Hua Hin Fine Dining in Portland/Fuel tanker flips in Hua Hin/Songkran draws huge turnout/Global praise for Thai Songkran/51 Deaths on 4th Dangerous Day/Nationwide forest lockdown/PM2.5 engulfs 39 provinces/Severe summer storms/Thai Families Rank Among Asia’s Richest/Cranky cat unfairly blamed

• THE IRAN WAR: US-Iran talks back on table/World said facing food ‘catastrophe’/Thai airlines trim routes/War reshapes travel demand/China threatens retaliation
• ECONOMY: Thai industry warns of stagflation/Foreign condo transfers edge up/Land bridge feasibility studies said ‘inaccurate’/Russians looking to increase exports
• TOURISM: Foreign Tourist Numbers Rise/Foreign Tourists Arrested for Spraying Police
• THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Koh Phi Phi Thailand island viewpoints and beaches
• CLIMATE THAILAND: Southeast Asia’s Solar Panel Boom/Sustainable barramundi farming in Thailand
• HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Hua Hin Will Bring Thai Fine Dining To Southeast Portland

A new restaurant in Portland, Maine, in the space that was recently home to Phaya Thai Express, is now called: “Hua Hin”. The owner, Ize Piyanut (Sampaotong), grew up in Hua Hin.

(Editor: Khao Tom restaurant is located just south of Soi 51 on the gulf side of Phetchkasem Road and is a favorite for bus tour groups. While its prices are a little above average, the menu is extensive and the food fresh and tasty. Look for the red chairs in the open-air environment. Video of Hua Hin restaurant?)

He was born and raised in Hua Hin and learned to cook from his mother, and brings that influence with him to the restaurant. Additionally, for over 30 years his family has run a restaurant in Hua Hin called Khao Tom, named after the classic savory rice porridge/soup, Khao Tom. Piyanut’s mother is the chef there. Continued … 

Loaded fuel tanker flips in Hua Hin after driver dozes off

A tanker truck carrying 16,000 liters of fuel flipped on its side in Hua Hin district after the driver admitted falling asleep while he was behind the wheel.

Police said yesterday they were alerted by the 191 emergency radio network on Monday that the tanker had overturned in the southbound lane of the Hua Hin bypass road, sending some petrol spilling onto the road surface. Workers from other agencies and rescue volunteers also rushed to the location and sprayed water to prevent the fuel igniting. Continued … 

Songkran 2026 draws huge Thai and foreign turnout as festival goes global

Songkran 2026 has brought a stronger-than-expected tourism surge across Thailand, with both Thai and foreign visitors turning out in large numbers nationwide in a sign that the traditional new year celebration is continuing to grow into a festival with global appeal.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects travel during the Songkran period from April 11-15 to generate more than 30.35 billion baht in tourism revenue nationwide, up 6% from the same period last year. The agency says the strong performance reflects growing confidence among both domestic and international travelers, who have been traveling in large numbers during the long holiday and helping spread income across the tourism sector and local economies. Continued … 

Global praise for Thai Songkran as major world event

Thailand’s Songkran festival has drawn widespread international praise as a global cultural event, reflecting the strength of Thai traditions and attracting worldwide attention, a government spokesperson said.

Ratchada Thanadirek, government spokeswoman, said the atmosphere of this year’s celebrations highlighted Songkran’s status as a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage, widely acknowledged by the international community. The festival has connected people from around the world through culture, tradition, and celebration. Continued … 

51 Deaths on 4th Dangerous Day

The Road Safety Operation Center reported 51 deaths and 224 injuries from 237 road accidents on Monday, marking the fourth day of the Songkran holiday safety campaign. Cumulative figures from April 10-13 show 755 accidents, 705 injuries, and 154 deaths nationwide.

Officials said speeding accounted for 41.8% of accidents, followed by drink driving at 27.4%. Motorcycles were involved in 70.9% of incidents, with most occurring on straight roads and local village routes. Continued … 

Government orders nationwide forest lockdown to fight wildfires and PM2.5

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin yesterday said the ministry was acting in line with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s policy to intensify wildfire prevention and haze control, with the key objective of stopping fires from the very start.

He said the Royal Forest Department and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation had been instructed to close reserved forests and protected forest areas in risk-prone zones across the country. Under the new measures, outsiders will be strictly barred from entering these areas in order to reduce the risk of human-caused fires. Continued … 

PM2.5 engulfs 39 provinces as northern Thailand enters critical stage

The Center for Air Pollution Mitigation reported yesterday that PM2.5 levels had exceeded the standard in 39 provinces nationwide, with northern Thailand in a critical condition.

