- New Sponsor: Aquatek/App could simplify 90-day reporting/Hua Hin domestic flights/No alcohol sales on Sunday/Afternoon alcohol sales confirmed/PKK e-work permit system/Biodiversity-based tourism plan for PKK/Price of LPG frozen/Thailand not yet buying World Cup broadcast/Sex Work Rights/Forever war between gig and taxi drivers/Koh Samui Taxi Driver Killing/Firms Face Koh Phangan Probe/Ill from Eating Insects/Laos cave rescue
- ECONOMY: US-Iran war winners and losers/Is 2026 the Year Economy Bounces Back?/Russians reshape Thai condo demand/Thai factory output remains weak/Thailand needs technology, investment/Banking System Remains Resilient/Continental Tire Plant Expansion
- TOURISM: More About Appearances Than Action?/Thai aviation recovery faces cost test/TAT, Vietnam Airlines to boost tourism
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: US Citizens Are Choosing Thailand/International arts festival returns
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Rooftop solar PV – a promising solution/Funds nudge motorists toward EVs/Southeast Asia’s electric vehicle race
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
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New immigration app could simplify 90-day reporting
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has introduced a new mobile application aimed at reducing arrival processing times for international visitors, while maintaining security checks at the country’s borders. The new system, known as the Thailand Immigration Management System (THIM), allows foreign travellers to complete arrival card information digitally before reaching Thailand.
Immigration authorities plan to expand the capabilities of the THIM platform beyond arrival registration. Future updates are expected to include online visa extension services and digital 90-day reporting for foreign residents. Continued …
Hua Hin campaigns for more domestic flights
Tourism leaders in Prachuap Khiri Khan are pushing for more Hua Hin flights to connect the city with Chiang Mai, Isaan, and southern Thailand, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen the role of Hua Hin Airport.
The Prachuap Khiri Khan Tourism Industry Council said cross-regional flights could help connect major tourist destinations, attract more visitors to the province, and support the development of Hua Hin as a tourism hub. Continued …
No alcohol sales on Sunday
Thailand will enforce a nationwide alcohol ban on Sunday, as the country observes Visakha Bucha Day, one of the most important dates in the Buddhist calendar.
The ban lasts for 24 hours, from midnight to midnight, and prohibits the sale of alcohol at convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, entertainment venues, nightlife businesses, events, and any activities involving the sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages. Continued …
Afternoon alcohol sales are officially OK
The Royal Gazette website yesterday published an announcement by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee on the revised prohibited hours for alcohol sales in 2026, updating the rules to reflect current conditions. Under the announcement, no person may sell alcoholic beverages outside the hours of 11am to midnight, except in several cases.
The change follows a wider effort to modernize Thailand’s alcohol-control rules after authorities earlier allowed a 180-day trial lifting the long-standing afternoon sales ban, which had dated back to 1972. The move was framed partly as support for tourism and retail activity. Continued …
PKK aims for improvement in e-work permit system
Senior labor officials have visited Prachuap Khiri Khan to follow up on the province’s e-work permit system, as the Ministry of Labor moves to improve the management of foreign workers through digital services.
Officials said the e-work permit system is intended to make foreign worker registration and work permit approvals faster, more transparent, and easier to check. They said the system would help raise employment standards and support economic and industrial growth in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Continued …
Biodiversity-based tourism plan moves ahead in PKK
Prachuap Khiri Khan is moving ahead with biodiversity-based tourism in three pilot districts as part of plans to support sustainable tourism and create new options for visitors. An action plan for 2025-2027 has been prepared for three pilot districts: Pranburi, Sam Roi Yot, and Kui Buri.
