Feedback Re: Pattaya tourist trash/Modern Spine Treatments in Hua Hin/Anzac Day/Miracle of the Three Bays City Fair/Rama 2 Delayed Again/Diesel prices cut by/Smog levels ‘critical’

• THE IRAN WAR: Prolonged Natural Gas Surge/Aviation faces geopolitical turbulence
• ECONOMY: Consumer spending set to drop/Thailand weighs emergency borrowing/Senate Pushes 3% VAT Increase/Push for US semiconductor investment/Projects to Empower Entrepreneurs/Thailand’s Turbulent Cannabis Industry
• TOURISM: US Visa Applicants Must Make Social Media Public/Thai Airways Cancels 46 Routes/Stimulus needed for regional tourism/Pattaya Songkran Wan Lai/flydubai to launch daily Bangkok flights
• THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand’s Krabi Coast from NASA images/Thailand lands five spots on TIME’s must-visit list
• CLIMATE THAILAND: Natural gas key to economic growth/Low-interest green loans/Global heating threatens life expectancy
• HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Please welcome our newest Sponsor:

Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students

Vilhelm International Academy launched in March 2026 and has is campus at “The Hub” in Hin Lek Fai, less than 10 minutes from the center of town. They provide mentor-led academic supervision for students studying through accredited online school programs, whether independently enrolled or through integrated programs offered at Vilhelm. This means that students follow a fixed timetable, complete coursework under supervision, and receive ongoing progress monitoring.  They can do this whist studying for their GCSE’s, A-Levels, NCAA approved US courses, or any other online school they choose to use.

Unlike more traditional options, at the academy children can learn at their own pace, not being forced forward before they are ready and also not being held back by the rest of the class. When they are ready to move on they do so. By coming to the academy each day, they are able to complement their studies with activities that develop leadership skills, community service (such as the recent helmet initiative), complemented by daily sports and physical activity to support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

You can visit the website for more details, or you can book an appointment to meet with the academy co-ordinator to discuss what you are looking for and explain what they can offer. There is a completely free five-day trial period that can be taken advantage of by anyone interested in seeing if the academy is the right fit for them.

Website; Email: info@vilhelminternationalacademy.com; Phone: +66 065 991 5500; Facebook; Map location.

Re: Pattaya tourist trash

“Pattaya Beach struggles with growing trash problem as tourists leave litter behind despite nearby bins! Absolute bs that it’s always tourists! This very day I saw Thais not only chucking trash from their cars and bikes but also on the beach. The Thais are the worst dumpers of trash I’ve ever experienced!” Peter

Editor: The headline says “tourists” and tourists can mean both foreigners and Thais.

Modern Spine Treatments Now Available in Hua Hin

Neck and lower back pain rank among the most widespread health concerns worldwide. Years of desk work, sports such as golf and tennis, frequent travel, or previous injuries can gradually take their toll on the spine. Left unaddressed, the discomfort can disrupt sleep, limit mobility, and diminish overall quality of life.

Dr. Phark Thanphraisan, an anesthesiologist specializing in pain medicine at Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, notes that most patients rightly begin with conservative measures — medication, physical therapy, stretching, yoga, or acupuncture. These approaches bring relief to many. Yet for some, pain persists despite months of dedicated treatment. Continued … 

Miracle of the Three Bays City Fair set for April 24-May 4

The Miracle of the Three Bays City Fair and Red Cross Festival will return to Prachuap Khiri Khan from April 24 to May 4, with organizers preparing a wide-ranging program of exhibitions, performances, and charity activities.

The fair aims to promote tourism, stimulate the local economy, and raise awareness of the traditions, cultural heritage, and local knowledge that shape the identity of the province’s eight districts. The event will take place at King Rama IX Commemorative Park in front of the provincial hall, along the Prachuap Bay coastal road and at Saranwithi Bridge. Entry will be free of charge. Continued … 

Rama 2 Road Construction in Bangkok Delayed Again

Construction on Rama 2 Road in Bangkok will now extend until mid-2027, according to a new timeline set by Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. This delay stems from escalating costs in fuel and construction materials, affecting multiple projects on the road.

