- Hua Hin Songkran schedule/New public transport routes for Hua Hin/Black Mountain Championship/Subsidy to Maintain Power Price/Diesel Costs Climb Again/Fuel price relief soon/ASEAN fuel price comparison/Transport Co Prepares Extra Buses/Police Arrest Foreign Teachers/Forcing children to beg
- THE IRAN WAR: Hormuz turmoil deepens/Music and barbecues in Tehran/Deeper energy and economic pain for Thailand/Oil costs may drag Songkran spending/Prices push farmers to brink/May ground 70% of Thai fishing boats/Thailand launches 3 fertilizer measures
- ECONOMY: Household debt climbs/Thai retail sees fragile spending
- TOURISM: Don Mueang advises arrive 3 hours early/Phuket to raise boat fares/Tourism Body Proposes Regional Network/Women driving Thailand’s travel economy/Urban placemaking and Thai tourism
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand’s Power Generation Transition/China tax changes weigh on Thailand’
- HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin Songkran schedule
This year’s Hua Hin Songkran festival will see Hua Hin City Municipality host a full day of festivities from noon until midnight.
The festival will take place April 12-13 at Phon King Phet Park and along Damnoen Kasem Road, with the following program: Continued …
New public transport routes considered for Hua Hin
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.
City officials said the proposed expansion of public transport routes aims to improve connectivity, particularly in areas beyond the main urban center. The plans are expected to make travel more convenient, reduce traffic congestion, and support continued development across the district. Continued …
Soero rolls back the years at Black Mountain Championship
Former touring professional turned CrossFit Games athlete Pierre-Henri Soero muscled into a share of the lead yesterday at the US$2-million Black Mountain Championship at Black Mountain Golf Club, in Hua Hin.
The American carded an eight-under-par 64 along with Thailand’s CharngTai Sudsom, Liu Yanwei from China, and Australian Todd Sinnott. Soero played on the Asian Tour back in 2011 and fully justified his invite to The International Series event this week by making an eagle, seven birdies, and just one bogey. Continued …
Minister Proposes Subsidy to Maintain Power Price at B3.88
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.
The ERC recently set the fuel tariff at 16.23 satang/unit, leading to an expected increase of 7 satang per unit. However, Akanat’s approach involves a tiered pricing model to promote energy conservation, with the National Energy Policy Committee having the authority to review and potentially override ERC’s decision. Continued …
Diesel Costs Climb Again as Government Cuts Subsidy
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 subsidy for diesel has been cut by 3.51 baht per liter to 14.27 baht per liter, resulting in pump prices rising by 3.50 baht per liter to 47.74 baht per liter. Biodiesel B20 will also see a similar increase, with prices climbing by 3.50 baht per liter to 42.74 baht per liter following a subsidy reduction of 3.48 baht per liter. Continued …
Finance minister expects fuel price relief soon
The Thai government is preparing to cut domestic fuel prices by targeting what it describes as “unnecessary” cost components in the national pricing structure.
The Ministry of Energy will recalculate oil refining and marketing costs by Monday, which should lead to lower energy prices quickly, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said yesterday. Continued …
ASEAN fuel price comparison: where Thailand stands after latest hike
Thailand’s major retailers OR (PTT Oil and Retail Business) and Bangchak Corp. (BCP) raised petrol and gasohol (95/91, E85, E20) prices by 0.70 baht per liter today, while diesel rose 3.50 baht per liter and premium diesel rose 4 baht per liter.
A key question is how Thailand’s pump prices compare with other ASEAN countries. According to the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) under Thailand’s Energy Ministry, average ASEAN fuel prices as yesterday (ranked highest to lowest) were: Continued …
Transport Co Prepares Extra Buses, Freezes Fares for Songkran
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 anticipation of up to 180,000 outbound passengers daily from April 9-12, the company has scheduled 7,000 trips daily using both company-operated and affiliated buses. For the return flow from April 16-19, 120,000 passengers are expected per day, with 6,000 trips arranged to meet demand. Additionally, 1,200 non-scheduled buses, known as Category 30 vehicles, are on standby. Continued …
Bangkok Police Arrest Foreign Teachers at Unlicensed International School
Authorities raided an unlicensed international school in Bangkok’s Prawet district, arresting 10 foreign teachers and staff lacking work permits, impacting the education of over 100 students. The operation, conducted by the Immigration Bureau and Prawet police, unveiled the school’s non-compliance with legal registration requirements.
This crackdown follows tips about unauthorized operations and illegal employment of foreign workers. The school had been functioning without a license for over a year, providing kindergarten and primary education. The arrested individuals hailed from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nigeria. Continued …
Couple arrested for forcing children to beg for nine years
Police have arrested a husband and wife accused of operating a child begging network that allegedly exploited minors for up to nine years, forcing them to wear school uniforms, meet daily cash targets or risk abuse.
