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• Cha Am crab festival/Developer plans new project in Hua Hin
• IRAN INVASION: Trump Signals Prolonged Conflict/NSC Tightens Embassy Security/Foreign Ministry Outlines Evacuation Routes/Many Thai workers in Middle East choose to stay/Thailand braces for oil price shock/PTTEP Boosts Gas Output/Visa waivers, discounted hotel stays/Stranded Tourists Granted Visa Amnesty/Phuket Offers Aid to Tourists/Thai EXIM Bank Unveils Emergency Relief/Stocks slide, inflation fears/Closure of Strait of Hormuz/Hormuz crisis disrupts trade/Drones hit US embassy in Riyadh
• ECONOMY: Thai government braces for US tariffs
• TOURISM: Navigating Thailand’s Tourism Challenges/Don Mueang to open 24-hour automated departure gates
• THAILAND EXPERIENCE:What I Loved and Hated About Thailand/Phetchaburi’s palm sugar
• CLIMATE THAILAND: Two key renewable projects face delay
• FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Cha Am crab festival set for March 14-21

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.

Organized along the beachfront, the eight-day event, officially titled “Chim Pu Chak @ Cha Am”, will focus on fresh seafood sourced from local waters, alongside Thai dishes prepared by vendors from the area. Visitors can expect a large selection of crab-based dishes, including steamed crab, spicy salads, and traditional seafood recipes popular in Phetchaburi province. Continued …

Developer plans new project in Hua Hin

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.

The company plans to launch 42 new residential projects worth a combined 55 billion baht, with eight projects valued at 8 billion baht located in provincial markets. New destinations include Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Hat Yai in Songkhla, Saraburi, Chon Buri, and Chanthaburi, adding to the 14 provinces where AP already operates. Continued … 

Trump Signals Prolonged Conflict in Iran as ‘Big Wave’ Looms

US President Donald Trump has signaled that the US military campaign against Iran may be more protracted than initially anticipated, even as he maintains that the most devastating phase of the assault has yet to begin.

In a series of weekend communications and a Monday morning interview with CNN, the 79-year-old president sought to clarify the objectives of Operation Epic Fury, which he described as the “last best chance” to neutralize Washington’s long-standing adversary. Continued … 

NSC Tightens Embassy Security Amid Middle East Attacks

The National Security Council (NSC) has ordered intensified intelligence monitoring and tightened security at the embassies of the United States, Israel, and Iran in Bangkok, as authorities respond to tensions linked to the Middle East conflict.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said measures are in place and officials have also identified the number of Thai nationals wishing to return home from the Middle East. Continued … 

Thai Foreign Ministry Outlines Complex Evacuation Routes Amid Middle East Escalation

Thailand Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow has warned that the conflict in the Middle East has evolved beyond a limited strike on nuclear facilities and is likely to become a “prolonged” engagement. Speaking after a National Security Council (NSC) meeting at Government House yesterday, the minister detailed urgent plans to repatriate Thai citizens as regional tensions soar.

The minister revealed that any evacuation of Thai nationals from Iran would require a difficult 1,000-kilometer road journey to the Turkish border, from which they would board connecting flights. Continued … 

Many Thai workers in Middle East choose to stay on despite escalating conflict

Many Thai workers in the Middle East said they do not want to return to Thailand despite the escalating conflict involving Iran and a US-Israel military coalition, with Thai residents posting updates on social media.

Thai people living and working in the region, particularly in Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), shared photos and videos of themselves running to bunkers during air strikes on their social media accounts and in Facebook groups for Thai communities in each country. Continued … 

Thailand braces for oil price shock

PTTEP Boosts Gas Output Amid Middle East Unrest

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.

The company is also postponing non-essential maintenance at its gas fields to ensure an uninterrupted supply to the national grid. Yesterday, PTTEP confirmed it had activated its comprehensive Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to shield Thailand from the impact of international energy shocks. The measures are designed to insulate the Thai public and industrial sectors from potential shortages. The company said it is monitoring the situation with “the utmost vigilance”. Continued … 

Visa waivers, discounted hotel stays and 2,000 baht a person per day for stranded tourists

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.

Meanwhile, Immigration Bureau authorities confirmed a waiver of overstay penalties for genuine tourists unable to leave, and the ministry announced support payments of B2,000 per day capped at B20,000 per person. Continued … 

Stranded Tourists Granted Visa Amnesty as Middle East Airspace Closure Paralyzes Flights

The Thai Immigration Bureau has announced emergency relief measures for foreign nationals stranded within the Kingdom following the abrupt closure of Middle East airspace.

The move aims to assist thousands of travelers caught in a legal limbo after hostilities in the region led to a total suspension of many international flight paths. Major aviation hubs across the Middle East have remained inaccessible for the past four days, preventing tourists and business travelers from returning home. Continued … 

Phuket Offers Aid to Tourists Affected by Flight Delays

Phuket officials are urging hotels and tour operators to assist tourists affected by flight disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Collaboration efforts are in place with the Phuket Tourism Assn. and the Thai Hotels Assn. to support those whose travel plans have been complicated by flight schedule changes.

The proposed measures include waiving fees for rescheduling or canceling bookings, offering special rates for extended stays, and providing updated travel guidance. Disrupted flight operations have impacted major airports such as Phuket, Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Chiang Mai. Continued … 

Thai EXIM Bank Unveils Emergency Relief as Middle East Tensions Burn Through Trade Routes

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.

