Cubans ready for Russian oil but some say not enough
Cubans ready for Russian oil but some say not enoughThe Russian tanker is due to arrive in Matanzas on TuesdayMATANZAS (CUBA) - Cubans on Monday cautiously welcomed the imminent arrival of a Russian oil shipment, with some warning it would do little to ease an energy crisis after US President Donald Trump granted a reprieve from his oil blockade. - 'Cuba's finished' -Trump said Sunday he had "no problem" with Russia or another country sending oil because Cubans "have to survive" but he predicted that it would have little impact. Trump subsequently threatened to impose tariffs on any country sending oil to Cuba and has mused about "taking" the island of 9.6 million people. The oil would likely not be used for Cuba's aging thermoelectric power plants, which rely on the country's own crude production. Retiree Orlando Ocana, 76, said the Russian shipment was a "Band-Aid."
Source:Bangkok Post
March 31, 2026 03:38 UTC
Italy hoping to scale World Cup 'Everest' ahead of Bosnia play-off showdown
Italy hoping to scale World Cup 'Everest' ahead of Bosnia play-off showdownSandro Tonali's goal against Northern Ireland helped Italy into the World Cup qualification play-off finalMILAN (ITALY) - Italy have one last obstacle standing between them and a return to the World Cup in the shape of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who host the Azzurri on Tuesday in what promises to be a tense qualification play-off final in Zenica. A battling win over Northern Ireland in last week's semi-final did little to ease Italian supporters' fears about missing out on a third straight World Cup, goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean stopping a lacklustre display from turning into another disaster. Coach Gennaro Gattuso called Tuesday's showdown in Zenica "Everest" due to the weight of expectation on his shoulders to guide Italy back to the world's biggest football tournament after 12 years away. A group of players, most prominently full-back Federico Dimarco, were filmed fist-pumping in celebration when Kerim Alajbegovic shot Bosnia's winning spot-kick in Cardiff. - 'No disrespect' -The controversy even caused former Italy goalkeeper Dino Zoff, a World Cup winner in 1982, to criticise the current team for making their task in Bosnia more difficult than it needs to be.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 31, 2026 02:05 UTC
NACC nears decision on MFP case
People’s Party MPs arrive at parliament to formally register as members of the 27th House of Representatives on Marchh 9. Apichart JinakulA source within the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) says the body may soon reach a decision on a case involving 44 former MPs of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP). Previously, the NACC ruled that all of them had committed serious ethical violations and requested an extension to file a petition with the Supreme Court. The meeting must be formally convened by the NACC chairperson before the board decides whether to endorse the petition for submission to the Supreme Court. Any suspension of duties for the former MFP MPs who are currently holding office will depend on the court.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 31, 2026 00:06 UTC
AirAsia still confident despite price pressures
AirAsia still confident despite price pressuresAirAsia says soaring airfares are inevitable amid the Middle East conflict and oil crisis, but it remains confident about travel demand across its network and vows to maintain affordable airfares as much as possible. Regarding the Middle East conflict, which has triggered a global oil crisis, AirAsia can still operate flights to meet strong travel demand. He said travel demand has even improved, as many passengers are staying within the region and refraining from flying to Europe or the US. For the overall aviation sector, airfares would inevitably surge amid the conflict, but AirAsia will try its best to maintain affordable fares for passengers, said Mr Fernandes. He added that the company remains confident about emerging stronger from this crisis, as it is using this period to improve efficiency.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 30, 2026 23:06 UTC
Pundits fret over oil prices as war widens
Houthi rebels have now joined the conflict in the Middle East, adding pressure on the potential for further oil price increases, according to analysts. AFPAnalysts are expressing concerns about the new government's ability to manage skyrocketing oil prices, as Houthi rebel involvement signals a broadening and prolonged conflict in the Middle East. These developments have prompted analysts to believe oil will stay above $80 a barrel longer than we'd thought." Rakpong Chaisuparakul, senior vice-president at KGI Securities (Thailand), said that while early signs convinced the market that Thailand can secure sufficient energy supplies, energy prices may remain elevated for a prolonged period. "On the negative side, the adverse impact from soaring oil prices is more obvious.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 30, 2026 23:06 UTC
