View of Earth/Songkran 2026 safety rules/Hua Hin Songkran celebration/Songkran Pran Beach Festival/Kolour Hua Hin beach rave/Na Hu Kwang Festival/Cha Am Wan Lai festival/Fuel may be expensive, in short supply
- THE IRAN WAR: Iran confirms two-week ceasefire/Bus Operators Seek Fare Increase/Night Fuel Station Closures/Hormuz closure disrupts jet fuel flows
- ECONOMY: Consumers To Reduce Songkran Spending/Commerce lifts 2026 inflation forecast/Nation’s Long-Term GDP Growth Decline/Property Market Braces Downturn/Housing prices seen rising/Manufacturers’ assistance package
- TOURISM: Thai Hotels Face Q2 Booking Slump/Bangkok Songkran events to be alcohol free/Two Foreign Tourists Found Dead/Ferry fares to Koh Chang increase
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Chiang Mai still has world’s worst air
- HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
NASA Artemis II provides view of Earth
NASA yesterday released an historic photograph of Earth dipping below the lunar horizon, more than 57 years after an iconic “Earthrise” image was captured by an Apollo 8 astronaut.
Members of the Artemis II crew captured the shot from their Orion capsule during the mission’s record-setting lunar flyby, echoing the legendary “Earthrise” photograph taken by US astronaut Bill Anders in December, 1968, during the first space mission to carry humans around the Moon. Continued …
Songkran 2026 safety rules: key bans and penalties you need to know
After the government announced tougher safety measures for Songkran 2026 under the theme “Safe Songkran, alcohol-free”, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) said it is ready to strictly enforce the law to cut accidents and crime. Here are key rules to watch — and the penalties for breaking them.
High-pressure devices, including PVC-tube water cannons or modified water guns that could harm eyes or the body, are prohibited. Offenders face up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to 4,000 baht. If someone is seriously injured, penalties can increase under the Criminal Code. Continued …
Hua Hin Songkran celebration April 12-13
Hua Hin Songkran 2026 will take place on April 12-13, with city officials planning a mix of large-scale water-based entertainment and traditional Thai New Year activities at Pone Kingphet Park and along Damnoen Kasem Road.
This year’s event will be held under the theme “Hologram”, with the municipality aiming to give the festival a more modern look through light, color, and sound displays, while keeping key traditional elements of Songkran in place. Continued …
Songkran Pran Beach Festival 2026 and Bikini Run Saturday
The Songkran Pran Beach Festival 2026 and Bikini Run is set to take place Saturday at the 24 Rai Ground, Pak Nam Pran, in Pranburi district, promising a mix of music, sports, and beachside celebrations during the Songkran holiday.
The event is organized by Panathanya Sermboonpaisarn (Hannah) and Anusorn Sermboonpaisarn of Fantastic Roadway, in collaboration with the Pak Nam Pran Municipality. The festival aims to promote tourism in the area, boost the local economy, and encourage environmentally responsible travel, while providing a unique entertainment experience for visitors. Continued …
Kolour Hua Hin beach rave returns Saturday
Kolour Hua Hin is set to return on Saturday, bringing its beachside electronic music event back to The Standard Hua Hin as part of the Songkran weekend. Part of the wider Kolour festival series, Kolour Hua Hin has established itself as one of the area’s most prominent electronic music events, combining open-air settings with large-scale production and curated line-ups.
The event will run from 2 pm to 11 pm. Organizers describe the concept as a coastal edition of the Kolour brand, blending a beach club atmosphere with international-standard sound systems, including Funktion-One audio, and a focus on design and visual installations. Continued …
Thap Sakae to hold Songkran Na Hu Kwang Festival
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.
The Na Hu Kwang Festival 2026 will take place on April 14-15 at Laem Kum Beach under the theme “Magical Lighting Fantasy”. Officials said the event is intended to attract visitors to Thap Sakae, while adding to the program of Songkran activities across the province. Continued …
Cha Am Wan Lai festival plans 10 days of Songkran events
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.
