Thai Enquirer News Summary – March 11, 2026 March 11, 2026 Economic News Cabinet assigns various agencies to look at ways to deal with brewing ‘oil crisis’ A source from Government House revealed that the Cabinet meeting yesterday assigned the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) to serve as the lead agency, working together with the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Budget Bureau, and the Bank of Thailand to assess various economic impact scenarios arising from the conflict in the Middle East.

PM Anutin calls in sick at Cabinet meeting only to appear at the Govt. House later in the day.

Ministry of Culture to have Ministry of Tourism merged while Ministry of Sports to be a separate entity

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Cabinet Acknowledges Energy-Saving Measures as Government Assures Fuel Supply The cabinet on Tuesday acknowledged a set of energy-saving measures for government agencies as authorities sought to reassure the public that Thailand has sufficient fuel supplies despite rising tensions in the Middle East. Acting Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon said the country is not facing a fuel shortage, although some petrol stations have experienced temporary logistical pressure after panic buying briefly pushed sales to about twice normal levels in some areas.

Thailand has introduced energy conservation measures, fuel pricing adjustments and contingency plans to cushion potential impacts from the Middle East crisis, while officials insist the country’s energy supply remains stable.

#Thailand #Iran #Israel #US #อิหร่าน #อิสราเอล #สหรัฐ #สงคราม #น้ำมัน

Thai Enquirer News Summary – March 10, 2026 March 10, 2026 Economic News Capital markets are expected to see recovery today after crude oil prices are back below the levels seen on Friday. Crude prices are hovering below US$90/barrel from the US$120 they were just 24-hours ago. Regional capital markets rebound as oil dips back to US$80/barrel. After oil prices spiked to US$120 yesterday, they are back to US$ 80/barrel amid talks by US President Donald Trump that the war could end early and G7 countries came out to say that they are willing to come out with 400 million barrels of oil if there is a need.

Thailand has oil & LNG reserves for another 91 days and is looking for other sources including Russia.

Crude Oil in a swing with prices back to below US$90/barrel

Cabinet line-up nearly completed except some minor changes that may take place

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Thai Enquirer News Summary – March 9, 2026 March 9, 2026 Economic News Economy set to go on a tailspin as Oil surges Past US$110 / barrel Global economy is set to see major upheaval as crude oil prices shoot through the roof early today. WTI Crude prices were trading at about US$110 / barrel in early trade. The prices are 4-year high. The rise in oil prices comes as traders feel that the blocking of Strait of Hormuz is likely to last longer and oil supply globally is set to taper.

Crude Oil surges past US$110/barrel prompting major sell off on equity markets across Asia

Thailand's political arena sees more stability as govt. formation is nearly completed.

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Thailand probes 15 Chinese-linked firms over nominee use in aromatic coconut trade Thai authorities are investigating 15 Chinese-linked fruit packing companies suspected of using Thai nominees to hold shares in the aromatic coconut business, as officials move to address sharp price volatility and structural problems in the sector. The probe was announced by Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Department of Business Development under the Ministry of Commerce, after the agency convened a meeting with 10 other government bodies to examine falling coconut prices and the role of foreign-backed investors in the supply chain.

Thailand has launched an investigation into Chinese-linked companies operating in the Thai fragrant coconut trade amid concerns over nominee shareholding, market dominance and falling farm-gate prices.

#Thailand #China #Coconuts #มะพร้าว #มะพร้าวหอม

Thai Enquirer News Summary – March 6, 2026 March 6, 2026 Political News Is Kla Tham in or out of the Coalition The multi billion Baht question remains whether Kla Tham party that won 58 MPs in the February 2026 General Elections is in the coalition or not. The big question remains unanswered because Bhumjai Thai party continues to be non-committal to Kla Tham joining the coalition and Kla Tham’s de-facto leader - Thammanat Prompao, coming out to say that he ‘heard it from reporters’ that his party will join the coalition without Thammanat getting any Cabinet seat.

Thailand has not had request to use U Ta Pao airport for operations against Iran yet.

