- Reader Feedback: Taxi fare increases/Swedes arrested in Hua Hin/What your old phone is worth
- WAR IN IRAN: Middle East war escalates/Cheap Thai meals at risk/Public transport fares capped/Thailand Bans Fuel and LPG Exports/Thailand oil reserves revised to 95 days/Oil surges toward $100/To curb price shocks/Asia’s options to diversify energy sources/Iran Conflict Could Reshape Energy Strategies/Thai Embassy in Iran to Temporarily Relocate/42 flights at Bangkok airport canceled/Gulf carriers resume limited flights/Thailand speeds Middle East evacuations/Alleged Assault by Israeli in Phuket/Say no to the US-led rule of the jungle
- ECONOMY: Thailand–China Investment Forum
- TOURISM: Immigration Tightens Visa Rules/Thailand Denies Airport Extortion/Luring tourists with gastronomy and wellness/Global Wellness Summit in Phuket
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Phetchaburi showcases gastronomy/Hat Yai is back in business/Top 5 getaways this March
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand’s low-carbon rice model
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Re: Taxi fare increases
“Although the government had legally prohibited fare increases for taxis, Bolt, and other ride-hailing services, I was confronted with a 66% price hike on Thursday. What cost 108 baht on Monday was now 180 baht! And that was even for a fully electric vehicle.” – RBM
3 Swedes arrested, two in Hua Hin, over drug trafficking network
Police have launched “Operation PANDORA”, targeting foreign fugitives and illegal residents suspected of links to international organized crime networks. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested three Swedish nationals believed to be connected to a major online drug trafficking platform operating on the darknet.
Authorities arrested Robert, 47, a Swedish national, at a residence in Soi Lat Phrao 87 in Wang Thonglang district, Bangkok. Two other Swedish nationals, Daniel, 39 and John, 33, were detained in Hua Hin district. Both were considered prohibited persons under Thailand’s Immigration Act B.E. 2522, Section 12 (7) and (8), due to suspicions that they posed a threat to public safety or were wanted by foreign authorities. Continued …
Mobile trade-in values for 2026: What your old phone is worth now
The Thai premium smartphone market has entered a high-stakes season following the official debut of the Samsung Galaxy S26 on Feb. 26. With a starting price of 41,900 baht, the flagship’s arrival has set a new benchmark for the high-end segment this year, closely followed by the March 2 launch of the iPad Air M4, which entered the market at 21,900 baht and iPhone 17e, which entered the market at 22,900 baht.
In response to these major releases, current trade-in valuations across Thailand have been updated to reflect the shifting second-hand market. This guide aims to provide consumers with a clear understanding of the trade-in credits available for their existing hardware as they look to upgrade to the latest technology. Continued …
Middle East war escalates
Fresh strikes rocked Iran and Lebanon yesterday, as Israel vowed to escalate to a new phase in the Middle East war that has spiraled rapidly throughout the region and beyond. Images from Beirut’s southern suburbs showed mangled buildings and burned-out vehicles after heavy Israeli bombing overnight, with tens of thousands fleeing the destruction.
The war, which has now entered its eighth day, has dragged in global powers, upended the world’s energy and transport sectors, and brought chaos to even usually peaceful areas of the volatile region. Continued …
Cheap Thai meals at risk as global oil tensions threaten food prices
For many visitors, Pattaya’s biggest everyday pleasure has always been simple and affordable: a plate of rice and curry for a few baht, a quick noodle bowl on a street corner, or a late-night snack after the beach. But that long-standing bargain may soon come under pressure.
Thai officials are warning that escalating conflict in the Middle East — and the resulting surge in global oil prices — could push up the cost of everyday meals across the country, a change that tourists may soon feel directly in their wallets. Continued …
Public transport fares capped amid Mideast tensions
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.
The ministry has set up a monitoring “war room” to track developments and oversee transport operators nationwide, aiming to ensure fares and freight charges remain within legally permitted levels. Authorities have also asked service providers to freeze fares while the government maintains the domestic diesel price cap. Continued …
Thailand Bans Fuel and LPG Exports Amid Supply Fears
The Royal Gazette has published a prime minister’s order temporarily banning exports of refined petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to prevent a potential domestic fuel shortage. The measure comes amid escalating conflict in the Middle East that has disrupted key shipping routes. The order took effect immediately upon its publication yesterday.
