- Hua Hin Airport eyes Singapore/Hua Hin institution in Chiang Mai/Dusit Thani Hua Hin hosts Songkran Carnival/Songkran at Chiva-Som Hua Hin/U-Tapao airport construction to start/Thailand to swelter under heat/Bangkok quake collapse
- THE IRAN WAR: Oil prices could push Thailand toward stagflation/Asia hit by oil shock/Fuel support starts April 1/Diesel tax to drop by 1 baht/Truckers to raise charges/Real reason why Thailand fuel prices hiked/Petrol prices spell chaos for rice farmers/Thai energy fragility exposed/Over 350 ships stuck in Strait of Hormuz/ASEAN’s power grid plans
- ECONOMY: New co-payment scheme planned/Thai Exports Surge/Bangkok Motor Show/Windfall tax on oil refineries
- TOURISM: U.S. Suspends Immigrant Visas/Tourism under cost pressure/Fuel fears and price surge dampen Songkran/300-baht Entry Fee Revived/Bangkok Airways to raise domestic airfares/Tour Group Scammed at Suvarnabhumi/Bangkok and CPF Host Songkran Festival
- CLIMATE THAILAND: Chiang Mai tops global PM2.5 list
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin Airport eyes Singapore route
Officials have discussed plans for a potential new international air route linking Hua Hin with Singapore, as part of efforts to strengthen the town’s tourism sector and improve accessibility for overseas visitors. The proposal, which includes a direct connection to Singapore’s Changi Airport, was raised during a meeting of the Hua Hin Airport Service Development Committee yesterday.
The discussion on new routes formed part of broader plans to enhance the role of Hua Hin Airport. Officials also reviewed progress on infrastructure improvements, including the runway extension and surrounding upgrades, which are expected to be completed by August before inspection by relevant authorities. Continued …
Mae Rim Pie & Café (aka, The Baguette) brings a Hua Hin institution north
Hua Hin has its pilgrimage food destinations, and The Baguette — that’s been running for two decades — is firmly among them. Now, under the name Mae Rim Pie & Café, its owner Bow has brought the operation to Chiang Mai, tucking a compact glass-fronted bakery into the greenery of Mae Rim district.
The setup suits the location: an outdoor terrace, valley views, and with an unhurried vibe that makes a slow morning here feel earned. Everything is made from scratch — dough mixed, fillings cooked, no preservatives, no ready-made shortcuts — and the freshly baked goods are cold-transported up from the Hua Hin kitchen to maintain consistency across branches. Continued …
Dusit Thani Hua Hin hosts Songkran Carnival
Dusit Thani Hua Hin is set to welcome guests for a lively celebration of the Thai New Year with its ‘Local Feast’ Songkran Carnival. Scheduled for April 12-13, from 5:30 pm to 10 pm, the event will take place at the Lagoon Lawn, offering a family-friendly atmosphere filled with local flavours and cultural traditions.
The carnival promises a curated selection of regional dishes prepared by the resort’s culinary team, alongside popular specialities from Hua Hin and Cha Am. Guests can savor Royal Thai Khao Chae, Phetchaburi-style Pad Thai, and other traditional Thai dishes. The event also features a spa corner, locally crafted products, and live music performances to enhance the festive mood. Continued …
Chiva-Som Hua Hin Harmonizes the Soul of Songkran Through Authentic Rituals
Rooted in ancient traditions of cleansing and respect, the Songkran Thai New Year marks a natural pause for both physical and emotional recalibration. As the Kingdom prepares to welcome the new season, Chiva-Som Hua Hin invites guests to experience Songkran as more than a celebration, reframing it as a meaningful journey of renewal, reflection, and holistic wellbeing.
Designed as a seamless eight-day experience from April 11-18, the Songkran program encourages guests to reconnect with themselves, with nature, and with the country’s rich cultural heritage. Each experience reflects Chiva-Som’s integrative philosophy, harmonizing modern science with traditional wisdom to inspire lasting vitality. Continued …
U-Tapao airport construction set to start April 3 after long delay
The long-delayed U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City project is set to move into construction on April 3, when the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) is scheduled to issue a notice to proceed (NTP) to U-Tapao International Aviation Co. (UTA), formally triggering the start of the 50-year concession.
Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, president of Bangkok Airways, said the project had been delayed for more than five and a half years, but has now reached the point where work can finally begin. Once the NTP is issued, the concession clock will start running, with the agreement due to end in 2076. Continued …
Thailand to swelter under heat
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast today that a heat low-pressure system is covering upper Thailand, bringing hot conditions nationwide and very hot weather in some areas of the north, northeast and central regions.
The department said strengthening southerly and southeasterly winds over upper Thailand may also trigger isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds. The public is advised to take care of their health in hot-to-very-hot conditions and to be alert to hazardous weather, particularly strong gusts. Continued …
One year on from deadly Bangkok quake collapse, accountability still buried
One year after the State Audit Office’s (SAO) under-construction headquarters collapsed in a heap of twisted steel, the gaping hole in Bangkok’s skyline is matched only by an accountability void following the tragedy.
Despite the loss of almost 100 lives and over 2 billion baht in public funds, not a single state official has faced punishment over the deadliest construction collapse in Thailand’s history. Continued …
Economists warn high oil prices could push Thailand toward stagflation
Economists are warning that persistently high oil prices linked to prolonged tensions in the Middle East could accelerate inflation and slow growth, pushing Thailand — and parts of the global economy — toward stagflation, a combination of weakening expansion and rising prices.
Yunyong Thaicharoen, chief economist and sustainability officer at Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), said the conflict appears likely to drag on, keeping oil prices elevated and driving inflation higher. He said stagflation conditions are already emerging in Thailand and in several countries, largely because many economies remain highly dependent on energy imports from the Middle East. Continued …
Asia hit by oil shock as Strait of Hormuz disruptions deepen
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has severely affected Asia, the world’s largest consumer of Middle Eastern oil. The Strait of Almos, a critical energy corridor where about 20% of global oil and gas supplies pass, has seen disruptions since Iran effectively shut it down, blocking shipments primarily destined for Asian nations.
Attacks on energy infrastructure across the region have further reduced production, heightening concerns over energy shortages across Asian countries. Asian nations are responding differently to the crisis. India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh face significant challenges due to their heavy dependence on Gulf energy supplies; India has invoked emergency measures and turned to unsanctioned Russian supplies. Continued …
Fuel support starts April 1
The government will roll out targeted fuel subsidies for the transport sector from April 1, Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has confirmed, as operators grapple with mounting costs and looming freight rate increases.
Phiphat, who also serves as deputy prime minister, said the Transport Ministry had finalized relief measures to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on vulnerable segments of the transport industry and on the traveling public. Continued …
Diesel tax to drop by 1 baht per liter
The government is preparing to reduce the excise tax on diesel by one baht per liter, aiming to ease the rising cost burden on consumers, even though the move is expected to cost the state up to 2 billion baht per month.
Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, chairing the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East, said yesterday the cabinet had approved the reduction, but the measure cannot be implemented until it receives approval from the Election Commission, which will determine the timing. Continued …
Truckers to raise haulage charges by 10% from April 1
The Federation of Land Transport of Thailand has resolved to roll out phased increases in its charges of up to 30%, starting on April 1, to offset rising operating costs driven by a 6 baht-per-liter increase in diesel prices.
The federation’s president, Thongyu Khongkhan, said the increases will begin with a 10% rise on April 1. Charges will then be raised by a further 15% on a date yet to be set, depending on diesel prices at the time, followed by an additional 5%. Continued …
The real reason why Thailand fuel prices just hiked by 6 baht
For decades, Thailand has quietly run one of the most ambitious fuel price systems in Southeast Asia — a government-managed “shock absorber” called the Oil Fuel Fund. Most visitors to Thailand have no idea that it even exists, but they should now.