Calls grow to control oil refinery pricing
Calls grow to control oil refinery pricingAn aerial view of an oil refinery complex operated by Thai Oil in Chon Buri's Sri Racha district. Democrat list-MP Korn Chatikavanij has called on the government to step in and regulate the gross refinery margin (GRM) set by oil refinery operators, arguing that intervention is necessary to ease financial pressure on households and businesses as global crude oil prices soar. GRM represents the difference between crude oil prices and refined oil prices, reflecting costs added during the refining process. Media reports note that when crude prices rise sharply, the gap between crude and refined oil prices widens, boosting refinery profits. Mr Korn argued that relying solely on MOPS is insufficient, pointing out that during the war, Dubai crude oil prices doubled, while refined oil prices in Singapore's MOPS market jumped fivefold -- an abnormal disparity.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 30, 2026 23:06 UTC
Thais face decisive showdown
Both sides have collected 12 points from five matches, but Turkmenistan hold the head‑to‑head advantage after defeating Thailand 3-1 in the reverse fixture. Kick‑off is at 7.30pm, with live coverage on Thai Rath TV (Channel 32) and Thai Rath Sport's YouTube channel. Having drawn 2-2 with hosts China and beaten Vietnam 1-0, the young War Elephants require victory to secure the trophy. That match kicks off at 2pm, with live coverage again on Thai Rath TV. For Thai football, it is a day of reckoning at both senior and youth level – one that could shape the nation's sporting narrative for years to come.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 30, 2026 22:52 UTC
Border hospital may close as funds dry up
"This is the worst crisis in my 35 years," Dr Worawit said. The hospital's monthly expenditure stands at 12.4 million baht, covering salaries, fuel, medical supplies and utilities. Yet its remaining cash is under 3 million baht, with outstanding debts approaching 50 million baht, including unpaid pharmaceutical costs. Annual funding from the Public Health Ministry's Universal Coverage scheme totals just 35 million baht, or less than 3 million baht per month, far below operational needs. "The hospital needs around 12 million baht per month, but has only 3 million baht left," Dr Veerapun said.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 30, 2026 22:52 UTC
Arsenic levels rising in Mekong
Panumet TanraksaCivil society groups have warned that heavy metals -- particularly arsenic -- are gradually accumulating in sections of the Mekong River in northeastern Thailand. They urged authorities to step up monitoring and address suspected cross-border pollution linked to upstream mining. The concerns were raised at an annual meeting of local networks in Loei province last week to protect the Mekong River. "The presence of arsenic indicates that the Mekong is slowly accumulating heavy metals along its length," Mr Montree said. According to the Pollution Control Department (PCD), monitoring for arsenic in the Mekong began in 2022, with no traces initially detected.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 30, 2026 22:52 UTC
Govt ramps up shipping and aviation safeguards
Govt ramps up shipping and aviation safeguardsA woman wears her jacket as she stands outside her tent, at a temporary encampment for displaced people, amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, as the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran continues, in Beirut, Lebanon, March 30, 2026. REUTERSThailand has stepped up monitoring and contingency measures for shipping and aviation as tensions in the Middle East intensify, with authorities assisting Thai nationals and coordinating safe passage for commercial vessels affected by disruptions at key maritime chokepoints. Panidone Pachimsawat, deputy spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told a press briefing on Monday that Thailand is closely monitoring maritime traffic, especially Thai commercial shipping, amid high uncertainty. A task force has been set up to coordinate with relevant agencies and urgently negotiate safe passage for Thai vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Separately, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) said it is closely tracking aviation disruptions in the region as some airlines gradually resume limited services.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 30, 2026 22:52 UTC
