Fishermen seek relief for rising costs
Fishermen seek relief for rising costsThe National Fisheries Association of Thailand will hold a general meeting on Monday to discuss rising fuel costs and seafood prices and propose relief measures for the industry. Fishermen from 22 coastal provinces will attend to assess the situation and find solutions to the problems facing the sector, said Trairoek Muesantad, the president. Fishing operators are facing rising production costs, especially fuel expenses, while selling prices remain stagnant and many are operating at a loss, he said. Key agenda items include soaring fuel prices, which have increased operating costs, and pressure from imported seafood, particularly from neighbouring countries with lower production costs. The meeting will compile proposals from local operators to be submitted to state agencies, including price stabilisation and cost relief.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 23:16 UTC
Govt's visa-free policy 'too easy'
The 60-day visa-free entry policy, which was intended to boost tourism recovery, is now under review as authorities weigh its economic benefits against security concerns. Tailored policy over blanket ruleSanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Business Association, backs tightening the visa-free stay policy, saying the current scheme makes entry too easy, without adequate screening. However, she said visa-free entry itself is not a new policy and has been in place for years, with recent changes mainly involving the expansion to more countries. The issue is not the visa-free scheme itself, she said, adding the problem of illegal activities should be addressed through stricter screening measures rather than blanket restrictions. Pol Maj Gen Choengron backed reducing the visa-free stay to 30 days, saying it would help reduce incentives for misuse.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 23:03 UTC
Fertiliser cargo stuck in strait
Luojiashan tanker sits anchored in Muscat, as Iran vows to close the Strait of Hormuz, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 7, 2026. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthamphan said five cargo ships carrying fertiliser and related raw materials bound for Thailand are unable to pass through the strait due to the Middle East war. The disruption has forced authorities to consider tweaking fertiliser formulations to rely more on domestically available inputs. While fertiliser reserves were previously expected to last until August, the unexpected blockage has raised fresh concerns as both shipments in transit and new cargo awaiting loading have been halted. As fertiliser is controlled, Ms Suphajee said any price rise must receive legal approval, with authorities ensuring cost calculations are fair.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 23:03 UTC
Visas now in limbo for long-stay expats
After settling in Pattaya, Mr Cui applied for an education (ED) visa, hoping it would offer stability. With his ED visa set to expire this month, Mr Cui decided to apply for a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), believing he met the criteria. At the same time, uncertainty is growing over a possible reduction of visa-free tourist stays to 30 days. Although re-entering Thailand as a tourist remains an option, he said the prospect makes his future less certain. Mr Cui said he has never overstayed or committed any offence.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 23:03 UTC
AI in focus at Apple’s WWDC 2026 from June 8-12
Apple has announced that its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026 will take place from June 8 to 12, with a strong focus expected on artificial intelligence, new software updates and developer tools. If no further delays occur, an upgraded version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence could be officially reintroduced at the event. This version is expected to feature generative AI capabilities, potentially taking advantage of the processing power of Gemini models integrated into Apple’s own foundation models. The company could introduce a broader range of Apple Intelligence features at the conference. Further details are expected to be revealed during the WWDC 2026 keynote on June 9 at 1.00am Thailand time.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 18:55 UTC
Pope decries widening rich-poor gap on Monaco visit
Pope decries widening rich-poor gap on Monaco visitThe highlight of the papal visit to Monaco is to be an open-air mass at the Louis II Stadium, expected to be attended by 15,000 people. (Photo: AFP)MONACO - Pope Leo XIV on Saturday denounced the widening gap between the haves and have-nots as he visited Monaco, a millionaires’ playground that is the surprise pick for the first western European trip of his papacy. Arriving by helicopter from Rome, the pope was greeted by Monaco’s ruler Prince Albert II and his wife, Princess Charlene, at Monte Carlo’s heliport under radiant sunshine. 'Powerful sign’“This visit is a powerful sign testifying to the Principality’s importance within the Catholic Christian world,” Prince Albert said in an interview with local daily Nice-Matin. Monaco Archbishop, Monsignor Dominique-Marie David, said the pope is reaching out to “other cultures, other countries, other backgrounds and other languages” in the principality, home to some 140 nationalities.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 18:44 UTC
Myanmar gears up for military reshuffle
Leadership change likely as Min Aung Hlaing seeks new role as presidentSenior General Min Aung Hlaing participates in a parade commemorating the 81st Armed Forces Day in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, on March 27, 2026. (Photo: Reuters)Myanmar’s military leadership is preparing for a reshuffle, state media reported, in a rare public signalling of transition by the secretive institution that has dominated the Southeast Asian nation. (Story continues below)Myanmar military personnel participate in the Armed Forces Day parade in Nay Pyi Taw on March 27, 2026. “This is a scripted transition, however, such a disclosure of information suggests that there may be underlying anxieties regarding the leadership transition and the redistribution of high-level positions,” he said. A career infantry officer, 69-year-old Min Aung Hlaing, who was handpicked by former military ruler Than Shwe to become the commander-in-chief in 2011, has yet to publicly name a successor.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 15:13 UTC
