- 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 …
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
Following PTT’s announcement on Saturday regarding fuel sales at PTT Station service stations and limits on refueling volumes, motorists became concerned about the possibility of a repeat of an energy crisis.
The Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 has officially confirmed a strategic move to March 19-20, promising a larger, more refined evolution of the event that has become part of the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
The Hua Hin 100K Ultra Marathon 2026 has been officially launched, with organizers aiming to strengthen the town’s reputation as a sports tourism destination while inviting runners to sign up for the endurance event.
The Thailand Professional Golf Assn. (TPGA) announced its partnership with the Asian Tour to organize an Asian Development Tour (ADT)-level event — the Singha-SAT ADT Hua Hin Championship 2026 — between April 23-26 at Royal Hua Hin Golf Course.
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has announced a policy restricting the use of mobile phones and electronic devices during lessons at 437 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
Thailand is facing a burgeoning literacy crisis, with approximately 65% of 15-year-olds unable to comprehend or analyze the content they read, despite being technically literate.
Thai health officials are sounding the alarm over a growing trend of adopting American dietary habits, warning that the latest “Upside-Down Pyramid” model from the United States may be ill-suited to the Thai physique and could lead to chronic health issues.
Thailand’s economy and equity market could face mounting pressure if tensions between the US-Israel alliance and Iran escalate, with risks evolving from short-term financial market volatility to a deeper economic slowdown, says InnovestX Securities.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will expedite the enforcement of an energy-sharing mechanism that will allow member states to support each other’s oil and gas needs during supply disruptions.
The Ministry of Commerce held a meeting last week to draw up Thailand’s 2026 proactive international trade promotion plan, chaired by Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun together with directors of Thailand’s overseas trade promotion offices — commercial attachés in 58 offices across 43 economic areas worldwide — to take an in-depth look at global trade and set strategies to drive Thai exports.
Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face a wall of negative sentiment this year, as geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, and tighter access to loans weigh on the sector, raising questions about how businesses can navigate these tumultuous times.
The egg farmers’ cooperative network has raised the farm-gate price of mixed chicken eggs from 3.20 baht to 3.40 baht per egg, or six baht more per tray, effective today.
Chinese automaker BYD has denied allegations from the United States that its manufacturing facility in Thailand is being used to bypass American trade tariffs. The company said its Rayong plant is focused on domestic demand and exports to other regions, confirming that no vehicles from the site have been shipped to the United States.
Thailand has strengthened its position as a leading global destination for medical tourism, with new data showing the country is now among the top three worldwide for international patients seeking treatment abroad. The surge has been driven largely by Russian travelers, who are increasingly choosing Thailand for elective procedures, preventative care, and wellness treatments.
Middle East conflict hits tourism in Phangnga
This abandoned floating hotel in Thailand is straight out of a horror film
Activists in the Mekong region have called on governments and agencies to take urgent action to protect the river from worsening environmental damage caused by hydropower dams and mining activities.
Sonite Innovative Surfaces Co. has opeed its factory in Bangkok, showcasing recyclable materials like rice husks, coconut fiber, eggshells, discarded bottled water, and even old money., Sonite President Nitiphan Darakananda said that people have become more conscious of the environment, with many customers asking for sustainable items to be used in their hotels and restaurants.
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 “Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026” event in Hua Hin will take place on March 29 at the Khao Tao Reservoir area.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Ayutthaya marks Thai Elephant Day with feast for 70 elephants
Chiang Mai Zoo marks Thai National Elephant Day with feast and parade
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 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. 
The Wellness Sandbox Prachuap Khiri Khan initiative was officially launched yesterday as provincial authorities outlined plans to develop health-focused model subdistricts across all eight districts of the province.
Yesterday, Phailin Kongpan, deputy mayor of Hua Hin Municipality, together with Cheep Suksri, president of the Municipal Council, and Nuengruethai Sukchan, deputy municipal clerk, brought Rungroj Nooklib, a former lecturer from Wang Klai Kangwon Vocational College in Hua Hin, to repair the solar power system at the Khao Takiab Blue Swimming Crab Bank.
The number of online-scam complaints rose again over the past week, with investment fraud causing the most damage, according to police.
The Thai Restaurant Assn. is calling on the government to support the restaurant industry amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Global oil prices jumped sharply yesterday, pushing crude back into the $100-a-barrel era for the first time since the Russia-related energy shock of 2022, and briefly spiking to almost $120. Brent hit an intraday high of $119.50 a barrel and WTI $119.48, before prices later eased as markets weighed diplomatic signals and shifting supply risks.
