Tag Archives: Nakhon Hua Hin Run

Monday’s news-March 30

  • Expats Face Visa Uncertainty/Next property boom is senior living/Khao Hin Lek Fai viewpoint upgrade/Hua Hin as a health innovation hub?/Nakhon Hua Hin Run/Another expat jumps to death
  • THE IRAN WAR: Oil prices rise as Iran war spreads/Thailand’s economy severely impacted/Wake-up call for Thailand/Wider mix of Thai energy inputs/Fuel ‘sufficient’ for Songkran/Possible Diesel Shortage/PM Secures Iran Deal for Oil Transit/Fertilizer cargo ships stuck/Electric bill help coming/Pig prices rise/Banks fear rising bad debts/Israel Restricts Airspace
  • ECONOMY: Ministry unveils cost-of-living help/Rule change trims parcel imports/Songkran o boost Thailand’s economy
  • TOURISM: Tourist Finds Cobra on Hotel Bed/Scam digital arrival card websites/Phuket Airport Queues/Fake local businesses in Krabi tourism
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Where to eat in Chiang Mai/Chiang Mai food tour
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Northern Thailand braces for PM2.5 surg/Waste colonialism is alive/Plastic waste into fuel/Bangkok electric bus upgrade
  • INTERNATIONAL: Thousands of anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ events
  • HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

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Expats Face Visa Uncertainty in Thailand Rules Shift

Foreign nationals living long-term in Thailand are facing growing uncertainty as visa options narrow and immigration rules tighten, leaving many in a legal gray area. The issue highlights immediate concerns for expats who rely on education or alternative visas to remain in the country.

For Cui Heng, a 34-year-old Chinese national, Thailand was intended as a place to settle rather than exploit loopholes. He entered in July 2023 on a tourist visa and later obtained an education (ED) visa, valid from March 2024 to March 2026, allowing him to train in Muay Thai and establish a modest lifestyle in Pattaya. Continued … 

Gray Gold: Next property boom is senior living

Thailand is getting older, and quietly, a new kind of property boom is taking shape. First-time buyers or speculative investors do not drive it. It is being fueled by something far more predictable. Demographics.

Across the kingdom, developers are waking up to what many call the “silver economy”, and they are building for it. But while Bangkok sets the benchmark, the real momentum lies beyond the capital. Senior-living facilities in Hua Hin include Elder Blossom Hua Hin, Sunshine Hills, Sunny Home, Prosana Co., Wee Nursing Home, Home Health Care and Nursing, and Senior Complex. Continued … 

Proposed Hin Lek Fai viewpoint

Khao Hin Lek Fai viewpoint upgrade approved

A major upgrade to the Khao Hin Lek Fai viewpoint is set to move forward, with officials approving an expanded development plan aimed at improving one of Hua Hin’s most recognizable tourist sites. The project will see the total budget increase to 120 million baht, with completion expected within this fiscal year.

Khao Hin Lek Fai viewpoint, which overlooks Hua Hin and offers a range of panoramic views, is a key component of the plan. The site includes several designated viewpoints, including locations known for city views, as well as sunrise and sunset observation points, making it one of the most visited vantage points in the area. Continued … 

Hua Hin as a health innovation hub?

The Hua Hin Model is being positioned as a blueprint to transform the city into a health innovation hub, following the signing of a multi-agency agreement aimed at integrating lifestyle medicine into schools.

The agreement brings together four key organizations: Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Hua Hin City Municipality, Regional Health Promotion Center 5 in Ratchaburi, and the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Public Health Office. Continued … 

Nakhon Hua Hin Run draws more than 1,200 runners

More than 1,200 runners took part in Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026 at Khao Tao Reservoir in Hua Hin yesterday, with organizers saying the event was held to promote exercise, support tourism and raise funds for local sports development.

Organizers said the event was intended to encourage people to make constructive use of their free time, promote exercise as a way of keeping young people away from drugs, and help boost the local economy ahead of the Songkran holiday. Continued … 

Another expat jumps to death in Pattaya

A 54-year-old Belgian man died after jumping from the rooftop of an eight-story condominium in Pattaya last night evening, despite rescue efforts at the scene.

Emergency services were alerted at 7:50 pm to reports of a foreign man attempting to jump from a height at a building. By the time responders arrived, the man had already fallen and was pronounced dead at the scene after unsuccessful CPR attempts. Continued … 

Oil prices rise as Iran war spreads across the wider Middle East

Oil prices pushed higher again today after Yemen’s Houthis carried out their first weekend attacks on Israel, expanding the US-Israel war with Iran across a wider stretch of the Middle East. Brent crude advanced $3.09, or 2.74%, to $115.66 a barrel, after ending Friday up 4.2%. US West Texas Intermediate also gained, rising $2.92, or 2.93%, to $102.56 a barrel, following a 5.5% jump in the previous session.

The latest gains left Brent on track for an unprecedented monthly surge. The global benchmark has climbed 59% so far this month, a rise steeper than the increase seen during the 1990 Gulf War. Continued … 

Thailand’s economy severely impacted by global fuel crisis

The Iran-related conflict has sparked a global energy crisis, impacting economies worldwide. In Thailand, fuel shortages are causing long queues, rising costs, and disruptions to services like cremations, agriculture, and transportation. The crisis highlights how Middle East instability triggers ripple effects across global supply chains, leading to rising prices and economic strain beyond the region.

Fuel scarcity has caused long lines at fuel stations, with people rushing to fill up amid fears of rising prices as government subsidies end. Farmers, especially rice growers, face disruptions during critical planting and harvesting periods, as they cannot secure enough diesel for machinery and water pumps. Continued … 

Energy wake-up call for Thailand

Business leaders are calling for the government to study long-term energy security strategies to reduce reliance on imported energy and expand access to renewable sources in the wake of the ongoing crisis stemming from war in the Middle East. The crisis also serves as a wake-up call for some businesses to explore alternative energy options for the long run.

Sanan Angubolkul, group chief executive of Srithai Superware, a manufacturer of melamine tableware, said energy expenses account for about 10% of production costs, noting the company has continuously implemented energy conservation initiatives. Continued … 

Analyst calls for wider mix of Thai energy inputs

The ongoing energy crisis has underscored the need for Thailand to accelerate the development of a broader mix of energy sources to strengthen its self-reliance, according to an analyst.

