- Nakhon Hua Hin Run/Rethinking Victory Monument/Koh Samui officials suspect corruption/Misbehaving Monks/
- THE IRAN WAR: Iran war jolts global markets/Iran talks denied by Tehran/Oil price spike threatens Thai growth/Power tariff could rise/Fuel running low/Late-night fuel queue/Oil shock hits transportation/Fishing boats may stop operating/Shortages spur fuel reserve cut/Costs Strain Energy-Intensive Sectors/Mideast conflict dents chip, auto manufacturing/Energy shock spreads to bottled water/Plan to manage medicines/American stays inside Suvarnabhumi for 10 days/One miscalculation after another
- ECONOMY: Thailand to Expand Price Controls
- TOURISM: ‘Worst Tourist Behavior’/Hotels slash rates/Thailand promotes wellness tourism/Steep airfares and ATM fees
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Must-See Thai Regions/Bangkok, Chaing Mai among ‘Best cities in Asia to Live in’ list/Got 3 days? Chiang Rai is it
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Asia-Pacific’s Energy Paradox
- HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026 to take place Sunday in Khao Tao
The “Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026” event in Hua Hin will take place on Sunday, March 29, at the Khao Tao Reservoir area.
The event will feature several race categories, including a VIP category for distinguished guests and heads of government agencies over a distance of 3 km, and general categories for men and women covering distances of 5 km and 10.5 km. Continued …
Rethinking Victory Monument: Bangkok’s busiest bus hub
As one of the capital’s busiest roundabouts, Victory Monument has long functioned less as a designed transport hub than as a living organism.
Every day, thousands of commuters spill out of the BTS Skytrain and descend to four crowded islands, navigating a maze of bus stops, van queues, motorcycle taxis, and improvised waiting areas that have taken shape over decades. Continued …
Top Koh Samui officials suspect corruption network within municipal office
A scandal has erupted on Koh Samui involving the island’s local government and municipal authority. The probe has already led to the suspension of a clerical officer linked to forged building permits and documents. These forgeries involve at least 10 luxury villa developments, where demand is high from wealthy international tourists.
Koh Samui officials are set to file a formal complaint with police next Sunday. Meanwhile, systematic audits are underway and are expected to reveal additional cases and at least one senior official, a key suspect in the affair. Continued …
Misbehaving Monks Are Causing an Uproar in Thailand
Last month, a prominent Buddhist abbot in Thailand was defrocked after a video of two women physically fighting over him outside his temple went viral. Soon after, investigators divulged that the abbot of the ancient Wat Bua Kwan temple near Bangkok had maintained long-term relationships with at least six women, regularly sending them explicit messages and spending lavishly on them – for example, paying for their expensive plastic surgeries. Officials are now investigating whether those funds were stolen from his temple.
That incident followed one in late January, when Thai police raided the Phrom Sunthon Monastery in Chonburi province on Thailand’s Gulf coast following complaints that the monks were in possession of drugs and guns. Police found at least one firearm, but also a stash of porn, sex toys, and a list of contact details for prostitutes. Continued …
Iran war jolts global markets as Thai stocks, gold, bonds, and baht tumble
Global financial markets were thrown into fresh turmoil as the protracted Iran war triggered broad-based selling across asset classes, sending Thai stocks, gold, and bonds sharply lower, while the baht weakened to its softest level in 10 months.
The market volatility underscored growing fragility in financial sentiment, with investors reacting to intensifying conflict fears, shifting expectations over US interest rates, and mounting uncertainty over global capital flows. Continued …
Trump announces ‘very good’ Iran talks denied by Tehran
US President Donald Trump yesterday hailed “very good” talks with an unidentified Iranian official after abruptly shelving plans for fresh attacks, even as Washington’s ally Israel vowed to keep up strikes on the Islamic republic.
