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• Hua Hin Songkran celebration/Cha Am Blue Swimming Crab Festival/Cha Am fresh market prices being checked/Swedish drug suspects caught in Hua Hin/Hip fracture can change your life/Hua Hin has new pickleball facility/Influenza still spreading/Thai tax filing 2026/Tolls Waived for Songkran/’Aem Cyanide’ Acquitted/Thai Billionaire Wanted for Crypto Scam
• THE IRAN WAR: Middle East war escalates/Trump keeps telling America he’s winning/Overview of the US-Israel war with Iran/Thai-Flagged Cargo Ship attacked/Twenty Thai Seafarers Rescued/Iran sets two oil tankers ablaze/Minister Claims Iran War Won’t Affect Consumers/Fears over rising cost of goods/Thailand’s Inflation Prospects/Survey shows concern/Homebuyers advised to decide quickly/Government plans diesel rise/Thai Airways hikes fares/Night Petrol Station Closures Planned/Plastic shortages loom
• ECONOMY: US launches probe into Thailand/Employment trends fuel motorbike sales
• TOURISM: Thailand sends 40,000 stranded tourists home/Hospitality Giants Bet on Expansion/Merger of Tourism and Culture Ministries/Phuket at a tourism crossroads/Tourists Blame Monkeys
• THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Are Thai women truly equal?/Thailand’s ‘green season’/Massilia Bangkok best pizzeria in Thailand
• CLIMATE THAILAND: Thai data center boom sparks fears/Global Urbanism Returns the Streets to the People
• HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Hua Hin selects April 12-13 for Songkran celebration

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 … 

Cha Am Blue Swimming Crab Festival set March 14-21

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.

Phetchaburi Province, in collaboration with Cha Am City Municipality and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phetchaburi Office, is organizing the event. Visitors will be able to enjoy menus featuring fresh blue swimming crab and seafood sourced directly from local fishermen, alongside crab-release activities and evening entertainment. Continued … 

Cha Am fresh market prices being checked

Commerce officials have stepped up Cha Am fresh market price checks as part of efforts to ensure vendors clearly display prices and to prevent consumers from being overcharged.

The Phetchaburi Provincial Commerce Office, working with Cha Am City Municipality, recently inspected the Cha Am municipal fresh market, instructing more than 137 vendors to install clear and visible price signs. Authorities warned that businesses failing to comply could face fines of up to 10,000 baht. Continued … 

Two Swedish drug suspects caught at Hua Hin villas

Three Swedish men accused of running major online drug sales from Thailand are now being held by Thai authorities and are expected to be sent to Sweden for detention hearings.

According to Swedish and Thai police, the men had been living a life of luxury in Thailand while allegedly controling drug sales aimed at the Swedish market through websites and darknet platforms. Two of them were arrested in an exclusive residential area in Hua Hin, where Thai police said they lived in villas with swimming pools. The third was arrested in Bangkok. Continued … 

Hip fracture from fall can change your life

For many people, a fall may seem like a minor accident. But for older adults, a single fall can be life-changing — especially if it results in a hip fracture, one of the most serious and common injuries among older adults. Without proper treatment, a broken hip can lead to long-term disability, loss of independence, the need for ongoing care, and a significant decline in quality of life.

Dr. Waipop Pothiwong, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in trauma and orthopedic surgery at Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, explains that as we age, our bodies undergo several changes that increase the risk of falls and fractures. Bone mass decreases (osteoporosis), making bones more fragile and prone to fracture. Muscles weaken, balance declines, and coordination becomes less steady than in younger years. Vision, hearing, and reflexes may also deteriorate, making it easier to lose balance. Continued … 

Hua Hin has new pickleball, tennis facility

A new tennis and pickleball facility in Hua Hin has opened its doors to players, adding to the town’s growing range of sports and recreation options. Sports Life Hua Hin, located in Thap Thai just off Soi 112, is now operating daily from 6 am to 10 pm.

The venue features four ITF Class 4 tennis courts and two pickleball courts, all fully under cover, allowing play throughout the day regardless of weather conditions. Operators say there are also plans to expand the number of pickleball courts in the future in response to rising demand. Male and female changing facilities are available on site, while a café is also due to open soon. Continued … 

Influenza still spreading: 137,276 cases, 8 deaths recorded so far this year

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) at the Ministry of Public Health has issued a warning urging the public to be especially vigilant against influenza, after an upward trend in cases. Between Jan. 1 and March 9, Thailand recorded 137,276 cumulative cases and eight deaths.

