- Crystal meth seized in Khiri Khan/Ex-refinery diesel price cut by 4 Baht/Kui Buri elephants huddle under trees/Thailand birth rate tumbles/’Hands off Koh Kut’/Villagers carry elderly woman 9 kilometers
- THE IRAN WAR: Saudi oil export disruption
- ECONOMY: US$17 billion in Gastech deals/Thailand signs global minimum tax agreement/Bangkok’s Data Center Boom/Cargill commits 2 billion baht/MICE sector valued at 200 billion baht
- TOURISM: Pattaya battles sex tourism image/TAT’s Amazing Thailand Ambassador Campaign/More emphasis on visitor value/Thailand’s visa crackdown/DTV rules vary between Thai embassies
- CLIMATE THAILAND: 42.5-MWp Thai floating solar park/Why is Bangkok replacing diesel trucks?/Balanced path for Asia’s energy transition
- THAIS BEHAVING BADLY/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
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Police seize 464 kilograms of crystal meth in Khiri Khan
Highway police arrested a 23-year-old man and seized approximately 464 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine after the van he was driving crashed into a resident’s fence during a pursuit in Prachuap Khiri Khan last week.
The suspect, identified only as Minthada, was detained near the Don Sai traffic-light junction on Suk Chit Road in Ko Lak subdistrict, Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan district. Continued …
Government cuts ex-refinery diesel price by 4 Baht
The Energy Policy Administration Committee (EPAC) has announced a discount on the ex-refinery price of high-speed diesel by 4 baht per liter, effective from today until Oct.31.
Published in the Royal Gazette yesterday, the measure aims to mitigate domestic fuel price volatility being caused by ongoing Middle East tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which continue to disrupt global crude and refined oil supplies. The discount applies across all standard high-speed diesel grades, including B0, B7 and B20. – thaipbsworld.com
Kui Buri elephants huddle under trees as rain pours down
Thailand ‘must act’ as birth rate tumbles
Thailand is being urged to implement a coordinated effort across government, academia, and the private sector to address its declining birth rate crisis. The proposed approach involves covering the entire lifecycle, ranging from the initial stages of having and raising children to preparing them for the workforce.
The strategy emphasizes creating an environment that makes it easier for people to start families and raising children to be healthy and capable. Key focus areas include improving access to quality healthcare, promoting physical and mental health for children, infants, and mothers, and providing care during pregnancy. Additionally, government ministers have suggested that strengthening family support systems and enhancing digital skills and lifelong learning will be essential to helping child development and reducing inequality. – Bangkok Post
‘Hands off Koh Kut’: Thailand stands firm at UN maritime talks
Thailand maintains that the island of Koh Kut is not subject to the current maritime reconciliation process, as the government considers its sovereignty over the island to be a matter of land territory rather than maritime boundary. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has stated that the ongoing conciliation proceedings should be strictly limited to the maritime boundary dispute and should exclude land borders, which includes Koh Kut.
The Thai government specifically rejects Cambodia’s 1972 continental shelf claim line, asserting that this unilateral claim lacks a legal basis. Officials have emphasized that any maritime demarcation conducted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) should clearly demonstrate that the island belongs to Thailand. This dispute is being addressed through a UN-facilitated conciliation commission currently meeting in Singapore. – Bangkok Post
Kanchanaburi villagers carry elderly woman 9 kilometers to bank
Villagers and local volunteers in Kanchanaburi carried an elderly woman 9 kilometers through continuous rain so she could reach a bank after her ATM card stopped working and she needed to verify her identity in person.
The journey took place on Monday, in a remote community in Sangkhla Buri district near the Thai-Myanmar border. The woman, who is in her 90s and bedridden, needed to resolve the banking issue so she could access money deposited by relatives each month for her living and care expenses. Continued …
Saudi export disruption sends some physical cargoes above US$130 a barrel
European buyers pushed some physical oil cargo prices above US$130 a barrel yesterday, while Brent and US crude futures reached their highest settlements since May 19 as disruptions to Saudi exports intensified.