The surprise disclosure – denied by Tehran, which accused Trump of manipulating energy markets – came ahead of a Monday night deadline imposed by Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane or see the US “obliterate” its power plants. Continued …
Oil price spike threatens to cut Thai GDP growth, raise inflation
A rise in global oil prices poses a growing risk to Thailand’s economic outlook, with Tisco Financial Group warning that a 10% increase in crude from a baseline of US$72 per barrel could trim GDP growth by 0.3-0.4 percentage points, while lifting inflation by about 0.8%.
Sakchai Peechapat, group chief executive, said the company is closely monitoring the situation through its risk management and enterprise risk teams as geopolitical tensions intensify, particularly in the Middle East. Continued …
Power tariff could rise as high as B4.59 per unit
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is set to review electricity tariffs for the May–August billing period amid a sharp rise in liquefied natural gas (LNG) costs driven by Middle East tensions.
Worawit Srianantaraksa, a member of the ERC, said yesterday the the new tariff structure will be considered at regulator’s board meeting tomorrow. Continued …
Fuel running low across provinces
The government has stepped up efforts to tackle fuel shortages, but residents across several provinces continued to queue for diesel yesterday amid persistent supply constraints.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, particularly in Dan Khun Thot district, motorists queued in long lines that stretched beyond petrol stations. Diesel purchases were limited to 500 baht per vehicle, while filling containers was prohibited. Petrol, including 91, 95 and Gasohol E20, remained available without restrictions and with shorter queues. Continued …
Late-night fuel queue in Nakhon Phanom stretches beyond 3 kilometers
The outbound side of the highway in Na Kae district, Nakhon Phanom, heading toward Sakon Nakhon and opposite Na Kae Hospital, had residents parking their vehicles in a long queue along the roadside while waiting to refuel at a PTT station in Na Kae district. The queue stretched for more than 3 kilometers after word spread that fuel was available.
Some drivers did not know when they would be able to refuel, but said they had to wait in line first because fuel was hard to find. Each vehicle was allowed to buy up to 1,000 baht worth of either diesel or petrol. Continued …
Oil shock hits transportation in the south
The petrol shortage is causing headaches for Mother Marketing, the operator of the Mother Supermarket chain in southern Thailand, prompting the company to urge the government to resolve the issue urgently.
Ekkapong Chokchaiwitut, chief executive of Mother Marketing, said the petrol shortage in southern Thailand has intensified. Last week, some petrol stations capped refueling at 500-1,000 baht per vehicle. Currently, the company’s vehicles must visit multiple stations to refuel, as some limit purchases to 500 baht per visit, while others have run out of fuel. Continued …
Fishing boats may stop operating at month’s end
The oil crisis has so badly hit the fishing industry that leaders of this sector in Samut Sakhon province, better known as Mahachai,yesterday warned that fishing boats may cease operation nationwide at the end of this month, leading to hundreds of thousands of job losses unless the government reins in soaring oil prices.
During a press conference at Mahachai Fisheries Development Cooperative (Thai Seafood Market) attended by representatives from Samut Sakhon Chamber of Commerce and Thai Fisheries Assn., the government was warned that fishing vessels are now in a state of “extreme crisis.” Continued …
Shortages spur fuel reserve cut
The government has decided to lower the proportion of oil reserves to 1% in a bid to ease fuel shortages, while expressing confidence that the fuel situation will stabilize within a week.
Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, in his capacity as chairman of the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East, said yesterday that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an order on Saturday to suspend the reserve requirement of 3% to increase the volume of fuel circulating in the market. Continued …
Rising Petrochemical Costs Strain Energy-Intensive Sectors
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is significantly affecting global supply chains. Shipments of crude oil and petrochemicals through the Strait of Hormuz have been disrupted, leading to halted operations at some plants and a surge in crude prices. Notably, SCC’s Rayong Olefins (ROC) plant in Thailand has suspended operations due to naphtha and propane shortages.
