- 500-baht refueling limit in Hua Hin/Lining up for fuel in PKK/City-wide CCTV network/New taffic lights at Soi 51/Cha Am Blue Swimming Crab Festival/Tuesday’s bus crash in Cha Am/Hua Hin Wine Expo starts/Road to improve access to Hua Hin/New GM at NH Hua Hin Hotel/Thailand’s 2026 heat index/Upcoming local running events
- THE IRAN WAR: Oil tops $110/Qatar says Iran attacked LNG hub/Thailand’s oil price structure questioned/Oil prices squeeze heavy industry/Government Aid for Aviation/Rural oil shortage/Oil crunch hits Chiang Mai’s songthaews/Price controls possible/Retailers urged to build up stocks/Transport federation warns of nationwide stoppage/To secure fuel supply/Fuel shortage affects emergency response/Medical supplies ‘enough for three months’/Thai fishermen staying ashore/First Thai national killed in Iran
- ECONOMY: Government action on living costs/Sluggish demand pauses condo launches
- TOURISM: 1,000 Flight Cancellations to Thailand/Double blow to global aviation and tourism/Malaysians urged to postpone travel to Thailand/British Man Dies After Alleged Drink Spiking/Gun Range Staff Accidentally Shoots Chinese Tourist
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Bangkok’s Chatuchak Named the Best Night Market/Tom kha gai named world’s best chicken soup
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Higher power prices prompt solar/Midsummer Expands Into Thailand/Doomsday Glacier collapse
- HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
500-baht refueling limit at most gas stations in Hua Hin
Most petrol stations in Hua Hin have introduced temporary refueling limits as fuel demand continues to rise across Prachuap Khiri Khan, with officials urging motorists not to panic buy despite stable national supply levels.
In recent days, residents have continued to bring their vehicles to service stations across the region following adjustments to diesel and gasohol prices. Operators say the surge in demand has required new measures to help manage distribution, with many stations now limiting purchases to 500 baht per vehicle. Continued …
Lining up for fuel in PKK Province
Hua Hin begins installation of city-wide CCTV network
So-called “smart poles” are being installed at key locations across Hua Hin as part of efforts to strengthen public safety and support the development of smart infrastructure. The initiative forms part of the Hua Hin Smart City Phase 1 project, under which Hua Hin City Municipality has installed no fewer than 30 CCTV cameras, along with related equipment throughout the municipal area.
Each smart pole integrates several features within a single structure. These include energy-efficient LED lighting to improve night-time visibility, CCTV cameras for monitoring public areas, and an emergency SOS button that can be used to request assistance. Continued …
New taffic lights at Soi 51 and Phetkasem Road
Cha Am Blue Swimming Crab Festival ends Saturday
The Cha Am Blue Swimming Crab Festival will conclude on Saturday at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint, featuring fresh seafood, conservation activities, and nightly live music.
Phetchaburi Province, in collaboration with Cha Am City Municipality and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phetchaburi Office, is organizing the event. Visitors can enjoy menus featuring fresh blue swimming crab and seafood sourced directly from local fishermen, alongside crab-release activities and evening entertainment. Continued …
Tuesday’s bus crash in Cha Am
Hua Hin Wine Expo starts today
The Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 is being held today and tomorrow, promising a larger, more refined evolution of the event that has become part of the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
The decision to move the event to March was made to align with the new vision and leadership team. This shift provides a “longer runway” to transition the expo into a landmark international-standard showcase. By moving the dates, the event gains the necessary preparation time to match an ambitious new scale and deliver the high-caliber experience that local and international guests expect. Continued …
Thailand Riviera tourist road to improve access to Hua Hin
A major section of the Thailand Riviera tourist road project is set to improve road connectivity to Hua Hin, after the Department of Rural Roads allocated funding to build more than 44 kilometers of new route linking the town with surrounding districts.