Shipping industry sources said crude loadings at Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea export hub of Yanbu had been suspended. Trade sources also said Riyadh had informed European customers that some late-September crude cargoes would be cancelled, raising concerns that disruption could last for weeks. Continued …
Energy minister reports over US$17 billion in Gastech deals
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan said yesterday that Gastech 2026 in Bangkok had generated more than US$17 billion in energy business agreements. Thailand also handed over hosting duties for the 2027 event to Houston in the United States.
Akanat credited cooperation among all those involved in Gastech 2026 in Bangkok with helping the event secure the agreements. The outcome reinforced Asia’s potential as a center for global energy business, he said. Continued …
Thailand signs up to global minimum tax agreement
Thailand has signed an international tax information exchange agreement as part of the Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) rules to support the collection of top-up taxes.
The agreement is part of Thailand’s participation in the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement on the Exchange of Information. This move aims to facilitate the exchange of tax information concerning large multinational enterprises (MNEs) and reduce the burden of compliance by minimizing the need for duplicate information in multiple countries. – Bangkok Post
Bangkok’s Data Center Boom Runs Into a Regulatory Reckoning
Stallholders working a market along Rama XI, one of Bangkok’s arterial roads, started noticing a nauseating oil odor drifting from a boxy structure covered in gunmetal grey panels that had gone up across from their stalls with almost no warning.
A nearby hospital sat close enough to raise its own alarms. When authorities finally looked, they found 200,000 liters of oil being stored on site without a permit. The facility, known as BKK01, was tied to a $1 billion investment from the Dubai-based conglomerate DAMAC, part of a plan to turn Thailand into a Southeast Asian hyperscale hub. Continued …
Cargill commits 2 billion baht to Thailand expansion
Cargill is expanding its food production in Thailand by investing 2 billion baht (US$60 million) to enhance its feed business and processing facilities. This strategic move aims to increase production efficiency and reliability in the production process, while also providing better control over raw materials.
The investment includes upgrading machinery at three processing and slaughtering facilities in Nakhon Ratchasima and upgrading one primary facility in Saraburi. Cargill also plans to build a new silo in Nakhon Ratchasima with an expected capacity of 30,000 tons of feed to help manage costs during harvest seasons and mitigate the impact of fluctuating feed ingredient prices. These upgrades are intended to boost total production capacity to between 150,000 and 160,000 tons per year by late 2028. – Bangkok Post
Revived MICE sector valued at 200 billion baht
Thailand’s MICE sector is expected to be worth 200 billion baht this year as it transitions into recovery mode. This projection comes as the industry steadily moves toward economic recovery, with the sector’s growth playing a vital role in the nation’s broader economic landscape.
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has noted that the sector’s revival is essential for driving national revenue. While some earlier targets for the MICE segment in 2026 were set at 163 billion baht, with 29.4 million participants, the current outlook suggests a stronger valuation of 200 billion baht. To maintain competitiveness, the bureau is focusing on high-value industries and addressing challenges such as the need for more specialized incentives for international organizers and attendees. – Bangkok Post
Pattaya battles sex tourism image as crimes investigated
A media review of Pattaya has highlighted the resort city’s enduring association with sex tourism, despite efforts by local authorities to promote beaches, sport, conventions and family holidays.
The report comes as two Western foreigners face separate murder investigations linked to deaths in the Pattaya area. Pattaya Mayor Poramet “Beer” Ngampichet acknowledged the city’s nightlife reputation but said officials were trying to broaden its appeal. Continued …
TAT’s Amazing Thailand Ambassador Campaign Generates Over 448 Million Impressions
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reports that its “Amazing Thailand Ambassador” project has generated more than 448 million impressions across media and digital channels.
The initiative reflects TAT’s efforts to evolve how Thailand is communicated as a destination in response to today’s changing traveler behaviors and digital landscape, using contemporary stories, content, and perspectives to connect audiences with Thailand’s unique charm.