The 39 provinces affected were Chiang Rai, 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, Suphan Buri, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Rayong, Bueng Kan, Nong Khai, Loei, Udon Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Bua Lamphu, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Roi Et, Amnat Charoen, Chaiyaphum, Yasothon, and Ubon Ratchathani. Continued … 

Severe summer storms set to hit upper Thailand

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a severe weather alert for summer storms expected in upper Thailand from April 16 to 18. The forecast includes thunderstorms, strong winds, isolated hail, and possible lightning.

The storm system will first affect the northeast, then move eastward into the eastern central region and the lower north. This pattern results from a high-pressure system from China spreading over the South China Sea, which strengthens southerly and southeasterly winds as upper Thailand experiences extreme heat. Continued … 

Three Thai Families Rank Among Asia’s Richest

Three Thai families remain among Asia’s 20 wealthiest dynasties, as combined fortunes across the region reached a record US$647 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The Chearavanont, Yoovidhya, and Chirathivat families together account for an estimated 14.4% of the total. The ranking highlights a major shift toward industries supporting artificial intelligence growth.

The Chearavanont family ranked fourth with an estimated fortune of US$44.8 billion, maintaining its position as Thailand’s wealthiest dynasty despite a slight drop in ranking. Its CP Group, which began as a Bangkok seed shop in 1921, now spans agribusiness, retail, telecommunications, and technology. Continued … 

Cranky cat unfairly blamed for train’s 7-hour delay

A cat that was not enjoying the ride has become the object of some online criticism after a southbound train arrived at its final destination seven hours behind schedule. Rapid Train No.169 arrived at the Yala station in southern Thailand at 6.15 pm on Monday, seven hours late, after an eventful journey from Bangkok that included the animal misbehavior.

According to a passenger, the train had to stop in the middle of the journey to help the owner of the cat catch the pet. The cat was believed to have been irritated by scorching weather conditions and started biting the owner and scratching other passengers, the pssenger said. Continued … 

US-Iran talks back on table as blockade drives tensions higher

The United States and Iran may return to negotiations as early as this week after talks over the weekend failed to produce any breakthrough, with tensions rising further following Washington’s move to blockade Iranian ports. Sources familiar with the matter said yesterday that negotiating teams from both sides could travel back to Islamabad to resume discussions aimed at ending the conflict.

Although the US blockade has drawn a strong response from Tehran, signs that diplomatic efforts may continue have helped calm oil markets, with benchmark crude prices falling below US$100 yesterday. Continued … 

World said facing food ‘catastrophe’ if Strait of Hormuz disruption persists

A prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could result in a global food “catastrophe”, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned, as shipments of critical agricultural inputs remain blocked in the key waterway due to the US-Israel war on Iran.

Food prices have not risen yet because existing stocks are absorbing the shock, the United Nations body’s chief economist, Maximo Torero, said Monday. But if traffic through the strait does not resume, the shocks to energy and fertilizer markets will translate into higher commodity and retail prices later this year and into 2027. Continued … 

Thai airlines trim routes as fuel crisis drives costs sharply higher

Thai airlines are coming under growing pressure from the Middle East conflict, with soaring Jet A-1 prices pushing up operating costs, lifting air fares, and prompting some carriers to temporarily suspend selected routes. Bangkok Airways has already raised some domestic fares by around 15%-20% from April 1, saying higher fuel costs have lifted its expenses by about 20%.

Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, president of Bangkok Airways, said the carrier had hedged about 30% of its fuel costs at US$80-90 a barrel, but that this was no longer enough after jet fuel prices climbed to around US$170-180 a barrel. He said the airline would need to keep reviewing the impact closely and might have to reassess its business targets for 2026 if the crisis drags on. Continued … 

War reshapes travel demand: Thailand gains as air travel becomes a premium

The outbreak of war at the end of February has disrupted global travel patterns, triggering a shift that is both immediate and far-reaching. While traditional aviation hubs in the Middle East are losing momentum, Thailand is emerging as a key beneficiary. Yet, this growing appeal comes at a cost.

According to reporting, traveler behavior is undergoing a marked transformation, with safety and affordability now the dominant decision-making factors. Bangkok is seeing a surge in demand — but not without consequences. With major transit hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha facing operational constraints, air traffic is increasingly being redirected toward Southeast Asia. Bangkok, in particular, is positioning itself as an alternative gateway between Europe and Asia. Continued … 

China threatens retaliation after Trump warns of tariff over Iran arms claims

China has warned it will respond with countermeasures if the United States imposes higher tariffs based on allegations that Beijing is providing military support to Iran, after US President Donald Trump threatened a 50% tariff on Chinese imports if China sells weapons to Tehran.