Jackie Chan hits Mumbai to promote 'Kung Fu Yoga'
Two rescued from hot air balloon stuck over 900 feet in the air
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 14:19 UTC
Thailand, Australia boost pharma ties
Thailand, Australia boost pharma tiesThailand and Australia have strengthened cooperation on regional health security through a jointly funded biopharmaceutical initiative combining investment, technical exchange and institutional partnerships. "Strengthening local manufacturing capacity for medicines and vaccines is a key pillar of health security," she said. Ponthip Wirachwong, deputy GPO managing director, said the initiative is already delivering practical outcomes, including scalable production of key medicines, helping reduce imports. Thailand currently imports more than 95% of active pharmaceutical ingredients, making diversification a priority, she said. By combining Australian funding with Thai investment and expertise, the programme is helping build long-term self-reliance while maintaining global standards.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 12:43 UTC
85,000 litres of smuggled diesel seized from vessel in Sattahip
This vessel searched in Sattahip on Friday was found to be carrying 85,000 litres of diesel with no documents confirming the fuel’s origin. (Photo: Excise Department)Authorities have seized 85,000 litres of diesel from a vessel in Sattahip district of Chon Buri province after the fuel’s origin could not be verified. Initial checks found a liquid resembling diesel fuel in the vessel’s cargo hold, but no documentation confirming its origin. Preliminary measurements showed a volume of about 85,000 litres, Mr Pornchai said on Saturday. Subsequent testing confirmed that the cargo was diesel fuel as defined under the 2017 Excise Tax Act.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 12:00 UTC
Air travel crisis could spread beyond Asia
(Photo: Gareth James via Wikimedia Commons)The aviation crisis starting to grip Asia is threatening to intensify and spread to Europe and beyond, as energy turmoil caused by the Iran war collides with seasonal travel demand. The amount of jet fuel lost because of the conflict is ultimately too much for the world’s refiners to offset. Total jet fuel demand amounted to 7.8 million barrels a day last year, including kerosene — the base product, which is also used for heating. Equivalent to $215 a barrelThe result so far has been jet fuel prices surging to record highs, with some costs doubling since the start of the year. On top of China’s move to curb exports, South Korea is discussing whether to redirect export-bound jet fuel to the local market.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 11:45 UTC
Scott takes stage, but Pronskiy keeps lead
Scott takes stage, but Pronskiy keeps leadAustralia's Cameron Scott reacts after winning the fourth stage on Friday. Kazakhstan's Vadim Pronskiy retained the yellow jersey while Australia's Cameron Scott won the fourth stage of the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's Cup Tour of Thailand 2026 in Nong Khai on Friday. Pronskiy, winner of the third stage, finished Friday's stage in 30th place, clocking 3:11.47 hours but the Terengganu Cycling Team rider remained on top of the overall standings with a total time of 12:08.20 hours with two races left. Nattapol Jumchat of Thailand Continental Cycling Team was the best Thai finisher of the fourth stage after coming in sixth place in 3:11.09 hours. Indonesian Ade Meisa of Nusantara Cycling Team and Malaysian Mohamad Izzat Hilmi of Malaysia Pro Cycling Team were second and third best in the Asean category.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 11:23 UTC
Iran still far from running out of missiles
He also appeared to acknowledge the threat from remaining Iranian missiles and drones to any future US operations to safeguard the economically vital Strait of Hormuz. One source said part of the problem is determining how many Iranian missiles were stockpiled in underground bunkers before the war started. (Photo: Reuters)Still firing at neighboursDespite the heavy pace of US strikes, Iran has demonstrated that it has not run out of weapons. Grajewski said Iran had more than a dozen large underground facilities where it has been able to keep launchers and missiles. (Story continues below)An Iranian missile flies toward Israel, as seen from Jerusalem on March 27, 2026.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 11:22 UTC
Yemen’s Houthi enter war with missile targeting Israel
Yemen’s Houthi rebels are the latest faction to enter the Middle East war, firing a ballistic missile towards Israel. There were no reports of any casualties or damage in Israel, and the missile was reportedly intercepted. New Red Sea war? During Israel’s recent war on Gaza the Houthis, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians, attacked shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Red Sea has become increasingly important during the new war.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 11:13 UTC
Sweet heist: Nestle says 12 tonnes of KitKat stolen
Sweet heist: Nestle says 12 tonnes of KitKat stolenNestle warned the KitKat heist could cause shortages in Europe before Easter. (Photo: AFP)GENEVA - A huge shipment of Nestle’s crunchy KitKat chocolate bars was stolen in Europe, the brand said, warning that the heist risked causing shortages in stores right before Easter. The shipment, weighing around 12 tonnes, disappeared last week while heading between production and distribution locations, it said. The stolen truck had left central Italy and was making its way to Poland, with a plan to distribute the bars in countries along the way. KitKat warned that the missing chocolate bars “could enter unofficial sales channels across European markets”.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 28, 2026 11:13 UTC