Thaksin on inmate parole list for May
Thaksin on inmate parole list for MayThaksin Shinawatra (file photo)Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be among 500 prisoners eligible for parole when the final list is released by the end of March, according to a source at Klong Prem Central Prison. A meeting will be held this month before a list of eligible inmates is forwarded to a department-level committee, and then to a ministry-level committee ahead of final approval. Thaksin's name will be on the list, according to the source, which would lead to his release on May 11. In the meantime, details, including the locations where inmates will stay during parole, their guardians, the risks of repeat offences, and other safety considerations, are being determined as part of the parole deliberation process, the source said. Thaksin, 76, was jailed on Sept 9 last year after the Supreme Court ruled a six-month hospital stay did not count toward his jail term.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 24, 2026 01:52 UTC
Authorities in talks on US tariffs and finalising FTAs
Authorities in talks on US tariffs and finalising FTAsPhotos: 123RFThe Thai authorities are actively engaged in negotiations with the United States regarding tariffs and the ongoing Section 301 investigation, while also aiming to finalise free trade agreements (FTAs) with key trade partners such as the European Union by the end of this year, according to the Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN). She anticipates that the US aims to conclude negotiations with other countries before the current 10% global tariff expires in July. She added that rising uncertainties in global trade and geopolitics have prompted countries to pursue and conclude FTAs to reduce tariffs and create greater market access. The DTN is accelerating negotiations on the Thailand-EU FTA, Thailand-South Korea FTA and Asean-Canada FTA, aiming to finalise these deals within this year. Moreover, the department expects Thailand's signed FTAs with the European Free Trade Association and Bhutan to take effect on Jan 1, 2027.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 24, 2026 01:25 UTC
Thai oil crisis eases after state takes action
Thai oil crisis eases after state takes actionA night view of Bangchak's oil refinery in Bangkok's Phra Khanong district. The move, which reverses a March 6 exemption, initially faced pushback from retailers concerned about financial risks and potential losses if global oil prices fall once the Israel–US conflict with Iran subsides. Inspections of more than 50 depots and 1,500 service stations nationwide have been conducted. Last week, investigators uncovered alleged hoarding by a trader in Ang Thong province, though Mr Chatchai stressed that no widespread hoarding has been detected. The DOEB's decision to allow sales of "dead stock" -- unsold oil products stored in warehouses -- has further eased pressure at service stations.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 23, 2026 23:38 UTC
Hotels slash rates to lure Songkran market
Foreign visitors take part in Songkran festivities taking place last year at Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai. Hotel operators in the province anticipate that the European market will decline significantly, as cancellations for next month continue to increase. Forward bookings for next month's Songkran holiday have also dropped to 55-60% from 60-70%, he added. Most Thais still hesitate to book their rooms and might wait until a week or just a few days before travelling if they plan to take a road trip during this Songkran holiday," he said. He said forward bookings from China for Songkran continue to increase, with growth of 10-20% as travellers are more confident about revisiting Thailand.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 23, 2026 23:38 UTC
Max magic! Thepchaiya reigns
Thai snooker star Thepchaiya Un-nooh celebrates with the trophy after his victory in the World Open. For Thepchaiya, now 40, this was more than just a victory. What mattered most was the manner of victory -- against O'Sullivan, the seven‑time world champion, in a final that swung wildly before Thepchaiya seized control with a spellbinding burst. What followed was scarcely believable: a 77 clearance, a majestic 132, and then the maximum 147 that electrified the arena. "It has been a positive week, but I have to say Thepchaiya was unbelievable," said O'Sullivan.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 23, 2026 23:33 UTC
Baht set to fall further amid Mideast wartime pressures
The baht weakened to a low of 33.04 per US dollar during trading on Monday, before rebounding slightly to close the session marginally stronger against the dollar at 32.94. Beyond the heightened geopolitical uncertainties, the baht is also being pressured by a sharp decline in global gold prices. Ms Roong added that the Bank of Thailand is expected to manage baht volatility and depreciation against the dollar to help ease business operating costs. However, rising global oil prices are likely to increase the cost of imported raw materials. Moreover, the continued decline in gold prices -- from around $4,700 per ounce to the $4,400 support level -- has further pressured the baht against the dollar, he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 23, 2026 23:25 UTC
Thailand gear up for must-win Asian Cup showdown
Ruben SanchezTwenty-three players have reported for national duty as Thailand step up preparations for their final AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying Group D fixture against Turkmenistan. The coach acknowledged the pressure surrounding the fixture but insisted his players were ready to meet the challenge. The champions struck first through Ruben Sanchez, who converted in the 12th minute to give the Thunder Castle an early lead. Elsewhere, BG Pathum United staged a spirited comeback to draw 2-2 with Ratchaburi at True BG Stadium. Port secured a 2-1 victory at Chiang Rai United, while hosts PT Prachuap and Bangkok United played out a goalless draw.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 23, 2026 23:25 UTC
On Iran, Trump executes his most spectacular U-turn yet
On Iran, Trump executes his most spectacular U-turn yetSince returning to power last year, US President Donald Trump has openly embraced governing 'by instinct'WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) - International markets and the world at large have grown used to US President Donald Trump's abrupt reversals, but Monday's about-face on Iran was one of his most spectacular yet. Since returning to power last year, Trump has openly embraced governing "by instinct." On Monday, oil prices plunged and stocks surged after Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that the United States had held talks with Iran about ending the conflict. "My whole life has been a negotiation, but with Iran we've been negotiating for a long time," he said. Other examples include Trump backing down from threats on the United States taking over Greenland, or those directed at Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell over US interest rates.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 23, 2026 23:24 UTC
