Face recognition for Hua Hin/Fisherman drowns in Sam Roi Yot/Street dogs poisoned/Long, hot dry season/Doctor Warns of Eating Raw Shrimp/Four Die in Well Rescue/Cheaper Power For Low-Use Homes/To Dim Rural Street Lights/Rise of the AI civil servants
- THE IRAN WAR: Oil jumps again: peace talks stall/Thailand weighs three war scenarios/Asia’s next harvest already decided/What the Gulf conflict means for airlines/Russia and China Emerge as Major Beneficiaries
- ECONOMY: ‘Financial summer’ batters households/B1.38-trillion Transport Plan/Thailand pushes three key FTAs/To rebalance trade with US/Crackdown on nominee businesses/Quasar Medical Opens Manufacturing Facility
- TOURISM: Tourism faces double hit/Thai Airways raises fuel surcharge/Thailand to reform massage industry/Thailand’s 118 hot springs
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Songkran aftermath thoughts/Wild Elephant Enters Local Store/BKK airport escalator blues/5 things Bangkok first timers should know/High-sodium Thai dishes may harm your kidneys
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Rooftop solar draws buzz/One-year extension of EV tax cut/Global leadership in sustainable tourism/Phuket pilots green hotel push/Phuket to turn landfill into park
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Face recognition coming to Hua Hin
Hua Hin is exploring the use of CCTV with AI-enabled facial recognition systems as part of plans to strengthen public safety and modernize urban management. The proposal was discussed during a meeting chaired by Nopporn Wutthikul on Friday at Hua Hin City Municipality.
Officials discussed plans to expand and upgrade the city’s CCTV network, with a focus on integrating artificial intelligence technology. The proposed system would use facial recognition and real-time image analysis to improve monitoring capabilities and support law enforcement operations. Continued …
Fisherman drowns in Sam Roi Yot
A 66-year-old man drowned in Sam Roi Yot after becoming tangled in a fishing net he had set himself, police said.
Officers from Sam Roi Yot Police Station, together with rescue workers, were called to a waterside location in Sam Roi Yot district, Prachuap Khiri Khan, after receiving a report of a missing person believed to have drowned. At the scene, authorities found a motorcycle and a pair of flip-flops belonging to the man. Continued …
Street dogs poisoned in Cha Am
Five stray dogs were found dead after suspected poisoning in a residential area of Cha Am municipality, Phetchaburi, on Friday, prompting concern among local residents and calls for authorities to investigate. The animals were discovered lying on the road and nearby grass, showing signs of severe distress, including foaming at the mouth, bleeding, and loss of bodily control.
The incident was reported by a food vendor operating near Naresuan Camp, who said she was alerted when one of the stray dogs approached her home in visible agony before collapsing and dying. Upon checking the surrounding area, she found four more dogs dead along the roadside and in nearby vegetation, while several others from the same group were missing. Continued …
Nation prepares for long, hot dry season
The likelihood of a “super El Niño” poses a serious threat to Thailand’s agricultural sector, particularly rice production, potentially increasing food security risks.
Amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, the agricultural sector already faces rising energy and fertilizer prices, and it has long struggled with low crop prices, leaving farmers with limited incomes and a greater risk of indebtedness. Continued …
Doctor Warns of Eating Raw Shrimp
A senior doctor has warned that eating raw shrimp can lead to serious parasitic infection, after a case highlighted the risks beyond common food poisoning. Yesterday, Dr. Jessada Bunyawongviroj, deputy director of Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, shared details of a patient who developed gnathostomiasis after consuming raw seafood. The condition caused swelling that moved across the body, as parasites migrated under the skin.
The warning followed a social media post by Dr. Jessada, known online as “Mor Jed”, questioning whether a simple dish like shrimp in fish sauce could result in surgery. He described the case of a patient named Ploy, who was infected with Gnathostoma larvae, a parasite capable of penetrating the intestinal wall and traveling through body tissues. Unlike common intestinal worms, the parasite does not remain in the gut and can surface in different areas over time. Continued …
Four Die in Well Rescue Attempt in Phang Nga
Four men have died after entering a 6-meter-deep well in Kuraburi district, Phang Nga, with initial attempts of rescue, also overcome while attempting to help. Authorities believe either a lack of oxygen or the build-up of toxic gases caused the fatalities. Two additional people narrowly survived after being pulled out in time.
