Higher power prices prompt push for solar
Higher power prices prompt push for solarAn aerial photo shows rooftop solar panels installed by New Energy Plus Solutions. Small businesses and households are being urged to reduce their reliance on the state electricity grid and adopt solar power solutions, as global energy price volatility threatens to drive up costs, despite Thailand's capped power tariffs, according to solar firms. But industry analysts warn that rising fuel prices, driven by the conflict in the Middle East, will eventually push electricity costs higher. New Energy Plus Solutions, a solar panel importer and installer, is calling on the incoming government to expand public access to solar technology. In Thailand, electricity prices are expected to follow LNG costs.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 19, 2026 04:20 UTC
Drug-linked public servants targeted
Narcotics Suppression Bureau officers guard seized narcotics before incineration in Samut Prakan province in August last year. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)A crackdown is under way on Thai public servants implicated in drug-related activities, warning that senior officials will not escape accountability, according to the The Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC). Mr Bhumivisan said the government has made drug suppression a priority, particularly in pursuing legal action against officials involved in drug use, trafficking or criminal networks. Available data show some state officials have been involved in drug-related activities in various forms, including drug use, participation in trafficking networks and direct trading. Mr Bhumivisan said drug suppression remains a national agenda under the prime minister, with the initiative aimed at tightening oversight of state officials.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 19, 2026 04:08 UTC
Gold shop safety measures expanded
An officer from Samrong Nuea police station in Samut Prakan patrols a local gold shop to prevent robberies, keeping an eye on suspicious customers and advising shop owners to install alarms and limit gold displays. MPB commissioner Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom said security measures for gold shops already exist nationwide because of the high value of gold. He said there are two major gold shop chains that often ignore police recommendations on security measures, and statistics show that these shops are frequently targeted. Pol Lt Gen Siam said police have attempted to engage with the two gold shop brands to encourage improved security measures. Pol Lt Gen Siam invited the president of the Gold Traders Association, major gold shop chains, and the OIC to develop new security guidelines.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 19, 2026 04:00 UTC
2-MP United Thai Nation joins coalition
(Photo: Chanat Katanyu)Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul is expected to secure overwhelming support for the premiership in a vote on Thursday, with the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) preparing to join the coalition. Pheu Thai leader Julapun Amornvivat said on Wednesday the party has decided to endorse Mr Anutin as prime minister. Songsak Thongsri is expected to be named a deputy prime minister, ending his run as deputy interior minister in four governments. Other key posts include Borwornsak Uwanno as Deputy Prime Minister, Chaichanok Chidchob (Digital Economy and Society), Akanat Promphan (Energy) and Varawut Silpa-archa (Industry). Coalition parties have been allocated five ministries and nine positions including five ministerial posts that also carry deputy prime minister roles, three deputy minister posts and the second deputy House speaker position.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 19, 2026 03:27 UTC
Thais demand government action on living costs
(Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)Thais say their top concern is rising living costs they are urging the new government to take swift action on the issue, according to a National Statistical Office (NSO) survey. The nationwide survey was conducted from Jan 22 to 28 to assess public expectations of the new government. The survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 6,000 adults living in private households across the country. On the issue of debt, 44.2% of respondents said reducing living costs and preventing new debt should be the government’s first approach. The survey also revealed high expectations for governance.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 19, 2026 02:23 UTC
Grab, Bolt gear up for rising oil prices
Grab, Bolt gear up for rising oil pricesA Grab delivery driver operates in Bangkok. Bangkok Post file photoOnline ride-hailing services have launched measures to deal with rising oil prices. Chantsuda Thananitayaudom, country head of Grab Thailand, said the Middle East war has ramped up oil prices, causing the company to assess the impact on its business. Grab Thailand announced a special incentive scheme to help ease the burden on drivers and delivery drivers. According to a statement from Bolt Thailand, the company is monitoring the impact of rising fuel prices and the effect on driver earnings.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 19, 2026 00:54 UTC
UTN to boost govt's ranks
Members of parliament congratulate Anutin Charnvirakul, centre, on his election to become Thailand’s 32nd Prime Minister on Sept 5 last year. Chanat KatanyuBhumjaithai Party (BJT) leader Anutin Charnvirakul is expected to secure overwhelming support for the premiership, with the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) preparing to join the coalition. Based on this requirement, only four parties are eligible to nominate a candidate: the BJT, the People's Party (PP), Pheu Thai and the Klatham Party. Pheu Thai leader Julapun Amornvivat said on Wednesday the party has decided to endorse Mr Anutin as prime minister. Songsak Thongsri is expected to be appointed deputy prime minister, ending his run as deputy interior minister across four governments.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 19, 2026 00:53 UTC
Rising costs pressure rice, water markets
A selection of bagged rice brands on sale at a supermarket in Nonthaburi. For the bagged rice industry, a key concern is the rising cost of plastic bags, which have increased by 25-60%, depending on the type and size. The bagged rice market is highly competitive, with sales promotions planned about two months in advance with modern trade and supermarket operators. "Distribution channels are another important issue for the bagged rice market. Typically, modern trade operators set the gross profit rate at around 20%, which is significant for rice suppliers.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 19, 2026 00:20 UTC