The crisis has led to a sharp increase in plastic resin prices, rising by 30%-40%, impacting the frozen food and consumer goods industries. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, emphasized the urgent need for the Thai government to secure alternative petrochemical feedstocks to prevent further disruptions. Continued …
Mideast conflict dents chip, auto manufacturing
The United States and Israeli military operations against Iran are disrupting global supply chains, hitting semiconductor manufacturing hard and reverberating through chip-dependent industries, particularly the automotive sector, which is watching developments closely.
Wallop Chalermvongsavej, managing director of Hyundai Mobility Thailand, said yesterday the shortage of chips could slow production and push up costs. “The chip shortage will affect car production, leading to manufacturing slowdowns and higher operating costs amid oil price volatility. Cars will eventually become more expensive,” he warned. Continued …
Costly Songkran ahead as energy shock spreads to bottled water across Thailand
Thailand’s tightening energy supply and rising oil prices are beginning to ripple through everyday life, pushing up the cost of basic necessities – including something as simple as bottled drinking water.
The price pressure comes at a sensitive time, as the Songkran holiday season stretches across much of April, bringing festivals, travel, and water celebrations nationwide. At the same time, schools across Thailand close for the long summer break, sending families on holiday and increasing domestic tourism. With temperatures soaring and millions expected to travel, demand for drinking water typically rises sharply during this period. Continued …
Public Health Ministry rolls out three-phase plan to manage medicines
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is rolling out a three-phase plan to manage medicine supplies and healthcare services as the conflict in the Middle East shows signs of dragging on, with officials warning that drug prices are likely to rise.
Speaking at the ministry yesterday, Permanent Secretary for Public Health Somruek Chungsaman said authorities had assessed the medium-term impact on medicines and medical supplies. The Food and Drug Administration has already consulted pharmaceutical companies, which confirmed that current stock levels remain sufficient for about three to four months. Continued …
American stays inside Suvarnabhumi for 10 days, cites airfare rise
An American man who posted videos claiming he had been staying inside Suvarnabhumi Airport for 10 days has drawn widespread attention online, after saying higher airfares linked to war left him unable to travel onward.
He documented his routine at the airport by posting compilations of him watching movies, reading, sleeping, and eating. He reportedly also called on an airline to cover his costs and said that if the ticket was not paid for, he would continue staying inside the airport and would not go elsewhere. Continued …
Iran war: One miscalculation after another
Still not four full weeks into the war, and already Donald Trump’s “short-term excursion” – decapitate the Iranian regime with a surprise attack and impose harsh terms on the defeated survivors – has morphed into a global economic crisis and a region-wide war that could destroy the wealth of all the countries on both sides of the Gulf. At the very least.
Back in January, Trump was high on his success in changing the regime in Venezuela (just a bit), so he was an easy mark for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s suggestion that he could do the same to Iran. Netanyahu probably knew better than that himself, but his life’s goal has been to inveigle the United States into a joint attack on Israel’s greatest enemy. Continued …
Thailand to Expand Price Controls With 12 New Items
The Commerce Ministry is preparing to expand its list of price-controlled goods by 12 items, increasing the total from 59 to 71, in a move aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures. The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) will submit the proposal to the Committee on the Price of Goods and Services tomorrow.
The new additions are expected to focus mainly on everyday essentials to strengthen oversight amid fluctuating input costs. Of the existing 59 controlled items, eight require prior approval before any price increase, while 22 require businesses to notify authorities of price changes, with some also subject to transport reporting requirements. Continued …
Phuket Staff Expose ‘Worst Tourist Behavior’
A social media post has sparked debate in Phuket after highlighting complaints by hotel and restaurant workers about tourists from three nationalities, with immediate attention drawn to alleged problematic behavior in the province’s hospitality sector.
The Facebook page “Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์” published a poll described as reflecting views from service industry staff in Phuket, asking which nationalities were considered the most difficult in hotels and restaurants. The post claimed that Israeli tourists ranked highest, followed by Indian, and Russian visitors, based on reported behavior from operators. Continued …
Hotels slash rates to lure Songkran market
Concerned by a nosedive in European arrivals and low confidence due to fuel shortages among local travelers, hotel operators have started to offer discounts of 20%-40% to attract tourists during the upcoming Songkran holiday.