These works have already caused significant inconvenience, with the road’s reputation as “Thanon Jed Shua Khot,” translating to the “seven-generation road,” highlighting the prolonged disruptions experienced by motorists and residents. Continued … 

Diesel prices cut by 1.20 baht a liter

Thai motorists are paying less for diesel from today after PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp. (BCP) announced a B1.20-per-liter reduction in retail diesel prices, following a decision by the Oil Fuel Fund Management Committee on Sunday. The new prices took effect on today from 5 am. Petrol and gasohol prices remain unchanged.

The price adjustment came after the committee approved changes to Oil Fuel Fund contribution and compensation rates for both diesel and petrol products, saying the move was intended to reflect weakening global oil prices and allow lower retail diesel prices. Continued … 

Smog levels ‘critical’ in the north, Nan worst affected

Air pollution has reached critical levels in 10 northern provinces, the Pollution Control Department (PCD) warned yesterday, with Nan recording the worst smog, as PM2.5 dust levels nationwide exceeded safety standards in 31 provinces.

Excessive PM2.5 levels were detected in 31 provinces – Chiang Mai, Nan, Mae Hong Son, Phayao, Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Lop Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Khon Kaen, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani. Continued … 

Middle East Turmoil Drives Prolonged Natural Gas Surge, High Electricity Costs for 2+ Years

The Middle East conflict has caused liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices to surge by over 91%, rising from USD 10.7 to USD 20.5 per million BTU between February and April. This spike was triggered by supply disruptions, particularly damage to Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas field, which accounts for 17% of its capacity, reducing global LNG supply by 3%.

Recovery of this supply is expected to take 3–5 years. Persistent disruptions and high demand in Asia and Europe will keep LNG prices elevated, though increased U.S. production and alternative energy adoption should help balance supply and demand after two years. Continued … 

Global aviation faces geopolitical turbulence

The ongoing Middle East conflict poses significant headwinds for global aviation, as airports in the region serve as critical global aviation hubs, handling roughly 10% of worldwide air traffic. Airspace closures and damage to aviation infrastructure are disrupting Europe-Asia routes and global connectivity.

Beyond the operational disruptions, the conflict is weighing on demand through higher oil prices and elevated safety concerns, which are already prompting some passengers to postpone or cancel trips, or shift toward shorter, intra-regional routes. Continued … 

Grim outlook as consumer spending power set to drop

The outlook for the retail and wholesale sector looks grim, as consumer spending power is expected to decline in the coming months, alongside anticipated rising goods prices, according to the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Assn.

After the Songkran festival, consumers are facing a bitter reality: persistently high energy costs, rising consumer goods prices influenced by the war in the Middle East, and upcoming back-to-school expenses for their children, said Somchai Pornrattanacharoen, honorary adviser to the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Assn. Continued … 

Thailand weighs emergency borrowing decree

Thailand is considering issuing an emergency decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow T500 billion baht as the government braces for twin threats from soaring energy costs and a looming super El Niño.

The prolonged conflict in the Middle East, which has continued since Feb. 28, has pushed up global energy prices and is expected to affect Thailand’s economy and inflation this year. Against that backdrop, the government has begun weighing the use of an emergency borrowing decree to prepare for both the energy crisis and climate-related disruptions. Continued … 

Senate Pushes 3% VAT Increase in Thailand Tax Reform

Thailand’s Senate committee has proposed a tax reform plan to tackle the country’s fiscal deficit, suggesting an increase in value-added tax (VAT) from 7% to 10%. If approved, the proposals will be submitted to the Cabinet for potential implementation.