As part of the initiative, Lisa, as the Amazing Thailand Ambassador, helped showcase Thailand’s stories and perspectives to travelers through the “Feel All the feelings” campaign, sparking widespread conversation and inspiring people to experience and discover Thailand for themselves.
Thailand is redefining tourism success by putting more emphasis on visitor value
Thailand is shifting the way it measures tourism success, moving beyond visitor numbers toward a model focused on value, distribution and sustainability.
TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications Nithee Seeprae said the agency is increasingly tracking indicators including per-capita tourism revenue, length of stay, repeat visitation rates, the dispersion of tourists to secondary provinces and the quality of life of local communities. The approach is built around five strategies: life economy, sub-culture economy, night economy, circular economy and platform economy. Continued …
Thailand’s visa crackdown could cost more in tourist spending than in arrivals
Thailand has shortened the standard visa-free stay for tourists from 60 days to 30, and this change may have a bigger effect on tourism spending than on the number of foreign visitors entering the country.
The new rules took effect yesterday, as Thailand tries to shift its tourism strategy toward higher-value visitors. Most ordinary holidays will remain unaffected. But for travelers who stay for several weeks, the change could mean shorter trips, additional visa applications or a decision to spend their money elsewhere. Continued …
Thailand DTV rules vary between Thai embassies
Thailand’s revised Destination Thailand Visa rules, effective from Aug. 31, have created uncertainty for applicants applying outside their home country as Thai embassies and consulates publish differing residence requirements.
The Department of Consular Affairs replaced the previous requirement for proof of an applicant’s current location with proof of permanent residence. Applicants must now also submit a criminal record clearance certificate. Continued …
Amata, B.Grimm to co-develop 42.5-MWp Thai floating solar park
Thai industrial estate developer Amata Corp. and energy producer B.Grimm Power will invest 1.2 billion baht (USD36.1 million/EUR33.9 million) in a 42.5-MWp floating solar project at an industrial site in eastern Thailand’s Chon Buri province.
The proposed photovoltaic (PV) park will be installed at a water reservoir within Amata City Chonburi Industrial Estate, a major industrial estate development managed by Amata, to help meet growing demand for renewable energy and support the industrial sector’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Its output is expected to help mitigate around 29,300 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Continued …
Why is Bangkok replacing diesel trucks with EVs?
Bangkok is transitioning to electric vehicles to significantly reduce energy costs and mitigate air pollution. The plan to replace diesel rubbish trucks with electric vehicles is estimated to cut energy costs by approximately 4.75 billion baht, or 54%, over a five-year period.
This shift is part of a broader effort to improve environmental performance and air quality by reducing carbon emissions and PM2.5 pollution. For instance, the government is also working to convert various public-service vehicle categories to electric power, a move that could potentially reduce national oil consumption by 212 million liters annually.
Beyond waste management, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority is preparing to roll out 1,520 electric buses to improve passenger convenience and safety while lowering fuel and maintenance costs by an estimated 4.1 billion baht per year. – Bangkok Post
Energy leaders urge balanced path for Asia’s energy transition
Energy leaders at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok called for a balanced approach to the energy transition, arguing that reducing emissions cannot be pursued separately from energy security, affordability, reliability and economic growth.