The incident occurred at around 11.30 am yesterday in a palm oil plantation in Moo 11, Ban Saeng Tham, tambon Kura. According to the Phang Nga Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, two villagers had entered the well to dismantle and clean it when they lost consciousness. Continued …
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Vilhelm International Academy launched in March 2026 and has is campus at “The Hub” in Hin Lek Fai, less than 10 minutes from the center of town. They provide mentor-led academic supervision for students studying through accredited online school programs, whether independently enrolled or through integrated programs offered at Vilhelm. This means that students follow a fixed timetable, complete coursework under supervision, and receive ongoing progress monitoring. They can do this whist studying for their GCSE’s, A-Levels, NCAA approved US courses, or any other online school they choose to use.
Unlike more traditional options, at the academy children can learn at their own pace, not being forced forward before they are ready and also not being held back by the rest of the class. When they are ready to move on they do so. By coming to the academy each day, they are able to complement their studies with activities that develop leadership skills, community service (such as the recent helmet initiative), complemented by daily sports and physical activity to support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
You can visit the website for more details, or you can book an appointment to meet with the academy co-ordinator to discuss what you are looking for and explain what they can offer. There is a completely free five-day trial period that can be taken advantage of by anyone interested in seeing if the academy is the right fit for them.
Website; Email: info@vilhelminternationalacademy.com; Phone: +66 065 991 5500; Facebook; Map location.
Thailand Plans Cheaper Power For Low-Use Homes
Thailand’s Ministry of Energy is preparing to propose a new electricity pricing scheme to the cabinet, aimed at reducing costs for households that use no more than 200 units per month. Under the plan, these users would pay less than 3 baht per unit, with lower consumption leading to progressively cheaper rates, potentially benefiting around 14 million people.
The proposal follows rising energy costs linked to global factors, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has driven up prices for liquefied natural gas (LNG). Thailand imports 30%–40% of its LNG for power generation. As a result, the fuel tariff (FT) is set to increase, pushing electricity rates from 3.88 baht to 3.95 baht per unit from May. Continued …
Thailand to Dim Rural Street Lights in Major Cost-Cutting Move
Thailand’s Department of Rural Roads (DRR) will begin reducing street lighting on selected low-risk rural routes nationwide from May 1, aiming to cut state energy costs and improve resource efficiency.
The measure will target areas with low traffic volumes, particularly outside community zones or during off-peak hours. Authorities stressed that lighting will remain fully operational in high-risk areas to maintain road safety. Continued …
Rise of the AI civil servants
At least 80% of governments will deploy AI agents to automate routine decision-making, enhancing efficiency and service delivery by 2028, according to the business and technology insights company Gartner Inc.
“Government chief information officers are under growing pressure to embed artificial intelligence (AI) into decision-making capabilities rapidly and responsibly,” said Daniel Nieto, senior director-analyst at Gartner. Continued …
Oil jumps again: peace talks stall as Hormuz bottleneck keeps supply tight
Oil prices extended gains today, rising almost 2% as peace efforts between the United States and Iran lost momentum and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remained constrained, tightening global supply.
According to Reuters, Brent crude rose $2.16 (2.05%) to $107.49 a barrel by 11.46pm GMT, its highest level since April 7, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) climbed $1.77 (1.88%) to $96.17. Continued …
Thailand weighs three war scenarios as GDP and inflation risks rise
Thailand’s economic outlook is under increasing strain as uncertainty surrounding the Middle East conflict continues, with authorities warning that a prolonged war could extend into 2027, dragging down growth and pushing inflation higher.
Government sources said agencies responsible for monitoring and assessing economic impacts have revised down growth projections used in drafting the fiscal 2027 budget, reflecting escalating geopolitical risks. Continued …
Asia’s next harvest already decided
Nine out of 10 ships that once passed through the Strait of Hormuz are not going anywhere. The consequences are already shaping Asia’s next harvest and the one after that.
The disruption is now reaching the foundation of Asia’s agricultural cycle. Shipments have stalled. Gulf economies, among the largest buyers of Asian rice, meat, and dairy, have sharply reduced their purchases. Continued …
What the Gulf conflict means for airlines
The US-Iran conflict, which erupted two months ago, has triggered an oil price shock, sharp rises in the cost of living, and widespread flight cancellations worldwide.
As the jet fuel crisis deepens, airlines, including those in Thailand, are continuing to cut flight capacity for the coming months. The conflict is reshaping capacity planning across both airlines and airports. Continued …
Russia and China Emerge as Major Beneficiaries of Iran War Energy Crisis
The ongoing Iran war and its resulting energy crisis have significantly shifted global power dynamics, with Russia and China emerging as the main beneficiaries. Russia, a key player in the global energy market, capitalized on the situation by increasing its oil and gas exports, strengthening its influence over energy markets and geopolitics.
