- Hospitality Classic to support Hua Hin Heroes/Thailand is still an expat favorite/Parliament elects Anutin Prime Minister/Thai gold tumbles 3,400 baht/Netherlands Embassy to Relocate/Embassy sites and Bangkok’s property market
- THE IRAN WAR: Baht may fall to 35 per dollar/Consumer goods prices to rise soon/Time to rethink what needs to be done/Allies vow to protect Hormuz shipping/US, Israel seek to ease concerns/Fuel shortages continue/Energy woes dent Songkran/Penalties for gas gouging/Impacts of Iran war on Southeast Asia
- TOURISM: 6 reasons you can be denied entry/War, oil and the future of tourism/Foreigner Criticizes Thai Tourism
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand Cat Lovers Fair/Red ant eggs sell at 500 baht a kilo
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Hat Yai’s floods are a warning/EV boom erases oil need/Electric boat taxi service
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hospitality Classic tees off at Royal Lakeside June 12 to support Hua Hin Heroes
Fore Management Group has announced the inaugural Misthos Group Hospitality Classic, a one-day charity golf tournament to be held at Royal Lakeside Golf Club on June 12, with proceeds supporting Hua Hin Heroes Foundation.
The event will be played in a four-man team Texas Scramble format and is expected to attract more than 120 expat golfers living in Thailand, including individual players and corporate teams. Fore Management Group said 100% of funds raised on the day will be donated to Hua Hin Heroes. Continued …
Thailand is still an expat favorite, only if you play by the new rules
Thailand ranked fourth in the InterNations Expat Insider survey in 2025, its best result ever, thus reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s most appealing places for foreigners to live. But in the same period, the cost of living here rose, the tax rules changed, and informal visa workarounds have become far harder to rely on.
Thailand hasn’t become a worse place to live, it merely has become a more selective one. The country that housed many long-term expats, living through a patchwork of gray-area arrangements, has made a deliberate shift toward formal pathways, targeted incentives, and stricter enforcement. Continued …
Parliament elects Anutin as Thailand’s 32nd Prime Minister
Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul was elected Thailand’s 32nd prime minister (PM) during a Parliamentary vote held yesterday. Anutin previously served as PM after former PM Partongtar Shinawatra was removed from office over a leaked phone conversation with Hun Sen.
He later announced the dissolution of Parliament on Dec. 11 last year, leading to the General Election on Febr. 8 this year. Anutin and Bhumjaithai Party secured victory in the election. Ahead of today’s prime ministerial vote, Bhumjaithai Party announced the formation of a coalition government with 16 other political parties, including the Pheu Thai Party. Continued …
Thai gold tumbles 3,400 baht
Thailand’s gold market came under heavy pressure yesterday, with the Gold Traders Assn. revising prices 53 times during the day before bullion closed sharply lower, reflecting a steep global sell-off in the precious metal.
By the close, local gold prices had dropped by 3,400 baht from the previous day. Gold bullion was quoted at 72,900 baht per baht-weight for buying and 73,100 baht for selling, while gold ornaments were quoted at 71,449.08 baht for buying and 73,900 baht for selling. Spot gold was last reported at US$4,707 an ounce. Continued …
Netherlands Embassy in Thailand to Relocate to Dusit Central Park in August
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Thailand will relocate to Dusit Central Park in Bangkok in August, without disrupting consular services for Dutch citizens and businesses across Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.
The announcement was made by Ambassador Remco Johannes van Wijngaarden, ensuring that emergency consular assistance will remain available during the move. The new location is within Bangkok’s central business district and will provide convenient access through private and public transportation. Continued …
How former embassy sites helped reshape Bangkok’s prime property market
Embassy land in Thailand has become a prime target for investors, not only because many plots are located in high-potential central business districts, but also because they carry a historical legacy for future generations to remember. In recent years, several embassy land sales in Thailand have significantly boosted the value of surrounding areas.
Surachet Kongcheep, head of research and consultancy at Cushman & Wakefield Thailand, said that looking back at embassy sites that have already been sold and redeveloped into major projects in the city center, the trend began in 2007. Continued …
Baht may fall to 35 per dollar if war persists
The baht is expected to weaken to 34-35 to the US dollar if the Middle East conflict drags on for two months, pushing oil prices above US$100 per barrel, according to Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research).