Sompop Manarungsan, an analyst focused on the US and Chinese economies and president of the Panyapiwat Institute of Management, said China is a global superpower and can be considered energy self-sufficient because 85% of its total energy consumption is produced domestically, with only 15% imported. Continued … 

Fuel ‘sufficient’ as Songkran holiday nears

The government has confirmed there are sufficient fuel supplies to meet demand during the upcoming Songkran holiday, as authorities intensify nationwide distribution and monitoring efforts to ease public concerns over possible shortages.

The government understands public anxiety over fuel access, particularly during peak travel periods, Rachada Dhnadirek, an assistant to a minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, said yesterday. Continued … 

Energy Expert Warns of Possible Diesel Shortage in Thailand

Thailand could face a diesel shortage within two months, according to global energy expert Panurach Dumrongthai, who warned that confirmed crude oil deliveries for April and May fall 27 million barrels short of national demand.

The potential gap has raised concerns about fuel availability and prompted calls for urgent government action to manage consumption. Panurach urged authorities to consider restricting diesel use to essential purposes to prevent a crisis. Continued … 

PM Secures Iran Deal for Oil Transit via Hormuz

Thailand has reached an agreement with Iran to allow Thai oil tankers to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns over fuel shortages caused by ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated the deal would help stabilize energy imports.

International media reported that the agreement ensures safe passage for Thai vessels through the strategically vital waterway. Anutin said the arrangement would prevent a repeat of the disruptions seen at the beginning of March. He added that the government is adapting measures to minimize the impact of the global energy crisis on the public. Continued … 

Thai fertilizer cargo ships stuck in strait

Five fertilizer shipments remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, heightening supply concerns and prompting contingency measures, while Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered an urgent review of oil cost structures and the rollout of nationwide relief measures starting Wednesday.

Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthamphan said five cargo ships carrying fertilizer and related raw materials bound for Thailand are unable to pass through the strait due to the Middle East war. Continued … 

Electric bill help coming for some

The Energy Regulatory Commission yesterday said it had drawn up guidelines to reduce electricity bills for specific groups of users consuming no more than 200-300 units a month so they could continue paying the same rate.

The report said the government would need to find about 878 million baht in subsidies if the ERC finalizes the average electricity tariff for the May-August 2026 period at 3.95 baht per unit. Continued … 

Pig prices rise as oil costs trigger farm-gate price hike

Three swine organizations have announced another increase in recommended live pig farm-gate prices, raising the guidance level by B2 per kilogram with effect today.

First, the Southern Swine Raisers Assn. announced a recommended farm-gate price for fattening pigs, up B2 to B72 per kilogram, with pig sides at B84 per kilogram, culled breeding sows at B40 per kilogram, and 16-kilogram piglets at B2,200, plus or minus B72. Continued … 

Banks fear rising bad debts as oil prices squeeze Thai SMEs

Thai banks are raising concerns over a potential rise in non-performing loans (NPLs) as prolonged geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to drive up global oil prices, increasing cost pressures across the economy.

Higher oil prices are feeding through to transport costs, electricity bills, and overall living expenses, weighing on consumer purchasing power and weakening borrowers’ repayment capacity. Financial institutions are now closely monitoring the situation amid fears that debt quality could deteriorate if the crisis persists. Continued … 

Israel Restricts Airspace, Limits Flights to Thailand

Israeli airspace will remain closed to most commercial flights until at least April 16, significantly limiting travel between Israel and Thailand, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.

Only two Israeli airlines, El Al and Arkia, are continuing operations on an irregular basis, with services subject to sudden cancellation. The restrictions have disrupted travel plans and raised concerns for Thai nationals in the region. Continued … 

Ministry unveils cost-of-living help

The Commerce Ministry has unveiled a broad package of cost-of-living relief measures, including discounts of up to 50% on consumer goods from Wednesday, tighter oversight of fertilizer prices, and accelerated efforts to reduce farmers’ production costs.

Chanthapat Panjamanond, deputy director-general of the Department of Internal Trade, said yesterday the ministry is working with department stores, convenience stores, manufacturers, and distributors nationwide to supply more than 1,000 alternative-brand products at special prices. Continued … 

Customs rule change trims parcel imports

Imported parcels delivered directly to recipients in Thailand have decreased in volume, while their prices have increased as a result of Customs Department measures.

According to Phantong Loykulnanta, director-general of the department, measures implemented this year to protect domestic producers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), revoked the import duty and value-added tax (VAT) exemptions for imported parcels valued less than 1,500 baht, also known as de minimis goods. Continued … 

Songkran festival expected to boost Thailand’s economy with 30 billion baht

Thailand’s Songkran festival is set to draw hundreds of thousands of tourists and generate over 30 billion baht in economic circulation this April, with celebrations running from April 11 to 15.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) projects a 6% increase in revenue compared to last year. Despite concerns that an ongoing energy crisis may be dampening growth, TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said she remains optimistic about the level of travel activity during the period. Continued … 

Tourist Finds Cobra on Hotel Bed in Krabi

A tourist in southern Thailand was left shaken after a cobra slithered across their neck while they were resting in a hotel room in Krabi province. The incident occurred Friday when the guest, staying on the second floor, reported feeling something cold moving across their neck before discovering it was a cobra.

According to a social media post by the tourist, the incident took place around 5 am while they were asleep. Their partner, who had briefly gone to the toilet, returned shouting that a snake was on the bed near their head. Continued … 

Immigration warns of scam digital arrival card websites

The Immigration Bureau has warned foreign travelers against fraudulent websites offering Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) services for a fee, stressing that registration, while mandatory, is free and available only through official channels.

The TDAC was introduced on May 1 last year, replacing the traditional TM.6 paper form. All foreign visitors must register their arrival details online, in advance, for immigration screening. Continued … 

Immigration Blames System Failure for Phuket Airport Queues

Passengers faced heavy congestion at immigration checkpoints at Phuket International Airport after a temporary system failure, officials confirmed yesterday. The Immigration Bureau 2 (IB2) said the disruption caused delays during a peak departure period but denied claims that travelers were charged to access special lanes.