Wan Lai Cha Am will take place from 4 pm to 11 pm along the southern Cha Am beach area. Organizers have planned a range of activities designed to attract both locals and tourists during one of the busiest periods of the year. Continued …
PM warns fuel may be expensive, in short supply
The government will cut fuel and electricity prices through price restructuring, though supplies may remain costly and occasionally tight, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said late Monday night.
“The government will adjust fuel and electricity price structures to bring costs down, and there will be other measures to help the people,” the prime minister said. Continued …
Iran confirms two-week ceasefire deal, offers Strait of Hormuz safe passage window
Al Jazeera reported yesterday that Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has confirmed a two-week ceasefire agreement negotiated by Pakistan. According to the report, the arrangement was approved by Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, describing the deal as an “Iranian victory”, and adding that talks toward a permanent agreement would be held in Islamabad.
In a statement shared by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi — posted as a message “on behalf of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran” and dated Tehran, April 7, 2026 — Araghchi said Iran would halt its defensive operations if attacks stopped. Continued …
Bus Operators Seek Fare Increase as Fuel Prices Soar
Public bus operators in Thailand are pressing Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for fare hikes due to escalating fuel costs. They warn that services could be suspended starting tomorrow, potentially disrupting the Songkran travel period if no action is taken.
The operators, including large bus companies and private firms partnering with Transport Co., submitted a plea for urgent assistance at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters yesterday, with Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat receiving the petition. Continued …
Thailand PM Proposes Night Fuel Station Closures After April 20
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced new proposals to restrict fuel sales at petrol stations nationwide, starting after April 20. Under the plan, stations will close from 10 pm to 5 am, with maybe only E20 petrol and B20 diesel available during these hours. The move aims to ensure sufficient domestic fuel supplies while maintaining normal access during the Songkran holiday.
The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts to manage energy use following conflicts in the Middle East. Prime Minister Anutin said a new monitoring center will be established to oversee the situation, replacing the previous body that ended with the last government’s term. The measures are part of broader policies to promote energy conservation and controlled fuel usage in Thailand. Continued …
Hormuz closure disrupts jet fuel flows and puts airlines under pressure
The aviation industry is facing a severe fuel crisis, with airlines across Asia scrambling to adjust their strategies. Carriers are reducing flights, adding refueling stops and loading as much reserve fuel as possible at departure airports after the war in the Middle East tightened supplies of jet fuel, worsening an industry already burdened by enormous fuel costs.
Airlines in Europe are also bracing for the impact. Data from analytics firm Kpler shows that Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has already cut off nearly 21% of global seaborne jet fuel transport routes. Continued …
Thai Consumers Expected To Reduce Songkran Spending
Public spending during this year’s Songkran festival in Thailand is projected to decrease by 3.7% compared to last year, primarily due to rising fuel and consumer product prices influenced by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
This marks the first decline in Songkran spending in four years, following the economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022. However, an increase in foreign tourists could improve cash flow, particularly visitors from Malaysia, China, and Europe. The potential for increased spending depends on higher tourist arrivals during the celebrations. Continued …
Commerce lifts 2026 inflation forecast as energy prices start to bite
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry has raised its 2026 inflation forecast to 1.5%-2.5%, with a midpoint of 2%, after consumer prices in March fell for a 12th consecutive month but showed signs of a slower decline as energy risks begin feeding into the outlook.
Nantapong Jiralertpong, director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), said headline inflation in March 2026 slipped 0.08% year on year, extending the negative run to a full year. However, he said the pace of decline had eased, even as conflict in the Middle East and attempts to shut the Strait of Hormuz disrupted oil and key goods transport, driving global crude prices higher. Continued …
Analyzing the Causes Behind the Nation’s Long-Term GDP Growth Decline
Thailand’s post–COVID-19 economic recovery has been characterized by persistently weak growth, averaging only 2.3% during 2022–2024 — well below its pre-pandemic performance and far from its historical peaks.
This report argues that the slowdown reflects not a temporary cyclical shock, but a deepening structural deterioration in Thailand’s long-term growth potential. As the second installment in a three-part analytical series, the study focuses on diagnosing the key structural constraints that have contributed to Thailand’s sustained deceleration in growth relative to regional peers. Continued …
Thailand’s Property Market Braces for Its Worst Year in Nearly a Decade
Two of Thailand’s most closely watched financial institutions have independently reached the same sobering conclusion: the country’s residential property market is deteriorating on multiple fronts, with no meaningful recovery in sight.
