Brit Pensioner Swept Out to Sea/Hua Hin celebrates Pone Kingpetch/Wyndham Hua Hin Tennis Camp/Push to keep transport fares low/Northern Thailand choked by pollution/Songkran road deaths down/Border crossings to stay shut
- THE IRAN WAR: Ceasefire offers fragile hope/Trump brushes off high fuel costs/Fuel crisis upends state’s fiscal plans/The war and its likely consequences/Lufthansa grounds aircraft/Who really is Donald Trump?
- ECONOMY: Thai Baht Faces Challenges/Thailand Submits Tariff Defense/K-Research foresees stagflation risk/Thailand pivots to targeted aid/Retail recovery still missing/Workplace happiness at 67%
- TOURISM: Phuket Calls for Stricter Measures on Foreigners/Songkran in Bangkok draws nearly 5 million/Isaan tops travel growth/Tourism seeking clear policies/Middle East conflict hits Phang Nga/U-Tapao plan eyes 3 million travelers/Thai Gen Z travelers
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: How Bangkok Is Changing/Chiang Mai Asia’s Premier Culinary Destination
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand May Let Households Sell Power/Thai farmers pin hopes on microbes/Rules to boost data center power
- FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Brit Pensioner, 75, Swept Out to Sea and Dies in Hua Hin
A 75-year-old British pensioner from Liverpool has died after being swept out to sea while swimming in Hua Hin. The man was reportedly caught in a rip current as his girlfriend watched from the beach, unable to help. His body was later discovered by a fisherman near a pier at around 4.30 pm local time on Wednesday.
Police Captain Prasong Jaturat said the victim was a widower whose family remains in England, where he lives with his children, since the death of his wife. He had been swimming every morning at the same location since arriving in Thailand, where conditions had typically been calm. On the day of the incident, however, the sea was rough and no other swimmers were in the water. Continued …
Hua Hin celebrates famed boxer Pone Kingpetch
Hua Hin held a Pone Kingpetch anniversary commemoration yesterday, marking 66 years since Pone Kingpetch became Thailand’s first world boxing champion.
The event took place at Pone Kingpetch Public Park, where Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul presided over a ceremonial offering to honor the late boxer. An exhibition highlighting his life and achievements was also held, recalling his historic victory over Pascual Perez on April 16, 1960, when he secured the flyweight world title. Continued …
Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort Holds Tennis Camp for Kids
Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas has launched its “Introduction to Tennis” camp this April, designed to help kids learn the sport or enhance their skills during the school holidays. The three-day program aims to build players’ confidence, skills, and friendships in a fun and supportive environment under the guidance of an experienced tennis coach and trainer.
Two age-based groups are available to ensure the best learning experience for every child. Group A, or the Mini Tennis Group (ages 5-9), focuses on fun movements, coordination, and basic ball control. Group B, or the Junior Tennis Group (ages 10-15), introduces participants to proper techniques, rallies, and real match play. Continued …
New push to keep transport fares low
The government has approved a 2.06-billion-baht support package for the transport sector, aiming to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices, stabilize fares, and ease pressure on household living costs. Registration for assistance opened yesterday and will last until Sunday.
Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said yesterday the cabinet endorsed measures covering public buses, freight trucks, and for-hire vehicles, with a total budget of about 2.06 billion baht. Continued …
Northern Thailand choked by pollution from over 2,000 forest fires
The north of Thailand remains under a thick blanket of hazardous smog, as the latest satellite data yesterday reveals a surge in forest fires, with over 2,000 hotspots detected across 17 provinces.
According to the Northern Forest Fire and Haze Control Center of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, data from the Suomi NPP satellite (VIIRS system) recorded a total of 2,165 hotspots as of 1.43 am yesterday. The vast majority of the fires are concentrated within protected forest lands, with conservation forests accounting for the highest share at 1,329 hotspots. Continued …
Songkran road accidents, deaths and injuries down from a year ago
Traffic accidents and injuries over the first six “dangerous days” of the Songkran holiday were down by 20% from the same period a year ago, while fatalities declined by 6.5%, according to data released yesterday.