The export suspension applies to refined petroleum products, including gasoline, gasohol or base gasoline, high-speed diesel, and Jet A-1 aviation fuel, as well as LPG. Oil traders governed by Thailand’s fuel trade law must halt exports of these fuels outside the Kingdom until further notice. Continued …
Thailand oil reserves revised to 95 days after new supply confirmed
Thailand is preparing to tighten fuel exports and bolster domestic stockpiles, with Energy Minister Attapol Ruekpibul saying that Thailand’s oil reserves and confirmed incoming supply should be enough for about 95 days.
Attapol said the earlier estimate of 60 days’ oil reserves had been revised to reflect the real figures. Thailand currently holds about 65 days of reserves, plus an additional 30 days of supply from sources outside the Middle East, which would bring total cover to roughly 95 days when combined with existing reserves. Continued …
Oil surges toward $100 as Iran war disrupts supply
Crude oil prices surged toward $100 per barrel as the escalating conflict involving Iran triggered major disruptions to global fuel supplies. CNBC reported that US crude prices yesterday recorded their biggest weekly gain in the history of the futures market, as intensifying conflict in the Middle East caused significant turmoil in global energy supply.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude jumped 12.2%, or $9.89, to close at $90.90 per barrel. Brent crude, the global benchmark, rose 8.5%, or $7.28, to settle at $92.69 per barrel. Continued …
Commerce Ministry moves to curb price shocks from oil surge
The war in the Middle East has intensified, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key strategic route for global oil shipments, has caused world oil prices to surge rapidly. This has raised concerns over energy shortages and wider repercussions for the global economy.
For Thailand, although its trade value with the countries involved in the conflict in the Middle East is not particularly high, the indirect impact of soaring oil prices remains a major risk factor. Continued …
Asia’s options to diversify energy sources limited
Asian energy buyers are scrambling to find alternatives as the Iran war creates unprecedented supply disruption, but the region has limited longer-term options to reduce its heavy reliance on Middle Eastern oil.
The world’s top crude importing region buys 60% of its oil and petrochemical feedstock from the Middle East, where the war that started with Israeli and US attacks on Iran nearly a week ago has pushed up global energy prices and threatens to drive inflation and hurt economic growth. Continued …
How the Iran Conflict Could Reshape Energy Strategies, Supply Chains, and Market Entry Plans in ASEAN
The escalation involving Iran introduces a new risk factor for companies considering investment or expansion in Southeast Asia. Immediate effects include rising crude oil prices, increased maritime insurance premiums, and disruptions along key shipping routes linking the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
These factors heighten overall costs and introduce volatility into supply chains, requiring renewed project risk assessments and strategic adjustments. ASEAN countries vary significantly in energy dependence, export focus, fiscal health, and currency management. Energy-importing nations face inflation and fiscal strain, while export-centric economies endure longer transit times and cash flow challenges. Continued …
Thai Embassy in Iran to Temporarily Relocate to Turkey
Thailand’s embassy in Tehran will temporarily relocate to Turkey as t,he escalating US–Israel war against Iran raises safety concerns for Thai nationals living in the country. The move follows growing risks to life and property as the conflict intensifies across the region.
Thai authorities say the embassy will suspend operations in the Iranian capital and reopen in the Turkish city of Van on Tuesday, March 10. Officials determined that the ongoing conflict had significantly increased the danger for Thai staff and citizens residing in the country. As a precaution, diplomatic operations are being transferred across the border to Turkey while the situation is monitored. Continued …
42 flights at Bangkok airport canceled by Mideast conflict
More than 42 flights on the Bangkok-Middle East routes were disrupted yesterday due to the closures of airspace after the war against Iran by the United States and Israel. Suvarnabhumi International Airport office said 20 departing flights to Middle East destinations and 22 arriving flights operated by seven airlines were canceled as yesterday.
The latest report brings the total number of disrupted flights at Suvarnabhumi airport, in both directions, to 292 since Washington and Tel Aviv unleashed the first wave of air strikes on Iran on Saturday. Continued …
Gulf carriers resume limited flights, but missile fire fuels uncertainty
Emirates and Etihad Airways were resuming limited flight schedules to key global cities from their United Arab Emirates hubs yesterday, though the ongoing threat of missile fire piled pressure on airlines as they scramble to accommodate travelers.
With most airspace in the Middle East still closed over missile and drone concerns since the start of the US-Israel war against Iran, authorities have been arranging charter flights and securing seats on limited commercial services to evacuate tens of thousands of people. Continued …
Thailand speeds Middle East evacuations
Thailand is accelerating the evacuation of its nationals from the Middle East, with plans under way to move 125 people out of Iran.