Meanwhile, China seized the opportunity to secure a more stable energy supply, investing heavily in Iranian oil and gas projects despite Western sanctions. This strategic move allows China to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependence on Western-dominated markets. Continued …
Thailand wilts as ‘financial summer’ batters households
As temperatures climb across Thailand, households are feeling more than just the heat. This year’s hot season has brought a sharp rise in living costs, particularly fuel prices, tightening budgets and amplifying financial strain. In this environment, effective financial management has become essential to easing the burden.
Data from the KKP Better app, a revamped financial platform by Kiatnakin Phatra Bank (KKP), shows a significant increase in personal loan demand since the beginning of the year, reflecting growing liquidity pressures among consumers. Continued …
Government Outlines B1.38-trillion Transport Plan
Thailand’s Ministry of Transport has outlined 20 major infrastructure projects worth more than B1.38 trillion, with most to be delivered through public-private partnerships to reduce state spending. The plan spans land, rail, air, and water transport, including new expressways, double-track railways and airport expansions.
Among the largest schemes is the B900-billion land bridge project, alongside upgrades to Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the prime minister had instructed agencies to ensure spending is “targeted and precise” and aligned with the government’s “10 Plus” policy. Continued …
Thailand pushes to seal three key FTAs to open markets and lift trade
Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said the government was pressing ahead with its economic plan to help households and businesses cope with global volatility, while also strengthening Thailand’s medium- and long-term competitiveness.
Alongside cost-of-living support, the government is leaning on the Commerce Ministry to drive five key measures aimed at boosting incomes, supporting businesses, and expanding trade opportunities. Continued …
Thailand to rebalance trade with the US
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties with the United States following talks with US Ambassador to Thailand Sean O’Neill on Friday.
She said the discussions were constructive and reflected shared confidence in elevating bilateral economic relations, which have spanned more than 190 years. Continued …
Thailand ramps up crackdown on nominee businesses
The government is ramping up its war on foreign nominee business holdings and money laundering, tightening laws, expanding investigations, and strengthening data sharing among state agencies.
PM’s Office spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said yesterday the latest moves build on earlier measures under the “Quick Big Win” policy, which had already reduced the number of illegal nominee companies. Continued …
Quasar Medical Opens New Thailand Manufacturing Facility
Quasar Medical, a manufacturer of interventional and minimally invasive devices, has opened its newest manufacturing facility in Chonburi, Thailand. This new facility adds to the company’s initial investment in Thailand, and is Quasar’s third site in the country.
The company said the new facility strengthens its regional manufacturing presence in Asia and boosts its capacity to support both global and local (“in-region, for-region”) production strategies. Continued …
ATTA warns Thai tourism faces double hit from baht and airfares
Thailand’s tourism industry is facing a double hit from volatile exchange rates and rising airfares, with foreign arrivals now expected to reach only 30–32 million in 2026, according to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA).
Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, honorary president and senior adviser to ATTA, said the fluctuating baht had already affected spending by foreign tourists. The pressure has now been compounded by the prolonged Middle East conflict, which has dragged on for two months and pushed global oil prices higher. Continued …
Thai Airways raises fuel surcharge on routes as jet fuel soars
Thai Airways International announced today it would adjust its fuel surcharge for tickets on international routes in response to volatile aviation fuel prices in the global market.
The airline said aviation fuel prices had risen significantly above earlier projections, making it necessary to revise the surcharge. The company is also setting a new effective date for the revised rates, which are currently being submitted for approval by the relevant aviation regulatory authorities. Continued …
Thailand to reform massage industry amid rise in wellness tourism spending
Thailand’s famed massage industry is getting a reset. Last month, the government rolled out sweeping reforms to raise standards, improve training, and reshape its global image. In 2024, Thailand’s wellness tourism spending hit US$14 billion, up 36% from the previous year. This video looks at whether the changes will lift the sector or price it out of reach. Video …
Thailand’s 118 hot springs set for global wellness tourism push
Thailand is moving to develop its natural hot springs into global health and wellness tourism destinations, with about 118 hot spring sites spread from the north to the south of the country.
The number of hot springs is considered a distinctive strength for Thailand compared with other countries, prompting plans to develop and upgrade them into health tourism destinations for travelers from around the world. Continued …
Songkran aftermath thoughts as water war leaves visitors questioning its future
The water has dried, the streets have cleared, and the music has faded, but for many long-term visitors in Pattaya, the aftermath of this year’s Songkran has left behind more frustration than fond memories.
