Diesel support policy fails to calm farmers
Diesel support policy fails to calm farmersA provincial diesel relief scheme in Phitsanulok has offered temporary support to farmers, while a farmer protest in Uttaradit underscores escalating pressure from rising fuel prices and persistent shortages during the harvest season. Authorities launched a programme distributing more than 3.2 million litres of diesel to registered farmers, covering about 659,446 rai and 43,952 farmers, said governor Kiattisak Trongsiri. Officials introduced the scheme after farmers and operators reported difficulty securing diesel for combine harvesters and water pumps. In Uttaradit, farmers gathered to submit demands for government intervention. They warned that falling rice prices, combined with higher costs, were pushing many into loss.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 02:30 UTC
Delayed Iran deadline gives investors a breather
Delayed Iran deadline gives investors a breatherRECAP: Asian shares pared losses yesterday as another delayed deadline in the Middle East war nudged oil prices lower, though there was still no end in sight to the unfolding energy crunch on the global economy. Brokerage firms were net buyers of 942.31 million baht, followed by retail investors at 457.38 million. Foreign investors were net sellers of 1.29 billion baht, followed by institutional investors at 110.25 million. Oil prices could hit a record $200 a barrel if the Iran war drags on until June, with the Strait of Hormuz staying shut, Macquarie Group analysts said on Friday. Central Pattana (CPN) has announced a five-year investment plan worth 110 billion baht covering 2026 to 2030.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 02:28 UTC
Strategy calls for hub luring wealth capital
Strategy calls for hub luring wealth capitalThe Association of Investment Management Companies (AIMC) is advancing a proposal to establish a private trust framework and related asset management legislation, aiming to position Thailand as a regional hub for wealth capital, particularly from the Middle East amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. The initiative targets affluent investors seeking safe havens for capital preservation during periods of global instability, he said. A pillar of the strategy is to introduce tax incentives comparable to those offered by Singapore, encouraging foreign investors to register assets and allocate capital to Thailand's capital markets. The plan also aims to mobilise investment from expatriates residing in Thailand, a segment seen as holding substantial untapped capital. If 25,000 of them invest an average of 1 million baht each, the initiative could generate significant capital inflows, noted the AIMC.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 02:28 UTC
Epic Fury oil shock: Repositioning your portfolio for war
Epic Fury oil shock: Repositioning your portfolio for warPhoto: REUTERSOperation Epic Fury, the US-Israeli offensive against Iran that began in late February, is not merely an energy war in the conventional sense. It represents a polycrisis: a multi-dimensional shock hitting three supply chains simultaneously across transport, industry and agriculture. Thailand is more exposed to the energy crisis than most developing economies. Recall two painful lessons from the 1973 oil shock. The first is diversification offers little protection when a supply shock is large enough -- equities, bonds and real estate fell together in 1974 as inflation eroded returns across the entire system.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 02:28 UTC
Is the war a threat to subsea cable systems?
State authorities and telecom operators are alert to potential risks to undersea cable systems stemming from the conflict in the Middle East, aiming to ensure their international connections in Thailand remain stable and unaffected. All operators are required to submit risk assessments regarding the potential impact in the event of a disruption to Middle East submarine cable systems, along with business continuity plans covering various levels of severity, said Mr Chaichanok. "In the event of a Middle East submarine cable disruption, traffic can be rerouted to other paths that have been pre-negotiated to ensure continuity of service," said Col Sanpachai. In September 2025, multiple undersea cable systems in the Persian Gulf region, including SMW4, IMEWE, FALCON and EIG, experienced significant disruptions. Advanced Info Service insisted it is prepared to address unrest in the Middle East, ensuring continuous domestic and international network connectivity.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 02:28 UTC
Navy steps up patrols amid fishing vessel incursions
Navy steps up patrols amid fishing vessel incursionsThe Royal Thai Navy has intensified patrols and inspections along the Thai-Cambodian maritime border amid increasing incursions by Cambodian fishing vessels, heightening security concerns. Patrols are now conducted along Bearing 211, marking the boundary south of Koh Kut. If detected by radar, they are intercepted, though many turn back after spotting navy patrols. The navy is also monitoring concerns about possible armed fishing fleets, while Cambodian boats recently illegally entering Thai waters to collect seafood were detained. He said Cambodian forces have built trenches along the border, while Thai troops have reinforced positions about 900 metres away.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 02:14 UTC
PP's apology problem
Taken together, they suggest a pattern -- and in politics, patterns are far more damaging than isolated mistakes, a political source said. That is precisely why each apology lands harder on PP than it would on more conventional parties. The apology over backing Mr Anutin may be even more corrosive. The PP's base has long viewed Mr Anutin and the conservative establishment around him as part of the very order the party was elected to challenge. A PP candidate in Constituency 33 was withdrawn after being linked to a money-laundering case, prompting a late replacement and another apology.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 01:44 UTC
MP meal allowances to face cuts
