Four Dead in Prachuap Crash/Hua Hin father shoots son dead/Tea vs. coffee – Which is healthier?/Illegal Fishing Tours Busted/Diesel price frozen/Hot days, thunderstorms forecast/72 tigers die at Chiang Mai tiger parks/Meta to end Messenger.com- ECONOMY: US Supreme court throws out Trump’s tariffs/Trump furious/Trump signs temporary 10% global tariff/10% global tariff eases pressure on Thailand/Tariff refunds unclear/K-Research upgrades Thai outlook/Additional Flood Relief Funds/Thailand is Reforming the Seafood Industry
- TOURISM: Thailand to raise international passenger fee/Thai airports more expensive than world’s best/Thai hoteliers forecast flat foreign arrivals/Pattaya pays the price/Buriram Set For 2026 MotoGP
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Has Thailand lost its edge?/Where to go to escape the crowds
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Fast-tracking to a green future
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Four Dead as SUV Hits Pole in Prachuap Crash
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.
Police said the vehicle overturned and was severely damaged, with one victim thrown from the car. The Toyota Fortuner, registration from Bangkok, was found crushed against the pole with its roof torn open. Nearby, the body of a 66-year-old man was discovered outside the vehicle. Continued …
Depressed Hua Hin father shoots son dead and cites disappointment
A Thai man with depression shot and killed his 30-year-old son at their home in Hua Hin district Thursday, telling police he was disappointed in his son.
Officers from Hua Hin Police Station were called to a house on Soi Hua Hin–Huay Mongkhon 15 to investigate the shooting. At the scene, police found the suspect, the 63-year-old father of the family, sitting outside the home. He appeared shocked and was barely able to walk, requiring support to reach a police vehicle. Continued …
Tea vs. coffee – Which is healthier for you and why?
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.
Both drinks have centuries of tradition behind them, and decades of modern research examining how they affect the heart, brain, metabolism and long-term health. Continued …
Illegal Fishing Tours Busted in Park
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.
Officials reported that a Facebook and TikTok page under the name “A Suk Samran” was advertising paid trips to catch snakehead and giant snakehead fish within the park. The alleged activities took place in the Ban Phu Sai area, Pong Daeng, Moo 3, Huai Mae Phriang subdistrict, Kaeng Krachan district, Phetchaburi province. Continued …
Diesel price frozen at 30 baht amid Middle East tensions
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.
The move is intended to cushion the impact on domestic diesel prices in the event of an armed conflict with Iran, as threatened by US President Donald Trump, said Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon, in his capacity as chair of the Fuel Fund Executive Committee. Continued …
Hot days, thunderstorms forecast across Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts for today and tomorrow, the high-pressure system or cold air mass covering the northeast and the South China Sea will weaken.
Meanwhile, southerly and southeasterly winds will bring moisture over upper Thailand, meaning thunderstorms will continue in upper parts of the country. In the south, isolated thunderstorms are also possible. Continued …
Probe underway after 72 tigers die at Chiang Mai tiger parks
The Department of Livestock Development is expediting post-mortem examinations after 72 tigers at Mae Rim Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai and a second facility in Mae Taeng district were reported to have died unusually since early February. The Mae Rim site has announced a temporary 14-day closure.
According to a report by Protected Area Regional Office 16 (Chiang Mai), between Feb. 8 and Feb. 19, a total of 72 tigers died across the two facilities — 21 at the Mae Rim site and 51 at the Mae Taeng site. Continued …
Meta to end Messenger.com web chat, move users to Facebook
Meta has announced it will officially end the Messenger.com website for messaging in April, effectively pushing users to chat on the web via Facebook instead.
In its Help Center update, Meta said it will discontinue messaging on messenger.com from April onward. After that, anyone who wants to send and receive messages in a web browser will need to use Facebook’s messaging interface. Continued …
US Supreme court throws out Trump’s tariffs
The U.S. Supreme Court has handed down a landmark ruling in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump (No. 24-1287), deciding yesterday that the president has no authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose import tariffs unilaterally.
The decision is widely seen as a major legal setback for Donald Trump and carries direct implications for how future presidents can use executive power in international trade policy. Continued …
Trump furious after Supreme Court upends tariffs, vows new levy
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. Video …
Trump signs temporary 10% global tariff after Supreme Court ruling
Trump announced a new 10% global customs tariff after expressing anger toward US Supreme Court justices who ruled that his retaliatory tariffs were void because they were unlawful.
CNBC reported that President Donald Trump announced yesterday he would sign an executive order to enforce a new “global” tariff at a rate of 10%. Trump made the announcement only a few hours after the US Supreme Court ordered the cancellation of his worldwide “reciprocal” import tariffs — seen as a major setback to his trade agenda. Continued …
10% global tariff eases pressure on Thailand for now; tougher moves may follow
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).
