• Thai women leaders honored/Government Warns of Summer Drowning Risk/Raid Seizes 120,000 Gecko Carcasses
• THE IRAN WAR: Oil jumps above $100/10 vessels attacked in Hormuz Strait/Thai tourism faces severe volatility/May steer wealth to Thai luxury homes/Thailand advises all 77,000 nationals to evacuate/Commerce Ministry Reports Minimal Impact/Outlook for Thai vehicle exports/Fertilizer prices rise/Fuel price surge threatens Trat tourism/Iran’s new Supreme Leader named
• ECONOMY: Thailand faces fiscal strain/Consumer confidence biggest threat to property market/Strategy to Protect Thai Exports/Reducing Poverty in Northern Thailand
• TOURISM: B40-billion revenue collapse/Early trip planning urged/Songkran 2026 travel demand rises/What Pattaya is really about/Hostel association targets reform/Indonesia bans elephant riding
• THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Kui Buri – Thailand’s Hidden Eden/One Of The World’s Most Welcoming Destinations/Lingering In Chiang Mai
• CLIMATE THAILAND: Phetchaburi marine farm’s sustainable legacy/Climate pressure spurs energy revamp
• FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Ten Thai women leaders honored at ‘Women of Power’ event

Ten prominent Thai women from across business, the arts, sport, and social advocacy were placed in the spotlight at the “BPWT… Women of Power” event, where they shared personal lessons on resilience, leadership, and success in a rapidly changing world.

The event, organized by the Business and Professional Women’s Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen (BPWT), was held to celebrate women whose achievements and life experiences have inspired others across generations. The speakers reflected on overcoming adversity, building confidence, leading with integrity, and creating opportunities from crisis. Continued … 

Government Warns of Summer Drowning Risk, 10,000 deaths in 10 years

The government has warned the public to take extra precautions around water during the summer months, as nearly 10,000 people have drowned during the season over the past decade. Officials say the period from March to May consistently sees a rise in water-related fatalities across the country.

Airin Phanrit, deputy government spokeswoman, said on Saturday that statistics from 2016 to 2025 recorded an average of 964 drowning deaths each year. Data showed that the age group most affected was those aged 45–59, who accounted for 27.9% of fatalities. Continued … 

Raid Seizes 120,000 Gecko Carcasses

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 operation was carried out on riday following an investigation into a suspected wildlife and illegal timber trafficking network. Officers also arrested two suspects linked to the warehouse. Continued … 

Oil jumps above $100

Global oil prices surged sharply in early-week trading after tensions from the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran escalated, stoking market fears of tighter oil supplies and risks to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route.

In Monday morning trading, Brent crude jumped by as much as $18.35, or about 19.8%, to $111.04 a barrel — its highest level since July 2022 — before easing back to $107.07 a barrel, up $14.38 or 15.5%. Continued … 

10 vessels attacked in Hormuz Strait

About 10 vessels in or near the Strait of Hormuz have come under attack since Iran blocked the strategic waterway in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes, data analysis groups report. The attacks throughout the week following the outbreak of war on Feb. 28 almost completely halted traffic through the strait, a crucial route for oil and other goods.

Britain’s maritime security agency UKMTO has issued around 10 alerts for attacks, as well as warnings of suspicious activity, but has released few details on the vessels involved. Continued … 

Thai tourism faces severe volatility as Middle East conflict hits long-haul travel

Chai Arunanondchai, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), said that after one week of fighting in the Middle East, Thailand’s tourism sector had been directly affected and was facing severe volatility, both in terms of travel costs and tourist numbers.

The conflict in the Middle East has had a major impact on airlines, particularly flights from Europe that require transit stops and plane changes in several cities, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, and Doha in Qatar, which serve as aviation hubs. Airfares on long-haul routes, especially Europe-bound services, have risen by almost 100%. Continued …

Middle East war may steer wealth to Thai luxury homes

The conflict in the Middle East is shaking the global economy, but it may also create an opportunity for Thailand’s property sector to emerge as a new destination for wealthy buyers shifting away from Dubai and into the ultra-luxury residential market.

Prasert Taedullayasatit, president of the Thai Condominium Assn., said the conflict in the Middle East remains difficult to predict and is already sending shockwaves through money and capital markets worldwide, including Thailand. Businesses therefore need to respond cautiously in terms of investment, liquidity management, and contingency planning. Continued … 

Thailand advises all 77,000 nationals in the Middle East to evacuate

Thailand has advised all its nationals in the Middle East to leave high-risk areas immediately, as fighting across the region intensifies. The warning follows eight consecutive days of attacks involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

However, the confrontation has already expanded beyond those three countries. Missile and drone exchanges now involve multiple states across the region. Consequently, Thai authorities describe the situation as violent, tense, and uncertain. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the advisory yesterday. Continued … 

Thailand’s Commerce Ministry Reports Minimal Impact from Middle East Unrest

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.