The issue stemmed from a temporary malfunction in the immigration information system. The disruption occurred on Saturday, coinciding with an unusually high volume of outbound flights and departing passengers. Continued … 

Thai authorities target fake local businesses in Krabi tourism sector

Thailand’s Department of Business Development has stepped up its crackdown on nominee businesses in Koh Lanta, Krabi, deploying a multi-agency team to investigate foreign-owned operations disguised as local companies.

On March 26 and 27, investigators from the department were joined by the Department of Tourism, Krabi’s Tourism and Sports Office, the Tourist Police Bureau, Immigration Bureau, and Krabi’s Commerce Office. The team targeted high-risk sectors, including hotels, travel agencies, diving businesses, and restaurants, drawing on corporate registration records and financial transaction data to identify suspects. Continued … 

Where to eat in Chiang Mai, from markets to coffee houses

Thailand’s unofficial capital of the north is a laid-back counterpart to Bangkok. This mountain-ringed city dates back 730 years and has some 300 temples; today, its quiet backstreets see a fraction of the traffic of the south. But another reason to visit?

Increasingly, its food. Between the 13th and 18th centuries, northern Thailand was ruled by the Lanna Kingdom and developed a distinct cuisine. Savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, influenced by neighbors like Myanmar and Laos, are big and often blended into a single dish. Try them in historic markets and sticky-floored joints, as well as a new wave of contemporary restaurants. Continued … 

Chiang Mai food tour: Must-try eats, street food and hidden cafes

Embark on a vibrant food tour through Chiang Mai. Discover the best places to eat for local northern Thai food, from charming cafes serving iced coffee and Thai iced tea to bustling street stalls offering classics like mango sticky rice, pad Thai, and roti.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply a food lover, this travel guide showcases Chiang Mai’s diverse food scene, highlighting delicious dishes such as khao soi, papaya salad, spring rolls, and coconut ice cream. Video … 

Northern Thailand braces for PM2.5 surge as hotspots intensify

Northern Thailand is expected to face a renewed surge in PM2.5 air pollution levels between today and April 5, as hotspot activity intensifies, particularly in Chiang Mai and surrounding provinces.

The Center for Air Pollution Mitigation under the Pollution Control Department has warned that fine dust levels across 17 northern provinces are likely to increase during the period, with several areas already recording hazardous conditions above national safety standards. Continued … 

Waste colonialism is alive in Southeast Asia

In August 2025, Malaysian campaigner Wong Pui Yi stood outside the UN headquarters in Geneva and made an appeal to Global North nations: “Stop treating the Global South as the rubbish bin for plastic waste you cannot handle.”

During that meeting, representatives from 184 countries failed to reach an agreement on a treaty to end plastic pollution. But the need for one has not gone away, particularly for Southeast Asian nations. Continued … 

Khon Kaen locals convert plastic waste into fuel

Local authorities in Khon Kaen have launched a pilot initiative to convert plastic waste into fuel, aiming to help communities reduce fuel expenses amid soaring petrol prices. The aim is to help reduce fuel cost and also help reduce waste in the communities.

Around 10 kilograms of plastic can produce 4-8 liters of usable fuel, depending on the type of plastic, said Decha Chansri, head of the Innovation Center Network for Plastic-to-Fuel Conversion. Continued … 

Push for Bangkok electric bus upgrade by 2029

Caretaker transport minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is stepping up efforts to switch all diesel-powered interprovincial buses in Bangkok to electric buses during the Anutin Charnvirakul administration to save on oil expenses.

“We aim to have electric interprovincial buses during the next four years,” he said. The Anutin administration is expected to begin work early next month, marking his second term as prime minister, which expires in 2029. Continued … 

Thousands of anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ events take place across the US

Demonstrators decrying U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation efforts, war in Iran, and other policies took to city streets across the country on Saturday in the third round of the “No Kings” rallies. More than 7 million Americans were said to take part in the protests, as well as hundreds of thousands of people in cities around the world. Video … 

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

Friday’s news-March 27

  • Hua Hin for Cancers during Songkran/Beach wedding in Hua Hin/Nakhon Hua Hin Run/Thailand’s population shrinks/E-cigarette users in Thailand rise/Monkey mayhem in Bangkok
  • THE IRAN WAR: Trump pushes back Iran strikesMinister Freezes Prices/Baht may fall further/Fuel shock hits Thailand/Cabinet Approves Oil Relief Plan/Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan ferry fares increase/Boat Operators in Bangkok to Increase Fares/Island transport operators feel fuel pinch/Businesses feel the pinch/Retailers feel pinch/Thai fishery close to shutdown/Cathay to increase fuel surcharge/Health ministry to limit some treatments/The other Pandora’s box from the war
  • ECONOMY: To ease cost of living/Thai hospital boom to continue/Bangkok International Motor Show/Thai vehicle sales fall/Thailand’s vehicle production increases
  • TOURISM: Shorter visa-free stays and repeat tourists/Thailand Leads Chinese Tourism Surge/Thai New Year surge in flights/Thailand vows to host first Disneyland
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Bangkok food tour/Ayutthaya to stage grand Songkran festival
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Huawei and Solar Rooftop Requirements/Greener Course for Phuket’s Property Market/Thailand Post to electrify fleet/Bangkok joins Earth Hour
  • HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

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Check your sign: Hua Hin best place for Cancers during Songkran

If you’re stuck on where to go this Songkran in the Land of Smiles, consider consulting the cosmos. Explained here is a slightly cosmic, very opinionated guide to where you should travel in Thailand this Songkran, based on your zodiac sign. Think personality traits, travel styles, and the kind of chaos (or calm) each sign secretly thrives in.

Cancers, you don’t just travel, you travel with intention. Wellness retreats, slow mornings, and spaces that actually make you feel something? That’s your sweet spot. Hua Hin, with its laid-back coastal charm and unhurried pace, is exactly the kind of escape you’ll gravitate towards this Songkran. Continued … 

A beach wedding in Hua Hin

Anique Buddhdev and Shamil Patel began planning their wedding with a clear set of conditions: warm weather, open skies, and enough room for several days of celebration. With no fixed destination, they considered Tuscany, Santorini, Cyprus, and Mexico before choosing Hua Hin for their wedding in Thailand.