Once celebrated as a joyful, culturally rich festival marking the Thai New Year, Songkran in Pattaya has steadily evolved into an extended, high-intensity water battle — particularly with the city’s famously prolonged celebrations stretching well beyond the traditional dates. For some, that evolution is starting to feel less like fun and more like a free-for-all. Continued …
Wild Elephant Enters Local Thai Store In Search Of Food
A now-viral video shows a large elephant calmly entering a small roadside shop through its open entrance. Instead of causing panic, the animal appeared completely relaxed as it explored the aisles using its trunk with remarkable precision.
The elephant carefully selected food items from shelves, grabbing sweet rice crackers, bananas, packaged snacks, and even a sandwich. After enjoying his impromptu feast, the gentle giant quietly reversed out of the store, leaving behind only scattered products and amused witnesses. Continued …
Those BKK airport escalator blues
The escalator rising from the check-in hall to international departures at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport looks much like any other in the world – a functional steel conveyor carrying travel ers from one level to the next. Yet on social media, it has taken on a far more emotional identity.
Dubbed the “world’s saddest escalator” in hundreds of TikTok and Instagram videos, the moving staircase has become a symbol of a feeling many visitors say hits just before they leave Thailand: the reluctance to go home. Continued …
5 things Bangkok first timers should know before visiting
The sights, sounds, and smells of Bangkok hit me immediately and simultaneously. The spiced aromas wafting from street food vendors mixed with the heavy traffic’s gasoline fumes. My head was constantly on a swivel, captured by the neon lights in Chinatown contrasting against the gold facades of the centuries-old wats (temples).
There was something to check out in every corner. I stumbled upon a restaurant in an alleyway that only serves pad thai, and constantly heard blasting music and rhythmic pounding from Muay Thai studios. Continued …
10 high-sodium Thai dishes that may quietly harm your kidneys
Kidney specialists have warned that high sodium intake is one of the major factors that can accelerate kidney deterioration. When the body receives too much salt, it can lead to fluid retention, high blood pressure, and increased pressure on the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys. Over time, this pressure can gradually reduce kidney function with few noticeable symptoms.
The World Health Organization and Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health recommend consuming no more than 2,000 milligrams of sodium per day, equivalent to about one teaspoon of salt. However, recent survey data show that Thais consume an average of 3,650–3,850 milligrams of sodium per day, nearly double the recommended level. Continued …
Rooftop solar draws buzz
The government’s renewed focus on rooftop solar in early 2026 stems from overlapping economic pressures, described by policymakers as a “crisis on crisis”. Global energy costs have surged amid the war in the Middle East, affecting fuel used for electricity generation. This has pushed up the fuel tariff, with further increases expected between May and August.
So, the government is seeking structural solutions to reduce reliance on imported energy and shield households from volatile prices. Rooftop solar has emerged as a central option, positioned as both an economic and energy security measure. Continued …
Thailand plans one-year extension of EV tax cut
Thailand is preparing to extend its annual tax reduction for electric vehicles by another year, after a previous tax incentive helped push EV registrations far above expectations. A source at the Ministry of Transport said the Department of Land Transport has drafted a new royal decree to reduce the annual tax for electric-powered vehicles, following the expiry of the previous decree.
The measure is intended to maintain momentum in EV adoption, support Thailand’s ambition to become a major EV production base, and ease the impact of rising fuel prices. Continued …
Thailand strengthens global leadership in sustainable tourism
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with strategic partners, successfully concluded the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC) 2026 in Phuket last week.
The event reinforced Thailand’s role as a proactive contributor to the international sustainability agenda, demonstrating the strength of the country’s unified cross-sector tourism effort spanning national and local government, the MICE industry, and civil society. Continued …
Phuket pilots green hotel push
Phuket has been selected as the pilot province for a new nationwide push to transform Thailand’s hotel sector into a model of sustainable tourism, with the Bank of Thailand launching a major green financing initiative aimed at reshaping the industry. Continued …
Phuket to turn landfill into a park
Phuket plans to transform a vast landfill into a public park within two years, as authorities move to address more than two million tons of accumulated waste that officials warn could threaten the environment and tourism industry.