MP meal allowances to face cutsHouse Speaker Sophon ZarumParliament is preparing to reduce meal allowances for MPs following growing public criticism over perceived excessive welfare spending, with changes expected after the government delivers its policy statement or after the Songkran holiday, House Speaker Sophon Zarum said yesterday. Speaking after a meeting of the Executive Committee on Budget, Finance and Assets of Parliamentary Agencies, Mr Sophon described the issue as urgent and requiring concrete action. As an interim measure, he has instructed the House Secretariat to scale back food orders to better reflect actual attendance, as part of a broader effort to curb unnecessary spending within the legislature. The Speaker also addressed concerns over MPs' compliance with the parliamentary dress code, saying existing rules may be revised to align with energy-saving policies, particularly regarding air-conditioning use in the parliament complex. While some flexibility has been allowed, updated guidelines are expected to ensure appropriate standards.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 01:44 UTC
Cornered Orban at risk of losing next election
Cornered Orban at risk of losing next electionViktor Orban has not aged well. Mr Orban had just gained a national profile in Hungary with a bold speech demanding free elections and the withdrawal of Soviet troops. Mr Soros was on a mission to bring liberal democracy to Hungary, and he had recently spotted Mr Orban and made him his protege. We talked for a while, and it was clear that Mr Orban had decided Mr Soros was the main chance he had been looking for. Mr Orban talked like a liberal, but he obviously didn't believe in it -- or in anything else except power.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 01:34 UTC
Bromley Boys enjoying life in top flight
Bromley Boys enjoying life in top flightThe international break at least creates an opportunity to examine what's going on in the lower divisions of the Football League where clubs will still be battling it out today. There is a 2018 comedy film called The Bromley Boys written by long-time supporter of the club Dave Roberts. It is set in the 1969/70 season when Bromley were a very poor team and floundering in the depths of the Isthmian League. This season Bromley are currently enjoying a remarkable 21-match unbeaten run under manager Andy Woodman and maintained their momentum last weekend with a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Colchester. If they win promotion they will return to the second tier for the first time in 65 years.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 01:30 UTC
Why safe havens unexpectedly drop
Why safe havens unexpectedly dropThis file photo shows a less crowded gold shop in Yaowarat, Bangkok, on Jan 26. So did European defence stocks. It's much the same for European defence companies. Given the ongoing geopolitical fragmentation, the case for European defence companies still looks pretty decent -- if not better than it did at the end of February. Korean equities were trading nearly 40% above their 200-day moving average in February, with momentum scores higher than any other part of the market.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 23:46 UTC
Iran war exposes Thai energy fragility
Iran war exposes Thai energy fragilityThis file photo, dated Dec 19, 2025, shows an LNG receiving terminal operated by PTT in Map Ta Phut, Rayong. (Photo courtesy of PTT Plc)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). Critics warn they risk becoming stranded assets as the world shifts towards renewable energy. Towards a stronger futureIf Thailand is serious about achieving its climate goals while safeguarding its energy security, the economic case for renewable energy is already well established. The direction forward should now be clear: expanding renewable energy while building a more democratic and resilient energy system for Thai society.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 23:46 UTC
Let workers come back
Let workers come backThe new Anutin 2 government must heed calls from the business sector to address labour shortages by allowing Cambodian workers to return. Thailand once hosted more than 1.2 million Cambodian workers at its peak. The exodus was partly driven by safety fears, amid claims that some Cambodian workers were assaulted by ultranationalist groups while Thai authorities took no action. Claims by ultranationalists that Cambodian workers are taking jobs from Thais are unfounded. It is time for the new government to take decisive action -- reverse course, allow Cambodian workers to return, and acknowledge the high cost of a hardline, military-led approach.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 23:39 UTC
Fuel support starts April 1
The government will roll out targeted fuel subsidies for the transport sector from April 1. The second group comprises public transport operators and ride-hailing drivers. Meanwhile, the Land Transport Federation of Thailand has announced plans to raise freight charges nationwide from April 1, citing unsustainable fuel costs. Its chairman, Thongyoo Khongkhan, said fuel now accounts for 45-50% of total transport costs. The initial rise will be 10%, potentially increasing to 15% and as high as 20-30% depending on fuel price movements.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 23:39 UTC
Forum backs arbitration policy reform
Forum backs arbitration policy reformPanellists participate in the policy presentation during the last day of the THAC Leader Forum for Public Policy on Trade, Investment and Alternative Dispute Resolution 2026, held at the Ministry of Justice in Bangkok on Friday. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)The Thai Arbitration Institute (THAC) under the Ministry of Justice has wrapped up its THAC Leader Forum for Public Policy on Trade, Investment and Alternative Dispute Resolution 2026. The forum underscored Thailand's ambition to become a regional hub for so-called alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Permanent Secretary of Justice Pongsawat Neelayothin, chairing the event, said: "Arbitration and dispute resolution are strategic mechanisms that directly influence investor confidence. Over the forum, THAC convened seven leading experts, including Prof Tongthong Chandransu, Prof Wichai Ariyananthak, and former Attorney-General Naree Tantasathien, to explore structural challenges.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 23:28 UTC