Enough Crude oil to last 3-months but not enough fertilizer for farmers as Middle East conflict creates dent in supply

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Thailand Secures Extra LNG as Energy Costs Rise, Opposition Questions Oil Reserve Claims Thailand is moving to secure energy supplies and stabilize domestic fuel prices amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with authorities approving additional liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and searching for alternative crude oil sources. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved the procurement of three additional spot shipments of LNG for delivery between March and April to ensure sufficient fuel for electricity generation, ERC Secretary-General Dr. 

Thailand is moving to secure its energy supplies and stabilize domestic fuel prices as rising tensions in the Middle East threaten global oil and gas markets.

#Thailand #Iran #Israel #US #อิหร่าน #อิสราเอล #สหรัฐ #สงคราม #น้ำมัน #ราคาน้ำมัน

Thailand’s Commerce Ministry expects inflation to remain subdued in 2026, maintaining its headline inflation forecast at between 0% and 1% amid lower energy prices and government cost-of-living measures.

#Thailand #Inflation #เงินเฟ้อ #เศรษฐกิจ #เศรษฐกิจไทย

Thai Enquirer News Summary – March 5, 2026 March 5, 2026 Economic News Circuit Breaker triggered – 1st time in 5-years Lucky 7 or unlucky 7 is the question many people asked as Thailand’s stock market saw the 7th trigger of ‘circuit breaker’. The last time the circuit breaker was used was during Covid-19 on March 12, 2020. During the Covid-19 outbreak circuit breaker was used 3 times (March 12 then on March 13 and March 23).

Thailand's Stock Market had its 1st circuit breaker in 5-years yesterday as markets remain in turmoil.

499/500 MPs certified, thus giving caretaker Anutin the green light to be Thailand's 33rd PM by March 19

Spooky Road in Bangkok..

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Israel, Iran trade accusations over joint U.S. strikes; both embassies state positions in Bangkok The embassies of Israel and Iran in Thailand have issued sharply contrasting statements following joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran, with each side accusing the other of violating international law and destabilizing the Middle East. In a March 3 statement, the Embassy of Israel in Thailand said Israel, in coordination with the United States, launched “Operation Lion’s Roar” to degrade what it described as ongoing threats from Iran, including its nuclear ambitions, expanding long-range missile program and support for proxy groups across the region.

Israel and Iran have issued opposing statements in Bangkok following joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran, outlining sharply different accounts of the escalation.

#Thailand #Iran #Israel #US #อิหร่าน #อิสราเอล #สหรัฐ #สงคราม

JSCCIB Maintains 2026 Growth Outlook at 1.6–2.0% Amid Rising Global Risks Thailand’s leading private-sector bodies on Wednesday maintained their 2026 economic growth forecast at 1.6–2.0%, warning of mounting risks from escalating Middle East tensions and renewed uncertainty over US trade policy. The projection was announced by the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), which also expects exports in 2026 to contract by 1.5% to 0.5% and inflation to range between 0.2% and 0.7%.

JSCCIB warned that escalating geopolitical tensions and renewed US trade uncertainty are clouding the 2026 outlook, even as they kept their economic growth forecast at 1.6–2.0%.

#Thailand #ThaiEconomy #กกร #เศรษฐกิจ #เศรษฐกิจไทย

Thai Enquirer News Summary – March 4, 2026 March 4, 2026 Brewing Oil Crisis Caretaker Prime Minister has come out to issue an initiative that nobody is going to raise prices for Diesel for at least 15-days and by then the government would have some ways to resolve the issue. The move comes as panic struck Thailand with people packing up diesel/gasoline in gallons as fear struck that soon there would be no gasoline for sale.

Diesel Prices in Thailand cannot rise above the 29.94 Baht/liter at least until March 18 says PM Anutin

Equity markets set to dip as global sell off seen on Tuesday across the world was not felt in Thailand as Tuesday was a public holiday.