K-Research views a prolonged two-month conflict as the most likely scenario. Under this outlook, global crude oil prices would rise beyond $100 per barrel, putting downward pressure on the baht and increasing currency volatility, said Burin Adulwattana, the center’s chief economist. Continued …
Consumer goods prices to rise soon as production costs soar
Major consumer product manufacturers and distributors are warning customers of possible price increases in April due to the Middle East war disrupting the oil supply chain.
In letters to customers, companies cited the war’s impact on the oil-related supply chain, resulting in difficulty sourcing raw materials, decreased packaging availability, and rising prices, higher transport costs, and delivery delays. Continued …
As the war against Iran is felt economically in Thailand, it’s time to rethink what needs to be done
The psychological irony of telling the public not to worry about Thailand running out of petrol and other forms of energy — due to the ongoing, unjust war by Israel and the United States against Iran — is that people feel even more uncertain and panicked by the “reassurance”. By simply following the news, they can conclude that the Strait of Hormuz is effectively choking global fuel supplies due to the conflict and, by extension, the world econom.
Whether you like it or not, and regardless of which side you root for in the Middle East, the global economic impact is undeniable and increasingly reverberating around the world. This includes Thailand, where several provinces report long queues at petrol stations and acute fuel shortages. Continued …
Allies vow to protect Hormuz shipping, urge Iran to halt attacks
The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada have declared their readiness to support appropriate efforts to ensure the safe passage of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while urging Iran to halt attacks on vessels and energy infrastructure.
The leaders condemned what they described as recent Iranian attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces. Continued …
Oil declines as US, Israel seek to ease concerns over Iran war
Oil dropped from its highest close since July 2022, as the leaders of the United States and Israel sought to reassure investors rattled by damage to major Persian Gulf energy facilities.
Brent crude fell toward $107 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate for May was around $94. President Donald Trump told reporters he’s “not putting troops anywhere” after being asked about the possibility of deploying US ground forces, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would refrain from more attacks on Iranian energy facilities. Continued …
Fuel shortages continue despite adequate reserves
Fuel remains scarce at many service stations across Thailand, even though reserves are more than adequate, amid continuing problems with delivery and unusually high demand, officials said yesterday.
The Ministry of Energy surveyed 2,649 service stations from Sunday to Tuesday and found that 1,912 had completely or nearly run out of some kinds of fuel. The survey found 241 stations were temporarily closed, while 496 remained fully open. Continued …
Energy woes dent Songkran travel sentiment
Tourism operators are increasingly concerned about declining energy confidence, fearing it could dampen their high expectations for the upcoming Songkran holiday.
Wasuchet Sophonsathien, adviser to the Thai Transportation Operators Assn., said that in the short term rising fuel prices could affect next month’s Songkran holiday. Some tourists have already booked cross-provincial trips, but many have yet to decide, as they are monitoring fuel prices until they feel more confident. Continued …
Penalties vowed for gas gouging
Caretaker energy minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon has vowed to take action against petrol station operators who charge prices that exceed government-regulated, subsidized levels, while pledging to intensify efforts to ensure smooth oil distribution nationwide.
He told the public yesterday they will be able to buy oil at affordable prices, and the nation will have sufficient fuel for transport and business. “Officials found oil retailers in some areas sell fuel at high prices, claiming they do not receive subsidies from the government,” said Auttapol. Continued …
Impacts of Iran war on Southeast Asia
For the most part, Southeast Asia as a region has taken a neutral stance toward the joint attack between the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Even the Philippines and Thailand, two formal US treaty allies, have distanced themselves, calling for restraint and de-escalation.
As Southeast Asia is trade- and export-dependent, the war will have severe repercussions for the region as oil prices rise and international commerce is disrupted. The longer the war goes on, the more regional economies will suffer. Continued …
6 reasons you can be denied entry into Thailand
Thailand has significantly tightened its border controls since 2024, and what used to be casual entry procedures have become strict enforcement checkpoints. While most travelers enter without issues, understanding what can get you denied entry into Thailand and detained at the airport is essential for anyone planning a trip to the kingdom.