Gov. Nirat Pongsitthaworn said the province has launched an urgent effort to remove what he described as a “mountain of waste”, adding that decades of disposal practices have created a serious burden. Continued …
- Thai Police Arrest Two Kyrgyz Murder Suspects in Phuket – Continued …
- Foreign Woman Steals Nike Shoes in Phuket – Continued …
- Foreign Woman Trashes Shop Goods in Thai Store – Continued …
- Scottish Backpacker Faces Jail Over Phone Theft – Continued …
- Indonesian Scam Suspect Arrested in Phuket – Continued …
- Korean Fugitive on Interpol Red Notice Arrested in Bangkok – Continued …
The real reason why slums keep coming back
The standard policy response to slums – relocate people, bulldoze the settlement, and build public housing elsewhere – is older than the slums themselves. It has never worked. The logic seems straightforward. Slums are viewed as unsanitary, unsafe, and visually jarring. If you want to build a modern, orderly city, you should remove them. 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
Expat healthcare in Thailand is a bit more nuanced than what initially meets the eye. The private hospital network is world-class, but most foreigners have no access to subsidized public care, medical inflation is running at over 14% a year, and private hospitals will ask for up to 800,000 baht upfront before major surgery begins.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has introduced a wellness-focused travel experience tailored to modern lifestyles through the “Run with the Rhythm” event. The event forms part of the “Central Rhythm – Fit Body, Relax Mind, Find Your New Life Rhythm in the Central Region” campaign and is presented as a mini-wellness festival.
We often joke that our country has three seasons: hot, very hot, and extremely hot. Last summer, however, the country recorded its highest heat index or “feels-like temperature” of 59.5C, or 41C in actual temperature, a level classified as extreme danger beyond the limits of human endurance.
Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat says he has found the key to unlocking Thailand’s decades-long middle-income trap: human capital development. Yodchanan is now staking the country’s future on an ambitious education roadmap aimed at lifting Thailand into a high-value economy.
Rising living costs are intensifying pressure on families as education reforms ease school dress rules nationwide, yet household spending remains high.
For years, the pattern was always the same. Farmers would wake up to destroyed fields. Crops flattened overnight. Entire harvests gone in hours. The cause wasn’t a mystery.
The US-Iran conflict, which erupted two months ago, has triggered an oil price shock, sharp rises in the cost of living, and widespread flight cancellations worldwide. As the jet fuel crisis deepens, airlines, including those in Thailand, are continuing to cut flight capacity for the coming months.
Dr. Paiboon Eksaengsri, president of the Private Hospital Assn., said the private hospital business, as it enters the second quarter, still needs to remain cautious about the impact of the war in the Middle East.
Thailand’s exports to the United States surged 41.8% in the first quarter of 2026, as US importers accelerated orders following a court ruling that voided retaliatory tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump’s policy.
Reports indicate that Thailand is beginning to face a problem of oil storage tanks nearing capacity, with limited space left, as refineries continue operating at full production. Some refineries are said to be running at more than 100% of capacity, as high as 110%, in order to produce enough fuel to meet public demand in line with government policy.
Thailand is positioning itself as one of the region’s fastest-growing wealth markets, with Knight Frank’s The Wealth Report 2026 forecasting a 26% rise in the country’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) between 2026 and 2031 — a sign of Thailand’s expanding role as a magnet for global capital.
Hotel operators in the south are bracing for losses during the low season, mainly attributed to war in the Middle East causing sluggish demand and flight cancellations.
‘Super dull and boring’: Foreign visitor’s take on Suvarnabhumi
Andaman coastal provinces can expect rain to linger longer this year due to an El Nino impact on the monsoon season, a weather forecaster said yesterday. The moonsoon season along the Andaman Coast from Ranong to Satun is generally from May to October each year.
Westerners in Thailand notice unique street food, vibrant markets, beautiful temples, friendly locals, chaotic traffic, respectful gestures, and cultural practices, all contributing to a richly immersive experience within 30 days.
Decentralized solar microgrids are replacing grid extension in rural Southeast Asia as high infrastructure and fuel costs make traditional power networks uneconomic. “In Northern Thailand, decentralized solar microgrids emerged as the primary alternative, delivering power at 10% of the cost of traditional grid extension,” Colin Peh, founder and CEO at GoRental Global, said.
The Transport Ministry is preparing an action plan to boost EV adoption by 300,000 vehicles, supported by tax incentives and a car trade-in scheme. Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat outlined two key measures following discussions with the Department of Land Transport (DLT), aimed at accelerating the shift from petrol-powered vehicles.
Venice, the historic city of canals, is facing a deepening crisis from climate change that is putting it at growing risk of permanent submersion, as sea levels rise faster than expected and the city’s flood defensce system may no longer be able to cope indefinitely. 