At a meeting Wednesay, officials reviewed the progress of the MBT-GEF 7 project, an integrated biodiversity-based tourism project for sustainable tourism development implemented by BEDO. The meeting also considered how to include the sustainable biodiversity-based tourism master plan in Prachuap Khiri Khan’s provincial development plan for 2028-2032. Continued …
Price of LPG frozen until end of July
The Energy Policy Management Committee decided yesterday to maintain the ex-refinery price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at 20.9179 baht/kg for two more months, from June 1 to July 31, so that the retail price will be kept at 423 baht a 15Kg cylinder.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan attributed the committee’s decision to the continuing conflict in the Middle East and global oil and gas price fluctuations. Continued …
Thailand among 4 ASEAN countries not yet buying World Cup broadcasting rights
Thailand is currently among four out of a total of 11 ASEAN countries where the broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 have not yet been bought, while Thais may be more or less anticipating to view the world football tournament live and free as usual anyway.
The FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled between June 12 and July 20 and jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is selling its broadcasting rights at undisclosed prices to countries around the globe, including Thailand, where the Bhumjaithai-led government is yet undecided as to whether to manage for the Thais to view it live via free TV as they did for previous World Cup games. Continued …
Foundation Bids for Sex Work Rights in Thailand
A foundation advocating for sex workers has put forward a draft bill in parliament to decriminalize sex work and extend labor protections to those in the industry. Submitted by the Empower Foundation yesterday, tthis move aims to replace the outdated 1996 Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act, which criminalizes voluntary sex workers.
The proposed Sex Service Provider Protection Act seeks to categorize sex work as legitimate labor, offering sex workers the same rights and protections as other professions. The current laws leave sex workers vulnerable to exploitation and discrimination, according to the foundation’s spokesperson. Continued …
The forever war between gig and taxi drivers
Thailand’s app-based drivers have become part of everyday life. But as ride-hailing and delivery platforms continue to grow, so does the conflict with traditional taxi operators.
What started as competition over passengers and territory is increasingly spilling into public confrontations, protests, and even violence. Video …
Family Seek Justice for Koh Samui Taxi Driver Killing
A 31-year-old taxi driver and former soldier was shot dead while at the wheel in Koh Samui, Surat Thani province, on May 24, after being attacked by a group of nearly 10 men.
The victim died at the scene after being ambushed following a passenger drop-off near a hotel. The vehicle subsequently crashed into a wall after the man was shot multiple times in the chest. Continued …
Israeli-Thai Firms Face Koh Phangan Probe
Thai authorities are preparing to investigate the business records of Israeli nationals who obtained Thai citizenship after concerns emerged over alleged nominee business activities on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui in Surat Thani province.
Officials are examining whether some companies used financial transactions to disguise investment figures in order to qualify for Thai citizenship under the Nationality Act 1965. The scrutiny follows an ongoing government crackdown on foreign nominee businesses operating in tourist areas. Continued …
Lampang Officials Fall Ill from Eating Local Insects
Several officials at Ban Huad subdistrict office in Lampang experienced stomach pain, diarrhea, and dizziness after consuming insects collected from a tree outside the office. The incident, which prompted a public warning, led to several individuals requiring hospital treatment.
The insects in question were identified as Pear Hoy Yak, or giant scale insects. Typically found on tree bark, these insects are notable for their white shell-like coating. Initially, one official consumed the insects with no ill effects, leading others to gather, deep-fry, and share them, mistakenly trusting their safety. Continued …
Chances said slim in finding two still-missing Laotians
Rescuers searching for two people still trapped inside a flooded gold mine in Laos say the chances of finding them are becoming increasingly slim after teams nearly completed a search of the entire underground tunnel network without success.
Finnish cave diver Mikko Paasi said rescue teams have searched about 95% of the mine but have found no trace of the two missing men. He said the five people found alive earlier did not even know that two others were also believed to be trapped. Continued …
US-Iran war creates market winners and losers as inflation fears rise
More than three months after the spark for the “US-Iran war” was ignited, global assets, including oil, stock markets, and currencies, have swung sharply, forcing central banks in many countries to grapple once again with inflation.
At the same time, this battlefield has produced both “winners” and “losers”. Crude oil has become the hottest asset, jumping 40% to stand above US$100 per barrel. In early April, oil prices had nearly doubled from pre-war levels. Continued …
Is 2026 the Year Thailand’s Economy Bounces Back?