Gold to see long-term downward trend
Gold to see long-term downward trendAn employee handles gold jewellery for a customer at an outlet of Hua Seng Heng in Bangkok's Chinatown. The price of gold will be confirmed to be on a long-term downward trend if it fails to stay above US$4,100 per ounce, which could occur this week amid escalating tensions and a prolonged conflict in the Middle East, traders say. If the price slides below the $4,100 range, we could see that gold is entering a long-term downward trend," Siriluck Pakotiprapha, vice‑president of the research department at Hua Seng Heng, told the Bangkok Post. With the $4,100 level imminent this week, Mrs Siriluck sees the possibility of gold sliding below $4,000 an ounce later in the year. GTA president Jitti Tangsithpakdi predicts gold prices could weaken further by $100–200 an ounce, warning investors not to rush into gold trading for speculative purposes.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 23, 2026 23:23 UTC
Fuel running low across provinces
Surachai PiragsaThe government has stepped up efforts to tackle fuel shortages, but residents across several provinces continued to queue for diesel on Monday amid persistent supply constraints. On March 6, the government issued measures requiring wholesale fuel traders to increase a domestic fuel reserve from 1% to 1.5% on March 31 and 3% from April 30. The order is now revoked and maintained at 1% reserve, allowing fuel traders to release reserved stock more rapidly to improve distribution and ensure broader access for the public and businesses. In Nakhon Ratchasima, particularly in Dan Khun Thot district, motorists queued in long lines that stretched beyond petrol stations. "We came early because we heard fuel would arrive in the morning," Somsong Yuree, a farmer, said.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 23, 2026 22:44 UTC
SAO rules out headquarters rebuild at collapse site
SAO rules out headquarters rebuild at collapse siteExcavators remove concrete debris to clear the way for search-and-rescue operations at the collapsed State Audit Office building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district in April last year. Pattarapong ChatpattarasillThe State Audit Office (SAO) has confirmed it has no plans to rebuild on the site of its headquarters in Bangkok, which collapsed on March 28 last year while under construction. Mr Suttipong said the project began in 2018, covering design, construction and supervision contracts worth more than 2.1 billion baht. In the legal process, prosecutors have filed charges against 23 suspects, including companies and individuals, for alleged wrongdoing in the building's design, supervision, and construction. For the future, he said, there is no new construction project planned, and the budget for the original site has been suspended.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 23, 2026 22:37 UTC
Democrats unveil price tracking tool
The Democrat Party has urged the government to explain persistent fuel shortages and launched a digital platform to crowdsource reports of unusual price hikes. This, they said, was occurring despite adequate crude supply and refineries operating at full capacity. "If crude is available and refineries are producing at full tilt, where has the fuel gone?" Users provide location, product name, unit, price, price-change sentiment and a photo, with data displayed on a real-time, map-based dashboard to highlight hotspots. The Democrats have filed an urgent motion for a parliamentary debate on the energy situation, scheduled for Wednesday.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 23, 2026 22:37 UTC
Tackle food waste, curb pollution
Tackle food waste, curb pollutionA photo taken in February last year shows people sorting their rubbish in Bangkok. Zeroing in on waste or food waste in particular, UNEP's Food Waste Index Report of 2024 further stresses that food waste generates an estimated 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. According to the State of Global Air Report 2025, 7.9 million premature deaths annually can be linked to air pollution. UNEP highlighted in its 2024 Food Waste Index Report that in 2022 alone, the world wasted more than 1 billion tonnes of food in the retail, food service, and household sectors combined. With different scopes and scales of organic waste management, cities can greatly contribute to reducing 95% of waste methane emissions.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 23, 2026 22:32 UTC
Long stay doubts
Long stay doubtsRe: "30-day visa-free stay 'sufficient', says minister", (BP, March 21) & "Thailand reviewing visa-free stays as local complaints pile up" & "Phuket up in arms on long‑stay visa", (BP, March 18). In the last two articles, you cited Phuket tourism operators who "have been particularly vocal about the downside of the system originally intended to promote tourism". In the earlier article, you do specify who is complaining -- the president of the Phuket Tourism Association -- but that article is about the new Phuket property investment visa, per se. As he was quoted at that time, "Phuket has generally been less successful than cities such as Chiang Mai in attracting long‑stay travellers". So, if he doesn't want long-stay tourists, he can be happy they prefer Chiang Mai, or if he does, maybe he can ask how Chiang Mai manages.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 23, 2026 22:32 UTC
Thai's body set to return home
Thai's body set to return homeThe Thai embassy in Tel Aviv organises a Buddhist ceremony for the late Thai worker, Chaiwat Waewnil, on Monday. Photo: the Royal Thai embassy in Tel AvivThe body of a Thai worker killed in Israel during Iranian missile attacks is expected to be repatriated after March 27, when Israeli airline services resume, the Foreign Ministry said. The embassy is working with relevant agencies, including El Al Airlines, which is expected to resume operations on Friday, to arrange the transport of the body back to Thailand. "We are coordinating with relevant agencies, including El Al Israel, which we expect to resume flights on March 27, to repatriate his body to Thailand," Mr Panidone said. Separately, the Royal Thai embassies in Tehran and Ankara are coordinating the evacuation of four Thai shrimp farmers from Bandar Abbas, a coastal city in southern Iran.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 23, 2026 22:26 UTC