Guo Jiakun, spokesman for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on X that reports claiming China was giving military support to Iran were entirely fabricated. He said that if the United States proceeds with raising tariffs on Chinese imports on the basis of those allegations, China will respond with countermeasures. Continued … 

Thai industry warns of stagflation risk as factory closures jump 58%

Factory closures in Thailand rose by 58% in the early months of 2026, as industrial leaders warned that rising energy costs, supply chain strain, and weak demand could push the economy toward stagflation. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) said the sector is under intensifying pressure, with manufacturing and trade left in a fragile state.

Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the FTI, said multiple challenges weighed heavily on industry in the first quarter of 2026. Among them were uncertainties over potential US trade measures, after Thailand climbed from 11th place in 2024 to seventh in 2025 among countries drawing Washington’s attention due to its growing trade surplus. Continued … 

Foreign condo transfers edge up in Thailand, with China still leading

Foreign condominium transfers across Thailand in 2025, from January to December, rose in terms of units but fell in total value compared with the previous year, according to an analysis by the Real Estate Information Center of the Government Housing Bank.

This reflected a slowdown in both the Thai and global economies, making buyers more cautious. Chinese buyers, in particular, were affected by domestic economic difficulties and tighter liquidity, prompting some foreign purchasers to delay their buying decisions. Continued … 

Feasibility studies behind land bridge said ‘inaccurate’

A coalition of academics, environmental organizations, and civil society groups has urged Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to disclose all environmental and health impact assessment (EHIA) reports related to the proposed southern land bridge project.

They also want him to delay the approval process, citing concerns about transparency and the reliability of key studies related to the trillion-baht infrastructure megaproject. Continued … 

Russians looking to increase exports to Thai market

Russia is ready to increase exports to the Thai market, says Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Patrushev, as quoted by the Russian Embassy in Thailand.

A statement posted online followed a meeting in Moscow between Patrushev and Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit to discuss prospects for expanding mutual supplies of agricultural products and food. Continued … 

Foreign Tourist Numbers Rise in Thailand During Songkran Festival

Thailand experienced a significant uptick in foreign tourist arrivals during the week of April 6–12, with 619,481 international visitors, an 8.8% increase from the previous week. This surge was predominantly fueled by the Songkran holiday, which attracted approximately 400,000 tourists from short-haul markets, according to Natriya Thaweewong, permanent secretary for tourism and sports.

Chinese tourists led the arrivals with 106,504 individuals, marking the highest weekly figure in five weeks. Malaysia followed with 90,524 visitors, while India, Russia, and the United States contributed 53,308, 36,701, and 24,693 visitors, respectively. Notably, Malaysian and Chinese arrivals increased by 61.7% and 25.4% compared to the previous week. Continued … 

Foreign Tourists Arrested for Spraying Police With Water in Phuket

Police in Patong, Phuket, arrested a group of foreign tourists after they used water guns to spray officers on duty during Songkran celebrations, an act seen as going beyond festive behavior and posing a risk of injury.

The incident came to light yesterday after videos circulated widely on social media. The footage showed officers from Patong Police Station attempting to carry out their duties at a coordination tent in Patong municipality when they were targeted by dozens of tourists on Monday. Continued … 

Koh Phi Phi Thailand island viewpoints and beaches

Explore Koh Phi Phi, famous for its dramatic cliffs and clear waters. The islands offer scenic viewpoints, beach walks, and views of Maya Bay, one of Thailand’s most well-known coastal locations. Video …

Southeast Asia’s Solar Panel Boom

Solar power is booming these days, with 511 GW of new capacity added in 2025 alone. A big reason is because the cost of solar panels has been dropping fast in recent years, making it genuinely competitive with fossil fuels.

Solar is making big gains not just in Europe and North America but in Africa, South Asia, and beyond. So why is solar such an attractive option right now? There is obviously a demand side component. Renewable energy like solar power is critical for energy security, something that has become painfully obvious to energy importers in recent weeks. Continued … 

International collaboration to promote sustainable barramundi farming in Thailand

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), the Thai seafood company Laylanta Co., and Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park are collaborating to strengthen the sustainability of barramundi cage farming in Songkhla Lake, Thailand.

Songkhla Lake is located in the south of the country and is the largest natural lake in Thailand. Years of environmental pressure from climate change, wastewater discharge, and increased human activity have led to declining water quality, higher sedimentation, and a greater risk of eutrophication. Continued … 

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