The legal framework comes from the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979), specifically Section 12, which lists 11 grounds for refusing entry. Immigration officers have broad discretion to deny entry if they believe you fall under any prohibited category. Here are the six most common reasons travelers face denial, detention, and deportation. Continued …
Shockwaves in Asia: War, oil and the future of tourism
Global power shifts do not remain confined to geopolitics. They travel quickly, and often invisibly, through economic systems. For Asia, and particularly for Thailand, the consequences of the Gulf War are immediate. The most direct transmission channel is energy.
Any sustained disruption in Middle Eastern supply routes pushes oil prices higher. This feeds directly into aviation fuel costs, which in turn drives airfares upward. The result is predictable. Long-haul travel demand weakens, particularly from Europe, where consumers are already sensitive to economic uncertainty. Continued …
Foreign Tourist Criticizes Thai Tourism as Overrated
A foreign tourist has publicly criticized Thai tourism in a video, labeling the country “overrated” and pointing to high accommodation costs, poor food hygiene, crowded attractions, and unfriendly locals. The video highlights her two-week experience in Thailand, which she felt was unlike positive reviews she had read before her visit.
She compared Thailand unfavorably with other Asian destinations, noting that even the cheapest hostel was priced at 600 baht per night, which she found expensive for a backpacker. She was also critical of Thai food, citing instances where her friends suffered from food poisoning. She expressed dissatisfaction with the food, describing it as sweet, oily, and causing her to feel bloated. Continued …
Thailand Cat Lovers Fair is back at Muang Thong Thani
A troupe of Thailand’s ancient cat breeds will take center stage during Thailand Cat Lovers Fair 2026, which will kick off on March 27 and run daily from 10 am to 8 pm until March 29. The venue is Bangkok’s Impact Exhibition Hall 5, Muang Thong Thani.
The fair will transform over 5,000m² space into a “Meow Land” where visitors will be amazed by the beauty of legendary and rarely-seen ancient Thai cats, namely the lotus petal-colored cat – an auspicious and extremely rare-colored breed that will make its first appearance in Thailand at the event. Continued …
Dry season turns profitable as red ant eggs sell at 500 baht a kilo
Villagers in Ban Don Tat Ruea, Non Daeng district, are turning to harvesting red ant eggs as a source of food and income during the dry season, when farming activities have slowed.
Residents in Non Daeng subdistrict said they have been collecting the eggs from nests built by red ants on roadside trees, particularly along the route linking Ban Don Tat Ruea and Ban Don Udom in Don Yai subdistrict. The seasonal activity has drawn many villagers seeking both household consumption and supplementary earnings. Continued …
Hat Yai’s floods are a warning for cities built against nature
Every year, Chinese New Year festivals in southern Thailand’s Hat Yai attract tourists, mostly from neighboring Malaysia, generating a significant proportion of annual income for a city dependent on tourism. But not this year.
Three months after the November 2025 flood disaster, the new year is being celebrated with continuing cleaning, scrubbing mud from people’s homes and shops, and clearing away piles of water-damaged vehicles, furniture and rotting rubbish. More than 40% of hotels, shops, and restaurants remain shut. Some might not reopen at all. Continued …
EV boom replaces millions of oil barrels
In 2025, electric vehicles displaced between 1.7 million barrels per day (Ember estimate) and 2.3 million barrels per day (BloombergNEF scenario) of oil demand, a volume close to 70% of Iran’s daily exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
This marks a sharp rise from 2024’s 1.3 million barrels per day displacement, driven by expanding charging networks, falling battery costs, and cumulative policy incentives. The oil savings are now visible in refinery balances and fuel-tax receipts across multiple economies. Continued …
Electric boat taxi service launches on Bangkok’s historic canals
TTA Mariner Co. (TMC) and MuvMi have introduced a new electric boat taxi service for commuting within Bangkok’s old town waterways. Operating daily from 9 am to 5 pm, the current fleet consists of eight electric boats. Each vessel accommodates up to six passengers and travels at an average speed of 12 kilometres per hour.
Following a free trial run that will conclude in mid-April, standard fares will start at 35 baht (US$1.07) per passenger. Prices increase in a tiered structure based on passenger volume and travel distance, with bookings made through the MuvMi application. Continued …
- Seven Chinese Arrested in Thai Immigration Sweep – Continued …
- Chinese Fugitive Arrested in Bangkok for Fraud, Overstay – Continued …
- Taiwanese Fugitive Arrested in Chon Buri Over Drug Charges – Continued …
- French fugitive nabbed by Immigration Bureau in Phuket – 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
Fears of a global energy crisis rose yesterday as the war in the Middle East raged on, with more U.S.-Israeli strikes on the Iranian capital and Israel’s bombardment of Lebanon. An Iranian drone strike temporarily shut Dubai’s airport, a crucial global travel hub, underscoring the threats to the world economy.