A total of 1,108 road accidents were reported during the busy travel period from April 10-15, with 216 deaths and 1,073 injuries, said Deputy Interior Minister Jeseth Thaiseth. That compared with 1,391 accidents, 231 deaths, and 1,350 injuries over the corresponding 6-day period in 2025. Continued …
Eastern border crossings to stay shut for now
Border crossings in Trat and Chanthaburi will remain closed, with no diplomatic talks or timeline set for reopening, says Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Thailand has yet to enter any discussions regarding Cambodia’s request to reopen border checkpoints in the eastern provinces, saying this was not an appropriate time. Any progress would have to follow a step-by-step process, beginning with efforts to restore bilateral relations. Continued …
Ceasefire offers fragile hope as Trump says Iran deal may be near
A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into force yesterday, opening a narrow window for diplomacy, as US President Donald Trump said a fresh meeting with Iran could take place as early as this weekend. The dual developments added to hopes that the war with Iran may be edging toward a pause, or even a broader political settlement.
Speaking outside the White House, Trump said Iran had offered not to possess nuclear weapons for more than 20 years and suggested Washington was close to striking a deal. He said the next round of talks with Tehran could happen soon, after negotiations in Islamabad last weekend left Iran’s nuclear ambitions as one of the main unresolved issues. Continued …
Trump brushes off high fuel costs as ‘fake’
US President Donald Trump yesterday dismissed high fuel costs amid his war with Iran, claiming that the economic damage inflicted by the war was much less severe than expected.
Speaking in a hotel ballroom off the Las Vegas Strip at an event aimed at promoting a tax credit for tipped workers, Trump said that “we’re having some fake inflation because of the fuel, the energy prices, which everybody said was going to US$250.” He appeared to refer to the swings in the price of a barrel of oil, which has increased substantially in the war and dipped below $95 yesterday. Continued …
Fuel crisis upends state’s fiscal plans
The energy crisis may pose a challenge for the Thai government in pursuing its fiscal plan, which aims to reduce the fiscal deficit to no more than 3% of GDP, increase revenue through a higher value-added tax (VAT), and keep public debt below 70% of GDP, according to the Finance Ministry.
A source from the Finance Ministry, who requested anonymity, said the ongoing energy crisis may force the government to revise its medium-term fiscal plan for 2027-2030, as higher energy prices are affecting economic forecasts. Continued …
The war and its likely consequences
As the joint attack between the United States and Israel against Iran that resulted in a wider regional conflict in the Middle East approaches its two-month mark, the directions of the war remain precarious, while some of the longer-lasting consequences appear evident.
Unsurprisingly, the war has been detrimental and damaging for all states and societies concerned, not just within the affected region but the wider world. Already, we can start counting some of the long-term costs. Continued …
Lufthansa grounds aircraft as fuel crisis bites; more airlines warn of cuts and suspensions
Global aviation is coming under severe pressure as an energy shock linked to the US-Israel war with Iran squeezes jet fuel supply and drives prices sharply higher, pushing airlines to adopt emergency measures to cut costs and protect liquidity.
Germany’s flagship carrier Lufthansa has moved to suspend operations of up to 27 aircraft, making it the first major airline to take such a step. In Nigeria, airlines have warned they may be forced to stop services from early next week if fuel prices, reported to be up more than 270%, do not fall. Continued …
Jesus Trumo, Don Tzu: Who really is Donald Trump and how well is he?
Depicting himself as Jesus Christ this week was just US President Donald Trump’s latest narcissistic exercise on social media. It would not have been a big deal were he not the most powerful man on Earth – and now arguably the most powerful buffoon on the planet.
After deleting the controversial AI-generated image, Trump excused himself by claiming it actually depicted him as a doctor healing a man; he was either ignorant of how a modern doctor dresses or simply lied through his teeth in order to salvage as many offended Christian voters as possible. At least one thing is clear: Trump is no Jesus Christ. Continued …
Thai Baht Faces Challenges Amid Energy Crisis
An analysis by Commerzbank indicates that global energy market fluctuations are putting significant downward pressure on the Thai baht. As Thailand imports over 50% of its energy, mainly through crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), rising global energy costs have worsened its trade balance. Consequently, the USD/baht exchange rate has become a focal point for currency traders, closely monitoring the potential policy reactions from the Bank of Thailand (BOT).
Historical trends, such as the energy crisis of 2022, have highlighted the baht’s sensitivity to energy price changes. During the 2022 energy crisis, the USD/baht pair surged beyond 37.00. Likewise, current market conditions reflect similar pressures, prompting analysts to cite this precedent when evaluating potential currency trends. Continued …
Thailand Submits Section 301 Defense to US Over Tariffs Threat
Thailand has submitted its formal defense document to the United States by the April 15 deadline, rejecting allegations under Section 301 trade measures relating to excess production capacity and goods linked to forced labor. Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun is also preparing to meet the US Trade Representative (USTR) in early May as discussions intensify over potential tariff actions affecting Thai exports.