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Arrest Warrants Issued for Ben Smith and Wife Over Bt1 Billion Transnational Investment Fraud The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has obtained arrest warrants for South African national Benjamin Mauerberger, also known as Ben Smith, and his wife in connection with an alleged transnational investment scam that caused more than 1 billion baht in damages. Warrants were issued by the Criminal Court on February 26, 2026, for Mauerberger, 47, and Katriya Beaver, 40, on charges of joint fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and joint money laundering.

South African businessman Benjamin Mauerberger, also known as Ben Smith, left Thailand last year as authorities escalated a billion-baht fraud investigation that has since led to arrest warrants and major asset seizures.

#Thailand #เบนสมิธ

Commerce Ministry Assesses Impact on Thailand as US-Israel Clash With Iran Escalates Thailand’s government and private sector are intensifying efforts to assess economic risks from escalating hostilities in the Middle East, as tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran send shockwaves through global energy and financial markets. The Ministry of Commerce said the confrontation, which began February 28, has created significant volatility in oil prices, logistics costs and investor confidence, with potential direct and indirect consequences for Thailand’s economy.

Thailand is moving to shield its economy from mounting global fallout as escalating military confrontation between the United States, Israel and Iran drives energy volatility, disrupts trade routes and rattles financial markets worldwide.

#Thailand #ThaiEconomy #Iran #Israel #อิหร่าน #อิสราเอล

Thai Enquirer News Summary – March 2, 2026 March 2, 2026 The Middle East war crisis. The government is set to hold a meeting at 10:00 hrs. today with the National Security Council (NSC) to coordinate response plans. Instructions will be given to relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Defence, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force, to expedite the emergency evacuation plan to bring Thai citizens safely back to the country.

Caretaker Prime Minister held his 1st meeting on the crisis yesterday and another one is expected today to see what Thailand needs to do as the war in the Middle East widens with Iran striking various other gulf countries and Israel striking Lebanon this morning.

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Editorial: Journalism is not a crime — EC must stop targeting the media The Election Commission of Thailand has taken a deeply troubling step by filing criminal complaints that include a working journalist — Songphol Ruangsamut, chief photographer of SPACEBAR — who was covering the Feb. 22 revote in Bangkok’s Khan Na Yao district. Accusing a media professional of serious criminal offences for documenting ballot procedures risks turning an independent constitutional body into an adversary of press scrutiny.

At a time when public trust in #Thailand’s electoral process is already under strain, the decision to pursue criminal charges against a journalist for covering a revote raises urgent questions about press freedom, proportionality and the role of the Election Commission in a democratic society.

EC Faces Mounting Backlash Over Criminal Complaint in Ballot QR Code Case The Election Commission (EC) is facing mounting criticism from legal groups, media organisations, politicians and an academic after filing a criminal complaint against six individuals over allegations linked to photographing ballot papers and attempting to decode QR codes during a Bangkok re-run vote. The EC lodged a complaint on Feb 25 with the Central Investigation Bureau over incidents at polling unit 9 in constituency 15 in Khan Na Yao during a Feb 22 re-vote.

The Election Commission is facing escalating scrutiny from legal bodies, media organisations and political figures after filing a criminal complaint against six individuals in a widening dispute over QR codes and barcodes on ballot papers.

#Thailand #เลือกตั้ง69 #เลือกตั้ง2569 #กกต #กกตมีไว้ทำไม

Civil Court Freezes 13.07bn Baht in Assets in Transnational Scam Cases Linked to Cambodian Business Figures The Civil Court has ordered the temporary seizure and freezing of assets worth approximately 13.07 billion baht in four major cases linked to alleged transnational scam and money-laundering networks, following petitions filed by public prosecutors at the request of the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO). The proceedings are civil asset forfeiture cases, separate from ongoing criminal investigations by police. The court has not made any determination of criminal guilt.