In 2025, Thailand exported goods to the Middle East worth about 12.48 billion US dollars, accounting for 3.7% of the country’s total exports. Authorities reported no clear signs of canceled orders or delayed purchase orders so far. Continued … 

Conflict clouds outlook for Thai vehicle exports

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.

The first direct impact would be reduced car exports to the Middle East, as shipping is disrupted in the Strait of Hormuz, he said. “Changing transport routes will result in more expensive cars and longer delivery times,” Surapong said. Continued … 

Fertilizer prices rise amid Middle East tensions

A survey in Khon Kaen on Friday has found the retail price of urea fertilizer to have increased by about 50 baht per sack as stocks at several distributors become depleted ahead of planting season.

At a major fertilizer and seed distribution center in Muang district, managers reported that several factories had suspended trading due to shortages of raw materials and rising import costs, said Teerakorn Wainiyom, sales and marketing manager at a fertilizer retailer. Continued … 

Fuel price surge threatens Trat tourism industry

Concern over rising fuel prices is growing among tourism operators in Trat province, who are urging the government to stabilize prices before they can no longer bear the burden.

“A mere one-baht (per liter) increase in fuel prices immediately adds a huge cost burden,” said Atthaphon Klinthub, executive of Boonsiri High-Speed Ferries, a major operator of services between Koh Kood and Koh Mak. Continued … 

Mojtaba Khamenei named as Iran’s new Supreme Leader following death of father

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.

A mid-ranking cleric with formidable influence over Iran’s security apparatus and vast business interests, Mojtaba has long been considered the frontrunner to succeed his father. Continued … 

Thailand faces fiscal strain as deficit rises and Middle East war weighs on economy

Thailand’s fiscal position is once again at a critical turning point in 2026, as pressure from several directions is converging. These include a persistently rising budget deficit burden, a global economy facing uncertainty from geopolitical tensions, particularly the war in the Middle East, as well as Thailand’s own structural economic challenges, with growth continuing to fall short of its potential.

These factors mean that the incoming government will face fiscal challenges that are more complex and more severe than at many points in the past. In recent years, warning signs from credit rating agencies have become increasingly clear. Continued … 

Consumer confidence, not costs, now poses biggest threat to Thai property market

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.

Pornnarit said the conflict in the Middle East, although far from Thailand geographically, was having a significant indirect effect on the Thai economy. The first impact has come through higher oil prices, which are pushing up costs across the economy, from transport to construction materials. Continued … 

Commerce Ministry Launches Strategy to Protect Thai Exports

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.

Officials say the plan focuses on diversification, trade agreements, and adapting to emerging economic trends.The strategy encourages exporters to expand into new markets such as the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, reducing reliance on a limited number of major trading partners. It also prioritises accelerating Free Trade Agreement negotiations with key partners including the European Union and the United Arab Emirates. Continued … 

From Opium to Opportunity: Reducing Poverty in Northern Thailand

During the 20th century, the Golden Triangle, the region where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet, became infamous for its opium production. Northern Thailand’s farmers relied heavily on the opium poppy as the foundation of their livelihoods. Unfortunately, this dependence on opium also entrenched poverty in these rural communities.

To address this, the Thai government has worked to reduce poverty in the region and promote alternative livelihoods through agriculture, coffee cultivation, and tourism. The Royal Project Foundation, launched as the Royal Hill Tribe Assistance Project in 1969, has fundamentally transformed the way of life for the hill tribes and villages. Continued … 

Thai tourism faces B40-billion revenue collapse

Thailand could lose more than 40 billion baht in tourism revenue in the worst-case scenario, assuming the Middle East airspace closure lasts for eight weeks, says the Tourism and Sports Ministry.

Natthriya Thaweevong, tourism and sports permanent secretary, said travelers from the Middle East and Europe have been greatly hampered by the airspace closure, as many flights are unable to operate. Continued … 

Early trip planning urged as Mideast war sends airfares soaring

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).