DDC Director-General Montien Kanasawat said the cumulative total of 137,276 influenza cases represents an illness rate of 211.48 per 100,000 people. The three age groups with the highest rates were: 5-9 years: 753.20 per 100,000 (26,806 cases); 0-4 years: 596.20 per 100,000 (16,992 cases); 10-14 years: 534.20 per 100,000 (20,812 cases). Continued … 

Thai tax filing 2026: What expats should clarify before the April 8 deadline

Thailand’s personal income tax filing deadline is April 8, and many expats remain uncertain about whether they must submit a return this year. Since clarification of the rules surrounding foreign income, confusion has persisted. Having little or no tax to pay is not the same as having no obligation to file.

Under Thai law, individuals who spend 180 days or more in Thailand within a calendar year are considered tax residents. A filing obligation arises once assessable income exceeds the minimum thresholds. These thresholds are relatively low. Even modest levels of income can require a return to be submitted. Continued … 

Motorway Tolls Waived for Songkran

The Department of Highways has proposed a ministerial regulation to waive motorway tolls for seven days during the Songkran festival in 2026, from 12.01 am on April 10 to midnight on April 16. This decision targets easing travel and reducing congestion for the traditional period when many people travel to their hometowns, causing heavy traffic on routes around Bangkok.

Previously, the Department of Highways submitted a draft to the Ministry of Transport, seeking approval to lift toll charges on Motorway No. 7, Motorway No. 9, and Motorway No. 81. The waiver is expected to support faster and more convenient travel, improve traffic flow, and decrease travel expenses for the public during this major holiday. Additionally, it aims to lower national energy consumption and reduce air pollution during the festival period. Continued … 

‘Aem Cyanide’ Acquitted in Cyanide Murder Case Due to Lack of Evidence

Sararat “Aem Cyanide” Rangsiwuthaporn was acquitted by the Criminal Court yesterday in a case involving the alleged cyanide poisoning of a woman in Nakhon Pathom in August 2020. The court’s decision was based on the prosecution’s failure to demonstrate that Sararat possessed cyanide or had a financial motive behind the alleged crime.

Sararat’s legal challenges are further compounded by her conviction and death sentence in another cyanide poisoning case concluded in November 2024. Moreover, she received a life sentence last month for murdering a policeman, a sentence initially decided as execution but reduced due to her confession. Sararat, 39, faces accusations of administering cyanide to 14 individuals between 2015 and 2023. Continued … 

Thai Billionaire Wanted for Alleged Crypto Scam

A Thai billionaire, Worawat Narknawdee, is being sought by police following complaints from over 30 Thai investors. They claim to have been deceived into cryptocurrency investments, resulting in losses estimated at around B1.3 billion.

Authorities suspect the investor, who reportedly holds 11,000 Bitcoins and has investments in the UAE, has fled the country. Worawat, once the lead singer of a rock band, has been under investigation before. In March 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission accused him of running “1000X Limited” without proper authorization, breaching the Digital Assets Business Act. Continued … 

Middle East war escalates as Iran threatens Gulf oil route

The crisis in the Middle East reached a new boiling point yesterday as Iran threatened to shut down oil exports through the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for a major wave of US and Israeli air strikes. Reuters reported that the conflict had effectively halted the movement of roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas through the strategic waterway, underscoring the scale of the threat to global energy markets.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it was prepared to take the toughest possible measures, warning that it would not allow oil to pass through the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz for the benefit of the United States, Israel, or their allies. The warning came as Tehran stepped up its rhetoric and military pressure following the latest strikes. Continued … 

Trump keeps telling America he’s winning in Iran; he’s less clear about war’s end

Facing jittery global markets and drooping poll numbers since launching a war on Iran, US President Donald Trump has cycled from calls for “unconditional surrender” to sounding amenable to an end state in which Iran trades one hard-line ayatollah for another.

Shifting comments from the Republican president and his top aides are adding to the precariousness of the 12-day-old conflict, which is impacting nearly every corner of the Middle East and causing economic tremors around the globe. With neither side budging, the war is now on an unpredictable path — one in which a credible endgame is still unclear. Continued … 

Overview of the US-Israel war with Iran – How does it affect Thailand?

The US-Israel-Iran conflict, now in its 11th day, is set to hammer Thailand’s economy despite being fought 7,000 kilometers away. With the Strait of Hormuz closed and oil above US$120 per barrel, Thailand faces its sharpest energy and trade disruption in decades.