Paisarn Sukjarean, president of the Upper Northern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Assn., said European guests, who normally account for 30% of all visitors to Chiang Mai at this time of year, continue to cancel their bookings for April as they are unable to catch flights to Thailand. Continued …
Thailand promotes wellness tourism to attract affluent international travelers
Thailand is making significant strides in promoting wellness tourism by fostering collaboration between its private and public sectors. This initiative aims to attract affluent foreign tourists who are looking for comprehensive services that blend medical care, beauty treatments, and travel experiences.
The focus is on enhancing the core tourism sector, which is essential for the country’s economic growth. By leveraging the expertise of businesses, such as Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) that manages 60 hospitals, the government seeks to create a robust infrastructure for wellness tourism. Continued …
Pattaya tourists hit by steep airfares and ATM fees
For many foreigners heading to Thailand, the vacation or expat life is starting before they even step off the plane – and not in a good way. Online forum users have been voicing frustration over high airfares from Europe, punishing ATM fees, and the widening gap between official exchange rates and what travelers actually receive.
“I just paid £1,000 for a return flight from the UK,” one reader complained, highlighting how soaring airline costs are cutting into holiday budgets. Others noted that even the supposedly “convenient” ATMs are taking a hefty toll. Continued …
A First-Timer’s Guide to the Must-See Thai Regions
The best thing about Thailand is that each region of the country feels completely different. The worst thing about Thailand is realizing exactly that, and accepting that you’ll be returning again and again to soak each of them up individually, or extending your trip to see as much as you can in one go.
Of course, a country spanning more than 500,000 square kilometers and 76 provinces is virtually impossible to cover in its entirety. So, having spent a good few years exploring, we’ve pulled together the ultimate guide to Thailand’s best spots. Continued …
Bangkok, Chaing Mai make ‘Best cities in Asia to Live in’ list
In 2026, travel trends are shifting back toward cities that are not only great to visit, but genuinely easy to live in — places where heritage and everyday lifestyle click together effortlessly. That is the spirit behind Time Out’s Best Cities 2026, which draws on thousands of survey responses and input from city experts.
From Time Out’s global top 50, 11 cities in Asia stand out — each offering its own mix of culture, creativity, food, and modern energy. Continued …
Got 3 days? Chiang Rai is worth every one of them
Chiang Rai is often reduced to a quick temple stop from Chiang Mai. Stay a little longer and the province reveals something much more compelling. This is one of Thailand’s most agricultural regions, where rice fields stretch across broad valleys, tea plantations climb the hillsides and small hilltribe villages sit between long mountain ridges. It’s expansive, lightly populated and best explored by car.
That connection to the land feeds directly into the food. Chefs here are working with an exceptional range of local ingredients, from rare mountain herbs and fermented vegetables to forest produce and tea grown just down the road. The result is a foodie scene that feels grounded, inventive, and increasingly worth the drive. Continued …
Asia-Pacific’s Energy Paradox: Record Renewables Against Growing Coal Infrastructure
Asia-Pacific simultaneously holds 64% of the world’s solar capacity and the distinction of being the only region on Earth still expanding its coal infrastructure, a contradiction that a major new HSBC research report warns could determine the fate of global climate targets.
The findings, published in March by HSBC Global Investment Research analysts as part of the bank’s Net-Zero Navigator series, paint a region defined by competing imperatives: record-breaking clean energy deployment on one hand, and deepening fossil fuel dependency on the other. 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
Anutin Charnvirakul has formally taken office for a second term as prime minister and is now moving into the process of forming a new cabinet under a Bhumjaithai Party-led administration.
A growing scandal over forged construction permits in Koh Samui has triggered widespread concern, particularly regarding the safety of luxury villas owned by foreign nationals. Local officials have confirmed that fake documents bearing forged signatures were issued, with allegations that bribes of around 100,000 baht per permit were taken.