In the first quarter of 2026, Thailand’s economy expanded by 2.8%, beating analyst expectations. But the economic outlook for the full year remains modest, with the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) forecasting between 1.5% and 2.5% growth. The World Bank is more cautious, forecasting 1.6% growth.
Thailand has been stuck in a low-growth equilibrium since the pandemic, as its heavily export-dependent economy has been battered by trade wars, geopolitical turmoil, and unstable domestic politics. Continued …
China retreats — Russians reshape Thai condo demand
Thailand’s foreign condominium market is entering a new phase, with Chinese buyers pulling back sharply while Russian demand rises and keeps the luxury segment in key tourism destinations alive.
Transfers of condominium ownership to foreign buyers fell steeply in the first quarter of 2026, even as the wider Thai housing market began to show signs of recovery. The Real Estate Information Center (REIC) said nationwide housing transfers rose 11.2% year on year to 72,583 units in the quarter, with total value up 3.1% to 187.18 billion baht. Foreign condo transfers, however, moved in the opposite direction. Continued …
Thai factory output remains weak
Factory output in Thailand remains weak, with the manufacturing production index in April falling 0.36% from a year earlier, the Ministry of Industry said yesterday.
The April reading compared with a year-on-year increase of 0.2% forecast in a Reuters poll, and followed a gain of 1.3% the previous month. Factory outputfor the full year is forecast to rise by between 1.0% and 2.0%, lower than the earlier predicted range of 1.5% to 2.5%. Continued …
Finance official says Thailand needs technology, investment, leap in productivity
A senior Thai finance official has warned the economy is facing simultaneous “economic waves” as falling industrial output, surging war-driven costs, and shifting high-tech investment converge. Speaking in Bangkok, Assistant Minister Santithar Sathienthai made the comments as Thailand reported a 0.36% drop in April manufacturing output.
He linked the decline to Middle East disruption, which has raised factory costs and weakened competitiveness. However, he also pointed to rising foreign investment in advanced industries as a key signal for Thailand’s policy direction. The mission, he declared, was higher productivity. Continued …
Thai Banking System Remains Resilient Despite Slower Loan Growth
Thailand’s banking sector maintained strong resilience in the first quarter of 2026, supported by robust capital buffers, ample liquidity, and high loan-loss provisions, according to the Bank of Thailand’s latest Banking Sector Quarterly Brief .
Overall loan growth was nearly flat at 0.2% year-on-year, reflecting subdued credit demand across the system . Lending to large corporates resumed expansion, driven by higher working-capital needs amid rising energy and raw-material costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Continued …
Continental Inaugurates Thailand Tire Plant Expansion
Continental has officially inaugurated the expansion of its tire plant in Rayong. The investment of more than 300 million euros, or 13 billion Thai baht, boosts the facility’s production capacity by an additional 3 million passenger car and light truck tires per year.
The expansion will enable Continental to meet growing demand for tires across Thailand and the wider Asia-Pacific region. The event also marks the start of local production of radial motorcycle tires at Rayong. Continued …
Is Shortening Thailand’s Visa-Free Stay More About Appearances Than Action?
The Anutin Charnvirakul government’s decision last week to cancel the extended visa-free entry scheme, which allowed stays of up to 60 days instead of 30, was based on the belief that it would strengthen national security, combat transnational crime, and prevent foreigners from exploiting the policy to work illegally, engage in business without permits, or behave unruly.
The government cited reports of foreign nationals and criminal syndicates posing as tourists in order to work illegally, engage in drug-related activity, use illegal business ownership structures, and commit other crimes. Continued …
Fuel shock — Thai aviation recovery faces cost test
Thailand’s aviation industry began 2026 with stronger passenger traffic, more flights, and renewed demand from key Asian markets, but the recovery is now facing a fresh test from Middle East disruption, volatile jet fuel prices, and rising operating costs.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) reported 42.07 million air passengers in the first quarter of 2026, up 6.8% from the previous quarter. The total comprised 19.22 million domestic passengers and 22.86 million international passengers, supported by New Year travel, Lunar New Year demand, and the recovery of Chinese and Indian tourists. Continued …
TAT, Vietnam Airlines sign MOU to boost tourism and air links
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) yesterday with Vietnam Airlines to jointly advance marketing and air connectivity, particularly the opening of new routes between Thailand and Vietnam.