Thailand has faced budget deficits averaging 4% of GDP over the past decade, surpassing the fiscal sustainability threshold of 3%. The committee warned that public debt might hit the legal ceiling by 2027-2029, necessitating further borrowing. The proposed tax reforms focus mainly on consumption-based taxes, with a significant emphasis on increasing VAT to support welfare spending for the aging population. Continued … 

Thailand intensifies push for US semiconductor investment

Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the Board of Investment (BOI), said Ekniti Nitithanprapas, deputy prime minister and finance minister, led Team Thailand on a visit to Washington, D.C., in the United States from April 13–17, to attend the IMF-World Bank spring meetings, while also expanding cooperation with partner countries and leading economic organizations. Their goal was to attract investment from target companies in advanced technology industries, particularly semiconductors, which are growing rapidly as demand surges in response to AI technology.

The global semiconductor market is expected to exceed US$1 trillion by the end of 2026, four years earlier than previously forecast by the Semiconductor Association, and it is regarded as a new-generation industry in which countries are competing for investment to strengthen competitiveness and technological security. Continued … 

Trade Office Rolling Out 680 Projects to Empower Entrepreneurs

In today’s Trade 5.0 landscape, global competition is no longer defined solely by “price”. Instead, it is driven by “trust” and “value” that buyers can genuinely experience and verify — from the origin of raw materials and production standards to the storytelling that gives each brand its identity and distinction.

With this shift, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) has reaffirmed its mission to strengthen the capabilities of Thai entrepreneurs and expand their access to international markets. To achieve this, the department is advancing the “Think Thailand: Next Level” campaign to elevate Thai products and services that reflect the nation’s identity, culture, and inherent strengths. Continued … 

From Legalization to Limbo: Thailand’s Turbulent Cannabis Industry

Four years ago, Thailand became the Weed Wonderland of the East. You couldn’t turn a corner in Bangkok or Pattaya without seeing a big green neon cannabis leaf. In Southeast Asia, which is notorious for having some of the world’s harshest drug laws, it was a first.

Previously, Thailand had the largest incarcerated population in the region, of which 80% of inmates were convicted of drug offenses. The Land of Smiles regularly imposed the death penalty for narcotics offenses, with inmates marching through Bangkok’s Bangkwan prison, chains rattling, to face the firing squad. Continued … 

US Embassy Bangkok Orders Visa Applicants to Make Social Media Public

The US Embassy in Bangkok has again announced that all applicants for a wide range of US nonimmigrant visas must set their social media accounts to public. The requirement is effective immediately and applies to multiple visa categories, with officials stating it is intended to support identity verification and admissibility screening under US law. Failure to comply will result in delays to visa processing.

The embassy posted the update on its official Facebook page yesterday, stating that the policy is designed to facilitate vetting procedures. It applies to applicants for A-3, C-3 (domestic worker), G-5, H-1B, H-3, H-4 dependents of H-1B and H-3, F, M, J, K-1, K-2, K-3, Q, R-1, R-2, S, T and U nonimmigrant visa categories. Applicants are required to adjust privacy settings on all social media accounts to public to allow screening authorities to review available information. Continued … 

Thai Airways Cancels 46 Routes Across Asia and Europe in May

Thai Airways International has announced a significant reduction in flight services, impacting a total of 46 routes across Asia and Europe throughout May. The airline cites increased oil costs and decreased passenger demand during the low tourism season as primary reasons for these adjustments.

To assist affected travelers, Thai Airways has prepared alternative arrangements through agents. Domestic routes experiencing cancellations include flights from Bangkok to Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, and Khon Kaen, running from May 1 to May 31. On the international front, affected routes from Bangkok cover destinations such as Hyderabad, New Delhi, Mumbai, Singapore, and several other cities in Asia. Flights to European locations such as Istanbul, Frankfurt, Munich, and Copenhagen will also see reductions, particularly on select days. Continued … 

Stimulus needed for regional tourism

Regional tourism operators expect domestic tourism during this low season to perform worse than last year, due to higher living costs and debt levels, unless new stimulus measures are introduced to encourage travel and provide short-term debt relief.