Based on travel trend monitoring, flight operation disruptions are expected to ease and sky-high ticket prices to fall from late March, the CAAT said. For now, though, most airlines based in the Middle East are unable to resume normal operations, except for some flights from Oman. Continued … 

Songkran 2026 travel demand rises as Pattaya leads domestic destinations

Following the Songkran festival in 2025, which generated more than B28.723 billion in nationwide economic circulation, up 17% from the previous year, the festival’s continued development into a global celebration is expected to further boost tourism spending in 2026, driven by the expansion of large-scale events and rising tourist participation.

The latest data from Traveloka shows that the top 10 most popular domestic destinations during Songkran are Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phuket, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Bangkok, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, and Koh Samet. Continued … 

What Pattaya is really about, as foreign tourists share their good and bad experiences

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.

Some foreign visitors voice concerns about safety and infrastructure. Online discussions occasionally highlight road accidents involving tour buses or incidents involving tourists in nightlife areas such as Walking Street Pattaya. Continued … 

Hostel association targets reform and growth

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.

Naree Suneta, president of the association, said the existing law is impractical for small operators, and the association wants a new regulation dedicated to different accommodation scales, such as rules for 1-20 rooms, 21-50 rooms, and more than 50 rooms, which is the threshold for regulation under the current Hotel Act. Continued … 

Indonesia bans elephant riding

Ethical tourism has been gaining traction for years. One of the attractions that has consistently made headlines for all the wrong reasons is elephant rides. But now, elephants are getting a much-deserved reprieve with the banning of riding these massive mammals.

For decades, travelers to Indonesia could ride elephants as part of their experience in the country. What seemed like a fun attraction was actually quite stressful and harmful to the elephants. But because of the tourism revenue it generated, a blind eye was often turned to the plight of the elephants, who were left to suffer. Continued …

Kui Buri – Thailand’s Hidden Eden

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. Trailer video … 

Breathtaking Region Between Phuket And Krabi One Of The World’s Most Welcoming Destinations

Nestled along a stunning stretch of Thailand’s Andaman Coast between Phuket and Krabi, Phang Nga province was recognized in the 2026 Booking.com Traveller Review Awards as one of the world’s most welcoming destinations, based on guest reviews. One could argue that this distinction applies to much of Thailand — long nicknamed the “Land of Smiles” – yet in Phang Nga, the hospitality often feels particularly authentic and unforced.

Phang Nga’s appeal goes beyond its scenery. The province is home to charming homestays, standout restaurants – several recognized in the Michelin Guide – and informative excursions into a wilderness teeming with waterfalls and wildlife, led by knowledgeable local guides eager to share their culture along with the landscape. Continued … 

Lingering In Chiang Mai: Temples, Tea, And Tranquillity In Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai enchants with its intricate temple architecture, lush jungles threaded with waterfalls, a culinary scene rich in northern flavors, and its distinctive Lanna heritage. Yet, beyond its beauty and cultural depth, it offers something rarer — quiet moments away from the party crowds.

It is a destination suited equally to solo travelers seeking serenity and families in search of meaningful time together. I chose the latter — and the experience felt all the richer for it. Continued … 

Phetchaburi marine farm showcases Queen Mother’s sustainable legacy

Aware of the need for rural communities to have more food sources for self-reliance, the late Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, initiated the establishment of model farms in various parts of Thailand to teach local villagers how to become self-sufficient in their food supply.

In Phetchaburi, a model marine farm was set up at Her Majesty’s initiative as a learning center where farmers can exchange knowledge on fishery development and fishing practices suited to local environmental conditions. Continued … 

Climate pressure spurs Thailand’s energy revamp

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.

These measures are seen as vital to Thailand’s pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions, a commitment reaffirmed at the UN climate summit in Brazil in November 2025. If approved later this year, the 2026 PDP will serve as a roadmap toward Thailand’s net-zero target for 2050, balancing emissions with carbon absorption. Continued …

• DBD Probes 15 Fruit-Packing Firms Over Thai Nominee Use – Continued … 
• 11 Chinese Nationals Arrested in House at Mae Sai Border – Continued …
• British Man Arrested Over Cocaine Sales in Bangkok – Continued … 
• Israeli Drug Dealer Arrested on Koh Phangan – Continued … 
• Australian Drug Suspect Arrested in Bangkok Condo – Continued … 

Venezuela topped 2025 global inflation table at 475%

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. Continued … 

Japan mulls abolishing face-to-face immigration checks amid tourism surge

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. Continued … 

Indonesia to restrict social media access for children under 16

Indonesia will restrict access to social media platforms for children under 16, its communications and digital ministry said on Friday, making it the latest country to install online guardrails to reduce the risks of addiction and cyberbullying. Continued … 

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