Thailand’s smartphone market is likely to contract amid economic uncertainty, the Middle East conflict, and rising memory component costs, according to Thai Samsung Electronics Co.
Cloud service provider Amazon Web Services (AWS) Thailand has positioned its local cloud region as a future artificial intelligence (AI) hub, targeting enterprises’ rising demand for highly complex, independent “frontier AI agents”. This signals an enterprise shift from basic AI tools toward more advanced, enterprise-grade automation.
Outbound passengers at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport can now opt to use automated passport screening machines installed at immigration checkpoints around the clock.
Foreign tourists in Thailand are closely monitoring the recent weakening of the Thai baht against the US dollar, a trend fueled by global financial uncertainties. As the baht opened at 31.77 per dollar, down from 31.60, many visitors are keenly aware of how this affects their purchasing power in areas like hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.
Exploring the many charms behind Bangkok’s rise to Asia’s best city
What will become the Dubai chocolate of 2026? As food and drink trends are running wild in Bangkok, 14 industry professionals were asked to determine exactly which ingredients are most likely to end up on your plate, or in your glass, in 2026.
Discover Thailand Through Taste: A Complete Guide to Asia’s Hottest Foodie Travel Destination
A man in a Mercedes drives up to a Bangkok forecourt, cash in hand, ready to buy an electric vehicle he hadn’t planned on owning. Southeast Asia’s EV revolution has found a new accelerant.
Authorities from Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) raided a warehouse in Lam Luk Ka District, Pathum Thani, seizing more than 120,000 dried gecko carcasses and nearly 30 tons of protected timber allegedly prepared for export to China.
The Ministry of Commerce has stated that the ongoing unrest in the Middle East is expected to have limited direct effects on Thailand, as the country’s trade share with the countries involved in the conflict remains relatively small. The assessment followed a recent meeting led by Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun to review potential economic consequences.
The auto industry could record sluggish car exports this year following the outbreak of war in the Middle East, which also raises inflation concerns if the conflict is prolonged, says Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries and spokesman for its Automotive Industry Club.
Iran has formally nominated Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father, Ali Khamenei, as the nation’s supreme leader. The move signals that the regime’s hardline factions intend to maintain an iron grip on power despite a week of devastating conflict with Israel and the United States.
Weakening consumer confidence, rather than rising costs alone, has become the biggest threat to Thailand’s property market, as global uncertainty prompts buyers to delay major purchases, according to Pornnarit Chuanchaisit, president of the Thai Real Estate Assn.
The Commerce Ministry has launched a “Resilience” strategy aimed at protecting the country’s export sector from global risks, including geopolitical conflicts and trade polarization. The policy seeks to strengthen Thailand’s ability to maintain export growth while navigating an increasingly uncertain global trading environment.
Songkran 2026 travel demand rises as Pattaya leads domestic destinations
For decades, Pattaya has been one of Thailand’s most talked-about tourist destinations. Known for its beaches, nightlife, and lively streets, the coastal city attracts millions of visitors each year. But as discussions on travel forums and social media show, opinions about Pattaya can vary dramatically depending on personal experiences.
The Hostel and Small Accommodation Assn. (Thailand) has urged the new government to continue pushing for a new accommodation act for small hotels, but strongly opposes allowing condo units to be registered as legal lodging.
Indonesia bans elephant riding
This is the story of a Garden of Eden, hidden deep within the jungles of Southeast Asia. A national park that’s home to an almost unimaginable variety of animals. Not only noteworthy for its countless species, Kui Buri National Park in southwestern Thailand is also known for its abundance of large animals, like Asian elephants and wild bovines. The scarce gaur lives here, the world’s largest bovine species, and it is also home to the smaller, ruddy banteng. 
Breathtaking Region Between Phuket And Krabi One Of The World’s Most Welcoming Destinations
Lingering In Chiang Mai: Temples, Tea, And Tranquillity In Northern Thailand
Thailand’s clean power supply and energy trade are poised for changes under the draft Power Development Plan (PDP), which will shape the country’s electricity landscape from 2026 to 2050. The new PDP seeks to accelerate renewable energy projects and introduce nuclear power into the mix, according to energy officials and executives.
Inflation in Venezuela soared to 475% in 2025, the highest in the world, driven by a tightening of US sanctions in the lead-up to the ouster of leader Nicolas Maduro. Full-year inflation far exceeded the International Monetary Fund’s forecast of 270%, figures released by the central bank showed on Friday. 