Both SCB EIC, the research arm of Siam Commercial Bank, and Kiatnakin Phatra Bank (KKP) project that transfer volumes will fall further in 2026, marking a fourth consecutive year of contraction. Continued …
Housing prices seen rising 10% amid oil crisis
Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKP) forecasts that a surge in global oil prices will push housing prices up by 10% this year, primarily affecting homebuyers in the mass-market segment.
Rising oil prices, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East, have significantly increased construction material costs. This has created a new cost base, prompting developers of new housing projects to raise selling prices by 5%-10%, according to KKP’s corporate lending division. Continued …
Thai manufacturers to get new assistance package
Newly appointed Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa has vowed to help Thai manufacturers weather the impact of geopolitical conflict and rising energy costs, while steering the country’s industrial sector toward greener, more sustainable practices under the government’s bio-, circular and green (BCG) economic model.
Global crude oil prices have surged, and supply chains have been disrupted following the Israel–US war with Iran, creating fresh challenges for Thai industry. Varawut said the ministry is reviewing ways to cut or delay non-essential projects to ease the state’s financial burden and redirect resources toward measures that directly support manufacturers. Continued …
Thai Hotels Face Q2 Booking Slump as Middle East War Hits Tourism
The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) has warned that forward bookings for the second quarter of 2026 are weaker than last year, as airfares surge and uncertainty rises due to the ongoing Middle East crisis. THA President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun highlighted concerns over Q2 performance, noting that while Q1 targets were met, Q3–Q4 markets remain in a “wait-and-see” mode.
The association reported that southern resorts, such as Koh Phangan, are losing Israeli visitors, while airfares have increased by up to 200% due to airline route changes. Northern regions are facing compounded challenges from the conflict, severe PM2.5 haze, and reduced Israeli tourism, causing Songkran bookings to fall to 50%–60% of usual levels. Continued …
Bangkok Songkran events to be alcohol free
Bangkok authorities have announced that water-splashing events during the Songkran festival will be alcohol-free citywide, wrapping up by 10 pm each night. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has set up a 24/7 command center to ensure safety and operational effectiveness throughout the festival’s duration from April 11-15.
Songkran’s major celebration hubs include Lan Khon Mueang, Silom Road, and Khao San Road. The city has outlined specific guidelines: no large water cannons, no indecent displays, and avoiding the use of powdered chalk. Organizers are also tasked with promoting water conservation under these guidelines. Continued …
Two Foreign Tourists Found Dead in Khao San Road Hotel
Two foreign male tourists were found dead in a hotel room on Khao San Road in Bangkok yesterday, with police investigating the unexplained deaths after white powder was discovered scattered across the floor. Emergency responders attempted CPR but were unable to revive either man, who were pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased were identified as a 30-year-old South African man, the registered occupant of the room, and a 38-year-old man from Latvia, who was registered as staying in a nearby room. Continued …
Ferry fares to Koh Chang will increase on Friday
Ferry fares to Koh Chang will increase on Friday due to the soaring price of diesel. The ferry fare surge was approved yesterday by a ferry fare committee chaired by Trat Gov. Piriya Chanthadilok. The committee included representatives from the Marine Department and local ferry operators.
According to Piriya, ferry fares will rise from 80 baht to 130 baht for adult passengers; from 30 baht to 70 baht for children, students and monks; from 40 baht to 130 baht for motorcycles; from 80 baht to 200 baht for motorcycles with sidecars; from 120 baht to 280 baht for four-wheel vehicles; from 450 baht to 1,000 baht for six wheelers; from 900 baht to 1,600 baht for 10-wheeled trucks; and from 1,800 baht to 3,200 baht for 18-wheeled trailer trucks. Continued …
Chiang Mai hotspots down, still has world’s worst air
Chiang Mai city retained its crown as having the world most polluted air yesterday, even as the number of “hotspots” in the northern province dropped sharply.