Speaking during the panel “On track or off course? Navigating the path towards lower carbon energy systems” yesterday, executives from PETRONAS, PTT, Saipem and Wood, alongside the CNPC Economics & Technology Research Institute, broadly agreed that the transition would require both existing energy systems and new lower-carbon technologies. Continued …
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Russian tourist robbed at gunpoint in Pattaya – Continued …
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Pattaya police hold teens over Turkish man’s robbery – Continued …
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Five Indian tourists report North Pattaya hotel assault – Continued …
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British man injured in attempted Pattaya phone robbery – Continued …
Over 200 Brits held over Thailand cannabis mule trips
More than 200 British nationals are currently detained overseas in drug-smuggling cases involving cannabis originating from Thailand, Foreign Office figures show. The UK government said consular cases involving Britons arrested abroad for drug smuggling more than quadrupled between 2023 and 2025, rising from just over 80 to more than 340. There have already been more than 160 new cases in 2026. Continued …
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Chinese fugitive held after Malaysia visa run – Continued …
Former Google DeepMind researcher warns of AI extinction risk
A former Google DeepMind researcher warned on Monday that artificial intelligence (AI) could potentially “kill all humans”, saying the world may be running out of time to prevent such an outcome. Continued …
US acknowledges that it has deployed weapons in space
The United States has confirmed for the first time that it has deployed weapons in space, a remarkable revelation after previous warnings about countries such as Russia possibly weaponizing a global frontier long agreed in treaties to be used for only peaceful purposes. 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
Thailand has long appealed to retirees seeking sunshine, affordability, reliable healthcare, and a slower pace of life.
Thailand has ranked third in the world for digital nomads and fourth for retirees in the Rumavi Global Relocation Index 2026, which assessed 192 countries and territories.
A new concrete road and drainage system for Hua Hin Soi 10 have been completed under a municipal project, with a construction budget of 5.42 million baht. Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul and municipal officials inspected the work last week as part of the formal acceptance process.
Camera traps have recorded tigers in Prachuap Khiri Khan alongside Fea’s muntjac and other rare wildlife during a five-month survey, conservation officials announced yesterday.
A new NIDA Poll has found that many Thai respondents who had heard reports of, or experienced, alleged inappropriate or illegal behavior by Israelis in Thailand said their main concern was a lack of respect for the law.
Thailand’s Interior Ministry has expanded its investigation into Gan Chabad Co., from a Jewish cemetery in Chachoengsao to land holdings, company structures and possible nominee arrangements involving dozens of linked businesses.
Thailand still has 2,574 subdistricts without adequate standard emergency medical units, while a Senate working group is pushing for expanded local coverage and plans to increase the number of paramedics to 7,500 within five years.
Thailand’s Energy Ministry hopes to launch its 26th petroleum bidding round in the Andaman Sea by late 2026, with five major energy companies identified as potential participants, but Cabinet approval of key fiscal terms remains pending, according to media reports.
This week, the global energy industry gathers in Bangkok for Gastech, the world’s premier gas conference. Thailand is a fitting host, both for its own industrial ambitions and because it sits at the heart of the region that is reshaping global energy demand.
Thailand’s Customs Department collected more than 4 billion baht in import duties on goods worth no more than 1,500 baht in the first 11 months of fiscal 2026, Director-general Phantong Loykulnanta said, reporting a shift toward purchases from domestic sellers.
Phuket’s property market has reached a total value of more than 705 billion baht, the highest among Thailand’s regional provinces, with resort condominiums and villas accounting for more than half of residential supply and foreign buyers remaining a major source of demand.
Thailand’s proposed Thai Travel Plus, or Thai Tiew Thai Plus, scheme has an admirable objective: to encourage domestic tourism and spread tourism spending more widely across the country. The proposal is expected to go before Cabinet on Sept. 22, with a government budget of around 3.5 billion baht.
Chiang Mai farmers move to preserve local herb as ‘Makwean’ earns GI registration
What began as a defensive response to a global energy supply shock is rapidly turning into Thailand’s most ambitious economic transformation in decades.
Indonesian rescuers continued searching today for 129 people missing after the Virgo Transport 8 capsized in the Java Sea. Six people have died and 108 have been rescued. The vessel carried 243 people and was sailing from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan when it encountered bad weather early yesterday. 
Rescuers retrieved more remains from a passenger ferry in the Philippine that was gutted by fire, bringing the death toll on Saturday to 76, with 13 missing. Forty-three people survived the fire on Wednesday night among the 132 on board. 
Prime Minister Mark Carney calls Canada “the most European of non-European countries,” and while formal EU membership may be tricky, he is pursuing unprecedented closeness with the bloc to reduce dependence on a hostile United States. 