The fund was built to do one thing: stop global oil market chaos from destroying your wallet at the pump. When crude prices spike, the fund steps in and covers the gap, keeping Thai pump prices artificially stable. When prices calm down, it recoups the money through small levies on every liter sold. Think of it as a national fuel savings account — except right now, it’s in the red. Continued …
In Thailand’s rice paddies, rising petrol prices spell chaos for farmers
Thanadet Traiyot waited in line for hours at his local gas station, armed with containers and desperately hoping to secure much-needed diesel for his rice fields in Ayutthaya, central Thailand. He was third in the queue when the shop announced their supplies had run dry. That was five days ago; he still hasn’t managed to restock to his normal levels.
Back on his farm, Thanadet wades into his rice paddies, weaving past tall green stalks to assess the water levels and decide which of his water pumps can be turned off. Water needs to be spread equally across the fields, he says, but he doesn’t have enough diesel to keep everything running. Continued …
Iran war exposes Thai energy fragility
The ongoing war in the Middle East is exposing a critical vulnerability in Thailand’s energy system – its heavy dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The US-Israeli joint attack on Iran has triggered a conflict across several parts of the Middle East, including Qatar – the world’s largest LNG exporter and one of the key sources from which Thailand imports LNG. Continued …
Over 350 ships reportedly await Iran’s clearance to transit Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Fars News Agency reported on Thursday that more than 350 vessels are waiting for Iran’s authorization to transit the Strait of Hormuz, and that the strategic shipping route remains closed to vessels belonging to, or linked with, the United States, Israel, and their allies.
The report said the waiting vessels include 25 very large crude carriers (VLCCs), 200 conventional oil tankers, and 70 LNG and CNG carriers. All vessels have been ordered to shut down their engines and remain stationary, and cannot dock at regional ports because multiple sea routes are under the full control of Iran’s armed forces. Continued …
Iran war energy shock revives ASEAN’s power grid plans
For a few weeks after the bombs started falling on Iran, Southeast Asian governments told their people not to worry. Emergency funds would cushion the blow. Subsidies would hold. Prices would stabilize.
A month on, with oil well above US$100 a barrel, long queues for fuel forming at petrol stations across the region, and Thailand restarting coal plants it had mothballed years ago, the reassurances have worn thin. Continued …
New co-payment scheme planned to ease living costs
The government plans to launch the “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme to help ease the rising cost of living, with rollout expected after it delivers its policy statement to parliament.
A Government House source said the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) is drafting additional short-term stimulus measures, in addition to seven measures approved in a special cabinet meeting yesterday. Continued …
Thai Exports Surge by 9.9% in February
In February, Thai exports grew by 9.9% year-on-year, reaching US$29.43 billion (912.56 billion baht). This marked the 20th consecutive month of expansion, primarily driven by the electronics and electrical appliances sectors, which have benefited from the global AI boom.
Despite this growth and a strong performance in the first two months of the year, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) has issued a cautious outlook, warning that full-year exports could contract by as much as 3% due to rising freight costs, volatile energy prices, and a strengthening baht. Continued …
Bangkok Motor Show 2026 bookings hit 12,408, EVs a hit
The 47th Bangkok International Motor Show has opened strongly, with total vehicle bookings reaching 12,408 units over the first four days (March 23-26).
Toyota retained the top spot, while this year’s standout development was the rapid rise of Chinese carmakers — especially electric vehicle (EV) brands — filling much of the top 10 and underlining sustained momentum for EVs in Thailand. Continued …
Thailand mulls windfall tax on oil refineries
The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) has acknowledged it is studying the feasibility of introducing a windfall tax on refinery businesses in Thailand. Vinit Visessuvanapoom, director-general of the FPO, said in countries where windfall taxes have been applied to refinery operations, the policy remains controversial as crude oil prices are inherently volatile.
Vinit said “windfall” refers to profits arising from unexpected external events – gains that are not the result of new investment, technological advancement, or innovation, but rather sudden increases in income. Continued …
U.S. Suspends Immigrant Visas for 75 Nations, Including Thailand
The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok announced yesterday that the U.S. Department of State has paused immigrant visa issuances to nationals from 75 countries, including Thailand. This suspension, effective Jan. 21, 2026, aims to prevent immigrants from draining U.S. welfare resources.