A satellite image issued by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency yesterday showed 17 hotspots in the province, a continued decline from 24 on Monday and 61 on Sunday. They were found in four districts, led by nine in Chiang Dao. None were in Muang district. 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
Weight Loss Injections in Thailand/Thailand Riviera road construction/Thailand’s Yaba Crisis/Healthcare system faces crisis/Storms expected across country/Tigers killed by canine distemper virus/Students Clash with Weapons
Thailand, often celebrated for its vibrant street food and laid-back lifestyle, is also facing a quieter health challenge. The country now ranks second in ASEAN for obesity after Malaysia, with an estimated 48% of the population classified as overweight or obese.
Thailand Riviera road construction boosted
In towns and cities across Thailand, a small, brightly colored pill is quietly tearing communities apart. Known as yaba — literally “crazy drug” — these tablets of methamphetamine and caffeine have become one of the country’s most pressing public health emergencies, cutting across class, age, and geography.
Sen. Veerapun Suvannamai has warned of a looming financial crisis in the healthcare system due to unpaid debts from the National Health Security Office (NHSO) under the universal healthcare scheme.
The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a warning for today, announcing a “stormy day” in Thailand. The northern and northeastern regions will be the hardest hit, with heavy rainfall expected in 40% of these areas.
Canine distemper caused the deaths of 72 tigers at two animal parks in Chiang Mai earlier this month, not avian influenza, and there was no transmission to humans, it was announced yesterday.
US President Donald Trump’s new global tariffs have come into effect at 10% despite a pledge to introduce them at a higher rate. After the Supreme Court blocked many of his sweeping import taxes on Friday, the president said he would introduce a 10% global rate. He then said on Saturday that the rate would be 15%.
The statistics of the kingdom have shown for 10 months inflation results lower than the experts’ statistical forecasts (these being on average negative for the whole of 2025 with -0.13% annual average, according to Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Economic and Trade Forecast Center .
The Thai automotive industry has kickstarted the “Year of the Horse” with a 53.8% surge in year-on-year sales for January. The growth was primarily propeled by a record-breaking influx of electric vehicle (EV) deliveries, though the heavy-duty pickup sector continues to flounder amid tightening credit conditions.
Thailand’s car exports fell in January, dropping 6% year-on-year to 58,405 units – the lowest level since May 2022 – which was attributed to stricter environmental regulations and currency fluctuations, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
The industrial and logistics property sector continues to outperform other segments, supported by robust demand and ongoing government backing despite prevailing uncertainties, according to property consultancy CBRE Thailand.
Phuket’s tourism recovery has surpassed pre-Covid levels, with daily flights setting a new record and visitor numbers reaching around 71,000. Provincial authorities expect arrivals to hold steady and are targeting 14 million tourists this year.
The planned new waste-management plant for Phuket is still at least two years away because of delays in receiving approval from state agencies, according to the provincial governor. Gov. Nirat Pongsitthithavorn aired his frustration over the delay in construction of the second waste incinerator,
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to India this week pushing to double trade and mend fractured ties, his first stop on an Asia-Pacific tour that also includes Australia and Japan, as he seeks to reduce reliance on the United States. 
Four people, including a two-year-old boy, were killed when a Toyota Fortuner driver lost control and struck a roadside electricity pole in Prachuap Khiri Khan province yesterday. The crash occurred at around 10.30 am on Phetkasem Road, inbound to Bangkok, in Bang Saphan district.
For many people, the day doesn’t begin until the kettle whistles or the coffee maker hums. After all, tea and coffee aren’t just beverages; they’re rituals, identities and even small acts of comfort. One offers a steady, almost meditative lift, while the other delivers a more immediate, higher-caffeine jolt that feels like flipping on a switch.
Authorities at Kaeng Krachan National Park have arrested a Thai man accused of illegally guiding tourists to fish inside the protected area without permission. The operation was led by park chief Mongkol Chaiphakdee yesterday, following complaints about unauthorized fishing trips promoted on social media.
The Fuel Fund Executive Committee decided today to freeze the retail price of diesel at 30 baht per liter by cutting refiners’ contributions to the fund by a further 15 satang per liter. Additionally, the committee agreed to provide a 30 satang per liter subsidy from the fund to maintain the domestic diesel price at 30 baht per liter.