The case covers two main allegations: excess production capacity in automotive and parts, rubber products, and electrical appliances, with 16 countries, including Thailand, named, and concerns over imports of goods linked to forced labor, with 60 countries, including Thailand, identified. Continued …
K-Research foresees stagflation risk in H2
Thailand is expected to enter a state of stagflation late in the second quarter and the beginning of the third quarter of this year, as businesses begin material restocking while oil prices remain high amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, according to Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research).
Nuttaporn Triratanasirikul, deputy managing director of K-Research, sees a low probability that the US and Iran will reach an agreement to end their conflict in the Middle East in the near term, even though there are hopes of an extended ceasefire and a second round of negotiations. Continued …
Thailand pivots to targeted aid, green investment
Thailand is pivoting away from broad-based subsidies toward targeted support and long-term investment, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, as the country prepares to host the IMF–World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok this October.
Speaking at the IMF Governor Talks during the spring meetings in Washington, DC, Ekniti signaled a clear shift in economic strategy — from short-term relief measures to building resilience through green, digital, and infrastructure investment. Continued …
Retail recovery still missing as Q2 confidence sinks
Thailand’s retail sector showed a temporary improvement in March, but the industry is still flashing warning signs for the months ahead, with confidence for the second quarter falling back below the 50-point threshold, as oil prices, higher operating costs, and weak purchasing power weigh on the outlook.
The Retailer Sentiment Index, or RSI, is compiled jointly by the Thai Retailers Assn. and the Bank of Thailand. The March 2026 survey, conducted from March 16 to 30, found that the retail index rose by 13.5 points from February. The increase was seen across every component of the index, all regions and key retail categories, including FMCG and construction materials. But the rise did not reflect a broad-based consumption recovery. Instead, it was driven largely by consumers rushing to stockpile goods in anticipation of higher energy prices and possible product shortages. Continued …
Workplace happiness at 67% in Thailand, but burnout risks persist
Thailand’s workforce is broadly happy — but warning signs are emerging beneath the surface. A new survey by Jobsdb by SEEK shows that overall workplace happiness among Thai employees stands at 67%, placing the country third in the region, behind Indonesia and the Philippines.
However, the 2025 Workplace Happiness Report, based on more than 1,000 respondents, highlights a growing concern: burnout and stress are quietly undermining that positive headline figure. Continued …
Phuket Calls for Stricter Measures on Foreigners’ Aggresive Songkran Behavior
A group of foreigners in Phuket faces backlash after displaying aggressive behavior during the Songkran Festival. Video footage shows them blocking roads, harassing motorists, and engaging in inappropriate conduct toward women. The Patong Police arrested the group on April 14, charging them with causing a public nuisance and obstructing traffic.
The incident has intensified public criticism, highlighting concerns over disruptive behavior by tourists in Thailand. A viral video shows the group forcing open a van door and throwing water inside. They face potential penalties of up to three months in prison and a fine of 10,000 baht, though specific penalties remain undisclosed. Continued …
Songkran in Bangkok draws nearly 5 million revelers
Almost 5 million people joined Songkran celebrations across Bangkok this year, up 93.4% from last year, with Siam Square topping 1.5 million, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
Songkran celebrations in the capital were notably vibrant this year, with cumulative attendance reaching 4,958,965 people across 94 venues citywide. This represents an increase of 2,394,302 people, or 93.4%, from the 2,564,663 recorded over the same period of 2025, Ekwaranyu Amrapal, BMA spokesman, said yesterday. Continued …
Songkran mobility data shows Isaan tops travel growth
True Corp. said its latest mobility data highlights shifting travel patterns and real-time digital usage during Songkran 2026, showing more evenly distributed travel nationwide, led by the northeast (Isaan), while international arrivals continued to rise, with Chinese tourists ranking first.
True’s mobility data covering April 11-15 found that 15.5% of residents from Bangkok and the metropolitan area, and 4.5% from the eastern region, traveled during the period. Travel to other regions increased markedly, with Isaan posting the strongest growth at +12.6%, followed by the north (+7%), central (+3.6%), and the south (+2.2%). Continued …
Tourism sector seeking clear policies
Tourism operators have criticized the government for lacking clear policies to address the debt burden and improve the competitiveness of small and medium-sized operators.
Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, said that providing subsidies via the latest phase of the Khon La Khrueng Plus (half-half plus) co-payment scheme would also not be sufficient to sustain growth during the Middle East conflict. Continued …
Middle East conflict hits Phang Nga tourism – hundreds of tour boats sitting idle
The Middle East conflict has led to tourism in southern Phang Nga province declining, with hundreds of tour boats sitting idle at Surakul pier, aka Kasom pier, in Takua Thung district, which is a popular departure point for tours of Phang Nga Bay.
The manager of Kiat Charoenchai 1 Co., a major tour boat operator, said the main factor triggering the tourism slump is the conflict in the Middle East, which has impacted oil prices and increasing travel costs. Continued …
U-Tapao plan eyes 3 million travelers a year
The launch of the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Airport City (EECa) development plan aims to transform U-Tapao into a new aviation hub capable of handling three million passengers annually.
The plan was unveiled recently by project developer U-Tapao International Aviation (UTA). Its chief executive, Keeree Kanjanapas, presented the project alongside Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Secretary-general Chula Sukmanop at the Naval Aviation Command in Ban Chang district, Rayong. Continued …
Thai Gen Z travelers prefer short, frequent trips
Thai Gen Z travelers are reshaping travel habits in 2026 by favoring short but frequent trips over traditional long holidays, with mental well-being and value for money emerging as top priorities, according to the online booking platform Agoda.
The platform’s Agoda Travel Outlook 2026 report shows young Thai travelers increasingly view travel as an essential way to recharge and relieve the stresses of daily life, rather than as an occasional luxury. As a result, many are choosing brief getaways that fit more easily with their work, study schedules, and budgets, allowing them to travel more often throughout the year. Continued …
The Revival of the World’s Top Tourist City: How Bangkok Is Changing
Returning to Bangkok after two years, I found the city far more organized than expected. The once-chaotic and disorderly image of a Southeast Asian metropolis — especially the dire conditions on Bangkok’s streets during the COVID-19 pandemic — had faded. Instead, I was struck by a sense of managed order and tidy streets.
In disbelief, I meticulously explored the back alleys around the main tourist attractions to check for myself. The scope of change was far too great to be attributed to mere beautification efforts. Even cigarette butts were hard to find. As the city prepared to overflow with water and people for the Songkran Water Festival, the streets remained impressively orderly and stable. This city is undeniably changing. How did Bangkok become so clean? Continued …
Agoda Names Chiang Mai Asia’s Premier Culinary Destination
Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed that Chiang Mai has emerged as the top destination in Asia for culinary activities, based on activities booked on Agoda from January to March this year.
For travelers eager to explore cooking classes, Bangkok, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi round out the top five, underscoring the appeal of Thailand and Vietnam as culinary hubs in Asia. Continued …
Thailand May Let Households Sell Power Back to the Grid in Energy Shift
Thailand is preparing to open its electricity system to households, allowing those with rooftop solar panels to sell surplus power back into the grid, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said yesterday.
The proposal forms part of a broader push to strengthen energy resilience and reduce household costs amid global volatility. If implemented, the move could create a new income stream for families, while improving national energy security. Continued …
Thai farmers pin hopes on microbes to end annual burning crisis
Rice farmers Siriporn and Amnat Taidee used to burn their paddy fields between plantings — a common method of clearing crop residue partly blamed for toxic smog that blankets much of Thailand every spring.
A quick and affordable way to prepare for a new growing cycle, the practice has long been seen as the only feasible option for millions of Thai rice farmers. But for the couple from Chiang Rai, abandoning what Amnat called “the old way of doing things” for new microbial solutions has been a boon. Continued …
New rules to boost data center power
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has finished drafting requirements for investors in data centers and other electricity-intensive businesses, mandating bank guarantees or collateral to secure power purchases.
Energy officials said the measure is designed to prevent investors from shifting projects to rival Southeast Asian countries competing for data center investment. The regulation aims to ensure investors follow through on commitments to buy electricity from state utilities such as the Provincial Electricity Authority, and avoid leaving costly power infrastructure underutilized. Continued …
- Two French Nationals Arrested for Attacking Thai Man in Phuket – Continued …
- Four Chinese Nationals Held for Staged Kidnapping in Samut Prakan – Continued …
- Restaurant Worker Injured by Tourists on Pattaya Walking Street – Continued …
Global warming causes Colombian glacier to disappear
Where once there was ice, only rock remains. One of the glaciers in a chain of snow-capped mountains in the Colombian Andes has vanished due to high temperatures driven by climate change. Satellite images show how the ice sheet covering the mountain gradually shrank from 2015 until it disappeared completely in March. 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
Hua Hin Songkran schedule
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.