The suspects, identified only as Artorn, 36, and Pimwimon, 32, were apprehended at a house in tambon Ta Kong of Muang district. They face multiple charges, including human trafficking for the purpose of forced begging, coercion of minors into inappropriate behavior, and exploitation of children. Continued …
Hormuz turmoil deepens as crude surges on renewed Trump threats
Britain’s attempt to rally international support for reopening the Strait of Hormuz produced no concrete outcome yesterday, as US President Donald Trump sharpened his threats toward Iran, crude prices leapt, and concern mounted over the hit to consumers and the broader global economy.
Expectations that Trump might use his Wednesday night address to outline an endgame for the war quickly evaporated. Yesterday, he renewed his warning on social media, writing: “IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE”. Continued …
Music and barbecues in Tehran despite Trump threats
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”.
The country has been at war for more than a month and Trump – who launched the conflict alongside Israel on Feb. 28 – has vowed to strike Iran hard for another “two or three weeks”. Powerful blasts shook the Iranian capital yesterday. Continued …
Middle East war drives deeper energy and economic pain for Thailand
Thailand is preparing for deeper energy disruptions as authorities warn that the global crisis, triggered by escalating conflict in the Middle East, has entered a more serious phase, with supply pressures now beginning to feed through the system.
At a roundtable titled “Navigating the energy crisis: Thailand’s survival path”, officials and industry leaders agreed that the situation has moved into “level 2” of the energy crisis, where supply remains available but at significantly higher cost. Continued …
High oil costs may drag Songkran spending to its lowest in 4 years
Thanavath Phonvichai, chairman of the advisory board of the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting and president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), said Thailand’s economy is now being affected by the war between the US and Iran through higher oil prices.
He said the government had allowed prices to move in line with market mechanisms. However, global oil prices were abnormally high, with crude at US$110 per barrel. This has triggered a transport crisis and, together with freight charges, pushed oil costs to around B60 per liter. Continued …
Rising fuel costs, stagnant rice prices push farmers to brink
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.
Farming since age 20, he says soaring input costs, low paddy prices, and mounting debts mean many producers are working at a loss and “at 6,000 baht a ton, we’re as good as dead.” He urges the government to raise support or risk losing a generation of farmers. Video …
Fuel costs may ground 70% of Thai fishing boats after Songkran
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.
Sarawut Thowsakul, an adviser to the National Fisheries Association of Thailand, said the war in the Middle East had driven up oil prices, directly hitting the fishing sector because fuel accounts for its largest operating cost. He said 40%–50% of boats had already been forced to remain docked, covering both the country’s 6,000 commercial fishing vessels and 15,000–16,000 small-scale fishing boats. Continued …
Thailand launches 3 fertilizer measures over Hormuz crisis
The prolonged war in the Middle East, now stretching beyond one month, has affected imports of crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and fertilizer from the region, as cargo vessels can no longer pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office and spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce, outlined the response to the fertilizer situation, saying previous assessments of fertilizer stocks had been based on the volume already available in the country. Continued …
Household debt climbs to 86.7% of GDP, exposing deeper economic fragility
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.
The latest data released by the Bank of Thailand show total household debt stood at 16,443,669 million baht at the end of the fourth quarter, up from 16,329,846 million baht in the third quarter, an increase of 113,823 million baht. Continued …
Thai retail sees fragile spending as shoppers think twice before buying
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.
At a time when household debt has climbed to record levels, while both domestic and external risks continue to mount, especially from volatile energy prices and logistics costs driven by geopolitical tensions, the ongoing Iran war is emerging as a major flashpoint affecting economies worldwide, including Thailand’s. If these pressures persist, they are likely to weigh even more heavily on purchasing power and household consumption, with direct consequences for the Thai retail industry. Continued …
Don Mueang advises Songkran travelers to arrive 3 hours early
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.
The airport expects to handle 1,060,000 passengers, or 100,000 per day, from April 10-19, management said yesterday, adding that 6,551 flights are scheduled during the 10-day period. The expected passenger numbers are 55% higher than the normal daily average of around 64,000. Continued …
Phuket to raise boat fares to Koh Phi Phi and tour package prices from April 5
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.