Probe underway after 72 tigers die at Chiang Mai tiger parks
US Supreme court throws out Trump’s tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump responded with fury to yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling that he did not have the power to unilaterally set tariffs on imports, denigrating individual justices as he vowed to wield a more restrictive law to continue his global trade war. 
Commentary in Thailand has picked up after the US Supreme Court struck down the earlier IEEPA-based tariffs, prompting President Donald Trump to switch tactics, starting with a new 10% global import tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This is a temporary measure limited to 150 days (with a statutory cap of 15% for this type of surcharge).
The US Supreme Court ruling ordering the cancellation of President Donald Trump’s import-tariff increases has pushed the global trading system back into “confusion and turmoil”, as governments, businesses, and consumers race to find answers to two pressing questions: “How do we get tariff refunds?” and “What happens next?”
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has announced the allocation of additional relief funds to 140,000 households severely impacted by the recent floods. The financial aid aims to assist in securing essential supplies, such as food, clean water, and medical care, to help communities rebuild and recover.
How Thailand is Reforming the Seafood Industry to Prevent Exploitation
Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced yesterday the passenger service charge (PSC) on outbound international travelers will rise to 1,120 baht per person from 730 baht from June 20.
After Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced an increase in the international departure passenger service charge (PSC) from 730 baht to 1,120 baht per person, effective June 20 onward, it has been noted that Thailand thenceforth would be charging more than leading airports worldwide.
Thai hotel operators expect overall foreign tourist numbers in 2026 to remain flat compared with last year, particularly among three-star and below properties reliant on short-haul markets, excluding China. Anticipated growth in long-haul arrivals is expected to be offset by stagnation in short-haul demand.
While Thailand celebrates rising tourism numbers and record profits at major gateways, many businesses on the ground in Pattaya are asking a blunt question: where is the money— and who is it really for?
Authorities in Buriram say preparations are complete for the 2026 MotoGP season opener, with safety, traffic and tourism plans in place ahead of upcoming pre-season testing. The first shipment of racing equipment has arrived at the Chang International Circuit, where infrastructure installation is under way.
The “Thailand lost its edge” narrative has become common expat discourse in 2025 and 2026. Bangkok rents climbed 8% to 12% year-on-year, visa enforcement tightened significantly, and a remittance tax shock led 55% of expats to consider leaving, according to a survey.
Pasaya is a sustainable fabric brand and its factory in Ratchaburi is equipped with a wastewater treatment pond, a proper landfill-based waste management method, and a proper working environment with ventilation and growing trees.
Most Asian equities fell and oil prices rose yesterday after Donald Trump ratcheted up Middle East tensions by hinting at possible military strikes on Iran if it did not make a “meaningful deal” in nuclear talks. The remarks put the brakes on a rebound in markets following an AI-fueled sell-off earlier. 
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.
Hua Hin’s electric vehicle master plan moved a step forward yesterday as city officials met with Shinawatra University to discuss EV adoption and charging infrastructure.
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.
Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) sales (passenger car and light duty vehicles) more than tripled year-on-year to over 44,000 units in January 2026, a record month for the country. Its penetration rate grew to 48%, another monthly record, surpassing its previous high of 37% set in December.
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. 
Air drops of relief supplies begins in Hat Yai
Hong Kong fire: At Least 44 Dead And 279 Reported Missing
Thai–Chinese cultural exchange program concludes in Hua Hin
Work, air, and industry: Inside the battle for Thailand’s future
Tourism operators seek to build trust among travelers
Low-carbon economy looms
Business leaders optimistic about Thailand’s 2026 outlook
Ministry preps co-pay scheme’s 2nd phase
See the best of northern Thailand this winter on a budget
Bangkok Climbs in 2026 Best Cities List
War-torn Myanmar embraces solar to tackle power crisis
Legend Fighting Championships returns to Bluport on Saturday
2,500 scammer-linked Starlink rigs disabled in Myanmar
Co-payment scheme expanded to cover taxis, vans, and motorcycle taxis
Thai pavilion at Osaka Expo draws 2.1 million visitors
Thailand laws you need to know before visiting
Thai Property Leaders Call for Government Action on Sustainable Urban Development
