- Princess Pa’s polo cup/Cha Am motorway project/New Alcohol Serving Rules/Heat index could hit 60°C/Chiang Mai’s soaring PM2.5
- THE IRAN WAR: Trump threatens to destroy Iran oil sites/Houthis Threaten Strait Closure/Oil rises for fourth day/Diesel surges past 40 baht/Thailand weighs fuel tax cuts/Manufacturers Absorb 20% Fuel Spike/Government Expands B20 Biodiesel/Oil price surge Thai restaurants//Thailand eyes bus fare rise/Farmers stockpiling fertilizers/Airlines cancel more flights
- ECONOMY: Thai CEOs’ revenue confidence falls/Stores ready for ‘Thai Help Thai’/Stricter data center licenses
- TOURISM: Controversy with Visa-Free Policy/Travelers Driving Songkran Tourism/Canadian tourist dies/AirJapan bids farewell
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Cost of Living for a Family
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Arsenic levels rising in Mekong/EV motorbike sales climb
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Princess Pa’s polo cup returns to Hua Hin
Hua Hin is once again hosting one of Asia’s most distinctive sporting events, as the Princess Pa’s Cup InterContinental–B.Grimm Beach Polo Hua Hin 2026 takes place along the beachfront of the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, Prachuap Khiri Khan, on Saturday from 12.30 pm to 9 pm.
Now in its 15th year, the tournament has become a regular fixture on Thailand’s sporting and lifestyle calendar, combining equestrian competition with social and charitable elements. Continued …
Cha Am motorway project to be presented for Cabinet approval
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).
The first project is the M8 motorway (Nakhon Pathom–Pak Tho–Cha Am), with Phase 1 covering 61 kilomters from Nakhon Pathom to Pak Tho at a cost of 54.5 billion baht. The budget includes 14.4 billion baht for land acquisition and 40.1 billion baht for construction. The work will be carried out in two phases, with completion expected by 2033. Continued …
New Alcohol Serving Rules
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 guidelines published in the Royal Gazette aim to help vendors make informed decisions and avoid legal repercussions. The regulation was announced last December but lacked clarity on how vendors should evaluate intoxication. On March 30, the Royal Gazette detailed methods for assessing a customer’s level of drunkenness, describing physical, verbal, and behavioral indicators of intoxication. Continued …
Heat index could hit 60°C in early April
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.
The DES cautioned that a high heat index poses particular risk for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses or obesity, outdoor workers, psychiatric patients, and alcoholics. Continued …
Chiang Mai set for disaster declaration after 4 days of soaring PM2.5
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.
The province is set to consider declaring the area a disaster-stricken zone tomorrow, while mobile medical units will be deployed tomorrow. Continued …
Trump threatens to destroy Iran oil sites if Hormuz not reopened immediately
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.
In a post online yesterday, Trump said the United States was engaged in serious discussions with what he described as a “more reasonable new regime” in Iran aimed at ending US military operations. Continued …
Houthis Threaten Bab el-Mandeb Closure, Impacting Thailand
Thailand could face soaring oil prices, export disruption, and rising electricity costs if Yemen’s Houthi group follows through on threats to shut the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key global shipping chokepoint.
Analysts warn the move would tighten a vital trade route linking East and West, triggering immediate economic consequences. The disruption would likely push up fuel costs, delay shipments, and increase the cost of living. Continued …
Oil rises for fourth day as Middle East war squeezes global supply
Global oil prices extended their rally into a fourth straight day today, as the widening conflict in the Middle East continued to stoke fears of tighter supply and further disruption to one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
Brent crude for May delivery rose by US$2.26, or about 2%, to US$115.04 a barrel after earlier touching its highest level since March 19, while the more actively traded June contract stood at US$108.96 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate for May delivery climbed US$3.10, or roughly 3%, to US$105.96 a barrel, its highest level since March 9. Continued …
Diesel surges past 40 baht as Thailand raises fuel prices
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).
Fuel retailers, including PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR), and Bangchak Corp., implemented price increases effective from today, raising petrol and gasohol by 1 baht per liter and diesel by 1.80 baht per liter. Continued …
Thailand weighs fuel tax cuts as global oil surge tests fiscal limits
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.
The proposal follows similar actions by other countries, with Vietnam and Australia already implementing fuel tax reductions to cushion the impact of soaring energy prices on households and businesses. Continued …
Thai Manufacturers Absorb 20% Fuel Spike to Shield Consumers from Price Hikes
Thailand’s leading consumer goods manufacturers have moved to reassure the public that retail prices will remain stable for the immediate future, despite a sharp 20% spike in fuel costs. As the conflict in the Middle East enters its second month, global energy volatility has pushed Thai retail fuel prices up by 6 baht per liter, immediately inflating logistics overheads.
Despite these pressures, industry titans — ranging from instant noodle producers to international beverage and healthcare brands — have pledged to absorb the added costs. Continued …
Government Expands B20 Biodiesel to Cut Fuel Costs
The Thai government has accelerated the rollout of subsidized B20 biodiesel nationwide, aiming to reduce transport and industrial fuel costs by keeping prices 5 baht (0.15 USD) per liter below standard diesel. The policy is designed to ease pressure on supply chains and limit inflation driven by volatile global oil markets.
B20, a diesel blend containing 20% domestically produced palm-based methyl ester, is being promoted as a primary alternative fuel, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles and industrial machinery. Officials say the initiative offers a practical transition for operators seeking to manage rising energy expenses. Continued …
Oil price surge from Middle East war hits Thai restaurant bookings
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%.