The government has added bottled drinking water and seasoning sauces to its price-control list, along with plastic pellets, in order to prevent undue price increases in light of cost pressures arising from the Middle East war.
The Energy Policy and Planning Office has announced updated petrol prices effective from yesterday. This report details current prices at five major service stations: PTT, Bangchak, PT, Caltex, and Shell, providing an overview of costs per liter for various fuel types.
The 15th edition of the Princess Pa’s Cup InterContinental–B.Grimm Beach Polo Hua Hin took place on Saturday, bringing a blend of sport, society, and seaside elegance to the beachfront of InterContinental Hua Hin Resort.
Hazardous levels of ultrafine dust covered Bangkok and 58 of Thailand’s 76 provinces yesterday afternoon, with air quality reaching levels considered harmful to health.
Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Phayao have been declared emergency disaster zones, as persistent hazardous air quality continues to grip northern Thailand, unlocking emergency funds for provincial governors to deploy relief efforts.
Thailand is set to experience widespread hot to extremely hot conditions through April 11, with temperatures in some areas expected to exceed 42°C, according to the Thai Meteorological Department.
Inspectors from the Department of Internal Trade (DIT), under the Commerce Ministry, have been conducting random inspections of outlets selling LPG cooking gas and gas-filling facilities to ensure they are not cheating customers by selling less gas than the tanks’ stated capacity.
The war in the Middle East, now dragging on for more than a month, is casting a shadow over travel during the Songkran festival, a global event for Thailand. Hotel, retail, and event operators largely see Songkran tourism in 2026 as either weaker or flat compared with last year, even as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimates domestic spending at 30.35 billion baht, up 6%.
The war in the Middle East, now in its second month, is hitting global trade, as shipping costs climb in line with higher oil prices, while freight rates have also risen sharply.
Thailand’s rising cost of living is becoming increasingly hard for households to bear, with a new survey showing that most people are already feeling the strain as Songkran approaches.
Restaurants are bracing for less vibrant sales during the Songkran holiday this year, which runs from April 11-15, according to the Thai Restaurant Assn. With the Middle East war driving up the cost of living and reducing consumer purchasing power, Thaniwan Kulmongkol, president of the association, said food is often the first thing people cut from their budgets.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told shoppers while inspecting prices of goods on sale at a shopping mall in Bangkapi area of Bangkok Saturday that a round of 50:50 co-payment scheme will be implemented after April 30.
Thai manufacturers have been further hit with a double whammy as a severe shortage of microchips has thrown this market into turmoil, while prices of all types of steel products are initially rising by 10%-15% this month.
As Thailand moves to adjust fuel policies and households continue to feel cost-of-living pressures, discussions in online forums have once again highlighted a broader issue: how inflation and inconsistent pricing are impacting both locals and foreign tourists. For visitors arriving in Thailand, the effect of rising costs is increasingly visible across multiple parts of the travel experience.
Thailand is pushing for regulations that would require international tourists to obtain accident insurance before entering the country, as rising unpaid medical bills and accident risks place a mounting strain on public healthcare.
Tourist numbers along Jomtien Beach have dropped noticeably in recent days, leaving normally busy beachfront areas unusually quiet and raising concerns among local operators. A survey of the area found a clear decline in visitors, with long stretches of beach appearing sparse compared to the typically lively atmosphere Pattaya is known for.
Thailand’s aviation sector is starting to show clearer signs of strain from the worsening oil crisis, with Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X suspending selected routes during the 2026 summer schedule as surging fuel costs weigh more heavily on operations. The move comes as energy tensions linked to the Middle East conflict continue to push up aviation costs globally.
On the right track along Bangkok’s rail lines
Organic farming becomes a new pillar in the global food trade
Grab Thailand is accelerating its Grab EV program in response to the ongoing energy crisis by announcing strategic partnerships with nine new partners, including EV manufacturers and distributors, as well as taxi cooperatives.
For the first time in more than half a century, astronauts will fly around the Moon today, marking the high point of the Artemis 2’s lunar mission. The flyby will last around seven hours, starting today around 2:45 p.m. eastern US time (1845 GMT) and ending around 9:20 p.m. (0120 GMT). 