The beaches, food and range of spaces at the Avani+ Hotel made the decision. “We wanted the wedding to feel like an experience,” they say, “not just a ceremony, but several days where everyone could celebrate together.” Continued … 

Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026 in Khao Tao on Sunday

The “Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026” event in Hua Hin will take place on Sunday 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 … 

Thailand’s population shrinks to 65.8 million, plus 1 million foreigners

Thailand’s population fell to 65.8 million in 2025, according to the Department of Provincial Administration, which also revealed that Bangkok remains by far the country’s most populous area.

In an announcement issued by the Central Registration Office yesterday, the total population as of Dec. 31, 2025, stood at 65.80 million. Of this, 64,820,708 are Thai nationals, while 988,620 are non-Thai residents. Continued … 

E-cigarette users in Thailand rise 11-fold in three years despite ban

A network of e-cigarette users has urged Thailand’s new government to review the country’s e-cigarette ban, citing official data showing use has risen sharply despite more than a decade of prohibition.

The group cited figures from the National Statistical Office, saying the number of e-cigarette users increased from 78,742 in 2021 to about 900,000 in 2024, an increase of more than 11 times in three years, despite e-cigarettes remaining illegal throughout that period. Continued … 

Monkey mayhem forces Bangkok to act

Bangkok authorities are stepping up efforts to tackle ongoing problems caused by macaque monkeys in Bang Khun Thian, as residents continue to report damage to property and disruptions to daily life.

Currently, around 350 macaques are spread across three main areas, including the Khun Kala Monument, Soi Thian Thale 22 community, and a nearby housing project. The animals, which are protected under Thai wildlife law, have increasingly come into conflict with residents — raiding homes, damaging property, and creating safety concerns. Continued … 

Trump pushes back Iran strikes deadline

US President Donald Trump yesterday pushed back his deadline for strikes on Iran’s energy assets to April 6, saying it was at Tehran’s request and that talks were “going very well.”

Trump denied earlier that he was desperate for a deal to end the Middle East war, despite the Islamic republic’s cool response to an American peace plan. Continued … 

Commerce Minister Freezes Prices on Key Goods in Thailand

The Thai Commerce Ministry will freeze prices on essential consumer goods like canned fish, instant noodles, and milk. This decision follows a cabinet meeting concerning the economic effects of the Middle East conflict.

Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun emphasized that manufacturers must obtain approval for price hikes on these products, aiming to control consumer costs while maintaining economic stability. The ministry plans to expand the price-freeze list to include palm oil, tissues, shampoo, detergent, and soap. Currently, 59 products are price-controlled; seven additional products, such as plastic pellets and bottled water, will join this list to ensure critical supply chain components remain affordable. Continued … 

Baht may fall further on oil price exposure

A historic surge in oil prices is exposing the fragility of import-dependent Thailand, compounding pressure on an already weakening currency and raising the risk of capital flight, analysts say.

The baht has dropped more than 5% this month, the worst performance among Asian peers. Strategists at Kasikornbank see it weakening a further 2% from its current level of 32.80 per dollar by midyear, with rising energy import costs and seasonal dividend repatriation likely to weigh on the currency. Continued … 

Cabinet races to cut oil tax as fuel shock hits Thailand

The Cabinet has approved a set of urgent measures to tackle the escalating energy crisis, including exploring legal avenues to reduce fuel excise taxes following a sharp 6-baht-per-liter increase in oil prices.

The special Cabinet meeting yesterday came as the government moved away from its previous gradual pricing approach, instead implementing an immediate increase due to mounting pressures, including the deepening deficit of the Oil Fuel Fund, fuel shortages, and illegal cross-border smuggling. Continued … 

Thailand Cabinet Approves Oil Relief Plan Nationwide

Thailand’s special cabinet has approved in principle a seven-step relief package to ease the impact of rising fuel prices, with measures targeting households, businesses, and key industries. The decision includes potential tax cuts, financial support for vulnerable groups, and sector-specific assistance.

Officials say the plan is designed to deliver immediate relief amid surging global oil costs. Permanent Secretary for Finance Lavaron Sangsnit said the measures are urgent and intended to provide maximum public benefit. The move follows sharp increases in global oil prices, which have placed growing pressure on domestic fuel costs and the wider economy. Continued … 

Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan ferry fares increase after fuel price jump

Travelers heading to Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan now face higher ferry fares after a sharp hike in fuel prices across Thailand prompted a ferry operator in Surat Thani province to raise ticket prices.

Seatran Ferry, which operates services between Don Sak Pier in the mainland of Surat Thani and the two islands, first announced a fare adjustment on March 14. At that time, prices rose by 10 baht. Continued … 

Boat Operators in Bangkok to Increase Fares Due to Rise in Diesel Prices

Passenger boat operators on Bangkok’s Saen Saep Canal and Chao Phraya River will raise fares by two baht next Monday due to an 18% increase in diesel prices. This decision impacts the transportation cost for daily commuters on these crucial waterway routes.

Recently, the diesel price jumped from 33 baht to 39 baht per liter, prompting the fare hike. Krob Krua Khonsong Co., which operates on the Saen Saep Canal, announced the fare will increase from 11-21 baht to 13-23 baht based on distance. Chao Phraya Express Boat Co. will also adjust fares from 14-33 baht to 16-35 baht for routes extending from Nonthaburi to Bangkok’s inner city. Continued … 

Tourist island transport operators feel fuel pinch

Tourism operators on Thai resort islands are bracing for the effects of the sudden sharp increase in fuel prices yesterday.

A survey on Koh Chang in the eastern province of Trat found that pump prices on the island are about three baht higher than on the mainland, with gasoline surging to 52.39 baht per liter. Diesel now costs 18% more than it did a day ago, while increases for other fuels range from 14% to 22%. Continued … 

Businesses start to feel the pinch

Business operators across Thailand have cried foul over the sudden spike in diesel and fuel prices, saying the surge has intensified already mounting cost pressures and is forcing some to consider price hikes or cutbacks.

In Chiang Mai, Thanit Chumsaeng, president of the provincial restaurant and entertainment association, said operators are beginning to feel the full impact of rising energy prices driven by ongoing global tensions. Continued … 

Retailers feel pinch as fuel prices spike

A fuel shortage and a recent surge in prices have caused logistics chaos for provincial retail and wholesale operators, sparking concerns it will reduce foot traffic during the upcoming Songkran festival in April.