The current phase began on Feb. 28, when the United States and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran. The confrontation escalated from tit-for-tat exchanges in 2024 into a brief but intense “Twelve-Day War” in June 2025, before widening again in early 2026. Continued … 

Thai-Flagged Cargo Ship attacked near Strait of Hormuz

Questions have emerged over the nationality of the cargo vessel Mayuree Naree after the ship was reportedly attacked by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting debate over whether it is a Thai vessel or an Indian ship flying the Thai flag.

The vessel came under scrutiny after reports indicated its owners have Indian heritage, leading some observers to question whether the ship was genuinely Thai or merely using Thailand’s flag as a form of disguise. The incident also raised concern for the crew, with reports noting three Thai sailors missing after the ship’s engine room was struck during the attack. Continued … 

Twenty Thai Seafarers Rescued Following Attack in Strait of Hormuz

The Omani Navy has successfully rescued 20 Thai crew members from the bulk carrier Mayuree Naree after the vessel sustained significant damage in the Strait of Hormuz yesterday.

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) confirmed that the Thai-registered vessel, owned by the Bangkok-based Precious Shipping Public Co, was targeted shortly after departing from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates. The ship was carrying a total of 23 Thai nationals when it was struck near the stern. Continued … 

Iran sets two oil tankers ablaze near Iraq

Iran has set ablaze two tankers in Iraqi waters as it stepped up attacks on oil and ‌transport facilities across the Middle East, warning the world should be ready for oil at $200 a barrel in defiance of President Donald Trump’s claim that the United States had already won the war.

Since the joint US and Israeli air strikes on Iran almost two weeks ago, the war has so far killed around 2,000 people and thrown global energy markets and transport into chaos. Continued … 

Commerce Minister Claims Iran War Won’t Affect Consumers

Thailand’s Commerce Minister, Suphajee Suthumpun, is urging calm as the government closely tracks energy prices amid the ongoing conflict in Iran. An operations center has been established to coordinate across ministries, aiming to implement protective measures when necessary.

The backdrop to this situation involves rising tensions due to the Iran war, which have potential impacts on global energy prices, affecting consumer goods costs. Suphajee emphasized the importance of official updates and briefings to keep the public informed and prepared. The government is assessing the situation daily to adapt strategies accordingly and minimize negative impacts. Continued … 

Fears grow over rising cost of goods

Consumers across the country are worried about the rising cost of goods, as global energy prices and supply chains have been hit by the war in the Middle East, pushing up prices for everyday necessities.

Residents in several provinces say the cost of living has climbed steadily in recent weeks, with higher prices reported for dried foods and household goods. The hike in prices is being attributed to rising energy costs, raw material prices, and transport expenses worldwide. Continued … 

Thailand’s Inflation Prospects in Light of Middle East Tensions

The Middle East conflict has unsettled global oil markets and disrupted shipping routes, posing risks for energy-dependent Thailand. After experiencing prolonged low inflation, the country now faces a potential inflation rebound driven by rising oil and freight costs.

Thailand imports about 90% of its crude oil, making energy price hikes quickly affect transport, manufacturing, food costs, and household budgets. The Producer Price Index will likely rise first, followed by consumer inflation in months. Businesses, especially SMEs, will face shrinking margins, while lower-income households may bear the brunt of increased fuel and food expenses. Continued … 

Iran war: Survey shows concern over Thailand’s stance and energy crisis

RealWatch Lab, the research and data analytics unit of Real Smart Public Co/, has disclosed the findings of a survey on the concerns of Thai netizens regarding the Iran war. The survey collected opinions from Feb. 28, after the attacks started, to March 10, across all social media platforms, covering 34,009 messages discussing concerns arising from the conflict.

It found that: The top concern among Thai netizens, accounting for 37% of all messages, was Thailand’s foreign policy stance towards the conflict. Most netizens said they wanted the Thai government to remain neutral in the situation. The second-largest concern, accounting for 31%, was the impact of energy prices, which could affect the Thai economy. Continued … 

Homebuyers advised to decide quickly before war inflation hits

Banks are urging prospective homebuyers to make purchasing decisions within the first half of the year before costs rise further, amid concerns that inflation could increase under wartime conditions.