The development forms part of the Tanowsri Khiri Phat tourist road initiative, a long-term infrastructure project designed to strengthen travel along the western coastline of the Gulf of Thailand and provide an alternative to the often congested Phetkasem Road. Continued …
Nartsupak Thaweewong Named General Manager at NH Hua Hin Hotel
NH Hua Hin Hotel has appointed Nartsupak Thaweewong as general manager. Nartsupak brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience in Thailand and Singapore to the role.
Before joining NH Hua Hin Hotel, Nartsupak was resort manager at NH Collection Samui Peace Resort, where she led the property through a major rebranding, launched the Global Hotel Alliance membership program, and implemented training initiatives. Continued …
Thailand’s 2026 heat index may exceed 52°C, with three regions at highest risk
Airin Phanrit, deputy spokeswoman for the prime minister’s office, said yesterday that this year’s heat index is expected to be more severe than last year’s, with levels in April and May likely to rise into the “very dangerous” range of more than 52°C.
She warned that the extreme conditions could pose serious health risks and, in some cases, prove fatal, urging close monitoring of vulnerable groups. Continued …
Upcoming local running events…
Muangthai Triathlon set for Sunday at Sam Roi Yot Beach
The Muangthai Triathlon 2026, part of the Thailand Triathlon EcoHero Super Series, will take place at Sam Roi Yot Beach on Sunday. Athletes will compete in standard triathlon distances consisting of a 1.5km swim, 40.7km bike ride, and 10km run, as well as sprint triathlon races featuring a 750m swim, 25.5km bike ride, and 5km run. Duathlon, relay, and children’s race categories are also included. For informtion …
Sam Roi Yot Run Fun Fest – May 30-31
The Sam Roi Yot Run Fun Fest will take place at Sam Roi Yot Beach near Long Lay Market, offering distances of 21km (990 baht), 10km (850 baht) and 5km (750 baht). Organizers say the event will combine running with music, entertainment, and local seafood. Registration closes on May 15. Registration …
Phetchaburi Half Marathon – June 21
The Phetchaburi Half Marathon on June 21 at Chao Samran Beach will feature a 21km half marathon (790 baht), 10km mini marathon (690 baht), and 5km race (590 baht). A VIP category priced at 1,500 baht will allow participants to compete across distances. Registration has now closed. More information …
Sam Roi Yot Run Ep.7 – June 28
Sam Roi Yot Run Ep.7 will offer distances of 2.7km, 5km and 10km along scenic coastal routes through local communities. Entry fees vary depending on registration period, with general registration open until May 31. Registration …
Oil tops $110 as Middle East energy sites come under attack
Brent crude rose sharply above US$110 a barrel in early trading today, as fresh attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East heightened fears of broader supply disruption.
Brent gained 2.8% to US$110.40 a barrel in the morning session, as markets reacted to escalating strikes between Iran and Israel, with both sides targeting key energy assets and showing no sign of de-escalation. Continued …
Qatar says Iran attacked LNG hub; UAE shuts gas facilities
Qatar’s state oil gian QatarEnergy said yesterday that Iranian missile attacks on Ras Laffan, the site of the country’s core LNG processing operations, caused “extensive damage”, while the UAE shut gas facilities after intercepting missiles early today.
The attacks came hours after Iran issued evacuation warnings for several oil facilitie across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, as it prepared retaliation following strikes on its own energy infrastructure in South Pars and Asaluyeh. Continued …
Thailand’s oil price structure questioned as diesel rises
Whether Bangchak and PTT service stations are selling fuel at higher or lower prices than those in other ASEAN countries remains a matter of continuing public interest and frequent scrutiny. This is especially the case at present, amid the Middle East war following the attacks launched by the United States and Israel on Iran.