Tomorrow is the 40th anniversary of the accident at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, one of the largest man-made disasters in human history. The catastrophe that unfolded in 1986 was the result of a reactor experiment carried out under Moscow’s orders, in blatant violation of basic safety protocols. 
Immigration office closures during Songkran and other April public holidays are set to affect Hua Hin, Cha Am and the rest of Thailand, with foreigners being advised to plan ahead for visa extensions, 90-day reporting, and other services.
Cha Am is preparing for its Songkran celebrations, with local officials confirming a 10-day program of events that will culminate in the Wan Lai Cha-am festival on April 16-17. Nukun Pornsombunsiri recently inspected preparations for the event, with a focus on safety measures and facilities for both residents and visitors.
Thap Sakae will host the Na Hu Kwang Festival 2026 during the Songkran holiday, with organizers aiming to boost tourism and local economic activity through a two-day beachfront event centered around light installations and live entertainment.
Cha Am Municipality is asking for cooperation from all agencies and the public to help save energy, in order to prepare for future situations and ensure resources are used efficiently.
Thailand is bracing for another day of intense heat, with the Thai Meteorological Department warning that temperatures could soar to as high as 42C in some parts of the country today.
Eight police officers in Pathum Thani have been removed following allegations they extorted a valuable gold necklace from a local couple. The woman, who runs a snooker club, reported that the incident occurred at her home on March 25. Officers allegedly demanded 200,000 baht, ultimately taking a gold necklace valued at nearly 150,000 baht.
The cancellation of the 2001 memorandum of understanding on overlapping maritime claims with Cambodia, popularly known as MoU 44, will be included in the government’s policy statement to parliament, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said yesterday.
Thailand’s diesel price will rise by B3.50 per liter today after the Oil Fuel Fund Committee reduced its subsidy, pushing the retail price of standard diesel to B44.24 per liter.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has assessed the latest situation and made clear that risks are now spreading from energy prices to the real economy as a whole, while cutting its 2026 outlook for Thailand again amid mounting inflationary pressure and clearer signs of stagflation.
Thailand Post plans to impose a fuel surcharge of 3 baht per item on domestic Express Mail Service (EMS) and e-CoPost services from April 16, citing higher fuel costs.
While the rationale for US President Donald Trump’s Iran war is difficult to decipher, its main beneficiary is far easier to identify: Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In February, Thailand’s economy softened, with declines in exports, tourism, and private consumption, despite growth in private investment and government spending. Headline inflation decreased, while core inflation remained stable. Key issues include geopolitical events and energy policy impacts.
Thailand’s banking sector is moving deeper into crisis-response mode as prolonged global uncertainty and rising energy prices place fresh pressure on businesses, prompting lenders to shift their role from straightforward credit providers to active supporters helping customers stay afloat.
Corruption remains a structural problem undermining Thailand’s economy and significantly pushing up business costs, according to a new nationwide survey of industry leaders.
The Ministry of Public Health has begun a full transition to ensuring cannabis use in Thailand will be for medicinal purposes only, allowing dispensaries a three-year timeframe to convert into medical clinics in order to continue operating.
Amid global volatility and surging energy prices, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced a major strategic adjustment to respond to signs of a slowdown among long-haul visitors, shifting greater attention to the domestic market and short-haul travelers through an approach centered on value and world-class experiences.
Northern tourism operators expect a poor showing during the Songkran holiday, as the region remains choked by smog, amid weak spending attributed to the war in the Middle East and the subsequent oil shock.
Authorities in Phuket are being urged to investigate after images surfaced online showing a tour boat crew allegedly dumping rubbish into the sea near Tha Chin canal in Phuket province.
Thailand’s PM2.5 crisis has reached a severe level, with fresh data today from IQAir showing air quality in Chiang Mai Municipality had worsened dramatically, pushing it up to the rank of the world’s second most polluted city.
Motorists across the Asia-Pacific region are switching to electric vehicles at a rapid pace, as rising fuel costs due to the Middle East war force consumers and companies to reconsider their reliance on petrol and diesel vehicles.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a system trial of the On Nut waste-to-energy plant to help tackle the city’s waste problem and provide a new source of sustainable power.
NASA launched four astronauts from Florida yesterday aboard Artemis II, sending them on a high-stakes, nearly 10-day journey around the moon and back in the United States’ boldest move yet toward returning humans to the lunar surface later this decade, ahead of China’s first planned crewed landing. 