The two sides will also conduct joint marketing in various forms, including shared booths at international sales promotion events, co-produced tourism publicity materials, and familiarization trips for tour operators, the media, and influencers. Continued …
Why More U.S. Citizens Are Choosing Thailand
Thailand has emerged as one of the most considered relocation destinations for Americans seeking safety, quality of life, and financial freedom. New data from cultural-intelligence platform Country Navigator ranks Thailand among the 10 most-searched relocation destinations for U.S. citizens, with roughly 30,560 annual searches recorded between March 2025 and February 2026 — clear evidence that Thailand is no longer just a holiday memory, but a credible long-term home.
Thailand Elite, the kingdom’s official long-stay residency program operated by Thailand Privilege Card — a state enterprise under the Tourism Authority of Thailand — sits at the center of that movement, offering Thailand long-stay visas designed for the entrepreneurs, retirees, families, and remote professionals now arriving in record numbers. Continued …
International arts festival returns to Bangkok with 12 major shows
Bangkok’s 28th International Festival of Dance & Music is set to return with a full program of world-class performances throughout September and October.
The line-up features 12 productions from nine countries, spanning opera, ballet, contemporary performance, and multimedia shows, as the performing arts sector seeks to restore momentum in Thailand’s cultural market and among audiences. This year’s festival will be held from Sept. 5 to Oct. 17, at the main hall of the Thailand Cultural Center. Continued …
Rooftop solar PV – a promising solution for the energy crisis in Thailand
It has been 87 days since the energy crisis began on Feb. 28, following the sudden escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Even though the US and Iran extended a tentative ceasefire on April 21, the shockwaves have already fundamentally destabilized global energy markets.
From the viewpoint of Thailand, this crisis has exposed a painful reality: the country’s current energy system is not resilient and is placing an unequal economic burden on vulnerable communities. Continued …
Transition funds nudge motorists toward EVs
Part of the government’s spending plan for the transition to clean energy involves encouraging the public to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) on a wider scale, says finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit.
Several ministries have begun discussions and are designing projects to request funds for the energy transition initiative, with a total budget framework of 200 billion baht from the 400-billion emergency loan decree, he said. Continued …
Southeast Asia’s electric vehicle race heats up
Back in 2022, spotting an electric vehicle on the streets of Jakarta or Bali was a relatively rare occurrence. Heavily subsidized fuel, under-developed charging infrastructure, and an existing industrial ecosystem anchored by the production of gasoline-powered cars (mostly Japanese brands) made Indonesia an unlikely candidate for an EV boom.
Yet, if you visit Jakarta today, electric vehicles are a common sight. Showrooms for big Chinese brands like BYD are spreading rapidly across the city as a wave of imported, as well as domestically assembled cars, overwhelmingly led by Chinese brands, are hitting the market. Continued …
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Chinese Scam Boss Arrested in Bangkok Probe – Continued …
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Chinese Workers Arrested in Chon Buri Raid – Continued …
Countries tighten travel rules as Ebola risk rises
The World Health Organization on May 17 declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a “public health emergency of international concern”, and said there was a high risk it could spread to neighboring countries. The decision has prompted governments to step up travel-related containment measures. Here is a list of screening steps and travel restrictions announced by different countries. 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 end of Bangkok Street food
Bangkok is known for its extensive and varied street food scene. Its presence comes up in virtually any discussion about tourism in Thailand. Techically, some might argue, you haven’t really “visited” Thailand if you have not experienced Bangkok’s street food. Quite simply, it’s a selling point for Thailand’s tourism industry.