The government has established the Middle East Situation Management and Monitoring Center to closely track the fighting and coordinate assistance for Thai nationals affected both in the region and elsewhere. Officials stressed that there have so far been no reports of Thai nationals being injured or killed. Continued …
Middle Eastern Conflict Argument Leads to Alleged Assault by Israeli in Phuket
An Israeli national allegedly assaulted a European man on Bangla Road, Phuket, following a dispute related to the escalating Middle Eastern conflict. The confrontation reportedly involved aggressive behavior toward a Thai police officer who attempted to intervene.
The dispute between the Israeli man and the older European arose over disagreements on Middle Eastern tensions, escalating into a physical altercation. Despite police presence, the Israeli continued aggressive behavior, allegedly pushing the officer. Continued …
Why it matters for Thailand to say no to the US-led rule of the jungle
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.
The civilian death toll has surpassed one thousand, according to both US-based and Iranian sources, including 168 schoolgirls reportedly killed in a still-disputed strike on an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran. Eleven people in Israel have been killed so far. The Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed. Continued …
Thailand–China Investment Forum Draws 800+ Investors
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.
The event attracted more than 800 Chinese investors currently based in Thailand and aimed to highlight investment opportunities in targeted industries while explaining key regulations and best practices for operating in the country. Over 20 partner agencies also set up consultation booths to provide guidance to businesses. Continued …
Immigration Tightens Visa Rules to Combat Transnational Crime
Thailand is intensifying its border security and visa extension screenings to deter transnational criminals. Following orders from Deputy National Police Chief Samran Nuanma, the Immigration Police will enforce stricter measures at entry points and scrutinize visa applications linked to Middle East unrest. This initiative aims to prevent exploitation of legal loopholes by criminals seeking refuge in the country.
In a meeting yesterday, the Center for Suppression of Transnational Criminals and Illegal Immigration was mobilized to enhance security nationwide. Unit commanders participated to devise strategies that strengthen existing measures. The focus is on tightening border controls, increasing surveillance at key locations, and closely inspecting travelers from watchlist countries. Continued …
Thailand Denies Airport Extortion Allegations
Thai immigration authorities have rejected reports alleging extortion and improper entry refusals at the country’s international airports, stating that the claims are inaccurate and misrepresent standard immigration procedures. Officials said travelers are only denied entry when they fail to meet established requirements that are widely applied by immigration agencies worldwide.
The clarification was issued yesterday in response to an article published by Cambodian outlet Khmer Times, which alleged that Cambodian and Indian nationals were being detained at Thai airports, forced to book immediate return flights, and charged an illicit “service fee” of 1,000 baht. Continued …
How Thailand is luring tourists with gastronomy and wellness
In hospitality circles, there’s been a lot of chatter about the next big trend in luxury travel, from personalized itineraries to yacht cruises. For Thailand, the answer is simple: Healing, through both gastronomy and wellness.
Thailand is already well known for its dishes, with some of its most popular exports like pad Thai, tom yum goong, and mango sticky rice found in all corners of the globe. But for those who truly want to experience the diversity of Thai cuisine, a gastronomy tour of the country can take you to destinations both well-traveled and little known. Continued …
Global Wellness Summit to Hold 20th Anniversary Event in Phuket
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), a gathering of leaders in the global wellness economy, has announced that its 20th annual conference will take place in Phuket from Nov. 10-13. The event,which will be the largest Global Wellness Summit to date, will convene CEOs of leading wellness companies, physicians and academics, investors, technology innovators, and policymakers for four days examining the forces transforming all eleven sectors of the wellness economy, from wellness tourism and physical activity to mental wellness, beauty, spas, and wellness real estate, with a lens on the evolving longevity landscape.
Among the world’s top 25 wellness markets, Thailand ranked #7 in wellness market growth from 2023 to 2024 (at 10.1%), according to GWI’s latest Global Wellness Economy: Country Ranking Report. Even more striking, its wellness tourism sector expanded by 36.4% — approximately three times the global average — underscoring the country’s growing influence as a premier wellness destination. Continued …
Phetchaburi showcases sweet, salty, sour in UNESCO gastronomy network
Located on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand, about 123 kilometers southwest of Bangkok, Phetchaburi — literally meaning the “City of Diamonds”— is rich in natural resources and culinary expertise, supported by abundant biodiversity and varied ecosystems.
The province was designated a “Creative City of Gastronomy” in November 2021 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Phuket was earlier included in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of gastronomy, followed by Phetchaburi in 2021 and Songkhla in 2025. Continued …
Hat Yai is back in business, and now is the time to visit
Hat Yai – the buzzing southern city recently hit by record-breaking floods – is back on its feet. And thanks to a new wave of young creatives determined to rebuild and reimagine it from the ground up, it’s quickly becoming one of Thailand’s most intriguing comeback stories.
