Thailand is set to receive a new shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from overseas, ensuring adequate fuel for power generation as electricity demand surges during the hot season, according to an energy official who requested anonymity. However, some shipments bound for Thailand have already cleared the strait and are en route, the official said. In response to the geopolitical risks, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) instructed seven domestic gas shippers to diversify supply sources beyond the Middle East. The companies comprise: national oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc and its subsidiary PTT Global LNG, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), Gulf Development Plc, Hin Kong Power Holdings Co, B.Grimm Power Plc, Electricity Generating Plc and Siam Cement Plc. The heavy reliance on gas underscores the urgency of diversifying fuel sources to safeguard energy security.

Product prices may remain stable, excluding logistics costs. He added that petrol prices play a significant role in supply-chain costs, warning that if energy prices soar, product prices will rise due to higher raw material and logistics costs. If the government does not cap electricity prices while petrol prices stay elevated, this could put additional costs throughout the supply chain. He said a 15% increase in energy prices could cause product prices to climb by more than 15%, as petrol prices affect multiple stages of the supply chain -- from raw material sourcing to the production process. He has decided to speed up plans to install solar panels in stores as a new energy source to mitigate the risk caused by higher energy prices.

Oil transport bolstered to guarantee filling station suppliesA notice at a PTT petrol station in Samut Prakan apologises to motorists for the inconvenience caused due to a temporary fuel shortfall, pending deliveries. Sarawut Kaewtathip, director-general of the DOEB, said officials are working to increase the frequency of oil transport to ensure motorists have access to sufficient supplies. Diesel sales have skyrocketed by 85%, rising from an average of 68 million litres a day to 118 million litres a day. Gasoline and gasohol sales have also jumped by 33.3%, climbing from 30 million litres a day to 40 million litres a day. The state Oil Fuel Fund, which has long cushioned consumers from volatile prices, is under severe strain.

As AI systems become more capable across sectors, from manufacturing and logistics, to law, education and content production, the demand for human labour is not just changing, but in many cases disappearing. This paradox -- machines generating output that humans can no longer afford -- could mark the breaking point for the economic model as we know it. As machines continue to outperform humans in both manual and cognitive tasks, the remaining economic territory for human labour is shrinking. The question is not if, but whenThe unravelling of the employment contract is no longer theoretical, it is under way. The question is no longer if the world of work will change.

'Cooling centres' rolled outBangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt visits Thewet Recreation Centre in Phra Nakhon district which has a cooling centre to provide relief from the heat. Apichart JinakulThe Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has set up a network of 304 "cooling centres" to help residents cope with high temperatures during the summer season. The cooling centres have been set up across the city, mostly at schools, vocational training centres, public health service facilities, Culture, Sports and Tourism service centres, and all 50 district offices in Bangkok. In addition to the cooling centres, BMA has also set up 178 "heat-relief points" in the city's so-called "pocket gardens" and major parks to ensure visitors have somewhere to cool down. City Hall is paying particular attention to vulnerable residents, including the elderly and bedridden patients, who cannot travel to cooling centres.

As travellers increasingly seek slower, more meaningful ways to experience destinations, Centara Hotels & Resorts introduces a new gateway to the Himalayas with the opening of Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection, its first property in Nepal. Located in the peaceful village of Kaskikot, approximately 35 minutes from Pokhara, Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara is surrounded by sweeping views of the Annapurna range and Mount Machhapuchhre. With direct access to the Sarangkot Loop Trail, guests are encouraged to explore gradually. Depending on the season, guests may encounter rice planting in June and July, local harvest cycles or informal moments of village life from morning prayers to shared meals. From Pokhara, guests can also connect to Nepal's iconic landscapes without rushing.

While rising fuel cost is inevitable, Thai Airways International (THAI) is on course to gain from airspace closures across several countries in the Middle East amid tensions in the Gulf region, where the flag carrier has no direct exposure, analysts say. Maybank Securities also sees potential upside for THAI as its flights to Europe typically do not bypass the Middle East. PASSING ON COSTSBoth brokerages noted THAI remains susceptible to higher jet fuel prices, given that fuel accounted for 32-40% of its operating expenses in fiscal 2025. CGS projects THAI to raise ticket prices in response to higher fuel costs, while limited capacity from Gulf carriers due to airspace closures should reduce competitive pressure on Europe routes. "We believe THAI should be able to pass on the majority of its cost increases through higher ticket prices."