“Planning a trip is influenced by people’s wealth, but today many are concerned that the near future will make spending on tourism more difficult,” said Punlop Saejew, vice president of the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce. Continued … 

Pattaya Songkran Wan Lai wraps up with strong economic boost

Pattaya Songkran Wan Lai 2026 ended on Sunday with huge crowds packing Pattaya Beach from North Pattaya to South Pattaya for the final day of celebrations.

Thai and foreign tourists joined the water festivities throughout the day, while MAIYARAP, INDIGO, and SPF kept the beachfront crowd going with live performances. Continued … 

flydubai to launch daily Bangkok flights from July

UAE carrier flydubai has announced it will start daily flights to Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok from July 1, marking its second destination in Thailand after Krabi.

The service will operate from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport and will strengthen travel links between Dubai and Southeast Asia. The route will also be operated in partnership with Emirates, allowing passengers smoother connections through Dubai to other global destinations. Continued … 

Thailand’s Krabi Coast from NASA images

Along the western coast of southern Thailand, a series of bright tan beaches lines the Andaman Sea. These sandy expanses fill the gaps between the myriad other features touching the sea, from limestone karst towers to mangroves to built-up areas.

NASA’s OLI (operational land imager) on Landsat 8 captured these images on March 23, 2026, showing part of the coastal area along Thailand’s Krabi Province. These beaches lie about 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Phuket across Ao Phangnga, a bay of the Andaman Sea. The beaches are a tourism hotspot and draw visitors from around the world. Continued … 

Thailand lands five spots on TIME’s 2026 must-visit list

Each year, the travel world looks to TIME’s World’s Greatest Places – a curated list of 100 standout destinations, from hotels and trains to national parks and restaurants, selected by its global network of editors for what’s new, newsworthy, and genuinely worth your time. The 2026 edition puts Thailand firmly on the map – five times over.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the line-up spans a striking mix: DaiDib DaiDee in Nan, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, The Blue Jasmine Train, Khao Yai Art Forest, and Dib Bangkok all made the cut. As TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool notes, the selections “reflect the breadth of the country’s tourism appeal, spanning heritage hospitality, luxury rail travel, and contemporary art.” Continued … 

Natural gas key to Thai economic growth

Natural gas continues to play a pivotal role in global energy systems, even as the world accelerates its transition toward cleaner alternatives. While solar, wind, and biomass are increasingly in the spotlight as part of international efforts to curb rising temperatures, natural gas is still considered a relatively cleaner fossil fuel and a key driver of economic growth.

In Thailand, 70% of natural gas supply comes from the Gulf of Thailand and Myanmar, with the remaining 30% being liquefied natural gas (LNG). Gas accounts for roughly 60% of fuels used in electricity generation. Continued … 

Thai Government launches low-interest green loans

The Thai government is introducing low-interest loan packages through four state financial institutions to support households and businesses in adopting clean energy and reducing the impact of rising fuel and electricity costs. These measures seek to address the energy crisis by improving energy efficiency and enhancing long-term energy security and sustainability.

This initiative encourages households, farmers, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to adopt clean energy and energy-saving technologies. The four participating state financial institutions offer the following programs: Continued … 

Global heating threatens life expectancy and economic stability

Humanity has spent more than a century pushing life expectancy steadily upward, lifting the global average from just 32 years in 1900 to around 73 years today, thanks largely to vaccines, medical advances, and stronger public health systems. But that long-running achievement is now being shaken by the intensifying effects of global heating.

The world is moving from an era defined by longer lives into one in which simply living well is becoming harder, as extreme heat emerges as a silent killer. The World Health Organization estimates that between 2030 and 2050, climate change will cause around 250,000 additional deaths each year from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stroke. Continued … 

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