Hua Hin Songkran schedule
Hua Hin City Municipality has begun discussions on new public transport routes as part of efforts to improve mobility and meet rising demand in the growing coastal city. Hua Hin has seen steady growth in recent years, driven by tourism, economic activity, and urban expansion. This has led to increased demand for more efficient and accessible public transport routes to support both residents and visitors.
Soero rolls back the years at Black Mountain Championship
Thailand Energy Minister Akanat Promphan announced plans to maintain electricity prices at 3.88 baht/unit from May through August, countering the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) suggestion to increase it to 3.95 baht/unit. This decision leverages a surplus of about 9 billion baht and a claw-back mechanism designed to stabilize prices amid rising fuel costs.
Diesel prices in Thailand will rise again today after the Oil Fuel Fund committee reduced subsidies for a second consecutive day, pushing retail costs higher and triggering increases in public transport fares.
The Thai government is preparing to cut domestic fuel prices by targeting what it describes as “unnecessary” cost components in the national pricing structure.
Transport Company has announced its readiness to handle a 10% rise in passenger numbers during Thailand’s Songkran holiday from April 9-19. Despite rising fuel costs, the company will maintain current bus fares to ease travel for passengers.
In a leafy Tehran park yesterday, Iranians gathered for picnics on the final day of the Persian new year holidays, shrugging off US President Donald Trump’s threats to bomb Iran “back to the Stone Ages”.
Surapol Suksupaet, an 82-year-old rice farmer in Pathum Thani province, warns that rising fuel costs and stagnant rice prices are pushing smallholders to the brink.
Thailand’s fishing industry has warned that soaring oil prices could force 70% of fishing boats to stop operating after Songkran, threatening domestic seafood supplies and affecting around 50,000 workers.
Thailand’s household debt climbed to 16.44 trillion baht in the fourth quarter of 2025, pushing the debt-to-GDP ratio up to 86.7% and reinforcing concerns that financial fragility in the household sector remains a serious drag on the broader economy.
Thailand’s retail sector is sending a clear signal that consumer spending power is under extreme strain, with shoppers increasingly thinking before they spend, and prioritizing value over brand loyalty, marking the end of broad-based growth across the board.
Passengers using Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok during the Songkran holiday are advised to arrive at least two to three hours before their scheduled departures, with the peak travel day expected to be April 11.
Phuket ferry and speedboat fares for routes to Koh Phi Phi, along with boat tour prices, are set to increase from April 5 after operators received approval to raise charges in response to higher fuel costs.
Women driving Thailand’s travel economy
“Promoting a low-carbon society by announcing that Thailand will achieve the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (2050) to cope with international trade and climate change by promoting and supporting the use of clean energy such as solar energy in communities and government agencies, the use of electric vehicles and public transportation, as well as increasing energy efficiency, especially in the industrial sector.” (The prime minister delivers the Cabinet’s policy statement (Sept. 29, 2025 at the National Assembly)
The Kasikorn Research Center estimates that Thailand’s solar industry is facing mounting cost pressure after China scrapped value-added tax (VAT) export rebates for photovoltaic (PV) products, including solar panels, from April 1.
Thailand is getting older, and quietly, a new kind of property boom is taking shape. First-time buyers or speculative investors do not drive it. It is being fueled by something far more predictable. Demographics.
More than 1,200 runners took part in Nakhon Hua Hin Run 2026 at Khao Tao Reservoir in Hua Hin yesterday, with organizers saying the event was held to promote exercise, support tourism and raise funds for local sports development.
Business leaders are calling for the government to study long-term energy security strategies to reduce reliance on imported energy and expand access to renewable sources in the wake of the ongoing crisis stemming from war in the Middle East. The crisis also serves as a wake-up call for some businesses to explore alternative energy options for the long run.
The ongoing energy crisis has underscored the need for Thailand to accelerate the development of a broader mix of energy sources to strengthen its self-reliance, according to an analyst.