CAAT holds talks with Grab on drone deliveriesThe Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and GrabTaxi (Thailand) are exploring the development of drone delivery services, especially in transport and logistics. CAAT director-general, ACM Manat Chavanaprayoon, said the regulator recently held talks with Grab executives led by country head Chantsuda Thananitayaudom to exchange information on drone delivery operations. Grab presented information about the company's experience in testing drone delivery services in several countries, including Singapore and the Philippines. CAAT also briefed the company on the regulatory framework governing unmanned aircraft operations, including the process for obtaining permits for drone delivery services, said ACM Manat. Key issues discussed included aviation safety requirements, airspace management and other regulations.

Ireland ready to lead EU amid global challengesThis March 17, 2021, photo shows the Temple of Dawn, or Wat Arun, illuminated green to commemorate St Patrick's Day. In July, we will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Ireland will take on the mantle of the Presidency in 2026 at a juncture when global challenges have rarely looked so formidable. They are choosing Ireland as a high-skilled and English-speaking gateway to a European Union of 450 million citizens and consumers. This is Ireland in 2026 -- a country with lots of challenges, domestically and internationally, but also one well-placed to lead a strong national and European response.

Thai banks struggling to make moneyMr Piti said the Thai banking industry is in transition and no longer counts on strong interest income or generating the high levels of return on equity as seen in the past. Slower economic growth, persistent structural challenges and rising household debts have also heightened credit risk among borrowers while increasing banks' risk-management costs. Such a shift could help strengthen household wealth, reduce debt burdens and support long-term economic growth, similar to models seen in developed economies, he said. Financial advisory services can improve people's financial well-being even during periods of prolonged slow economic growth. At the same time, a standardised banking fee framework would help support Thailand's transition towards a cashless society, while also helping to curb illicit cash transactions and grey-market money.

Trump shows China how to handle TaiwanSince returning to office last year, US President Donald Trump has ordered military strikes from the Caribbean and eastern Pacific to Africa and the Middle East, targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats and suspected terrorist groups. As Mr Trump acts with open contempt for international law, China is taking notes. For Mr Xi, such a coercive siege of Taiwan might be more appealing than a full-scale amphibious invasion across the Taiwan Strait. Like Cuba, Taiwan would face blackouts, which would disrupt its water and health-care systems. If the world sits silently by as Mr Trump strangles Cuba, with its 11 million people, Mr Xi will see little reason not to apply the same strategy against 23 million Taiwanese.

Hun Manet's high-stakes scam pledgeThis file photo, dated Oct 16, 2025, shows a drone view of a compound in Cambodia's Takeo province, reportedly a scam base. Raids on these compounds have also led to the repatriation of nearly 10,000 foreign workers linked to scam operations. The scam industry needs only modern technology and underground financial systems to operate from virtually anywhere. Since online scam networks operate across borders, strengthening cross-border cooperation is essential. Within the Asean membership, the scam industry is already being treated as a national security issue.

Global travel erases places we loveTourists are seen at Wat Arun Ratchawararam, where tourists and tour guides have filed complaints about for-hire photographers preventing tourists from taking their own photos. His fears resonate today as tourism-driven economies push cities to stage their distinctiveness, overlaying local life with standardised, tourist-facing layers. To answer these questions, we undertook a study to measure the extent to which global forces are actually eroding or reshaping local distinctiveness. Yet local distinctiveness does not vanish under global pressure; it adapts. The real test of overtourism is whether cities can rewrite their rules -- using global mobility to deepen local character rather than dissolve it.

Supanida ends title drought with Swiss Open triumphSupanida Katethong has won her first title of the season at the Swiss Open. AFPThai shuttler Supanida Katethong claimed her first title in nearly two years by winning the US$250,000 BWF Swiss Open in Basel on Sunday. It was her first title triumph since the 2024 Thailand Open and her third World Tour crown. Supanida won a silver medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in December last year when Thailand hosted the biennial tournament. She became the third Thai player/pair to win a BWF title this year after Kunlavut Vitidsarn (men's singles, Malaysia Open) and Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Supissara Paewsampran (mixed doubles, India Open).

Airlines reluctant to hike fares during SongkranAmid subdued demand from long-haul visitors, airlines are reluctant to increase domestic airfares during the upcoming Songkran holidays, with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) reporting no abnormal surge in fares over the period despite higher fuel prices. This increased capacity would help keep airfares at appropriate levels, as many airlines have taken delivery of additional aircraft, he said. He said airline fuel surcharges apply only to international routes and are calculated based on fuel costs, similar to the electricity fuel tariff. According to the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) latest report, fluctuations in fuel prices have a significant impact on airline profitability. The most difficult period for airlines is when fuel costs rise rapidly and carriers lack time to adjust their strategies.