This is because fuel prices are one of the key factors affecting people’s cost of living. An examination into Thai fuel prices compared with those in ASEAN countries, to determine whether Thailand is more expensive or cheaper, found that data from the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO), Ministry of Energy, ranked ASEAN countries by the highest fuel prices for both gasoline and diesel as follows. Continued …
High oil prices squeeze heavy industry as costs jump up to 50%, FTI warns of packaging shortages
Thailand’s heavy industries are coming under renewed pressure from high oil prices, with production costs rising sharply and supply-chain strains raising the risk of shortages in plastic bags and packaging materials, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the FTI, said the federation has urged the government to consider using the Oil Fuel Fund mechanism to provide additional energy-price support to the industrial sector. He said this would help stabilize prices, reduce incentives for panic buying at petrol stations, and ease manufacturing costs. Continued …
Rising Costs Spur AAT to Request Government Aid for Aviation
The Airline Association of Thailand (AAT) is seeking government intervention for relief measures, as the aviation industry faces escalating cost pressures. In a recent meeting with executives from its member airlines, including Bangkok Airways and Thai AirAsia, the AAT discussed challenges posed by global economic conditions and external factors, particularly the geopolitical tensions affecting fuel prices.
The association highlighted the volatility in fuel prices as a critical issue, resulting in increased and unpredictable operating costs for airlines. It plans to propose that the government temporarily reduce the excise tax on aviation fuel for domestic flights to alleviate these burdens. Continued …
Call for urgent action to tackle rural oil shortage
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has called on the government to intervene in support of oil middlemen, known locally as “jobbers”, who are struggling to secure supplies from refineries, resulting in a shortage affecting industrial and agricultural sectors, as well as smaller filling stations not affiliated with major retail brands.
Jobbers traditionally purchase oil directly from refineries and distribute it to farmers, factory owners and independent petrol stations in rural areas. However, the US-Iran conflict has disrupted global oil flows, prompting refineries to prioritize sales to their own branded outlets. This shift has left jobbers unable to meet demand in local communities. Continued …
Oil crunch hits Chiang Mai’s red songthaews: fewer tourists, higher costs
Chiang Mai’s iconic red songthaew operators say fuel shortages and higher pump prices are tightening margins as tourist numbers fall. A cooperative leader warns diesel stocks are running low and calls on the government to address fuel and rising living costs.
After the government announced fuel price adjustments yesterday — with diesel up 50 satang per liter, gasohol 95 and 91 up 1 baht, and E20 down 79 satang — the impact has spread widely. Not only is fuel in short supply, prices have also risen, hitting Chiang Mai’s red four-wheeled songthaews, the city’s signature public transport, particularly hard. Continued …
Price controls possible for more essential goods
The Ministry of Commerce plans to review its price control list to ensure it better reflects the current market, with the possibility of adding more essential items. Caretaker commerce minister Suphajee Suthumpun said that the gradually rising diesel price, which has a ceiling of 33 baht per liter, has not yet affected the prices of consumer goods.
To ease the cost of living, the ministry has outlined measures to regulate essential goods, particularly those that are price-controlled. Businesses are prohibited from raising prices on controlled items without prior notification to the Department of Internal Trade (DIT). Continued …
Warn of soaring costs issued, retailers urged to build up stocks
Saha Pathanapibul and BJC, two major consumer goods companies, have warned retailers of the impact of unrest in the Middle East, which has driven up raw material, packaging, and transport costs and may affect product availability and deliveries.
Saha Pathanapibul Public Co. (SPC) sent a letter to shop owners and store managers regarding the impact of the unrest in the Middle East, stating that: The current military conflict and wartime situation have pushed up production costs for consumer goods, including the sourcing of raw materials, packaging, and transport. Continued …
Transport federation warns of nationwide stoppage due to energy crisis
The Land Transport Federation of Thailand has issued five demands for the government to address the energy crisis, warning it may escalate to a nationwide transport shutdown if no action is taken.
Thongyu Khongkhan, president of the Land Transport Federation of Thailand (LTFT), spoke yesterday about the problems arising from the energy crisis. He said that, amid the energy crisis, the federation was calling on the government to urgently address the problem. Continued …
PM moves to secure fuel supply
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered urgent nationwide measures to safeguard the country’s energy supply, instructing provincial governors to coordinate closely with police to allow oil transport trucks to operate around the clock.
The directive aims to ease potential fuel shortages and ensure uninterrupted energy distribution to households and businesses. Under the plan, governors are to coordinate with provincial police chiefs to relax traffic restrictions that limit the operating hours and routes of oil tankers. Continued …
Ambulances in 3 provines hit as fuel shortage affects emergency response
Ambulances under the National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM) have been hit by a nationwide fuel shortage. The most severe impact is in Kalasin province, where a dispatch center has been forced to suspend operations.