Energy Expert Warns of Possible Diesel Shortage in Thailand
Thailand could face a diesel shortage within two months, according to global energy expert Panurach Dumrongthai, who warned that confirmed crude oil deliveries for April and May fall 27 million barrels short of national demand.
Three swine organizations have announced another increase in recommended live pig farm-gate prices, raising the guidance level by B2 per kilogram with effect today.
Thai banks are raising concerns over a potential rise in non-performing loans (NPLs) as prolonged geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to drive up global oil prices, increasing cost pressures across the economy.
The Commerce Ministry has unveiled a broad package of cost-of-living relief measures, including discounts of up to 50% on consumer goods from Wednesday, tighter oversight of fertilizer prices, and accelerated efforts to reduce farmers’ production costs.
Imported parcels delivered directly to recipients in Thailand have decreased in volume, while their prices have increased as a result of Customs Department measures.
Songkran festival expected to boost Thailand’s economy with 30 billion baht
A tourist in southern Thailand was left shaken after a cobra slithered across their neck while they were resting in a hotel room in Krabi province. The incident occurred Friday when the guest, staying on the second floor, reported feeling something cold moving across their neck before discovering it was a cobra.
The Immigration Bureau has warned foreign travelers against fraudulent websites offering Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) services for a fee, stressing that registration, while mandatory, is free and available only through official channels.
Passengers faced heavy congestion at immigration checkpoints at Phuket International Airport after a temporary system failure, officials confirmed yesterday. The Immigration Bureau 2 (IB2) said the disruption caused delays during a peak departure period but denied claims that travelers were charged to access special lanes.
Where to eat in Chiang Mai, from markets to coffee houses
Embark on a vibrant food tour through Chiang Mai. Discover the best places to eat for local northern Thai food, from charming cafes serving iced coffee and Thai iced tea to bustling street stalls offering classics like mango sticky rice, pad Thai, and roti.
In August 2025, Malaysian campaigner Wong Pui Yi stood outside the UN headquarters in Geneva and made an appeal to Global North nations: “Stop treating the Global South as the rubbish bin for plastic waste you cannot handle.”
Local authorities in Khon Kaen have launched a pilot initiative to convert plastic waste into fuel, aiming to help communities reduce fuel expenses amid soaring petrol prices. The aim is to help reduce fuel cost and also help reduce waste in the communities.
Caretaker transport minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is stepping up efforts to switch all diesel-powered interprovincial buses in Bangkok to electric buses during the Anutin Charnvirakul administration to save on oil expenses.
Thousands of anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ events take place across the US
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.
For many people, a fall may seem like a minor accident. But for older adults, a single fall can be life-changing — especially if it results in a hip fracture, one of the most serious and common injuries among older adults. Without proper treatment, a broken hip can lead to long-term disability, loss of independence, the need for ongoing care, and a significant decline in quality of life.
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) at the Ministry of Public Health has issued a warning urging the public to be especially vigilant against influenza, after an upward trend in cases. Between Jan. 1 and March 9, Thailand recorded 137,276 cumulative cases and eight deaths.
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.
Foreign residents in Hua Hin who own property through Thai-registered companies using nominee shareholders are being urged to review their legal position as enforcement intensifies across Thailand.
Thai massage industry set for overhaul
Fighting in the Middle East, which began on Feb. 28, when the United States and Israel attacked Iran, has escalated into Iranian strikes on US bases in several countries and an Iranian announcement to close the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for transporting oil and natural gas from major producing sources such as Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
The price of flights between Asia and Europe has soared after the closure of key Middle Eastern hubs due to the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, with airline websites showing tickets on many popular routes booked out for days. 
The immigration queue certainly takes the edge off the excitement of a new adventure into the world’s most visited city. This time, I threw some dollars at the problem. The result? It was just 30 minutes from the plane reaching the gate to me sitting in a taxi heading into the city. On my previous visit, the immigration queue alone took 70 minutes.