In the third and fourth weeks, customers from neighboring countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan helped support business, which was enough to get the restaurant through this month. More than 70% of the restaurant’s customers are foreign tourists. Continued …
Thailand eyes bus fare rise but freezes rates through Songkran
Thailand is preparing to seek approval for a gradual increase in public bus fares to help operators cope with soaring fuel costs, but fares will remain unchanged until April 19 under a state compensation plan to ease the burden on travelers during Songkran.
Sorapong Paitoonpong, director-general of the Department of Land Transport (DLT), said the department had prepared details to submit to Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn for consideration, as higher oil prices continue to drive up transport costs. Continued …
Farmers stockpiling fertilizers as war drives up prices
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.
Pranee Banluesap, owner of a fertilizer and agricultural equipment store in Buriram’s Nang Rong district, said all brands of fertilizers have increased their prices by 50 baht a bag while urea, a key fertilizer component, is currently in short supply. Continued …
Airlines cancel more flights as Middle East conflict escalates
Global air travel remains severely disrupted, with many people still unable to fly as planned after the Iran war forced the closure of major Middle Eastern hubs, including Dubai, Doham and Abu Dhabi.
Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, and Edelweiss have suspended flights to Dubai and Tel Aviv until May 31, and to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Dammam, Riyadh, Erbil, Muscat, and Tehran until Oct. 24. Lufthansa Cargo is the same except for the Tel Aviv suspension, which will last through April 30. Continued …
Thai CEOs’ revenue confidence falls to three-year low amid economic and AI disruption
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.
Finding from PwC Thailand’s 29th Global CEO Survey – Thailand: Leading through uncertainty in the age of AI, show that confidence is being eroded by a convergence of pressures, including economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, rising costs, cyber risks and the accelerating pace of technological change. At the same time, Thai CEOs are under growing pressure to unlock new sources of growth through enterprise-wide AI adoption and expansion into new businesses and sectors. Continued …
Commerce says four chain stores are ready for ‘Thai Help Thai’
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 ministry has joined hands with more than 19 partner organizations involved in the production and distribution of consumer goods to take part in the “Thai Help Thai: Reduce the Burden, Reduce the Cost of Living” project. Continued …
Thailand eyes stricter data center licenses as market nears 2 trillion baht
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.
From 2025 to 2031, the market is projected to grow by an average of 27.7% per year, with its value rising from 470 billion baht to more than 2.02 trillion baht. Growth on this scale means the state must “set new rules” to prevent long-term risks. Continued …
Thailand Stirs Controversy with Visa-Free Stay Policy
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.
While the program’s intention was purely to encourage travel, official reports show that certain visitors have stretched the rules. Some have set up businesses, engaged in unauthorized employment, or participated in cross-border scams and organized crime. These incidents have prompted authorities to consider reducing the visa exemption period back to 30 days. Continued …
Millennials and Solo Travelers Driving Post-Pandemic Songkran Tourism
As Thailand prepares for the 2026 Songkran Festival (April 10-18), new industry data has identified a definitive shift in the country’s travel landscape. Analysis from AirAsia MOVE, a leading regional travel platform, reveals that Gen Y (Millennials) and solo travelers have emerged as the dual powerhouses driving the tourism sector’s recovery over the last three years.
The report, which examined travel patterns from 2024 to 2026, suggests that the “traditional family holiday” is being augmented — and in some cases superseded — by a younger, tech-savvy demographic that prioritizes convenience and independence. Continued …
Canadian tourist dies on Tiger Cave climb — second death in three days
A 54-year-old Canadian man died after collapsing while climbing the 1,260-step staircase to the summit of Tiger Cave, or Wat Tham Suea Vipassana ,in Krabi on Sunday.
Rescuers from the Krabi Pitak Pracha Foundation rushed to the scene after receiving an emergency call from the 1669 command center. They found the man unconscious at step 1,100, without a pulse. Fellow tourists and rescue personnel attempted CPR, but he could not be revived. Continued …
AirJapan bids farewell to Thai skies
AirJapan officially announced the end of its Bangkok service yesterday, but promised to keep in touch with past passengers in other ways.
The low-cost airline thanked passengers using the airline on the Bangkok-Narita airport route, the day after its final flight from Suvarnabhumi airport landed at Tokyo’s Narita airport. Continued …
Cost of Living in Thailand for a Family With Two Children
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.
Thailand remains a relatively low to mid-cost destination in global terms, with private consumption per person substantially below Western averages. However, families with two children face specific cost drivers that can push monthly spending far above local norms, particularly in Bangkok and other major urban centers. Continued …
Arsenic levels rising in Mekong
Civil society groups have warned that heavy metals – particularly arsenic – are gradually accumulating in sections of the Mekong River in northeastern Thailand.
They urged authorities to step up monitoring and address suspected cross-border pollution linked to upstream mining. The concerns were raised at an annual meeting of local networks in Loei province last week to protect the Mekong River. Continued …
Pattaya sees EV motorbike sales climb as oil prices soar
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.
Weera Amornworanich, a representative of MIT EV Pattaya Sukhumvit branch, said interest in electric motorbikes has surged in recent weeks. He noted that the low operating costs, minimal maintenance requirements, and independence from fuel price fluctuations are key factors driving purchasing decisions. Continued …
Korean Air to shift to emergency mode in April amid rising oil prices
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. Continued …
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