Sing Buri province is facing fuel shortages, causing company trucks to queue at petrol stations to refuel, said Showsiri Treechairasmee, business development director at CS Park Co., operator of Chaisaeng Superstore in Sing Buri. Continued … 

Fuel shock pushes Thai fishery close to shutdown

A ​surge in diesel prices triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran is pushing Thailand’s multibillion-dollar fishing industry toward a standstill, with ‌fishermen warning that their boats could be idled within days unless the government steps in.

At the country’s largest fishing port in Samut Sakhon province on the Gulf of Thailand, over half of the fishing trawlers are already docked and those still operating would likely stop work within days, said Jumpol Kanawaree, president of the Samut Sakhon Fishmongers Assn. Continued … 

Cathay to increase fuel surcharge for all flights by 34%

Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways will increase its fuel surcharge for all flights by 34% from April – the second increase in two weeks – citing “considerable pressure” as the conflict in the Middle East impacts oil prices.

The airline said yesterday the fuel surcharge for long-haul flights would increase by HK$396 (US$50.63) to HK1,560, or 34% from the current HK1,164. The measure takes effect on Wednesday of next week. Continued … 

Health ministry to limit some treatments, control meds

The Ministry of Public Health plans to limit certain treatments, expand telemedicine, and tighten pharmaceutical management to cope with mounting resource pressures, as the Middle East war threatens global medical supply chains, permanent secretary Dr. Somruek Chungsaman said.

The war is expected to drive up the cost of drugs and medical supplies, prompting changes to treatment protocols and closer monitoring of pharmaceutical stocks. Continued … 

Beware of the other Pandora’s box from the war against Iran

Both antisemitism and Islamophobia are spreading across the West as the escalation of conflict in the Middle East — triggered by the US and Israeli strikes against Iran — enters its second month this weekend.

Monitoring groups have reported sharp spikes in hate crimes, vandalism, and online incitement immediately following the outbreak of hostilities in late February. The most visible incident in the United Kingdom was this week’s arson attack on four Jewish volunteer ambulances in North London. A group with alleged links to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has claimed responsibility. Continued … 

Initiative aims to ease cost of living

The Thai Retailers Assn. (TRA) has partnered with the Commerce Ministry to advance the “Thai Chuay Thai” initiative to ease the cost of living. The campaign offers more than 5,000 essential consumer products, particularly high-quality house brands and second-tier brands, at affordable prices through retail channels nationwide.

The TRA also proposed a structured three-phase framework to systematically manage cost-of-living pressures, and is expanding retail channels that accept state welfare cards to improve accessibility for cardholders. Continued … 

Thai hospital boom set to continue despite conflict

Though patients from the Middle East are shrinking as a result of war, analysts are upbeat about prospects for Thai hospitals this year, as the country has emerged as a medical and wellness hub and is transitioning into a “super-aged” society.

Parin Kitchatornpitak, an analyst at KGI Securities (Thailand), said the US-Israel war with Iran will weigh on sentiment in the healthcare sector, given the exposure to revenue from Middle Eastern patients at Thai hospitals such as Bumrungrad Hospital (BH), Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), and Bangkok Chain Hospital (BCH). Continued … 

Bangkok International Motor Show in pictures

The latest Global Energy Crisis (Version 7.3) made the opening of the 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) more important than it might have been just a few weeks ago. Spiking petrol pump prices act directly on the hip-pocket nerve and as the world’s car manufacturers formed up to face 2,000,000 showgoers on Wednesday morning, the mood of the exhibitors was remarkably upbeat.

Last year, 1.6 million people visited the show, purchasing 80,000 vehicles while they were there. This year, just how many visitors get to the show may be influenced by the aforementioned mobility crisis, but those who do make it can be expected to be highly motivated to buy electric vehicles as the gas pumps are running dry. The concept of refuelling your car at home at a fraction of the cost of petrol is suddenly very appealing. Continued … 

Thai vehicle sales fall 2% in February

Thailand’s new vehicle market declined by just over 2% to 48,242 units in February, from 49,313 units a year earlier, according to the latest data released by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), due mainly to a sharp fall in battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales following the expiration of the government’s EV3.0 incentive program at the end of last year.

This was the first year-on-year decline for the Thai vehicle market in almost a year and followed a strong surge in January, when automakers continued to deliver BEVs purchased before the expiration of the EV3.0 programme, which has now been replaced by the EV3.5 program, which offers lower incentives. Continued … 

Thailand’s vehicle production increases in February amid electric vehicle surge

Thailand’s automotive sector recorded steady growth in February, supported by rising electric vehicle (EV) production and continued export activity, according to Xinhua News Agency. Total vehicle output reached 117,952 units, marking a 3.4% increase year-on-year.

The expansion was largely fueled by higher production of pickup trucks for the domestic market and passenger cars destined for export. A key driver of growth was the rapid expansion of electric mobility. Output of fully electric passenger vehicles surged by 53.7% compared to the same period last year. Continued … 

Shorter visa-free stays could drive away Thailand’s repeat tourists

Thailand’s decision to reduce visa-free stays has been framed by authorities as a minor adjustment unlikely to disrupt the tourism sector. Officials argue that only 6–8 million visitors might choose alternative destinations — a small fraction of the millions who flock to the kingdom each year.

But scratch beneath the surface, and the move exposes Thailand’s reliance on outdated assumptions about tourism, money, and crime. Many long-term visitors and repeat travelers come to the same Thai destinations year after year, spending significantly on accommodation, food, shopping, and entertainment. These are high-value tourists who form the backbone of the economy in beach towns like Pattaya, Phuket, and Hua Hin. Forcing shorter stays risks discouraging this loyal segment, nudging them toward competitor countries in Southeast Asia that actively court longer-term visitors with welcoming policies. Continued … 

Thailand Leads Chinese Tourism Surge Across Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is experiencing a sharp rise in Chinese tourism in early 2026, with Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos reporting increased visitor numbers. The surge has boosted regional economies, increased flight demand and reinforced the region’s role as a global travel hub.

Thailand is leading the trend, recording more than one million Chinese visitors in just the first two months of the year. The growth follows the easing of travel restrictions and the introduction of visa-friendly policies across the region. Thailand reported 6.62 million foreign visitors between January and February 2026, generating 160 billion baht in revenue, with China its largest source market. Continued …

Thai New Year to see surge in flights

Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) has forecast a surge in air travel during the Songkran holiday, with more than 25,000 flights expected nationwide during April 10–19.