The Civil Court has moved to freeze more than 13 billion baht in assets tied to alleged transnational scam networks

#Thailand #Scams #OnlineScams #ScamCenters #Scammers #แก๊งสแกมเมอร์

Thai Enquirer News Summary – February 27, 2026 February 27, 2026 Political News Rejection at the highest level? Sources say that the Prime Minister in Waiting – Anutin Charnvirakul, has rejected the some of the names nominated by Pheu Thai party, the coalition’s 2nd largest block, saying that the names proposed was not good enough and that ‘younger’ names needs to be nominated. The selection process will be guided by the Constitutional Court’s ruling in the case involving Phumtham Wechayachai, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, and Tawee Sodsong, former Minister of Justice, who were accused of interfering in the Senate election.

Another Thai solider loses limb in a landmine blast on Thai Cambodian Border today.

Bhumjai Thai party on a path to select who it wants and does not want and has reportedly rejected 3 out of the 5 nominations for Cabinet seat from Pheu Thai party

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Thailand Economy Grows on Exports Surge Despite Tourism Slowdown in January Thailand’s economy in January 2026 was supported by its strongest export expansion in four years and growth in domestic tourism, though foreign visitor arrivals declined, according to the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO). Vinit Visessuvanapoom, director-general of the FPO, said merchandise exports rose 24.4% year-on-year to US$31,573.1 million, marking a 19th consecutive month of growth. Exports excluding oil, gold-related items and military goods expanded 20.9%, driven by electronics (+67.0%), electrical appliances (+16.7%) and vehicles (+11.3%).

Thailand’s economic recovery showed mixed momentum at the start of 2026, with strong export growth and domestic demand prompting cautious optimism even as the central bank moved to cut interest rates amid lingering structural weaknesses and downside risks.

#Thailand #ThaiEconomy #เศรษฐกิจ

Thai Enquirer News Summary – February 26, 2026 February 26, 2026 Political News 17-days and the certification of the 396 MPs are completed by the Election Commission (EC) The announcement was made in the Royal Gazette with the results from the Election Commission (EC) regarding the results of the February 8, 2026 election. The EC certified 396 members of the House of Representatives in constituency-based elections. The Election Commission certified the results of the February 8 polls in 396 out of Thailand's 400 constituencies - 17 days from election day and faster than the time required to endorse the results of the 2019 and 2023 general elections.

17-days is all it took for the EC to approve 396 constituency MPs to be ‘eligible’ against 37-days it took last election in 2023 and the 60-days it has as per the law.

The not so neutral Bank of Thailand cut its policy rate in a surprise move yesterday.

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Opinion: Thailand’s Election Commission Risks SLAPP Backlash by Suing Citizen Election Observers Thailand’s Election Commission of Thailand (EC) has crossed a dangerous line. By filing a police complaint against citizens who observed vote counting during a Bangkok revote, the country’s election management body risks transforming itself from a constitutional referee into a litigant against public scrutiny — a move that bears the hallmarks of a strategic lawsuit against public participation, or SLAPP.

Opinion - An election watchdog’s legitimacy rests on public trust. When that watchdog turns its legal authority against citizens seeking answers, the consequences extend far beyond a single dispute.

#Thailand #เลือกตั้ง69 #เลือกตั้ง2569 #กกต #กกตมีไว้ทำไม #กกตต้องติดคุก #SLAPP

Thai Enquirer News Summary – February 25, 2026 February 25, 2026 Political News 95% of MPs to be endorsed by Election Commission (EC) as early as today Reports are that the Election Commission is set to announce the endorsement of 95% of the new MPs in the 27th parliamentary elections. The EC is expected to start its meeting at 10:00 hrs today to endorse the MPs, although the EC has yet to announce the 100% results of the vote counting after the February 8, 2026 General Elections.

Bank of Thailand (BoT) comes out to say that by March 15 Thailand will implement rules that would make it difficult for people to withdraw and deposit 5 million Baht or more in your bank accounts.

396 MPs are set to be endorsed by Election Commission today

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Thai Exports Face Rising Uncertainty from New U.S. Tariffs Despite Short-Term Opportunities Thailand’s exports posted their strongest growth in four years in January, but the outlook ahead faces rising uncertainty from additional tariff measures expected from the United States, according to an analysis by SCB Economic Intelligence Center (SCB EIC). Exports in January 2026 totaled US$31.57 billion, up 24.4% year-on-year — accelerating from 16.8% in December and far exceeding market expectations. Seasonally adjusted exports also rose 10.6% month-on-month.