Applicants from these nations can still submit applications and attend interviews, but no visas will be issued during this period. According to the Department of State, this measure affects countries with high rates of immigrants who utilize public assistance programs in the U.S. Continued …
Tourism under cost pressure
Surging energy prices are disrupting tourism in Phuket, Pattaya, and Ayutthaya, raising costs and weakening bookings ahead of the peak travel period of Songkran.
Phuket tourism operators report steep cost increases as fuel prices climb, affecting hotels, public transport, including taxis, buses and tour coaches, as well as marine services such as tour boats and speedboats, which are central to the province’s tourism system. Continued …
Fuel fears and price surge dampen Songkran travel mood
Thailand’s tourism sector is heading into the 2026 Songkran festival under mounting pressure, as rising fuel prices and concerns over supply weigh heavily on travel sentiment.
Although authorities have insisted that there is no fuel shortage, uncertainty persists among travelers. The recent increase of 6 baht per liter in fuel prices has further complicated decisions, particularly for middle-income households already facing higher living costs. Many are choosing to wait and monitor the situation before committing to travel plans. Continued …
Government Revives 300-baht Entry Fee Plan for Tourists Arriving by Air
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has announced that the 300-baht entry fee for foreign tourists arriving by air in Thailand will be proposed at the first Cabinet meeting of the new “Anutin 2” administration. The plan to charge travelers entering by land and sea a 150-baht fee has been set aside to avoid impacting cross-border commuters and day-trippers.
The proposed air arrival entry fee has sparked debate, with discussions focusing on the potential economic benefits against the need to maintain a welcoming image. Phiphat suggested renaming the fee to portray a more positive message, distancing it from its original term, “fee for stepping on the land.” Continued …
Bangkok Airways to raise domestic airfares by up to 20%
Bangkok Airways plans to increase domestic airfares by 15%-20% from April 1 to counter rising fuel costs and a 3% decline in second-quarter forward bookings, and may negotiate with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to extend the airfare ceiling if operating costs continue to soar.
Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, president of the airline, said in 2025 fuel costs accounted for 16% of total expenses, which amounted to 20.7 billion baht. The war in the Middle East has caused a surge in jet fuel prices, meaning fuel costs could account for 20% of expenses this year, he said. Continued …
Tour Group Scammed at Suvarnabhumi Over Canceled China Trip
A group of mostly elderly travelers, later identified as lay judges, filed a complaint on Thursday with The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) after allegedly being abandoned at Suvarnabhumi Airport by a tour company.
The group had been due to depart for Guizhou, China, but found no company representatives present and were unable to make contact. Total damages are estimated at 1,944,000 baht. The company offered a full-service private tour package, and participants agreed to pay 54,000 baht per person. Some travelers paid the full amount up to three months in advance, despite concerns about the unusual payment structure. Continued …
Bangkok and CPF Host Songkran Festival to Boost Global Tourism
Bangkok and Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) are partnering to host the Songkran Festival, transforming the city into a global destination from April 12-14. The event, themed “CP Splash to Space”, will take place at CP Tower Silom.
Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt announced the celebration aims to showcase Bangkok’s vibrant culture and attract international tourists through dynamic events across more than 80 locations.The festival will centralize cultural activities at the City Hall Plaza, featuring a replica Buddha image procession for public worship and blessings. Meanwhile, Silom Road is set to be the hub for entertainment and tourist attractions. Continued …
Chiang Mai tops global PM2.5 list
Chiang Mai topped global air pollution rankings yesterday morning as hazardous PM2.5 levels blanketed the province, prompting authorities to issue an urgent health warning.
Residents received a cell broadcast alert from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation warning that fine dust levels were affecting public health. At 7 am, PM2.5 in Muang district measured 87.3 micrograms per cubic meter, with poor air quality expected to persist for at least one to two days. Continued …
Japan approves plan for overtourism measures in 100 areas by 2030
The Japanese government yesterday approved its next basic tourism plan, including steps to bring the number of areas with measures against overtourism to 100 by 2030, the first time it has set a target on the issue. Continued …
Why Israel’s Lebanon ‘buffer zone’ plan is stoking occupation fears
Israel’s plan to seize a chunk of southern Lebanon to create a “buffer zone” against Hezbollah militants is stoking fears among Lebanese of Israeli military occupation that could deepen instability and stoke further displacement. Video …
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
Thailand has implemented a new car excise tax structure effective from Jan. 1, reshaping vehicle prices across the market. Petrol-p owered vehicles, especially large-engine and high-emission models, have become more expensive, while electric vehicles (EVs) and some hybrids now face lower tax rates.