What your go-to street food in Thailand says about you
Hua Hin Red Cross Fair on June 5-14
The Thai private sector’s damning report on the 10 most-corrupt state agencies has sent a shockwave through the government bureaucracy, prompting immediate reactions, from Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn to the director general of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), who has demanded to see evidence of the alleged bribe taking.
Four Thai police officers and a civilian have been arrested in Sa Kaeo province after allegedly detaining five Chinese nationals and demanding money in exchange for their release.
Thailand’s worsening corruption situation was raised as a key proposal at a joint meeting between the government and the private sector on ways to improve the country’s economic competitiveness, held at Government House on Friday.
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Poll Urges End to Hidden School Fees and Equal Access
Is 60 truly the perfect endpoint of a working life? This question is becoming ever more pressing as Thailand and the broader ASEAN region rapidly transition into a “Super-Aged Society.” The economic and social structures that were once driven by a young workforce are facing mounting pressure.
Thailand has urged Iran to allow the safe passage of eight Thai-flagged ships stranded at either end of the near-closed Strait of Hormuz. The call was made by Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi last week.
Oil prices extended gains today as efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran appeared to have stalled, after a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates came under attack and as US President Donald Trump is expected to discuss military options on Iran.
The Anutin government is under immediate pressure to ease living costs and restore economic confidence, as most respondents to a new Suan Dusit Poll want urgent action on prices and debt, while nearly half expect the economy to worsen over the next three months.
Thailand’s economy grew by 2.8% in the first quarter of 2026 from a year earlier, official data showed today, higher than the median forecast of 2.2% in a Reuters poll of analysts
Thailand Land Bridge Faces Investor Doubts
Chinese investment continues to make inroads into Thai retail, with “Chinese supermarkets” expanding into Huai Khwang, Rama 9, and tourist cities. The stores stock Chinese goods ranging from snacks, drinks, tea, soft drinks, mala sauces, and instant noodles to ready-to-eat food, responding to strong online trends.
Thailand’s influencer economy is no longer just about content creation but has become a fast-growing business sector worth 45 billion baht, prompting calls for clearer standards, stronger oversight, and support to help Thai influencers compete internationally.
Swedish defense company Saab plans to expand investment in Thailand following the Royal Thai Air Force’s decision to procure Gripen E/F fighter jets, with ambitions to develop the country into a regional defense technology and production hub.
Elephant Nature Park: Inside Chiang Mai’s Ethical Elephant Haven
Thailand’s Largest Lake Is A Breathtaking Body Of Water With Islands, Bird Sanctuaries, And Fishing
In our latest travel title, Thailand: The Monocle Handbook, we showcase the very best of this sunny nation, including the multitude of excellent hospitality hotspots on offer.
Preparing for Climate-Related Losses
The BECC Primary International School has begun construction on a new purpose-built campus off Soi 112 in Hua Hin, with the school scheduled to open at the site in August 2027.
The Kite and Art Festival Prachuap Khiri Khan will take place at Saran Withi Pier from May 15-16, bringing two evenings of kite displays, art and family-friendly activities to the seafront.
Thailand could face a “dual water crisis” in 2026 after the Thai Meteorological Department forecast that El Niño could occur during May to July, putting many areas at risk of water shortages and prompting the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) to accelerate nationwide response plans and monitor 20 branches at risk of shortages.
Thailand’s Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) is pushing ahead with four new rail projects in Bangkok, while accelerating tram developments in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima, with all three provincial tram systems targeted to open by 2032.
From Epic Fury to Project Freedom: Who Pays the Bill for a Blocked Strait?
Given the sagging economy and conflict in the Middle East, the residential market is expected to contract for a fourth consecutive year in 2026, weighed down by persistent high household debt, rising living costs, and tight lending, according to Siam Commercial Bank Economic Intelligence Center (EIC).
Thais Feel the Pinch as ‘Single-Dish’ Prices Surge Amid Fuel Price Crisis
Land bridge faces uphill battle
Kukrit Areepakorn, manager of the Thai Broiler Processing Exporters Assn., revealed that the export situation and prices of chicken are currently declining due to two main reasons: China suspending exports from 17 processing plants, and the Middle East war.