Former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij aid the new 10% global tariff is “good news” for Thai trade and world trade because it replaces the earlier tariff framework and applies the same rate to every country. He argued this effectively lowers Thailand’s exposure compared with the 19% rate Thailand had still been discussing, meaning Thailand would now face 10% like everyone else. Continued …
Court ruling leaves tariff refunds unclear, triggering scramble by US importers
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 court did not give clear guidance on whether those tariffs will be refunded, or how refunds would be handled. For American companies and the broader economy, that means significantly greater trade uncertainty. Continued …
K-Research upgrades Thai growth outlook
Following a surprise growth result for the fourth quarter of 2025 and an improved performance over the past year, Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research) has upgraded its outlook for the Thai economy.
The research house raised its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 1.9% from 1.6%, while its 2027 projection increased to 2.4% from 2.0%. The improved outlook is supported by greater political stability under the new government and stronger prospects for foreign direct investment (FDI). Continued …
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Disaster Agency Allocates Additional Flood Relief Funds to 140,000 Households
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.
The decision to transfer extra funds follows comprehensive assessments conducted by field teams, highlighting the extensive damages and the necessity for increased assistance. The agency is working collaboratively with local governments and humanitarian organizations to ensure the funds reach those most in need swiftly and efficiently. Continued …
How Thailand is Reforming the Seafood Industry to Prevent Exploitation
Every day, as dawn breaks, hundreds of fishing vessels leave Thailand’s ports for days at sea. For the thousands of migrant fishers who contribute to this industry, and the workers who process and package the catch onshore, the distance from port has meant distance from safety and protection.
Thailand’s seafood sector is a vital part of the country’s economy and supports the livelihoods of many households. It is also a cornerstone of the global supply chain and contributes to a secure food system. But behind the products on supermarket shelves is a workforce, dominated by migrants, that faces serious risks: unpaid or underpaid wages, forced labor, limited access to social protection, and limited feedback mechanisms. Continued …
Thailand to raise international passenger fee in June
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.
The 53% increase will apply at the six airports run by the company: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. The domestic passenger fee remains unchanged at 130 baht, AOT said. Continued …
Tax hike will make Thai airports more expensive than world’s best
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.
A comparison of last year’s PSC as ranked by Skytrax shows that Suvarnabhumi Airport’s PSC will be higher than many world-class airports, even though it only ranks 39th globally. Continued …
Thai hoteliers forecast flat 2026 foreign arrivals, cite safety concerns
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.
The latest Hotel Business Operator Sentiment Index for January, conducted by the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) and the Bank of Thailand, points to a cautious outlook among 99 respondents. While four-star and above properties anticipate growth from European markets, the wider industry warns that Thailand’s lingering negative safety image and the absence of new tourism stimulation projects are weakening its competitiveness against lower-priced regional rivals. Continued …
Thailand polishes its image while Pattaya pays the price
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?
The disconnect is becoming harder to ignore. Airports report strong earnings, official statements boast of “quality tourists”, and marketing campaigns emphasize a cleaner, more family-friendly image. Yet, in Pattaya, shop owners, bar operators, and small service businesses say foot traffic is thinner, spending is weaker, and uncertainty is growing. Continued …
Buriram Set For 2026 MotoGP Season Opener
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 immediate focus is on ensuring operational readiness before official activities begin later this month. Marshals and medical teams have completed intensive training on updated race regulations, safety procedures, and emergency response protocols. Provincial officials, circuit executives, and representatives from the Sports Authority of Thailand met to coordinate operations for the “PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2026”. Discussions centred on traffic management, security, transport and visitor services. Continued …
Has Thailand lost its edge? Comparing expat life across Southeast Asia
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.
But Thailand climbed to 4th globally for expat satisfaction in the InterNations Expat Insider 2025 survey, its best-ever placement, up from 6th in 2024. Has Thailand genuinely declined, or has the competition simply improved? Continued …
Where to go to escape the crowds in Thailand
Thailand is a huge country and a lot of tourists are still excited by the headline destinations — Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, and the Phi Phi islands, to name a few.
Fortunately, if you know where to look, there are so many other places to discover — delve a little deeper and you can be sure to find a little corner of the country away from the crowds. Continued …
Ratchaburi factory fast-tracking to a green future
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.
Due to environmental concerns, Schle Wood-Thanan, managing director of Satin Textiles and founder of Pasaya, announced that Pasaya is set to spend over 150 million baht on transforming its Ratchaburi factory into a zero-emission factory by 2030. Continued …
Trump’s new Iran threats rattle markets
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. Continued …
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