Poland leads Central Europe thrust
Suladda Sarutilavan, executive director of Europe at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said Poland is among the most promising markets in Europe. "Thailand is a repeat destination for Polish travellers because its culture, food, and attractions are completely different from those in Poland. Thailand's ambassador to Poland Sira Swangsilpa said Poland has an economic value of around US$1.1 trillion, making it a leading economy in Central and Eastern Europe. Modern Poland is a dynamic, high‑potential market offering significant opportunities to those who recognise its current reality," said Mr Sira. He said affordable airfares with direct flights would certainly stimulate more demand from this market, which still lacks a direct route to Thailand.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 18, 2026 23:48 UTC
IFC advises removing gender barriers in capital markets
IFC advises removing gender barriers in capital marketsWomen account for 14% of chief executives at SET-listed firms, double the regional average of 7%, says Ms Yuan Xu. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is urging stronger action to advance women's economic empowerment in Thailand, highlighting gender equality as a key driver of long-term growth and competitiveness in the corporate sector. Ms Yuan Xu said Thailand has made notable progress in female leadership. Pornanong Budsaratragoon, secretary-general of the SEC, said the regulator is promoting gender equality and human rights integration across corporate operations. SET president Asadej Kongsiri said gender equality is an important economic driver.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 18, 2026 23:38 UTC
Govt urges citizens to leave Israel
REUTERS/The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Thai nationals to leave the Middle East, particularly Israel, as fighting intensifies between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. "Due to the uncertainty, the Foreign Affairs Ministry is urging Thai citizens in affected areas to closely follow official updates and consider evacuation without delay," he said. Mr Panidone said two Thai nationals crossed from Iran into Turkiye on Tuesday and will arrive in Thailand on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv warned of a likely escalation in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, urging Thai citizens to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols, especially during air-raid sirens. The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safe evacuation of all affected citizens as quickly as possible, Mr Panidone said.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 18, 2026 23:36 UTC
Call for urgent action to tackle rural oil shortage
A surge in demand led to insufficient supply at petrol stations. Jobbers traditionally purchase oil directly from refineries and distribute it to farmers, factory owners and independent petrol stations in rural areas. However, the US-Iran conflict has disrupted global oil flows, prompting refineries to prioritise sales to their own branded outlets. The FTI noted that many jobbers are facing liquidity problems, as the oil sold to them is priced higher than the fuel available at subsidised petrol stations. The Oil Fuel Fund offsets costs for branded stations, creating a price gap of 11-12 baht per litre.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 18, 2026 22:34 UTC
Analysts warn of war's impact on sector
Weerapat Wonk-Urai, an analyst at CGS International Securities Group, said if the conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance ends within one month, there will be no impact on the Thai banking sector. CGS analysed banking sector data during oil price spikes in 2003, 2019 and 2023. "If the oil price stays at or above $100 per barrel for six months, we believe the direct impact on banks' loan growth and earnings will be small. Thai banks focus their lending and non-lending businesses on domestic activities with diversified loan portfolios in different business sectors," he said. This could pave the way for strong non-interest income growth for Thai banks this year, he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 18, 2026 22:34 UTC
PM moves to secure fuel supply
PM moves to secure fuel supplyPrime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered urgent nationwide measures to safeguard the country's energy supply, instructing provincial governors to coordinate closely with police to allow oil transport trucks to operate around the clock. The directive aims to ease potential fuel shortages and ensure uninterrupted energy distribution to households and businesses. Unsit Sampuntharat, interior permanent secretary, said the premier has emphasised closer integration among state agencies, assigning the Interior Ministry to work with the Energy Ministry to manage essential resources and maintain stable fuel access nationwide. Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon said Thailand has steadily diversified its energy sources, cutting dependence on Middle Eastern crude from about 70% in the past to just over 50%. The country is increasingly sourcing oil from other regions, including Africa and the United States, to strengthen energy security and reduce exposure to geopolitical risks, he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 18, 2026 22:13 UTC
Pakistan and Afghanistan announce Eid 'pause' in hostilities
Pakistan and Afghanistan announce Eid 'pause' in hostilitiesHundreds were killed in Monday night's strike on a drug rehab centre in KabulISLAMABAD (PAKISTAN) - Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday announced a halt in fighting during celebrations for the end of Ramadan, after the deadliest strike in their escalating conflict killed hundreds in Kabul earlier this week. Cross-border attacks have intensified since last month and Pakistan accuses the Taliban authorities of shielding extremists behind the violence on its territory. - Identification -Obtaining immediate independent confirmation of exact death tolls is difficult in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with attacks often in hard-to-reach places and with conflicting information. - Mediation stalled -Afghanistan and Pakistan have faced calls for an immediate end to the conflict, with the civilian death toll mounting and concern about those displaced. Russia's special representative for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, said Moscow "will be ready" to help broker talks if both sides request it.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 18, 2026 21:39 UTC