Foreign tourists in Thailand are actively observing the Thai baht’s depreciation against the US dollar, a trend that directly impacts their vacation budgets. The currency opened at 31.77 per dollar, a slight weakening from 31.60, and analysts foresee continued fluctuation within the range of 31.55 to 31.95 as global economic conditions evolve.
Thailand’s tourism industry is coming under severe pressure as foreign arrivals fall, visitor spending weakens, and operating costs surge across key destinations. In Pattaya, hotel occupancy has collapsed to as low as 30%, while bookings on Bangkok’s Khao San Road remain more than 20% below last year following Songkran.
Thailand Bets on Revamp of Chaing Mai Hot Springs to Spearhead Wellness Drive
Did you know Thailand is actually the first nation in Southeast Asia to successfully revive its tiger population? While most of the world is losing these incredible big cats, Thailand’s jungles are seeing a serious comeback. We’re talking about a massive conservation effort that’s bringing the king of the jungle back to the Western Forest Complex. It’s a huge win for wildlife and shows a side of Thai conservation history that most people completely miss. 
This Unknown City Wants To Become Thailand’s Next Vacation Hotspot
Why Koh Kut remains one of Thailand’s most beautiful island escapes
The Thai government is significantly ramping up its national energy infrastructure and streamlining investment protocols to capitalize on a new wave of global digital and clean energy interest.
Thailand’s energy crisis, sparked by Middle East tensions, has rapidly turned solar power from a green option into an economic necessity. As electricity costs surge, homes and businesses are rushing to install rooftop panels, with demand outpacing supply and installers struggling to keep up.
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) is exploring ways to make loans more accessible for households joining the rooftop solar buyback scheme, aiming to encourage wider adoption of clean energy and help families generate their own electricity.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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. 
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) has announced it will stop selling Gasohol E85, effective Feb. 1, citing a continued decline in consumer demand. The decision has drawn wide attention because Gasohol E85 is used by a significant number of motorists.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) is forecasting a moderate high-pressure system from China to extend into upper Thailand, bringing a decrease in temperature and strong winds. The northeast is expected to experience a drop in temperature by 2-4°C, while other regions, excluding the lower south, will see a temperature decrease of 1-2°C.
Thai global sensation Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban — already an Amazing Thailand Ambassador for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), promoting Thai tourism worldwide — has further cemented her status as a global icon.
Thai netizens condemned a foreign man for ignoring national park regulations and flying a drone near a herd of elephants in Khao Yai National Park, causing the animals to panic and putting both tourists and wildlife at risk.
Thailand’s chicken industry braces for slower growth in 2026
Manat Chavanaprayoon, director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), has outlined Thailand’s aviation outlook for 2025, saying the global industry continued to face heavy external pressures, from international conflicts and geopolitical tensions to airspace restrictions linked to disputes in several regions, including Pakistan–India, Israel–Iran, and Russia–Ukraine. He also cited an ongoing global shortage of aircraft.
Travelers are advised to be alert to visa application scams, such as false appointment letters or requests for additional payment for fast-track visa guarantees, as outbound travel grows.
The Michelin Guide, first published in 1900 by the French tire company Michelin, was originally created to help motorists find quality eateries — while subtly encouraging them to drive more and, in turn, buy more tires.
The giant reptiles reclaiming the world’s most visited city
Southeast Asia floods may be the new normal, scientists say
New stimulus efforts target higher growth
Thailand’s travel trends shift for 2026
Thai Park Chief Explains Why Young Tiger Approached Cars Near Popular Viewpoint
Thailand sites earn ‘Top 100 Green Destinations’ honors
Opium crops in Myanmar expand to 10-year high
More Thai rivers and downstream communities at risk from Myanmar’s rare earth mines
US, Australia sign rare earths deal as Trump promises submarines
Thailand Agrees to Join BRICS
Chumphon residents force asphalt factory closure over decade-long pollution
PM calls for probe into operations of China’s Temu e-commerce platform
Thailand emerges as AI and health tech innovation hub