Chalat Rattanabunnithi, managing director of EXIM Bank, announced the measures yesterday, citing the “direct impact” of the volatility on Thai international trade. The Middle East remains a critical corridor for the kingdom, representing 6% of total trade value. In 2025 alone, Thai exports to the region topped $12 billion, while imports — primarily energy — surged to $28 billion. Continued … 

Stocks slide as Middle East conflict fans inflation fears

Stocks resumed their selloff and ‌the dollar strengthened in early Asian trading today as investors considered the implications of US and Israeli strikes on Iran on energy prices and the global economy.

“Economic policy uncertainty was already elevated and now with the Iran conflict, the geopolitical risk is expected to rise, too,” said Rupal Agarwal, Asia quant strategist at Bernstein in Singapore. “Last ‌time both spiked was in 2022 during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which didn’t work well for Asian markets.” Continued … 

Iran announces closure of Strait of Hormuz and threatens vessels that enter

Iran announced this morning the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most important shipping routes — while threatening to set fire to any vessel that attempts to pass through, amid sharply escalating tensions in the Middle East.

A commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the strait had been ordered “closed” following multiple explosions along the key oil-export route in recent days. Continued … 

Hormuz crisis disrupts trade as freight rates double, exporters warn

Thanakorn Kasetsuwan, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC), said escalating tensions in the Middle East between Iran, Israel, and the United States are severely affecting supply chains and the mechanisms of global trade. The crisis has had an immediate impact on maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf.

The latest information indicates that a large number of cargo vessels have been forced to drop anchor and stop moving to assess the situation. Shipping lines have had to avoid the Strait of Hormuz and other high-risk areas, switching to routes around the African continent via the Cape of Good Hope. Continued … 

Drones hit US embassy in Riyadh

In the early hours of today, foreign media reported a fire at the US embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Reuters, citing two sources, said the fire broke out after an explosion.

Meanwhile, four witnesses told AFP they heard a loud blast and saw smoke rising over the diplomatic quarter, which hosts multiple embassies and residences for foreign diplomats in Riyadh. Continued … 

Thai government considers 150-day measures to brace for US tariffs

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.

Ekniti said the emergency meeting with the foreign affairs and commerce ministers, together with private-sector representatives, was carried out under a Cabinet mandate assigning the three key economic ministries to integrate efforts and define the country’s strategy. Continued …

Navigating Thailand’s Tourism Challenges Amid Rising Oil Costs and Global Tensions

The economic landscape in Thailand is undergoing significant changes as Middle East tensions and the resulting surge in global oil prices create shockwaves throughout its markets. These rising oil costs, primarily driven by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz following military actions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, have begun to significantly impact key industries in Thailand, particularly airlines and tourism.

The geopolitical crisis has already triggered a surge in energy stocks, posing a major challenge for those reliant on jet fuel and travel. Airlines, including Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and Asia Aviation, are facing mounting fuel costs, potentially leading to profitability declines. At the same time, Thailand’s robust medical tourism sector may also suffer as Middle Eastern patients cancel visits. Continued …

Don Mueang to open 24-hour automated departure gates on Thursday

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.

Immigration checkpoint is now ready to operate the automated gates around the clock, deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Periswiwatana said today. Continued … 

What I Loved and Hated About Traveling in Thailand

Thailand sells a powerful dream: golden temples, turquoise bays, fragrant street food, and smiles at every turn. Much of that dream is still real, and traveling here can be one of the most rewarding experiences in Southeast Asia.

Yet, Thailand in 2026 is not the same place many backpackers fell in love with a decade ago. Costs are higher, crowds thicker, and the fine print of travel has become more complex. After several extended trips, here is what I genuinely loved about traveling in Thailand, and what I learned to hate enough to plan differently next time. Continued … 

Phetchaburi’s palm sugar: the sweet heart of the ‘City of Three Flavors’

The sweetness found in many Thai desserts in Phetchaburi comes mainly from the toddy palm tree, known in Thai as “Tanot”. These trees are grown in abundance in the province, especially in Ban Lat district.

Toddy palms in Phetchaburi have produced high-quality palm sugar since ancient times. The province’s famous palm sugar is sweet, fragrant, and delectable, and it is essential for making a wide range of local delicacies such as Khanom Mo Kaeng Sangkhaya (Thai custard) and Khanom Tan (toddy palm cake). Continued …

Two key renewable projects face delay

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.

A solar-powered water pump project and the direct power purchase agreement (PPA) still require approval from the National Energy Policy Council (NEPC), chaired by the prime minister. Continued … 

Arrest Warrants Issued For Ben Smith Over Bt1-billion Fraud

Arrest warrants have been issued for Ben Smith, also known as Benjamin Mauerberger, and his wife, Katriya Beaver, on charges of transnational investment fraud and money laundering, with alleged losses exceeding 1 billion baht. The warrants were approved on March 2 following an investigation by The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). Continued … 

• Tycoon arrested off first class flight, convicted in Pattaya of fraud and forgery – Continued …
• Drunk Indian Jet Ski Rider Injures Russian Tourist at Jomtien – Continued … 

Trump expected to continue tariff binge

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. Continued … 

Hua Hin Links and Transport

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