The Cha Am Blue Swimming Crab Festival will take place from March 14-21 at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint, featuring fresh seafood, conservation activities, and nightly live music.
Thailand marks National Elephant Day amid a crisis of coexistence
Bangkok Ranked 8th Best City in the World for 2026
Crude oil prices closed above the $100-a-barrel mark yesterday after Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz shut, signaling that markets may be facing a prolonged supply disruption.
For the second time in four years, energy markets in Asia dependent on imported fossil fuels find themselves at the mercy of global commodity markets. Although each country’s immediate exposure to the Iran conflict varies, all face the indirect threat of higher costs driven by tighter fossil fuel markets and elevated geopolitical risk premiums.
The crisis in the Middle East, which is disrupting trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz, is raising global concern that the fallout could spread far beyond energy markets and trigger a rise in food prices worldwide.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, has confirmed that the government is prepared to challenge a looming US investigation into “unfair trade practices.” Working in close coordination with the Ministry of Commerce, the Thai government has developed a robust strategic framework to address the Section 301 probe initiated by the Trump administration.
Medical tourism has gained attention as a growing segment within the travel market, with high potential for expansion. According to the Medical Tourism Assn. (MTA), it is estimated that over 14 million people travel abroad for medical services annually.
I followed Thailand’s Royal Coast/Children removed from Cha Am forest shelter/Thailand to enter hot season/Provinces told to prepare for drought/Online Driving License Applications Fake/Government ramps up gun controls/Thailand 9th in Cybercrime Losses/British ASOS Co-Founder Dies/Light rail tram in Khon Kaen
The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command (NDPMC) has ordered all provinces to step up preparedness to prevent and address drought in 2026, stressing efficient water management — especially securing reserves for household consumption. Provinces have been instructed to draw up contingency plans and survey backup water sources to minimize impacts on the public.
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has issued a warning to the public about a fraudulent Facebook page using its initials to trick individuals into paying for driving licenses without the need for exams or in-person applications.
The government has ordered nationwide enforcement of stricter firearm regulations, instructing registrars to more rigorously scrutinize gun license applications and suspending the issuance of carry permits.
Thailand is ranked ninth globally for online fraud losses, with more than 27 billion baht lost in 2025 and victims suffering average losses of 37,000 baht per person. The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) has warned that cybercrime will become more complex in 2026, particularly through the use of AI Deepfake technology.
Thailand Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun announced ongoing negotiations with the US regarding tax agreements. The talks aim to reach a joint conclusion on complex issues, although both countries currently have differing needs and expectations.
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has reported on the progress of the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023-2027). Particularly in the first two years of the plan, despite efforts to drive various initiatives, the distribution of economic opportunities across sectors has not effectively reduced regional disparities, especially in addressing poverty.
The Thai economy could continue its growth trajectory and expand by 3% a year if the incoming Bhumjaithai-led coalition administration can complete its four-year term, say economists, though they warned any disruption in government formation might cause GDP growth to slide below 1.5% this year.
Yesterday, the Department of Tourism, through its Thailand Film Office, participated with an exhibition booth at the European Film Market 2026 (EFM 2026) in Berlin. The aim was to promote Thailand’s potential as an international filming destination, while pushing for continued foreign film production in Thailand to generate sustained income for the country.
A street interview posted online has gone viral after an Israeli tourist shared critical remarks about her experience in Thailand. In the clip, the host asked a female tourist from Israel: “After being here for only two days, what are some things you think Thailand can improve on?”
Siamese freshwater crocodiles released in Kaeng Krachan
Thailand’s automotive industry is navigating its most profound transformation in 0 years, as the nation moves away from its traditional reliance on internal combustion engines (ICE). While the country remains the “Detroit of Asia” and holds a prestigious production rank of 10th globally, its domestic market was historically defined by the dominance of 1-ton pickup trucks.
On the 30th floor of the Chartered Square building in downtown Bangkok, the low-key office of Skyhub Technologies serves as a nexus for a burgeoning and contentious trade. The space, rented out by a serviced office provider, is visited only rarely by the company’s sole director and occasionally by Chinese nationals, according to building staff who asked not to be identified speaking about clients. 
Travelers heading between Hua Hin and Bangkok are being advised to plan ahead following a Rama II Road closure at the Bang Khun Thian Bridge that will last for up to four months.
The Hua Hin Chinese New Year celebration will take place on Monday, Feb. 16, starting at 4 pm, with Hua Hin City Municipality confirming a full program of traditional processions, performances, and cultural activities.