Soero rolls back the years at Black Mountain Championship
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.
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 Thai government is preparing to cut domestic fuel prices by targeting what it describes as “unnecessary” cost components in the national pricing structure.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Women driving Thailand’s travel economy
“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 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.
Most petrol stations in Hua Hin have introduced temporary refueling limits as fuel demand continues to rise across Prachuap Khiri Khan, with officials urging motorists not to panic buy despite stable national supply levels.
So-called “smart poles” are being installed at key locations across Hua Hin as part of efforts to strengthen public safety and support the development of smart infrastructure. The initiative forms part of the Hua Hin Smart City Phase 1 project, under which Hua Hin City Municipality has installed no fewer than 30 CCTV cameras, along with related equipment throughout the municipal area.
The Cha Am Blue Swimming Crab Festival will conclude on Saturday at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint, featuring fresh seafood, conservation activities, and nightly live music.
The Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 is being held today and tomorrow, promising a larger, more refined evolution of the event that has become part of the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
Thailand Riviera tourist road to improve access to Hua Hin
NH Hua Hin Hotel has appointed Nartsupak Thaweewong as general manager. Nartsupak brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience in Thailand and Singapore to the role.
Airin Phanrit, deputy spokeswoman for the prime minister’s office, said yesterday that this year’s heat index is expected to be more severe than last year’s, with levels in April and May likely to rise into the “very dangerous” range of more than 52°C.
Brent crude rose sharply above US$110 a barrel in early trading today, as fresh attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East heightened fears of broader supply disruption.
Whether Bangchak and PTT service stations are selling fuel at higher or lower prices than those in other ASEAN countries remains a matter of continuing public interest and frequent scrutiny. This is especially the case at present, amid the Middle East war following the attacks launched by the United States and Israel on Iran.
The Airline Association of Thailand (AAT) is seeking government intervention for relief measures, as the aviation industry faces escalating cost pressures. In a recent meeting with executives from its member airlines, including Bangkok Airways and Thai AirAsia, the AAT discussed challenges posed by global economic conditions and external factors, particularly the geopolitical tensions affecting fuel prices.
Saha Pathanapibul and BJC, two major consumer goods companies, have warned retailers of the impact of unrest in the Middle East, which has driven up raw material, packaging, and transport costs and may affect product availability and deliveries.
The Land Transport Federation of Thailand has issued five demands for the government to address the energy crisis, warning it may escalate to a nationwide transport shutdown if no action is taken.
Thailand’s existing stocks of necessary drugs and life-saving medical supplies are enough for three months’ use, the Ministry of Public Health said yesterday.
Thai fishermen staying ashore as fuel prices bite
Thais say their top concern is rising living costs and they are urging the new government to take swift action on the issue, according to a National Statistical Office (NSO) survey.
Despite declines in new launches and inventory in Bangkok, condo developers are likely to delay new supply this year, as sales remain sluggish and absorption rates continue to fall, according to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC).
Bangkok’s Chatuchak Named the Best Night Market in the World
Small businesses and households are being urged to reduce their reliance on the state electricity grid and adopt solar power solutions, as global energy price volatility threatens to drive up costs, despite Thailand’s capped power tariffs, according to solar firms.
Thwaites Glacier in west Antarctica, covering more than 192,000 square kilometers, has been dubbed the “Doomsday Glacier” because it acts as the final barrier preventing the west Antarctic ice sheet from flowing into the ocean. But the glacier is now melting rapidly, raising fears that many coastal cities around the world could eventually be submerged.
Changes to Thai Airport Screening/‘Beach Art’ exhibition ends Saturday/Ride-share drivers must register/Mystery Behind Chiang Mai Tiger Deaths/Total lunar eclipse on March 3
Ride-sharing drivers operating through mobile applications must register their vehicles under categories Ror Yor 17/18 with the Department of Land Transport by Saturday, the government has warned.