Aerothai’s acting president Surachai Nuprom announced yesterday that 25,620 flights are anticipated, averaging about 2,562 per day. This represents a 1.8% increase compared to the same period last year. Continued … 

Thailand vows to host first Disneyland in region

The government remains committed to bringing the first Disneyland theme park to Southeast Asia as part of the EEC Capital City project, with potential investors from the Middle East already indicating interest in becoming partners.

Caretaker deputy prime minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said mass traffic to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), which should accelerate development of the long-delayed high-speed railway linking three regional airports, mega-projects in the area such as EEC Capital City are necessary. Continued … 

Bangkok food tour: Michelin street eats to luxury rooftop dining

Embark on a delicious adventure through Bangkok’s vibrant food scene. From famous street food at Jodd Fairs Market to budget-friendly plates at Bib Gourmand favorites like Je-Oh and Polo Fried Chicken, this comprehensive food tour uncovers both classic Thai flavors and modern cuisine.

Enjoy mouthwatering Tom Yum, Pad Thai, crispy pork, and indulgent fine dining experiences at Michelin-starred Yu Ting Yuan and stunning rooftop bars. Discover where to eat in Bangkok, from bustling food markets to luxury restaurants, perfect for every taste and budget. Video … 

Ayutthaya to stage grand Songkran festival with floats, sacred rites, and elephants

Ayutthaya is preparing to hold its Maha Songkran Krung Kao 2026 celebrations on a grand scale, under the theme “Maha Songkran Krung Kao: Water, Faith and the Heritage of the Land”, as the province aims to attract tourists and stimulate the local economy.

Yesterday, organizers staged a preview of the festivities, including a tuk-tuk parade, Buddha image bathing rituals, the traditional Rod Nam Dam Hua ceremony to pay respect to elders, cultural performances, and Songkran water-play activities with elephants. Continued … 

Huawei the Only Brand Meeting New Solar Rooftop Requirements

The government is accelerating the adoption of clean energy through new measures that support the installation of rooftop solar. The initiative offers tax incentives to help reduce electricity costs for businesses and households.

The program will be effective from March 3 to December 31, 2028. The tax support scheme for solar installations is divided into two main categories: Continued … 

British Developer Charts a Greener Course for Phuket’s Booming Property Market

Anthony Bygraves MSyI, chief executive of the London-founded sustainable property developer The Zero, has set out an ambitious vision for the future of eco-conscious living on Thailand’s most celebrated island.

Yesterday, Bygraves outlined plans for two landmark residential developments in Phuket that, he argued, are perfectly positioned to capture the wave of international capital now flowing into the Thai property market. Continued … 

Thailand Post to electrify fleet of trucks and motorcycles

To conserve fuel, Thailand Post is converting its current fuel-powered fleet of last-mile delivery vehicles to electric trucks and motorcycles. Rising fuel prices have prompted the logistics provider to reduce its operational costs, a third of which goes to petrol.

Prior to this decision, Thailand Post had been using some EVs for delivery. Ten percent of its current fleet of delivery pick-ups are electric and another 100 motorcycles are electric, as well. Due to the ongoing global energy crisis, the organization has now decided to accelerate its transition toward electrification. Continued … 

Bangkok joins Earth Hour 2026 with one-hour lights-out tomorrow

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has invited residents and organizations across the capital to switch off non-essential lights for one hour tomorrow as part of the “60+ Earth Hour 2026” campaign to cut energy use and help tackle global warming.

Chadchart said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is working with network partners to continue the annual Earth Hour drive. He called on government agencies, private sector organizations, businesses, and the public to reduce energy consumption by turning off unnecessary lighting for one hour, such as decorative lights, building and high-rise lighting, advertising signs, and household lights. 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

Tuesday’s news-March 24


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  • Nakhon Hua Hin Run/Rethinking Victory Monument/Koh Samui officials suspect corruption/Misbehaving Monks/
  • THE IRAN WAR: Iran war jolts global markets/Iran talks denied by Tehran/Oil price spike threatens Thai growth/Power tariff could rise/Fuel running low/Late-night fuel queue/Oil shock hits transportation/Fishing boats may stop operating/Shortages spur fuel reserve cut/Costs Strain Energy-Intensive Sectors/Mideast conflict dents chip, auto manufacturing/Energy shock spreads to bottled water/Plan to manage medicines/American stays inside Suvarnabhumi for 10 days/One miscalculation after another
  • ECONOMY: Thailand to Expand Price Controls
  • TOURISM: ‘Worst Tourist Behavior’/Hotels slash rates/Thailand promotes wellness tourism/Steep airfares and ATM fees
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Must-See Thai Regions/Bangkok, Chaing Mai among ‘Best cities in Asia to Live in’ list/Got 3 days? Chiang Rai is it
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Asia-Pacific’s Energy Paradox
  • HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026 to take place Sunday in Khao Tao

The “Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026” event in Hua Hin will take place on Sunday, 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 … 

Rethinking Victory Monument: Bangkok’s busiest bus hub

As one of the capital’s busiest roundabouts, Victory Monument has long functioned less as a designed transport hub than as a living organism.

Every day, thousands of commuters spill out of the BTS Skytrain and descend to four crowded islands, navigating a maze of bus stops, van queues, motorcycle taxis, and improvised waiting areas that have taken shape over decades. Continued … 

Top Koh Samui officials suspect corruption network within municipal office

A scandal has erupted on Koh Samui involving the island’s local government and municipal authority. The probe has already led to the suspension of a clerical officer linked to forged building permits and documents. These forgeries involve at least 10 luxury villa developments, where demand is high from wealthy international tourists.

Koh Samui officials are set to file a formal complaint with police next Sunday. Meanwhile, systematic audits are underway and are expected to reveal additional cases and at least one senior official, a key suspect in the affair. Continued … 

Misbehaving Monks Are Causing an Uproar in Thailand

Last month, a prominent Buddhist abbot in Thailand was defrocked after a video of two women physically fighting over him outside his temple went viral. Soon after, investigators divulged that the abbot of the ancient Wat Bua Kwan temple near Bangkok had maintained long-term relationships with at least six women, regularly sending them explicit messages and spending lavishly on them – for example, paying for their expensive plastic surgeries. Officials are now investigating whether those funds were stolen from his temple.