Operators told officials they had been absorbing the higher costs since fuel prices increased and sought approval to raise fares to cover the added expense. Phuket Provincial Marine Department Director Adul Raluekmoon heard their concerns and agreed that fares should be adjusted to reflect the increased costs. Continued …
Thai Tourism Body Proposes Regional Network Targeting Six Markets
Thailand’s tourism sector is being urged to pivot toward a regional network model, focusing on two-way travel with six key markets to offset risks from the global oil crisis. The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) says the strategy would help stabilize tourism flows while leveraging Thailand’s large outbound travel base of 11–12 million travelers annually.
The proposal prioritizes six markets within six-hour flight range that remain unaffected by Middle East flight disruptions and offer strong economic potential. These markets are China, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and India. ATTS says strengthening ties with these countries can create balanced tourism exchanges rather than relying solely on inbound arrivals. Continued …
Women driving Thailand’s travel economy
Women are playing an increasingly influential role in Thailand’s travel landscape — not only as travelers, but also as entrepreneurs and hosts shaping local tourism experiences.
New data from Airbnb released for International Women’s Day highlights how women are contributing to both sides of the travel economy, from hosting homes to making booking decisions — influence that extends beyond Thailand as well, where Bangkok ranks among the top international destinations searched by women travelers from India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Continued …
Intertwined futures: urban placemaking and Thai tourism
While Thailand remains a prominent draw for travelers, its tourism sector now faces increasing competition. Since the end of the pandemic, neighbors like Vietnam, China, and Malaysia have outpaced Thailand in inbound visitor growth.
While beautiful beaches, renowned cuisine, rich local culture, and quality hospitality remain the country’s core advantages, these strengths alone may no longer secure success in today’s dynamic tourism landscape. Continued …
Navigating Thailand’s Power Generation Transition While Balancing the Energy Trilemma
“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 government’s policy statement reflects the government’s commitment to support and promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.The power generation sector will be pivotal in helping Thailand achieve its Net Zero 2050 goals, as electricity production is projected to become the country’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions by 2024, contributing 38% of the total emissions. Continued …
China tax changes weigh on Thailand’s solar investment plans
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.
In addition, China has cut the tax rebate rate for battery products from 9% to 6% for the rest of 2026, before removing it entirely in 2027. This will raise export costs for Chinese manufacturers and is likely to push up prices in global markets. 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
Three major road projects will be submitted to the new cabinet for consideration, with a combined investment exceeding 100 billion baht, according to the Department of Highways (DoH).
Thailand has introduced specific guidelines for alcohol vendors to assess customer intoxication before serving more drinks. This follows a regulation that prohibits the sale of alcohol to already intoxicated customers, as per Section 29 of the Alcohol Control Act.
The heat index could soar to a dangerous 60 degrees Celsius in early April, posing a major threat to vulnerable groups, the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry warned yesterday. The heat index combines air temperature with relative humidity, reflecting what the body actually feels rather than the ambient temperature. High humidity significantly amplifies heat stress.
Chiang Mai is preparing to tighten controls on toxic PM2.5 pollution. Siwakorn Buapong, deputy governor of Chiang Mai Province, said PM2.5 levels in Mueang Na subdistrict, Chiang Dao District, have risen above 125 micrograms per cubic meter for four consecutive days.
US President Donald Trump has threatened to destroy Iran’s critical energy infrastructure, including oil fields, power plants, and Kharg Island, if Tehran does not immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz and reach a peace agreement quickly.
Thailand’s retail fuel prices have risen sharply, with diesel climbing above 40 baht per liter following a late-night decision by the Oil Fuel Fund Management Committee (OFMC).
Thailand is considering cutting fuel excise taxes to ease rising living costs as global oil prices surge, but the move is raising concerns over long-term fiscal stability and government revenue losses.
Thai Manufacturers Absorb 20% Fuel Spike to Shield Consumers from Price Hikes
Parkorn Kosiyabong, chef at GOAT, which holds one Michelin star, said yesterday the oil price crisis and higher transport costs following the war in the Middle East had not only increased restaurant costs but had also affected bookings. During the first and second weeks of the war, the restaurant business was hit hard, with cancellations reaching as high as 70%.
The Middle East war has led to prices of fertilizers rising in Thailand, with the situation exacerbated by a shortage of urea, and this leading to farmers stockpiling as they fear further price hikes.
Confidence among Thai business leaders has fallen sharply, with only 24% of CEOs expressing strong confidence in their organizations’ revenue growth this year, down from 47% in 2023 and the lowest level in three years.
Suphajee Suthumpun, minister of commerce, has instructed officials to inspect the readiness of modern trade retailers participating in the “Thai Help Thai” project, which is intended to help the public by easing the impact of higher living costs resulting from rising energy costs.
The rapid growth of large-scale data centers in Thailand is coming under closer scrutiny, amid questions over whether they could become more than just critical infrastructure for the digital economy and instead turn into a potential loophole for call center gangs, scammers, and gray capital to use as an operating base.