The death of 72 tigers at Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai last week has raised concerns about the source of the virus and bacteria responsible. Raw chicken meat from a private farm is suspected, as it was fed to all tigers at the two facilities in Mae Rim and Mae Taeng districts.
Get ready for a major astronomical event to close out the first quarter of the year, as a total lunar eclipse will take place on the night of Makha Bucha Day, March 3. This one is special: the Moon is expected to appear brick-red from the moment it rises above the eastern horizon, allowing people in Thailand to enjoy the spectacle with the naked eye nationwide.
The collection of Donald Trump’s retaliatory customs tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) was ruled unlawful by the US Supreme Court on Feb. 20. Following the ruling, the US president signed an executive order to enforce a new global customs tariff of 10% under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, effective at 12:01 am today.
The baht has strengthened again, breaking below 31 per US dollar and marking its strongest level in a week, after Donald Trump’s global 15% tariff move weighed on the US dollar. Kasikornbank and Krungthai Bank said the baht could continue to strengthen on capital inflows, the export outlook, and a surge of investment flowing into Thailand.
The incoming Bhumjaithai-led administration will not raise the value-added tax (VAT) rate to 10% over the next three years, a BJT executive said, adding that the party’s immediate focus is economic recovery.
The Board of Investment (BOI) has approved investment promotion for five major Chinese firms to establish what it describes as the country’s first production base for humanoid robot components.
Thailand’s exports rose 24.4% year-on-year in January, marking the fastest growth since late 2021, driven by a surge in outbound electronic products linked to artificial intelligence and data centers.
The printed circuit board (PCB) industry is becoming a major magnet for large-scale investment flows into Thailand, amid the global expansion of AI, data centers and advanced electronics. This has helped Thailand move up to become ASEAN’s number one PCB manufacturing base, with a longer-term goal of rising into the world’s top five.
Social media influencer Farah Shams, who has more than 2.4 million followers on TikTok, has sparked controversy after posting a video criticizing what she described as rude behavior by the majority of Thai locals during her visit.
Thailand’s hotel industry has expanded almost continuously for close to five decades since the “Visit Thailand* boom in the 80’s. The latest Asia Pacific construction pipeline data confirms that this trend remains firmly in place.
Ukraine today marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, with a show of solidarity from its staunchest allies and no immediate end in sight to Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II. Tens of thousands of lives have been lost since the Kremlin ordered troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, confident of a quick victory but not expecting the fierce resistance that followed. 
While Russian oil exports dropped last year, Russia is still exporting higher volumes than before its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, researchers said today, calling for stricter sanctions enforcement. The volume of Russian crude oil exports remained 6% above pre-invasion levels in the fourth year of the war, despite Western sanctions aimed at curbing Russia’s “shadow fleet”. 
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government is writing to Commonwealth realms about its backing for former prince Andrew to be axed from the line of royal succession. Albanese said he had communicated with his British counterpart Keir Starmer about Andrew, who is being investigated for alleged misconduct in public office following revelations about his dealings with the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. 
Roaming the Forests of Bang Kama
Finnish Business Networking Event in Hua Hin Saturday
Rama II Road sees over 2,500 construction accidents in seven years
Bangkok BTS Disturbance Sparks Debate Over Tourism Conduct
Grim Employment Prospects Loom Over Thailand
Thailand tourism surges with visa-free policy, Phuket leads
74% of Thais seek to improve their weight amid rising obesity rates
Thailand’s Food And Beverage Trends Reshape For 2025
Key luxury trends set to lift Thai economy in 2025
Thai Union ranked no.1 in the food products industry
Thailand extends 50% tax cut for entertainment venues
Thailand considering small modular nuclear reactors as clean energy solution
Thailand welcomes over 2 million tourists in January
Roses may fade as more intimate and public Valentine’s gifts proliferate
Rose farmers get Valentine’s Day gift – pre-Covid prices
Over 300 hotspots detected in Chiang Mai Province on Sunday
Regulating the lure of lottery and the Thai love of gambling
Japanese crime ring masterminded from Thailand and Philippines
Few Thais aware of real reasons for global warming
India lifts PCR test restrictions – tourism to Thailand expected to rise
64 airlines financially ‘crash and burn’ during pandemic
Turkey Probes Contractors As Earthquake Deaths Pass 33,000
‘It’s like Verdun’: The grinding battle for Ukraine’s Bakhmut
On climate, most corporations more talk than action
China ‘considers tripling nuclear warheads’
Walking dogs for over $100,000 a year in America