That incident followed one in late January, when Thai police raided the Phrom Sunthon Monastery in Chonburi province on Thailand’s Gulf coast following complaints that the monks were in possession of drugs and guns. Police found at least one firearm, but also a stash of porn, sex toys, and a list of contact details for prostitutes. Continued … 

Iran war jolts global markets as Thai stocks, gold, bonds, and baht tumble

Global financial markets were thrown into fresh turmoil as the protracted Iran war triggered broad-based selling across asset classes, sending Thai stocks, gold, and bonds sharply lower, while the baht weakened to its softest level in 10 months.

The market volatility underscored growing fragility in financial sentiment, with investors reacting to intensifying conflict fears, shifting expectations over US interest rates, and mounting uncertainty over global capital flows. Continued … 

Trump announces ‘very good’ Iran talks denied by Tehran

US President Donald Trump yesterday hailed “very good” talks with an unidentified Iranian official after abruptly shelving plans for fresh attacks, even as Washington’s ally Israel vowed to keep up strikes on the Islamic republic.

The surprise disclosure – denied by Tehran, which accused Trump of manipulating energy markets – came ahead of a Monday night deadline imposed by Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane or see the US “obliterate” its power plants. Continued … 

Oil price spike threatens to cut Thai GDP growth, raise inflation

A rise in global oil prices poses a growing risk to Thailand’s economic outlook, with Tisco Financial Group warning that a 10% increase in crude from a baseline of US$72 per barrel could trim GDP growth by 0.3-0.4 percentage points, while lifting inflation by about 0.8%.

Sakchai Peechapat, group chief executive, said the company is closely monitoring the situation through its risk management and enterprise risk teams as geopolitical tensions intensify, particularly in the Middle East. Continued … 

Power tariff could rise as high as B4.59 per unit

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is set to review electricity tariffs for the May–August billing period amid a sharp rise in liquefied natural gas (LNG) costs driven by Middle East tensions.

Worawit Srianantaraksa, a member of the ERC, said yesterday the the new tariff structure will be considered at regulator’s board meeting tomorrow. Continued … 

Fuel running low across provinces

The government has stepped up efforts to tackle fuel shortages, but residents across several provinces continued to queue for diesel yesterday amid persistent supply constraints.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, particularly in Dan Khun Thot district, motorists queued in long lines that stretched beyond petrol stations. Diesel purchases were limited to 500 baht per vehicle, while filling containers was prohibited. Petrol, including 91, 95 and Gasohol E20, remained available without restrictions and with shorter queues. Continued … 

Late-night fuel queue in Nakhon Phanom stretches beyond 3 kilometers

The outbound side of the highway in Na Kae district, Nakhon Phanom, heading toward Sakon Nakhon and opposite Na Kae Hospital, had residents parking their vehicles in a long queue along the roadside while waiting to refuel at a PTT station in Na Kae district. The queue stretched for more than 3 kilometers after word spread that fuel was available.

Some drivers did not know when they would be able to refuel, but said they had to wait in line first because fuel was hard to find. Each vehicle was allowed to buy up to 1,000 baht worth of either diesel or petrol. Continued … 

Oil shock hits transportation in the south

The petrol shortage is causing headaches for Mother Marketing, the operator of the Mother Supermarket chain in southern Thailand, prompting the company to urge the government to resolve the issue urgently.

Ekkapong Chokchaiwitut, chief executive of Mother Marketing, said the petrol shortage in southern Thailand has intensified. Last week, some petrol stations capped refueling at 500-1,000 baht per vehicle. Currently, the company’s vehicles must visit multiple stations to refuel, as some limit purchases to 500 baht per visit, while others have run out of fuel. Continued … 

Fishing boats may stop operating at month’s end

The oil crisis has so badly hit the fishing industry that leaders of this sector in Samut Sakhon province, better known as Mahachai,yesterday warned that fishing boats may cease operation nationwide at the end of this month, leading to hundreds of thousands of job losses unless the government reins in soaring oil prices.

During a press conference at Mahachai Fisheries Development Cooperative (Thai Seafood Market) attended by representatives from Samut Sakhon Chamber of Commerce and Thai Fisheries Assn., the government was warned that fishing vessels are now in a state of “extreme crisis.” Continued … 

Shortages spur fuel reserve cut

The government has decided to lower the proportion of oil reserves to 1% in a bid to ease fuel shortages, while expressing confidence that the fuel situation will stabilize within a week.

Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, in his capacity as chairman of the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East, said yesterday that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an order on Saturday to suspend the reserve requirement of 3% to increase the volume of fuel circulating in the market. Continued … 

Rising Petrochemical Costs Strain Energy-Intensive Sectors

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is significantly affecting global supply chains. Shipments of crude oil and petrochemicals through the Strait of Hormuz have been disrupted, leading to halted operations at some plants and a surge in crude prices. Notably, SCC’s Rayong Olefins (ROC) plant in Thailand has suspended operations due to naphtha and propane shortages.

The crisis has led to a sharp increase in plastic resin prices, rising by 30%-40%, impacting the frozen food and consumer goods industries. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, emphasized the urgent need for the Thai government to secure alternative petrochemical feedstocks to prevent further disruptions. Continued … 

Mideast conflict dents chip, auto manufacturing

The United States and Israeli military operations against Iran are disrupting global supply chains, hitting semiconductor manufacturing hard and reverberating through chip-dependent industries, particularly the automotive sector, which is watching developments closely.

Wallop Chalermvongsavej, managing director of Hyundai Mobility Thailand, said yesterday the shortage of chips could slow production and push up costs. “The chip shortage will affect car production, leading to manufacturing slowdowns and higher operating costs amid oil price volatility. Cars will eventually become more expensive,” he warned. Continued … 

Costly Songkran ahead as energy shock spreads to bottled water across Thailand

Thailand’s tightening energy supply and rising oil prices are beginning to ripple through everyday life, pushing up the cost of basic necessities – including something as simple as bottled drinking water.

The price pressure comes at a sensitive time, as the Songkran holiday season stretches across much of April, bringing festivals, travel, and water celebrations nationwide. At the same time, schools across Thailand close for the long summer break, sending families on holiday and increasing domestic tourism. With temperatures soaring and millions expected to travel, demand for drinking water typically rises sharply during this period. Continued … 

Public Health Ministry rolls out three-phase plan to manage medicines

Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is rolling out a three-phase plan to manage medicine supplies and healthcare services as the conflict in the Middle East shows signs of dragging on, with officials warning that drug prices are likely to rise.