Thailand kicked off 2026 with record-breaking tourist numbers in the first two weeks of 2026, with Malaysians making the second largest source market for visitors after the Chinese, many crossing the southern border in search of a weekend escape. And instead of flying north to Phuket or Bangkok, more are pulling up in Hat Yai. Continued …
Thailand’s top 5 getaways this March
March brings a livelier energy to Thailand’s getaway scene, with food, wine, and travel experiences worth planning around. Khao Yai leads with two distinctive reasons to leave the city – the once-a-month forest bar K-BAR at Khao Yai Art Forest and GranMonte’s hands-on harvest season among the vines.
Phuket draws attention with a one-night chef collaboration at Aulis and crispy Peking duck Fridays at Yue Restaurant & Bar, while Le Méridien Chiang Rai tempts travelers with early-booking travel fair deals. For something more romantic, Silavadee Pool Spa Resort in Koh Samui offers private pool villas and honeymoon indulgence by the sea. Continued …
Thailand’s low-carbon rice model emerges from Central Plains farmers
Thailand’s rice industry is currently facing mounting challenges, particularly in the white rice segment, which has been hit by falling prices and intense competition from rival producers such as India and Vietnam, both of which have lower production costs.
Jasmine rice, particularly Hom Mali 105 and RD15, has continued to hold on to its premium market position. However, a key problem lies in rice farming in the Central Plains, where strong irrigation systems allow farmers to accelerate dry-season production of off-season rice varieties that are not sensitive to photoperiod. Continued …
Trump: Cuba ‘next’ on agenda after Iran
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. Continued …
NASA defense test kicked asteroid off course — and changed its orbit around the sun
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. Continued …
Hua Hin Links and Transport
Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
The Cha Am crab festival will take place from March 1-21 at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint, celebrating the town’s well-known blue swimming crab and its coastal food culture.
Developer AP Thailand is sharpening its focus on provincial expansion this year, increasing launches outside Greater Bangkok by entering at least five new provinces, despite maintaining a cautious rollout plan.
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.
Thailand’s state-owned Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank) has triggered an emergency rescue package for domestic businesses caught in the crossfire of the escalating Middle East conflict. The bank has moved to freeze debt repayments for up to a year and slash interest rates as the regional crisis begins to choke vital shipping lanes.
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.
Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok will open its new 24-hour Automated Border Control (ABC) passport gates for departures on Thursday, to reduce queues for the convenience of passengers. The opening follows a trial period in mid-February when the gates were available only from 7 am to 7 pm.
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.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Air Force commander to prepare aircraft to evacuate Thai nationals stranded in Iran, placing all relevant agencies on 24-hour standby. The order was issued yesterday as tensions in the Middle East escalate.
The rapid escalation of conflict in the Gulf region is once again reminding the world how closely geopolitics, markets, and tourism are intertwined. As military action involving the United States and Israel against Iran reverberates across the Middle East, reports of retaliatory strikes and heightened security alerts have created understandable concern well beyond the immediate region.
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
Israeli doctors reattach Palestinian boy’s head in pioneering surgery
Move Forward will tie 450-baht wage raise with other benefits
‘Novids’ warned as Covid on the rise
Siriraj Hospital Says All Beds For Critical Covid Patients Full
Ministry vows to keep tabs on prices
Thailand sets its sights on hi-tech cooperation with China
Oil price volatility expected later this year
Knowing Thailand, Vietnam’s tourism problems are clear
Chinese Tour Groups Visiting Thailand Still Down by 90% Compared to 2019
Thailand a top digital nomad destination
Antarctic ocean circulation slowing rapidly
Bangkok hottest in Thailand on Thursday as temperature soars past 50C
Six people caught allegedly trapping macaques at temple in Phetchaburi
With plastic-eating machines, Thai communities turn a profit fighting pollution
Thousands flee into Thailand amid renewed Myanmar fighting
Weed conundrum polarizes society ahead of election
How medical cannabis is changing the lives of Thai patients
Thailand’s promised cannabis bonanza disappoints as politicians trade blame
Thailand’s First Cannabis Greenhouse: Step Forward for Medical Cannabis Industry
Why ASEAN countries should not look at Thailand for legalizing medical cannabis
5 Thai beaches appear on list of top 100 beaches in the world
High flight costs said due to strong and swift recovery in tourism
Thailand to accept electronic VOA applications for 17 countries
Thai medical tourism market to recover to pre-Covid level in 2023
Phuket Close to a Drought, Phuket Officials Urge Residents to Save Water
Pattaya, Navy Helping Koh Larn Cope With Water Shortage