Speaking at a seminar on the 2026 property market yesterday, Natthapol Luepromchai, executive vice-president at Kasikornbank (KBank), said the escalating war in the Middle East could push up oil prices and inflation worldwide, making the likelihood of more interest rate cuts very unlikely. Continued … 

Government plans diesel rise as oil fund hits B10-billion deficit

The war in the Middle East, which has caused oil prices to fluctuate and remain high, has led the government to continue capping diesel at no more than B30 per liter. As of March 11, the Oil Fuel Fund was subsidizing diesel by B16.97 per liter, a sharp increase from just B0.74 per liter on Feb. 27, one day before the United States and Israel attacked Iran.

The Oil Fuel Fund Administration Committee kept diesel at B29.94 per liter for another 15 days, from March 3-17, after which further relief measures for the public would be reviewed. Continued … 

Thai Airways hikes fares 10%-15% as jet fuel costs surge

Thai Airways International (THAI) has begun raising ticket prices by around 10%-15% to reflect higher fuel costs driven by the situation in the Middle East, while noting it already has a mechanism to adjust pricing through a fuel surcharge.

Cherdchome Therdsteerasukdi, chief financial and accounting officer of THAI, said the airline has started adjusting fares to match the increase in oil prices. He said the company already has a fuel surcharge mechanism, but must set the surcharge ceiling jointly with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). She added that the current situation remains manageable, and the ceiling can be adjusted if necessary. Continued … 

Night Petrol Station Closures Planned, Pending War’s Impact

The Thai government is considering closing petrol stations at 10 pm, but only if the Middle East conflict critically impacts fuel reserves. Currently, the situation remains manageable, according to Sarawut Kaewtathip, the Department of Energy Business director-general. Measures are being taken to assess and manage fuel demand throughout the country.

The Ministry of Interior has directed provincial governors and energy chiefs to survey fuel needs to formulate an effective response, preventing significant economic damage. Reports have emerged of fuel shortages at some stations, prompting local officials to monitor supplies closely to mitigate hoarding. Continued … 

Plastic shortages loom as war hits oil supplies

Businesses are bracing for the impact of a plastic supply shortage due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Pun Paniangvait, general manager of Thai President Foods, the producer of Mama instant noodles, said while energy prices are receiving much attention, there is less discussion about fertilizer prices and a potential shortage of petrochemical products such as plastic pellets.

He said various consumer product packages, from water bottles to hot food packaging, rely on plastic pellets for production. Oil is a key ingredient in the production of plastic pellets, so if supply is curbed, plastic production also takes a hit. Continued … 

US launches probe into 16 trade partners, including Thailand

The United States has announced investigations under Section 301 into 16 key trading partners, including Thailand, as part of an effort to rebuild tariff pressure after the Trump administration’s earlier duties were struck down by the US Supreme Court.

Reuters reported that the investigations are being carried out under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which gives the Office of the United States Trade Representative, or USTR, the authority to impose tariffs or other retaliatory measures against trading partners deemed to engage in unfair trade practices. Continued … 

Employment trends fuel motorbike sales

Domestic motorcycle sales in Thailand are expected to climb this year, driven in part by new job seekers who are increasingly turning to motorcycles to earn income as part-time food delivery and motorcycle taxi drivers, according to Thai Yamaha Motor.

Many of these riders, including recent university graduates, are taking up temporary work while applying for permanent positions at companies. This trend has had a direct impact on motorcycle sales, said Ukrit Pakviwat, director of operations for commercial and marketing planning at Thai Yamaha Motor. Continued … 

Thailand sends 40,000 stranded tourists home

More than 40,000 tourists stranded here by flight disruptions in the Middle East have safely returned home, aided by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand’s (CAAT) temporary approval for tour operators in the originating countries to send charter flights to retrieve them.

Suladda Sarutilavan, executive director of Europe at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said since the war erupted on Feb. 28 the TAT offices in Europe have received multiple requests from tour companies seeking coordination to assist their tourists stranded in Thailand and other countries, asking for support to escort their customers back home via Thai airports. Continued … 

Thai Hospitality Giants Bet on 2026 Expansion Despite Middle East Volatility

Thai hospitality leaders are doubling down on 2026 expansion plans, committing billions in capital expenditure to navigate a tightening global travel market. Despite a projected 32.9 million foreign arrivals in 2025, the industry faces headwinds from prolonged conflict in the Middle East, which threatens to dampen high-spending “long-haul” traffic from Europe and the Americas.