The war between the United States, Israel, and Iran is spreading across the Middle East. Air strikes have forced airspace closures, while oil prices are surging — creating a domino effect that has become a “global aviation crisis”, described as one of the most serious since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thailand’s business sector has called on the government to ease the impact of rising energy costs, with transport and industry groups urging measures to stabilize diesel prices and reduce taxes.
PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Co. (OR) has assured the public that fuel supplies remain stable across its 2,400 service stations in Thailand, despite ongoing unrest in the Middle East. OR Chief Executive M.L. Peakthong Thongyai announced that the company is actively monitoring the situation to maintain uninterrupted access to fuel services.
Thailand is set to receive a new shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from overseas, ensuring adequate fuel for power generation as electricity demand surges during the hot season, according to an energy official who requested anonymity.
Anan Phonimdang, deputy governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and acting SRT governor, said the rise in fuel prices has had a direct impact on the railway operator.
The Thai Board of Investment (BOI) has warned the business sector to prepare for the impact of rising global conflicts and wars, saying they are becoming part of a new world economic order.
A transformative shift in the labor market is taking place as Thailand approaches “super-aged society” status by 2030, according to Jobsdb by SEEK, a leading online job platform.
The Thai banking industry is entering a transition period in which banks can no longer rely on strong interest income or generate the high levels of return on equity (ROE) as seen in the past, according to the chief executive of TMBThanachart Bank (ttb).
Thailand’s healthcare system is facing six major pressures that are beginning to affect services, with some hospitals now at risk of having to reduce the number of beds they operate.
Thailand is losing nearly B30 billion in tax revenue each year as the illegal tobacco market expands, with illicit products now accounting for around a quarter of total tobacco consumption. A new policy report highlights the growing scale of illicit trade and its impact on government income, lawful businesses and consumer safety.
Venice is drowning – not just in rising waters but also in tourists. The city is charging a day-tripper fee and has banned large tour groups and loudspeakers in an effort to curb the crush. Barcelona residents march with squirt guns and “Tourists go home” signs to protest rising rents and crowds. Amsterdam is moving to cap and eventually ban ocean-going cruise ships to reduce pollution and visitor pressure.
Thailand’s former National Intelligence Agency deputy director, Nantiwat Samart, has urged the government to prioritize national security and public safety over boosting tourist numbers. Concerns have grown on social media, with calls to revoke the existing visa-free entry policy due to issues allegedly linked to Israeli tourists.
European tourists are increasingly favoring eastern Thailand’s attractions over the traditionally popular southern areas, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This shift is linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has notably decreased southern Thailand’s appeal.
For the past decade, Whitney Spielfogel’s family has taken an annual multi-generational trip over the holiday season and New Year’s with her parents. Hawaii, Costa Rica, Cabo, Tulum, Turks and Caicos. They had done them all together, her parents and her husband, Ross, and eventually her children, Sienna and Slade.
The “Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026” event in Hua Hin will take place on March 29 at the Khao Tao Reservoir area.
The Department of Disease Control has warned the public to take extra care of their health during periods of extreme heat, which is a major factor allowing many kinds of germs to thrive, particularly those causing food- and water-borne illnesses.
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.
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).
Analysts are lifting their oil price estimates for this year and 2027 amid transport disruption in the Middle East, even though the potential release of reserves by the G7 and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) could help temporarily alleviate supply pressures.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has signaled readiness to manage potential medicine price increases stemming from rising transport costs, and has asked pharmaceutical manufacturers to temporarily slow or stop exports so domestic needs are met first amid uncertainty linked to the Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz.
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.
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. 
Commerce officials have stepped up Cha Am fresh market price checks as part of efforts to ensure vendors clearly display prices and to prevent consumers from being overcharged.
Thailand’s personal income tax filing deadline is April 8, and many expats remain uncertain about whether they must submit a return this year. Since clarification of the rules surrounding foreign income, confusion has persisted. Having little or no tax to pay is not the same as having no obligation to file.