Call for fuel tax cut as crisis mounts
Rising fuel costs, compounded by expensive raw materials and shipping charges, have squeezed profit margins and discouraged investment. The Oil Fuel Fund, which has been used to cushion fuel prices, is nearly depleted. The FTI has called for a reduction in excise tax to lower retail fuel prices, curb inflation, and protect consumer purchasing power. "Excise tax reduction will alleviate the burden of high fuel costs on citizens. High fuel prices risk driving inflation, which is dangerous for Thailand's already sluggish economy," Mr Kriengkrai said.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 30, 2026 22:50 UTC
Move to scrap MP pensions tipped for this week
Move to scrap MP pensions tipped for this weekDr Warong Dechgitvigrom, a Thai Pakdee party-list MP, eats lunch in parliament’s cafeteria on March 25. Chanat KatanyuA motion to abolish MPs' pensions is expected to be raised in parliament this week amid concerns over fairness and the growing financial burden on the state. According to the latest report, more than 3,000 former parliamentarians are eligible, but only 1,291 currently receive pensions. Audit data showed a steep decline in the fund's assets, from about 30.8 million baht in 2023 to around 7.6 million baht in 2024. Meanwhile, pension expenditure rose from approximately 199 million baht to nearly 229 million baht over the same period.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 30, 2026 22:50 UTC
TSRI unveils advanced AI disaster warning system
Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) has launched its first AI-powered natural disaster warning platform, aiming to reduce risks to lives and limit economic losses by strengthening forecasting capabilities. Speaking at the launch on Monday, TSRI director Prof Sompong Klaynongsruang said the initiative marks a significant step in improving disaster management through advanced technology and academic cooperation. She said the project was partly driven by lessons from a major earthquake that struck the capital on March 28 last year, highlighting the need for faster and more reliable early warning systems. "An effective early warning system plays a crucial role in reducing the impact of disasters on lives and property," she said, adding that the new SRI Alert system would also be used to aggregate data from research networks monitoring natural hazards. SRI Alert will also be linked with the End-to-End Disaster Management Platform developed by King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, which supports early warning and evacuation planning for flood and earthquake scenarios.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 30, 2026 22:50 UTC
Cabinet eyes B100bn in road projects
Cabinet eyes B100bn in road projectsThree major road projects will be submitted to the new cabinet for consideration, with a combined investment exceeding 100 billion baht, according to the Department of Highways (DoH). Mr Piyapong said the budget includes 14.4 billion baht for land acquisition and 40.1 billion baht for construction. The second project is the Hat Yai outer ring road in Songkhla, covering 66.8km and costing 45.3 billion baht. Mr Piyapong said the DoH plans to incorporate water management measures, including a parallel drainage canal to help mitigate flooding. The third project is the Bangkok Outer Ring Road (Eastern Section), a 13.6‑km stretch linking Rangsit–Nakhon Nayok Road to Lam Luk Ka Road.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 30, 2026 22:23 UTC
Wildfire turns scenic 'sea-of-mist' into 'sea of flames'
Wildfire turns scenic 'sea-of-mist' into 'sea of flames'The homestay “บ้านสวนแม่นาหมี่โฮมสเตย์บ้านห้วยกุ๊บกั๊บ” posted this picture on Facebook, showing a once-scenic sea-of-mist viewpoint and mountain vista now blanketed in wildfire smoke. In nearby Mae Taeng district, a homestay called “บ้านสวนแม่นาหมี่โฮมสเตย์บ้านห้วยกุ๊บกั๊บ” posted a striking before-and-after comparison on social media, showing a once-scenic sea-of-mist viewpoint and mountain vista now blanketed in wildfire smoke. (Photo: บ้านสวนแม่นาหมี่โฮมสเตย์ บ้านห้วยกุ๊บกั๊บ)Smoke from wildfires blankets what was once a sea-of-mist viewpoint in Mae Taeng district, Chiang Mai. In Chiang Mai alone, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) recorded 787 hotspots during Monday morning's survey. Since Jan 1, Chiang Mai has accumulated 3,859 hotspots, underscoring the scale of a wildfire crisis that shows no sign of easing.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 30, 2026 21:00 UTC