Anutin's govt is off to a flying start
Anutin's govt is off to a flying startA photo dated Sept 23, 2020 shows Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom, leader of the Thai Pakdee (Loyal Thai) group, speaking to a crowd before presenting to parliament a petition containing the names of 130,000 people who oppose amendments to the consttution. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)In terms of the numbers, the coalition government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul should be quite rock solid, politically. Although the party says it has dropped its plan to amend Section 112, the party is still viewed with deep distrust. On top of that, the People's Party is expected to be dealt another blow from the court which may see several of its key members, including party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and deputy leader, Sirikanya Tansakun, booted from politics. He shot into fame for being the man who exposed the massive corruption in the infamous rice pledging scheme of then Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra over a decade ago.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 22, 2026 23:12 UTC
The economy depends on forests
In reality, the global economy cannot function without healthy forests. Beyond wood, forests provide foods, medicines, resins, fibres, animal feed and ornamental plants that support around 5.8 billion people worldwide. Without forests, global food production simply cannot be maintained. Using wood more efficiently, smarter recycling and reusing wood products can reduce pressure on forests. As we celebrate the International Day of Forests on March 21, one conclusion stands out clearly: without forests, there are no economies.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 22, 2026 23:12 UTC
Anutin's first big test
Anutin's first big testThe latest escalation in the Middle East targeting energy infrastructure is not merely another flurry of geopolitical tension, but a systemic shock to the global order with the potential to reverberate far beyond oil markets. The destruction of critical energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf will cascade through petrochemical supply chains, transport costs and, ultimately, hit the price of everyday essentials. As a net energy importer, higher fuel prices weigh heavily on the trade balance and costs of energy and goods. The formation of a coherent and capable economic team will be the first litmus test of the Anutin II administration. Mr Anutin now faces a defining leadership test: the resolve to demand a higher calibre of minister and shield critical portfolios from competing political interests.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 22, 2026 23:12 UTC
Fuel panic spreads as pumps run dry
LIMITED INTERVENTIONPipat Luengnaruemitchai, chief economist at Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group, said rising global oil prices would directly affect households, particularly low-income groups that rely heavily on oil and gas. We should avoid full government intervention, as people may not recognise global oil prices are rising," he said. He urged the government not to borrow or create new public debt for fuel subsidies, instead letting fuel prices reflect actual market conditions. Mr Somchai advised against subsidising fuel costs related to logistics, as these mainly benefit wealthier people who own larger, less fuel-efficient vehicles. They urged the government to improve oil supply management and implement gradual price adjustments to ease the impact on consumers.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 22, 2026 22:40 UTC
French elect mayors in key cities including Paris
French elect mayors in key cities including ParisEx-minister Rachida Dati hopes to bring Paris back under the control of the right. afpPARIS - Voters began casting their ballots for mayors in top French cities on Sunday, with the left battling to keep Paris while the far right eyes gains ahead of next year's presidential election. Agnes Kaveh, a 41-year-old cybersecurity consultant, would not say who she chose as Paris mayor. Its candidate won by far the most votes in Toulon, a southern city of 180,000 residents. In the northern port city of Le Havre, declared presidential candidate Edouard Philippe is well-placed to remain mayor.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 22, 2026 12:15 UTC
Fake building permit racket uncovered on Koh Samui
An aerial view of Koh Samui. (Photo: 123RF)SURAT THANI - Authorities on Koh Samui are widening an investigation into construction permit forgery involving a least 10 projects and potentially involving both municipal staff and outsiders. Koh Samui mayor Ramnet Jaikwang has ordered an immediate investigation and legal action. At the same time, a retrospective audit of all construction permits is under way to determine the true scale of the fraud. The Koh Samui Municipality said the investigation is ongoing and could lead to further legal action against those involved.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 22, 2026 11:36 UTC
Iran threatens Middle East infrastructure after Trump ultimatum
Iran threatens Middle East infrastructure after Trump ultimatumA man surveys the damage in Dimona after Iranian missiles slipped through air defences and struck two towns in southern Israel. ', my mother was screaming," 17-year-old Arad resident Ido Franky told AFP near the impact site, where an AFP correspondent saw three damaged buildings and firefighters reported a blaze. Asked about Natanz, the Israeli military said it was "not aware of a strike". We have approximately a 92 percent successful interception rate," Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told journalists. "The only common feeling these days is uncertainty about what lies ahead and what the outcome will be" of this war, 31-year-old Tehran resident Shiva told AFP.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 22, 2026 11:09 UTC
SAO details structural failures that caused tower's collapse
(Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)A year after its new headquarters tower crumpled during an earthquake, the State Audit Office (SAO) has outlined four critical structural and construction failures that led to the collapse. The SAO said findings from multiple investigations pointed to serious flaws in design, materials and construction practices. Concrete samples taken from shear walls were found to be below required strength standards. Reinforcement steel at critical joints, particularly between link beams and shear walls, was embedded at insufficient depth, weakening the structure. : The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is examining the possible involvement of state officials, with the SAO providing requested documents.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 22, 2026 11:09 UTC
Diesel shortages hit provinces, pumps dry
(Photo: Weeraphon Wongnunta)Fuel shortages, particularly diesel, have intensified across several provinces, with long queues forming at petrol stations, supplies running out within hours and motorists left waiting without certainty of refuelling. Motorists and truckers were seen queueing at pumps only to be told the supply had run out before their turn came. The problem was not limited to a single outlet, with many outlets first limiting then ceasing sales of diesel. At one station, staff distributed sweets to waiting motorists as a gesture of support amid long delays. In Bua Yai, diesel supplies ran out before being replenished, forcing residents to wait for incoming deliveries.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 22, 2026 11:07 UTC
Travel warning: meningococcal disease reported in UK
Travel warning: meningococcal disease reported in UKDr Montien Kanasawat, director-general of the Department of Disease Control. (Photo: กรมควบคุมโรค กระทรวงสาธารณสุข)The Department of Disease Control has warned Thais travelling to the UK that an outbreak of meningococcal disease, a rare and severe bacterial infection, has been reported in students at schools and universities in England. As of Wednesday, about 20 cases had been identified, including nine laboratory-confirmed infections, with at least two fatalities reported, Dr Montien said. People planning travel to the UK and parts of Europe should consider getting a meningococcal vaccination at least 10 days prior to departure, especially children, adolescents, immunocompromised individuals and frequent international travellers. In Thailand there have been five known cases of meningococcal disease from Jan 1 to March 17, with three deaths.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 22, 2026 11:07 UTC
Poll: Doubts over oil reserves, Songkran travel at risk
Poll: Doubts over oil reserves, Songkran travel at riskA PTT attendant refuels a motorcycle in Samut Prakan. A Nida poll shows rising concern over oil reserves and possible Songkran travel cancellations. The findings reflect mounting unease over energy security and suggest the fuel situation could weigh on domestic travel during the Songkran peak period. 9.54% believed reserves would be sufficient but doubted the government’s ability to find additional supplies. Asked about travel plans for the coming Songkran holiday if the oil situation persists:
Source:Bangkok Post
March 22, 2026 10:31 UTC
Musk plans Tesla, SpaceX, xAI chip making lab in Texas
Musk made the announcement in a downtown Austin venue to an audience that included Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The other will be a high-power chip, designed for space that could be used by SpaceX and xAI. SpaceX acquired xAI in February, with the latter operating as a wholly owned subsidiary. Tesla has already been working with xAI on a project called Digital Optimus or Macrohard, and Tesla also sells its megapack batteries to xAI. In January, Tesla announced a $2 billion investment into xAI and a framework agreement for the companies to work together.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 22, 2026 10:30 UTC
Apple slashes China App Store fees to 25% following regulatory talks
Apple has announced a reduction in App Store fees for developers in China, following discussions with Chinese regulators, in a move seen as easing regulatory pressure in one of its key markets. The adjustment comes amid heightened scrutiny from Chinese authorities over the company’s App Store practices in recent months. At the same time, apps participating in the App Store Small Business Program and the Mini Apps Partner Program will also see lower commission rates. Apple said the changes were made in line with discussions held with Chinese regulators. International media reports suggest the move reflects efforts to mitigate potential antitrust risks, as the company has reportedly faced closer examination over whether its App Store fee structure could be considered anti-competitive.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 22, 2026 03:06 UTC
Judges shelve overseas study
Judges shelve overseas studyA European study tour for 26 Supreme Court judges has been cancelled following intense public criticism over costs and necessity. The Juridical Training Institution (JTI) said on Saturday it had scrapped the 10-day field trip covering France, Monaco and Italy from March 22 to 31 which was to be conducted as part of a training course. Earlier, the institution said the contract for the tour had been signed on Feb 18, prior to a recent cabinet resolution ordering state agencies to refrain from undertaking overseas study trips. However, the Ministry of Finance later authorised reimbursement for postponed or cancelled overseas trips. Following the directive and amid a mounting backlash on social media, the JTI decided to cancel the programme.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 21, 2026 23:37 UTC
Freight and farms suffer fuel blows
A petrol station in Phitsanulok ran out of diesel fuel on March 16. In Phitsanulok, rice harvesters report acute diesel shortages just as the main harvest season begins in late March. "Harvesters have no fuel, rice trucks have no fuel. In previous years, wholesale fuel suppliers delivered directly to operators' homes in bulk. In Nakhon Ratchasima, the North Eastern Transport Association warned fuel shortages and price volatility are severely disrupting logistics.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 21, 2026 23:37 UTC