A Thai billionaire, Worawat Narknawdee, is being sought by police following complaints from over 30 Thai investors. They claim to have been deceived into cryptocurrency investments, resulting in losses estimated at around B1.3 billion.
The Middle East conflict has unsettled global oil markets and disrupted shipping routes, posing risks for energy-dependent Thailand. After experiencing prolonged low inflation, the country now faces a potential inflation rebound driven by rising oil and freight costs.
RealWatch Lab, the research and data analytics unit of Real Smart Public Co/, has disclosed the findings of a survey on the concerns of Thai netizens regarding the Iran war. The survey collected opinions from Feb. 28, after the attacks started, to March 10, across all social media platforms, covering 34,009 messages discussing concerns arising from the conflict.
Banks are urging prospective homebuyers to make purchasing decisions within the first half of the year before costs rise further, amid concerns that inflation could increase under wartime conditions.
The United States has announced investigations under Section 301 into 16 key trading partners, including Thailand, as part of an effort to rebuild tariff pressure after the Trump administration’s earlier duties were struck down by the US Supreme Court.
Thai hospitality leaders are doubling down on 2026 expansion plans, committing billions in capital expenditure to navigate a tightening global travel market. Despite a projected 32.9 million foreign arrivals in 2025, the industry faces headwinds from prolonged conflict in the Middle East, which threatens to dampen high-spending “long-haul” traffic from Europe and the Americas.
Phuket has long stood as one of Asia’s most celebrated destinations. Framed by the Andaman Sea, its turquoise waters, rich cultural fabric, and globally recognized hospitality have attracted millions of visitors for decades.
Do you think gender equality is still an issue in Thailand? Whether the answer is yes or no, explaining why can be surprisingly difficult.
The sun had yet to rise at 6 am, but Sarayuth Sonlacksa was already crouched on his wooden jetty, hoisting up plastic crates of crabs from his pond to see if any had reached the size needed to sell to restaurants in Bangkok.
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.
Passengers intending to travel between Asia and Europe will need to plan their trips well in advance to secure reasonable ticket prices, as the Middle East conflict has driven significant demand for a limited number of direct flights, says the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
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. 
The governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan has confirmed that fuel supplies in Prachuap Khiri Khan remain sufficient and urged residents not to panic buy, following concerns about potential price increases linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Royal Gazette Confirms 200,000 Baht Solar Tax Relief
The governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan has accelerated plans to improve energy efficiency as part of efforts to position the province as a model environmentally friendly tourism city.
Cha Am Municipality is taking urgent steps to address a growing water shortage after construction works on an irrigation canal disrupted the flow of raw water used to produce tap water for residents.
A new water production system planned for the Bor Fai area was the focus of a meeting chaired by Hua Hin City Municipality officials this week, as authorities reviewed design proposals and the next steps for the project.
Construction of a reinforced concrete road near Yarm Saad School is under way as part of a 15.37-million-baht project aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing local flooding.
The war involving Iran in the Middle East remains protracted, with the United States and Israel continuing to strike Iran, while Iran insists it will exercise its right to self-defense to the fullest extent.
Fuel price rises start to bite
Fears of a prolonged Middle East conflict disrupting global energy supplies are rippling across Thailand, triggering price anxieties, panic buying, and warnings of logistical strain.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the Transport Ministry will ban fare increases for taxis, ride-hailing riders, and motorcycle taxi services from today, warning of legal action against profiteering.
Thai business and industry leaders are concerned that the Mideast war could significantly disrupt logistics and transport costs, with ripple effects for manufacturing in Thailand and other countries.
A leading business group maintained its forecast for Thailand’s economic growth this year at 1.6% to 2.0%, but said yesterday a prolonged conflict in the Middle East would hit activity.
Foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand down in first two months of 2026
Traveloka reveals top Songkran travel destinations
The growing cost of elephant intrusions
6 police officers honored after Hua Hin aircraft crash
Weak Baht Offers Pattaya Tourism Potential Boost Amid Low Season
Investors pour into European equity funds, flee US on tariff woes
Bangkok set for major law shake-up after 40 years
Thailand’s Data at Risk Amid Cybersecurity Concerns
AirAsia unveils Phuket–Medan, Indonesia route
Vanishing gardens