Traffic signs and road markings installed on Soi 78 to ease congestion
The economy is expected to expand by 1.51%–1.75% this year, says a public opinion survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). Thanavath Phonvichai, UTCC president and chairman of the advisory board at the university’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, said the survey on public expectations of the new administration shows voters prioritize structural economic reform over short-term populist measures.
Foreign investors are expected to continue investing in advanced technology, healthcare, and sustainability industries this year, following a record high of 324 billion baht in outlays last year, according to the Department of Business Development (DBD) at the Ministry of Commerce.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry insists the government’s plan to reduce visa-free stays from 60 days should not impact tourism, as most foreign tourists, on average, stay for less than a month.
The narrative surrounding Thailand’s tourism appeal has evolved. Visitors no longer come simply because the destination is affordable. Increasingly, travelers choose Thailand for its depth of experience, consistency, and a genuine sense of welcome that remains difficult to replicate elsewhere.
The “Disneyland Thailand” buzz has resurfaced after Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, deputy prime minister and minister of transport, floated the idea of moving ahead with a world-class theme park project in Chonburi under the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) scheme.
A record-breaking surge in wealthy people “relocating abroad” is reshaping the global balance of power. Countries are increasingly being treated like assets, while citizenship is becoming a tool for diversifying risk. In an era where state policy can change faster than economic fundamentals, capital moves first — and moves more aggressively than ever before. 
The Election Commission of Thailand has confirmed that the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited across all provinces to ensure order during the voting process. The prohibition begins at 6 pm on Saturday, Feb. 7, and remains in effect until 6 pm on Sunday, Feb. .
The Thai food delivery market recorded significant consolidation and growth between 2024 and 2025.The market is increasingly defined by a duopoly between Grab and Line Man, as smaller competitors exit, according to Singapore-based research firm Momentum Works.
Thailand’s annual headline inflation rate was negative for a 10th consecutive month in January, driven by lower energy prices and government measures to ease living costs, the Ministry of Commerce said today. The headline consumer price index (CPI) dropped 0.66% in January from a year earlier, following an annual fall of 0.3% in the previous month, the ministry said.
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province has begun preparations for a potential drought and domestic water shortages after authorities reported low water reserves and a forecast of below-average rainfall in the coming months.
Well-known virologist Yong Poovorawan has warned that a mutating influenza strain A H3N2 is spreading in Thailand. It is more resistant to vaccines but does not increase in severity.
Sarah Sajedi was walking along a beach on Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands when she noticed plastic fragments mixed into the sand beneath her feet. “I was standing there looking out at this gorgeous view of the Andaman Sea, and then I looked down and beneath my feet were all these pieces of plastic, most of them water bottles,” she recalls.
Despite a recent surge in trade with the United States, Thailand’s economic outlook for 2026 is overshadowed by two looming “high-stakes” risks. Supanutt Sasiwuttiwat, a leading researcher at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), warns that new American trade enforcement could see Thai goods slapped with tariffs as high as 40%.
Khao Yai: Wineries, Wildlife and Organic Farms
The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has set a target to reduce burning in agricultural areas by 15% this year to address the PM2.5 dust problem, as well as emphasizing a prohibition on importing crops produced using the burning method, especially corn, from neighboring countries to prevent cross-border PM2.5 pollution.
Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, and GAC, a global pioneer in smart electric mobility, have forged a strategic partnership to deploy an initial 20,000 high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) across the region.
The fatal shooting of a 37-year-old Minnesota mother by a U.S. immigration agent has put the city of Minneapolis and much of the United States on edge, with the potential of becoming another flashpoint in a polarized country. 
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has strongly criticized US foreign policy under President Donald Trump and urged natio not to let the world order disintegrate into a “den of robbers” where the unscrupulous take what they want. 
President Donald Trump is withdrawing the United States from a foundational climate treaty as part of a sweeping exit from collective global action, the White House announced on Wednesday. A total of 66 global organizations and treaties — roughly half affiliated with the United Nations — were listed in a White House memorandum as “contrary to the interests of the United States”. 
Jan. 1 marked a decade since China repealed its one-child policy. Just 10 days earlier, Peng Peiyun, who long oversaw the often-brutal enforcement of China’s family-planning rules, died at the age of 96, having never been held accountable for her actions. Some obituaries praised Peng for being “reform-minded”, even though, in practice, she only perpetuated an utterly inhumane policy, whose consequences have barely begun to materialize. 
Thailand to tax under-1,500-baht imported goods
Hua Hin Racer Marina Jazz Festival January 10
Agricultural economy to grow despite headwinds