Thailand’s visa-free stay program has been a popular gateway for travelers, letting citizens from 93 countries enjoy up to 60 days in the country without a visa, with an optional 30-day extension. Originally introduced to fuel the tourism sector revival, the scheme has brought a surge of visitors. But government officials are now raising concerns that the policy may be too lenient, and some foreign nationals may be using it for purposes beyond sightseeing.
Relocating a family with two children to Thailand can significantly reduce day-to-day expenses compared with many Western countries, but actual costs vary widely by city, schooling choices, and lifestyle expectations. This briefing summarizes current evidence on typical monthly spending for a family of four, with a focus on the major expenditure categories that drive the cost of living in Thailand in 2026.
Civil society groups have warned that heavy metals – particularly arsenic – are gradually accumulating in sections of the Mekong River in northeastern Thailand.
Surging global oil prices driven by tensions in the Middle East are prompting a noticeable shift in consumer behavior in Pattaya, with electric motorbikes gaining rapid popularity as residents look to cut fuel costs. Dealers report a steady rise in demand, as more consumers turn to electric alternatives to reduce daily transportation expenses amid continued volatility in energy markets.
Korean Air will enter emergency management mode from April as rising oil prices driven by the war in the Middle East weigh on costs, a source with knowledge of the matter said today. The airline said that if high oil prices persist, itexpects significant disruption to its annual businesstargets, and will shift to an emergency operating system from April. 
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 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.
The Ministry of Commerce has stated that the ongoing unrest in the Middle East is expected to have limited direct effects on Thailand, as the country’s trade share with the countries involved in the conflict remains relatively small. The assessment followed a recent meeting led by Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun to review potential economic consequences.
The auto industry could record sluggish car exports this year following the outbreak of war in the Middle East, which also raises inflation concerns if the conflict is prolonged, says Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries and spokesman for its Automotive Industry Club.
Weakening consumer confidence, rather than rising costs alone, has become the biggest threat to Thailand’s property market, as global uncertainty prompts buyers to delay major purchases, according to Pornnarit Chuanchaisit, president of the Thai Real Estate Assn.
The Commerce Ministry has launched a “Resilience” strategy aimed at protecting the country’s export sector from global risks, including geopolitical conflicts and trade polarization. The policy seeks to strengthen Thailand’s ability to maintain export growth while navigating an increasingly uncertain global trading environment.
Passengers intending to travel between Asia and Europe will need to plan their trips well in advance to secure reasonable ticket prices, as the Middle East conflict has driven significant demand for a limited number of direct flights, says the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
Songkran 2026 travel demand rises as Pattaya leads domestic destinations
For decades, Pattaya has been one of Thailand’s most talked-about tourist destinations. Known for its beaches, nightlife, and lively streets, the coastal city attracts millions of visitors each year. But as discussions on travel forums and social media show, opinions about Pattaya can vary dramatically depending on personal experiences.
The Hostel and Small Accommodation Assn. (Thailand) has urged the new government to continue pushing for a new accommodation act for small hotels, but strongly opposes allowing condo units to be registered as legal lodging.
Indonesia bans elephant riding
This is the story of a Garden of Eden, hidden deep within the jungles of Southeast Asia. A national park that’s home to an almost unimaginable variety of animals. Not only noteworthy for its countless species, Kui Buri National Park in southwestern Thailand is also known for its abundance of large animals, like Asian elephants and wild bovines. The scarce gaur lives here, the world’s largest bovine species, and it is also home to the smaller, ruddy banteng. 
Breathtaking Region Between Phuket And Krabi One Of The World’s Most Welcoming Destinations
Lingering In Chiang Mai: Temples, Tea, And Tranquillity In Northern Thailand
Thailand’s clean power supply and energy trade are poised for changes under the draft Power Development Plan (PDP), which will shape the country’s electricity landscape from 2026 to 2050. The new PDP seeks to accelerate renewable energy projects and introduce nuclear power into the mix, according to energy officials and executives.
Inflation in Venezuela soared to 475% in 2025, the highest in the world, driven by a tightening of US sanctions in the lead-up to the ouster of leader Nicolas Maduro. Full-year inflation far exceeded the International Monetary Fund’s forecast of 270%, figures released by the central bank showed on Friday. 
The Japanese government is moving to abolish the need for most foreign tourists to meet face-to-face with immigration officers to enter the country, as it seeks to streamline entry procedures amid the inbound tourism surge. The Immigration Services Agency said it would instead rely on visitor information collected through an online pre-travel screening system called Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or JESTA, set to launch in fiscal 2028. 
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.