Thailand’s export outlook is entering a period of heightened uncertainty as new U.S. tariff measures reshape global trade dynamics, even as exporters may benefit from short-term opportunities.

#Thailand #ThaiEconomy #Exports #ส่งออก #เศรษฐกิจ #เศรษฐกิจไทย

Thai Enquirer News Summary – February 24, 2026 February 24, 2026 Political News Silence is the ‘solution’ for Election Commission (EC) The Election Commission continues to keep its mouth shut on all allegations against it for mismanagement of the February 8, 2026, General Elections. The EC held its weekly plenary meeting and was chaired by EC Chairman Narong Klanwarin, but no announcement was made on what was discussed or what was decided.

EC, the key to building confidence in February 8, 2026, General Election, has been giving the 67 million Thais a ‘silent treatment’.

DELTA becomes a new STAR on SET as its market cap rises above US$ 100 bln, the 1st Thai firm to reach that level.

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Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied: Three Years After Thailand’s Anti-Torture Law, 33 Cases Compensated but Gaps Persist Justice delayed is justice denied — a legal maxim that underscores mounting concerns over prolonged investigations and uneven enforcement under the Anti-Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, three years after the landmark law took effect in Thailand. Authorities say the law has begun to deliver tangible remedies, with 33 cases receiving compensation totaling 8,283,705 baht since enforcement began on Feb. 22, 2023.

Justice delayed is justice denied — a legal maxim that underscores the growing concerns over prolonged judicial proceedings and their impact on victims, defendants, and public confidence in the rule of law.

#Thailand #Justice #AntiTortureLaw #EnforcedDisappearance #พรบอุ้มหาย

Opinion: America First and the Fracturing of the Post–Cold War Order When Donald Trump first declared that the United States would pursue an “America First” foreign policy, many observers treated it as a rhetorical flourish—a negotiating tactic meant to extract better trade terms and greater allied burden-sharing. Yet as this doctrine has matured, it has become increasingly clear that America First represents not merely a shift in tone, but a structural recalibration of U.S.

When Donald Trump revived the slogan “America First,” many allies dismissed it as rhetoric. Nearly a decade later, it has evolved into a doctrine with significant implications for global security and the post–Cold War order.

#US #Trump #AmericaFirst

Thailand’s trade performance opened 2026 on a strong note, with exports posting their fastest growth in years amid surging demand for electronics and continued expansion across key global markets, according to official data from Thailand.

#Thailand #ThaiEconomy #Exports #ส่งออก #เศรษฐกิจ

Thai Enquirer News Summary – February 23, 2026 February 23, 2026 Political News Change in the ballot papers causes more confusion on February 8, 2026, General Elections The biggest news over the weekend has been the change in the ‘pink’ ballot papers for the Party List MPs. The Election Commission (EC) changed the pink ballot paper for the Party List MPs so as not to be able to track who voted for who (unlike those it had undertaken on February 8, 2026, GE).

Credibility of the Feb 8 General Election goes down the drain as Election Commission decides to take off the link between the ballot paper and the stub which could link the voter with his/her voting for the byelection on Feb 22.

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Suspected Thai Serial Killer Gets Second Death Sentence as Cyanide Murder Trials Continue A Thai woman accused of poisoning people in her inner circle with cyanide — in what police have described as one of the country’s most unprecedented serial murder investigations — has received her second death sentence, with courts still set to rule on more than a dozen additional cases that could make her one of the most prolific killers in Thailand’s modern history if she is ultimately convicted.

A Thai court has handed a second death sentence to alleged serial killer Sararat "Am Cyanide" Rangsiwuthaporn, who is accused of poisoning 14 people in cases that prosecutors say followed a consistent pattern of financial motive and opportunity in #Thailand.

#AmCyanide #แอมไซยาไนด์ #SerialKiller