailand’s condominium sector is facing a potential liquidity crisis, as nearly 150-billion-baht worth of new units are scheduled for transfer in 2026, coinciding with more than 180 billion baht in corporate bonds that property developers must repay within the same year.
Industry leaders warn that failure to complete the planned transfers could create a severe cash shortfall for developers, threatening their ability to meet debt obligations and potentially triggering a wave of financial distress across the property market. Continued …
Foreign Buyers: A Deep Dive into the Top Countries by Market Share
The real estate market in Thailand continues to attract strong interest from foreign buyers. While Chinese buyers still dominate the market, accounting for approximately 31% of the foreign ownership transfer value in 2025, the overall buyer demographic is becoming more diverse.
Data from the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) indicates a significant increase in buyers from Myanmar, who have risen to the second position, alongside ongoing interest from buyers from Russia, Taiwan, the United States, and Europe. Continued …
Thai Economy Faces Stagflation Risk Amid Oil Price Fears
Thailand could face a period of stagflation if energy prices surge sharply amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to an economist at Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Center (EIC).
The warning comes as attacks on vessels and oil terminals in the region raise concerns over global oil supply disruptions. Higher fuel costs could weaken household purchasing power while slowing economic growth, creating a difficult economic environment. Continued …
TAT pushes domestic travel to cushion Middle East fallout
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is joining forces with the private sector to set up a war room to manage the impact of the Middle East crisis, while also preparing to propose the revival of a buy-one-get-one campaign to stimulate foreign arrivals.
Under the scheme, international tourists who purchase tickets to Thailand would receive domestic flight tickets from the government. At the same time, TAT is pushing domestic tourism alongside the “Let’s go halves Plus” program to encourage Thais to travel within the country. Continued …
A Journey of Healing and Wellness Through Five Curated Routes
Luxury travel has evolved, and Thailand’s “Healing is the New Luxury” campaign invites you to experience the country in a way that nurtures your soul and spirit. Through its new Thailand Co-Creator initiative, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) presents five carefully curated travel routes, each designed to rejuvenate, heal, and connect visitors with authentic experiences across the kingdom.
The initiative brings together more than 20 celebrities, creators, and influencers from Thailand and 10 international markets, including China, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Viet Nam, the Republic of Korea, and India. This collaborative effort builds a credible, safe narrative, inviting the world to witness Thailand’s readiness to care for the modern soul. Continued …
Ayutthaya marks Thai Elephant Day with feast for 70 elephants
Elephant handlers in Thailand’s historic city of Ayutthaya held religious rites and prepared a large fruit banquet for 70 elephants yesterday to mark Thai Elephant Day and honor elephants that have died. The ceremony took place at the Royal Elephant Kraal Village in Suan Phrik subdistrict of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province.
Laitongrian Meephan, owner of Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Kraal, and chairman of the Phra Kochaban Foundation, led mahouts in a ritual offering at the Pa Kam elephant shrine, which is revered by elephant handlers. Continued …
Chiang Mai Zoo marks Thai National Elephant Day with feast and parade
Chiang Mai Zoo celebrated Thai National Elephant Day yesterday with a traditional “Khantoke” fruit feast and a parade to promote the conservation of Thailand’s national animal.
The event featured a colorful parade led by the “Chaiyo” elephant mascot, youth groups, and zoo staff at the Asian Elephant Exhibit. The celebration aimed to highlight the historical, cultural, and ecological significance of elephants in Thailand. Continued …
Ko Lanta, Chiang Khan And Uthai Thani Put Thailand’s Sustainable Tourism In The Global Spotlight
The ITB Berlin 2026 event recognized community-based environmental achievements of Thailand, which created new attractions for eco-friendly travelers to discover Thailand’s three destinations of Ko Lanta, Chiang Khan, and Uthai Thani.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) achieved multiple victories at the Green Destinations Story Awards and Green Destinations Awards 2026, which demonstrated how local communities and protected areas and heritage towns create sustainable tourism practices for the Kingdom. Continued …
- Russian National Arrested for Illegal Hotel Operations via Thai Nominee – Continued …
- French National Wanted for Attempted Murder Arrested in Phuket – Continued …
- German Captain Arrested for Illegal Yacht Tours in Phuket – Continued …
- South Korean Scam Suspect Arrested in Thailand – Continued …
- Chinese Suspect Arrested in Pattaya Drug Sting – Continued …
- Teen Killed in Pattaya Crash as Chinese Driver Flees – Continued …
Indonesia to ban social media for children under 16
The Indonesian government is preparing to enforce a landmark law banning children under the age of 16 from using social media, joining a growing global movement to shield minors from digital harms. Under the new regulations, platforms will begin shutting down accounts held by users under the age of 16 starting on March 28. The crackdown targets tech giants including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and the gaming platform Roblox. 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