Thailand’s world No. 39 Thepchaiya Un-Nooh staged a remarkable comeback to beat seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan 10-7 in the World Open 2026 final in Yushan, China, yesterday.
The Thai baht has weakened 6% since the war with Iran broke out on Feb. 28 and is forecast to fall to B35 against the US dollar if the conflict continues. A Friday briefing by the Kasikorn Research Center and the Bank of Thailand made clear that if fighting lasts another month or two, Thailand’s 2026 GDP growth could drop well below 1%, possibly as low as 0.5%.
The Thai baht is expected to weaken further as the escalating Middle East war and delayed US interest rate cuts put pressure on the currency. On March 20, the baht had already fallen to just above 32.80 per US dollar, its weakest level in five months. Analysts forecast the currency will remain in a range of 32.60 to 33.10 against the dollar over the next month.
Packaging may be the next industry to bear the brunt of petrochemical supply disruptions if the Israel-US war on Iran does not abate, says Veera Kwanloetchit, a director of the Public Private Partnership for Sustainable Plastic and Waste Management.
A nationwide poll has revealed growing concern among Thais over the country’s oil reserves and the potential impact on Songkran travel, with many expressing doubts about supply security. The findings suggest that uncertainty over fuel availability could disrupt domestic travel plans during one of the year’s busiest holiday periods. Some respondents indicated they would cancel or adjust trips if the situation persists.
Thailand’s Energy Ministry has launched daily local fuel station updates through the Provincial Energy Office network on Facebook, aiming to help motorists plan refueling and travel as some areas face tighter supplies. The ministry says the system is being expanded nationwide, with some provinces also developing additional apps to improve access to information.
Rising global oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East are beginning to impact the tourism sector in Pattaya, as passenger boat operators report mounting fuel costs that are increasingly difficult to absorb.
Thai consumers are being squeezed by rising living costs, with fresh food prices climbing sharply, particularly for pork, chicken, and eggs.
The Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) said investment promotion applications had surged by nearly 70%, reflecting continued confidence among foreign investors, who have kept flowing into Thailand without pause.
The domestic oil crisis seems to be affecting Songkran travel plans, with a NIDA opinion poll showing that over 50% of the respondents had not made advance plans to travel during this period.
The global power shifts currently underway do not remain confined to geopolitics. They move quickly — often invisibly – through economic systems. For Asia, and particularly for Thailand, the consequences are both immediate and tangible.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a high-level meeting approved reducing the tourist visa waiver from 60 to 30 days for citizens of 93 countries, with a possible 30-day extension. The proposal requires Cabinet approval. Authorities insisted, however, that there will be adequate notice for travelers.
Culture Ministry rolls out Songkran celebrations in 76 provinces
Sustainability Dominates Asian Travel, Over 75% of Tourists Now Choose Eco-Friendly Options
Thailand Plans Mega Cruise Ports to Boost Tourism
The trio of Advanced Info Service (AIS), Central Group, and Japan Airlines have strengthened their collaboration on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) missions to ensure an improved and sustainable future.
A major electric vehicle (EV) dealer in Korat says tensions in the Middle East and surging global oil prices are driving a sharp rise in EV demand, with bookings increasing significantly.
Since it stopped building vehicles powered solely by internal combustion engines (ICEs) in 2022, BYD has become the world’s largest EV maker. The Chinese automaker ranked sixth in global sales in 2025, surpassing Ford for the first time, with over 4.6 million electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles sold.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is pushing for the country to shift entirely to electric, solar-powered vehicles across personal, public, and commercial transport, as part of a broader plan to revive domestic industry and cut reliance on imports. 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tourism operators are increasingly concerned about declining energy confidence, fearing it could dampen their high expectations for the upcoming Songkran holiday.
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.
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.
Dry season turns profitable as red ant eggs sell at 500 baht a kilo
Hat Yai’s floods are a warning for cities built against nature
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 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.
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 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).
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. 
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.
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.
Foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand down in first two months of 2026
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