Thailand’s New Year holiday 2026 concluded with more than eight million people traveling across the country, while road accidents and transport disruptions declined compared with the previous year, according to the Ministry of Transport.
There were 1,185 traffic accidents over the first five days of the New Year travel period, claiming 207 people’s lives and injuring 1,141 others. Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said yesterday the figures applied from Dec. 30 to Jan. 3.
The Department of Probation has reported a cumulative total of 2,957 drink-driving cases over five days during the New Year holiday period, with Nonthaburi province recording the highest number nationwide.
As Thailand moves toward its 2026 general election, the future of the country’s tourism industry has become a central issue for investors, operators, and local communities. With tourism accounting for a significant share of national income, the policies adopted by the next government are expected to influence foreign direct investment, public safety, and long-term infrastructure planning, particularly in rail transport.
Thailand’s property sector endured its most punishing year in decades throughout 2025, with household debt, stringent lending conditions, and collapsing purchasing power battering the market. Yet, major developers are unveiling distinct 2026 strategies — from luxury pivots to multinational expansion — while economists warn that structural headwinds will persist.
With Thailand’s economy in 2026 projected to grow modestly at around 1.5%, several business sectors have begun preparing for potential headwinds – some persisting from last year and others emerging as new risks, particularly with a planned general election in February.
The so-called “medical economy” championed by the government is being positioned as a new growth engine for Thailand. Policymakers describe it as a potential game changer for state-owned hospitals struggling under mounting financial pressure.
Climate change is no longer limited to shifting weather patterns, but is a growing force reshaping Thailand’s economic outlook in 2026, according to Treethep Palakavong Na Ayudhya, chief executive of Global Carbon Corp., a local greenhouse gas-management consultancy.
Thailand’s exports in 2026 are expected to face volatility and challenges due to a global economic slowdown that is dampening demand in key trading nations.
The online shopping sector will be driven by product discounts, the buy now-pay later (BNPL) strategy, and improved operating efficiency among e-commerce platforms powered by artificial intelligence (AI), said Paul Srivorakul, group chief executive of aCommerce, a pioneer in e-commerce enablement services.
As Thailand’s tourism sector enters 2026, some foreign visitors are raising concerns over the rising cost of enjoying Pattaya’s nightlife and attractions. Despite high visitor numbers, local bars and restaurants report low takings, with many international tourists — particularly from India, Korea, and China — spending primarily within their own cultural establishments rather than at local businesses.
The first time I ever spent a night in the hospital was in Bangkok. A CT scan during my annual check-up revealed a condition requiring the opinion of a specialist. I was panic-stricken.
Thai food businesses in the United States are poised for growth in 2026, fueled by an increasing trend of dining out. Director-General Sunanta Kangvalkulkij of the Commerce Ministry’s Department of International Trade Promotion cited recent consumer behavior surveys as proof of this surge.
The “large-scale” invasion and abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Saturday, under the order of US President Donald Trump, marks a return of American unilateralism and exceptionalism with a bang.
Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez is known for her anti-imperialist rhetoric, earning her the nickname “the tigress” from toppled leader Nicolas Maduro. A fierce defender of Maduro, who was snatched by US forces in an extraordinary raid early Saturday, Rodriguez is now seeking to portray herself as a steady hand to lead the country’s political transition. 
Denmark called on the United States to stop “threatening” Greenland yesterday as President Donald Trump told US media he “absolutely” needed the territory, a day after Washington seized the leader of Venezuela. 
The demonstrations began again in Iran last week, only two years after the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement convulsed the country for months. However, the current protests are potentially much broader than that episode because they are driven by the collapse in Iran’s currency, the rial (now 1,420,000 to the US dollar), and the explosive rise in the cost of living. 
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