NIEM Secretary general Pichet Nongchang, said yesterday that in two other provinces, Songkhla and Nong Bua Lamphu, services have been curtailed, as petrol stations in the area close. Continued …
Necessary drugs, medical supplies ‘enough for three months’
Thailand’s existing stocks of necessary drugs and life-saving medical supplies are enough for three months’ use, the Ministry of Public Health said yesterday.
Dr. Somlerk Jeungsmarn, the ministry’s permanent secretary, was responding to public concerns about the possible impact of the Middle East war on imports of some essential medicines and equipment. Continued …
Thai fishermen staying ashore as fuel prices bite
Fishing boats are gradually returning to shore and may suspend further operations, as sharply rising diesel prices drive up costs, raising concerns over possible seafood price hikes and wider economic disruption.
Suradech Nil-ubon, president of the Songkhla Fisheries Assn., said many member operators have begun bringing their boats back to port as their fuel supplies run low. Several have indicated they may delay their next fishing trip because the price of “green diesel”, a marine fuel commonly bought and sold offshore by fishing boats, has risen steeply, pushing up operating costs. Continued …
First Thai national killed in Iranian missile attack in Israel
A Thai agricultural worker was killed in an Iranian missile attack in northwestern Tel Aviv, medics said today, marking the first Thai national killed in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Israel’s Magen David Adom said the man, described as a foreign worker, died after being struck by shrapnel in Moshav Adanim, about 20 kilometers northeast of Tel Aviv and close to the West Bank. Continued …
Thais demand government action on living costs
Thais say their top concern is rising living costs and they are urging the new government to take swift action on the issue, according to a National Statistical Office (NSO) survey.
The nationwide survey was conducted from Jan. 22-28 to assess public expectations of the new government. The survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 6,000 adults living in private households across the country. Continued …
Sluggish demand pauses condo launches
Despite declines in new launches and inventory in Bangkok, condo developers are likely to delay new supply this year, as sales remain sluggish and absorption rates continue to fall, according to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC).
Siddhipen Siddharthapong, acting assistant director-general at REIC, said the condo market remains weak, with new sales in the fourth quarter of 2025 declining, marking a third consecutive quarterly drop. Continued …
Middle East Turmoil Leads to 1,000 Flight Cancellations to Thailand
About 1,000 flights bound for Thailand have been canceled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Aeronautical Radio of Thailand reports significant disruptions to flights following the US and Israel’s strikes on Tehran, which began on Feb. 28. This impact is particularly felt by Middle Eastern airlines, sharply reducing their services to key Thai airports.
Suvarnabhumi and Phuket airports are the most affected, with 600 and 400 canceled flights, respectively. Other airports, including Krabi, Chiang Mai, and Don Mueang, have also seen cancellations, representing around 3% of all incoming flights for the period. The disruption is part of broader consequences affecting global aviation due to strategic airspace closures and heightened geopolitical tensions. Continued …
Middle East conflict deals a double blow to global aviation and tourism
Thailand’s ambitious tourism recovery plans for 2026 are facing significant challenges due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have triggered flight cancellations, route detours, and a sharp rise in travel costs.
As the conflict drives up fuel prices and disrupts transit hubs like Dubai, the Thai tourism industry projects a potential 10% to 15% decline in visitor arrivals and substantial revenue losses, prompting a strategic shift to focus on regional Asian markets to offset the drop in long-haul travelers. Continued …
Malaysians urged to postpone travel to southern Thailand due to fuel shortages
Malaysians are being urged to postpone travel to southern Thailand following fuel shortages caused by panic buying, raising concerns ahead of the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday period.