The Japanese government is moving to abolish the need for most foreign tourists to meet face-to-face with immigration officers to enter the country, as it seeks to streamline entry procedures amid the inbound tourism surge. The Immigration Services Agency said it would instead rely on visitor information collected through an online pre-travel screening system called Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or JESTA, set to launch in fiscal 2028. 
Indonesia will restrict access to social media platforms for children under 16, its communications and digital ministry said on Friday, making it the latest country to install online guardrails to reduce the risks of addiction and cyberbullying. 
Cheap Thai meals at risk as global oil tensions threaten food prices
The Ministry of Transport has ordered a cap on public transport fares as tensions in the Middle East threaten to drive up global energy prices, warning operators not to raise rates beyond legal limits.
It has been six days since the deadly joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, followed by Iran’s retaliatory strikes against mostly American targets in half a dozen Gulf states and against Israel, as people around the world grapple with the economic and geopolitical repercussions.
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI), in cooperation with the Chinese Embassy in Thailand and partners from the public and private sectors, hosted the “Thailand-China Investment Forum: Keys to Success & Sustainable Growth for Chinese Enterprises” on Thursday at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.
Hat Yai is back in business, and now is the time to visit
Thailand’s top 5 getaways this March
Thailand’s low-carbon rice model emerges from Central Plains farmers
US President Donald Trump said y esterday Cuba was next on his agenda after Iran, predicting that the communist-run island, crippled by a US energy blockade, is “gonna fall pretty soon”. “They want to make a deal so badly,” Trump said, a day after suggesting that he would turn to an unspecified project for Cuba after the war against Iran. 
Four years ago, NASA purposely smashed a spacecraft into a small asteroid to see if they could deflect it – a test to prove humanity could protect Earth from threatening space rocks. The experiment pushed the moonlet asteroid Dimorphos into a smaller, faster route around its sibling Didymos – and according to new research out yesterday, it also pushed the pair into a slightly different orbit around the Sun. 
PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) has increased natural gas extraction in the Gulf of Thailand to its maximum possible levels to safeguard national energy security. The move comes in response to potential global energy supply disruptions caused by instability in the Middle East.
Thailand’s Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Natthariya Thaweewong moved yesterday to secure discounted accommodation for foreign tourists stranded by the U.S.–Iran conflict that erupted on Saturday, as hundreds of flights scheduled to land at the country’s main airports were scrapped over the weekend and signals from Washington DC and Tel Aviv indicated the war could last another four to five weeks.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas convened an urgent meeting yesterday with Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun. Joined by Thailand’s ambassador in Washington and private-sector representatives, the meeting aimed to set a national strategy in response to the United States’ new tariff policy and trade-restricting measures.
Two key renewable energy projects pushed by the caretaker government of Anutin Charnvirakul need to be delayed until a new government is formed, says energy Permanent Secretary Veerapat Kiatfuengfoo.
Although the US Supreme Court recently ruled that President Donald Trump could not invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to impose “reciprocal” tariffs on countries, trade uncertainty may intensify, warns Sompop Manarungsan, an analyst focused on the US and Chinese economies. 
A rare astronomical event, a total lunar eclipse, will take place tomorrow, which also falls on Makha Bucha Day. The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand says the Moon will appear brick-red across the entire disk.
A thunderstorm warning has been issued for Prachuap Khiri Khan, with officials urging residents to prepare for thunderstorms and strong winds across the province from tomorrow through Friday.
Food safety training was the focus of a workshop held in Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday, as local food business operators gathered to strengthen hygiene standards and protect consumer health.
Since the government canceled the long-standing prohibition on selling alcoholic beverages between 2-5 pm, in a move aimed at stimulating the economy and tourism, the early assessments indicate the change is likely to increase restaurant revenues by more than 20%, after aligning sales hours more closely with tourist behavior.
Thailand’s exports to Iran, led by canned and processed fruit and rubber-related products, could face disruption risks as fighting involving Iran, the United States, and Israel escalates, raising concerns over logistics, insurance costs, and payment channels for trade with the region.
Medical Tourism Corp. (MTC), a Dallas-based international healthcare facilitation organization, has released its Thailand Dental Tourism Market Research Report 2026, a comprehensive analysis of patient demand patterns, competitive positioning, and strategic growth opportunities across six major Thai cities.
Essential Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Summer Vacation in Thailand
Park rangers drive large herd of elephants off farmland
Prolonged heatwaves grip US and Europe, raising health concerns