Speaking at the ministry yesterday, Permanent Secretary for Public Health Somruek Chungsaman said authorities had assessed the medium-term impact on medicines and medical supplies. The Food and Drug Administration has already consulted pharmaceutical companies, which confirmed that current stock levels remain sufficient for about three to four months. Continued … 

American stays inside Suvarnabhumi for 10 days, cites airfare rise

An American man who posted videos claiming he had been staying inside Suvarnabhumi Airport for 10 days has drawn widespread attention online, after saying higher airfares linked to war left him unable to travel onward.

He documented his routine at the airport by posting compilations of him watching movies, reading, sleeping, and eating. He reportedly also called on an airline to cover his costs and said that if the ticket was not paid for, he would continue staying inside the airport and would not go elsewhere. Continued … 

Iran war: One miscalculation after another

Still not four full weeks into the war, and already Donald Trump’s “short-term excursion” – decapitate the Iranian regime with a surprise attack and impose harsh terms on the defeated survivors – has morphed into a global economic crisis and a region-wide war that could destroy the wealth of all the countries on both sides of the Gulf. At the very least.

Back in January, Trump was high on his success in changing the regime in Venezuela (just a bit), so he was an easy mark for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s suggestion that he could do the same to Iran. Netanyahu probably knew better than that himself, but his life’s goal has been to inveigle the United States into a joint attack on Israel’s greatest enemy. Continued … 

Thailand to Expand Price Controls With 12 New Items

The Commerce Ministry is preparing to expand its list of price-controlled goods by 12 items, increasing the total from 59 to 71, in a move aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures. The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) will submit the proposal to the Committee on the Price of Goods and Services tomorrow.

The new additions are expected to focus mainly on everyday essentials to strengthen oversight amid fluctuating input costs. Of the existing 59 controlled items, eight require prior approval before any price increase, while 22 require businesses to notify authorities of price changes, with some also subject to transport reporting requirements. Continued … 

Phuket Staff Expose ‘Worst Tourist Behavior’

A social media post has sparked debate in Phuket after highlighting complaints by hotel and restaurant workers about tourists from three nationalities, with immediate attention drawn to alleged problematic behavior in the province’s hospitality sector.

The Facebook page “Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์” published a poll described as reflecting views from service industry staff in Phuket, asking which nationalities were considered the most difficult in hotels and restaurants. The post claimed that Israeli tourists ranked highest, followed by Indian, and Russian visitors, based on reported behavior from operators. Continued … 

Hotels slash rates to lure Songkran market

Concerned by a nosedive in European arrivals and low confidence due to fuel shortages among local travelers, hotel operators have started to offer discounts of 20%-40% to attract tourists during the upcoming Songkran holiday.

Paisarn Sukjarean, president of the Upper Northern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Assn., said European guests, who normally account for 30% of all visitors to Chiang Mai at this time of year, continue to cancel their bookings for April as they are unable to catch flights to Thailand. Continued … 

Thailand promotes wellness tourism to attract affluent international travelers

Thailand is making significant strides in promoting wellness tourism by fostering collaboration between its private and public sectors. This initiative aims to attract affluent foreign tourists who are looking for comprehensive services that blend medical care, beauty treatments, and travel experiences.

The focus is on enhancing the core tourism sector, which is essential for the country’s economic growth. By leveraging the expertise of businesses, such as Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) that manages 60 hospitals, the government seeks to create a robust infrastructure for wellness tourism. Continued … 

Pattaya tourists hit by steep airfares and ATM fees

For many foreigners heading to Thailand, the vacation or expat life is starting before they even step off the plane – and not in a good way. Online forum users have been voicing frustration over high airfares from Europe, punishing ATM fees, and the widening gap between official exchange rates and what travelers actually receive.

“I just paid £1,000 for a return flight from the UK,” one reader complained, highlighting how soaring airline costs are cutting into holiday budgets. Others noted that even the supposedly “convenient” ATMs are taking a hefty toll. Continued … 

A First-Timer’s Guide to the Must-See Thai Regions

The best thing about Thailand is that each region of the country feels completely different. The worst thing about Thailand is realizing exactly that, and accepting that you’ll be returning again and again to soak each of them up individually, or extending your trip to see as much as you can in one go.

Of course, a country spanning more than 500,000 square kilometers and 76 provinces is virtually impossible to cover in its entirety. So, having spent a good few years exploring, we’ve pulled together the ultimate guide to Thailand’s best spots. Continued … 

Bangkok, Chaing Mai make ‘Best cities in Asia to Live in’ list

In 2026, travel trends are shifting back toward cities that are not only great to visit, but genuinely easy to live in — places where heritage and everyday lifestyle click together effortlessly. That is the spirit behind Time Out’s Best Cities 2026, which draws on thousands of survey responses and input from city experts.

From Time Out’s global top 50, 11 cities in Asia stand out — each offering its own mix of culture, creativity, food, and modern energy. Continued … 

Got 3 days? Chiang Rai is worth every one of them

Chiang Rai is often reduced to a quick temple stop from Chiang Mai. Stay a little longer and the province reveals something much more compelling. This is one of Thailand’s most agricultural regions, where rice fields stretch across broad valleys, tea plantations climb the hillsides and small hilltribe villages sit between long mountain ridges. It’s expansive, lightly populated and best explored by car.

That connection to the land feeds directly into the food. Chefs here are working with an exceptional range of local ingredients, from rare mountain herbs and fermented vegetables to forest produce and tea grown just down the road. The result is a foodie scene that feels grounded, inventive, and increasingly worth the drive. Continued … 

Asia-Pacific’s Energy Paradox: Record Renewables Against Growing Coal Infrastructure

Asia-Pacific simultaneously holds 64% of the world’s solar capacity and the distinction of being the only region on Earth still expanding its coal infrastructure, a contradiction that a major new HSBC research report warns could determine the fate of global climate targets.

The findings, published in March by HSBC Global Investment Research analysts as part of the bank’s Net-Zero Navigator series, paint a region defined by competing imperatives: record-breaking clean energy deployment on one hand, and deepening fossil fuel dependency on the other. 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

Saturday’s news-March 14


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  • 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 … 

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