According to Malaysian officials, the advisory was for Malaysians looking to travel to popular destinations like Hat Yai and Songkhla over the long festive weekend. “If there is no urgent need, it is best to postpone travel temporarily,” officials said. Continued …
British Man Dies in Bangkok After Alleged Drink Spiking
A British events organizer has died and his girlfriend was left fighting for her life after the couple’s drinks were allegedly spiked during a holiday in Bangkok. Tom Pardhy, 38, passed away on March 6 while his partner Naomi Raksha, 31, was rushed to hospital in intensive care following the alleged poisoning.
The couple were on a six-week holiday in Thailand when Naomi first fell ill on a night out, prompting Tom to take her to hospital in a tuk-tuk. Naomi was intubated in ICU after suffering a cardiac arrest. About 24 hours later, her family learned Tom had been found unresponsive in their hotel. According to his mother Heather, the pair had reportedly had their drinks spiked with a combination of cocaine and heroin. Continued …
Gun Range Staff Accidentally Shoots Chinese Tourist in Phuket
A 52-year-old Chinese tourist was injured when a firearm discharged at a Phuket shooting range yesterday. The bullet struck her right cheek, embedding the projectile and causing facial trauma. She was rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital for urgent treatment.
The incident occurred in Kathu district, after the woman and a companion had used the shooting range’s facilities. They were taking photographs near the firing lanes when the taxi driver accompanying them reported the injury. Authorities responded immediately, transporting her to hospital. Continued …
Bangkok’s Chatuchak Named the Best Night Market in the World
Sometimes, the best meals on vacation come with no reservations, no table, and no real “kitchen” at all. If you’re looking to experience the best of the best in global night markets, then there’s only one place you need to go: Thailand.
Travelbag, a long-haul travel operator website, has released its list of the world’s best night markets, which it ranked using local safety scores, social media metrics, search volume, and tourist reviews. After all that digging, it named the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok the best night market in the world. Continued …
Tom kha gai named world’s best chicken soup
Tom kha gai is the world’s best chicken soup, according to TasteAtlas — a rich, aromatic Thai coconut classic.
It’s a creamy Thai coconut soup balancing sour, salty, and sweet flavors with aromatic herbs like galangal, lemongrass, and lime leaves. Typically made with chicken, it simmers coconut milk, broth, and aromatics, resulting in a rich, comforting dish. Key to its flavor is fresh lime juice added just before serving, along with the perfect balance of galangal and tender mushrooms.
Higher power prices prompt push for solar
Small businesses and households are being urged to reduce their reliance on the state electricity grid and adopt solar power solutions, as global energy price volatility threatens to drive up costs, despite Thailand’s capped power tariffs, according to solar firms.
Caretaker energy minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon recently announced a temporary ceiling of 3.88 baht per kilowatt-hour for the period from May to August. But industry analysts warn that rising fuel prices, driven by the conflict in the Middle East, will eventually push electricity costs higher. Continued …
Midsummer Expands Into Thailand With Flexible Solar Solutions
Swedish solar technology company Midsummer has expanded its operations into Thailand, bringing advanced renewable energy solutions to the Southeast Asian region. As part of this expansion, the company has opened a new regional office in Bangkok to strengthen its presence and respond to the growing demand for clean energy in the country.
The company is known for its innovative solar technology, especially its lightweight and flexible solar panels. Unlike traditional solar panels that are made with heavy glass, Midsummer’s thin-film panels are designed to be much lighter and more adaptable. These panels can be installed on surfaces that may not be able to support conventional systems, making them suitable for a wide range of buildings and infrastructure projects. Continued …
Doomsday Glacier collapse could put Bangkok and 7 million in flood zone
Thwaites Glacier in west Antarctica, covering more than 192,000 square kilometers, has been dubbed the “Doomsday Glacier” because it acts as the final barrier preventing the west Antarctic ice sheet from flowing into the ocean. But the glacier is now melting rapidly, raising fears that many coastal cities around the world could eventually be submerged.
At present, Thwaites is losing ice mass at a rate five times faster than in the 1990s. This has been driven by an imbalance between snowfall accumulation and the volume of ice flowing into the Amundsen Sea. Each year, the glacier is estimated to lose around 50 billion to 80 billion tons of ice, an enormous amount even by Antarctic standards. Continued …
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