Asset World Corp. (AWC), for example, is pivoting toward the luxury MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and xhibitions) sector. The centerpiece of its 2026 strategy is the Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit, the brand’s debut in Thailand. In addition to high-end urban stays, AWC is targeting “cultural tourism” via the Lannatique Gala in Chiang Mai and heritage-themed developments in Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat). Continued … 

Thai Private Sector Calls for Merger of Tourism and Culture Ministries

Thai business leaders are urging a radical consolidation of the state’s administrative architecture, proposing the merger of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports with the Ministry of Culture to better leverage the nation’s cultural “soft power.”

Under the proposal, the current sports portfolio would be downgraded to a departmental level within the new unified ministry, ensuring that national policy focuses squarely on high-value tourism and sustainable development. Continued … 

Phuket stands at a tourism crossroads

Phuket has long stood as one of Asia’s most celebrated destinations. Framed by the Andaman Sea, its turquoise waters, rich cultural fabric, and globally recognized hospitality have attracted millions of visitors for decades.

Tourism accounts for approximately 95% of the province’s economy, generating more than 500 billion baht annually from over 14 million Thai and international travelers. With around 1,500 registered hotels and more than 100,000 rooms, the island is undeniably a cornerstone of Thailand’s tourism industry. Yet, Phuket now stands at a crossroads. Continued … 

Koh Chang: Tourists Blame Monkeys for Missing Motorcycle Key

In a bizarre twist on Koh Chang in Trat province, foreign tourists reported a monkey for allegedly stealing their motorcycle key, only to later discover the key at their accommodation after an extensive four-hour search.

The incident was shared on Facebook by a Thai police officer, drawing significant attention and humor online. According to his caption, the tourists, who had been using cannabis, mistakenly believed the monkey had stolen their key. The amusing turn of events led social media users to joke about “investigator-turned-monkey-catcher” officers and the idea of monkeys seeking legal assistance for defamation. Continued … 

Are Thai women truly equal?

Do you think gender equality is still an issue in Thailand? Whether the answer is yes or no, explaining why can be surprisingly difficult.

Around the month of International Women’s Day, celebrated last Sunday, media reports are filled with stories celebrating women’s achievements. Headlines highlight women leading companies, exceling in high-skilled professions, and breaking barriers in fields once dominated by men. From a quick look around, it can seem that women in Thailand have made remarkable progress. Yet, data tells a more complicated story. Continued … 

Why Thailand’s ‘green season’ is the perfect time to travel

Looking for something remarkable from your next escape? At certain times of year, Thailand offers a different kind of luxury: soft-hued skies, rainforest-bright color, and a sense of space you rarely find at peak times.

Travel during the country’s “green season” – from roughly May to October – for a taste of the extraordinary. Brief tropical showers refresh the air, leaving long, luminous days for temples, markets and beaches – with lighter crowds and outstanding value. The season brings its own flavors too, which can be savored in dishes crafted with fresh and organic ingredients. This is Thailand at its most lush, calm, and romantic. Continued … 

Massilia Bangkok makes history as the best pizzeria in Thailand for 5th time

Massilia Bangkok has been named Best Pizzeria in Thailand 2026 by the 50 Top Pizza Asia Pacific Awards, marking the restaurant’s fifth national title and fourth consecutive win since 2021. The restaurant was also ranked the 6th Best Pizzeria in Asia 2026.

Luca Appino, owner of Massilia Bangkok, said, “This recognition is incredibly meaningful to us. As Thailand’s top pizzeria for five years, we feel a responsibility not just to our guests, but to the entire pizza community in Thailand.” Continued … 

Thai data center boom sparks fears of water shortage, air pollution

The sun had yet to rise at 6 am, but Sarayuth Sonlacksa was already crouched on his wooden jetty, hoisting up plastic crates of crabs from his pond to see if any had reached the size needed to sell to restaurants in Bangkok.

He’s able to farm crabs this far inland, said Sarayuth, a former biochemist, thanks to the unique ecosystem provided by the mix of seawater, brackish water, and freshwater that flows through the Bang Pakong River into the creeks near his home on the border between Chachoengsao and Chonburi provinces in eastern Thailand. Continued … 

The Walkable City: Global Urbanism Returns the Streets to the People

For nearly a century, the blueprint of the modern metropolis was drawn with the motor vehicle at its center. Wide boulevards, multi-lane junctions, and sprawling car parks became the hallmarks of urban progress.

However, a quiet revolution is currently unfolding across the world’s most iconic skylines, as planners move to “de-car” the city and return the pavement to the pedestrian. This shift represents a fundamental change in the urban paradigm: a transition from “cities for cars” to “cities for people”. Continued … 

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